U.S. Navy Service Member Pleads Guilty to Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese Intelligence Officer A U.S. Navy service member pleaded guilty today to federal felony offenses and admitted he transmitted sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in exchange for bribery payments. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, aka Thomas Zhao, of Monterey Park, California, pleaded guilty to conspiring with the intelligence officer and receiving a bribe. Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held a U.S. security clearance, admitted he engaged in a corrupt scheme to collect and transmit sensitive U.S. military information to the intelligence officer in violation of his official duties. The intelligence services of the Peoples Republic of China actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information, said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen. When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States. He is now being held accountable for his crimes. To others tempted to put personal profit ahead of patriotic duty, know that we are committed to identifying you and bringing you to justice. Protecting our countrys national security is of the utmost importance, said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBIs National Security Branch. Zhaos guilty plea is an acknowledgement of the betrayal in selling sensitive military information to the Government of China. The FBI reminds all government officials to remain vigilant in reporting potential recruitment efforts by foreign actors, and we remain committed to standing with our partners to protect the U.S. from threats to our national security. Between August 2021 and at least May 2023, Zhao admitted receiving at least $14,866 in at least 14 separate bribes from the intelligence officer. In exchange for the illicit payments, Zhao surreptitiously collected and transmitted to the intelligence officer sensitive, non-public information regarding U.S. Navy operational security, military trainings and exercises and critical infrastructure. Zhao admitted he entered restricted military and naval installations to collect and record this information. Zhao specifically admitted to transmitting plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders, and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan. Zhao further admitted to using sophisticated encrypted communication methods to transmit the information, destroying evidence and concealing his relationship with the intelligence officer. Zhaos conduct violated his official duties to protect such information and the oath he swore to protect the United States. Officer Zhao betrayed his country and the men and women of the U.S. Navy by accepting bribes from a foreign adversary, said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. While he and the PRC officer he served took great pains to conceal their corrupt scheme, investigators were vigilant in uncovering this shameful plot. Todays resolution, requiring Zhao to plead guilty to all charges against him, shows that we will act swiftly and decisively to protect our nation from those who seek to undermine our security. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) would like to once again thank our partners at the FBI and Department of Justice for their continued assistance in bringing this case to a quick resolution, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Angel Cruz of the NCIS Office of Special Projects. The swift action by the Department of Justice in prosecuting this case should serve as a warning to anyone who attempt to compromise the Department of the Navys sensitive information or the security of our warfighters. If you or someone you know has knowledge of a potential compromise of sensitive military information, please contact your nearest NCIS or FBI office. Zhao pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024. As a result of todays guilty plea, Zhao faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison five years for the conspiracy count and 15 years for the bribery charge. Zhao has been in custody since his arrest on Aug. 3. The FBI Los Angeles Field Offices Counterintelligence and Cyber Division and NCIS conducted the investigation. IRS-Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annamartine Salick, Sarah Gerdes, Christine Ro and Kathrynne Seiden for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Adam Barry of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Ryan Waters of the Asset Forfeiture Section. This story has been published on: 2023-10-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. PM urges efforts to prevent Lebanon from going to war with Israel Xinhua) 10:27, October 14, 2023 BEIRUT, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati pledged on Friday to make every effort to prevent Lebanon from slipping into a war, amid the escalating border tension with Israel after the outbreak of Hamas-Israel conflict. In an interview with Lebanese TV channel Al Jadeed, Mikati said that no one had promised him that there would not be a war as the situation was constantly changing. He added that the decision of whether to go to war or maintain peace is not made by the government, hinting that Hezbollah, an armed Lebanese military group that had exchanged fire with Israel over the past week, may make its own decision. While underlining that maintaining stability and security in Lebanon is his primary concern, Mikati stressed that Israel must stop provoking Hezbollah. Mikati added that the Lebanese army is on the front lines in southern Lebanon in an effort to maintain stability in the area. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. Israel stepped up its assault on southern Lebanon on Friday by bombarding the area around the towns of Al-Dhahira, Alma al-Shaab, and Yarin, killing one Lebanese photographer working for Reuters, and injured six other reporters. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least two people died and another was injured in east Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Friday evening, provincial police said in a statement on Saturday. According to the statement, the deadly incident occurred in Jaghori district when a vehicle deviated from the road and overturned due to reckless driving, leaving two dead and one injured. The injured person has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Dilapidated roads, lack of safety measures during travel, use of old vehicles, and reckless driving are often blamed for road accidents in Afghanistan. HERAT, Afghanistan, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have arrested four suspected drug smugglers along with 12 kg of crystal methamphetamine in west Afghanistan's Herat province, provincial police spokesperson Abdullah Insaf said on Saturday. The suspects, according to the official, were attempting to sell the contraband to drug addicts in different parts of the country, but police identified them on Saturday and took them into custody for further investigations. The Afghan caretaker government has banned poppy cultivation and vowed to crack down on illicit drugs and their trafficking until the war-torn Asian country gets rid of the drug menace. Court Upholds Oklahoma's Medical Mutilation Ban for Minors NEWS PROVIDED BY Oct. 13, 2023 TULSA, Okla., Oct. 13, 2023 / Christian Newswire / -- Last week, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that Oklahoma can enforce its new law protecting minors from puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and medical mutilating surgeries. While the law was signed last May, it was immediately challenged by five families with gender-confused adolescents and the Oklahoma attorney general voluntarily agreed not to enforce it pending whether the judge upheld or blocked the law. Now that the judge has upheld the law, the attorney general has stated the state will now enforce the law. Senate Bill 613, which passed overwhelmingly in both the state's legislative chambers, makes it a felony for health care providers to conduct these procedures on patients under the age of 18. In his ruling, District Judge John Frederick Heil III stated that the U.S. Constitution and current law do not provide an "affirmative right" to specific medical treatments. With the magnitude of risks involved with such procedures, Judge Heil noted that Oklahoma's "exercise of caution" in banning them was warranted due to the state's interest in protecting children, public health, and integrity of the medical profession. Judge Heil wrote, "Plaintiffs have not demonstrated a fundamental right for parents to choose for their children to use puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries," therefore the Oklahoma Legislature "can rationally take the side of caution before permitting irreversible medical treatments of its children." Judge Heil summarized Oklahoma's law as simply requiring minors reach the age of 18 before undergoing "physiological procedures to treat the psychological condition of gender dysphoria." He stated that upholding this age-based restriction was "harmonious" with the actions of many other courts. "Indeed, courts have upheld restrictions designed to protect and prevent minors from engaging in behaviors that are far less risky than the procedures banned by SB 613This is precisely the type of age-based legislative decision that courts have long accepted," wrote Judge Heil. At least 22 states have passed similar legislation protecting children. The other states are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. Last month, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to uphold similar laws protecting minors in Kentucky and Tennessee. And last August, the U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Alabama can fully enforce its 2022 "Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act," which also makes it a felony to provide any of these procedures to a minor. In Arkansas, a federal judge declared last June that its "Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act" was unconstitutional. However, Arkansas has appealed the ruling, and the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals approved the state's request for all 11 judges on the Court, rather than a three-judge panel, to hear its appeal. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "The District Court has justly decided that Oklahoma is free to protect children from these harmful procedures that have devastated many young lives. Children are not social experiments and state legislatures have considerable discretion to protect them." For more information about state laws protecting against gender ideology, visit Liberty Counsel's website here. Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost. SOURCE Liberty Counsel CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13) The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has launched an online portal where members of state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) can check if their data was among those recently stolen and leaked by hackers. The search tool was launched Friday as the NPC tries to mitigate the cyberattack that targeted the personal data of likely millions of PhilHealth members at risk to be exploited by criminals. The public can access the "Na-leak ba ang PhilHealth Data ko?" portal at https://philhealthleak.privacy.gov.ph. Hackers have reportedly uploaded on the dark web and messaging app Telegram around 700 gigabytes of stolen information on Oct. 5, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). As of Friday, the NPC said on the webpage that at least 1 million PhilHealth identification numbers of senior citizens are "confirmed to be part of the leaked database." The portal will be regularly updated, it added. The privacy watchdog also said the portal is only limited to information stolen by the Medusa Ransomware group and "does not encompass the entire leaked PhilHealth database or data from other personal data breaches." "Therefore, a negative result from this search does not guarantee the security of your personal data in other contexts or databases," it warned, adding the search tool may produce "inconclusive results." In an interview with CNN Philippines The Exchange on Friday, NPC Complaints and Investigation Division Chief Michael Santos said the commission is looking into a possible creation of a website to update Filipinos if they are affected with incidents of data breach. Hoping this would be the last? The Philippines Statistics Authority and the Department of Science and Technology also reported incidents of data breach. DICT Secretary Ivan Uy earlier said more government agencies were hit by a data breach, but some are not reporting it due to issues that might be uncovered. Santos says he "hope[s] there's no more data breach," adding that the commission has sounded the alarm repeatedly for the public and private sector to implement needed measures. "I hope this would be the last, and key officials would take lessons to beef up cybersecurity in their systems," Santos told The Exchange. He said more funds could increase the NPCs capability to educate and guide other government bodies and the public to better protect personal information. But Steven Scheurmann, Regional Vice President for ASEAN at the Palo Alto Networks warned there might be more hacks, ransomware, and phishing scams coming, as the cybersecurity company sees an increasing trend of cyberattacks across Asia. "Hope is not a strategy," he stressed in a separate interview at The Exchange. "A government department can have a budget, but if you buy the wrong tool sets it's still inefficient...but if you don't have the skills, then you also have a problem." Scheurmann also suggested that the government use artificial intelligence to protect personal data, as hackers themselves maximize the emerging technology to steal information. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) Agham and BIR roads in Quezon City will now be known as "Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago Avenue." Republic Act (RA) No. 11963 naming the two roads after the late senator lapsed into law on Thursday, Oct. 12. Malacanang said the new law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation. The Department of Public Works and Highways will issue proper documents to implement the RA within 60 days from its effectivity, it added. A bill lapses into law if the president does not sign or veto it 30 days after receiving it from Congress. The former senator lived in Quezon City for a long time before she died due to lung cancer in 2016. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) The Philippines' Southeast Asian neighbors have offered help in repatriating Filipinos caught in the middle of the war between Israel and Hamas. The offer is an "international approach" in responding to the crisis, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). "ASEAN countries have also approached us for help, at the same time, they offered help. For example, Indonesia is offering to help Filipinos who want to leave the West Bank. While they have no presence in Gaza, obviously, but they have citizens in Gaza so they are asking for our assistance," DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said in a Palace briefing. However, Israel has to agree to a humanitarian corridor, and Egypt should also allow citizens to enter through its border in order for Filipinos to get out of Gaza. Philippine officials are already talking to their friends from Egypt about the arrangement so Filipinos from Gaza who want to be repatriated can be brought there, De Vega said. "What is critical now is Gaza and let's keep exploring all possible exit options," he added. There are about 131 Filipinos in Gaza and 92 have said they want to return home. A state study on Amherst Countys fire and emergency medical services response operations and recommendations for improvements recently was presented to the countys board of supervisors. Chief Abbey Johnston, vice chair of the Virginia Fire Services Board, presented the report to supervisors on Oct. 3 as the county looks to direct public safety staff on potential actions to pursue. Supervisors requested the state board, which is appointed by the governor and responsible for promoting the coordination and efforts of fire organization at the state and local levels, to share its recommendations after conducting a comprehensive survey of fire and EMS services in the county. I have witnessed that you have a tremendous group of people here in Amherst County in your fire and EMS system and theres a lot of positive energy and momentum, Johnston told supervisors. If any part of this study is helpful and implements positive change, its a great honor You have an incredible staff here, a lot of talent. The Code of Virginia states the board can provide technical assistance and advice to local fire departments, other fire service organizations and local governments through fire and emergency medical service studies, according to Johnstons presentation. As part of the study, the state boards study team collected preliminary information from stakeholders and conducted site visits to local departments and EMS organizations. Johnston said the recommendations are not mandatory and it is up to the county what to implement. Tom Martin, the Amherst boards chair, said he appreciates the state boards time and effort in the study process and he didnt see any big surprises. Supervisors agreed to disseminate the report to various fire and EMS agencies throughout the county and direct Brad Beam, the countys public safety director, to set up a work session to determine what items should move forward. There are some very expensive items in these recommendations that we are going to have to grapple with and determine what we want to move forward on and what we dont want or cant move forward on, Martin said. Improving support for volunteers The study recommends the county clearly define the authority of the director of public safety position, which should have ultimate authority over all fire and EMS agencies; reorganize the public safety department into three divisions: fire, EMS and support services; create specialized teams for heavy technical rescue disciplines and search and rescue; institute a county volunteer program for EMS providers to assist career staff and establish a fire marshal position that holds no other duties. Johnston said the goal for recommending a clear definition of the public safety director role is to give a better span of control to the folks who work in the department. Right now they wear a lot of hats and it is a unique individual that can do all the different things these individuals do for the county, Johnston said. As theres growth and as the landscape shifts, its going to be important that span is control is there and specific divisions are laid out. The county volunteer program for EMS recommendation is tied to a nationwide trend of declining volunteerism, Johnston said. After organizations fold, many people involved in those groups still want to volunteer and the studys goal is to make sure they can be plugged into areas needed, she said. This is one thing we are seeing more of where counties develop a volunteer program where eligible and trained individuals can come serve in roles throughout the county, Johnston said. The county mostly relies on volunteers for fire-related calls. In the past several years, county staff has proposed adding a fire marshal position but supervisors, while weighing the county budget and various areas to cut to balance revenue and expenses, have not yet implemented it. Thats an extremely important position, Johnston said. That truly should be a separate position with very dedicated duties. Its a very difficult job to serve in a dual role or for sometimes for somebody to have two or three roles and to be able to do that successfully. The study also emphasizes improving support for volunteer agencies in ways that include covering training costs, using money available to further training, forming some type of online messaging or email system that keeps stakeholders up to speed on whats going on or how to get involved and reviewing a departments culture, and getting away from the idea of this is the way weve always done it, Johnston said. Their challenges are different today than they were 20 years so we are encouraging adaptation to that and learning how to encourage the volunteers that remain in your system and to support them and focusing specifically on where the needs are, Johnston said. Preparing for the future The study also looks at creating standard operating guidelines to regulate use of personal vehicles and accountability for various positions. When we look at near-miss incidents and line-of-duty deaths when it comes to the fire service, a lot of it comes back to communications, accountability, strong incident command leadership, so thats why we included that here, Johnston said. In Virginia, there is no mandated training certification level to be a firefighter, Johnston said. Based on what I hear and see with the fire services board I believe those things are going to be changing in the future. I believe theres going to be more attention paid to training requirements and minimums because as a fire service and EMS service, we are asking for a lot of money currently in the legislature, Johnston told the board. We are asking for more funding to our localities to support fire and EMS so I think theres going to be more attention paid to what our minimum training requirements are. So thats something you guys can get ahead of as a county. If you make a decision about what your minimums are and you enforce those, you are going to be well poised to weather that in the future. Johnston said apparatus and equipment also must get necessary attention. Were all facing unprecedented costs when it comes to apparatus, specifically fire, Johnston said. I dont know of a locality outside of Northern Virginia that can keep up. She said county leadership should decide what is necessary in helping departments upgrade and fund apparatus that meets specifications. I cannot overstress the importance of having a sound and thorough preventative maintenance program, especially with funds from the public going to the purchase of these vehicles, Johnson told the board. Its extremely important you have something in place that dictates what preventive maintenance equals, what is expected and that you have record of that and require that of the organizations. Martin said he was disheartened by one area of the study that said the public safety director should review with legal representation allowing volunteer members to also serve as paid career staff. The study team is concerned that issues arising from having career staff also volunteer could lead to labor law issues, the study states, to which Martin said the board has already vetted and conferred with legal counsel about, as well as the U.S. Department of Labor. We allowed our career staff to volunteer with volunteer departments, which benefited the volunteer side and the career side because the career side picked up many employees where they were unable to fill positions, Martin, who also serves as volunteer chief of the Amherst Fire Department, said. And we also picked up volunteers. So to me that horse was put out to pasture a long time ago. Johnston said during the study process the state board on one occasion heard a concern over career staff volunteering in other agencies, which is why that language was included. She said other localities have received different legal advice on that topic, adding it really comes down to how your system is organized and how your staff and volunteers are utilized, which is kind of specific to each jurisdiction so theres not, I dont think, a blanket answer for every locality. Plans for growth The county should strive to enhance the overall quality of fire and rescue services delivered, the study states. It analyzes give areas: organization, budget and administration, training, delivery of services/staffing and fleet design and management. The supervisors resolution seeking the study specified the countys Emergency Services Council requested input on sustainability, retention and recruitment. Amherst County created the department of public safety in 1998 to oversee fire and EMS in the county and its director has oversight over career staff members. The study also states a volunteer division chief should lead the fire division. Volunteer personnel should be further supported through enhancements to interdepartmental communication, greater financial incentives, and better training opportunities, the studys executive summary states. Training should be coordinated by a dedicated volunteer or career position and be available to all personnel. This training should involve both career and volunteer personnel, ensuring that all members of the department know and understand how to work with one another effectively. The decline in volunteers at county EMS entities requires the public safety department begin providing greater EMS coverage, the report states. Requiring a peak ambulance to be staffed and the establishment of an advanced life support capable quick response vehicle is recommended to meet growing EMS demands, it says. The county should establish countywide minimum equipment and apparatus specifications to create operational uniformity and ensure appropriate access to county funds. A fleet-needs assessment should be conducted to assist with this, as well as future planning as it relates to emergency response, according to the study. The public safety department should consider the purchase of a reserve engine that can also serve in a training capacity. Throughout the study teams visit to Amherst County, volunteer and career staff expressed concern over the increasing call load related to EMS, especially in the southern end of the county, the report says. Currently public safety provides three full-time career transport units stationed in the Amherst, Pedlar and Monelison stations as well as a career EMS supervisor. In addition, the county is currently conducting a pilot program that provides a peak transport unit staffed by overtime or part-time providers. This peak unit is not required to be staffed if no part-time or overtime staff are available, the study states. Amherst Lifesaving Crew and Monelison Rescue Squad also provide limited support by assisting career staff with staffing ambulances during periods of high call volume or at standby events Volunteer EMS staffing is currently insufficient to meet the total EMS need in Amherst County. The study team recommends the county continuously reassess staffing and make appropriate modifications to ensure adequate EMS coverage. As the number of volunteer providers in Amherst County changes and calls for service increase, public safety will need to consider future staffing of a fourth or fifth full time transport unit, according to the report. In addressing growth in Madison Heights, the study states a new fire marshal could ensure development plans are up to fire code and meet safety standards, the county may consider expanding the public safety department and reevaluate the location of fire and EMS stations in the south end of the county. A ladder truck for the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department and adding EMS resources are other areas to consider, the study shows. Theres a lot in that report, Supervisor David Pugh said. I think it needs to be looked at by the people on the ground to determine what we need to do. We cant do it all. Pugh said money will be a factor in future decisions and he feels the county has made strides in public safety overall. I think were moving in the right direction, Pugh said. Of course, we can always improve. BEDFORD Site development at the New London Business and Technology Center, planning for the Montvale community and regional partnerships with Lynchburg and Roanoke were topics discussed at a joint work session Tuesday among Bedford County government and business leaders. The Bedford County Board of Supervisors and Bedford Economic Development Authoritys board spent nearly two hours discussing a number of topics, including attracting new economic opportunities for the county. A report from Pam Bailey, the EDAs director, states a goal is to attract larger industrial companies that need 175,000- to 325,000-square-foot buildings. Recent EDA accomplishments include nearly 200 students taking tours to more than a handful of county businesses and employers in the past year. Holley Soheffel, the EDAs business program coordinator, said the tours showcased various career opportunities across a spectrum of areas for county youth. The whole goal is career exploration getting boots on the ground, letting the kids see, touch and feel to see what is available right here in our region, Soheffel said. It is connections that are giving kids opportunities they may not otherwise have. Bailey said the county is fortunate to have so many companies willing to give those tours. They need help, Jimmy Robertson, the EDA boards chair, said of the need for a stronger local workforce. Another major accomplishment, Bailey said, was the recent reinstatement of Signing Day at Bedford County Public Schools Susie B. Gibson Science & Technology Center for the first time since 2019. The event recognized BCPS students pursuing jobs in a career and technical education program of study. Data shared during the event shows the countys population is just more than 81,000 up roughly 1,600 since 2020 and about 6,150 more than in 2010. The median household income is $69,303 per year, which is projected to increase to $77,652 in 2028, the report shows. The median home value is $327,413 and that figure is projected to go $368,213 in five years, according to the data. In property assessments in the county, business fixtures and furniture this year are at $112.8 million, a 5% increase; $14 million for hand/power tools, a 19% hike; and $26.4 million for heavy construction equipment, a hike of about 6%. The machinery and tools assessment of $255.6 million, however, has seen an 11% drop. In those four combined areas, Bedford County is at $408.9 million, a 5% drop from $432.8 million the previous year, the report shows. The EDA and supervisors also discussed positioning sites in the county to be pad ready for any business that wants to come in and reviewed recent data of what companies and industries are looking for across the state. Bailey said challenges for the county are not having natural gas and not being located directly off an interstate highway. There is so much that goes into site selection its almost an elimination process more than a selection process, Bailey said. We say U.S. 460 is our interstate Theres some things we have against us so we just put our best foot forward, not focus on the negative and focus on what we do have. She said what the county has in its favor is a workforce of people perfectly situated between the Lynchburg and Roanoke regions. Supervisor Bob Davis said he is not in favor of the county investing hundreds and thousands of dollars at this time to further develop the New London site. Robertson asked if inquiries into county-owned sites for business development have been hot or lukewarm. Youve got to have good inventory to sell it, Robertson said. They dont wait 10 days to make a decision. Youre on or off in 10 days and go somewhere else. I think its important to have two or three different sized lots ready to sell, ready for the customers. It takes money to make money. Marketing Montvale The two boards discussed planning for Montvale, which is about 10 minutes west of the town of Bedford, and how to market land with numerous large tanks close to U.S. 460 that served Colonial Pipeline for more than five decades. Last operated by Alpharetta, Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline, the pipeline and fuel tanks were in use for more than 50 years. The pipeline flowed fuel into the storage tanks, and distributors could purchase fuel in bulk and truck it from the tanks to retailers throughout Southwest Virginia and West Virginia, until operations officially shut down in 2018. The existing distribution pipeline ultimately deteriorated until it no longer was safe to distribute fuel through at least not without significant repairs and Colonial Pipeline has said it is not planning to rehabilitate the existing pipeline and place the tanks back into service because of high costs. Supervisor John Sharp suggested the county look into if it has any tax mechanism on the book that can be used to give the landowners incentive to do something with the property. If they leave it there its not marketable, Sharp said, adding the tanks are a liability. Without a pipeline those tanks are worthless. In essence we cant find the highest and best use for this property because we dont own it and the owners currently have no interest in doing anything with it. County Administrator Robert Hiss said the landowners have done just enough to keep their permits current with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Sharp said he isnt suggesting creating a new tax. All Im saying is if there was a tax and we should be collecting it, we need to be collecting it, because maybe thats enough incentive for them to say you know what, we dont want to pay this tax lets sell it, Sharp said. Its worth looking into. Hiss asked if there should be a community planning exercise to gauge public interest in the highest and best use for the property. This is a huge generational change, Hiss said. There have been fuel tanks there for 60 years. The community probably has some opinions. Davis, who represents the district the Montvale community is in, said the communitys biggest concern is reviving a former school building on U.S. 460 near the tanks into a community center. He said no citizens have expressed concern to him directly about the tanks. I talked to people who dont even know the tanks are not active anymore, which tells me its not an issue with them, Davis said. Montvale is a very, very low densely populated area and the folks out there enjoy their way of life and wish to keep it that way. Theyre mostly farmers and thats what they want to continue doing. They dont see, in my opinion Montvale as being an industrial community. To them the tanks being there or not being there is not an issue. EDA board member Kristy Milton asked why the county and EDA would consider spending money on a property it doesnt own and its current owners have not indicated they want to sell, to which Davis replied: Amen. I have to agree with that, Sharp said. I would like to do something with it but until these people have indicated they are going to take down the tanks and sell it, I dont see the point. Regional partnerships The two boards also discussed whether the county should continue its partnership with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance (LRBA) or join the Roanoke Regional Partnership. Hiss said the county pays just under $100,000 per year to be part of the LRBA and the cost for going to the Roanoke entity is $162,000 to $163,000 per year. Sharp inquired about possibly splitting involvement between the two entities so one can market the western side of the county and the other the eastern side. Hiss said he too wants the best of both worlds in such a scenario but so far the idea has not gained traction with either entity. Its the beauty and sword of where we are located, Milton said. We are in between two different regional economies. Bailey said LRBA has helped market the Montvale business park site and is on standby if there is any movement on the tank farm property in that community. LRBA also is highly helpful in paperwork involved in request for proposals from the state and it has brought in four prospects for the former TEVA plant property in Forest. Davis said as a farmer who enjoys the countys natural beauty he feels the county should give more attention to agriculture. Id like to know how many businesses LRBA has brought to Bedford County since its been funded, he said, referencing what the county pays to participate. Supervisor Tommy Scott said he feels the LRBA is the countys best bet if differences can be worked out. He said not all farmland in the county has been eaten up by development and farmers should be able to sell land if they choose to. He said if the county doesnt have economic growth its only alternative to pay for services is to increase taxes, which he is not in favor of. Liberty University is a major factor also in the countys economic outlook, he said. They have a whole lot invested in Bedford County and theyre continually bringing people in, Scott said. Swim to Work, a collaborative initiative through The YMCA of Central Virginia, IRON Lives and Lynchburg City Schools, celebrated the completion of its spring session on Sept. 14, a news release states. Swim to Work is dedicated to empowering under-resourced high school students through mentorship, education and the training required to attain certification as a lifeguard. Ten students from the Empowerment Academy, Fort Hill Community School, Heritage High School and E.C. Glass High School came together multiple times per week and participated in the no-cost program. Funding for the program is provided by a local private donor and Lynchburg Change for Change. During the six weeks, each student received swim lessons, AED certification, CPR and first aid training, emergency oxygen administration, mentoring and special guest-led workshops. Despite varying levels of prior swimming experience, nine of the ten participating students successfully completed the program on Sept. 14, with two of the students receiving their lifeguard certification during the celebration, the release states. In addition to receiving their certification, the boys represented Youth Voices during the Boys and Young Men of Color National Convening in Washington D.C. During the trip they learned about civic participation and the democratic process. The young leaders shared their experiences with YMCA staff and volunteers from across the country, as well as local legislators, the release states. Swim to Work program is the only program to my knowledge being offered in Virginia, Kathy Thomas, executive director of the YMCA Downtown Branch said in the release. The idea of the program started when we noticed a decline in lifeguards, this not only affected our association, but it also affected the entire aquatic arena in the world. She said the YMCA of Central Virginia took the necessary steps in implementing Swim to Work knowing it would serve several purposes in our community, teaching the youth how to swim, providing them with lifelong safety skills, as well as career opportunities. Implementing this program has been a win for all, she said. A special thank you to our YMCA leaders, teen director, Tereika Grooms and Cece Murphey, aquatics director along with our wonderful volunteers who served on the Swim to Work committee. This group poured their heart into the students and program and, for that, we are truly grateful. Crystal Edwards, superintendent of Lynchburg City Schools, said she is proud of the partnership and collaboration LCS has with the YMCA. The students who successfully completed the Swim to Work program demonstrated what happens when you set challenging goals and receive support and encouragement from school, family, and community members, she said in the release. You might be able to catch a glimpse of a giant golden spike speeding along Interstate 80 through central and western Nebraska on Saturday evening. But the public is invited to come out Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Council Bluffs to get up close and personal with the monument that's making its way to Brigham City, Utah, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. "The story of the transcontinental railroad is really one of the most important stories in our nation's history," said Brandon Flint, superintendent of the Golden Spike National Historical Park. "It's an incredible story of sacrifice, of corporate America and government working together to accomplish something that neither one of them could do alone," Flint said. "It's a story of diverse people from around the nation and around the world coming together to complete this transcontinental railroad and unite the East and the West in a way that was was almost unimaginable. It's the story of a new nation that's rising up, but at the same time it's the story of Native Americans trying to preserve their traditional way of life." The 8,000-pound Golden Spike will be displayed outside the Union Pacific Railroad Museum at 200 Pearl St. at the first of several "whistle stops" of the Driving of the Spike tour. Other stops include North Platte, Nebraska; Golden, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Rock Springs, Wyoming; and two events in Salt Lake City. Next spring, the monument will traverse the western leg of the transcontinental railroad from California to Utah before it's permanently installed in Brigham City, Utah, which is 30 miles from the Golden Spoke National Historical Park. The national park is located where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific sides met on May 10, 1869, to complete the line. On Friday morning, dignitaries gathered to celebrate the public art piece, commissioned by the Golden Spike Foundation, outside of Council Bluffs' own Golden Spike Monument, situated at 21st Street and Ninth Avenue, which was the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific leg of the transcontinental railroad. "We're honored to be here today in Council Bluffs," said Doug Foxley, chairman of the Golden Spike Foundation. "We were excited about what happened here in 1939, when they put in this golden spike." The spike heading to Utah is about 43 feet fall roughly the square root of 1869, the year the transcontinental railroad was completed. Foxley said the foundation wanted to start out in Council Bluffs because it's where President Abraham Lincoln set the mile marker zero. "We want you to come see and enjoy our little bit of railroad history," Foxley said. The monument is intended to tell the complete story of the building of the railroad, with a focus on the people who performed the work and felt its impact, which organizers said has gone largely untold if not outright ignored. The foundation commissioned artist Douwe Blumberg to depict the story of the railroad on the four sides of the large spike, made out of aluminum and depicted with the spike going into the ground the opposite of the Council Bluffs monument. Blumberg spent 28 months creating the monument in his studio in rural Kentucky. It aims to "give faces to the faceless" including immigrant workers who undertook the back-breaking work that was required to unite the country with the transportation line. "It's actually a story with which people are pulled together generations of people are pulled together," said Nate Dodge, who is the great-great-great-grandson of NP Dodge, whose brother Grenville Dodge was the chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad during its construction. "This is mile zero, and if you follow this track all the way out, that is the work of at least half of the people that pulled our whole nation together after the Civil War," he continued. "It's that story of pulling the nation together that I think is really that tying, important piece of what this piece of artwork signifies and, frankly, what the golden spike signifies is the pulling together of a disparate nation." The UP Museum will host the monument outside the museum on a 48-foot flatbed trailer, and the public is invited to also explore the exhibits inside. Interpretive information will be available, and the artist will join the celebration. "We'll have activities outside with the spike," said Patricia LaBounty, curator of the museum. "Then if you come inside, we'll have activities in the museum. You can learn more about why this is so significant." The museum's permanent collection tells the stories of UP and western expansion, including the labor story and the connection with Lincoln. Upstairs, museum visitors can see what it was like to ride passenger train and gain insight into how UP operates today, including sitting in the seat of a locomotive. Find more information on the tour at spike150.org/driving. Find more on the UP Museum at uprrmuseum.org. It's really beginning to feel like fall these last couple days. The cooler weather seems like it is here to stay and I'm trying to soak it all up. I didn't make it to the local trails this week to take in some fall foliage with my pup, so I'm hoping to get out there this weekend or early next week. I'm also excited to see some Halloween programs gearing up this weekend. We're sure to see more of that over the next few weeks. I plan on snuggling in on the couch Saturday for a Halloween-themed evening of our own. We're going to check out the new "Goosebumps" series that debuts Friday on Hulu and Disney+. If you haven't heard, I'm growing in my role with this newspaper and the company it represents. Find all the details on Page A1. Your new managing editor, Scott Stewart, will start taking over this column regularly, and I'm happy to share that you're in good hands. Scott has been working at the Nonpareil, largely behind the scenes, over the past year. He also worked as a reporter and editor here from 2014 to 2017. I'll still be involved with the Nonpareil, and my office will remain in Council Bluffs. I'll still be present in this community, including Leadership Council Bluffs. In short, you're stuck with me. Please say hi if we bump into each other, and let's chat about what you'd like to see from your newspaper moving forward. We're excited to keep making strides when it comes to local journalism, and we're happy to consider our reader's priorities as part of that vision. *** All Care Health Center will host its Binational Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Iowa West Field House, 5 Arena Way. The event features a collection of resources available to anyone seeking healthy resources in our community. Event guests can receive free diabetes screenings, free clinical breast exams, free confidential sexually transmitted infection screenings and free blood pressure checks. Story Streets mobile food pantry will be on-site and Methodist Health Systems will be providing a limited supply of free flu shots. Participants can also expect resources for mental health, chronic diseases, womens health, nutrition, weight management, access to healthcare and other community services. Collaborative event partners include Care for Yourself; CHI Health-Bergan Mercy; Food Bank for the Heartland; Jennie Edmundson; Pottawattamie County Public Health; Nebraska Methodist College; Catholic Charities; Alzheimers Association; Connections Area Agency on Aging; Every Step Hospice; Bridges Out of Poverty; Planned Parenthood; Pottawattamie County WIC Program; Radio Talking Book Services; Iowa Legal Aid; Angels Care Home Health; NAMI; Home Care Advocacy Network, St. Croix Hospice, and other agencies still to be confirmed. *** Two Pottawattamie County parks are hosting fall events this weekend, and you likely can't go wrong if you're choosing between the two. The annual All Hallows Eve Festival at Botna Bend Park features fun for the entire family, including hayrack rides, crafts, hot dogs, chili, storytime and trick-or-treating. The public is invited to participate, and registered campers will be entered to receive prizes for best decorated campsite and may also enter the park's annual chili cook-off to win first, second or third place prizes. Festivities run from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at the park, 42926 Mahogany Road, Hancock. A $3 per vehicle entry fee or Pottawattamie Conservation membership is required to enter the park if you're not camping. Freewill donations will be accepted to help fund free and low-cost programming at county parks. All events will take place the Olsen Lodge. Chili tasting runs from 2 to 3 p.m.; crafts from 3 to 4 p.m. A hotdog roast runs from 4 to 5 p.m. and hayrack rides and trick-or-treating are from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Storytime and s'mores rounds out the evening from 6 to 7 p.m. Or, bring the whole family out to enjoy a warm bowl of chili in the crisp fall air at the Arrowhead Park Chili Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. at Arrowhead Park, 29357 310th St. in Neola. The annual tradition includes free dinner, though freewill donations are accepted to fund free and low-cost public programming at county parks. Participants must have a $3 per vehicle day pass or a valid Pottawattamie Conservation membership to enter the park. The event will also offer pumpkin painting, hayrack rides and trick-or-treating. *** Here's a look at what else is happening over the next few days: Saturday, Oct. 14 Callahan Promotions will host its Fall Arts and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, featuring more than 200 exhibitors. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum will host the Golden Spike Monument as a "whistle stop" on its journey. The Golden Spike similar to those ceremonially used to complete the transcontinental railroad in 1869 will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum, 200 Pearl St. The event is free and open to the public, and there will be special activities for guests. Join the 1-168 Iowa Army National Guard Armory for a free community Trunk or Treat event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2145 E. Kanesville Blvd. There will be military vehicles, inflatables, games, crafts, candy, trunks, a costume contest and more. American Midwest Ballet presents "Momentum" at 7:30 p.m. at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St. Tickets are available at amballet.org/tickets Sunday, Oct. 15 Callahan Promotions will host its Fall Arts and Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, featuring more than 200 exhibitors. American Midwest Ballet presents "Momentum" at 2 p.m. at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St. Tickets are available at amballet.org/tickets Maloney's will host Drag Queen Bingo at 2 p.m., 162 W. Broadway. Maloney's will host Drink N Paint Pumpkin Painting Contest at 7 p.m., 162 W. Broadway. There will be a limited quantity of pumpkins provided along with paint and brushes. No cover; event is ages 21 and up. Monday, Oct. 16 The Council Bluffs Public Library's Makerspace will have its green screen backdrop set up from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 400 Willow Ave. Take photos of yourself in your Halloween costume and then Photoshop it onto an awesome background. (CNN) Egypt is facing mounting pressure to act as neighboring Gaza gets pummeled by Israeli airstrikes after last weekends brutal assault on Israel by Hamas. In the wake of the Hamas attacks, Israel closed its two border crossings with Gaza and imposed a complete siege on the territory, blocking supplies of fuel, electricity and water. That has left the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt as the only viable outlet to get people out of the enclave and supplies into it. But its unclear if even that crossing is operational. The Egyptian side of the crossing is open, but the Palestinian side is non-functional following multiple Israeli airstrikes earlier this week, a senior Jordanian official told CNN Thursday, adding that the Jordanians and Egyptians are waiting for security clearance from the Israelis to allow (aid) trucks to cross without threat of another airstrike. Egypts foreign ministry on Thursday denied reports of the crossing being closed, saying it has sustained damage due to repeated Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian side. CNN could not independently verify whether the crossing is open. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the Biden administration is in talks with Israel and Egypt about creating a humanitarian corridor through which civilians can cross. But Egypt is uneasy about the prospect of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees crossing into its territory. More than two million Palestinians live in the densely packed coastal enclave that is under intense Israeli bombardment. Israels military overnight Thursday called for residents of northern Gaza to evacuate their homes and move southwards as it amassed 300,000 reservists on the border in apparent preparation for a ground incursion. That would amount to the mass displacement of 1.1 million people, the UN said, adding that it would be impossible to do in 24 hours. Saturdays attack on Israel killed 1,300 people, prompting retaliation against Hamas that has killed 1,799 in Gaza. As attacks intensify, rights groups have raised concerns about a potential humanitarian catastrophe. We sympathize Speaking at a military graduation ceremony Thursday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi compared the situation in his country to a lone house in a neighborhood thats on fire. He said that rumors about Egypt not seeking to help its Palestinian neighbors are not true. We are making sure that aid, whether medical or humanitarian, at this difficult time, makes it to the strip, Sisi said, adding that we sympathize. But he warned that Egypts ability to help has limits. Of course we sympathize. But be careful, while we sympathize, we must always be using our minds in order to reach peace and safety in a manner that doesnt cost us much, he said, adding that Egypt hosts 9 million migrants already. The largest groups in the countrys migrant population are from Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya, according to a 2022 report by the UNs International Organization for Migration. Egypts foreign ministry warned Friday against Israels call for evacuation, calling it a grave violation of international humanitarian law that would put the lives of more than 1 million Palestinians in danger. The Jordanian official told CNN Thursday that Jordanian and Egyptian officials are applying diplomatic and political pressure on the Israeli government to allow for the safe passage of aid into Gaza through the Rafah crossing. A plane carrying medical aid for Gaza from Jordan arrived Thursday in the Egyptian city of Arish, approximately 45 kilometers (23 miles) away from Rafah, and aid was loaded onto Egyptian Red Crescent trucks that have not yet been able to advance towards the border, the official said. But Egyptian media outlets have sounded alarms about the prospect of allowing Palestinian refugees into the country, warning that it may forcefully displace Gazans into Sinai. Sisi echoed those sentiments on Thursday. There is a danger when it comes to Gaza, he said a danger so big because it means an end to this (Palestinian) cause It is important that (Gazas) people remain standing and on their land. Jordans King Abdullah, who met with Blinken Friday, warned against any attempt to displace Palestinians from any Palestinian territories or to cause their displacement. The vast majority of Gazas residents today are Palestinian refugees from areas that fell under Israeli control in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. That war marked Israels creation, but it is also lamented by Palestinians as the Nakba, or catastrophe, as more than 700,000 Palestinians were either expelled or forced to flee their homes in what is now Israel. Tens of thousands of Palestinians took refuge in Gaza, which fell under Egyptian control after the war. Israel captured the territory from Egypt in the 1967 war and began settling Jews there, but it withdrew its troops and settlements in 2005. This story was first published on CNN.com, "The last remaining exit for Gazans is through Egypt. Heres why Cairo is reluctant to open it." With additional reporting by CNNs Celine Alkhaldi and Caroline Faraj 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. Anyone who makes those stupid faces for podcasts should be [redacted]. Making money from the real suffering of many people, being so gleeful and ironic and #spooky about it, and having their terrible, glib retellings sandwiched between ads for start-ups... disgusting. Reply Thread Link Idk if your observation is just generic or about this pod in particular but what they do is discuss documentaries, thats why I liked it, it was a different take on the genre Reply Parent Thread Link I completely agree. Treating true crime like a quirky, fun hobby is dog shit. Reply Parent Thread Link I see a lot of people in my town (mostly women) wearing shirts with sayings like "Murder shows and comfy clothes." I'm like "Oh, okay, I'm so glad my family lost someone so you could get wine drunk at home." Reply Parent Thread Link It's amazing how certain people just look insufferable, like I didn't even need to read the post to know those two were the ones being the assholes. Reply Thread Link My goodness Do you know how easy it is to not be an asshole to other people? It's so easy! You don't have to do anything! Reply Thread Link This is what I don't get. Are they wired differently? Reply Parent Thread Link I have no idea! They must be Reply Parent Thread Link Also, Rolling Stone ran an article about Ben Kissel and LPOTL this week: Oh wow, I havent listened to them in years. But this is not surprising.Also, Rolling Stone ran an article about Ben Kissel and LPOTL this week: https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rollingstone.com%2Fculture%2Fculture-features%2Flast-podcast-on-the-left-ben-kissel-abuse-allegations-1234852755%2F Reply Thread Link that article is rough for both the content and the fact that it had very little editing. rolling stone has to be using chatgpt or has no editors bc this isn't the only article riddled with easily fixable errors and conflicting writing. anyway: fuck ben. ed being on the show has shown a huge difference. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't know this author, but there is at least one good journalist at rolling stone. Miles Klee did a great job exposing that sound of freedom freak Reply Parent Thread Link This is definitely me outting myself as a hypocrite in that I call out racism, homophobia, misogyny all the time on here, but also Im a fan of LPOTL. I never recommend it to people bc their early episodes are just absolutely unlistenable. Im lowkey embarrassed to be a fan. Recent years though, I really enjoyed the chemistry between Marcus, Henry, and Ben. But I am nowhere near sad to see Ben go. Hes been declining SO much on the podcast. Like yeah he needs serious help, but hes hurt so many people, so many women, and he does not deserve a platform that makes it easier for him to find victims, even if he completes 4 weeks of rehab. Im glad theyve cut ties with him completely. Ed really was refreshing to hear. He was hilarious in the Jeffrey MacDonald episodes. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link gee, i wonder who the "source close to the situation" that keeps denying the allegations is Reply Parent Thread Link Some people will probably say we shouldve seen abuse allegations coming from a male led true crime podcast that was full of problematic material, but Ben being exposed for the piece of shit he is really hammered home for me that enjoying media where men are involved is impossible for women. There will almost always be abusive skeletons in their closets and its always a matter of time before it comes out. Reply Parent Thread Link fuck dude, I used to love LPOTL, the alcoholism was well known and talked about, but holy shit, that was horrifying to read. Glad I got out when I did and that it seems like true crime is finally having its comeuppance. Also, how did they spell Henry's name wrong so many times lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Most workplaces are toxic lbr. The delusion needs to end that somehow fake happy online personas equate to a positive work environment. Edited at 2023-10-14 04:52 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link with a few exceptions, there aren't many "ethical" true crime podcasts. I kind of enjoyed them for a while, and they just made me sad and angry. I stopped listening to all of them. I was never into the cutesy ha ha let's talks about our favorite serial killers and also we're besties and super funny and cute ha ha aren't we cool girls we're not like the regular girls podcasts. just the facts. I think CBC has produced a number of very interesting true crime podcasts that don't feel exploitative. I'm from the US and didn't know a lot about the history of indigenous people in Canada. I learned a lot through Connie Walker's podcasts, before the unearthed burial sites at boarding schools were in the headlines last year. Reply Thread Link It's why I like how And That's Why We Drink does their true crime, because of they're making fun of anyone, they're making fun of themselves for misunderstanding the other. There's a victim focus and if the case is recent and/or open they direct people to provide support or tips. Reply Parent Thread Link I can only listen to ones hosted by journalists. I need in the field, in the archives research, and I need for it to be thoughtful for the victims and their families' sake or the wrongly accused Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That's why I like You're Wrong About, when they delved into what could nominally be called "true crime" they did so to set the record straight, not to capitalize on the stories of the victims. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yeah, i listen to Criminal and Casefile mostly because their voices make me sleep fast and it's not about opinion and "funny jokes", just facts. Quirky true crime makes me cringe, when i heard about "wine and crime" and their annoying voices in an ad i was WTF, there's nothing fun about murder. Reply Parent Thread Link I have been parked in the subreddit since the blog came out, first I was so bummed out now I am pissed. He loves to preach respect in particular to those in the service industry and then turns around and is a total tirant even to voluntiers? gfys Edited at 2023-10-14 04:47 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Its gotten to the point where I just hate podcasts in general. Especially anything revolving around crime, murders, anything unsolved or paranormal etc. Everyone is so fucking insufferable. I think Im just old(look at my throwback icon lol) but damn. Reply Thread Link I am the same. I am so podcast out. The only podcast that will forever stick with is Casefile. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't hate podcasts (although the true crime ones are gross), but I never understood them. I tried listening to some, but they're always so long and the introductions are overly long too and full of unfunny in-jokes, and then there's some damn music intro that's way too loud. I think I'm also just old. (the one podcast I listened to and enjoyed was the You're Wrong About, the episodes about Princess Diana) Your icon is amazing. Reply Parent Thread Link saaame. I loved them for a few years there, but find them intolerable now. Reply Parent Thread Link I miss hobby podcasts, before monetization took over. Ive been listening to podcasts since about 2008 and most didnt have ads. Miss the days before Serial. Reply Parent Thread Link I will forever have a grudge with Teen Creeps for moving their book summaries to Patreon aka behind a paywall. Reply Parent Thread Link if i saw his face after reading the post and not before id pull a 'he looks exactly how i imagined.' big big big loser. Reply Thread Link This doesnt surprise me at all. Theres such a huge lack of empathy in the true crime podcast world in general. They treat real life victims of horrible crimes like theyre funny little characters in a story. Its gross. Reply Thread Link Duh, now anyways-I just want to say, I cannot stand when people irresponsibly run words into the ground. The word obsessed used to ACTUALLY MEAN obsessed. Like, that word had an IMPACT!!! If you heard someone was obsessed, you were like "oh..." and you took a little mental note to yourself like, "ok this person is a crazed wildebeest". but then social media came along, and everyone was OBSESSED!!!!!! with EVERYTHING! Like?? I just wonder why people cannot make use of words already there. Is it really that hard to just say you like something? Do you really have to say you wanna take that and shove it up your ass? A memoir. Reply Thread Link Semantic shifts reflect the dynamic nature of language and its adaptability to changing contexts and communication needs Reply Parent Thread Link the only nonfiction podcasts i've listened to (as opposed to dramas) are this podcast will kill you and scam goddess. tpwky starts every episode focusing on the historical human impact of a disease which i think helps negate the voyeuristic nature of the topic. i haven't listen to either in ages, though. Reply Thread Link Any podcast that doesn't in some way involve the consent of the victims family is so sus. Also, any host that doesn't at least attempt to address or combat their existing biases? right to jail Reply Thread Link The true crime fandom needs to die (I'm referring to the extremists in it, obviously) Reply Thread Link I just don't understand why all these people don't just go and work in criminal justice/drug treatment/counseling if they're so "fascinated" by crime. Social worker, probation officer, court administration...plenty of jobs that aren't being a cop that let you get pretty fucking close to the "action". Oh wait, but that doesn't get you attention. And you actually have to try and help people rather than gawking at them like a carnival sideshow. Reply Thread Link I was actually going to answer but it turns out you already knew Their "fascinations" with crime, begin and end at gawking at the perpetrators and victims. Reply Parent Thread Link As other Middle Eastern states look to diversify their energy mix, Kuwait appears to be going full throttle on its oil and gas ambitions. The Kuwaiti government has announced aims to become a major OPEC producer by massively boosting production in the coming years. This is supported by large investments in the sector and the expansion of its upstream and downstream sectors. As many other countries embrace a green transition, Kuwait hopes to be a major international player in the oil and gas market so long as demand for the fossil fuels remains. Kuwait, one of the OPECs top producers, plans to increase its oil output to 3.15 million bpd within the next four years, from 2.7 million bpd at present. The Middle East state also hopes to increase its natural gas production by 70 percent over the same period. Kuwait currently follows Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran as OPECs fifth-largest producer. In recent months, Kuwait has adhered to OPEC+ production cuts, reducing its output by 128,000 bpd. Meanwhile, Iran, which is exempt from the cuts, has increased its crude output, allowing it to surpass Kuwait. Kuwaits production quota for the next year currently stands at 2.676 million bpd. OPECs restriction of oil quotas is aimed at stabilising the market, which has become extremely volatile in recent years. Despite short-term cuts, Kuwait hopes to significantly boost its oil output over the next decade to meet the ongoing demand for the fossil fuel. This sentiment has been echoed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which both intend to increase their output by 1 million bpd each within the next few years. Kuwait has around 100 billion barrels of oil reserves, according to estimates, putting it in a good position to exploit its resources before demand begins to wane in line with a global green transition. Kuwaits plan to boost oil and gas production is already gaining traction with the countrys Oil Minister, Saad Al Barrak, announcing a new strategy to increase output through the development of the Durra gas field in partnership with Saudi Arabia. This aligns with the government-backed Kuwait Petroleum Corporations (KPC) 2040 strategy. KPC hopes to increase its oil production capacity to as much as 4 million bpd by 2035, with an investment of $410 billion across its operations. The KPC subsidiary Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) plans to increase oil production to 3.65 million bpd by 2035, which could mean revenues of almost $11 billion over the five years following. KOC is accountable for around 90 percent of Kuwaits oil production. The company also has big plans for its gas sector, expecting to reach a daily gas production capacity of 1.5 trillion cubic feet by 2040. KOC has awarded several oil and gas contracts this year, valued at $3.25 billion. Between January and August, KOC awarded 91 projects, according to local media sources. This marks a significant increase in the number of contracts signed in recent years, following the Covid-19-related decline over the last three years. This follows recent successes for KPC, which posted a decade-high net profit of $8.48 billion for the 2023-2023 financial year. The Durra field, which Iran also claims a stake in, is estimated to have around 20 trillion cubic feet in proven reserves and is expected to be operational by 2029. Al Barrak said the offshore Durra gas field is considered one of the most important axes of the government's work program. Kuwait signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia in 2022 to develop the field. In July, Al Barrak stated that the deal gives the two countries exclusive rights in Durra, requesting that Iran validate its claim to the field by demarcating its own maritime borders. In addition to boosting production levels, Kuwait also has big plans for its downstream sector. It hopes to increase its refining capacity to 1.6 million bpd locally and 425,000 bpd abroad by 2025. The Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company's (KIPIC) Al Zour refinery complex in the south of the country is expected to come online this month. The companys CEO, Waleed Al Bader, stated We will witness the operation of the third refinery in the next few days, so it reaches a maximum capacity of 615,000 barrels a day. KPC's international arm Kuwait Petroleum International also expects its full commercial operation of Oman's Duqum refinery to come online by the end of the year. Meanwhile, another subsidiary of KPC, the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), said that it is in serious discussions to acquire the biggest gas field in Asia, though it has not provided further details. A wide variety of new oil and gas projects is expected to help Kuwait become an even bigger OPEC producer over the next decade. The government is investing heavily in the future of its oil and gas industry, as many neighbouring countries invest in the diversification of their energy sectors in line with a global green transition. While many world powers expect global oil and gas demand to eventually wane, Kuwait is betting on the longevity of the industry, reflected in its high production targets for the coming decades. ADVERTISEMENT By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: (CNN) It is with a weird retrospective guilt that I have to admit: Hamas once saved me from a kidnapping in Gaza. The militant group behind massacres and abductions, the slaughter of civilians, and the cynical endangerment of their own people, stopped an Islamist gang seconds before they were about to grab me from the Hotel Deira in northern Gaza in 2008. With hushed efficiency, Hamas intelligence officers swarmed the hotel. No shots were fired. The kidnap gang, diverted from its mission, blew up the nearby British Council offices in a fit of pique. That was the old Hamas. Yes, a violent group with a history of terror tactics directed against Israelis, a long commitment to destroying the state of Israel (though not one of genocide against Jews or Israelis), but also a social movement of political Islam with a reputation in the Arab world for efficiency and probity. Yet the Palestinian militant group was always cynical in its use of violence and in its perpetuation of a cult of martyrdom. When, during the second Intifada in 2000, Israeli troops used live fire against armed militants as well as unarmed civilians across the Palestinian territories, Hamas unleashed waves of suicide bombers and insisted on celebrating the deaths of Palestinian children as martyrs. At a clandestine meeting in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, in early 2001, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin gasped and peeped. He spoke to me through an interpreter the groups only person who could decipher the sounds he made. Wheelchair bound from youth, the founder of Hamas claimed that while Israelis love life, we celebrate the greatest gift of martyrdom for our children. Every mother wants that for her child. A few weeks later the Israelis killed him. But his groups intense combination of victimhood and passion for martyrdom lived on. Indeed it deepened as Hamas took hold of Gaza and risked sacrificing its inhabitants to Israeli air raids and ground invasions usually provoked by Hamas attacks. Cycles of violence and peace had already characterized the Hamas approach, depending on which of its wings military or civilian prevailed. One influential military figure in Hamas was always resolutely opposed to any kind of peace with what Hamas insists on calling the Zionist Entity. Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, is known as El Deif (the Guest), because, for decades, he has stayed in different houses every night to avoid being tracked, and killed, by Israel. Hes now in charge of Hamas military wing, the Al Qassem Brigades. Thought to have been born in the 1960s, El Deif is little known to ordinary Palestinians, according to Mkhaimar Abusada, professor of political science at Al Azah University in Gaza. Hes very much like a ghost to the majority of the Palestinians, he said. The Al Qassem Brigades were opposed to the peace process embraced by Yassir Arafat, then-leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the 1993 Oslo Accords that were supposed to pave the way to a two-state solution of a new Palestine living in peace alongside Israel. In 1996 El Deif, an accomplished bomb maker, was behind a wave of four suicide attacks that killed 65 people in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and other outrages intended to derail the peace process. As Hamas captured Gaza from rivals Fatah in 2007 (after winning the Palestinian elections the year before) Israel and Egypt tightened a noose around the enclave, which houses around 2 million people. Hamas is seen by many Palestinians as the best alternative to rule by the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is dominated by Fatah and the larger Palestine Liberation Organization. The PA pays the wages for the public sector in Gaza, and this summer polls showed that support for the PA, which only rules on the West Bank, was nonetheless around 70% in Gaza. Support for Hamas in Gaza has rarely tipped much past 50%. And on the ground, in private conversations, its been difficult to find people who are genuinely behind Hamas military campaigning. But few people are prepared to be openly critical and risk arrest. Israels policies over the West Bank, where Jewish settlements, which are illegal under international law, spread steadily across the occupied territories, over access to the al Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, and the moribund efforts to achieve a viable two-state solution, meant Hamas was able to weaponize grievance. The movement has no shortage of volunteers in the crowded enclave everyone there calls the biggest prison in the world. The tighter the Israeli and Egyptian control over Gazas borders the more Hamas (and other groups) developed military means to fight back. Chief among them is rockets. Primitive at first, the missiles have been improved and refined over years of help from Iran. The Tehran theocracy, also dedicated to the eradication of the Jewish state, trained engineers, organized technology transfers and guided developments to create rockets capable of hitting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Men like El Deif, the bomb makers and decision takers, were hunted by Israel. In 2014, an air strike killed his wife and daughter. He lost part of an arm, a leg and his hearing. No doubt his hatred for Israel intensified then. But his emotions were leavened with zealous cunning. And the first, and most important deception, was to transform the Israeli perception of Hamas. In the last two years, Hamas, under El Deifs guidance, worked to convince Israel that its focus was on domestic issues, on rebuilding Gaza, on securing work permits for people to seek employment in Israel, on building up its infrastructure. The Israelis have felt that, in the long run, that Hamas is known for these policies more than that theres going to be a call for a military confrontation with Israel, says Abusada, the Gazan professor. All the while, though, Hamas was plotting a massive assault that would end any perception in Israel, and beyond, that the Islamic Resistance had lost its strategic mojo. Key to this change, too, was another major figure in Hamas military wing, Yahya Sinwar. A former head of the Al Qassem brigades, hes now the head of Hamas in Gaza. He focused efforts on building relationships with foreign powers notably Egypt and Iran. Hamas attack on Israel last weekend represents the worst Israeli military setback since 1973. Back then Syria and Egypt launched a surprise assault on Israel over the Yom Kippur holiday. Initially successful, the Arabs were soon pushed back as Israel rallied. Now Israel is massing troops on the borders with Gaza and in the north where it faces Iran-backed Hezbollah across the fence with Lebanon. What will Hamas ultimately gain from its bloody gamble? Karim von Hippel, director of the London-based Royal United Services Institute, says they may have been planning this for years and thinking through what they can do, because everything else they have tried, hasnt worked. But certainly this is not going to work either. I think this will spell the end of Hamas. That may be a zero-sum option that not even the shadowy El Deif had guessed at. The presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan met on October 13 for talks on the demarcation and delimitation of their shared border amid indications that some differences have been resolved. The offices of the leaders issued similarly worded statements on the encounter in Bishkek, noting in both cases that unspecified agreements are in the works. A breakthrough in the border delimitation would be eagerly welcome by communities in the areas of north Tajikistan and south Kyrgyzstan, where flareups of fighting over recent years have left many dozens dead and caused significant destruction. A press release on the October 13 talks from Tajik President Emomali Rahmons office asserted that special attention was paid to the issues of determining the state border line" and that agreements were reached on this matter some time ago. A readout from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarovs office, meanwhile, was more circumspect, noting only that the leaders discussed delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyz-Tajik state border. The Kyrgyz-Tajik border stretches for approximately 980 kilometers. Fraught negotiations on establishing the exact contours of that line have been ongoing since December 2002. At present, around one-third of the border remains undefined. There may have been some breakthrough, however. Kyrgyz government sources have said that the border issue was discussed on October 2 by the heads of the powerful security services of both countries during a meeting in the Kyrgyz city of Batken. Related: France Mulls Extending Windfall Tax On Oil And Power Giants Kamchybek Tashiyev, the head of Kyrgyzstans State Committee for National Security, or GKNB, said in a joint press conference with his Tajik counterpart, Saimumin Yatimov, that their meeting had produced a protocol that would provide the basis for resolving all border issues. God willing, we will soon adopt final decision so as to complete the demarcation of the entire state border, Tashiyev said. No details were provided, but at least one journalist said to be close to Tashiyev has characterized the talks as having produced historic results. The Tajik side has been trying to resolve this problem in its favor by breaking us through various means, including by use of force, the journalist, Nurgazy Anarkulov, wrote on his Facebook page. Following the commission on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border headed by Kamchybek Tashiyev, the ice began to shift. Sometimes we [Kyrgyzstan] had to speak in soft and diplomatic language, most of the time in [the language of] sharp ultimatums. When patience ran out, we were forced to make demands by relying on historical documents. Anarkulov offered no details on what the protocol contains, but he claimed that Tajikistan had relinquished territorial claims dating back three decades. Neither Kyrgyz nor Tajik officials have responded to these specific claims. The reference to unnamed historical documents was a callback to contentious remarks made by Tashiyev in mid-September. Speaking to reporters, Tashiyev demanded in notably aggressive terms that Tajikistan relinquish its territorial claims to sections of the contested border. He was speaking on the eve of the first anniversary of a border conflict that claimed dozens of lives. Until now, we have tried to resolve this issue peacefully, and we will continue to do so. Our head of state has directed us to resolve issues through negotiations. But at the same time, it must be said that an act of aggression was committed against our state last year. We will not allow such aggression in future, Tashiyev said. He added that Kyrgyzstan's demands were supported by historic documents. His remarks sparked a tetchy response from Tajikistans Foreign Ministry, which summoned the Kyrgyz ambassador in Dushanbe for an explanation. ADVERTISEMENT It [is] stressed that such comments could cause serious damage to any progress in the negotiation process on the delimitation and demarcation of the Tajik-Kyrgyz border, the ministry said in a statement on September 16. While tempers have flared lower in the two countries respective hierarchies, Japarov and Rahmon have sought to strike conciliatory notes on the multiple times they have met in recent weeks. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Trans Mountain oil pipeline is nearly finished and will be complete in the coming months, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson told Bloomberg on Friday. I dont have a specific date in front of me in terms of when the corporation expects to complete it, but the project is over 90 per cent complete, Wilkinson shared, adding that he certainly expects it to come online over the course of the 2024 period. Wilkinson pointed to various delays that have plagued the expansion project, the costs of which have ballooned to an estimated $30 billion. The pipeline is once again moving ahead after securing a legal victory after being challenged in court by the Stkemlupsemc Te Secwepemc Nation First Nation over the pipelines newly proposed route that would go through a 0.8-mile segment of the indigenous groups territory. Canadas regulator CER sided with the pipeline, thus preventing even more delays. Once complete and flowing oil, the newly expanded pipeline will be able to carry an additional 890,000 barrels per day of crude oil. The project has been fraught with legal challenges and opposition from climate and indigenous groups, causing the federal government to purchase the project to ensure it would move forward. And while controversy surrounding the pipeline remains, over 130 indigenous groups have expressed interest in purchasing a partial stake in the pipeline. Still, Canada could have a tough road ahead in recouping the $26 billion in taxpayer money that it paid for it, with uncertainty surrounding potential buyersmany of whom may shy away from any fossil fuel asset--and shifting trade routes for oil following Russias invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions. Canada is hoping to complete the sale of the pipeline in 2025. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Nearly 100 people gathered at the intersection of 72nd and Dodge Streets in Omaha on Friday evening, most of them to show support for Palestinians. A group holding signs and Palestinian flags had gathered at around 6 p.m. to show their support amid the war between Israel and Hamas. Nour Elrokhsi of Omaha said this isnt the first time shes been at the intersection to demonstrate, nor will it be her last. Elrokhsi said she knew some people who were gathered there Friday that had family back in Palestine, making it a very emotional gathering. People feel very deeply about this, she said. It hits very close to home. A few pro-Israel protestors also were gathered at the intersection. One of them was Sarah Allen, who was holding an Israeli flag and said she was there to stand for Israel as a follower of Jesus. I just think theres a lot of barbarianism going on, she said. Its absolutely heartbreaking. Elrokhsi said shes disappointed that people dont understand the context behind the conflict. People are paying attention more than ever, but theyre making an opinion based off of no context, she said. Yara Omar of Omaha was holding a sign that read End the Siege on Gaza. She said shes also concerned about misinformation being spread about the war. A lot of people turn on their TVs and they see a report of one killing and they immediately choose the opposing side, she said. However, they never take time to do more research into the issue. Martina Perversi of Omaha said she was at the demonstration to raise awareness of what is happening in Gaza. I think its important to show support for Palestine, who doesnt get as much representation, she said. Photos: Omahans rally amid crisis in Gaza Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of October 2023 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Desperate Palestinians scrambled for escape from northern Gaza on Saturday or huddled by the thousands at a hospital in the target zone in hopes it would be spared, as Israel intensified warnings of an imminent offensive by air, ground and sea following Hamas militants deadly rampage in Israel a week ago. While workers at an Israeli military base continued efforts through the Jewish Sabbath to identify the more than 1,300 people killed in the Oct. 7 assault, Israel dropped leaflets from the air and redoubled warnings on social media for more than 1 million Gaza residents to move south. The military says it is trying to clear away civilians ahead of a concentrated campaign against Hamas militants in the north, including in what it said were underground hideouts in Gaza City. Hamas urged people to stay in their homes. The U.N. and aid groups say such a rapid exodus along with Israels siege of the territory would cause untold human suffering. The World Health Organization said the evacuation could be tantamount to a death sentence for the more than 2,000 patients in northern hospitals, including newborns in incubators and people in intensive care. Gazas humanitarian crisis already was mounting Saturday amid a growing shortage of water and medical supplies under a week-old Israeli blockade, which has also forced electrical plants to shut down without fuel. In Gaza City, Haifa Khamis al-Shurafa crowded into a car with six family members, fleeing to the south in the darkness. We dont deserve this, Shurafa said, before leaving her home city. We didnt kill anyone. The evacuation directive covers an area of 1.1 million residents, or about half the territorys population. The Israeli military said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had heeded the warning and headed south. It gave Palestinians a six-hour window that ended Saturday afternoon to travel safely within Gaza along two main routes. In Israel, meanwhile, workers at a miIitary base received special rabbinical approval to continue identifying bodies of the more than 1,300 people, most civilians, killed by Hamas. Work is normally halted on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Beeri and Kfar Azza, two southern border communities where Hamas militants slaughtered dozens of Israelis, to meet with soldiers and tour the ruins of bloodied homes. Netanyahu has faced criticism that his government has not done enough to meet with relatives of the victims. Hundreds of relatives of the scores of Israelis and foreigners captured by Hamas and taken to Gaza gathered outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, demanding their release. This is my cry out to the world: Please help bring my family, my wife and three kids, said Avihai Brodtz of Kfar Azza. Many expressed anger toward the government, saying they still have no information about their loved ones. In a nationally broadcast address Saturday night, Israels chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, accused Hamas of trying to use civilians as human shields and issued a new appeal to Gaza residents to move south. We are going to attack Gaza City very broadly soon, he said, without giving a timetable for the attack against the 40-kilometer-long (25-mile-long) territory. The Palestinian civilians in Gaza are not our enemies, an Israeli military spokesman, John Conricus, said. We dont assess them as such, and we dont target them as such. We are trying to do the right thing. Israel has called up some 360,000 military reserves and massed troops and tanks along the border with Gaza. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said late Saturday that the U.S. was moving in a second carrier strike group, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, as a deterrence to any regional actors seeking to widen the war. Palestinian militants have fired more than 5,500 rockets into Israel since the fighting erupted, the Israeli military said. Hamas remained defiant. In a televised speech Saturday, Ismail Haniyeh, a top official, said that all the massacres will not break the Palestinian people. Fighting continued in the run-up to the expected offensive, with Hamas launching rockets into Israel and Israel carrying out strikes in Gaza. An Israeli airstrike near the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed at least 27 people and wounded another 80, Gaza health authorities said. Most of the victims were women and children, the authorities said. Doctors from Kamal Edwan Hospital shared chaotic footage of charred and disfigured bodies. It was not clear how many Palestinians remained in northern Gaza by Saturday afternoon, said Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. An estimated 1 million people have been displaced in Gaza in one week, she said. At Gaza Citys main hospital, al-Shifa, a crowd of men, women and children that medical officials estimated at 35,000 crammed into bloodied hallways and on hospital grounds, sitting under trees as well as inside the buildings lobby, hoping to be protected from the fighting. People think this is the only safe space after their homes were destroyed and they were forced to flee, said Dr. Medhat Abbas, a Health Ministry official. Basic necessities like food, fuel and drinking water were running out because of the complete Israeli siege. Water has stopped coming out of taps across the territory. Amal Abu Yahia, a 25-year-old pregnant mother in the Jabaliya refugee camp, said she waited anxiously for the few minutes when contaminated water trickles from the pipes in her basement. She rations it, prioritizing her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. She said she is drinking so little herself, she only urinates every other day. Near the coast, the only tap water is contaminated with Mediterranean Sea water because of the lack of sanitation facilities. Mohammed Ibrahim, 28, said his neighbors in Gaza City have taken to drinking the salt water. The Israeli militarys evacuation order demands the territorys entire population cram into the southern half of Gaza as Israel continues strikes, including in the south. Rami Swailem said he and at least five families in his building decided to stay put in his apartment near Gaza City. We are rooted in our lands, he said. We prefer to die in dignity and face our destiny. Others were looking desperately for ways to evacuate. We need a number for drivers from Gaza to the south, it is necessary #help, read a post on social media. The U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians expressed concern for those who could not leave, particularly pregnant women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, saying they must be protected. The agency also called for Israel to not target civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics and U.N. locations. Al-Shifa hospital was receiving hundreds of wounded every hour and had used up 95% of its medical supplies, hospital director Mohammad Abu Selim said. Water is scarce and the fuel powering its generators is dwindling. The situation inside the hospital is miserable in every sense of the word, he said. The operating rooms dont stop. Thousands of people crammed into U.N.-run schools across Gaza. I came here with my children. We slept on the ground. We dont have a mattress, or clothes, said Howeida al-Zaaneen, 63, from the northern town of Beit Hanoun. I want to go back to my home, even if it is destroyed. The Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday that over 2,200 people have been killed in the territory, including 724 children and 458 women. The Hamas communications office said Israel has destroyed over 7,000 housing units so far. At Gazas Rafah crossing into Egypt, announcement of an agreement to briefly open the closed crossing to allow foreigners to escape brought hopeful crowds to the gates Saturday. But any deal appeared to have fallen through, with the crossing yet to open by nightfall. Some 1,500 people in Gaza are estimated to hold Western passports, including about 500 Americans, along with citizens from other parts of the world. A ground assault in densely populated Gaza would likely bring even higher casualties on both sides in brutal house-to-house fighting. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on Saturday, and both called for Israel to protect civilians in Gaza. As Israel pursues its legitimate right to defend its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, Blinken said. Krauss reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Samya Kullab in Baghdad, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, Ashraf Sweilam in El-Arish, Egypt, and Matthew Lee in Riyadh contributed to this report Israels military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate Friday ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza within 24 hours. Suffering in Gaza has been rising dramatically, with Palestinians desperate for food, fuel and medicine and the territorys only power plant shut down for lack of fuel. The morgue at Gazas biggest hospital overflowed as bodies came in faster than relatives could claim them. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Israel on Friday, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on Oct. 7. Here's what's happening on Day 7 of the latest Israel-Hamas war: SOUTH KOREAN AND OTHER ASIAN NATIONALS EVACUATE FROM ISRAEL SEOUL, South Korea A South Korean military plane evacuating 220 South Korean and other Asian nationals from Israel has departed Tel Aviv and was expected to land in South Korea later Saturday, Seouls Foreign Ministry said. The people transported on the KC-330 military transport plane included 163 South Koreans, 51 Japanese nationals and six Singaporean nationals, the ministry said. South Korea had also sent a civilian plane earlier this week to evacuate 192 South Korean nationals. About 470 South Koreans remain in Israel, most of them long-term residents who have chosen to stay. No South Korean casualties have so far been reported from the violence in Israel and Gaza. 16 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN WEST BANK, HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 16 Palestinians killed Friday in the occupied West Bank, bringing to 51 the total number of West Bank Palestinians killed since Hamas waged its brutal assault on Israel last Saturday. The United Nations says attacks by Israeli settlers have surged there since the Hamas assault. RELATIVES OF ABDUCTED ISRAELIS PLEAD FOR WORLD'S HELP UNITED NATIONS Relatives of Israelis abducted during Hamas militants attack last weekend pleaded at the U.N. on Friday for the worlds help getting their loved ones home. Speaking by video from Israel, Yoni Asher told diplomats at an Israel-organized event that he hasnt slept or eaten since his wife and two small daughters vanished Saturday while visiting his mother-in-law in the countrys south. His wife called to tell him that they were locked in a safe room after people came into the house and she heard gunshots, Asher said. He said he later saw a video of his wife and daughters, who are under 5 and 3, being loaded into a vehicle, and he tracked his wifes phone to Gaza. I dont know if I got any more tears left, he said. Im exhausted, and I just want to approach whoever can hear me in the international community. Please bring back my baby girls. Hamas fighters took 150 hostages during Saturdays surprise assault. Alana Zeitchik said a half-dozen of her cousins were snatched from a kibbutz. They were known to be alive as of Friday morning, she said. We dont want more bombs or rockets or blood or tears, said Zeitchik, who lives in New York. We want our family back immediately. And we want peace. BIDEN SAYS ADDRESSING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA IS A PRIORITY WASHINGTON President Joe Biden said Friday that its a priority of his administration to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at an event in Philadelphia to promote a $7 billion program to kickstart development and production of hydrogen fuel in the U.S., Biden paused to note the deteriorating situation for Palestinians as Israel continues to bombard the strip in retaliation for last weekends attacks on Israel. Biden said hes directed his team to work with the governments in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations and the United Nations to surge humanitarian relief to those impacted by the war. We cant lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do Hamas, Biden said. And theyre suffering as a result as well. Biden again lashed out at Hamas, saying the militant group in control of Gaza makes the terrorist group Al-Qaida look pure. UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS UNITED NATIONS The U.N. Security Council still hasnt found a collective voice on the Israel-Hamas war after meeting behind closed doors Friday for the second time in five days. Russia is proposing a humanitarian cease-fire, which could be a tough sell as Israel is expected to undertake a ground offensive against the Hamas militants who rule Gaza and launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel last weekend. Russia's draft resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, also condemns "all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism. Israel isnt on the 15-member council. There was no immediate public response to the Russian draft from the veto-wielding United States, whose defense chief assured Israel on Friday that we have your back. Other council members are assessing the draft, and its not clear when it might get a vote. SYRIA CALLS ON WORLD TO STOP ISRAEL'S CRIMES AGAINST PALESTINIANS DAMASCUS, Syria Syrias president on Friday called on countries of the world to stand together to stop the crimes that Israel is committing against the Palestinian people. Bashar Assad made his comments during a meeting in Damascus with Irans foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, who is on a regional tour that has taken him to Baghdad and Beirut. Assad said the reason behind the latest wave of violence is that the Palestinian people have been prevented by Israel and Western countries from setting up their own state. Assad said Syria stands by the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Amirabdollahian later told reporters that Israel should stop the war crimes it is committing before its too late. Israel has been bombarding the Gaza Strip since the militant group Hamas launched a bloody incursion into the country's south on Saturday, killing hundreds. NETANYAHU VOWS TO DESTROY HAMAS, SAYS GAZA OFFENSIVE IN EARLY STAGES JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas as the army prepares for an expected ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu delivered the threat in a nationally televised address late Friday. Israel has been pounding Gaza with airstrikes since Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented cross-border attack last Saturday, killing over 1,300 people in a brutal rampage. Early Friday, Israel ordered half of Gazas population to evacuate their homes. This is just the beginning, Netanyahu said. We will end this war stronger than ever. We will destroy Hamas, he added, saying Israel has widespread international support for the operation. UN AGENCY SHIFTS OPERATIONS BUT SOME STAYING IN THE NORTH UNITED NATIONS The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has shifted its Gaza center of operations and some staffers to the territorys south, but many of the world bodys 13,000 Gaza workers have chosen to remain in the north to continue helping people there, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Friday. The world body earlier warned of devastating humanitarian consequences after the Israeli military told the entire population of northern Gaza to leave. Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other U.N. officials have been working the phones to try to get humanitarian aid into the sealed-off territory and to ensure that civilians are protected. Asked what it would take for aid to start flowing, the spokesperson said, what we need is the green light from the Israelis. PRO-PALESTINIAN STUDENTS BRIEFLY CLASH WITH POLICE AT RALLY IN ROME ROME A few hundred pro-Palestinian students clashed briefly with police in Rome on Friday as they tried to detour from a rally route that had been approved by authorities. Helmeted police, using shields and batons, pushed back the surging students near Sapienza University when the protesters, many waving or clutching Palestinian flags, tried to head toward a rally being held by right-wing students, Italian news outlets reported. A rally in Milan with some participants holding a giant, rainbow-colored peace flag, and others carrying Palestinian flags went forward without any issues. 70 PEOPLE KILLED IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE ON CONVOYS FLEEING GAZA CITY, HAMAS PRESS OFFICE SAYS GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Hamas officials say 70 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on convoys fleeing Gaza City. Hamas media office says the cars were struck in three places as they headed south from Gaza City. It was not immediately clear who the target of the airstrikes was, or whether militants were among the passengers. The army ordered residents to evacuate the city early Friday ahead of an expected ground invasion. ISRAELI MILITARY LAUNCHES DRONE AT HEZBOLLAH TARGETS JERUSALEM The Israeli military has announced that an Israeli drone is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. ISRAELI SHELLING ALONG LEBANON BORDER KILLS 1 JOURNALIST, WOUNDS 6 ALMA Al-SHAAB, Lebanon An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing one and wounding six. An Associated Press photographer at the scene saw the body of the dead journalist and the six who were wounded. Some of them were rushed to hospitals in ambulances. One nearby car was charred. Al-Jazeera identified two of its employees among the wounded. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since Saturdays attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel. ISRAEL MILITARY SAYS IT HAS CARRIED OUT SMALL RAIDS INTO GAZA STRIP JERUSALEM The Israeli military says for the first time that ground troops have been operating inside the Gaza Strip. In a statement Friday, the army said troops had entered Gaza to battle militants, destroy weapons and search for evidence about the missing hostages held by Hamas. The announcement did not appear to be the beginning of an expected ground invasion of Gaza. Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border since last Saturdays deadly incursion by Hamas militants. WHITE HOUSE MEETS VIRTUALLY WITH FAMILIES OF MISSING AMERICANS WASHINGTON The White House hosted a virtual conversation on Friday with family members of 14 Americans who are unaccounted for after the Hamas attacks on Israel. President Joe Biden addressed the families. Other participants included Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser; Roger Carstens, hostage affairs special envoy; John Bass, undersecretary of state; and Brett McGurk, National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East. EGYPT CALLS ON UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO STOP THE EVACUATION IN GAZA CAIRO The Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned the Israeli armys decision to tell about 1 million people in Gaza to evacuate toward the southern part of the besieged territory. The move constitutes a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law, and will expose the lives of more than a million Palestinian citizens and their families to the dangers of remaining in the open without shelter, the ministry said in a statement. The evacuation order comes ahead of an expected ground invasion, hiking fears of a massive influx of refugees across the heavily fortified border into its territory. Egypt called on the United Nations Security Council, which is scheduled to meet Friday, to stop the evacuation. PALESTINIAN ENVOY SAYS EVACUATION ORDER COULD COMPARE TO DISPLACEMENT OF HUNDREDS IN 1948 UNITED NATIONS The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations says his peoples mass exit from northern Gaza under Israeli military orders may compare to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians amid the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation an event that Palestinians call the nakba, or catastrophe. Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the current flight potentially a second nakba" as he spoke to reporters at U.N. headquarters Friday before a meeting of Arab countries ambassadors. The Israeli military told people to leave northern Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion against the Hamas militants who launched an assault on southern Israel last weekend. While the evacuation order involves the northern part of the territory, Mansour said there is no place in Gaza that is safe. He called for a cease-fire to allow food, medicine and water into the territory. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb and Bassem Mroue contributed to this report. LINCOLN Where a mid-October morning might once have signaled a bustle of activity, the remaining campus of Lincoln Christian University stood nearly silent Friday. The stillness, broken only by a cold and persistent rain, may have suited the mood for those mourning the institution, which officials announced this week will be acquired by Missouris Ozark Christian College. Several graduate-level programs will transfer, but the Illinois campus is expected to close at the end of this school year. The news comes a little over a year after LCU President Silas McCormick, citing financial problems and declining enrollment, announced major changes that included elimination of most undergraduate programs. The move represents another loss for the Logan County community of roughly 13,000. Lincoln College, a private liberal arts college, closed in May 2022 after 157 years. On Friday, the last philosophy student at Lincoln Christian University acknowledged sadness about the loss but said the institution had faced obvious challenges. I mean, theres a loose atmosphere of melancholy, said David Simpson, a senior, but theres a presiding atmosphere of trusting the administration in spite of extenuating circumstances. Simpsons ties to the university run deep. Many of his family members have taught there, including his mother and grandparents, and his father, Christopher Simpson, helped form the philosophy program from which David Simpson plans to graduate in the spring. Having lived in Lincoln almost his entire life, David Simpson said students have always been a part of the communitys ecosystem. Today, there are fewer of them. Theres definitely a change, especially here, said Simpson, as he looked around the Guest House cafe. This is one of the nexus points where many college students would come and hang out, and one of the places I am at fairly often. Simpson said he is now set to graduate in May 2024 as the last and only philosophy student in the program. Lincoln has certainly fallen on hard times in recent years, and that has been part of our issue as well, McCormick, the LCU president, said Friday. Once some things start to close, it becomes harder for things that are left behind to remain open. The university had historically been an undergraduate college with a seminary attached. McCormick said last year that the institution would follow student trends, which had seen higher enrollment in the seminary and graduate programs. The university began to offer two undergraduate degrees and seven graduate-level programs. Although the changes helped, they were not enough. Enrollment and donations continued to fall. I dont think there is very often one particular reason for a colleges closure. I think there are usually a lot of them, said McCormick, who began president on June 1, 2020. When the university was founded as Lincoln Bible Institute in 1944, there was no endowment. Tuition was lower than most universities because most students would go on to work in the ministry. There is now an endowment of $3.5 million, which officials said would transfer to OCC. McCormick cited a decline in the population of high school seniors, as well as a plethora of higher educational options full of amenities and spacious campuses, as factors in the LCU closure. Culturally, people have been more skeptical of institutions, expertise and authority, which is pretty much what higher education is all about, McCormick said. Lincoln Christian University was facing $9 million in debt as of fall 2019, he said. That included about $7 million for past building expenses that were being paid off from around 2008 and $2 million in operational debt on a line of credit. Since then through the sale of campus property, budgeting decision and support from donors the debt has reduced to $3.1 million. By the end of the 2023-24 academic year, it should be at $2.6 million, McCormick said. He expressed appreciation for Open Arms Ministry, which purchased the universitys chapel back in February for its own services, said he hoped that the university leaders would find a use for the remaining property that would not affect the ministry or community adversely. When they cease academic operations May 31, 2024, Lincoln Christian University will work to finish paying the remaining amount, said Ozark Christian College President Matt Proctor in a statement, but rather than face academic closure under a massive, all-assets-swallowing debt, the Lincoln leadership has instead preserved something of great value to pass on to future generations. Several of the LCU graduate programs the Master of Divinity degree, and Master of Arts degrees in Biblical Studies and Bible and Theology are slated to continue at Ozark Christian College, a small private evangelical institution in the southwestern Missouri city of Joplin. OCC already offers a masters degree in Christian Ministry, which would be merged with Lincolns graduate-level ministry program. McCormick and Proctor contributed separately to a joint statement published on the Lincoln universitys website. The two leaders provided an overview of the situation and path forward, noting that all moves are pending approval by both institutions accrediting bodies. Among the outlined developments: Ozark Christian College will acquire Lincoln Christian University at the end of the academic year on May 31, 2024. Ozark will pay homage to the institution by retaining its name and offering the graduate-level programs through Lincoln Seminary at Ozark Christian College. Lincoln Seminary is set to begin operating on OCCs Missouri campus and online on June 1, 2024. OCC will not operate an Illinois campus and with a few possible exceptions would not hire staff from the Lincoln institution. Current Lincoln students in the programs that will transfer to Ozark can continue there with a guarantee of no increases in tuition or degree requirements. LCU will help to find new educational homes for its students in the remaining undergraduate programs of Christian Ministry and Biblical and Theological Studies, and masters programs in Counseling, Theology and Organizational Leadership. OCC will also take possession of a $3.8 million student scholarship endowment along with the seminary. Lincolns seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Ozarks fledgling graduate studies program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Connections between the two institutions already existed, according to their leaders. Both were founded in the early 1940s. A number of Ozark university leaders and faculty are alumni of the Lincoln seminary and former preachers in Illinois, Proctor said. LCUs student population was 258, with 87 of those undergraduates, as of fall 2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. OCCs student population numbered 689, of which 608 were undergraduates. Although there has been a decline in students in the last few years, David Simpson praised the close-knit community and quality of relationships between students and professors. He noted that the LCU administration had signaled a willingness to work with other schools to get each student to his or her next destination. Im very optimistic about everybody being able to get to where they can best be, Simpson said. As classes continue, McCormick said he and other administrators are making sure students and everyone has the time they need to transfer or finish their studies. For whatever its worth, a lot of colleges, when they end, its kind of abrupt and ugly, and were doing our best to try to end gracefully, which is why weve given the most amount of warning, McCormick said. He said he was grateful for support from alumni and others in the community, and to see the close relationships created over the years continue to exist. Its kind of a family, he said, because its small, and you get the good and the bad with that. Area college and university presidents react to Lincoln College closure Keith Cornille Silas McCormick Georgia Nugent Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy Jamel Wright James Reynolds mug, Millikin NORMAL The Normal Police Department announced Friday that it has received a Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant to conduct additional traffic safety enforcement efforts. The STEP program focuses on enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes, according to a news release. During the grant year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, NPD will conduct additional enforcement efforts during some of the deadliest times of the year. The additional efforts will focus on the leading contributing causes of crashes: speeding, impaired driving, use of electronic devices, failure to yield, and disobeying traffic control signals, as well as occupant restraint violations. The STEP grant is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Check out photos from the 2023 Alzheimer's Walk Lus Crew Greg Ekdale, Dave Lowe Milo, Alyssa and Kari Wurth writing on flowers, which symbolize a promise to remember, honor, care and fight for those living with Alzheimers. Different colored flowers highlight different connections to the disease. Walk host Susan Saunders takes a picture of the Future Educators of Color team. Walk manager Josh Cox erect the starting gate. Jody and Curt Nettles Lois Thompson, Renee and Kevin Brucker Viola Freimann, Betty Rock Kathy Neil, Lynne Ekdale Ping Yin, Luke Yin, Ian Shin, David Yin Peyton and Kelly Friesen, Abigail and Robin England Michael Lena, Catie Welsh, Derian Cunningham Elaine Vitzthum, Michele Jenkins, Sarah Vitzthum Harry and Hilary Rouse with Pawprint Ministry dogs Silver and Sterling The Commerce Bank Team plants flowers which visually communicate a connection to Alzheimers. Daniel Tofte, Cheryl and Kylie Schimmelpfenning, Sara Larsen, Danielle Randle Walk Host and MC Susan Saunders Freds Forget-Me-Nots Brian Dixon, Joshua Sutton Mikayla, Tiana and Jim Haas Walking in memory of Allan Eichholz The Pray family The Nettles family Warming up before the walk Lucy Croft leads the group in some pre-walk Zumba Getting their Zumba on The government has set up an inter-ministerial committee to help address havoc caused downstream by the Akosombo Dam spillage. Tracts of land and communities downstream the Akosombo and Kpong dams have been flooded. This follows the second-stage spillage of the two dams used to generate about a third of Ghanas electricity supply. The Volta River Authority (VRA) started the controlled spillage at the Akosombo and Kpong dams, both in the Eastern Region, from September 15, 2023 following excess water in both reservoirs due to appreciable levels of rainfall. The spillage has affected almost all the communities along the lower Volta Basin, resulting in widespread power cuts in the affected communities. The GRIDCo sub-station in Fievie, Sogakope, in the Volta Region, has been inundated with floods, leading to the shutting down of the station. Committee The committee headed by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare would coordinate government's response to the spillage. The other committee members include ministers from National Security, Interior, Defence, Energy, Finance, Local Government, Works and Housing, Roads and Highways, Environment, Sanitation, Lands and Natural Resources and Information. Water level The maximum level of water in the Akosombo Dam should be 276 feet. As of Thursday (Oct 12), the water level in the dam was 276.92 feet or 84.405 metres. Before the spillage, the level was 272.50 feet or 83.058 metres. The spillage has affected almost all the communities along the lower Volta Basin, resulting in widespread power cuts in the affected communities. The VRA, has so far presented some relief items to people affected by the floods, while positioning officers in communities to always monitor and assess the situation for remedy since the start of the operation. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is also said to be assessing the damage for the necessary intervention. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Chairman of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has commended Stephen Ntim for apologizing to Despite Media. The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday visited the Management of Despite Media to apologise for the invasion of thugs during a live programme on UTV. Stephen Ntim, speaking on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' Thursday morning prior to his meeting with Management stated that thuggery is not a part of the NPP. "This is not how the NPP is . . . this is not our tradition, so we render an unreserved apology to the management of Despite media, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, and the entire nation". He added: You know me, there have been several incidents where I have been provoked but I never reacted and always maintained my cool and this is the sort of quality I want to transcend to party members from the National to polling station levels. I want everyone to have self-control in our political discourse." Going forward, he said, "You can count on us that this incident will not repeat itself . . . even if theres anger, therell be self-control. Internally, we are putting measures to ensure that this doesnt happen here (Despite media) or anywhere else again". "We want the law to take its course and we are ready to assist the police in their investigations, he added. Asiedu Nketiah popularly known as General Mosquito speaking in reaction praised Stephen Ntim for his gesture saying that's "the matured way to go" "This is exactly what hes supposed to do; he has shown that hes maturednot everyone will have the boldness to do this. Nonetheless, I dont think everyone in the NPP will be happy with him apologizing . . . As he has said he should make sure that it doesnt happen again . . . the constitution doesnt allow us to dictate the editorial policy of the media. What hes done is a step in the right direction and I believe if it continues democracy will change for the better," he averred during an interview on Me Man Nti programme on Neat FM. Watch video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Southern Lebanon (CNN) The journalists were wearing body armor clearly labeled as press when Israeli forces struck Lebanon on Friday; the sudden blast killed one Reuters journalist and wounded at least six others, according to official statements and videos analyzed by CNN. Journalists from international news organizations Al Jazeera, Agence France Presse, and Reuters were among the victims, according to statements from their outlets. Roughly around the same time about 5 p.m local the Israeli military said that it had fired artillery at Lebanese territory after a border fence exploded near the Israeli kibbutz of Hanita. The Israeli military has not responded to CNNs request for comment. Hanita is just across the border from the Lebanese town of Alma Chaab, where the group of journalists was covering the exchange of fire, CNNs video analysis shows. A Reuters livestream showed smoke rising from the area, according to CNNs geolocations, before a thud is heard. In the next instant, the camera lens is suddenly covered with dust, and a woman can be heard screaming in the background. Oh god. Oh god. Whats happening? I cant feel my legs, she cries. Christina Assi, a journalist for Agence France Presse, was later seen in video of the aftermath lying on the ground with leg wounds. Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah was found dead after the attack. He had been operating the live signal that recorded the fateful moment, Reuters said. Social media posts show that the victims were clearly identifiable as media. In the hour before the attack, Assi posted a video on her Instagram stories showing the whole group wearing helmets and protective vests clearly labeled as Press. Abdallah had posted on Instagram just before his death a photo of himself wearing a helmet and a press vest, smoke billowing in the distance behind him, with his location listed as Alma Chaab. Later, video showing his charred body showed the same spot in Alma Chaab, according to geolocation analysis by CNNs open-source team. A few meters away, a vehicle can be seen in flames. The site was first geolocated by opensource expert Benjamin Pittet of Geoconfirmed. In videos verified by CNN of the aftermath of the attack, at least two other journalists are seen bloodied. In one video, American journalist Dylan Collins from AFP is seen with his head and a wrist in a bloodied bandage, his shirt stained in blood and covered in dust. Medics rush to their aid. Someone can be heard saying, Leave that one, save who you can. Israel and militants in Lebanon have been engaged in a tit for tat exchange of fire on the border between the two countries since last weekend, when Hamas Oct 7 surprise attack on Israel, and Israels attack on Gaza that followed, prompted regional tensions to spiral. Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Iran, said it fired at four different Israeli locations on Friday. No party has claimed responsibility for the border explosion near Hanita, but Palestinian militants in Lebanon are known to have repeatedly launched attacks on Israel over the last week. Minutes after the Israeli militarys statement acknowledging it had fired toward Lebanese territory, Lebanons state news agency released two statements saying that Israel had fired several rounds of artillery at Alma Chaab and the surrounding areas. A Lebanese security source told CNN that an Apache helicopter was also seen over the location where the journalists were attacked, and that a tank which may have fired the artillery was on the Israeli side of the border area. Earlier on Friday, a CNN team had met Abdallah at a pro-Palestinian rally being covered by journalists at the border town of Maroun el-Ras. A seasoned journalist who has covered conflict in the Middle East for many years, he appeared to be in good spirits. Abdallah had a live Instagram feed that was still running for hours after he was reported dead. His last Instagram post was a picture of the late Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, whom CNN found was likely killed by Israeli forces while she was covering an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank last year. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Journalists hit as Israel fired at Lebanon were clearly marked as press, CNN analysis shows" The founder of Aseyegold Designs, Christine Aseye Darkey, has won the Pillar in Fashion Design category of the 2023 Female Pillar of Modern Ghana Award. Held recently in Accra, the award is a recognition of her exemplary and outstanding contributions to the fashion industry. It is also a result of the success attained with her outfits attachment training programme that allows fashion students of Accra Technical University to learn from her. Speaking to the B&FT on the recognition, she expressed excitement noting that the award means a lot to her as it represents her hard work, devotion, and unwavering pursuit of excellence in the chosen industry. This award means a lot to me because its my first. It validates my efforts and serves as a reminder that perseverance and dedication to one's aims can result in meaningful acknowledgment. This award serves as a source of encouragement for me to continue pushing limits, motivating people, and having a positive effect in my chosen field of fashion. It confirms my belief in the value of continual self-improvement and contributing to the larger good, making this honour very important and humbling, she said. Ms. Darkey took the opportunity to reassure the readiness to further position the brand to improve its growth. She said her outfit is putting measures in place and embracing relevant research to develop while staying ahead of industry trends. I am concentrating on four critical measures to position my brand for long-term growth beyond this awareness. First, I am using the recognition's exposure and credibility to form meaningful connections and collaborations with like-minded organisations and individuals. In addition, I am actively cultivating a loyal and engaged community by providing outstanding value through my products and services and keeping lines of contact open. Finally, I'm devoted to a long-term vision, establishing clear goals and benchmarks to monitor progress and adjust methods as needed, ensuring that my company thrives and evolves in the years ahead, she stated. Ms. Christine Aseye Darkeys journey in the space has been God, a vibrant tapestry of encounters, difficulties and development. It has been filled with high points and low points, each of which has advanced my career and personal growth. However, she has accepted that learning is a lifelong endeavour and evolving with the times while taking advantage of new chances is key. In terms of the future, I see a route paved with creativity and curiosity, one where I continue to research, produce, and make contributions to the fashion industry's and human progress's ever-evolving terrain. My goal is to have a positive influence, especially on young girls who are interested in fashion design, and to take part in transformational projects that help to create a better future, she added. 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: In this handout photograph taken and released by Roscosmos on September 27, 2023, Expedition 69 NASA astronaut Frank Rubio is helped by specialists after his landing in the Soyuz MS-23 capsule in a remote area near the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. After spending more than a year in space, Frank Rubio now has to get used to that pesky thing Earthlings call gravity. "Walking hurts a little bit the first few days, the soles of your feet and lower back," he said at a news conference Friday at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. "I think there is a certain level of pain that comes with the fact that your lower back now supports half your weight." Rubio returned to Earth two weeks ago after spending 371 days in space, having taken off in September of last year aboard a Russian rocket for what was supposed to be a routine, six-month mission. The Soyuz spacecraft that was supposed to bring them back was docked at the International Space Station to be used as an emergency backup vehicle. But then it sprung a coolant leak in December, probably due to a micrometeoroid. So as a precaution, the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, returned the vessel to Earth. It sent another, empty onewhich meant there would be space for Rubio and company to return, but they'd have to pick up the mission slated for the crew originally meant to be on that second ship. "The fact that I was going to spend a whole year cooped up was a kind of torture for me, because I love being outside," Rubio said. "But that's part of the mission. It took a little bit of a mental shift and saying, 'Hey, this is my world for the next 12 months and I have to deal with that.'" But the misadventure allowed this son of Salvadoran immigrants to grab the record for the longest time an American has spent in space, breaking the 2022 record set by Mark Vande Hei, at 355 consecutive days. The world record is held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Poliakov, at 437 days. "For the first few days (back on Earth) you drift to the right or to the left as you try to walk straight," he says. "Your mind is perfectly clear, but your body just doesn't respond the way you expect it to." During his stay at the ISS, Rubio notched another potential first when he grew a tomato. "I think what was the first tomato in space," he said. He put it in "a little bag" and fastened it down with Velcro, but ended up losing track of it. Rubio spent hours looking for it to no avail. It may have dried out and been mistaken for garbage. But "some people will say I probably ate it," he jokes. 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 NASA probe is set to blast off bound for Psyche, an object 2.2 billion miles (3.5 billion kilometers) away that could offer clues about the interior of planets like Earth. It's a world like no other: a metal-rich asteroid that could be the remnants of a small planet, or perhaps an entirely new type of celestial body unknown to science. A NASA spacecraft blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center Friday bound for Psyche, an object 2.2 billion miles (3.6 billion kilometers) away that could offer clues about the interior of planets like Earth. "We're going to learn all kinds of new things, how these things fly through the solar system, and they hit each other and they cause the evolution of what we have today, our solar system," NASA chief Bill Nelson said shortly before lift off at 10:19 am Eastern Time (1419 GMT) on a reusable SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. "We've visited either in person or robotically worlds made of rock, worlds made of ice and worlds made of gas... but this will be our first time visiting a world that has a metal surface," lead scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton told reporters during a briefing this week. Trailing a blue glow from its next-generation electric propulsion system and flanked by two large solar arrays, the van-sized probe should arrive at its destination in the Asteroid Belt, between Mars and Jupiter, in July 2029. Studying cores of rocky planets Over the course of two years, it will deploy its suite of advanced instruments to probe Psyche for evidence of an ancient magnetic field and to study its chemical and mineral composition, as well as topography. Scientists think Psyche, named after the goddess of the soul in Greek mythology, could be part of the iron-nickel core of a "planetesimal," a building block of all rocky planets, that was left exposed after an ancient collision blasted off the exterior. It could also be something elsea primordial solar system object that's never been documented before. The Psyche spacecraft will test out next-generation communications based on lasers and use a propulsion system that harnesses energy from solar panels to create electric and magnetic fields that, in turn, expel charged atoms of xenon gas. "This is our one way to see a core," said Elkins-Tanton. "We say tongue in cheek that we're going to outer space to explore inner space." Psyche is thought to have an irregular, potato-like shape, measuring 173 miles (280 kilometers) across at its widest pointthough it's never actually been seen up close. Until recently, scientists thought it was overwhelmingly composed of metalbut analyses based on reflected radar and light now indicate that metal probably comprises between 30-60 percent, with the rest being rock. Solar electric propulsion The mission will include several technological innovations. The Psyche spacecraft, named after the asteroid, will test out next generation communications based on lasersa step NASA compares to upgrading old telephone lines on Earth to fiber optics. Deep Space Optical Communications, as the system is called, "was designed to demonstrate 10 to 100 times the data-return capacity of state-of-the-art radio systems used in space today," said Abi Biswas of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in a statement. Psyche also uses a special kind of propulsion system called "Hall-effect thrusters" that harnesses the energy from solar panels to create electric and magnetic fields that, in turn, expel charged atoms of xenon gas. The thrust it exerts is roughly equal to the weight of an AA battery in your hand. But in the void of space, the spacecraft will accelerate continuously to tens of thousands of miles per hour. Such systems avoid the need to carry thousands of pounds of chemical fuel into space, and Psyche will be the first time they are used beyond lunar orbit. 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: This map provided by NASA shows where the Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. As the moon lines up precisely between Earth and the sun, it will blot out all but the sun's outer rim. A bright, blazing border will appear around the moon for as much as five minutes along a narrow path stretching from Oregon to Brazil. Proper eye protection is needed throughout the eclipse, from the initial partial phase to the ring of fire to the final partial phase. Credit: NASA via AP A rare "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun cuts across the Americas on Saturday, stretching from Oregon to Brazil, and huge crowds were on the move before dawn in cities, rural areas and national parks to try to catch a glimpse of it. For the small towns and cities along its narrow path, there was a mix of excitement, worries about the weather and concerns they'd be overwhelmed by visitors flocking to see the celestial event, also called an annular solar eclipse. Clouds and fog threatened to obscure the view of the eclipse in some western states, including California and Oregon. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesn't completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. Saturday's path: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the U.S., with a sliver of California, Arizona and Colorado. Next: Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere gets a partial eclipse. The celestial event brought eclipse watchers from around the U.S. to remote corners of the country to try to get the best view possible. At Bryce Canyon national park in southern Utah tiny lights could be seen along a well known trail that snakes through a valley of red rock hoodoos as eclipse enthusiasts hit the trail before sunrise to stake out their preferred spot An annular eclipse will be viewable along a narrow swath of the Americas Saturday. Credit: AP Digital Embed "I just think it's one of those things that unites us all," said John Edwards, a cancer drug developer who traveled alone across the country to try to watch the eclipse from Bryce Canyon. "I just think it's seeing these unique experiences that come rarely is what got me here. This is about as rare as it gets." Viewing all depends on clear skiespart of the U.S. path could see clouds. NASA and other groups planned to livestream it. With a chance of rain in its forecast, the small town of Reedsport near Oregon's Pacific Coast moved its eclipse festival inside so that a bounce house and games wouldn't get soaked in the mud. "But we're still hoping that we might get a glimpse of it," said city official Rosa Solano. Weather was less of a concern in tiny Baker, Nevada, where the population hovers around 100. Inn and general store owner Liz Woolsey made T-shirts and planned a slate of activities including a drum circle and a dance party. Her seven rooms have been booked for over a year. Este mapa, proporcionado por la NASA, muestra la ruta que seguira el eclipse anular solar del sabado 14 de octubre de 2023 a traves de Norteamerica, Centroamerica y Sudamerica. Credit: NASA via AP "For a little place, we're putting on a good show," said Woolsey, who became an eclipse enthusiast after seeing the 2017 total solar eclipse that swept the U.S. from coast to coast. Viewers on the East Coast were prepared to see less of the eventclose to a quarter eclipse around midday in some areas, such as New York Citybut were nonetheless geared up to watch the skies. In Maine, viewers expected to see only about 12% of the sun covered, but the Clark Telescope on the grounds of the Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine was open to the public. The planetarium was selling safety glasses for $2 Saturday to encourage safe viewing, said Shawn Laatsch, director of the Versant Power Astronomy and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium "As the Moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it casts its shadow on our planet," said Laatsch. "In a very real sense, solar eclipses are 'made in the shade' of the moon." Tens of thousands could get a double treat in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For the city's annual air balloon fiesta, which ends this weekend, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons lift off around dawn, hours before the eclipse briefly dims the skies. Homes and other structures are seen in Monument Valley, Ariz., on the Navajo reservation, April 19, 2020. Monument Valley and various other parks on the Navajo Nation will be closed Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, due to the "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File Colombia's Tatacoa desert was playing host to astronomers helping a group of visually impaired people experience the eclipse through raised maps and temperature changes as the moon blots out the sun. At the Cancun Planetarium, young visitors built box projectors to indirectly and safely view the ring of fire. The ancient Mayawho called eclipses "broken sun"may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes, said archeologist Arturo Montero of Tepeyac University in Mexico City. Towns and national parks in the path braced for a huge throngs. Officials in Oregon's Klamath County urged residents to stock up on groceries and fill their gas tanks in case traffic backs up on its two-lane highways. Utah's Bryce Canyon expected Saturday to be the park's busiest day of the year, spokesperson Peter Densmore said. Brazil's Pedra da Boca state park, known for its rocky outcrops for climbing and rappelling was also expecting crowds. The entire eclipsefrom the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until it's back to normalis 2 1/2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion lasts from three to five minutes, depending on location. Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the U.S. in the opposite direction. That one will begin in Mexico and go from Texas to New England before ending in eastern Canada. The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica gets one in 2026. It will be 2039 before another ring of fire is visible in the U.S., and Alaska will be the only state in its direct path. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. , Cookies . cookies. The annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery was held in Nashville, Tennessee, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 and attracted approximately 5,000 participants from around the world, including otolaryngologists, medical experts, allied health professionals, and administrators. The conference highlighted the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. In one study, Hector Perez, M.D., of Loma Linda University in California, and colleagues found that patients can achieve appropriate postoperative pain control with reduced narcotic intake. The authors aimed to gain insight into how patients perceive different postoperative pain regimens with differing roles for narcotics. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups who were undergoing typical outpatient otolaryngology surgeries. The three groups included narcotics as a first-line pain medication versus narcotics as second-line medication versus narcotic sparing. The researchers observed equal satisfaction, willingness to repeat the same regimen, and appropriate pain control across all three groups. "We hope that this information will provide the otolaryngologist, and hopefully surgeons from other specialties, with another tool and reference point to reduce narcotic prescription and greater enable preoperative counseling on pain control regimens," Perez said. "In addition, we can provide patients reassurance on adequate pain control regardless of the role of narcotics, at least in our examined surgeries." In another study, Sohit P. Kanotra, M.D., of the University of California at Los Angeles, and colleagues found that morbid obesity and low albumin levels are predictors of the need for respiratory support and invasive ventilation in pediatric COVID-19 inpatients. The authors analyzed a cohort of COVID-19 pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital in an effort to identify factors that could predict which children might require more advanced respiratory support, including invasive measures. Among a retrospective cohort study of 192 pediatric patients (younger than 19 years of age) with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, the researchers found that 49 patients required respiratory support, including patients with severe obesity, who were more likely to need invasive ventilation. In addition, lower levels of albumin were observed in patients requiring respiratory support. "This study provides valuable insights for health care providers in managing pediatric COVID-19 cases. It suggests that clinicians should pay close attention to patients with severe obesity and lower albumin levels, as they may be at higher risk of requiring more aggressive airway management," Kanotra said. "This information could help in risk assessment and early intervention for pediatric patients with COVID-19." In a retrospective study, Michele Carr, D.D.S., M.D., Ph.D., of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo in New York, and colleagues found that ibuprofen use following tonsillectomy has increased since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a boxed warning against codeine; however, ibuprofen use may be associated with an increase in posttonsillectomy bleeding. Using 2008 to 2022 information extracted from an electronic health record database and specific current procedural terminology codes, the authors identified patients (up to 18 years of age) who underwent tonsillectomy and those who experienced postoperative bleeding. In addition, pain medication was assessed, which included codeine, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, oxycodone, ketorolac, and hydrocodone. The researchers found that the use of codeine fell, while use of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, ketorolac, and oxycodone increased during the study period. There was no change seen in hydrocodone use. In addition, the researchers found a simultaneous increase in posttonsillectomy bleeding. "In 2013, the FDA issued a boxed warning against using codeine after pediatric tonsillectomy despite its frequency of use in the United States," the authors write. "Analgesics used posttonsillectomy have changed since the FDA boxed warning against codeine. There has been a concomitant increase in posttonsillectomy bleeding, which may be related." The defense in the trial of Kevin Monahan brought an expert witness to the stand in Washington County Court on Friday to consider whether the witness qualifications in firearms safety and use of force are applicable to Monahans case. Monahan is facing charges of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and tampering with physical evidence in the shooting death of Kaylin Gillis. Gillis, 20 years old at the time, was shot and killed last April as she and friends turned their car around in Monahans driveway. He lives in the Town of Hebron. Lead defense attorney Arthur Frost called President of Tactical Handgun Training of New York and President of New York Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Ken Cooper to the stand to offer his credentials. Frost asked if he understood that it was the defenses request that Cooper be offered as an expert in Monahans trial. He said yes. Ive been a county director and trainer since 1983, I am a use of force instructor, general topics instructor for the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services, he said. I hold certifications in taser, batons, firearms, chemical deterrents, use of force, low light. Frost asked questions about his testimony in other cases, testifying for the defense, the prosecutor, or the plaintiff in civil cases in the extent of his career. Cooper was also asked if he was familiar with the type of firearm used in Monahans case as well as psychophysiology. Cooper said that the first time he discussed aspects of psychophysiology was in a murder trial, prior to his certification in psychophysiology. He has lectured on the topic to Students of Bard College. Under great stress, the brain affects the body by releasing all sorts of interesting hormones, Cooper said. Physically and cognitively, stress poses interesting abnormalities. He added that there are various factors that play into his decision-making as a professional including training experience with vast knowledge of interviewing people involved in encounters whether it is police, victims, or witnesses, being involved in different lawsuits, reviewing published materials, statistics, and more. Cooper said what he knows of Monahans case is within his knowledge of his field. Washington County First Assistant District Attorney Christian Morris questioned Cooper and asked about his educational history. Cooper said he has degree in Anthropology and History from the State University of New York in Albany but has never studied neuroscience, biology, or psychology. One of Coopers certifications from Force Science Research Center was from a five day training, to which he said wouldnt make the basic human an expert in the field from the training alone. Morris brought up a class taught by Cooper at his company Tactical Handgun Training, Practical Application of the Law in New York State. Cooper said the class deals with the responsibility to make proper decisions with regard to the use of force. Judge Adam Michelini said at the end of the hearing that he will make a decision after he receives filings from both the defense and the People of New York before next Wednesday. Hearing from more witnesses in the pre-trial is making the case an ever-changing landscape. Michelini said final filings for the case should be made by Wednesday, Oct. 18 and motions should be filed by Friday, Oct. 20. Jury selection will be completed Friday, Oct. 27 with the trial beginning Monday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. in Washington County Court. From a press release: September 30, Ticonderoga Police arrested Andrew J. Rosa, 30, of Ticonderoga, after a motor vehicle pursuit. At approximately 5:17 PM, Ticonderoga Police positively identified Rosa who had a felony warrant, operating a motor vehicle on NYS Route 22 in Ticonderoga. Ticonderoga Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop but a lengthy police pursuit ensued during which Rosa reached speeds of 100 mph. The pursuit led police into the town of Crown Point where Rosa wrecked his motor vehicle onto a logging header and fled on foot into the woods. Ticonderoga Police pursued Rosa on foot, where he was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident. After a search incident led to arrest, Rosa was found to be in possession of cocaine and an imitation handgun. Rosa is being charged with Felony Bail Jumping, Misdemeanor Bail Jumping, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Office in a Motor Vehicle, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and multiple vehicle and traffic offenses, the press release says. Rosa was processed and released to the custody of the Sheriff where he was remanded to Essex County Jail. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Stockton University President Joe Bertolino issued a statement Thursday evening condemning the attacks in Israel. Bertolino, who hosted an open forum with the campus community Thursday evening, addressed the crises in the Middle East as well as recent events that took place on campus, including some flyers posted around the school that included speech that supported Hamas intentions. Today, we were made aware of unauthorized flyers and other materials that included antisemitic language posted around campus. The University is taking appropriate steps to address this matter, Bertolino wrote. We will never stand for hateful language or rhetoric that threatens anyone or makes any member of our community feel unsafe. Stockton is and will remain a safe and welcoming environment for all. Students sponsored two sanctioned events this week that pertained to the conflict in the Middle East. On Tuesday, Chabad Jewish Student Group hosted a Students Unite for Israel event, including raising the Israeli flag. On Wednesday, the Muslim Student Association held the 75 Years of Silence event, which included the raising of the Palestinian event. Per Stockton procedure, Stockton student organizations may request to display flags, said Stacey Clapp, director of strategic communications at the school, in an email to The Press. There were flyers posted on campus that pertained to an event at 3 p.m. outside the Multicultural Center the same time as the school-approved event for a flag raising and to Please come out to show support for our Palestinian brothers and sisters. The flyers included slogans used by the Hamas. One of those slogans was From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, a common rally cry for pro-Palestinian activists. It calls for the establishment of a State of Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, erasing the State of Israel and its people. Clapp said the flyers in question were not approved by the university to promote the event. Dr. Ira Trocki, a plastic surgeon in Northfield, said he received a text from a friend with a picture of one of the flyers. Trocki voiced his concerns to the universitys administration on Wednesday and said he received a call from Bertolino on Thursday morning. We had a good discussion and I said they have to come out with a statement immediately. Its wrong. You cant have signs of hate, Trocki said. Bertolino acknowledged the flyers in his statement Thursday evening. Id like to be unequivocally clear that Stockton University condemns the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on civilians in Israel, Bertolino wrote. The violence inflicted is inexcusable. We continue to mourn the loss of innocent Israeli, Palestinian, American and other lives due to these attacks. Tonight was the beginning of a dialogue that provides an opportunity for our community to be seen and be heard. I want this University to be a place where people can come together, tell their stories and share their truths. We must listen to and learn from each other. Moving forward, our leadership team, faculty, staff, students, community members and religious leaders will work together to develop a series of programs to engage, educate and have constructive conversations of how we, as a community, deal with the difficult and historically complex subject of conflicts in the Middle East. Bertolino said the university provides resources for students who need support. Students who need support may contact Counseling and Psychological Services. Employees who need support may find resources by contacting the Employee Assistance Program, he added. (CNN) At least one journalist was killed and six others injured on Friday in southern Lebanon when Israel fired artillery into the area they were gathered. The incident which impacted journalists from Reuters, the Agence France-Presse wire service and Al Jazeera marks one of the worst press catastrophes yet to emerge from Israels war against Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged firing artillery into Lebanon, telling CNN that it was in response to an explosion near the security fence near a kibbutz. Additionally, a Lebanese security source told CNN that an Israeli Apache helicopter was seen over the site of the attack. The IDF, however, did not respond to additional questions from CNN related specifically to the journalists being hit. The journalists were wearing press-labeled jackets at the time of the attack. Reuters said in a statement that it was deeply saddened to learn that one of its videographers, Issam Abdallah, had been killed in the incident. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issams family and colleagues, Reuters said. The news agency said two other Reuters journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were also injured in the incident. The AFP said separately that two of its journalists, photographer Christina Assi and video journalist Dylan Collins, had been injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. We are deeply concerned that a group of journalists who were clearly identified have been killed and injured while doing their job, Phil Chetwynd, the AFPs global news director, said in a statement. We send our deepest condolences to our friends at Reuters for the loss of Issam and we are all pulling for our injured colleagues in hospital. Al Jazeera also said that two of its journalists, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, were wounded. Prior to the Friday incident, at least 10 journalists had been killed since the onset of the war, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. CNNs Tamara Qiblawi, Sarah El Sirgany, AnneClaire Stapleton, and Gianluca Mezzofiore contributed reporting. It was first published on CNN.com, "Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah killed in southern Lebanon, 6 others wounded" Second district state Senate candidates may disagree about offshore wind farm development and some social issues, but they have one thing in common. Both major party candidates stressed the need to make New Jersey and the area more affordable in interviews this week, and talked about the importance of diversifying the economy in Atlantic County. Incumbent state Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic; and Atlantic County At-Large Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick, a Democrat from Linwood, will face each other in a one-hour debate sponsored by Stockton Universitys William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy and The Press of Atlantic City on Oct. 19. The debate will take place at 6 p.m. in the universitys Fannie Lou Hamer Room on the Atlantic City campus. Assembly candidates will then debate for one hour. For Fitzpatrick, the campaign is going well after a bit of a rough start, she said this week. She started out running for Assembly, with lesser-known Pleasantville Councilman Victor Carmona running for Senate on the Democratic ticket. Carmona dropped out as a candidate in July, so Fitzpatrick whom many in the party thought should be the Senate candidate from the beginning moved up to run in his place. Fitzpatrick said she is still concerned about protecting womens reproductive rights in New Jersey, even though Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Reproductive Freedom Act in January 2022. The law guarantees women self determination on reproductive issues. Its not in the constitution and a majority can overturn (the protections), Fitzpatrick said of abortion rights. That is not completely buttoned up. I wouldnt get overconfident. For Polistina, this years campaign is quite a bit different from the 2021 campaign, when he and his team upset two incumbent Democrats to make a GOP sweep here. The big difference this year is we are the senator and Assembly people running on our record, Polistina said. We are the most bipartisan legislators in the state. Polistina cited getting a new Atlantic County Prosecutor William J. Reynolds sworn in, as well as several Superior Court judges for the county. That has avoided severe judge shortages seen in other parts of the state. Polistina nominated Reynolds, who has worked with Sheriff Eric Scheffler, Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos, and social service agencies to get repeat offenders with less serious charges into drug or mental health treatment, or prosecuted if they do not agree to treatment. Polistina also talked about his bipartisan approach in Trenton, which he said has helped to get millions of additional dollars in funding for AtlantiCare, Stockton University, and the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park in Egg Harbor Township. He and his running mates, Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift, were among the few Republicans last year and this year to vote for Gov. Phil Murphys budget. The budgets had substantial funding increases for Atlantic County institutions and projects, and good property tax rebate programs in them, Polistina said as reasons for voting for them. In interviews this week, the two candidates talked about their three main issues or areas of concern. Protecting access to womens health care and health care in general, was Fitzpatricks top priority, including affordable prescription drugs. Sometimes things are diminished little by little, and the next thing you know you dont have that freedom anymore, Fitzpatrick said. I would be happy to add (reproductive rights) to the state Constitution ... I have heard from people who would like to see that happen. Making Atlantic County more affordable by growing the economy, and getting more people to move here is her next issue, because it is difficult to attract investment when the population is not growing. According to the U.S. Census, Atlantic Countys population only increased from 274,549 in 2010 to to 275,638 in 2022. Fitzpatrick, a strong supporter of offshore wind farm development, said moving towards renewable energy is a priority. Having such a delicate environment where we live, we see first hand the effects of climate change, Fitzpatrick said. Right in my own backyard for the past couple of years Ive had a different bird, Fitzpatrick said. Its a white ibis. Thats not supposed to be here. In the 1950s it was as far north as North Carolina, she said, and now its here because the temperatures are warm enough for it. Thats not theory, its reality, Fitzpatrick said. Shed like to see public transportation and school bus fleets switched over to electric vehicles. And shed like to see better public transportation in South Jersey. We are nowhere near on par with the rest of the state. Its definitely a bar to employment. If you cant get somewhere with reliable transport, you cant have a job. Polistinas first priority is diversifying the economy in Atlantic County, while continuing to support the tourism industry that is such a pillar here, he said. Obviously it is crucial to our future, Polistina said. Providing opportunities to people will be key going forward. Next on Polistinas list is continuing to work to make Atlantic City, which is in his district, clean and safe. We have conversations all the time about the need to reinvest and redevelop in the city, Polistina said. Its crucial to the entire region. He also wants to see the city get more street lights. Its not only about getting the lights fixed, he said of recent efforts that are starting to pay off on fixing street lights. But its also about getting more lights, especially in the tourism district. I think it is key to solving crimes and making sure we have a welcoming city. And next Polistina said bipartisan efforts are important in a state dominated by the Democratic Party. We have got to figure out ways to work together across party lines, Polistina said. We have got to support law enforcement and got to support parents ... to keep them involved in childrens lives. Parents must be notified when their children make major decisions such as which gender they will identify with in school, he said. Polistina has joined other Republican lawmakers in encouraging a pause on offshore wind development until more can be learned about its effects on marine mammals, the fishing and tourism industries, and the costs involved. Most people living in South Jersey have only seen on TV the decimated buildings destroyed by rockets in Israel, but the Tripicians lived through the horror. The retired schoolteachers and Ventnor residents fled Tel Aviv, on Israels border with the Mediterranean, in the aftermath of rockets shelling a building about three blocks from them, in an attack during a long-planned vacation to the country. The couple was eating breakfast last Saturday morning when a security guard ushered them into a stairwell while raid sirens howled outside. During the course of the day, the couple went back and forth between their room and the shelter five or six times as the sirens continued to go off. It was like surreal when the first bomb struck, Tony Tripican, 78, said, from his home while seated beside his wife, Rosemary. Is this really happening? When you see a flash of lightning and hear the thunder at the same time, thats what it felt like, only 10 times as worse. It made you jump out of your skin. Before running for cover, Tripician watched in shock from a hotel window as black smoke rose in the distance. It was among the most frightening experiences either of them has ever lived through. If it hit where we were, we could have been dead, Tony Tripician said. When you think about that, youre going, whoa. Its surreal that its happening. As Israel batters Gaza with air strikes, Hamas fighters have continued to fire thousands of rockets into Israel since their weekend assault. Hamas militants in the territory are also holding an estimated 150 people hostage. The couple was on a planned tour that would have taken them from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the home of historical religious sites. Attracted to Israel for its beauty, they booked a trip through AAA using a local travel agent. The couple had no time to think or process the attack going on around them because their focus was on getting out, Tony Tripican said. Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic political party, that has an armed wing of the same name, launched a massacre inside the country during their visit, sparking about a weeks worth of military battles between Israel and Gaza. Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007. Israel has mobilized 360,000 reservists, massed additional forces near Gaza and evacuated tens of thousands of residents from nearby communities as it continues to retaliate. The first attacks against Israel unfolded on Saturday. Since then, nations, including the U.S., have pledged support to the nation as it defends itself. Before the bombings and being rushed for cover, the Tripicians trip was a typical vacation spent beside the sea, the couple said. People seen in photographs taken on Rosemarys phone were outside freely walking, riding bikes and enjoying meals together. Children bore smiles, they said. The citys joy was replaced by quiet streets the next day. We did see certain things over there, but now its worse, Tony Tripician said. They witnessed the aftermath of the bombing Sunday morning from a bus hurrying to evacuate people from the city. Several buildings were damaged by the bombs. The couple and 24 others relied on two buses to reach Amman, Jordan. The Tripicians spent four to five hours on the bus before they had to wait at the border before they were cleared to leave and continue to Amman. Seeing what was going on over there with children and the people, were realizing how lucky we are and what could have happened to us, said Rosemary Tripician, 75. Once in Jordan, theyd fly to Istanbul, Turkey, where theyd waited for a flight to the U.S. Their escape from the warzone was prolonged by a missed flight to Newark. The only immediate flight available was to Miami, Florida, which took longer than expected because Israeli airspace was shut down. From Miami, theyd return to their car outside Newark Intentional Airport, within hours of leaving Florida on Tuesday, driving home to their Jersey Shore home later that day. We are still processing it now, Rosemary Tripician said. We thank god that we are here. It could have been us. Theyve been trying to process the scene they saw, comparing that reflection process as they did in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The Tripicians arent the only locals with personal ties to the conflict. Egg Harbor Townships Susan Coppens has feared for her friend, Dalia Sweed, an Israeli native from the city of Netanya. Sweed has been in touch with her South Jersey friend since the first rounds of attacks were televised. My friends daughter reached out to me first, said Coppens, who lived in Israel during the 1980s, where she met her husband, Aviad. She knew that I would have known. Her in-laws live in the country, she said. They, too, are staying in contact with their family in New Jersey. The Sweeds have recounted in Hebrew over the phone to Coppens that theyve had to find shelter whenever bomb sirens roared. Theyre saying that they (Hamas) are worse than animals, that theyre savages and they have no value for human life, Coppens said of her friends stories. The Gaza Health Ministry reported Friday that roughly 1,800 people have been killed in the territory more than half of them under the age of 18, or women. Hamas assault last Saturday killed more than 1,300 Israelis, most of whom were civilians, and roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed during the fighting, the Israeli government said. Israel also said about 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel, and that hundreds of the dead inside Gaza are members of Hamas. Meanwhile, Coppens friends have continued to uplift themselves, sending texts to Coppens with the Israeli flag and strong arm emojis for encouragement. The Sweeds continue sharing posts on Facebook Coppens sees. One of her favorites is of a crowd of people in Petah Tikva singing the Israeli national anthem from the streets in the night. Its just a horrible, horrible situation because they dont know where their families are or children, some of them, Coppens said of watching the war unfold. The Associated Press contributed to this report. MINNEAPOLIS A man charged in the museum heist of a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the The Wizard of Oz pleaded guilty in a deal that could keep him out of prison due to his failing health, but only cleared up some of the mystery that dates back 18 years. Terry Jon Martin, 76, pleaded guilty Friday to a single count of theft of a major artwork. The shoes were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor's hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and recovered by the FBI in 2018. No one was arrested until Martin, who lives near Grand Rapids, was charged this year. During his change-of-plea hearing in federal court in Duluth, Martin said he used a hammer to smash the glass of the museum door and display case to take the slippers. He said he thought the slippers had real rubies and that he had hoped to sell the gems. But when a fence told him the rubies were glass, he said he got rid of the slippers. Martin did not say how he got rid of them or to whom he gave them, leaving the slippers' whereabouts during the ensuing years a mystery. He did say that the theft had nothing to do with trying to get insurance money, as some have speculated. Terry has no idea where they were and how they were recovered," Martins attorney, Dane DeKrey, said afterward. "His involvement was that two-day period in 2005. Under the plea agreement, DeKrey and federal prosecutor Matt Greenley recommended that Martin not face any time behind bars because of his age and poor health. Martin, who appeared in court in a wheelchair with supplemental oxygen, has advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and struggles to breathe, DeKrey said. The proposed sentence would let Martin die at home, the attorney said. He's basically slowly suffocating to death, DeKrey said. Martin, who has a 1988 conviction for receiving stolen goods, remained free on his own recognizance after the hearing. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz, the chief federal judge for Minnesota, ordered a presentence investigation and said he'd likely schedule the sentencing for about 2 months from now. Schiltz told Martin that he isn't legally bound by the sentencing recommendation by the defense and prosecution. According to DeKrey, the nonbinding federal sentencing guidelines recommended eight to 10 years in similar cases. The U.S. Attorney's Office said it would have no comment until after Martin is sentenced. Garland wore several pairs of ruby slippers during filming of the classic 1939 musical, but only four authentic pairs are known to remain. The stolen slippers were insured for $1 million, but federal prosecutors put the current market value at about $3.5 million. The FBI said a man approached the insurer in 2017 and said he could help get them back. The slippers were recovered during an FBI sting in Minneapolis. The FBI has never disclosed how it tracked down the slippers, which remain in the agency's custody. The slippers were on loan to the museum from Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw when Martin stole them. Three other pairs that Garland wore in the movie are held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian Museum of American History and a private collector. Several rewards were offered over the years in hopes of figuring out who stole the slippers, which were key props in the 1939 movie. Garlands character, Dorothy, has to click the slippers' heels three times and repeat, Theres no place like home, to return home to Kansas. Garland was born Frances Gumm in 1922. She lived in Grand Rapids, about 200 miles north of Minneapolis, until she was 4, when her family moved to Los Angeles. She died in 1969. The Judy Garland Museum, which is in the house where she lived, says it has the worlds largest collection of Garland and Wizard of Oz memorabilia. Iconic movie props and where they are now Iconic movie props and where they are now HAL 9000 Leg lamp Paul Allens card Hoverboard Wilson Boombox Alarm clock The Wizarding World Jaws Jumanji board game Zoltar Machine Immortan Joes car fleet Box of chocolates Indys Whip Heart of the Ocean Billy the Puppet Death Star McLovins ID Horse head The ring The Maltese Falcon Chess board The Piano The golden ticket Ruby slippers The Garrison, the newest kid on the block in the Quad-Cities restaurant scene, has released its food menu. Located at 131 W. 2nd Street in the Redstone Building in Davenport, The Garrison officially opens to the public on Saturday, Oct. 14. The restaurant was open Friday for a soft-opening, allowing guests to get a taste of their cuisine before the doors open for good. The restaurant works with a theme of "wild recipes, adventurous spirits and interesting characters," promising a completely unique experience in downtown. The Prohibition era theme is present throughout the entire restaurant from the original penny tile flooring to the Model T parked inside the entrance. On the menu, Executive Chef Jonathon Newman, a Moline native, has curated a collection of sharables, soups/salads, sandwiches, entrees and steaks. The shareable options are the same at dinner and lunch times and range from bison meatballs to smoked lobster dip to garlic herb steak bites. These all range from $14-22. Three salads and two soups are also on the menu, with one soup changing daily. These options will set diners back about $10-20 depending on the option. "Handhelds" are priced in a comfortable range of $12-18. Familiar concepts like the Garrison Burger share the menu with more unique items like a blackberry turkey melt, moonshine Cajun chicken and a couple of flatbread options. For entrees, diners should expect to shell out about $14 for a Baby Portabella Tagliatelle to closer to $30 for fancier options such as seared duck, shrimp diablo and white wine red snapper. The main event at The Garrison, however, is the steaks. All are dry-aged for 68 days, according to the website and are accompanied with a side salad. Filet mignon, New York strip, T-bone, ribeye and sirloin are all on the menu in the $50 range. For the hungriest of eaters, a 40 ounce 70-day aged tomahawk is available for $129. Rounding out the menu are a host of sides which include rosemary whipped potatoes, heirloom honey carrots and roasted asparagus. For dinner, The Garrison swaps out the handheld menu for three pasta options. The most unique, the seared duck pomodora, will cost $26 and is black squid ink pasta with garlic confit, pomodoro sauce, roasted heirloom tomatoes, basil, seared duck, parsley, tarragon oil and parmigiano. On the dessert menu are classics like a blueberry tart-let and a s'mores lava cake. More special are the tri berry creme brulee made table side, Garrison cotton candy made in-house and the "Queens Red Poison Apple," a Snow White-inspired treat with apple chutney and chocolate cream custard. These options range from $9-13. The cocktail menu has a wide range of wines and beers available, as well as signature cocktails by an expert mixologist from Dallas. The classic Old Fashioned tops the list, but other drinks infused with vodka, tequila and fresh herbs leave room for the adventurous to try them all for about $10-12 a glass. Not on the menu is the cocktail list, or directions, for the speakeasy. Hidden inside The Garrison is a separate bar for the most curious diners to find. Owners offered a hint of "follow the blue light" to find it. Once there, the October password is "seven dwarves." The full menu and reservation list can be found online. The Garrison is open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The speakeasy is open from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Restaurant rebound: How spending at restaurants bounced back Restaurant rebound: How spending at restaurants bounced back Restaurant spending quickly surpassed pre-COVID values On Monday, the Davenport school board weighed the future of high school course offerings. With all board members present, Toni Robertson president of Davenport's LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) council gave a presentation on the group's local education initiatives. Highlights: This year, LULAC awarded 51 scholarships totaling $30,000 and donated more than $6,000 toward cultural programming in area schools. To date, 1,100 Quad-City area students have received LULAC scholarships, reaching $830,000 in total support. Council leaders meet with Davenport school officials monthly during the school year to collaborate on educational initiatives. Notable LULAC initiatives include: developing a "Sponsor A School" program at Jefferson, Hayes and Fillmore Elementary Schools; implementing a "tech center" at Project Renewal after school sites, supporting the Putnam Museum's ESL Pathways program, hosting skilled trades career expos with the Tri-City Building Trades Council and co-sponsoring the University of Iowa Latino Youth Summit. Davenport's LULAC also worked with district leaders and the U of I to develop lesson plans on Hispanic immigration and migration to Iowa, now used in the third grade social studies curriculum. Student board representatives noted upcoming homecoming activities for their respective high schools, Student Hunger Drive endeavors and other campus updates. For the full presentation and student board reports, watch Monday's meeting livestream on "Davenport Schools" YouTube channel. After flying through the consent agenda, the board unanimously approved several action items. Highlights: Submitting a $1,411,419.12 request for modified supplemental assistance (spending authority) to the School Budget Review Committee for the district's Limited English Proficiency budget deficit in fiscal year 2023. An annual review of the district's Nondiscrimination Statement. The district's 2023-24 Teacher Quality (TQ) Committee, in accordance with Iowa state law. The board tabled their vote on the 2024-25 high school course guide until the next meeting for further discussion, namely to discern the future of speech class. Bruce Potts was the only board member to vote against this motion. If approved, the proposed course guide would change speech from a required course to an elective. Some expressed concerns about this change during public comment on Monday. "This is not a good change for Davenport students," said Maggie Rietz, who has taught speech at West High School for 15 years. "Requiring speech gives all students the opportunity to learn a skill that businesses are looking for: good communication skills." In an era of high screen time, she added, these skills will set Davenport students apart for future success. "Speech teaches students confidence, organization; social, verbal and non-verbal skills," Rietz said. "As a language arts teacher, I can tell you there is not time to effectively teach speaking and listening on top of all of the other things required of (language arts) teachers." Trinity Merrick, a senior at West, echoed similar sentiments from a student's perspective, speaking about how the course helped students better interact as they returned to school after remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "In a time where we've lost the confidence to be where I'm at right now, talking to all of you, speech class helps," Merrick said. "Not just to have that confidence, but to formulate those sentences, gain diction, all these other skills that an English class, where you write it on paper, can't really give you." Merrick also said West's speech and debate team has provided a creative, competitive outlet for students should consider being a part of. District curriculum leaders ran later through all proposed high school course changes, opening up to the board for questions. Vice-president Karen Kline-Jerome was concerned that the district's course guide team did not include teachers. "That's not acceptable, in my eyes. They need to be involved in this," she said. "Which is why, I think, the people came to us about speech they were not there to give you their input. ... If our enrollment goes down in speech, then what?" On this front, Diane Campbell, director of learning and results, said the district's content specialists met with each department head last spring to gauge teacher feedback on course content and sequencing. Board members had similar concerns, many also noting the social benefits of required speech courses. Davenport is the only district in the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency that requires speech. One option, as noted by curriculum leaders and Davenport Superintendent TJ Schneckloth, is to embed speech in other courses such as English and language arts. "Our administration did their diligence with talking to their building leaders and this is a difficult decision," Schneckloth said. "This is an option that we're putting forth, that we think is a very viable option for us." To hear the full presentation and discussion, watch Monday's livestream starting around the 37:20 timestamp, until roughly 1:40:50. Aside from policy revisions, the board also discussed replacing Mid-City High School's shed roof for an estimated $77,000 due to spring hailstorm damage. Next meeting: Monday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. Chris Jones argues Iowa has a water quality problem. In summer, many lakes turn green with algae blooms caused by excessive nutrients, mostly nitrate and phosphorus. A Department of Natural Resources report from 2020 shows 29% of Iowas water bodies are impaired for at least one of its designated uses such as recreation, aquatic life or drinking, and an additional 60% are potentially impaired but there is not sufficient data to make an assessment. Nutrients carried downstream in the Mississippi River contribute to the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, caused by algae blooms that deplete oxygen levels when they decompose, as determined by a task force of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Most of Iowas nutrient contribution can be traced to agriculture as it is practiced today, the task force found. The same aggressive system that makes Iowa the nations leader in corn, hog and egg production and second in soybean and red meat production also accounts for excess nutrients that get into waterways. The nutrients come mainly from fertilizer either purchased, or in the form of manure collected at concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOS that is applied to the soil but a portion of which runs off the surface or percolates down and into underground drainage tiles that deposit it into streams. After years of monitoring and analyzing Iowas waterways, Chris Jones, the recently retired research engineer at the University of Iowas Institute of Hydraulic Research, concluded that voluntary practices currently in place to reduce nutrients will never be enough and that meaningful regulation is needed. Jones, 62, will bring his message to the Quad-Cities on Wednesday, Oct. 18, when he delivers the keynote dinner address at the Upper Mississippi River Conference at Rock Islands Holiday Inn. The 17th annual conference is presented by River Action Inc., a Davenport nonprofit dedicated to fostering the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad-City region. Jones stance is at odds with state policy, the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy adopted in 2013. As a result of dead zone findings, states along the Mississippi River were called on to devise strategies to reduce nutrients, with a goal of at least a 45% reduction in total nitrogen and total phosphorus. The EPA left it up to the states as to how to do this. Representatives of the three entities that led development of Iowas strategy the departments of agriculture and natural resources and Iowa State University did not return phone calls or emails asking for a response to Jones criticism of the strategy. Neither did a representative for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. A May 24 news release on the Iowa State website quotes Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig as saying the detailed dashboards (a collection of graphs, charts, figures and tables) demonstrate that the Nutrient Reduction Strategy is working, and Iowas water quality is improving. This comprehensive reporting shows that real progress is being made, but we are far from satisfied and will continue our efforts to scale up Iowas adoption of conservation practices. These practices include grassy buffers next to streams, minimum or no-tillage and cover crops. Scaling up would include more funding and staff people to do outreach to farmers and to provide cost-share for farmer implementation. But there is no requirement for implementation. What regulation might do Jones lays out his case for regulation and other criticisms of the status quo in his recently published book, The Swine Republic: Struggles with the truth about agriculture and water quality. The book is a largely compilation of blog posts he wrote from 2015 until earlier this year when his blog at the University of Iowa shut down. Jones would ban row crop farming in the two-year floodplain. The two-year floodplain has all been mapped by the University of Iowa, Jones said in an interview. We know where it all is. Taking that ground around 400,000 acres total out of production by creating, say, grassed buffers of 50 or more feet along all streams would decrease the amount of fertilizers and pesticides washed away into the stream network and the Gulf of Mexico every other year, Jones says. Its not much land, and it would have a disproportionately good effect on our water quality, he said. Other regulations? A ban on fall tillage, or working up of the soil. People at Iowa State University have been discouraging this practice for decades because it increases soil erosion and nutrient loss. Jones also would require farmers to adhere to ISU fertilization guidelines; that is, apply no more nitrogen than science has determined a crop needs. And he would re-work CAFO regulations. These proposals are non-starters in Iowas existing political and cultural climate. Implementation could reduce profits and curtail expansion. Jones argues that while farmers have a right to farm, non-farmers have rights, too. And that includes the right to clean water. We cannot continue to cram hogs into Iowa and meet the objectives of the nutrient strategy, at least not without effectively regulating nutrient inputs, he writes. How much manure? Jones has calculated the amount of waste generated by livestock in Iowas watersheds and compared it to the amount of human waste generated in different geographic locations. He found that the amount of animal fecal waste generated in the watersheds upstream from the city of Des Moines is equal to the human fecal waste of Chicago, Tokyo, Rome, Paris, Oklahoma and Alabama. Breaking that down, he calculated that Iowas 20-24 million hogs generate in ballpark figures as much waste as 83.7 million people. (By comparison, Iowa has a human population of about 3.2 million.) The states 1.8 million beef cattle generate the waste of 25 million people; its 80 million laying chickens generate the waste of 15 million people; its 250,000 dairy cattle generate the waste of 8.6 million people, and its 4.7 million turkeys generate the waste of 900,000 people. Because Des Moines has historically gotten its drinking water from upstream rivers, it has had to pay to have nitrate removed when levels exceeded safe levels. Jones was suggested as a speaker for the river conference by Ray Wolf, retired meteorologist with the National Weather Service, Davenport, and a member of River Actions conference committee. Wolf said he followed Jones blog about water quality as an extension of Wolfs interest in water quantity the prediction of floods and drought and that Jones measures an inconvenient truth. There are issues with water quality, and he has objective information," Wolf said. While the theme of the conference is building community around the river and Jones message will be divisive for some, the need to know whats going on and what the conditions are is foundational, Wolf said. Water quality is not an easy topic, but big topics arent easy. In addition to his work at the University of Iowa, Jones credentials include a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Montana State University, Bozeman, and previous employment at the Des Moines Water Works and the Iowa Soybean Association. Jones concludes his talks like the one he will give in Rock Island with a story about a guy on a crowded beach, a guy who gets up and starts doing a crazy dance. He does this for about five minutes and then another person gets up and starts the crazy dance. This keeps happening until everyone on the whole beach is dancing. Who is the leader? Jones asks. Pause. Its the second guy. Im the crazy guy, Jones says. What I need is some seconds to start dancing. People not attending the entire conference can go to the dinner only and hear Jones speak for $35. (For tickets, go to riveraction.org/umrc) If you go What: Upper Mississippi River Conference, presented by River Action Inc. When and where: Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 17-19, at the Holiday Inn, Rock Island. How much: $220 for the full conference ($40 for students) with various ala carte options, including attending just the keynote dinner with Chris Jones for $35. For more information and to register, go to riveraction.org/umrc Counties with the most farmland in Iowa Counties with the most farmland in Iowa #25. O'Brien #24. Lyon #23. Calhoun #22. Pocahontas #21. Buena Vista #20. Wright #19. Greene #18. Grundy #17. Monona #16. Carroll #15. Ringgold #14. Shelby #13. Winneshiek #12. Clinton #11. Harrison #10. Jasper #9. Fayette #8. Tama #7. Webster #6. Benton #5. Crawford #4. Sioux #3. Woodbury #2. Plymouth #1. Kossuth OCTOBER 15 Grace Church, 2324 18th Ave., Rock Island, welcomes their new Pastor Peter Galbraith at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 15, with potluck to follow to celebrate. Questions, please call 309-788-4050. Peter was born and raised for the first nine years of life in the city of Peoria. He lived in a number of places in his growing up years, including Texas, South Carolina, and Ohio. Peter discerned a call to pastoral ministry sometime in his college years, though meaningful relationships with his Presbyterian minister and Christian Educator of his church impacted him long before that. Following his siblings, Peter became a summer camp counselor, though for him it was at Geneva Hills, a Presbyterian Camp in the Appalachian hills. He then served as a Young Adult Volunteer through the PC(USA) Mission Agency, working at a local YMCA in Guildford, England. Prior to his ordination, Peter taught English as a second language for three years in Vietnam, serving another two years learning the Vietnamese language. He also served as a hospital chaplain at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California. Peter has a B.A. from Miami University of Ohio, and both an M.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies and M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. He was pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Nelsonville, Ohio, where he has served for the past 12 years. OCTOBER 17 Local teaching pastor Peter Pettit to lead educational forum, "The war between Hamas and Israel: What's behind it?" on Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2136 Brady St, Davenport. Forum will be held in the sanctuary. Since 1984, Israel and Palestine have been a focus of engagement for Peter Pettit, as a scholar and educator. On Tuesday evening at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, he will offer a public educational forum on the background and dynamics of the long-running and tragic conflict that has exploded again this month into open warfare. He will explore the history, geopolitics, religion, and human nature that conspire to leave it unresolved after nearly 150 years. He will analyze what those factors contribute to the current conflict. The Rev. Peter A. Pettit, PhD, is teaching pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. He formerly taught religion studies and led an interfaith institute at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. As a Lutheran pastor, he is in fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and was a leader in one of its congregations during a years residency in Jerusalem/al-Quds. As a teaching fellow of the Shalom Hatman Institute in Jerusalem, he co-led its international interfaith theology seminar for 26 years, as well as a curriculum development project, Christians Engaging Israel. As a co-director of Interfaith Partners for Peace, he has designed and led a half-dozen educational missions to Palestine and Israel for pastors and rabbis. He has published numerous articles and book chapters on topics related especially to the idea of a promised land, Jewish and Christian biblical interpretation, and Christian theology of Judaism and other religions. OCTOBER 18 You and your friends are invited to the Mess To Message Brunch sponsored by the Moline Area Morning Connection from 9:15-11 a.m., Wednesday Oct. 18 at Christ United Methodist Church, 3801 7th St., East Moline. Speaker Kelly Davis of Moline tells why and how people are deceived and how Gods Grace can save them. As a special feature, Kelly teaches Stretching Your Way To A Pain Free Life. Also, Carl Dittmar of East Moline performs inspirational selections. $10 /person. Reservations are due today by calling Judy at 309-732-6226. Checks, payable to Morning Connection, mailed to 1800-7th St., Unit 10D, East Moline, IL 61244. OCTOBER 19-21 St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 312 1st Street West, Milan, will host a Fall Rummage from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19; 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20; and 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 21. All items are clean and in good working order. No admission fee. OCTOBER 22 Riverside United Methodist Church, 712 16th Street, Moline, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its current sanctuary at services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22 led by Rev. Nic Showalter, District Superintendent of the Spoon-LaMoine River District of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church. The church, located at 712 16th Street, Moline, razed its previous building at the same location in the fall of 1922 and dedicated the current sanctuary on Oct. 21, 1923. Additional Information: 189 Years of Methodism in Moline 1834 Class meetings held in home of Joel Wells on banks of the Mississippi 1843 Services moved to the Moline House Hotel 1845 Services moved to Molines first schoolhouse 1848 First church built at northwest corner of 16th Street and 5th Avenue 1871 Built larger church at southeast corner of 16th Street and 7th Avenue 1922 Razed 1871 church 1923 Dedicated the current building 1961 Completed educational wing to the south 1999 Added handicapped accessible east entrance 2000 Name changed to Riverside United Methodist Church after merger with Aldersgate After about 4.5 hours of deliberation Friday night, a Pennington County jury found 76-year-old Grand Gateway Hotel owner Connie Uhre guilty of two counts of simple assault and acquitted her on a third count after she sprayed Pledge at protestors in May 2022. The group demonstrated in a public area near the hotel parking lot about a month after Uhre commented on Facebook that Native Americans would no longer be allowed in the hotel or bar. During the two-day simple assault trial on Thursday and Friday, the state and defense painted two different pictures of Uhre and her intent when she deployed the household cleaner. This case is actually quite simple," said Deputy Pennington County States Attorney Rachel Lindsay during closing arguments Friday afternoon. "She was mad, and she assaulted three people." The six-man, six-woman jury partially agreed when they found Uhre assaulted NDN Collective Action Organizer Sunny Red Bear, and the teenage son of another NDN Collective employee. The teen testified he attended the protest to sing, play drums, and support his people. Red Bear testified Uhre sprayed her face and camera, and the cleaner made her eyes burn. "It was a little bit breezy ... I'm not saying some didn't drift off, but I didn't spray her (Red Bear) in the face," Uhre testified. The minor testified Uhre sprayed the cleaner in his mouth. Video footage showed the young man coughing and spitting the chemical out. Uhres defense counsel, Hot Springs attorney James Sword, accused the teenager of spitting at Uhre, but he testified he wanted to get away from her. The woman who the jury acquitted Uhre of assaulting did not testify at the trial. Witness testimony of exactly what happened to her was spotty, and no witnesses directly pointed her out in a 16-minute live video Red Bear took of the incident. Throughout the trial, Sword emphasized his clients age and small stature all 4 foot 11 inches of her. There are several different definitions of simple assault in South Dakota. Uhre was specifically charged with attempting by physical menace or credible threat to put another in fear of imminent bodily harm, with or without the actual ability to harm another person. In Sword's characterization, Uhre was a small, elderly woman who was scared of the more than 20 protestors. In response to them taunting her and sticking cameras in her face, she sprayed Pledge at their cameras, but not at their faces. Sword said that no one was afraid of Uhre. However, Lindsay emphasized a portion of the jury instructions that stated Uhres actions did not have to result in actual fear. She simply had to attempt to put someone in fear of imminent bodily harm. "You don't spray somebody with a cleaning product to make them feel good, Lindsay said. Uhre rose to infamy in March 2022 when she made Facebook comments stating the hotel would no longer allow Native Americans on the property or at the adjoining Cheers Lounge because of vandalism and "Natives killing Natives." She made the comments after 19-year-old Myron Pourier was shot in the early morning hours of March 19, 2022 on the property. Pourier, a Native American, died about two weeks later. Quincy Bear Robe another 19-year-old Native American man faces a murder charge for the shooting. His case is pending. Former Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender shared screenshots on Twitter of her comments, and public interest on social media and local and national news exploded. In response to the comments, NDN Collective a Native American non-profit based in Rapid City organized protests outside the hotel several times a week during spring 2022. The Pledge incident occurred during one of the protests. NDN Collective also filed a federal lawsuit against Uhre, one of her sons Nick Uhre, and the hotel's parent company Retsel Corporation for allegedly turning away Native Americans who attempted to book rooms there after the comments. A discrimination lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice is also pending. Nick Uhre testified Friday that his mother was "speaking out of personal outrage" when she made the comments, and they turned away the Native Americans after they had already decided to close the hotel, which reopened months later. From his perspective, his mother's outrage came after he sent her photos of the hotel room where Pourier was shot and adjacent rooms after police arrived and removed drywall looking for bullet fragments. "It was my fault. I should have never shown her those photographs," he said. "There was quite a bit of damage." Nick said it only took a couple days after the comments reached the public eye for his family to be harassed and threatened. During his testimony, the defense showed video footage from the hotel where someone can be heard on a bullhorn repeating chants. Connie Uhre testified the protestors called the numbers on company vehicles visiting the hotel to tell them they were racist if they stayed there. "This is the guise of a protest to harass us," Nick Uhre said. He also defended the hotel and said that "personal outrage does not dictate policy." Uhre faces up to one year in the county jail and up to a $2,000 fine for each assault conviction. Both the state and the defense agreed with Magistrate Judge Scott Bogue that a status hearing is the next appropriate step ahead of sentencing, but no date was set Friday night. The verdict came in after 9 p.m., and no clerks were present in the courtroom to set a date. Uhre left the courtroom with some family members and her lawyer by her side. Sword was asked if he wanted to make a comment about the verdict, but he declined. On behalf of the state, Lindsay said, "We're happy with the verdict we got. Obviously the state is trustful of the judicial process. The jury spoke." Red Bear was present for the verdict, but declined to comment. Kylee Koller is a dedicated working mother and college student. She's also no stranger to the demands of balancing her education between South Dakota Mines and Western Dakota Tech and the rest of her life. But amid her determination and aspirations, Koller is confronted with an increasingly daunting challenge within her home. At the heart of the issue is Rapid City's Prairie Acres Estates, a mobile home community that changed ownership about three years ago. Residents of Prairie Acres Estates are growing increasingly frustrated, as they point to a myriad of issues that have arisen since the change in ownership. Concerns like the absence of formal lease agreements, a lack of clarity surrounding their responsibilities, a continuous surge in repair demands, unwarranted lease terminations, and the ever-present specter of eviction. Prairie Acres Estates' management said calls for repairs and renovations come from a need to adhere to fire safety regulations required for the landowners to maintain their permit and uphold overall home maintenance standards within the community. They underscored they do provide lease agreements, with the expectation that tenants follow and sign them, and they make it clear that eviction is always considered a last resort. But the situation has led to growing fears among residents about their living arrangements. A significant number of park residents own their mobile homes while leasing the land they occupy through a monthly rent agreement. This arrangement often presents an insurmountable challenge when considering the possibility of relocating their older homes, and it is nearly impossible for some. Koller and her family call a 1967 mobile home their own, a modest abode that faces growing challenges. The Department of Housing and Urban Development law decrees that mobile homes older than 1976 cannot be moved due to safety reasons, a law that leaves Koller's family in a precarious position as her trailer park's new owners increase demands for repairs and renovations with each month. If evicted or forced to leave, Koller would have a very short time to sell her home or be forced to abandon it, effectively losing her family's investment. "I work at the Rapid City Area Schools. I'm a mom and a wife. My husband has lived here since he was 18, in his own trailer since then, Koller said. "We never really had problems with the previous landlords. But when we got these new landlords, they haven't given us a new lease. So, we don't really know what we're supposed to expect. I'm not very happy about it; we haven't really gotten a lease in the last three years since they took it over, she said. The family is burdened by a significant number of repair requests. She said they received a list of 14 tasks to address in their home, which included costly items such as redoing the skirting and siding. The financial strain and the sheer number of required repairs were causing distress. Koller expressed deep concern about the tight timeline they were facing. The new landlords had given her and her husband a notice requiring them to create a repair timeline by October 27 and complete all the specified repairs by December 15. Koller said it was unrealistic. She emphasized the challenges of meeting these demands within the two-month timeframe and the potential consequences, including the threat of eviction. We're probably just going to end up moving because we don't have our timeline set out. If we don't have the timeline set out, then what will end up happening by October 27 is they'll issue an eviction notice, because that's what they did to my mother-in-law, she said. Repair requests, rent hikes, and lease inconsistencies have become the unfortunate norm at Prairie Acres Estates, according to tenants. During a recent Rapid City Council meeting, residents detailed the persistent issues and lack of protections for mobile home owners, both in the community and state. Management at Prairie Acres Estates said repairs are contractual obligations. Tenants said that since out-of-state investors took ownership, repair requests seem to follow an unending cycle, leaving tenants overwhelmed and uncertain about what challenges lie ahead. Some have led to the eviction notices, according to tenants. At the meeting, Koller expressed her frustration in front of the council. "I can't afford to fix all these demands they want," she said. "I don't have the time or the resources, and there's no guarantee that more issues won't arise even after I make these repairs." A lack of lease agreements has further fueled tenant fears. Many argue agreements they possess, signed under previous owners, fail to align with the requirements they are now expected to meet. A concerned mother of a tenant recounted her sons experience with rent increases and a subsequent list of repairs. "He has had his rent increase. And then six months after that, another increase, which amounted to around 70% in about 13 to 14 months," she told the council. "Following the last $100 increase, we received an extensive repair list. I have my son's list here, which included requests to repaint the mobile home, paint the skirting, and more. It felt overwhelming." Tenants argue these standards are not uniformly applied, creating a disparity. "They're not giving people the same standards. They're not even going by the same standards," one tenant said. "If you're wanting my son to have a border, you should have a border. If his skirting needs to be perfect, yours needs to be. You should be leading by example." Erick Pickar, an attorney representing Prairie Acres Estates, said management is open to addressing tenant concerns and that eviction is the last resort. He clarified the park primarily leases lots, not mobile homes themselves, and repairs are necessary to meet fire safety standards mandated for park licensing. He encouraged tenants to take a proactive stance in addressing issues to prevent escalation. "People feel that they're not being treated fairly. And I get that. But no one's being treated unfairly. No one's being singled out. We only send these notices to the renters of lots that have these issues," Pickar said. "And we try to be consistent. And if we get a complaint from another resident, and we feel an obligation to this person, neighbors trying to get their neighbor to clean the place up a little bit." The struggles at Prairie Acres Estates extend beyond maintenance woes. For many, the mobility of their older mobile homes is constrained, rendering them immobile when lease agreements are terminated or eviction looms. These homes represent not just a place to live but a significant investment. Without the ability to move, residents face the grim prospect of losing their valuable property. In the state of South Dakota, it's crucial to note that mobile home owners have no legal protections distinct from typical renters in this scenario. If a lease is terminated or a resident is evicted, and the tenant leaves behind belongings with a total value less than $500, the landlord is not obligated to store them and may treat them as abandoned property, disposing of them accordingly. However, if the belongings are estimated to have a value exceeding $500, the landlord must store them for 30 days. During this period, the landlord can request reimbursement for handling and storage costs before returning the property. After the 30-day storage period, the landlord is no longer required to store the belongings and can dispose of them. If a tenant leaves the mobile home on the property after being evicted, the landlord can pursue legal action to obtain title to the mobile home and subsequently sell it. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley discussed the legal aspects of mobile home ownership and landlord-tenant relationships with the Journal, shedding light on the complexities involved. "From a broad standpoint, we do at the Attorney General's office receive a large number of landlord-tenant complaints," he said. "Most of the time, the contract between the landlord and the tenant governs, so it's very important that both parties understand what the words require in the contract." Jackley explained that legal provisions regarding eviction hinge on various factors, including the reason for eviction. He mentioned a 90-day removal requirement under South Dakota law if the property is being developed for an alternate use. Nevertheless, he underscored that lease agreement terms typically take precedence in eviction cases. Jackley's words underscored the importance of clear, mutually understood lease agreements in mobile home park communities, where homeowners' rights and security are profoundly impacted by contractual terms. At Prairie Acres Estates, many tenants have monthly lease arrangements, which offer less stability and security compared to long-term annual leases. In the event of lease termination or eviction, residents are left with 30 days to vacate their homes, a tight deadline that can induce immense stress and uncertainty. Amid this backdrop, Amber Munck, an attorney from Colorado, voiced her concerns. Her niece and sister reside within the park. The contrast between Colorado, where protections for mobile home park residents have been enacted, and South Dakota, where similar safeguards are lacking, was stark, she said. "Colorado put additional protections allowing for additional time for mobile homeowners in that situation to sell their homes. But be that as it may, this is allowed in South Dakota, Munck said. What I think is truly not allowed is the repeated violation letters, identifying subjective, aesthetic elements that are not stated as requirements in the lease." In 2019, Colorado enacted a bill called the Mobile Home Park Act to protect mobile home owners, granting counties and municipalities the power to enact certain ordinances for mobile home parks, extending the time period between the notice of nonpayment of rent and the termination of any tenancy or other estate at will or lease in a mobile home park, and extending the time a mobile home owner has to vacate a mobile home park after a court enters an eviction order. "I am sitting here wondering what rights, what laws do I have because when I go onto your business website [City of Rapid City], there are no protections for trailer home owners. My trailer is a 1967, and I cannot move it; it is structurally impossible to relocate. It's supposed to be grandfathered in, Koller told the Council. But they pretty much leave me with no protection for myself. There are no protections for trailer home owners; we are treated like renters. And I'm asking for regulations and maybe different rules than renters for trailer parks because there are none. Chinese manufactured injectable drug boosting Kenya's war against malaria Xinhua) 10:42, October 14, 2023 NAIROBI, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's battle against malaria has gained new momentum through the widespread deployment of an injectable drug manufactured by the Chinese pharmaceutical company, Fosun Pharma, Kenyan officials said Thursday, during a forum in the western Kenyan city of Kisumu. Kibor Keitany, the head of the National Malaria Control Program in the Ministry of Health, said that Fosun Pharma's second-generation artesunate for injection, marketed under the Argesun brand name, has proven effective in treating severe malaria cases. "The injectable drug is an addition to other existing interventions like indoor spraying, vaccines and deployment of insecticide-treated nets which the country is relying on to achieve zero malaria target in the near future," Keitany said. According to Keitany, Kenya reported 6.7 million malaria cases and 4,000 deaths in 2021. The government is actively leveraging enhanced surveillance, timely diagnosis and treatment to combat the tropical disease in the endemic western and coastal regions. Keitany also emphasized Kenya's commitment to expanding the use of injectable artesunate, alongside World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines, to reduce malaria-related fatalities among at-risk groups, including pregnant women and children under the age of five. Kenya is one of 18 African countries where the injectable malaria drug is already being used to treat severe cases in children. It received approval from the WHO prequalification team in June. Yu Jun, the vice president of Guilin Pharma, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, said that the artesunate for injection has undergone rigorous safety and efficacy assessments. Its widespread use is expected to be a game-changer in the fight against malaria in Africa. "In the future, the second generation artesunate will be widely used in African countries to facilitate the treatment of severe malaria," Yu said, adding that China-Africa cooperation in biomedical research will be key to boosting the fight against vector-borne diseases. Gregory Ganda, the chief officer for health and sanitation in Kisumu County, said that the development of artesunate for injection drugs is a huge milestone for malaria treatment in the endemic zones of the Lake Victoria basin. "The artesunate drug has changed the management of severe malaria among both inpatients and outpatients at our facilities," Ganda said, adding that most of the health centers now provide artesunate injections, which have led to a decrease in fatalities. Walter Otieno, a pediatrician and researcher with the Kenya Medical Research Institute, said that case studies at health facilities have demonstrated the high potency of injectable artesunate in treating severe malaria in children. He clarified that the drug can be administered to individuals of all age groups and is capable of clearing malaria-carrying parasites from the patient's blood within 24 hours. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Washington (CNN) The US intelligence community produced at least two assessments based in part on intelligence provided by Israel warning the Biden administration of an increased risk for Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the weeks ahead of Saturdays seismic attack on southern Israel, according to sources familiar with the intelligence. One update from September 28 warned, based on multiple streams of intelligence, that the terror group Hamas was poised to escalate rocket-attacks across the border. An October 5 wire from the CIA warned generally of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas. Then, on October 6, the day before the attack, US officials circulated reporting from Israel indicating unusual activity by Hamas indications that are now clear: an attack was imminent. None of the American assessments offered any tactical details or indications of the overwhelming scope, scale and sheer brutality of the operation that Hamas carried out on October 7, sources say. It is unclear if any of these US assessments were shared with Israel, which provides much of the intelligence that the US bases its reports on. Israel, Gaza and the West Bank are also on a hot spots list included in intelligence briefings for senior officials almost daily, a person who receives the briefings said. Intelligence assessments are written by the intelligence community to inform policy makers and enable them to make decisions. The problem is that none of this is new, said one of the sources familiar with the intelligence. This is something that has historically been the norm between Hamas and Israel. I think what happened is everyone saw these reports and were like, Yeah of course. But we know what this will look like. But the assessments were among a wave of high-level warnings given to the Biden administration by both its own intelligence community and Middle Eastern allies over the past year, raising questions about whether the US and Israel were appropriately attuned to the risk. A senior official from an Arab country in the region said their country repeatedly raised concerns with US and Israeli officials that Palestinian anger was reaching a dangerous pitch. But they never listened every time we warned them, the official said. A Middle Eastern diplomat in Washington, DC, also told CNN that their government had repeatedly warned the White House and US intelligence officials of a buildup of Hamas weapons and anger among Palestinians that was set to explode. The arms that exist in Gaza is beyond the imagination of anybodys thinking, they warned, the diplomat said. The arms that exist in the West Bank, via Hamas, are also becoming a real problem and Hamas control of the West Bank is a real issue. This in every meeting, every meeting in the last year and a half, the diplomat added. And in February, CIA Director Bill Burns told an audience at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service that he was quite concerned about the prospects for even greater fragility and even greater violence between Israelis and Palestinians. I would not come to the conclusion that the intel community was not tracking this from a strategic level in fact they were, a US official told CNN. Yet those strategic warnings did nothing to help US or Israeli officials predict the events of October 7, when more than 1,000 Hamas fighters poured across the border into Israel in an operation that would leave more than a thousand Israelis dead. For most US and Israeli officials who were tracking the intelligence, the expectation was that there would likely be just another round of small-scale violence by Hamas perhaps some rocket fire that Israels Iron Dome would intercept, one source familiar with the intelligence explained. If we had known or if we know of a pending attack against an ally, we would clearly inform that ally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Friday. Senior Biden administration officials as well as current and former intelligence officials continue to say they remain focused on the crisis at hand and insist that is too soon to review how the planning for such a massive attack was missed. Multiple current and former intelligence officials, as well as some lawmakers briefed on US intelligence, pushed back on the notion that the failure to provide tactical warning of the attack was the USs responsibility because so much of US intelligence reporting on Gaza originated with Israel in the first place. Another source familiar with the intelligence sumbumed up the US view: Israel missed this, not us. We have a level of confidence in Shin Bet, the IDF, Mossad and others. The New York Times also reported on the existence of some of the reports and that they were not briefed up to President Joe Biden. There was no information warning about the terrorist attack in advance, a Biden administration official told CNN. The Office of Director of National Intelligence and the CIA declined to comment. Missed signs Based on conversations with dozens of current and former intelligence, military and congressional officials, the view is coalescing among US officials and lawmakers that Israels failure to predict the explosion of simmering rage from Gaza was primarily due to a lack of imagination. Hamas likely hid the planning of the operation through old-fashioned counterintelligence measures such as conducting planning meetings in person and staying off digital communications whose signals the Israelis can track. But US officials also believe that Israel had become complacent about the threat Hamas posed and failed to recognize key indicators that the group was planning for a large-scale operation. For example, Israeli officials failed to recognize routine Hamas training exercises as a sign that the group was preparing an imminent attack. The militants trained for the onslaught in at least six sites across Gaza, a CNN investigation found, including at one site less than a mile from Israels border. There were numerous indicators of a change in posture generally by Hamas and then pivoting both in public rhetoric and posture more towards violence and attacks generally, said one source familiar with US intelligence. In general, the Biden administrations public posture in the lead up to the attack also did not reflect a heightened sense of alarm about the potential for violence. The intelligence communitys annual assessment of worldwide threats, released in February, does not mention Hamas. The Middle East region is quieter today than it has been in two decades, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at The Atlantic Festival on September 29. Challenges remain, Sullivan said, citing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. But the amount of time that I have to spend on crisis and conflict in the Middle East today compared to any of my predecessors going back to 9/11 is significantly reduced. Hamas had refrained from entering two smaller cross-border skirmishes within the last year between another Palestinian militant group and Israel. Israel believed that its policy of offering work permits to Gazans and allowed Qatari money into the country had given Hamas something to lose and lulled the group into quiescence. Hamas is very, very restrained and understands the implications of further defiance, Tzachi Hanegbi, Israels national security adviser, told an Israeli radio channel six days before the assault. Its also possible that the Hamas operation was more successful than the group anticipated, one former intelligence official and another source familiar with current intelligence said. I think that its very possible, if not probable, that Hamas vastly exceeded its own expectations, the second person said. They thought we would mount this assault and there would be a couple dozen killed but never did they think it would rise to the level it did. This story has been updated with a response from the Biden administration. The Rapid City Police Department is searching for a man suspected of robbing the 777 Casino on West Main Street Friday. Shortly before 12:00 p.m., police were dispatched to 2730 W. Main Street for a reported armed robbery. Officers spoke with an employee who said an unknown Caucasian male had entered the casino, brandished a pistol and demanded money. The clerk complied and the suspect fled the building with an undisclosed amount of cash. RCPD said they believe a white SUV, shown below, was also involved. Anyone with any information about the identity of the suspect or about the suspect vehicle, should contact Det. Brandon Johnson at 605-394-4134. An anonymous tip can also be submitted by texting the letters 'RCPD' and the information to 847-411. It is the second time this month the 777 Casino has been robbed. The first incident occurred the morning of Oct. 4, where a Hispanic or Native American male entered, pulled out a knife and demanded money. The Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour with 20 artists from Lolo to Darby will be held on Oct. 20 and 21. AAB professional artists welcome community members to their studios and many are offering demonstrations and hands-on activities for a wide variety of mediums. The tour is free and all ages are welcome. AAB President Leisa Lewis said the nonprofits mission is encourage public awareness of artists and fine-art artisans living in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana by offering a varied art experience to the community and to visitors. We have several artists setting up their studio spaces in one spot for the tour to make it more enjoyable and convenient Lewis said. We have a returning artists including Chip Jones and two artists new to ABB Gary Roberts and Nathan Wotkyns. Chip Jones, owner of Big Rock Bronze works, said he will be offering molten experiences of pewter, aluminum and bronze. My studio is just north of Stevensville and I have a metal shop and bronze foundry, Jones said. People will be able to come in see the process of how we build a bronze, from sculpting it all the way up to pouring it. At 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday Ill be pouring bronze for people to watch. Well pour pewter and aluminum inside the shop all day long. So, they can come by and see how they pour metal. Jones calls himself a texturist. I get really excited about textures, he said. I gravitate towards [textures], when Im painting I use really heavy textures, looking at the edges of the colors and use more than the actual topics. So, it might be a horse or an elk but Im more excited about the actual textures that I see. About 19 years ago he created a splatter pouring technique for his bronze work. No one else that I know of in the world does it, Jones said. I actually throw the bronze and splash it. It is kind of chaotic but it is fun. It is hot, were throwing it at about 2,200 degrees. But the textures you get, you cant really sculpt those, you get more splashing. So, youre getting different layers and different edges to the metal that you cant do in just a traditional bronze. I dont think most people realize there are actually 16 steps to creating a bronze, Jones added. Well go through about five major ones for folks so they can get an idea. It should be fun. Find out more at www.cmjones.net. New to the AAB tour is Nathan Wotkyns, a photographer and owner of Wide Angle Gallery in Hamilton. It is awesome because people get to learn how the artist goes about doing it," Wotkyns said. "A lot of people look at art and say I could do that until they see the person doing it and what goes into it. They get an education and say maybe this isnt as easy as it looks. Wotkyns will have his gallery open filled with his landscape images. Im actually going to have a few things up from Utah, where I was, he said. Im sure [AAB tourists] are going to see a lot of Bitterroot stuff so I thought Id have a few things from where I grew up at to break it up a little bit. Ill have a lot through the valley and surrounding areas and a few Utah images. Visit the AAB website for a map of the open artists studios at artistsalongthebitterroot.com. The Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour takes place the first weekend of June and the third weekend in October. If those dates dont fit your availability, go to the artists page on the AAB website and contact an artist directly to setup an appointment for a private tour. Come join us, meet our local artists and purchase a gorgeous piece of art for yourself or someone you care for, Lewis said. Its going to be a great tour. Steve's Cafe, with two popular Helena locations known for serving up hearty breakfasts and tasty lunches, is for sale. When asked in an interview Oct. 10 why they decided to sell the eateries, co-owner Steven Vincelli pointed to the top of his head. "Gray hair," said Steven, who is in his 70s. He did not disclose the asking price, but said "(W)e're only asking for the amount of profit it makes. This isn't some pie in the sky number." The sale of the restaurants, located at 1225 Custer Ave. and 630 Montana Ave., is anticipated to be listed Monday. Steven and his wife, Penny Vincelli, said they hope to sell to a buyer with experience in the industry who, as Steven put it, "has the same heart for our employees." "Our current employees have been so loyal to us," Steven said. "We want our current employees to know they're secure." Penny nodded her head. "We want them to feel good and secure," she said. "We want them to know the people who come in will make it bigger and better, not smaller." She said the buyer ought to be more than one person. "That's one of the reasons we've been so successful," she said. "I don't think any one person could run both restaurants." The couple opened the restaurant on Custer Avenue in 2009, only a couple of years after they sold the Montana City Grill. "Penny likes breakfast," Steven said. "It's the ideal restaurant if you don't want to deal with booze and late nights, which we didn't." Penny said they used to serve breakfast two days a week in Montana City, and that was always popular. "We had a huckleberry theme there too," Penny said. Steven said even before the cafe days, he made his own sausage, and wanted to incorporate that into the new business. He taught his employees how to operate the equipment, and the sausage is still ground and sleeved in-house. Steven said they also saw an underserved niche in the market. "I didn't feel as though there was any great breakfast place in Helena," he said. By mixing together what they thought were good products with local demand, Steven said they found the right recipe. "We started each restaurant with 10-year leases," he said. "Not a lot of restaurants do that. We were firmly convinced it was a winning concept." The restaurants enjoyed a 13-year run as best breakfast in the Independent Record's annual Best of Helena contest. And they are on several other "best diner" lists as well. "It's a very loyal patronage," Penny said. "The people in this town are very faithful. If you do a good job, they support you." That is the one thing Penny and Steven said they would miss the most, the people, their employees and customers. "We have people who come visit us every summer," Steven said. "They have family in town and tell us it's not a visit unless they come here. That feels good." The couple is not taking their culinary secrets with them into retirement. Included in the purchase price are the recipes for every menu item. "Nothing is prepared in our kitchen without a recipe," Steven said. The idea being the next buyer can pick up right where the couple left off if they so choose. The couple said they have nine grandchildren ranging in age from 8 to 21 years they hope to spend more time with in retirement. "They love to shoot and hunt," Steven said. "I have a woodworking shop where I teach them to woodwork." They also raise Highland cattle on their ranch off Lincoln Road. "We want more time for that too," Penny said. BEIRUT (AP) Irans foreign minister warned Friday that if Israels attacks on the Gaza Strip dont stop immediately, the violence could spread to other parts of the Middle East. Hossein Amirabdollahian is on a tour that took him to Baghdad before Beirut, and later in the day he went to the Syrian capital, Damascus. Iran heads the so-called axis of resistance that includes powerful militant groups in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq. Amirabdollahian spoke to reporters in Beirut after a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart, during which the two officials called for an end to Israels attacks on Gaza. He also met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as well as caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the speaker of parliament. There have been concerns that the war could spread to Lebanons border where Hezbollah fighters have been on alert following Hamas' attack on southern Israel on Saturday that left hundreds of people dead. On Thursday, Israels military struck two of Syria's main international airports, in Damascus and Aleppo, putting them out of service. Flights were diverted to an airport in the coastal province of Latakia. The strikes came after shells were fired from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Sporadic acts of violence along the Lebanon-Israel border over the past days left three Hezbollah fighters dead on Monday. Israels military said one Israeli soldier was killed in an anti-tank missile attack on Wednesday. U.S. President Joe Biden has warned other players in the Middle East not to join the conflict, sending American warships to the region and vowing full support for Israel. What is funny is that at a time when America is calling on parties for self restraint, it is allowing the criminals in the fake Zionist entity to kill women, children and civilians in Gaza, Amirabdollahian said. He warned that if these organized war crimes that are committed by the Zionist entity dont stop immediately, then we can imagine any possibility. He did not elaborate but it was an apparent hint that Iran-backed groups could join the war. Senior Hamas official Ali Barakeh told The Associated Press this week in Beirut that allies like Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah will join the battle if Gaza is subjected to a war of annihilation. Amirabdollahian said: America cannot send weapons and bombs to kill women, children and civilians in Gaza and at the same time calls on all sides for self-restraint. Amirabdollahian called on the foreign ministers and the leader of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a grouping of 57 countries with important Muslim populations, to hold a meeting to discuss the situation in Gaza. After meeting Mikati, Amirabdollahian said the aim of his visit to Beirut is to preserve security in Lebanon amid regional tensions. What is important for us is security in Lebanon and how to preserve calm, Amirabdollahian said. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a Friday summit of a Moscow-dominated alliance of several ex-Soviet nations and commended the growing cooperation between them despite Western sanctions against Russia. Putin met in Kyrgyzstans capital, Bishkek, with the leaders of most fellow members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. He told reporters that economic exchanges between Russia and the alliance's other nations have increased despite Western threats to punish them for maintaining ties with Moscow. He specifically hailed a new deal on joint air defenses with Kyrgyzstan, saying it would help further bolster military ties. Kyrgyzstan, a member of a Moscow-led security pact, already hosts a Russian air base. At the same time, Putin sought to downplay Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's failure to attend the summit in Bishkek. He noted that Pashinyan has a lot on his plate after Azerbaijan reclaimed control last month of Nagorno-Karabakh, sparking a mass exodus of the breakaway region's ethnic Armenian population. Pashinyan has accused Russian peacekeepers in the region of failing to prevent the hostilities, criticism that added to widening tensions with Moscow. Russia also has been irked by Armenia's move to recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court after it indicted Putin in March for war crimes connected to the deportation of children from Ukraine. While the indictment would oblige any country that is party to the court to arrest him on their soil, Armenian officials have argued that the move wasn't aimed against Russia and offered to sign a bilateral agreement that would assuage Moscow's concern. In a statement that appeared to indicate a desire to mend fences, Putin said he has Pashinyan's invitation to visit Armenia and might do so later. Addressing the participants of the summit in Bishkek, Putin emphasized that it is important to work together, together with like-minded people from other regions of the world with the countries of the so-called world majority, the Global South, whose views are very close to us. The Russian leader also commented on the Israel-Hamas war. Putin argued that Israel has the right to defend itself after an attack by Hamas that was "unprecedented not only in its scale, but also its cruelty. Israel certainly has the right to ensure its security, he said. At the same time, Putin said it was unacceptable for the Israeli military onslaught on Gaza to make all of its residents suffer, including women and children. He stressed that Russia has longtime ties with both Israel and the Palestinians and could help negotiate a settlement. Asked about unconfirmed allegations that some Western weapons supplied to Ukraine ended up in the hands of Hamas militants, Putin said he wouldn't be surprised if some weapons from Ukraine were sold on the black market but that he did not think it would happen with the knowledge of Ukrainian officials. Kathmandu, Nepal, October 14, 2023: the government has airlifted a total of 254 Nepali nationals stranded in Israel due to the recent conflict. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), a total of 254 Nepali nationals out of the 503 Nepalese, who had sought to return to Nepal from Israel, have been rescued by Friday. The Government of Nepal has been rescuing the stranded citizens by sending planes of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC). Forewing Minister NP Saud had also reached in Israel to rescue the stranded Nepalese nationals. Hamas, a terrorist group in Palestine, had initiated attack on October 7 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden gathered other world powers Tuesday to coordinate on Ukraine as it battles Russia in a war that has been going on nearly 20 months a deliberate show of U.S. support at a time when the future of its aid is entangled with a volatile faction of House Republicans who want to cut off money to Kyiv. The phone call convened by the United States and joined by key allies in Europe as well as the leaders of Canada and Japan was held three days after Biden signed legislation Congress hastily sent to him that kept the U.S. federal government funded but left out billions in funding for Ukraine's war effort that the White House vigorously backed. All the countries that participated in the call stressed that their backing of Ukraine remains unchanged, and no one questioned whether U.S. support of Kyiv was in doubt, according to the White House. Tony Todd ... Tony Todd ... Tony Todd ... Tony Todd ... Tony Todd, a small crowd chanted inside a Richmond convention center panel room and, just like the legend says, Candyman appeared on stage to answer questions from fans. The Greater Richmond Convention Center was busy on Saturday for a frighteningly good time as horror enthusiasts attended GalaxyCon Nightmare Weekend. The convention brought three days of celebrities, vendors, games, creepy cosplay contests and much more. Attendees were able to purchase photos and autographs with film stars like Danny Trejo from Machete, Halloweentown actress Kimberly J. Brown and, of course, Candymans Tony Todd. Bryan Baskerville sat in on Tony Todds Q&A session equipped with a garlic garland around his neck to ward off any vampires. Really I just came to hang out. I started going to GalaxyCon in 2022, I went in 2023 and Im a big horror fan so when I saw this, I was like, Alright, Im going to try to make it my thing, Baskerville said. Ive been getting a lot of autographs, I have a corner in my office dedicated to photos Im taking and other stuff so its been really fun. After posing for pictures with the spooky animatronics near the registration table, attendees could explore the convention center in search of their favorite horror movie characters. Cosplayers dressed up as Michael Myers of Halloween, Jack Skellington of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Pennywise of It. Convention-goers could also catch panel discussions with scary movie favorites like Maggie Robertson and Stephanie Panisello of Resident Evil and William Ragsdale and Chris Sarandon of Fright Night. Norfolk native Tim Reid, who starred in the 1990 edition of It, will have a Q&A session on Sunday. The large exhibit hall was filled with vendors selling spooky-season items, including T-shirts, Funko Pops, stickers, posters, action figures and handmade crafts and art. River City Tattoo transformed a section of the exhibit hall into a tattoo row, where attendees could get horror-themed tattoos. Horror genre fan Ben Brown drove down from Waynesboro with his father to attend the convention. Ive been wanting to do more Halloween events and Ive just found theres not really a whole lot of them in the Virginia area. So when I found out they were having this here, I thought, Oh my gosh, this is so cool, Brown said. I was hoping Id see Jason here somewhere because yesterday was Friday the 13th, but I came on the 14th, so hes probably hungover today, Brown said. GalaxyCon Nightmare Weekend ends Sunday. The traditional version of GalaxyCon will return to the convention center in March. PHOTOS: Galaxycon was in Richmond this weekend -- HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES -- 20200302_MET_GALAXY_01 20200302_MET_GALAXY_02 20200302_MET_GALAXY_03 20200302_MET_GALAXY_04 20200302_MET_GALAXY_05 20200302_MET_GALAXY_06 20200302_MET_GALAXY_07 20200302_MET_GALAXY_08 20200302_MET_GALAXY_09 20200302_MET_GALAXY_10 20200302_MET_GALAXY_11 20200302_MET_GALAXY_12 20200302_MET_GALAXY_13 20200302_MET_GALAXY_14 A grand jury has declined to indict a Hopewell police officer in the shooting of a robbery suspect. The announcement likely concludes the investigation into a case that stirred tensions between police and residents in Hopewell after the Dec. 18, 2018, shooting. At the time, police said Angel Viola Decarlo had robbed a convenience store at gunpoint. When approached by police, she pointed a handgun at one of the officers, who responded by firing once at Decarlo, officials said. Decarlo died at the scene. In 2019, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Decarlo had recently been released from intensive treatment for ongoing mental health problems. The Times-Dispatch identified Detective Joseph Cameron List as the officer who shot Decarlo. He has not been publicly identified by officials. The shooting was investigated by the Virginia State Police, which often, but not always, investigate officer-involved shootings. Hopewell Commonwealths Attorney Richard Newman recused himself from the case. An indictment was sought by a special prosecutor, Portsmouth Commonwealths Attorney Stephanie N. Morales. Morales office did not return a request for comment regarding what charges she sought against the officer who shot Decarlo. A Hopewell Circuit Court clerk directed questions about the charges to the Hopewell police chief. In a statement, Hopewell police said the decision marks an important milestone in the legal process. This has been a complex and lengthy journey that has now ended, said Hopewell Police Chief Gregory Taylor. The impact on the family and friends of Ms. Decarlo, the community at large, and the emotional toll on the officer and their families is deep-rooted and profound. Emily Decarlo, Angels mother, said she disagreed with the grand jurys decision. It is unjust, and Angel deserves justice, she said. She did not deserve to be shot down like that. Its not right. Emily Decarlo has long expressed skepticism of law enforcements version of the story. Decarlo and Angels father, Robert Decarlo, were shown body-worn camera footage of the shooting, but after reviewing it said they did not think it was a handgun in their daughters hand. Emily Decarlo filed a civil suit against Morales in February, seeking to have her removed as the prosecutor in the case. She also previously sued the Hopewell Police Department. Decarlo said a march is being planned for Dec. 18 to mark the five-year anniversary of her daughters death. Close Del. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) hands Hopewell City Manager Mark Haley a proclamation during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Del. Riley E. Ingram, R-Hopewell, is on left. Hopewell Vice Mayor Christina Luman-Bailey speaks during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Women fan themselves during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Major General Darrell K. Williams, commander of the Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, gave the "Centennial Oration" during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Hopewell Mayor Brenda S. Pelham passes the baton to Major General Darrell K. Williams, commander of the Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Suzanne Jackson, CEO of John Randolph Medical Center in Hopewell, watches on right. The baton began its journey at John Randolph when they celebrated their 100th last year. Fort Lee will celebrate a hundred years in 1917. PHOTOS: Hopewell celebrates 100 years Hopewell celebrates its centennial during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Del. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) hands Hopewell City Manager Mark Haley a proclamation during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Del. Riley E. Ingram, R-Hopewell, is on left. Hopewell Vice Mayor Christina Luman-Bailey speaks during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Women fan themselves during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Major General Darrell K. Williams, commander of the Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, gave the "Centennial Oration" during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Hopewell Mayor Brenda S. Pelham passes the baton to Major General Darrell K. Williams, commander of the Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, during The City of Hopewell's 100th Year Anniversary Ceremony and Proclamation Saturday, July 2, 2016, outside the City Municipal Building. Suzanne Jackson, CEO of John Randolph Medical Center in Hopewell, watches on right. The baton began its journey at John Randolph when they celebrated their 100th last year. Fort Lee will celebrate a hundred years in 1917. Both officers resigned on Aug. 23, the Virginia Department of Corrections said in a statement. That the officers were asleep was discovered during an administrative investigation by the corrections agency. That investigation also found that Roulacks metal leg cuffs had been removed for an MRI and had not been reapplied after the procedure. He was instead wearing flex cuffs made of nylon. The department will learn from these findings to ensure that we are providing the most effective incarceration, which leads to lasting public safety for the commonwealth, said VADOC Director Chadwick Dotson. The department has not responded to claims that Roulack faked a drug overdose and has denied that the correctional officers had worked for more than 24 hours. The investigation into the escape continues. The corrections department is working with local, state and federal partner agencies to bring Roulack back into custody. Our top priority at the Virginia Department of Corrections remains bringing Roulack back into custody, Dotson said. We ask anyone who has information to please contact us or other appropriate authorities. Roulack was serving a 13-year sentence at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt for a string of violent crimes, and should be considered armed and highly dangerous, according to a representative for the U.S. Marshals Service. He was serving on charges of aggravated malicious wounding, grand larceny and felony hit and run. One man who lives about half a mile from St. Marys Hospital told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that Roulack attempted to break into his house the day of the incident. Though his current location is unknown, Roulack is a suspect in an armed carjacking that occurred in Montgomery County, Maryland. The reward for information leading to his capture has been increased to a potential total of $20,000. The Montgomery County Department of Police has added the extra $10,000 to the overall reward. Roulack has facial tattoos to include Cut Throat on his right cheek, a tattoo on his left arm that says RIP ish and a tattoo on his right arm that says Faith is Seeing with Your Heart When All Your Eyes See is Darkness. Anyone with information is urged to contact the corrections department fugitive line at (877) 896-5764 or Virginia State Police by dialing #77 or 911. Remember these Richmond-area restaurants? STAFFORD COUNTY Vernon Green faces the same dilemma every year as the owner of a Stafford County cybersecurity and information technology business that works under contract for the Department of Defense and other parts of the federal government. As the federal fiscal year winds down in September, partisan political rhetoric heats up in Congress over funding the government for another year, with the threat of a sudden shutdown looming as the alternative in this case, on Nov. 17, when a stopgap spending bill adopted at the 11th hour on Sept. 30 is due to expire. I have to figure out whether I send my employees to work, said Green, a retired U.S. Army veteran who started his minority-owned business, GCubed Enterprises Inc., in Stafford almost a decade ago. So Green pays close attention to politics whether in Washington, D.C., Richmond or the fast-growing Fredericksburg region, where he has lived since arriving in 2009 in the final stop of his 20-year military career. With elections looming on Nov. 7 in two legislative districts that encompass part of Stafford one in the Senate and one in the House of Delegates he says he is very involved. They affect my business; they affect my kids, he said. They affect how we live. As people have moved south along Interstate 95 from the densely populated Northern Virginia suburbs, political allegiances have changed in the Fredericksburg region, once reliably conservative and Republican kind of like a black cloud, said quipped former Sen. John Chichester, R-Stafford, a moderate, pro-business Republican who represented the region for almost 30 years. Everything is division Now, Stafford is central to two of the most competitive legislative elections in Virginia, with party control of the General Assembly hanging in the balance and independent voters like Green playing a role in the outcome. In many ways, this makes the area very fluid politically, said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, in the heart of the region. Senate District 27 is based in Stafford and includes part of Spotsylvania County, as well as the city of Fredericksburg. Del. Tara Durant, R-Stafford, 50, a Republican closely aligned with Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Democrat Joel Griffin, 49, a local businessman, government contractor and Marine veteran, each has raised about $1 million for the race. They also face an independent, Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, 39, who received a $25,000 donation from Greens business, her single-largest contribution. The election in House District 65, covering Fredericksburg and parts of Stafford and Spotsylvania, pits former Del. Joshua Cole, D-Stafford, 33, who served one term in the House when it was controlled by Democrats, against Stafford Sheriffs Capt. Lee Peters, 50, whom Youngkin asked to run for the seat, in a race that has focused mostly on abortion rights, schools and public safety. Green, who is also a civil rights activist in the region, embodies the ongoing tension between what he calls the from-heres who traditionally have controlled the politics of Stafford and the come-heres, who have come from other parts of the country for military postings or government jobs, bringing different ideas and values with them. He said he isnt satisfied with the choices offered by Republicans and Democrats in a two-party system that he sees failing to find solutions for the biggest problems people face, from underfunded schools and unaffordable housing to overcrowded roads. The parties have gotten terrible, he said. Everything is division; everything is fighting. There is no cooperation. Garys independent campaign for the Senate seat is relatively underfunded, but Farnsworth said she cannot be discounted because of her experience as an elected local leader. One of the things Gary offers that a lot of independent candidates do not is a serious track record, he said. When the three candidates met at the University of Mary Washington for a debate last month, the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star noted that Gary was draped in a purple shawl between Griffin in blue and Durant in red. She isnt the only wild card at play in the election. At the end of the debate, Griffin thanked the other candidates and then gestured to the audience to include Republican Matt Strickland, who is encouraging a grassroots campaign to write in his name on the ballot in the bitter aftermath of his loss to Durant whom Youngkin endorsed in a bare-knuckled GOP primary in June. Strickland is a Spotsylvania County restaurateur who drew national attention for his defiance of COVID-19 health restrictions under then-Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat. His business, Gourmeltz, was subsequently raided by Virginia State Police and ABC agents during the Youngkin administration, even though he had publicly supported the governors campaign in 2021. This is the people of District 27 running the write-in campaign its not me, Strickland said in an interview. However, in a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, Strickland showed a sample ballot with his name typed as a write-in candidate. Crush the establishment and keep another Uniparty RINO out of office, he wrote, referring to Durant as a Republican in Name Only. Farnsworth doubts the write-in bid will have much effect on the election, even though Strickland received more than 4,000 votes in the June primary. To the extent there are any Strickland voters out there, they will vote for Durant or not vote at all, he said. Abortion Abortion is a dominant issue in both the House and Senate races, which could determine which political party controls the chambers as Youngkin enters the second half of his four-year term. The governor is pushing a proposal to bar most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest or threat to the life of the mother. So far, the Democratic-controlled Senate has blocked his effort. (During this years legislative session, Democrats held a four-seat edge in the Senate, and Republicans held a four-seat edge in the House. Several House seats are now vacant. All 140 legislative seats are up for election in November.) Durant and Peters both back Youngkins proposal as an attempt to find consensus on a divisive issue, even though their personal views on the topic differ. Griffin, Gary and Cole say the elections are crucial to preventing Republican majorities that they warn would not stop with a 15-week ban, but instead follow other Southern states in enacting more restrictive laws. Whatever the governor is willing to sign, theyre going to pass, Cole said in an interview. Griffin singled out Strickland at the end of the Senate debate for a reason: the previous day, the firebrand restaurateur had called out Durant on social media to say the Democrat was right to say she wanted to ban abortion entirely. Ive personally heard you tell pro-life groups, life begins at conception, no exceptions, Strickland said in a post on X. Durant, in an interview, called the governors proposal an attempt to reach a compassionate compromise on the politically divisive issue, although she makes clear that she is a pro-life candidate. She also publicly welcomed the Supreme Court decision that overturned national protection of the right to abortion and left the issue to states and Congress. I speak for myself, and certainly he does not, Durant said in response to Strickland. Peters, who is captain of operations for the Stafford Sheriffs Department, also supports Youngkins proposal as a way to find consensus on a difficult issue, based on what he said was a survey by the governors political team that shows a majority of Virginians want the 15-week limitation with exceptions. His personal view is different, he said. I have always said that abortion is a topic that stays in a room with you, your doctor and your family. The issue is especially sensitive for Gary, a mother of seven and former stripper who acknowledges that she had abortions, saying they were a consequence of abusive relationships and poverty. I understand what people go through when they seek this service, she said at the debate in Fredericksburg. But her own views on abortion rights have evolved to her current position of support. Initially, Democrats approached Gary as a possible Senate candidate after her election to the Stafford board. Ultimately, she declined because she preferred to remain independent. Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, who had approached her as vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said he had been unaware of past statements she had made on social media that likened abortion to genocide and murder. It became clear to me that theres no way she could run as a Democrat, Surovell said. Gary said she made those statements under physical and emotional distress, and the influence of a church to which she no longer belongs. She now strongly supports womens reproductive rights as an issue in her campaign. I was able to come to terms with what I had gone through, she said in an interview. Gary challenged Griffins credibility to lead on the issue, based on a $250 donation that he made to Durants campaign in November, four months before he entered the race and five months after the Supreme Courts decision. Your standing on an issue doesnt mean anything unless you do what you say, she said. Griffin said he did not know when he gave the donation to Durant how extreme her positions are. The Republican candidates have countered that Democrats, when in full control of the assembly and governors office, sought to loosen restrictions on late-term abortions. They have also tried to focus public attention instead on law-and-order issues, cutting taxes to reduce the cost of living, and promoting parents rights in what schools teach their children. Public education Durant, a former parochial school teacher, agrees with Youngkin that public schools have lost their way, asserting that Democrats have lowered education standards and hurt students by keeping schools closed too long during the COVID-19 pandemic, while blocking efforts to expand options beyond traditional public schools. I support parents having the choice of where they send their kids, she said in the debate on Sept. 27. Public education is a burning issue on both sides in the Fredericksburg region, with pitched battles over transgender policy and the content of books in school libraries in Spotsylvania, and concern about crowded, underfunded schools and demoralized teachers throughout the region. This is an issue that sort of energizes both sides equally, Farnsworth said. The topic is front and center in this region. Former Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania, a retired longtime educator in the region who still has a granddaughter in Spotsylvania schools, said, Ive been here a long time and Ive never seen such contentiousness. Its very unsettling. During the debate, Gary challenged Durants education priorities. What are we going to do about the politicization of our schools? she asked. In the House race, Peters has tried to tie the need for better school funding to the larger issue of public safety. Hes right, weve got to fully fund our schools, he said in response to Cole at a debate that Farnsworth moderated on Sept. 13. We also have to make sure theyre safe. He accused Cole, a pastor with a civil rights background, of crossing the line from delegate to activist in protests that shook the Fredericksburg area in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. The protests also prompted Durant to run for office in 2021, when she defeated Cole. I was there when he turned our city into a war zone, Peters said in the debate. Cole disputes that account. He said he attended protests as a delegate, not as an active participant, and thought he had a great working relationship with Peters at the time. School safety is personal for Griffin, whose daughter, Gwyneth, collapsed from a cardiac arrest at her middle school. She did not receive prompt CPR and died seven weeks later after celebrating her 13th birthday in a hospital. He and his wife, Jennifer, subsequently pushed for a law to require schools to be equipped with automated external defibrillators, and train both teachers and high school students in hands only cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The assembly passed the law unanimously in 2013. The Griffins established Gwyneths Gift Foundation two years later to distribute defibrillators and offer CPR training across Virginia. Actions speak louder than words, he said. My actions demonstrate my commitment to this community. Transportation Transportation is another dominant issue in the region, with severe traffic congestion not only on I-95, but also on U.S. Route 1, a major artery that runs through Fredericksburg, as well as secondary roads. Transportation is still a huge issue here, said former House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, who represented the region for 26 years and sponsored a major transportation funding package in 2013 that prompted a primary challenge from Republicans who opposed the tax increases it included. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, whose congressional district includes the region, said, It only takes a couple of questions until you hear, congestion, congestion, congestion. In August, Youngkin celebrated the opening of high occupancy toll lanes extended through Stafford to the Rappahannock River. That project was funded through a $165 million federal grant that then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe won in 2016 that also helped to pay for an additional I-95 bridge across the river. We have the worst traffic in America, right here, Griffin said. Griffin, Gary and Cole all strongly advocate creating a regional transportation authority, similar to one that operates in the Richmond region, but legislative efforts to create one have stalled because of resistance from some localities, and concerns over additional taxes to help pay for critical transportation improvements in the region. Durant and Peters say they have an open mind on the issue but have not offered specific proposals for solving the regions transportation problems. Farnsworth said its hard to find consensus on tough community problems in elections dominated by high-pitched appeals to each partys political base. Those appeals dont go far in solving real challenges elected officials have to solve education, transportation, environment, you name it, he said. IN THE NEWS Federal investigation sought after voters removed from rolls Democrat members of Virginias congressional delegation have urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate an apparent administrative error that led to at least 275 people being improperly removed from the states voter rolls. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins administration acknowledged last week that it was working to address the problem. It apparently stemmed from a misclassification of felony probation violations as felony convictions in data transmitted to the elections department by the state police. All will be reinstated. The letter said the error created a barrier to the democratic process for those affected. Early voting is already underway for the November election. FARMS: More than $57 million is being directed by Virginia Tech to farmers in Virginia, Arkansas, Minnesota and North Dakota to help them with climate-smart agriculture efforts. The funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is one of the largest grants in university history. The school's new Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture will help farmers impacted by climate change. An estimated 4,500 growers and up to 500,000 acres will benefit from the funding, the school said. DEPLOY: The U.S. military's response to the Hamas attack on Israel includes deploying the Norfolk-based USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered that the unit assist Israel after the attack by Hamas left more than 1,000 dead and thousands wounded on both sides. The USS Gerald R. Ford includes approximately 5,000 sailors. Other ships in the group include the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney and USS Roosevelt. THEY SAID IT "Nothing more than a manufactured controversy. Alexa Henning, a spokeswoman for Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has drawn scrutiny after her office purchased a $19,029.25 lectern from a Virginia company. A legislative panel is expected to vote this week on whether to audit the lecterns purchase from Arlington-based Beckett Events. "Congratulations, Danville." U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at the Wednesday groundbreaking for the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Regional Training Center, which will train workers in building ships and submarines, in Danville. BY THE NUMBERS 23 Additional books that Spotsylvania schools Superintendent Mark Taylor has taken out of high school libraries. The school system cited code that allows for the removal of books that contain sexually explicit content. The list, which now numbers 37, includes "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison" and "Thirteen Reasons Why," a novel by Jay Asher about a teen's suicide. 3 Specialties at the University of Virginia Medical Center ranked among the best in the world, according to new rankings by Newsweek. The UVa programs are neurosurgery, oncology and cardiology. ODDS AND ENDS Fifteen young women from around the United States were honored at the White House on Wednesday for their advocacy on a range of issues in their communities, from lobbying for tighter gun laws and against banning books to encouraging civic engagement among Latinos and ensuring that everyone has access to menstrual supplies. The issues that earned these 15 teenagers a trip to the White House are priorities for the Biden administration, including first lady Jill Biden, who hosted the first Girls Leading Change event to celebrate Wednesday's designation by President Joe Biden as International Day of the Girl. PLANES: Production problems hampered delivery of new airline jets in the third quarter for Arlington-based Boeing. Deliveries totaled 105 planes, down from 112 in the same period last year. Production and deliveries of the Max and the 787 Dreamliner have been affected by production flaws, notably at Spirit AeroSystems, which builds the fuselages for many Boeing planes. IN THE NEWS Company cancels plans to recover more Titanic artifacts Documents filed in a Virginia court show the company that owns the salvage rights to the Titanic shipwreck has ended plans to retrieve more artifacts from the site because the leader of the expedition died in the Titan submersible implosion. Paul-Henri Nargeolet was the director of underwater research for RMS Titanic Inc., the Georgia-based firm that recovers and exhibits Titanic artifacts. Nargeolet was lending his expertise to a separate company, OceanGate, when he and four others died on the Titan's final dive near the Titanic in June. The company said Wednesday in its court filing that its plans now only include imaging at the wreck site and surveys to refine "future artifact recovery. Out of respect for P.H. Nargeolet and his family, and the other four people who perished so recently at the site, and their families, the company has decided that artifact recovery would not be appropriate at this time, the firm wrote. The filing was made in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, which oversees Titanic salvage matters. BUILD: The Caesars Virginia casino resort in Danville is on track to open in late 2024. Work is underway on the third floor of the hotel tower in the complex, which broke ground in August 2022. About 400 employees are working at a temporary gaming facility until the casino opens. From the Archives: The Virginia state Capitol building JERUSALEM Tens of thousands of Muslims demonstrated Friday across the Middle East in support of the Palestinians and against the intensifying Israeli bombardment of Gaza, underscoring the risk of a wider regional conflict as Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion. From the typically sedate streets of downtown Amman in Jordan, to Yemen's war-scarred capital of Sanaa, crowds of Muslim worshippers poured into the streets after weekly Friday prayers, angered by devastating Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that began after the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel last Saturday. At the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, Israeli police were permitting only certain older men, women and children to enter the sprawling hilltop compound for prayers, trying to limit the potential for violence. Only 5,000 worshippers made it into the site, the Islamic endowment that manages the mosque said. On a typical Friday, some 50,000 perform the prayers. An Associated Press reporter watched police allow just a Palestinian teenage girl and her mother into the compound out of 20 worshippers who tried to get in, some of them even over the age of 50. Young Palestinian men who were refused entry gathered at the steps near Lion's Gate, eyes downcast, until police shouted at them and shepherded them outside the Old City ramparts altogether. "We can't live, we can't breathe, they are killing everything that is good within us," said Ahmad Barbour, a 57-year-old cleaner, red faced and seething after police blocked him from entering for prayers. "Everything that is forbidden to us is allowed to them," he added, referring to the Israelis. The mosque sits in a hilltop compound sacred to both Jews and Muslims, and conflicting claims over it have spilled into violence before. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third-holiest site in Islam and stands in a spot known to Jews as the Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism. Hundreds of young Palestinian worshippers who had been turned away from the Old City threw down small prayer rugs on the street in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Wadi Joz and prayed in the open. When some of the men started shouting, Israeli police charged into the crowd with batons and fired rounds of tear gas at the worshippers, wounding at least six people, said the Palestinian Red Crescent. Thousands demonstrated in Amman in neighboring Jordan, some crying out: "We are going to Jerusalem as millions of martyrs!" "What do they want from Palestine? Do they expect them to leave?" asked protester Omar Abu-Sundos. "For what remains of Palestine to leave? They won't leave." WASHINGTON The White House said Friday that North Korea delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. Speculation about a possible North Korean plan to refill Russia's munition stores flared last month when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. believes Kim is seeking sophisticated Russian weapons technologies in return for the munitions to boost North Korea's military and nuclear program. The White House released images that it said show the containers were loaded onto a Russian-flagged ship before being moved via train to southwestern Russia. The containers were shipped between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1 between Najin, North Korea, and Dunay, Russia, according to the White House. The U.S. unveiled the intelligence as North Korea lashed out Friday at the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier battle group in South Korea, calling it a provocation and again raising the specter of using nuclear weapons to defend itself. The North's official Korean Central News Agency called the aircraft carrier's arrival "an undisguised military provocation" that proves a U.S. plan to attack North Korea is being realized. It threatened to respond in line with its nuclear doctrine that authorizes the preemptive use of nuclear weapons. The U.S. accused North Korea of previously providing ammunition, artillery shells and rockets to Russia. North Korea previously denied providing weaponry to Moscow. American man extradited from Mexico to face charges in Los Angeles court Mexico City, Mexico An American man has been returned to the U.S. where he will face criminal charges. He was extradited to American soil Friday after being handed over to U.S. federal agents. American Jesus F was wanted by the Federal District Court of California for organized crime and drug-related changes. According to a statement by the State Attorney of the Republic (FGR) of Mexico, Jesus F is accused of trafficking narcotics from Mexico to the U.S. based out of Los Angeles. Jesus F is accused of belonging to the L.A.-based criminal organization between 2009 and 2012, from where he was responsible for the trafficking of large quantities of drugs from Mexico to the United States. He was transferred from his Mexican prison and handed over to waiting U.S. federal agents at the Mexico City International Airport from where he was returned to the U.S. Delta announces daily year-round Atlanta to Tulum flight Tulum, Q.R. Delta Airlines has announced a direct Atlanta to Tulum route starting March. In early 2024, the American carrier will be the first major U.S. airline to operate out of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Tulum International Airport in Quintana Roo. On Friday, Delta reported that their daily Atlanta-Tulum service will launch March 28, 2024, and will operate year-round, giving customers direct access to the pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere of this coastal Mexican treasure. Delta will operate daily nonstop service from its hometown Atlanta hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), to Tulums brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) when it opens for international service. Delta is uniquely positioned to give customers convenient and direct access from the U.S. to Tulum, a premium leisure destination known for its boutique hotels, Mayan ruins and eco-friendly spirit, said S.V.P. of Network Planning Joe Esposito. We know Tulum-bound customers will enjoy the elevated experience Delta consistently offers, and now without a two-hour drive from Cancun, as we grow our footprint in Mexico and throughout the Yucatan region. Deltas daily Atlanta-Tulum service will launch March 28, 2024, and will operate year-round on a 160-seat Boeing 737-800, offering First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin options. Customers in First Class can enjoy a chef-curated meal experience as well as complimentary premium wine, beer and spirits. Deltas partner Aeromexico will serve Tulum from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) beginning in December 2023. By the end of 2024, the Delta-Aeromexico Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) will offer more than 90 daily flights between Mexico and the United States on nearly 60 routes, reinforcing the commitment of the cross-border alliance to bring the two countries closer together via a robust network, seamless connectivity and consistent industry-leading products and services. Puerto Morelos starts 22 million paving project after delay Puerto Morelos, Q.R. Over 22 million pesos is being spent on the rehabilitation of Puerto Morelos residential roads. On Friday, work started that will see roads of Villas Morelos II fully repaired. On Friday, the Ministry of Public Works began the rehabilitation of Felix Gonzalez Canto Avenue and surrounding streets. According to Puerto Morelos Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Munoz, the project will cost just over 22.4 million pesos and benefit residents of the Villas Morelos II neighborhood. A progress monitoring meeting was held Friday informing residents of the work being carried out during the remainder of the month, which consists of the formation of dirt roads, construction and hydraulic base compaction and eventual paving. Puerto Morelos Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Munoz explains the project in a follow-up meeting. Photo: H. Ayuntamiento de Puerto Morelos October 13, 2023. The project was delayed due to the underground installation of wires by a local phone company. Now that they have finished digging up the residential streets to install the cables, the towns own road project can resume. More than 4,200 construction workers, spread out along the 303-mile path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, are laboring to finish the project by years end. Perhaps the biggest challenge in meeting that deadline are the hundreds of water bodies that have yet to be crossed by the largest natural gas pipeline ever to be built in Virginia. Crossing rivers, streams and wetlands either by diverting the water flow long enough to dig a trench through them for the buried pipe, or by boring a tunnel beneath them has proven to be a time-consuming task. Since work resumed in midsummer, 92 crossings had been completed through Oct. 1, according to Mountain Valley spokeswoman Natalie Cox. About 330 remain, she said. It seems like MVP still has a long way to go, said Peter Anderson of Appalachian Voices, one of more than a dozen environmental and community groups that have fought the pipeline in court. We think it is unlikely that the company will be able to complete the project by the end of this year not just based on the construction reports, but also because of the complexity of some of the major river crossings, Anderson said. Anderson mentioned crossings of the Elk, Gauley and Greenbrier rivers in West Virginia and work in the Jefferson National Forest, which was stalled by legal challenges in 2018. The pipeline must also pass through the Roanoke River at the Montgomery-Roanoke county line. In filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Mountain Valley has outlined plans to drill a 316-foot long horizontal tunnel, through which the pipe will run at least 6 feet beneath the rivers bottom. Construction crews will dig two pits, one nearly 31 feet deep and the other about 22 feet, on either side of the river to accomplish the boring. The job could take up to 90 days, according to documents filed with FERC in 2020. Mountain Valley has agreed to notify the Western Virginia Water Authority, which operates the Spring Hollow reservoir about 1.2 miles downstream from the site in Lafayette, when it plans to begin work. No such notification has been made as of last week, water authority spokeswoman Sarah Baumgardner said. Cox declined to provide details on specific work locations, citing safety and security reasons. In the past, the joint venture of five energy companies building the pipeline has paused construction during the winter months, in the years when it was not already stalled by litigation that has long delayed the $6.6 billion project. This fall and winter, work will continue when it is safe to do so. With the pending winter months, weather forecasts and advisories will be taken into account when scheduling the remaining project work, Cox wrote in an email. State environmental regulators have cited Mountain Valley more than 300 times with violating erosion and sediment control regulations since 2018, allowing harmful sediment to be washed from the pipelines 125-foot wide right of way. However, since construction resumed in July there had been no violations through Friday, according to Irina Calos, a spokeswoman with the Department of Environmental Quality. Mountain Valley has said that most of the problems with muddy runoff happened during record rainfalls in 2018, and that it has made improvements to its erosion control system since then. But opponents say the risks which include environmental harm, climate change and damage to sections of pipe that have been exposed to the elements for years are being overlooked in the rush to finish the project. If the goal is to build it recklessly according to an arbitrary, profit-driven timeline, without regard for the safety of our communities, then I would say they are right on schedule, Russell Chisholm of Giles County, managing director of the Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights coalition, wrote in an email. The mountains and the people in them say otherwise and we will continue to protect each other. The last of the lawsuits? A flood of lawsuits aimed at stopping a pipeline has slowed to a trickle. For years, Mountain Valleys construction was delayed by litigation from environmental groups, who argued that government permits issued to the project did not adequately protect the water, wildlife and other natural resources in its path. The lawsuits found a friendly venue in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which rejected nearly a dozen permits and was poised take up two more this spring. Unhappy with the appeals court, Mountain Valley and its supporters turned to Congress for help. A law passed in late May called the Fiscal Responsibility Act because it averted a government default by raising the debt ceiling included a provision that fast-tracked the pipeline. Government agencies were ordered to issue all remaining permits, and lawsuits challenging them were not allowed. The only legal avenue left was to challenge the constitutionality of the law, not in the Fourth Circuit, but to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Appalachian Voices, the Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society and other groups nonetheless argued to the Fourth Circuit that the law violated the separation of powers doctrine by allowing Congress to intervene in matters before the court. In August, the Richmond-based appeals court reluctantly ruled that it no longer had jurisdiction to hear the cases. Meanwhile, another case was pending in the D.C. appeals court. In 2022, the environmental groups contested a decision by FERC giving Mountain Valley another four years to complete the project. But rather than challenge the Fiscal Responsibility Act in that court, as Congress had allowed for, the petitioners asked that their own lawsuit be dismissed. A motion filed by Appalachian Voices said there was no need for the court to unnecessarily wade into constitutional waters. The case was dismissed Sept. 7. Calling the motion to dismiss procedural gamesmanship, attorneys for Mountain Valley noted that pipeline foes were willing to wade deep into constitutional waters but only before the Fourth Circuit, where they believed their chances were better than in the D.C. appeals court. Representatives for the groups say they are continuing to weigh their legal options. As of last week, no additional lawsuits had been filed. However, the Fiscal Responsibility Act could be tested by another lawsuit that was filed long before the law was passed. In 2020, three couples who own land along the pipelines route through the New River and Roanoke Valleys contested Mountain Valleys use of eminent domain. They argued that the power to take private land for the pipeline was improperly delegated by Congress to FERC, which in turn gave Mountain Valley that authority after finding there was a public need for the pipeline. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., dismissed the lawsuit ruling that he lacked jurisdiction to hear it. The case was appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in April reversed the judges finding and sent the case back for trial. Mountain Valley then asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to dismiss the case, citing the Fiscal Responsibility Acts prohibition of all Mountain Valley litigation. Attorney Mia Yugo of Roanoke countered that the law did not apply to her case, filed on behalf of Cletus and Beverly Bohon and two other couples. But if Mountain Valley wanted to use that law, she said, the landowners would challenge its constitutionality. FERC and the company then asked for more time to respond to Yugos arguments. The alternating stall techniques between MVP and FERC are transparent attempts to further delay a decision on the merits until after construction is completed. Yugo wrote in court documents. And then MVP will cry, Alas, the pipeline is built! Their case is moot! Dismiss it! For some pipeline opponents, Doom to the pipeline physically interfering with construction workers is the only remaining option. Doom to the pipeline! read a post on Appalachians Against Pipelines Facebook page, which went up July 22 as a group of about a dozen protesters briefly blocked an access road leading to a construction site in Montgomery County. As this protest shows, whatever the courts do, whatever congress does, the people will not let this pipeline be built! the group said. Although various short-lived demonstrations at construction sites have happened since mid-summer, on at least five occasions work has been blocked for longer periods when protesters chained themselves to heavy equipment parked overnight along the right-of-way. Six people one from Alexandria and five from out of state have been charged with misdemeanors after they refused to leave and police spent hours removing them. In early September, Mountain Valley filed a lawsuit that seeks temporary injunctions against 44 individuals who it said had unlawfully interfered with construction. The company asked a judge to bar them from pipeline property under the threat of fines. Mountain Valley also asked for injunctions against Appalachians Against Pipelines, which it said was organizing the events, and Rising Tide North America, a group it said was raising money for the protests online. After hearing several hours of testimony on Sept. 13, Montgomery County Circuit Judge Robert Turk expressed doubts about his ability to restrain the two organizations absent a showing that they actively broke the law. While issuing injunctions against six of the most active protesters, Turk took under advisement Mountain Valleys broader request to enjoin Appalachians Against Pipelines and Rising Tide North America. At a hearing Friday, Turk said he would not issue injunctions against the groups. Mountain Valley has since filed a post-hearing brief bolstering its argument. In its social media posts, Appalachians Against Pipelines goes beyond praise for past unlawful acts, the brief states. Appalachians Against Pipelines is actively encouraging and inciting people to commit the acts. But Paul Beers, a Roanoke attorney who represents four of the people facing injunctions, argues that Mountain Valley has offered no evidence that his clients were involved in a conspiracy with the anti-pipeline group. The allegations are long on invective but short on particulars, Beers wrote in court documents. Another hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 2. Mountain Valley hopes the legal action, and the threat of monetary damages, will dissuade people from joining unlawful protests. But it had the opposite effect in one case: One of the people sued in September said it motivated him to block a construction area in the Jefferson National Forest last week. This kind of thing is generally referred to as a SLAPP suit (strategic lawsuit against public participation), he said in a statement posted to Appalachians Against Pipelines Facebook page. They want to scare the opposition away, he said. Its not a new tactic, and I want everyone to know that its not going to work. Quantum mechanics deals with the tiny particles that make up our universe and the interactions between them. Planck's constant is essential in defining the behavior of these particles. But to truly appreciate its importance, we first need to understand the difference between classical mechanics, which describes the motion of everyday objects, and quantum mechanics, which dives deep into the universe's microscopic scale. Advertisement Classical Mechanics This physics branch, which Sir Isaac Newton described in the late 1600s, deals with the observable world, explaining how apples fall from trees and planets orbit stars. If we think of energy as water, then in classical mechanics, we can pour any amount of water continuously. Quantum Mechanics Enter the realm of the bizarre and unexpected! In quantum mechanics, energy behaves a bit differently. Instead of pouring water continuously, it's like adding sugar cubes to a coffee cup. We can add one, two, or three sugar cubes, but not half or a quarter. This discrete nature of energy is a fundamental concept in quantum theory, and it's where Planck's constant steps in. Throughout history, from ancient Greece to present times, people have reported sightings of unidentified objects in the sky. These events, often linked with extraterrestrial origin, have been the focus of many enthusiasts and government agencies alike. But the term UFO isn't without its issues. Advertisement When we hear "UFO", our minds often jump straight to alien spacecraft. Blame it on pop culture or the association the term has built over the years. A Brief History of UFOs The term "UFO" came into our lexicon after a significant event on June 24, 1947. Pilot Kenneth Arnold reported nine bright, flying discs moving at high speeds near Mount Rainer. This report birthed the terms "flying saucer" and "flying disc," laying the groundwork for what we commonly refer to as UFOs. Following Arnold's report, government officials and military units started establishing UFO investigation task forces. Over the past decades, UFO sightings became synonymous with aliens. Reports from pilots, military personnel, and civilians alike about flying saucers, hovering lights and objects moving at high speeds always seemed to suggest visitors from outer space. FLORENCE, S.C. While rates of breast cancer are going up nationwide, the disease is more survivable than ever due to treatments offered at local hospitals. McLeod Health and MUSC Florence Medical Center have replaced the one-size-fits-all approach of old with personalized breast cancer treatment plans, doctors say, because each persons breast cancer is different. With these personalized plans come smaller and fewer surgeries, less or no chemotherapy and less or no radiation which leads to less complications and a better quality of life for patients. One in eight women in the United States may develop breast cancer, so it is very common, said MUSCs Dr. Wael Ghalayini, who specializes in breast, lung and colon cancer. Yet, it is very treatable and very survivable. In the last two years, deaths due to breast cancer have been dropping even as cases of breast cancer rise, according to Ghalayini. He said even stage four breast cancer is now treatable and survivable in some cases. Both local hospitals now see around 300 cases of breast cancer each year, according to doctors. Each of these patients receives a personalized treatment plan based on the specific breast cancer type, determined primarily by hormonal and genetic markers. CJC_0035.jpg Dr. Rajesh Bajaj, middle, with his staff. From left to right: Mary Deane Kilgo, Amy Anderson, Paula McCaskill. We have realized that every breast cancer is a little different, and theres not one breast cancer. Its not one disease. It is instead several different diseases, and they are all treated a little differently, said McLeod Healths Dr. Rajesh Bajaj, who is the medical director of the hospitals cancer center. Surgeries in the breast have become smaller and more focused in most cases due to these personalized treatment plans, according to Bajaj. In years past, breast cancer patients lymph nodes were also removed. He said that nowadays only one or two lymph nodes are removed in a procedure called the sentinel lymph node biopsy. Theyve developed this technique to preserve the lymph nodes and the patients, Bajaj said. They do less aggressive surgery to have less chronic pain and lymphedema that a lot of women had, and now only a few people have that problem. Specialized medicines have reduced reliance on chemotherapy, which is harmful to the body. For example, only around 80% of women with estrogen adapter positive breast cancer require chemotherapy, according to Bajaj. Overall, he said only around 30% to 40% of breast cancer patients require any chemotherapy. Instead, patients are prescribed other medications which have less negative effects on the body, like targeted therapy drugs. MUSCs Ghalayini called these drugs the smart bombs of cancer treatment medicines. When taken orally, these medicines target specific proteins within the cancer cell that stops it from multiplying, he said. Another type of specialized medication is immunotherapy, which Ghalayini called one of the big success stories in cancer treatment. He said cancer often inhibits the immune system, but these drugs boost it and use it against the cancer, directing the bodys own defenses to kill lingering cells. This treatment can only be used against the rarer triple-negative breast cancer, which means the patient is negative for the three big biological markers: estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor or the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, also called HER2. Radiation is also something doctors can now reduce or skip altogether, further improving breast cancer patients quality of life. Everybody used to get 30 radiation treatments if they needed it. Now, we have protocols in which they can get 15 to 20 radiation treatments, McLeod Healths Bajaj said. The hospital is in the process of creating protocols to, in some cases, further limit those treatments to as low as five. Breast cancer survivors over 70 who have a low risk of future cancers can skip radiation altogether, and research trials at McLeod Health may help lower that age down to 50, he said. We will follow them over the years to see as to how they do and whether we can safely eliminate radiation in a group of patients, Bajaj said. After treatment is done, a new test is done every three or six months to make sure that the cancer is not coming back. This circulating tumor DNA test, or CTDNA, helps to catch cancers early when they are easily treatable. Because DNA tests are now a standard part of breast cancer treatment, family members are also more likely to catch cancers early. Some genes make it more likely that a person will get cancer, and if a patient has some of these genes, family members can often get tested for free, according to Ellen Smith, an oncology nurse navigator at MUSC Health in Florence. If they come back with any mutations, then well get them in our hereditary cancer clinic as well to make sure that they have that higher level of monitoring, Smith said. We cant prevent the one thats already happened, but lets see if we can at least catch the other ones early. Catching cancer early is extremely important, according to Ghalayini. He said that if it is caught early enough, breast cancer is both curable and preventable. One of the major reasons for the drop in breast cancer deaths is early detection. The most common way breast cancer is confirmed in a patient is through a 3-D mammogram, he said, but other methods may also be used. Detecting breast cancer may start before any doctor visit. Ghalayini said that women should watch for changes in size or shape of their breasts and immediately report it to their doctor if they see changes. Those with increased risk for cancer should pay special attention and get regular check-ups. Risk factors, according to Ghalayini, include: Age, specifically women 40 and over. A family history of breast cancer. Hormone replacement therapy. Some ethnic backgrounds, like Ashkenazi Jews. Unhealthy eating or other health habits. 125 Years Ago Mott Leaves Hastily Too: Charles McDermott, alias C. Mott, gold bricker and confederate of Robert S. Payne and John Crwoford Blackwell (who were known as Bedenfield and Brown), was released yesterday afternoon from the county jail with a bond of $2,000, which had been reduced from $7,500, signed by H. H. Drake and W. T. B. Allen. The bond was presented to County Clerk Belden at 3 p.m. by J. T. McVay, assistant to T. F. Bevington, who was the chief counsel for the slick trio. Once the bond was approved, Mott hurried out the courthouse and hopped on a buggy waiting for him, has had happened with Brown. The officers hastened to find a way to detain him until the district court could convene, as the police and sheriff felt that if Mott should get away, he would not be seen again in Sioux City. Their suspicions proved true, and the gold bricker was out of town to join Bedenfield and Brown. Changes in the Police Force: Mayor Quick has accepted the resignation of James Shanley as chief of detectives of the police force, which will take effect Saturday. Amos G. Curtis will succeed Shanley as chief of detectives. Curtis has been a patrolman on the local police force for some time, having served under Mayor Cleland. Mayor Quick thinks he will make an excellent man for the detective department. 100 Years Ago Sioux City Banker to be Put on Trial: Warren G. Dunkle, former cashier of the Continental National Bank, indicted on 17 counts of embezzlement by the May 1922 term of federal grand jurors, will come up for trial during the October term of federal court. The indictment returned against the Dunkle alleges embezzlement of approximately $50,000 of the funds of the bank during several months of 1920. Prior to his indictment Dunkle signed a confession as to his alleged irregularties. Many Raids by Dry Squad: Armed with a bundle of search warrants the Sioux City sponge squad led by William Howes, chief of the purity squad, mopped up a number of wet spots in the residential district, placed a number of persons under arrest, and confiscated many gallons of illicit whiskey Saturday night. Many hiding places were discovered, often by luck, including hidden trap doors, freshly spaded ground, and many more ingenious hiding places. According to Howes, practically all the proprietors of places where whiskey was sold openly are now forced to either suspend business or invent a cunning scheme to secrete their wares. 50 Years Ago Oklahoma Opens Tuesday: Oklahoma Rogers and Hammerstein musical with a cast featuring some widely known and talented Sioux City musicians and thespians will open Thursday at the Sioux City Community Theaters Shore Acres stage for eight performances. Chuck Whetzel, the theaters managing director and first full-time director hired by the SCCT, describes Oklahoma as a warm, delightful journey into a fantasy land. The lead roles of Laurey and Curly are played by Candy Kommers and Steve Peter. Four Homes to Highlight Annual Tour: A variety of decorating techniques ranging from a cozy country home to an elegant city dwelling will be featured in this years Tour of Homes sponsored by the Womens Committee of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Association. They are completely remodeled farm houses dating from the late 18th century of Mr. and Mrs. Roger E. Olmscheid, the charming home filled with antiques of Mrs. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Daniels, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Behrens with its handsome homemade cabinets and bookcases, and the very elegant home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe T. Grant. 25 Years Ago Japanese Farm Delegation Visits Three Area Operations: A delegation of Japanese Farmers got a firsthand view of agriculture, American-style, in Siouxland Tuesday. The group from Yamanashi City is in the area to learn about farming practices and to talk with Sioux City officials about a possible sister city relationship. The delegation of about 30 farmers, a translator, and tour guide are representing the Yamanashi City Agriculture Committee. Eiki Yamamoto, interpreter for the group, said members of the committee make a foreign trip every three years. The Japanese group visited farms near Correctionville, Moville, and Sergeant Bluff while in Siouxland. Kind & Knox, Sioux City Brick and Tile are Honored: Two Sioux City companies among seven Iowa firms were honored Tuesday at the Governors Iowa Industry Conference and Awards luncheon in Des Moines. Kind & Knox Gelatine Inc. received the Economic Impact Award presented to a company with 76 to 300 employees for completing a $50 million expansion project that increased its production and created the largest single-site gelatine manufacturing facility in the world. Sioux City Brick & Tile Company received the Technology Application Award for using technology in innovative ways. It was honored for using a programmable robotics setting machine, making it one of the first companies in the country to apply robotics technology to a brick-setting machine. The notion that hundreds or even thousands of electric-powered air taxis could be whisking people over jammed roads is inching away from science fiction and closer to reality. Battery technology is improving enough for eVTOLs short for electric vertical takeoffs and landings, the name given to these aircraft that can act like helicopters near the ground but fly like small planes. The bigger question may be whether there is a profitable business in producing them. JoeBen Bevirt is an evangelist for the new industry and the founder and CEO of Joby Aviation Inc., which delivered its first eVTOL to the Air Force last month. Bevirt insists that his Santa Cruz, California-based company, whose largest shareholder is Toyota (11%), can meet an ambitious target of entering commercial air taxi service in 2025. Like other eVTOL startups, Joby is losing money more than $400 million in 2021-2022. Analysts dont know when, if ever, it will be profitable. Bevirt spoke to The Associated Press. His comments have been edited for length and clarity. QUESTION: Why eVTOLs? Weve already got helicopters. ANSWER: This has been my dream since I was a little boy. I wanted a better way for people to be able to get from A to B. In college (in 1993 at the University of California, Davis) I became convinced that electric propulsion was the way to make these aircraft sufficiently quiet, but at that point batteries didnt have the specific energy we needed. I came back to it 15 years ago and founded Joby Aviation once batteries had matured. Q: You founded Joby in 2009. What were your goals? A: The first was to build an aircraft that was dramatically safer, was dramatically quieter, and that had operating economics that would make this a viable daily mode of transportation. And were very, very pleased with the progress weve made on delivering on those metrics. Q: Are people eventually going to own these and park them at their home? A: I would like to see this be a mode of transportation thats accessible for people to use for a large percentage of the trips that they take. The progression from something that youre using occasionally like you would use a taxi to something thats more and more regular, well see how long that takes. I actually think its better to have a shared model where youre able to increase utilization. And you dont have a capital asset thats tied up for just a single user. Q: So consumers arent going to be responsible for maintaining an aircraft? A: Thats one of the beautiful things about the air taxi model. You can think about it similarly to when you hail a taxi or an Uber. Your goal is to get from A to B. As the operator, Jobys role is to get you there as quickly and conveniently as possible. Q: You plan to start with dedicated landing areas. Could these eventually take off and land in neighborhoods? A: This is something weve worked on and has been a passion of mine since the very founding of the company making an aircraft which is quiet enough to fit in the places where people want to go, something that sounds more like a whoosh that blends in the background than the whop-whop of a helicopter or the high-pitched whine that people associate with a drone or a small airplane. At 1,000 feet it is less than 45 decibels, so its below the background noise level of most cities. Q: When these go into service, how much is a ride going to cost? A: Moving from maybe a little north of $5 a mile down below $5 a mile over the launch period. Q: How is that possible, and dont eVTOLs have to get bigger to bring down the per-passenger cost? A: It really comes down to utilization. The more of the seats that youre selling, the lower the cost per passenger, and the more hours per day the aircraft is flying, the lower the cost per passenger. (That will require making) the takeoff and landing locations and the overall experience compelling enough that were seeing a significant volume of people using it many hours per day. Q: You delivered your first aircraft to Air Force. What will you learn from how the Air Force uses it? A: The first piece is on pilot training. Were going to need to bring on large numbers of pilots, so building up that capability and those processes are really valuable. The next piece that weve also accomplished is building the infrastructure. And then the next piece is on the operations and building up the cadence, just getting good at operating the aircraft on a regular basis. Q: Will this help with your effort to get Federal Aviation Administration certification for commercial use? A: There will certainly be valuable learnings and the operational experience, the feedback from the Air Force pilots to the FAA flight-test pilots. Q: Youre in the third of five phases of FAA certification. How is that going? A: We have submitted all of our area-specific certification plans on stage three, and the FAA is making fantastic progress on approving those. Once those get approved it unlocks a big chunk of work that were able to submit to the FAA in preparation for stage four. Q. Can you get fully certified and launch commercial service in 2025? A. Our goal is absolutely still to achieve commercial service in 2025, and given the progress were making on certification and the progress were making on the manufacturing front, were excited to just be day after day knocking down the milestones. Q. So youre saying sometime in 2025 is still doable? A. For our commercial service? Yes. A look into the future of luxury air travel, from game-changing privacy to supersonic flights A look into the future of luxury air travel, from game-changing privacy to supersonic flights Upgrading seats to private suites Adding convenience and perks Reimagining in-flight food Incorporating sustainability DENVER As legal and financial troubles piled up at the Colorado funeral home where authorities recently discovered at least 115 decomposing bodies, the troubles went unnoticed by state officials who have long struggled to effectively oversee the industry. Colorado has some of the weakest rules for funeral homes in the nation with no routine inspections or qualification requirements for funeral home operators. The operators of the Return to Nature Funeral Home didnt pay their taxes, got evicted from one of their properties and got sued for unpaid bills by a crematory that quit doing business with them almost a year ago, according to public records and interviews. None of the problems appeared to attract the attention of regulators, who hadn't even checked on the company after November when its state registration expired. That registration allowed Return to Nature Funeral Home to operate in the small town of Penrose where the bodies were found. Stricter regulations might not have prevented the mishap, but they can ensure problems are discovered more quickly, said Chris Farmer, general counsel for the National Funeral Directors Association. You catch it at six or eight bodies and not at 115, Farmer said. Return to Nature, which offered cremations and green burials without embalming fluids, kept doing business as its problems mounted. Authorities responding to an abhorrent smell entered the funeral home's neglected building with a search warrant and found the decomposing bodies. More than 120 families worried their relatives could be among the remains have contacted law enforcement about the case, said Micki Trost with the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Efforts to identify the remains began this week with help from an FBI team that gets deployed to mass casualty events like airline crashes. Details on what they've found haven't been released. Fremont Sheriff Allen Cooper last week described the scene as horrific. There's no indication state regulators visited the site or contacted owners Jon and Carie Hallford until more than 10 months after the Penrose funeral home's registration expired. State lawmakers last year gave regulators the authority to inspect funeral homes without the owners consent, but no additional money was provided for increased inspections. A day after the foul odor was reported, the director of the state office of Funeral Home and Crematory registration spoke on the phone with Jon Hallford. He acknowledged having a problem at the Penrose site and claimed he practiced taxidermy there, according to an Oct. 5 order from state officials. The order also alleged Hallford tried to conceal the improper storage of corpses. That document and a second Oct. 5 notice for Hallford to cease and desist operating the Penrose site are the only known correspondence sent by state officials to Return to Nature, from the time it lost its registration to the discovery of the bodies. No arrests have been made in the case. Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies, which oversees funeral homes, declined to answer questions about the case. Mary Simons of Florence, Colorado said she had a good experience with Return to Nature after her mother died in 2018. She asked the funeral home to cremate the remains, with Medicaid covering the costs. She went back when her husband, also on Medicaid, died in August. She was asked to pay up front and told she'd be reimbursed when the funeral company got paid by Medicaid. That was like my first red flag, said Simons. I was a housewife, theres no money here, she recalled her brother telling the company. We are just going to wait for Medicaid. Return to Nature insisted, asking for half-payments. A week before law enforcement raided the funeral home, the company sent her a $1,411 invoice. Her husbands ashes never arrived and she cant help but think his body is among the 115 law enforcement are trying to identify. El Paso County Coroner Leon Kelly said it could take weeks to identify the remains from Return to Nature. We will do everything in our power to return their loved ones to them as quickly as possible, Kelly said in a statement. The large number and condition of those remains will make this challenging. Unlike nearly all other states, Colorados funeral homes arent routinely inspected. Those who run them dont have to graduate high school, pass an exam or apprentice. A 2022 state law permits the agency overseeing funeral homes to inspect facilities at random or following complaints. Many other states perform annual inspections that entail entering the premises and have educational requirements, such as a degree in mortuary science, a licensing exam or an apprenticeship. State Sen. Dylan Roberts co-sponsored the 2022 law after bodies were mishandled in his district. He said lawmakers were working to change the rules but did not want to overly disrupt the industry. Return to Nature relocated to Penrose from Colorado Springs more than a year ago. The funeral home was evicted from its Colorado Springs location in May for not paying rent, according to court documents and landlord Mike Kenney with Kenney and Company, which he said is owed $120,000. WASHINGTON Charlie Kirks $4.75 million Spanish-style estate is tucked away in a gated Arizona country club that boasts a guest casita, resort-style pool and striking views of the Sonoran Desert. The Make America Great Again political movement has been lucrative for Kirk, the 29-year-old CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point. The nonprofit rocketed to prominence by latching on to Donald Trumps 2016 campaign and has raised roughly a quarter-billion dollars since. The organization has also enriched Kirk and his allies, according to an Associated Press review of public records, which found top Turning Point officials collected pricey salaries, enjoyed lavish perks and steered at least $15.2 million to companies that they, their friends and associates are affiliated with. But for all that money, Turning Point has struggled to help Republicans win general elections, particularly in their adopted home of Arizona, where their slate of deeply conservative candidates lost statewide races last year. Now Turning Point's leaders are attempting to branch out, pitching a $108 million get-out-the vote campaign that would expand beyond Arizona to Georgia and Wisconsin. That's become a source of frustration for some Republicans who point to the groups limited electoral success as well as the hefty sum they now seek, setting up a potential clash that could complicate the GOPs election efforts next year. Any donor who thinks an organization needs $108 million for a three-state grassroots get-out-the-vote campaign is being taken advantage of, said Erick Erickson, a nationally syndicated conservative talk radio host and frequent Trump critic. It sounds like a grift. In a statement, Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet said none of the groups leaders have inappropriately benefited from their financial arrangements. If anything, he said, many were underpaid for their talents. If the so-called experts know what it takes to build successful ballot chasing teams, why are conservatives apparently so bad at it? Kolvet said. Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. Despite early misgivings, Turning Point enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the former presidents eldest son. Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Contributions to the group skyrocketed, climbing to $79.2 million in 2022, records show. Compensation also soared, with Kirks climbing from $27,000 in 2016 to more than $407,000 by 2021, tax records show. He bought three high-end properties, all worth over a million dollars. Millions more were paid out to a cluster of companies linked to a handful of group leaders and their allies, according to tax filings and business records. Kolvet said that much of Kirks wealth was derived from his successful podcast and radio show, as well as public speaking fees, though he declined to provide earnings figures. Yet specifics about how exactly Turning Point spends its money and who benefits are often difficult to discern because the IRS does not require nonprofit groups to publicly disclose detailed accounts of their expenditures. Meanwhile, many of Turning Points biggest vendors are limited liability companies that are registered in states that do not require public disclosure of ownership. One branch, the Turning Point Endowment, held more than $55 million in reserve in 2022, while donors were courted to give more. Kolvet said the money was part of Turning Points 50-100 year plan to continue reaching generation after generation of young Americans. He added that the organizations leaders were good stewards of donor money. While building for the future, however, Turning Point has shown a willingness to spend lavishly. In 2019, the group stated that its leaders would travel first-class or by charter plane, explaining later that it was sometimes needed to ensure the uninterrupted success of the organizations mission. In 2021, Turning Point sponsored a wedding reception for Kirk and his wife, Erika Frantzve, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess luxury hotel, which was also billed as a ninth anniversary celebration and fundraiser for the organization. Kolvet said the event was separate from the couples small wedding ceremony, describing it as an elegant and gracious way for Erika and Charlie to mark a landmark in the life of TPUSA (the 9th anniversary) while also inviting a much larger group of friends and family to celebrate a landmark in their own lives. Other expenditures defy easy explanation. A $999,000 payment was made to a limited liability company in Nevada for a research project on educational outputs, according to 2020 tax documents. The company, called Clocktower LLC, was dissolved in 2022 and the only corporate officer listed in its business filings is the president of a firm that advises on tax avoidance strategies. Any insinuation that anyone at Turning Point benefited from this is defamatory, Kolvet said. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Desperate Palestinians scrambled for escape from northern Gaza Saturday or huddled by the thousands at a hospital in the target zone in hopes it would be spared, as Israel intensified warnings of an imminent offensive by air, ground and sea following Hamas militants' deadly rampage in Israel a week ago. Israel dropped leaflets from the air and redoubled warnings on social media for more than 1 million Gaza residents, or about half the 25-mile-long territory's population, to move south. The military says it is trying to clear away civilians ahead of a concentrated campaign against Hamas militants in the north, including in what it said were underground hideouts in Gaza City. Hamas urged people to stay in their homes. The U.N. and aid groups say such a rapid exodus and Israel's siege would cause untold human suffering. The World Health Organization said the evacuation "could be tantamount to a death sentence" for the more than 2,000 patients in northern hospitals, including newborns in incubators and people in intensive care. Gaza's humanitarian crisis already was mounting Saturday amid a growing shortage of water and medical supplies under an Israeli blockade, which forced electrical plants to shut down without fuel. In Gaza City, Haifa Khamis al-Shurafa crowded into a car with six family members, fleeing to the south in the darkness. "We don't deserve this," Shurafa said, before leaving her home city. "We didn't kill anyone." The Israeli military said "hundreds of thousands" of Palestinians heeded the warning and headed south. The evacuation order gave Palestinians a six-hour window that ended Saturday afternoon to travel safely within Gaza along two main routes. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in calls Saturday, urging the leaders to allow humanitarian aid to the region and affirmed his support for efforts to protect civilians. The number of U.S. citizens killed rose to 29, U.S. officials said, and 15 were unaccounted for, as well as one lawful permanent resident. In Israel, workers at a military base received special rabbinical approval to continue identifying bodies of the more than 1,300 people, mostly civilians, killed by Hamas. Work is normally halted on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Netanyahu visited Be'eri and Kfar Azza, two southern border communities where Hamas militants slaughtered dozens of Israelis, to meet with soldiers and tour the ruins of homes. Hundreds of relatives of the scores of Israelis and foreigners captured by Hamas gathered outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of their loved ones. "This is my cry out to the world: Please help bring my family, my wife and three kids," said Avihai Brodtz of Kfar Azza. Many expressed anger toward the government, saying they still have no information about their relatives. In a nationally broadcast address Saturday night, Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, accused Hamas of trying to use civilians as human shields and issued a new appeal to Gaza residents to move south. "We are going to attack Gaza City very broadly soon," he said, without giving a timetable. Israel called up some 360,000 military reserves and massed troops and tanks along the border with Gaza. Hamas remained defiant. In a televised speech Saturday, Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas official, said "all the massacres" will not break the Palestinian people. An Israeli airstrike near the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed at least 27 people and wounded another 80, Gaza health authorities said. Most of the victims were women and children, the authorities said. It was not clear how many Palestinians remained in northern Gaza by Saturday afternoon, said Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. An estimated 1 million people have been displaced in Gaza in one week, she said. At Gaza' City's main hospital, al-Shifa, an estimated 35,000 people crammed into hallways and hospital grounds, sitting under trees and inside the building's lobby, hoping to be protected. "People think this is the only safe space after their homes were destroyed and they were forced to flee," said Dr. Medhat Abbas, a Health Ministry official. Basic necessities like food, fuel and drinking water were running out because of the Israeli siege. Al-Shifa hospital was receiving hundreds of wounded every hour and used up 95% of its medical supplies, hospital director Mohammad Abu Selim said. Water is scarce and the fuel powering its generators is dwindling. Amal Abu Yahia, a 25-year-old pregnant mother in the Jabaliya refugee camp, said she waited anxiously for the few minutes when contaminated water trickles from the pipes in her basement. She rations it, prioritizing her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. She said she is drinking so little herself, she only urinates every other day. Near the coast, the only tap water is contaminated with Mediterranean Sea water because of the lack of sanitation facilities. Mohammed Ibrahim, 28, said his neighbors in Gaza City took to drinking the salt water. The U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians expressed concern for those who could not leave, "particularly pregnant women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities." The agency called for Israel to not target civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics and U.N. locations. The Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday more than 2,200 people were killed in the territory, including 724 children and 458 women. The Hamas communications office said Israel destroyed over 7,000 housing units so far. At Gaza's Rafah crossing into Egypt, announcement of an agreement to briefly open the crossing Saturday for foreigners to escape brought hopeful crowds to the gates, but the crossing had yet to open by nightfall. Photos: Scenes from the Israel-Hamas war Friend of the Connors Forum and frequent Utterly Moderate guest, Lee McIntyre, has a new book out titled On Disinformation: How to Fight for Truth and Protect Democracy, a powerful, pocket-sized citizens guide on how to fight back against the disinformation campaigns that are imperiling American democracy, from the bestselling author of Post-Truth and How to Talk to a Science Denier. McIntyre argues that there is an effort in this country to destroy facts and make America ungovernable. In the book, he walks through how the war on facts began, how bad actors deny obvious realities and wield disinformation to manipulate American citizens, and ten everyday practical steps that we can take as ordinary citizens to combat disinformation. He also addresses the important steps our government must take to fight what McIntyre calls a scourge of disinformation that is now threatening the very fabric of our society. This episode features highlights from a previous conversation we had with both Lee McIntyre and frequent Utterly Moderate guest Tom Nichols, author of the great book The Death of Expertise. The Connors Forum is an independent entity from the institutions that we partner with. The views expressed in our newsletters and podcasts are those of the individual contributors alone and not of our partner institutions. Episode Audio: Ensuring there is sufficient public land in the state for Iowans to hunt, fish and enjoy recreational activities is critical to maintaining and growing the states population, stakeholders say. Recreation and conservation stakeholders discussed the availability and maintenance of public hands during a session at The Gazettes Iowa Ideas conference Friday. The topic of public land use and availability gained attention early this year when state lawmakers considered a proposal that would have required the state to focus on the maintenance of current public land over the acquisition of any new public land. That proposal sparked a debate over how much public land is available to Iowans, and whether the acquisition of new public lands has made it difficult for farmers to acquire land. That initial legislative proposal did not pass into law. However, lawmakers in the Republican-majority Iowa Legislature did approve legislation that eliminated a goal for the state to reach the point where 10 percent of Iowas land is publicly owned. The state was falling far short of that goal anyway. Just 3 percent of Iowas land is publicly owned, according to studies by Texas A&M Universitys Natural Resources Institute and the hiking and climbing website the Summit Post. That puts Iowa near the bottom of states shares of publicly-owned land: only Kansas, Nebraska and Rhode Island had lower shares of publicly-owned land than Iowa in the two reports. Iowa acquired 2,462 acres of land in 2022, a state official said during a legislative hearing in March. Im not concerned about our ranking. That number really doesnt mean anything to us, Joe McGovern, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, said during the Iowa Ideas discussion. What were really talking about is, do we have enough parks, trails and wildlife areas in this state to meet the outdoor recreation needs of Iowans? And then in addition to that, do we have enough land to attract workforce? Do people want to come when they find a job or theyre looking for jobs? Is this a place they want to come work? So weve really looked at it as, not that its too much land or too little land. Its more, are we meeting the needs of Iowans? I don't think were there yet. Marc Beltrame, who lobbies at the Iowa Capitol on behalf of Ducks Unlimited, acknowledged a shortage of grazing areas for Iowa cattle farmers. Members of the Iowa Cattlemens Association were among the most vocal to speak in support of the initially proposed legislation earlier this year. Beltrame said his family has cattle on their 850 acres in Marion and Lucas counties. I know from personal experience that there is a shortage of grazing, Beltrame said. Lets make sure that we are maximizing the grazing opportunities on public lands. McGovern agreed, and said conservation groups and agricultural interests can work together. For example, he said grazing can be a part of managing a grassland or a prairie. If we can find a way to work together, I guarantee any conservation group would welcome that, having the dialogue around how do we integrate in good grazing practices on our grasses, things like that, McGovern said. With great power comes great responsibility. That adage from the Spiderman comics can find its origin back to at least the Book of Luke: To whom much is given, much will be required. Whatever the source, its a principle that needs immediate application within our country. We face challenges at home and abroad. At the end of this year, existing surveillance authorities involving domestic and international communication will expire. Also expiring at the end of the year is the ability to sell or renew flood insurance or make payments on claims. Authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration also stops in less than three months. Internationally, Russia continues to hold onto land seized from Ukraine. Hamas has indiscriminately slaughtered Americans, Israelis, and others. China continues to conduct provocative actions directed toward its neighbors. Coups have occurred across Africa, and refugees are fleeing unrest in Africa, Europe, and South America. Meanwhile, Congress has not approved a budget for the next fiscal year. Thats actually the norm. In the past 50 years, the federal government has passed appropriations bills on time only four times, the last in 1997. Congress was able to pass a temporary spending bill that lasts only 47 days, literally with hours to spare. The practical effect of that is increased costs since government agencies cant contract beyond that 47 days. The political impact was that the Speaker of the House was removed from his position. Having failed to get enough votes to pass other ways of keeping the government open, the Speaker allowed a measure that got support from the other party. That apparently was an unpardonable sin. Meanwhile, serial liar George Santos remains in the House and gold ingot collector/cash collector Robert Menendez remains in the Senate. The Constitution gives the U.S. Senate authority to provide advice and consent to officers of the executive branch, to include ambassadors. The Senate rules empower one senator to hold up those appointments. They dont have to publicly disclose who is holding or why. Senators have increasingly used that power. One senator has held up the appointments of over 300 senior military officers for months. It would take the Senate 31 days if they 24 hours a day, seven days a week to approve them individually. If applied to all appointments, the Senate would be unable to operate. Other senators have held up ambassadorial appointments having nothing to do with the qualification of the nominee. This has resulted in the United States not having an ambassador in Oman even though she was unanimously approved by committee. The nominee for ambassador to Kuwait and the State Department director for Counterterrorism were both nominated in 2022, renominated in 2023 and passed committee in April of this year but await confirmation. It is difficult to effectively implement policy, establish the relationships needed for success, and build the teams to provide effective collaboration when individuals or small groups are preventing that. If the policies, relationships, and collaboration dont work, those obstructing the process then blame the executive branch. The examples of individuals or small groups above is like the Polish Commonwealths practice of the liberum veto. This allowed an individual member of Polands legislature to stop any legislation. Internal chaos and aggressive neighbors set the conditions for Poland ceasing to exist by the 1790s. Our situation is not that dire. With very narrow partisan control of the two chambers of Congress, neither side will get most of what they want. You should be skeptical of anyone who says otherwise. Winston Churchill told an American audience in 1943 that the price of greatness is responsibility. We dont need comic book heroes to be great. We need people in positions of authority to take responsibility. A Sioux City resident, Steve Warnstadt is government affairs coordinator for Western Iowa Tech Community College. He is a former Democratic state senator and retired Army National Guard brigadier general. He and his wife, Mary, are the parents of one son and one daughter. How valuable was Tuesdays city council primary election in Sioux City? With a paltry turnout and only one candidate to winnow from the field, local taxpayers didn't get much bang for their bucks. Election officials budgeted $50,000 for the primary. (Woodbury County Auditor Pat Gill said he doesn't yet know what the exact cost will end up being.) With just 2,390 of the city's 26,234 registered voters casting ballots Tuesday, that means the primary could cost as much as $20 per vote. Is that the price of democracy? Or is it just an old-fashioned idea looking for a new fix? The public would have been better served having all three council candidates advance to the general election, with the top vote-getting claiming the lone open seat. While state law requires Iowa cities to hold primaries if there are three or more candidates for a council or mayoral position, cities can opt out. Pat Gill, Woodbury County's top election official, said many cities have chosen that option by having all candidates run in the general election. Gill said the Sioux City Council could make that change as well by passing an ordinance. Considering many residents wont vote except in a general election, that seems like a wise route to go for future municipal elections. Historically speaking, the likelihood of a large turnout for Tuesday's primary was slim in the first place. In 2019, the last time a single council seat was on the ballot, 10 percent of the electorate turned out to vote. On Tuesday, that number was down to 8 percent. Gill says his office tried their best to inform residents about the election. Voters just chose not to participate. With less than 100 votes separating the second- and third-place finishers -- Tom Murphy and Tricia Frederick -- even slightly higher turnout could have changed the outcome. (Incumbent Julie Schoenherr led with 42 percent of the vote.) Members of another local elected body -- the Sioux City Community School Board -- are already elected in the general election, without first having to go through a primary. This year in particular, the school board ballot is rather crowded, with nine candidates vying for four at-large seats with four-year terms. Two other candidates will compete in a special election to fill out the remaining two years of a vacant seat. It would seem that allowing more council candidates to advance to the general election ballot would drive up voter turnout even more. And isnt that the goal? Greater voter participation, not more elections, should lead to better results. Save money. Bring on the ordinance, council members. Its just that simple. "THE MINI: An idea for those who want their student loans forgiven: For every dollar donated to pay down the federal debt, an equal amount of CANCUN, Mexico (AP) First came the darkening skies, then the crescent-shaped shadows on the ground, and finally an eruption of cheers by crowds that gathered Saturday along the narrow path of a rare ring of fire eclipse of the sun. It was a spectacular show for millions of people across the Americas as the moon moved into place and blocked out all but a brilliant circle of the sun's outer edge. Hundreds of people filed into the planetarium in the Caribbean resort city of Cancun to watch the eclipse. Some peered through box projectors, while others looked through telescopes and special glasses. Excited children whistled, as some adults raised their arms toward the sky as if to welcome the eclipse. Vendors selling plants outside observed the dance between the moon and the sun in a more natural way with the help of trees as the shifting sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting unique shadows on the sidewalk. There was silence and like a mist, as if it was dusk, but only a few minutes later the birds were singing again, said Carmen Jardines, 56, one of the vendors. Artemia Carreto, was telling passersby about her experience as a child in southern Mexico, when they were told to look instead at the river where it reflected beautifully on the sand beneath the water. While she wasn't near a river this time, Carreto said she was carried away by the sensations induced by changing temperatures and a feeling of heaviness that she pegged to the rotation of the Earth. For Pilar Caceres, there was a sense of energy. "It is something that nature brings us and that we must watch, said the 77-year-old retired elementary school teacher who watched the eclipse by following its shadow through a piece of cardboard. Ancient Maya astronomers who tracked the movements of the sun and moon with precision referred to eclipses as broken sun. They may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes, said archeologist Arturo Montero of Tepeyac University in Mexico City. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesnt completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. The entire eclipse from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until its back to normal lasted 2 1/2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion was from three to five minutes, depending on the location. Saturdays U.S. path: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the U.S., with a sliver of California, Arizona and Colorado. Then: Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere got a partial eclipse. NASA and other groups livestreamed the event. In the U.S., some eclipse watchers traveled to remote corners of the country to try to get the best view possible while those in Albuquerque got a double treat as the eclipse coincided with an international balloon fiesta that typically draws tens of thousands of spectators and hundreds of hot air balloon pilots from around the world. There were hoots, hollers and yelps from the balloon launch field as the moon began to cover the sun. Some pilots used their propane burners to shoot flames upward in unison as the spectacle unfolded. Its very exciting to be here and have the convergence of our love of flying with something very natural like an eclipse, said Allan Hahn, a balloon pilot from Aurora, Colorado. At Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, enthusiasts hit the trails before sunrise to stake out their preferred spots among the red rock hoodoos. With the ring of fire in full form, cheers echoed through the canyons of the park. I just think its one of those things that unites us all, said John Edwards, a cancer drug developer who traveled alone across the country to watch the eclipse from Bryce Canyon. Kirby James and Caroline McGuire from Toronto didnt realize they would be in a prime spot when they planned their trip to southern Utah. Nothing that you can read could prepare you for how it feels, said Kirby James, 63, a co-founder of a software company. Its the moment, especially when the ring of fire came on, you realized you were having a lifetime experience. For the small towns and cities along the path, there was a mix of excitement, worries about the weather and concerns theyd be overwhelmed by visitors flocking to see the annular solar eclipse. In Eugene, Oregon, oohs and ahs combined with groans of disappointment as the eclipse was intermittently visible, the suns light poking through the cloud cover only at times. In southern Colombia, the Tatacoa desert played host to astronomers helping a group of visually impaired people experience the perfect golden ring created by the moon and sun through raised maps and temperature changes. Colombia Science Minister Yesenia Olaya said moments like this should inspire people to promote science among children, so they see it as a life project. Juan Pablo Esguerra, 13, waited months to make the trip to the desert with his father to witness the eclipse. I like the astronomy because its a spectacular experience, he said. This is the best that Ive seen in my life. In Mexico City, some children came dressed as astronauts as thousands of people gathered at the main esplanade of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the countrys main public college. People shared special glasses, and the university set up telescopes. Saturday's eclipse marked the first for Brazil since 1994. The country's national observatory broadcast the event online while thousands flocked to parks and beaches in the north and northeastern regions to soak in the phenomenon. Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the U.S. in the opposite direction. That one will begin in Mexico and go from Texas to New England before ending in Canada. The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica gets one in 2026. It will be 2039 before another ring of fire is visible in the U.S., and Alaska will be the only state in its direct path. Valencia reported from Tatacoa Desert, Colombia. AP reporters Mauricio Savarese in Sau Paulo, Brazil; Claire Rush in Eugene, Oregon; Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine; Katie Oyan and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brady McCombs in Garfield County, Utah; and Astrid Suarez in Bogota, Colombia contributed to this report. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Hamas murdering more than 800 civilians during Operation al-Aqsa Flood persuaded Jerusalem that it must finally dismantle the terrorist group committed to Israel's destruction. However, Gaza's high population density will result in appalling civilian casualties unless noncombatants can seek refuge elsewhere until Israel completes its mission. Despite this, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi flatly opposes American, European, and UN proposals to establish a safe corridor for refugees fleeing the fighting. Cairo's al-Azhar al-Sharif, the primus inter pares among Sunni mosques and whose Grand Imam is a government appointee, explained on Twitter its opposition to safe corridors. First, it praised the Hamas attack that "restored our confidence, breathed spirit into us, and restored life to us after we thought it would never return again." Then al-Azhar warned Palestinian civilians against diminishing the Ummah's massacre-induced euphoria by seeking sanctuary in Egypt: Al-Azhar reiterates its salute to the steadfast Palestinians and appreciates their keen clinging to their dear homeland and perseveringly holding on to its soil, regardless of the cost and sacrifices involved. Indeed, their lands represent their dignity and their honor... It is better for you to die on your land as knights, heroes, and martyrs than to leave it to the usurping colonialists. President Sisi more tactfully said, "Egypt will not allow the Palestinian cause to be settled at the expense of other parties." This callous attitude defined Egypt's 1949-67 occupation of Gaza. Egyptian authorities severely restricted Palestinian employment outside the Strip and forcibly transferred thousands of refugees who settled in Cairo to Gaza. Dramatic economic and demographic growth accompanied Israel's post-1967 administration of Gaza. For decades after the Six Day War, Palestinians moved freely from Gaza to Israel, where many found work. That combined with Israeli investment in development projects caused the Strip's GNP to grow during 1968-82 on average by 9.7 percent per annum, enabling a much higher fertility rate. A 1967 Israeli census recorded 354,000 inhabitants while its current population approaches 2.4 million. Israel only introduced work permits in 1991 during the First Intifada. Economic conditions deteriorated further under the Palestinian Authority's administration (1994-2007) as terrorism worsened. In 1992, 116,000 Gazans worked in Israel. By 1996, the number fell to 28,000. Palestinian groups commenced shooting rockets at Israel during the Second Intifada after the Gaza security barrier effectively reduced terrorist infiltration. Their volume increased after Israel's unilateral disengagement from Gaza and again after Hamas seized control of the Strip in 2007. Israel responded with a naval blockade to intercept materials used to manufacture weapons and for other military purposes. Accordingly, labeling Gaza an "open-air prison," ignores how Israel progressively tightened freedom of movement in response to increasingly sophisticated terrorist attacks. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with a membership of 57 states and serving as "the collective voice of the Muslim world," advocates "the opening of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the entry of medicines and food supplies and basic needs to the Gaza Strip," but not a safe corridor. Its official statement on the current conflict never mentions the bloodbath that provoked Israel's war against Hamas. It merely denounces Israel's "sinful aggression" while calling Palestinian casualties "martyrs." One must conclude the OIC shares al-Azhar's sentiment that its more honorable for Palestinian civilians to accept martyrdom than seek temporary refuge in neighboring Egypt. It can be hard to find your people when youre autistic. For us spectrum jockeysavoidant, overwhelmed, and overstimulated as we arecommunity can be as slippery as the spectrum itself: something you surf along until youve slid straight through whatever you thought the end point was, before arriving back where youve always been, alone with your perpetually other self. To be autistic is to spend your life with a nagging suspicion youve messed up somehow, that youre out of place or out of time, and that surely, somewhere out there, are people with that same nag, just waiting to meet and swap dinosaur facts with you until you switch over to listing favorite computer role-playing games or Evel Knievel crashes. Its no wonder, then, that the internet has always been a haven for autists. Here, in this vast interconnected constellation of freaks, geeks, obsessives, compulsives, and maladjusted eye-contact-dodging miscreants, is Gods perfect kingdom for undiagnosed and diagnosed autists alikeone wrought in their own image by them, for them. Or so the old wives tales go, old wives usually being a Gen X former forum moderator in an ironic Wang Computers shirt. For as long as Ive known the internet to be a place for diagnosable outsiders and oddballs, it has also been a place where they speak about how it is no longer a place for them. But where, in the past, this kind of talk occurred at the intersection of nostalgia and paranoia, it now lands somewhere between prescience and grief, hollowed out by the knowledge that the forces of capital are reshaping the internet in its image, and they have little space, time, or need for us. Advertisement Advertisement I was born in 1990 in Perth, Western Australia, an only child with two relatively old parents who understood (and still understand) computers and the internet about as well as I understand those Roblox YouTube poop videos my little cousins show me. My first experience of the web was at a cafe around the corner from my house in Fremantle. My parents would sit and have a coffee while I sat on the barstool in the little back-corner book nook, where a computer was connected to a busted old printer and glacially slow dial-up. There, I would use the internet to search for images of my favorite Pokemon (Cubone) and my favorite dinosaur (Compsognathus), which Id then print out and take home to use as references in my many illustrations of these two heady subjects. Advertisement Advertisement As for most millennials, the internet I grew up with was caught somewhere between the technologys utopian, community-driven first wave and its burgeoning late-capitalist future. It was a place where your best friendsor mine, anywaywere a gaggle of 60-year-old Jewish guys from Staten Island who maintained a similar level of fervor for the musical stylings of Skip James and Blind Willie McTell, where the guy sitting next to you in computer class would show you a clip of an American soldier being decapitated by a high-caliber rifle in Afghanistan, and where flash animations of stick figures fighting like they were in a Yuen Woo-ping martial arts epic were seen as the most brilliant examples of the internets boundless possibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the internet of the hyperspecialized, hyperfocused, hypersocially removed (or so the cliche went) hobbyists, who employed themselves as curators, creators, and reference books in a diverse yet cozy bricolage of sites, blogs, forums, and spaces which all shared one thing in common, ultimately: community. You could feel it in the gathering of like-minded souls crammed into a message board to riff and rant about one thing in particular, or all things unparticular; in the usernames that filled you with more warmth than the names of immediate friends and family; in the DM slides turned intertwined confessional; or just in the sense of place and belonging, like stumbling upon a homey roadside inn at the corner of a 10-lane intersection. It felt real, whether it spilled out into the real world or not (though it often did), this unspooling skein of connection in a vast, disparate, and infinite sprawl of logged-on souls. Advertisement This internet was made by the sincerely interested, for the sincerely interested, catering to your niche while inviting you into others. Not to diagnose the guy from my favorite James Joyce forum who insisted on role-playing in said forum as Simon Dedalus (thats Stephen Dedalus emotionally distant father, for those playing at home) when prattling on about Ulysses, but this era of the internet seemed custom-built for those on the spectrum, or those who should be. The memetic language of these spacesnever forget, for instance, that selfie originated in a drunken post on an Australian forumwhich came to form our generations grammar and lingo and state of mind even away from our crumb-dusted keyboards, was organically carved out by people like Simon, whose innate weirdness was the very bedrock of what made being online what it then was: fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things began to shift, if imperceptibly at first, with the advent of social media, and the steady corralling and corporatization of that otherness, weirdness, fun, and joy. I was 19 or so when I got onto Facebook and stumbled into the addictive world of social media, which at the time, functionally worked like an aggregator of all these wayward wackos. The early 2010s seemed like a heady evolution of the internet of my high school years: The savant sideshow acts of the forums and blogs were being given larger and larger platforms, fueling a healthy (I thought, naively) cottage industry of independent media and artists that was as exciting as it was eminently more explorable. The sewer folk were finally being brought into the light, and lo, there was applause, in the form of likes, shares, comments, follows, all that heady attentionsome of which, importantly, led to paid work. Advertisement It was an education, it was a bar brawl, it was a party. It was, as Im sure you now know, doomed. I did not really begin to come to terms with my autism diagnosis until my mid-to-late 20s, and it wasnt until I was shin-deep in Twitter that I found what Ive come to consider my autistic community (hello, Chloe!). This community was made up of people Id found by way of the comedy, art, music, humor, and modes of thinking that Id been introduced to in my online adolescence. Skewing slightly older than me, my new friends were truly shaped by the early net. There, in DMs and threads, with people I knew to be off-kilter capital-S strangers and pet-topic enthusiasts of all stripes, I began to whittle away at the great gnarled stick of diagnosis and otherness, until I found the hint of the shape of what Ill call my autistic selfone shaped largely by a surrender turned acceptance, and a certain freeing of the habits and hubris that non-autistic society had conditioned me to repress and reject. Here we were, speaking in the shared language of Brass Eye sketches and Achewood comic strips, peeling back the cheap plaster society slaps onto our autistic armature, and being our authentic selves in ways we rarely could offline in the real world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a young autist with a voracious appetite for the new and the obscure, it was an education, it was a bar brawl, it was a party. It was, as Im sure you now know, doomed. Todays internet, to borrow from the late, great David Berman, feels like a room with the walls blasted to shreds and falling. There is a sense, among those of us who have been online long enough to receive permanent and irreparable psychic scarring from Goatse and the like, that whatever it was that made the internet that brought us Goatse and the like is now dying, and that that, perversely, is sad. The megacorp takeover of every independent outlet, blog, platform, site, forum, and heck, form of the Webosphere has led to a stultifying sameness, as unappealing and bland as it is desperate for our attention and money. The algorithmic convergence brought about by Google, Facebook, and the past decades consolidation of the internet careened us into a continental shift, with generic SEO fodder and tired clickbait replacing the webs belt-unbuckling barbecue buffet with the equivalent of a gruel-and-trucker-speed glove-box brunch. Advertisement For a time, Twitter achieved what I think peak internet can achieve when its at its best: the ability to make autistics of us all. Lost in this ongoing heat death are the autistics, who suddenly find themselves like Bigfoot without a forest. There is an air of communal and cultural extinction as the spaces wed hollowed out for ourselves are shuttered unceremoniouslyabandoned forums; ghost-town blogs; bought, sold, and gutted culture websitesamid Web 3.0 hitting like third impact, vaporizing anything that hadnt already shut up shop, or merging it with some behemoth corporate entity, like an all-devouring Akira blob. The only way to all still be together is if we allow ourselves to be transformed into LCL goop, and merge as one on the For You timeline, an algorithmic market-driven technocratic simpletons internet. Where the not-too-distant internet of yore not only fostered but encouraged the kind of idiosyncrasies that autistics tend to have in spades, the internet of Elon Musk, Zuck, and whatever malevolent vulture capitalist is sure to one day buy and gut this website, is one with little time or room for the unclickably peculiar and difficultnot being trending-page friendly, we tend to be hard to make a buck off (unless a majority of your advertising revenue comes from companies like Bandai or the New York Review of Books). What spectrum-lite oddness persists is part run-off, part fluke, part carnival barkerthe most vocal autistic voices operating somewhere between vaudevillian and huckster, thriving in that great medicine show that is the front-facing camera video circuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This lament is tired by now, but of all the social media platforms, losing Twitter hurts the most. The site now known as X was always the one with the most visible (and visibly) autistic community, and the one that ran on the most visible autistic logic: recursive, hyperactive, cumulative, hopscotched, and interlinked. It is a site built on the backs of the obsessive, the passionate, the goofy, the gullible, and the confused: a place where autists could disappear into the crowd while, perhaps, finding comfort in the innately illogical logic of Twitters shonky and digressive conversationsthat intersection of fandom and weirdness and euphoric shitposting. For a time, the site achieved what I think peak internet can achieve when its at its best: the ability to make autistics of us all. Advertisement Related From Slate Elon Musks New, Inventive Way to Vandalize the Social Network He Owns Read More Under Muskwho, ironically, is autisticit has more or less ceased functioning, like me at a rave with a strobe light. Musk, one could argue, is the final boss of toxic, autistic forum moderators: an isolated, awkward exile, vengefully venting his frustrations with his indelible himness by burning holes in the community he reigns over, like a self-anointed champion citing made-up rules before upturning the table at a Magic: The Gathering tournament. Twitter already felt like a place for autistic exiles and refugees from that old internet, functioning as a holding pen or zoo enclosure for an endangered species made migratory by circumstance, if reclusive by nature. For those of us tragically linked to Musk, that googoots soyjak, by diagnosis (and perhaps loneliness), his flipping of said table has left us adrift and grasping, bereft of what we once briefly thought of as ours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the modern internets ahistoricism and self-cannibalismthe byproduct of its never-ending churn, a model built on destruction and dilution of its own pastit will forever be entwined and enmeshed with its autistic past, soul, and self. We are baked into its DNA: borderline extinct, perhaps, but preserved in the amber that is memes, shitposts, info dumps, deep dives, overshares, and cancellations, as well as the inventiveness, imagination, and the unprofitable and genuine otherness that defines this fundamentally divergent hive-mind we all cohabit. To reiterate a point, the internet, at its best, has the ability to make even non-autistics feel autisticand there remains a quiet power in that in the face of a corporate ethos that seeks to smooth us all down to inoffensive and unquestioning nubs. The great irony in all this, of course, is: What is the value of the internet when all the fringe-dwellers have been pushed off it? Whats the forest without Bigfoot, anyway, when those tearing it down cant see it for the trees? Under the complete siege ordered by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the situation in the Gaza Strip has deteriorated significantly, resulting in what Palestinian medics describe as complete paralysis. Prior to the conflict, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza were already dire, likened to an open-air prison. The current crisis has worsened to the extent that the United Nations has issued an appeal for nearly $294 million in aid to provide for urgent needs. With continuous and devastating airstrikes and an order for the northern half of the already densely populated strip to move south, there are ominous signs of an imminent ground invasion by the Israeli army. The enormity of the challenges faced by ordinary Gazans is already difficult to fully grasp. Donatella Rovera, who has been investigating war crimes and human rights abuses for two decades as a senior crisis investigator with Amnesty International, has experience in conflict zones across the globe, from Ukraine to Libya, Syria, Sudan, and beyond. Due to the restrictions on movement in and out of Gaza, she is closely monitoring the situation from France. Rovera emphasizes that the current unfolding crisis, compounded by the preexisting challenges in Gaza, represents one of the most severe situations she has ever monitored. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Aymann Ismail: What have you observed so far? Advertisement Donatella Rovera: Obviously, there has been the attacks that were carried out by Hamas. Those attacks that were directed at civilians were clear violations of international law. There is no need to investigate it. There is no debate; its crystal clear. And then there are the attacks that Israel has been launching against the Gaza Strip. And those, of course, need to be investigated on a case-by-case basis. There are legitimate military objectives in Gaza, and it is not unlawful for Israel to strike those. The question is, of course, how the attacks are carried out. Advertisement Advertisement This is where it gets difficult. The civilian population is being absolutely pounded from every direction even by Gazas standard, which has become worse and worse over the years. The level of destruction, the level of disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks that have leveled entire streets this is really unprecedented. The humanitarian situation is absolutely disastrous because nothing is getting into Gaza, and we are talking about a situation that was not normal to start with. Gaza was already in a coma situation before last Saturday because Gazans endured 16 years of blockade and a significant number of military attacks which have destroyed homes and infrastructure over the years. Its one of the most densely populated territories in the world, where people cannot leave and cannot receive what they need where they are at the best of times. Now its absolutely disastrous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How have things on the ground shifted since the Israeli army asked half the population to evacuate northern Gaza? It makes it unimaginably worse. Moving more than 1 million people from the north to the south wouldnt be possible even in the most developed and well-resourced places on the planet. And it certainly cannot happen in Gaza. To give more than 1 million people 24 hours to move is just an impossibility. Those who have got vehicles dont have fuel because there isnt any anymore. There are bombardments all around. There are entire roads that vehicles cant even access because theyve become piles of rubble. There are people with disabilities who cannot move. There are people in hospitals in the north. So such an order is just unthinkable. Advertisement Can you describe any particular experiences that you think highlight the situation? They have no idea where to go. They dont have people they can stay with in the south. Somebody I was talking to this evening, like, 3 hours ago, 12 members of their family were killedthree children, five women, and four menbecause the neighbors house was bombed without warning. The whole family was wiped out. And another guy who lived across the road who was downstairs because he was going to get a haircut. There had been no warning. In total, 16 people were killed in the span of a second. This was a three-story building where their whole extended family lived. When I spoke to them tonight to follow up on their cases, they were rushing to leave Gaza City. They have no idea where to go. They dont have people they can stay with in the south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the people that also had to move are people who were injured in a bombardment and are in a very delicate situation. They couldnt even be kept in the hospital because the hospitals are really only keeping the most serious cases. And this is like the fate of hundreds and hundreds of families, in terms of having lost loved ones and their home just in the past six days. And then now the people are being told they have a few hours to leave. They have every reason to fear that while they are gone, those homes that had not yet been bombed will be bombed. If we look at the nature of how indiscriminate and wide-ranging the scale of the bombardments has been over the past six days, what will it be like when over 1 million civilians are no longer there? The loss that has already happened is off the charts. And the loss that is going to happen in the coming days, there is every reason to fear thatI mean, apocalyptic is the term that comes to mind when I see the images and videos that our fieldworkers are sending from Gaza and what other people are posting. And we may not see those images anymore because, as of two hours ago, Ive lost contact with a lot of people. Its absolutely terrible. [Editors note: Ismail interviewed Rovera on Friday night.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have you heard from anyone who will not be evacuating the north? Ive spoken to older people who dont want to leave their home because thats where they have lived all their lives. That house is what they have worked their whole lives to build, and they fear that if they leave, it will be destroyed. And this time, there is very good reason to fear that. And, of course, they have nowhere to go. People are in the street. Some hours ago, I spoke to a woman, the wife of somebody I know. I was trying to find him, and she and her two children were sheltering in the courtyard of the main hospital in Gaza City, where thousands and thousands and thousands of civilian residents took shelter. And they are literally on the floor, on the ground in the open area, right next to piles of dead bodies, because hundreds and hundreds of people have been killed in the past six days. Oh my God. Advertisement Advertisement There is so much rubble that in many streets the bulldozers cant even reach the houses where the people are buried. And many are still under the rubble. Its not been possible to get them out because there arent enough bulldozers. There is so much rubble that in many streets the bulldozers cant even reach the houses where the people are buried. And because fuel has now become in very short supply, there isnt enough fuel for the bulldozers. And even those bodies that have been recovered from under the rubble, not all of them have been identified. In some cases, the entire family was killed, so its a question of finding people from the extended family to come and claim the bodies. So, there are piles of bodies and there is no longer room in the morgue, which is absolutely overflowing. Bodies are outside because the hospital is completely full. People are being treated on every square inch of floor space in the hospital, on the floors of wards and corridors. So, the dead bodies are outside right next to where people are sheltering because there is nowhere else. Advertisement Advertisement The kind of trauma that this is inflicting, especially on the young oneschildren are the majority of the population in Gaza. The consequences that this will have on these kids will be for years to come. Its frightening to think about. Do the children even know what is happening? Or why its happening? A child is somebody whos below age 18. Gaza has been under a blockade for 16 years, during which there has been Israeli military operation after Israeli military operation. So, children who are 7, 8, 10, and more, this is not the first war that they have experienced. But this is far worse than anything theyve experienced before. Do they know what is happening? They certainly know that theyre being bombed, that their homes are being destroyed, that everything around them is being destroyed, that their relatives are being killed, that they may be killed. Advertisement Advertisement I was talking a couple of days ago to a woman who has two young children, and she was saying, I hold my children tight, and Im aware that my body really isnt enough to protect them from bombardments. So I keep thinking, Should I send them to separate relatives so that if there is a bombardment in one place, then they dont both get killed? A mother shouldnt have to think about making those choices. It really is among one of the worst situations that Ive seen people trapped in. Ive been working in wars all over the world for sort of the past 25 years. And the extent to which so many civilians are so trapped with so little option, its really among the worst that Ive seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate We Can All See the Horrors of War Now Read More You used the word apocalyptic. Is there any hope left at all? There has to be hope because there are more than 2 million people who live in Gaza. And there has to be some hope. The reaction of the international community so far has been shameful. That is the word that comes to mind. Of course, the attack that Hamas militants carried out against civilians inside Israel is unacceptable. It has to be condemned in the strongest terms. But that cannot be something that is used to give carte blanche for all-out revenge, because the civilian population of Gaza cannot, should not, must not be made to pay for crimes that they have not committed. Its not as if they can choose to stay in Gaza or leave because they cant leave. They cant choose who governs them and what they do. If the Israeli army cannot stop Hamas militants carrying out the sort of attack and atrocities that they did last week, how can the civilian population of Gaza stop them? Advertisement Advertisement But there has to be hope and there is hope. And you know where the hope is coming from? From ordinary Palestinians and ordinary Israelis. We have seen Israeli relatives of people who were killed and who were kidnaped by Hamas militants come out and say, Not in my name. There is suffering on both sides. We need peace. And, likewise, weve seen ordinary Palestinians saying, Of course, we condemn the fact that Israeli civilians were killed and kidnapped. Among the people who have suffered the most, we are finding voices of reason. Advertisement But there is every sign that the situation is worsening. And that is when you know the voices of reason should be heard. This is the time to make the difference between all-out revenge and respect for international law, because no country is above the law. How can humanitarian organizations get help to Gaza if everything is shut down and closed? Right now? There is nothing. There is no help going into Gaza. We just have to watch as everything falls apart for these people? Thats what the world has been doing for the past six days. Yes. Unfortunately. This article was originally featured in Foreign Policy, the magazine of global politics and ideas. For news, expert analysis, and background on the conflict, read FPs latest coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. Israel is set to begin an imminent ground operation in an effort to destroy Hamas after the militant groups cross-border invasion into Israel left more than 1,300 people dead this week. Israeli officials said the goal of the effort is to dismantle Hamasdestroying its infrastructure, decapitating its leadership, and decimating its rank-and-file troops. And theyre asking civilians to get out of harms way. The Israeli military on Thursday ordered the evacuation of more than 1 million people from northern Gazaa move the United Nations condemned, warning against devastating humanitarian consequences from the forced relocation. But officials and experts are wary that Israel, one of the most advanced militaries in the world, with a stockpile of American precision-guided munitions at its disposal, will get drawn into an urban brawl with the Iran-backed militant group. Theyll seek to draw it into a city street fight, said Frank McKenzie, a retired U.S. Marine four-star general who led U.S. Central Command, overseeing all American troops in the Middle East, until 2022. They can use their tunnel network to get in behind the attack or to attack in all directions to make it very difficult for Israel to effectively employ a technological advantage. Advertisement McKenzie said that Hamas will likely try to take the fight into a proverbial phone booth, up close and personal, where its very hard to discern where Israeli forces end or Hamas begins. Advertisement Hamas may also take a page from the Islamic State, which utilized tactics to blend into the dense urban environment in its dual capitals of Mosul, in Iraq, and Raqqa, in Syria, using women, children, and disabled people as human shields, before a U.S.-supported coalition helped demolish its self-declared caliphate. Haim Regev, Israels ambassador to the European Union and NATO, asserted in an interview that Hamas will likely use human shields to protect itself. All options are on the table, Regev said. But its going to be very tough. Advertisement The Israeli military insists it has protocols in place to protect the civilian population in Gaza, a thin strip of land in between Israel and Egypt that is about the geographic size of Philadelphia and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Advertisement The goal is to hit Hamas in a way that it will never recover militarily, Regev told Foreign Policy in an interview in his office on Tuesday. We have to be sensitive. There are 2 million people there in Gaza. We are warning people before we hit some of the targets. Regev said the Israeli military had succeeded in stopping, killing, or arresting the remaining Hamas infiltrators who had broken through the fence over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which has mobilized 300,000 reserve troops, about two-thirds of the active-duty U.S. Army, is dropping leaflets and plans to knock on doors to let residents know it is coming, when operational conditions allow it. And even if Israel follows the protocols to the letter, which include diverting airstrikes if warplanes detect the presence of children nearby, Hamas can draw on an extensive network of man-made tunnels under the Gaza Strip that it can use to store supplies of weapons and food or prepare more attacks. Advertisement They will have to dismount their infantry and essentially fight soldier on soldier and block by block in the built-up areas, said Mick Mulroy, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East. Special operations forces may be leaping ahead in surgical strikes to take out Hamas leadership and recover hostages. Even as Israel prepares the urban battlefield with airstrikes while softening up Hamas targets with artillery and indirect fire, the human cost of the war continues to rise. Israels death toll has soared to 1,300 people since Hamas fighters breached the Gaza border fence on Saturday. The Israeli military said it has recovered the bodies of more than 1,500 militants from the group, which the United States and European Union designate as a terror organization, some of them from roadsides in southern Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regev said the Israeli military operation also aimed to stop the cycle of Hamas rocket strikes from Gazamost of which are intercepted by Israels Iron Dome missile defense systemthat have been a feature of life in the country for years. The rocket era from Gaza has ended, Regev said. Now there is zero tolerance. The Israeli diplomat added that the country hoped to see moderate Palestinians take control of the Gaza Strip after the operation but said that Israel did not have any intention to again control the area as it once did and would withdraw troops after the military achieved its mission. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday announced Israels move to a full offensive following Hamas deadly attack from the weekend. As the Israeli military prepares for a possible ground strike in Gaza, it has already imposed a food, fuel, and water blockade. Gazas sole power plant ran out of fuel on Wednesdayincreasing the risk of hospital generators dying and exacerbating the crisis. Advertisement Mulroy said that while the IDF had superior troops, weapons, and equipment, Hamas has become very comfortable fighting in the urban jungle on home soil. As IDF troops come forward, Mulroy said, they are likely to face obstacles aimed at directing them into prepared kill zones where mines, anti-tank missiles, and deadly drones can take out their tanks and vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement This is about as hard a tactical problem as anyone has faced lately, said Joseph Votel, a retired U.S. Army four-star general who led U.S. Central Command until 2019. And the threat on the northern front is even worse: Iran-backed Hezbollah boasts a missile force of between 150,000 and 180,000 rockets that it could fire into Israel if it enters the conflict in any significant fashion. Advertisement Related From Slate What Would It Mean for Israel to Destroy Hamas? Read More U.N. experts warn that without essential supplies, the 2.3 million Gazans are at an inescapable risk of starvation and are calling for an immediate de-escalation. Theres going to be a determined effort to try to decapitate Hamas, said Michael Lynk, who served as the U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories. And the only way to do that is to lay waste to large sections of Gaza and its civilian population. Advertisement This is both a humanitarian crisis and a challenge for international law, he said. Collective punishment, the punishment of not the guilty but the innocent, is an absolute prohibition in the Fourth Geneva Convention, which governs the laws of occupation and the laws of war. Advertisement The U.N. has estimated that at least 340,000 Palestinians have been displaced by the fighting, and there are likely to be more as the Biden administration has urged putting in place humanitarian corridors so the Israeli ground operation can proceed with as little civilian bloodshed as possible. Its already been a bad year. Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, said that 2023 saw the most Palestinians killed in the West Bank in any year since the U.N. began systematically recording fatalities in 2005. The bloodshed did not begin this week, he said. In What Its Like, people tell us, well, what its like to have experiences many of us have not even imagined. In this entry, we spoke to beekeeper Jon McAdoo, from Plantsville, Connecticut, who specializes in the removal of beehives tucked into the walls of houses. It happens more often than you might thinklast month, Dallas influencer Jennifer Houghton found bees in the walls of two rooms in her mansion, documenting the process on her Instagram, @turtlecreeklane. In July, a woman in Alberta made the local news when she found a hive in the wall of her garage. McAdoo wasnt involved in these bee removals, but hes seen plenty like them. This summer, he did a removal after a woman was alerted to bees via vibrating in her bedroom walls, according to NBC Connecticut. Bees might be unwanted house guests, but they mean no harm. McAdoo has figured out how to relocate bees safely to another hive where they can continue their pollination duties. This as-told-to essay is based on an interview that has been edited and condensed for clarity. We average maybe 10 to 15 honeybee removals every year. Most of those are in the walls of peoples houses. Im sure most home contractors are very good at what they do, but there are a lot of gaps in houses. Usually wasps or yellow jackets will get in and eat away the insulation to make space for their nests. If thats not repaired properly, the next time the honeybees come by, theyll take advantage of the gaps. The bees dont need much. They like to have a sizable space without anything interfering. Advertisement Advertisement The hives in the walls can start small, and people dont always notice them at first. Usually a hive is discovered because of the buzzing noise. Or someone will notice the bees flying in from the outside and figure out that somethings going on. Theyll put their ear to the walleven putting your hand to the wall, you can feel the heat of the hive come through. In a good year, a hive can grow to massive numbers. Weve removed a few hives with 60,000 to 80,000 bees. Advertisement I started beekeeping probably 15 years ago, and Ive been removing bees from peoples houses for the last 10 or 12 years. The removal started one day when a neighbor came over and said, Hey, can you help me with something? And one thing led to another. We dont even advertise, just word-of-mouth. Im always amazed how people even from other states find us. Advertisement Ive found it to be very important to try my best to save the hives. Bees are important to ecology and every aspect of food production. Their pollinating work is so vital. The quick reaction that most people have when they see a bee is to grab a can of Raid and just spray first. And its unfortunate. A lot of people feel that if they see a bee, the bee is just going to come and sting them, but for the most part, if we leave them alone, they leave us alone. Advertisement Advertisement So, how to remove a honeybee hive? My wife and I work as a team. The first thing that we do when we go into someones house is set up a plastic tent around where the bees are, to limit the area where bees can escape. Then we just cut open the wall right where the bees are. We suck up some of the bees into the special vacuum that we have. It doesnt hurt them. They dont go through the vacuum cleaner, just into a box. Advertisement The bulk of the bees are on the honeycomb. Very interestingly, when you cut open the wall and you do it rightyou dont make a whole big mess, but you just cut it open nice and cleanthen the bees are very calm. A few of them will fly out to figure out what happened, wheres all this light coming from? But the majority of them stay right on the honeycomb, which is the basic structure of the hive, and keep on working. The young worker bees have wax glands on their body, and when they move, they can excrete wax. Its amazing how fast they can build. Very intelligent creation. Advertisement Related From Slate The Truth About Golden Retrievers Could Change How We Think About Dogs for Good Read More So we start cutting up the honeycomb and try our best to keep the bees on the comb. To cut the comb, you can use some sort of a knife or a hive tool, which is just basically a flat pry bar and cuts through pretty easily. We have to make sure we keep the comb oriented the right way, just the same way the bees had. Thats because the comb contains the majority of the eggs and what we call the brood, which is the larvae that are in production and will be bees pretty soon. Even though it might not be obvious, you could put the comb into the frame upside down, and the nectar or the eggs could essentially fall out. So we put the comb into wooden frames and just put a rubber band or two around it to keep it from falling out. And then we put those frames inside beehive boxes. On the outskirts of the hive is the newest and the freshest honeycomb. Thats extra for the bees, so thats what we collect for honey. People love to get that as much as they can. Advertisement Working with the bees, theres an overwhelming wax-and-honey smell. Its kind of difficult to put your finger on it, but its a pleasant smell. Then there are other smells that can happen in a removal of a large hive. Sometimes bees can become exhausted. If they have a stomach full of nectar and get upset and stressed, they can essentially vomit out nectar. That creates its own unique smell, which tells me that the hive is stressed and I need to calm things down quickly. Advertisement Advertisement There have been some hive removals that havent been the easiest. Its all in the process. If a hive is in a very difficult place to get out, a few bees are gonna get squished as youre cutting it out, and the bees dont like that too much. Or if a hive is in trouble and doesnt have a queen, the bees tend to be a little grumpier. Theyll be a lot more in your face and just in the attack mode. Theyre on your bee suit veil. Theyre trying to get you, basically. And Ive had a few times where, after a difficult removal, I have a residual effect where their loud buzzing noise stays in my ears. It takes a little while for it to go away. Advertisement Advertisement Each hive has its own personality. We equate that with the queen, whatever trait that she has. Some can be more aggressive; others can be just very calm. Some are very organized, and some are scatterbrained. I find myself talking to the bees when Im in the middle of it, asking them to move out of the way and relax. Its funny: You get your head into it when youre in the middle of removal. A removal usually results in one to two boxes of honeycomb. Then, once the box is full of frames, Ill just set it up in an outside location and open its entrances so the bees can explore their new spot. And Ill open the top, take the vacuum box, and dump the extra bees in the vacuum cleaner on top of the hive. Just throw em right on top. Its chaos for about a half an hour, but in a relatively short period of time, they calm down and they get right back to work. An Israeli soldier near the border with Gaza. Photo: Reuters The Israeli army has amassed large numbers of tanks, equipment and troops along the border with the northern Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground offensive. Now is the time for war, Israels defense minister said on Thursday Joav Galant. Although the army continues to carry out airstrikes over Gaza, it announced on Friday that it had hit more than 750 military targets in the northern part of Gaza. The order to evacuate a million people from Gaza City to the south of the enclave means that Israel is demanding that half the population of the entire Gaza Strip be relocated within 24 hours. The order was issued shortly after midnight. It read: Civilians of Gaza City, for your own safety and the safety of your families, retreat south and distance yourself from the Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields, came the call. At the same time, the army announced that it will operate extensively in Gaza in the coming days, and civilians will only be able to return when they are ordered to do so again. Later in the afternoon, Galant again called on the Palestinians to move south: If you want to save your life, please move south. We will destroy Hamas infrastructure, Hamas headquarters, their military facilities. We will remove this formation from Gaza and from the face of the Earth. According to him, there will be an offensive on Gaza long-lasting, powerful and will have lasting consequences: He emphasized that the attack was on Saturday idea of Iran. Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas are one axis, the axis of evil. All orders come directly from Iran, money comes from Iran, ideas are created in Iran. UN urges Israeli army to withdraw call; WHO: Its a death sentence The United Nations responded to this appeal by the Israeli army. They warned that, in their opinion, such a move could not be implemented without devastating humanitarian consequences. The United Nations strongly calls for the revocation of any such order. This is the only way to prevent the tragedy that is already unfolding from becoming a catastrophe, said a UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The World Health Organization (WHO) said it had been warned by Gaza authorities that it was impossible to evacuate patients from Gaza hospitals within 24 hours. We are talking about seriously ill people who are only being kept alive by machines. Moving these people would be a death sentence for them, so it is cruel to demand such a thing from medical professionals, they said. Also the EUs high foreign policy representative Josep Borrell said that the appeal of Israel unrealistic. Of course, civilians must be warned before starting a military operation, but it is absolutely impossible to relocate a million people in 24 hours, he said. Related news After Friday prayers, the world gathers in support of the Palestinians Israels ambassador to the world organization Gilad Erdan called the UNs response to Israels warning to the people of Gaza a yes shameful. Among other things, he said that Israel had warned the people of Gaza in advance and tried to do so reduce harm to those not involved in a military operation against the Palestinian armed movement Hamas. The order by Israeli forces to evacuate northern Gaza caused panic among the population as well as among UN staff. The UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has announced that they have moved their activities and staff to the south of Gaza. UNRWA has moved its central operations center and international staff to the south to continue its humanitarian operations and support to its staff and Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the agency wrote on the X network. Israel urges residents of northern Gaza to withdraw Hamas: Do not leave home A representative of Hamas said that the call of the Israeli army is for false propaganda, and urged citizens to disregard it. The people living in the north of Gaza and in Gaza City are called to stay in their homes. With the massacre of civilians, the occupier wants to expel us from our land again. But the displacement of 1948 will not happen again. We will die, but we will not leave , a Hamas representative said Ejad Al Bozom. Even people who want to leave the northern part of the enclave have serious problems, as extensive Israeli bombardment has damaged many roads. More than 400,000 people have already left their homes in Gaza. Photo: Reuters Israel has announced a ground invasion of Gaza, but it would be risky as the Islamist group Hamas is still holding more than a hundred Israeli hostages in Gaza, who were kidnapped during Saturdays attack. Moreover, the death toll in the event of such an offensive would be enormous. The number of victims on both sides exceeded a thousand Meanwhile, Israels public broadcaster Khan announced that the number of Israeli casualties had risen to more than 1,300. Gaza authorities said that more than 1,500 Palestinians had also been killed in the clashes. The Ezedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said 13 hostages had also been killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours. Already at the beginning of the week, they warned that it would happen each attack on the population ended without warning in the execution of one of the civilian hostages. According to Unicef, 447 children were also killed in Gaza, but this number is growing all the time. Correspondent Karmen W. Svegl reports from Jerusalem The International Committee of the Red Cross said the fuel that powers emergency generators in hospitals in Gaza could run out within hours, and the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) warned that people there were short of food and fresh water. The human suffering caused by this escalation is appalling, said a representative of the Red Cross Fabrizio Carboni. Namely, Israel makes the supply of water, food, electricity, fuel and humanitarian aid to Gaza conditional on the release of the hostages taken by Hamas. Gaza is facing a humanitarian and health catastrophe, said the Palestinian health minister Maj Al Kailawho therefore called on all countries and humanitarian organizations to assist in the immediate delivery of medical and emergency aid to the enclave. The United Nations has called for $294 million in aid to address the most urgent needs of the people of Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The funds, which will be allocated to help more than 1.2 million people, are necessary, as humanitarian organizations in the region are left without sufficient funds to respond to the needs of the residents, they emphasized. Smoke over Gaza. Photo: Reuters Foreign politicians are giving each other a hook in Tel Aviv The US Secretary of State arrived in Israel on Thursday Antony Blinken, who called on Israel to respond with restraint, but at the same time promised this country all the American aid. Today, Blinken will also meet with Saudi King Abdullah and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The president of the European Commission will also visit Israel Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Parliament Robert Metsol. High political representatives of several other Western countries are also expected in Israel, namely the German foreign minister Annalena BaerbockItalian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Russian President Vladimir Putin estimated in Kyrgyzstan that an Israeli ground offensive would result in such a number of civilian casualties that completely unacceptable. He added that the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas involved with serious consequences for all parties. The most important thing now is to stop the bloodshed, he said. Iran USA: Control Israel The US must control Israel if it wants to prevent the spread of war with Hamas in the region, Irans foreign minister said Hosein Amir Abdolahian during a visit to Beirut, where he met with the head of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah on Thursday Hasan Nasrallah. In doing so, he emphasized that Tehran is trying to maintain Lebanons security. America wants to give Israel the opportunity to destroy Gaza, and this is a grave mistake. If the Americans want to prevent the spread of war in the region, they must control Israel, warned the head of Iranian diplomacy. Iran also warned Israel of the possibility that members of the Axis of Resistance, a regional alliance against Israel, could open another front of conflict if the bombing of Gaza continues. Irans foreign minister confirmed that this possibility according to the continuation of these circumstances, which are war crimes, it exists. A representative of the Hezbollah movement said that it was their movement ready and that it will contributed to the confrontation with Iran according to his plan. London is increasing its military presence Britain will send two warships, three helicopters, a reconnaissance aircraft and a detachment of Royal Marines to the eastern Mediterranean. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak he decided on this move after a telephone conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The reconnaissance plane will already start monitoring potential threats to regional stability, such as the supply of weapons to terrorist groups, the British Prime Ministers Office announced. At the same time, Sunak reminded his Israeli colleague of the importance of taking all necessary measures to protect Palestinian civilians and enable access to humanitarian aid. Earlier, Sunak also spoke by phone with the Egyptian president Abdul Fattah Al Sisi and stressed the importance of opening the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and to allow the withdrawal of British and other nationals from Gaza. A battle group of ships, including an aircraft carrier, has also been sent by the US to Israel before. If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. With the perfect beading supplies, you can create beautiful earrings, bracelets, and more for your business. Whether you make one-of-a-kind pieces or sell bulk products, there are plenty of places to find high-quality beads, charms, wires, and findings at unbeatable prices. In this article, well reveal 10 great places to get exactly what you need to bring your vision to life. Lets dive in! The Beading Market in 2023 The global beading market is booming and is expected to continue until 2028. Despite changing economic conditions, jewelry making remains a popular hobby, and demand for supplies has surged. With new manufacturers offering competitive prices, consumers have more options than ever for creating handmade jewelry. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here Top Places to Buy Beading Supplies Online When youre shopping for beading supplies online, its important to choose a store you can trust. From materials for large projects to simple findings and hardware, here are the top online places to shop for beads and other supplies: 1. Amazon Amazon is a top online destination for buying beading supplies. It offers a wide variety of products, competitive pricing, and fast shipping options. 2. Etsy Etsy is a popular online marketplace for buying beading supplies. It offers unique handmade items, vintage finds, and a vibrant community of sellers. 3. GoodyBeads GoodyBeads offers affordable and high-quality beading supplies for DIY jewelry making, with over 20 years of experience and excellent customer service. Small Business Deals 4. Beads Factory Family-owned Beads Factory offers a wide range of high-quality beading supplies online and in-store and is a top supplier of Preciosa and Crystals. 5. Beadaholique Beadaholique is a top source for beads, jewelry supplies, and learning resources with fast worldwide shipping, free tutorials, and quality products. 6. Shipwreck Beads Shipwreck Beads is family-owned since 1969, the largest US retailer of Czech glass beads with an impressive 80k sq. ft. showroom stocked with billions of beads and more. 7. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads Fire Mountain Gems and Beads sells beading supplies online since 1973, with a focus on valuing relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees. 8. Artbeads Artbeads, a family-run business for 17+ years, offers vast beading supplies and hosts a large community of beaders, making it a top online destination. 9. eBay eBay is a top source for buying beading supplies online. With a vast selection, competitive pricing, and reliable shipping, its a popular choice among beading enthusiasts. 10. Michaels Michaels is a go-to destination for buying beading supplies online. Their diverse inventory, weekly sales, and curbside pickup option make shopping for beads easy and convenient. You can also find the top deals on beading supplies here. Essential Beading Supplies For stunning beaded jewelry, you need the right beading supplies, including tools, findings, and beads, with consideration of bead size. Once you invest in the items below, check out these 16 craft supply storage ideas to keep them organized. Important supplies for a beading business include: Seed Beads Seed beads are tiny, round beads commonly used in bead weaving, loom work, and embroidery. Originating from Venice in the 15th century, these beads are often used in traditional indigenous beading projects. The sizing can be a bit confusing, as a larger number indicates a smaller bead. Bugle Beads These are long cylindrical beads that come in various lengths and finishes. Bugle beads are a staple in bead embroidery and can create texture and lines in jewelry pieces. However, their sharp ends can fray threading materials if not properly protected. Delica Beads Made by the Japanese company Miyuki, Delica beads are cylinder beads perfect for detailed bead weaving due to their uniform size and shape. They stack neatly, making them a favorite for patterns that require precision. Crystal Beads Crystal beads, often associated with brands like Swarovski or Preciosa, are made from lead glass thats been cut to refract light. Their sparkle and brilliance make them sought after for elegant jewelry pieces. Lampwork Beads Lampwork beads are handcrafted by melting glass using a torch. The melted glass is wound around a metal rod, creating beads of various shapes and designs. The craftsmanship and uniqueness of each bead make them special. Gemstone Beads Made from genuine gemstones, these beads can be faceted or smooth. Their value varies depending on the gem type, and they often carry metaphysical meanings. Popular stones include amethyst, turquoise, and jade. Wooden Beads These are carved from various types of wood. Wooden beads can be painted, stained, or left natural. They offer a bohemian or rustic look to jewelry and crafts. Bone and Horn Beads Historically, bone and horn beads were made from actual animal bones or horns. They are often carved with designs and can have a tribal or ancient aesthetic. Pearl Beads Both natural and cultured pearls can be used as beads. Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls are all varieties. Their lustrous sheen adds elegance to any project. Shell Beads Made from sea shells, these beads have a natural iridescence. Commonly used shells include mother of pearl, abalone, and cowrie. Metal Beads Crafted from various metals, these beads can be simple spacers or intricate designs. Popular metals include sterling silver, gold, brass, and pewter. Ceramic and Porcelain Beads Made from clay and then fired, ceramic and porcelain beads can be glazed or unglazed. Their handcrafted nature often gives them unique and artsy designs. Acrylic Beads These are plastic beads that come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are lightweight, making them suitable for larger statement jewelry pieces. Czech Glass Beads Originating from the Czech Republic, these beads are known for their quality and craftsmanship. They come in numerous shapes, sizes, and finishes, from faceted fire-polished beads to unique pressed shapes. Trade Beads Historically, these beads were used as a form of currency, especially in Africa. Trade beads are often colorful and come in various patterns, making them collectible. African Waist Beads Originating from African cultures, waist beads are worn around the waist for various reasons, including adornment, marking milestones, or symbolizing wealth. Tila Beads Another creation by Miyuki, tila beads are flat, square beads with two holes. They offer unique possibilities in bead weaving. SuperDuo Beads These are two-hole beads shaped like an hourglass or a figure-eight. SuperDuo beads are popular in bead weaving due to the intricate patterns they can create. Bead Type Shape/Structure Main Material Common Uses Unique Features/Properties Seed Beads Tiny, round Glass Bead weaving, loom work, embroidery Sizing can be inverse; larger number indicates a smaller bead. Bugle Beads Long, cylindrical Glass Bead embroidery Sharp ends can fray threading. Delica Beads Cylinder Glass Detailed bead weaving Uniform size and shape; stacks neatly. Crystal Beads Various (often faceted) Lead glass Jewelry Brilliant sparkle due to light refraction. Lampwork Beads Various Glass Jewelry, art pieces Handcrafted; each bead is unique. Gemstone Beads Various Gemstones Jewelry, spiritual practices Made from genuine gemstones; metaphysical meanings. Wooden Beads Various Wood Jewelry, crafts Can be painted, stained, or natural; rustic look. Bone and Horn Beads Various Bone, Horn Jewelry, tribal crafts Often carved with designs; tribal aesthetic. Pearl Beads Round, oval Pearl Jewelry Lustrous sheen; can be natural or cultured. Shell Beads Various Sea Shells Jewelry Natural iridescence. Metal Beads Various Metal Jewelry Can be made from silver, gold, brass, pewter, etc. Ceramic & Porcelain Various Clay Jewelry, crafts Handcrafted; can be glazed or unglazed. Acrylic Beads Various Plastic Jewelry Lightweight; wide range of colors. Czech Glass Beads Various Glass Jewelry Known for quality; many shapes, sizes, finishes. Trade Beads Various Glass, ceramic Jewelry, historical currency Colorful with various patterns; historically significant. African Waist Beads Tiny, round Glass, crystal Adornment Worn around the waist; cultural significance. Tila Beads Flat, square Glass Bead weaving Two holes; uniform size. SuperDuo Beads Hourglass/figure-eight Glass Bead weaving Two-hole beads; enable intricate patterns. Beading Needles Beading needles are thin, elongated needles specifically designed to fit most bead holes. They make stringing beads easier, especially for detailed work like bead weaving or embroidery. Their sizes vary, with smaller numbers indicating thicker needles. Beading Thread Beading thread is a specially designed thread for beadwork. Its typically stronger and more resistant to fraying than regular sewing thread. Brands like Nymo, FireLine, and C-Lon are popular choices, each offering different strengths and thicknesses suitable for various projects. Beading Wire Beading wire, like Tiger Tail or Soft Flex, is made of several strands of stainless steel wires woven together and then coated with nylon. Its flexible yet strong, making it ideal for stringing heavier beads or creating jewelry pieces like necklaces and bracelets. Crimp Beads These are small beads or tubes made of metal. When flattened with crimping pliers, crimping beads secure beading wire ends, ensuring that beads stay in place and that clasps are securely attached. Bead Caps Bead caps are decorative elements that fit on the ends of beads, enhancing their appearance. They can add an elegant finish to a bead, especially larger or focal beads. Bead Stoppers Bead stoppers are small, spring-like tools that temporarily grip the end of your beading wire or thread, preventing beads from sliding off when you pause or adjust your work. Spacer Beads While not beads in the decorative sense, spacer beads are functional components used to separate and frame more prominent beads in jewelry designs. They help in achieving a balanced look. Clasps and Closures Clasps and closures are mechanisms used to open and close jewelry pieces like necklaces and bracelets. There are various types, including lobster claw, toggle, magnetic, and hook-eye clasps, each offering different aesthetics and functionalities. Headpins and Eyepins Headpins are metal wires with a flat or decorative end, while eyepins have a loop at one end. Theyre used for making bead dangles or linking beads together. Jump Rings and Split Rings Jump rings are circular metal rings with a split, allowing them to open and close. Split rings resemble tiny key rings. Both are used for attaching components together, such as adding a charm to a bracelet. Beading Supply Description Primary Material Main Use Unique Feature/Property Beading Needles Thin, elongated needles designed to fit most bead holes. Metal (often steel) Stringing, bead weaving, embroidery Sizes vary; smaller numbers indicate thicker needles. Beading Thread Strong thread designed for beadwork. Synthetic fibers Bead weaving, stringing beads Resistant to fraying; various strengths and thicknesses available. Beading Wire Woven stainless steel wires coated with nylon. Stainless steel, nylon Stringing beads, especially heavier ones Flexible yet strong. Crimp Beads Small beads or tubes made of metal. Metal Securing ends of beading wire Flattened with crimping pliers to secure. Bead Caps Decorative elements that fit on bead ends. Metal, plastic Enhancing bead appearance Adds an elegant finish, especially to larger/focal beads. Bead Stoppers Spring-like tools that grip the end of beading wire/thread. Metal Pausing work without beads sliding off Temporarily holds beads in place. Spacer Beads Functional components used between decorative beads. Metal, glass, plastic Achieving a balanced jewelry design Not decorative but frames more prominent beads. Clasps and Closures Mechanisms for opening and closing jewelry pieces. Metal Fastening jewelry pieces Various types offer different aesthetics/functionality (e.g., lobster, toggle). Headpins and Eyepins Metal wires with a flat/decorative end (headpin) or loop (eyepin). Metal Making bead dangles, linking beads Headpins have a flat end; eyepins have a loop. Jump Rings and Split Rings Circular metal rings. Jump rings have a split, while split rings resemble key rings. Metal Attaching components together Jump rings open/close; split rings spiral multiple times for added security. Beading Tools for Business A successful beading business needs the right tools and equipment to make high-quality necklaces and other jewelry. Beyond the basics, here are some additional tools to consider: Crimping Pliers Crimping pliers are specifically designed to work with crimp beads. They have two notches: one to crimp (flatten) the bead and another to shape it, ensuring a neat finish. Bead Mats Bead mats are soft, usually velvet-like surfaces that prevent beads from rolling around while you work. They offer a safe and organized workspace, ensuring that even the tiniest beads dont escape. Bead Boards These are trays with grooves and compartments designed to help you plan out jewelry designs, especially necklaces or bracelets. Bead boards allow you to measure, arrange, and adjust bead placements before stringing. Wire Cutters Wire cutters are essential for cutting beading wire, headpins, and eyepins. They ensure clean cuts, which are crucial for professional-looking jewelry finishes. Beading Scissors These are small, sharp scissors used for cutting beading thread or other fine materials. Precision is crucial in beading, making these an essential tool. Beading Loom A beading loom is a tool used for bead weaving, allowing artists to create intricate patterns and designs by weaving beads together using thread. Bead Reamers These are tools designed to enlarge, smooth, or otherwise modify the holes in beads. Bead reamers are especially useful when a beads hole is too small for a thread or wire. Thread Burner A thread burner is an alternative to scissors for cutting beading thread. It heats up and melts the thread, preventing frayed ends and making for a cleaner finish. Knotting Tool A knotting tool is used to create knots between beads or pearls, resulting in a finished jewelry piece that drapes nicely and keeps beads from sliding around. Bead Spinner A bead spinner is a device that helps to string beads quickly and easily onto thread or wire, making it a great time-saver for large or complex pieces. Beading Tool Description Primary Material Main Use Unique Feature/Property Crimping Pliers Specifically designed to work with crimp beads with two notches. Metal Crimping and shaping crimp beads Two notches for both crimping and shaping beads. Bead Mats Soft, velvet-like surfaces preventing bead roll. Fabric Organized workspace for beadwork Keeps even the tiniest beads from rolling away. Bead Boards Trays with grooves and compartments for planning jewelry designs. Plastic, wood Planning and measuring jewelry designs Helps pre-arrange bead placements before stringing. Wire Cutters Essential for cutting beading wire, headpins, and eyepins. Metal Cutting wires and metal components Ensures clean cuts for a polished jewelry finish. Beading Scissors Small, sharp scissors for cutting beading thread. Metal Cutting beading thread and fine materials Precision tool for fine cuts. Beading Loom Tool for bead weaving to create intricate patterns. Wood, metal Weaving beads together using thread Allows for detailed bead weaving patterns. Bead Reamers Designed to enlarge or smooth bead holes. Metal Modifying bead holes Useful for beads with holes too small for certain threads or wires. Thread Burner Melts beading thread for clean cuts. Metal, plastic Cutting beading thread Prevents frayed ends, ensuring a cleaner finish. Knotting Tool Used for creating knots between beads or pearls. Metal, wood, plastic Knotting between beads and pearls Results in jewelry that drapes well and keeps beads securely in place. Bead Spinner Device for quick and easy stringing of beads. Wood, plastic Speedy stringing of beads onto thread or wire Time-saving tool for large or intricate beading projects. What Material Is Best for Beading? The best material for beading depends on the type of project youre working on and the look you want to achieve. Some popular materials include glass, gemstones, and metal, each offering different textures and finishes to create unique jewelry pieces. What Is the Most Important Beading Tool? Pliers are considered the most important beading tool. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including bending and shaping wire, opening, and closing jump rings, and attaching findings to finished jewelry. Are Beading Businesses Profitable? Beading businesses can be profitable. In fact, its among the top 50 handmade business ideas you can start from home. But success depends on factors such as market demand, competition, and pricing strategy. Launching a successful beading business entails more than just creating beautiful pieces. Strategic planning, marketing acumen, and a deep understanding of your target audience are equally essential. Embracing both the craft and the commerce can lead to a rewarding venture. Here are some tips for creating a profitable beading business: Find Your Niche : Identify unique beadwork or jewelry styles that cater to a specific audience, setting your brand apart. : Quality Over Quantity : Prioritize the quality of materials and craftsmanship to build trust and loyalty among customers. : Effective Pricing : Calculate material, labor, and overhead costs, then set a profitable price point while considering market trends. : Online Presence : Establish an online store on platforms like Etsy or Shopify and maintain active social media profiles to showcase your work and connect with potential customers. : Craft Fair Participation : Attend craft fairs, pop-up shops, and local markets to gain exposure and directly interact with customers. : Continuous Learning : Stay updated with the latest beading techniques, trends, and business strategies by attending workshops or online classes. : Networking : Build relationships with suppliers for better deals and with other artisans for potential collaborations or referrals. : Customer Feedback : Actively seek feedback and reviews to continually improve your products and services. : Inventory Management : Keep a meticulous record of your bead inventory and sales to forecast demands and avoid overstocking. : Diversify Product Line : Offer a range of products, from affordable pieces for wider audiences to premium items for high-end customers. : Remember, patience and persistence are crucial. As with any business, building a reputable and profitable beading brand will take time, but with dedication and the right strategies, success is attainable. What Is the Best Website to Buy Wholesale Bead Supplies? There are many websites that offer wholesale bead supplies, but the best one for your business will depend on factors such as product selection, pricing, and shipping options. Our top list above should help you find the right wholesaler. This list of where to find wholesale craft supplies includes even more options. Can You Buy Beading Tools Where you Buy Jewelry Supplies? Yes, many stores that sell jewelry supplies also carry beading tools such as pliers, wire cutters, and beading needles. You can find these tools in-store or online at retailers like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann. Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today. Small business grants dont just improve outcomes for individual businesses; they can also improve opportunities and economic conditions, particularly for historically underserved groups. This week, several communities and organizations launched new grants and support programs aimed at improving their local economies and helping entrepreneurs succeed. Read about some of those opportunities below. Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance Small Business Investment Program The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance just announced a new grant program to support the Black small business community across Metro Detroit. The Small Business Investment Program will offer grants of $2,500 to up to 200 eligible businesses. The program is funded by a $1 million grant from Prudential Financial. To qualify, businesses must be new or existing Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance members and participate in at least two of six Prudential Pathways Seminars in the Black Wealth Workshop Series. The workshop will run from October 25 to November 9. And the deadline to apply for a grant is November 17. Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health Grant The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health grant program just launched a new funding round to support workplace safety across Michigan. The program is open to Michigan small businesses with 250 employees or fewer. Employers must also have a qualified safety professional or safety committee conduct a site evaluation to justify the expenses. Eligible businesses can request a matching grant of up to $5,000, which can cover equipment or training to improve the safety and health of employees. The funding period opened on October 1 and will continue until funding is expended. Businesses that havent received a MIOSHA grant in previous years will receive priority. And previous grantees may apply starting January 1, 2024, if funds are still available. Port St. Lucie COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program Port St. Lucie, Florida is partnering with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College to launch a new COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program, providing financial support to small businesses impacted by the pandemic. The program is funded through a $423,707 grant that Port St. Lucie received from the FloridaCommerce Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program. Eligible businesses can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $10,000, which can cover various pandemic-related expenses like reopening costs, insurance premiums, or mortgage payments. The application portal is open October 11 through 17. And the city will process applications in the order they are received. Sevier County Small Business Grant Writing Course The Sevier County Economic Development Department at Cossatot Community College at the University of Arkansas is offering a new course to help businesses and individuals improve their grant writing skills. The Small Business Grant Writing course is a four-day session, taking place on Thursdays from October 26 to November 16. The course is free to Sevier County residents and business owners. But those outside the county can sign up for a $25 fee. Enid Microenterprise Grant Program The Enid Regional Development Alliance in Enid, Oklahoma is accepting applications for its Microenterprise Grant program. This is the fourth round of this program, which will award $5,000 grants to six local businesses. To qualify businesses must have a brick-and-mortar location within Enid city limits, have six or fewer full-time-equivalent employees, and meet income requirements set by the Office of Housing and Urban Development. Interested businesses have until November 10 to apply for a grant. Small Business Deals Seattle U-District Vitality Grants The U-District Partnership and Washington State Department of Commerce are partnering to award pandemic recovery grants to local businesses. The grant program includes $5 million in funding, which will go to businesses in Seattles University District. The one-time funding is allocated to main-floor businesses and non-profits to cover the cost of various improvements like signage, windows, lighting, or other facade updates. On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Edna Mae Grimaldi went home to be with our Lord and Savior. She passed away peacefully at the University of Maryland, Charles Regional Medical Center in LaPlata, Maryland. Edna was preceded by her husband Louis Grimaldi, and her parents John Emory and Dorothy Mae Littleford. Edna is survived by her siblings, John (Mary Ann), Barbara (Fred deceased), Jimmy (Sandy), and Cecil (Cookie); her children Frank (Jeanette), Anna, and stepson Ray. She had six grandchildren, Joe, Andrew, Joshua, Robert, Faith, and Roman. Edna was the eldest of five siblings. After graduating from Suitland High School, she was living with her parents and working with her sister Bobbi at Hecht Co. in Marlow Heights, Maryland, where she met the love of her life, Lou. She and Lou bought their first home in Brandywine, where Edna was able to stay home and raise her children. Edna enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, doing ceramics, and going to Bingo. Edna and Lou moved to Pinefield in Waldorf and built a home right across the street from her sister and brother-in-law, Bobbi and Fred, in 1996. They spent many wonderful times together. Edna's daughter, Anna moved in years later and became her lifeline, best friend, and caregiver until her last day. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 2:00 4:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, 30195 Three Notch Road Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation or The Dementia Research Foundation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231013/us-intel-ahead-of-hamas-attack-reveals-cia-was-aware-of-possible-flare-up-but-not-its-severity-1114184848.html US Intel Ahead of Hamas Attack Reveals CIA Aware of Possible Flare-Up But Not Its Severity US Intel Ahead of Hamas Attack Reveals CIA Aware of Possible Flare-Up But Not Its Severity Two CIA reports issued days before the Hamas attack on October 7 showed that the agency was monitoring the area but failed to predict the attack. 2023-10-13T22:32+0000 2023-10-13T22:32+0000 2023-10-13T22:30+0000 world palestinians americans joe biden west bank israel defense forces (idf) palestine hamas cia israel /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0b/1114102882_0:205:3072:1933_1920x0_80_0_0_24d9e554075d00c1e372efb2392c22fb.jpg A pair of CIA intelligence reports warned about possible escalation in Palestine by Hamas forces but failed to foresee the highly advanced and coordinated attack on October 7 that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and another 150 individuals being taken as hostages, including some Americans.According to anonymous US officials who spoke to US media and are familiar with the reports, the first intelligence record was issued on September 28 and stated Hamas may try to launch rockets towards Israel. The second report was released on October 5, just two days before the attack, and was part of a widely distributed daily summary of CIA intelligence that is shared with lawmakers. The follow-up report provided a more analytical perspective than the initial document.Neither report was shared with US President Joe Biden nor senior White House officials, said sources who described the reports as routine and similar to other files about Palestine. One official reportedly said the September 28 report specifically warned about possible escalation by Hamas.The reports did not mention the new tactics utilized by Hamas to great effect, including powered gliders, drones and a ground assault. Typically, Hamas shoots rockets towards Israel, the vast majority of which are taken down by Israels Iron Dome defense system. On rare occasions, the group employs car bombs and other tactics, but nothing on the scale or with the sophistication of what was seen last week.Both the CIA and the White House refused to comment on the classified documents.American and Israeli intelligence agencies regularly share information and it is unclear how Hamas prevented them from discovering their plans for the attack. Media reports claims Egypt warned Israel about a potential attack three days before the events unfolded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that report.In response to the attack, Israel has carried out a massive bombing campaign that killed at least 1,900 Palestinians and wounded another 7,696 in Gaza and the West Bank, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.Just before midnight on Thursday, Israel ordered civilians living in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south within 24 hours ahead of a military operation by the Israel Defense Forces in the area. More than 1.1 million people are affected by the order and the United Nations decried the evacuation, calling it impossible without "devastating humanitarian consequences."Meanwhile, Amnesty International stated the order cannot be considered an effective warning and warned it may be the forced displacement of the civilian population, a violation of international humanitarian law.Despite the order to evacuate, the IDF has continued air bombardments in the area. Hamas media office claims Israeli forces hit cars fleeing northern Gaza in three locations, a claim backed by eyewitnesses near the town of Deir el-Balah, south of the evacuation zone and where Israel told civilians to flee toward.The attacks, which the IDF has yet to comment on, have left Gaza residents unsure of where they can be safe from bombardment. More than 423,000 people have already been displaced by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, the UN said on Thursday. Some fear it may be a repeat of the 1948 mass exodus of Palestine during Israels formation. That event, called the Nakba or catastrophe, saw more than half of Palestinians removed from their homes, according to the UN.Hamas has "adamantly" rejected the move and called the order psychological warfare part of "Israel's attempt to ethnically cleanse Gaza," asking Palestinians not to flee northern Gaza. "We will either live standing tall or we will die fighting," Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamas political bureau, said in a statement. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231013/putin-on-israel-palestine-conflict-we-need-to-think-about-civilian-population-1114183619.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231013/palestinian-journalist-we-feel-as-if-we-are-already-dead-here-in-gaza-1114166805.html west bank israel gaza 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 did the cia know about the hamas attack, hamas attack in israel, palestinian - israeli conflict, bombing of gaza https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/buzzing-with-ideas-ukraines-government-seeks-lifeline-in-honey-sales-1114165814.html Buzzing With Ideas: Ukraine's Government Seeks Lifeline in Honey Sales Buzzing With Ideas: Ukraine's Government Seeks Lifeline in Honey Sales Necessity is the mother of invention, according to a famous maxim. That's why the government of Ukraine, in partnership with an agro-industrial company, has launched a honey-backed fundraiser to help with demining efforts. 2023-10-14T12:28+0000 2023-10-14T12:28+0000 2023-10-14T12:28+0000 ukraine russia's special operation in ukraine west russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/15703/25/157032522_0:0:360:203_1920x0_80_0_0_28eb4b1510101c80d9e2f467c2675d9f.jpg In a desperate move to shore up meagre finances, Ukraine has unveiled a project to finance demining operations. The government aims to raise funds by selling honey extracted from minefields, according to an official statement. The "Honey of Minefields" initiative is a forlorn collaborative venture between Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and agro-industrial firm Kernel.In a rather bizarre twist, Ukrainian diplomats have hatched a plan to tote around jars of sourced honey during their international engagements. Their aim? Employing dumb pretenses to distribute unusual gifts to obtain additional funds from counterparts and sentimental foreigners, all under the guise of "fundraising" for demining certain territories and bolstering finances for arms procurement.The project is slated for launch during next years spring season, according to its official site.In January this year, the Ukrainian governments assessment indicated that mine lands extended over 250,000 square kilometers.According to its latest report, Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs revealed that roughly 30 percent of the country's land mass, amounting to more than 174,000 square kilometers, is mined (almost 43,000 acres). This includes private land, vital infrastructure, forests, fields, and reservoirs. The ministry also emphasized that the mined areas consist of 8 million hectares (almost 19.7 million acres).Over the past months, however, Ukraine has been facing an increasingly frosty reception when it comes to foreign aid. This support fatigue is caused by the waning public interest in the conflict, the failure of the overhyped Ukrainian counteroffensive, and growing economic issues throughout the West.Since the conflict started, the Biden administration and the US Congress have provided more than $75Bln in aid to Ukraine. This covers humanitarian, financial, and military support, according to a September report by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.However, the Ukrainian government is still hampered by high levels of corruption. In January, the Zelensky government axed a dozen high-ranking members because of allegations of impropriety. Subsequently, in August, Ukraine's regional heads of military recruitment centers were fired after an audit exposed cases of abuse and self-aggrandizement. In September, the then-defence minister was replaced after several Ukrainian media outlets voiced disappointment about the defense ministry's flawed procurement process.The escalation in the Middle East in October has also caused yet another scandal with Ukrainian arms reportedly emerging in Palestine. These reports were refuted by Kiev. However, Zelensky eventually sacked the head of the military export agency. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/un-says-alleged-use-of-banned-landmines-by-ukraine-should-be-investigated-1106865620.html ukraine west russia 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 ukraine, demining operations, financing demining, honey of minefields, ministry of foreign affairs, kernel, agricultural field, honey-bearing herbs, bees, landmines, international engagements, spring season, ministry of internal affairs, private lands, vital infrastructure, forests, fields, reservoirs, prime minister, denis shmygal. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/congressman-mistakenly-congratulates-us-navy-with-photo-of-russian-ship-1114190121.html Congressman Mistakenly Congratulates US Navy With Photo of Russian Ship Congressman Mistakenly Congratulates US Navy With Photo of Russian Ship Congressman Cory Mills posted on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, congratulating the day of the US Navy with an image of a Russian ship. 2023-10-14T07:19+0000 2023-10-14T07:19+0000 2023-10-14T07:19+0000 americas us russia us navy brian mast /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107823/13/1078231390_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6b0f1d11934ff06789a704c364ad0ac3.jpg Congressman Cory Mills posted on social network X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the US Navy on reaching its 248th anniversary ... and illustrated his tweet with an image of a Russian ship.Many users in the comments section of the post condemned the Republican Representative for Florida's 7th congressional district for such an oversight, prompting Mills to remove the photo from the post, leaving only the congratulatory text. User Dave Brown noted that Mills was not the only one to blunder while congratulating the Navy on the anniversary of its foundation; Congressman David Trone (Democratic Representative of Maryland's 6th congressional district) attached pictures of Russian naval equipment to his message of goodwill, and the US Department of Homeland Security - Brown added - published a postcard showing a Canadian frigate.In 1972 Admiral Elmo Zumwalt designated October 13 as the official founding date of the US Navy. https://sputnikglobe.com/20200711/watch-russian-battlecruiser-pyotr-velikiy-firing-missiles-1079856291.html americas 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 ship, congressman cory mills, us navy https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/crimean-bridge-fully-restored-ahead-of-schedule-1114194235.html Crimean Bridge Fully Restored Ahead of Schedule Crimean Bridge Fully Restored Ahead of Schedule The Crimean Bridge was fully repaired 18 days ahead of the schedule, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin wrote on his Telegram channel. 2023-10-14T11:30+0000 2023-10-14T11:30+0000 2023-10-14T11:30+0000 russia russia crimean bridge marat khusnullin ukraine ukrainian drone attacks on russia drone attack crimean bridge terror attacks /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0e/1114194061_0:113:3243:1937_1920x0_80_0_0_b729218657d18ac8b4dcfdd394866f2d.jpg "Great news from the road workers! The Crimean Bridge has been fully repaired and all four lanes are now open to traffic, a remarkable 18 days ahead of the original schedule," he wrote.The Russian deputy prime minister added that the entire restoration project was completed in less than three months. During that time, two damaged sections were dismantled and replaced with new ones. A temporary bridge was built for the first section, and work on the second one was completed in just eight hours. The restoration required 534 tons of metal structures, and more than 360 tons of asphalt concrete were used for the road surface, according to the deputy prime minister.Full traffic restoration was originally scheduled for November 1.On the night of July 17, Ukraine launched an attack on the Crimean Bridge using two unmanned surface vehicles. Two civilians, a couple from the Belgorod region, lost their lives and their 14-year-old daughter was hospitalized with injuries. The Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case in connection with the act of terrorism.Traffic on the bridge was restored in a reverse mode the following night, and the left side of the bridge was opened on September 14. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230909/russian-navy-destroys-3-ukrainian-boats-trying-to-attack-crimean-bridge---mod-1113232804.html russia crimean bridge ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International crimean bridge, crimean bridge attack, crimean bridge news, crimean bridge status, crimean bridge reopens https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/house-gop-to-investigate-whether-hamas-weapons-came-from-ukraine-afghanistan---report-1114191197.html House GOP to Investigate Whether Hamas' Weapons Came from Ukraine, Afghanistan - Report House GOP to Investigate Whether Hamas' Weapons Came from Ukraine, Afghanistan - Report House Republicans are reportedly determined to launch a congressional probe into whether US weapons sent to Ukraine and left behind in Afghanistan found their way into Hamas' hands, according to US independent media. 2023-10-14T09:42+0000 2023-10-14T09:42+0000 2023-10-14T09:42+0000 world us ukraine afghanistan kiev hamas republican pentagon palestine-israel conflict israel /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/15/1113561518_0:0:3204:1802_1920x0_80_0_0_a74a4cd60b1a011ef8597d3153e8a203.jpg The 7 October brutal attack on Israeli settlements carried out by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups raised the question about American and Soviet-era weapons apparently used during the Saturday onslaught.In particular, the son of former US President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr, drew attention to videos featuring Palestinians holding American-made M4 assault rifles.US Republican House Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene raised the alarm about small arms smuggling: "Did they come from Afghanistan? Did they come from Ukraine? Highly likely the answer is both," she tweeted on 8 October.The controversy surrounding the uncontrollable spread of US weapons through Central Asia and the Middle East has been simmering for quite a while. During the Obama-era Arab Spring, US weapons circulated from Libyan to Syrian jihadi insurgents; the US' Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) reported a troubling waste of money and potential misappropriation of US funds and assets in Afghanistan; US weaponry worth billions of dollars was left behind in the Central Asian country after the Pentagon's hasty withdrawal in August 2021.In April 2022, CNN reported that the US had little if any capability of tracking small arms, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADs) and other equipment Washington sent to Ukraine at the time, and US think-tanks referred to the Eastern European country's questionable arms-smuggling record.According to the US-funded 2021 Global Organized Crime Index, Ukraine is one of the largest arms-trafficking markets in Europe. Its traffic has increased since the February 2014 coup and the think-tank said that the cities of Dneprotpetrovsk, Kharkov, Odessa and Kiev are busy hubs for criminal networks involved in arms dealing.The Small Arms Survey, a Geneva-based independent research project, reported back in 2017 that out of more than 300,000 small arms that disappeared from the Ukrainian Armed Forces' stockpiles between 2013 and 2015 only 13 percent of them were later recovered.To complicate matters further, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari raised the alarm that weapons from the Ukraine conflict were slipping into the Lake Chad Basin region.In July 2023 Russia cited concerns that Ukraine used the Black Sea grain corridor for weapons smuggling. The Federal Security Service (FSB) found traces of explosives on foreign civilian vessels used for transporting Ukrainian grain, alleging that explosives were previously delivered to the territory of the Eastern European state. And some Russian commentators don't rule out that the safe passage could have been used by Ukrainians for selling arms, too.Moscow has repeatedly warned the collective West against flooding Ukraine with weapons.Republican lawmakers in the US have repeatedly raised the issue of oversight of Washington's financial and military aid to Ukraine. While speaking on John Solomon Reports podcast on Friday Representative Greene (who is a member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee) emphasized:For her part, Republican Representative for Wyoming, Harriet Hageman, told US investigative journalist John Solomon: "We know that some of the weapons that are being used by Hamas in Israel against our most important ally came out of Afghanistan."The journalist contacted Pentagon and US intelligence officials who said that they are aware of the concerns cited by Republican House congressmen and that they "are trying to ascertain more information." According to them, Washington has a database that could be used by allies to check serial numbers when American arms are recovered from a crime or war scene.In June, a high-ranking commander of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) told the US mainstream press that they had recovered some US weapons in the Gaza Strip which had originally come from Afghanistan. The commander also claimed that "the diversion of weapons" such as US-made Javelins was spotted in the Ukrainian conflict zone, adding that the primary route was from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.The Kiev regime is in denial about weapons being smuggled, claiming that the allegations are part of Russia's "propaganda", and instead the Ukrainian military offered a peculiar explanation: according to them, Russia allegedly collected US and EU arms from the Ukrainian conflict zone and handed them over to Hamas to undermine international support to Kiev. However, Ukraine's groundless claims that Russia had armed Hamas and was behind the Saturday attack have been resolutely rejected by Tel Aviv.Remarkably, Israel has not yet unveiled information on the origin and serial numbers on Western arms seized from Hamas. Thus, Ukraine's statement appears to be a "damage control" operation which suggests that the Kiev leadership expects that the traces of recovered weaponry may lead to Ukraine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220514/black-market-bonanza-us-weapons-will-bring-death-and-destruction-to-ukraine--beyond-journo-says-1095514941.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231008/arms-sent-to-ukraine-potentially-used-against-israel-dpr-government-adviser-says-1114015733.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231012/theres-no-business-like-war-business-who-are-americas-top-weapons-clients-1114138941.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231009/trend-towards-decrease-in-supply-of-weapons-from-west-to-ukraine-inevitable---kremlin-1114033818.html ukraine afghanistan kiev israel 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 house republicans, us weapons, afghanistan, syria, ukraine, manpad, javelins, m4 rifles, war in ukraine, israel-hamas war, idf, hamas handling us-made weapons, weapon smuggling, weapon black market, ukrainian weapons in gaza, palestine, palestinians, the gaza trip https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/israeli-armed-forces-say-launched-retaliatory-strikes-after-shelling-from-syria-1114204352.html Israeli Armed Forces Say Launched Retaliatory Strikes After Shelling From Syria Israeli Armed Forces Say Launched Retaliatory Strikes After Shelling From Syria The Israel Defense Forces attacked an airport in Syria in what they describe as a retaliatory attack. 2023-10-14T22:09+0000 2023-10-14T22:09+0000 2023-10-14T22:09+0000 world israel defense forces (idf) syria israel gaza aleppo damascus damascus international airport /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0c/0d/1091498200_0:122:1590:1016_1920x0_80_0_0_fb87c617bbd2d69a49116a1f3e478064.jpg "Following the initial report regarding sirens sounded in the communities of Avnei Eitan and Alma, IDF artillery is currently striking the origin of the shooting in Syria," the IDF said on Telegram. The IDF added later that two rockets fired from Syria were not intercepted by the air defense and fell in an open area. Later on Saturday, Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen reported that two rockets hit the runway at Aleppo International Airport. However, the broadcaster did not say who carried out the attack.Earlier this week, Israel declared a state of war and launched an operation in the Gaza strip against Hamas and announced a complete blockade of food, water and electricity in the area. On Thursday, Israel told the population of northern Gaza - roughly 1.1 million people - to evacuate to southern Gaza within 24 hours. The UN, Amnesty international and multiple governments have urged Israel to revoke the order.On Thursday, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes has simultaneously hit two airports in the country, causing flights in Damascus and Aleppo to be diverted. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/live-updates-israel-defense-forces-attack-hezbollah-positions-in-southern-lebanon-1114189306.html syria israel gaza aleppo damascus 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 israel attacks on syria, aleppo airport, https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/israels-plan-to-displace-gaza-residents-in-details-1114195659.html Israels Plan to Displace Gaza Residents in Details Israels Plan to Displace Gaza Residents in Details The Israel Defense Forces on Friday gave residents of northern Gaza 24 hours to evacuate southwards as the area continues to be heavily bombarded by missiles... 14.10.2023, Sputnik International 2023-10-14T12:25+0000 2023-10-14T12:25+0000 2023-10-14T12:25+0000 multimedia gaza israel gaza strip palestinians vladimir putin middle east hamas the united nations (un) israel defense forces (idf) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0e/1114195875_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_6eaf5dff09a8be2c194ebc50baef50ef.png Gaza residents are preparing for the worst amid the IDFs orders to evacuate the Strips northern areas, including Gaza City.The 365 square km Gaza Strip, sandwiched between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea, is home to over 2.3 million people, most of them refugees, with over 1.1 million of them residing in the territorys northern areas. Hamass surprised offensive into territories bordering Gaza last Saturday prompted Israeli authorities to announce a state of war, and to order the complete blockade of the Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, fuel and electricity. The United Nations estimated on October 14 that over 1,300 buildings in Gaza have been destroyed by Israeli air and artillery strikes, with local health officials reporting the deaths of over 2,200 people, 8,700+ injured and over 400,000 displaced. Israel has reported over 1,300 people killed and 3,400 wounded following the Hamas assault.Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday expressed Russias readiness to mediate the crisis, and warned Tel Aviv that an Israeli ground assault in Gaza could result in massive civilian casualties.The United Nations warned Saturday that the situation in Gaza is turning into a matter of life and death as residents risk running out of water. UNICEF, meanwhile, has warned that the displacement of a million Palestinians in the Strip may cause a humanitarian catastrophe, since there are no safe places for them. 4 gaza israel gaza strip 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 gaza, israel, gaza strip, palestinians, vladimir putin, middle east, hamas, the united nations (un), israel defense forces (idf), palestine-israel conflict, Qatar Demands Lifting Blockade of Gaza Strip - Foreign Ministry Qatar condemns calls for the forced relocation of residents of the Gaza Strip and insists on the need to lift the blockade of the enclave, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces urged civilians of Gaza City to evacuate southward "for their own safety." UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Israeli military had also notified the UN that the population of Gaza north and the UN staff should relocate to southern Gaza within 24 hours. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and other Arab countries have condemned Israel's attempts to force Palestinians to leave their homes in the Gaza Strip. "The State of Qatar announces its categorical rejection of the attempts to forcibly displace the brotherly Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip, and calls for lifting the blockade on the Strip and providing full protection to civilians under international law and international humanitarian law," the ministry said in a statement, posted on X. On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel to declare a state of war the following day and launch retaliatory strikes. On October 9, Israel ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food and fuel. Both Israel and Palestine have reported over 1,000 deaths and thousands of injured as a result of the escalation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/russia-downs-31-ukrainian-drones-over-past-day---mod-1114198131.html Russia Downs 31 Ukrainian Drones Over Past Day - MoD Russia Downs 31 Ukrainian Drones Over Past Day - MoD Russian air defense systems shot down 31 Ukrainian drones in the Lugansk People's Republic, and the Zaporozhye, Kharkov and Kherson regions over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. 2023-10-14T13:52+0000 2023-10-14T13:52+0000 2023-10-14T13:52+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian defense ministry lugansk russia kherson ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/05/1110915268_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_e632e3f7b2d08b9959cf64c4eecddf14.jpg "Over the past 24 hours, air defense systems destroyed 31 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles in the areas of Nyrkovo in the Lugansk People's Republic, Berestovoe in the Kharkov region, Verbovoe and Romanovskoe in the Zaporozhye region and Peshchanovka in the Kherson region," the ministry said. In the Donetsk direction Ukrainian losses amounted to up to 185 servicepeople, three armored combat vehicles, two vehicles, a US-made M777 artillery system, a D-20 howitzer, Akatsiya and Gvozdika self-propelled artillery launchers, and a Bukovel anti-drone electronic warfare system, the ministry said. In the South Donetsk direction Kiev lost to up to 170 fighters, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles and three vehicles, the ministry said. In the Kupyansk and Krasny Liman directions Ukrainian forces lost about 240 servicepeople, the ministry said. Russian units also destroyed more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers in the Kherson direction and over 35 in the Zaporozhye direction, the ministry said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/watch-russian-uav-strikes-ukrainian-troops-in-dugout-in-artemovsk-direction-1114189808.html lugansk russia kherson ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International lugansk people's republic, zaporozhye, kharkov and kherson regions, russian defense ministry https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/steve-scalise-drops-out-of-house-speaker-race-and-uaw-strike-expands-1114185678.html Steve Scalise Drops Out of House Speaker Race and UAW Strike Expands Steve Scalise Drops Out of House Speaker Race and UAW Strike Expands On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including a large pro-Palestine rally in New York City, and a Reuters journalist was killed in Southern Lebanon. 2023-10-14T04:30+0000 2023-10-14T04:30+0000 2023-10-14T12:09+0000 the backstory radio gaza egypt the united nations (un) zionism journalism speaker of the house warzone /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0d/1114185519_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_0a99e68d8338ca6b0c8e3185fcd1b2c1.png Steve Scalise Drops Out of House Speaker Race and UAW Strike Expands On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including a large pro-Palestine rally in New York City, and a Reuters journalist was killed in Southern Lebanon. Steve Hayes: Tax Lawyer and Expert | Steve Scalise Drops Out of House Speaker Race, Donald Trump is Too Busy to Become the House Speaker, and Republicans Past History on Electing a House SpeakerElijah Magnier - Veteran War Correspondent, Writer | Israel Orders Gaza to be Evacuated, the Media Ignore Israeli War Crimes, and Egypt Offers Aid to GazaBrian Wright - California Attorney and Former Radio host | Zoning Laws, California Implements New Mental Health Laws, and Housing in CaliforniaIn the first hour, Rachel spoke with Steve Hayes about Congressman Steve Scalise pulling out of the House Speaker race, Jim Jordan appears as the next in line to be Speaker of the House, and Donald Trump is not prepared to be the Speaker of the House. Steve talked about the past problems Republicans have had in finding a Speaker of the House and the good decision of Steve Scalise withdrawing from the Speaker of the House vote. Steve commented on the chances of Jim Jordan becoming the House Speaker and why Donald Trump is a bad choice to become a temporary Speaker of the House.In the second hour, Rachel spoke with Elijah Magnier about Egypt offering to open its air corridors to aid Gaza, the Israeli military urged Palestinians to leave Gaza City, and a Reuters video journalist killed in South Lebanon. Elijah discussed his past work covering war zones and how dangerous war zone coverage is for journalists. Elijah spoke on Israel's orders to Palestinians evacuate Gaza and the blockade on Gaza.Rachel spoke with Brian Wright about the housing problems in the United States, California implemented new laws for mental health, and California's conservatorship system. Brian talked about California politicians' failures to address the mental health issue within the state and thirty percent of America's homeless are located in California. Brian talked about the price of housing in America and how unaffordable it has become to buy a home.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 gaza egypt 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, israeli-palestine conflict, journalist killed in lebanon, housing in california, house speaker https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/unicef-believes-displacement-in-gaza-to-provoke-humanitarian-crisis-1114192429.html UNICEF Believes Displacement in Gaza to Provoke Humanitarian Crisis UNICEF Believes Displacement in Gaza to Provoke Humanitarian Crisis It is impossible to implement Israel's call on the people of the Gaza Strip to move from one part of the enclave to another without provoking a humanitarian crisis, as at least 1 million people would have to be moved, UNICEF Communication Officer Salim Oweis told RIA Novosti on Saturday. 2023-10-14T09:56+0000 2023-10-14T09:56+0000 2023-10-14T09:56+0000 world israel unicef the united nations (un) gaza strip gaza hamas palestine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/09/1114028367_0:95:2000:1220_1920x0_80_0_0_dfc07ae2a9d802648804ab8732c94b3f.jpg "If implemented, such appeals would cause an extreme complication of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as there are approximately 1 million people in northern Gaza with nowhere to go and no safe places for them. The UN in all its branches has called for this decision to be abandoned and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Gaza Strip for distribution to children, families, civilians," Oweis said. All parties to the conflict under international law bear responsibility for the protection of civilians and are obliged to protect the lives and safety of children wherever they are, Oweis said. UNICEF representatives continue to maintain presence in the Gaza Strip, but it has become increasingly difficult due to the destruction of infrastructure, he said. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces urged civilians in Gaza City to evacuate southward, warning coming attacks. Hamas called on Gaza residents to ignore Israel's evacuation warnings. The UN urged Israel to rescind the order, saying a displacement of that scale would be impossible without a significant humanitarian impact. On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel to declare a state of war the following day and launch retaliatory strikes. On October 9, Israel ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food and fuel. Both Israel and Palestine have reported over 1,000 deaths and thousands of injured as a result of the escalation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231013/palestinian-journalist-we-feel-as-if-we-are-already-dead-here-in-gaza-1114166805.html israel gaza strip gaza 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 unicef communication officer salim oweis, gaza strip, humanitarian crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/watch-russian-uav-strikes-ukrainian-troops-in-dugout-in-artemovsk-direction-1114189808.html Watch Russian UAV Strikes Ukrainian Troops in Dugout in Artemovsk Direction Watch Russian UAV Strikes Ukrainian Troops in Dugout in Artemovsk Direction Russian Ministry of Defense has published footage that shows the FPV drone of Airborne Forces servicemen destroying Ukrainian infantry on the Artemovsk direction which tried to take cover in a dugout. 2023-10-14T06:13+0000 2023-10-14T06:13+0000 2023-10-14T06:13+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine video ukraine russia russian ministry of defense drone drone strike /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0e/1114189628_89:0:1332:699_1920x0_80_0_0_e950402a7db0d48b9afd2c0956859204.jpg The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage showing the FPV drone of Airborne Forces servicemen destroying Ukrainian infantry in the direction of Artemovsk (Bakhmut), which tried to take cover in a dugout."The operator spotted two Ukrainian servicemen trying to take cover in the dugout of a stronghold and directed an FPV drone to destroy them. The assistant skillfully corrected the operator's work on the approach to the target, and recorded the FPV drone hitting the shelter containing the Ukrainian formation personnel, who were destroyed," the ministry said. ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Russian UAV eliminates Ukrainian troops in a dugout in the Artemovsk direction Russian UAV eliminates Ukrainian troops in a dugout in the Artemovsk direction 2023-10-14T06:13+0000 true PT0M36S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian uav, ukrainian troops, artemovsk direction, airborne forces servicemen, bakhmut The Statesville Police Department will address the pressing issue of youth violence at a community meeting on Oct. 17 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Statesville Civic Center. The community meeting aims to provide an open platform for dialogue and collaboration between members of the Statesville Police Department, community partners and concerned residents. This event will be moderated and will emphasize solution-driven discussions based on current trends and SPD data related to youth violence. The meeting will include: Discussion: Gain insights into the issues surrounding youth violence in the community, including its causes and consequences. Q&A Session: Have questions answered by law enforcement officers to better understand the challenges we face. Goal setting: Contribute to the development of community goals aimed at reducing youth violence and its impact. Suggestions: Share thoughts, ideas, and suggestions on how to create a safer environment for youth. The Statesville Police Department believes that collaboration with the community is essential in addressing the complex issue of youth violence. Your participation in this event is crucial in shaping the path forward and working together to achieve desired results. For more information about the community meeting, contact Cpl. Chan Austin at 704-878-3442 or caustin@statesvillenc.net or Community Resource Coordinator Pam Navey at 704-878-3454 or pnavey@statesvillenc.net. Aaron David Ray Vest of Floyd, who used sleeping medications to make his victim more pliable for explicit and pornographic poses, was sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years Tuesday. Mr. Vest is a monster, said Commonwealths Attorney Eric Branscom in his closing arguments. The federal Department of Homeland Security kicked off Vests downhill slide in 2021 after its data teams in New York City found images of explicit child pornography, which traced back to the home of Vest in Floyd County. Armed with a search warrant, Homeland Security and a Virginia State Police team found areas of Vests home with furniture and other items that appeared in the explicit photos of the 6-year-old victim. Vest, questioned by the data authorities, said the photos were taken in the house and that he shot the images, including the graphic shots of his young daughter. Vest was charged with object sexual penetration, child abuse resulting in serious injuries and causing a child to participate in pornography. The charges, under Virginia law, provided for sentences ranging from a minimum of five years to a maximum of life. Virginia does not provide parole for such sentences. My daughter is my entire life, the victims mother said in an impact statement read by Branscom. No one will ever hurt her again like this. Not ever. Neither the victim nor her mother attended the sentencing hearing Tuesday. Branscom said Vest used over-the-counter medications to put his daughter to sleep before he abused her and took photos that he used to trade for other photos on the Dark Web of the Internet. He marketed his child for his own personal benefit, the prosecutor said. He didnt regret his actions. He regretted getting caught. In comments to the court before he was sentenced, Vest blamed his action on alcohol and an addiction to methamphetamine. I started drinking at 15, he said. Excuses are not mitigating factors, Judge Fleenor said before sentencing Vest to 20 years on one charge, 30 years on the second and life for the most serious child pornography indictment. The 20- and 30-year sentences will be served consecutively and the life one concurrently, which adds up to a prison sentence for the rest of his life. Judge Fleenor said the most serious mitigating factor against Vest was the use of his child as a sex object for personal gain and no remorse for his actions. Branscom argued fervently for the life sentence, saying the strongest possible punishment should be used for such a heinous crime. Vest, who spent most of the hearing with his head bowed, shook and sobbed as the sentence was read before deputies led him silently from the courtroom. SEATTLE Fatigue and complacency led to a passenger and car ferry crashing into a terminal in Seattle last year, causing $10.3 million in damage to the ferry, according to the National Transportation Safety Boards final report. The Cathlamet ferry departed Vashon Island on July 28, 2022 and crossed Puget Sound with 94 people on board. It was approaching its dock in West Seattle when it struck an offshore piling part of the dock called a dolphin, the NTSB said in the report released Thursday. One minor injury was reported. The dolphin had $300,000 in damage, officials said. The ferry captain did not take any action to correct the ferrys course, slow down or sound the alarm before the contact, according to the report. Investigators said the captain also didnt recall what happened and seemed unaware of how the ferry wound up hitting the pilings. Those events are consistent with incapacitation from a microsleep, a period of sleep lasting a few seconds, because of fatigue, NTSB investigators said. Mariners should understand the performance effects of sleep loss and recognize the dangers of fatigue, such as microsleeps, NTSB investigators said in the final report. Mariners should avoid being on duty when unable to safely carry out their responsibilities, investigators added. Additionally, the ferry crew when docking didnt comply with Washington State Ferries policies and neither did the quartermaster on board who should have been monitoring the captain as the ferry approached the dock, the report said. Had he done so, he could have taken over when the captain became incapacitated, according to investigators. Washington State Ferries runs vehicle and passenger ferry service in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands and is the largest ferry system in the U.S. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the agency thanked the NTSB for their support and findings, which officials said essentially verified the results of an internal investigation released in March. Safety is our top priority, Washington State Ferries tweeted Thursday. A separate United States Coast Guard investigation is ongoing, the agency said. The state ferry system has experienced staffing shortages for several years and mechanical issues with the vessels, which have led to delays and fewer boats in service at times. Nicole McIntosh, Ferries deputy assistant secretary, this week told the Legislature that hiring progress is being made, but a shortage remains, The Seattle Times reported. The vessel involved in the crash, the Cathlamet, is 328 feet (100 meters) long and can carry up to 124 vehicles and 1,200 passengers. RAINIER The installation of new bioswales and stormwater facility at the Rainier Boat Launch finished late last month, with both the city and environmental groups hoping it will improve water quality. The project aimed to create a better filtration system to reduce the number of pollutants, including toxic oils, greases and metals, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership said in a news release. The city funded the project. The 640-square-foot facility will work to capture and treat water from more than 13,000 square feet of impervious parking lot surface, the partnership said. The river is an important source of food, water, and recreation, so its important to limit toxic pollutants flowing into it, stated Elaine Placido, Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the City of Rainier to deliver cleaner water to the Columbia River for all those who rely on it. The Rainier Boat Launch was retrofitted using existing drainage infrastructure, said David Elkin, landscape architect and owner of Juncus Studio. This also helped make the project more environmentally friendly, he said. Verde Builds did the physical construction, according to the news release. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the City of Rainier, Estuary Partnership and Verde Builds, Elkin said. This project is a prime example of a relatively simple, effective green infrastructure retrofit project. Verde Builds works as a socially conscious enterprise that says it is dedicated to environmental equity and sustainability, said Project Manager Ricardo Morano. Bringing better facilities to rural, low-income and other vulnerable communities such as Black, Indigenous peoples and people of color is a tenet of the companys efforts, Morano said. Working to develop stormwater projects is a testament to our work and involvement in the Columbia River estuary, Morano said. Cumulatively, the stormwater projects add up to deliver cleaner water and good-paying jobs for workers in the construction industry. This comes as Rainier is working to repair its wastewater treatment facility and improve its overall response to flooding, water quality violations and drainage systems. A contractor with the city of Longview is set to inspect sewer lines next week in four locations, resulting in closed roads and reduced traffic lanes. A city press release states Insutuform Technologies, LLC will send a camera down sewer lines to videotape conditions from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, Monday through Friday, closing the follow roads: Fir Street between 11th Avenue and Commerce Avenue. The 1500 block alley between Commerce Avenue and 12th Avenue. Part of the 1300 block alley between 12th Avenue and Commerce Avenue. The 1300 block alley between 15th Avenue and 16th Avenue. One lane will be open at: Washington Way at Hemlock Street and 18th Avenue. Lynnwood Drive between Lynnwood Drive East and Columbia Heights. 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: Xbox CEO Phil Spencer arrives at the Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on June 28, 2023 in San Francisco. After two years co-piloting the biggest acquisition in video game history past an onslaught of challenges, Spencer now moves on to his next quest: making Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard worth the hassle. Credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger, File After two years co-piloting the biggest acquisition in video game history past an onslaught of challenges, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer now moves on to his next quest: making Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard worth the hassle. Microsoft, which owns the Xbox gaming system, closed its $69 billion deal to buy game-maker Activision Blizzard on Friday after fending off global opposition from antitrust regulators and rivals. It marks a career-defining moment for Spencer, who first joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988 and has helmed Xbox since 2014. After years of lagging behind rival Sony's PlayStation, acquiring Activision's collection of popular game titles gives Microsoft a rare chance to catch up. "His job really just starts today," said analyst Gil Luria, technology strategist at D.A. Davidson, after the deal's closure. "All he's been doing is preparing for today where he actually gets to integrate the business." And it marks the end of an era for Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who's led the Southern California maker of Call of Duty and other blockbuster franchises since 1991 after helping to buy it from bankruptcy. Kotick said he's assisting with the transition until the end of the year. Activision Blizzard was still reeling from worker protests, lawsuits and government investigations over allegations of workplace harassment against women and unequal pay when Microsoft privately reached out about buying the company in 2021. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick leaves the Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in San Francisco on June 28, 2023. Microsoft, which owns the Xbox gaming system, closed its $69 billion deal to buy game-maker Activision Blizzard on Friday. It marks the end of an era for Kotick, who's led the Southern California maker of Call of Duty since 1991. Credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger, File When the companies announced a planned merger in January 2022, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made clear it would be "critical for Activision Blizzard to drive forward" on its commitments to improve its workplace culture. That was just the start of Microsoft's challenges in bringing home the deal. After negotiations with Spencer faltered, top rival Sony brought its concerns about losing access to the Call of Duty franchise to regulators around the world. The strongest opposition came from U.S. antitrust enforcers emboldened by President Joe Biden's administration to take a tougher look at big tech deals, as well as their counterparts in the United Kingdom who finally relented in approving the deal Friday only after Microsoft agreed to make concessions. "Microsoft didn't have a choice. If they wanted to be long-term competitive with Sony and the PlayStation platform, they need to have a much more robust content offering," Luria said. An image from Activision's Call of Duty is shown on a smartphone near a photograph of the Microsoft logo in this photo taken in New York, June 15, 2023. Microsofts purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard won final approval Friday, Oct. 13, from Britains competition watchdog, reversing its earlier decision to block the $69 billion deal and removing a last obstacle for one of the largest tech transactions in history. Credit: AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File But, "in retrospect, they should have read the writing on the wall in terms of the difficulty of closing the deal," Luria said. "They needed to do the deal to stay competitive, but knowing what they know now, they might have done it differently." A key moment came in June, when a federal judge weighed the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's attempt to block the merger while it awaited further review. In an unusual move for a CEO that telegraphed the deal's importance, Spencer spent the better part of two weeks at the defendant table of a San Francisco courtroom conferring with Microsoft's lawyers. The judge eventually dismissed the FTC's request, though the agency is still seeking to unwind the deal. Microsoft's success in integrating Activision's business is "not guaranteed, especially as its track record with acquisitions has been a mixed bag," said George Jijiashvili, senior principal analyst at research and advisory firm Omdia. Last year, Microsoft spent $7.5 billion to acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of video game publisher Bethesda Softworks, maker of Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Scenes from "Candy Crush Saga," left, by Activision Blizzard, and "Crash Team Rumble," from Activision Publishing, are shown in this photo, in New York, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Microsofts purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard won final approval Friday, Oct. 13, from Britains competition watchdog, reversing its earlier decision to block the $69 billion deal and removing a last obstacle for one of the largest tech transactions in history. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew Microsoft's two key game launches this year from its Bethesda merger, Redfall and Starfield, have "been met with mixed reactions at best," Jijiashvili said. "However, with globally popular game franchises such as Call of Duty now under its wing, the company is strategically much better positioned." Another challenge for Microsoft will be overcoming the workforce challenges that dogged Activision before the takeover. As of late last year, Activision Blizzard had 13,000 employees, about 72% in North America, according to a regulatory filing. Microsoft has already pledged it will stay neutral if the nearly 10,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada seek to organize into a labor union, part of a 2022 agreement with the Communications Workers of America meant to address U.S. political concerns about the merger's effects. A sign is seen outside the Activision building in Santa Monica, Calif. on June 21, 2023. Microsofts purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard won final approval Friday, Oct. 13, from Britains competition watchdog, reversing its earlier decision to block the $69 billion deal and removing a last obstacle for one of the largest tech transactions in history. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File The logo for Microsoft, and a scene from Activision "Call of Duty - Modern Warfare," are shown in this photo, in New York, June 21, 2023. Microsofts purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard won final approval Friday, Oct. 13, from Britains competition watchdog, reversing its earlier decision to block the $69 billion deal and removing a last obstacle for one of the largest tech transactions in history. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File "It is a new day for workers at Activision Blizzard," said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. in a statement Friday. "Over two years ago, workers at Activision Blizzard's studios captured the country's attention through walkouts and other protests over discrimination, sexual harassment, pay inequity, and other issues they were facing on the job," Cummings Jr. said. "Their efforts to form unions were met with illegal retaliation and attempts to delay and block union elections. Now these workers are free to join our union through a fair process, without interference from management." In a Friday welcome email to Activision employees, Spencer said he wanted to "reiterate that we hold ourselves to a high bar in delivering the most inclusive and welcoming experiences for players, creators, and employees." 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: George Cove stands next to his third solar array. Credit: Popular Electricity Magazine, April 1910 / Low Tech Magazine One argument put forward in defense of fossil fuels is that they were a historical necessity, because there was no other viable substitute for much of the 20th century. We owe fossil fuels a debt of gratitude, the argument goes, because they supercharged our development. But what if I told you there was a viable alternative, and that it may have been sabotaged by fossil fuel interests from its very inception? While researching the economics of clean energy innovation, I came across a little-known story: that of Canadian inventor George Cove, one of the world's first renewable energy entrepreneurs. Cove invented household solar panels that looked uncannily similar to the ones being installed in homes todaythey even had a rudimentary battery to keep power running when the sun wasn't shining. Except this wasn't in the 1970s. Or even the 1950s. This was in 1905. Cove's company, Sun Electric Generator Corporation, based in New York, was capitalized at US$5 million (around US$160 million in today's money). By 1909, the idea had gained widespread media attention. Modern Electric magazine highlighted how "given two days' sun [the device] will store sufficient electrical energy to light an ordinary house for a week." It noted how cheap solar energy could liberate people from poverty, "bringing them cheap light, heat and power, and freeing the multitude from the constant struggle for bread." The piece went on to speculate how even airplanes could be powered by batteries charged by the sun. A clean energy future seemed to be there for the taking. Vested interests? Then, according to a report in The New York Herald on 19 October 1909, Cove was kidnapped. The condition for his release required forgoing his solar patent and shutting down the company. Cove refused and was later released near the Bronx Zoo. But after this incident, his solar business fizzled out. Which seems oddin the years before the kidnapping, he had developed several iterations of the solar device, improving it each time. I can't say with certainty if vested interests were behind it. Some at the time accused Cove of staging the kidnapping for publicity, although this would seem out of character, especially since there was no shortage of media attention. Other sources suggest that a former investor may have been behind it. What is well-known though, is that fledgling fossil fuel companies commonly deployed unscrupulous practices towards their competitors. And solar was a threat as it is an inherently democratic technologyeveryone has access to the sunwhich can empower citizens and communities, unlike fossil fuels which necessitate empire-building. Standard Oil, led by the world's first billionaire John D Rockefeller, squashed competition so thoroughly that it compelled the government to introduce antitrust laws to combat monopolies. Similarly, legendary inventor Thomas Edison electrocuted horses, farm animals and even a human on death row using his rival Nikola Tesla's alternating current to show how dangerous it was, so that Edison's own technology, the direct current, would be favored. Cove's Sun Electric, with its off-grid solar, would have harmed Edison's business case for building out the electric power grid using coal-fired power. While some scattered efforts in solar development occurred after Cove's kidnapping, there were no major commercial activities for the next four decades until the concept was revived by Bell Labs, the research branch of Bell Telephone Company in the US. In the meantime, coal and oil grew at an unprecedented pace and were supported through taxpayer dollars and government policy. The climate crisis was arguably underway. Four lost decades When I discovered Cove's story, I wanted to know what the world lost in those 40 years, and ran a thought experiment. I used a concept called Wright's law, which has applied to most renewablesit's the idea that as production increases, costs decline due to process improvements and learning. I applied this to calculate the year solar would have become cheaper than coal. To do this, I assumed solar power grew modestly between 1910 and 1950, and worked out how this additional "experience" would have translated into cost declines sooner. In a world in which Cove succeeded and solar competed with fossil fuels from the get go, it would have trumped coal by as early as 1997when Bill Clinton was president and the Spice Girls were in their heyday. In reality, this event occurred in 2017. An alternate century Of course, this still assumes that the energy system would have been the same. It is possible that if solar were around from 1910 and never disappeared, the entire trajectory of energy innovation could have been very differentfor example, maybe more research money would have been directed towards batteries to support decentralized solar. The electric grid and railways that were used to support the coal economy would have received far less investment. Alternatively, more recent advances in manufacturing may have been essential for solar's take-off and Cove's continued work would not have resulted in a major change. Ultimately, it is impossible to know exactly what path humanity would have taken, but I wager that avoiding a 40-year break in solar power's development could have spared the world huge amounts of carbon emissions. While it might feel painful to ponder this great "what if" as the climate breaks down in front of our eyes, it can arm us with something useful: the knowledge that drawing energy from the sun is nothing radical or even new. It's an idea as old as fossil fuel companies themselves. The continued dominance of fossil fuels into the 21st century was not inevitableit was a choice, just not one many of us had a say in. Fossil fuels were supported initially because we did not understand their deadly environmental impacts and later because the lobby had grown so powerful that it resisted change. But there is hope: solar energy now provides some of the cheapest electricity humanity has ever seen, and the costs are continuing to plummet with deployment. The faster we go, the more we save. If we embrace the spirit of optimism seen during Cove's time and make the right technology choices, we can still reach the sun-powered world he envisioned all those years ago. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Two things stood out to Dale Rice about Texas A&M interim president Mark Welshs decisions announced at last weeks all-faculty and staff meeting on how the university will move forward from The Path Forward, an initiative under former A&M President M. Katherine Banks. First, there was transparency of the process. Second, there was rationale behind the decisions made. Some A&M faculty members, including Rice, have cautious optimism about the universitys direction after a number of them had expressed frustration under Banks leadership over the last two years. The Path Forward, announced in 2021, brought sweeping organizational changes across campus and created rifts between administration and faculty. A tumultuous summer at the flagship campus led to Banks resignation in July in wake of the fallout of the mishandled hiring of Kathleen McElroy to become A&Ms journalism director. While Welsh announced changes, such as elevating the provosts position and add funding to library services, a number of Banks-led initiatives were advised to stay the course, including retaining the merged College of Arts & Sciences. I think that President Welsh understands that we need to have faculty involved, and not just faculty, but have all stakeholders involved in the process of moving the university forward and I think that has been a hallmark of his first months in office and I think it bodes very well for our future, Rice said. These decisions were announced after a two-month listening tour across campus from Welsh and a four-person task force. This team held over 80 listening sessions with campus community members and compiled a draft report Sept. 1. There were then over 20 feedback sessions before a final report was posted Sept. 19. The initial assessment indicted arguably Banks biggest move as president in a number of ways and garnered over 40,000 views and 2,500 survey responses. Its been a long time that faculty have felt like they have been heard and theyre starting to feel that someone is listening to them, said Tracy Hammond, speaker of A&Ms Faculty Senate. Among A&M facultys desires after the summer saga was a renewed sense of shared governance. Hammond said she feels like the university is trending in the right direction in this area. Shared governance is not the administration does whatever the faculty wants, Hammond said, its that the faculty feel that they understand the rationale behind their decisions even when they disagree with them and thats operating quite well. Hope has been restored among those in A&Ms library services, according to university librarian Julie Mosbo Ballestro. The initial assessment of The Path Forward showed that 25% of library faculty members left A&M rather than being forced to remain in libraries in a staff position or retain tenure outside of libraries. Welsh decided to stay the course with the current library services model, but added $3.3 million to its annual operating budget. These new funds will allow A&Ms library services to rebuild old services into new models tied to users needs, allow employees wages to be adjusted to the current market and add positions, Mosbo Ballestro said. We were stripped down quite a bit, but we had this opportunity to look at everything that we were doing and if were going to rebuild, were rebuilding it into something thats bigger and better, Mosbo Ballestro said. Faculty status was an area Mosbo Ballestro said could have gone either way. Weve had significant change and it happened very, very quickly, so another change at this time of that magnitude is probably not the best time at this point, Mosbo Ballestro said, but its my understanding the door is going to be open for future discussions, so once we feel more settled and have our services up and running, we will be in a better place to discuss what we want and what makes sense for us. A&M Department of Communication and Journalism was thrust into the limelight this summer because of the McElroy situation, but Rice said theres a certain degree of optimism from his colleagues within the department. Welsh decided to stay the course for A&Ms new journalism program. I think that for our department it was a really, really tough summer and I think that now there is again a sense that maybe things are finally righting themselves and we have a good chance to move forward in a positive way, Rice said. Not all faculty agreed with Welshs decisions. Statistics professor Raymond Carroll said he disagreed with the move to retain the merged College of Arts & Sciences, which Welsh noted now has a larger budget than A&Ms College of Engineering. Carroll called the merged college a complete disaster and said he doesnt understand the rationale for continuing it and why Welsh and his team didnt see a way to return to the former structure with three colleges geosciences, liberal arts and sciences. I think thats the trouble is theyre trying to make the best of a bad situation and its going to become very difficult, Carroll said. Welsh acknowledged there were people all over the map about the merged college, but noted a number of those who gave responses agreed it should be given a chance and see benefits of a larger college. Welsh said hes going to task the dean and faculty to make recommendations to the provost on the colleges governance structure given its swath and size. Mark Zoran, A&Ms interim dean for the College of Arts & Sciences, took over this summer after former interim dean Jose Bermudez resigned in wake of the McElroy situation. I dont think this is workable other than if you add an awful lot of administrators who are appointed by somebody who has some sense, Carroll said. Weve just seen what happens when administrators are appointed who have absolutely no sense. Nonetheless, Carroll said he appreciated that Welsh sought genuine feedback from the campus community. At least he did something, Carroll said. President Banks was a really bad president. One of the worst in my 37 years here and I dont know why they would name a person like that [president]. Everybody who has any dealings with her has said that it was going to be a disaster and it has been. Others, including Hammond, acknowledged there were decisions they disagreed with. Rice said its fair to give Welshs choices a chance to take hold and play out. Even if you disagreed with a particular decision, at least you understood why he was making it, Rice said. Now that A&M has steadied the waters some, the university can move forward to find a permanent president. Its uncertain if Welsh will be a candidate, and although Hammond said there is some support from faculty and administration for him to move into the full-time role, she said A&M should not get ahead of itself and still go through appropriate processes. Skipping those processes could put A&M back where it was a year ago and remove any trust people have gained back, she noted. The faculty are hopeful were moving in the right direction, Hammond said, but that doesnt mean we can let our guard down because were at a pivotal point where we can really make great strides, both in terms of trust and transparency. Shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the sixteen brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $45.88. Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and set a $62.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, September 13th. HSBC started coverage on Pfizer in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock. Barclays decreased their price target on Pfizer from $38.00 to $35.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Pfizer in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Get Pfizer alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on PFE Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pfizer Pfizer Stock Performance Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Front Street Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Pfizer by 4.3% during the first quarter. Front Street Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,168 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $268,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Madison Wealth Management lifted its position in Pfizer by 0.6% during the first quarter. Madison Wealth Management now owns 42,810 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,747,000 after purchasing an additional 262 shares during the period. Cliftonlarsonallen Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Cliftonlarsonallen Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 19,844 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $810,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 17,886 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $730,000 after purchasing an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Opal Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 9,890 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $404,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares in the last quarter. 68.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Shares of PFE stock opened at $32.12 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.82. The stock has a market cap of $181.35 billion, a PE ratio of 8.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.61. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $34.55 and a 200-day moving average of $36.99. Pfizer has a one year low of $31.77 and a one year high of $54.93. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. Pfizer had a return on equity of 28.36% and a net margin of 27.55%. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.36 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.04 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 54.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Pfizer will post 3.33 earnings per share for the current year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be given a $0.41 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.11%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is currently 43.62%. Pfizer Company Profile (Get 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 Articles 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. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 2.0% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 1,246,515 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 24,657 shares during the quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $133,689,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Kiley Juergens Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Exxon Mobil by 1.0% during the second quarter. Kiley Juergens Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,480 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,231,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI increased its stake in Exxon Mobil by 96.8% during the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 2,370,947 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $254,753,000 after purchasing an additional 1,166,203 shares during the period. Diversified LLC acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil during the second quarter worth about $3,362,000. Plancorp LLC grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.5% during the second quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 48,412 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,192,000 after buying an additional 709 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arlington Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 6.6% during the second quarter. Arlington Partners LLC now owns 4,091 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $439,000 after buying an additional 252 shares in the last quarter. 58.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total transaction of $172,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 27,772 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,193,780. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total transaction of $172,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 27,772 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,193,780. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben purchased 458,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 31st. The shares were bought at an average cost of $106.93 per share, with a total value of $48,973,940.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 1,635,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $174,830,550. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.06% of the companys stock. Exxon Mobil Price Performance XOM stock opened at $109.90 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $439.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.79, a PEG ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 1.05. Exxon Mobil Co. has a twelve month low of $98.02 and a twelve month high of $120.70. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $112.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of $109.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 28th. The oil and gas company reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.00 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $82.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $81.80 billion. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 13.72% and a return on equity of 25.82%. Exxon Mobils revenue was down 28.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.14 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.27 EPS for the current year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 16th were issued a dividend of $0.91 per share. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.31%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 15th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is presently 29.12%. Analysts Set New Price Targets XOM has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Wolfe Research downgraded Exxon Mobil from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Friday, July 7th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. HSBC boosted their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $110.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $120.00 price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $127.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve 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 $125.61. View Our Latest Analysis on XOM Exxon Mobil Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta (NYSE:VTMX Get Free Report) is one of 72 public companies in the Real estate industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta to related businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, valuation and earnings. Dividends Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta pays an annual dividend of $0.15 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta pays out 3.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Real estate companies pay a dividend yield of 4.5% and pay out 129.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta alerts: Profitability This table compares Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta 149.56% 17.81% 9.83% Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Competitors -295.08% -3.71% 0.04% Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta $178.03 million $243.63 million 7.19 Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Competitors $1.22 billion $54.67 million 28.67 This table compares Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vestas peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta 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. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta 0 1 1 0 2.50 Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Competitors 221 1033 1038 20 2.37 Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta presently has a consensus target price of $39.00, indicating a potential upside of 24.36%. As a group, Real estate companies have a potential upside of 29.39%. Given Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vestas peers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Insider & Institutional Ownership 7.1% of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 44.2% of shares of all Real estate companies are owned by institutional investors. 18.2% of shares of all Real estate companies are owned 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. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Company Profile (Get Free Report) Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, S.A.B. de C.V., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, develops, manages, operates, and leases industrial buildings and distribution centers in Mexico. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. Receive News & Ratings for Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS International (Cda) (NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report) and CompuMed (OTCMKTS:CMPD Get Free Report) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and earnings. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for TELUS International (Cda) and CompuMed, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get TELUS International (Cda) alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score TELUS International (Cda) 0 7 8 0 2.53 CompuMed 0 0 0 0 N/A TELUS International (Cda) presently has a consensus price target of $18.07, suggesting a potential upside of 159.21%. Given TELUS International (Cda)s higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe TELUS International (Cda) is more favorable than CompuMed. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio TELUS International (Cda) $2.47 billion 0.21 $183.00 million $0.37 18.84 CompuMed $6.36 million 0.56 $500,000.00 N/A N/A This table compares TELUS International (Cda) and CompuMeds gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. TELUS International (Cda) has higher revenue and earnings than CompuMed. Insider and Institutional Ownership 59.6% of TELUS International (Cda) shares are held by institutional investors. 4.8% of TELUS International (Cda) shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 22.0% of CompuMed shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares TELUS International (Cda) and CompuMeds net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets TELUS International (Cda) 3.85% 14.93% 6.65% CompuMed 3.71% 6.07% 4.52% Volatility & Risk TELUS International (Cda) has a beta of 0.62, indicating that its stock price is 38% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, CompuMed has a beta of 0.71, indicating that its stock price is 29% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary TELUS International (Cda) beats CompuMed on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About TELUS International (Cda) (Get Free Report) TELUS International (Cda) Inc. design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Central America. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection. It also offers IT lifecycle services comprising cloud platform solutions, managed IT services, application development and management, quality assurance and testing, system operations, IT service desk, internet of things, engineering solutions, and enterprise platform services; advisory services consists of digital strategy, CX process consulting, data and customer analytics, workforce management, learning excellence solutions, and business and process transformation; back office and automation solutions, such as robotic process automation, talent acquisition, finance and accounting, and supply chain management; and trust, safety, and security services, including content moderation and social media community management, and fraud prevention and detection. In addition, the company provides AI data solutions comprising data collection and creation, data annotation, data validation and relevance, and linguistic annotation for video, audio, text, image, and geographical data, as well as 3D sensor fusion. It serves technology and gaming, communications and media, ecommerce, financial services and financial technology, healthcare, travel and hospitality, and automotive industries. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. TELUS International (Cda) Inc. is a subsidiary of TELUS Communications Inc. About CompuMed (Get Free Report) CompuMed, Inc., an enterprise telemedicine solutions company, provides clinical care services for patients and medical facilities. It offers telecardiology and teleradiology services that provide real-time access to U.S. Board-Certified specialists through cloud-based technology and integrated medical devices to medical facilities worldwide. The company also provides enterprise telemedicine solutions; a suite of telecardiology services and diagnostic exam interpretations for pediatric and adult patients, including electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, echocardiogram, ECG, vascular, holter, nuclear, and video consults; and reading, transcription, reporting, storage, and video consultations in the areas of Vscan, X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radiologist video consults. It also offers OsteoGram software that works in combination with standard or digital X-ray equipment to support osteoporosis screening, diagnosis, and therapy monitoring. In addition, the company provides mobile ECG and ultrasound solutions that provide patients with immediate access to its board-certified specialists; and medical devices. It serves organ procurement organizations, rural healthcare, and correctional healthcare industries. CompuMed, Inc. was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Receive News & Ratings for TELUS International (Cda) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS International (Cda) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSE:CNQ Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) Equities researchers at Zacks Research decreased their Q3 2024 earnings estimates for shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, October 11th. Zacks Research analyst T. Saha now anticipates that the company will earn $1.45 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $1.54. The consensus estimate for Canadian Natural Resources current full-year earnings is $8.63 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Canadian Natural Resources FY2025 earnings at $7.98 EPS. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on CNQ. National Bank Financial increased their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$90.00 to C$101.00 in a research report on Thursday. Desjardins increased their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$95.00 to C$96.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. UBS Group set a C$90.00 price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$84.00 to C$94.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 28th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$95.00 to C$97.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$92.24. Canadian Natural Resources Stock Up 1.9 % Shares of TSE CNQ opened at C$91.19 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$99.40 billion, a PE ratio of 13.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 2.01. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 35.40. Canadian Natural Resources has a 1 year low of C$67.13 and a 1 year high of C$91.54. The firms 50-day moving average is C$85.52 and its 200-day moving average is C$79.69. Canadian Natural Resources (TSE:CNQ Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported C$1.14 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.16 by C($0.02). Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 19.48% and a net margin of 20.72%. The company had revenue of C$7.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$7.19 billion. Canadian Natural Resources Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 52.71%. Insider Transactions at Canadian Natural Resources In other news, Senior Officer Dwayne Frederick Giggs sold 1,018 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$84.49, for a total transaction of C$86,010.82. In other news, Senior Officer Troy John Peter Andersen sold 9,500 shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$82.75, for a total transaction of C$786,128.80. Also, Senior Officer Dwayne Frederick Giggs sold 1,018 shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock in a transaction on Monday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$84.49, for a total value of C$86,010.82. Insiders sold a total of 15,378 shares of company stock valued at $1,285,340 in the last quarter. 2.22% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. 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. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Danish Sisterhood Danish Sisterhood, Western Star Lodge No. 113, met Oct. 3 at the home of Sylvia McTavish with eight members present. Following a noon lunch, Christine Rindone served zucchini and banana bread, served with Danish butter and a chaser of coffee. Members were encouraged to visit Bonnie Larsen who was unable to attend. The group discussed at length the location of the annual District Convention for 2024. Tim Hannibals motion was carried to have the convention at Columbia Hall in Dannebrog if Omaha or Colorado do not volunteer. There is always room for recruiting new members. Everyone is to bring a friend to the groups next meeting, their Thanksgiving meal at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at Perkins Restaurant. Anyone needing more information about the Danish Sisterhood can call Edie Grim at 308-226-2578. Kappa Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International CENTRAL CITY Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met Sept. 21 at Mission Heart Inc. in Central City. Lois Fullington arranged the meeting and 13 members attended. Ellie Sizer, director of Mission Heart, reported the organization presently works with ministries in Romania, Zambia and Liberia as well as the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Rescue missions in Columbus and York receive needed support items, as do local foster families. All are welcome to donate needed items, and a list of possibilities was given to Kappa members, followed by a guided tour of the facility. President Lois Wegner called to order the regular meeting that followed. Treasurer Dianne Vorderstrasse reported Marian Odabasi is now a reserve member. Judy Wilsons motion passed to give a $100 donation to Mission Heart. The group discussed the July 10 meeting in Grand Island, hosted by Gamma Chapter. The purpose was to further ideas about membership promotion and maintenance. Kappa members Charlotte Rasmussen, Theda Van Horn, Mary Helen Fuchs and Jackie Mason attended and reported the meeting was extremely beneficial especially with the collaboration of members from eight Nebraska chapters. State President Lauren Walker also attended. Her theme for the upcoming year is Every Member Matters. Wegner announced the DKG State Convention will be April 19-21, 2024, at Kearneys Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center and that Kappas January meeting may be switched to June. With the meetings adjournment, members went to enjoy lunch and shopping at Central Citys Wishing Well. Kappas next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, in Chapman. Group 4 will host and holiday greeting cards will be prepared for veterans and active military. KEARNEY It was Nov. 5, 1957, and Reinhold Schmidt, a grain dealer, was driving on Highway 10 three miles southeast of Kearney, hunting for milo. Suddenly he saw a flash of light in the trees along the Platte River. He thought a balloon crashed. He drove toward the site, but his car battery suddenly went dead, so he got out of his car and walked toward the glow. Along the banks of the Platte, he saw what he thought was a balloon 100 feet long and 30 feet wide, standing on four stakes. Paralyzed by a light coming from the ship, he was approached by two men speaking both German and English. They invited him inside the UFO. Nathan Tye, lecturer in the history department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, told that story Wednesday at the Brown Bag Lunch series presented by the Kearney Public Library and UNK. Tye set the scene for the packed crowd. It was 1957, and people now saw planes and other objects in the sky. he said. Russia created worldwide headlines with the launch of Sputnik II on Nov. 3, 1957. Two days later, Schmidt claimed to have seen a UFO southeast of Kearney. During Schmidts 30 minutes inside the craft, he took detailed observations. He returned to his car, which suddenly ran again, and drove away. Schmidt hurried to the Kearney police station and told his story to a deputy behind the desk. Schmidt then went back to the Fort Kearney Hotel, the site of what is now Wells Fargo bank. The word spread ... Soon the hotel is surrounded by people who want to talk to Schultz. Five hours later, its on KGFW. The story quickly appears across the country with stories on Sputnik. Crowds swarm the hotel, Tye said. A German-speaking pilot in an unknown aircraft just 48 hours after Sputnik? That raises concern, he added. Two days after the incident, psychiatrists interviewed Schmidt for two to three hours. Authorities investigated the landing site, but the craft was gone. So were footprints or any other evidence. A little background Reinhold Schmidt was the son of German immigrants. Born and raised in Kenesaw, he went to Kearney State College for a year, but his criminal history included arrests for bad checks, and he spent a year in the Nebraska State Penitentiary for embezzlement, Tye said. Soon, the FBI and Air Force personnel in Omaha heard about the story and sent in two investigators. He draws a picture of the spacecraft, but he doesnt tell us quite where along the Platte it was. It was off Highway 10, but he noted that the aliens had landed on public property so as not to violate private property laws, Tye said. In his picture, the crafts exterior looked like aluminum. Its interior was chrome. Instrument panels lined the walls. It had a conveyor belt that could move people. He said four women were working inside. It also had a lounge as a place to rest, he said. Schmidt had described the lounge as similar to a living room, but the Air Force said in the drawing, it looked like the inside of a Buick, Tye said. Schmidt told this story for decades, and over the years the story became quite different from his original one, he added. Fact or fiction? The Kearney Hubs initial headline was Space ship landing fact or fiction? The Air Force grew suspicious. Schmidt had said the struts on the vehicle were four feet high, but no trees or shrubs were touched in the area where he said it landed. Wouldnt they have been crushed? Tye said. The Hub had a photo of the police with a mysterious green liquid they found at the site. Later, the Air Force found an oil can in the area, along with a bottle opener. Its notches matched those on the can in Schmidts car. Analysis proved that the oil residue in the cans matched the oil found on the field. The Air Force said he was foolish enough to keep the oil cans in his car, Tye said. By now, Buffalo County residents were irritated. The county mental health board committed him to Hastings State Hospital for three weeks. He was then released. There was no reason to keep him any longer, Tye said. UFO returns A few months later, Schmidt was driving on Highway 30 through Elm Creek when a UFO stopped his car again. Its crew was the one hed met south of Kearney. The crew told him theyd have staged a mass presentation with the release of flying saucers over Kearney to rescue him from Hastings State Hospital had he not been released, Tye said. Schmidt began speaking across the country about the initial incident, but on March 6, 1958, just 37 people attended his talk at the National Guard Armory. By now, people were beginning to be wary of him. By now, too, he also began to inflate his story. His drawings of the craft were much more detailed. He claimed to have ridden to the Arctic aboard a spaceship. He said he had seen underwater missile silos being built by the Soviets which were to be used against the U.S. He didnt get much attention here, so he left the grain business and went to California and became a full-time UFO expert, Tye said. He began buying property and mining rights in California. He claimed more trips to the Arctic. He said the spacecraft picked him up at a coffee shop in Oklahoma and took him to the motherships base in Montana. They also took him to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, where he was shown the UFO of Jesus Christ, Tye said. He was told that Jesus was living on Saturn. Schmidt claimed to have seen Jesus sandals and documents, written in English by Christ. Schmidt wrote a book, The Kearney Incident. He also sold rights to his story to filmmakers Ron and June Ormond, who made a 60-minute film, The Edge of Tomorrow, documenting his encounters. He claimed it contained real footage of the Kearney incident. Fraud trial Schmidt then moved into alternate medicine. He said quartz crystals from a mine he owned in California could cure cancer, and he sold shares of that mine to wealthy widows who found hope and possibility in what he was offering. Eventually, the county held a fraud trial because Schmidt did not repay borrowed money, and affection was promised and not delivered. At the trial, Schmidt insisted that the UFO was real, and that his crystals worked. According to the story in the Kearney Hub, The courtroom was hushed. The jury was awed. Schmidt was cool. From the tone of his voice, he might have been describing a reaper sale in Lincoln, expert witness said. One surprise witness was Carl Sagan, who became a noted astronomer. He testified that the planet Saturn could not host life. The defense attorney responded, Have you ever been there? Nothing Reinhold said was true, but that didnt mean he didnt believe it, Tye said. He believed what he believed. Reinhold eventually returned to Nebraska and died in 1975. He is buried in Bridgeport. Tye noted that at the time, the space age was unfolding and Cold War perils were real. Its an unusual story, but it speaks to the terror of the Cold War, Tye said. It also represents a neat compromise between the need to believe in traditional God, and contemporary pressures to accept pronouncement of science, he added. Tye said a 150-page report on Schmidt and his UFO claims is available free through the National Archives. Tye would also be happy to talk to any Schmidt family members who are still in this area. Entrepreneurship should embrace sustainable development: Metro Star Investment leaders By Tri Duc Sat, October 14, 2023 | 11:39 am GTM+7 Entrepreneurship should embrace sustainable growth: Metro Star Investment leaders Metro Star Investment Co., Ltd. celebrated Vietnam Entrepreneurs Day, October 13, with a series of activities featuring over 100 businesspeople in Ho Chi Minh City. Amid increasing globalization, Vietnamese businesspeople play an indispensable role in promoting international partnerships and transnational cooperation towards sustainable growth. Vietnamese businesspeople need to unite, accompany each other in development, and utilize Vietnam's resilience, perseverance, and diligence in order to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for cooperation, forging strong bonds to build a thriving and sustainable business community, Metro Star leaders stated in a release. "In a world full of challenges such as war, climate change, and economic crises, environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is the mandatory standard to ensure sustainable development," they noted. Metro Star holds an event to celebrate Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day in Ho Chi Minh City, October 13, 2023. Photo courtesy of Metro Star. Encouraging this spirit, Metro Star held the Vietnam ESG Entrepreneurs Alliance program on Friday, with the theme Honoring sustainable development entrepreneurs. The program opened up a space for entrepreneurs to exchange experiences, embrace, and honor businesspeople that have set ESG goals towards building a strong business community. Sustainable development helps businesses achieve market recognition and enhance business value, in line with the global trend, bridging business and social development, reducing emissions, and responding to climate change. At the event, entrepreneurs who have contributed to sustainable development were honored in order to encourage more businesses and entrepreneurs to develop in line with sustainable development. "Vietnam Entrepreneurs Day is not only a day on the calendar, but also a great opportunity to honor stories of recovery, resilience, and innovation of Vietnamese people and entrepreneurs," Vu Hong Quang, chairman of Metro Star, said at the event. "On this journey, businesses and the business community have overcome challenges and seized opportunities in order to make significant contributions to socioeconomic development, especially the Vietnam ESG Entrepreneurs Alliance," he added. Metro Star chairman Vu Hong Quang speaks at the event in HCMC on October 13, 2023. Photo courtesy of Metro Star. The Vietnam ESG Entrepreneurs Alliance program is also an opportunity for Metro Star to share ESG experiences with fellow businesses. Metro Star is focused on developing the next metro lines, encouraging the use of public transportation, and reducing emissions from personal vehicles, a Metro Star representative said. These efforts aim to build and duplicate sustainable growth strategies, the representative added. While the event was an opportunity for entrepreneurs to share experiences and embrace the spirit of cooperation among between Vietnamese entrepreneurs, Metro Stars ESG model was well received. Many participants expressed their interest in green and sustainable growth following Metro Stars model, as Metro Star is a pioneer in Vietnam in developing the green transit-oriented development (TOD) model with over 50 projects located alongside six to-be-built metro lines in Ho Chi Minh City. As the world embraces net-zero emissions and climate change adaptation, ESG-focused businesses are becoming more highly regarded by the international community. Sustainable growth is a measure of businesses capacity to develop products with positive impacts on the environment and the community, demonstrating their core values. Every night, the Indochina Queen, with about 500 tourists, slowly floats along the Saigon River. Guests enjoy the buffet while seeing Ho Chi Minh City sparkle at night to a musical background. The owner of that ship is An Son Lam, 61, director of Indochina Junk Ltd. The dark-skinned man, from Hung Yen province, has gone through many turning points to become the boss of the Indochina Queen and Pearl of the Far East. Having been a mechanic in Germany, can you tell us how you became the owner of the Indochina Queen and Pearl of the Far East? In 1996, after 10 years of studying and working in Germany, I returned to Vietnam and chose HCMC to live. During a random evening sheltering from the rain with a German tourist visiting Vietnam, I learned that the S-shaped country's landscapes are beautiful and attractive to German tourists. That random guest advised me to become a tour guide because of my foreign language ability. Honestly, at that time, the advice went in one ear and out of the other. Later, when I saw an advert recruiting German tour guides, I applied for the job. The job helped me access Ha Long, where boat tourism was very developed. I loved sailing and receiving detailed instructions. I was passionate about ships and was thinking about buying a tourism boat for HCMC. In the early 2000s, I spent VND300 million ($12,300) to build the Indochina 27 cruise ship. Next, I built the second and third ships. The third one is the Indonchina Queen. After many upheavals, I now have two left: the Indochina Queen and the Pearl of the Far East. Why did you name the first ship Indochina 27? I used to work at Indochina Travel Ltd. I once shared with the company's leaders that I wanted a fleet of cruise ships to later expand tours to Indochina. In 2005, Indochina 27 went into operation with a total investment of VND1.5 billion ($61,400). Nearly 20 years since your first ship was launched, what rough seas has your business had to overcome? We have experienced two big waves. First, at the end of 2015, Bach Dang wharf opened and closed in just one week, leaving businesses high and dry. At that time, my boats also suffered damage. Second, during the Covid-19 period, the tourism industry almost froze, and Indochina Junk could not avoid it. What did you do to lead the company through difficulties during the pandemic? At that time, I opened a tour of the Saigon River at night for only VND100,000 ($4) per person, including water and snacks, with the goal of maintaining jobs for employees. People find the price good and the tour beautiful, so they shared their pictures on social networks. My brand is now known to many people. Covid-19 badly affected the tourism industry and we are not out of that cycle, but it provided an opportunity for more people to find out about us. Is the number of passengers currently stable? This Indochina Queen, where we are talking, has a capacity of about 600 people. Currently, each evening, we welcome about 500 guests, equivalent to 80% of capacity. The tour price to see the Saigon River at night starts at VND500,000 ($20.5) per person, including drinks and a buffet. In addition, the ship is also rented out for conferences and events. The price for each guest is VND200,000 ($8.2), including meals. The ship is also equipped with 30kw solar batteries, saving on electricity and air conditioning costs. I have planted more trees on the ship. The green trees look very beautiful in photos. Recently, we have welcomed a lot of Indian tourists. Specifically, in July alone, the Indonchina Queen had 2,000 customers. Indian guests have their own tastes and love of music, so they have their own space. Currently, the company's number of employees is about 100, including part-time staff. What are the main challenges for a leading business in river tourism development, especially in the context that many firms have failed? Enterprises doing river tourism in HCMC and many other places depend on port policies, anchorage locations, and yard fees. These issues are a big challenge for current businesses. HCMC has thousands of kilometers of river routes, but there are not many stops in the city center for tourists to eat and go out. The city should have inland waterway wharves and areas to welcome foreign ships. Can you share your upcoming plans? In the coming time, the Indochina Junk will focus on its existing facilities because the cost of renting yards is very high. We will also keep an eye on policies to see if we should expand our investment. Personally, I still want to invest in a truly classy ship but am still concerned about the berthing issue. Regarding the potential of waterway tourism, how do you evaluate it? In my opinion, if the Saigon River is exploited to its full potential and has space to anchor boats, there will be many beautiful boats in the near future. The Saigon River currently has about 40-50 boats. In my opinion, we should take advantage of Bach Dang wharf. However, it is necessary to plan the wharf and have specific conditions for ships that stop there. The night economy is also related to river tourism, such as the Saigon River tours that your business runs. How do you assess the potential of this industry? Thailand and many other countries have been successful in implementing the night economy because they rely on geographical factors. The Western regions day is Vietnams night. They travel for a few days, so they didn't have time to adapt. Based on this jet lag, many countries have developed a night economy. In my opinion, opening a night economy is even better than day tourism because people think about spending money at night while the days are the best time to go to work. German tape maker tesa opens $58 mln factory in northern Vietnam By Tri Duc Sat, October 14, 2023 | 11:45 am GTM+7 Germany-headquartered tape maker tesa inaugurated a EUR55 million ($57.8 million) factory in Hai Phong city on Thursday. The opening of the seven-hectare factory is part of tesas strategy to regionalize production, expand capacity, and optimize supply chains, according to the international manufacturer of adhesive tapes and self-adhesive solutions. The move will ensure the availability of its products, transport capacity, and procurement of raw materials, the firm added in a release. tesa opens a factory in Hai Phong city, northern Vietnam on October 12, 2023. Photo courtesy of Hai Phong news portal. Construction of the factory, located in Deep C II B Industrial Park, started in January 2022. It has an annual capacity of 40 million square meters of tape, aiming to serve the growing Asia market, especially for the automobile and electronics sectors. At present, tesa is active in about 100 countries, and 130 and 70 of its tapes are installed in a single electric vehicle and a single smartphone, respectively. Speaking at the grand opening ceremony, Le Trung Kien, head of Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority (HEZA), said he expected the project to help Hai Phongs workforce approach modern technology and research & development in the sector. Kien also called on the German Embassy in Hanoi to continue helping Hai Phong with energy transition, green and renewable energy, vocational training, digitalization, manufacturing & processing, and others. He also urged tesa to expand its operations in Hai Phong towards building an R&D center in the northern coastal city. In the first nine months of 2023, Hai Phong attracted over $3 billion in FDI, the highest figure among all localities in Vietnam, according to municipal data. Japan's SMBC member entirely divests from Vietnam broker Petrovietnam Securities By Ta Phu, Minh Hue Sat, October 14, 2023 | 9:51 am GTM+7 SMBC Nikko Securities Inc., a member of Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), is now no longer a major shareholder of Petrovietnam Securities JSC (PSI), according to the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX). After nearly 12 years as a foreign strategic partner at PSI, SMBC Nikko Securities on October 6 withdrew all its capital from the Vietnamese company, said the HNX, where PSI lists its shares. The Japanese firm sold all 8.9 million PSI shares, accounting for a 14.9% stake in the broker, for VND77.5 billion ($3.17 million), or about VND8,700 ($0.36) per share. The headquarters of SMBC Nikko Securities Inc., a member of Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC). Photo courtesy of the company. In 2011, SMBC Nikko Securities became PSI's foreign strategic partner after signing a contract to buy the stake at a price of VND15,000 ($1.39) per share under the then exchange rate. On the HNX, PSI closed the Friday session at VND9,600 ($0.39) SMBC Nikko Securities was established in 1918 under the name Nikko Cordial Securities. The securities company was acquired by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) - SMBC's parent company - in 2009. In 2021, SMBC spent about $1.37 billion acquiring a 49% stake in FE Credit from Vietnamese lender VPBank. In March 2023, it reached an agreement to acquire 15% of VPBank's shares for $1.5 billion, after divesting from Eximbank. SMBC became a strategic shareholder in Vietnams Eximbank (EIB) in 2007, with a 15% stake worth $225 million. However, disputes between Eximbank's shareholder groups for more than a decade derailed the Japanese investor's plans. After many petitions to purge members of the bank's board of directors and unsuccessfully organizing an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, SMBC decided to withdraw capital from the bank. At the end of 2019, SMBC withdrew its representative from Eximbank's board. No more delays to kicking off North-South high-speed railway: expert By Minh Anh Sat, October 14, 2023 | 11:57 am GTM+7 Vietnam should not further postpone the development of the North-South high-speed railway, a leading veteran expert has said. Prof. Nguyen Mai, chairman of Vietnam's Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE), was speaking at the first meeting of the recently-formed national steering committee for the North-South high-speed railway project and other major rail routes on Thursday. Mais comments were echoed by others at the meeting. Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son, deputy head of the steering committee, pointed out the need for a new double-track railway for passenger and cargo transportation. The national steering committee for the North-South high-speed railway project and other major rail routes convenes for the first time at the government headquarters in Hanoi, October 12, 2023. Photo courtesy of the government's news portal. Financial expert Le Xuan Nghia suggested building a brand-new synchronous express railway instead of renewing the existing one. The Ministry of Transport has mapped out a master plan to build the North-South high-speed railway and received feedback from ministries, central agencies, experts, and the general public, said Deputy Minister of Transport Le Danh Huy. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, chairman of the committee, said that the development of the railway network in Vietnam is lagging behind economic needs. He urged the interdisciplinary committee to work on a plan to build express railways that suit the countrys topography. Investing in express railways is investing in the far future. Its not just about a specific railway, its about forming an industry that is capable of dominating technology to operate an express railway network safely and effectively, Ha noted. He asked for the application of cutting-edge technologies, advances in digital transition, automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to the project. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha speaks at the meeting, October 12, 2023. Photo courtesy of the government portal. In late 2019, the transport ministry submitted to the government a pre-feasibility report on a Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City high-speed railway project. In the first option, the 1,545 km-long railway would carry only passengers at a designed speed of 320 kilometers per hour. It would run on double-track, 1.435-meter rails. The cost for this option was estimated at $58.7 billion. In the second option, a new 1.435-meter railway would be built to carry passengers at 180 km/h and cargo at 120 km/h, at a cost of $64.9 billion. If things go as planned, one section in the North and another in the South will be completed by 2030. The entire route is expected to be finished by 2035, according to Prof. Nguyen Mai, also former Vice Chairman of State Committee for Cooperation and Investment, now Ministry of Planning and Investment. The then board chairman of Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) Vu Anh Minh said in March 2021 that once the high-speed railway becomes operational, at a speed of 300 km/h, the travel time from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City would be reduced to just 6 hours, just one hour longer than the time needed to travel to the airport, complete check-in procedures, and fly to HCMC. Vietnam, Australia have growing appetites for each other's fresh produce: CEO By Lan Do Sat, October 14, 2023 | 3:41 pm GTM+7 The Vietnamese market has developed a growing appetite for Australian fresh produce, and likewise Australians are increasingly interested in trying exotic fruits grown in Vietnam, said Claire McClelland, CEO of Australian Fresh Produce Alliance. McClelland was on a trip with a delegation of Australias largest fruit and vegetable producers to Vietnam on October 11-13 with the support of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Australia-Vietnam diplomatic relations. The Austrlian delegation visited retail chains to learn about the needs of Vietnamese consumers. Photo courtesy of Austrade. Vietnam currently has market access to Australia for mango, lychee, longan and dragon fruit, and its export volumes have been growing steadily. This growth is the result of a sustained effort by both countries' governments to deliver new and improved market access for fresh produce. "Vietnam holds great promise for Australian fresh produce, and we are committed to exploring avenues for growing two-way trade. This time in Hanoi allows us to engage in a meaningful dialogue with Vietnamese industry representatives, celebrate the significant milestones achieved to date, and continue to drive mutually beneficial trade," said McClelland. During its trip, Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) hosted the Vietnam-Australia Fresh Produce Networking Event in Hanoi which brought together Australian and Vietnamese industry representatives and officials to celebrate the growing trade and discuss new areas for cooperation. "Increasing fresh produce trade is of great benefit to both nations. The Vietnamese market seems to have a growing appetite for Australian fresh produce and likewise Australians are increasingly interested in trying exotic fruits grown in Vietnam, said McClelland. During the trade mission, the delegation visited Vietnamese wholesale markets, retail stores, and engaging with local industry representatives. This hands-on approach provided valuable insights into Vietnam's unique market and consumer preferences. The AFPA delegation represented a cross-section of Australias fresh produce industry, including representatives from Australias apple and pear, berries, summerfruit and table grape peak industry bodies. Two-way trade between Australia and Vietnam from July 2022 to June 2023 reached over $23 billion, and growth in horticulture trade by both countries over the past several years is contributing to this increase, according to Austrade. Chris Morley, Austrade commissioner in Hanoi, shared that for agrifood, forest and fishery products, Australia's two-way trade with Vietnam from July 2022 to June 2023 was $4.07 billion, an increase of 38.3% year-on-year. Of the amount, two-way trade value in fruits and nuts was $232 million. We are looking forward to a bright future of two-way fresh produce trade, especially as our two governments are actively negotiating for new market access opportunities for Vietnamese passionfruit and pomelo, and Australian blueberries and plums, said Morley. Vietnams bad debt skyrockets: central bank By Dinh Vu, Minh Hue Sat, October 14, 2023 | 12:14 pm GTM+7 The bad debt ratio in Vietnam soared from 2% at the beginning of the year to 3.56% in late July, equivalent to more than VND440 trillion ($18 billion), according to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV). The figure included bad debts at five banks under special control, namely SCB, DongA Bank, CB Bank, OceanBank, and GPBank. If these five banks were excluded, the banks' non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was 1.92%. Including bad debts sold to the Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC) that have not been settled and contingent liabilities, the banking sectors NPL ratio reached 6.16%, equivalent to VND768 trillion ($31.4 billion), the central bank said in its latest report. Vietnam's bad debt ratio in the year to July hit 3.56%. Photo by The Investor/Trong Hieu. Previously, on October 8, SBV governor Nguyen Thi Hong said that in the year to September 21, Vietnams credit reached over VND12,620 trillion ($516 billion), an increase of 5.91% compared to the end of 2022. Notably, the bad debt ratio in the real estate sector was on the rise, hitting 2.58% in July compared to 1.8% a year earlier. The credit quality of many banks also showed signs of declining. Some listed banks had recorded NPL ratios exceeding 3% by the end of June, including NCB, ABBank, Viet Capital Bank (BVBank), VPBank, VietBank, OCB, and PG Bank. According to the regulator, credit quality in the banking system may continue to face pressure. Some bank leaders believed that bad debt was likely to peak in the third quarter of this year and then gradually decrease from the beginning of next year. Currently, banks are facing many difficulties in settling bad debts as overdue debts increase and a gloomy real estate market makes the handling of real estate collateral more challenging, the SBV noted. According to the central bank, the debt trading market still has many limitations. The legal framework related to credit institution restructuring and bad debt handling has not been completed, in addition to a lack of preferential policies to encourage domestic and foreign investors to participate in handling collateral and trading bad debts. While a specific mechanism to thoroughly restructure weak banks is still absent, some state-owned groups and corporations lack resources to handle losses and restructure non-bank credit institutions of which they are owners or major shareholders. Schools in Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties now have access to a program designed to help K-12 students develop everything from compassion to financial literacy. The Medical University of South Carolina has collaborated with Blackbaud to deliver a digital education curricula focused on preventive behavioral health for K-12 students. In coordination with EVERFI from Blackbaud, the companys social impact division, the courses will be activated in approximately 70 schools in Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties, as well as Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Representatives from Blackbaud, EVERFI and MUSC converged upon Edisto Elementary School in the Orangeburg County School District on Wednesday to demonstrate the impact of The Compassion Project. EVERFIs preventive behavioral health programs serve students from elementary school through high school. The Compassion Project helps educators teach students the social-emotional skills of compassion through the development of understanding of self, social awareness and relationship skills. A video and games, including one which taught a group of students how to recognize different ways someone might need help and empathy, were used to teach the value of compassion. I learned that whenever you see somebody, help somebody. Dont just stand there and hope theyre OK. Do something about it, said fourth-grader Imani Jean, 9. I also learned that you should always not judge somebody. Put yourselves in their shoes and show empathy, she said. Fourth-grader Sahvana Shuler, 9, said, I learned that when you see somebody that doesnt look all right or seems sad, you should help them. You want to be nice to people because when youre probably sad, then they might do something nice to you. She continued, People should put themselves in somebody elses shoes because you dont know how much they can be going through and what happens in life. Faith Arthur, OCSDs counseling and career specialist coordinator, said OCSD is an EVERFI district. It has used its program to promote students social-emotional development. We were awarded that status through our work for the last three years with the EVERFI program. We started working more intensely with EVERFI during COVID. We had to find a way to deliver social-emotional learning services to students during COVID, and EVERFI was one of the programs that was approved through the state education department to be able to give us the curriculum and the platform to do so, Arthur said. She continued, After COVID, we continued using the platform and the curriculum. We have digital lessons that are being offered to our students in grades K-12. All schools are using the EVERFI, and it is used through their school counseling program. We do have some teachers that also use it. Arthur said The Compassion Project is implemented in grades 3-5. That is the one that we really kind of focus on for our upper elementary school students. Its just teaching them empathy, compassion, caring and tying into the character traits that are also connected to the Orangeburg County Community of Character. We also work closely with those character traits to make sure we infuse those in the lessons, and the EVERFI curriculum allows us to do that seamlessly, she said. The Character Playbook is implemented in grades 7-8. There are other (Compassion Project) lessons that are for first and second graders, as well. ... Sixth grade gets a little bit of the Character Playbook and a little bit of the Compassion Project. In ninth through 12th grade, theres a whole different other curriculum, Arthur said. Theres a bully prevention that we use with them. Theres also a program that we have with vaping. We also teach financial literacy, college and career readiness. So those are the platforms that counselors, as theyre working with their cohort groups, work with students on as well. So its also counselors and career specialists. Theres a pacing guide that we use that allows them to kind of figure out which lessons they want to use with flexibility, she said. Arthur said the goal is help students be resilient and strategic problem solvers. Were hoping that what were giving them in school will be able to transform over to real-world situations as they work through life. The mission is to help students develop their person, purpose and platform, she said. David Loring, vice president of the Corporate Impact Division at Blackbaud, said he works closely with MUSC on the schools digital education programs across the six districts. Were about five or six months into the schools program. Its expanding. Its a two-year pilot program with courses from compassion all the way up into high school with alcohol education, anti-vaping and prescription drug safety, Loring said. Understanding mental wellness is a whole curation for what we call the behavioral health education that EVERFI provides, along with MUSC, for schools in about eight to nine counties in South Carolina, including Orangeburg. he said. Loring continued, Its digital and its free to the schools. The schools are not paying for it, and it is areas that are not core curriculum. Its things like compassion and its all digital. So the kids get it in a digital format on their computers. They can do it at home. These are things that are not taught in schools today, and we work with sponsors like MUSC to put it in the schools for free. There are other topics like financial literacy, those types of things were teaching in schools throughout the nation. Our network is about 35,000 schools across the United States that use our digital courses, he said. Lake Marion High School, St. James-Gaillard Elementary, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School and Edisto Elementary are among the OCSD schools where digital education programs are being implemented. Ashley Weiner, director of customer services at EVERFI, said, MUSC is sponsoring schools in Bamberg, Calhoun, Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley and Orangeburg. They are sponsoring different programs within those counties. Technically, any of the schools in Orangeburg County would have access to this program sponsored by MUSC. There are schools that are currently using one of the programs that theyre sponsoring. All schools will have access to the programs powered by EVERFI, but sponsored by MUSC, she said. Calhoun and Bamberg counties are also able to tap into the program. It doesnt mean that all the schools are currently using, or have knowledge of it, but our goal is to make sure that all schools, teachers, students have knowledge that these programs are available, one, and, two, that we encourage them to use the program because it is free because of MUSCs sponsorship, Weiner said. Edisto Elementary would only be using the Compassion Project because that one is geared for elementary school students. So different programs are geared for different grade levels that theyre sponsoring, she said. MUSC Health-Orangeburg CEO Walter N. Bennett III said, With our partnership with EVERFI, its actually an enterprise partnership, but were looking at how we can go more into the rural areas. Of course, MUSC HealthOrangeburg is a part of a large rural area. So we wanted to see how we can impact the school districts of Orangeburg. Bennett said the hospital wants to be a community partner. Its been in the past where the hospital stays in our own walls and silos, but, again, its a new day here in Orangeburg. So thats why were wanting to reach out more to the schools, K-12, but also into the higher education, as well. So youll start seeing more partnerships that youll hear from MUSC Health-Orangeburg moving forward when it comes to our education in Orangeburg and in Calhoun and Bamberg counties. It definitely takes a village, he said. Kerrie Hollifield, diabetes project coordinator at the Boeing Center for Childrens Wellness at MUSC, said the center has a school-based wellness initiative that helps school districts implement wellness initiatives. She said wellness, however, is more than just physical activity. For our specific school-based wellness initiative, a lot of people think of health as nutrition and physical activity, but our social-emotional wellness is key to that. So the MUSC and EVERFI partnership is really going to help build this relationship in the schools, where our students are living and playing and being educated, as well. So its obviously all encompassing, and were very excited about that, she said. Edisto Elementary School counselor Angela Gordon said her students are also excited about The Compassion Project. The kids love it. It makes it easy for me, and its exciting to them, she said. On Oct. 8, I woke up to learn of the Hamas terror attacks against Israeli military and civilian targets. I saw the videos of the bodies of victims (military and civilian) being desecrated by Hamas militants. Particularly disturbing was the image of a female corpse being dragged naked through the streets while militants cheered (assumed to have been raped, as reports of rape are rampant). Over 1,200 have been killed and thousands wounded by Hamas, and victims include Americans. Hamas has taken scores of hostages back to Gaza to use as bargaining chips. Iran has openly backed Hamas, and the Iranian proxy Hezbollah has proclaimed their fighters will attack Israel from Lebanon if Israel invades Gaza. Reports indicate Iran was part of the planning for the attack. Israel declared war, the first time since the 1973 war with Egypt. Other Arab nations and even the Biden administration are calling on Israel to refrain from retaliation, while Iran and Hezbollah have warned the US not to get involved. From having spent significant time peacekeeping between Israel and Egypt (1996-97), I would like to offer my thoughts. What struck me first is the tiny size of Israel, and how that drives security problems. Israels neighbors Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, each cover multiples of Israels territory. Meanwhile, Israel is equivalent to the size of New Jersey. That, however, is a misleading comparison as 60% of Israel is the virtually uninhabitable Negev desert. The other 40% includes the West Bank and Gaza, which are primarily under the control of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (Fatah). In personally traveling Israel, it was relatively easy to drive around to the major non-Negev Israeli sites in only a day or so. That being the case, and unlike what many on the political left claim, Israel cannot just give up a little land for peace. Israel did give up territory substantially larger than its size when it returned the Sinai Peninsula following the 73 war and 1979 Camp David treaty (which established the peacekeeping mission I deployed). That land swap was feasible, and did bring peace with Egypt. Beyond the Sinai, Israel cannot give up territory and remain secure. An example of the security dilemma: The West Bank is only nine miles from the Mediterranean Sea just north of the major Israeli population center of Tel Aviv. If Israel gave up the West Bank, it could be cut in half in a surprise attack like weve just seen. With regard to Hamas, even if Israel were to go back to the undefendable pre-1967 lines, it wouldnt have peace. Hamas doesnt recognize Israels right to exist. Iran and its proxy terror group Hezbollah do not accept Israels right to exist and seek to recapture all Israel. Israels experience since the 1979 Camp David accords has been that when it gives up control of land in pre-1967 areas, it has suffered heightened terror attacks and less security. This occurred when it forced 9,000 Israeli settlers out of Gaza in 2005, giving full internal control of Gaza to the Palestinians/Hamas. A year later Hamas attacked Israel, claiming they had forced Israel out of Gaza and should now force Israel into the sea. Around the same time as those Hamas attacks, Hezbollah attacked Israel from Lebanon (of which Israel had withdrawn a few years before). Examples abound of Israeli withdrawals and subsequent attacks in the West Bank. During my time in Israel and surrounding Arab countries (including other Middle East deployments near the Persian Gulf area) I came to understand Israel was generally the good guy compared to its adversaries. In the years following the Israeli War of Independence in the late 1940s, Jews were expelled from throughout surrounding Arab nations. In contrast, Israel has continued treating its almost 2 million Arab-Muslim (Palestinian) citizens as legal equals. That includes Arab Muslim representatives in the Knesset and on the high court. Israel maintains the kind of legal equality, due process and free speech we recognize in America. As a Christian, I felt treated with respect in Israel, while entities like Hamas and Hezbollah advocate and practice Shariah Law, which treats non-Muslims as legally inferior. Israel is not perfect in responding to terror attacks, but it doesnt retaliate by copying their enemies war crimes. As I watch the heartbreaking tragedy, I am in prayer for Israel and anger against Hamas. At the same time, I feel bitter toward the Biden administration for its actions harming Israels security. This includes immediately restarted the financial aid to Palestinian authorities, including Hamas, the prior administration had stopped. Biden allowed the Abraham Accords to fall apart, after they had brought Israel together with many neighbors. Reports indicate that some weapons used by Hamas were those left behind from the botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Unbelievably, the administration provided Iran with $6 billion of support by unfreezing those assets in trying to restart the flawed Iran nuclear deal. Lastly, the administration transferred stockpiles of artillery shells being kept in Israel to Ukraine in January. We need to pray to God for Israel, and then support her fully during this hour of need. Israel has been and will remain our top ally in the region. A legislative committee will draft a measure to prohibit state and local authorities from aiding or cooperating with federal land management agencies when they pursue policies which harm Wyomings core interests. The move is in response to the U.S. Bureau of Land Managements draft plan for managing 3.6 million acres of federal land in southwest Wyoming. The Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee also voted unanimously to draft a bill creating a new full-time position in the governors office to act as a watchdog protecting the states interest against federal overreach. Lawmakers on the panel suggested recruiting current and former BLM employees for the position with a signing bonus. They also discussed offering bonuses and or opportunities for promotion for state employees who go above and beyond in protecting the states interests against perceived federal overreach. After hearing several hours of testimony on Oct. 6 regarding the BLMs draft resource management plan revision for the Rock Springs field office the committee determined it poses an existential threat to the states economy and outdoor culture. The draft proposals preferred alternative alternative B would expand no surface occupancy designations for industrial activities to protect wildlife habitat and cultural resources, and increase the acreage thats off-limits to new rights-of-way for things like maintained roads, power lines and pipelines by 481%. Public discussion of the RMP has been rife with misinformation, much of it coming from or amplified by elected officials. Widespread restrictions on recreation, for example, have elicited significant public outrage despite the plan largely leaving recreational access untouched, according to the agency. Regardless of assurances from BLM officials that alternative planning scenarios are still in play during the draft comment period, committee members heard pleas from local officials to safeguard against potential federal actions even prior to the agency implementing a plan. That included testimony from Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle. The [BLMs planning] process and its plan reflect nothing less than a continued effort of the current administration to weaponize executive privilege and rulemaking authority to circumvent the democratic process to impose a political agenda that bypasses voters and the will of our people, Grossnickle said. Because of this, if the restrictions of the preferred alternative of the Rock Springs RMP are set in place, the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office will take a hard stance [regarding] cooperative law enforcement with the Bureau of Land Management. In particular, the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office will not cooperate with or assist the BLM with enforcement action regarding the Rock Springs RMP. Committee members agreed the state should mirror the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Offices stance and extend a statewide prohibition on enforcing federal land management agency policies, including those of the U.S. Forest Service. I love your stance and I wholeheartedly agree with you, Rep. Reuben Tarver, R-Gillette, told Grossnickle. And I think the rest of Wyoming needs to get behind you. The committees other draft bill creating a federal land management watchdog position is needed to ensure continuity from one governors administration to the next regarding potential federal overreach and ongoing negotiations between state, local and federal officials, co-chairman Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, said. The measure would also include an incentive program for state employees who go above and beyond in protecting the states interests and are offered bonuses and, or, opportunities for promotion, Boner said. The bill draft will also include language offering signing bonuses for current federal land management agency employees who would rather work for the state, he added. The committee also agreed to submit a letter to the BLM asking that the draft plan be withdrawn and if it is not withdrawn that the public comment period be extended by 120 days. Currently, the deadline to submit comments on the draft EIS is Nov. 16. The committee will again consider the measures when it meets Nov. 13 in Cheyenne. Before the railway system closed, and reversed the fortunes of vast swathes of Trinidad, there was a thriving village called St Johns, deep in the interior of Trinidad, where people lived with little complaint. No one became rich, but no one went without since there was wildlife cavorting right behind your house, you ate what you planted in forest gardens, and people lived in airy homes constructed strong by the village men using the timber pulled out of the bush by bison power. 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. Although shaken by the Biden administrations recent move to waive dozens of environmental laws to build more border wall in Texas, environmentalists say its unlikely the administration would do the same in Arizona, at least in the immediate future. Earlier this month U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials said the agency is required to construct 20 more miles of border wall in Starr County, Texas, because Congress appropriated the money for this purpose in 2019. But there is not currently a congressional appropriation for border-wall construction in Arizona on the books, so the Biden administration couldnt make the same argument here as its making in Texas, said Laiken Jordahl, Southwest conservation advocate with the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity. Money for Arizona border-wall construction under the Trump administration came mostly from re-appropriated Department of Defense funds which a federal appeals court eventually ruled an unlawful use of military funds rather than a congressional appropriation, Jordahl said. But that doesnt mean Congress wont fund more border wall here in the future, he said. Everything is so up in the air right now, Jordahl said. We never imagined that we would see this administration use environmental waivers to rush wall construction. I dont think any of us on the border can feel secure that we wont see new wall construction in Arizona. The Center for Biological Diversity is among more than 100 organizations across the country including environmental and wildlife advocates, social-justice groups and religious nonprofits that have signed a petition urging the Biden administration to rescind all existing waivers issued for border-wall work, and to pause all border-wall activity in Starr County, Texas in order to first comply with the applicable environmental regulations. The petition will be sent to the Biden administration on Monday, Jordahl said. A draft copy of the letter shared with the Arizona Daily Star finds irony in DHS officials choosing to ignore dozens of federal laws in order to comply with one appropriations law. We must reiterate that there is no legal requirement to waive any laws for border barrier construction, the letter says. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas decision to cast aside these critical protections to rush the construction of a wall that you admit does not work suggests either serious confusion or troubling hypocrisy. Stab in the back Extensive environmental and cultural damage from wall construction already occurred in Arizona under the Trump administration, fast-tracked by environmental-law waivers, according to a two-year audit by the Government Accountability Office. Border barriers went up in critical habitats and protected areas, including Organ Pipe National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and on Tohono Oodham Nation tribal lands. The construction did significant and sometimes irreparable damage to sensitive ecosystems ecosystems, wildlife migration corridors and cultural resources on indigenous lands, the GAO report found. We know that these border walls are not going to stop the people from coming, but theyre definitely going to cause a huge impact to the environment, which is really fragile in those areas, and also to the border communities, said Erick Meza, Tucson-based borderlands coordinator for the Sierra Club. The Biden administrations use of the waiver in Texas sets aside 26 environmental and cultural preservation laws that would otherwise guide construction, including the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Some advocates feel betrayed by the Biden administrations use of the waiver authority, permitted under the 2005 REAL ID Act, to construct more wall, despite Joe Bidens pledge as a presidential candidate to halt wall construction. Its truly a breathtaking stab in the back to border communities, Jordahl said. Past presidential administrations have used the waiver authority granted under the REAL ID Act since border wall construction ramped up in the mid-2000s, Meza said. Im glad there is the media attention to the waivers, but they are not new, he said. At many of those rushed border-wall sites in Arizona and California, the lack of environmental assessment and proper drainage work has caused erosion along the base of the wall, destabilizing the entire structure and necessitating further spending on repairs, he said. When you dont do the proper environmental planning process, then youre going to start dealing with an environmental disaster, Meza said. Its just an infinite money pit. You have to keep throwing in money for maintenance, not to mention the impact to the environment from bringing in all this equipment again and again. When Congress funded additional border wall projects in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 2019, the Border Patrols Rio Grande Valley sector was the busiest of the nine southern border sectors, Jordahl said. But since July, the Tucson sector has taken that title, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show. In August, Border Patrol in the Tucson sector encountered nearly 49,000 migrants who entered Arizona between ports of entry. I do fear that, because weve seen increasing numbers in the Tucson sector, there could be a renewed push in Congress to allocate billions more to blast apart the remaining mountainous corridors (in Arizona) where there are no border walls and build walls across them, Jordahl said. We are compelled Biden officials have emphasized the wall construction in Texas does not mark any change in policy. From day one, this administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer, Mayorkas said earlier this month. That remains our position and our position has never wavered. We have repeatedly asked Congress to rescind this money, but it has not done so and we are compelled to follow the law. Some environmentalists reject Bidens claim that the administration is required by law to use the funds to construct more wall. Jordahl argues those appropriated funds could be used to remediate the damage done by border wall construction. But even if the administration must construct more wall, theres no requirement that they waive 26 environmental laws to do it, Jordahl said. This is an entirely discretionary choice, he said. The administration has not provided justification for its use of the waiver, said Myles Traphagen, borderlands program coordinator for Salt Lake City-based Wildlands Network. They did not need to use the waiver authority, said Traphagen, who is based in Tucson. That is not required to build border walls. They have not addressed that, and they also have not rescinded the waivers (still in place) in other parts of the country, including Arizona. DHS officials did not respond to the Stars questions, submitted on Tuesday, seeking an explanation for why the administration must use the waiver authority and what would be the legal consequences of failing to use appropriated funds for their intended purpose. Area of high illegal entry On Oct. 5, DHS posted an announcement on the U.S. Federal Register describing the planned construction project in Starr County, Texas, stating the waiver of 26 environmental protection laws was necessary in order to ensure the expeditious construction of the barriers and roads in the project areas. The post described Starr County as located in an area of high illegal entry and cited a statistic that advocates say is misleading: In the first 10 months of fiscal year 2023, the Border Patrol encountered more than 245,000 undocumented migrants between ports of entry in the Rio Grande Valley sector, which includes Starr County, the post said. But that sector-wide statistic, repeated by national media outlets, does not represent the reality in the small rural county where more wall is planned, Jordahl said. The Rio Grande Valley sector includes 21 counties, some heavily utilized by border crossers, but Starr County is not a popular crossing point, he said. Jordahl visited Starr County soon after Congress appropriations bill passed, and described a serene landscape with little immigration activity. Videos from his trip show peaceful riverbanks. Jordahl said he saw families picnicking on both the U.S. and Mexican sides of the river, and he did not see any border-crossers during his visit. Its another example of how the political rhetoric about the border does not reflect the on-the-ground reality, Jordahl said, including the impossibility of building an uninterrupted border wall, as periodic openings are needed to accommodate floodwaters that would otherwise topple or damage the structure. A lawsuit settlement earlier this year requires DHS to add openings for wildlife whose migration routes are blocked by the wall. Biden says walls dont work The wall has also proven to be ineffective in reducing migration volume, Traphagen said. Despite nearly 500 miles of border wall added or replaced since Trump took office, at a cost of at least $15 billion, migrant encounters have only increased, Traphagen said. In fiscal year 2017, CBP encountered about 527,000 migrants on the southern border. That number has risen each year since except for fiscal year 2020, during the pandemic reaching 2.7 million encounters border-wide in fiscal year 2022, and 2.8 million for the first 11 months of fiscal year 2023. Currently, theres nothing rational about border policy, Traphagen said. Pressed by reporters earlier this month, Biden said he does not believe the border wall works. Democratic lawmakers have also criticized the Biden administrations use of the REAL ID Act waivers. Walls dont work, said long-time U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Tucson and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, in an Oct. 6 statement. They are climbed over, cut through, and even blown over by the wind. They are a cheaply-conceived yet exorbitantly expensive political stunt that does nothing to address a deeply complex humanitarian issue. What walls do accomplish is drumming up anti-migrant hate, dividing border communities in half, and endangering the lives of people who are fleeing violence and oppression in search of a better life. Migration through the southern border is no longer primarily single men seeking seasonal work, Traphagen said. Increasingly, families are fleeing violence, oppression, natural disasters and drought with no plans to return home, both here and globally, he said. As a civilized nation and civilized global community, we need to learn how to deal with migration, he said. Weve got to get our act together to learn how to manage this, because walls are not the answer to it. Contact reporter Emily Bregel at ebregel@tucson.com. On X, formerly Twitter: @EmilyBregel Tohono O'odham leaders' full statement "The U.S. Attorneys decision to not press charges against U.S. Border Patrol agents in the tragic shooting death of Tohono Oodham member Raymond Mattia is a travesty of justice. The facts speak for themselves, and they do not support the U.S. Attorneys decision Mr. Mattia was an unarmed man in his own front yard. Multiple agents made the decision to fire dozens of shots at short range at this unarmed man, hitting Raymond Mattia multiple times, and ultimately killing him. All of this was captured on agents video cameras and is not in question. Where in America is a decision in defiance of such overwhelming evidence acceptable? Where in America is it okay for law enforcement officials, or anyone else, to take an unarmed mans life? We assume there is additional evidence beyond what is already in the public domain. At the very least there needs to be a trial so that the facts can be ascertained, and justice accomplished. There are countless questions left unanswered by this decision. As a result, we cannot and will not accept the U.S. Attorneys decision. On the contrary, we stand by the Mattia family, and all Oodham citizens in seeking justice. Members of the Tohono Oodham Nation should not have to worry that their lives could be randomly cut short by federal agents acting on Tohono Oodham sovereign land. In Mr. Mattias case, he was not only on Oodham land, but at his own home, and defenseless. The Nations Executive Office will explore other opportunities to rectify this misguided decision, which may include requesting Congressional inquiries. We also stand by other legal and administrative efforts to obtain justice for wrongly taking Raymonds life. For too long, the U.S. governments refusal to enact sensible border solutions has brought undue hardship to Oodham and other border communities. While politicians waste time debating walls and other ineffective and divisive ideas, our people are persecuted and, in this case, killed by federal agents. This must stop." A BBC correspondent set to receive a prestigious award from the University of Arizona School of Journalism is covering the Israel-Hamas war and cannot attend the ceremony, so it has been postponed, UA announced Friday. The ceremony to award Lyse Doucet with the John Peter and Anna Catherine Zenger Award for Press Freedom, which was set for Oct. 20 in Tucson, will be rescheduled for sometime in 2024. The very reason she won the award advancing the free press and the peoples right to know is the reason she cannot participate at this time, said Michael Chihak, chair of the schools Journalism Advisory Council. Doucet, BBCs chief international correspondent, was chosen for the honor in recognition of her international reporting on human rights. The UA journalism program has awarded the annual Zenger Award for Press Freedom since 1954 to journalists who fight for freedom of the press and the peoples right to know. Past Zenger Award winners included Christiane Amanpour, Carmen Aristegui, Dean Baquet, Walter Cronkite and Katharine Graham. The award is named for a husband-and-wife team of pioneering journalists. John Peter was editor of the New York Weekly Journal in 1734 when he was jailed by British colonial authorities on charges of seditious libel. He had criticized the corrupt administration of New Yorks governor, William Cosby. While Zenger was imprisoned, Anna Catherine continued to publish the newspaper. John Peter Zengers subsequent trial and acquittal is considered a landmark case in the history of freedom of the press, helping to lay the foundation for the First Amendment. Tucsons voters will yet again decide whether the mayor and City Council members will receive a raise a proposition the citys electorate has turned down since 1999. But this years measure to increase the electees salaries, Proposition 413, proposes the highest pay raise to date by giving the mayor and council members a nearly 130% and 220% boost, respectively. In 1999, Tucsons mayor was given a salary of $42,000, while council members pay was set at $24,000. The salaries lag Tucsons median household income of $48,058, according to U.S. Census data. For council members, a 40-hour work week would divvy their pay out to $11.54 per hour, $2.31 less than the current minimum wage. If approved, Prop 413 would raise the mayors salary to $95,750 and council members yearly pay to $76,600. The ballot measure ties Tucsons elected officials annual income to the earnings of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, which earns salaries set by state statute. While council members salaries would match supervisors pay, the mayor would make 1.25 times a county supervisors salary. The extra costs would be absorbed by the budget and will not negatively affect City services, according to a report from the Citizens Commission on Public Service and Compensation, which makes recommendations on the public officials salaries. If passed, the raises in Prop 413 would go into effect on Dec. 4, but the change would mean the citys salaries would be tethered to the state statute governing supervisors pay, which means supervisors and City Council members would make $96,600 beginning in 2024 while the mayor would earn more than $120,000. Many council members report relying on part-time gigs or retirement savings to make ends meet while working their full-time, public-facing jobs. Advocates for the proposition say the pay raise is long overdue, but dissenters say the measure goes too far. The city established a seven-member volunteer Citizens Commission on Public Service and Compensation in 1993. The groups members were appointed by City Manager Michael Ortega and met seven times to come up with this years proposed raises while considering economic data, past elections and public input. Now, voters are set to decide a measure that would put Tucsons mayor and council among the highest-paid elected city leaders in the state. Laura Dent, a member of the commission that made the recommendations behind Prop 413, said one of the biggest reasons to increase council members salaries is to attract a more diverse pool of candidates. The fact that we have really low wages for public servants creates a structural barrier for everyday people to lead and serve, and I really believe if we knock down those barriers, there are greater opportunities for working folks, for single moms, for students, for folks that are more reflective of the community to serve in this role, she said. Mayor Regina Romero, who works part-time doing consulting work on top of pulling 70-hour work weeks as mayor, echoed this sentiment. I believe that the low pay for elected positions that carry so much responsibility, and so much work, are a vestige of systems that really were created to keep out diverse communities from participating civically in their democracy as elected representatives, she said. Weve got to be able to make it possible for a single mom of two to serve as a council member or as mayor. Ward 1 Council Member Lane Santa Cruz said, I try to encourage people, especially younger people, all the time about considering running for office, but the No. 1 deterrent is pay. In addition to their full-time council position, Santa Cruz spends their evenings and weekends doing part-time contracting work while taking care of four kids. If Prop 413 passes, It would make me less stressed financially, they said. Im stuck renting, I dont have a steady income that I could even be on a pathway to purchase a home. So, I think it would create a space where I can make plans and have financial stability. The probability of the measure passing is clouded by historical rejection from the citys constituents. In 2021, a ballot measure to raise the salaries for the mayor and council members by $12,000 lost by a nearly 1% margin. But council members say the job deserves much more pay than it earns. For the future of the city, I really hope that folks decide to pay mayor and council a salary that is commensurate with their experience and the value that they bring to the table and to the city, said Ward 4 Council Member Nikki Lee, who works full-time for The Arbinger Institute outside City Council. Are the figures too high? While most of the members of the commission that proposed the salaries in Prop 413 agreed mayor and council are long overdue for a raise, one member dissented on the final decision. Agustin Urquidi said he was supportive of a previous discussion to raise council members salaries to $56,000 and the mayors to $70,000, but right before the final meeting there was a proposal submitted by one of the members that called for a more ambitious raise, which is what ended up passing, but I didnt agree with it, he said. The proposed pay would make Tucsons electees the highest paid out of Arizonas five largest cities, topping Phoenixs mayor and council members pay of $88,000 and $61,600, respectively. That would make the mayor and council pay above what is typical for a city at that size, Urquidi said. Phoenixs population is about 1.6 million, while Tucsons is about 550,000, according to Census data. But Dent said, it felt right to tie the compensation of local leaders to that reference point of what the countys supervisors make. While the supervisors control a $1.8 billion budget, the citys budget is $2.2 billion this fiscal year. Several groups have endorsed Prop 413 including the Pima County Democratic Party, the Tucson Firefighters Association and the Tucson Metro Chamber but the Pima County Republican Party has launched a rebuttal to the initiative, arguing mayor and council dont deserve the pay bump. We have a city where our quality of life is diminishing daily. We have our crime rate gaining monthly. And were gonna reward this activist crew with a massive pay increase? said Dave Smith, chairman of the Pima County Republican Party. Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl said voters decisions on Prop 413 shouldnt be based on what you think of current (council members) because were doing this for the future. We limit the pool of applicants by keeping this less than minimum wage salary, said Dahl, who relies on retirement savings to support himself beyond his council salary. Steve Kozachik, Ward 6 council member, also relies on retirement savings from his previous role at the University of Arizona. However, he said the proposed salaries are just a bad look. Were trying to frame a salary in a manner that makes these landing pads for people from a career standpoint. Theres some element of public service in this, and thats built into the definition of the position, he said. We all know what were getting into when we sign up for it. So my concern is its too much, too soon. Kozachik also worries the raises would add stress to the citys already overburdened pension obligations. Ward 2 Council Member Paul Cunningham said in a text, I think the council could be more effective if it was able to work full time. Because I potentially would gain personally from the measure passing, I dont feel its appropriate to advocate any more than that. The salary of the Mayor and Council positions for the City of Tucson has not changed in 23 years, nearly a quarter century, Ward 5 Council Member Richard Fimbres said in an emailed statement. The duties have increased and the charter needs to reflect on both for the future of Tucson and our community. The majority of mayor and council think the pay raise would attract more diverse future talent to the positions while working full time on the biggest issues facing Tucson. Why do we act surprised when we have never had a woman in the history of the city of Tucson be the mayor, or Latina, much less? Romero said of the mayors who took office before her. Im not independently wealthy but I think (council pay) was done purposely to perpetuate only the wealthy few to be able to serve. Compromise Compromise is at the heart of American Democracy. If the founders in 1787 had not agreed to compromise their fervently held beliefs, there would be no United States of America. For one shining moment last week I thought that compromise would once again preserve the union. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case. The ouster of Kevin McCarthy because he had the temerity to compromise with Democrats is a bad sign. All it would have taken was for a handful of centrist Democrats to vote present. Their votes could have come about with a compromise deal. But McCarthy refused to dicker with Democrats. And the Democrats refused to dicker with McCarthy. The first thing the new acting speaker did was kick Pelosi out of her privileged hideaway. This seems to confirm that there will be no compromises in the House. There appears to be no hope for our American experiment. Steven Brown Midtown Undecided on Prop 413 Tucson City Councilmembers are really smart people. They can evaluate city issues like no other. One thing they seem to struggle with is the problem of homelessness in our city. While the homeless struggle living on the street, the city gives the green light to big developers. The bottom line with developers is a bigger balance sheet. Solving homelessness comes down to affordable housing and a livable wage. We bulldoze old school buildings and welcome the rich real estate folks to build unaffordable housing. I get it, low income housing is not profitable. Meanwhile the homeless live out their lives in fields, washes, cars, and parks. Mental health and sickness runs rampant among their ranks. I'm all for people earning a living wage. Councilmembers have needs. Yet, none are homeless. Councilmembers eat well and live within four walls. I'm not persuaded about Prop 413. Show me more housing for the least of thee and I'll get back to you. Homeless people die and most are very smart people. Bobby Burns Midtown Bread and circuses President Joe Biden is not very entertaining with his monotone voice. But Donald Trump huffs and puffs and exaggerates and creates a circus for his easily impressed mob so that they would buy a used car from him. Have you heard? Trump recently said Biden is going to start World War Two, which already happened last century. He also said his opponent for president in 2024 is Obama. Trump has apparently blabbed secrets about our nuclear submarines to a foreign national and put our sailors at risk. Trump has spoken of executing General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, because he did his job and was not subservient enough to suit Mr. Bone Spurs Trump. Trump is an OLD, vicious, addlebrained blabbermouth who is an authoritarian threat to our democracy. But you-all support whomever. It is still a free country unless Trump returns as president. Ronald Pelech Midtown Do Israelis deserve our unrestricted support? I was disappointed by President Biden's support of the Israelis after the attack by Hamas. What other option to the Palestinians have? They have been mistreated and scorned by the Israelis ever since the 1967 war by restricting their lifestyles, limiting their water, and establishing settlements (against international outrage) on land owned by the Palestinians. I think it is about time to show support for the Palestinians. The Israelis have brought this war onto their own heads, and although I sympathize with those on both sides who are affected by the attacks, I find it hard to sympathize with the Israeli government. Jack Evert Oro Valley We must end military aid to Israel John F. Kennedy said, "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." The US and Israeli governments have made peaceful change in the occupied territories impossible. Palestinians have marched, called for boycotts, and pleaded for international witnesses to go and see the terrible conditions in which they are forced to live. Their efforts have been met with violence and repression at every turn. The Gaza Strip has been described as an open-air prison in which two million people, nearly half of them children, are denied basic human rights, access to medical care, clean drinking water and economic security. There is no justification for kidnapping, killing or maiming civilians by either Israel or Hamas. But the only way out of this humanitarian disaster is to end the occupation. The US must do its part and cease the $3 billion in military aid given to Israel every year. Alice Zillah Midtown Sympathy for the Israelis will be short lived My prediction is that the same old reaction will occur. The support for Israel will fade quickly as soon as CNN has the opportunity to show the deaths of people in Gaza. Even as we learn about the atrocities committed there are demonstrators in American cities against the Jewish people. We will be told that the butchers who entered Israel were not representative of the country and most of you will agree and condemn Israel for their response. The same scenario has been repeated over and over for decades. The U.N. in particular condemns Israel every time they respond to a missile attack or incursion. Already there are calls for cease fire. This time I am convinced Israel wont stop until Gaza is conquered at which time peace can be attained after the leaders are removed. Jack Walters Northeast side Biden ignores the elephant in the room, Iran President Biden has given televised speeches about the Hamas attacks on Israel. He has not mentioned the elephant in the room, Iran. It is a well established fact that Iran has supplied rockets, money and training to Hamas. There is no way that Hamas could have conducted this sophisticated and complex attack without weeks or months of training somewhere. The Wall Street Journal reported that several high ranking members of Hamas and Hezbollah recently met with Iran's Revolutionary Guard in Beirut and gave the "green light" to proceed with the attack. I think the intent by Iran was to derail ongoing peace negotiations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Despite all this, what we have heard from the Biden administration is that there is "no smoking gun" or direct evidence showing Iran's involvement. Iran's leaders praised the attack on Israel. It seems to me that President Biden is pathetically bending over backwards not to implicate Iran in this horrendous attack as doing so would jeopardize his pursuit of another nuclear deal. Tom Galloway North side Prop 413: Money won't buy you love or performance To avoid hiring career politicians and to assure that the increased expense of greater mayor/council compensation delivers significant return on those taxpayer investments I am writing to suggest that all vote no on this action until the proposition defines tangible performance metrics, quarterly publication of actual results to goals, and ties at least 50% of the increased compensation to the achievement of defined metrics. For example, metrics should include human capital development, reduced unemployment and related expenses, increased discretionary personal income (average income less average cost of living), tax rate decreases. Published performance metrics tied to compensation/personal consequences and rewards, measurement, analysis and corrective actions are proven tactics utilized to support productive continuous improvement culture. Terry Finefrock Foothills Border wall We definitely need a comprehensive/workable immigration policy, and I don't think our Congress has the mental capacity to come up with one. A border wall is not a solution but could be a needed stopgap measure. Biden may have "flipped" on the need for a border wall, but at least he wasn't fool enough to say and think people would believe that Mexico would pay for it. Michael Garmarnik After 14 years, 40 cities and 500 shows, Tom Kirlin is finally bringing his art-and-pancake extravaganza to his hometown. The Pancakes & Booze Art Show, known for offering all-you-can-eat-pancakes alongside loads of artwork, is a one-day pop-up gallery coming to Tucson on Saturday, Oct. 21. Kirlin was born and raised in Tucson, attending Pima Community College after the school launched a two-year film program. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he worked in film for a dozen or so years. As I got a little bit older, as hard as I worked to get into that industry, I wasnt living a lifestyle that I wanted, he says. I had this grand idea to rent a warehouse space and open a small photography-slash-production space and it was failing miserably. I needed to find a way to make some money with the space because I had a huge overhead. Kirlin was friends with artists in the area who wanted a space to showcase their work. What was once a photography and production studio for Kirlin turned into an underground art gallery. At that time, this was 15 years ago, most art shows were free and youd go and it would be one of those wine-and-cheese types of events, he says. Most of the artists he knew were young he didnt want to take a commission from them, but he knew he needed to make money. Then it hit him: pancakes. If he offered something like all-you-can-eat pancakes, he could justify charging an admission fee to gallery attendees. And it worked. It was a hit from the very first time we did it. It kinda caught the art community in LA, he says. It turned into a couple hundred people to 500 people to a thousand. Once I knew I had something, I started doing it in different cities. Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up Hes since brought the show to cities across the U.S., from Atlanta to Austin to Detroit to Honolulu. Before the pandemic hit, he had taken the show overseas to London, Paris and Berlin. After a long 14 years, Kirlin has never brought the show to Tucson until now. For me, when I was younger, I wanted to get out of Tucson so bad. I was like, I gotta get out of here, I gotta explore the world, he says. I really love Tucson now that Im a bit older, but when I was younger I wanted to get out. He still has family and friends here and he finally found the perfect venue The Whistle Stop Depot, 127 W. Fifth St. It was time to bring Pancakes & Booze to Tucson. The show will feature close to 100 artists, from paintings and photography hanging on the walls to vendors selling fashion, candles and jewelry. Thats whats kinda fun about it its a very welcoming atmosphere for artists so we have everything from seasoned experienced artists you might see in a fine art gallery, and then we have people who have never shown their artwork before who are maybe experimenting with their career, Kirlin says. There will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, of course, plus a DJ and a cash bar. You can also watch live painting both on canvases and on bodies. Tickets are on sale here, ranging from $10-$20. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is for ages 21 and up. Its kinda like the antithesis of a snobby pretentious wine-and-art show, he says. Its the total opposite. We pride our event on that. Tanzanian companies express high expectations for 6th China International Import Expo Xinhua) 10:43, October 14, 2023 DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian companies that produce a range of products, including coffee, tea, wine, dried foods, cassava and soybeans, have expressed high expectations as they prepare to participate in the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China. The 6th CIIE, scheduled for Nov. 5-10, will unlock opportunities for Tanzanian products in the vast Chinese market of 1.4 billion people, said the chief executive officers of the Tanzanian companies at a farewell ceremony for Tanzanian exhibitors held Thursday at the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Frida Archard, the finance and procurement manager for Alko Vintages, a winery in Tanzania's capital of Dodoma, said that her company was going to exhibit three types of wines at the CIIE this year. She listed these products as red wines, white wines and rose wines, and expressed hope that these wines would attract the Chinese market. Salum Kabuluta, the international sales and logistics manager for Elven Agri Company, which deals in dried foods and spices, said that it was the first time for his company to participate in the CIIE. He looked forward to expanding the market for his company's products, which include dried foods like mango, pineapples, bananas, papaya and jackfruit. Kabuluta thanked the Chinese and Tanzanian governments for facilitating the registration process, which enabled them to participate in the exhibition. "The Chinese government has also helped us promote our products and allocated us a booth for exhibiting our products free of charge." Chen Mingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, expressed her belief that the 6th CIIE would serve as an excellent platform for Chinese consumers to learn more about "Made in Tanzania" and develop a fondness for Tanzanian products. "We hope that Tanzania's products and services will enter China through the CIIE, stand firmly on their own advantages, and establish close cooperative relationships with Chinese partners." (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Backers of a proposal to reform Ohio's troubled political map-making system got the go-ahead Thursday to begin signature-gathering. The Ohio Ballot Board cleared the way when it agreed unanimously that the constitutional amendment proposed by Citizens Not Politicians constitutes a single subject. The campaign committee now has until July 3 of next year to collect the 413,487 valid signatures required to make the November 2024 ballot. The proposal calls for replacing the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which currently comprises three statewide officeholders and four state lawmakers, with an independent body selected directly by citizens. The new panel's members would be diversified by party affiliation and geography. The effort follows the existing structure's repeated failure to produce constitutional maps of congressional and state legislative districts. During the protracted process for re-drawing district boundaries to account for results of the 2020 Census, challenges filed in court resulted in two congressional maps and five sets of Statehouse maps being rejected as unconstitutionally gerrymandered. Amid the court disputes, Ohios 2022 elections were allowed to proceed under the flawed maps. Since then, opponents have dropped their litigation against the congressional map, putting it in place for 2024. A new set of Ohio House and Ohio Senate districts was unanimously approved by the Ohio Redistricting Commission last month. That plan remains in limbo, after being challenged Oct. 5 as part of the ongoing lawsuit over Statehouse districts. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolinas state auditor and education leaders are clashing over an audit that found several school districts failed to comply with student attendance laws during the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Assembly directed the State Auditor Beth Woods office in late 2021 to conduct a performance audit that analyzed truancy policies and procedures for six public school districts in light of concerns that missing students stopped attending classes during the pandemic. But the authors of the report said the analysis couldnt be performed fully because the Department of Public Instruction failed to provide complete and accurate attendance data for five of the districts, including how many students considered chronically absent graduated or were promoted. The difficulty obtaining data contributed to the report released Thursday more than a year after the legislative deadline, the audit said. Woods office, however, said all six districts failed to perform required actions for students with three, six and 10 excused absences during the 2020-21 school year, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported. That year, many students took online classes when schools didnt provide in-person instruction. Standardized test scores fell during the pandemic but have been recovering. The six districts selected by Woods office and the Department of Public Instruction disagreed with the findings, with DPI accusing the office of failing to understand the attendance data. Instead of recommendations to get students back to school, our agency and six of our school districts have been unnecessarily reprimanded, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said in a news release. Much of how this report was conducted is an example of how state government time and taxpayer dollars and resources should not be used. Truitt, a Republican, and Wood, a Democrat, are elected statewide. Students learning remotely during the period reviewed were generally marked as present if they participated in online class discussions, had a daily check-in with the teacher or completed that days assignments. Auditors said they were only able to get complete information for the Henderson County Public Schools. They also examined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools, as well as the Johnston, Hyde and Robeson county schools. Auditors found that the frequency, timing, and type of truancy procedures and documentation varied widely among schools across each school district selected for this audit, the report reads. North Carolinas Truancy Law was not waived during the COVID-19 pandemic or school year 2020-2021. The report said the data problems led to more work time by auditors, leading to $205,000 in additional costs. But DPI said the delay was caused by the auditors office making multiple changes in scope and lack of understanding of attendance policies and the wording used by districts in their student attendance policies. Woods office wasted $350,000 of COVID-19 relief funding and educator staff time creating a report that did not answer the questions posed by the General Assembly, DPI said. The audit's authors took issue with written responses made by the audit's subjects to the findings. The audit found that 87% of the students in the Henderson County schools identified as chronically absent during the 2020-21 school year and didn't otherwise leave the system before the year's end were either promoted to the next grade or graduated from high school. Chronically absent was defined as someone who missed 10% or more of the days in which they were enrolled. The state audit follows national reports, including those from The Associated Press, that show absenteeism rose sharply during the pandemic. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Counties in Pennsylvania have told Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and lawmakers that it is too late to move up the state's 2024 presidential primary date if counties are to successfully administer the election. In a letter, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania said there is no longer enough time for counties to handle the tasks associated with moving next year's primary election from the current date set in law, April 23. The counties' association drafted the letter after weeks of efforts by lawmakers to move up the primary date, in part to avoid a conflict with the Jewish holiday of Passover. That became embroiled in partisan and intraparty disagreements after Senate Republicans then touted moving up the date as a way to give the late primary state more say in deciding 2024's presidential nominees. County officials say they are planning for 2023's election, less than five weeks away, and already spent many months of planning around holding 2024's primary election on April 23. While we thank the General Assembly and the administration for their thoughtful discussions around this matter, at this date counties can no longer guarantee there will be sufficient time to make the changes necessary to assure a primary on a different date would be successful," the organizations executive director, Lisa Schaefer, wrote in the letter dated Friday. Shapiro has supported changing the primary date to avoid it falling on Passover, but his administration has been silent about the protracted fight in the Legislature over moving it. Lawmakers have not yet shown a willingness to let the matter drop. On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, a Republican, released a letter insisting that the House agree to the Senate's preferred date of March 19, instead of the House's counterproposal of April 2. "In the Senate we now consider this matter to be closed," Pittman wrote. Counties face a number of challenges if the primary date moves. Those include rescheduling more than 9,000 polling places that are typically contracted a year or more ahead of time, including in schools that then schedule a day off for teacher training. Schools would have to consider changing their calendars in the middle of the academic year, Schaefer said. Counties also would need to reschedule tens of thousands poll workers, many of whom were prepared to work April 23 and had scheduled vacations or other obligations around the date, Schaefer said. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania a presidential battleground state won by Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 is still buffeted by former President Donald Trump's baseless lies about a stolen election. Schaefer said county elections staff are facing an increasingly hostile environment that has spurred unprecedented turnover. Changing the presidential primary at this late date would put the state at risk of having another layer of controversy placed on the 2024 election, as anything that doesnt go perfectly will be used to challenge the election process and results, Schaefer said. This will add even more pressure on counties and election staff, and to put our staff under additional pressure will not help our counties retain them. Senate Republicans had backed a five-week shift, to March 19, in what they called a bid to make Pennsylvania relevant for the first time since 2008 in helping select presidential nominees. County election officials had said April 9 or April 16 would be better options. House Democrats countered last week with a proposal to move the date to April 2, two days after Easter. However, Senate Republicans are echoing the concerns of county election officials who say the nexus with Easter will make it difficult to get voting machines and election materials into churches that also serve as polling places. House Republicans opposed a date change, saying it threatened counties' ability to smoothly administer the primary election. Critics also suggested that moving up the date would help protect incumbent lawmakers by giving primary challengers less time to prepare and that 2024's presidential nominees will be all-but settled well before March 19. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter. Tulsa leaders announced on Thursday the largest infusion of competitive mental health funding for children's services in the city's history. The $13 million federal investment $9 million of which will go to Tulsa Public Schools and $4 million to the city is being matched by $3 million in local contributions from community partners. The grants were awarded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "As many of you know, our society is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis when it comes to the mental well-being of our young people," Zach Stoycoff , executive director of Health Minds Policy Initiative, said during a City Hall press conference announcing the grants. "Following the onset of the pandemic, Tulsa hospitals reported up to an 84% annual increase in the number of children entering emergency rooms with suicidal thoughts or other mental health crises. "At the same time, we saw a 117% increase in psychiatric admissions in Tulsa for our young people." Stoycoff noted the significance of Thursday's announcement, saying it was "just the second time a community has received both of these signature federal grant programs in one funding cycle." The federal funding will be provided to TPS over five years and to the city over four, with much of the money to be contributed to community partners. Mayor G.T. Bynum said the city will use its federal funding to augment the work it has already undertaken with community partners. The city is in the process of hiring its first chief mental health officer, and Bynum said the federal funding will help fund another position. "This grant is now going to allow our chief mental health officer to also have an additional staff person who is solely focused on children's mental health," he said. Krystal Reyes, chief resilience officer for the city of Tulsa, said the city established a working group to look at the community's mental health needs and offer recommendations, some of which will be used to inform how the grant money is spent. "We're going to be contracting with, likely, the Oklahoma Family Network for a lead family coordinator," Reyes said. "And the rest of the contracts will be to support additional services like outpatient care, community services, in-home intensive therapy, crisis intervention and stabilization." Interim TPS Superintendent Ebony Johnson said the federal funding would put the district in a better position to serve all students and their families and provide targeted services to those who need more support. "For all students, this includes universal screening (with parental permission), mental health promotion, and prevention services," Johnson said. "For specific students needing additional support, this could include small group therapies, family programs and substance-abuse (disorder) education. "And for students in crisis, this work focuses on having families (and) people in partnerships in place to provide the specialized care that they need." According to TPS-specific data from the 2021-22 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment, 64.1% of students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 reported moderate or high psychological distress, and 83.1% reported having moderate or high depressive symptoms. The anonymous survey also found that 18.5% of surveyed students had seriously considered suicide, 15.6% had planned for suicide and 11.0% had attempted suicide. Johnson said TPS had begun assessing and preparing for the mental health crisis afflicting young people even before applying for the federal grant. "In 2021 it's estimated that less than half of youth experiencing severe emotional disturbance were served through the statefunded behavioral health system," Johnson said. "That's approximately 7,000 Tulsa youth that year with severe and potentially untreated mental health needs. "There's a reason you've heard about a mental health crisis for our young people. At Tulsa Public, we're responsive to our students' needs, but it takes a village to solve a crisis. And currently, capacity limitations mean that the funding and personnel expansion made possible by this grant are critical as it is sustaining or expanding existing partnerships." 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 A second round of public sessions regarding the conversion of U.S. 412 to an interstate highway will be held this week. The come-and-go open houses Tuesday in Tulsa and Wednesday in Pryor will focus on the second phase of information-gathering about a proposal to designate as an interstate a 190-mile stretch of U.S. 412 between Interstate 35 in Noble County in Oklahoma and Interstate 49 at Springdale, Arkansas. U.S. 412 from Catoosa west through downtown Tulsa runs concurrently with I-44 or I-244. West of downtown, its known as the Sand Springs Expressway between Tulsa and Sand Springs and as the Keystone Expressway from Sand Springs to Keystone Lake. Former Oklahoma Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, along with Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, both R-Ark., introduced legislation in May 2021 to give the interstate designation to the highway. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is partnering with the Arkansas Department of Transportation on the U.S. 412 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study in preparation for the corridor to be upgraded to an interstate. The PEL Study is a formal process that allows data collected at the planning stage to be used during the next phase of environmental review, which should help expedite progress, according to an ODOT press release. At the meetings next week, attendees will be able to review how transportation solutions are being evaluated for potential implementation along the corridor. According to the ODOT press release, this second phase of study is focused on improving safety for all travelers on U.S. 412; improving travel time reliability; and connecting rural and urban communities, national airports and inland ports, and freight supply chains. While most major metropolitan areas across the nation have two or more interstate highways connecting their regions, the Tulsa metro area and the northwest Arkansas metropolitan area are both served by just one interstate highway each Interstates 44 and 49, respectively. In a 2021 letter to the senators who proposed the interstate status, transportation officials in Oklahoma and Arkansas said the proposal would connect three key interstate freight corridors in the heartland: Interstates 35, 44 and 49. The letter also notes that U.S. 412 serves major inland ports on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, including the Tulsa Ports of Catoosa and Inola, and says upgrading it to interstate status would improve airport access in both the Tulsa and northwest Arkansas areas. Sand Springs City Manager Mike Carter said in June that he sees no down side to the proposal, pointing to opportunities for greater economic development and improved road safety across the area. What it does for us on economic development is there are some businesses that in their metrics their standards, if you will they want to be located within a certain distance to an interstate, he said then. So putting one running right through the middle of your city, that will definitely help Sand Springs, and we are excited about that. That could mean more jobs in this area and all the things that come with it, so I view it as a very positive thing. About 70 people attended the first Tulsa public meeting June 6. Carter, who was among them, was even more enthusiastic afterward. Because U.S. 412 already runs concurrently with other interstates through much of the Tulsa area, large development opportunities arent as potentially likely in the city as they would be in Sand Springs, which would stand to benefit significantly from the addition of an interstate, he said. I do think its going to be a big thing for Sand Springs, Carter said at the time. I think its all in how we use it and take advantage of the opportunity of that designation, so this is something that our staff and our City Council are already talking about. One effort already underway is the promotion of the citys William R. Pogue Municipal Airport. The city is working to expand the airport by trying to bring in industrial businesses that are aircraft-related, Carter said. There are a lot of companies that would like to be positioned like that on an underutilized airport next to an interstate, he said. ODOT and ARDOT will use information developed throughout the study process to complete any needed improvements before applying to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for interstate designation for the corridor. Some of the projects that are needed in order to bring portions of 412 up to interstate standards are already programmed in our eight-year construction work plan, and then well also need to gauge what else will need to be done and added to future programs when the construction work plan is reevaluated annually, ODOT spokesman T.J. Gerlach said in June. Exactly how long the project could take will be determined in part by the information collected during the study process, he said. Gerlach said he was aware of only one intersection on the western portion of the corridor that needs to be improved, at Diamond Head Drive, just east of where the highway crosses the Arkansas River west of Sand Springs. Just west of there, the highway becomes concurrent with the Cimarron Turnpike from west of Westport until it reaches I-35. The Cimarron, like I-44 and I-244 to the east, already meets interstate standards. The biggest challenge for us is going to be between the Will Rogers Turnpike (east of Tulsa) and the Cherokee Turnpike, which runs east from Mayes County nearly to the state line, he said. There are a lot of at-grade crossings. Neither the Cimarron nor the Cherokee Turnpike would become free roads because of any interstate designation, according to ODOT. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Deposit slips: The states general revenue receipts were above projections in September but less than for the same month a year ago, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services reported last week. The deposits to state governments principal operating account totaled $774.4 million. That was 11.4% above projections but 8.8% below last year. Income, oil and gas, and sales and use taxes were all below last years receipts. Through the first three months of the 2024 fiscal year, general revenue is 5.5% above projections and 8.4% below the same period a year ago. Student debt: Student loan forgiveness hasnt gotten much support in Oklahoma, but a Pew Research report last week illustrates the size and potential impact of that debt. Nationally, student debt represents 8.5% of personal income, while in Oklahoma its 8.8%. For the state, that works out to about $32,000 per borrower, which is about $1,500 less than for the nation as a whole. It is also slightly less than all neighboring states. Speaking in Tulsa last week, U.S. Sen. James Lankford said he is fundamentally opposed to writing off debt taken on freely. But he said he has no issue with being able to work things off. Lets find a way for people to serve if they want to be able to serve, to lengthen their payment process if they want to be able to lengthen their payment process, but for individuals that signed a piece of paper, that I will repay this, they should repay this, Lankford said. Lets find a way to help them get it done, but they need to be able to actually get that done. States, Lankford added, need to make higher education as affordable as they can. Walking the talk: Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. is proposing an $18 million annual budget for the tribes language program, with the possibility of a $30 million Cherokee language immersion middle school in Tahlequah. Since 2019, the Cherokee Nation has tripled the language programs annual budget and built a $20 million Durbin Feeling Language Center in Tahlequah and an $18 million language campus in Greasy. The Durbin Feeling Language Preservation Act is moving us in the right direction. It has placed us all squarely on a shared mission to revitalize our language and culture, Hoskin said in a press release. Durbin Feeling was a Cherokee linguist and native speaker whose 1975 Cherokee-English dictionary is considered to have been fundamental to preservation of the language. Burn out: Oklahomas adult smoking rate fell from 26.1% in 2011 to 15.5% in 2022 but remains above the national rate of 14%, the Oklahoma Department of Health said. Elizabeth Chery, the departments tobacco use and prevention manager, said the expectation is for Oklahomas rate to reach 14.5% in the next four years. So-so: The public advocacy group Common Cause gave Oklahomas legislative and congressional redistricting process a C+, citing improved but sub-optimal transparency and public input. California and Massachusetts received the highest grades, A-, while Alabama, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin got Fs. Meetings and events: Medicare open enrollment begins Sunday. Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairwoman Alicia Andrews will speak to the Creek County Democrats monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at La Margarita, 1215 New Sapulpa Road, Sapulpa. Bottom lines: A $70-million renovation of the 85-year-old Jim Thorpe Building in the State Capitol Complex is scheduled to begin Oct. 23. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections, which has undergone a major upheaval under Director Steven Harpe, has nine wrongful termination lawsuits pending. Jim Meek, an Okmulgee County rancher and educator, was chosen chairman of the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. Broken Arrows sales and use taxes for September were $6.85 million, which was close to the same month a year ago. Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. DENVER (AP) A Colorado judge has rejected an attempt by former President Donald Trump to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to keep him off the state ballot, ruling that his objections on free-speech grounds did not apply. Trumps attorneys argued that a Colorado law protecting people from being sued over exercising their free speech rights shielded him from the lawsuit, but Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace said that law doesnt apply in this case. The law also conflicted with a state requirement to get the question about Trump's eligibility resolved quickly before a Jan. 5 deadline for presidential candidates' names to certified for the Colorado primary, Wallace wrote. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington claims in its lawsuit that putting Trump on the ballot in Colorado would violate a provision of the 14th Amendment that bars people who have engaged in insurrection against the Constitution from holding office. The groups chief counsel, Donald K. Sherman, welcomed Wallaces decision, which was made late Wednesday. He called it a well-reasoned and very detailed order in a statement Thursday. A Denver-based attorney for Trump, Geoffrey Blue, didn't immediately return a phone message Thursday seeking comment. The Colorado case is one of several involving Trump that stand to test the Civil War-era constitutional amendment, which has never been ruled on by the U.S. Supreme Court. Along with lawsuits filed in Minnesota and Michigan, it has a good chance of reaching the nations high court. The lawsuits also involve one of Trumps arguments in criminal cases filed against him in Washington, D.C., and Georgia for his attempt to overturn his 2020 loss that he is being penalized for engaging in free speech to disagree with the validity of the vote tally. The Colorado case will focus in part on the meaning of insurrection under the 14th Amendment, whether it applies only to waging war on the U.S. or can apply to Trump's goading of a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to halt the certification of President Joe Biden's win. Trump's attorneys dispute that it applies to his attempt to undo the election results. They also assert that the 14th Amendment requires an act of Congress to be enforced and that it doesn't apply to Trump, anyway. Trump swore a presidential oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, but the text of the 14th Amendment says it applies to those who have sworn oaths to support the Constitution, Blue pointed out the sematic difference in an Oct. 6 filing in the case. Both oaths put a weighty burden on the oath-taker, but those who wrote the amendment were aware of the difference, Blue argued. The framers of the 14th Amendment never intended for it to apply to the President, he wrote. The trial to determine Trump's eligibility for the Colorado ballot is scheduled to start Oct. 30. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Darn hippies: Sounding a little like a previous generation complaining about the demonstrators of the 1960s, U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin took to task campus protesters who are critical of Israel and supportive of Palestinians. It just shows the ignorance of these individuals, but it also shows you how far left the Democrat Party has went, Mullin said. Because I promise you, these arent Republicans out there doing that. It just shows that they have no substance to them and actual no understanding, Mullin said on Fox Radio. These are the ones that would come up to you, say theyre politically involved, and they wont know the difference between a state rep and a representative in the United States Congress or a state senator and a U.S. senator. And theyll think youre all one and the same, Mullin continued. Democrats have largely denounced Hamas attack on southern Israel, but some have expressed support for the Palestinians and criticized their recent treatment by Israel, including the retaliatory attacks on the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave of Gaza. A student group at Harvard said Israel is entirely responsible for the war, and Students for Justice in Palestine called for a day of resistance by its 200 campus chapters. (What) you see at these Ivy League schools, youre not seeing it at Oklahoma State University; youre not seeing at the University of Oklahoma, Mullin said. My friends: One of the nominating speeches for Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan as speaker was given by 1st District Congressman Kevin Hern. Meanwhile, 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas gave his nominating speech of the week, this one for Georgia dark horse Austin Scott. Earlier, Lucas gave one of the nominating speeches for Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise. Swinging Gaetz: Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz took a verbal poke at Mullin after Mullin trashed Gaetz over the removal of fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House. Specifically, Gaetz recycled an X post from an account frequently critical of congressional stock traders. The post noted that among nearly 70 investment transactions listed on Mullins most recent financial disclosure filing was one for defense contractor Raytheon. The post pointed out that Mullin sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee and said, Another US Congressman has traded stocks before the start of the Middle East Conflict, stocks that benefit directly from war. Gaetz then commented: Seems Senator Mullin has been cashing in on public office. Raytheon did rise about 3 points roughly 2% after Hamas attacked southern Israel but is two points lower than when Mullin bought it in September. The purchase was one of 69 on the same day reported by Mullin last week. Most were in the $15,000 to $50,000 range. Also on the list were several energy companies, including Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Valero; several technology companies, including Alphabet (Google) and Meta (Facebook); and BlackRock, an investment company whose alleged commitment to policies antithetical to oil and gas has drawn the ire of many conservatives and caused the state of Oklahoma to blacklist it. Dots and dashes: Ryan Jackson, formerly a top aide to U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and to then-EPA Chief Scott Pruitt and later a mining lobbyist, has moved to the American Chemistry Council, a chemical industry trade group. Mullin has endorsed Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown. Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Human remains have been found in a pasture southeast of Cleveland, Oklahoma, the Pawnee County Sheriffs Office reported Friday evening. The Sheriffs Office received a call about noon Friday that human remains had been found in a heavily wooded area near U.S. 64 southeast of Cleveland. Deputies then located the remains. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner are assisting with the investigation. No further information was released Friday night. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. GREENWOOD, Ark. Ricky Dority spends most of his days playing with his grandchildren, feeding chickens and working in the yard where he lives with his son's family. It's a jarring change from where he was just several months ago, locked in a cell serving a life prison sentence at Oklahoma's Joseph Harp Correctional Center for a killing he said he didn't commit. After more than two decades behind bars, Dority had no chance at being released until he used his pandemic relief funds to hire a dogged private investigator. The investigator and students at the Oklahoma Innocence Project at Oklahoma City University, which is dedicated to exonerating wrongful convictions in the state, found inconsistencies in the state's account of a 1997 cold-case killing, and Dority's conviction was vacated in June by a Sequoyah County judge. Now, the 65-year-old says hes enjoying the 5-acre property in a quiet neighborhood of well-to-do homes in the rolling, forested hills of the Arkansas River Valley outside of Fort Smith. If youre gone for a lot of years, you dont take it for granted anymore. Dority is one of nearly 3,400 people who have been exonerated across the country since 1989, mostly over murder convictions, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. In Oklahoma, there have been more than 43 exonerations in that time, not including three new exonerations this year. The cases underscore a serious problem facing a judicial system in which many old convictions resulted from overworked defense attorneys, shoddy forensic work, overzealous prosecutors and outdated investigative techniques. The problem is particularly acute given Oklahoma's history of sending people to death row, where 11 inmates have been exonerated since 1981. The issue has pushed a Republican-led legislative panel to consider whether another death penalty moratorium should be imposed. In Oklahoma County, Glynn Ray Simmons was freed after spending nearly 50 years in prison, including time on death row, for a 1974 killing. A judge determined that prosecutors had failed to turn over evidence in the case, including a police report that showed that an eyewitness might have identified other suspects. And just this week, Perry Lott, who served more than 30 years in prison, had his rape and burglary conviction vacated in Pontotoc County after new DNA testing excluded him as the perpetrator. Pontotoc County, in particular, has come under intense scrutiny for a series of wrongful convictions in the 1980s that have been the subject of numerous books, including John Grishams The Innocent Man, which he produced into a six-part documentary on Netflix. The most common causes of wrongful convictions are eyewitness misidentification, misapplication of forensic science, false confessions, coerced pleas and official misconduct, generally by police or prosecutors, according to the Innocence Project, a national organization based in New York. In Dority's case, he said he was railroaded by an overzealous sheriff and a state prosecutor who were eager to solve the killing of 28-year-old Mitchell Nixon, who was found beaten to death in 1997. Investigators who reopened the case in 2014 coerced a confession from another man, Rex Robbins, according to Andrea Miller, legal director of the Oklahoma Innocence Project. Robbins, who would plead guilty to manslaughter in Nixon's killing, implicated Dority, who at the time was in a federal prison on a firearms conviction. Dority said he didn't have anything to do with the crime and found paperwork that proved he had been arrested on the day of the killing. I thought I was clear because I knew I didnt have anything do with that murder, Dority said. But they tried me for it and found me guilty of it. Jurors heard about Robbins' confession and testimony from a police informant who said Dority had changed bloody clothes at his house the night of the killing. They convicted him of first-degree murder and recommended a sentence of life without parole. After years in prison, while most inmates spent their federal COVID-19 relief check in the commissary, Dority used his to hire a private investigator, he said. Bobby Staton had mostly investigated insurance fraud, but he took on the case and realized quickly that it was riddled with holes, Staton said. He eventually turned to the Oklahoma Innocence Project, which assigned a law student, Abby Brawner, to help investigate. Their investigation turned when Staton and Brawner visited Robbins in the maximum-security Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite and he recanted his statement implicating Dority. It was pretty intimidating, Brawner said. Especially when you're going in to meet someone who doesn't know you're coming and doesn't want to talk to you. Brawner and Staton also learned that the informant didn't live at the home where he told investigators Staton had showed up in bloody clothes. When the actual homeowner testified at a hearing this summer, the judge dismissed the case. Dority's original attorneys were ineffective for not discovering that the informant didn't live at the house, the judge said, giving prosecutors 90 days to decide whether they will retry him. That three months has been extended, and prosecutors have said they intend to ask the judge for more time for DNA testing. Dority, confident in his innocence, said he's not concerned about additional forensic testing. Sequoyah County District Attorney Jack Thorp and former Sheriff Ron Lockhart did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. But Assistant District Attorney James Dunn, who is overseeing the case and was not in the office when it was originally prosecuted, said he agreed with the judge's dismissal after hearing the homeowner's testimony and learning that a witness was not credible. The last thing I want to see is an innocent person in prison for a crime they didn't commit," Dunn said. "Because that means the person who actually did commit the crime, or those persons, are still out there. Meanwhile, Dority is learning to use a smartphone and the television remote control, he said. He's thankful to Staton and the Innocence Project and says his case proves that others are wrongfully imprisoned in Oklahoma. After theyve done what theyve done to me, I know there are people in that prison who are innocent that need to be out and need help getting out, he said. If they hadnt gotten me out, Id have been in there for the rest of my life. 2019 video: Oklahoma Innocence Project helps free Tulsan after 2004 murder conviction Vietnam's electric taxi services will make a debut in Laos this year, GSM Green and Smart Mobility JSC said on Friday. The firm is working to export electric autos to Laos to launch the taxi services. The taxi service provider is set to start its operation in Laos with 150 taxicabs in the initial stage, and will expand its reach to 1,000 autos this year. VinFast VF 5 Plus and VF e34 electric autos will be used for the taxi services in the Lao market. The firm also aims to offer several business-to-business activities in Laos such as selling and renting Vietnamese automaker VinFast-branded electric vehicles. Nguyen Van Thanh, CEO at GSM, said on his Facebook account that the companys electric taxi services branded Green SM Taxi will go international, selecting Laos as its first destination. The projected launch in Laos is part of the firms market expansion plan. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) have launched a Vietnam Digital Trade activity worth US$3.25 million funded by the former to help the country improve its competitiveness in the global digital economy. The activity is described in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Deputy Minister of the ministry, Phan Thi Thang, and USAIDs Mission Director for Vietnam Aler Grubbs at a ceremony in Hanoi on Friday. The activity comes as part of the new U.S. - Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced during U.S. President Joseph Bidens visit to Vietnam last month, according to USAID. During the recent visit, President Biden emphasized the U.S.s commitment to support Vietnam to compete in a digital global economy, Grubbs told the MoU signing ceremony. She added that the USAID was pleased to sign the MoU with the ministry. Under the three-year activity, called Vietnam Digital Trade, USAID supports the ministry to implement policy frameworks that facilitate digital trade, in consultation with the private sector, USAID said in a press release. Regulations that are responsive to private sector needs remove trade bottlenecks and increase regulatory transparency, helping to shape an e-commerce sector where enterprises of all sizes can benefit, according to USAID. The digital trade activity under the $3.25-million MoU is the first to be launched under the two countries newly upgraded partnership and will go a long way toward unleashing the potential of digital trade to form a key driver of the countrys continued growth, Grubbs stressed. She believed that this MoU will contribute to unlocking the potential of digital trade, making it a key driver for Vietnams continued growth. Addressing the event, deputy minister Thang affirmed digital trade development will contribute to realizing Vietnams sustainable and inclusive development goals as it will help the country consume less resources and facilitate enterprises and people to access any development resources, thereby leaving no one behind. In addition, the Vietnam Digital Trade activity encourages small and medium enterprises participation in digital trade by introducing new business models and other best practices, including traceability of goods, as well as facilitating cross-border connections between enterprises via MoITs digital trade promotion platform, called DECOBIZ. The activity also advances the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), under which Vietnam and the U.S. partner to harness innovation and pursue high-standard rules of the road in the digital economy to drive continued growth, according to USAID. As part of the activity, USAID will support the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM) to promote digital trade nationwide. In addition, the project works through MoIT and business associations to target female-owned enterprises and minority communities in support of inclusive economic growth, USAID stated. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The last several years have seen a rising number of young Vietnamese traveling to the Philippines, hoping to quickly improve their English skills and score big on the IELTS exam. 18-year-old Vo Tri Dai from Tra Vinh Province in southern Vietnam is one of the many Vietnamese who have made their way to the Philippines to improve their English. Dai currently attends one-on-one lessons at CPILS English Center in Cebu City. I paid an all-inclusive price of VND170 million (US$6,971) to participate in their learning program so that I could spend four months preparing for the IELTS exam for four months, Dai explained. CPILSs all-inclusive package includes tuition fees, accommodation, a free laundry service, three meals a day, and the use of a gym and swimming pool. The program includes several class each day, including one-on-one, 4-student, and 15-student classes. It also includes weekly mock-IELTS exams. I was admitted to Ho Chi Minh City Industrial College but applied for a one-year leave-of-absence to practice for the IETLS exam, Dai shared. I have been studying for a month and have already noticed some progress. I hope to achieve a 5.5 band score [on the IELTS exam], so that I can study in Australia. There are currently 15 Vietnamese learners at CPILS Cebu, most of whom are preparing for the IETLS exams. CPILS isnt the only center in the Philippines where Vietnamese are studying English. Twin sisters Pham Kim Ngoc and Pham Kim Ngan, 18, from the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, are currently honing their English skills at GLC, another center in the Philippines. According to Ngoc, the two have been studying at GLC for six months. In Vietnam, I wasnt able to practice English. I hope I can get a 6.0 band score [on the IELTS exam] to study in Australia, she said. But not all Vietnamese English-learners in the Philippines are studying for the IELTS exam. I am taking a crash course to fulfill the English requirement for RMIT University in Vietnam, said Truong Anh Tu, a Vietnamese student at I. Breeze English Center in Cebu, the Philippines. Saving time According to Nguyen Thanh Tung, marketing manager for the Vietnamese market at CPILS English Center, many Vietnamese learners choose the Philippines because of the opportunity for a fully-immersive English experience. If you immerse yourself in an environment where only English is spoken, you will progress very quickly. Also, many English centers work with the British Council and IDP to hold IELTS exams right in the centers, which is very convenient for learners," Tung said. Tung said CPILS students include learners from South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Russia, with Vietnamese learners accounting for about 10-15 percent of the total student number. Another major draw is the all-inclusive experience. "When you come here to learn, you do not have to think about anything. You just focus on learning, except for when you are eating and sleeping. "When you study at home, you might be asked by your friends to go out, but that is not the case here, so you can improve quickly, said Chau Thi Nhu Quynh, a student at GLC English Center. Price is also a major factor. Other countries also have this type of instruction, but the cost is much more expensive. Besides, enthusiastic teachers and a comprehensive English environment can help learners practice effectively and improve their level, said Marissa Anonuevo Masangkay of the Philippine Department of Tourism. A burgeoning market The phenomenon of Vietnamese travelling to the Philippines to practice English is relatively new, according to Truong Thi Lan Anh, the director of an overseas study company in Vietnam. From 2017 to 2019, the number of Vietnamese learners in the Philippines grew drastically, with 10-20 percent of the students at many all-inclusive Philippine English centers hailing from Vietnam, according to Anh. Though that number dropped drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many in the industry believe it will begin to rise once again. Anh also noted that it is relatively easy for Vietnamese learners to travel to the Philippines. It is simple for learners to do the paperwork if they want to go to the Philippines to learn English, they do not need to apply for a visa. Besides, English centers are well-organized and learners are not allowed to go out after curfew, which reassures their parents, Lan Anh explained, adding that tuition fees for English courses in the Philippines range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, depending on the center. Managing expectation Truong Thi Lan Anh warned that it is important for English learners to manage their expectations, regardless of the program structure they choose. Someone who knows nothing about English shouldnt expect to be fluent in just a few months, she explained. They also should not expect an English course in the Philippines to help them improve their IELTS quickly. It takes a long time to reach a high level of fluency, she added. She also noted that it is important to work with the center they choose to make sure they are happy with their teachers. If you find that your teacher does not speak well, you must report the problem to the center so that the teacher can be changed, Lan Anh said. Vietnam an important market We consider Vietnam as an important market to attract learners and international students to the Philippines to learn English, said Marissa Anonuevo Masangkay. From my observation, the number of Vietnamese students coming to the Philippines to learn English has increased recently. According to the Philippine official, parents can consult school websites or experienced education agencies in Vietnam for information on choosing courses and schools. If it is possible, students and their parents can visit the schools in advance before deciding. Masangkay pointed out that there is information for international students on the website of the Philippine Department of Tourism. We encourage and support international students who want to come to the Philippines to learn English, she said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! NASA on Friday launched a spacecraft from Florida on its way to Psyche, the largest of the several metal-rich asteroids known in our solar system and believed by scientists to be the remnant core of an ancient protoplanet, offering clues about Earth's formation. The Psyche probe, folded inside the cargo bay of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, blasted off under partly cloudy skies from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral on a planned journey 2.2 billion miles (3.5 billion km) through space. The spacecraft, roughly the size of a small van, is due to reach the asteroid in August 2029. The launch, shown live on NASA TV, marks the latest in a series of recent NASA missions seeking insights about the origins of our planet about 4.5 billion years ago by sending robotic spacecraft to explore asteroids - primordial relics from the dawn of the solar system. Asteroid Psyche measures roughly 173 miles (279 km) across at its widest point and resides on the outer fringes of the main asteroid belt between the planets Mars and Jupiter. Cargo-faring panels enclosing the spacecraft inside the nose of the rocket's upper stage were jettisoned about five minutes after launch, and the probe itself was released into space about an hour later. NASA has said the process for the spacecraft to autonomously unfurl its twin solar panels and to point its communications antennae toward Earth takes around two hours. A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off carrying a NASA spacecraft to investigate the Psyche asteroid from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., October 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters Mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) near Los Angeles confirmed detection of the probe's first radio signals shortly after it was seen on live video floating free from the rocket. The JPL team plans to spend the next three to four months conducting checks of the spacecraft's systems before sending it on its deep space journey, propelled by solar-electric ion thrusters being used for the first time on an interplanetary mission. After reaching the asteroid, the spacecraft would then orbit it for 26 months, scanning Psyche with instruments built to measure its gravity, magnetic proprieties and composition. According to the leading hypothesis, the asteroid is the once-molten, long-frozen inner hulk of a baby planet torn apart by collisions with other celestial bodies in the early solar system. It orbits the sun about three times farther than Earth, even at its closest to our planet. A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket is fueled, as it vents excess fuel, before it lifts off carrying a NASA spacecraft to investigate the Psyche asteroid from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., October 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters 'Outer space to explore inner space' The first asteroid of its kind chosen for study at close range by spacecraft, Psyche is believed to consist largely of iron, nickel, gold and other metals, with a collective hypothetical monetary value placed at 10 quadrillion dollars. But the mission has nothing to do with space mining, according to scientists. Its objective is to gain greater understanding of the formation of Earth and other rocky planets that are built around cores of molten metal. Earth's molten center is too deep and too hot to ever be examined directly. "So we say, tongue-in-cheek, that we're going to outer space to explore inner space," Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Psyche's principal investigator for NASA's mission partner Arizona State University, told a briefing for reporters on Tuesday. Upon reaching Psyche, the probe is set to circle it in a series of gradually descending orbits, ending up a mere 40 miles (64 km) from the asteroid's surface, before finishing the mission in November 2031. The asteroid, discovered in 1852 and named for the goddess of the soul in Greek mythology, is the largest of about nine known asteroids that appear from ground-based radar observations to consist largely of metal, with rocky material mixed in. Still, scientists can only guess at what Psyche looks like, Elkins-Tanton said. The NASA logo is seen at Kennedy Space Center ahead of the NASA/SpaceX launch of a commercial crew mission to the International Space Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., April 16, 2021. Photo: Reuters The spacecraft is programmed to approach Mars in May 2026 for a gravity assist intended to boost its momentum and put its trajectory on course for its final destination. Other spaceflight milestones in store for the mission include a ride-along technology demonstration testing a laser-based communication system to send high-bandwidth data to Earth from beyond the moon for the first time. It also marks the first dedicated NASA launch on a Falcon Heavy rocket furnished by Elon Musk's SpaceX company, and the first interplanetary mission flown by the Falcon Heavy. The launch came two weeks after NASA accomplished a return to Earth of the largest sample of material ever collected from an asteroid's surface - the rocky near-Earth asteroid Bennu. NASA in 2021 launched a spacecraft named Lucy on a 12-year expedition to study the Trojan asteroids, two large clusters of space rocks orbiting the sun ahead of and behind the path of Jupiter. Last September, NASA sent a spacecraft slamming into an asteroid with enough force to nudge it from its natural path - the first time humans altered a celestial body's motion - in a successful test of a planetary defense system. State President Vo Van Thuongs China visit, slated for Tuesday next week, will be of great significance and contribute to enhancing regional and global peace, said Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai. His trip will be made from October 17 to 20 at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping. State President Thuong will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to join the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Attending the third forum held in Beijing on October 17 and 18, State President Thuong will deliver speeches, and give Vietnams voice in efforts to maintain regional and global peace, foster economic cooperation, and promote regional connectivity. In addition, the state leader will introduce the Southeast Asian nations socioeconomic achievements and growth goals to international friends. This will be State President Thuongs first trip to China since he took office in March this year, said Ambassador Mai. Furthermore, this will be the third time Vietnamese leaders have attended the forum hosted by China, as part of a series of high-ranking delegation exchange activities between Vietnam and China to strengthen their ties. The top Vietnamese officials visit to China is aimed at marking the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam - China comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai. Photo: Vietnam News Agency The upcoming trip will demonstrate that Vietnam attaches much importance to bilateral ties with China, and appreciates Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. The BRI is a plan for global infrastructure and energy networks that China launched a decade ago to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime routes, reported Reuters. Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo told Vietnamese reporters on Friday that the two nations ties have reached the highest-ever level, while political trust between the two parties has strongly been cemented. China always throws its support behind Vietnams contributions to regional and global issues, he underlined. The Chinese ambassador also affirmed that China is willing to accompany Vietnam during the modernization journey. 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 -- Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Phan Van Mai held a reception for U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper on Friday, hoping that the city will build an international financial hub based on the United States model. Society -- Many roads in Da Nang City were inundated on Friday night due to heavy rain, while hundreds of people in flooded areas were evacuated to safe shelters. Meanwhile, a severe landslide occurred in the Le Pass in the citys neighboring Quang Nam Province. -- The Peoples Committee of Bao Loc City under Lam Dong Province in the Central Highlands region on Friday asked police officers and education officials to handle a brutal beating where a group of eighth graders at Phan Boi Chau Middle School attacked their classmate during their break time on Wednesday. -- The U.S. Agency for International Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Friday launched a US$3.25-million activity to facilitate digital trade in Vietnam, as part of the new U.S. Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced during U.S. President Joe Bidens visit to Vietnam last month. -- The Peoples Committee of Long An Province has written to the Ministry of Transport proposing widening the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan Expressway in southern Vietnam under the public-private partnership format. Business -- Vietnams electric taxi services will make a debut in neighboring Laos this year, GSM Green and Smart Mobility JSC said on Friday. -- Vietnam exported some 1.3 million metric tons of coffee worth $3.16 billion between January and September, down 7.3 percent in volume, but up 1.9 percent in value year on year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Lifestyle -- C asean Consonant, the one and only ASEAN traditional ensemble, will perform in Hanoi on Sunday to honor the traditional music of ASEAN. -- Six pairs of martial arts competitors of Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea and Iran will compete at the All Star Fight 2023 tournament in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, reported the Vietnam News Agency. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Peoples Committee of Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam on Friday imposed a fine of more than VND1.1 billion (US$45,980) on Hongfei Glass Co. Ltd., a Chinese-invested light bulb manufacturer, for illegally discharging wastewater into the environment. In addition to the penalty, the company received an additional three-month suspension of activities that generated sources of pollution. The Dong Nai Peoples Committee mandated that the company immediately halt the discharge of wastewater into the environment and swiftly implement measures to mitigate pollution. The company was also required to submit a progress report by October 31. Previously, the Song May Industrial Park Development JSC, which is the investor of the Song May Industrial Park in Vinh Cuu District, where Hongfei Glass Co. Ltd. is located, reported that the firm had not properly separated rainwater and wastewater collection systems, and had been discharging wastewater in excess of the industrial parks permitted limits on hazardous fluoride by five times. Starting on July 6, the Song May Industrial Park Development JSC ceased accepting wastewater from Hongfei and closed the wastewater connection point after the company had repeated the violation. Hongfei Glass Co. Ltd. is engaged in the manufacturing and processing of electric light bulbs with an annual production capacity of 5,000 products and glass and tempered glass products with an annual production capacity of 5,000 metric tons. The company obtained its business operation certificate in 2021 and received an environmental safety license in 2022. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! An eight-member family in Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam were urgently evacuated to a safer place as a hill adjacent to their house eroded following torrential rains over the past two days, a local official confirmed on Friday. The family of Duong Van Ly, residing in Dong Hoa Commune, Tuyen Hoa District, were evacuated to their relatives house in the neighborhood, according to Nguyen Tien Nam, chairman of the Dong Hoa administration. The hill next to his house began eroding on Friday morning, causing a large amount of rocks and soil to fall into the yard and the back of the house, with no injuries or casualties reported. Being notified of the incident, authorities came to the scene and ordered the emergency evacuation of the family, since it was raining and further landslides could happen. As there are some other households living near this hill, authorities asked them to keep a close watch on weather conditions to timely relocate to other areas. Three years ago, a severe landslide hit Thuan Hoa and Thach Hoa Communes in the district, prompting authorities to quickly build a resettlement area to house people affected by the landslide. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police officers and soldiers in Da Nang City located in central Vietnam enhanced their efforts to evacuate flood-affected residents to safe shelters from Friday night until Saturday morning. Torrential rain has been battering the central coastal city, inundating many parts, mainly low-lying areas. Rescue workers in Lien Chieu District were dispatched to 161 Me Suot Street in Hoa Khanh Nam Ward at 3:30 am on Saturday to move people stranded due to flooding to safer places. They evacuated 12 locals from the flooded area, including two elderly people, one woman, and nine children, with boats to a safer shelter. The area was submerged under up to 2.2 meters of rainwater. Colonel Nguyen Xuan Cuong from the Da Nang Police Agency said on Saturday morning that rescue teams were working to save people from such a severe flood triggered by relentless downpours. Besides, police officers bought necessities, bread, food, and bottles of drinking water to supply them to several flood-hit households in Hoa Minh Ward in Lien Chieu District on the same day. The deluge of rains starting to fall on Friday night disrupted traffic flows on multiple routes in Da Nang City on Saturday morning. Rescue workers transport a baby and a woman on a boat to a safer shelter as heavy rain floods many parts of Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: H.B. / Tuoi Tre Numerous houses in Cam Le District were flooded by rainwater, while an amusement park was soaked by heavy rainfall. Many areas such as Suoi Da (Rock Stream), and Linh Ung Pagoda recorded a rainfall of up to 130 millimeters on Saturday, while downpours raised the water of Vu Gia and Cam Le Rivers. At around noon on Saturday, some sections of National Highway 1 in the city remained flooded. A park in Hoa Tho Tay Ward in Cam Le District is drenched by rainwater. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre A resident of Da Nang City walks through the floodwater on Nguyen Nhan Street in Cam Le District. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! AFP Bayern Munich crashed out of the German Cup in the second round for the third time in four years after a remarkable 2-1 loss at third-division Saarbruecken on Wednesday, thanks to a last-minute winner from Marcel Gaus.With the scores locked at 1-1 and the match looking destined for extra time, defender Gaus netted in the sixth minute of injury time to grab his team a famous victory. The Ex-Wife stars Jordan Stephens, Celine Buckens, Tom Mison and Janet Montgomery (Photo: Clapperboard TV) She was born in Belgium but raised in England, shes been described as the next big thing in the acting world, and yet shes been performing professionally for 12 years and now shes taking a leading role in Channel 5s latest tense drama. Who is she? Celine Buckens, of course. The 27-year-old was chosen as a teenager by Steven Spielberg to play Emilie in War Horse. She then spent seven years out of work, so went off to study history at the London School of Economics and Political Science. However, while there, she landed a role in the Netflix series Free Rein and has rarely been out of work since. She also featured in an episode of Endeavour and two short films before popping up in the film The Good Liar (alongside Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren), the second series of Warrior and an episode of Bridgerton before the role that really made people sit up and take notice came along that of Talitha Campbell in Showtrial, for which she received Bafta and Emmy nominations. Dubbed a toxic toff after being arrested on suspicion of murdering her university classmate, Talitha was a character viewers loved to hate. Buckens didnt mind one bit, commenting to the Sunday Times that, I like the fact that shes flawed. I like the fact that weve got to a stage where the female characters that we have on screen dont just have to be these strong, really likeable characters. They can be complex and real, and that means warts and all. Theres another woman whos set to drive viewers round the bend in Buckens latest series, The Ex-Wife, but she isnt playing her. Instead, she tackles the role of Tasha, who on paper appears to have the perfect life shes happily married to an older man, Jack (Tom Mison), with whom she has a young daughter, Emily. They have an affluent lifestyle, but the one fly in the ointment is Jacks first wife, Jen (Janet Montgomery). He met Tasha while they were on a break, and it seems that Jen isnt ready to give up on their relationship, despite the fact he appears to have moved on. But is Jen really the villain she appears to be, or is someone else determined to wreck Tasha and Jacks family unit? Story continues If the plot sounds familiar, maybe youve read Jess Ryders book of the same name, or saw the programme when it was made available to stream via Paramount+ last year. It was also reviewed by the Goggleboxers at the time. The makers of the four-part series snapped up Buckens after Showtrial, offering her the role without an audition. She told Tatler: It was the first time thats ever happened, which is a very, very nice feeling. Its a similar genre to Showtrial, but the character is so different. Shes a very young mother by todays standards quite unconventionally young. I was very attracted to playing a character who is emancipated and strong, but who chooses quite a conventional lifestyle. Thats unusual. Buckens enjoyed working for Paramount+ because her next project is for them too a thriller entitled The Castaways. Will she be a villain or a victim this time? Well have to wait and see Israel's strikes on the Gaza Strip have led to an "unprecedented human catastrophe" in the Palestinian territory, the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Sunday. UNRWAs comments came as Gaza residents continued to evacuate to the south ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive. Read our blog to see how the day's events unfolded. All times are Paris time (GMT+2). This live blog is no longer being updated. For more of our coverage of the Israel-Hamas war, click here. 12:17am: Blinken says Palestinians should not be expelled from Gaza US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has categorically rejected the idea floated of expelling Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, saying they should be able to stay as Israel battles Hamas. Blinken is on a crisis tour of the Middle East after Hamas unleashed a brutal October 7 assault inside Israel that killed more than 1,400, mostly civilians, prompting reprisals that have killed at least 2,670 people. With Israel telling more than one million Gazans to leave the north of the enclave ahead of a ground invasion, some Israeli politicians have proposed pushing Palestinians into neighbouring Egypt. Hecht told a briefing that 126 hostages had been "confirmed". Read more on FRANCE 24 English Read also: In Israel and Gaza, civilians are caught in the crossfire From 1947 to 2023: Retracing the complex, tragic Israeli-Palestinian conflict Shock Hamas terror attack: The beginning of the end for Israels Netanyahu? The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has recently faced criticism from political opponents for seeking to expand ultra-low emission zones in the city. If you drive a car in certain areas of the United Kingdoms capital and it doesnt comply with ULEZ standards which follow European emissions standards you may be liable to a 12.50 (around $15.75) daily charge. The move is intended to help reduce toxic air pollution in the city, which Khan noted in a 2021 article for The New Statesman is a contributing factor to worsening asthma and potentially increasing the risk of dementia. Despite opposition from local councils and drivers of cars powered by internal-combustion engines which produce a number of harmful emissions that damage public health and exacerbate global heating there are very obvious benefits of trying to keep polluting vehicles off the roads. In Spain, for example, one city banned most cars in 1999 and has seen some remarkable changes. As of 2022, Pontevedra, in northern Spain, had seen no car-related deaths for over 10 years. According to comments made by the citys mayor, Miguel Anxo Fernandez Lores, in a Politico article, total air pollution had been reduced by as much as 67%. We decided to redesign the city for people instead of cars, and weve been reaping the rewards ever since, Fernandez Lores said. Parking has since been moved from outside of the city center, with a number of underground parking areas emerging to deal with the vehicles of residents. A 2018 video from the World Economic Forum cited information from Smart Cities that said 70% of travel in the city was on foot at the time. Adopting these kind of measures initially requires political courage, Fernandez Lores said. But fear of losing elections shouldnt condition the actions that responsible politicians take. Since the introduction of ULEZs in London, the citys government has reported a 50% reduction in nitrogen dioxide pollution; between 2016 and 2020, the pollution rate decreased five times faster than in the rest of the U.K. Its also said that 1 million hospital admissions were avoided thanks to the policy. Its obvious that encouraging the takeup of tailpipe-emission-free electric cars or just simply banning cars from city spaces can deliver significant benefits to residents. Pontevedra has seen it already, and London is hoping the expansion of ULEZs will produce similar results by cutting the presence of toxic gases in the citys air. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Marwan Naamani/picture alliance via Getty Images Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian privately warned Israel through United Nations officials that the country would intervene should Israel continue its operation in Gaza, Axios reported, citing two diplomatic sources familiar with the message. Amir-Abdollahian reportedly said that Iran wishes to avoid any further escalation of the conflict, but that the country has red lines. Should Israel go through with its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip then, Amir-Abdollahian warned, Iran would respond. United States officials reportedly believe that Iran had no forewarning of the attack despite having armed Hamas in the past. Read it at Axios Read more at The Daily Beast. Georgian Constantin murdered his ex-wife Valentina Cozma. (SWNS) A jealous ex-husband is facing life in jail after being found guilty of murdering his former wife by setting her on fire. The body of Valentina Cozma, 40, was discovered by fire crews at her home in Stoke-on-Trent, on 9 February. Police launched a search for her ex-husband Georgian Constantin, 42, after he admitted attacking her in a Facebook post he later deleted. He was arrested 150 miles away at an address in London five days later and charged with Valentina's murder. On Thursday, Constantin was found guilty of the charge following a trial at Stafford Crown Court. He was also convicted of making threats to kill Ms Cozma's new boyfriend after he used her phone to tell him he'd "sorted her out and was coming for him." Constantin, of Stoke-on-Trent, will be sentenced on 31 October. The court was told Constantin had arranged to meet Ms Cozma at her house under the pretence of repaying 500. She had lent him the money in order to allow him to move out of the family home a month earlier. But at around 3pm, neighbours and passers-by reported hearing screams from the house and called emergency services. Victim Valentina Cozma. (SWNS) The kitchen was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived and when the blaze was finally brought under control, Ms Cozma's body was discovered below the back window in the middle room. She was pronounced dead at the scene and a post mortem later established she had died due to the effects of fire. Detectives found a plastic bottle in the back yard containing petrol and the bottle cap was found to contain DNA that matched Constantin. Recommended reading CCTV captured him purchasing a green plastic jerry can, filling it up with petrol and paying for it at Sainsburys petrol station - even though he didn't have a car. Story continues Constantin went into two shops in Hanley to try to sell his laptop saying he "needed money" on the day of the murder. The shops declined to buy it and this same laptop was found at the scene near to Valentinas body. Further CCTV footage showed Constantin outside Ms Cozma's house again at 2.32pm, just minutes before the fire. 'A son has been left without a mother' Detective Inspector Adrian Webb, of Staffordshire Police, said after the case: Valentina worked tirelessly to attempt to make a better life for her son. "I cant imagine how her murder, when he was just 16, has impacted on him. Georgian Constantins cruel, self-pitying and cowardly act has left a son without a mother and a father jailed for murder. "Valentina sought a happier life and Constantin made sure that was never going to happen. Constantin murdered his ex-wife by setting her on fire. He made no attempt to assist her or seek help. "Instead, he threatened to kill Valentinas new partner before running off to London. "He thought he could use false details, dispose of phones and hide on the streets of London after murdering his ex-wife. "He underestimated our determination to seek justice for Valentina. He added: Valentina never had a voice in this trial but her family and friends described a her as a loving, hard-working mother who was looking forward to the future. They said she tried her best to help and support her ex-husband who gambled away the familys money. A manhunt was launched to find Georgian Constantin. (SWNS) How to get help and recognise the signs of domestic abuse Victims of domestic abuse can find information on where to seek help on the gov.uk website. Support includes guidance on recognising what domestic abuse may look like, helplines and how to access safe spaces. According to gov.uk, recognising domestic abuse includes looking for indicators that your partner, ex-partner or someone you live with: cuts you off from family and friends and intentionally isolate you? bullies, threatens, or controls you? takes control of your finances? monitors or limits your use of technology? physically and/or sexually abuses you? Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include: coercive control and gaslighting economic abuse online abuse threats and intimidation emotional abuse sexual abuse If you are concerned you may be experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact Refuge's National Domestic Abuse Helpline in England on 0808 2000 247; the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline in Northern Ireland on 0808 802 1414; the Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline in Scotland on 0800 027 1234; and Live Fear Free in Wales on 0808 80 10 800. There is also a dedicated service for male victims of domestic abuse: The Men's Advice Line run by Respect on 0808 801 032. The Libertines' album drama credit:Bang Showbiz The Libertines had a failed writing trip to Jamaica before finishing their new album. Pete Doherty and Carl Barat's band have dropped new single 'Run Run Run' and confirmed their new record 'All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade' is due for release on March 8 but they admitted that getting the album finished was not easy. Speaking on 'The Chris Moyles Show' on Radio X, Pete said: "We did something wed never done for ever so long, which was just sit down together with guitars and try and write songs, and we thought wed done amazing job and then when we got back [from Jamaica] and sat everyone down to play what we did, we sort of looked at each other and were a little bit [groans]. However, things went better in the UK. He said: "We tried again in Margate, and we managed to get a collection of songs together, and then we went over to Normandy and honed them a bit and so between three or four old songs that we never finished, and five or six brand new songs, we got an album. Carl added that this record feels like their most cohesive yet. He said: "Our first record was born out of panic, and disbelief that we were actually allowed to be in a studio; the second was born of total strife and misery; the third was born of complexity; this one feels like we were all actually in the same place, at the same speed, and we really connected. And, Pete hopes that there will be more Libertines albums in the future. He said: "I feel like weve completed a cycle of some kind as a band, and finally now we can add these songs to the set list, because we've got some bangers in there. Now weve opened the hotel and used the studio ourselves and its all worked outmore Libertines records? I should hope so! 'I thought it would be impossible': Bucks man holidays in Spain for under 100 (Image: SWNS) A man from Buckinghamshire said he has achieved the 'impossible' - booking a three-day holiday abroad for less than 100. Callum Ryan, 22, a social media content creator from Milton Keynes, managed to spend less than 100 on travel during a three-day holiday to Spain last month. The 22-year-old took a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport in Spain on September 27 which set him back only 54, including for the return journey. A bus from the airport to Santander city centre cost him 1.87 and a three-day hostel stay came out at 30. He also paid 13.50 for parking at Stansted, comprising a grand total of 99.37 - just under his 100 budget for the trip. Although the total didn't include spending money of around 150, Callum said he had thought his aim to get to Spain and back for under 100 would be 'impossible' before giving it a go. READ MORE: Pub in the Park reveals dates for 'triumphant' return to Marlow in 2024 He said: "I was surprised that we found somewhere so cheap. We decided to book the trip the day before, and to get a full holiday for less than 100 at the last minute - I thought it would be impossible. "It was a fun and enjoyable trip. The best thing for me was meeting the locals. It was out of season and we mainly chilled with them - we have made friends for life." It's not the first time Callum has attempted to travel on a tight budget - in March, he flew to Spain to have a pint for just 10, 5 less than a box of Estrella from Morrisons. He also flew to Dubai earlier this year for 64, less than the cost of filling a car up with fuel. The pro-Palestinian rally in Copenhagen was one of several across Denmark (Rasmus Flindt Pedersen) Around a thousand people attended a pro-Palestinian rally in Copenhagen Saturday to protest the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip in response to last week's bloody attack on Israel by Hamas. The rally, one of several planned across Denmark, took place under tight police surveillance. The demonstrations were taking place on the eighth day of a conflict that has left thousands dead and seen 150 Israelis taken hostage. Marchers converged at Norrebro in western Copenhagen, many carrying flags and banners with slogans such as "A genocide is unfurling" and "Stop killing innocent Palestinian children". Other banners read "Long live Palestine" or denounced the United States and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One marcher, who gave his name as Abdelaziz, said it would be "naive" to think such actions could stop Israel. "We are doing this to appeal to other countries and call on them to contribute to respect for international human rights and not lie, not hide what is happening," he added. Another participant who gave her name as Lena, 17, said: "People must speak up more about what is happening in Gaza at the moment as millions of civilians are being killed and it's not acceptable.". Queen Margrethe and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen attended a memorial service at the Copenhagen Synagogue Saturday for the victims of last weekend's attack by Hamas on Israel. In a poll by Denmark's Voxmeter institute published Friday by the Ritzau news agency 20 percent or respondents said they thought believe Palestinians had the right to use attacks like the one carried out last weekend to defend their cause. But 41 percent of respondents disagreed. Following the attack by Hamas militants, during which they killed more than 1,300 people, Israel has imposed a siege on the Gaza Strip. Health officials in Gaza say more than 2,200 people have been killed. As on the Israeli side, most of them were civilians. cbw/cw/jj Horror, like any genre, likes to roll with trends in themes and sub-genres. At the moment grief and loss seem to be the primary affliction plaguing any number of horror characters. Sometimes it works with devastatingly chilling results like Talk to Me, other times its an unsavory undercooked ham. Given this is a ghostly tale, grief and loss are an understandable backdrop inside Haunted Mansion. However, the theme is so thoroughly and laboriously explored that the film often forgets why it's here to spook and entertain a family audience and actually have fun. Our story opens with one-time astrophysicist extraordinaire Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield). Wracked by the grief of losing his wife (theres that theme again!) he now spends his days hungover and showing tourists the haunted sites around New Orleans. But because he once developed a camera lens that can capture the so-called Ghost Particle hes called upon by Father Kent (Owen Wilson) to help out the lovely Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase Dillon) who happened to recently purchase an old mansion thats haunted! Skeptical of their plight, Ben takes the job for the quick cash, but when the ghosts wont let him leave, its going to take Harriet (Tiffany Haddish) the best Medium in New Orleans, and famed historian Professor Bruce Davis (Danny DeVito) to figure out what the ghosts want so theyll leave this earthly plane in peace. Truth be told, I wasnt feeling Haunted Mansion when I first ran it. I was looking forward to seeing it, I actually kinda of liked the Eddie Murphy version, and it was my favorite ride from the one time I went to Disney World because it was the only one that had ample air conditioning. I was in the mood for some family-friendly hijinks and silliness with a ghoulish horror backdrop. Only this movie forgets the hijinks, silliness, and even the ghosts for most of the first hour. And this is a two-hour movie. The first hour feels like you're stuck waiting for the ride in the Florida sun. It's is a tough ride to sit through with extraneous exposition that just slows the film down and a weird lack of anything slightly spooky or even funny. Thankfully, the film finds its footing once Tiffany Haddish performs her first seance, the plot gets moving, and we finally start to see some ghosts! Then the comedy actually clicks in and the film actually starts to feel like a ride as our cast of characters work overtime trying to find the dark secrets of the house and the mysterious ghoul called Crump (Jared Leto). Theres even a fun Winona Ryder cameo tossed in for extra flavor! It's a great last half that saves the film. The principal problem with this film is that there are such distinctly tonally different halves. One is overly dramatic, long, and just plain not fun. Even Danny DeVito fails to come alive in his few early scenes. Then Jamie Lee Curtis gaseous head appears in a crystal ball and the film starts cruising and having a good time. We needed that movie to start playing much earlier. By that time it might be too little too late for a number of folks out there. Hell, even I almost gave up on it. Im glad I stuck through long enough to see it redeem itself but I cant shake that if Haunted Mansion had a tighter front end, was maybe a half hour shorter, and leaned into its fun rollercoaster ride premise earlier remembering it was there to entertain little kids and parents, it could have been a better flick. To which I go back to my introductory point - Im tired of the grief and loss theme weighing down every horror film. Even for a family-friendly comedy with horror elements and ghosts, its a whole lot of too much that just brings this theme park ride to a screeching halt often leaving the audience to dangle wondering when itll get going again. The first half is a sloggy 2/5 with the second half rolling a respectably funny, spooky, and genuinely entertaining 4/5. - but can you make it through that first hour? Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disneys Haunted Mansion scares up a home video release on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in a two-disc 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital set. Ironically given recent news Disney sent us the Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook to review and I do have to say it is a lovely SteelBook. The art is terrific with raised features and just an all-around appealing and stylish design. The 4K is pressed on a BD-66 disc with a BD-50 reserved for the 1080p. Discs load to Disneys standard language menu system before giving you the option of jumping right into the feature film or going to the main menu. Now given the recent news about Best Buy, this SteelBook might just be a hot-ticket collectors item someday! NOTE as of publishing time we could only source images from the 1080p disc. When we can, well try to circle back to punch in some 4K-sourced images and maybe video sample. HA NOI The Government has urged Ha Noi and HCM City to quickly finish the preparation required to open their technology trading centres no later than the end of 2024. a Nang, the largest city in Viet Nam's central region, was similarly told to open its own by the end of 2025. The introduction of the centres is part of the Government's efforts to bolster the tech market, to speed up the development of science and technology in the country, as well as to address a number of issues that have been plaguing the sector for years. Viet Nam's technology and science sector has not been able to market its products to domestic businesses, according to Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh at. at said while the supply side is ample, with revenue from technology transfer reaching about VN1.3 trillion in the period from 2009 to 2019 for the HCM City University of Technology alone, the Vietnamese research and development institute's share of the technology market was estimated at just about 25 per cent. According to the minister, only around 16 per cent of businesses asked showed interest in Vietnamese science and technology products, many cited difficulties in making marketable products from said technologies, especially those that received funding from the State's budget due to legal complications. For example, the Hanoi Academy of Science and Technology currently holds over 400 technologies ready and available for business transfer. Among these, 40-50 of them were patents. In addition, there has not been a coordinated effort to market technologies from the above-mentioned institutes to the business community. This has resulted in a supply-demand mismatch in which demand for consumer technologies, especially among small-to-medium-sized businesses, remained high and transfer of technologies to companies stayed very limited, mainly in the forms of small purchases of machines and equipment. To make matters worse, Vietnamese businesses often face many challenges in buying, absorbing and mastering new technologies, partly due to a less-than-demanding market which forces them to constantly be on the lookout for newer and better technologies. The minister urged the Government to consider the formation of additional intermediary organisations that help connect research and development institutes to businesses, promote and implement technology transfers, commercialise inventions and innovations, as well as develop a technology trading market. By the end of 2022, there were only 20 technology trading floors, 63 centres for applying advanced science, four high-tech industrial zones, eight software parks and 186 organisations providing industrial property representation services across the country. In 2021-22, there were 161 technology transfer contracts nationwide (including extended, amended, and supplemented contracts), with a total value of over VN30 trillion but the majority was signed with foreign-invested businesses (VN28 trillion), mainly in the fields of electronics manufacturing, automobiles, motorcycles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petrochemicals, cosmetics, beverages, biology, animal husbandry, mineral extraction and processing, and construction. As research institutes often lack the capacity to produce machinery and equipment, Vietnamese technology transfers often just included the transferring of tech documents, training and providing technical support to the recipients. VNS HA NOI The CPTPP agreement opens doors for Viet Nam's pepper, so the sector needs to focus on branding to expand market shares in this bloc, according to the Viet Nam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA). Hoang Thi Lien, VPSA chairwoman, said that Vietnamese pepper is now one of the key export products to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) market. However, the quantity of pepper exported from Viet Nam to some countries in this bloc is still low, such as Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. These markets have high consumer demand for pepper and also have very strict requirements for imports. Canada imports pepper directly from Viet Nam, but in modest quantities. Meanwhile, Vietnamese pepper has advantages in Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, Viet Nam's pepper industry is striving to build a brand for pepper products to enter the world market, including the CPTPP market, according to Lien. To build the brand, exporters and processors need to work directly with farmers in raw material growing areas, so they can manage production from the first step and ensure requirements on quality are met. Quality, sustainability, and traceability are necessary conditions, Lien said. Customers are often willing to become long-term partners with Viet Nam's pepper and spice suppliers if they see that producers, processors, and exporters have formed a linkage. This makes the supply chain sustainable, she said. Now, a common trend among buyers worldwide is to trace goods from the beginning of the production stage, especially large traders. Sustainability and branding will have to be associated with proactive sourcing of goods. Thus, businesses must cooperate with farmers who will be sustainable partners in the supply chain of export commodities, including pepper. In addition, raw pepper accounts for 80 per cent of the pepper exports at present. So, the association is also encouraging member companies, especially businesses with the capability to invest in technology, to promote deep processing, Lien said. However, the industry needs to have a market for products with deep processing, because deeply processed goods often meet the demands of specific buyers, not the demand of the entire market. Developed markets such as the EU, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States have almost the same market requirements. There are only a few minor differences. So, when pepper enters these markets, it means this commodity is also entering the high-end market, Lien said. According to the General Statistics Office, Viet Nam's pepper exports in September were estimated at 19,000 tonnes, down 5.6 per cent compared to August, but up 37.6 per cent over the same period last year. Turnover from exported pepper reached US$70 million, down 7.6 per cent compared to August, but up 22.7 per cent over the same period last year. In the first nine months of 2023, Viet Nam's pepper exports reached 207,000 tonnes, an increase of 18.7 per cent over the same period in 2022. However, the total turnover reached $685 million, down 11.1 per cent. China was Viet Nam's largest pepper export market in the first eight months of this year, with a volume of 53,792 tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 5.5 times; followed by the US with 33,589 tonnes, a year-on-year reduction of 10.6 per cent. VNS HA NOI Pioneering enterprises are the core group that drives changes in different sectors of the economy now and in the future. They will be champions of change, inspiring the pioneering spirit and promoting the pride of Vietnamese people in the path of bringing Made by Vietnam products to the international market, said Tran Duy ong, deputy minister of Planning and Investment (MPI). Deputy PM ong made his statement at a business forum themed Pioneering the Entrepreneurial Spirit, Fostering a Sustainable Vietnam, co-hosted in Ha Noi on Friday by the MPI and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on the occasion of Viet Nams Entrepreneur Day (October 13). The event, with the participation of more than 150 delegates, aimed to help Vietnamese enterprises, including SMEs, to compete in international markets and strengthen the Vietnamese economy towards inclusive and sustainable development. The event also acknowledged the joint efforts by MPI and USAID to promote Made by Vietnam products, improve competitiveness, and promote business sustainability. The result of these efforts will inspire the business community to promote innovation and self-reliance and create spillover effects for the economy. The organising committee awarded a Memorandum of Cooperation Agreement of the Department of Enterprise Development, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the USAID Improving Private Sector Competitiveness project with representatives of 22 pioneering enterprises. In addition, 10 businesses were also awarded for their ESG (Environment-Society-Governance) initiatives in Viet Nam in 2023. As an advisory agency on socio-economic development strategies, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) plays a crucial role in providing guidance and recommendations to the Government and the Prime Minister. By actively and proactively advising on mechanisms and policies, the MPI aims to promote and support businesses in various ways, said ong. Delivering a speech at the event, Director of USAID/Vietnam Mission, Aler Grubbs, said USAID is committed to improving Viet Nams economic growth and competitiveness. Their joint efforts with MPI to accelerate corporate sustainability and the adoption of ESG practices will help companies in Viet Nam improve competitiveness, achieve long-term growth, rise to international standards, and facilitate entering and moving up in global value chains, which ultimately supports Viet Nams prosperous and sustainable development. To compete in the global economy, Viet Nam must adapt to the new standards and move towards sustainability and inclusiveness. Over the last two years, USAIDs IPSC project has collaborated with MPI to support pioneering enterprises in adopting ESG standards. More than 600 pioneering enterprises submitted applications to receive technical assistance, of which 22 were selected to receive a support package valued at US$150,000, depending on the size, needs, capacity, and commitment of each enterprise. The support will focus on developing business strategies, penetrating target markets, promoting Vietnamese products, and accelerating enterprises digital transformation. MPI and USAID launched the 2003 Vietnam ESG Initiative in November 2022 to promote the adoption of ESG standards. The ESG Initiative attracted almost 150 applications from enterprises, cooperatives, and household businesses. The top 10 finalists with the best initiatives were selected and provided with one-on-one intensive capacity building to improve their understanding and adoption of ESG practices and other sustainable business models, helping them develop their ESG action plans. The top three winners announced at the event on Friday will receive in-depth consultation and technical support valued up to VN2 billion to pilot and scale up their sustainable business practices. VNS MOSCOW - Viet Nam and Russia have signed two important agreements in the field of geological exploration, and oil and gas exploitation. The agreements were inked by Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov on the sidelines of the 6th "Russian Energy Week" International Forum in Moscow on October 12-13. In a working session with Shulginov on October 12, the two sides reviewed the implementation of bilateral oil and gas, and energy projects and agreed on a number of major cooperation directions for the coming time. Dien affirmed that the signing of the cooperation deals showed the strong support of leaders of the Vietnamese and Russian States and Governments for prioritised policies in the fields of energy, and oil and gas in the bilateral cooperative ties in the time to come. Earlier the same day, Dien received Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vladimir Ilichev. The two officials recognised the recovery of bilateral trade after a sharp fall in 2022. Russia's statistics showed that two-way trade reached US$ 2.7 billion in the first seven months of 2023, up 6.2 per cent year on year. They agreed to remove difficulties in payment, transport and travel of people, especially entrepreneurs, between the two nations in a bid to foster economic, trade and investment ties. The two sides also discussed bilateral cooperation in industry, agriculture as well as in exploration and exploitation of natural resources, and sought new cooperation projects in green transition, energy transition, climate change response, circular economy, science-technology and innovation. During the trip, Dien attended the opening of Viet Nam Days in Russia, lasting from October 12-15, and the inauguration of a milk cow farm of TH Group in Moscow oblast, and received leaders of several Russian oil and gas groups such as Zarubezhneft, Gazprom and NOVATEK. VNA/VNS HCM CITY - The Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) announced on October 13 that payment for four out of five containers of farm produce in the alleged export scam to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been retrieved and the remaining work is underway. The farm produce includes black pepper, cashew nuts, cinnamon and star anise. On July 15, after receiving reports from several firms that they suspected they had fallen victim to an export scam involving five containers destined for the UAE, the VPA, in collaboration with the Vietnam Cashew Association (VCA) and various enterprises, banks, fast delivery and shipping companies, compiled information and reported the incident to Government agencies, ministries, and departments, the Vietnamese Embassy and Trade Office in the UAE, the UAE Embassy in Ha Noi, and press agencies. From October 10-12, Ajman Bank in the UAE refunded over US$354,900 for the four containers. As for the container of star anise, which has been stored at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai since July 26, the businesses are still working with the Ajman Bank to request payment for all incurred expenses, including warehouse and legal fees, and the cost of returning the goods to Hai Phong Port. The estimated expense related to this shipment as of October 11 amounted to nearly $70,000, and the total value of the shipment is $114,639. Through this incident, the VCA urged firms to exercise even greater caution in negotiations, partner verification, payment terms and contracts to prevent the recurrence of similar cases in the future. VNA/VNS HA NOI A photo exhibition on General Vo Nguyen Giap kicked off in Ha Noi on October 13 to mark the 10th death anniversary of the legendary military leader. The exhibition, held by Thang Long-Ha Noi Heritage Conservation Centre in collaboration with Quang Binh Club, and photographer Colonel Tran Hong, introduces to visitors 30 large photos of General Giap. Besides the photos of the General re-visiting ien Bien Phu, the moments when he was busy at work or meeting with compatriots and friends from all over the world, there are ones that showcase his daily life as well as capturing people's affection for him. Speaking at the opening ceremony, photographer Colonel Tran Hong said the exhibition was organised with a desire to honour and pay tribute to the great contributions of General Vo Nguyen Giap to the homeland. General Vo Nguyen Giap, whose real name is Vo Giap (alias Van), was born in Loc Thuy Commune of Le Thuy District in the central province of Quang Binh on August 25, 1911. He passed away in Ha Noi on October 4, 2013 at the age of 103. He served as a Politburo member, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Standing Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnamese Peoples Army and a National Assembly deputy from the first to seventh tenures. The General, whose military career started with his appointment to lead the first Vietnamese revolutionary army unit with only 34 soldiers in 1944, led the Vietnamese people's army from victory to victory during the resistance war against French colonialists and then American imperialists. The exhibition runs until October 19 at Thang Long Imperial Citital in Ha Noi. VNA/VNS The recent 8th plenum of the Communist Party of Viet Nam's Central Committee delved into the roadmap for executing the new salary regime, which is a detailed extension of Resolution 27 from the 7th plenum. Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra talks about the matter with Vietnam News Agency reporter. Could you please explain how this new salary regime will transform the public sector? Salary policy stands out as a particularly pivotal component of the socio-economic policy system; it serves as a resource and a driving force for the nation's development. The Resolution of the 7th Central Committee seeks to enhance the motivation and work efficiency of our workforce. Implementing salary reform contributes to elevating the quality of work, efficiency, public service ethics, and professional ethics. Simultaneously, it streamlines and bolsters the effectiveness and efficiency of the political system while ensuring stability within the public sector's human resources. In accordance with the salary policy reform laid out in Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW, the new salary framework for officials, civil servants, public employees, and the armed forces encompasses six core aspects. The new salary structure is meticulously crafted around job positions, titles, and leadership roles to supplant the current system, which encompasses five distinct salary tables, including one based on position (applicable to officers, civil servants, and public employees in leadership roles, both elected and appointed, across the entire political system, from the central level to communes); one designed for civil servants and public employees who do not hold leadership positions; and three others tailored to meet the needs of the armed forces. Moreover, the existing allowance frameworks will be reconfigured, guaranteeing a fresh salary structure. This will involve the basic salary accounting for roughly 70 per cent of the total salary budget, while allowances make up the remaining 30 per cent. There will also be an additional bonus fund, equivalent to about 10 per cent of the total annual salary budget (excluding allowances), and the synchronisation of the salary increase system with the issuance of the new salary schedule. A key element to ensure the feasibility of this reform lies in securing the funding source to put the new salary regime into action. The final aspect covers salary and income management, which clearly delineates the authority and responsibility of leaders during implementation. It also addresses the application of wage increases and the management of the salary fund. One can say that never before has a salary policy been constructed with such meticulousness and comprehensiveness, encompassing numerous groundbreaking elements. Considering the economic challenges and the constraints on implementing salary reform, the Government has twice adjusted the base salary, in 2019 and 2023. These adjustments aimed to alleviate the hardships faced by individuals reliant on salaries and allowances from the State budget. In comparison to 2018, preceding Resolution 27, the base salary in the public sector witnessed a substantial 29.5 per cent increase, surpassing the consumer price index reported by the General Statistics Office and the wage growth rate in the corporate sector was 17.74 per cent. Can you please elaborate on the timeline for salary regime restructuring in the public sector? We recommend that a new, synchronised, and unified salary regime be implemented for officials, public employees, and armed forces throughout the entire political system from July 1, 2024, in accordance with Resolution 27. In the years following 2024, the Government will continue to adjust salary levels in the increased salary tables to offset price fluctuations and make gradual improvements in line with GDP growth until the objectives of Resolution No. 27 are realised. To execute the provisions of the new salary regime, the Ministry of Finance estimates that significant additional budget expenditure will be necessary for public sector salary reform. It is anticipated that the total additional funding requirement from the budget for the 2024-26 period will amount to nearly VN500 trillion. Given the substantial funding required for salary reform, there's a pressing concern about the source of funds to support these salary increases. Could you provide insights into this matter? This is an exceptionally vital issue, and it plays a decisive role in implementing salary reform policy. The resources needed to implement wage policy reform are substantial. Hence, in Resolution 27, the Party Central Committee emphasised the need for "a resolute execution of financial and budgetary solutions, considering this a pivotal task to generate resources for wage policy reform." Since 2018, ministries and localities have been preparing resources for salary reform. These resources are derived from budget expenditure restructuring within each sector, a 40 per cent increase in central budget revenue (enforced from 2018), and a 70 per cent surge in realised revenue compared to local budget projections to create resources for salary reform (enforced from 2019). Furthermore, money has been sourced from various avenues, including 10 per cent savings on regular expenses and funds generated through staff streamlining initiatives. Notably, the Ministry of Home Affairs has made considerable strides in perfecting the institutions associated with organisational structure and staff streamlining. To date, the entire political system has reduced its civil servant payroll by nearly 11 per cent and decreased civil servant payrolls paid from the State budget by almost 15 per cent. At the commune level, 49.7 per cent of officials, civil servants, and part-time staff have been cut compared to 2015. Thanks to the active engagement of the entire political system, we've established a robust organisational structure, reducing nearly 8,000 public service units and streamlining administrative entities from the central to local levels. Notably, administrative units at the district and commune levels have recently downsized their staff significantly. According to data reported by the Ministry of Finance from 2017 to the present, this restructuring and staff reduction have resulted in State budget expenditure savings of nearly VN35 trillion. Furthermore, despite ongoing economic challenges, the Government, ministries, branches, and localities have tightened their financial belts. To date, the entire nation has set aside VN500 trillion in preparation for salary reform scheduled for the 2024-26 years. What steps should be taken to address the long-term funding issue, ultimately achieving the goal of setting the minimum salary of officials, civil servants and public employees equal to or higher than the lowest salary in the most developed regions and enterprises, as outlined in Resolution 27? To ensure a sustainable roadmap for wage reform and the attainment of our set goals, there is a host of immediate and long-term actions required. This entails increasing revenue sources, trimming expenses other than salaries, and concurrently streamlining the organisational structure while optimising staff levels to maintain a balanced budget for salaries. In addition to following the salary reform roadmap, I believe agencies should continue to boost revenue, economise expenses, and devise fundamental strategies to create resources for salary policy reform. An integral part of this process is the establishment and enhancement of a job classification system, which serves as a foundation for implementing salary policy reform. This involves improving public service institutions and guaranteeing salary disbursement in accordance with leadership roles and job positions. In the upcoming period, the Ministry of Home Affairs will recommend the continued promotion of an efficient and effective organisational structure, along with the continued restructuring of administrative units at district and commune levels and the arrangement of public service units. Staff streamlining in alignment with the spirit of Resolution 6 from the 6th plenum will also be a key focus. With the support of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, the National Assembly, and the diligent preparation of the Government, ministries, branches, and localities, we aspire to secure the necessary resources to embark on wage reform, thereby meeting the expectations of millions of officials, civil servants, public employees, and workers for a sustainable and equitable future. VNS HAI PHONG Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong inh Hue and other NA deputies of northern Hai Phong City met with voters in o Son District on Saturday, ahead of the National Assemblys sixth session. On behalf of the NA deputies delegation of Hai Phong, deputy head of the delegation La Thanh Tan reported on the planned agenda of the coming session, scheduled to open on October 23, Viet Nams socio-economic situation during the first nine months of 2023, and the delegations activities since the NAs fifth session earlier this year. Local voters highly valued activities of the NA deputies delegation of Hai Phong and the National Assemblys performance, including the reform of its activities. Listening to citizens opinions, Chairman Hue provided more information about the countrys socio-economic results, and efforts to reform activities of the NA and local people-elected bodies. He also applauded Hai Phongs efforts to achieve a growth rate of over 10 per cent, ranking first in the Red River Delta region, amid more challenges facing the economy this year. He noted that at the coming sixth session, the NA would collect votes of confidence on the positions it elected or approved. The NA Standing Committee has made thorough preparations for this activity. Some persons holding the positions elected or approved by the parliament for less than one year are not subject to the voting. Talking about the salary reform policy, the top legislator said the reform had been delayed due to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the coming session, the NA would consider the reform implementation, which is under the Party Central Committees Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW, issued in 2018, on the reform of the salary policy for cadres, civil servants, public employees, members of armed forces, and employees of businesses. About VN500 trillion (US$20.4 billion) had been readied for the reform. After 2024, salary in the public sector was set to increase 5 - 7 per cent each year so that it would be equivalent to that in the production sector soon, he added. At the meeting, Hue also addressed voters concerns about fire safety, the draft revised Land Law, night-time economy and tourism in o Son, the fisheries sector, cyber security, health and social insurance, and educational quality, among others. NA deputies meetings with voters are regular activities before and after each session of the National Assembly. VNA/VNS NEW YORK - Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (UN), has reaffirmed ASEAN's support for efforts of the international community for a world without nuclear weapons. "The complete elimination of nuclear weapons is the only solution to guarantee against their use and threat of use," Ambassador Giang, on behalf of ASEAN, said at a thematic debate on nuclear weapons of the UN General Assemblys First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) on October 13. ASEAN upholds the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in the global mechanism on disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. It calls on nuclear-weapon countries to fulfil their disarmament obligations and commitments with specific roadmaps and actions, and highlights the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as a historic agreement that contributes to this objective. Until nuclear weapons are completely eliminated, countries need to continue signing and ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) so that it soon comes into effect. Ambassador Giang said ASEAN was committed to maintaining Southeast Asia free of nuclear weapons, while emphasising the blocs commitment to the work of the First Committee to completely eliminate nuclear weapons for peace, security and sustainable development.VNA/VNS CAN THO Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh joined other National Assembly (NA) deputies of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in a meeting with 700 voters who are representatives of the local youth and young manpower on October 14. A representative of the NA deputies delegation of Can Tho informed participants about the 15th-tenure NAs sixth session, scheduled to last from October 23 to November 29. During the session, the NA will consider and vote on nine draft laws, discuss eight other bills, make decisions on socio-economic and budgetary issues of 2023 and 2024, and look into the mid-term reports on the implementation of the five-year plans for 2021 - 2025 on socio-economic development, economic restructuring, medium-term public investment, national finance, and public debts. Particularly, the NA will carry out question-and-answer activities and collect votes of confidence on the positions it elected or approved. Expressing their delight at the countrys socio-economic achievements during the first nine months of 2023, Can Tho voters said they believed the Party Central Committee, NA, and Government would continue implementing strong, timely, and effective measures, policies, and directions in all fields, especially in carrying out the resolutions, programmes, and projects on the development of the Mekong Delta and Can Tho. Many asked the NA deputies of Can Tho to propose measures for promoting the development of infrastructure, especially transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure, training and attracting high-quality human resources, building cultural facilities for the youth, and establishing a startup and innovation centre in the city. Appreciating the young voters opinions, contributions to local development, and support for the Government, PM Chinh underlined the youths core role in national construction and safeguarding. He updated them about Viet Nams socio-economic situation and expressed his belief that with solidarity, joint efforts, and consensus upheld, all-level authorities, sectors, and localities would continue showing strong determination and take drastic actions to address shortcomings, surmount challenges, and fulfil the tasks and targets for 2023 with the best possible results, thus creating favourable conditions for the implementation of the 2024 plan. He also fielded voters questions about several issues, including infrastructure development, information safety of online transactions, human resources attraction, and career orientation for young people. VNA/VNS GENEVA Viet Nam has shown active participation in and made practical contributions to the 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), which wrapped up on October 13. During the five-week 54th session, the HRC obtained numerous positive results, including adopting 37 resolutions and holding five panel discussions on unilateral coercive measures and human rights, the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the HRC, the rights of indigenous peoples, youth and human rights, and cyberbullying against children. It also held discussions on 87 thematic reports, discussions and dialogues with 37 Special Procedures of the HRC and UN human rights mechanisms, along with discussions and dialogues on the human rights situations in some countries. The HRC completed procedures for approving the fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) reports of 14 countries, elected seven members to the HRC Advisory Committee for 2023 - 2026, and appointed 12 personnel for the HRCs Special Procedures. The Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, head of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, chaired the drafting of and presented the joint speech on promoting the human right to vaccination. It also coordinated with Brazil and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) to chair an international seminar on the promotion of the human right to vaccination. Viet Nam, which is an HRC member in the 2023 - 2025 tenure, also joined India in co-sponsoring and organising an international discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The event followed Viet Nams initiative proposed last February on an HRC resolution on commemorating the two declarations. In addition, the delegation also actively raised opinions at many discussions on different issues such as promoting and protecting the economic, social and cultural rights amid the settlement of inequalities during post-COVID-19 recovery, the right to development, youth and human rights, and cyberbullying against children. In its remarks, the delegation highlighted Viet Nams policy on promoting and protecting human rights for all, and introduced the measures the country has taken to support post-pandemic recovery, ensure social security for people, and ease the financial burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic for vulnerable groups. It also underlined the need to promote initiatives and actions at the national, regional, and international levels to resolve adverse impacts of such global challenges as climate change, which are threatening the enjoyment of human rights of people worldwide, especially vulnerable groups, as well as the realisation of the sustainable development goals. Viet Nam affirmed the necessity for settling political divisions and differences, and stepping up cooperation and trust building, including via the HRCs activities to ensure people around the world can fully enjoy human rights. Together with other ASEAN countries, the Vietnamese delegation also delivered some joint speeches on the issues of the blocs concern such as technical cooperation and capacity building, and the integration of gender equality into the work of the HRC and UPR. During the 54th session, Viet Nam actively met and talked to other countries delegations, joined in the drafting of documents, and co-sponsored many initiatives in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, thereby reflecting its consistent viewpoint, policy, and achievements in human rights promotion and protection and helping ensure the HRCs activities are in line with the fundamental principles of international law. VNA/VNS (Photo : Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Police officials reported the arrest of a 17-year-old unidentified individual in relation to the Morgan State University shooting that resulted in the injury of five people. Law enforcement personnel have arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the shooting at Morgan State University that resulted in five people getting injured on Oct. 3. The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) did not reveal the name of the teenager because he is a minor but added that they are searching for a second suspect, 18-year-old Jovan Williams. The 17-year-old was taken into custody on Thursday and now faces charges of multiple counts of attempted murder. Morgan State University Shooting Suspect Police noted that Williams remains at large and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Law enforcement officials were able to identify the two suspects through surveillance video that was obtained from the shooting. In a statement, Commissioner Richard Worley said that the BPD had been working tirelessly on the investigation into the Morgan State University shooting. He said that the department was grateful for the many partners that assisted it in identifying and capturing one of the suspects in the case, as per CNN. Worley added that they will not rest until the second suspect is also in police custody, noting that the arrest of the unidentified 17-year-old will not be able to erase the damage and trauma caused by the shooting. However, he said that he was hopeful it could bring some peace and justice to the victims, the Morgan community, and the city. The incident occurred while a popular homecoming week event was letting out and it was one of the 543 mass shootings with at least four victims that have happened so far this year in the United States. It was also considered to be one of at least 17 shootings this year at a U.S. college or university, including in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Michigan. Several students and teachers at Morgan State University were ordered to shelter in place for hours as a SWAT team searched through the campus dormitories at the school where roughly 9,000 students were enrolled last fall. Read Also: New York Man Faces 20 Years of Imprisonment After Smuggling Rare Butterflies Second Suspect Remains at Large Officials noted that the five victims at Morgan State University were likely not the intended targets of the shooters. They said that they may have just been caught in the crossfire between the two suspects. Fortunately, the injured people have already been released from the hospital after being treated for their wounds, according to Fox News. A few days after the shooting, the university announced a $22 million plan to build a wall around most of the northeast Baltimore campus and station security personnel at entrances and exits. This wall is planned to extend existing barriers by roughly 8,000 feet to encircle about 90% of the campus and will effectively "eliminate unfettered access," said university president David Wilson. The shooting incident prompted Wilson to cancel classes for the week and it was the first time in the history of the school that all homecoming week events were either canceled or postponed. The order was in place until the perpetrators of the shooting were found and brought to justice. The victims of the incident included one woman and four men, who ranged in age from 18 to 22. Police also noted that the shooting occurred following a dispute and involved several armed people, said the New York Times. Related Article: Philadelphia International Airport Shooting Leaves 1 Off-Duty Police Officer Dead, 1 Injured @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. HA NOI Many educators and experts have raised their concerns over numerous incidents of school violence and inappropriate behaviours between teachers and students in recent times, which seriously affected the well-being of students and ethical standards of teachers. They said providing psychological counselling for teachers, together with enhancing their pedagogical skills and professional development, could be a solution to create a healthy educational environment. In the first month of the new school year, several cases of school violence have occurred with teachers using violence against students. A student at a Phuc High School in Soc Son District in Ha Noi was physically handled by her teacher simply because she did not bring the correct type of birthday cake as instructed. Even when the student displayed signs of shock and fainting, the teacher's criticism did not cease. Ironically, the teacher was responsible for the subject of civic education and academic counseling at the school. In another case in Ha Noi, an English teacher at Phan Huy Chu High School in Thach That District verbally and physically abused a student. Both teachers have been suspended from teaching. The English teacher has even resigned. These are just two among many incidents of violence involving teachers and students at schools. These incidents have affected the physical and psychological well-being of students but also tarnished the ethical standards of the teaching profession, eliciting public outrage. Suspending and reassigning teachers is only a short-term solution to this issue. It is crucial to identify the root causes and implement fundamental measures for preventing school violence at an early stage. Tran Van Quang, a teacher from Luong The Vinh High School in Ha Noi, said that during class, teachers should not only focus on imparting knowledge but also on managing and handling unexpected situations. In cases where students misbehave or neglect homework, teachers should provide guidance and reminders to encourage serious learning. However, it was essential to be patient with students, especially in terms of their physical well-being, he said. Dr Chu Cam Tho, head of Education Research and Evaluation Department under Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, said this situation was distressing for the education sector. Despite the numerous measures taken, the occurrence of such incidents indicated a gap between teachers awareness and correct actions. Implementing sanctions after an incident occurred was too late, as most teachers who engaged in such behavior might not realise the consequences awaiting them. Therefore, she said, there was a need to establish methods for reducing school violence. In the context of changes in society and educational goals today, schools must change their culture to build a model of a happy school. Teachers need to prepare themselves mentally and develop the skills required to prevent all forms of violence, physical and psychological, against students. If teachers stick to outdated approaches and believe that students will behave better through punishment, it's a mistake. It's time for a new approach to education," she emphasised. Psychological counselling for teachers In reality, it's not only students but also teachers who often experience mental stress from their work and need opportunities to share their burdens. According to research from the National Academy of Education Management in 2022, nearly 60 per cent of teachers displayed signs of work-related stress, 35-40 per cent showed symptoms of work-related anxiety disorders, and a smaller percentage exhibited early signs of depression. With increased workload and mounting pressure, a space for sharing is necessary for every teacher. Meanwhile, school psychology counselling mainly focused on addressing students' issues and often neglected the well-being of teachers. In every school, there should be suggestion boxes where students could convey their thoughts at any time. School psychology counselling rooms should always be open to students when they face difficulties and pressure. However, providing psychological counseling for teachers is almost ignored. This is an issue that schools need to urgently address because a happy school environment could only be fostered when both teachers and students are genuinely cared for and their concerns are shared. Dr Nguyen Thanh Nam, deputy rector of the Hanoi National University of Education, said he believed happy teachers could change the world. Nam said mental health has become a central focus for the World Health Organization in 2023. In professions like teaching, taking care of mental health was even more critical because the behaviours of teachers served as a model and directly influenced students. Therefore, protecting the mental health of teachers was important. According to Nam, academic counselling should not only focus on students but also include strategies to help teachers become better, make parents happier and exhibit appropriate behaviours when their children return home from school. School principals should also be happy to become spiritual leaders, allowing teachers to feel comfortable and students to be loved and safe. Dr Nguyen Chi Thanh, head of the Faculty of Pedagogy at the Hanoi National University of Education, said every teacher was a moral exemplar, and their happiness could create a generation of happy students. Good mental health was a prerequisite for inspiring teachers to radiate positive energy to their students. Thanh said schools were more inclined to provide psychological support to students. In the future, specific regulations regarding psychological counselling for teachers should be incorporated into official guidelines. A shortage of conflict resolution skills of teachers when dealing with various situations was one of the factors contributing to school violence. Therefore, enhancing pedagogical skills and professional development for teachers was necessary, not only when they were in the classroom but also during their university education, he added. The relationship between teachers and students was unique, involving not just the transmission of knowledge but also the nurturing of love, trust, and emotions. Therefore, schools should not be a place where teachers used violence to express themselves or release their stress, but rather a place where fundamental moral values were upheld through proper and civilised behaviour, he stressed. VNS ROME Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung met with the President of the Regional Council of Puglia, Cera Napoleone, and Mayors of Bari, Brindisi and Lecce cities, as part of the Viet Nam - Italy Year 2023 programme in Puglia from October 11-12. The hosts said Puglia was prioritising innovation in aviation, automation, mechanical engineering, renewable energy and marine economy. On the back of shared interests and complementary advantages in economic sectors, Hung hoped that authorities and businesses of both sides would further enhance specific cooperation. At a seminar on raising awareness of the sea and the blue vision to 2030 of Puglia, the Vietnamese ambassador highlighted potential areas of Viet Nam's maritime economy, including its strategic location in international shipping routes, extensive fishing grounds, abundant and diverse marine biological resources, minerals, oil and gas and rich marine tourism resources. He said Viet Nam supported joint efforts in developing a sustainable and climate-resilient ocean economy through specific cooperation activities with partners, particularly Italy, a country with a long coastline and substantial potential and strengths in maritime economy, including Puglia. Hung also pointed out areas in which Viet Nam, together with Puglia region and Italy in general, could work together, including sustainable oil and gas exploration, offshore wind power, aquaculture and fishing; marine tourism, maritime management, biodiversity conservation and marine environment protection, among others. The seminar was held on the sidelines of the Puglia Boat Show from October 11-15 which brings together enterprises and departments in the maritime and shipbuilding industry, fishing, marine tourism, water sports, and maritime training from Italy, Puglia and foreign countries. On the occasion, Hung presented a collection of five Vietnamese films to Puglia region to enhance cultural exchanges between the two sides. He also had a meeting and presentation about Viet Nam with representatives of intellectuals and business members of the Rotary Club in the region. VNA/VNS Aligned with the strategic vision outlined in Vietnam's National Action Plan to transform the food system towards transparency, responsibility, and sustainability, the Sustainable Food Forum 2023 was a collaborative effort between the Foodshare sustainable food development network and the Association for Food Transparency. This prestigious gathering took place in Ho Chi Minh City on October 12, and held significant importance as part of a series of events commemorating the 43rd anniversary of World Food Day. Le Nhat Thuy, vice president of C.P. Vietnam, delved into the complex food dynamics within Vietnam and across the globe, accentuating the conscientious endeavours undertaken by businesses to combat food wastage and losses while spearheading sustainable agricultural practices. "C.P. Group's sustainable development is based on the company's philosophy of three benefits, including those for the country, for the people, and for the company," Thuy said. "Economic development goals always go hand-in-hand with sustainable development, driven by the three main pillars of food security, natural balance, and a self-sufficient society, aiming to eradicate hunger and food waste." She said that C.P. Vietnam has also set a target of reducing emissions by 2050, implementing net-zero to balance the ecosystem, maintaining biodiversity, and turning waste from the production process into valuable products. Sooksunt Jiumjaswanglerg, vice chairman of the CPFoods' Executive Committee The 2023 Sustainable Food Forum was followed by the Ceremony Honouring Initiatives and Efforts to Develop Sustainable Food (Food Hero Awards 2023). This event served to recognise and applaud the unwavering commitment of individuals, groups, and businesses who have tirelessly championed the cause of food value enhancement for the community. C.P. Vietnam's Donation Fund was granted an esteemed accolade, acknowledging its contributions that have significantly impacted public health, nutrition, and food security in recent years, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the heart of the ceremony, Sooksunt Jiumjaiswanglerg, vice chairman of the CPFoods' Executive Committee, was bestowed with the illustrious Lifetime Contribution Award. This honour celebrates his exceptional efforts in collaborating with farmers to advance the agricultural industry, enhance food quality, and augment nutritional resources derived from animal protein for the Vietnamese people. "The younger generation should clearly know their roles and responsibilities. They must have short-term orientations and long-term plans, be ethical in business, and demonstrate fairness in their work. These are our company's core values; be ethical, honest, and grateful," he said. Biodiversity drive at C.P. Vietnam's shrimp farm On August 10, C.P. Vietnam and Nichirei Fresh Inc., launched a tree planting project to facilitate water treatment at the C.P. shrimp farm in Hoa Binh district of the southern province of Bac Lieu. CPV suppliers potential development conference 2023 On the morning of August 16 at Muong Thanh Holiday Hue Hotel, C.P. Vietnam (CPV) held a conference on environmental management in supply chain development. CPFoods launches first Chickita restaurant in the north Managed by Dzine Food Solutions under Thailand's CPFoods, the jubilant opening of the first Chickita restaurant in the north marks the chain's fifth branch. LS C&S Asia announced on October 12 that the company has signed an MoU for a submarine cable business partnership with PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) of Vietnam. PTSC is a subsidiary of the state-owned petroleum gas company, PetroVietnam, and it provides technical services including facility operations, maintenance, and research for the energy and petroleum industries. Starting with Vietnam, LS C&S Asia and PTSC will explore various business opportunities across ASEAN countries. Vietnam is currently in the process of building an offshore wind farm with an output of approximately 10GW, which is due for completion by 2030. In terms of output, this wind farm will be among the top 5 in Asia, following others in Korea and Taiwan. The demand to connect power grids between ASEAN countries is also rising. PTSC is currently working on building a submarine power grid between Vietnam and Singapore, and the two companies expect to use such business opportunities to expand into the surrounding region. A spokesperson for LS C&S Asia said, This MoU is significant in the sense that LS C&S Asia is aiming to become a first mover in other submarine cable markets based on its 30 years of local business experience and capabilities. LS C&S has been expanding its reach in the submarine cable market through the overseas growth of its subsidiaries, including that of LS Marine Solution into Taiwan, which was announced recently. South Korea's Orion and Thailand's Dutch Mill partner up South Korea's Orion Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Thailand's dairy behemoth, Dutch Mill Co., to expand into Vietnam's booming dairy market. The partnership was solidified last December when Orion Food Vina wrapped up an exclusive deal to sell Dutch Mill's products in Vietnam. Hana Micron Vina launches pioneering semiconductor factory in northern Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang launched the Hana Micron Vina semiconductor plant in Bac Giang, a pioneering project with future plans to invest over $1 billion and create 4,000 jobs by 2025. The event drew the participation of many cities and provinces, including Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, and Phu Tho. Themed Hanoi connects the capital region Creativity and Development, the event featured seminars, an exhibition, and many other activities. The aim was to promote the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem in the capital, supporting the development of the sci-tech market in the region. Addressing the event, Le Xuan Dinh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, said that developing science, technology, and innovation is a top national policy, playing a strategic breakthrough role in the new period. It is a driving force to promote growth and create breakthroughs in productivity, quality, and efficiency, as well as a decisive factor in improving the country's competitiveness. "Building a national innovation startup ecosystem must be linked to and stem from local and regional ecosystems. It should focus on tapping into local resources to create long-term sustainability," Dinh emphasised. Le Xuan Dinh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology giving his speech at Techfest Hanoi 2023 However, he admitted that ecological and environmental sustainability indicators are currently at a low level, showing that institutional improvements are still needed to create stronger conditions for socioeconomic development that is linked to the goals of green growth, development-driven science, technology, and innovation. "To enable the ecosystem to develop sustainably, the main priority is to build institutions and development policies to promote strengths and overcome weaknesses. Efforts are needed to set targets and promote Hanoi's role in sci-tech development," he noted. At the event, Le Hong Son, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee said that the city is the country's leading locality in terms of implementing Party, state, and government guidelines and policies on science, technology, and innovation. According to data from Startup Blink, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are ranked in the top 1,000 startup cities globally. In particular, innovative activities have created a strong driving force and formed a new wave of development. In Hanoi, there are currently about 1,000 innovation startups out of a total of 3,800 nationally, accounting for 26.32 per cent. The capital now has 32 business incubators in multiple industries and fields (accounting for 38.1 per cent of the countrys total). Many workshops, forums, discussions, investment initiatives, and training courses that focus on startups are regularly organised. Since 2016, innovation and startup businesses in the city have raised $1 billion. "These numbers have continuously increased, demonstrating the community's active participation in ecosystem development," Son emphasised. Held for the first time in 2015, Techfest is an annual event hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with other organisations and units. TECHFEST VIETNAM 2022 promotes startup ecosystem A seminar series on technology was held in Binh Duong over the weekend, looking at events related to national innovation. Vietnam hosts TECHFEST in Australia for first time Vietnams Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Australias Monash University organised the first International TECHFEST in Melbourne on September 20, aiming to attract international resources to aid the development of Vietnams innovative startup ecosystem. The activity comes as part of the new US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that was announced during President Joe Bidens visit to Vietnam last month. During his recent visit, President Biden emphasised the United States commitment to supporting Vietnam as it competes in the global digital economy, said USAID's Vietnam Mission director Aler Grubbs. We are pleased to sign the MoU with the MoIT. This new digital trade activity led by USAID and the MoIT is the first to be launched under our two countries newly upgraded partnership, and it will go a long way towards unleashing the potential of digital trade as a key driver of the countrys continued growth, Grubbs added. USAIDs three-year initiative, called Vietnam Digital Trade, will support the MoITs implementation of policy frameworks that facilitate digital trade, in consultation with the private sector. Regulations that are responsive to private sector needs will remove trade bottlenecks and increase regulatory transparency, helping to shape an e-commerce sector where enterprises of all sizes can benefit. In addition, the activity encourages small- and medium-sized enterprise participation in digital trade by introducing new business models and other best practices, such as traceability of goods, as well as facilitating cross-border connections between companies via the MoITs digital trade promotion platform, DECOBIZ. The project supports business associations such as the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vietnam E-commerce Association to promote digital trade across the country. The project works through the MoIT and business associations to target female-owned enterprises and minority communities, supporting inclusive economic growth. USAIDs Vietnam Digital Trade activity advances the US Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, under which Vietnam and the US partner to harness innovation and pursue high standards in the digital economy to drive continued growth. This activity builds on the United States successful partnership with Vietnam over the past two decades, facilitating increased trade and the creation of a business enabling environment. Vietnam, UK enhance cooperation in digital economy, digital transformation Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung and the UKs Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Chris Philp signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation in digital economy and digital transformation on November 1 (London time). Promoting digital transformation in trade to effectively implement new-generation FTAs Despite woes from the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020, digital transformation is accelerating the digital economy in Vietnam. Shady Acres Cottages, a 143-unit housing complex that will give priority to seniors and people with disabilities, received the Waco Housing Authoritys vote of support this week. But another housing venture, the proposed 340-unit Liberty Village, must wait until questions get answered. Waco Housing Authority CEO Milet Hopping said the authority continues to pursue projects addressing the affordable housing shortage locally. Its board approved a memorandum of understanding Thursday with the development group proposing Shady Acres Cottages, which would arise near Airport Road and Steinbeck Bend Drive, across Airport Road from Fuzzy Friends Rescue. Their next step is trying to get some low-income tax credits through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Hopping said. Our action means we become a partner in the project. They keep their property taxes exempt while adding value to the community. All will be this way going forward, as we pursue affordable housing at every income level. Kirk Regians Envision Realty Group is spearheading efforts to proceed with Shady Acres, with developer Jerry Dyer serving as consultant. We are pursuing a 4% tax credit deal, said Dyer, who confirmed his involvement in the project targeting people ages 55 and older. Investors acquiring the tax credits would finance construction. Hopping said the final cost has not been determined. They wont know until they draw up final plans, she said. They are trying to get low-income tax credits, and we hope that goes well. She said developers will earmark about 70 units for people whose income is 60% or 80% of McLennan Countys median family income of $84,200. Other units may be pledged to residences enrolled in the Section 8 rental assistance program. She said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has granted the Waco Housing Authority 2,890 Section 8 housing vouchers, and the authority pays about $1.7 million in rent subsidies monthly. That does not include public housing, Hopping said. Hopping said the Waco Housing Authority strives to create workforce housing, in addition to subsidizing rents for low-income residents. The city and county get that, Hopping said. She said she believes the city of Waco and McLennan County appreciate housing authority efforts to create housing options, even those that fail to generate property taxes. Finding workers means finding places to live that are affordable, Hopping said. The city a few years ago paid a large number of funds for a housing study that showed about 5,000 units lacking at every income level. We didnt have enough housing for either rental or home ownership. We began looking at that, evaluating local programs, wanting to give options on places to live. My goal is to hit every ZIP code in the county, every school district. Another development, Liberty Village, holds promise, Hopping said. But she expressed concern about the density of the project proposed at 1402 Gholson Road, which is being championed by Ellis Lipscomb LLC. She said she hopes to meet with city officials to discuss specifics. A North Carolina company once planning a multi-family development in that neighborhood has pulled out, even after striking a deal for 10 acres. It would be veterans housing, and they did qualify for a housing tax credit, but they walked away from the deal, Hopping said. Fortunately, another venture will place 34 housing units for vets on the Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center on New Road, Hopping said. Were going to manage and maintain the property, Hopping said. Clearly, the VA does not need us to create a tax exemption. Nov. 7 election Fourteen Texas constitutional amendments will be on the ballot in the general election on Nov. 7, which runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at vote centers around McLennan County. The election also includes races and propositions in Beverly Hills, Bruceville-Eddy, Riesel, West, Mart ISD, Midway ISD, Moody ISD, and West ISD. The deadline to register to vote passed Tuesday. The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is Oct. 27. Early voting begins Oct. 23 and ends Nov. 3 at five locations: McLennan County Elections Office, 214 N. Fourth St., Suite 300 Waco Multipurpose Community Center, 1020 Elm Ave. Hewitt City Hall, 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt Robinson Community Center, 106 Lyndale Ave., Robinson First Assembly of God Church, 6701 Bosque Blvd. For more information visit www.mclennanvotes.com or call 254-757-5043. ALLISON Attorneys for a former Clarksville police officer accused of exchanging nude pictures with teens and showing girls material from a child porn investigation began presenting their case in court. Michael William Tobin Jr., 35, who had been a lieutenant with the department, is charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. Defense attorney Nellie OMara delivered a brief opening statement after the state rested Friday. Did Mr. Tobin request or send naked pictures? Did Mr. Tobin show the Cody Blue file, which contained naked pictures of minors? I ask you to listen to all the evidence, and you will hear three answers. No, no and no, OMara said. Prosecutors allege Tobin traded pictures with a 16-year-old girl with whom he was having an affair while he was a police officer, used the teen to ask her friend to a pass along more nude photos and showed photos and videos of nude teens from an investigation into local sex offender Cody Blue. Earlier testimony included the town mayor describing a Feb. 14, 2021, incident where he arrived at the police station and found the teen in the office with Tobin and the teens car parked in the police garage. Tobin told the mayor he was fixing the girls car. On Friday, the defense buttressed that assertion by putting the teens mother on the stand. The mother showed text conversations she the mother had with Tobin. The texts described how Tobin was working to fix a heater core on the girls car around that time. But under cross examination by the state, the mother broke down in tears as she testified about how she had put her trust in Tobin. I trusted police officers until this happened, said the mother, who had family in law enforcement. I trusted him. He told me he was a man of God. She said Tobin held himself out at a youth mentor. The mother continued to sob in front of the jury as the judge held a brief sidebar discussion with the prosecutor and the defense attorney. Also Friday, a private investigator for the defense said he attempted to discern when the Cody Blue files had been accessed on Tobins computer at the police station. Kip Ireland testified that when a computer file is opened, it will show up as modified in the systems file browser. As soon as you double click any of that, it modifies, Ireland said. He said that last time the Blue file was modified was Feb. 21, 2022. He also testified he was unable to tell other times when the file was accessed. On cross-examination, Ireland said he wasnt aware that the Feb. 21, 2022, date coincided with timeframe where Clarksville officers accessed the Blue case files to pass them on to the U.S. Attorneys Office for federal prosecution. Testimony from the teen during the states case alleges Tobin showed the girl the Blue files in September 2021. Ireland also played police station surveillance videos showing the teen arriving at the police station on the night of Feb. 5, 2022, and entering alone while Tobin was out on a call. Key evidence is missing from the states case. Investigators were not able to retrieve any of the images Tobin and the girl are accused of exchanging. The teen said she deleted them because Tobin had asked her to. Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Agent Matthew Schalk said officers listened to a description of the images teen said she saw and compared them with the case file. The state also introduced testimony from another young woman who said she had an affair with Tobin. She said they, too, had exchanged images, and he told her to delete them to keep his wife and others from finding them. The other woman testified she did keep some of the sexual text conversations and one nude photo she received from him that she described as Tobin holding his junk. Photos: Michael Tobin Jr. trial, October 2023 101123jr-tobin-trial-2 101123jr-tobin-trial-3 101123jr-tobin-trial-4 101123jr-tobin-trial-1 101223jr-tobin-trial-1 101223jr-tobin-trial-4 101223jr-tobin-trial-3 101223jr-tobin-trial-2 101323jr-tobin-trial-2 101323jr-tobin-trial-1 101323jr-tobin-trial-4 101323jr-tobin-trial-3 101623jr-tobin-verdict-1 101623jr-tobin-verdict-2 101623jr-tobin-trial-3 101623jr-tobin-trial-2 101623jr-tobin-trial-1 CEDAR FALLS The Cedar Falls Utilities board of trustees was unanimous Wednesday in awarding a $357,900 contract to Woodruff Construction of Waterloo for a remodeling project at its main headquarters on Utility Parkway. The work will provide expanded workspace for the utilitys information technology and security team, having outgrown its current work area, said spokesperson Mollie Strouse. The work will also benefit the water utility as it relocates the water testing lab for efficiency and to create storage space. Trustees debated moving forwarded as the bids came in over the estimate of $255,000. An alternate package was included for an additional estimated $100,000 in work to an exterior entrance area in preparation for potential future facilities improvements. That brought the total estimated cost to $355,000. Trustee Deb Iehl motioned to include the additional project, which was bid by Woodruff at $103,000, but did not receive any additional support. The utility received two bids for the work. The trustees have discussed capital projects at length as they plan to construct a new plant costing millions of dollars within the next few years. 5 high-flying perks to look for when choosing a travel credit card 5 high-flying perks to look for when choosing a travel credit card The points game The sign-on bonus Transferable points Lounge access Trip insurance (Photo : Win McNamee/Getty Images) Conservative Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov was arrested after being seen openly carrying a gun to a pro-Palestine protest despite New York only issuing licenses to carry concealed firearms. (not actual photo) New York police arrested conservative Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov on Friday after allegedly openly carrying a gun when she was at a pro-Palestine protest at Brooklyn College. The lawmaker, who represents southern Brooklyn neighborhoods including Brighton Breach and Sheepshead Bay, turned herself in at the 70th Precinct with her lawyer shortly before 3:00 a.m. In a statement, police said that Vernikov had a license to carry a gun and surrendered her firearm and her permit to authorities. Republican Arrested for Openly Carrying Gun to Protest A police spokeswoman said that Vernikov was allegedly observing a pro-Palestine protest when she was seen carrying a gun in her waistband. This issue comes as New York only issues permits to carry concealed firearms, which means that openly carrying a firearm is not allowed under the law. Last year, a state law was passed that prohibits people from carrying guns in "sensitive locations," a category that includes protests and rallies. The police noted that no one was "menaced or injured" as a result of the Republican's possession of the gun at the protest, as per the New York Times. Vernikov's arrest comes as she previously expressed opposition to the Brooklyn College rally before it was staged. The City Council's Republican minority leader, Joseph Borelli, said that the councilwoman had been issued a desk appearance ticket that requires her to appear in court at a late date. During an interview, Borelli said that there is a responsibility that comes with owning a firearm and noted that Vernikov will have to address the charges against her with the court. He added that he knows that the lawmaker is apologetic about what had happened. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responded to the news of Vernikov getting arrested on X, formerly known as Twitter. She said that the region's gun safety laws apply to everyone, including lawmakers. Read Also: Only Palestinian Lives Matter? BLM Chicago Slammed for Tweet Celebrating Hamas Attack Pro-Palestine Rallies Vernikov is Jewish and has vocally expressed her support of Israel amid the Middle Eastern country's war against Hamas militant forces. In a statement, she claimed that the Brooklyn College rally would make the City University of New York campuses unsafe, according to ABC7NY. On Thursday, the councilwoman posted a video where she said that if anyone was at the rally at Brooklyn College standing with the people who support Palestine, they were nothing short of a terrorist without the bombs. Now, Vernikov's arrest is being referred to the City Council's Standards and Ethics Committee, which she is a member of, for potential disciplinary action. Additionally, the Democrat running against the conservative Republican in the Council elections next month, Amber Adler, has called on the council to vote to expel Vernikov from office. In the video that Vernikov posted on X, she noted that there were a lot of police present at the rally at Brooklyn College. She also said that they made efforts to make sure that Jewish students could feel safe in the area. The 39-year-old councilwoman claimed that the protesters wanted to globalize intifada and bring the terror of what Israeli people are experiencing to New York City, said Fox News. Related Article: Joe Biden Urged to Act Against Pro-Hamas Protests in Colleges @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Willamette Law has been on the cutting-edge of experiential learning for a number of years. Today, Willamette Law professors are continuing to think innovatively about how to incorporate experiential learning in the classroom both in the form of existing classes and wholly new simulation-based courses. Professor Sheri Buske, for instance, knew that she wanted to find a way to introduce experiential learning into her courses as she understood firsthand the impact it could have on students ability to hit the ground running after graduation. As she settled into her role at Willamette Law in 2021, inspiration struck as she considered how to expand her own skills and get involved in the local community. With that, she became a certified member of the Citizens Review Board (CRB), a program in the court system that reviews the cases of children in foster care. The informative and well-organized training prompted Buske to consider how she might incorporate the same concepts and skills into her curriculum. At the same time, Kristina Elliott, CRB Trainer and Field Manager, noticed the shortage of attorneys who were capable of taking on child dependency and welfare cases in Oregon. Families were going long periods of time unrepresented because of the shortage of qualified attorneys. Elliott considered how she might work with law students, in her capacity, to inspire them to consider this type of law. From there, Buske and Elliott developed a course curriculum where students could opt to attach the CRB training and certification process onto Buskes Child Abuse and Neglect course. Students that added the CRB component would attend both the weekly lectures and the sessions required for CRB certification. The CRB component includes two Saturday training sessions, one that includes a mock CRB review, a court and CRB observation, a variety of online homework modules, and a background check. Adding this experiential learning component to her course was a dream come true for Buske. The students are up on their feet for most of the class doing actual trial advocacy, and developing the skills this type of law requires, she shares. This was of particular interest to Buske as she recalls first going into legal practice and being handed a large stack of documents without any background knowledge on what everything meant. There was a significant amount of paperwork that were not, strictly speaking, legal documents but were nevertheless still vital to the case. She quickly realized that she would need to understand all of these extra components about the families before even diving into the legal issues. For many families, the problem isnt a black and white legal issue, there are other dynamics that led to the legal issue and its important to understand that first and foremost. Something in the family isnt working, that is what resulted in a legal response, Buske says. It is important for Buske that her students can leave her class understanding the law and equally important for her to teach her students how to interact with clients, how to conceptualize complicated issues and dynamics, and to understand the social work component in each case. From her experience, students graduate and go into practice only to quickly discover that this specific area of the law requires particular skills that arent taught in the classroom. These skills take lawyers years to develop. There is no way to overstate the importance of legal advocacy and understanding complex family systems when lawyers approach a juvenile dependency case, Elliot says. Elliott was inspired to become a lawyer after serving on the CRB and seeing the role of advocacy in developing real solutions for complex legal issues. Including law students in the CRB can go a long way in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our state, Elliott states. Adding the CRB certification to the course encourages students to consider the nonlegal side of practicing law, but it is also a benefit to the state as more qualified, compassionate, and well-rounded lawyers will be admitted to the bar. We are lucky, at the CRB, that we get the opportunity to have law students involved because they are coming to this with eagerness, compassion, and a long career ahead of them. These are the people that will make real change in our state and in the child welfare system in particular, Elliott says. Students put theory into practice Sarah Levin JD23 took this course with a particular interest in learning more about the difference between juvenile dependency court and the traditional civil/criminal court system. The CRB component allowed her to delve even more into the role of advocacy in law and how citizens can get involved in making a large impact on the community. We arent just sitting in a classroom hearing black letter law; we get to truly consider the individual people involved in a system, Levin shares. In addition, she has learned from the CRB lawyers that this work is hard, but it is some of the most rewarding and critical work for our community. Learning from both Buske and Elliott has encouraged Levin to be a creative thinker when it comes to the law. Its looking at the totality of circumstances, differing viewpoints, and other parties involved, Levin says. This course and the CRB portion was a perfect fit for Jana Baker JD24 as she wanted to specifically take an experiential learning course. I am a hands-on learner and being able to practice and roleplay rather than sit in a lecture helps me to learn quicker, she says. The biggest thing that Baker has taken away from being immersed in the concepts and components of juvenile dependency work is, quite simply, the importance of it. She resonated most with learning the large scale process and how things are handled, and specifically the elements of a dependency case that one may not realize are important right away. You may go into a case thinking it is just how to place a child for safety purposes, but there are a significant number of other considerations that can carry equal weight, Baker says. Both Levin and Baker intend to participate on the CRB after they are certified. They see how transferable the skills they have learned in the class are to other areas of the law and other courses they are taking. I feel more prepared as an attorney, regardless of what area of law I end up practicing in, because I understand how the processes work and how to be more investigative while also considering the client first, Baker says. Buske hopes to continue offering the CRB training and certification in addition to her Child Abuse & Neglect course in the future. Students are beginning to really see themselves as advocates, not just lawyers. Advocates are what these clients really need, Buske shares. She is grateful that the CRB and Elliott agreed to participate, and that Willamette Law Dean Brian Gallini believed in her vision for the course. The stars aligned and I believe our students, community, and the legal profession in Oregon are better for it, she says. Unbelievable Jens Stoltenberg: Putin is using the destruction of Western equipment in Ukraine for propaganda purposes. We must be aware: Putin ordered his troops to destroy the weapons that the free world is transferring to Ukraine for propaganda purposes. The Russians are displaying burned-out NATO equipment to argue that it is ineffective. The Russians spare no effort to undermine an American infantry fighting vehicle or a British tank, they use mines, grenade launchers, drones and anti-tank missiles, and they use excessive lethal force simply to discredit Western efforts in support of Ukraine, Stoltenberg said. Maybe the west should have built better stuff and or maybe, just maybe not started a war with Russia Cant wait until they start their war against China and they are trying to do just that, then China can be hateful and use too big bombs to sink all American Warships floating near China Unbelievable to imagine that the West is that damn Woke and Karenized WtR A third option for an updated COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by the FDA. It is made by the company Novovax, which had produced a vaccine for the original strain as well. The two updated vaccines already approved are the messenger RNA or mRNA ones from Pfizer and Moderna companies. Novovax is touting its different method of production, supposedly an older protein unit technique. The difference is how the vaccine asks your immune system to create an immune reaction and memory. These technically are updated versions, not boosters. A booster enhances immunity already present against known strains of the virus. These new ones have been designed to defend against the newer omicron COVID variants now circulating. Therefore, they are called updated. The COVID strain selected is XBB.1.5, but that has been crowded out by even newer strains EG.5, B.2.86 and FL.1.5.1. Most of the mutations in these are in the spike protein that attaches the virus to our cells. The thinking is that the XBB strain is still enough like these new guys for the vaccine to be effective. The technology used for mRNA vaccines is to make the mRNA in a lab that manufactures the omicron XBB spike protein. It is injected and absorbed into your cells, which become the factories to make that protein unit. That protein goes into your bloodstream, is recognized as foreign and an immune reaction is created by your T and B lymphocytes. The protein unit method for Novovax is really complicated. Researchers somehow select the desired genes that create the spike protein. They insert those (very carefully) into an insect virus called baculovirus. They then make the virus infect moth cells and replicate inside them. These moth cells make lots of spike proteins. The researchers extract (very carefully) and purify those proteins. Those are put into the vaccine along with a substance from soapbark tree to boost the reaction. Once in you, they stimulate the immune reaction and memory. This is similar to some influenza vaccines method of manufacture. It doesnt matter which vaccine you get, per studies so far. The measurable antibody response seems to be equivalent. Its being recommended that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated against COVID. Remember that the current COVID death rate in Minnesota is about two people a day. Almost all are old folks. But they have to get their germs from someone. Its a lot less likely to be you if you are vaccinated. Novovax is authorized for ages 12 and older. The mRNAs are for ages 6 and up. Younger ages can be authorized as well under certain conditions. The FDA website says that Novovax individuals previously vaccinated with any COVID shot can get one dose at least two months after the last dose of the original vaccine. For those never vaccinated, two doses are given three weeks apart. For the immune compromised, they can get two shots two months apart. Lots of information here. With any of the updated vaccines your chances of getting infected are lessened. They never have claimed complete prevention. The CDC has taken a clue from this approach with this years flu shot. Their message is From Wild to Mild. It delivers the same admonition as the COVID vaccines. The message campaign says that a vaccine will tame a bout of flu by reducing its strength from that of a lion or bear to that of a kitten or stuffed toy, but it wont prevent infection. This is true for you, but its as important for those around you who are more at risk, like older, sicker folks. If you get infected but not sick, you are not as loaded with viruses and not as liable to pass it on. This concept caused me to muse: What if there were a vaccine that would bring politicians rather flagrant, wild rhetoric down to a mild, reasonable discourse? Should all elected politicians be compelled to get it? Winona State University is one step closer to finding its next president. Minnesota State chancellor and former Winona State University president Scott Olson visited the universitys campuses Monday in Winona and Rochester to speak with staff, faculty and students about what they want from his successor. I've heard we need a leader that is visionary, that believes in shared governance, that is committed to student success and academic quality, who works well with the community, Olson said. Olson said, before talking to the Winona students, staff and faculty Monday afternoon, that he expected students will focus their wants for their next president around student life, activities on campus and wanting a great environment for students at the university. He expected faculty and staff wants for the new president will be focused on support for the universitys employees. Olson said some people may want the best things of the university to be preserved under the new president, while other people may be focused on wanting innovation and trying new things. Olson said a successful next president will recognize and honor what makes the university unique. I suppose the main thing would be somebody who demonstrates to me that they really get what Winona State University here and in Rochester are all about, he said. And it's not like a lot of other institutions. It has a sense of pride and tradition of excellence. It's very interwoven with the communities it serves. I'll really be listening for somebody who gets, Oh, this is what is so interesting and distinctive about Winona, Rochester and Winona State University. And, if somebody can't get that, if they think it's just a cookie cutter of the place that they're leaving behind, they probably wont be successful. Olson said the thoughts of the universitys community will be used to create a prospectus, a 16-20 page document that will explain information like whats great about the university, Winona and Rochester, why the position may be a good opportunity for someone, strategic plans that the university is working on and challenges that are currently being faced at the university. Olson said the prospectus will be sent to hundreds of prospective candidates in an attempt to interest them in applying for the position. About 10-12 applicants will eventually be chosen and interviewed privately by a search advisory committee that will include students, employees and community members. The committee is expected to then recommend three candidates who will come to the university to complete in-person interviews, participate in receptions, conduct speeches and get to know the university and surrounding communities. Community members will then be asked for their opinions about the candidates. Ultimately, Olson will end up recommending one of the candidates to the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. Olson expects the vote to take place in mid-spring, and, if the candidate is approved, they will likely start either July 1 or Aug. 1. Olson served as the universitys president from 2012 until the end of July. He was chosen to succeed now-former chancellor Devinder Malhotra in May and began in the new role Aug. 1. Kenneth Janz is currently serving as the universitys interim president. Several memorial gatherings are planned to honor the memory of Jeff Omen, who died on Monday after falling off a ladder while decorating his house for Halloween. He was 68. His decorations brought young and old to the house at 314 N. Center St. for decades as he turned the Queen Anne structure into the backdrop of a perfect Halloween scene including skeletons, grave stones and even hearses and other vehicles. The scenes he created drew crowds before and after Halloween every year. His family has requested memorials to be sent to the Beaver Dam Fire Department, which Omen served for 30 years. Jeff was well liked at the station and off duty as well, said Beaver Dam Deputy Fire Chief Lee Smith, who worked with Omen over the years. We all have so many memories of him with all his pranks and shenanigans and could tell stories for hours. Jeff would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in a time of need. He will be greatly missed. Omen started at the Beaver Dam Fire Department in July of 1977 and retired as a firefighter EMT on Oct. 1, 2007. Funeral is Tuesday A memorial gathering will take place on Tuesday at Trinity Church United Methodist in Beaver Dam. It will run from 11 a.m. until the memorial service at 3 p.m. The service will also be livestreamed through the church at www.trinityumbd.org/onlineworship. Bradley Klatt is facilitating an organized way for fellow motorcycle riders to get the funeral. Omen was an avid biker. The group will meet at Tower Lanes in Beaver Dam at 1:45 p.m. and leave at 2 p.m. We will ride as a group to honor Jeff down Spring Street, through downtown, and then turn on Center Street to drive by (Omens) house to the church for the visitation. Lets make this a big turnout for Jeff and family, Klatt said in a post on Wednesday. Klatt said Friday he knew of at least 20 people who were planning to ride to the service together. It could be 40 or 50, said Klatt, who added he did not ask people to confirm with him. The route is simple, so I know it will be easy to manage even if we have over 100. Vigil planned Sarah Sherwood-Gehrke, who organizes the Beaver Dam Chatter page, is putting together a candlelight vigil for Omen from 7 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. It will be outside Jeffs home on his favorite holiday, Halloween night, Sherwood-Gehrke said in the post. This will bring the community together in remembering Jeff and all the joy he has brought everyone, Sherwood-Gehrke posted in the event notice on Facebook on Thursday. Bring a candle to burn and remember in silence or talking with others about memories. Jeffs family is aware of the event and welcome it. It will be a beautiful thing to see all the candles burning. Beaver Dam police are aware of the memorials for Omen and want to make sure the activities are safe, Police Chief John Kreuziger said. We can give a funeral escort if the family would like one, and may be able to block some intersections to keep the event safe for the funeral escort, Kreuziger said. The family or the funeral home needs to contact a supervisor working the day of the event. Omens unique touch Omen graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1973. His friend Linda Carney said he took over the position that her father, Dean Wheeler, had on the Fire Department, when her father retired. He had the kindest heart and warmest personality, Carney said. I will never forget the fire truck rides. Omen told The Daily Citizen after purchasing a lime green truck 1977 Peter Pirsch custom-built fire truck in November 2012 that he knew he would someday own the truck when he first saw it. Omen, then 23, had started his career as a volunteer firefighter for Beaver Dam when he first saw the truck during a practice night. It has been my favorite truck for the last 30 years, Omen said at the time. I always told people someday I was going to buy that truck. Omen also owned older versions of hearses prior to purchasing the fire truck. He was able to buy the citys first ambulance, a 1964 International Travel All, a few months after the fire truck was purchased. Decorating Of course, what brought the most attention to Omen, besides his unique style, were the decorations he put up on his home on Halloween and Christmas. Omen said in past interviews that he gradually increased the amount of decorations he had over the years even before moving into the Center Street home. The tradition was similar to that of his father, John Omen, who decorated his house as well. John Omen, a former mayor of Beaver Dam, died in 2018. Anyone who want to follow the familys wishes for memorials to be donated to the fire station may do so by addressing them to the Beaver Dam Fire Department in memory of Jeff Omen. They can be dropped off or sent to the Beaver Dam Fire Department, 205 S. Lincoln Ave, Beaver Dam, WI 53916. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Republican Steve Scalise has ended his bid to become House speaker after failing to secure the votes to win the gavel. Scalise told GOP colleagues at a closed-door meeting late Thursday of his decision. Next steps are uncertain as the House is essentially closed while Republicans try to elect a speaker after ousting Kevin McCarthy from the job. Scalise says the Republican majority still has to come together and is not there. He had been working furiously to secure the votes after being nominated by a majority of his colleagues, but after hours of private meetings over two days it was clear many other Republican lawmakers were not budging from their refusal to support him. After four years, Park Seo Joon finally decided to go back to the Philippines to meet his loyal Filipino fans. On Friday, Oct. 14, the Korean actor decided to have a fan meeting at the Araneta Coliseum. Many of his fans, as well as journalists, attended the event. During the fan meeting, he was asked how he was able to understand all the characters of series and movies he accepted. Here's what the celebrity shared. Park Seo Joon Back in the Philippines After Four Years According to Philstar's latest report, Park Seo Joon shared some acting advice that he himself relied on to become a great Korean actor. "When I receive a scenario or project, I first try to look and take in all the information I can get," he explained. "Once I see some missing spots, as an actor it's my responsibility to fill them [in] myself," added the popular actor. The Korean celebrity even provided an example using a hypothetical 35-year-old doctor. Park Seo Joon explained that if he's given this kind of character, he will think about how the doctor became what he is. These include the processes the character went through. Aside from tips on how he can effectively portray characters, the media also asked him what advice would he give to his 18-year-old self. "In those years I was having a very hard time because I really had a vague future, so my advice would be, 'Just do your best, everything will work out, and never lose your old self,'" said Seo Joon. Read Also: Sophie Turner Breaks Her Silence Amid Divorce With Joe Jonas, Reunites With Taylor Swift Will Park Seo Joon Make Another Philippine Visit? Many fans were happy to see their idol once again in the Philippines. Before the fan meeting ended, Park Seo Joon teased his fans, saying that he would come back again to the Asian country very soon. This is because he has been shooting "Gyeongseong Creature" for the past two years. The first season of the series is expected to be released before 2023 ends. So, it is safe to conclude that if ever Park Seo Joon visits the Philippines again this 2023, he will bring some big updates about the upcoming "Gyeongseong Creature." Other Korean Actors Visiting the Philippines Aside from Park Seo Joon, GMA News Online reported that Korean actors Kim Jae Won and Ahn Hyo Seop are also in the Philippines. Unlike Seo Joon, Jae Won is visiting the Philippines to spend his vacation in Cebu. On his official Instagram account, he posted some photos of himself having a good time while swimming and enjoying the view of a waterfall. Meanwhile, Hyo Seop is in Anilao, Batangas for the same reason as Park Seo Joon, which is to have a fan meeting. You can click this link to learn more about their Philippine visits. Related Article: 'She Ain't No Diva': Beyonce's Diva Performance Now Viral on TikTok, TwitterWho's That Lady She Pointed At? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. She hasnt been seen since Saturday when she left her home to go to the Greater Nevada Credit Union on Los Altos Parkway. startraksphoto.com/Vince Flores/Sara De Boer Music Taylor and Justin, who used to be good friends before he broke up with her BFF Selena Gomez, teamed up on a song titled 'Cannonball', which was supposed to make a cut of his third album, 'Believe'. Oct 14, 2023 AceShowbiz - Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber's unreleased collaboration got leaked. The song, which is titled "Cannonball", was supposed to make the cut of the Canadian crooner's third album, "Believe". On the track, the former friends sing in harmony, "I think you like this/ 'Cause your love is like a cannonball." They continue, "I don't wanna treat this love like a battle/ There was a time I was on your side but not anymore/ 'Cause your love is like a cannonball." While some people liked the song, many were left unimpressed by it. "Sound bad tho," one person wrote, while another penned, "Glad it didn't came out." A third chimed in, "Instantly the worst song Taylor has ever been a part of." The criticism didn't stop there. More came forward with one commenting, "We don't care keep it in the trash bin." A different individual replied, "This sounds boring." Justin allegedly invited Taylor "to do a writing session" back in August 2011. "It didn't go on Believe, because there's another record they want to work on. So, it just didn't make sense at this time, and the song they did just didn't make sense on this album," Justin's longtime manager Scooter Braun reportedly stated. Taylor and Justin used to be good friends, but they became estranged after he allegedly cheated on her BFF Selena Gomez. The feud intensified when he showed support for rapper Kanye West, who once humiliated Taylor at the 2009 MTV VMAs. Taylor herself is beefing with Justin's manager, Scooter, over the acquisition of her catalog. Back in 2019, Taylor called out Scooter for acquiring her albums' masters. "I learned about Scooter Braun's purchase of my masters as it was announced to the world," she wrote. "All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I've received at his hands for years." "My team attempted to enter into negotiations with Scooter Braun. Scooter's team wanted me to sign an ironclad NDA stating I would never say another word about Scooter Braun unless it was positive, before we could even look at the financial records of BMLG (which is always the first step in a purchase of this nature)," she added. "So, I would have to sign a document that would silence me forever before I could even have a chance to bid on my own work." The Grammy winner said negotiations never got underway, because of the strict NDA demands. "He would never even quote my team a price. These master recordings were not for sale to me," she declared. You can share this post! Israel's six-hour Gaza evacuation order has ended. Recently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Palestinians should move toward the Gaza Valley. Reports stated that IDF released the advisory a day after it ordered over 1 million residents in northern Gaza to leave their homes. However, it is unclear how many Palestinians received the message since Gaza currently has no electricity or internet. Now that the evacuation order's period ended, what will happen in Gaza next? Israel's Six-Hour Gaza Evacuation Order Is Over-What Happens Next? According to CNN World's latest report, IDF's Arabic spokesperson Avishay Adraee explained that the evacuation order will allow Palestinians to safely move on specified streets between 3:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. local time) on Saturday, Oct. 14. They were advised to move southward from Beit Hanoun to Khan Yunis. Meanwhile, Gazans who are located in the AI-Shate, West Al-Zaytoun, and Al-Rimal areas were allowed to move along AI-Sana and Daldul streets so they could reach Salah Al-Din and Al-Bahr streets. Although IDF didn't provide the exact reason for the mass evacuation, military experts claim that the order was announced as the Israeli military prepares to increase their counterattacks in retaliation against the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist strike. "In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians," said IDF. "Evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields," added the Israeli military. With these details, it is safe to assume that the IDF will conduct its attacks in Gaza since the six-hour evacuation order already ended. But, it is unclear how serious the countermeasures of IDF will be. Read Also: 'Day of Rage' Overview: Cities Worldwide on Edge as Hamas Urges Palestine Supporters to Protest Will Evacuation Order Really Reduce Civilian Casualties? IDF claimed that the six-hour evacuation would reduce civilian casualties as they tried to eliminate Hamas terrorists hiding in Gaza. However, since Gazans have no access to the internet and electricity, there's a high chance that many of them didn't receive the order. Yes, the IDF did try other efforts to ensure that the order had been received, such as dropping leaflets from airplanes. However, Time Magazine explained that the mass evacuation could still lead to higher civilian casualties since it could cause panic and fear among Palestinian civilians. The UN already encouraged the Israeli government to withdraw its evacuation command, saying that the order could lead to devastating humanitarian consequences. Related Article: Hamas Attack Update: Israel Publishes Graphic Photos of Murdered, Burned Babies-PM Office Says 'Hamas is ISIS' @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Lionsgate Movie Filmmaker Kevin Greutert gives a hint at the fate of the iconic villain John Kramer/Jigsaw as he discusses the latest installment of the horror franchise 'Saw'. Oct 14, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kevin Greutert sees "Saw X" as a farewell to Jigsaw. The 58-year-old filmmaker has directed the latest movie in the horror franchise and considers it to be a goodbye to Tobin Bell's iconic antagonist John Kramer/Jigsaw. "We'll just have to see what the future of 'Saw' is. There are so many directions we could go, but for me, there's no obvious one coming out of this film. I really wanted it to feel like a kind of final send-off for the Jigsaw character, but never say never," Kevin told The Hollywood Reporter. In a first for the series, "Saw X" has been praised by critics and Greutert thinks that the gamble to get the audience to empathise with the cancer-stricken Jigsaw has paid off. He said, "We took a risk by really fleshing out John Kramer's character. It's contrary to the 'Jaws' and 'Alien' wisdom that the less you see of your monster, the better. If this movie had a chance, it was going to be by going deep into John Kramer." Kevin had a good feeling about the movie even though no traditional test screenings took place. He explained, "We didn't do any kind of traditional test screening. We really never do on the 'Saw' films out of concern that spoilers are going to leak out." "I can say that when I first started showing scenes to the producers and to Lionsgate, their reactions were really encouraging. And then, when the film was finally cut together and people started seeing it, I felt pretty good. I felt like it was going to be great." Kevin added, "And even in the preparation stage, when I was hiring crew members and showing candidates the script, some of them knew nothing about 'Saw', but you could feel their enthusiasm for it. So you could see at the script stage that it was going to be pretty cool." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity According to a new report, the actor's mom Deanna Esmaeel, a sheriff deputy, was murdered in her own home in Crescent City, California with his boyfriend as the murder suspect. Oct 14, 2023 AceShowbiz - "The Sandlot" star Marty York is mourning the loss of his mother, Deanna Esmaeel. According to TMZ on Friday, October 13, Deanna Esmaeel, a sheriff deputy, was murdered in her own home in Crescent City, California. Following the death, the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office put out a public alert in hopes of tracking down the alleged suspect. Investigators named Daniel James Walter, Esmaeel's boyfriend, as the suspect in murder. The authorities were able to locate Walter's vehicle. However, the 54-year-old is still on the loose. "We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel," Sheriff Scott, who worked alongside Esmaeel at the Del Norte Sheriff's Office, said in a statement, via TMZ. "Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers." York also addressed his mom's passing in a social media post on Friday. "This is the hardest post I'll ever have to write but I found out from the sheriff department last night that my mother was murdered by a man she was seeing," he wrote alongside a picture of him posing with his late mom. "The emotions I have are horrible right now between rage, vengance [sic], crying," the actor, who was best known for playing "Yeah-Yeah" in 1993's "The Sandlot", elaborated. "There is a nationwide manhunt underway, please if you've seen this man contact the authorities immediately!" He also included a Ramey Warrant for Walter. He added in the comment section, "I just want my mom back." Fans left supportive messages in the comments section. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Marty. Praying for you and your family," one said in a comment. "Oh Marty, I'm so sorry to hear this. My wife and I are sending prayers and pray that they get this man and prosecute him to the maximum. Love you brother," one other added. "This is horrific. I am so sorry. Sending you all my love," someone else wrote. You can share this post! INSTARimages.com/JENNIFER GRAYLOCK Celebrity The 'Walk It Talk It' rapper is blasted by two figures in the animal rights organization after spoiling his raptress wife with three Hermes bags, which were made of crocodiles' skin, for her 31st birthday. Oct 14, 2023 AceShowbiz - Offset was called out by PETA over his choice of birthday gift to Cardi B. Shortly after spoiling his wife with three Birkin bags from Hermes which were made of crocodiles' skin, the "Walk It Talk It" rapper was strongly criticized by a number of figures in the animal rights organization. On Friday, October 13, the 31-year-old Migos rapper received a letter from PETA's Celebrity Relations Assistant Manager Nicole Cummins which was seen by DailyMail.com. In the letter, Nicole allegedly wrote, "We saw that you gifted Cardi B three Hermes Birkin bags for her birthday. Everyone deserves a little luxury, but in this case, it came at a high price for animals." "Crocodiles killed for the bags you bought are packed into severely crowded, barren concrete pits for months or even years before they're finally slaughtered for their skin," Nicole continued. "A PETA Asia investigation into the crocodile-skin trade revealed that workers stabbed crocodiles with a metal blade in an attempt to sever their spinal cords, but this method simply causes paralysis and likely extreme pain, but not death." "The crocodiles were most likely alive and suffering horribly when they were inflated, skinned, and disemboweled," Nicole added. "The bags you purchased were once living, feeling individuals who endured unbearable pain, moment by moment, while they were being killed." In the same letter, Nicole went on to suggest, "If you're dead-set on splurging half a million on birthday gifts, please consider animal-free products from luxury brands like these in the future. It's a win-win. Animals get to live, and you get to maintain that high-roller status. Give it a thought, please." Aside from Nicole, PETA's Vice President Lisa Lange issued a public statement via the organization's official website. "Instead of using his wealth and influence for good, Offset chose to funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars into a gruesome, violent industry that electroshocks crocodiles, shoves metal rods into their heads in an attempt to scramble their brains, and mutilates them while they're still alive," Lisa said. "PETA reminds everyone that people who still spend their money on a closet full of dead animals body parts either are clueless or simply don't care about the extreme cruelty they are perpetuating," Lisa further pointed out. She then stressed, "It's just not worth it." On Wednesday, October 11, Offset gifted Cardi three luxury Birkin bags, which were made of crocodiles' skin, from Hermes for her 31st birthday. The raptress later shared a photo of the three handbags via Instagram on Thursday, October 12. In the snap, she flaunted three different styles of purses that came in brown, white and pink colors. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity While 'Harry Potter' star and the BAFTA Award winner seem to be having a lot fun during their outing in Mayfair, London, the British writer says that the actress is 'out of [his] league.' Oct 14, 2023 AceShowbiz - Months after her split from Brandon Green, Emma Watson may have moved on with someone one. The actress has been caught having a "cozy" lunch date with British filmmaker Hassan Akkad in London. The pair enjoyed a date at expensive Italian restaurant Cecconi's in Mayfair earlier this week. "They seemed very cozy," an onlooker said of the twosome. The British actress was reportedly caught embracing the BAFTA Award winner during their lunch date. Emma and Hassan, indeed, looked happy and in good spirits that day. In photos obtained by Daily Mail, the two were all smiles as they walked side by side when leaving the restaurant. They were later seen getting into the filmmaker's Skoda SUV. Both of them dressed casually for the outing. Emma was wearing a blue sweatshirt with dark trousers teamed with white sneakers. She had a large black backpack slung over one of her shoulders while she held a cup of coffee. The "Harry Potter" star appeared to go makeup free and kept her accessory to a minimum with a necklace. She sported bright red nails while her hair was styled in a messy updo. As for Hassan, he rocked a black Nike sweatshirt with white stripes paired with black shorts. He also put on a pair of white-and-gray sneakers while covering his eyes with dark shades. He was seen holding his own cup of coffee while also carrying what seems to be Emma's water bottle. Emma and Hassan have struck up a friendship since 2017, when they met at a summit in Italy where they were both giving talks. Despite their seemingly close relationship, the former English teacher in Damascus told the Mail on Thursday, October 12 of the 33-year-old actress, "She's out of my league." In his memoir "Hope Not Fear", the human rights activist wrote about his experience of meeting the actress, "I suggested that we borrow one of the Maserati that were being loaned to guests and go for a drive. There I was, driving a car with Emma Watson through the stunning countryside." "I kept saying how surreal the whole experience was and so Emma started filming me on her mobile phone," the writer continued recalling. "We went back and that night we danced together at the hotel. Back in the U.K., my friendship with Emma grew." He went on sharing, "We went to a music festival together and she introduced me to her friends. We have a shared passion for photography and films. We would usually spend time at her house because she didn't want to go out and get recognised." Emma was previously in a relationship with Brandon Green. They were reportedly in a "serious" relationship for 18 months before breaking up "some time after Christmas" in 2022. The split rumors arrived in May after it was said that Emma was getting back together with one of her ex-boyfriends. The "Beauty and the Beast (2017)" actress was spotted attending a Taylor Swift concert in Las Vegas earlier this year with her ex Brendan Wallace. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity In a video surfacing online on Friday, October 13, the 27-year-old controversial emcee and his crew allegedly ran to a producer's home in the country before they left the scene shortly after. Oct 15, 2023 AceShowbiz - 6ix9ine's trouble with the law doesn't end just yet. According to new reports, the "GOOBA" rapper was arrested in the Dominican Republic after he allegedly assaulted two producers. In a video surfacing online on Friday, October 13, the 27-year-old controversial emcee and his crew allegedly ran to a producer's home in the country. A few minutes later, the group could be seen leaving the scene. Although the reported beatdown was not caught on camera, 6ix9ine was later apprehended by authorities after they received reports about the MC assaulting two men. The attack itself reportedly stemmed from an ill-received incident involving his girlfriend. Felix Humberto Portes Nunez, a criminal lawyer in the Dominican Republic, revealed in an Instagram post that 6ix9ine was trying to board a private jet to flee the country. However, authorities managed to stop the plane and issued a warrant against the hip-hop artist for "blows and injuries, and threats." However, Felix later updated his post to say that 6ix9ine ended up on "MIGRATION ALERT" and that his whereabouts were "unknown." It remains to be seen at this time where the rapper is and whether he was actually arrested. The news arrived more than two months after 6ix9ine got arrested for failing to appear in court. He was taken into Palm Beach County Jail on August 8 but released from custody three hours later on a $2,000 bond, according to TMZ. The arrest stemmed from 6ix9ine receiving three traffic tickets in June. He was pulled over by police for driving over the speed limit, with court documents stating he was given a ticket for speeding after going 135mph in a 65mph zone on the Florida Turnpike, and was also issued citations for having no car insurance and an unregistered vehicle. The rapper, who was released early from federal prison in 2020 after admitting participation in gang activity and becoming a witness for the prosecution, failed to appear for a court hearing on the matter in July. It prompted a judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. You can share this post! Cover Images/INSTARimages.com/Instagram Celebrity More than one month after tying the knot with the 'Warrior Nun' star, the 'Captain America: The First Avenger' actor is caught on camera wearing a silver wedding band at the event. Oct 14, 2023 AceShowbiz - Chris Evans has shown off his wedding ring for the first time in front of the public's eyes. More than one month after marrying Alba Baptista, the leading man in "Captain America: The First Avenger" was spotted with a band on that finger when making an appearance at New York Comic Con. On Friday, October 13, the 42-year-old Marvel star could be seen wearing a silver wedding ring in photos uploaded by one of his fans via X, formerly known as Twitter. In the snaps, which were captioned, "So happy to meet chris evans again @NY_Comic_Con," he was striking a pose with the female fan on the red carpet of the event. He appeared in good spirits as he smiled from ear-to-ear and placed one of his hands on the fan's upper back. For the event, Chris opted to wear a casual ensemble, consisting of a long-sleeved brown jacket, a light gray tee that came with a high neck design and a pair of long dark red trousers. He completed the look with a layer of gold necklace, brown belt as well as the ring. Chris Evans was spotted wearing his wedding band when he attended the New York Comic Con. The recently-released photo of Chris came more than one month after he tied the knot with actress Alba. The "Captain America: Civil War" actor and the "Warrior Nun" star held an intimate wedding ceremony at their home in Massachusetts on September 9. Chris and Alba reportedly invited only a number of their closest family and friends to the special event. The guests allegedly included his co-stars in "The Avengers", namely Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner. Prior to the nuptials, Chris shared a rare insight into his relationship with Alba. In his GQ profile, he shared a discussion that they had in the beginning of their romance. He recalled, "When we began dating I was like, 'Yeah, I do one movie a year. I try to never work now.' And then, after like a few months of dating, boom, guess what? We're living in Atlanta for a year." The "Knives Out" actor additionally revealed, "[Alba]'s really big into people's energies and first impressions." He then admitted, "I'm not so much. Because I feel that I don't always give off the same thing out of the gate. So I try to really reserve judgment." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The Puerto Rican musician seemingly talks about him and the supermodel spending an intimate moment together at her sister's home on his single from his new album. Oct 14, 2023 AceShowbiz - Bad Bunny may refuse to publicly comment on his rumored romance with Kendall Jenner. However, he seemingly talked about him and the supermodel spending a sexy time together at her sister's home in his new single titled "FINA". On the new song, which is from his latest album released on Friday, October 13, "Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Manana", Bad Bunny raps, "Que yo soy un bellaco, pero tu me gana'/ Bien arrebata'o chingando en casa de tu hermana." The lyrics translate to, "That I am a scoundrel, but you beat me/ Good snatch or f**king at your sister's house." Kendall's biological sister is Kylie Jenner. The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" alum is also the half-sister of Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian. This wasn't the first time for Bad Bunny to make an apparent reference to his romance with Kendall. On his song "Coco Chanel", which was dropped back in March, the Puerto Rican star seemingly shaded the model's ex Devin Booker. "Yo no soy malo, nah, bebe, eso e' un gimmick/ Pero el sol de PR calienta ma' que el de Phoenix/ Ella lo sabe," he raps on the song. It translates to, "I'm not bad, baby that's a gimmick/ But the sun in Puerto Rico is hotter than in Phoenix/ She knows it." Devin plays for Phoenix Suns. He further fueled speculations that it was about "The Kardashians" as he raps, "las de escorpio son peligro," which translates to, "Scorpio women are dangerous." Last month, Bad Bunny explained that he didn't plan to talk about his personal life. "I'm not really interested in clarifying anything because I have no commitment to clarify anything to anyone. I am clear and my friend Jomar is clear and my mother is clear," he said to Vanity Fair magazine. "They are the only ones to whom I have to clarify anything. As for Juliana Dominguez from Mississippi - a random fan's name, I'm pretty sure - I have nothing I need to clarify to her. Never. About anything," he continued. Bad Bunny and Kendall first sparked rumors in February when they were snapped leaving the same Beverly Hills restaurant around the same time. The two later fueled the dating rumors when they were seen on multiple occasions, including a romantic horseback ride and a courtside appearance at a Los Angeles Lakers game. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 'Just Like That' actress feels guilty for having a wonderful life after witnessing people's sufferings overseas as she visited refugees from the war-torn country of Ukraine. Oct 15, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kristin Davis is left "kind of guilty" about her "beautiful" home life. The 58-year-old actress becomes a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and recently visited Chisinau, in the Republic of Moldova amid Russian president Vladimir Putin's ongoing war against Ukraine to see the support being offered there to waves of displaced families and seeing the impact of the war first-hand has made her even more grateful for the life she leads in the US with her adopted children, Gemma, 12, and five-year-old Wilson. "I certainly have a renewed commitment - I feel very personally involved. But I also feel kind of guilty when I come home to my beautiful house and my beautiful children. We're so lucky that we're not going through this. You have to be really thankful," she said to Britain's HELLO! magazine. The war in Ukraine broke in February 2022, and the West were quick to economically and militarily support the country, whilst imposing harsh sanctions on Russia, but the "And Just Like That" star is concerned how long the country will continue to receive foreign aid. She said, "I'm looking at the news in a whole different way [now] and I'm worried about the U.S.'s support - will our support continue and the international support?" During her trip to Chisinau, Kristin visited a community centre which supported vulnerable women and children and she hailed the facility as "inspiring." She told Hello! magazine, "I don't think I've ever been to a host community where they are accepting the refugees with such incredible warmth. It was so inspiring to see. "You read about something in the news, but to actually meet the people and hear their incredibly vivid and horrible stories that forced them to leave. One woman, Anhelina, is 20 years old. She was telling us that her grandfather and father had to stay behind and fight, though they've never shot a gun." You can share this post! Netflix TV Netflix has been blasted for turning tragedy into controversy for planning to show Princess Diana's ghost forgiving ex-husband Charles after her horrific car crash. Oct 15, 2023 AceShowbiz - Princess Diana's ghost will show up in the new season of "The Crown". The sixth season of the regal drama will focus on the aftermath of the princess' death in a Paris car accident in 1997, and scenes will be included when both Prince Charles, played by Dominic West, and Queen Elizabeth (Imelda Staunton) make their peace with the late royal when she comes to them in visions. "Thank you for how you were in the hospital. So raw, broken - and handsome. I'll take that with me. You know I loved you so much. So deeply, so painfully too. That's over now. It will be easier for everyone with me gone," Diana - who is played by Elizabeth Debicki - tells a weeping Charles, after he is depicted sobbing over her body in the hospital morgue, according to MailOnline. And as the queen discusses plans for a state funeral with Charles, Diana appears and they hold hands as the monarch tells her former daughter-in-law she has started a "revolution." Diana responds, "I know it must be terrifying As long as anyone can remember you've taught us what it means to be British. Maybe it's time to show you're ready to learn too." It is suggested the discussion prompts the queen to agree to address the nation in the wake of the tragedy. The scenes have been branded "utterly tasteless" by royal fans. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said, "The whole idea that Peter Morgan has scripted ghostly appearances by Diana is utterly tasteless. It is pitiful that someone with his skills has reduced what is undoubtedly a tragedy to something that he knows perfectly well will be controversial." But Netflix insisted the scenes are "sensitive and thoughtful." A spokesperson told RadioTimes.com, "After her death, Diana appears as part of an inner dialogue in separate scenes with Prince Charles and the Queen, who are both reflecting on their relationship with the late princess. These sensitive and thoughtful imagined conversations seek to bring to life the depth of emotion that was felt after such a seismic tragedy struck at the heart of the family." Producer Suzanne Mackie previously expressed her hope that audiences will agree they have thoughtfully and respectfully portrayed Diana's death and the aftermath on the show. She said at the Edinburgh TV festival in August, "The show might be big and noisy, but we're not. We're thoughtful people and we're sensitive people. There were very careful, long conversations about how we were going to do it." "The audience will judge it, in the end. But I think it's been delicately, thoughtfully recreated. Elizabeth Debicki is an extraordinary actress and she was so thoughtful and considerate. She loved Diana. There's a huge amount of respect from us all. I hope that's evident." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 86-year-old Sonic Youth co-founder has been forced to pull the plug on his upcoming book tour after doctors advised him against flying because of his health problem. Oct 15, 2023 AceShowbiz - Thurston Moore has called off his upcoming book tour due to a secret battle with a "debilitating" medical condition. The 65-year-old Sonic Youth co-founder was originally set to embark on a trek around the US later this month to promote his new memoir "Sonic Life" but he's called off the trip following advice from his doctors who have ordered him not to fly - with the musician revealing he's been secretly battling an undisclosed medical issue for years but it has worsened since he hit his mid-60s. "It utterly bereaves me to pass on the news that I have been advised by my medical team here in the UK to cancel my upcoming USA book tour," Thurston explained in a post on his Instagram page. "For years I have been dealing with a longstanding health condition, though it has never seriously stopped me from touring and recording. Regardless it's always been an underlying issue and as I reach my mid-60s this year it has become rather, and consistently, debilitating. After a recent consultation, my doctors have strongly advised against me flying anywhere under any circumstance until they get it all sorted out." He called the cancellation "utterly distressing" because he was looking forward to sharing his stories with fans, but he's insisted his followers will get refunds on their tickets and he hopes to be able to reorganise the dates in the future. Thurston added, "Fingers firmly crossed I have a chance to make it up to you when I'm cleared for travel again. As it is I am grateful to have such an awesome support system of love and attention at this moment. And to know how much love, respect, and appreciation we all share. For now, sending good energy, peace and love. Thurston." In a previous post on Instagram, the music star revealed he has spent "ages" working on the book and is very proud of it. He wrote, "This book has been ages in the making, the product of intensive research and deep dives into my memories and emotions." "I believe I've been able to capture the whirlwind of experiences that being in Sonic Youth entailed, as well as the creative communities that we found ourselves a part of, first in New York's punk and no wave scenes, and later in the world of underground and alternative rock and the universe of music- beyond- category. In some ways it barely scrapes the surface, but I'm proud of it and anxious to hear what everyone thinks." You can share this post! British actor Sir Michael Caine, who has won two Academy Awards, has announced that he would retire from acting after the release of his next film. Caine is 90 years old. "I keep saying I'm going to retire. Well, I am now. I've figured, I've had a picture where I've played the lead and had incredible reviews ... What am I going to do that will beat this?" Caine said on the BBC's Today show. According to Caine, the only parts he is liable to get now are the roles of a 90-year-old man. He said the primary actors in the movies are never above the age of 90; instead, they are always youthful and attractive. 'I'm Not Doing It' After shooting The Great Escaper, Caine told Today he had declined an offer for a role. He said he was handed a screenplay and checked the script. Within a screenplay that was 99 pages long, he was given a part with 15 pages of conversation. "I thought, 'I think that counts as a small part, I'm not doing it.' So I retired ... I thought, 'I'm ahead here, I may do a little part and get a bad review' ... so I thought, why not leave now? So I've left." Caine is one of the most well-known and beloved British cinema actors of the last 60 years, having starred in over 130 films during that time. The Dark Knight, The Italian Job, Interstellar, Inception, The Prestige, and the Kingsman film series are just a few of the finest movies he has worked on. In the past, he has alluded to The Great Escaper being his last feature before retiring. But this is not the first time his movie has been touted as his last appearance; Harry Brown in 2009 and Best Sellers in 2021 were both labeled as such. A month ago, he said he was cast as Charles Darwin in a movie set to begin filming in the new year. Also Read: Teletubbies Sun Baby Announces Pregnancy-Feel Old Yet? The Political Contrasts Caine portrays real-life Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan in the new film The Great Escaper. Jordan made news in 2014 when he escaped from a care facility in Hove, East Sussex, and traveled to Normandy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Glenda Jackson, who finished shooting months before her death in June, and John Standing, who portrays a fictitious former RAF pilot he meets on the ship, also feature. Caine and Jackson worked together for the first time in the 1975 film The Romantic Englishwoman, and although they got along, Caine claimed that he disagreed with Jackson's leftist ideals, as reported by the Guardian. Jackson served for almost 20 years as a Labour MP. "She is a very leftwing politician. And she'd like me, but she wouldn't want to mix with me socially. Because I was obviously wealthy and everything, and not a spitting socialist," Caine explained. Previously, he has discussed the political contrasts between the two, telling the Guardian, "I'm all for making money because I come from a very poor background." Also Read: Alarming: Bruce Willis 'Not Totally Verbal' Amid Dementia, Aphasia Battle, 'Moonlighting' Creator Reveals @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a world where life's hustle and bustle often keeps us apart, there's something truly magical about the bond of family that brings us back together, much like the joyous reunion during the vibrant celebration of Durga Puja. This Mahalaya, 14th October at 10:00pm, Colors Bangla Cinema extends an invitation to experience the television premiere of 'Ekannoborti,' a heartwarming story that celebrates the enduring spirit of familial love, tradition, and the beauty of second chances. Starring Aparajita Auddy, Sauraseni Maitra, Ananya Sen, and Alokananda Roy, Ekannoborti is a family drama that will tug at your heartstrings. Directed by Mainak Bhaumik, this cinematic masterpiece is a poignant reminder of the bonds that unite us. This movie explores a family's journey from unity to fragmentation and back together during a lively household Durga Puja, rekindling their joy amidst the festive chaos, transforming their home from silence to celebration. What sets Ekannoborti apart is the depth of emotion it carries. The soul-stirring song, Behaya, composed by Mainak Mazoomdar and penned by Nilanjan Chakraborty, captures the essence of the Bengali family. Sung by the mellifluous Lagnajita Chakraborty, this track is bound to touch your soul. The movie also boasts stellar performances by Kaushik Sen and Sudip Mukherjee, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Sagnik Ghosh, Business Head, Colors Bangla and Colors Bangla Cinema shared, At Colors Bangla Cinema, we are unwavering in our commitment to uniting individuals through the power of emotions and Ekannoborti resonates with that sentiment. Our brand byline Saat Ronge Bandha which means unified by the seven colours stands for this value of unification. We are happy to present the television premiere of a film that stands for the importance of family and its relevance in todays rapidly disintegrating world. Mark your calendars for a date with emotions, tradition, and the magic of familial bonds. Presented by Vivel Soaps (ITC) and special partner Dear Government Lotteries, witness the television premiere of Ekannoborti only on Colors Bangla Cinema, Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10:00 pm. Hershey India, a part of The Hershey Company, has unveiled its new Television Commercial directed by leading Indian film director, Vishal Bhardwaj for its iconic HERSHEYS KISSES brand, featuring brand ambassador Shraddha Kapoor. The film marks the long-awaited reunion of Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor with creative visionary Vishal Bhardwaj after a decade, since Haider. Embracing its commitment to fostering deeper bonds within relationships, the latest TVC from the HERSHEYS KISSES brand captures a heartfelt narrative centered around the relationship dynamics of a young couple. The film opens within the confines of a car, where emotions are running high as a young man takes the wheel, steering the car towards the airport to drop his lady love. Beside him sits the lady, played by Shraddha Kapoor, as they grapple with an unspoken desire of not wanting to part ways. The car steers to a halt as they reach the airport, and Shraddha prepares to leave to catch her flight. As she enters the airport, she pauses, glancing back to see him approaching her. He extends his hand, which nestles HERSHEYS KISSES product in his palm and Shraddha reciprocates with her own HERSHEYS KISSES product, indicative of their ritual of expressing love and affection. She decides to stay back, and they share a sweet moment by their parked car. Through this new film, the brand elegantly underscores how chocolates can foster cherished moments within relationships, evoking love and affection through simple, heartfelt gestures. Sharing his view on the latest TVC, Ankit Desai, Marketing Director, Hershey India said, HERSHEYS KISSES brand, embodies the space of the unspoken language of love and affection, through its proposition of Say it with a Kiss. The melt in mouth chocolate, with each piece uniquely wrapped, enables special moments with loved ones. The heart-tugging endearing creative is an addition to our on-going campaign, showcasing our brand ambassador, Shraddha Kapoor in yet another slice-of-life story, enabled by HERSHEYS KISSES brand. He added, This unique script, featuring Shraddha Kapoor, needed to be brought alive by a craftsman filmmaker, and who better than Vishal Bhardwaj. Life often revolves around simple, unspoken gestures that convey affection. Through this film, we aspire to breathe life into this idea. I hope this resonates with our audience and reminds them of the power of sharing such moments with each other. Speaking about the film, Shraddha Kapoor said, Working with Vishal sir has always been a creative revelation, and our reunion with the HERSHEYS KISSES brand has been an unparalleled experience, much like the chocolates we're celebrating. I am excited about the latest television commercial we have shot together for HERSHEYS. Its truly the little things that speak volumes about the unspoken bond between two people and the film very beautifully captures that! Sharing his views on his collaboration with HERSHEYS, Director Vishal Bhardwaj stated, The craft of telling stories through films has always been close to my heart. Directing a TVC for HERSHEYS has been a refreshing experience. It allowed me to explore a sweeter side of storytelling, weaving the magic of HERSHEYS KISSES brand into a delightful narrative. Siddharth Anand, the director of the highly anticipated movie "Fighter," recently gave fans a thrilling sneak peek with a behind-the-scenes glimpse. This exciting BTS has ignited the excitement of fans, leaving them eagerly anticipating the film's release. In the photo, the aura of authenticity is palpable, as numerous Air Force officers are seen seated with remarkable composure, creating a buzz among fans. https://www.instagram.com/stories/s1danand/3212425572794038359/ Siddharth Anand was recently in Italy shooting for dance numbers for the upcoming aerial action film. As the release of Fighter approaches, fans can hardly contain their excitement to witness the riveting story and remarkable performances in this action-packed film. "Fighter" promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle that fans won't want to miss. Fighter stars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor in the lead and is set to release on the 25th of January 2024. It is directed by Siddharth Anand and is produces by Mamta Anand and Marflix Pictures. Uber's deployment of ten uber campers for social media contest winners during India vs Pakistan match, garnered widespread jubilation and transformed the event into a festival-like celebration. This unconventional approach not only provided comfortable accommodations in a city strained for lodging but also served as a beacon of hospitality amidst the scarcity of options. The campers offered a range of amenities, from poolside relaxation to live TV streaming, ensuring a memorable experience for the fortunate winners. Image: Reuters / Mahmoud Issa The brutal attacks by Hamas are the most murderous assault on the Jews since the Holocaust in Europe, influential lawmakers told eminent Indian-Americans who have rallied behind Israel. Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out a barrage of air strikes in Southern Israel on Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in response, launched multiple attacks targeting Hamas key infrastructure. So far, over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip, the biggest escalation in decades between the two sides. The terrorist attacks in Israel committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians over the last week are the most sweeping, murderous assault on Jews that have taken place since the Holocaust in Europe, Congressman Jamie Raskin told a group of Indian-Americans at an event organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS). Addressing a group of Indian-Americans from across the country, Ruskin said there is a need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people. Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian people are not responsible for the crimes of Hamas, he said. We need to ruthlessly pursue and destroy Hamas and everybody who is part of it. At the same time, we respect the laws of war. As President Joe Biden has said, civilian life in the Palestinian community. Israel is our ally because it is a liberal democracy committed to the rule of law, bound by laws of war and committed to the protection of human rights and security for all people, Ruskin said. We are in very tough times, but we are all absolutely committed to seeing the destruction of Hamas, which has conducted these utterly savage and inhuman acts of terror on the civilian population of Israel. Its completely intolerable and Israel has an absolute right to self-defense and America stands shoulder to shoulder and arm in arm with Israel in pursuing this brutal terrorist act, Ruskin said. Describing it as the worst attack against the Jews since the Holocaust, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar said there is bipartisan support for Israel. We are going to support Israel in every possible way to ensure that Israel is able to fight these terrorists and eliminate Hamas entirely. We cannot live through another such horror and such an attack on civilians, on people, women, men, babies.., 40 babies being headed, he said. These are clearly terrorists and they need to be stopped. We stand firm, no mincing of words. This is not the time to talk about anything else, not talk about a two-state solution, but just to ensure that Israel has a strong and proper response and help Israel fight this terrorism, Thanedar said. Jason Isaacson from the American Jewish Committee applauded the Indian-American community for staying behind Israel during this crisis. In this extremely dark time, in this extremely threatening time, perilous time to know that our brothers and sisters in the Indian-American community are standing with us means a great deal to all of us, he said during the FIIDS event. I should also say that many of us have been just so struck by the immediate and heartfelt comments made by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi just within hours I believe of the attacks last Saturday, October 7th. Ive got his tweet in front of me here. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. I think just a few days later, he tweeted again his solidarity with Israel, Israels right to defend itself, Isaacson said. This is that kind of expression by the prime minister of the most populous nation on earth with an increasingly important relationship. Strategic partnership with Israel also means a great deal and was very deeply appreciated, the Jewish leader said. Ohio State Senator Niraj Atani said Hamas is a network of global Islamic jihadist. I do not see the Palestinian people taking up arms against Hamas. I do not see a resistance in Gaza or the West Bank against Hamas. I dont see a resistance in Lebanon against Hezbollah. All Ive seen from the Palestinian people is support and sympathy for these terrorists. That is what they are. They are not militants. They are terrorists and they must be treated as such. And I also want to caution us, yes, this is a particular terrorist group called Hamas, but this is part of a global network of Islamic terrorists that have struck us here on 9/11 in the United States that struck India and 2008 with the Mumbai terrorist attacks where my cousin had to take shelter in the train station that was under attack as she saw her fellow Indians being killed, Atani said. This is a network of global Islamic jihadists. Until we can say that we cannot move forward. So Israel absolutely has the right to hunt down and kill all of these terrorists wherever they may be, he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented attack. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. European Commissioner Thierry Breton has sent a letter to Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, reminding him about the EUs Digital Services Act (DSA) to keep illegal content and disinformation from being shared on YouTube related to the Israel-Hamas war. In the letter, also addressed to YoutTube CEO Neal Mohan, Breton said that following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, we are seeing a surge of illegal content and disinformation being disseminated in the EU via certain platforms. I would like to remind you that you have a particular obligation to protect the millions of children and teenagers using your platforms in the EU from violent content depicting hostage taking and other graphic videos, the commissioner said late on Friday. It means having appropriate and proportionate measures in place to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors, he added. Breton has already warned X, Meta and TikTok on removing terrorist propaganda and manipulated content, such as repurposed videos or clickbaits, from their respective platforms. He told Pichai that when you receive notices of illegal content in the EU, you must be timely, diligent and objective in taking action and removing the relevant content when warranted. Given the urgency, I also expect you to be in contact with the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol and ensure that you respond promptly to their requests, said Breton. In the context of elections, he told Pichai that the DSA requires that the risk of amplification of fake and manipulated images and facts generated with the intention to influence elections is taken extremely seriously in the context of mitigation measures. I invite you to inform my team on the details of the measures you have taken to mitigate any deepfakes, also in the light of upcoming elections in Poland, The Netherlands, Lithuania, Belgium, Croatia, Romania and Austria, and the European Parliament elections, said Breton. As you know, following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed, he added. Earlier, Meta said that since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel and Israels response in Gaza, expert teams from across our company have been working around the clock to monitor our platforms, while protecting peoples ability to use our apps to shed light on important developments happening on the ground. In the three days following October 7, we removed or marked as disturbing more than 795,000 pieces of content for violating these policies in Hebrew and Arabic, the social network said in a blog post. As compared to the two months prior, in the three days following October 7, we have removed seven times as many pieces of content on a daily basis for violating our Dangerous Organisations and Individuals policy in Hebrew and Arabic alone, Meta added. A Lebanese photojournalist was killed and six other reporters were injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanons southern village of Alma al-Shaab, the media reported. Israeli forces attacked a vehicle carrying journalists, killing Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese photojournalist working for Reuters, and injuring six other reporters working for international agencies that include Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, it said on Friday. It was reported that the injured people had been transferred to hospitals, as quoted by the Xinhua news agency report. In a statement released by Lebanons Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel for directly targeting journalists in its attacks on Lebanon, and wished a speedy recovery of the wounded reporters. Israel stepped up its assault on southern Lebanon on Friday by bombarding the area around the towns of Al-Dhahira, Alma al-Shaab, and Yarin, according to Lebanons National News Agency (NNA). According to NNA, the bombing on the outskirts of Alma al-Shaab led to a massive fire. In response, Hezbollah announced that its fighters had attacked four Israeli border sites in response to Fridays attacks on several southern Lebanese towns, prompting the Israeli Army to use a drone to attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on October 8 fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of October 7. The situation escalated again on October 9 after members of Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ), infiltrated northern Israel from Lebanon and clashed with Israeli forces, prompting the Israelis to hit several areas in southern Lebanon, killing three Hezbollah members. In return, Hezbollah attacked the Israeli Pranit and Avivim barracks in northern Israel on the evening of October 9 with guided missiles and mortar shells. On October 11, Hezbollah attacked the Israeli military site of Al-Jardah near the Lebanese border with guided missiles, claiming the shelling caused many casualties among the Israeli forces. Australians resoundingly rejected on Saturday a referendum proposal to create an advocacy committee to offer advice to Parliament on policies that affect Indigenous people the nations most disadvantaged ethnic minority. The government proposed the first constitutional change since 1977 as a step forward in Indigenous rights. But the vote divided Indigenous leaders as well as the wider community. More than 59% of voters opposed the so-called Voice to Parliament with almost half the votes counted by Saturday. The loss is unofficial but is not contested. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blamed his political opponents campaigning against the measure for the failure. No referendum has ever succeeded without support of the major parties. Albanese promised on the day he was elected last year to hold the referendum and accepted responsibility for his governments decision to proceed despite evidence it was doomed. I had a duty, as a conviction politician, to put that to the Australian people, Albanese told reporters. Bipartisan support is widely regarded as essential for an Australian referendums success. Only eight of 45 referendums have succeeded in the constitutions 122-year history. Voice advocate Tanya Hosch, who spent a decade on developing the model, said she was devastated by the result. Theres going to be a lot of pain and hurt and dismay and were going to need to take a moment to absorb that message and what it says, Hosch said. Voice advocates had hoped that listening to Indigenous views would lead to more effective delivery of government services and better outcomes for Indigenous lives. Opponents said the Voice would divide Australians along racial lines without reducing Indigenous disadvantages. They also said it could be a first step toward Indigenous claims for repatriation and compensation. Accounting for only 3.8% of the population, Indigenous Australians die on average eight years younger than the wider population, have a suicide rate twice that of the national average and suffer from diseases in the remote Outback that have been eradicated from other wealthy countries. Opposition leader Peter Dutton accused Albanese of needlessly creating racial division over a doomed referendum. The prime minister was warned over the course of the last 16 or 17 months not to proceed with this divisive referendum and he owes the Australian public an apology for that, Dutton said. Kenyan employees of Chinese firms honored in speech contest on Belt and Road Initiative Xinhua) 10:50, October 14, 2023 Concilia Owire, a female locomotive driver at the Standard Gauge Railway, gives a speech during the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition in Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 13, 2023. Ten employees of Chinese companies based in Kenya were awarded Friday after they emerged winners in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition, organized by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) NAIROBI, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Ten employees of Chinese companies based in Kenya were awarded Friday after they emerged winners in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition, organized by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association. The inaugural edition of the contest began in September where 60 participants emerged victorious in the preliminary rounds and advanced through the intense stages of the semifinals, culminating in the selection of the final 10 contestants. Shakeel Shabbir, the chairman of the Kenya-China Friendship Group of Parliament, said that the competition was a pointer to the benefits that Kenya has received, from being part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "China has built many infrastructure projects in Kenya such as the Nairobi Expressway that has helped reduce congestion, especially in areas with high traffic," Shabbir said. He urged Kenya to participate in Belt and Road cooperation to enable the newly constructed infrastructure to facilitate the movement of both goods and people within the country. The Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association said that the competition is a tribute to the exceptional contributions made by tens of thousands of Kenyan employees of Chinese enterprises who have worked to strengthen Sino-Kenyan relations. Patrick Nyangweso, the chief executive officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a trade lobby group, said that from the perspective of the private sector, the BRI has been a game changer for the East African country's economy. "The projects resulting from the BRI have transformed the economy by expanding opportunities for goods to reach lucrative markets," Nyangweso added. He said that some of the projects that Kenya has realized as a result of being part of the BRI include the modern Standard Gauge Railway connecting the port of Mombasa and the inland port of Naivasha. China proposed the BRI in 2013 with the aim of boosting development around the world. Over the past decade, China has signed BRI cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and 30-plus international organizations. Concilia Owire, who took first place in the competition, said that the contest enabled her to share with the public the benefits that the BRI has brought into her life. The 29-year-old who was the first female locomotive driver at the SGR currently works as an assistant manager at Afristar Railway Operations Company which operates the SGR. Owire was also appointed as the main driver of the maiden trip of the Nairobi-Mombasa SGR when it was launched in May 2017. "I stand here as one of the many Kenyans who have benefited from technology transfer from the SGR," she said. Owire told Xinhua that the BRI has enabled her to become a role model to many young Kenyan girls and also serve as a railway envoy to show the benefits of the modern railway. Jeanee May Ongiyo, who is the head of public relations as well as the spokesperson at MOJA Expressway Company which operates the Nairobi Expressway, said that Kenya has reaped fruits as a result of being part of the BRI. "We now have modern highways that have helped to improve connectivity between many regions of the country," she added. Concilia Owire, a female locomotive driver at the Standard Gauge Railway, receives an interview after taking first place in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition in Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 13, 2023. Ten employees of Chinese companies based in Kenya were awarded Friday after they emerged winners in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition, organized by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Winners show their certificates and trophies at a award ceremony of the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 13, 2023. Ten employees of Chinese companies based in Kenya were awarded Friday after they emerged winners in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition, organized by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Winners receive certificates at a award ceremony of the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition in Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 13, 2023. Ten employees of Chinese companies based in Kenya were awarded Friday after they emerged winners in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition, organized by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Concilia Owire (C), a female locomotive driver at the Standard Gauge Railway, speaks after taking first place in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition in Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 13, 2023. Ten employees of Chinese companies based in Kenya were awarded Friday after they emerged winners in the Belt and Road "My Chinese Story" Speech Competition, organized by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Microsoft finally completed its $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard after a long fight with the global regulators who attempted to scrap the deal. Read Also: Microsoft To Sell Activision's Cloud Gaming Rights to Ubisoft Plans of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard On October 13, the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it had approved the deal after reviewing the reconstructed plan with Microsoft not having cloud gaming rights. For a while, many were losing hope with the acquisition due to its long process. The uncertainty left many question marks with some of Activision's biggest game titles. "With the sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we've made sure Microsoft can't have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market," CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell stated. With the new deal already in place, Microsoft bared its plans to bring Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer assured that the company will share more details in the following months. For now, the company has already started its work. Xbox Welcomes Activision, Blizzard, and King Games Today is indeed a good day to play for gamers. Microsoft will be adding more than nine game studios from Blizzard alone to the Xbox Game Studios. However, fans would have to wait for a little more since Activision has already confirmed that Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo IV won't be coming yet to Xbox Game Pass this 2023. On the other hand, more than 11 mobile studios from King were brought from the acquisition. This includes popular mobile games such as Candy Crush, Farm Heroes, Bubble Witch 3, and more. More than 8,500 Activision employees will now be joining Microsoft. Exclusive | The new Xbox First-Party Organisation pic.twitter.com/xEn692xLKq Klobrille (@klobrille) October 13, 2023 "Together, we'll create new worlds and stories, bring your favorite games to more places so more players can join in, and we'll engage with and delight players in new, innovative ways in the places they love to play including mobile, cloud streaming and more," Spencer shared. Related Article: Activision Blizzard Teases Fans for the Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Plans A Tennessee church is mourning the loss of one of its pastors after he went into cardiac arrest during a triathlon. While competing in the Ironman 70.3 Memphis race on Saturday, Oct. 7, through downtown Memphis, pastor Tim Shelton went into cardiac arrest, according to an Oct. 9 Facebook post from Bellevue Baptist Church, where he preached. He died a day later. Known for his kindness toward everyone, Tim touched many lives as he consistently lived out the faith he professed, the church said. While we grieve Tims absence, we grieve with much hope, and we rejoice that he is now in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Shelton was pastor at the Tennessee church since September 2002, working with adults and families, according to his LinkedIn. The Memphis Ironman organization confirmed Sheltons death in an Oct. 8 Facebook post, saying he signaled for support while competing in the swimming section of the triathlon. The races safety team then gave Shelton immediate medical assistance, race officials said. The athlete was transported to a nearby hospital where they continued to receive critical medical treatment and care. Sadly, the athlete passed away (Sunday), the post says. People who knew him through church or other aspects of his life took to Facebook to post tributes and memories with Shelton. One woman noted she went to his church said he welcomed her and her husband with open arms in her Facebook tribute. He made the couple feel part of his family and was someone they always could count on, she said. Ive been struggling for hours to find the words to describe what this amazing man means to me. Though my husband and I have only known him for five years, he has made more of an impact on our lives then I can even describe, she wrote. Another pastor from the church, according to his Facebook, said Shelton was a friend, pastor, confidant and encourager during all the time he worked with him. I thank God for Tim Shelton. I pray the Lord would help me to be more like Tim Shelton, Collin Whitney wrote. His service will be at Bellevue Baptist Church on Saturday, Oct. 14 and is open to the public, followed by a private graveside service, the church said on its website. He leaves behind a wife and five sons, according to the churchs post. He and his wife would have celebrated their 25th anniversary on Oct. 17, according to his obituary. 2023 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Birmingham woman has been charged in a shooting in Homewood that left a man injured. Homewood police on Friday said Kenia Michelle Sturdivant, 23, is charged with attempted murder, said Sgt. John Carr. She is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. Police were notified at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday of a person shot at Barber Court and West Valley Avenue. Officers found the male driver of a vehicle had sustained a gunshot wound. He was alert and conscious when taken to the hospital. Carr said the victim is an Uber driver and Sturdivant was a customer. They did not know each other, but its not clear what led to the shooting. Supporters of Steve Perkins said theyre not pleased with the Decatur police chiefs statement released Wednesday night wherein he apologized for initially releasing an inaccurate description of the police killing of Perkins on Sept. 29. Our news release and social media post indicated the officer ordered Mr. Stephen Perkins to drop his weapon before shooting, Chief Todd Pinion said in the statement. We now know the officer identified themselves as police and ordered Mr. Perkins to get on the ground prior to the officer firing, rather than ordering him to drop the weapon at that time as we initially reported the morning of the shooting. That means we also erred in stating Mr. Perkins refused to drop his firearm prior to the shooting. Since the Sept. 29 statement issued by police, numerous security videos, several with audio, from Perkins neighbors on Ryan Drive Southwest have surfaced. Briona Watkins, who grew up with Perkins in Hillsboro and has been an early organizer of the movement seeking justice for Perkins, said Pinions statement is still a mischaracterization of what happened. Since video surveillance has surfaced and we know that the original statement he put out was a complete lie, he now says police ordered Perkins to get on the ground, Watkins said. Thats also a lie, because the police officer didnt even get the word ground out before firing. He didnt give Perkins enough time to comply. Pinions statement also announced a secondary investigation by the Decatur Police Departments Office of Professional Standards to determine the series of events that led to the shooting, the use of force itself, and officers actions in the aftermath. After that investigation, we will also determine if any current policies need to be revised or new ones implemented, Pinion said. The primary investigation is being handled by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. ALEA has said those results will be forwarded to Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson. If not for the widespread circulation of video captured from neighbors security cameras at the time of the shooting, Watkins said, the public would still be relying on DPDs initial description. Now Pinion has the audacity to put out a statement saying that there were lies in the first one, and he still lied in the second one, she said. If you dont have enough respect for the community that youre supposed to serve and protect to give us an accurate statement, then resign. Rodney Gordon, president of the Morgan County chapter of the NAACP, also said that the public would still believe DPDs initial description if not for the security footage from Perkins neighbors. Steve Perkins would be a statistic and this would be over with, he said. Lying is grounds for termination, whether its the officers or the chief. Gordon said he doesnt trust DPD at all and doesnt trust them to carry out an internal investigation after their initial falsehoods. Somehow they thought they would get away with this, thought they would get away with this ambush, he said. Aneesah Saafiyah, another organizer of the movement seeking justice for Perkins, said there have been too many inconsistencies and errors from police since Sept. 29. I think the chief of police has no control over his department and has no clue what his officers are doing, she said. According to Decatur resident Craig Johnson, who said he knew Perkins and has participated in the protests, the DPD has a large voice that people pay attention to. I think its a sad attempt to try to cover up the fact that they didnt do their own investigation before posting negligent material for the public to read, Johnson said of Pinions Wednesday statement. He said the initial description has caused a divide in the community. Because what you have after not just the man unjustly losing is life, is you have people separating themselves from others because they have an opinion that is based on a falsehood, he said. Because they base their opinion off of someone that youre supposed to be able to trust, and people that we were supposed to be able to trust have now led us in the wrong direction to cover up their own wrongdoings. Decatur business owner Anthony Viator said it still doesnt seem that DPD is telling the truth. Pinion is just trying to throw some ice on the fire, he said. I dont think the city appreciates two (of the three present at Perkins shooting) cops still being able to roam around in their cars and work the city. Pinion has said one officer is on administrative leave pending the results of the ongoing investigation. In the last paragraph of Pinions statement Wednesday night, he addresses the nine arrests made by DPD for disorderly conduct during last weekends protests. DPD made arrests both for obstructing traffic on main roadways as well as disorderly conduct language in public, he said. While we would rather have had no arrests, we will make arrests when actions include violence or impeding roadways that could impact providing basic public safety services to the rest of the community. david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438. ___ (c)2023 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Decatur attorney said that police involvement in the repossession of the vehicle of Steve Perkins, who was shot and killed in his yard by a Decatur police officer Sept. 29 at about 1:50 a.m., was prohibited by law. In response to a public records request Thursday, the Decatur City Clerk confirmed that no court orders were issued between midnight and 2 a.m. Sept. 29, and thus no order in which a judge authorized the police to assist in the repossession. Security video from neighbors houses shows police officers present during the repossession. The Legislature-approved official commentary that informs the statute governing vehicle repossessions in the state, Alabama Code 7-9A-609, explicitly states that the statute does not authorize law enforcement to assist in repossessions without judicial process, Decatur attorney Carl Cole of Cole Law Firm explained. Perkins was killed by police when, according to the Decatur Police Department, officers accompanied a tow truck driver to Perkins residence. Officers arrived on scene and made contact with a tow truck driver who had attempted to repossess a vehicle from the 3900 block of Ryan Drive S.W. During the initial interaction, the homeowner pulled a handgun on the tow truck driver, who fled the scene. Officers made their way to the residence, along with the tow truck driver, according to a police statement the day of the shooting. According to state law, a secured party (that is, the vehicles financer), may take possession of the vehicle after a default on payments. A secured party may proceed with repossession pursuant to a judicial process, that is, a court order, or without judicial process, if it proceeds without a breach of the peace. The code section is vague as to what a breach of the peace means, said attorney Carl Cole of The Cole Law Firm in Decatur. In fact, its not defined. Cole has been an outspoken critic of the response of city leaders in the wake of Perkins death and has participated in some of the protests. But the official comment underneath the code section by the Legislature, while it also agrees that its vague, points to what the courts have done in interpreting a breach of the peace, Cole said. The Legislatures comment, printed in Michies Alabama Code, a reference book approved by the Alabama Code Commissioner which contains the complete text of the Code of Alabama, leaves the definition of a breach of the peace for continuing development by the courts. The code section goes on to say that theres several cases that talk about a prohibition against the use of a law enforcement officer without the benefit of judicial process, which essentially means if the tow truck company goes and gets a court order, and law enforcement is directed out there, it implies thats OK, Cole said. But I think it more than implies its fairly explicit that law enforcement is not to be involved in a repossession without judicial process. Records show there was no judicial process the morning Perkins was killed authorizing police involvement. And the tow truck driver himself and, by extension, the police according to the comments are not to go forward with a repossession if theres a breach of the peace, Cole said. Case law shows that a breach of the peace can be as simple as passive physical resistance or a vehicle owner banging on the window of the vehicle, according to Cole. Its hard for me, looking at the official comment, to argue that the repossession attempt by the tow truck owner, after having some resistance to it by Perkins, should have continued, he said. And the official comment by the Legislature to the statue seems to make it very clear that law enforcement involvement absent a court order they use the term judicial process is not to take place. The official comment goes on to say that courts should hold the secured party responsible for the actions of others taken on the secured partys behalf, including contractors such as tow truck companies engaged to repossess property. If it were me, I would have already filed suit against the tow truck company and issued discovery to start getting answers while we wait on ALEA, Cole said. Justin Shepherd, who watched much of the incident from his home across the street, said the tow truck driver departed the scene with Perkins vehicle after Perkin was shot and before an ambulance arrived. david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438. ___ (c)2023 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Detectives are searching for answers after a 13-year-old boy stabbed his mother to death in their Hialeah, Florida apartment in front of his 14-day-old sister on Thursday night, police say. Neighbors and friends told officers he was a really good kid who excelled at school. It makes no sense, Hialeah police spokesman Eddie Rodriguez said. We are still scratching our heads as to what brought him to do such a thing and take his mothers life. The 13-year-old is facing a charge of second-degree murder as a juvenile. Investigators and state prosecutors will determine whether he will be tried as an adult for first-degree murder, which requires premeditation. Around 11:30 p.m., the young boy called 911 and told the operator he killed his mother, Rodriguez said. When officers arrived at their home at Amelia Oaks Apartments, 211 W 79th Pl., they found her dead in front of a babys crib. Irina Garcia, the 39-year-old mother, was sleeping when she was killed just feet from her 14-day-old baby who was still inside the crib, Rodriguez said. At the time of the stabbing, the two children and Garcia were the only ones in the home. The boys stepfather, who also lives in the apartment and is the biological father of the infant, was in Georgia for a truck-driving job. The infant, who was not harmed, is in the care of her maternal grandmother as her father drives back to Florida to speak to detectives. The boy did not tell detectives why he killed his mother before he was taken to Miami-Dades Juvenile Detention Center, Rodriguez said. No one really knows why he did what he did, he said. While being booked in, he told officers he wanted to take his own life. That prompted authorities to take him to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he will stay for another three days as doctors evaluate him, Rodriguez said. The boy was an eighth-grader at iMater Middle/High Charter School, 651 W 20th St., where he was an honor roll student. Neighbors told officers that he was a really good kid. He had no prior known mental health issues and police have not been called to their home before, Rodriguez said. Detectives will spend the next few weeks trying to piece together the details obtaining search warrants to go through electronics and speaking to those close to him, he said. Now there is a family that is obviously torn apart, Rodriguez said. A husband that doesnt have a wife. A baby that doesnt have a mother. A biological father that doesnt have a son. 2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The extortion case against Joran van der Sloot could be nearing an end. According to federal documents made public Friday, a plea and sentencing is set for van der Sloot at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, in Birmingham. No additional information is being released at this time, and an order filed in connection with the case Friday has not yet been made public. He has previously sought and been granted two extensions on deadlines while he decided how to proceed. Although van der Sloot, now 35, has long been suspected in the disappearance and death of the Mountain Brook High School graduate Natalee Holloway while she was visiting Aruba in 2005, he has never been charged in connection to her death. However, federal authorities in Alabama contend that in 2010 van der Sloot exploited the fear of Holloways mother, Beth, that she would never find her daughters body or know what happened to her unless she paid him $250,000. A federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted van der Sloot on June 30, 2010, on charges of wire fraud and extortion. Van der Sloot remains held in the Shelby County Jail. Read full coverage of the case here Van der Sloot on June 8 was extradited from Peru, where he is serving 28 years for the 2010 murder of college student Stephany Flores, to Alabama. The following day, he made his initial appearance in court and pleaded not guilty to the wire fraud and extortion charges. The case is being prosecuted by Lloyd Peeples, chief of the U.S. Attorneys Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby. Prosecutors contend that van der Sloot told Holloway for an initial payment of $25,000, he would take the Holloways representative to the location of Natalees body. Once the body was recovered and confirmed to be Natalee, he said, he would then collect the remaining $225,000. The affidavit said Natalee Holloway died after Joran van der Sloot threw her to the ground when she attempted to stop him from leaving her. The affidavit also says that his late father, Paulus van der Sloot, then helped him dispose of her body. Van der Sloot told a representative for Beth Holloway that his father buried her remains in the gravel under the foundation of the single-story house. He later admitted to the representative that he lied about the location of Natalees remains Joran van der Sloot has been granted an extension on pretrial deadlines, including whether or not he will plead guilty or move forward through the court process. A man wanted out of Bartow County, Georgia for shooting a K-9 officer during an attempted arrest was fatally shot by law enforcement in DeKalb County, Ga. on Friday, the GBI said. Geoffrey Walker had multiple active warrants when Bartow deputies spotted him driving a Honda Civic on U.S. 411 near I-75 Thursday afternoon and began to pursue him, according to officials. After a vehicle pursuit, the 30-year-old fled into a nearby wood line, and K-9 Athos was released by their handler to assist in Walkers apprehension, the Bartow sheriffs office said. Multiple shots were heard and the K-9 was eventually found injured. Anthos was taken to a nearby animal hospital, but their condition was not provided. About 24 hours later, the GBI said Walker was found at a hotel in DeKalb by officers with the Bartow County Drug Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service. Walker is accused of then running through several neighborhoods and into the woods near the countys sanitation department on Leroy Scott Drive. Once officers again found Walker, they gave him commands to drop his gun, but Walker allegedly refused. The GBI said he fired his weapon toward law enforcement and officers returned fire, striking him. Walker died at the scene. No officers were injured. According to the Bartow sheriffs office, Walker was wanted in connection with a family violence incident that happened Wednesday at a Walmart in Cartersville. He also had additional warrants in another family violence and obstruction incident in Floyd County. The GBI was asked to conduct an investigation into Fridays shooting and will release the findings to the DeKalb district attorneys office for review. The deadly incident marked the 79th officer-involved shooting the state agency has been asked to investigate in 2023. At this point last year, there had been 95 such incidents. 2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) won the Republicans second secret-ballot speaker contest, defeating Rep. Austin Scott (R-Georgia) 124-81. However, according to a report from NBC News, he needs at least 217 votes to secure the gavel and one member of Alabamas Congressional delegation appears to be standing in the way. The Republicans have a thin majority in the House, so five GOP detractors can block Jordan in a House vote. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) said, there was nothing that Jordan could do to get his support as Speaker of the House, as reported in the Anniston Star. Rogers left a closed-door caucus session Friday and said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) should state concessions needed to help the GOP. They put us in this ditch along with eight traitors, Rogers told Capitol Hill reporters. Were still the majority party, were willing to work with them but they gotta tell us what they need. Rogers has voiced his anger at the eight Republicans who helped oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, calling them traitors who paralyzed the House, according to a report. A Jordan supporter expressed surprise more people didnt back him. Without a roll call, it makes it very difficult, but Jim is going to work through the weekend, the supporter said. Other Republicans, including Reps. Ann Wagner of Missouri, Don Bacon of Nebraska, and Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., have said they will not vote for Jordan, according to NBC News. Majority leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) beat Jordan for the nomination Wednesday but dropped out for not getting enough support. Republicans will assess their progress on Monday night before heading to the floor Tuesday. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said Friday he would make a decision on whether to run for Congress in the redrawn 2nd District sometime before qualifying for the race ends on Nov. 10. Reed is the Capital Citys first Black mayor and was elected to a second four-year term in August. Ive heard from community leaders, residents as well as leaders from outside of Alabama, as to my interest, Reed said. And their suggestion that they think I would do well in the job, thats an honor in itself, that people feel that you could serve this nation at a higher level that were currently doing right now. Having said that, I just got through a reelection, and I asked the people of Montgomery to give me four years to continue the work that weve been doing. So, my analysis on this is where can I best serve the people of Montgomery. And certainly that is going to be key in my ultimate decision. Is that from the position of mayor? Or will that be potentially as a member of the United States House of Representatives? Reed, who was Montgomery County probate judge before his election as mayor in 2019, said he will talk with his family, friends, and advisors. Its something that Im deliberating on very intentionally, Reed said. Its something that Im praying about, and its something that I dont take lightly. I dont have a deadline other than I know when the qualifying period ends. But I want to make a decision thats not only right for myself and my family but also for the residents of Montgomery and certainly the 2nd Congressional District. The Democratic Party opened qualifying on Sept. 29. So far, no candidate has qualified in the 2nd District. Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson said she will run for the office. Qualifying in the Republican Party starts Monday. District 2 has been a Republican stronghold until Black voters prevailed in Voting Rights Act lawsuits, resulting in a new district map approved by a federal court on Oct. 5, one that is favorable to Democrats. U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, who is in his second term representing District 2, has said he is seriously praying about whether to run for reelection in the redrawn district. The new map moved Moores hometown into District 1. Qualifying for both parties ends on Nov. 10. On the Democratic side, several elected public officials who live outside District 2 are considering the race, in addition to Tyson. The law does not require U.S. House members to live in their districts. The U.S. Constitution only requires that a member of the U.S. House live in the state that he or she is elected to serve. Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels of Huntsville said Friday he is considering a run for the District 2 seat. Daniels grew up in the district, in Bullock County. He said he works on community projects there and considers it home. Daniels said he still cuts the grass at his grandmothers home in Midway, where an aunt now lives. When you live and grow up somewhere, you never leave it, Daniels said. Daniels, a former teacher, was elected to the Alabama House in 2014. The House Democratic caucus elected him as minority leader in 2017 and reelected him last year. Daniels has built a reputation for working with the Republican majority on areas of agreement, such as his bill to exempt overtime pay from the state income tax, which lawmakers passed this year. Daniels said if he decides to run and is elected, he would follow the results-oriented approach that he has pursued in the Legislature. This is another legislative branch, so therefore there is no training that will have to happen because this is the same branch of government, Daniels said. So, do you want someone thats ready for the job on day one that has shown success? Or do you not? The people, the voters will decide who they want to represent them. Daniels said people in Bullock County and elsewhere in the redrawn district have asked him about running over the last few months. He said he had not considered it before that and has several factors to weigh. I have three businesses in Madison County, Daniels said. So my family is number one. Ill continue to pray about it and make a decision here in the next several weeks. He said his decision could depend on who else enters the race. If theres someone that is better suited for the position than me, those are factors, Daniels said. There are some strong people that are talking about it, Daniels said. But nobody has actually signed their name on the dotted line and filled out the paperwork. So nobody is really in the race. Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives in April. Daniels said he is considering a run for Congress in Alabama's 2nd District. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Others who have said they will consider running include Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, and Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham. In text messages on Friday, Coleman and Bracy said they are still deciding. My team and I are currently in the exploratory stage, and well be reaching a final decision very soon, Coleman said. Bracy said he is seriously considering running for the seat. District 2 was a Republican-leaning district before the new map approved by a three-judge federal court until on Oct. 5. The map substantially changed the district, which had been mainly southeast Alabama, making it span the state from east to west and adding part of Mobile County. The changes increased the Black voting age population to 49%. An analysis showed that Black-preferred candidates, Democrats, received more votes in the district than their Republican opponents in 16 of 17 recent elections by an average of 10 percentage points. Read more: Who could be running in the open Alabama Congressional District 2 race? Why are Birmingham lawmakers eyeing a run for Congress in South Alabama Splintering of Mobile: New congressional district map carves up Alabamas second largest county An investigation is underway after two teens were injured in a shooting Friday in eastern Jefferson County. Sheriffs deputies were dispatched just before 6 p.m. to reports of shots fired near the 1800 block of Martinique Drive N.E. in the Center Point area, said Deputy Chief David Agee. Once deputies got on the scene, they found the two wounded victims, who are ages 16 and 19. Both were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, Agee said. Investigators are reviewing video and talking to witnesses to determine what happened. 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Read Also: Samsung Launched a High-End Monitor for Content Creators and Professionals Here's What You Need To Know The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man on Memorial Day weekend in Birmingham has been ruled justifiable, police said Friday. Glen Junior Morrow, 37, of Birmingham, was found dead of a gunshot wound May 27 in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 420 78th St. South. He was one of six people killed over Memorial Day weekend. Investigators determined an argument took place before Morrow was shot. The suspect then fled on foot. The investigations findings were forwarded to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, which determined Morrows slaying was justified, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald with Birmingham police. No charges will be filed in connection with the deadly shooting. A recent teaching document issued by Pope Francis, Laudate Deum (Praise God) has been aggressively promoted by the media for its focus on climate change, especially for the Popes criticism of the western worlds heavier energy use and alleged contributions to global warming. Pope Francis says extreme weather is worsening, but respectfully, the Holy Father is wrong. He is also mistaken in his solutions, namely an energy transition, global deprioritization of economic growth, and the implied need to sacrifice the western standard of living. These will not only fail to stop climate change, but will lead to further human and ecological suffering. Hes not wrong about everything though, so read on. Pope Francis has always emphasized humans responsibility to the environment; the name he took -- Francis -- is in reference to Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for having a special connection to animals. It is no surprise that he has published two encyclicals on this topic, which to be clear, is something that concerns the religious and nonreligious alike. Scientific matters are also moral matters, especially when possible negative effects are widespread, like when Pope John Paul II addressed nuclear war. Laudate Deum is the second environment-focused encyclical issued by Pope Francis, and compared to the first, Laudato Si, has its primary focus on the issue of climate change. It also was written in much stronger language, highlighting the lack of progress in advancing the goals of the numerous U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) conferences. Pope Francis is incorrect that extreme weather is getting worse, and hes wrong about other alleged problems caused by climate change, which would require an entire book to debunk individually. While there may be the appearance of more frequent weather disasters around the globe, this is actually an artifact of media coverage and focus, and our ability to instantly obtain news from everywhere in the world 24 hours a day. The IPCC itself has essentially come to the same conclusion of a recent study, which found that on the basis of observational data, the climate crisis that, according to many sources, we are experiencing today, is not evident yet. The IPCC says there is low scientific confidence in the existence of any visible trends in the form of most weather extremes that alarmists frequently cite as evidence. Even better news is that human casualties due to climate-related disasters like floods and extreme temperatures have been declining worldwide. The reason why these deaths are declining, of course, is because of improvements and expanded access to emergency services, infrastructure, electricity, indoor climate control, and other developments -- all of which come thanks to our continued use of fossil fuels. This brings us to the next point of concern, which is Pope Francis criticisms of the Western lifestyle and heavy energy and fossil fuel use. One part of the encyclical makes an interesting point, that industrial projects are sometimes undertaken only after local residents are fed marketing ploys, promises, and false information. People are promised benefits: Yet in reality there does not seem to be any true interest in the future of these people, since they are not clearly told that the project will result in the clearing of their lands, a decline in the quality of their lives, a desolate and less habitable landscape lacking in life, the joy of community and hope for the future; in addition to the global damage that eventually compromises many other people as well. This scenario is terrible, but applies to the peddlers of so-called green energy as much as anything else. An energy transition will require tons of land to be cleared for growing biofuel feedstock, placing solar panels and battery storage installations, and wind power plants. Renewables have larger environmental footprints than traditional energy sources. The human cost is expansive as well; fossil fuels have provided the transportation fuel as well as materials for infrastructure that make modern life possible, and are contributing to lifting the worlds poor from poverty. Green energy, on the other hand, greatly expands the need for rare earth minerals and materials like cobalt, the mining of which famously involves the abuse of children and slave labor. The international green agenda has so far resulted in more poverty and in the case of Sri Lanka, famine and violence. Two things that Pope Francis got right in Laudate Deum are that human beings should be conscientious in our use of our natural resources that God made for our use, to care for Creation, and that human beings and our activities are not an inherent danger to the planet. Population control, the Pope argues, is an evil, and not a solution. This is correct, and it is notable that the media did not report on this part of the encyclical. If climate change was in fact catastrophic, or endangering the planet and human life, the Popes concerns would be warranted. Fortunately, data do not back up those fears. So, what are Catholics to take from this latest encyclical? Well, I also had an initial despairing reaction to the news coverage of its release, but first I recommend taking the time to actually read the entire document. You will find that it is not as extreme as the political Left presents it as, nor as balanced as the topic of climate change and resource use merits. Keep in mind that the Pope cannot teach authoritatively on matters of science, only doctrine, the Church explains that these kinds of prudential documents are not immune from errors, even serious scientific and economic ones. The moral questions that are addressed by Pope Francis do merit consideration. Pollution and litter are real issues, along with unnecessary deforestation, overfishing, and poaching. Poverty is likewise something Christians are called to be concerned about. Fortunately, both of those issues can be aided by helping impoverished nations unlock their energy industries and invest in development. People are more concerned with conservation when they are not so worried about putting food on the table. Someone much smarter and more educated in Church history reminded me recently that the Church thinks in centuries, and indeed, a hundred years from now, after decades of satellite data, the world will likely look back on Laudate Deum as a well-intentioned, albeit scientifically and economically misinformed, document reflective of the mainstream attitudes of today. Linnea Lueken (llueken@heartland.org) is a research fellow with the Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy at The Heartland Institute. Twitter: @LinneaLueken Image: White House As prominent Zionist Max Nordau once observed, Logic is a Greek art, and Jews cant tolerate it. The Jew learns not by way of reason but from catastrophes. Although the circumstances have changed greatly since those words were written, Max Nordaus wisdom as applied to Israel has not changed. In 1947, Arab countries rejected a UN plan to partition the British mandate in Palestine into two states. Armed with British weaponry and guided by British officers, Arabs were convinced they could claim the entire territory by military triumph. If not for comrade Stalin, who supplied the Jews with weapons via Czechoslovakia and dispatched hundreds of seasoned Soviet officers and generals of Jewish heritage to Palestine, all of whom played a pivotal role in the formation, organization, and leadership of the Israeli army, including the air force, Israel would not exist. In subsequent years, however (e.g., 1956, 1967, and 1973), after each decisive victory, Israel crawled back to the humiliated enemies, begging them for reconciliation and offering captured lands as concessions for peace and recognition of the State of Israel. The process was called land for peace and has resulted in neither land nor peace. Nevertheless, despite these failed bargains and the ever-present and immediate threat of annihilation, Jews have fallen prey to the seductive illusion that peace can be bought. Theyve spilled much blood to achieve this lofty goal. In 1993, Israel signed the Oslo Accords and accepted a new advanced form of land for peace called the Two-State Solution. This solution, widely supported by the West, was, ironically, an older concept the Arabs had rejected in 1947. Image: Destroying Hamas operational headquarters. X screen grab. By and large, Israel had not learned the lessons of the past. Israelis continued repeatedly stepping on the same rakes. In 2005, Israel handed over control of Gaza, a strategically vital territory, to the Palestinians as a step toward realizing the Two-State Solution. Regrettably, this transfer resulted in a terrorist enclave close to Israel under the control of Hamas militants. Insanely, this terrorist enclave has been sustained through donations from the United States and European countries, with Israel helping out by providing essential utilities (electricity, water, etc.), food, and humanitarian aid to its adversaries. Hamas, content with the prevailing situation, portrayed itself as a victim of Israeli occupation, leveraging this image to gather international moral and financial support. Hamass leaders have little incentive to establish a state and assume responsibility for their citizens well-being. Their stated objective has consistently been Israels destruction through perpetual confrontation. Fortunately, Hamas time has passed, and a new era, characterized by political, economic, and philosophical transformation, has dawned in the Middle East. Donald Trumps ABRAHAM Accord ushered in a fundamental change in the relations between Arab nations and Israel. The dynamics have shifted: its no longer a binary conflict between Arabs and Jews. Instead, it has evolved into a coalition of Sunni Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, aligning with Israel to counter the existential threat of nuclear Shia Iran. As a result, the focus has diverged away from Palestinian rights to fostering cooperation against the common peril. In this new landscape, the Palestinian issue has become an obstacle to the emerging reality. Against this background, the latest attack by Hamass barbaric savages should be viewed as the last desperate attempt to remain relevant. Indeed, there were no calls by the Saudis and other Sunni states for an immediate ceasefire, no threats of oil embargo, and no customary condemnation of Israel. (Admittedly, Saudi Arabias Mohammed bin Salman issued a statement supporting the Palestinians, although it was weak sauce lip service compared to what once might have been.) The rest of the world is preoccupied with other problems. Russia is deeply involved in Ukraine, has no national interest in taking sides in the current conflict, and sees itself as a beneficiary since American military assistance to Ukraine would be redirected to Israel. The Biden Administration is happy, as well, to get involved on Israels side to deflect attention from the Ukrainian debacle. The world political environment, particularly in the Middle East, is as favorable to Israel as ever. Hence, it is time for the Israelis to follow the teachings of the father of modern terrorism, Vladimir Lenin, and eradicate Hamas. Lenin, who both perpetrated terrorism and was on the receiving end, taught that Terror can be conquered only with greater terror. Time is of the essence. It will not take long before CNN, MSNBC, and others to show Palestinian children dying from lack of water and food. Public opinion will, as always, turn against Israel. Israel will be demonized, and the U.S., which just declared full support of Israel, will reverse its posture and demand a ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid, negotiations, exchange of prisoners, etc. The left, including many Israelis, will ignore the atrocities that Hamas committed and begin spilling crocodile tears about innocent Palestinian civilians caught in the middle. Golda Meir once described the liberal Jews attitude toward Arabs this way: We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us. In reference to Palestinians, this idealistic scenario is unlikely to happen any time soon. Generations of Palestinians have been raised on the conviction that the state of Israel is an illegitimate usurper of Muslim lands. Therefore, before condemning Israel for attacks on civilians, we must remember that the so-called Gazan civilians are parents, sisters, and children of Hamass members. Those civilians hate the Jews so much that they produce children specifically to blow themselves up to kill Jewish children. We should have no qualms about innocent Palestinian women and children dancing in the streets celebrating killing the Jews being collateral damage in the eradication of Hamas. The law of superior force shall prevail, and the threat from Hamas eliminated once and for all. Alexander G. Markovsky is a senior fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, a think tank that examines national security, energy, risk analysis, and other public policy issues. He is the author of Anatomy of a Bolshevik and Liberal Bolshevism: America Did Not Defeat Communism, She Adopted It. Mr. Markovsky is the owner and CEO of Litwin Management Services, LLC. He can be reached at alexander.g.markovsky@gmai.com. To use an expression that politicians love when covering their lies, let me be perfectly clear: Israel cannot coexist with evil. Its just that simple. The Apostle Paul put it this way: Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (Amplified Bible) I doubt if the Apostle was thinking about our modern strife, but its pretty clear that he knew the principles in play. After all, God told Abraham that his heirs would not possess the Promised Land until the iniquity of the Amorite was full (Gen 15:16). We know from Amos 2:9-10 that the Amorites were giants. These giants were the progeny of fallen gods and human women (Gen 6:2, 4). The Israelites were to utterly wipe out all the giant clans (devote them to destruction). And before you throw that other size 9, read The Unseen Realm, by Michael S. Heiser PhD. Its all in the Bible. But Im not here to do theology. The Apostles principle is in play here. God does not require us to wipe out our neighbors if they dont believe in Him. And most secular moderns are happy to go along and get along. But Israels neighbors arent the slightest bit interested in coexistence. Their recent actions show the utter evil of their hearts. In spite of this being demonstrated multiple times in the past, Israel has attempted to deal with them as equals, making peace treaties that the neighbors violated repeatedly. No sane person would behead babies (unless hes an abortionist, but I repeat myself). Then, add in raping women in the presence of the bloody bodies of their babies, then killing the women. I dont care who you are, this is not the act of a civilized entity. It is the act of sub-humans devoted to the service of a false god who demands obedience at the point of a sword. It is pure evil. No words can properly convey how utterly depraved such a god and his followers are. And this is where our compassion must be replaced by cold calculation. Image: Internet meme. Creator unknown. Lanny Davis points out that Hamas and its ilk have no interest in a separate Palestinian state. On multiple occasions, they were offered one and rejected it out of hand. One must wonder what Israeli leaders were thinking when they made peace on those occasions. The Muslims made it clear that their only interest was the complete and utter destruction of Israel and all Jews. That is to be followed shortly by subjugation of the entire world and the murder of any who dont like it. At this point, we have to ask, How can the jihadis make it any clearer? They hate you. They hate that you exist, breathe, and occupy space. Their religion sanctions their bloodthirsty actions. Women are possessions. If they misbehave, they can be flogged. A bit more misbehavior and they can be killed. Infidel women can then be pressed into slavery to the jihadi. Thats perfectly OK. And if the jihadi dies in battle, he gets seventy more virgins to do as he commands. The basic problem here is simple. Israels enemies are evil. They are completely sold out to evil. Nothing Israel does or doesnt do will change that. And, by the way, when theyve chewed up Israel, were next. Wait! I misspoke. They wont wait to finish off Israel before they start here. 9/11 was just one of the early strikes. And in the last two years, the U.S. Border Patrol has encountered 72,823 special interest aliens. Lots of these were military-age males from the Middle East. So how many got through that werent encountered? I wont wander off into the be armed at all times discussion, although circumstances are concerning. Rather, its time to recognize an incontrovertible fact. From the time the warlord and prophet Mohammed came into power, his purist followers have been an evil cancer on society everywhere. And just like cancer, there are times when radical surgery is necessary. Hamas declared war on the world. Israel just happened to be the closest point of attack. Apologists for the Palestinians say that there are innocents who might be harmed by Israels siege warfare. But those innocents did nothing to leave Gaza or oppose the tyrants. This relegates their innocence defense to the realm of pure propaganda. Israel will make efforts to minimize the death of non-combatants, but at the same time, this is war, and collateral damage is unavoidable. As long as jihadis stand ready to destroy Israel, that state can no longer afford to be unequally yoked to them by way of treaties. Just as Israel of old was commanded to never make treaties with the giant clans, the state of Israel can never make treaties with jihadis. Jordan has been wise to eschew jihad in favor of peace with Israel. The other states can as well, but as long as jihadis run the show, Israel should simply refuse to deal with them as civilized humans. No treaty of any sort can be entertained. This stance must be bolstered with overwhelming responses any time Israel is attacked. Lefties ignorant of history plead for proportionality. Israel should give it to them. Jihadis refuse to consider Israels right to exist. Israel should not consider the right of any jihadi to exist. America should do the same. Ted Noel MD is a retired Anesthesiologist/Intensivist who podcasts and posts on social media as DoctorTed and @vidzette. His Doctor Teds Prescription podcasts are available on many podcast channels. In Texas politics, a Democrat named Hugh Brady, a lawyer appointed by President Obama to serve as general counsel for the White House Office of administration, and who held that position from 2014-2017, allegedly wields significant influence in the Texas House. This is indeed a unique political scenario that has captured the attention of Texas watchers across the nation. It's relevant because Dade Phelan, a Republican Texas member of its state House of Representatives has been criticized by some county Republican Party groups and earned censure resolutions, as "teaming up with Democrats to kill our Republican priorities." These resolutions against Phelan are formal, public condemnations of a party official whose actions allegedly violate or oppose the party platform or legislative priorities. The Republican parties of Travis, Smith, Tarrant, Ellis, Orange, and Harris (and possibly other) counties have condemned Phelan for ignoring or opposing Republican priorities, appearing intoxicated while presiding over official House business, and pushing through the impeachment vote and voting to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton. Phelan has been criticized especially for appointing Democrat Party committee chairs, which had been something of a Texas-specific tradition but which was giving Democrats in the legislative minority majority-like powers. The Republican Party of Texas and other GOP activists called for him to end this tradition. Phelan's decision to appoint Democrat committee chairs has been seen as a significant move as the party pressured Phelan into banning Democrat chairs outright. He ignored them and nine Democrats were given chairmanships, including Hugh Brady, who got the parliamentarian's slot. But to fully understand this unique scenario, we must examine Hugh Brady's background and present role in Texas politics. Hugh Bradys journey into politics and law began with a promising legal career. His path took a pivotal turn when he was appointed as White House Counsel during the Obama administration, requiring him to provide legal advice to the president and make decisions on legal matters. He also had the power to make decisions on legal issues, which can significantly impact the actions and policies of the president and the White House. And this is exactly how he became a prominent figure in Democrat politics. In light of his role as White House Counsel, it is imperative to raise questions like - what responsibilities and powers come with this position, and how might they extend to a state legislature predominantly controlled by Republicans? The unexpected nature of Brady's influence in a state known for its conservative politics has raised many other questions. Here are some points on the historical context of party control in Texas and how this scenario departs from the norm: Texas is renowned for its deep-rooted Republican political landscape. The GOP has traditionally dominated the Texas House. Dade Phelan's decision to appoint Democrat committee chairs has departed from the norm of having committee chairs from the majority party. Phelan's appointment of Brady and his alleged influence in the GOP-dominated Texas House has left many wondering how such a situation could transpire and what it might signify for the future of Texas politics. How did that affect the GOP majority? Take the case of GOP Rep. Brian Harrison's vax mandate amendment, as it was pivotal. Harrison proposed an amendment to Senate Bill 29, which sought to prohibit government implementation or enforcement of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The proposed amendment should have passed easily in the Texas legislature but unexpectedly was killed off by Rep. Erin Zwiener, a Democrat, citing it as "not germane." That is strange stuff. After all, in a Republican-controlled Texas House, the power dynamics are typically straightforward. But with Democrats chairing committees, it's as if Democrats are controlling the legislative agenda and poor Harrison couldn't even get airtime for a vote. Do you see how this situation challenges the established norms and what it means for the political landscape in Texas? The rarity of a Democrat lawyer like Hugh Brady influencing what a Republican House can vote on merits has these ramifications. Was it a scandal, or does it have a legitimate explanation? Given the circumstance of this incident, one cannot help but question the legitimacy of Brady's influence. There are several possible explanations for how Democrat Hugh Brady came to be so influential in the GOP-dominated Texas House. More so because this was a scope provided by a Republican Dade Phelan, someone who cruised to victory to the House leadership position in a vote 145-3, secured by cutting across party lines, while some argue that his impact could be attributed to factors such as personal connections, political strategies, and policy priorities, yet a deeper examination of these aspects reveals a more troubling picture. One of the most troubling aspects of Dade Phelan's approach is his apparent willingness to work across party lines. Rather than upholding conservative principles and values, Phelan has been unapologetic about appointing Democrats as committee chairs. While seemingly designed to foster bipartisan collaboration, this tactic raises doubts about his loyalty to the Republican Party and its platform. The allegations against Phelan are particularly alarming. Accusations of ignoring or opposing the party platform and legislative priorities and appearing inebriated while presiding over official House business point to a disturbing lack of commitment to the principles that conservative Republicans hold dear. His push for the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton further underscores his willingness to break from conservative ranks. If these allegations prove accurate, they could signify a troubling level of mismanagement or corruption within the Texas House. Such behavior is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of the political system. If left unaddressed, Phelan's actions can significantly alter the political landscape in the Texas House, thereby jeopardizing the values and priorities of conservative Republicans. Turning Texas blue, as the Democrats have fantasized about for years, could become a reality and they won't even need to get the votes to do it. In conclusion, the influence wielded by Hugh Brady, a Democrat, in a GOP-dominated House is a deeply disturbing development in Texas politics. The actions and decisions of a person with such close ties to the Democrat party raise questions about his commitment to conservative agendas. While cooperation across the aisle can be beneficial, it must not come at the expense of traditional values. The allegations against Phelan only add to the concerns, suggesting that mismanagement or corruption may be at play. Lately, voting for Republicans has been a flop because they are not true Republicanswhitewashed tombs come to mind. Conservative Republicans must remain vigilant and steadfast in their commitment to their principles in the face of this challenging and unique political situation. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is doing a yeomans job by seeking and endorsing solid conservative challengers to Republican state representatives who voted to impeach him for the upcoming Republican primary. Image: Carol Highsmith, Library of Congress, via Picryl // public domain Once Hitler decided to embark on the industrialized slaughter of Jews and other disfavored people (e.g., Gypsies, homosexuals, the mentally impaired), that actually became his primary goal. He took trains away from his troops so that he could ship more people to the concentration camps. I thought of that genocidal mania when I read that Hamas documents revealed that it had no intention of hitting military targets when it raided Israel last weekend. Its goal all along was to target civiliansthe younger, the better. That information comes fromof all placesNBC News. And I say of all places because the medias sensibilities have long leaned away from Israel and toward her enemies. However, Hamass Nazi-esque tactics have horrified people so badly that many of the usual institutions are realizing that theyre making a mistake if they show sympathy for the killers. Rather than making the killers look good, it makes them look bad. That may explain this NBC report: Documents exclusively obtained by NBC News show that Hamas created detailed plans to target elementary schools and a youth center in the Israeli kibbutz of Kfar Sa'ad, to kill as many people as possible, seize hostages and quickly move them into the Gaza Strip. The attack plans, which are labeled top secret in Arabic, appear to be orders for two highly trained Hamas units to surround and infiltrate villages and target places where civilians, including children, gather. Israeli authorities are still determining the death toll in Kfar Sa'ad. The documents were found on the bodies of Hamas terrorists by Israeli first responders and shared with NBC News. They include detailed maps and show that Hamas intended to kill or take hostage civilians and school children. [snip] The Israeli officials said that the wider group of documents show that Hamas had been systematically gathering intelligence on each kibbutz bordering Gaza and creating specific plans of attack for each village that included the intentional targeting of women and children. [snip] The plan of coordinated attacks flies in the face of recent claims by Hamas that it did not kill children. A video released by Hamas on Friday showed armed terrorists holding and feeding Israeli children taken hostage, including babies. Image: Hamas battle plan targeting civilians. War is always a miserable, dirty, bloody job. Civilians will always suffer, and many will die. Indeed, as the American Civil War showed, civilians must cease to support their military before the military will surrender. Shermans March through Georgia broke the civilian support for the Southern war effort, and the Confederate militarys collapse followed. Terrible though that was, what Sherman did was intended to effectuate a legitimate military goal to end a war that had dragged on for four years. Moreover, Sherman didnt slaughter civilians; he laid waste to their infrastructure. Those same rules of warfare apply in the more civilized parts of the world today: We do not target civilians, although we recognize that we may affect them in terrible ways to achieve legitimate military goals. Thats not how Islamists (i.e., fundamentalist followers of Muslim doctrine) fight. Their goal is not to win a border war. Their goal is genocide. They are every bit as crazed as Hitler. With the weapons they had, the number of troops, and the discipline and training they showed, they might have successfully attacked the Israeli military or taken down vital Israeli infrastructure. However, thats not what they wanted. Instead, their primary goal was genocide, one dead baby at a time. We no longer have to guess that from looking at the bloody handiwork they left behind. Instead, their pre-battle plans prove it. Islamists are Stone Age monsters in the modern world. They must be defeated decisively, or they will bring this pain wherever they areand they are wherever you are. Admittedly, I grew up in the golden age for Jews in America. Anti-Semitism was muted; Jews were respected for their family values and love of education. In fact in past presidential elections, candidates delved deep into their genetic inheritances to divine a Jewish gene or two. The existence of the modern state of Israel, a Jewish state but unequivocally also a democracy, gave Jews existential pride, a psychological homeland to which they could move if so desired, and a sense of protection and invincibility. Globally, Jews stood taller. For those stuck in Jewish-unfriendly geographic locations, rescue if things turned really ugly, was a reality. Israels creation - by necessity a warrior state - also morphed from a small agrarian economy to a leader in start-ups, high tech, and constant innovation. Moreover, its commitment to rule of law provides more legal rights for Arab citizens than those given in Arab states. Specifically, Israel gives property rights to Muslim second wives - a right unheard of on the Arab street where so many women are still viewed as chattel. As Arab money and Arab propaganda gained traction in Democrat-run inner cities, in the prisons, and the mainstream (legacy) media, Israels truth of a progressive society, democracy, and an inherent military ideology of not harming civilian non-combatants, was muted and ultimately destroyed. So, how did it come to pass that Israel is falsely compared to Apartheid South Africa or a "colonizer" and a false moral equivalency between Israelis and Palestinians is bruited about from American universities - especially the ivies? The distortion of historic truth has been fuelled by superior marketing by the United Nations, which is anti-Semitic and anti-American and by some African-Americans, who were assisted in their civil rights struggle by American Jews, but now feel their oppression is synonymous with that of the Palestinians. It also came from the university woke administrations and professors, along with the stark ignorance of our youth, and the larger population of Muslim converts and immigrants whose mantra is Kill the Jews. All of the above have either not been educated about history in the area, or deliberately distort it. Some hate the Jews because Israel uncomfortably reminds them of their own failures, as George Gilder noted in his best-seller, The Israel Test. Prior to Israels existence, the entire area was controlled and governed by the U.K. In 1947, the United Nations presented a plan to divide the land between Jews and Arabs. The Jewish agency accepted the plan; the Palestinians and Arab countries did not. Instead, Arab countries waged war against Israel and told the Palestinians as soon as the war was won, they could take over in Israel. However, the Arabs failed, and Israel against all odds won the war, and no Arab country then and through the present, will absorb the Palestinians. Many peace initiatives have been attempted and some have been successful. In 1979, Israel and Egypt signed a peace known as the Camp David Accords. Egypt was the first Arab country to accept Israels right to exist. As a condition, Israel turned over to Egypt the Sinai Peninsula it had captured in 1967. The Oslo Accords were established in 1993. In return for peace, Israel turned over complete control to the Palestinian Authority (PA) of Gaza in Judea, and Samaria in the West Bank in exchange for peace. While this was the road to complete autonomy for the Palestinians, they violated the agreement by heightened acts of terrorism through a renewed intifada. In 1994, Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty that ended 46 years of warfare. As with Egypt, this agreement has been respected and endured. Israel, in year 2000, under a Camp David Peace Plan, offered much of Judea and Samaria and 100% of Gaza to the Palestinians for peace. The Palestinian Authority's response was the Second Intifada that killed hundreds and injured thousands of Israelis. Incredibly, in 2008, Israel offered 98% of Judea and Samaria for peace (which was extremely risky to Israel) but again the PA refused. Thus, the Palestinians have rejected four peace offerings while Jordan and Egypt gladly accepted peace treaties and have respected them. Against these truths, and the unspeakable atrocities Hamas and some Palestinians have heaped on Israel, there is stunning, overt and increasing anti-Israel, anti-Semitic craven hatred towards Jews openly expressed in America, never before experienced. Some Americans gleefully condone the terror and bestial violence we have just witnessed by Hamas in Israel. They, too, want Israel eliminated. They are unchecked. So could a Nazi Germany happen here? Its hard out there for a Jew. Image: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, via Picryl // public domain Incredibly, reports indicate that the U.S. State Departments Consular Affairs Crisis Management System (CACMS) is demanding that U.S. citizens wishing to flee war-torn Israel sign promissory notes as a precondition for any assistance in evacuating from the volatile region. American Thinker has a piece about that here. An email sent to Americans stranded in the tiny Middle Eastern nation stated that the U.S. government would offer loans for transportation with a promise of repayment. According to The Gateway Pundit, the email read: The situation in Israel is still unpredictable; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning. Please continue to follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. Commercial flights are available but limited. If you wish to leave Israel, we encourage you to take advantage of those options now. U.S. carriers have temporarily suspended flights to Israel, if you choose to depart, you will need to fly to an intermediate location and book onward travel from there to the United States. We understand there is high demand from U.S. citizens wishing to depart and the flight options are reduced. In the coming days we hope to assist U.S. citizens with transportation options to depart Israel. Due to the large numbers of U.S. citizens indicating interest in departure assistance, we will plan to offer transit over several days. If you choose to take this departure assistance, transportation may be by air or sea and will be to a nearby safe location and not to the United States. Travelers should be prepared to arrange their own lodging at the safe location and pay for their own onward travel from the third country to their chosen destination. Departure assistance is provided via a loan from the U.S. government which requires travelers to sign a promissory note (an agreement to repay) prior to departure. Yitz Friedman, communications manager at the American Accountability Foundation (and trapped in Israel at the time), authored a post on X stating: Is this what it means to be an American abroad? Almost all American airlines received taxpayer bailouts, and they were the first to abandon us. They were the first to cancel all flights. The Biden administration is making a habit of leaving Americans stranded. In Afghanistan. And now in Israel. (One could add other places, as well, perhaps ironicallyand eerilyincluding East Palestine, Ohio.) Its bad enough that U.S. airlines bailed. But Uncle Sam making citizens legally pledge to pay back any financial assistance before agreeing to help get them out seems beyond the pale. So, if you are stuck in Israel, go ahead and try to arrange travel to a third country and lodging (Americinn?) for your stay. Then pay for your onward travel to a destination of your choice, maybe even the United States. Your government might even help you, providing you're good for it. Now Im not big on government spending, but, as Biden would say, Cmon, man! The Biden administrations flies illegal immigrants all over the country gratis. And puts them up in nice hotels. And gives them various and sundry other freebies. It excuses student debt. It handed out free COVID money. And crack pipes to addicts. It has given countless billions of dollars to Ukraineand countless billions of dollars worth of military equipment to the Talibansome of which may have been used against Israel in the recent Hamas attacks which led to Americans needing to vacate the Holy Land in the first place. And Biden insisted on giving $6 billion to Iran, the state sponsor of Hamas! You cant make this stuff up. Therefore, one would logically expect the government to do its citizens a solid, as they say. So, come on, Uncle Sam, bring your people home. And worry about the greenbacks later. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License James Q. Wilsons and George L. Kellings broken windows theory of policing is relatively simple: If a society shows that it has no interest in policing little crimes, it creates an environment that is a perfect petri dish for big crimes. In California, a new law will have the practical effect of breaking windows in schools across the state. Thats because the state now makes it impossible for schools to rid themselves of students who disrupt the classroom or openly defy the teacher. From the Epoch Times: It will be illegal for California public schools to suspend students for disrupting class or defying teachersknown as willful defiance suspensionsstarting July 1, 2024. With Governor Newsoms signing of SB 274, California is putting the needs of students first, bill author Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) said in a statement a day after the governors signing Oct. 8. No more kicking kids out of school for minor disruptions. Students belong in school where they can succeed. SB 274an extension of the author's previous legislation from 2019 that banned willful defiance suspensions for TK5 students permanently and for grades 68 until 2025now broadens such policy to include all public-school grades from TK12 across the state, with a sunset date of July 1, 2029. [snip] Under the new law, teachers can remove a student from class for unruly behavior, but the youth would not be suspended from school. Instead, school administrators would be responsible for evaluating and implementing suitable in-school interventions or support for the student, according to the senators office. Additionally, the bill prohibits the suspension or expulsion of students due to tardiness or truancy. Its hard to imagine a more foolish law. We know by looking at what happened in Minnesota, which embarked on a similar scheme, how this will end: In violence and educational breakdown. Back in 2016, in an article thats since been removed from its original site in the Star Tribune, Kathy Kersten wrote about what happened in St. Paul schools when they stopped allowing teachers to discipline disruptive students in the name of equity: A St. Paul Central High School teacher is choked and body-slammed by a student and hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury. A teacher caught between two fighting fifth-grade girls is knocked to the ground with a concussion. Police are compelled to use a chemical irritant to break up a riot at Como Park High School. Increasingly, some St. Paul Public Schools resemble a war zone. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi has branded the trend of violence a public health crisis. Teachers threatened to strike over the dangers they face, and their safety was a pivotal issue in recently concluded contract negotiations. We are afraid, one told the Pioneer Press. Though many including St. Paul school officials seem reluctant to acknowledge it, the escalating violence and disorder follow a major change in school disciplinary policies. In recent years, district leaders have increasingly removed consequences for misbehavior, and led kids to believe they can wreak havoc with impunity. In the words of one teacher: We have a segment of kids who consider themselves untouchable. [snip] Were talking about a powerful ideology that has gripped the imagination of Twin Cities school officials and far beyond. Thats the notion of equity a buzzword that is rapidly becoming the all-purpose justification for dubious policies not only in education but in many public arenas. Equity, in todays newspeak, is not about fairness that is, the same rules for everyone. It means quite the opposite. The equity crusade regards people not as individuals responsible for their own conduct but, first and foremost, as members of racial and ethnic groups. If one groups outcomes on social measures are not identical to all of the others, the cause is presumed to be discrimination and the proper response to be government policies designed to ensure equal statistical results. The dilemma for St. Paul Public Schools leaders is that the districts black students are proportionately disciplined and suspended at much higher rates than students of other racial groups. You can read the rest here, and I urge you to do so. The bottom line: Because minorities are more likely to misbehave in schools, the leftist solution isnt to work with the minority community to improve their young uns behavior. Instead, its to lower all behavioral standards. I can show you exactly what happens when you do that: A student throws a chair at a teacher pic.twitter.com/uXPNFH2t2m Insane Clips (@freakouts4u) October 7, 2023 Dissident Soaps on gab: 17-year old high school student in Palm Coast, #Florida viciously beats his teacher unconscious after she confiscates the Nintendo Switch he was playing during class. As bystanders dragged him away, he spit on her and told her he'd be back to kill her. pic.twitter.com/hRcam0yyhZ ManBearPig (@Wappie12345) February 24, 2023 When you give people permission to behave badly, they will. California has just done that in its schools. Im incredibly grateful that my father, who had the misfortune to be shunted as a teacher into one of Californias worst high schools in the late-1970s, is long gone. Back then, he was simply disheartened by the students unwillingness to learn. Today, hed be fearing for his lifeand hed be disarmed and unable to defend himself, too. Behind all the racial love talk you get from the left, Democrats obviously despise minorities. You can tell because every one of their initiatives, rather than showing high expectations for minorities, panders to the basest instincts that lurk in all human nature. They dont see blacks as humans; that is, aspirational beings who can transcend the caveman who lives in all of us. Instead, they see them as bestial, and they legislate accordingly. Image by Andrea Widburg using school hall. Korea's finance minister called for concerted international effortsSaturday to end protectionism and recover supply chains to address economic challenges stemming from Russia's protracted war in Ukraine, COVID-19 and other factors. Minister Choo Kyung-ho made the call during the two-day G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Marrakesh, Morocco, which ended Friday, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Choo called for the end of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and highlighted the need for the G20 member countries to discuss measures to stabilize global supply chains. The finance minister also stressed the need to take preemptive measures to restore financial stability in light of growing uncertainties from global monetary tightening and the strong U.S. dollar, the ministry said. Choo also underscored the need to secure fiscal soundness and actively pursue regulatory innovation and structural reform for the recovery of growth momentum as well. The G20 members, meanwhile, adopted their first communique since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year. They expressed concerns over the war as it could have "significant consequences for the global economy." "In this context, emphasizing the importance of sustaining food and energy security, we called for the cessation of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure," the communique read. "We also expressed deep concern about the adverse impact that conflicts have on the security of civilians thereby exacerbating existing socio-economic fragilities and vulnerabilities and hindering an effective humanitarian response," it added. (Yonhap) Campus Reform recently reported that the Swarthmore chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) called the Hamas terrorists who butchered thousands of innocent Israelis (and others, including Americans) martyrs and affirmed the right of Palestinian people to resist. Which reportedly prompted Swarthmore College President Val Smith to issue a statement in which she called the students praise of Hamas terror actions examples of the free exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives that we embrace as a liberal arts institution. (Which renders ridiculous Smiths claim that hateful rhetoric and calls for violence have no place at Swarthmore.) One post on X noted: Val Smith, president of @swarthmore, calls SJP celebrating the beheading of Israeli babies free exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives and refuses to address the organizations abhorrent post or antisemitism by name. Branding terrorism and the mass murder of innocents nothing but the free exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives that a liberal arts institution should embrace boggles the mindand sickens the soul. By that perspective, the Saudis that flew planes into the World Trade Center and Pentagon were just engaging in the free exchange of diverse ideas, too. As were Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. And Charles Manson. Isnt diversity grand?! Whos not pro-diversity? And those terrorists were inclusive and equitable in their attacks, too, rendering nearly 3,000 souls of every color, sex, creed, and class equally dead. Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, baby! D.I.E.! If weve progressed so far that slaughtering innocent people is now simply considered to be illustrative of a different perspective, surely Swarthmore College and its SJP warmly welcomes conservatives and MAGA types to campus to share their diverse perspectives? Right? Right? Image: www.bl.uk via Picryl / public domain Sometimes, people ask me how I keep going when the news is so depressing. Its partly because Im compulsive, but its also because you never know when a Black Swana completely unanticipated eventwill change things. For Israelis, Hamass attack on thousands of civilians was the worst kind of Black Swan. However, horror can be cathartic and clarifying. Here in America, it might even lead to cleaning up the news media. The good news is that Americans have their heads screwed on right by a two-to-one margin. (I wish it were a greater margin, but Ill take two-to-one.) Thats because, when it comes to what happened, they side with Israel and agree that Hamas needs to be destroyed: As Israel masses tanks and personnel around the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas terror attack, Americans have a clear message for Israeli commanders: Go for it. Some 50 percent believe it is reasonable for the Israeli Defense Forces to fully invade and occupy the territory, according to an exclusive poll for DailyMail.com, compared with 28 percent who said it would be unreasonable. There is also overwhelming support for air strikes on Hamas targets. Perhaps Americans remember enough about 9/11 to understand that what happened in Israel can happen here. They know that unless radical Islam is beaten back, it will spread, killing and torturing as it goes. Picture made using public domain images. Whatever the reason behind Americans enthusiastic support for destroying Hamas, two of the most aggressively anti-Israel media outlets seem to have realized that its bad business to bash Israel. Both MSNBC and AP have sidelined openly antisemitic, pro-Hamas reporters and talking heads. Writing for Semafor, Max Tani has a long essay about MSNBCs internal conflicts when it comes to covering events in the Middle East, including silencing pro-Palestinian staff: MSNBC has quietly taken three of its Muslim broadcasters out of the anchors chair since Hamass attack on Israel last Saturday amid Americas wave of sympathy for Israeli terror victims. The network did not air a scheduled Thursday night episode of The Mehdi Hasan Show on the streaming platform Peacock. MSNBC also reversed a plan for Ayman Mohyeldin to fill in this week on the network for host Joy Reids 7 p.m. show on Thursday and Friday. Mohyeldin, an Egyptian-American journalist and veteran NBC News correspondent covered the conflict from Gaza for two years. In 2021, he aggressively questioned Israeli leaders on strikes on the territory. Two network sources with knowledge of the plans told Semafor that the network also plans to have Alicia Menendez fill in this upcoming weekend for Ali Velshi, a third Muslim-American host who on Sunday interviewed a spokesman for the Palestinian Authority. The outlet claims these changes are merely a coincidence, but I have my doubts. So does Tani: The moves come as MSNBC like the Democratic Party with which its often aligned has swung into intense solidarity with the Jewish state after the murderous Hamas attacks. That shift has come with heated internal and external objections to anything that breaks with that solidarity, and has come with social media criticism of Hasan, Mohyeldin, and Velshi. Hasan has also been vocal on X, formerly known as Twitter, condemning the Hamas attack and calling attention to the plight of civilians in Gaza. It turns out that siding with baby killerspeople whose primary targets are babiesis a bad look, whether youre a terrorist military organization, a political party, or a media outlet. And its not just MSNBC thats figured this out. AP, a reliably virulent antisemitic outlet, is also doing housecleaning: A reporter for the Associated Press based in Gaza has a social media history of blasting Israel as an oppressive, apartheid regime, leading to criticism that he cant objectively cover the conflict. An extensive report from HonestReporting, a media watchdog, laid out Issam Adwans extensive past of shredding Israel, including calling it an apartheid regime, saying it would be a triumph if it was overthrown, and comparing the Jewish state to the Nazis. Adwan has been reporting this week for the AP from Gaza after Israel declared war on Hamas following the Palestinian terror groups brutal attack Saturday. In the linked article, you can read myriad examples of Adwans genocidal hatred for Jews. So, yeah, I doubt he was objective. And heres the thing: He was never objective, but right up until a week ago, that was fine with AP. Again, deliberately killing babies really helps separate the wheat from the chaff and the irredeemably evil people from everyone else. There is no doubt that Biden is a disaster for America and, indeed, his weakness is a disaster for the world. Nevertheless, the compounding horrors of his presidency are forcing Americans to face up to things theyve long ignored. The Democrat party is no longer a pro-American party. It is, instead, an anti-American, antisemitic, racist, globalist, corporatist entity staffed by evil and/or incompetent people. Meanwhile, the Republican party isnt much better. The conservatives have the right values but arent that useful. And the GOP itself is, as I always say, a Vichy party that ostensibly represents Americans but that has values more closely aligned on most issues (except, maybe, for guns) with the Democrats. These are ugly realities, but theyre useful, too. When we see the truth, we can address the problems. As long as we were in denial, things were only going to get worse. And right now, MSNBC and AP know that, too. Hamas has apparently realized that its bad publicity to decapitate babies and burn them alive in their cribs and then to snatch infants and toddlers, only to place them in empty chicken cages as hostages. Their hatred for the Jews is so overwhelming it didnt occur to them that normal people (and there are many left in the world) would react with revulsion. So, Hamas has now put out a video purporting to show its tender, loving care for the Jewish babies it stole. One of the things Israel has routinely done for decades now is to offer advanced medical care for children in Gaza and the West Bank. Thats because the terrorist governments in those two regions cant be bothered to take care of their citizens. Theyre too busy thinking up new schemes for Israels genocidal takeover. Israel fills the gap: Hadassah Hospital in Israel does free cardiac surgery on Palestinian babies born with heart defects. Judy Resnick (@Rezzno) March 9, 2012 United efforts of Israeli and Palestinian medical staff save baby girl from #Gaza Save a Childs Heart brings children to #Israel from all over the world for lifesaving surgery https://t.co/vnmBoewqdJ Lola (@lolasky2014) May 18, 2020 A 6 month old #Palestinian baby born to Syrian refugee parents has been given a second chance at life after receiving a heart transplant from a Jewish child. The surgery was performed at #Israels Sheba Hospital.https://t.co/kQy6AaeWlD pic.twitter.com/VVXsFcwNSh pic.twitter.com/C95Y8od5IG No2BDS (@no2bds) October 12, 2018 This is what moral, decent people do. On the other side, this is what immoral, indecent people do: GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING We wish these images didnt exist. We wish we didnt have to share these images. More then 1,300 Israeli civilians slaughtered. Women and girls raped. People burned alive. Young kids kidnapped. Babies tortured and murdered. Parents pic.twitter.com/eKZluFg36v Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 13, 2023 Trigger Warning Today it was revealed that 40 Israeli babies were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists. Some of them had their heads chopped off, others were burned alive in their cribs. There are no more excuses to be had, no more context to understand what is happening pic.twitter.com/dkm9tbSB3v (((noa tishby))) (@noatishby) October 11, 2023 (By the way, this was the centerpiece of Hamass plan: Slaughtering civilians.) This is so evil, this is beyond words, I cannot stop weeping watching savage behavior. Hamas terrorists hold the toddlers in cages like animals. I beg you not to be silent, pray, take action, and share with others pic.twitter.com/yif4l7tyqd Marziyeh Amirizadeh (@MAmirizadeh) October 8, 2023 Hamass advantage has always been that it wields for propaganda images of its dead children (or, at least, sheet-draped bodies that it claims are dead children). Its leadership clearly assumed that Israel would do its usual low-level, blow-up-a-few-buildings reprisals, so it even got at least one child ready for the cameras: Hamas accidentally posted a video of a doll (yes a doll) suggesting that it was a part of casualties caused by an IDF attack. pic.twitter.com/U14Lb2BOhv Israel (@Israel) October 13, 2023 You can only imagine the shock in the Hamas control room when the terrorists realized that seeing Jews subjected to a second Holocaust didnt go down well. People were shocked and disgusted, especially because they realized that, if Islamists could do this to their Jewish neighborsnot just bombs or the random stabbing, but wholesale ecstatic slaughterthey could do that to non-Jews around the world, too. Hamas is now in damage control. To that end, it has released a video of its kinder, more nurturing killers gently cradling the babies they snatched from their dead parents arms to use as hostages and living shields against Israeli missiles: BREAKING: Hamas publishes footage of its fighters keeping Israeli children as human shields in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/AvhLj3WOwH Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) October 13, 2023 Sane, decent people were not amused: BREAKING: Hamas publishes footages showing its Terrorists keeping Israeli children as human shields in #Gaza. One child was forced to say antisemitic words to be allowed to drink water. #Hamas pic.twitter.com/cXoc5IEe7M Faraz Pervaiz (@FarazPervaiz3) October 13, 2023 Here are the Hamas monsters But they are also Hamas cowards using Israeli babies and children as human shields - Hard to believe today in NYC that I even had non-Palestinian Americans yelling that there are no dead Israeli Jewish babies and that it was all propaganda These https://t.co/xxXAmrTQgG Sara A. Carter (@SaraCarterDC) October 13, 2023 Hamas releases video of captured Israeli children it's using as human shields as example of its "compassion" https://t.co/8TFNcepPrK Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) October 13, 2023 #BREAKING: Hamas publishes footage of little children they've KIDNAPPED in Israel after BUTCHERING their parents and are now holding as human shields in Gaza. How kind. pic.twitter.com/u8lznmYG6h Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) October 13, 2023 Once again, lets be clear: The side that uses childrenits own and the children of its enemiesto protect itself from bombs is the evil side. Whatever you feel for the Palestinians right now is overwhelmed by the need to destroy every adult in that video. And remember, if the Palestinian people are mostly innocent of these crimes, they are also prisoners of their government. If Israel destroys Hamas, it frees the same people Hamas has already been using as human shields for decades now. Image: X screen grab. Google isnt the kind of company to have its toe in only one market, and that goes doubly for. Along with models that generate text, the company also has models that generate images. Well, if your AI image lands you in trouble for copyright infringement, Google will protect you, according to Android Police. However, theres fine print that you should know about. How could AI images land you in legal trouble? The content that AI models generate has to come from somewhere. Before a text generator can generate a story, it needs to be fed a ton of stories to learn what a story is. The same goes for AI images. Advertisement Advertisement Before image generators could start generating images, they needed to be fed a massive amount of image data to learn. These images come from the internet, and a massive amount of that image data comes from images that artists have created. Well, image generators are also fed copyrighted images. This has led to some heated debates about whether using AI-generated images of copyrighted words should be considered theft. If your AI images break copyright law, then Google will defend you If youre planning on using AI images in a professional sense, then this is something that should be on your mind. While AI images are wholly created from scratch, theres still the chance that you could be dragged into court. If youre using one of Googles AI image services, then the company will defend you if your image happens to break copyright law. Googles defense wont only affect you. The company will also provide legal help for the artist whose work was infringed upon. Its definitely good for the company to do that. It talked a lot about being responsible with AI, and this shows that the company is looking to take responsibility for potential legal matters. Now, whats that fine print? So, Google will step in and help out folks caught in a legal whirlpool, but this protection doesnt extend to everyone. For starters, and this should come as no surprise, the company will only cover accidental copyright infringement. So, if you create an image with the intention to infringe on a creators art, then youre on your own. Next, Googles protection only extends to those using the Vertex AI or Duet AI. These are both paid services. If you use Bard to generate your images (that functionality is on its way), and it lands you in hot water, Google will not offer assistance. This is always recommended that you be mindful of the images that you create. The October 2023 security update has reached a few more Galaxy smartphones in the US. Samsung is now pushing the latest security patch to the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy S21 FE, and Galaxy S20 FE. The Note phones have already received the update in international markets, but the rollout has just begun for the two FE models. Their global versions should pick up the new SMR (Security Maintenance Release) in the coming days. Samsung pushes October update to more Galaxy devices in the US This months security update is available for both carrier-locked and unlocked variants of the Galaxy Note 20 series in the US. The devices are getting the new SMR with firmware build numbers N98*USQS5HWI1 and N98*U1UES5HWI1, respectively. Samsungs official changelog confirms that the update doesnt bring anything more than the latest security fixes. It was the same story in international markets as well. Advertisement Advertisement The October SMR for Galaxy devices patches 46 vulnerabilities. 12 of those are specific to Samsung products, while the rest are Android OS issues affecting devices from other brands as well. At least two vulnerabilities patched this month are confirmed to be critical flaws. Along with the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, these security fixes are now rolling out to the US versions of the Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy S20 FE as well. As of this writing, the rollout for the two FE phones is limited to carrier-locked units. They are picking up the updates with the build numbers G990USQS9EWI2 and G781USQSDHWI4, respectively. The changelog remains the same as the Note lineup. Samsung should soon push the latest SMR to their factory-unlocked counterparts in the US and gradually expand the rollout to the rest of the world. Note that Samsungs October update isnt yet available for the US versions of the regular Galaxy S20 models. The Galaxy S23 flagships are also awaiting the latest security patch. Their international versions have already received it. Hopefully, it wont be long before users stateside get it too. As usual, you can check for new updates from the Settings app. Go to the Software update menu and tap on Download and install. Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S20 FE wont get Android 14 Samsung is expected to release its Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update (currently available in beta) later this month, starting with the Galaxy S23 series. Other models will follow soon, but the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S20 FE wont be in that pack. These phones arrived with Android 10 and are not eligible for major feature updates beyond Android 13. The Galaxy S21 FE will get Android 14. We will let you know when the rollout begins. (see related story on budget) (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 14 - Confindustria President Carlo Bonomi said Saturday that the 2024 budget bill which Premier Giorgia Meloni's cabinet is set to approve on Monday was reasonable while calling on the government to cut public spending to make permanent tax cuts possible. "The budget has shown reasonableness and obviously this is a good thing," the head of the Italian industrial confederation told the Giovani Imprenditori (Young Entrepreneurs) conference. "However, it is a budget that contains many time-limited interventions, such as the one maintaining a cut to the labour-tax wedge. "It is obvious that, if we want to make structural interventions, we must attack public spending. "Otherwise, it is difficult to find the resources needed for structural interventions aimed at fostering growth, which is the way to reassure the markets". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 14 - An alarming spate of femicides in Italy continued on Saturday when a 55-year-old man, Franco Panariello, stabbed to death his wife Concetta Marruocco, 53, in the town of Cerreto d'Esi, near Ancona. Panariello reportedly got his daughter, a minor, to call the Carabinieri police after killing Marruocco. The couple were separating. Panariello was already on trial for allegedly subjecting Marruocco and her three children to over 20 years of mistreatment. A hearing last month was told about Panariello's alleged physical and psychological abuse and fits of extreme anger. In a separate case, a 57-year-old woman is in a critical condition in hospital after being stabbed in the throat by her partner. The man tried to flee but was arrested. Photo: a file image of Carabinieri police. (ANSA). The White House said Friday that North Korea has delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. Speculation about a possible North Korean plan to refill Russias munition stores drained in its protracted war with Ukraine flared last month, when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the U.S. believes Kim is seeking sophisticated Russian weapons technologies in return for the munitions to boost North Korea's military and nuclear program. The White House released images that it said show the containers were loaded onto a Russian-flagged ship before being moved via train to southwestern Russia. The containers were shipped between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1 between Najin, North Korea, and Dunay, Russia, according to the White House. "We condemn the DPRK for providing Russian with this military equipment, which will be used to attack Ukrainian cities and kill Ukrainian civilians and further Russias illegitimate war," Kirby said, using the initials for Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the country's official name. In return for support, we assess the Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia including fighter aircraft, surface to air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, or other materials and other advanced technologies. The U.S. unveiled the intelligence determination as North Korea lashed out Friday at the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier battle group in South Korea, calling it a provocation and again raising the specter of using nuclear weapons to defend itself. The Norths official Korean Central News Agency called the aircraft carriers arrival an undisguised military provocation that proves a U.S. plan to attack North Korea is being realized. It threatened to respond in line with its escalatory nuclear doctrine that authorizes the preemptive use of nuclear weapons. The U.S. has accused North Korea of previously providing ammunition, artillery shells and rockets to Russia. North Korea has previously denied providing weaponry to Moscow. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, last week published satellite photos that showed a sharp increase in rail traffic along the North Korea-Russia border, The report said satellite images as of Oct. 5 captured a dramatic and unprecedented level of freight railcar traffic at the Tumangang Rail Facility. It said images show approximately 73 railcars while a review of previous satellite images over the past five years shows about 20 railcars at this facility at most. Last month after he had met with Putin, Kim called for an exponential increase in production of nuclear weapons and for his country to play a larger role in a coalition of nations confronting the United States in a new Cold War, North Korean state media said. During Kims six-day trip to Russia, his longest foreign travel as a leader, the two countries said they discussed boosting their defense ties but didnt disclose any specific steps. Foreign experts speculate the two countries, both locked in confrontations with the West, were pushing to reach arms transfer deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The trip to Russia was also Kim's first foreign trip since the pandemic, during which North Korea imposed tight border controls for more than three years. After decades of hot-and-cold relations, Russia and North Korea have drawn closer since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang go back to the 1948 foundation of North Korea, as Soviet officials installed young, ambitious nationalist Kim Il-sung, the late grandfather of Kim Jong-un , as the countrys first ruler. Since then, Soviet aid shipments had been crucial in keeping North Koreas economy afloat for decades before the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in the Middle East to consult with allies in the aftermath of last week's Hamas attack on Israel, spoke by phone on Friday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Blinken and Kuleba discussed the latest battlefield developments, according to the State Department. (AP) (see related stories) (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 14 - Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi on Saturday warned that the coming months will be "complicated" after the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel. "'Difficult, complicated months are certainly ahead of us, which make it right to maintain a high level of attention," Piantedosi told an event organized by daily newspaper Il Foglio He said that, at the moment, there is "no concrete and immediate evidence" of possible acts of domestic terrorism here, after a teacher was stabbed to death by an Islamist in France on Friday, while adding that it was necessary to keep "the level of attention very high". When asked if the war could further increase the number of migrants arriving in Italy, Piantedosi replied: "it is one of the risks. 'We already have reports of arrivals from Palestine although this was already happening before," he said, adding that it is important to "intercept" potentially dangerous individuals "on arrival". (ANSA). U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tours the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Saturday Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Saturday for protecting civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel as he intensified his diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing humanitarian crisis. He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive. His efforts reflect the international concern about the number of civilians at risk and the potential ramifications of a prolonged war as Israel told Gaza residents to move south and Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. The Biden administration from President Joe Biden to his Pentagon chief and top diplomat during their recent Mideast stops has not publicly urged Israel to restrain its response after the Hamas attack a week ago, but has emphasized the country's commitment to following the rules of war. In visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, Blinken cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns. An Israeli ground assault would worsen the plight of civilians in Gaza who are without power, fresh water or access to aid. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. Israel has advised all Palestinian civilians to flee south to avoid Israel's continued offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City. Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his country's help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinken's spokesman declined to characterize Wangs response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the region's stability. In Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack against Israel. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Blinken said. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else," Blinken said. The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians. Its a disturbing situation, he said. Its a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and its important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone. A U.S official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israels military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. In a sign of some small potential progress, a senior U.S. official traveling with Blinken said an agreement in principle had been worked out between Egypt, Israel and Qatar to allow Palestinian Americans and other dual citizens in Gaza to cross the border into Egypt during a five-hour window on Saturday. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. Also, it was not immediately clear whether Hamas would allow convoys of foreigners to reach the crossing unimpeded. The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv. Prince Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end. We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence, he said. Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price. While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words Light in the Darkness. Blinken planned to return to Saudi Arabia and then stop in Egypt on Sunday. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. ___ Baldor reported from aboard a U.S. military aircraft. Associated Press writers Tara Copp, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. A family of British Jews have said they are weeping and praying for loved ones on the front line in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Eddie Hammerman and his wife Ronit Tam-Hammerman are worried for family and friends living in Israel, including relatives in its army. It comes after the Israeli infantry launched it first raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday since Hamas militants went on a deadly rampage through southern Israel on October 7. Eddie Hammerman discusses the Israel-Palestine conflict at his home in Borehamwood (Ian West/PA) Speaking from his family home in Hertfordshire on Friday, Mr Hammerman, 47, who works in PR, said: Weve got friends and family in Israel, and so theres a big connection with them, with what theyre going through. Many of them have been called up to the army, so they will, some of them be on the front line, and were really concerned, and we feel really helpless here of what we can do for our friends and family and the wider community in Israel who have suffered in this terrible massacre. His wife Ronit Tam-Hammerman, 50, a primary school teacher, has family and friends in Israel, including her mother, brother and his family. My nephew is called up, my niece is on active duty, she said. The reality is that we dont know, we just know they are in duty and they are in the army, and youre just worried sick. The flag of Israel and the Union flag above the UK Government Queen Elizabeth House building in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Hammerman added: My cousins out there, their kids are in the army, and they are serving. Our grandfather was liberated from Auschwitz. And we said then and we still say today, never again. But this never again has happened again, to us. So as British Jews we experience it generation on generation, were experiencing the highest number of Jews thats been murdered on one day since the Holocaust, and we carry that as British Jews. So when we see people on the streets demonstrating against Israel the day after a massacre, it worries us, its really concerning for us. When we hear about the days of rage and three schools close, its concerning. Were not scared. We have the support of the British public, we believe. We have the support of cross-party, Rishi Sunak, and the police and all the politicians have been very supportive. But when you see people on the streets and when you when you hear calls for global jihad, it worries you, as a British Jew, and were proud to be British Jews. In Golders Green, a north London area with a large Jewish population, people echoed his concerns after the Metropolitan Police said there has been a massive increase in antisemitic incidents since the latest Israel-Hamas conflict erupted. On Golders Green Road, Steven, 42, said: It was very uncomfortable and disheartening to actually see a reaction within hours of what happened you had Palestinian Hamas sympathisers out, outside the embassy rejoicing at what had happened. This was before any retaliation had started or counter measure, so you could see there are people amongst us whose true colours have shown, they have got no problem with Jewish people being slaughtered, murdered, massacred, raped, whatever the age. Its disconcerting to know you live amongst people like that. You dont know what other people carry in their hearts. So what that kind of thing does is awakens memories of the stuff that we know all too well. Im speaking as a grandchild of holocaust survivors, I know their stories and its feeling it so to have that kind of reaction is very uncomfortable. He added: There is an anxiety, there is a concern, Im hoping its overblown. Its okay to feel safe in Golders Green but what happens if I want to go past some other area of town, do I need to start wearing a cap? Am I comfortable with my children being out and about or do I want to keep them nearby? Rafal, 44, from Stratford, was working as a security guard outside the nearby Chabad Israeli Centre in Finchley Road on Friday afternoon. Since starting his shift at 9am, he said two cars had driven past, with free Palestine and f*** Jews shouted at him from the vehicles. Rafal said: We are scared. We dont feel safe. For me Im not scared but my wife and kids its difficult. Danny, 72, also of Golders Green, said: Its a frightening atmosphere and we are on edge. Passerby Rabbi Ephraim Klyne added: Over the years Ive educated children to respect and love humanity and undoubtedly over the next weeks and days those sentiments will be taught to children throughout the country. In respect of the hatred and venom that is being expressed towards the Jewish community, which will never be reciprocated. At his family home, Mr Hammerman stressed that as British Jews, this isnt a distant war, we feel it. These are our brothers and sisters, he said. We were crying this week. Literally on the line our cousins, brothers, sisters. Were crying for the hostages, the children, and weve prayed for them at services every night this week in synagogues up and down the country. British Jews, we are weeping and we are praying for our brothers and sisters. Our reality for many years is we have learned to live with a threat, how sad is that we have to learn as Jews to live with an ongoing threat that things can happen. Are we scared? No. We walk around with our heads held high. His wife said her brother in Israel called her on Friday and said take care of yourself, Im worried for you. Mr Hammerman added: That he should even think about being worried for us, says a lot about the situation. The war has claimed at least 2,800 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7, with Israel placing the 25-mile Gaza Strip under siege and subjecting it to a torrent of retaliatory air strikes. British-Palestinians have said family members in Gaza are running for their lives after Israel ordered half of the besieged regions population to evacuate their homes. Fady Abusidu, a 47-year-old business development consultant based in Warwick, told the PA news agency he was really, really worried having not heard from any of his cousins in Gaza City in the north of the region since the order to evacuate. Israel has been pounding Gaza with airstrikes since Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented cross-border attack, killing more than 1,300 people. The Israeli military said early on Friday that the approximately 1.1 million people in northern Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within 24 hours, which the humanitarian office of the United Nations said was impossible. Later that day, Israel announced for the first time that ground troops have been operating inside the Gaza Strip. Fady Abusidu said he was really, really worried as he hasnt heard from any of his cousins in Gaza City (Fady Abusidu/PA) Mr Abusidu said: I dont know where my cousins are at the moment, Ive tried to call them so many times and it wouldnt connect. I can only hope that the reason why Im not in touch with them is because of communication issues, power issues, not because their phones have been destroyed with them, thats the only hope I have to be honest. A British-Palestinian academic based in London said his close family in Gaza two brothers, one sister and three nephews, including a three-month-old were petrified. He told the PA news agency he spoke to his brother on Friday morning, who he described as a tough man but was crying because he couldnt take it anymore. His brother does not know what to do or where to go and was worried sick about his young child, said the academic, who did not wish to share his name because of anti-Palestinian sentiment and the risk of being subjected to unpleasant trolling online. The siblings and their children had been living in northwest Gaza before the area was completely levelled and have been on the move. In a very, very brief call with his pregnant sister before the phone cut out, she asked him to look after her children should anything happen to her and her husband, assuming they would survive, he said. He said the family was staying in southern Gaza at his aunts three-bedroom flat which was housing around 75 people. He told how his family were rationing food and sleeping holding their babies while a continuous bombardment of Israeli strikes was heard outside. And he feared for his 80-year-old wheelchair-bound aunt in central Gaza. As for his extended family members in Gaza, he said: We dont know who is alive and who is not, we dont know where everyone ended up, everyone is just scattered everywhere. My people literally are running for their lives and the Israelis are chasing them to literally obliterate them, to kill them. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said 1,537 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the escalation on Saturday, including 500 children. Mohammed Awad said his family refuse to evacuate from the north of Gaza (Mohammed Awad/PA) British-Palestinian Mohammed Awad told PA his family refuse to evacuate from the north of Gaza. His entire close and extended family, including his parents, siblings and young relatives who are living in Jabalia, were terrified, he said. Mr Awad, an English teacher at a language school in Cambridge, said: They are disconnected from the world. They dont have electricity or enough water or food to survive. This could be the last time I hear from them tonight as Israel threatens to demolish the north of Gaza. Im devastated and heartbroken over my family and the innocent people of Gaza. He continued: The shameful silence, blatant complicity and the US and Western political and militant support of Israel reveal the true face of their selective humanity, morality and justice. Palestinian lives matter equally to Israeli lives. Muslim and Christian lives matter equally to Jewish lives. Scotlands First Minister has urged his party to stop talking about the process of securing independence following its conference this weekend. SNP delegates will meet in Aberdeen from Sunday, with the first priority being to decide the partys approach to independence. Members will debate the best way forward, with a motion tabled by Humza Yousaf and Westminster leader Stephen Flynn which would set a target of the SNP winning the most seats in Scotland at the next election being enough to trigger talks with the Westminster government about how to put that mandate into democratic effect. Mr Yousaf has said he will be open to amendments to the motion and allow members to decide the best way forward. But he urged the party to put an end to the argument after Sunday. Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: Let me be very frank about this, at conference once weve had that debate and Im sure in the best traditions of the SNP, itll be frank, itll be robust thats it. Were done. You draw a line under that, I will fully accept whatever conference decides, even if its not my motion Im confident they will but I will accept whatever conference decides. Everybody else must accept what conference decides. Once that is done, the talk about process is done. Despite support for independence hovering around 50% in the past few months, backing for the SNP has dropped, due in part to the partys long-term discussions about how to achieve independence as opposed to the reasons for it, the First Minister said. The First Minister held an independence convention during the summer to invite views from members on the way forward (Jane Barlow/PA) He added: One of the things that is very clear to me why that link between independence supporters and the SNP is weakened, is because we are talking too much about process. People dont understand why independence is relevant to their everyday lives; the cost-of-living crisis, the NHS and public services and the economy. We have to draw a line under it on Sunday, the partys had the debate, its had its regional assemblies, its made a decision lets all get united behind it and lets get on with talking about the policy, not the process. Mr Yousafs calls are aimed at a party struggling with internal divisions. In recent months, senior party figures have hit out at the deal between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens, including Fergus Ewing, who was suspended from the partys Holyrood group for a week following a series of rebellions. Humza Yousaf was speaking ahead of his first SNP conference as First Minister (Jane Barlow/PA) Others have also rebelled on highly protected marine areas, gender reforms and the deposit return scheme. Asked if he is setting himself up for more divisions after the debate on Sunday, the First Minister said: I genuinely hope not. People can accuse me of a lot of things, but I cant be accused of not letting the party have its say on the strategy. The First Minister pointed to the independence convention in Dundee during the summer as an example of allowing members to shape policy. Ahead of his first conference since taking over the job from Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister said he is both excited and nervous. He added that conference is like a very big family gathering, although put to him that it could be considered a dysfunctional one given the ructions within the party, he said: Every family has its awkward members. The conference comes as the Scottish Government also finds itself in a precarious financial position, with Deputy First Minister Shona Robison reporting earlier this year that the country faces a 1 billion black hole in its budget next year. But even with the issues facing the countrys finances, Mr Yousaf said there will be some policy announcements in his keynote address to the conference on Tuesday, assuring members it will not be just rhetoric, and will include some solid policy detail and vision. The MP who left the SNP to join the Tories has likened her former party to a cult. Lisa Cameron announced this week she would cross the floor, claiming there was a toxic culture within the SNP group at Westminster. In an interview with the Scottish Daily Mail, Dr Cameron said she regretted not leaving sooner than Thursday, when she was just hours away from hearing the outcome of a selection contest in her East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat against SNP staffer Grant Costello. Dr Cameron said her relationship with SNP colleagues resulted in a year of counselling sessions and the need for antidepressants. She has also claimed she had to leave her home due to threats following the defection. However, the new Tory MP said the decision which was welcomed by Prime Minster Rishi Sunak was not one she has taken lightly. But one of her former SNP colleagues, Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald, told the Scotsmans podcast The Steamie Dr Cameron had been on defection-watch since before the pandemic. Dr Cameron told the paper: It is almost like, with the SNP, you sort of get indoctrinated a bit, I feel in an unhealthy way, and your identity gets merged with the doctrine. Its like, Heres what you think about things. Theres not so much, from my experience, individual choice and decision-making or contribution. It almost becomes like a learned helplessness in a way, and it took a long time for me to rebuild my confidence to even speak about things. It does feel quite cult-like in the sense that, in order to have continued approval you have to think and act and speak and behave in a way that is expected constantly, and never to criticise. She also claimed there was a cult of personality within the SNP which meets for Humza Yousafs first conference as leader on Sunday that has left people feeling unable to question the leadership, and being forced to leave. Dr Cameron has said she was ostracised by the Westminster group after speaking up for the young staffer harassed by MP Patrick Grady, when the groups leadership asked colleagues to show Mr Grady support. Mr Grady has since failed SNP vetting to run for his Glasgow North seat at the next election. The First Minister questioned Dr Camerons commitment to Scottish independence after her decision to leave (Jane Barlow/PA) Dr Cameron blamed her difficult relationships with SNP colleagues for a year of counselling sessions she underwent and the need for antidepressants. However, SNP president Mike Russell said on Friday the defection was an odd tantrum, from someone who was going to lose their nomination. Mr Yousaf, speaking to the PA news agency on Thursday, said it was the least surprising news he had heard since becoming First Minister and he questioned Dr Camerons commitment to Scottish independence. Asked about his comments, the MP said while she believes in Scottish independence, she no longer trusts the SNP to run a Scottish Government outside the UK. A spokeswoman for the SNP said: Lisa Cameron has betrayed, not only the local SNP members that helped get her elected as an SNP MP, but the people of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow who rejected the Tories. She must now now do the right thing and step down to allow a by-election. Her constituents deserve to have the democratic opportunity to elect a hard working SNP MP who will put the interests of Scotland first. On a personal basis, we wish her well. The Scottish Government has pledged 500,000 in humanitarian funding to the relief effort in Gaza. The cash will be given to the UNs Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) flash appeal, which is working to support those being displaced by escalating violence in Gaza. International development minister Christina McKelvie also reiterated the Scottish Governments call for a humanitarian corridor to allow aid to be delivered to civilians. The @scotgov will provide 500,000 towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agencys @UNRWA flash appeal in response to the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip. A humanitarian corridor must be opened to allow supplies through to those in need. https://t.co/PO8BkMOJJf https://t.co/hDchje1kHt Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) October 14, 2023 She said: Our thoughts are with all the innocent people caught in the middle of escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government reiterates the call from the First Minister and the UN secretary-general for a humanitarian corridor to be established so that urgent assistance can be given to those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave. The call was made by First Minister Humza Yousaf earlier this week. Tamara Alrifai, the director of external relations and communications at the UNRWA, said: This generous contribution is an incredibly humane gesture towards tens of thousands of people who are in utter distress in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA is very grateful for the show of support by Scotland and will use every penny to help alleviate the suffering of civilian women, children and men in Gaza. Mr Yousaf has also been candid about his and his wife Nadia El-Naklas fears for her family in Gaza. Her mother Elizabeth and father Maged made the trip last week, ahead of the Hamas attack on Israel which sparked reprisals, to visit family, becoming trapped there. In a tearful interview with Sky News on Friday, the First Minister said: I do not know, I genuinely do not know if I will see my in-laws again. Nadia doesnt know shes going to see her mum and dad again. And all we can do is watch the news and look at all the rolling coverage. Mr Yousaf also revealed that his youngest daughter, Amal, four, asked him if granny would be back in time for Halloween, and that they had told her she was scared of the thunder. They told her that she would be back, but Mr Yousaf said: We honestly dont know if she will. The First Minister also told the BBC he felt that the response from the Israeli Government was going too far and punishing innocent people. His comments came after he and his wife endured a scare on Thursday after seeing the area where her family live being bombed through live media reports. Ms El-Nakla was able to reach her mother soon after to confirm they had not been hurt. This is Elizabeth El-Nakla. She is my mother-in-law. A retired nurse from Dundee, Scotland. She, like the vast majority of people in Gaza, has nothing to do with Hamas. She has been told to leave Gaza but, like the rest of the population, is trapped with nowhere to go. pic.twitter.com/D3ZUtnEmyO Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) October 13, 2023 In an emotional video posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday by her son-in-law, Elizabeth El-Nakla said: Where is humanity? Wheres peoples hearts in the world, to let this happen in this day and age? May God help us, goodbye. Meanwhile, rallies have been organised across the UK in solidarity with the Palestinian people, with thousands expected to march in London. In Scotland, smaller events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee have been organised. Ms McKelvie also announced 250,000 in humanitarian funding for Libya, through the Governments Humanitarian Emergency Fund, to support their response to flooding that killed more than 4,000 people in September. She added: Many thousands of people in Libya are also still dealing with the impact of major flooding following dam collapses in the aftermath of Storm Daniel and our thoughts are also with them and their families, as work to provide essential aid, such as food, clean water and shelter, continues in those areas worst affected. Two charter flights have now left Israel, as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals out of the country amid the escalating conflict in the region. The Foreign Office confirmed that two flights had left the country, with further flights expected in the days ahead. One flight was a commercial charter flight, while an RAF A400M transport plane was also used. (PA Graphics) It is expected that the Ministry of Defence will continue to play a role supporting the Foreign Office in the charter effort. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, in a post on X, said: The UK is continuing to help vulnerable British nationals leave Israel. Two charter flights have now left Israel and we expect more to leave in the coming days. Its more important than ever that you follow our travel advice and register your presence. The UK is continuing to help vulnerable British nationals leave Israel. Two charter flights have now left Israel and we expect more to leave in the coming days. Its more important than ever than you follow our travel advice and register your presence. pic.twitter.com/Vy02rUsyqL James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) October 14, 2023 The UK Government had initially failed to organise repatriation flights from Israel due to problems obtaining insurance, an aviation source told the PA news agency. A UK-organised flight was originally planned to arrive at Gatwick Airport on Friday, but that was cancelled amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. An attempt to arrange a flight landing at the West Sussex airport at 5.40pm on Friday also failed. PA understands one of the reasons for the lack of flights is that Titan Airways, the contracted airline, was having difficulties arranging insurance. Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip (Hatem Moussa/AP/PA) A Government spokesperson said: Two flights facilitated by the UK Government have now departed Israel. Further flights are expected to leave in the coming days while commercial options are limited. Several airlines have suspended their flights between Israel and the UK, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Wizz Air. As the war between Hamas and Israel intensifies, threatening to expand beyond the immediate region, many are wondering what they can do to help. At least 2,837 people have been killed in Israel and Gaza since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants stormed from the Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns. An additional 10,000 people have been wounded, including more than 2,100 children, according to a Friday statement from UNICEF. The situation looks to further deteriorate, as a retaliating Israel on Friday ordered more than 1 million Gaza residents to evacuate their homes in 24 hoursa move the United Nations said was impossible. With ongoing airstrikes and closed borders, civilians have no safe place to go, the World Health Organization said in a Friday statement, speaking of Gaza citizens, about half of whom are children and teens. Hundreds and hundreds of children have been killed and injured, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said at a Friday press briefing at Palais des Nations in Geneva. Every hour in Gaza, the number of children killed rises. The killing of children must stop. For those who werent ordered to leave their homes, the situation is still incredibly dire. The territory has practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine, and safe access to hospitals, he added. Humanitarian conditions have reached lethal lows, he said, with Gaza residents at a heightened risk of disease, according to the WHO, and inescapable risk of starvation, according to the U.N. Medical supplies staged at Egypts Rafah crossing, the only potential entry point into Gaza, havent made it in, according to the WHO, because the crossing is closed, having been hit repeatedly by Israeli forces. UNICEF, meanwhile, said Friday that it and partners were on the ground in Gaza, delivering aid that included medical supplies, fuel, and mental health support. Here is a list of reliable charities and organizations you can donate to, if youre seeking to financially assist those affected by the conflict. Doctors Without Borders: The international groups workers, hailing from more than 70 countries, bring emergency medical care where its most needed, regardless of race, religion, and politics. Because Israel has a strong health system and Gaza and the West Bank do not, its been working in the latter for 20 years and continues to. However, its offered support to Israeli hospitals treating a high number of casualties, it says. Doctors Without Borders received a 98% score from Charity Navigator, a nonprofit that evaluates other nonprofits, enabling donors to make good decisions. It received four out of four possible stars from the organization, meaning it exceeds or meets best practices and industry standards and is likely to be a highly effective charity. Donate here. International Committee of the Red Cross: ICRC is a humanitarian organization that helps those affected by conflict around the world, with a mission that stems from the Geneva Convention of 1949. It partners with chapters of the Red Cross and Red Crescent throughout the globe, and its neutral workers visit detainees in both Israel and Palestine. The group also helps improve access to essentials like water and electricity, it says. ICRC has not been rated by Charity Navigator, which only rates U.S.-based charities. Donate here. IsraAID: This global NGO is based in Tel Aviv, Israel, with a mission of supporting people affected by crises like natural disasters, post-conflict situations, and epidemics. The group says its housing evacuees from Gaza, operating child-friendly spaces where kids can play and process, and distributing resilience kits to families, among other tasks. IsraAID has not been rated by Charity Navigator, which only rates U.S.-based charities. Donate here. Save the Children: This NGO, founded after World War I, says its standing by to protect and assist children in both Gaza and Israel. Its working with the UN in hopes of renegotiating humanitarian corridors, and has been aiding Palestinian children impacted by conflict since 1953, it says. Save the Children received a 97% score from Charity Navigator, and received four out of four possible stars. Donate here. UNICEF: Short for the United Nations Childrens Fund, the organization, established by the UN after World War II, works to improve the lives of children in more than 190 countries and territories. It has staff delivering support in Gaza, the organization said in a Friday news release. UNICEF received a 92% score from Charity Navigator, and received four out of four possible stars. Donate here. URNWA: The United Nations Relief and Workers Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was established by the UN after the 1949 Arab-Israeli War, with a mission of carrying out direct relief programs for Palestine refugees. Nearly 6 million people are eligible for its services, according to the organization, which operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Since Oct. 7, more than 270,000 refugees have populated its shelters, it says. URNWA has not been rated by Charity Navigator, which only rates U.S.-based charities. Donate here. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com After months of trying and failing to recover $1 billion in Alameda Research trading funds frozen by the Chinese government, Sam Bankman-Fried allegedly gave the order to send a $150 million bribe to government officials. Not all of his employees were on board. The Chinese government had frozen Alameda's accounts at Chinese crypto exchanges OKX and Huobi (now HTX) as part of an investigation into money laundering, ex-CEO Caroline Ellison testified during FTX founder Sam Bankman-Frieds trial. The $1 billion was a substantial portion of Alamedas trading capital at the time, and Bankmand-Fried quickly assembled a team to recover it that included Ellison, other high-level execs, and David Ma and Handi Yang, two Alameda employees with "connections to China." After several in-person meetings, and messages exchanged in a dedicated group on the encrypted messaging app Signal, the team hired a lawyer to negotiate with the Chinese government, which took several months but produced nothing. Alameda also tried using the IDs of Thai prostitutes to get the funds out through incognito accounts. That also failed, Ellison explained. Former employee David Ma allegedly had another plan: bribing Chinese officials. But Yang, whose father was a Chinese government official, was strongly opposed. On one occasion, Yang objected repeatedly to Mas idea, but Bankman-Fried told her to shut the fuck up. Disregarding Yang's opinion, in November 2021 Bankman-Fried allegedly directed employees to send $150 million in a series of transactions to several crypto wallets, according to Ellison, that she believed to be controlled by Chinese government officials. Yang later quit the company on apparently bad terms, and SBF and former Alameda co-CEO Sam Trabucco joked about the alleged bribery incident. Did Handi's father immediately turn us in or something, Trabucco wrote in a signal chat. LOL, Bankman-Fried responded. GX-1631Download After almost a year, according to Ellison, Alameda succeeded in getting the $1 billion back, but the whole operation was kept under wraps. In a November update she later made to SBF, Ellison referred to the alleged $150 million bribe as just the thing. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The new U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights issues took office Friday, the State Department said, ending more than six years of vacancy at the post. Ambassador Julie Turner was officially sworn in and plans to travel to Seoul from Monday to Wednesday next week to meet government officials, civic organizations, North Korean escapees and journalists, according to the department. During her scheduled meetings in Seoul, she plans to discuss her priorities as the special envoy, joint efforts to promote human rights in the reclusive North and ways to facilitate reunions for separated families, it said. "For decades the United States has championed efforts to improve respect for the human rights and dignity of North Koreans, including members of the most marginalized communities, and to promote accountability for the DPRK government's human rights violations and abuses," the department said in a press release. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Seoul's foreign ministry said Turner will meet with Foreign Minister Park Jin and separately with Chun Young-hee, director general for the Korean Peninsula peace regime, on Monday and discuss efforts to coordinate over North Korean human rights issues. Turner will also attend an event later that day to discuss the North's human rights with civic activists and young Korean people, including North Korean defectors. In January, President Joe Biden designated Turner, then the director of the Office of East Asia and the Pacific in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, as the special envoy. The Senate endorsed her on July 27, which coincided with the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that halted the 1950-53 Korean War. At a Senate confirmation hearing in May, Turner introduced herself as a Korean-American adoptee who had a childhood dream to "serve the country that welcomed me." She enumerated a set of her priorities, including working with South Korea and other allies to "reenergize" international efforts to promote human rights and increase access to uncensored information in the North. She also pledged to seek to reinvigorate "accountability" efforts at the United Nations against those responsible for human rights violations in the North. The last special envoy was Robert R. King who resigned from the position in January 2017. (Yonhap) WASHINGTON (AP) The race to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards tops the list of contests Louisiana voters will decide this Saturday in one of only three gubernatorial elections scheduled for this year. Fourteen candidates are competing to succeed Edwards under a unique primary system in which all candidates appear together on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. If no candidate receives a majority in Saturdays election, the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election on Nov. 18. Republican hopefuls include state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, state Attorney General Jeff Landry, state Treasurer John Schroder, former business trade association CEO Stephen Waguespack, and three others. A Republican candidate, state Rep. Richard Nelson, withdrew from the race in September and endorsed Landry but will remain on the ballot per state election laws. Former state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is the only major Democratic candidate vying for the seat, while Lake Charles-based attorney Hunter Lundy is one of five independents. Landry, who won an early endorsement from the state GOP last year and from former President Donald Trump in May, has enjoyed a sizable cash and fundraising advantage over the rest of the field throughout the race. He had $9.1 million in the bank in July and $6.7 million in September. By comparison, Schroder, the fields other statewide officeholder, was the second-best-funded candidate but had only a quarter of Landrys warchest in both instances. With Edwards not on the ballot, the GOP hopes to reclaim the governors office in a state Trump carried twice with 58% of the vote. But with Republicans splitting the vote among seven active candidates, the winner may not be known until a runoff in November. If Republicans maintain their supermajorities in both chambers of the state Legislature, a win in the gubernatorial race would give them an essential lock on state policymaking. Also on Saturdays ballot are statewide contests for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer and four ballot measures. In addition, all state Senate and House races are up for grabs, as well as seats on the state school board. Heres a look at what to expect on election night: ELECTION DAY The Louisiana state primary will be held Saturday. Polls close at 8 p.m. local time (CT), which is 9 p.m. ET. WHATS ON THE BALLOT The Associated Press will provide coverage for 91 contested races in Louisiana, including five statewide offices, four statewide ballot measures, six regional races for the state board of education, 19 state Senate seats, and 57 state House seats. Although all 39 Senate seats and 105 House seats are up for election this year, many of those contests feature only one candidate. WHO GETS TO VOTE All registered voters may participate in the primary on Saturday. DECISION NOTES Despite Louisianas pro-Republican trend over the last 30 years, Edwards won the governorship twice, in 2015 with 56% of the vote and in 2019 with 51% of the vote. His victories provide a blueprint for other Democrats hoping to win statewide in Louisiana. Edwards carved a path to victory by winning big in Democratic strongholds like the greater New Orleans metro area, reducing the vote deficit in Republican areas like central Louisiana, and winning over 14 parishes that presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden lost. Neither Clinton nor Biden performed particularly well in Louisiana in the presidential elections: In 2016, Clinton won 38% of the statewide vote; in 2020, Biden won 40% of the statewide vote. But they both won the same 10 parishes: Caddo in northwest Louisiana; East Carroll, Madison and Tensas on the northeastern border; and six parishes near Baton Rouge and New Orleans in southeast Louisiana. Edwards received 72% collectively in these 10 parishes in his 2019 reelection bid, outperforming Clintons 61% in 2016 and Bidens 64% in 2020. Edwards considerably outperformed Clinton and Biden in every geographic region of the state. The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why. One potential delay in reporting final winners on Saturday may be determining whether a candidate has cleared the threshold needed to avoid a November runoff. Races in which the leading candidate hovers near the 50% mark might not be called until additional votes are counted, even if the front-runner leads the rest of the field by a significant margin. In the 2019 Louisiana primary, 33 of the 164 races tabulated by the AP advanced to a runoff. These included the races for governor, secretary of state, five state Senate races and 24 state House races. There are no automatic recounts in Louisiana, but a candidate may request and pay for a recount of absentee and early votes. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome. WHAT DO TURNOUT AND ADVANCE VOTE LOOK LIKE As of Oct. 1, there were 2,970,167 voters registered in Louisiana. Of those, 38.7% were Democrats, 33.8% were Republicans and 27.4% were registered with other parties. Turnout for the 2019 gubernatorial primary in Louisiana was 46%. As of Friday morning, a total of 363,195 voters had cast ballots before Election Day, 44% by Republicans, 41% by Democrats and 15% by members of other parties. In the 2019 gubernatorial primary, 21% of voters cast ballots before Election Day. The APs preliminary turnout estimate as of Tuesday is roughly 1.3 million votes, based on the turnout of previous statewide contests and advance voting ballots received to date. HOW LONG DOES VOTE-COUNTING USUALLY TAKE? In the 2022 U.S. Senate primary in Louisiana, the AP first reported results at 9:25 p.m. ET, or 25 minutes after polls closed. The election night tabulation ended at 2:11 a.m. ET with 99.9% of total votes counted. Romelu Lukaku is the top goalscorer in Euro 2024 qualifying and got his eighth goal on Friday Belgium qualified for next summer's Euro 2024 in Germany thanks to a tight victory in Austria. The winner in Vienna would qualify and Belgium took a 12th-minute lead when Timothy Castagne set up Dodi Lukebakio. He got his second after 55 minutes, with Romelu Lukalu scoring a third soon after to make it 3-0. Austria fought back with goals from Konrad Laimer and a Marcel Sabitzer penalty and Belgium held on despite Amadou Onana being sent off late on. The Everton midfielder was shown his second yellow card in the 78th minute, but his country maintained their lead with 10 men. The win leaves Belgium top of Group F on 16 points with five wins and one draw from six matches and three points clear of Austria, while third-placed Sweden only have six points from five games. It means Belgium, who lost to eventual champions Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 and were beaten by Wales at the same phase in Euro 2016, will join hosts Germany, who qualify automatically for next summer's tournament. Austria will join Belgium at Euro 2024 if they win in Azerbaijan on Monday. Elsewhere on Friday, France and Portugal also booked their places in Euro 2024. President Joe Biden on Friday assured the families of American citizens whove been taken hostage by Hamas that his administration is undertaking efforts to secure their freedom. Mr Biden described his interactions with the missing Americans relatives during an appearance in Philadelphia as he began remarks about his administrations economic policies. He said the interactions had been on a Zoom call that lasted for roughly an hour and 15 minutes, and said the family members are going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children are. He called the situation gut-wrenching, and said hed assured them of his personal commitment to do everything possible to return every missing American to their families. Were working around the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and our partners around the region, he said. Were not going to stop until we bring them home. Earlier in the day, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Mr Biden participated in the call alongside his national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Karstens, Undersecretary of State John Bass and the National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East, Brett McGurk. He said a couple of family members from families of the 14 known American hostages were on the call, during which Mr Biden conveyed directly to these families that they have been in his prayers and reaffirmed for them that the United States government is doing everything possible to determine where their family members are and bring them home. Several of the family members shared information about their loved ones personal stories and experiences that they have gone through as they endure the unimaginable, Mr Kirby added. US officials say the government has confirmed the deaths of 27 US nationals in the wave of attacks by Hamas which began early Saturday morning when terrorists began storming Israeli territory by land, air and sea. Israeli officials have said more than 1,000 of their citizens including civilians and military personnel were killed in the attacks, the worst loss of life in Israel in decades. Hamas is believed to have taken more than 100 captives in the attacks and has threatened to execute them in response to any Israeli attack on Gaza. Mr Kirby, the National Security Council spokesperson, said US and Israeli officials are still working to determine where the hostages may be held and under what conditions. Thats the first thing that you got to do to be able to come up with policy options and and alternatives to try to try to get them home with their families, he said. He added that US and Israeli officials arent going to be able to publicly talk a lot about what we know and what were doing, I hope you understand that as as things move along here. Were going to were going to be sufficiently prudent in the kinds of information that we talk about publicly lest we actually jeopardise the effort, get these hostages released and back home safely, he said. Nothings more important to us than getting them home. and sometimes the way to do that is to shut your yap. And so were going to probably be shutting our yap a little bit as we get as we get further along. Editor's Note: For the latest news on the Israel-Hamas conflict, please see our live updates file here. A week after Israel sustained a deadly surprise attack by Hamas, the nation's military said it would soon begin launching a widespread offensive in northern Gaza a warning that comes about a day after Israel ordered roughly a million civilians to flee the area. The sealed-off territory ruled by Hamas was in turmoil on Saturday amid the sweeping evacuation order that covered about half of Gaza's population. Gaza also faces a growing water crisis as Palestinians were struggling to evacuate northern Gaza by foot, car and donkey cart. Humanitarian groups said the evacuees had nowhere to go. The other way of leaving Gaza, into Egypt, appeared to be sealed as well, amid confusion over whether the neighboring country would allow anyone to exit Gaza. An offensive even more powerful than Israel's previous shelling of Gaza appeared imminent. We are going to attack Gaza City very broadly soon, Israels chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said in a nationally broadcast address, without giving a timetable for the attack. Over 2 million people live in the Gaza, an area of about 139 square miles. The northern part of territory includes Gaza City, the 63rd-most densely inhabited urban region in the world. Israel sealed off the Gaza Strip, stopping entry of food, and has said it would continue its siege until Hamas returned dozens of hostages taken last weekend. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday reiterated U.S. support for Israel's efforts to defend itself, while noting that care should be taken to protect civilians. Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas official, said that all the massacres will not break the Palestinian people. Attacks continued, with Hamas launching rockets into Israel and Israel carrying out strikes in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry said Friday that roughly 1,800 people have been killed in the territory. The Israeli military said more than 1,300 people, including 222 soldiers, have been killed in Israel. Palestinians sit by the building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali) ORG XMIT: DV118 Latest developments: The number of U.S. citizens who have died amid the conflict has risen to 29, according to a Saturday statement from the State Department. That's up from the 22 people reported dead on Wednesday. Additionally, 15 U.S. citizens remained unaccounted for on Saturday, the statement says. The World Health Organization on Saturday condemned Israel's evacuation orders for 22 hospitals in northern Gaza, where over 2,000 patients are being treated. The WHO says forcing sick and injured patients to move "could be tantamount to a death sentence." Israel is "preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans" in the Gaza strip involving air, ground and naval forces, its military said on Saturday. The Israeli military said its troops conducted temporary raids into Gaza on Friday to battle militants and hunted for traces of some 150 people including men, women and children who were abducted during Hamas shocking assault on southern Israel. Patients and medical staff of Al Awda Hospital in Gaza spent part of their night on the street with bombs landing in close proximity, following Israels orders to evacuate the facility, the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said. Israel-Hamas war newsletter: Sign up to get the latest news and analysis from USA TODAY in your inbox. Second U.S aircraft carrier group sent to the region Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday ordered a second aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean as tensions mounted ahead of an expected Israeli invasion of Gaza. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group will join the USS Gerald R. Ford and its associated warships. Earlier in the week, the Pentagon also deployed additional warplanes to the Middle East to deter adversaries such as Iran and its proxy force, Hezbollah, from widening the conflict that began last week after Hamas militants attacked Israel. The increases to U.S. force posture signal the United States' ironclad commitment to Israels security and our resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war, Austin said in a statement late Saturday. -- Tom Vanden Brook Iran's foreign minister warns Israel to stop Gaza attacks Irans foreign minister on Saturday called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, warning that the war might expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle, and that would make Israel suffer a huge earthquake. Hossein Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut that he met Friday with Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, a leader of Lebanons militant Hezbollah group, which is funded heavily by Iran and which Israel considers its most serious threat. I know about the scenarios that Hezbollah has put in place, Amirabdollahian said. Any step the resistance (Hezbollah) will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity. Amirabdollahian added: I want to warn the war criminals and those who support this entity before it's too late to stop the crimes against civilians in Gaza, because it might be too late in few hours. With an eye toward Hezbollah, President Joe Biden has warned other players in the Middle East not to join the conflict and has sent American warships to the region and vowed full support for Israel. The Associated Press Hostages need medicine, say relatives of Israelis taken captive by Hamas The relatives of Israelis taken captive by Hamas are demanding Saturday that the militant group allow in medicine to hostages who require it, saying their loved ones are suffering. Every day without her medication is torture. Shes being tortured, said Yifat Zailer, who said her kidnapped 63-year-old aunt has Parkinsons disease. She was taken along with several other family members, Zailer said. In its assault on southern Israeli communities, Hamas militants captured dozens of Israelis and some foreign or dual nationals, including children, women and the elderly, dragging them into the Gaza Strip. Israeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday Israel had so far identified 126 captives. Their fate becomes more complicated as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza. The Associated Press People in Gaza face growing crisis as taps run dry Water had stopped coming out of taps altogether in some parts of Gaza. Amal Abu Yahia, a 25-year-old pregnant mother in the Jabaliya refugee camp, told the Associated Press she waits anxiously for the few minutes each day or every other day when contaminated water trickles from the pipes in her basement. She then rations it, prioritizing her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. She said she is drinking so little herself, she only urinates every other day. Mohammed Ibrahim, 28, said his neighbors in Gaza City have been drinking the salt water coming out of the taps, contaminated with Mediterranean Sea water because of the lack of sanitation facilities. Rami Swailem said he and a handful of other families in his building are staying in Gaza City: We are rooted in our lands ... We prefer to die in dignity and face our destiny. Others looked desperately for a way out. What we know is that hundreds of thousands of people have fled. And that 1 million people have been displaced in total in one week, Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, said. The agency said many people particularly pregnant women, children, older people and people with disabilities will not be able to flee the area. And UNICEF has called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access into Gaza, saying children and families in Gaza have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals. Tens of thousands seek shelter in Gaza City hospital About 35,000 people have crammed into the grounds of Gaza City's main hospital ahead of the expected Israeli ground offensive, said Mohammad Abu Selim, general director of Shifa Hospital. People think this is the only safe space after their homes were destroyed and they were forced to flee, said Dr. Medhat Abbas, a Health Ministry official. Gaza City is a frightening scene of devastation. Blinken calls for protecting civilians U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday called for protecting civilians and expressed support for Israel's campaign to topple Hamas, whose fighters took more than 100 people hostage during last Saturdays attack. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Blinken said. A U.S. official speaking on the condition of anonymity told the Associated Press Saturday that Washington stressed the importance of the safety of civilians as Israel moved to enforce evacuations, but did not ask Israel to slow or hold off the evacuations. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else," Blinken said. Israeli-Palestinian crisis fuels disputes at US colleges College campuses across the United States have hosted rallies and counterprotests, setting off tensions and some violence between factions with opposing views and prompting concerns about student safety. This past week: Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, with contributions from Sarah Al-Arshani, USA TODAY; and Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman Reuters journalist, killed in shelling in Lebanon, laid to rest Issam Abdallah, a Reuters videographer who was killed while gathered with a group of international journalists along the Israel-Lebanon border during an exchange of fire, was laid to rest Saturday with a funeral procession that drew hundreds of mourners. Several journalists were also injured on Friday, including two other Reuters journalists and two Al-Jazeera TV employees, the news agencies said. The Associated Press reported an Israeli shell struck the journalists. Lebanons Foreign Ministry asked Beiruts mission to the United Nations to file a complaint against Israel over Fridays shelling calling it a flagrant violation and a crime against freedom of opinion and press. The statement was carried by the state-run National News Agency. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht did not confirm to the Associated Press in Jerusalem Saturday that the journalists were hit by an Israeli shell but said, We are aware of the incident with the Reuters journalist and we are looking into it ... we're very sorry for his death." Why can't people leave Gaza entirely? The Gaza Strip is surrounded by blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt. Egyptian officials have long tried to encourage Palestinians to remain in their territory, in part because accepting refugees could widen the longstanding regional conflict. Gaza was initially populated by Palestinians displaced from the land that became Israel in 1948. Mass evacuation and blockade explained. See a map of Israel and Gaza Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel-Hamas war news: US death toll; Gaza City attack warning RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) President Joe Biden on Saturday spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the leaders to allow humanitarian aid to the region and affirmed his support for efforts to protect civilians. The weekend calls in Washington came ahead of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's announcement that the U.S. was moving up a second carrier strike group in support of Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken intensified diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding. The broad U.S. efforts reflect the international concern about the number of civilians at risk and the potential ramifications of a prolonged war as Israel told Gaza residents to move south and Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. The Biden administration has not publicly urged Israel to restrain its response after the Hamas attack a week ago, but has emphasized the countrys commitment to following the rules of war. Addressing a Human Rights Campaign dinner Saturday in Washington, Biden linked the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to different versions of hate that he said must be stopped. A week ago we saw hate manifest another way in the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Biden said, citing the 1,300 lives lost in Israel as well as children, grandparents alike kidnapped, held hostage by Hamas. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza innocent Palestinian families and the vast majority that have nothing to do with Hamas theyre being used as human shields, he said. We have to reject hate in every form. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing humanitarian crisis. He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive. Austin as well on Saturday spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, stressing the importance of safeguarding civilians. Austin offered updates on U.S. efforts to boost air defense capabilities and munitions for Israeli forces that he noted were aimed at stemming escalation of war, according to a readout of the call. Austin said the Biden administration was sending the additional carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers. In a statement announcing the deployment, Austin said sending the second carrier was part of our effort to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamass attack on Israel. While Biden has spoken to Netanyahu multiple times since the Hamas attack, Saturday's call was his first to Abbas, who runs the Palestinian Authority which controls the West Bank. According to a readout of the call, Abbas briefed the president on efforts to bring aid to Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. Biden reiterated to Abbas that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian peoples right to dignity and self-determination, according to the readout. Biden spoke with Netanyahu to reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Israel, according to the readout. He briefed the Israeli leader on regional efforts to ensure civilian access to food, water and medical care. The number of U.S. citizens killed rose to 29, U.S. officials said Satutday, and 15 were unaccounted for, as well as one lawful permanent resident. Blinken, in his visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, also cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns. An Israeli ground assault would worsen the plight of civilians in Gaza who are without power, fresh water or access to aid. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. Israel has advised all Palestinian civilians to flee south to avoid Israel's continued offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City. Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his country's help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinken's spokesman declined to characterize Wangs response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the region's stability. In Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack against Israel. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Blinken said. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else," Blinken said. The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians. Its a disturbing situation, he said. Its a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and its important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone. A U.S official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israels military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. The U.S. worked out an agreement involving to allow Americans and other foreigners in Gaza to cross the Rafah border into Egypt, but the crossing remained blocked Saturday, with no sign that those gathered would be allowed through. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv. Prince Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end. We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence, he said. Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price. While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words Light in the Darkness. Blinken returned to Saudi Arabia ahead of an expected stop in Egypt on Sunday. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. ___ Baldor reported from aboard a U.S. military aircraft. Associated Press writers Tara Copp, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. The borough of Hillingdon in west London said it will not offer short-term cultural education during October but instead aims to celebrate and educate about various cultures year-round. A London council faces backlash after sharing that it will neither recognize nor commemorate Black History Month, celebrated in October in the United Kingdom. According to Yahoo News UK, critics accuse the Conservative-led borough of Hillingdon in west London of retreating to the dark ages of racism and ignorance by rejecting the commemoration and refusing renewed calls to reinstate it. In a joint open letter to the council, the labor organization Lambeth UNISON and Lambeth UNISON Black workers group accused the council of racial discrimination and sought an apology for all workers impacted. A London council is under fire for refusing to honor Black History Month, marked in October in the United Kingdom. As part of a 2020 commemoration (above), one of four special-edition mailboxes in Glasgow, Scotland, featured an image of 2nd Lt. Walter Tull. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) The groups said employees felt compelled to leave Hillingdon over the councils defense that all staff are the same. This is an abhorrent and obnoxious position, the groups wrote. Hillingdon Council has taken the borough back to the dark ages of racism and ignorance and we fully detest and condemn [the councils] position on Black History Month. Hillingdons UNISON chapter called the council shameful, claiming that it ignored the momentum of protests that followed the killing of George Floyd in the US and neglected to issue a statement on the councils website while other local authorities did. Black History Month, observed in schools and via public activities, emphasizes and honors the contributions of Black people to the United Kingdom. The United States has long marked February as Black History Month. In 1987, the UK marked its first Black History Month, designating October to honor, and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture there. Hillingdon Council said in a statement that it is incredibly proud of the varied populations that make up the borough, stressing that its identity as a borough is the sum of different cultures and nationalities. It added that the integration of various groups has produced a strong, cohesive, and proud community. In light of this, the council has made the decision to not educate residents on individual cultures for limited time periods, believing that we should celebrate and provide education on all our variety of cultures throughout the whole year, the statement read, Yahoo reported. However, internally, as part of the councils equality, diversity and inclusion work, staff have been holding themed team meetings and events during the month to share knowledge and understanding of Black history and culture. A worker at Uxbridge Civic Centre, where the council is based, told Yahoo that Hillingdons stance is shocking, given the substantial number of residents and employees of Black heritage. In addition to seeking an apology to staff and residents, the Hillingdon Black History Month Action Group is demanding that the council share details on how reparations to repair the harm caused, provide appropriate mental health and emotional well-being support for staff affected by the decision and sign and adhere to the anti-racism charter. We recognize the racist agenda is to ignore and deny racism and oppression ever existed, Lambeth UNISON added in its statement, Yahoo reported. By denying celebration of Black History Month, Hillingdon Council is blatantly ignorant and attempting to encourage racism, and preventing the next generation to learn from history. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Council wont celebrate Black History Month, faces backlash appeared first on TheGrio. It is with a weird retrospective guilt that I have to admit: Hamas once saved me from a kidnapping in Gaza. The militant group behind massacres and abductions, the slaughter of civilians, and the cynical endangerment of their own people, stopped an Islamist gang seconds before they were about to grab me from the Hotel Deira in northern Gaza in 2008. With hushed efficiency, Hamas intelligence officers swarmed the hotel. No shots were fired. The kidnap gang, diverted from its mission, blew up the nearby British Council offices in a fit of pique. That was the old Hamas. Yes, a violent group with a history of terror tactics directed against Israelis, a long commitment to destroying the state of Israel (though not one of genocide against Jews or Israelis), but also a social movement of political Islam with a reputation in the Arab world for efficiency and probity. Yet the Palestinian militant group was always cynical in its use of violence and in its perpetuation of a cult of martyrdom. When, during the second Intifada in 2000, Israeli troops used live fire against armed militants as well as unarmed civilians across the Palestinian territories, Hamas unleashed waves of suicide bombers and insisted on celebrating the deaths of Palestinian children as martyrs. At a clandestine meeting in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, in early 2001, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin gasped and peeped. He spoke to me through an interpreter the groups only person who could decipher the sounds he made. Wheelchair bound from youth, the founder of Hamas claimed that while Israelis love life, we celebrate the greatest gift of martyrdom for our children. Every mother wants that for her child. A few weeks later the Israelis killed him. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader of the Islamic militant movement Hamas, prays in Gaza City September 6, 2003. - Eric Gaillard/Reuters But his groups intense combination of victimhood and passion for martyrdom lived on. Indeed it deepened as Hamas took hold of Gaza and risked sacrificing its inhabitants to Israeli air raids and ground invasions usually provoked by Hamas attacks. Cycles of violence and peace had already characterized the Hamas approach, depending on which of its wings military or civilian prevailed. One influential military figure in Hamas was always resolutely opposed to any kind of peace with what Hamas insists on calling the Zionist Entity. Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, is known as El Deif (the Guest), because, for decades, he has stayed in different houses every night to avoid being tracked, and killed, by Israel. Hes now in charge of Hamas military wing, the Al Qassem Brigades. Thought to have been born in the 1960s, El Deif is little known to ordinary Palestinians, according to Mkhaimar Abusada, professor of political science at Al Azah University in Gaza. Hes very much like a ghost to the majority of the Palestinians, he said. The Al Qassem Brigades were opposed to the peace process embraced by Yassir Arafat, then-leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the 1993 Oslo Accords that were supposed to pave the way to a two-state solution of a new Palestine living in peace alongside Israel. In 1996 El Deif, an accomplished bomb maker, was behind a wave of four suicide attacks that killed 65 people in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and other outrages intended to derail the peace process. As Hamas captured Gaza from rivals Fatah in 2007 (after winning the Palestinian elections the year before) Israel and Egypt tightened a noose around the enclave, which houses around 2 million people. Hamas is seen by many Palestinians as the best alternative to rule by the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is dominated by Fatah and the larger Palestine Liberation Organization. The PA pays the wages for the public sector in Gaza, and this summer polls showed that support for the PA, which only rules on the West Bank, was nonetheless around 70% in Gaza. Support for Hamas in Gaza has rarely tipped much past 50%. And on the ground, in private conversations, its been difficult to find people who are genuinely behind Hamas military campaigning. But few people are prepared to be openly critical and risk arrest. Israels policies over the West Bank, where Jewish settlements, which are illegal under international law, spread steadily across the occupied territories, over access to the al Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, and the moribund efforts to achieve a viable two-state solution, meant Hamas was able to weaponize grievance. The movement has no shortage of volunteers in the crowded enclave everyone there calls the biggest prison in the world. The tighter the Israeli and Egyptian control over Gazas borders the more Hamas (and other groups) developed military means to fight back. Chief among them is rockets. Primitive at first, the missiles have been improved and refined over years of help from Iran. The Tehran theocracy, also dedicated to the eradication of the Jewish state, trained engineers, organized technology transfers and guided developments to create rockets capable of hitting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Men like El Deif, the bomb makers and decision takers, were hunted by Israel. In 2014, an air strike killed his wife and daughter. He lost part of an arm, a leg and his hearing. No doubt his hatred for Israel intensified then. But his emotions were leavened with zealous cunning. And the first, and most important deception, was to transform the Israeli perception of Hamas. In the last two years, Hamas, under El Deifs guidance, worked to convince Israel that its focus was on domestic issues, on rebuilding Gaza, on securing work permits for people to seek employment in Israel, on building up its infrastructure. The Israelis have felt that, in the long run, that Hamas is known for these policies more than that theres going to be a call for a military confrontation with Israel, says Abusada, the Gazan professor. Israelis in Rehovot near Tel Aviv take cover from incoming rockets from the Gaza Strip on October 13, 2023. - Dor Kedmi/AP All the while, though, Hamas was plotting a massive assault that would end any perception in Israel, and beyond, that the Islamic Resistance had lost its strategic mojo. Key to this change, too, was another major figure in Hamas military wing, Yahya Sinwar. A former head of the Al Qassem brigades, hes now the head of Hamas in Gaza. He focused efforts on building relationships with foreign powers notably Egypt and Iran. Hamas attack on Israel last weekend represents the worst Israeli military setback since 1973. Back then Syria and Egypt launched a surprise assault on Israel over the Yom Kippur holiday. Initially successful, the Arabs were soon pushed back as Israel rallied. Now Israel is massing troops on the borders with Gaza and in the north where it faces Iran-backed Hezbollah across the fence with Lebanon. What will Hamas ultimately gain from its bloody gamble? Karim von Hippel, director of the London-based Royal United Services Institute, says they may have been planning this for years and thinking through what they can do, because everything else they have tried, hasnt worked. But certainly this is not going to work either. I think this will spell the end of Hamas. That may be a zero-sum option that not even the shadowy El Deif had guessed at. Additional reporting by CNNs Lauren Kent. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An Israeli order giving more than 1 million Palestinians just 24 hours to evacuate to southern Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion has pushed its people into the abyss with the enclave as a whole swiftly becoming a hellhole, the UN has said. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes but have nowhere to turn, while Israels military said troops had conducted localised raids inside Gaza. Ahmed, a young man in the north of Gaza, said families were fleeing south in a panic after the order was released a message they received on their phones. People are panicked moving from one area to another. They dont know where to go, he said, adding that he had lost contact with his father and brothers in the confusion. He asked for his full name and exact location not to be released for his safety. I can see them holding their belongings and fleeing since last night. I asked them where they are going; they told me We dont know to UN schools [where people have been sheltering], relatives home, anywhere in the south. Last weekend, militants from the ruling Hamas party stormed across the border into Israel from Gaza, killing more than 1,300 people and taking dozens of hostages in an act of terror. Israel has retaliated with a near-constant bombardment of Gaza, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of buildings. On Friday evening, Hamas said that 70 people, mostly women and children, had been killed in strikes while trying to head south. Palestinian families flee following the Israeli armys warning to leave their homes (AFP) Israel denies targeting civilians. It has defended the evacuation order. We are controlling our attacks in order to provide them a safe way [out], IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said earlier in the day. But it is a war zone, he added. Areas in the south, including Khan Younis and Rafah, have been pounded by Israeli aircraft in recent days. Ahmed, in Gaza, said that he had heard of a family who were targeted in a strike and injured while moving to the south. Many have been killed and injured while driving south, its not even safe to evacuate, he added. UN officials warned that the movement of an estimated 1.1 million people from the northern part of Gaza to the south half the population of the Strip was impossible and would spark a bone-chilling humanitarian crisis. They have strongly appealed to Israel to rescind the order. The call from the Israeli forces to move more than 1 million civilians living in northern Gaza within 24 hours is horrendous. This will only lead to unprecedented levels of misery and further push people in Gaza into the abyss, the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said shortly after the order was given. The scale and speed of the unfolding humanitarian crisis is bone-chilling. Gaza is fast becoming a hellhole and is on the brink of collapse, the statement added. Israeli army armoured personnel carriers along the border with the Gaza Strip (AFP) Messages from Hamas urged residents to stay put to hold on to your homes and land. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, vowed in televised remarks late on Friday to eradicate Hamas and said that the counteroffensive in Gaza is just the beginning. He added that Israel was striking at its enemies with unprecedented might. The expected ground invasion will lead to a surge in casualties, with more than 1,900 people having already been killed in Gaza since airstrikes began, with more than 6,000 injured. The death toll includes 614 children and 370 women, according to the Palestinian ministry of health. UNRWA also said it would not evacuate its schools, where hundreds of thousands have taken shelter. But it relocated its headquarters to southern Gaza, according to spokesperson Juliette Touma. The UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, has been in constant contact with Israeli authorities, urging them to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The entire territory faces a water crisis. There is no electricity. Our UN staff and our partners are working around the clock to support people in Gaza, he said. Gazas Health Ministry has said the evacuation will only add to the death toll, telling The Independent it has no means of evacuating the wounded to the south, as all hospitals across the strip are full, and the most critical cases will die en route. Dozens of buildings have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes (Getty) Gazas deputy health minister Yusuf Abu al-Reesh told The Independent an evacuation of the wounded in the north was completely impossible. There are no extra beds in any hospitals anywhere for people to be transferred to. Also most of the cases of the injured are unstable they will die en route, Dr Abu al-Reesh said from Gazas largest hospital, al-Shifa, which is at 150 per cent capacity. All the hospitals everywhere in Gaza, even after they have been expanded, are full of patients. When asked by The Independent about medical facilities, as an evacuation of the wounded would be near impossible, Rear Adm Hagari said. We will do our best not to hit a hospital. Some in north Gaza have said they will not evacuate. Haytham Harara told The Independent the whole of Gaza City was ordered to evacuate, but he and his family are resolved to stay. I wont leave my land, he said. Haytham Harara said he and his family will not leave their land (Haytham Harara) No place in Gaza is safe now. Bombing is everywhere around us. We hear nothing except for the sound of warplanes, massive bombings, and the sirens of ambulances. It is like we are waiting until our turn comes. The Palestinians have been suffering one of the most cruel occupations of all time. Why can we not hear the world calling to us? In the wake of the Hamas attack Israel also announced a total siege of the 42km-long (26 miles) enclave, cutting off water, electricity, food and fuel in a move rights groups have said amounts to collective punishment and a violation of international law. The World Health Organisation has since warned that the healthcare system is at breaking point as Palestinian medics said they had just a few days left of supplies. Supplies were already low and half the essential medicine list was missing before the recent escalation: Gaza has been subjected to a 16-year blockade by Israel since Hamas siezed control in 2007. Violence has also flared in the occupied West Bank. Demonstrators supporting Gaza fought gun battles with Israeli security forces. Palestinian officials said 11 people were shot dead. Palestinians have said they fear the violence will continue. Women and children evacuate Gaza City following an Israeli warning of increased military operations (EPA) The world needs to understand that this started long before this weekend, said Hassan, 45, outside of Damascus Gate next to the Old City. What has happened is the result of a blockade on Gaza, of decades of occupation. This is the reason for the violence. It is a global shame. There have also been fears of hostilities spreading to new fronts, including Israels northern border with Lebanon, where clashes this week have already been the deadliest since 2006. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon, killing a Reuters videographer and leaving six other journalists injured. We are deeply saddened to tell you that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed, the Reuters news agency said in a statement. The agency added that Abdallah was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon that was providing a live signal. Reuters said that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the shelling in the border area. Al Jazeera said two of its employees, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, were also among the wounded. Agence France-Presse said two of its journalists also were among the wounded, but the agency did not release their names. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio is now the latest House speaker nominee, decided in a vote by GOP lawmakers in Congress on Friday. The party's latest nominee comes less than a day after Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana dropped out of the race in a dramatic twist amid days of searching for someone to go up against Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the nominee for the Democrats. SEE MORE: Rep. Scalise withdraws House speakership nomination, extending search Republicans have been frantically deciding on their nominee to go up before a vote for the House speaker spot previously occupied by ousted former speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California. On Thursday, Scripps News confirmed that Rep. Scalise decided to withdraw his nomination for the speakership, dealing a surprise blow to the party's urgent search for a nominee that was expected to extend lawmakers' work by days. That prediction was quashed by Friday afternoon when Rep. Jordan was announced as the nominee. The timing of the full House speaker vote has remained uncertain, and it will now likely be extended to sometime in the days to come. Lawmakers told Scripps News on Friday they would head home before returning on Monday for a possible speaker vote next week. When Republicans are able to finally cast their votes for the speaker on the House floor, they will require at least 217 votes to secure their pick as speaker. Even when Rep. Scalise was the nominee for the party, a number of Republicans told Scripps News that they would continue to support Jordan, who faced Scalise in the internal party vote but lost. "The House GOP Conference is broken. So we oust Kevin McCarthy and all other leaders are rewarded with promotions? How does that make sense or change anything? We need to chart a different path forward. In the meantime, I plan to vote for Jim Jordan on the floor," Rep. Lloyd Smucker said. Jordan defeated Republican Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia, who had announced a surprise bid earlier on Friday. A new federally funded Coastal Carolina University program will aim to address a shortage in special education teachers in South Carolina. The U.S. Office of Special Education Programs recently awarded CCU a five-year grant totaling nearly $1.25 million to train special education teachers serving children with high-intensity needs, according to a department news release. Tuition for participants will be fully funded through the grant, according to Deborah Rooks-Ellis, associate professor of early childhood education at the university. The cost of textbooks, childcare and transportation can also be covered by the funding based on student need, she added. Rooks-Ellis, who is overseeing the program with Rhonda Miller, associate professor of special education, said the courses will cater to current and future teachers who work with special education students ages 3-8. The program will also prioritize diversity in its classes and those serving rural communities. The training program is coming at a time of significant need in South Carolina and more locally, Rooks-Ellis said. Horry County Schools currently has 25 staff openings related to special education, including 15 teacher positions, according to the districts employment website. The plan is to use the grant to train two separate classes of 28 current and future teachers, Rooks-Ellis said, with each group training during two consecutive summer semesters. The first class will begin in 2024. Rooks-Ellis touted the programs field training, which will occur at Horry, Georgetown and Marion county school districts, and a virtual reality software that will allow participants to work with simulated students in difficult situations before encountering them in the classroom. An unused border bridge between North Korea and China has shown increased activity this week in a potential sign of its opening since construction was completed nearly a decade ago, according to a U.S. website. 38 North, a U.S. website dedicated to analyzing North Korea, said recent commercial satellite imagery indicates a hike in vehicle traffic on the New Yalu River Bridge, which connects China's Dandong and the North's Sinuiju. "The exact nature and purpose of this traffic is uncertain, but comes after increased activity around the Chinese side of the bridge and suggestions it may fully open soon," 38 North said in a report Friday (local time). The cable-stayed bridge spanning 3 kilometers was completed in 2014 but has remained unused due to delays in construction of related infrastructure on the North Korean side and Pyongyang's COVID-19 lockdowns. A satellite image captured Thursday shows what appears to be a large vehicle approaching the Chinese customs area, while several vehicles and apparent construction materials were visible on the North Korean side, according to the website. "Although the nature of the traffic and its eventual destination cannot be determined from the Oct. 12 image, the level of traffic, while low, is unusual for a bridge that has seen no use in years," 38 North said. (Yonhap) An injured girl screams in pain as five men lift her off the hospital floor using bloodied sheets. A young boy with a dust-covered oxygen pump lies helplessly, focusing on his breath. A baby whose head is wrapped in a blood-soaked bandage is wheeled on a stretcher, receiving oxygen hand-pumped through a tube. These are the scenes inside the Dar Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza a facility so overwhelmed by the flood of injured people that medical workers are treating many on the floor. Because of the volume of patients, bedsheets were substituted for stretchers. An NBC News camera crew gained access to the hospital on the brink of collapse, finding young children with bloody limbs and corridors lined with anxious family members awaiting updates about their loved ones. One woman sat on the floor, crying with her face in her hands her legs covered by bloodied bedsheets and her feet coated in debris. Medics push a wounded Palestinian into a hospital on a stretcher (Ali Mahmoud / AP) By the elevators, Hakmet Mohamed Eltom stood waiting to find out the fate of a young girl. We dont know her condition, he said, his eyes glassy, as shouts and screams reverberated through the hospital. Eltom said he was among a group of three convoys that got hit by Israeli airstrikes Friday as they were carrying evacuees toward the southern Gaza Valley. On the way from Gaza to the south, they attacked us with bombs, he said. As many as 70 people many women and children were killed in the strikes, and more than 200 were injured, according to a statement from Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas military wing. Eltom said his mother died as a result of the strike. Dr. Mohamed Ziara, a 37-year-old plastic surgeon, told NBC News in a message from the hospital that the scene there was complete chaos. Tens of thousands of people were still arriving, he said, and the hospital had gotten so packed that there was no place to leave a foot. Medics attend to wounded Palestinians at Al-Shifa hospital (Mohammed Abed / AFP via Getty Images) Nearly a week after Hamas unprecedented attacks on Israel and days of forceful Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, Israel on Friday called for civilians in northern Gaza an area that houses 1.1 million people, amounting to half the strips population to evacuate and go south within 24 hours. Already, 1,900 people have been killed in Gaza and nearly 7,700 injured. In Israel, the death toll stands at 1,300, with 3,300 wounded. Israels order put hospitals in an impossible position. Patients continue to arrive, and many of those already receiving treatment are too weak or wounded to flee. In a statement, the World Health Organization called on Israel to rescind the evacuation order, given that it heightens myriad health risks and endangers vulnerable hospital patients. Vulnerable patients include those who are critically injured or dependent on life support. Moving them amid hostilities puts their lives at immediate risk, the WHO said. On Friday, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces shared a map in a post on X showing what he described as a safe route out of northern Gaza. The Israeli army will refrain from touching the route marked on the map until 8 p.m. local time, the post said. The convoy airstrike, however, appears to have occurred soon after the map was published. Doctors Without Borders said Israels evacuation directive represents an attack on medical care and on humanity. We are talking about more than a million human beings, General Director Meinie Nicolai wrote in a statement. Unprecedented doesnt even cover the medical humanitarian impact of this. Meanwhile at Nasser Hospital, the second largest hospital in Gaza City, Dr. Mohammed Qandil told NBC News camera crew that staff created tents outside to accommodate the influx of patients and triage them. We will decide in the next few hours if these tents will have to be for the critical patients, patient post-op, or the patient who will go after finishing their management, said Qandil, 35, who serves as head of the hospitals emergency department. He said medical supplies are lacking and the packed intensive care unit is forcing doctors to choose which patients deserve a ventilator. This is like a humanity crisis, Qandil said, adding: We are treating civilians most of the ICU beds are now occupied by kids less than 10 years. The anticipated loss of fuel and internet access will only exacerbate the challenge of treating Gazas wounded, Qandil continued. Even in the next few hours we might lose the last store of fuel, so the hospital will shut down completely, he said. And then even the Wi-Fi connection, which is very weak, we will lose it so we will be severed totally from the world. CORRECTION (Oct. 14, 2023, 10:32 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the last name of the Doctors Without Borders general director. She is Meinie Nicolai, not Nicholas. As Israels military orders 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to immediately evacuate, questions remain as to what forces are expected to do and when they will officially begin. The evacuation, ordered by Israels Defense Forces (IDF), comes ahead of an apparent ramped-up bombardment in retaliation for Hamas attack on Israel, which began Oct. 7. Israel has already slammed the cramped strip of land with deadly airstrikes for nearly a week killing at least 1,900 people and injuring thousands more with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning Friday that its only the beginning. And Israeli forces have amassed near the Gazas border ahead of a possible ground assault, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claiming the situation has reached a dangerous new low. Heres what to know about the situation as it unfolds. The deadline remains unclear Israel gave the civilians 24 hours to leave their homes, with thousands of Palestinians cramming their possessions into vehicles, carts or carrying what they could and walking in a mass evacuation southward, according to media images. But its unclear if Israel will keep with the initial 24 hours. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), an independent medical humanitarian organization, wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that Israel has given Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza just two hours to evacuate. Staff at the hospital, one of several that MSF supports in Gaza, were still treating patients, and are trying to protect our staff and patients, the organization said. Theres also been some confusion as to whether Israel will extend the deadline, with reports that Jerusalem has modified it and left it open. But Israeli officials have refused to clarify their position, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday declining to answer a question about the deadline at a press conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Instead, Gallant diverted, insisting that Israeli forces will not shoot civilians on purpose. We are asking all the civilians in Gaza City to go south of Gaza. And the reason is that because we dont want to harm them, he said, refusing to answer a second, follow up query on the deadline. Should the deadline hold and Israel moves ahead with a ground invasion, it appears unlikely that 1.1 million people will safely evacuate before forces roll in, with the United Nations saying such a movement was impossible. More on the order Israels order came early Friday ahead of an expected ground invasion, a retaliation for Hamas surprise, coordinated attack that killed some 1,300 Israelis and 1,500 Hamas fighters, according to Israels government. Israel said it needed to access and target Hamas military infrastructure with much of it underground promising extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians, Israeli spokesperson Jonathan Conricus said, according to The Associated Press. He also said residents could return once the fighting is over. Those who want to save their life, please go south, Gallant said alongside Austin. We are going to destroy Hamas infrastructures, Hamas headquarters, Hamas military establishment, and take these phenomena out of Gaza and out of the Earth. But the instructions for civilians to evacuate were a surprise to many, including the United States. There was no prior consultation that Im aware of before the [Israel Defense Forces] issued that evacuation warning, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. He added that Washington is concerned about civilian casualties as is working on options for those fleeing to do so safely. We want to make sure that those who want to leave have the ability to leave. And so we are working very aggressively with the Israelis and the Egyptians to try to find a safe passage out of southern Gaza, Kirby said. And we also want to preserve the ability to get humanitarian assistance in. Complicating matters, Hamas is reportedly telling residents not to leave and to instead stay in their homes, even going so far as to put up roadblocks Adding to the confusion is Israels siege of Gaza, which has cut off electricity and prevented evacuation messages from reaching civilians. The worlds response International organizations have responded to Israels orders with alarm, with the International Committee of the Red Cross calling such instructions not compatible with international humanitarian law. United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said such an evacuation was not possible without devastating humanitarian consequences, calling on Jerusalem to rescind its orders. Human rights watchdog group Amnesty International, meanwhile, said the order cannot be considered an effective warning, calling for it to be rescinded immediately. The instruction may amount to forced displacement of the civilian population, a violation of international humanitarian law, the group said in a statement. Western officials also reacted with trepidation, with President Biden telling reporters he was working urgently to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. And appearing on MSNBC on Friday, Kirby said that the instruction was a tall order. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) argued the mass expulsion of over 1 million people in a day is ethnic cleansing. Responses also came from unlikely individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said the civilian casualties caused by an Israeli ground invasion will be absolutely unacceptable. Egypt under pressure As the situation grows more dire, theres been new pressure on Egypt to open its borders to fleeing civilians. Civilians in Gaza, which sits on the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered by Egypt and Israel, are not able to move freely through border crossings as they are almost all controlled by Israel. Instead, individuals need to be granted special permits, which are rare, to cross into both countries. Egypt, which so far has resisted to accept a mass exodus of Palestinians, is being called on to make an exception at a time of war. Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week said the United States was in ongoing talks with Egypt and Israel to set up a humanitarian corridor at the Rafah border crossing, a passage controlled by Egypt, for Americans and other civilians in Gaza. But Blinken said the situation was understandably complicated. On Friday, the White House revealed that U.S. national security officials held calls with the United Nations on Thursday and Friday about the situation in Gaza, but did not say whether the calls have confirmed a deal to allow foreign nationals to cross into Egypt. Even if Egypt does open its borders as a humanitarian corridor, that option isnt necessarily safe as the Israeli military has bombed crossing at the border several times. The situation in Gaza now Israel has relentlessly struck Gaza over the past week, leveling whole neighborhoods even as it has enacted a complete blockage of food, water and medical supplies. The strip of land is also under a virtual total power blackout, with hospitals and residents relying on generators for power and fuel supplies dwindling. The siege has caused more than 423,000 Palestinians in Gaza to be displaced internally, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The numbers are only increasing as Israeli airstrikes continue and are expected to jump ever higher with Israels expected ground assault. As Israel prepares for the imminent ground invasion with troops massing along the Gaza border its forces have entered the territory to conduct raids in search of some 150 hostages thought to be held by Hamas, according to its military. Should the more than 1 million Palestinians in Gazas north make it to the south, that would cram the territorys entire population into only a 25-mile strip. And, even that journey isnt safe, with Hamas media office reporting that airstrikes on Gaza City hit cars in three locations, killing 70 people as residents attempted to flee. Israels army so far hasnt promised to protect civilian locations such as hospitals, schools and U.N. shelters, with military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari only saying that forces would keep civilians safe as much as we can, but he that its a war zone. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Israels expected ground offensive in Gaza will be potentially catastrophic for civilian life in Gaza, while also posing steep risks for Israeli forces and raising the danger of widening a war with Iran-backed proxy groups. For the first time in years, Israeli forces will have to penetrate deep into Gaza, a coastal enclave where thousands of Hamas militants operate out of an underground network of tunnels, while also hiding among civilians. Israels stated goal of eliminating the group will require a long, bloody fight against guerilla combatants known to use human shields in the densely packed Gaza Strip. Its going to be very, very messy, said Raphael Cohen, a senior political scientist at Rand Corporation with expertise on the Middle East and defense strategy. Rooting all that out is not particularly easy. And in order to do that, thats a fairly significant military operation and it will take a lot of time potentially a lot of casualties. Top Stories from The Hill Further complicating the mission is that Israeli forces need to rescue some 150 hostages, including some Americans and other foreign nationals. And a large-scale attack in Gaza may open a new front in the war, with the Lebanese militia Hezbollah reportedly warning it will respond if Israeli forces invade the coastal enclave. Israeli officials are determined to respond decisively after Hamas killed more than 1,300 people in a surprise attack last Saturday. A ground invasion now appears to be imminent after Israel on Friday ordered the evacuation of more than one million people in Gaza. However, many people have nowhere to go, with Egypt loath to open its border to the south. Hamas has also urged residents not to flee. Israel has blockaded the territory for years and this week cut off its fuel and electricity in a siege that has spurred warnings of a humanitarian crisis. Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Evening Report newsletter After Saturdays attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly declared war and vowed to eradicate the designated terrorist group. Israeli forces have spent days mopping up the remaining militants and launching mass air strikes on Gaza that killed more than 1,500 Palestinians. They have also conducted limited raids into Gaza. But if Netanyahu wants to keep his promise to purge Hamas, he will have to send troops deep into Gaza to deliver a final blow. Analysts say the delay so far of a ground invasion is likely part of Israels strategy to pressure Palestinian militants with rocket strikes and to prepare for all possible contingencies, while integrating some 300,000 reservists into combat duty. But the main reason may be to maximize intelligence gathering on the hostages to know where to strike. Sign up for the latest from The Hill here Phil Andrew, a principal at the global conflict and crisis consulting firm Pax Group, said it was important to be listening and collecting as much information as you can and ensuring everything is in place for a rescue mission. It was very wise of the Israelis to shore up all their plans, their strategy, their supply, their tactics, said Andrew. They really have the ability to kind of determine the operational tempo at this point. The trickiest part of the mission will be to locate and safely extract the hostages, who are likely hidden in various locations throughout Gaza and subject to the whims of various Hamas factions and individual leaders, rather than a strict military command structure. Andrew, who served for more than 21 years with the FBI working on hostage cases, warned that Israel was conducting a risky operation by telegraphing an intention to destroy Hamas while also trying to keep the hostages alive. That could ruin any communications channels needed for negotiations, he said, and Hamas has previously warned it will kill hostages if pressed. Israeli operations into the Gaza Strip will also pose enormous risks for both its soldiers and Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire. Israeli officials have sent mixed messages on the potential for civilian casualties. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said this week an entire nation was responsible for the attacks on his country, though he later denied that he was justifying attacks on Gaza civilians. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said at a Friday press conference that soldiers will not shoot civilians on purpose as they attempt to destroy Hamas and take these phenomena out of Gaza and out of the Earth. Therefore we are asking all the civilians in Gaza City to go south of Gaza. And the reason is that because we dont want to harm them, he said. The camouflage of the terrorists is the civil population. Therefore we need to separate them. So those who want to save their life, please go south. Knox Thames, an international human rights advocate, said Israel must avoid civilian casualties. But Hamas often embeds its fire platforms and organizational nodes within civilian areas, using them as a shield, and when civilians die, using them as a propaganda message, Thames said in an emailed statement. The last decade has seen intermittent clashes between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, but nothing on the scale that Israel is promising against Hamas. In 2014, the last time Israel fought a major war inside Gaza, 66 Israeli soldiers died, along with more than 2,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to human rights groups. The conflict was a roughly 50-day clash. Hamas may have anticipated an Israeli ground offensive in retaliation for its barbaric attack last weekend. Since the military and political authority took over Gaza in 2007, it has built up an array of shadowy defenses across the territory, many of them underground networks. Bilal Saab, director of the defense and security program at the Middle East Institute (MEI), said Israel has the capability to massively degrade Hamas military capabilities, but it was a question of how many casualties of Israeli soldiers and civilians Jerusalem is willing to sacrifice. Still, Saab said the stated goal of completely eradicating Hamas will be near impossible because Hamas has political support, making it even tougher to wipe out than a traditional terrorist group like ISIS. I understand the political logic behind it, he said. You want a message to your population that you are going to extract some heavy punishment on your opponent, but theres no way theyre going to be able to defeat a deeply rooted organization. And if Hezbollah is pulled into the war, that may prove even more problematic for Israels military than any trouble inside Gaza itself. If Israel were forced to fight against two militant groups backed by Iran, it would be stretched much thinner and less able to concentrate on its main objective, eradicating Hamas. Hezbollah is far better equipped and advanced than Hamas. The Lebanese militant group, an archenemy of Israel along with its creator Iran, has already begun firing rockets and artillery in nonstop tit-for-tat exchanges with Israel. Saab said the risk of a front opening with Hezbollah was very real, but added Israel does not have much of a choice. If you are communicating to Hezbollah that youre so worried about opening a second front that were not going to go after Hamas, thats going to set a precedent for the future, he explained. They have to show that they are able to handle multiple fronts. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. First lady Jill Biden and Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, exchanged letters amid the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. The Israeli Prime Ministers office released copies of the letters and said they were personal and moving. Like so many Americans, I am deeply concerned for the people of Israel in the face of this unconscionable terrorist attack, Biden wrote. Our resolve is clear even though our hearts are broken. We stand with the state of Israel and its people, always, she concluded in her letter. You and Bibi are in my prayers. In her response on Friday, Netanyahu called the first ladys letter a ray of light during a disheartening time. She said Bidens words also warmed her broken heart. Top Stories from The Hill Netanyahu said she and her husband, commonly referred to as Bibi, appreciate the support of the United States. You are a true friend. Bibi and I appreciate that and the unwavering support you and Joe have shown us. Today and always, Netanyahus letter said. At the moment, we share a broken heart, but Israels resolve will see us emerge victorious in this war of good over unspeakable evil. We have no other choice, she added. Thank you for your prayers. The exchange of letters came after Israel declared war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas after the group, which controls the Gaza Strip, launched a surprise attack on Israel last weekend. President Biden on Friday said the group is worse than al Qaeda, the organization behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. The more we learned about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes, he said during an event in Philadelphia. More than 1,000 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans. These guys make, they make al Qaeda look pure. Theyre pure evil. The United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel, he added. The ongoing conflict so far has reportedly cost more than 2,800 lives on both sides. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. School evacuation route ready for emergency use. Two months after devastating wildfires ripped through the Hawaii town of Lahaina, schools in the West Maui community have completed an evacuation route to use in emergencies. The Office of the Governor stated in a press release that the Hawaiian Department of Transportation constructed the emergency access route at a cost of approximately $550,000. The route spans about 2.5 miles, connecting Lahainaluna Fire Lane to Lahaina Bypass. The community stressed the importance of reopening for our Lahaina keiki, said Governor Green. Having a mass evacuation route available hopefully will provide reassurance to students, parents, caregivers, and West Maui faculty and staff. School officials, Maui Police Department, Maui Fire Department, and HDOT staff will have access keys for the emergency access route, enabling them to open it during evacuations in case of emergencies. We greatly appreciate the support from the Department of Transportation, private landowners and Governor Green in prioritizing the safety of our Lahaina school communities as we prepare to reopen to students next week," said Hawaii State Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Additionally, officials say that high-quality tents have been set up at Nahienaena to expand classroom capacity and are equipped with both air conditioning and wooden flooring. Students are set to return to class starting next week. SEE MORE: Hawaii Wildfire 911 Calls: 'Get to the Ocean' Justin Steele Yesterday, two independent New York designers got together to have a chat about what it means to find your voice. For Willy Chavarria and Maria Cornejo, searching for that inner spark has been a process with high highs and low lows, but its brought both to a place of self-assurance. They discussed their trajectories and more during a panel discussion that was a part of Hearst Publicationss series The Beauty of Latinx Design and was led by Harpers Bazaar Accessories Director Miguel Enamorado. While Chavarria is celebrating the success of his eponymous independent label after staging what many said was the best show of New York Fashion Weeks spring 2024 season, Cornejo is set to receive the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award in November. The topic of their discussion was titled The Rebellious Spirit of Resilience and indeed, there are no two designers better equipped to create dialogue around what it takes to stick to ones convictions, cultivate community, and make clothes that have something real to say. Cornejo, who has long been a political activist in addition to her design work, was born in Chile and moved with her family to England when she was 12 to escape dictatorship. In the mid-90s, she left for New York where she opened her first studio space in Nolita. It was there that her sustainable label Zero + Maria Cornejo was born, and where she first began attracting a loyal following of women, the likes of Michelle Obama and Christy Turlington included, who are obsessed with her eco-friendly materials and free-flowing, unencumbered silhouettes. Ive always tried to do things in an authentic way, she told Enamorado yesterday. Whether it was in terms of sustainability or as a woman designer dressing women. Maybe thats rebellious but I didnt know any other way, thats the way I work. I dont think its a conscious thing to be rebellious. Cornejo has forged her own path within an industry that is not always welcoming or inclusive when it comes to upstart brands and designers who come from different backgrounds outside the majority and the major fashion capitals. As she explained, I always believe in dressing your peers, dressing the women that you love, dressing your friends and the women that you respect. She added, I have my life and my social beliefs so I can only relate to that. My reality as a designer is that I went to England as a political refugee when I was 12, so to me clothes are quite political. You reflect the time you live in, the people you work with and the artists and the women that you love. Thats all we can do, I think. Chavarria, who is Mexican-American and Irish-American, echoed these sentiments, explaining that, in this business, in order to be a designer, you have to have a really strong voice of your own and that is a form of rebellion. He added, Its almost like you have to be rebellious to be successful as a great designer. He too has certainly done things his way and gained momentum as a result. While he was in school, he found work in the shipping department at the brand Joe Boxer, spending off time sketching his own designs, which were soon noticed by the companys higher ups. He got an internship with the brands founder Nicholas Graham and eventually worked his way up to a full-time design position. Later, he worked for Ralph Lauren and several other labels before launching his first menswear label, Palmer Trading Company. In 2015 he founded his eponymous label and in 2021, in the midst of growing it, was appointed senior vice president of design at Calvin Klein. Growing up in a rural, Mexican-American community in Fresno, California, Chavarria explained that there was no fashion. There was style and people had a sense of self and they would dress themselves in the ways that they would identify with a certain group of people. He added, I was always fascinated with that and as I got older and learned that you could make a living making clothes I got really into it and for me, my growing up wasnt really looking at magazines or Imstagram (there was no Instagram), but it was really about studying the way people would dress to represent themselves. He agreed with Cornejo who noted that the way we dress is political, and he went on to say that we have that luxury that we can choose to purchase clothes and dress ourselves in a way that reflects who we are affiliated with how we want to be perceived and in the larger picture reflects the times that we live in and it reflects a past, the current and Ive always seen the political side of things. Growing up in a Mexican-American household with parents that were part of the civil rights movement I was always raised to hear the words of Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King Jr., I was always very aware of politics whatever my work turned out to be. Both Chavarria and Cornejo have this socio-sartorial mindset when it comes to their creative outputs, but they also agree that, especially within the Latinx community of designers, all of their work needs to be based in the pursuit of optimism. As Chavarria explained, The Latin culture, weve remained resilient and we come back with color and flowers and laughter and Dia de Los Muertos, were such a vibrant culture. He added, its so important to maintain the goodness and the positivity of what we do. In everything we do in fashion and even not in fashion, its so important to remember to be good to one another and to be generous with one another and be loving. And even at their most rebellious, Cornejo agrees that, our job as designers and creatives is to bring joy and beauty to this world. You Might Also Like Israels military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of an expected Israel ground offensive. The directive came Friday on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gazas people out through the southern border with Egypt. Currently: Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war: US DEFENSE SECRETARY SAYS 2ND CARRIER IS PART OF EFFORT TO PREVENT WIDENING OF WAR WASHINGTON The Biden administration is sending the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the additional carrier was being sent as part of our effort to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamass attack on Israel. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers. The Eisenhower deployed from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Friday. Having two carriers in the region can provide a host of options. They can disperse and serve as primary command and control operations centers, to cover a wide swath of area. They can conduct information warfare. They can launch and recover E2-Hawkeye surveillance planes that provide early warnings on missile launches, conduct surveillance and manage the airspace. Both ships carry F-18 fighter jets that could fly intercepts or strike targets. They also have significant capabilities for humanitarian work, including an onboard hospital with medics, surgeons and doctors, and they sail with helicopters that can be used to airlift critical supplies in or victims out. US TO SEND A SECOND CARRIER STRIKE GROUP TO SUPPORT ISRAEL WASHINGTON The Biden administration is sending the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, two defense officials told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the move ahead of its announcement. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers. The Eisenhower deployed from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Friday. Having two carriers in the region can provide a host of options. They can disperse and serve as primary command and control operations centers, to cover a wide swath of area. They can conduct information warfare. They can launch and recover E2-Hawkeye surveillance planes that provide early warnings on missile launches, conduct surveillance and manage the airspace. Both ships carry F-18 fighter jets that could fly intercepts or strike targets. They also have significant capabilities for humanitarian work, including an onboard hospital with medics, surgeons and doctors, and they sail with helicopters that can be used to airlift critical supplies in or victims out. By Tara Copp HAMAS SAYS THREE KILLED AFTER CROSSING BORDER BETWEEN LEBANON AND ISRAEL BEIRUT Hamas announced early Sunday that three of its members from Lebanon had been killed after crossing the border from Lebanon into Israel and clashing with Israeli forces. The group said in a statement that its militants had inflicted losses before being targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Since the outbreak of the latest Hamas-Israel war on Oct. 7, there have been sporadic border clashes between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, and with Palestinian armed groups in Lebanon including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. MONITOR SAYS ISRAEL ATTACKS AIRPORT IN NORTHERN SYRIA BEIRUT A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say Israels military has attacked the international airport of the northern city of Aleppo, putting it out of service. Al-Watan daily said the Saturday night strike hit the runway of Aleppo airport putting it out of service just hours after it was fixed following a similar Israeli strike on Thursday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that the strike also hit the runway at Aleppo airport. The attack on Aleppo airport came shortly after a rocket was reportedly fired from Syria into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. On Thursday, Israeli struck the runways in Aleppo and Damascus International Airport. Aleppo was fixed within a day before it was again targeted Saturday. There was no immediate comment from Israels military, which rarely confirms such strikes. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION SENDS SUPPLIES FOR GAZA A planeload of World Health Organization supplies has landed at Egypts el-Arish airport and is destined for Gaza when humanitarian access across the border is possible, the U.N. said Saturday. The cache includes enough basic essentials for 300,000 people and enough trauma medicines and materials for 1,200 wounded, the U.N. said in a release. It called for opening the Rafah border crossing immediately to humanitarian deliveries. The critically injured, the sick and the vulnerable cannot wait, the world body said. ISRAEL SAYS IT IS STRIKING MILITARY TARGETS IN SYRIA TEL AVIV, Israel The Israeli military says it is striking targets in Syria after air raid sirens went off in two villages in northern Israel and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. In a statement, the military did not say what set off the sirens. It said it was firing artillery to strike back. The incident is the latest in a continued flare-up along Israels northern border with Lebanon and Syria after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli communities set off a war with Israel. FAMILIES OF ISRAELI HOSTAGES SAY SOME OF THEIR LOVED ONES NEED MEDICINE TEL AVIV, Israel The relatives of Israelis taken captive by Hamas are demanding Saturday that the militant group allow in medicine to hostages who require it, saying their loved ones are suffering. Every day without her medication is torture. Shes being tortured, said Yifat Zailer, who said her kidnapped 63-year-old aunt has Parkinsons disease. She was taken along with several other family members, Zailer said. In its assault on southern Israeli communities, Hamas militants captured dozens of Israelis and some foreign or dual nationals, including children, women and the elderly, dragging them into the Gaza Strip. Israeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday Israel had so far identified 126 captives. Their fate becomes more complicated as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza. GERMANY TO START EVACUATING CITIZENS FROM ISRAEL BERLIN The German army will start evacuating its citizens from Israel with military airplanes. German news agency dpa reported that two A400M military transports were on their way from Germany to Israel on Saturday evening and further flights were planned, according to the German defense ministry. In recent days, the German government helped with the evacuation of around 2,800 German citizens and their family members from Israel following Hamas attack on the country a week ago. So far, they were predominantly flown out by civilian airplanes or brought across the border to Jordan by buses. German carrier Lufthansa stopped its scheduled flights from Israel at the beginning of the week, but it deployed a limited number of evacuation flights which ended on Saturday. More than 100,000 residents of Israel hold dual German and Israeli citizenship. HEZBOLLAH FIGHTER DIES DURING EXCHANGE WITH ISRAELI TROOPS BEIRUT Lebanons militant Hezbollah group says one of its fighters was killed during an exchange of fire with Israeli troops on Saturday. Hezbollahs Al-Manar TV identified the dead fighter as Ali Youssef Alaaeddine. It gave no other details, saying his death happened during the Zionist aggression on south Lebanon today. Alaaeddine is the fourth Hezbollah fighter killed since tensions increased along the Lebanon-Israel border following the deadly attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel Oct. 7. The war has since claimed at least 3,200 lives. ERDOGAN'S SON JOINS PRO-PALESTINIAN MARCH IN ISTANBUL ISTANBUL The son of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in a large pro-Palestinian march in Istanbul on Saturday. Bilal Erdogan was accompanied by former Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and former speaker of Turkish parliament Mustafa Sentop. Let us make clear our side, we should at least let our feelings be heard, Erdogan told The Associated Press. The crowd of over 1,000 people carried Palestinian and Turkish flags while chanting slogans criticizing Israel and the United States. Speaking to the AP, Sentop said, Everyone with a conscience, regardless of race or religion, are displaying their sentiments toward this genocide. JAPANESE CHARTER FLIGHT WITH EVACUEES LEAVES ISRAEL TOKYO Japans Foreign Ministry says a Japanese government-arranged charter flight carrying eight Japanese nationals in Israel departed from Tel Aviv and was expected to arrive in Dubai on Sunday. Fifty-one other Japanese nationals were separately evacuated by South Koreas military aircraft, along with 163 South Koreans and six Singaporeans. About 1,250 Japanese nationals were in Israel as of October 2022, according to government data. LEBANESE STATE MEDIA SAYS ISRAELI SHELLING HAS KILLED 2 IN CHEBAA BEIRUT Lebanons state news agency says Israeli shelling of a Lebanese border village killed a man and his wife. The shelling occurred during an exchange of fire along Lebanons border with Syrias Israeli-occupied Golan Heights between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops. National News Agency said Khalil Hachem and his wife, Rabad Akoum, were killed in the shelling of the Lebanese border village of Chebaa. Hezbollah said its fighters struck several Israeli military positions in the disputed Chebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba hills in the afternoon. It added that hours later, Hezbollah gunmen fired rockets and shells toward an Israeli position in the area inflicting damage. ISRAELI MILITARY ANNOUNCES IT IS PREPARED FOR COORDINATED OFFENSIVE JERUSALEM The Israeli military says it has prepared a coordinated offensive in the Gaza Strip involving air, ground and naval forces. In a statement on its website Saturday night, the army said it is preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans. Israel has ordered roughly half of Gazas population to evacuate their homes ahead of an expected ground offensive in response to a brutal cross-border Hamas attack. Israel has not said when the offensive will begin. HAMAS OFFICIAL SAYS PALESTINIANS WILL NOT MIGRATE TO EGYPT BEIRUT A top official with the militant Hamas group says the people of Gaza will not migrate from the strip to Egypt. In a televised speech Saturday, Ismail Haniyeh said that all the massacres will not break the Palestinian people. There will be no migration from Gaza to Egypt, he said, adding that our decision is to stay in our land. Haniyeh said Israel suffered a strategic strike and that last weeks attacks by Hamas that have killed more than 3,200 are an indication the end of Israel's occupation is near. Haniyeh said the aim of Hamas is to liberate the land and set Palestinian prisoners free, and that the blockade in Gaza be lifted. HEAD OF GAZA'S LARGEST HOSPITAL SAYS 35,000 PEOPLE ARE SHELTERING IN HOSPITAL COMPLEX GAZA CITY, Gaza Medical officials say an estimated 35,000 have crammed into the grounds of Gaza Citys main hospital, seeking refugee ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive. Mohammad Abu Selim, general director of Shifa Hospital, confirmed that massive crowds had thronged the building and the courtyard outside. Shifa is the largest hospital in the entire Gaza Strip. People think this is the only safe space after their homes were destroyed and they were forced to flee, said Dr. Medhat Abbas, a Health Ministry official. Gaza City is a frightening scene of devastation. The Israeli military has ordered roughly half of Gazas population, including all of Gaza City, to evacuate as it prepares to send in ground forces. Israel has been bombing Gaza into rubble for the past week, killing more than 2,200 and counting in response to a cross-border Hamas attack. EXETER, N.H. Standing where Abraham Lincoln once stood in the historic Exeter Town Hall, former Vice President Mike Pence urged for the country to follow in the 16th presidents footsteps and rebuked the populist movement that dominates conservative politics today. Pence, who was former President Donald Trumps second-in-command, has sought to sell a more traditional brand of conservatism as opposed to his former boss populist style to voters on the campaign trail as he eyes the GOP nomination for the 2024 presidential race. But Pence still has an uphill climb to the nomination amid a crowded presidential field. According to polling at least, the former vice presidents message doesnt appear to resonate with likely New Hampshire Republican voters. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe/USA TODAY poll found Pence has just a little more than 1% support among likely Granite State primary voters, far behind contenders such as former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and, most notably, Trump. Regardless, Pence has warned against populism, arguing in favor of a deep commitment to the Constitution of the United States, a boundless belief in the vision of our founders, and we ought to have the same optimism that (Lincoln) had. Here are other notable moments from Pences town hall, sponsored by the USA TODAY Network. Republican presidential candidate Mike Pence speaks during the Seacoast Media Group and USA TODAY Network 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Town Hall Forum held in the historic Exeter Town Hall in Exeter, New Hampshire. Pence defends certifying Bidens 2020 victory Pence, who rejected Trumps efforts to overturn his loss in 2020, ultimately certifying President Joe Bidens victory, has repeatedly defended his decision to uphold the election results on the campaign trail. At Fridays town hall, his message was no different. An attendee at the town hall took a moment of silence for the Capitol Police officers who died after riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Afterwards, the attendee laid the blame for the attack on Trumps feet and asked Pence for his thoughts on the former presidents claims of election fraud. Despite the fact the former president had been convinced by a group of crackpot lawyers that I had some authority to overturn the election, I made it clear to him that I did not, Pence said. I knew what my duty was that day. Israel is our most cherished ally Asked about the war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas militants, Pence reiterated U.S. support for Israel and offered his full support, calling the country our most cherished ally. I believe America should speak with one voice at this moment, Pence said. We will stand with Israel. I really believe that in this moment we have to see this through this extraordinary time but likely not with this administration, Pence added, echoing Republican sentiment criticizing the Biden administration for releasing $6 billion in Iranian funds last month in a prisoner swap. After Hamas attack on Israel, the Biden administration froze the $6 billion again, according to reports. Republican presidential candidate Mike Pence speaks during the Seacoast Media Group and USA TODAY Network 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Town Hall Forum held in the historic Exeter Town Hall in Exeter, New Hampshire. Pence chimes in on House Republican speaker chaos As House Republicans struggle to elect a new speaker, Pence chimed in on the disarray that has left the lower chamber paralyzed. I have some tough words for what I call the 'chaos caucus' in my party on Capitol Hill, Pence said, referring to conservative hard-liners who made a historic move last week to oust Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. It never would have occurred to me to partner with every Democrat on Capitol Hill to oust a Republican speaker of the House. Pence had a warning for those House Republicans who removed McCarthy and other GOP lawmakers who have been obstructing progress toward electing a new speaker, which has left the House paralyzed. Ultimately, though, I believe voters will hold them accountable, individually and collectively if they fail to do that. GOP primary voter: Pence revived the worst presidency Leslie Haslam, 68, from Exeter, told USA TODAY she came out to Pences town hall to show my respect for what he did on January 6. But Haslam, a registered Democrat who regardless will vote in the GOP primary, which is open to all voters in New Hampshire, said she could not see herself voting for Pence for putting down the Green New Deal, a set of policies championed by progressives for addressing climate change. He and the rest of the Republicans have their head in the sand about whats going on, and so I think that they need to completely change their M.O. on that, Haslam said. Marie ONeil, 44, from Madbury, also attended Pences town hall out of admiration for Pences decision to certify the 2020 election. A self-described moderate and undeclared voter in the Granite State, ONeil said she would not describe Pence as moderate but still left the door open to voting for him in the primary. Pence, she said, revived the worst presidency. Republican presidential candidate Mike Pence speaks during the Seacoast Media Group and USA TODAY Network 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Town Hall Forum held in the historic Exeter Town Hall in Exeter, New Hampshire. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House speaker election: Pence has tough words for GOP 'chaos caucus' Former businessman Christopher Luxon is set to become New Zealands next prime minister as the countrys incumbent leader Chris Hipkins conceded deafeat. Mr Luxon said he would form a new government with its preferred coalition party ACT, Reuters reported. New Zealands National Party, which is currently in opposition had about 40 per cent of the votes, while the ACT party had 9 per cent, giving the coalition enough seats to form a government. The Labour party currently has a little over a quarter of the vote share about half the proportion it got under Ms Ardern in the last election. As the numbers stand, Labour is not in a position to form a government, Mr Hipkins said, adding that he called Mr Luxon to concede defeat. The election results signal a change among voters after six years of a liberal government in New Zealand that was led for most of the time by former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who stepped down in January saying she no longer had enough in the tank to do justice to the job. I want you to be proud of what we achieved over the last six years, Mr Hipkins, who served as education minister under Ms Ardern and later took over as the prime minister, said, acknowledging that the results were not what he wanted. Political commentators say the labour partys loss comes due to New Zealanders dissatisfaction over the countrys long lockdowns to curb Covid-19 spread and the rising cost of living. During the lead-up to the elections, Mr Hipkins had promised free dental care for people under 30 years of age, as well as the removal of sales taxes on fruit and vegetables. Meanwhile, Mr Luxons main campaign promises included tax cuts for middle-income earners and a crackdown on crime. He also promised to fix Wellingtons traffic with a new tunnel project. His National Party has also campaigned to bring the countrys high inflation under control as well as reduce the countrys debt. Cal Poly has the smallest percentage of low-income students in the California State University system, a new report shows though university officials say they are working to make the San Luis Obispo college more financially attainable. The report was released in mid-September by the Cal State Student Association and the Institute for College Access and Success. It used California State University data to analyze each of the systems 23 campuses and determine how they compared in regards to attainability for low-income students. The report analyzed how many Pell Grant students are admitted annually, their graduation rates compared to non-grant recipients, plus the cost of living on each campus and how many hours low-income students must work to cover those costs. Pell Grants are federal money given to students who show an exceptional financial need more than 50% go to students whose families earn less than $20,000 a year, according to the Education Data Initiative. Theyre typically used as an indicator of how inclusive a university is of low-income individuals. The report found that Cal Poly has the lowest share of Pell Grant recipients in the entire CSU system. Just 16% of Cal Polys undergraduate population during the 2020-21 year received a Pell Grant, according to the report. The next lowest Pell Grant recipient rate was 27% at the Maritime Academy, the report showed. Meanwhile, other CSUs had much higher rates of undergraduate Pell Grant recipients: Cal Poly Humboldt had 51% of its students during the 2020-21 academic year receive a Pell Grant, while the figure was 50% at CSU Channel Islands, 48% at Cal Poly Pomona, 45% at CSU Monterey and 37% at San Jose State, the report shows. Coupled with Cal Polys costly tuition and fees, many low-income students appear to be excluded from enrolling at the Central Coast university, a representative of the Cal State Student Association told The Tribune. SLO is one of the campuses that in some ways practices exclusivity in the way that you see private schools practice it they have a very low acceptance rate, said Miya Smith Haley, public relations and communications director for the Cal State Student Association. The fact that it is definitely in an area that is more costly than other places like Dominguez Hills plays into it because students that are not from that area or dont have familial support in that area will need to move there and then find lodging, housing and all of these things that are usually very detrimental to a student in regards to total cost of attendance. In an emailed statement, Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier said part of the issue is that Cal Poly is a destination campus that draws its enrollment from outside of the local area. Lower-income students traditionally have less mobility than students with higher income, Lazier wrote. This can make attending a destination campus like ours a more difficult choice for many lower-income students thus making those students more difficult for Cal Poly to attract. Lazier said the university acknowledges that it has traditionally had lower numbers of Pell Grant students and that it is working to address this issue and making progress. That includes providing housing grants and bolstering financial aid by investing in the programs that help make the university more financially achievable for low-income students, he said. According to Lazier, Cal Polys rate of Pell Grant students went from 16% during the 2020-21 academic year to 19% during the 2022-23 academic year. That remains far below the CSU average of just over 50%, according to the university systems financial aid report for the 2021-22 school year. Lazier declined a Tribune request to speak with other university officials on the subject. Cal Poly Pell Grant students have highest graduation rate in CSU Despite the low numbers, the report also noted Cal Poly has the highest graduation rate among its Pell Grant students. As of the 2020-21 academic year, Pell Grant recipients had an 81% graduation rate at the San Luis Obispo university, according to the report. The next highest were San Diego State University and CSU Long Beach, both at 74%, according to the report. Comparatively, other universities in the CSU system had Pell Grant graduation rates of around 45% to 69%, the report showed. Similar to other universities, however, non-Pell Grant recipients were slightly more likely to graduate at Cal Poly. The report showed a graduation rate of 86% for non-Pell Grant recipients for the 2020-21 academic year at Cal Poly the highest across the system. Cal Polys high graduation rate could be attributed in part to its selectivity, the report said. They are very exclusive and very particular about whom they admit into their university, which also means that theres going to be many students that are most likely to graduate, Haley said. Because they are extremely expensive ... they have the resources to pour into the student. Cal Poly tuition, fees highest in CSU At about $10,200, Cal Polys tuition and fees were the highest in the CSU system during the 2020-21 academic year, according to the report. That has since increased to between $11,490 and $12,204 for undergraduate California residents during the 2023-24 academic year, according to Cal Polys financial aid office. Meanwhile, out-of-state students paid between $31,674 and $32,388, which includes an $8,304 opportunity fee to fund the Cal Poly Scholars program that aims to increase diversity at the university. The Cal Poly Scholars program was created by Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong in 2012 and is funded through student fees. It focuses on ensuring low-income students who are accepted to Cal Poly have the financial means to enroll. Cal Polys high cost means low-income students have to, on average, work 27 hours per week to cover net costs of attending the university, the report said. Low-income students at other universities across the state have to work more hours, according to the report. For example, at CSU San Marcos, students have to work 33 hours per week; 31 hours per week at at CSU Monterey Bay and 28 hours at Sacramento State, the report shows. More than 160 Korean nationals arrived home from Israel aboard a military aircraft late Saturday, the foreign ministry said, after an armed clash broke out between the Jewish state and the Palestinian Hamas group. A KC-330 military transport plane carrying 163 Koreans landed at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, at 10:45 p.m., the ministry said. The plane flew to Israel on Friday and departed from Tel Aviv early Saturday (local time). The plane also brought 51 Japanese and six Singaporean nationals, as part of Seoul's efforts to provide humanitarian cooperation, the ministry added. It marked the first such transportation of Koreans by a military plane and the second flight to bring Koreans home from Israel following the return of 192 people aboard a Korean Air plane Wednesday. The government decided to dispatch the military plane as air carriers increasingly suspended flight operations to and from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv amid the intensifying conflict, officials said. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Koichi Mizushima, Japan's top envoy to Israel, expressed gratitude to the South Korean government for the emergency transportation of its people, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. Of the 163 people on board, 82 were short-term travelers, while the rest were residents. About 470 Koreans remain in Israel. Most of them are residents living there long-term and have chosen to stay behind of their own accord, a foreign ministry official said, adding the diplomatic mission there continues to advise them to leave the area for safety. Roughly 630 Koreans had been staying in Israel before the flights. No Korean casualties have been reported since the conflict began. A rapid response team consisting of foreign ministry officials also boarded the military plane to assist with the transportation, the ministry said.(Yonhap) This is part of a series of stories about the fentanyl crisis in Stanislaus County. Click here to ask our journalists a question. As Halloween approaches, a concern arises amid the festivities: the fentanyl crisis and its potential consequences on the safety of childrens candy. Fentanyl has been found disguised as rainbow candy. Should parents be concerned about it being hidden among Halloween treats? Heres why California public officials said its important for parents to familiarize themselves with their neighbors and the dangers of fentanyl when taking their children out to trick-or-treat: What is the fentanyl crisis? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is a major contributor to both fatal and nonfatal overdoses in California, according to the California Department of Public Healths website. It can be laced in other drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills and cocaine, the website states. According to the most recent information from CDPH, there were nearly 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths in California 2021 and roughly 250 of them were minors. In September 2022, the CDPH alerted the public that brightly-colored fentanyl, also known as rainbow fentanyl, was identified as a new trend by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Rainbow fentanyl fentanyl pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes is a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults, said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram in a news release from the administration in October 2022. Should parents be worried about fentanyl on Halloween? Luke Schwartz, a spokesperson from the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department, said there are no specific concerns drawing the departments attention to fentanyl contamination in Halloween candy. Last year, National Public Radio reported that drug experts have not seen a connection between fentanyl and Halloween candy. However, Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said parents should be extra attentive to their childrens Halloween candy, because only a few grains worth of fentanyl can kill them. There are colorful fentanyl pills that look exactly like Smarties candies made to look very attractive to young people and kids, but they are highly addictive and deadly, Ho said in a phone interview with The Bee. With Halloween coming up, Ho said parents and guardians should protect their kids by talking to them about fentanyls danger. We recommend that parents be vigilant, Ho said. Inspect every candy closely, because all it takes is a few grains to kill. Youre walking around asking strangers to give you something, Ho said. When you take that away from the context of Halloween, you need to be sorting what your kid is going to ingest. What precautions will law enforcement be taking on Halloween? Schwartz, with the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department, said the agency urges the community to continue to follow the public safety announcements and advisements released by health departments. This drug can be so incredibly dangerous and toxic in such small doses, Schwartz said in an email to The Bee. Take the time to inspect what is collected before consumption. On Halloween, Schwartz said the department will have their usual patrol deputies, air support unit, K9s and other needed specialty units as calls for service and circumstances demand. We recognize this is a popular time for families to be out with their children happily going from door-to-door finding all the good candy, Schwartz wrote. Our deputies will be extra aware of the increased level of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. As the use of fentanyl spikes in Stanislaus County, Schwartz said it is important for parents to be aware of the danger. Our communities are unfortunately plagued with the scourge of illegal, dangerous substances, Schwartz said. Go out, have fun, but be forever constantly mindful of those who seek to harm or take advantage of others. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. Kenya's SGR passing through the Nairobi National park The first section of Kenya's Chinese-built railway was opened with much fanfare in 2017 - but two years later work on the tracks stopped in the middle of the country and the master plan of linking it to other landlocked countries in East Africa seems to have derailed. This means the project is not bringing as much money as was hoped at this stage, while Kenya is left servicing loans totalling around $4.7bn (3.9bn), mainly borrowed from Chinese banks. Yet it is hard to believe that Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is not a success when passengers disgorge from a packed train of around 12 carriages at the Syokimau railway terminus in the capital, Nairobi - the last service of the day. They have travelled non-stop from the port city of Mombasa, 470km (290 miles) away on the Indian Ocean. "It's great," 53-year-old commuter Pauline Echesa told me. The four-and-a-half hour journey gives her the bonus of watching wildlife along the way as the railway cuts through national parks, she says. Some passengers can enjoy the wildlife on the Madaraka Express, which passes through national parks A 30-year-old commuter found the experience a little more exhausting, saying the seats were not that comfortable but the journey saved her money compared to other ways travelling up from the coast. There is no doubt the passenger side of the business is doing well and is fully booked, but it cannot pay back the loans on its own - and it was never meant to do so. This burden falls to the cargo side of the business - bringing inland the containers that arrive at Mombasa port. It was intended that they would reach Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The problem is that they can only go as far as the Kenyan town of Naivasha - 120km from Nairobi but still far from the Ugandan border - on the SGR. Most of the freight trains then return to Mombasa empty, a huge loss of potential income. "It will be more productive for us to continue with the project," Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told the BBC. "But the financing part is actually our challenge." He says the government would be exploring options for funding the construction of the remaining portion of the railway during the upcoming Belt and Road Summit in China. Launched in 2013, China's massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has stretched across the globe and noticeably changed the landscape of infrastructure across Africa. But its future is a matter of debate now as China continues to scale down funding and African countries face the reality of growing debt that in some cases threatens to destabilise their economies. American think tank the Council on Foreign Relations argues that some BRI investments have involved opaque bidding processes and required use of Chinese firms leading to inflated costs which have in some cases resulted in the cancelation of projects and a political backlash. Internal issues that have affected the Chinese economy have also led to hugely diminished funding, says Nigeria's former Deputy Central Bank Governor, Kingsley Moghalu. "The funding levels in the past couple of years have not been more than $2bn across the continent," he says - down, he estimates, from between $10bn and $20bn a decade ago. Kenya's SGR is one of those to have suffered. Kenya is hoping to find backing to build the SGR line to the Ugandan border at the Belt and Road Summit in China But Mr Murkomen says Kenya is open to options: "We have private sector players in China who have said they are willing to put their own resources as long as we can have a conversation about how they'll recoup their finances." One could be a grace period to allow the country to first service the loans taken to finance the sections of the railway that are complete, he explains. An admission that the government is seeking more funding may not sit well with many in the country who already reeling from tax hikes introduced by President William Ruto since he came into office a year ago. Kenyans are concerned that debt repayments are exerting significant pressure on the country's economy. Government figures from the end of June 2022 showed that China was Kenya's third biggest external creditor - accounting for 19.4% of the country's debt. "Right now, the debt profile of the country is quite heavy," says Kenyan economist Ken Gichinga, explaining that next June is when Kenya must repay a $2bn Eurobond. "And there is also a feeling that not all that money went to building the railway," says Mr Gichinga. The opacity in the deals countries like Kenya have signed with China is a matter of concern to their own citizens as well as critics abroad. The Council on Foreign Relations assessment notes that loan terms are rarely made public and "because China refused to join the Paris Club of major official creditors", Chinese banks are under no pressure to cap lending rates or share information. This, it concludes, means the risks for both the US and recipient countries "considerably outweighed its benefits". Critics are concerned that the details of China's loans are rarely publicly disclosed For Kenya's railway to reap the benefits that were envisioned at its inception, it needs to go transnational. "Uganda really needs to also be onboard," argues Mr Gichinga. But that ambition looks shaky. The original East Africa Transport Master Plan, proposed by the East Africa Community around two decades ago, wanted two routes into landlocked countries from the coast - one coming from Kenya, known as the northern corridor, and another from Tanzania, dubbed the central corridor. It then had connections to South Sudan and DR Congo. However Uganda may decide to push its business towards Tanzania. Its railway project has cost way less to build and offers higher speeds as the line is electrified. Former Tanzanian President John Magufuli tore up the deal that had been signed by his predecessor with China to build the railway and chose to get funding instead from Turkey and Portugal to finance the first leg of the project. Tanzania also appears on track to connect to Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo - with China coming onboard in latter sections. Mr Moghalu argues that, like Tanzania, countries on the continent "should be drivers of their own destiny". "African countries need a mental repositioning and not feel like an abused spouse that they should be grateful to China because their former spouse, the West, did not treat them well." Western countries have recently been trying to counter BRI, including US President Joe Biden's Build Back Better World Initiative, launched in 2021 in collaboration with G7 economies. But there is general acknowledgement that China still can offer more in terms of long-term development. For the Nairobi-Mombasa commuters, such investments for the country's future are definitely worthwhile. "Let us sacrifice to pay the debt and get more for such projects," Ms Echesa told the BBC. The Kenyan government will be hoping it can convince China, and its banks, that the SGR railway will be profitable if it gets to the border and beyond. More on China-Africa relations: (Ron Powers/Facebook/Vermont State Police) A former college dean who dedicated years of her life to researching a cure for cancer was gunned down on a walking trail near campus last week and her killer is still on the loose, leaving a Vermont town on edge. Those who knew Honoree Fleming, and even some who did not, were left shocked and heartbroken by her tragic passing, evident by the hundreds of tributes on social media. The retired Castleton dean of education, 77, was found dead on 5 October on a rail trail about a mile from campus, police said. She had been shot in the head and her death was ruled a homicide. Flemings brutal murder made headlines across the country, and police released a sketch of a man wanted for questioning after witnesses described someone acting odd on the trail that day. Few details have been released about the killing, but many who knew Fleming have instead decided to share their favourite moments of her and how the accomplished scientist impacted their lives. She should be remembered not by the way she died, but for the beautiful person she was and the legacy she leaves behind, Linda Coulombe, a former student of Flemings, told The Independent. She should be remembered for her multitudes of accomplishments and the lives she touched along the way. Ms Coulombe is an alumna of Trinity College, where Fleming worked prior to becoming the dean of education at Castleton State College, which is now known as Vermont State University Castleton Campus. I had the privilege of being touched by her professional kindness which altered my life, she said. She molded me into the woman I am today. I just wish she knew that I wish she knew the impact she had on so many women. Honoree Fleming was known for taking underprivileged students under her wing (Anne Slonaker) Ms Coulombe explained that she was one of the many underprivileged students Fleming took under her wing and mentored. She was a first-generation college student and would later become the first lawyer in her family. She was kind and patient and empathic and I carry that with me, Ms Coulombe said. I think the best way to honor her is to remember how she treated others and to live like her. To ask how would Honoree act? The former student said she believes the beloved dean might have even been sympathetic to her killer. She did not deserve to die like this, her family did not deserve this, she said. But you know, I bet she would have been empathetic to whoever did this. She would forgive him. Thats just the kind of person she was. Joe Mark, a former academic dean at Castleton told local Vermont paper, the VTDigger that Fleming had a particular interest in supporting students who werent given a lot of privilege in life, like Ms Coulombe. He hired Fleming as an associate academic dean in 2002. Her intelligence coupled with her empathy and caring were sort of what made her remarkable, he said. Flemings empathy played a big role in Ms Coulombes life and shaped her years following college. She recalled struggling with what she now knows was imposter syndrome and how Fleming built her up as she sat in her office crying. She went on to graduate with her degree in sciences in 2000 and worked in the field for years before a career change led her to becoming a lawyer. Fleming grew up in New York City and later moved to Vermont where she started her academia career (Ron Powers Facebook / Vermont State Police) Looking back, she played a part in that, she said. I would not be where I am now if it were not for her. She really was a role model for so many women over the years. Anne Slonaker, a Castleton professor who was hired by Fleming, told the VTDigger that Fleming served as a model to many first-generation college students and women who sometimes questioned whether they could establish a career in higher education. We talked about imposter syndrome in higher ed, Slonaker said. But I think Honoree helped them to understand what they could do with their lives. Susannah Gravel was another first-generation student who was mentored by Fleming at Castleton, and was left devastated by her murder. I went to her for help, and she immediately dropped what she was doing and took care of everything, saving me time, frustration, and money, Ms Gravel shared in a Facebook tribute to Fleming. She wasnt like any other administrative person I have ever met in my life. I am forever grateful that she was there and helped me get to where I am today. She was why I didnt leave Castleton and continued believing that going to college was the right choice. Thats why Im so heartbroken today to hear that this unnecessary death was hers. feeling devastated. The former dean of education was killed on her favourite walking trail near the Castleton campus (Ron Powers Facebook / Vermont State Police) Fleming grew up poor in New York City, the youngest of four children, and was raised by her mother who came from an impoverished family in Ireland, according to her husband Ron Powers 2017 book No One Cares About Crazy People: The Chaos and Heartbreak of Mental Health in America. Her father had died of alcoholism. Fleming and her siblings went on to earn degrees in higher education and in 1975, a year before meeting her husband, she earned a doctorate in biophysics from the University of Chicago, according to his book. She married the Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author Ron Powers, who co-authored Flags Of Our Fathers. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973 for criticism as a television-radio columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. The couple had two sons and moved to Vermont, where Fleming taught biochemistry at Middlebury College, and then to the now-defunct Trinity College in Burlington. In 2012, she retired as dean of education at what was then called Castleton State College. Fleming was killed just a few days before they were to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Fleming was married to Pulitzer Prize-winning Ron Powers (Ron Powers/Facebook) Those of you who knew her know that she was beautifully named. I have never known a more sterling heart and soul than hers. She has taken far more than half my own heart and soul with her, Powers wrote following the shocking news of her death. Fleming started on the hike at around 4pm from the pavilion area at the college campus and was walking south towards Poultney, just a few miles from the New York state border. Her husband later wrote that the rail trail was one of her favourite walks. On Monday, before the sketch was released, Powers wrote that his grief counselor, who has been a liaison between him and the police, said the first people to come upon Honorees body were two rail trail walkers, a middle-aged husband and wife. The woman ran for help. The man stayed with Honoree. She was clearly dead, but he stayed with her anyway. He knelt beside her and, I gather, tried to communicate to her that she was not alone, Powers wrote. I have not met this man, this couple. I dont know their names. The counselor believes that it would be unwise to meet them in these first few heartbreak-drenched days. But I will meet them. Dean and I will meet them. And we will say our thanks. Flemings death is not the only tragedy to strike the family. In 2005, their son Kevin died by suicide after struggling with schizophrenia for three years. Their surviving son, Dean, was also diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been undergoing treatment, according to Powers book. He wrote on Facebook about how he missed his mothers home-cooked meals, her wise counsel, and her laughter. He also wrote about the sacrifices she made for the family, like driving the siblings to activities and buying recycled clothing to save money. I miss making her coffee. I miss how she always stocked egg nog or food or coffee or orange juice. I miss her delicious meals. I miss seeing her sitting on her bed with Maggie. I miss her guidance and counsel during this life changing event. I miss knowing that I could count on her to be my buddy at home. Every time I went to a music festival I would call mom every day to check in on her and the dogs. I love you mom thanks for your beautiful sunrise on your first morning in Heaven. Vermont State Police released this composite police sketch that depicts a person of interest in Honoree Flemings killing (Vermont State Police) Powers did not respond to a request for an interview, but has continued to post on Facebook since her death, reminding the community of Flemings goodness and spiritual beauty and achievements in the world of science far exceed all the words I have written in my life. On Tuesday, he recalled the time she spent after retiring organizing her cell photographs and lab notes into papers at their home in Castleton. She composed and finished her decades-long cycle of lab investigations at our kitchen table, Powers wrote. I grew fondly accustomed to walking into the kitchen in the mornings (I was the late riser) to find Honoree in her red bathrobe, a neglected [cup] of coffee at her elbow, typing away. Powers said Fleming had faced sexism throughout her career and that she was a consummate and visionary lady scientist in a world that still does not recognize the worth and achievements of lady scientists, he wrote. Fleming was found by two hikers after she had been shot on the trail (The Times Argus) After retiring from Castleton in 2012, Fleming returned to her work in cellular biology, which began when she was a research associate at New York Citys Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai in the 1980s. One of the first things she did was to dig out her research and begin working on it again, Joe Mark, the former academic dean at Castleton, said. Earlier this year, just months before her murder, Fleming published an article on cell differentiation in the open-access journal Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology. She was always a very dedicated scientist and always cared deeply about rigorous scientific research, he said. Devalos Perkins the man who has spent more than a decade behind bars without a conviction is now mentally stable enough to stand trial, doctors notes indicate. But a judge Friday said the murder case against him cannot proceed until he appears in court and she or another judge sees for themselves. Both the prosecutor and defense attorney agree the 37-year-old Charlotte man is fit enough to stand trial. Its at least the third time the case has reached this junction since his arrest in 2012. The Mecklenburg County prosecutor in court Friday asked to move ahead with a mental health ruling based on a state prison psychologists medical evaluation. But, under state law, Judge Carla Archie needed to see and hear from Perkins herself, she said. The court has every interest in bringing Perkins case to some sort of resolution, Archie said. He has been in custody now for 11 years. Perkins lawyer, Norman Butler, and Assistant District Attorney Glenn Cole determined doctors notes would suffice and Perkins wouldnt need to be in court. That wasnt their decision to make, Archie said. ... Without the defendant here, the court cannot (decide if Perkins is able to stand trial) ... It is very necessary, Archie said. Now, he will remain incarcerated in North Carolinas Safekeeping prison program until his new court date on Oct. 31. The Central Prison facility houses prisoners who need mental health care. Purgatory, The Charlotte Observers four-part series on Perkins case, revealed that until now psychologists have repeatedly deemed him mentally-incapable of standing trial. Now, hes as competent as hes gonna get, Bulter said on Friday. Cold case murder court delay Perkins entered purgatory behind bars when police arrested him for a cold-case murder 11 years ago, and an outdated law has helped keep him imprisoned since. In 2012, Perkins was arrested in the 2005 murder of Justin Ervin. Another Charlotte man, already a convicted felon at the time, was charged with first-degree murder in the case before Perkins. Charges against him, though, were dismissed. Just after the murder, police sought three men suspected in the killing. But ultimately, Perkins is the only suspect still implicated. Twice in 2018, he agreed to appear in court for a plea deal, but each time he changed his mind once in front of a judge. A negotiated plea deal is still an option, Butler and Cole said on Friday. In court, Cole said Perkins if he agrees to plead guilty would be credited in sentencing for the time hes already served in jail. In Mecklenburg County Jail, attacks against guards and other incidents have led to him being Tased, sent to solitary confinement and going on and off hunger strikes. When not in mental health hospitals, records show, he would fight prison guards, break sprinklers and throw feces at the wall. The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the District Attoneys Office and Perkins lawyer all agree it is best if he stays in a mental health hospital until a trial or plea hearing, Assistant District Attorney Glenn Cole said. When hes jailed, he doesnt take his medication, and he becomes a threat to himself and the guards, Perkins court-appointed lawyer told the judge on Friday. In jail, Perkins goes in reverse, Butler said, referring to his mental health when not in a hospital setting. Its just frustrating to see him revert back to that world which is not based in reality. Butler says he has gained Perkins trust, and that has taken the two a long way. In 2018, one of Perkins previous lawyers told a judge he was withdrawing from the case because he feared for his safety. Hes, in my opinion, pretty much done a 360, which Im proud to say, Butler said in court. The last three visits were great ... He is willing to listen and make a decision whether he accepts a plea or goes to trial. Since his arrest, Perkins has been evaluated at least nine times, the Observer has previously reported. Court records show he was deemed at least temporarily lucid enough to stand trial twice, but he regressed and proceedings were paused both times. Unsealed records in Perkins files depict a deeply paranoid and delusional man who has, in the past, been unable to understand his charges. More than a dozen other envelopes in his files remain sealed. Doctors have diagnosed him with schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, social anxiety disorder, and schizoaffective disorder over the last 20 years, court records show. Charlotte man in jail purgatory In the murder case 11 years in, despite no verdict and no end in sight a judge last year decided there was no undue delay for Perkins, or Ervins loved ones. The Charlotte Observers investigative series Purgatory, published in July, dove deep into why Perkins has spent more than half of his adult life in legal purgatory, stuck between jail and mental health hospitals. The case has stalled repeatedly at the point of a judge ruling his mental struggles prevent him from being able to understand the charges against him or consider a plea deal. But thats not the only reason for the 11-year delay. North Carolina law generally in a case like Perkins caps a criminal suspects time in jail at 10 years after a finding they are mentally-incapable. That can help prevent a case from being stuck indefinitely. However, that part of state law wasnt in place at the time of Perkins arrest. And even if the new version of the law applied, its legally-murky whether the 10-year cap applies to the first time or the most recent time a defendant was found incapable of proceeding. Legal experts previously told The Charlotte Observer theres not a clear court precedent on what should happen next. Kevin Tully, Chief Public Defender for Mecklenburg County, told the Observer a defendant waiting for years in jail after being found incapable to proceed is not a violation of due process. The violation of due process would be if they went forward knowing that [the person is incapable of proceeding], he said. Perkins lawyer, Norman Butler, said in court he would bring a legal question to the judge overseeing the next hearing. After, the Observer asked him if he would challenge whether the 10-year cap can be applied to Perkins already served time. A motion for that, if successful, could lead to dismissal of Perkins criminal charges. Butlers response: Come back on October 31. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) stands behind his decision to prompt the ousting of former speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) despite the unrest in the Middle East, with Israel participating in a war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. Gaetz spearheaded the effort to remove McCarthy from the House Speaker position after months of threatening to do so following McCarthys deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown. In an interview with CNN, Gaetz said he doesnt regret removing McCarthy, absolutely not. He said he stands behind the ousting, even as the House is at a standstill, unable to bring forward legislation that could support Israel in its war. Gaetz said that Israel is essentially on auto pay with the United States and that the U.S. has been able to meet all of Israels needs. We have Israel essentially on auto pay as a consequence of legislation that was passed by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Gaetz said Saturday. The administration has pre-authorized to meet any need that Israel could possibly express in this particular phase of the crisis. Gaetz said Republicans are set to elect House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as a permanent speaker next week and are ready to move forward with resolutions and support. Members elected Jordan as their nominee in a secret ballot Friday before recessing for the weekend. The vote came one day after Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) who originally secured the nomination dropped out after not receiving enough support from fellow Republicans. Jordan has 152 votes, beating out Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) who entered a last-minute bid on Friday. But the Ohio representative still falls short of the 217 votes needed to clinch the gavel. Gaetz said he expects the remaining Republicans who are on the edge about Jordan to vote for him when it comes down to it on the House floor. He said the speakership vote probably could have happened Friday night, but McCarthy asked for the vote to be delayed, saying Jordans family should be in town for the vote. I guess one thing Kevin McCarthy and I agree on, Jim Jordan is gonna be the next Speaker of the House, Gaetz said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A gunman who assembled an arsenal of weapons and planned a "Columbine-style" attack on a school and police headquarters has been found guilty. Reed Wischhusen, 32, smiles as he tells Avon and Somerset Police officers that his homemade machine gun is his "pride and joy". Wischhusen had drawn up a "kill-list" of former classmates and others he wanted to target in a chilling 1,700-word document titled Revenge. The Oklahoma bombing of 1995 and the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 were referenced in his four-page document found inside his house on Wick St Lawrence, near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. He told the trial he had "hated" all the individuals on the list - but claimed he was too much of a "coward" to carry out what he described as a "fantasy." Wischhusen will be sentenced in December. A Meridian woman who embezzled more than $1.7 million from an Idaho irrigation district will spend nearly three and a half years in prison on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Catherine Skidmore, 56, was sentenced by a U.S. district judge this week to serve 41 months behind bars. She also will be on supervised release for three years once her prison term is up, and she was ordered to pay restitution of $1,792,207.59, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Idaho. Skidmore, who was indicted by a federal grand jury in January, was the secretary-treasurer of the Black Canyon Irrigation District in Notus for nearly eight years. While employed there, she handled fee collecting and managed investment accounts. For nearly three years, beginning in May 2019, Skidmore devised an elaborate series of transfers between the districts various financial accounts, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in the release. Skidmore transferred a little over $1.7 million from an unauthorized irrigation district account that she created to her personal account. The U.S. Attorneys Office said Skidmore used the funds to pay credit card bills for herself and others; pay property taxes; fund home improvement projects; make mortgage payments; and purchase real property, solar panels and vehicles. The Black Canyon Irrigation District serves western Canyon County. The district also sued Skidmore in September 2022. Idaho man attacked 2 people at a Caldwell gas station last year. He was just sentenced Death warrant signed for longest-serving Idaho death row inmate for November execution JAKARTA (Reuters) -The vast volunteer network of outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Saturday endorsed retired general Prabowo Subianto for president in February's election. The endorsement from the "Projo" network, seen as a proxy for the president, is the strongest signal yet that the incumbent will back his former rival in the closely contested race. He has not yet officially endorsed any candidate. Budi Arie Setiadi, Projo chief and the president's communications minister, declared the group's support during a press conference at Prabowo's Jakarta home. Budi added that Jokowi, as the president is known, had described several characteristics of his ideal successor. "We conclude what the president meant was Prabowo Subianto." "He is a brave man and is committed to the welfare of Indonesians," Budi said. Indonesia, the world's fourth-most populous country, will hold simultaneous presidential, local and national legislative elections in February next year. Speaking beside Budi, Prabowo said he was honoured to have such support, pledging that he would continue Jokowi's programmes if he wins the election. "We must continue the strong cornerstone made by President Jokowi," Prabowo said. Before declaring its support for Prabowo, Projo held a national meeting in Jakarta's Indonesia Arena stadium which was attended by Jokowi. Initially, the declaration was supposed to take place during the meeting but they changed the location to Prabowo's home at the last minute. The reason for the change was unclear. During his speech in Projo's national meeting, Jokowi asked his volunteers not to press him to announce his favoured successor. "The time will come, just be patient," he said. While Jokowi does not lead a party of his own, he has an informal following of millions of volunteers who are active on social media and who promote his policies and presidency, especially ahead of elections. The Projo network helped to propel him to victory against Prabowo in the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections. Jokowi has in recent months shown tacit support for Prabowo despite being a member of the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which has nominated former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo as its presidential candidate. Arya Fernandes, an analyst who heads the politics department at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said Projo's decision to back Prabowo was a strong indication that the president supports Prabowo. "It represents the President's stance," Arya said. Prabowo, who currently serves as Indonesia's defence minister, topped an opinion poll published earlier this month, followed by Ganjar in second place and Anies Baswedan, the former Jakarta governor, in third. Presidential candidates and their running mates are due to register with the election commission from Oct. 19-25. (Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman and Ananda TeresiaEditing by William Mallard, Edmund Klamann and Helen Popper) BEIRUT (AP) Irans foreign minister on Saturday called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, warning that the war might expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle, and that would make Israel suffer a huge earthquake. Hossein Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut that Lebanons Hezbollah group has taken all the scenarios of a war into consideration and Israel should stop its attacks on Gaza as soon as possible. Israel considers Hezbollah its most serious immediate threat, estimating it has some 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles that can hit anywhere in Israel. The group, which has thousands of battle-hardened fighters who participated in Syrias 12-year conflict, also has different types of military drones. Hezbollah fighters have been on full alert along Lebanons borders with Israel following last Saturdays attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas that left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. On Saturday, the Israeli military said an Israeli drone strike along the border with Lebanon killed a cell that was trying to infiltrate into Israel. On Friday, Hezbollah said its fighters fired several rockets at four Israel positions along the border. On Saturday afternoon, Hezbollah fighters fired a barrage of rockets and shells at Israeli positions in the disputed Chebaa Farms. Israeli troops fired back on nearby areas in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's state news agency reported that a man and his wife were killed in Israeli shelling of a border village, while Hezbollah said one of its fighters was also killed Saturday. Amirabdollahian discussed in Beirut on Saturday the situation in Gaza and the region with the top Hamas official in exile, Saleh Arouri, and the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, Ziad Nakhaleh, according to Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV. Hamas officials have repeatedly said that last Saturdays attack on southern Israel that killed over 1,300 civilians and troops was the work of the Palestinian group and Iran had nothing to do with it. Hamas officials did not respond to calls by The Associated Press to confirm and give details about the meeting. Amirabdollahian left Beirut on Saturday afternoon following a tour that took him to Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, where Tehran enjoys wide influence. Amirabdollahian said he met Friday with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who briefed him on the groups conditions in Lebanon. I know about the scenarios that Hezbollah has put in place, Amirabdollahian said. Any step the resistance (Hezbollah) will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity. Amirabdollahian added: I want to warn the war criminals and those who support this entity before it's too late to stop the crimes against civilians in Gaza, because it might be too late in few hours. With an eye toward Hezbollah, President Joe Biden has warned other players in the Middle East not to join the conflict and has sent American warships to the region and vowed full support for Israel. The Iranian foreign minister said he will be contacting U.N. officials in the Middle East because there is still an opportunity to work on an initiative (to end the war) but it might be too late tomorrow. The possibility of a new front in Lebanon brings back bitter memories of a vicious monthlong war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 that ended in a stalemate and a tense detente between the two sides. Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south after the Israeli military Friday issued an evacuation warning to seek refuge ahead of a possible Israeli ground invasion. (Hatem Moussa / Associated Press) As Israel presses ahead with what it promises will be a crushing assault on the Gaza Strip, the Biden administration has carefully avoided making public calls for restraint or a halt to hostilities. Horrified by the brutal, deadly offensive that Hamas militants launched Saturday against Israelis, President Biden has been forceful and unrelenting in condemning the Gaza-based group and in supporting Israel, acknowledging the traumatized nations outrage and desire for revenge. In most of the long string of clashes between Israel and Palestinian or other Arab groups over recent decades, including Lebanons Hezbollah, the U.S. has urged de-escalation and a return to calm. But as Israel ordered 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate their homes and seek safety in the southern Gaza Strip ahead of the anticipated Israeli land incursion, U.S. officials cited the importance of international law but did not cast doubt on Israels plans. Some human rights organizations say the forced evacuation of noncombatants under siege could constitute a war crime. No country can tolerate having a terrorist group come in, slaughter its people in the most unconscionable ways and live like that, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Friday at a news conference in the Qatari capital of Doha. What Israel is doing is not retaliation, it is defending the lives of its people. Blinken is holding urgent meetings with officials in several Arab states after traveling to Tel Aviv on Wednesday to emphasize U.S. support for Israel. His main goal is to prevent the war from expanding beyond Israel and Gaza and deter other enemies of Israel from getting involved. Blinken said he and other U.S. officials stressed to Israeli leaders the importance of taking every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians but added that any country faced with what Israel has suffered would likely do the same. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was in Tel Aviv on Friday, to show solidarity with the Israeli armed forces. Asked about the possibility of massive civilian deaths in Gaza, Austin said the Israeli armed forces are professional, they are disciplined, and they are focused on the right things. At the same time, Austin said of the Hamas attacks, there is no excuse for the inexcusable. Blinken and Austins trips and comments were aimed at publicly reenforcing Bidens message of lockstep support for Israel. But if death and destruction in Gaza spike in the days and weeks ahead, the U.S. risks being blamed for failing to prevent the worst. To the extent the administration can keep its concerns private, it will, partly to reassure the Israelis, Jon Alterman, Middle East Program director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Friday in a teleconference. But the downside of that ...is a sense the U.S. is doing nothing and sitting on its hands while the rest of the world is seeking to pressure Israel, and why is the U.S. not joining? Analysts and former diplomats said the private messaging is likely to be more nuanced than the public chorus, which gives officials cover to raise more troublesome issues. Blinken and others are likely telling the Israelis privately they should take care not to let the coming offensive against Gaza squander that support and sympathy Israel now has, said Daniel Kurtzer, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and to Egypt. My guess is theyre telling the Israelis: You dont want the narrative to shift. We know you want to decapitate Hamas, but dont go overboard where you become the problem, Kurtzer said. The U.S. should also remind Israel, at it receives even more weaponry from U.S. arsenals, that the U.S. does not want to be dragged into any other conflicts and that the Jewish settlers in the West Bank should be reined in because they also could further destabilize the area, Kurtzer added. Ambassador Eric Edelman, a former State Department and White House official who served as then-Vice President Dick Cheneys principal deputy assistant for national security affairs, said Israelis are grateful for the outpouring of international support theyve received but understand theres a short half life once they begin military operations and the civilian collateral damage in Gaza takes its toll. I think they want to do the maximum amount of damage they can to Hamas its physical infrastructure, killing its leaders and taking out as many of the front-line fighters as they can before the international pressure on them becomes so great that they have to stop, Edelman said. Publicly criticizing Israel at the outset could also impede the Biden administrations private efforts, according to Edelman, who said the U.S. has long preferred using diplomatic back channels to de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East, pointing to a similar conflict between Israel and Hamas in the 2008-09 Gaza war and subsequent fighting in 2012 and 2014. Biden took a similar tack during a flare-up between Israel in Hamas in May 2021, when the president avoided publicly commenting on Israeli military strikes, despite facing increased pressure from the Democratic Partys progressive wing to call for an end to the military campaign. The president instead focused on behind-the-scenes diplomacy to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the 11-day conflict to an end. John F. Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, was pressed Friday on how the administration can be confident Israel will respect international rules of war and the Geneva Convention when already at least half of some 1,900 people killed in Israeli airstrikes are women and children. We dont want to see any more innocent life lost or suffered as a result of the conflict, Kirby said. We routinely and will continue to talk to our Israeli counterparts about issues regarding the law of armed conflict and respect for innocent human life. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has traveled to Greece for talks on cooperation in advanced industries and to campaign for South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, according to his office Saturday. During a meeting with his counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Athens, Friday (local time), Han praised Greece, which fought alongside Korea during the Korean War, as sharing common values with Seoul and expressed hope for expanded cooperation in areas of advanced industries, renewable energy and environmentally friendly shipbuilding. Han also asked for Greece's support for the Seoul government's bid to host the World Expo in Korea's southeastern port city of Busan in 2030. Mitsotakis agreed on the need for strengthened bilateral cooperation and expressed hope for Korea's advanced industry companies to enter Greece, according to Han's office. Han also paid a courtesy call on Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and met with Korean War veterans in Greece to express gratitude for their service in the 1950-53 inter-Korean conflict. (Yonhap) House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Friday reiterated the need for bipartisanship amid the race for Speaker but suggested the Republicans most recent choice wasnt the answer. House Republicans delivered Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) the second GOP nomination for the leadership role on Friday a day after first choice and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) withdrew from the race. House Republicans have selected as their nominee to be the Speaker of the peoples House the chairman of the chaos caucus, Jeffries told reporters following the vote, referring to the House Freedom Caucus. He argued the Ohio Republican is also a defender in a dangerous way of dysfunction, and an extremist extraordinaire. His focus has been on peddling lies and conspiracy theories and driving division amongst the American people, he added. Top Stories from The Hill Scalise dropped from the race when it became apparent he would struggle to garner the 217 votes needed to advance. In response, Jeffries said Republicans need to get their act together and nominate a more traditional member of their party. Thats why its so urgently necessary that the Republicans get their act together and elect the Speaker from within their own ranks, as it is the responsibility of the majority party to do so, he said Thursday, or have traditional Republicans break with the extremists within the House Republican Conference and partner with Democrats on a bipartisan path forward. Jeffries also re-upped his call for a bipartisan coalition, claiming Democrats are ready, willing and able. I know there are traditional Republicans who are good women and men who want to see government function, but they are unable to do it within the ranks of their own conference, which is dominated by the extremist wing, he said. Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Evening Report newsletter Democrats unanimously put Jeffries forward to be Speaker earlier this week but it is even less likely that he would get enough votes with the GOP majority. Still, Democrats say Republicans have to make concessions if they want the minority partys help nominating a Speaker. House Democrats have repeatedly offered bipartisanship. Will Republicans continue to choose chaos, dysfunction and extremism? Jeffries said Saturday in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Jeffries remarks came 10 days after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from the position. Eight Republicans and all Democratic representatives voted to remove McCarthys gavel. On Friday, the former Speaker put his support behind Jordan. I support Jim Jordan fully, Jim was a great ally to me. He worked hard, McCarthy said. We came into Congress together. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) is serving as acting Speaker, but without a confirmed leader, the House cannot vote on legislation. While lawmakers recessed for the weekend, a floor vote on Jordan is expected next week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Republicans nominated Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for Speaker on Friday, the conferences second attempt to find a candidate who can win the gavel on the House floor. Jordan, currently chair of the House Judiciary Committee, earned 124 votes to win the nomination over Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.). Scott had mounted a last-minute bid for Speaker that was largely seen as a protest to Jordans candidacy. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), the No. 2 House Republican, had narrowly defeated Jordan for the Speaker nomination earlier this week. But when it was clear he would not get enough support to win on the House floor with many holdouts still pledging to support Jordan he withdrew from the race on Wednesday. I think we can unite the conference, Jordan said Friday morning before the vote. Ive been saying this for a week, I think Im one individual who can bring our team together and then help our team go tell the country what were doing and why it matters to them. Top Stories from The Hill The fast-talking hard-line conservatives official nomination comes amid intense turbulence in the House GOP, and it is far from certain that Jordan can win the gavel on the House floor. The conference has been rudderless and chaotic since the House ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last week. Jordan will go up against Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on the House floor if he can secure enough support. A second vote Friday asking members if they would support Jordan on the House floor as the nominee came in at 152-55, far short of the 217 he needs to clinch the gavel. And some Republicans are sharply opposed to Jordans bid. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chair of the House Armed Services Committee, told reporters Friday that there was nothing that Jordan could do to win his support. Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Evening Report newsletter During a Thursday night closed-door House GOP conference meeting, Scott stood up and announced his opposition to Jordan, according to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and another House Republican. But following Fridays internal vote, Scott threw his support behind Jordan and encouraged the conference to follow suit. I believe in the process, weve had the vote, Jim Jordan won the vote, the party should unite behind the person who wins the vote, and we need a Speaker of the House, Scott told reporters. He said the first thing he did when Jordan clinched the nomination was to endorse him for Speaker of the House. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) said Friday that he is not supporting Jordan, and predicted that he would not be able to win enough support to succeed on the House floor which would spur a new candidate rush. Then theyre going to have four or five other members of Congress that are really, I think, pretty strong members who will get in the race, Buchanan said. Sign up for the latest from The Hill here Buchanan declined to say who those candidates would be, but said that those potential candidates have already been talking to him about future bids if Jordan fails. Jordans nomination is nonetheless a notable mile marker in the ideological development of the Republican Party, considering Jordan the founding chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus once challenged McCarthy for the conferences top spot. Now, Jordan could be rocketing up to the top slot despite never having served in a House GOP leadership position. It would also give former President Trump who endorsed Jordan for Speaker last week a staunch ally running the House. Republican Reps. Dusty Johnson (S.D.), Kevin Hern (Okla.) and Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.) nominated Jordan for the Speaker position in a Friday candidate forum, a source told The Hill. Earlier in the week, Reps. Kelly Armstrong (N.D.), Erin Houchin (Ind.), and Mike Carey (Ohio) delivered nominating speeches for him. Since being elected to Congress in 2006, Jordan dove into the right flank of the conference: First as chair of the conservative Republican Study Committee, and then as the founding chairman of the tactically confrontational conservative House Freedom Caucus which was credited with pushing out former Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in 2015. Jordan grew into an ally of former President Trump when he was in office, becoming a frequent presence on Fox News as he learned to speak directly to him. In 2018, Jordan mounted a challenge to McCarthy for the conferences top spot, getting 43 votes to McCarthys 159. But after that, McCarthy, rather than ostracizing Jordan, bought the right flank into the fold and elevated him. Now, Jordan is no longer a gadfly. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, he is front and center in congressional investigations into the Biden administration, Hunter Biden and defending Trump from various probes. And in return, he became a staunch ally and defender of McCarthy. Jordans supporters touted his aggressive style and ability to articulate the GOP position. How many rounds was it in Rocky? Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said earlier this week. Look, youre talking about some tough characters. Jim Jordan was an all-state champion wrestler, he can go the equivalent of 15 rounds. Im not sure how they do rounds in wrestling, but hes capable of doing whatever it takes. While Jordan is well-liked in the House GOP conference, his potential Speakership has also worried GOP moderates, who wonder if his leadership would be a liability in their districts. Asked about that skepticism on Friday, Jordan said: We got broad support across the conference. The scramble to fill the Speaker vacancy comes after the House booted McCarthy from the Speakership last week, marking the first time since 1910 that the chamber held a vote on toppling its top lawmaker and the first-ever successful attempt. A group of eight Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), joined with Democrats in voting to oust McCarthy from his post. The GOP lawmakers were in-part frustrated with McCarthys handling of the government funding process, with the last straw being the California Republicans decision to put a clean continuing resolution on the floor to avert a government shutdown. The stopgap passed with the help of Democrats, infuriating McCarthys detractors. Updated at 6:38 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. After a series of setbacks, Republicans ended the week no closer to electing a new speaker as deep internal divisions have left the conference struggling to govern and the House in a state of paralysis. The chaos within House GOP ranks intensified dramatically over the past several days as the conference has tried and so far failed to find a viable successor to Kevin McCarthy following his unprecedented ouster at the hands of a small faction of hardline conservatives. Rep. Jim Jordan is the new GOP speaker nominee following Majority Leader Steve Scalises exit from the race. But the Ohio Republican faces the same kind of grim vote math that doomed Scalises speaker bid as Jordan lacks the 217 votes needed to win the gavel in a full House floor vote. Jordan has the weekend to continue to make his case and attempt to flip holdouts, but he faces a steep uphill battle. The GOP conference faced whiplash this week after Scalise won an initial vote to become speaker nominee, only to drop out not long after as a result of entrenched opposition to his candidacy. The week ended with another vote, this time to make Jordan the new nominee. But it soon became clear that Jordan also faces a stiff wall of resistance. The House remains effectively frozen as long as there is no speaker, a dire situation that comes as Congress faces a fast-approaching government funding deadline in mid-November and as crisis unfolds abroad in Ukraine and with Israels war against Hamas. Asked by CNNs Manu Raju how the entire episode reflects on the GOP, McCarthy said on Friday, its terrible. Republicans have grown increasingly frustrated that the conference has not been able to coalesce around a candidate. Some are openly questioning whether anyone can reach 217 votes. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise speaks at the Capitol on October 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images On Friday, Jordan won the speaker nomination against GOP Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia who made a surprise last-minute bid in a 124 to 81 vote, leaving him far short of 217. Jordan then called a second vote Friday afternoon asking members if they would support him on the floor. That vote, which was cast by secret ballot, was 152 to 55, laying bare the major challenge Jordan faces in his bid for the gavel. Jordan or any other Republican speaker candidate can only afford to lose four GOP votes when the full House votes for speaker if all members are voting. Republican Rep. Mike Garcia of California said on Friday that Jordan and his team will have 48 hours to make phone calls to understand why people arent there quite yet, and hopefully get them there before Monday as he expressed confidence that Jordan can ultimately prevail. Jordan is a polarizing figure on the national stage, which could contribute to concerns for more moderate members of the conference, though hardliners like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz have celebrated his nomination. I think that Kevin McCarthy was ousted by Democrats and Republicans because he made multiple contradictory promises that he never intended to keep, Gaetz told CNNs Michael Smerconish on Saturday. Jim Jordan puts us back on a path to fiscal sanity and he gets the Republican party back into the fighting posture we need to be in to win elections and push our policy objectives. Jordan has been the face of key House GOP investigations as chair of the Judiciary Committee. He has a longstanding reputation as a conservative agitator who helped found the hardline House Freedom Caucus. As the GOP leadership crisis drags on, some Republicans have pitched the idea of granting more power to Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, who is serving in the role of interim speaker, but that idea is untested and it is not clear how much support it would have. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Manu Raju, Morgan Rimmer, Kristin Wilson, Sam Fossum, Lauren Fox, Melanie Zanona, Annie Grayer and Haley Talbot contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) A judge on Friday ordered an attempted murder trial for a New Mexico man accused in the shooting of a Native American activist amid confrontations about aborted plans to reinstall a statue of a Spanish conquistador outside a government office. State District Court Judge Jason Lidyard found sufficient evidence to support charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon against 23-year-old Ryan David Martinez in connection with the shooting that was recorded by bystanders with cell phones and by surveillance cameras. Martinez was arrested on Sept. 28 after chaos erupted and a single shot was fired at an outdoor gathering in Espanola over canceled plans to install a bronze likeness of conquistador Juan de Onate, who is both revered and reviled for his role in establishing early settlements along the Upper Rio Grande starting in 1598. The shooting wounded Jacob Johns, of Spokane, Washington, a well-traveled activist for environmental causes and an advocate for Native American rights who is of Hopi and Akimel Oodham tribal descent. Multiple videos show Martinez attempting to rush toward a shrine at the center of prayers and speeches in opposition to installing the statue on that spot only for Martinez to be blocked physically by a group of men. Voices can be heard saying, Let him go, as Martinez retreats over a short wall, pulls a handgun from his waist and fires one shot. Lidyard said Martinez should have known he was provoking a crowd with contrary views who opposed the statue's installation as he repeatedly tried to push or rush past peaceful demonstrators. He highlighted that Martinez had arrived with a fully loaded, concealed handgun in a holster and had a second loaded handgun in his car with two additional loaded magazines of ammunition at hand. Mr. Martinezs intentional acts of attempting to enter into an area of counter protesters, whether or not it was a public area, would lead a reasonable person in his same circumstances to know that it would cause provocation, Lidyard said at a county courthouse in rural northern New Mexico. That he would intentionally provoke them while knowing full well that he was carrying a concealed firearm is sufficient to find probable cause for attempted murder in the first degree. The ruling followed nearly five hours of testimony from law enforcement officers, including a sheriffs deputy who says Martinez repeatedly directed an expetive at him and people around him without obvious provocation. Eyewitnesses testimony was also provided, including from a 23-year-old woman who said Martinez leveled the gun at her after wounding Johns. Martinez, of Sandia Park, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Defense attorney Nicole Moss said her client came to take pictures with his cell phone, never hid his identity and was shoved to the ground by several larger men. Fearing for his life because he was so outnumbered by all these men, he pulled his firearm that he possessed lawfully he had a concealed carry permit and he fired one shot at Mr. Johns in self-defense, she said. The judge also ordered that Martinez remain incarcerated while awaiting trail, citing a long list of safety concerns, some based on newly revealed evidence that Martinez appeared to be converting semi-automatic guns at home to automatic weapons and was building untraceable gun parts at home using a 3D printer. State police also interviewed a former neighbor of Martinez who told them he saw Martinez out at night in a residential neighborhood dressed in body armor with an assault-style rifle and handgun. The judge said he also weighed in violent threats Martinez made against the U.S. Federal Reserve banking system on social media as early as 2018, noting Martinez the FBI warned him in 2020 to refrain from further threatening behavior. Johns remains in fragile health at a hospital in Albuquerque, according to his mother LaVerne McGrath, who attended Friday's hearing. She fought back tears during witness testimony and repeated viewings of videos of the shooting. I'm sad but I'm really honored for all of the support that's been given to this community, to my son, she said. He's got people from around the world joining hands. Five of Martinez's relatives, including his father, attended the proceedings but declined to comment. They gathered in a circle to pray during one court recess. Kaitlin Armstrong (left), Moriah Wilson (centre) and Colin Strickland (right) (Supplied) Kaitlin Armstrong, the Texas woman at the centre of an alleged love triangle who is accused of killing professional cyclist Moriah Mo Wilson, is set to stand trial for her murder this week. Its a case that has seen a 43-day international manhunt and an alleged attempt to escape from custody while she was out for a doctors appointment just two weeks ago. This wasnt the first time Ms Armstrong, 35, had allegedly tried to run. Shortly after Wilson, 25, was found with multiple gunshot wounds at a friends home in Austin, Texas, on 11 May 2022, Ms Armstrong used her sisters passport to flee to Costa Rica where she had dyed her hair and paid for plastic surgery. When Austin detectives investigating the murder interviewed their key suspect three days after her death, they found her to be angry and evasive. Ms Armstrong turned her head and rolled her eyes in an angry manner when asked by detective Katy Conner on 14 May about her boyfriend Colin Strickland spending time with Ms Wilson on the day of her murder 72 hours earlier, according to a police affidavit. Austin police called Ms Armstrong in for questioning after they discovered that real estate agent and part-time yoga instructor had an open misdemeanour warrant on a theft of services charge. She was shown video surveillance of her black Jeep Cherokee outside the house where Ms Wilson had been shot dead. Police say she was still and guarded, and eventually nodded at the suggestion that maybe you were upset and just in the area. During the interview, detectives learned that the arrest warrant was not valid and they couldnt hold her. Authorities would not set eyes on Ms Armstrong again for another 43 days, when she was arrested at Don Jons Surf and Yoga Hostel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, by agents assigned to the seaside resort towns tourist police division. She was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Wilson. She also now faces a felony charge for the alleged escape last month. Her trial is set to start at 9am on Wednesday in Austin, Texas. The jury who will decide her fate was selected on Monday. Though the manhunt has come to a close and her trial is set to begin on Wednesday, questions remain about how Ms Armstrong managed to evade capture for nearly seven weeks, seemingly several steps ahead of the law enforcement agencies trying to track her down. Another type of lifestyle The day after her 14 May 2022 police interview, Ms Armstrong sold her Jeep Grand Cherokee to a dealership for $12,200 before flying from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Houston Hobby and then taking a connecting Southwest flight to LaGuardia in New York. An arrest warrant was issued for her on 17 May, and the next day she turned up at Newark Airport in New Jersey. Authorities did not see her boarding an outbound flight. Brandon Filla, Deputy US Marshal Western District of Texas, told The Independent agents later tracked Ms Armstrong to Costa Rica after learning she had obtained a valid US passport in another persons name and checking flight records. They tipped off authorities in the Central American country, who began combing likely tourist hangouts for any sign of the fugitive. They eventually caught up with her at Don Jons, a $17-a-night hostel and yoga retreat in the popular surf resort of Santa Teresa, 170 miles (275km) west of the capital San Jose on the Nicoya Peninsula. Ms Armstrong reportedly gave police an alias, which did not show up when traced the name through the countrys immigration service. She then provided her real surname, which officers matched to her international arrest warrant. She had cut and dyed her hair in an effort to change her appearance, and had a bandage on her nose. Don Jons Surf and Yoga Lodge in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, where Kaitlin Armstrong was reportedly arrested (Booking.com) A staff member at Don Jons confirmed to The Independent Ms Armstrong had been staying there at the time of her arrest. She looked much different than her older photos, a person who claimed to be with Ms Armstrong when she was arrested commented on an online forum. She did have a bandage on the nose she told me was a surf accident. I was about to ask how exactly it happened because if a surf board did that to her nose she should be dead in the water. I think she had surgery done. Sources also told Velonews Ms Armstrong had undergone plastic surgery. Video footage obtained by local news outlet Teletica shows Ms Armstrong being led through a prison after her arrest, her back turned to the camera. Teletica.com obtained video of Kaitlin Armstrong after her arrest in Costa Rica (Teletica/Screengrab) Ms Armstrong had been trying to set up another type of lifestyle in the town, Mr Filla told The Independent. When asked if anyone else would be facing charges for helping Ms Armstrong, Mr Filla said: Now that we have her we will evaluate and look into other things. If we have strong facts or evidence that present themselves well forward that on to the relevant authorities. A spokesman for the Austin Police Department told The Independent they could not comment on their handling of the investigation and referred enquiries to the US Marshals. Had authorities checked Ms Armstrongs social media accounts at the time she was questioned, they would have learned that she was an experienced global traveller. Her Linkedin page shows says she spent time in Bali, Indonesia, teaching yoga. Ms Armstrongs sister Christie wrote about a trip the sisters had taken to Europe in 2018 in a post to Instagram. Kaitlin Armstrong, centre, in Rome, Italy, in 2018 with her sister Christie Armstrong, right (Instagram/Christie Armstrong) Im still adjusting to not having Kaitlin Armstrong, who has been like a personal assistant to me and all of us - checking flights, hotels and doing all of the things. Shes seriously such a gem, and I dont know what Im going to do without her. Laid-back surf town In a Costa Rica travelogue last summer, New York Magazine described Santa Teresa as a "laid-back surf town" where beachfront hotels offer morning yoga classes and surfing at sunset. The laid-back town of Santa Teresa has blossomed into a booming travel destination and is recognized as a world-class surfing spot, yet many people just come to enjoy Playa Santa Teresa, GoVisitCostaRica writes. Announcing her arrest, US Marshal for the Western District of Texas Susan Pamerleau said they had elevated the investigation to major case status early on, which likely played a key role in her capture. She was then deported to the US, where she was charged with first-degree murder and could be liable for the death penalty. In a statement after her arrest, Ms Wilsons family said at the time: Were relieved to know this phase of uncertainty is now behind us, and we trust that justice will prevail. An on-again, off-again relationship Ms Wilson, 25, from Vermont, was an ace downhill skier as a teenager before converting to gravel bike racing in her 20s. A month before her death, Ms Wilson beat 30 of the top gravel racing cyclists in the United States to claim the Fuego 80k at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterrey, California. Ms Wilson followed up that victory with a win at the Belgian Waffle Ride in San Diego on 30 April, and arrived in Austin on 10 May as the favourite to win the Gravel Locos in Hico, a few days later. Moriah Mo Wilson was one of the top gravel racing cyclists in the world (Instagram/Mo Wilson) She was staying at her friend Caitlin Cashs apartment in Maple Avenue, east Austin, and on 11 May arranged to meet fellow pro-cyclist Colin Strickland, who according to a police affidavit she had been romantically involved with. The pair went swimming at the Deep Eddy Pool public aquatic centre in Austin before going for a meal at nearby Pool Burger, Mr Strickland, 35, told investigators. He dropped Ms Wilson off at her friends home at around 8.30pm. One minute later, a neighbours surveillance camera captured Ms Armstongs Cherokee outside the address. Later that night Ms Wilson was found bleeding and unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds by the friend she was staying with. Despite attempts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. According to a police affidavit, Mr Strickland told detectives in a 12 May interview that Ms Armstrong had returned to their home in her SUV around 9.20pm. Mr Strickland said he struck up a relationship with Ms Wilson in October 2021 when he and Ms Armstrong were on a brief hiatus. Texts between he and Ms Wilson showed that she was under the impression they were still dating. Colin Strickland cooperated with the police investigation into Mo Wilsons homicide (Instagram) According to the affidavit, a friend called police on 14 May to say that Ms Armtrong had learned of the on again, off again relationship in January. Another caller, identified by the pseudonym Jane to shield her identity from Ms Armstong, said she became furious and was shaking in anger and stated that she wanted to kill Ms Wilson. She began calling Ms Wilson and ordering her to stay away from her boyfriend, according to the affidavit. In an interview with police, Mr Strickland said around that time he purchased 9mm handguns for himself and Ms Armstrong. During his police interview, Mr Strickland spoke in glowing terms about Ms Wilsons prospects as a pro-cyclist, describing her as the best gravel cyclist in the United States, and possibly the world. He was not nearly as flattering about his girlfriend Ms Armstrong, also a competitive cyclist, telling officers he had asked her not to ride with him because she holds him back. Mr Strickland, 35, previously told The Sun that the police affidavit impliying he was still romantically involved with Ms Wilson was skewed. Mr Strickland admitted dating Ms Wilson in October 2021 during a break from his relationship with Ms Armtrong, adding that she was also seeing other men at the time. But he insisted that since then his friendship with Ms Wilson had been strictly platonic since then. Escape attempt On 11 October, 2023, Ms Armstrong was scheduled to attend a medical appointment, and required transport to a physician. She was accompanied by a corrections officer to the medical facility, where she received treatment. While she and the officer were leaving the facility, Ms Armstrong began running. A recording captured the moment Ms Armstrong attempted to escape her corrections officer. In the video, she can be seen running across a yard toward a brown wooden fence. The corrections officer pursues, but slips and falls in the grass. Ms Armstrong leaps onto the fence as the video cuts out. She was eventually caught and returned to jail by the corrections officers. She now faces a felony charge for the alleged escape, according to court records. The Independent has reached out to Ms Armstrongs attorney for comment. Many of the historic Art Deco buildings that give Miami Beach its distinctive character may be vulnerable to demolition under proposals from three Florida legislators who critics say are using concerns about building safety and the need for affordable housing to help developers. The Resiliency and Safe Structures Act was introduced in the state Legislature in March by Rep. Spencer Roach and Sen. Bryan Avila, both Republicans, as a way to replace unsafe buildings with stronger, resilient construction. The legislation would allow developers to replace historic buildings with massive towers and provide incentives for owners to stop maintaining historic properties, preservationists say. The act passed the state Senate but was tabled in the House shortly before the session ended in May. Roach told NBC News he is fine-tuning the language in his bill and plans to propose it again during the next legislative session in January. In June, state Rep. Fabian Basabe, a Republican from Miami Beach, proposed letting developers demolish older residential buildings and temporarily relocate their tenants while safer, more modern structures are built. Basabe told Florida Politics his plan, which he appeared to put forward as a trial balloon ahead of the Legislatures January session, is a creative way to bypass developmental gridlock and address safety concerns. Devastating, said Dolly MacIntyre, a co-founder of the Dade Heritage Trust, Miami preservation nonprofit organization. Most of our historic properties are in the coastal district of the state, and [the proposals] call for anything within a flood zone to be eligible for demolition if the owner so wished. Daniel Ciraldo of the Miami Design Preservation League agreed. The postcard of our whole South Florida region is all at risk based on these extremists proposals, he said. A legislative aide to Avila said he has not discussed the possibility of reintroducing the bill. Basabes office did not respond to an email seeking comment. Developers who might benefit from changes to the current laws include owners of properties in historic Miami Beach, according to Ciraldo and MacIntyre. The proposals would override existing restrictions on development and create incentives to erect bigger buildings. A prime example is a vacant six-floor apartment building on Collins Avenue built in the Art Deco style in 1947. 13th Floor Investments, a Miami-based developer of residential and commercial properties, owns the complex, according to city planning documents. Under current law, the developer is limited to replacing the property with another six-story structure, but if the proposed bill goes through, it would be able to build a high-rise there. MacIntyre, Ciraldo and others are particularly worried about the famed Art Deco row on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, home to the Greystone Hotel, the Breakwater Hotel and additional landmarks that contributed to the revival of South Beach in the 1980s and the 1990s. Only buildings on the National Register of Historic Places would be protected from demolition under the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, and just seven buildings in Miami Beach are on the register. The historic Deauville Hotel, built in 1957 in the Miami Modern style, has already been torn down and is now a vacant lot. The Miami Design Preservation League believes the case is an example of demolition by neglect, in which a property owner lets a building fall into disrepair so it can be torn down and replaced with a bigger structure. The league tweeted that on the day the Deauville was demolished. The owners of the Deauville when it was condemned in 2021 have denied neglecting the property, saying they had spent millions to preserve it. They did not respond to a request for comment. Its still unclear whats in store for the Deauville site. In November, Miami Beach voters rejected a referendum measure that would have let Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, build a luxury condo and hotel tower there. Ross bought the site in May 2022, and the condemned structure was demolished in November. Alex Fernandez, who is on the commission that, with the mayor, governs Miami Beach, believes the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act is part of an attempt by Floridas Republican-dominated Legislature to strip local governments of their authority over land use and development. Fernandez points to another bill recently signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis that limits municipalities control over zoning codes. Called the Live Local Act and passed as a solution to the states affordable housing crisis, it lets developers override strict zoning codes if they construct more dwellings for people with lower incomes. However, the law mandates that only 10% of those new units be labeled as affordable. In Miami Beach, increases in [building] density could only be approved by the electorate before the law was passed, Fernandez said. Then Tallahassee came in and not only stripped that power away from the local electorate, they pre-empted the will of our voters. Ciraldo believes the Florida legislators are using the catastrophic Surfside condo collapse in 2021, in which 98 residents of a beachfront tower just north of Miami Beach died, as an excuse to push the bill forward. Unfortunately, that tragedy has kind of been used by some policymakers to say, Its time to redevelop all of the coastlines, and lets knock everything down; well build all luxury condominiums and then everything will be safe, Ciraldo said. But thats probably a false premise. Amid pushback from historic preservation nonprofit groups this spring, Roach and Avila added exemptions to their proposed legislation that would appear to protect certain communities over others. Some of the carve-outs include municipalities with populations of 10,000 residents or less and cities with at least three buildings over 200 years old. Miami Beach did not qualify for those exemptions. In addition, the bill exempts structures in communities labeled areas of critical state concern. The cities of Arcadia and Punta Gorda carry that label and are in Roachs district. Public records show that 13th Floor Investments donated over $10,000 to the Friends of Spencer Roach political action committee, as well as $11,000 to the Fighting for Floridas Families PC, a political committee associated with Avila. 13th Floor Investments did not respond to an email seeking comment, and Roach did not respond to a request for comment about the impact of the exemptions in his district. The firms contributions to the two legislators were first reported by The Miami Herald. In a statement to the Herald, 13th Floor Investments said its donations were unrelated to the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act. Several developers with their eyes on Miami Beach properties in Basabes district are also Basabe donors, public records show. Since 2020, Basabe has received at least $15,000 from real estate entities. One is David P. Wallack, who owns Mangos Tropical Cafe, a restaurant and nightclub at 900 Ocean Drive in Miami Beachs Art Deco District. In late 2020, Wallack was negotiating to buy three properties adjacent to the club on Collins Avenue, aiming to sell the buildings to a developer who would then construct a multiuse commercial complex, the Herald reported. The deal did not go through. Wallack and companies he owns contributed at least $5,000 to Basabes campaign in 2022. In an email, Wallack said he was unaware of Basabes redevelopment proposal. Basabe also received a $5,000 donation from Dezer Properties, a prominent real estate company that owns buildings in New York and Sunny Isles Beach, a community north of Miami Beach. Dezer Properties is operated by Michael Dezer, a prominent donor to former President Donald Trump; the two worked together to develop two Trump Tower condo complexes in Sunny Isles Beach. Another Basabe donor, Russell W. Galbut, is a prominent Miami real estate developer and philanthropist. He donated at least $3,500 to Basabe during the 2022 election season, mostly in payments of $500 from five different companies. Galbut submitted plans last year to construct a 20-story, 125-unit condo complex in North Miami Beach, according to The Real Deal. Neither Galbut nor Dezer responded to requests for comment. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The Palestinian United Nations envoy appealed to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday to do more to stop a "crime against humanity" by Israel, which has warned nearly half of the population of the Gaza Strip to relocate as it plans an assault. "He has to do more. Whatever was done is not sufficient. We need all of us to do more to stop this crime against humanity," Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour told reporters before a meeting of Arab Group ambassadors at the United Nations. Countries urged Israel on Friday to hold off attacking northern Gaza, where more than a million civilians largely defied Israel's order to evacuate before it goes after Hamas militants who slaughtered Israeli civilians last weekend. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan said on Friday that Israel's warning to residents in northern Gaza was "to temporarily move south ... to mitigate civilian harm." He was speaking at an event Israel hosted at the U.N. with families of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza in the attack. Guterres briefed the 15-member U.N. Security Council behind closed doors on Friday. "The situation in Gaza has reached a dangerous new low," he told reporters on his way to the briefing, adding that he was in constant contact with the leaders across the region to try and "prevent further dangerous escalation in the West Bank or elsewhere in the region, especially in southern Lebanon." Guterres reminded the parties: "Even wars have rules ... Civilians must be protected and also never used as shields." RUSSIAN PROPOSAL During the meeting, Russia proposed a draft resolution for the Security Council that calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism, according to a draft text seen by Reuters. "Russia cannot accept the complete inaction and lack of any reaction on the part of the UNSC," Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said after the meeting, adding that Russia was also ready to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians. It was not immediately clear when or if Russia would put the draft resolution to a vote. The United States has traditionally shielded its ally Israel from any Security Council action. It holds a veto along with Britain, France, China or Russia. Brazil proposed its own draft resolution late on Friday, seen by Reuters, which is essentially a more detailed version of Russia's text. It specifically condemns "the terrorist attacks by Hamas" and "urges the Israeli authorities to immediately rescind its order" for civilians to evacuate northern Gaza. When asked about Russia's draft, British U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward said: "For something that is as important as this, we've already seen how much human life has been destroyed, we need time for consultation, serious consultation." China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said the council should "have a strong voice on this really alarming situation and also take meaningful action." 'EXTREMELY DANGEROUS' The United Nations said Israel's military informed it late on Thursday that 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza should move to the enclave's south within 24 hours, in what Palestinians fear could be a precursor to a ground offensive. "Moving more than one million people across a densely populated war zone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous - and in some cases, simply not possible," Guterres said. Erdan criticized the U.N. response, saying Israel should be praised for its advance warning to Gaza residents. He said the United Nations and the Security Council were "facing one of their most pivotal moments," adding: "Will they remain true to their founding values? Or will they empower genocidal terrorists? This shouldn't be a question." Hamas carried out their deadliest attack in Israel's history on Saturday, killing more than 1,300 people and taking scores of hostages to Gaza. Israel has responded with the most intensive air strikes of its 75-year conflict with the Palestinians. Gaza authorities said 1,799 people have been killed. "All hostages in Gaza must be released immediately. It is imperative that all parties - and those with influence over them - do everything possible to achieve these steps," Guterres said. The Arab Group ambassadors called for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid access to Gaza and a stop to any mass displacement of Palestinians. Mansour said there was no safe place in Gaza. "We need to stop this war immediately. We need to send convoys of food and medicine to help the people there and we need to stop this ethnic cleansing from taking place," he said. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Grant McCool and Diane Craft) CANCUN, Mexico (AP) First came the darkening skies, then the crescent-shaped shadows on the ground, and finally an eruption of cheers by crowds that gathered Saturday along the narrow path of a rare ring of fire eclipse of the sun. It was a spectacular show for millions of people across the Americas as the moon moved into place and blocked out all but a brilliant circle of the sun's outer edge. Hundreds of people filed into the planetarium in the Caribbean resort city of Cancun to watch the eclipse. Some peered through box projectors, while others looked through telescopes and special glasses. Excited children whistled, as some adults raised their arms toward the sky as if to welcome the eclipse. Vendors selling plants outside observed the dance between the moon and the sun in a more natural way with the help of trees as the shifting sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting unique shadows on the sidewalk. There was silence and like a mist, as if it was dusk, but only a few minutes later the birds were singing again, said Carmen Jardines, 56, one of the vendors. Artemia Carreto, was telling passersby about her experience as a child in southern Mexico, when they were told to look instead at the river where it reflected beautifully on the sand beneath the water. While she wasn't near a river this time, Carreto said she was carried away by the sensations induced by changing temperatures and a feeling of heaviness that she pegged to the rotation of the Earth. For Pilar Caceres, there was a sense of energy. "It is something that nature brings us and that we must watch, said the 77-year-old retired elementary school teacher who watched the eclipse by following its shadow through a piece of cardboard. Ancient Maya astronomers who tracked the movements of the sun and moon with precision referred to eclipses as broken sun. They may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes, said archeologist Arturo Montero of Tepeyac University in Mexico City. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesnt completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. The entire eclipse from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until its back to normal lasted 2 1/2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion was from three to five minutes, depending on the location. Saturdays U.S. path: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the U.S., with a sliver of California, Arizona and Colorado. Then: Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere got a partial eclipse. NASA and other groups livestreamed the event. In the U.S., some eclipse watchers traveled to remote corners of the country to try to get the best view possible while those in Albuquerque got a double treat as the eclipse coincided with an international balloon fiesta that typically draws tens of thousands of spectators and hundreds of hot air balloon pilots from around the world. There were hoots, hollers and yelps from the balloon launch field as the moon began to cover the sun. Some pilots used their propane burners to shoot flames upward in unison as the spectacle unfolded. Its very exciting to be here and have the convergence of our love of flying with something very natural like an eclipse, said Allan Hahn, a balloon pilot from Aurora, Colorado. At Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, enthusiasts hit the trails before sunrise to stake out their preferred spots among the red rock hoodoos. With the ring of fire in full form, cheers echoed through the canyons of the park. I just think its one of those things that unites us all, said John Edwards, a cancer drug developer who traveled alone across the country to watch the eclipse from Bryce Canyon. Kirby James and Caroline McGuire from Toronto didnt realize they would be in a prime spot when they planned their trip to southern Utah. Nothing that you can read could prepare you for how it feels, said Kirby James, 63, a co-founder of a software company. Its the moment, especially when the ring of fire came on, you realized you were having a lifetime experience. For the small towns and cities along the path, there was a mix of excitement, worries about the weather and concerns theyd be overwhelmed by visitors flocking to see the annular solar eclipse. In Eugene, Oregon, oohs and ahs combined with groans of disappointment as the eclipse was intermittently visible, the suns light poking through the cloud cover only at times. In southern Colombia, the Tatacoa desert played host to astronomers helping a group of visually impaired people experience the perfect golden ring created by the moon and sun through raised maps and temperature changes. Colombia Science Minister Yesenia Olaya said moments like this should inspire people to promote science among children, so they see it as a life project. Juan Pablo Esguerra, 13, waited months to make the trip to the desert with his father to witness the eclipse. I like the astronomy because its a spectacular experience, he said. This is the best that Ive seen in my life. In Mexico City, some children came dressed as astronauts as thousands of people gathered at the main esplanade of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the countrys main public college. People shared special glasses, and the university set up telescopes. Saturday's eclipse marked the first for Brazil since 1994. The country's national observatory broadcast the event online while thousands flocked to parks and beaches in the north and northeastern regions to soak in the phenomenon. Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the U.S. in the opposite direction. That one will begin in Mexico and go from Texas to New England before ending in Canada. The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica gets one in 2026. It will be 2039 before another ring of fire is visible in the U.S., and Alaska will be the only state in its direct path. ___ Valencia reported from Tatacoa Desert, Colombia. AP reporters Mauricio Savarese in Sau Paulo, Brazil; Claire Rush in Eugene, Oregon; Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine; Katie Oyan and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brady McCombs in Garfield County, Utah; and Astrid Suarez in Bogota, Colombia contributed to this report. Mammoth Cave National Park officials announced Wednesday that a new species of ancient shark was identified through fossils found in the Kentucky park. Named Strigilodus tollesonae, the extinct shark species is more closely related to modern ratfish than to modern sharks and rays, according to the NPS. They may have lived like a modern skate and consumed snails, bivalves, soft-bodied worms and smaller fish. The shark was discovered through spoon-like teeth that were found in a cave wall and ceiling, the NPS said. The teeth uncovered at Mammoth Cave represent all known tooth positions in the mouth of both adults and juveniles of the new species. A new illustration of Strigilodus tollesonae created specially by artist Benji Paysnoe. These teeth helped inform the naming of the ancient shark, as "Strigilodus tollesonae" translates to "Tollesons Scraper Tooth." The NPS noted that "Tolleson" comes from Mammoth Cave National Park guide Kelli Tolleson, who provided field support for the ongoing paleontological resources inventory at the park. CHARTER BOAT CAPTAIN FINDS RARE 6-INCH MEGALODON SHARK TOOTH OFF FLORIDA COAST Coordinated by Mammoth Cave and the NPS Paleontology Program, the PRI was founded in Nov. 2019 when shark fossil specialist John-Paul Hodnett started working with the NPS to identify shark fossils found in Mammoth Cave. According to the NPS, at least 70 species of ancient fish have been identified at the Kentucky park, with more than 25 caves and cave passages surveyed. The Giant's Coffin, one of the notable landmarks within the Mammoth Cave system. HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. The NPS said the cave passages were cut out from limestones and sandstones that were deposited up to 350 million years ago, when the supercontinent Pangea was almost completely formed. Original article source: New species of ancient shark identified at national park in Kentucky Saudi Arabia is working on regulatory improvement and financial support measures to encourage the participation of Korean companies in key projects in the Middle Eastern country, a senior Riyadh official said Saturday. In a breakfast meeting with South Korean Land Minister Won Hee-ryong in Seoul, Saudi Arabian Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih highlighted such measures while "actively requesting" the participation of Korean companies in various projects in the construction and infrastructure sectors, to the land ministry said. According to the ministry, Al-Falih cited ample business opportunities for Korean firms to participate in projects in Saudi Arabia. The minister visited Seoul to attend the fourth bilateral Vision 2030 Committee held Friday. Won said Seoul will use the countries' cooperation in construction and infrastructure as a platform to enter into ties in other fields, such as energy, defense, biotechnology and culture. At this week's Vision 2030 Committee, the two countries agreed to push for 17 new projects in bio, gaming, auto manufacturing and smart city development fields, among others, in addition to their 39 ongoing joint projects. The two sides also confirmed the two nations are working to implement business deals and cooperation agreements that they signed in November last year as planned. (Yonhap) As Thomas again urges the Supreme Court to reconsider its 1964 ruling in New York Times v. Sullivan, Vera Eielman of the ACLU says breathing space for people to exercise their First Amendment rights is necessary Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wants the high court to reconsider a landmark ruling in a move that could have devastating impacts on the press and ordinary citizens. In the New York Times v. Sullivan case, the court ruled that in a defamation lawsuit, where a media outlet publishes a defamatory statement about a public official, the public official would have to prove actual malice. This means that the public official would have to show that the media outlet knew that the published statement was false or the media outlet acted recklessly when it decided to publish inaccurate information. Earlier this week, Thomas revived his argument that the actual malice standard gives members of the press immunity to publish whatever they want because proving the standard is the hardest element to overcome in a defamation case. The Supreme Court should consider the standard, established in 1964, when brought in an appropriate case, Thomas wrote. I continue to adhere to my view that we should reconsider the actual-malice standard, he said. Associate Justice Clarence Thomas sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021. (Photo by Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images) John Hasnas, a Georgetown University law Professor, agrees with Thomas and told theGrio, I think that the New York Times v. Sullivan case should be re-examined. New York Times v. Sullivan is a constitutional tort reform measure that says you can print things in the press, even if you dont use reasonable care. You just cant recklessly disregard the truth, he said. Re-examining the ruling would help eliminate the existence of irresponsible press like the National Enquirer, a magazine tabloid magazine known for publishing explosive content, Hasnas said. However, Vera Eielman, the senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Speech, Privacy & Technology Project, told theGrio that it is very important to keep the actual malice standard in place to protect the press and everyday Americans. Its really about the freedom of everyone, of any member of the public to speak out and to make their opinions known, including about powerful actors in society, she said. I think that its also important to recognize that there are any number of meritless defamation lawsuits filed regularly across the country in an attempt to silence people who are trying to speak out, she continued. Some speculate that Thomas wants to re-examine the ruling in New York Times v. Sullivan in light of recent ProPublica reports that have raised questions about ethics as a Supreme Court justice over the years. According to ProPublica, Thomas engaged in dealings with the Koch Brothers, who have had business before the court. The outlet also reported that Thomas took luxury trips and accepted lavish gifts from Harlan Crow, a billionaire Republican donor. Hasnas told theGrio, he does not believe Thomas is trying to silence the press in light of the ProPublica reports. The U.S. Supreme Court is seen, Wednesday, Aug 30, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) Thomas has advocated [reviewing New York Times v. Sullivan] for a long time, he added. Hasnas also emphasized to theGrio, The New York Times v. Sullivan case is irrelevant to whats going on with him right now because the statements that were published about Thomas [in ProPublica] are true, which means they cant be defamatory. However, Eielman told theGrio if the actual malice element were removed, media outlets like ProPublica could face defamation lawsuits against public figures like Thomas, even if what they publish is absolutely true. Its very important for there to be breathing space for people to exercise their First Amendment rights, including people who are making absolutely true statements and people who are simply sharing their opinions, she said. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas thinks the press has too much freedom appeared first on TheGrio. Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) on Friday shot back at criticism over the House GOP amid the Speakers race, claiming democracy is hard work. This is part of the hammering this out in the family, were a family, Weber said in an interview on The Hill on NewsNation. Well keep the family together and the Republican Conference, well get everybody back on board. Quite frankly, Im glad everybody is getting their say, he added. Asked if he was embarrassed by the drama, he simply said no. Republicans nominated House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to be Speaker Friday before recessing for the weekend. The vote came one day after Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) who originally secured the nomination, dropped out after not receiving enough support from fellow Republicans. As it stands, Jordan has 152 votes, beating out Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) who entered a last-minute bid. But Jordan still falls short of the 217 votes needed to clinch the gavel. The Texas Republican said he thinks the discussions between House Republicans are healthy and is glad everybodys getting to stand up and say what they believe in and who they support as speaker. Weber said he plans to stay in Washington over the weekend to get things done and not spend American taxpayers money flying back and forth. The lawmaker added that he believes House Republicans will ultimately come to an agreement to elect Jordan on the House floor by Monday but stopped short of making any promises. Yogi Bear said the problem with predictions is youre dealing with the future so I dont want to make that prediction, Weber said. It could go to Monday night, it could go to Tuesday, lets see. NewsNation is a cable news channel started by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. "It felt brilliant. One thing is to work on a design, another thing is to operate it." Barry Green recounts the moment in June 1983 when the JET fusion laboratory in Oxford undertook its first experiment. For the next four decades, the European project pursued nuclear fusion and the promise of near-limitless clean energy. But on Saturday the world's most successful fusion experiment will wind down. Nuclear fusion was "discovered" in the 1920s and the subsequent years of research focused on developing fusion for nuclear weapons. In 1958, when the United States' war research on fusion was declassified, it sent Russia, UK, Europe, Japan and the US on a race to develop fusion reactions for energy provision. Fusion is considered the holy grail of energy production as it releases a lot of energy without any greenhouse gas emissions. It is the process that powers the Sun and other stars. It works by taking pairs of light atoms and forcing them together - the opposite of nuclear fission, where heavy atoms are split apart. The UK and the Europeans decided to pair up and from that the Joint European Torus (JET) site was born. Scientists were brought in from across the continent to Culham in Oxfordshire; Mr Green was one of them. An Australian researcher working on plasma physics in Germany, he became an engineer working on machine design and operation. The chosen model was tokamak, which uses magnetic fields to confine the plasma - a hot, ionised gas - inside a vessel. This plasma allows the light elements to fuse and yield energy. It was also designed to work with a mix of deuterium-tritium - radioactive elements of hydrogen - rather than just one, which proved a crucial decision. It has been identified as the most efficient reaction for fusion reactors. The JET project team in 1977. Professor Green (fifth right) was lead engineer at the site The first experiment in the world with this fuel mix took place at JET in 1991. Subsequent experiments have achieved higher energy yields, and the site holds the world record for the most energy produced from a fusion experiment - 59 megajoules (MJ) during a five-second pulse. Despite the records, the JET site faced many difficulties and delays, with experiments suspended for years in the mid-2000s while the internal structure was replaced, according to Fernanda Rimini, JET senior exploitation manager. And the hope of producing enough energy to power homes remains a long way off - 59 MJ is only enough to boil about 60 kettles' worth of water. Joelle Mailloux is the JET science programme leader overseeing the third round of deuterium-tritium experiments which end on Saturday. She says the key challenges they are focusing on are making the plasma more stable, spreading the power load and looking at improving materials in the reactor to withstand the conditions. Once the experiments end, scientists will still have a lot to learn from JET. "The decommissioning will look at analysing what has happened to the [reactor] materials and how they have changed. This will help better maintain other fusion sites," Ms Rimini said. One of the site's benefiting from JET's research will be the new Iter reactor in southern France. It is the world's largest fusion project and is a consortium of many countries including the EU, Russia, the US and China - but a few weeks ago the UK government confirmed the UK would not play a role. "In line with the preferences of the UK fusion sector, the UK has decided to pursue a domestic fusion energy strategy instead of associating with the EU's Euratom programme," the government said. The UK government has committed to spending 650m on an alternative UK fusion programme between now and 2027. This includes a new prototype fusion energy plant in Nottinghamshire called STEP. Paul Methven, STEP programme director at the UK Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC: "On endeavours like this, you need to be simultaneously really ambitious and also realistic. "We are driving pretty hard towards our first operations to be in the early 2040s." By Humeyra Pamuk ABU DHABI (Reuters) -The U.S. government on Saturday advised its citizens in Gaza to move south toward the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to be ready for its possible reopening amid the humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave after a Hamas attack in Israel drew Israeli military retaliation. Washington worked with Egypt, Israel and Qatar to try to open the Rafah crossing for limited hours on Saturday afternoon to allow Palestinian-Americans to leave, a senior State Department official told reporters travelling with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. But it was unclear whether Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which controls Gaza, would allow access to the crossing, or whether any U.S. citizens were able to exit, the official said later. It was not immediately known whether the U.S. would make another attempt to get Rafah opened on Sunday. "We have informed U.S. citizens in Gaza with whom we are in contact that if they assess it to be safe, they may wish to move closer to the Rafah border crossing," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said. "There may be very little notice if the crossing opens and it may only open for a limited time." The U.S. government estimates the number of dual-citizen Palestinian-Americans in Gaza at 500 to 600 among the strip's population of 2.3 million, and Washington hopes to get many of its nationals out of harm's way. On the third day of his most extensive trip yet to the Middle East, Blinken met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan in Riyadh as the top American diplomat works with regional allies to prevent the war between Israel and Hamas from spiralling into a bigger conflict, and help secure the release of hostages kidnapped by the Islamist group. With Washington especially determined to deter Iran from becoming involved, Blinken also spoke by phone with Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi. He asked his Chinese counterpart to help keep the conflict from spreading, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. It was the first high-level contact between Washington and Beijing since last weekend's Hamas attack and came amid heightened tensions between the two rival powers on a range of issues. WORKING TO PROTECT CIVILIANS Blinken started his tour in Israel where he voiced U.S. support for Washington's closest Middle East ally in its war against Hamas, whose gunmen rampaged through Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing 1,300 people and taking dozens of hostages into Gaza. Israeli's military retaliation has killed more than 2,200 people, according to authorities in Gaza, and leveled whole neighborhoods. Speaking before the meeting in Riyadh, Blinken said protecting civilians on both sides of the conflict was vital. "And we're working together to do exactly that, in particular working on establishing safe areas in Gaza, working on establishing corridors so that humanitarian assistance can reach people who need it. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it's in Israel, whether it's in Gaza, whether it's anywhere else. And we're working together to do our best to protect them," Blinken said. In remarks published by the U.S. State Department, the Saudi foreign minister said the priority had to be stopping further civilian suffering. "I have to emphasize that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is very, very difficult, and we need to work together to make sure that access for humanitarian relief and humanitarian goods is allowed," the minister said. After his meeting in Riyadh, Blinken travelled to the United Arab Emirates to meet President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Blinken's call earlier with his Chinese counterpart was "productive," Miller said. The Chinese, he added, "do have influence with a number of countries in the region." China's foreign ministry said in a statement that Wang called for an international peace conference over the crisis and that the two men also touched on U.S.-China relations, which Wang said were showing signs of stabilizing. Biden was due to return to Riyadh later on Saturday and may meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He is scheduled to fly to Egypt on Sunday before returning to Washington. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Matt Spetalnick; Writing by James Mackenzie and Helen Popper and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Mark Potter and Daniel Wallis) The mother of "Sandlot" star Marty York, a Northern California sheriff's deputy, was found dead in her home, and her boyfriend has been arrested, authorities said. Edward Patrick Davies was taken into custody in connection with the death of Del Norte County Sheriff's Deputy Deanna Esmaeel, the sheriff's office said Friday. Esmaeel's body was found Thursday morning at her home on North Bank Road. Sheriff Garrett Scott told the Wild Rivers Outpost that staff members went to Esmaeel's home after she failed to show up for work and didn't answer her phone. Deanna Esmaeel and Marty York (Marty York via Instagram) The discovery sparked a search for Davies, who legally changed his name from Daniel James Walter in July, according to the sheriff's office. He was found in Curry County, Oregon, which is a few hours from Del Norte County. York said he found out about his mother's death from the sheriff's office. "The emotions I have are horrible right now between rage, vengeance, crying," he said on Instagram. Scott expressed his sympathies. "We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers," he said in a statement. Esmaeel began working for the sheriff's office in March 2021, according to the Wild Rivers Outpost. The Stormont powersharing institutions are essential for building the case for Northern Irelands place within the Union, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has told the DUP conference. The DUP leader also said a time is coming when his party must decide if ongoing negotiations with the Government are a basis for ending the trade border impasse caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. Addressing delegates in Belfast, Sir Jeffrey said the DUP had a proven track-record of saying yes and leading from the front. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson updated delegates on his partys negotiations over post-Brexit trading issues (Liam McBurney/PA) However, he also warned he would not be afraid to say no if discussions did not result in a deal which adequately dealt with trading concerns. The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest against the internal UK trade barriers created by the post-Brexit protocol. Powersharing is unable to function in Northern Ireland without the participation of the 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 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 earlier this month. The DUP conference is taking place against the backdrop of the continued negotiations between the DUP and the Government. Sir Jeffrey told delegates their conference is taking place when all eyes are upon us. He said: Not for the first time, London, other Northern Ireland political parties, and no doubt even those in Dublin, will be straining to hear what is said from our proceedings. Sir Jeffrey said the Government has to undo the harm caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. He said the Windsor Framework represented progress but did not sufficiently deal with some of the fundamental problems at the heart of our current difficulties over Brexit. He said: Upon careful reflection and consideration of the facts, and not the spin, we concluded that the framework did not meet our seven tests as set out in our 2022 assembly election manifesto. Our phased withdrawal from the Northern Ireland executive was designed to highlight to the UK Government and the EU that they needed to address unionist concerns about the protocol, which for too long had been ignored, and to spotlight the harm it was doing to Northern Irelands place in the Union. Our view on this has not changed. He added: Despite the misguided analysis of some, and the prejudiced commentary from others who have always cheer-led for the original protocol, we have remained focused on our aims and objectives, determined to secure further progress at this time. He said the DUP alone had led in securing changes to the protocol, adding his party recognised the need for a pragmatic approach to dealing with the customs arrangements for the movement of goods entering the EU from Northern Ireland. He told the conference: Unionists rightly and reasonably recognised that were they to pursue the creation of a hard customs border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, even though that is where the international border remains, such a demand would have struck at the heart of the delicate balances that comprise the Belfast Agreement. Yet the same is the case with imposing a border down the Irish Sea and disrupting our UK internal market for British goods. Let me again be clear to this conference, the imposition of a customs border on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and remaining within the UK internal market was unnecessary and unacceptable in 2019; it was unnecessary and unacceptable in 2021 and it is unnecessary and unacceptable now. He said discussions with the UK Government over post-Brexit trading arrangements were making progress and added he was hopeful remaining concerns could be addressed as quickly as possible. He added: There will come a point when we have to determine if the outcome of the discussions measures up to our objectives and manifesto commitments, and whether there is a sustainable basis for moving forward. This party has a proven track-record of saying yes and leading from the front when its right to do so. Equally, we will not be afraid to say no if we conclude that what is on offer does not adequately deal with our fundamental concerns and is not in the best long-term interests of our place in the Union. This party will not be bullied or threatened by anyone, whomever they purport to represent. We will take our own counsel and our own decisions. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said unionists had to make the case for the Union (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: If we want to make the positive case for the Union, then having local institutions that succeed in delivering for everyone in Northern Ireland is an essential element in building our case. We must not allow republicans to perpetuate the myth that Northern Ireland is a failed and ungovernable political entity and therefore, in their view, a divisive border poll is required. We can and must make Northern Ireland work for all its people. He added: Our system of government is far from perfect and when it returns, we must collectively dedicate ourselves to ensuring even when it is difficult that decisions are taken that make a real difference to the lives of the people we represent. Rishi Sunak has promised always to stand with Israel, in a message to Britains Jewish community a week on from the attack by Hamas that left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. The Prime Minister condemned the evil attack by the Palestinian militant group, in a message that happened as Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, came to an end. One week on from the unprecedented incursion, Mr Sunak pledged that the Government would protect the Jewish community from shameful antisemitism. The Metropolitan Police said on Friday that London had seen a massive increase in antisemitic incidents since the conflict began. The assault by Hamas has provoked a furious response from Israel, with fears that the conflict could escalate further in the days to come. We stand with Israel, not just today, not just tomorrow, but always. And I stand with you, the British Jewish community, not just today, not just tomorrow, but always. Am Yisrael Chai, the Prime Minister said. Mr Sunak said that he knew the coming days and weeks would be very difficult. No words can begin to describe the horror and barbarism unleashed in Israel a week ago. Daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, grandparents taken from people in the cruellest and most horrific way possible. Hundreds of people have been killed, many wounded or missing and others living through the unimaginable agony of having a loved one kidnapped and held hostage. British citizens were among the victims. And as we continue to learn more, I know there are families here and in Israel in deep pain and torment. My thoughts and my heart go out to everyone suffering in the wake of these attacks. Rishi Sunak and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis attending Finchley United Synagogue in central London, for victims and hostages of the Hamas attacks, on Monday (Lucy North/PA) He also offered a message to the people of Israel. Britain is with you. What took place was an act of pure evil and Israel has every right to defend itself. We will do everything we can to support Israel in restoring the security it deserves. He told the British Jewish community: I know you are hurting and reeling from these vile terrorist acts. At moments like this, when Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe. Weve seen intimidating behaviour and shameful antisemitism online and on our streets with attempts to stir up tensions. I say, not here. Not in Britain. Not in our country. Not in this century. We will do everything we possibly can to protect Jewish people in our country. And if anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it. Amnesty International UK said it was deeply troubling that Mr Sunak had failed to mention the Palestinian civilians killed in the conflict. Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK chief executive said: It is right that the Prime Minister expressed horror at the cruel and brutal crimes against Israeli civilians committed by Hamas a week ago, which showed a chilling disregard for life and included war crimes. But for the Prime Minister not to mention the hundreds of Palestinian civilians killed due to Israeli air strikes or include any call for all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law, is deeply troubling. Sir Keir Starmer also marked a week since the Hamas attack, while calling for safe humanitarian corridors for Palestinians in Gaza fleeing violence. The Labour leader said: A week ago we awoke to the unimaginable and heartbreaking news of terrorist attacks on Israel from Gaza by Hamas. In the days that have followed we have heard horrific stories of the murder and mutilation of men, women and children, along with the horror of hostage taking. Israel has the right, indeed the duty, to defend herself and rescue these hostages. Responsibility for what has happened sits with the terrorists of Hamas; and we repeat our call for Hamas to release all hostages. Ive met with members of the British Jewish community this week and told them that we stand with Israel and with them at this time. I know this is a distressing and worrying time and welcome the extra funding for the CST (Community Security Trust). There must be zero tolerance of any increase in antisemitism or Islamophobia. Hamas has no interest in peace. No interest in protecting Palestinians. We call on all parties to act in line with international law, including allowing humanitarian access of food, water, electricity and medicines to Gaza and ensuring safe humanitarian corridors in Gaza for those fleeing violence. Seven days on from the darkest day in Israels recent history, our resolve in the face of terrorism will not falter. A new phase in Israels deadly war against Hamas is coming, Israeli forces said on Saturday, warning that the past week of crippling airstrikes in Gaza could soon be followed by significant ground operations. Israeli troops and military equipment have massed at the border with Gaza as Israel prepares to ramp up its response to a deadly October 7 attack by the Islamist militant group Hamas, which controls the enclave. Warplanes continued to blast Gaza over the weekend, as civilians fled southward, following repeated evacuation instructions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Several United Nations agencies have warned that mass evacuation under such siege conditions will lead to disaster, and that the most vulnerable Gazans, including the elderly and pregnant, may not be able to relocate at all. Israel also cut off the general populations access to electricity, food and water earlier this week, a move that medical aid group Doctors Without Borders is causing cases of severe hydration. The order to evacuate 1.1 million people from northern Gaza defies the rules of war and basic humanity, wrote Martin Griffiths, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in a statement late Friday. Roads and homes have been reduced to rubble. There is nowhere safe to go. Palestinians with dual citizenship wait outside Rafah border crossing with Egypt. - Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters The IDF said Saturday it would allow people to move south for their own safety on specified streets of Gaza during a six-hour window, but it was unclear how widely the messaging was received on the ground, given the widespread electricity and internet blackout, or how safe passage would be. Following an apparent explosion on Friday, extensive destruction could be seen on Salah Al-Deen street a main route for evacuation in videos authenticated by CNN. A number of bodies, including those of children, can be seen on on a flat-bed trailer that appears to have been used to carry people away from Gaza City. Its unclear what caused the blast. CNN has reached out to the IDF for comment on any airstrikes in the same location. Israeli military airstrikes have killed 70 evacuees and injured 200 more since the first evacuation order was issued Friday, Hamas media office told CNN. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Interior and National Security, Palestinian medical services and civil defense crews were targeted by an Israeli strike at the site of a rescue operation in northern Gaza on Saturday. The IDF said Saturday that its fighter jets had struck operational headquarters used by Hamas militants, killing the head of the Hamas Aerial System in Gaza City, who the military claimed was largely responsible for directing terrorists during last weeks attack on Israel. The IDF has said that it targets locations associated with Hamas in the densely-packed enclave, and that Hamas leaders have already taken measures to protect themselves from airstrikes. Health workers refuse to evacuate Images from Gaza have shown a mass rush toward the south of the coastal enclave beginning Friday. Civilians crammed into cars, taxis, pickup trucks and even donkey-pulled carts. Roads were filled with snaking lines of vehicles strapped with suitcases and mattresses. Those without other options walked, carrying what they could. But not all are leaving. Some have stayed put in their homes, telling CNN they feel nowhere is secure. Many others cannot be evacuated due to medical conditions, health workers say. Several healthcare facilities in the north of Gaza and Gaza City say they will not comply with Israels evacuation announcement, which the World Health Organization has described as a death sentence for patients. We are not willing to evacuate because we do not have the means to evacuate our patients. We have around 300 patients at the hospital. Some of them are in the intensive care unit. We have children in incubators. We cant evacuate them, Red Crescent Society spokesperson Nebal Farsakh told CNNs Becky Anderson on Saturday. The group operates a hospital in Gaza City. We call on the international community for immediate action to stop a humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding if Israel is going to implement the ground incursion, Farsakh added. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Ashraf al-Qidra, echoed the sentiment in a statement. We will not leave the hospitals even if they are demolished over our heads, Al Qidra said, adding, Our moral stance requires us to continue our work. People carrying foreign passports wait at the Rafah gate hoping to cross into Egypt as Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continues on October 14, 2023. - Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images Border crossing is not open The Rafah border crossing, which connects Gaza with Egypt and is the only passage not controlled by Israel, could offer a sliver of hope for humanitarian aid eventually entering the territory, as well as for foreign nationals desperate to flee. But the crossing appeared closed on Saturday when Palestinian-Americans gathered there at the suggestion of the US State Department. People are waiting at the Rafah crossing point but its not open and there is no clear direction from the embassy, said Mai Abushaaban, a 22-year-old from Houston who is in contact with her family at the border. They told everybody to be here at 12, its been two hours almost, nobody showed up, nobody is here to open the gates. Haneen Okal, a New Jersey resident, waiting with her three children, said. CNN has reached out to the State Department and the US National Security Council for comment. Canada had an agreement with Israel to get its citizens out of Gaza, but there was violence around the Rafah Crossing and therefore the operation had to be canceled, Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister, Melanie Joly, said. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Saturday said foreign nationals would be allowed to cross if protocols were followed on the Gaza side. He also said Israeli aerial bombardment had rendered roads on the Gaza side of the crossing inoperable. The Rafah crossing officially is open on the Egyptian side, it has been open all along. The problem with the roads is that its been subject to aerial bombardment. Therefore, on the Gaza side the roads are not in a state that can receive the transit of vehicles, Shoukry told CNNs Wolf Blitzer. Egypt has tried to ship humanitarian aid to Gaza but has not received the clearance to do so, he added. A senior Jordanian official told CNN earlier this week that both countries were awaiting assurance that aid trucks would not be targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Palestinians with their belongings flee to safer areas in Gaza City after Israeli air strikes on October 13, 2023. - Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images Palestinians wait at the Rafah border crossing. - Hatem Ali/AP Palestinians with foreign passports arrive at the Rafah gate. - Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images More than 2 million Palestinians including over a million children live in the 140-square-mile Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated places on Earth. The territory has been under a land, sea and air blockade enforced by Israel since 2007, with more than half its residents living below the poverty line even before the latest conflict. A week of bloodshed Saturday morning marked one week since Hamas unprecedented and bloody attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,300 people and led to the capture of civilian and military hostages now believed to be held in Gaza. The surprise attack, widely described as Israels 9/11, saw waves of heavily armed Hamas fighters rampage through rural Israeli towns, kibbutzim and army bases. In response, Israel ordered a complete siege of Gaza, including blocking food, water and fuel to the general population, while mounting its heaviest ever airstrikes on the enclave. International observers warn the cutoff will see Gaza civilians die by starvation, disease and lack of medical care for the growing numbers of dying and wounded. At least 2,215 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza from Israeli strikes, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said in an update Saturday. That toll includes 724 children. One overwhelmed hospital in Gaza told CNN that it had resorted to using ice cream trucks from local factories as makeshift morgues due to overflowing hospital mortuaries. Even before the evacuation warning, more than 400,000 Palestinians had already been forced to flee their homes due to airstrikes. Residents of Gaza City load a car with their belongings as they begin to evacuate on October 14. - Mohammed Saber/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock There are fears that the violence could spill over into a regional conflict. Hostilities erupted on Saturday between Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and IDF forces in the disputed Shebaa farms, near the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel said it returned fire after Hezbollah launched an attack on the territory. Syrias military also alleged late Saturday local time that an air aggression by Israel had damaged Aleppo International Airport, rendering it non-operational. Iran has warned of far-reaching consequences if Israel does not stop its attacks on Gaza, in a statement released as Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar. If the Israeli apartheids war crimes and genocide are not halted immediately, the situation could spiral out of control & ricochet far-reaching consequences, the Iranian mission to the United Nations said. The US is taking measures to deter any action by Iran and Iranian proxies in the region like Hezbollah. On Saturday, the Pentagon has ordered a second carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, according to two US officials. A first carrier strike group, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived off the coast of Israel earlier this week. It will be joined by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group. The Biden administration has emphasized that the carrier, and its accompanying force, are not there to engage in combat activities on behalf of Israel. CNNs Hande Atay Alam, Hamdi Alkhshali, Paul Murphy, Sharif Paget, Helen Regan, Caitlin Hu, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Akanksha Sharma, Nadeen Ebrahim, Nada Bashir, Ali Younes, Rhea Mogul, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Ben Wedeman, Catherine Nicholls, Laura Paddison, Akanksha Sharma, Tim Lister, Hadas Gold and Jessie Gretener contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tens of thousands of people gathered for pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the UK amid growing international concern over the situation in Israel and Gaza. Marchers filled the streets of central London on Saturday as thousands also gathered in Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and other parts of the UK. Demonstrators carried flags and flares and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans as marchers heard calls for world leaders to condemn Israels actions. It comes as thousands of Palestinians attempted a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate before an expected ground invasion. The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians as the death toll continues to rise amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. Protesters during a Manchester Palestine Action demonstration and march in Manchester (Danny Lawson/PA) The renewed violence came after an attack last week by Palestinian militant group Hamas left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. More than 1,000 officers were deployed by the Metropolitan Police before Saturdays demonstration in the capital, with police saying in advance that anyone showing support for Hamas may face arrest. Certain areas of London were covered by a Section 60AA power, which requires a person to remove items that might be used to conceal their identity, such as masks, until the early evening. The London march started outside BBC Broadcasting House (James Manning/PA) Section 12 of the Public Order Act covered the route of the demonstration, which finished in Whitehall mid-afternoon. As marchers arrived in the thoroughfare and made their way to a stage outside Downing Street, chants of Rishi Sunak, shame on you and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free rang out among the crowd. Home Secretary Suella Braverman earlier this week urged police chiefs to consider whether that pro-Palestine slogan could amount to an offence, while also suggesting that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate. Jeremy Corbyn and the head of the Palestinian mission in London Husam Zomlot were among those addressing the crowd, with the former Labour leader urging politicians to condemn Israeli actions in Gaza. He said: As we wave the Palestinian flag, lets hear it for the people of the West Bank, for the people of Gaza, for the people of the refugee camps, and say very bluntly to our political leaders in this country: Do not condone war crimes, do not condone the starvation and the denial of medicine to desperate people in Gaza or anywhere else. If you believe in international law, if you believe in human rights, then you must condemn what is happening now in Gaza by the Israeli army. A minutes silence was observed for those killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Met confirmed that as of 5.30pm, seven people at the demonstration had been arrested for a number of alleged offences including one person on suspicion of causing criminal damage. There have been small pockets of disorder; flares, bottles and fireworks have been thrown at police, the force said in a post on social media. Before the demonstration, the BBCs headquarters in London was daubed in red paint as pro-Palestinian group of Palestine Action accused the broadcaster of having blood on its hands over its coverage. The BBC has also faced criticism in recent days from senior ministers for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas militants as terrorists. Protesters during a Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) In Edinburgh, thousands of people staged an impromptu march to the Scottish Parliament, marching from The Mound, where the protest was held, and down Edinburghs Royal Mile before taking the knee in solidarity with Palestinians caught up in the conflict. The UK Government has been steadfast in its support of Israel, with ministers calling on police to use the full force of the law against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community. Just arrived at work. This is the front entrance to BBC this morning pic.twitter.com/BHkyAtKZWF Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) October 14, 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a statement on Saturday evening, told Israel Britain is with you. He said: What took place was an act of pure evil and Israel has every right to defend itself. We will do everything we can to support Israel in restoring the security it deserves. But 12 aid agencies, including Oxfam, Action Against Hunger and Action Aid, called on Mr Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to use the UKs influence to help bring an end to the violence. Thousands gathered in London on Saturday (James Manning/PA) It comes as the Foreign Office confirmed two charter flights have left Israel carrying Britons. One flight was a commercial charter flight, while an RAF A400M transport plane was also used. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekends attack on Israel but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Foreign Secretary blamed Hamas squarely for the deaths of civilians. Hamas is the greatest threat to the Palestinian people. They hide in hospitals and schools, using woman and children as human shields. The death of any civilian is a tragedy. Palestinian or Israeli Hamas is the cause of this loss. Jim Jordan's bid to become Speaker of the US House of Representatives is building momentum, just moments away from a vote in the lower chamber. The Republican has won over opponents in his own party, but a handful of holdouts remain. The Ohio congressman said on Tuesday morning he was feeling "really good" about clinching the 217 supporters he needs to lead the House. It would be a stunning victory for the Trump-endorsed, right-wing firebrand. Mr Jordan is a founding member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus and seemed to be an outsider in the race, which began two weeks ago when Kevin McCarthy was ousted by rebels in his own Republican Party. Without a Speaker, the House is unable to pass any bills or approve White House requests for emergency aid. That includes potential help for Israel amid its ongoing war with Hamas. The number of fellow Republicans opposed to Mr Jordan had dwindled to about 10 by Monday night, down from more than 50 on Friday. Five Republicans vote against him when the count begins on the House floor at about 13:00 ET (18:00 BST) on Tuesday, that would end or delay his chances of becoming Speaker. But there could be multiple rounds of voting. Several moderate lawmakers had previously expressed reluctance to vote for him. Some of them, such as Missouri's Ann Wagner and Alabama's Mike Rogers, backtracked on Monday and declared their support. House Armed Services Committee chairman Mr Rogers wrote on social media that the two had "productive conversations" and eventually came to agree on several policy points. In a letter to colleagues on Monday, Mr Jordan vowed to unite his party as he scrambled to consolidate support a day before the expected floor vote. "The principles that unite us as Republicans are far greater than the disagreements that divide us," he wrote. "The country and our conference cannot afford us attacking each other right now. It is time we unite to get back to work on behalf of the American people." Fierce resistance to Ukraine war funding among Republican hardliners, including Mr Jordan himself, contributed to the ousting of Mr McCarthy on 3 October. But last week Axios reported that some Republicans felt Mr Jordan had signalled that, if he were to become Speaker, he would allow the chamber to vote on linking funding for Israel and Ukraine. That would likely pass with Democratic support. In his 16 years in Congress, Mr Jordan has faced criticism for his record. He was once labelled a "legislative terrorist" by former Speaker John Boehner. Colleagues have also expressed concern over his past disruptive tactics, as well as his reported efforts to undermine Steve Scalise's doomed bid for the speakership last week. Mr Scalise, a long-time deputy of Mr McCarthy, failed to win enough support. Others have argued that Mr Jordan is not adept at fundraising. Speakers are expected to get donors to open their chequebooks for the party. But he and his supporters are betting those opposed to him will eventually fold so as not to prolong Republicans' internal dysfunction. Democrats will votes for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries There are other ways this saga could end, if Mr Jordan fails to get the votes. Some of the anti-Jordan holdouts are currently working to suggest an alternative candidate who could get more support from the party's centrist wing. On Friday, it was Austin Scott, a little-known Georgia congressman who announced he was running for Speaker just hours before Republicans met to cast an internal ballot. Mr Scott won as many as 81 votes for a bid he conceded was more about providing opposition than about winning the gavel. If Mr Jordan fails, more names will be floated in the coming days. Another way to end the House's paralysis would see acting Speaker Patrick McHenry be granted extra powers on a temporary basis - for up to 30 or 90 days. This would allow the House to function - and avoid a government shutdown in a month's time - while a longer-term solution is found. This would require some co-operation from Democrats to work out the details. A third option would be for Republicans to agree with Democrats on a consensus Republican candidate. This option, however, would entail concessions to the minority party. Even more unlikely is that five Republicans switch sides and back Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker. Foreign nationals across Korea unsure how to approach holiday this year By Jon Dunbar Halloween 2023 is approaching, and people across the country especially foreign nationals who remember the events of last year are wondering what will happen on the anniversary of that tragic night. I'm honestly still dealing with it all, a survivor of the disaster told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity. But I will say that I hope the government and police department acknowledge the incident in a big way prior to the anniversary weekend. I know it's unrealistic to expect Itaewon to not celebrate Halloween this year but, out of respect for the victims and everyone involved, I think the businesses should do something to acknowledge it too. Many people will choose not to go to Itaewon this year, but for those that do, I expect the atmosphere to be incredibly different, and rightly so. It is clear that many in the country are not in the mood to celebrate, and people are taking a cautious approach. Questions are appearing online from people wondering if they should put up Halloween decorations at home, go to Halloween parties or participate in Halloween-themed events at their workplaces. A South African teaching English at an elementary school who wished to be identified only as Stan said his co-teachers asked him if it would be appropriate to offer students Halloween activities this year. We normally plan for special lessons like Halloween and Christmas to ensure we have something fun for the students to do, he told The Korea Times. One of my co-teachers mentioned that she wasnt sure if we would have a Halloween lesson this year because it might still be a sensitive topic for some people. To gauge a consensus, he started a poll on the Facebook group "Every Expat in Korea" on Sept. 14. Out of 502 respondents, 57 percent selected Im celebrating Halloween this year, while the remaining 43 percent selected Im not celebrating Halloween this year. I was a bit surprised how many people weighed in on the poll, said Stan, who points out that as a South African he doesnt celebrate Halloween except inside the classroom. The poll definitely highlighted that many people still have some raw emotions with regard to the Itaewon Halloween tragedy, and who is to blame. There is a feeling of is it insensitive to enjoy Halloween when so many people died last year? Foreign residents are especially sensitive about the tragedy that took at least 158 lives last October, even though most of the victims were Korean nationals. Halloween had been increasingly embraced by young Koreans over the last couple of decades, but it is still widely seen as a foreign holiday. According to Robert Neff, Halloween was first celebrated in Korea by missionaries and their families over a century ago, and this tradition continued in places like Seoul American Elementary School on Yongsan Garrison and Seoul Union Club in the 1960s. As Bill Morgenstein, who was stationed at Yongsan in 1957, remembered it, For some reason Halloween was a big holiday for us. Halloween was party time. But Halloween didn't enter mainstream Korean society until sometime this century. My theory is that Halloween arrived in Korea via hagwon Halloween parties in the late 1990s and early 2000s, said Canadian permanent resident Rob Ouwehand, operator of the blog Roboseyo. The students introduced to this fun Western holiday have grown up, and continued the celebrations in more adult settings. It was a young holiday. Ten years ago, there wasn't much to do for Halloween. We don't have many holidays in Korea that encourage people to have silly fun, said Joe McPherson, an American permanent resident of Korea. McPherson operates The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk, a tour operator that introduces Koreas dark history and the supernatural in walks all over the city. He added that they have been working for three years to introduce a Dark Side of Itaewon tour, but those plans have been paused. We're delaying its debut because people could get the wrong impression, he explained. Itaewon is now officially haunted, said Michael Hurt, an American permanent resident of Korea. It's become a place of national and even global trauma. So that's going to literally kill the event this year, pun somewhat intended. In short, it feels kind of too soon to see anything celebratory happening there besides memorializing acts or other motions of memory. Itaewon's reputation Itaewons own reputation has been a factor in the reactions to Halloween. Just as Halloween is a foreign holiday, Itaewon is a foreign district, its name often being synonymous with foreignness in Korea. "Long associated with prostitution and drunken, brawling G.I.s, when hip places like Sportsmans Club drew Koreans to the area in the early 1980s, articles about this 'unfamiliar foreign zone' criticized the university coeds who frequented the area as they 'chased after' foreign men, and a number of mid-1980s films portrayed Itaewon as a den of vice," said Matt VanVolkenburg, a Canadian researcher of Korean history. "Because AIDS was seen as a disease 'transmitted by foreigners,' when Korean fatalities first occurred in 1987, many bars and clubs in Itaewon were reported to be 'on the edge of closing down.'" Thirty years later, these attitudes resurfaced in the spring of 2020 when a small COVID-19 outbreak occurred in Itaewon. This resulted in a rise in suspicion toward anyone who may have been in the neighborhood, particularly foreigners, and area businesses suffered. Even though the U.S. military has almost completed its relocation out of Yongsan and many of the long-established Western bars have closed, the area still retains a reputation for foreignness. As the U.S. military presence has waned, Koreans have been coming to Itaewon in droves. But when Itaewon ends up in the news, most of them avoid the area. As well, when something happens in Itaewon, many Koreans across the country look at the foreigners around them differently. "This leads many foreign residents to feel unfairly singled out over any issues involving Itaewon," VanVolkenburg explained. It's unfair how negative burdens have been put on foreigners when incidents happen in Itaewon, McPherson said. Nonetheless, foreigners should always be on their best behavior in Korea. It's unfortunate, but we still get judged as a group for the actions of a few. I am wincing already in anticipation of a few oblivious foreigners showing up in Hongdae or Itaewon ready for a sloppy drunk Halloween, and the viral attention its likely to receive, Ouwehand said. The high turnover of many foreigners in Korea mean a lot of people here this October might not have been in Korea a year ago, which increases the chance they might not put two and two together and clue in that its not the time or place. This Halloween, Itaewon will no doubt be swarming with camera-equipped citizen journalists looking for a bad-looking scene that can be used to promote X political party, evangelize Y religion or pursue Z agenda, said an American resident of nearby Haebangchon who asked to be identified only as Sarah. She added that she saw a lot of people exploit the crowd disaster last year to further their own agendas. The way the tragedy was used by politicians in the days of grief that followed it was absolutely disgusting, she said. When a memorial was erected in their memory, alt-right protesters harassed people who stopped to pay their respects and vandalized the vigil with hateful political banners. I heard people try to blame the tragedy on the Satanic origins of Halloween, on young people for wanting to go out and have a good time, on foreigners, on gays anyone and anything but the actual phenomena and people at fault. Itaewons pain The reality is that no matter what happens, foreigners will get blamed for something in Korea, whether it's COVID or the lack of job opportunities, said Pinnacle TheHustler, owner of Lit Lounge in Itaewon. This is the society that we live in and sentiments that we've grown accustomed to. However, regardless of society's judgement of the foreign community, it is still our responsibility as human beings to be respectfully and compassionate to one another. If that means acting differently for a period of time -- i.e. not celebrating Halloween -- then that's something worthy that we should commit to. As an Itaewon business owner, Pinnacle has chosen not to hold any events for Halloween this year. Considering that 159 families lost a member, it would be well advised not to publicly participate in Halloween festivities this year, he said. This is a heavy load to bear for everyone involved, including the Itaewon business owners. He is in an extra difficult situation, as his bar opened last year on that fateful Halloween weekend. Our impeccable timing has led us down a path of hardship that we've endured for close to a year, he said. Though we will not be having any Halloween festivities out of respect to our peers that are no longer with us, we will be having a first birthday celebration to show regard and appreciation to those that have supported us and given us life throughout this arduous period. Just as the spring 2020 COVID-19 outbreak in Itaewon benefited nightlife in other areas such as downtown Seoul, delinking Halloween and Itaewon may give an advantage to other parts of the city. Its likely that Halloween parties will continue in other parts of Seoul. Halloween concerts are already being advertised around Hongik University, and Global Seoul Mates is advertising a Zombie Factory Halloween Party in Gangnam. However, Sarah emphasized that skipping Halloween in Itaewon this year isnt in the best interests of the community. Keeping things quiet to pay respects has killed off dozens of businesses and communities in Itaewon this past year, she pointed out. The best way to actually show respect to Itaewon and help ensure its survival would be to celebrate responsibly and spend locally. I hope people dont stop coming to Itaewon or having fun on Halloween a lot of local restaurants, bars, venues and entertainers depend on Halloween to stay afloat. Ouwehand thinks Halloween will be subdued this year, and maybe for the next few years, but he doesnt think it will disappear permanently. The fact is, Halloween parties are profitable, he said. Eventually the people who make money from selling costumes, drinks and candies have the incentive to bring Halloween back. Many of the people interviewed called for a memorial to be set up at the disaster site, so it will not be forgotten, and maybe also to prompt appropriate behavior in others. It makes sense to me to put up some kind of a memorial in that alley, or perhaps hold some kind of event somewhere in Itaewon for anyone who wants to pay tribute to the disaster, said Ouwehand, who plans to spend Halloween weekend at home with his family and close friends. My big hunch is that Itaewon will become a site of memorialization, and people are going to pay respect in the ways that they feel are appropriate, Hurt said. That might even involve putting on costumes and pouring out symbolic offerings to people lost in the crush. I, for one, plan on celebrating but also on remembering, Sarah said. Both are necessary for our beautiful community to heal from this terrible tragedy. "Untied States Fun House" Halloween display in West Hartford, Connecticut. Houses across the country transform into scary attractions with witches, ghosts, and all sorts of terrifying relics around Halloween, but one Connecticut home owner put his own twist on scary. "I've always done something for Halloween. I started with the old witch flying into the tree thing, and sort of progressively built up from there. But political Halloween, for me, began in 2003," Matt Warshauer, a professor of history at Central Connecticut State University, told USA TODAY. Warshauer's West Hartford home, nestled along a main road between two popular shopping areas, has become a tradition that hundreds stop by to see. This year, drivers couldn't help but gaze at the "Untied States Fun-House" display lamenting on today's state of political affairs. It's hard to know what grabs a passerby's attention first: The large drawing of former President Donald Trump dressed as a clown, the array of guns displayed next to shot skeletons, or the burning earth display. The history professor has been turning his Halloween displays into political commentary for 20 years. Previous years featured his take on the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 response, the Vietnam War, the invasion of Iraq, and the war in Ukraine. Unlike past years, Warshauer said he had a hard time picking this year's theme. "Untied States Fun House" Halloween display in West Hartford, Connecticut. So he went all out, tackling a multitude of controversial recent events surrounding former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. "It's controversial. Not everybody's gonna love it," Warshauer said of his display. More: 'All about fun': Louisiana man says decapitated Jesus Halloween display has led to harassment The 'Untied States' fun house "Untied States Fun House" Halloween display in West Hartford, Connecticut. On first glance, one would think Warshauer's display reads "United States" but instead there's a typo it's the "Untied States," a phrase that the history professor said perfectly represented the current political landscape. "I could not figure out a single theme, because our society is moving too fast. And the politics and the culture wars are moving too fast. One thing that's up one week is gone the next week," Warshauer said. "So all kinds of things going through my head. And so when I ultimately decided this is a circus, that was it. It's the Untied States funhouse." The phrase was a reference to an incident in 1999 where senators were given pens with that typo during Bill Clinton's impeachment hearing. All the pens were handed out, before the misspelling was caught. "Untied States Fun House" Halloween display in West Hartford, Connecticut. The center of the display features Trump dressed as a clown with the phrase "if you elect a clown, expect the circus." A merry-go-round also features a section depicting Trump in jail, with mention of the various crimes the former president has been charged with. The display includes small details like Trump's hands. Another section takes aim at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis it refers to the GOP presidential hopeful as "Ron DeSatan" and displays commentary on the GOP governor's "Don't Say Gay Bill" and feud with Disney. A wall of guns on top of skeletons who appear to be shot, including a baby, tackle America's growing gun violence epidemic. Another section features a large display of a burning earth and climate activist's Greta Thunberg's famous quote: "Our house is on fire. The main solution is so simple that even a small child can understand it." "Untied States Fun House" Halloween display in West Hartford, Connecticut. The final display is what Warshauer described as "the stupidity section." "Just a bunch of quotes about stupidity and my favorite one is from Edith Sitwell: 'I am impatient with stupidity, but not with those who are proud of it,'" Warshauer said. More: House fire or Halloween decoration? See the display that sparked a 911 call in New York Interactive games Those passing by the display don't have to just get caught up on the most recent history, they can also play with some of the interactive toys that are part of the display. They can look at themselves through a crazy mirror or play on a skee-ball machine. They could also test out a hammer strength machine or take a family photo next to a traditional Halloween cutout. The most interactive part is the large cutout display where people can write comments. Just 10 days after coming up, the wall was already filled. While most of the comments were encouraging of Warshauer's display, some voiced their disagreement and discontent. "Untied States Fun House" Halloween display in West Hartford, Connecticut. Team effort that didn't take too long to build Warshauer said people are usually surprised to learn that these installations don't take him as long to build as they might anticipate. This year's display was a team effort. The history professor made a GoFundMe to crowdfund for some of the materials used for the installation. Most of the items used were garbage, or reused from previous displays. Additionally, he worked with neighbors who were engineers to build the merry-go-round. All in all, he said it took him about a month's worth of weekends, or eight days, to make the entire display. "Untied States Fun House" Halloween display in West Hartford, Connecticut. A conversation starter Warshauer said that his displays have garnered attention in the past, but his goal isn't to change anyone's stance. He wants to express his political views, and have conversations with those who come across it. In the past, he's received death threats and attacks over his designs but while it does raise some concerns, he has kept going. "That's why it's absurd, right? The adults come and see everything and go 'oh my God'," said Warshauer, who noted that he intends the display all in good fun. "The kids don't see that. They just see creepy scary stuff," But it's unclear how much longer the professor will keep up with this long standing tradition. "I'm not getting any younger, so I don't know how much longer I'll be doing political Halloween. This very well could be the last year," he said. " I'm not saying I'm not going to do anything for Halloween but I've been doing it for 20 years. I enjoy speaking with people. I enjoy trying in a creative way that doesn't hurt anybody else to express my and other peoples' concerns and viewpoints but I can't not admit that it can be stressful." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: History professor turns Halloween decor into 'Untied States Fun House' Americans trying to escape Gaza were left waiting at Egypt's border after an apparent misunderstanding between Washington and Cairo. Israel was preparing its ground push into Gaza on Saturday and warned anyone in the northern portion of the strip to evacuate. The Biden administration advised Americans that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would be open to US citizens. There are approximately 500-600 Palestinian Americans in Gaza, according to the US State Department. The long-simmering conflict between Israel and Palestine boiled over when Hamas fighters crossed the Israeli border and butchered approximately 2,000 Israelis, many civilians and children. Israel responded with a bombing campaign in Gaza that has leveled apartment blocks and killed civilians and children. US officials said the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would be open from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday. However, Americans arriving at the crossing were stopped and turned away. Egyptian authorities have rejected the idea of using the Rafah crossing only for foreigners. The Egyptian position is clear, Alqahera News reported, quoting Egyptian officials. It is unclear exactly what happened, but reports from the gate suggest that Cairo had refused to allow US citizens passage. By 5pm local time, the crossing from Gaza into Egypt had remained closed. It is unclear if it ever opened to allow US citizens across. Lena Beseiso, 57, is an American from Salt Lake City who is visiting her family in Gaza. She told the New York Times that she had received messages from the US State Department on Saturday instructing Americans to leave Gaza through the Egyptian border, but she and scores of others were left waiting at the crossing. Gazans with foreign passports wait arrive the Rafah Border Gate and wait to cross into Egypt as Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continue on the eighth day in Rafah, Gaza on October 14, 2023 (Anadolu via Getty Images) Everyone here is frightened something goes wrong, Ms. Beseio told the Times. I have hope it will open. Well wait a little longer. Unfortunately for her, it does not appear that the crossing ever opened. It is unclear if the border will open tomorrow or if US citizens will have to find another means of leaving Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in Gaza have been driven from their homes ahead of the Israeli military advance. There is still no word from the US State Department explaining what happened. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spent the day traveling across the region in an attempt to de-escalate hostilities. He began his day in Saudi Arabia before traveling to Abu Dhabi to speak with the United Arab Emirates Shiekh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Police reports made from Ruby Franke's home address in Utah detail various troubles at the parenting blogger's home since 2020 three years before she and her business partner were each arrested on six counts of child abuse. Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, who ran a joint parenting advice YouTube page called ConneXions Classroom, were charged after Santa Clara-Ivins police located two of Franke's six children, who were malnourished and emaciated, at Hildebrandt's home on Aug. 30 after receiving a disturbing 911 call from a neighbor. "I just had a 12-year-old boy show up here at my front door asking for help, and he said he just came from a neighbors house, and we know there's been problems at this neighbor's house," a man said in the 911 call obtained by Fox News Digital. "He's emaciated. He's got tape around his legs. He's hungry, and he's thirsty." The boy apparently told the neighbor that even though he came from Hildebrandt's house, his mother is Ruby Franke, who lives in a different town. Police would later locate Franke's four other children at different locations, according to police report. 911 CALL REVEALS SHOCK OF UTAH MOMMY BLOGGERS' ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE: SHES A BAD LADY' Utah authorities found two malnourished and emaciated children at a home prior to arresting Ruby Franke, right, and Jodi Hildebrandt. Prior to Franke's and Hildebrandt's arrests, Springfield police were called to Franke's home multiple times between 2020 and 2023, according to police reports obtained by Fox News Digital. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "[They] went on walks together, filmed a lot together, attended church all together. Then, gradually we saw less and less of the family together, dad and oldest son out of the house," a neighbor told Fox News Digital. "After dad and oldest son were out of the house, we rarely saw the remaining children outside." Eventually, they attended church less frequently, and the kids were pulled out of school. "We stopped seeing anyone in and out of the house," the neighbor said. In April 2020, police responded to a call from Franke saying she was receiving "threatening messages" from an unknown number. Franke ran a parenting video blog, or "vlog," called 8Passengers on YouTube for years before she stopped posting on the channel following backlash stemming from several of her videos and teamed up with Hildebrandt. UTAH MOMMY BLOGGER ACCUSED OF CHILD ABUSE HOSPITALIZED AFTER LIFE-THREATENING ISSUE IN JAIL: COURT DOCS Franke told the officer in April 2020 that she had a popular YouTube page, and she believed the threatening caller knew about her vlog. Ruby Franke, pictured here, and Jodi Hildebrandt ran a joint YouTube page called ConneXions, previously known as Moms of Truth, that aimed to teach some 4,650 followers how to "successfully navigate life." "Franke stated that she received a message from somebody stating they were going to take her family down and there will be riot[s] at their door when the world finds out the truth," the Springfield officer wrote in a police report. Two months later, police received a similar call about Franke being harassed this time via Instagram. Franke again told police that she has a YouTube channel called 8Passengers, and she received a threatening message from an account called "8passengerscancalled," according to police. In earlier videos without Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby Franke, pictured here, complains about her children's school using TikTok to teach dances, the dangers of sleepovers, bullying and other topics. Some of her videos include her husband, including a "live couples workshop" about managing finances. The account apparently sent a message to Franke with her address and the message, "[A]lrightly y'all grab your pitchforks, we goin looting [sic] at the place that actually deserves it." Police set up extra patrol at Franke's address for the next three days after her call. Most families in the area were aware that Franke had a YouTube channel called 8Passengers, her neighbor told Fox News Digital. When she started another vlog called "Moms of Truth"/ ConneXions on Facebook with Hildebrandt, "a few" neighbors became "very concerned" with the content, the neighbor said. "The videos posted on that [Facebook page] had in our opinion unhealthy parenting and marriage advice/strategies," she said. "We wondered if this is why we saw less of the children. We wondered if they were using the strategies from ConneXions (very harsh parenting tips) so that would explain why we never saw the kids." Most families in the area were aware that Ruby Franke, left, had a YouTube channel called 8Passengers, her neighbor told Fox News Digital. When she started another vlog called "Moms of Truth"/ ConneXions on Facebook with Hildebrandt, "a few" neighbors became "very concerned" with the content, the neighbor said. In April 2022, a Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) worker contacted police and said she saw two kids running in the middle of the road unsupervised from outside Franke's address. The caseworker asked police to drive by the area to see if they noticed any children in the street, which they did not, according to the police report. MOMMY BLOGGER SUSPECTED OF CHILD ABUSE MADE VIDEO ABOUT WITHHOLDING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS In September 2022, police were again called to Franke's address for a welfare check after her eldest daughter, Shari Franke, told police that "multiple children" had been "left at home alone for days," police said in the report. Shari told police that a neighbor contacted her to say the children Shari's brothers and sisters had been left alone for five days while Ruby Franke was in St. George with a friend. Shari called police to ask if they would check on the children and make sure they had enough food. Blogger Ruby Franke is facing two counts of child abuse following an Aug. 30 incident in Utah. Officers tried to make contact with the children inside, who ran upstairs when police knocked on the front door. Neighbors in the area gathered around the house, curious about the police presence outside the Franke house, the police report said. YOUTUBE MOMMY BLOGGERS ARRESTED ON ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE: FINALLY Police asked the neighbors about Franke, and they "immediately started telling about how the mother of the house, Ruby Franke, will leave her children home for extended periods of time and go to St. George to spend time with her friend Jodi Hildebrandt," the report stated. One neighbor apparently provided an alibi to show police that Ruby Franke's vehicle had been in St. George for several days while her children were home. One month later, police responded to a child abuse and neglect report stating that Ruby Franke would leave her children home alone for extended periods of time without means of transportation or an emergency contact while visiting St. George. She also apparently gave them "strict rules not to go anywhere or do anything." Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, left, were arrested and charged on Aug. 30 after Santa Clara police received a dispatch call around 10:50 p.m. asking for help. A caseworker assigned to an investigation into the Franke household had apparently made visits to their home but had no luck getting in contact with Franke or her children. They also apparently would not pick up phone calls from DCFS, the police report stated. UTAH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR DODGES DEATH ROW AFTER DA'S CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WITH VICTIM'S FAMILY The caseworker apparently told police she was working on obtaining a warrant, and in December 2022, when the officer contacted the caseworker for an update, she said the warrant had not been approved and no further action was being taken against Franke. On the same day police rescued two of Franke's children from Hildebrandt's address, Springfield police worked with other law enforcement agencies to locate her four other children. They made contact with the two eldest children, Chad and Shari Franke both living away from home at the time of the incident in an effort to find the other two juveniles. Authorities eventually located the two children at another adult's house in American Fork, Utah. Jodi Hildebrandt, left, and Ruby Franke ran a joint lifestyle and parenting YouTube page called ConneXions Classrooms. The woman who was watching Franke's two children told police "that around noon that day she received a call from Ruby Franke who told her that she had a family emergency and asked if [the woman] could pick up" the two juveniles from their respective jobs and bring them to her house for the afternoon. The woman told police it was "not an odd request" from Franke because she had had the two juveniles over to her house before to do "house work and other chores for her." Police informed the two children that they were now in state custody and transported them to their sister Shari's residence. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Both Franke and Hildebrandt were initially charged with two counts of child abuse, but authorities later added four additional child abuse charges to each suspect. Franke's husband, Kevin Franke, is not mentioned in any of the unredacted portions of the police reports. "Kevin was a great neighbor and loving father," the neighbor told Fox News Digital. "He was always seen outside with his kids, walking the dog, or chatting with neighbors. For a short time, he was a moderator in the ConneXions Facebook group, then that job was removed and he was also removed from the house. Once he was gone, it went downhill." Original article source:Utah mommy blogger's neighbors complained before child abuse arrest: 'very concerned' (Miguel Vieira/Getty/US Forest Service) America is land rich and housing poor. Within the US, already the third largest nation in the world, is a country within a country, 640m acres of vast, largely uninhabited public lands. At the same time, cities are struggling with homelessness and median home prices in 99 per cent of US counties are out of reach to the average buyer. As the home ownership part of the American Dream becomes more of a fantasy, untold numbers of citizens have taken to living in Forest Service woods, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wildlands, and remote trailheads in wild areas across the country. They are hoping for a safe haven and a bit of peace in a country that makes it exceptionally difficult to find and keep a stable home unless you are rich or lucky. Up against this growing phenomenon, the federal agencies in charge of managing these lands the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, neither of them primarily police nor social service agencies have at times been outmatched by the complexity of encountering unhoused people and helping them in an effective, safe way while upholding the law. In the case of one Idaho family, rather than offer aid, the Biden administration invested huge resources in a violent sting operation that left an already disabled man paralysed. The Roberts family was living on the edge long before police knocked at their door. Judy Roberts of Emmet, Idaho, was the sole source of income for her two adult sons, Brooks and Timber, both of whom have disabilities. In March of 2020, shortly after the pandemic began, she was injured in a car accident and lost her job at a manufacturing plant. Soon the family was evicted from their rental home. Police officers arrest Timber Brooks during a 19 May, 2023, eviction sting operation that left his brother paralysed (US Forest Service) They had nowhere else to go, Craig Durham, a lawyer representing Brooks, told The Independent. Unable to afford somewhere new, the family began camping in the ample public land outside of Boise. Soon, they caught the attention of federal agents from the BLM and Forest Service, who began warning the family they had to move, as most federal lands outside of national parks only allow camping for two weeks at a time. As the warnings piled up, the family had to keep seeking out new places to live that werent in a 25 mile radius of each other to avoid running afoul of the authorities. As the Roberts family shuffled from one place to the next, homeless and jobless, they lived in a small camper and for a time an old school bus. They eventually kind of ran out of new spots to go to, Mr Durham added. By the fall of 2021, the family was living in a spot called Blacks Creek, in the high desert outside of Boise. Heavy snows trapped the Roberts family in the location all winter, and Judys frostbitten feet froze to the floor of the school bus. By the time she made it to a hospital, she was hallucinating. Doctors had to amputate both her feet. During this period, a US Forest Service officer had a tense encounter with the family, details of which later described in federal court documents. Timber continued to yell at and scream about how he was being harassed the Forest Service employee wrote. At that point he was beginning to go back into the camper, and I did not feel safe with his current state of anger having access to the vehicles. I yelled at Timber, to stop and not to go in the vehicle. The officer also described the conditions the family was living in. The camp was in disarray with two dogs tied up to trees in the camp with feces all around them, there was trash surrounding the vehicle and camp area, the officer wrote. There was also a truck bed made into a trailer that was overflowing with trash and debris. The trash and debris were spreading towards the creek. A 2021 photo of the Roberts familys camp, which became the subject of a series of federal charges (Idaho US Attorneys Office) As Judy convalesced, tragedy was again on the horizon. To supplement Judys meagre Social Security income checks, Brooks got a job working overnight at a Walmart. In June 2022, he suffered a workplace accident that put him in a wheelchair. As the Roberts family went from harsh snow to blistering summer heat at Blacks Creek, the BLM was continuing to urge them to go somewhere else, so the family vacated the area in October of that year. With few options left, they fled further afield to the West Face Trailhead, a remote mountain site in the federally administered Payette National Forest near the Oregon border. In February of 2023, the family was charged with multiple misdemeanours for overstaying on public lands for previous camping. That spring, Timber was charged with interfering with a federal agent, and accused of threatening members of the public. The US Attorneys Office then hit the family with another round of charges for staying at the West Face Trailhead. The charges against the Roberts family were low-level, the kind of misdemeanour offence that rarely even results in an arrest, though federal officials said they worried that because the family owned guns and had received complaints they were an immediate danger to the community and law enforcement, according to court documents obtained by KTVB. Homeless people are increasingly taking to the USs numerous public wild lands to find shelter (US Forest Service) By this point, outside advocates were finally catching wind of the case. As a result of the first set of charges, the Roberts family received a court-appointed lawyer. Their attorney became worried that the federal government was preparing to bring its full weight down on a family in an extremely vulnerable position. The lawyer reached out to the National Homeless Law Center, which asked the Department of Justice and US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) to look into the case. Last year, the Biden administration laid out a plan to tackle homelessness that emphasised providing social services over hardball law enforcement tactics, and the administration has vowed to combat policies and laws which criminalise homelessness. The lawyers thought this stance would be enough to finally get the Roberts family a break. Instead, the government was preparing to send in the cavalry. On 19 May, a ring of law enforcement officers crept secretly towards the Roberts familys mobile home. Rather than work with the familys existing lawyer to arrange a surrender, or knock on the door with a warrant, officials had decided on a different approach. The Forest Service, BLM, Idaho Fish and Game, and the Adams County Sheriffs Office allegedly devised a plan to pose as stranded motorists so they could lure the family out and make arrests. Advocates argue law enforcement agents at the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service arent properly trained to encounter homeless people (Getty Images) Body camera footage appears to show two plainclothes Forest Service officers knock on the Roberts trailer and ask for help jump-starting their truck, as another officer watches on, audibly giggling, hiding in the back of a vehicle. Court documents identify the officers carrying out the ruse as Noel Rupel and Erik Franke. Timber Roberts emerges first. Officers inform him hes under arrest and pin his arms to his back. His screams for help attract the attention of Brooks, who wheels out of the trailer in his underwear holding a pistol. As Brooks approaches his handcuffed brother, sirens go off and officers begin screaming Brooks has a gun. Officers dont tell Brooks to put down the gun, the footage appears to show, before quickly firing at least 10 shots at the wheelchair-bound Brooks. Im sorry, I thought my brother was being attacked, Brooks, shirtless and covered in blood and mud, later tells officers. You didnt give me a chance to put the gun down. You just f***ing shot. I didnt know you guys were cops. Brooks was paralysed from the waist down as a result of the shooting, and he and his mother are now living in a motel. Now Brooks is preparing to potentially bring a $50m tort claim against the agencies involved in the sting. He no longer has control of his bowels and may never be able to work again. The FBI is currently investigating the incident and has refused to comment during the process. In August, Timber Roberts pleaded guilty to illegally overstaying on federal lands, interfering with a Forest Officer, and assault on a federal officer. In late September, Brooks Roberts signed a plea agreement admitting to improperly disposing of garbage and occupying a recreation site on federal lands. He will have a hearing later this month. Last week, Judy Roberts formally accepted a plea deal for overstaying on Forest Service lands in exchange for a time-served sentence. The Independent has contacted the White House, Idaho Fish and Game, the Adams County Sheriffs Office, and the USICH for comment. The Forest Service said it couldnt comment on the May shooting or criticisms of the operation because of pending legal matters associated with it. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers use de-escalation training and Crisis Intervention Training to recognize signs associated with people in crisis that may prompt a mental health referral, the agency told The Independent. The BLM told The Independent it couldnt comment on the May shooting due to pending litigation, but said its agents are highly trained and provide illegal campers with information about services and applicable federal laws, passing on information geared to help the un-housed. BLM law enforcement professionals are highly trained, with yearly refreshers to ensure officers consistently act with professionalism and compassion, the agency said. While each encounter is different, routine training provides officers with the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe and communicate effectively. Housing advocates say the sting operation was a calamitous use of federal resources, and a sign the federal government needs to take a different, more thoughtful approach to unhoused people living on federal lands. Homelessness, they say, isnt a problem that can be solved at the end of a gun barrel. They mustve spent hours planning this and if they were putting the same energy into planning how can we get this family out of homelessness, they would have achieved their goal of not having this family need to be camping out at this parking lot, Eric Tars, legal director at the National Homelessness Law Center (NHLC), told The Independent. Instead they were just putting it into this ridiculous law enforcement approach that didnt actually solve the problem. The Biden administration has argued against criminalising homelessness on paper, but federal agents have still pursued aggressive law enforcement strategies against homeless people (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) If you add up all the salaries and the gas for driving all of these vehicles out to this remote parking lot, the money for all the time they spent planning and all the time theyre going to have to go through in court afterwards, this family couldve been housed for a year, he added. Instances like these, and the forcible eviction of numerous homeless people living on federal park land in Washington, DC, earlier this year, inspired the NHLC to call on the Biden administration to issue an executive order outlawing the use of police-like federal law enforcement agents on homeless people. Im not aware of what training theyre receiving, if any, Mr Tars said of federal officers encountering homeless people. Based on the behaviour of the Forest Service and BLM officers involved in the Idaho incident, the most I can say is that training, if they received it, is not effective. The Idaho United States Attorneys Office told The Independent it couldnt comment in-depth on the process behind bringing the charges against the Roberts family. Our job at US Attorneys Office is to evaluate law enforcement reports and bring appropriate charges to enforce the law and thats what our office did in this particular case, a spokesperson said. The official added that the charges reflect the crimes that were committed and admitted to. At the same time as officers are failing to humanely work with homeless people, park managers are facing struggles of their own with unhoused communities. In Colorado, forest rangers say unhoused communities on forest lands have left behind dangerous illegal fire pits and litter, and have threatened officers. In 2015, a man living illegally in the Uncompahgre National Forest generated 8,500 pounds of garbage that required 48 volunteers and a helicopter to clear away. Illegal campers in the state caused a 600-acre wildfire, and similar cases have occurred in wild areas of Alaska and Northern Arizona. Fires also threaten the unhoused people themselves, according to officials. In Southern Californias mountainous San Bernardino County, social service teams conduct outreach to unhoused people living in areas of high wildfire danger during fire season though local officials have also adopted resolutions ratcheting up their powers to clear encampments summarily. Encounters between law enforcement and the homeless are clearly here to stay, according to US Forest Service research social scientist Lee Cerveny. The topic hasnt been the subject of widespread research, but early indications suggest the phenomenon is increasing. Her team has surveyed Forest Service rangers around the country, and almost half said they were seeing an increase in encounters with non-recreational campers. The most intense concentration of encounters, she told The Independent, were in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Research suggests homeless people have moved into federal parks and forests across the country, with particular concentrations in the Mountain West and Southwest regions (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) States across the Mountain West, where housing costs are high and services may be concentrated most in big cities, are struggling. The population rangers encountered, however, has been found across the country, and is surprisingly diverse, ranging from seasonal outdoor workers near expensive ski towns, to veterans, to sovereign citizens seeking to live off the grid. What was most surprising to me, one of the more surprising findings, was a group that seems to be widely recognised as a prominent group of people living on the forest are seniors, retirees who are housing insecure or who some might be living in a recreational vehicle or other kinds of trailers and things, especially in the Southwest and Pacific Coast, she said. The book and later film Nomadland highlighted the increasing proportion of seniors living on the continuum of homelessness, traveling across the country in RVs, sometimes surviving on seasonal work at places like Amazon and Walmart. Studying these populations is difficult enough, and serving them can be even more challenging. Like the Roberts family, many of those living on federal lands move from place to place, meaning they may pass from the jurisdiction of the federal government, to a city, to a state park in a matter of days, well before the bureaucracy of housing services in the US can get them help. It is complicated, the Forest Service researcher said. Its challenging for an agency like the Forest Service. Most people who work there are trained to manage the landscape and may not necessarily have training in this area in addressing homelessness and houselessness. Protecting the rivers, protecting the lands, protecting wildlife and recreation benefits and opportunities is what theyve been trained to do, and now if there are people who are struggling and living in the forest, how does that fit into the picture? Thats something people are talking about. The Forest Service told The Independent, We do not have a way to track the number of unhoused people on National Forest land. Since we dont track this information, we dont know if the proportion of unhoused people on Forest Service land has been increasing in recent years, it added. Bevin Carithers, ranger supervisor at Boulder County Parks and Open Space, told The Independent his department encounters a few unhoused people a month on county lands. Because these parcels are in slightly more remote areas compared to the bustling city of Boulder, he said the slower pace affords county officials the chance to slowly get to know homeless people and assess their needs, usually sending a multi-department team that can include social service providers and sheriffs deputies. Everyone has a different circumstance, he said. Either theyve been laid off from work, or they dont have a place to stay, or they have suffered from some kind of mental illness. Our ability to take our time to react to these situations gives us that opportunity to really dig deep. We do not rush the situation, he added. Well take as much time as we need to deal with the individual. Sometimes it ends up costing us more money in the clean-up, but in the end were solving the situation. This measured approach, favouring social services over defaulting to police tactics, is one thats supported by groups like the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association, and, at least on paper, the Biden administration. However, it is at odds with the prevailing national climate on homeless. Dozens of leaders, hailing from liberal and conservative states alike, are currently asking the Supreme Court to overturn an appeals courts ban on issuing citations for illegal camping when municipalities dont have available shelter space. Liberal leaders including California Governor Gavin Newsom have asked the Supreme Court to overturn a decision preventing cities from fining homeless people when there arent available shelter beds Even in comparatively progressive states like California, major cities like San Francisco and Sacramento are locked in bitter lawsuits, where officials are pushing for the ability to clear homeless encampments despite their shelter systems often lacking enough accessible beds to house everyone living on the streets on a given night. The state has spent $17.5bn trying to combat homelessness over the last four years, but advocates argue police are diverting some of these funds into their own coffers. Mr Tars of the NHLC said a recent Los Angeles budget featured $87m of the $100m allocated to homelessness programmes going to law enforcement, jail, and policing costs. Housing advocates hope officials change course and adopt anti-homelessness initiatives focused on public health and housing over law enforcement. For some, like Brooks Roberts, that shift would have drastically altered the course of his life. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia state lawmakers are required to live in the district they represent, as well as in any district they might be seeking to represent. If they move out of their district, the state constitution says they are out of office. Those requirements, combined with political maps that took effect this year, have created a headache for some candidates. At least two sitting lawmakers seeking reelection in new districts say they are living either with or in the home of a relative rather than with their immediate family, in order to meet the residency requirements. But for one of those two, Democratic Del. C.E. Cliff Hayes, a private investigative company's findings that were provided to The Associated Press by the House Republican caucus raise questions about that claim. Hayes said Friday that he's following the rules. He reported to state officials earlier this year that he was living in a Chesapeake home thats in both the 77th District, which he currently represents, and the new 91st district, which he's running in this fall. In an interview, Hayes acknowledged that he owns another property, where he said his wife lives and he sometimes spends time. But he said he is living with his brother-in-law in the home indicated on his paperwork, which he said had long been in his wife's family and used to be a rental property. The report, dated Sept. 30, says a private investigations company with an active state license was hired to look into an allegation that Hayes was not living at that address. According to the report, three vehicles registered to Hayes have been routinely parked at a different home, the one where Hayes says his wife lives. That home is also in the 91st district but not the 77th, according to a publicly available state tool that shows which political districts addresses fall into. A car registered to Hayes wife has also been seen at the home, the report said. None of those vehicles were ever seen at the address Hayes listed on his state paperwork. A range of other vehicles were, however, seen at the house listed on his paperwork, according to the report, which said surveillance was conducted in the month of September at various hours of the day and night. Hayes said he and his wife have five vehicles, and he sometimes drives different ones. I didn't want to abandon my constituents, so I moved into our rental property. We ended the lease, he said. In a statement provided by a House Democratic caucus spokeswoman, he added: As my constituents well know, I have been proud to represent this community that I have lived and worked in for my entire life. Any allegations to suggest otherwise are unfounded, partisan musings from a party attempting to distract from their own wrongdoings," Hayes is running against Republican Elijah Colon, who has not reported raising any funds for his campaign. The 91st District is strongly Democratic and includes parts of Chesapeake and Portsmouth. The once-a-decade redistricting process that adjusts each state's political maps to account for population shifts was handled this year by a pair of independent experts, with sign-off granted by the Supreme Court of Virginia. The maps were drawn without regard to protecting incumbents, which left many Assembly members doubled or tripled up in districts. Some opted to retire, challenge each other in primaries, or move. The state constitution is clear that a senator or delegate who moves from the district to which they were elected shall thereby vacate his office. Virginias part-time General Assembly is not actively meeting, but members are paid on a monthly basis and receive health care and other benefits. Tim Anderson, an attorney and former House member who resigned this year to run in what was ultimately an unsuccessful state Senate primary, said his benefits ended as soon as he stepped down. Delegates are paid their $17,640 annual salary throughout the year, Anderson said. Members are also eligible for a phenomenal health care plan, state retirement benefits, an office allowance and a legislative assistant, who also receives a salary and benefits, he added. Another delegate, Nadarius Clark, resigned earlier this year to run in a new district. Nick Freitas, the GOP nominee in a Culpeper County-area seat thats strongly Republican, has also faced questions about his residency. After his chief of staff initially declined to answer a specific question from radio station WMRA about whether Freitas had moved out of his home, Freitas told the Culpeper Star-Exponent that he had and was living at a home owned by his mother. His paperwork filed with the state shows that home is in his current and would-be future districts. None of this is ideal, but the bottom line, I had the chance to continue to represent the district I have been representing for eight years," Freitas, who couldn't be reached Friday, told the newspaper. Other concerns have flared this cycle. Tim Griffin, the Republican nominee in a deeply conservative Lynchburg-area district, has faced questions about where he lives since his party's nomination contest. He recently refused to divulge his address to The Daily Progress, and Cardinal News reported that a group of concerned Republicans had hired a private investigator to look into the situation. His campaign didn't respond to an emailed interview request Friday. Residency questions bubbled up even before the new maps took effect. Greg Habeeb, a former delegate and campaign chair for the House Republicans, said it has been a perennial issue, but not one there has ever been much appetite to address with stricter standards given the issues have been in both parties and chambers. Most years there is some question about somebody, he said. Australians are being asked to decide on constitutional recognition for Indigenous people Australians have voted in a historic referendum, rejecting a reform that would have changed its constitution for the first time in almost 50 years. If the referendum had been approved, it would have established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - a formal body for Indigenous people to give advice on laws. PM Anthony Albanese had argued that it would be a "simple" change to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. Constitutional referendums in Australia are rare and difficult to pass - only eight of 44 have succeeded. And the Voice proposal was the subject of fierce debate - with both support and opposition across the political spectrum. What is the Voice to parliament? The Voice was recommended by a historic document in 2017 called the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Drafted by more than 250 Indigenous leaders, the statement is considered the best - though not unanimous - call to action for reforms which affect First Nations Australians. When announcing his plan to hold a referendum in March, Mr Albanese said the Voice would enshrine "recognition" that Australians "share this great island continent with the world's oldest continuous culture". "Our nation's birth certificate should recognise this and be proud of it," he added. The proposal states the Voice will "make representations" to MPs and policy makers "on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples". However, if the referendum had passed, parliament would have the power to decide on the Voice's composition, functions, powers and procedures. What's the case for it? Indigenous Australians feel a "powerlessness" when tackling structural problems to improve their lives, the Uluru Statement says. These problems include having a shorter life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians, disproportionately poorer health and education outcomes, and higher incarceration rates. Many argue this is often because of a failure to properly consult Indigenous people on solutions. "Non-Indigenous people [are] making decisions about communities they have never visited and people they do not know," wrote Prof Megan Davis, an Uluru Statement signatory. What do opponents say? Some argue Indigenous people are already represented fairly in parliament. It currently has 11 Indigenous lawmakers - representing 4.8% of the parliament, a slightly higher percentage than the Indigenous Australian population nationwide. But Voice supporters counter that MPs represent specific constituencies, not necessarily Indigenous interests. Other critics say it could act like a third chamber of parliament and potentially veto legislation, but the government has ruled this out. Support is not universal among Indigenous people, either. Some say a treaty with Indigenous people - a legally binding, negotiated agreement - should be the priority. Australia is the only ex-British colony without one. Senator Lidia Thorpe is among those who want a formal treaty first Many Indigenous Australians emphasise they never ceded their sovereignty or land. There are fears that being recognised in the constitution could amount to that. And others argue it's just a symbolic gesture and that money could be better spent on immediate solutions. What will the Voice look like in practice? That's not yet certain. If Australia had voted yes, legislation designing the Voice would have been developed and debated. One proposal had suggested the advisory body could have 24 members - comprised of representatives from each state and territory, the Torres Strait Islands, and remote Aboriginal communities. Mr Albanese still sees the Voice being "an unflinching source of advice and accountability". Are there global comparisons? Voice advocates compare it to the First Nations parliaments in Norway, Sweden and Finland for the Sami people. They're not parliaments in the traditional sense - they are mostly consultative bodies which do not have a formal legislative function. In Finland, for example, the government negotiates with the Sami Parliament on specific matters like land management and legislative or administrative changes affecting Sami culture. However, Finnish laws don't prevent government authorities from forging ahead without negotiations. Why is a referendum needed? Advocates say the Voice needs to be enshrined in the constitution rather than legislated. Such a change cannot happen without a referendum. They argue this would give the Voice permanency, insulating it from partisan politics. The referendum would have succeeded if a majority of Australians voted yes, and received majority support in at least four of Australia's six states. Polling had previously indicated about three quarters of Australians supported a constitutionally enshrined Voice - but dropped since the debate began in earnest. Mr Albanese wants the Voice to be a legacy of his government But the last successful referendum was in 1977, and none have passed without bipartisan support. In this vote, Australia's main opposition coalition campaigned against the change. The Greens party supported the Voice. But its previous Indigenous Affairs spokesperson, Lidia Thorpe, left the party over its position - she is advocating for a treaty first. What next? In a live address following the referendum result, Mr Albanese called for a new way forward, saying: "Tomorrow we must seek a new way forward with the same optimism." He said that as prime minister, he will accept the responsibility for the decisions he took, but that he still believes that calling the referendum was the right thing to do. "We argued for this change not out of convenience but out of conviction," he said. "This moment of disagreement does not define or divide us. We are not Yes or No voters, we are all Australians, and it is as Australians together that we must take our country beyond this debate," he added. Mr Albanese had previously indicated a referendum on the issue is likely if he wins a second term in 2025. Additional reporting by Tom Housden By Praveen Menon, Lewis Jackson and Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia on Saturday decisively rejected a proposal to recognise Indigenous people in the constitution, in a major setback to the country's efforts for reconciliation with its First Peoples. Nationwide, with 45% of the vote counted, the "No" vote led "Yes" by 57.35% to 42.65%. Australian broadcaster ABC and other TV networks have projected that at least four states - New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia - would vote against altering the 122-year-old constitution. A successful referendum requires at least four of the six states to vote in favour, along with a national majority. Because of Australia's time zones, voting in Western Australia was still under way as it became clear the referendum was lost. Australians had to write "Yes" or "No" on a ballot paper that asked whether they agree to the proposal, which would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people through the creation of an Indigenous advisory body, the 'Voice to Parliament'. "I'm devastated," Indigenous leader and prominent "Yes" campaigner Thomas Mayo said on ABC News. "We need a Voice. We need that structural change." Australia's Indigenous citizens, who make up 3.8% of the country's 26 million population, have inhabited the land for about 60,000 years but are not mentioned in the constitution and are, by most socio-economic measures, the most disadvantaged people in the country. Academics and human rights advocates fear a win for the "No" camp could set back reconciliation efforts by years. The Voice to Parliament was proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a 2017 document crafted by Indigenous leaders that set out a roadmap for reconciliation with wider Australia. Supporters of the proposal believe entrenching an Indigenous Voice into the constitution would unite Australia and usher in a new era with its Indigenous people. Many Indigenous people favour the change, but some say it is a distraction from achieving practical and positive outcomes. The political opposition has criticised the measure, saying it is divisive, would be ineffective, and would slow government decision-making. SETBACK FOR ALBANESE Referendums are difficult to pass in Australia, with only eight of 44 succeeding since the country's founding in 1901. This is the first referendum in Australia in almost a quarter of a century. Australian voters rejected a 1999 proposal to become a republic. In 1967, a referendum to count Indigenous people as part of the Australian population was a resounding success with bipartisan political support. The 2023 referendum has not garnered unified political support, with leaders of the major conservative parties campaigning for a "No" vote. "The problem that the 'Yes' campaign had was they went and spoke to the leadership, the elites of this community, and they kept on saying: 'We've got these communities'," said Warren Mundine, a leader of the "No" campaign across the country. The Voice has been a key feature of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's term in office, and a referendum loss would stand out, political analysts say, as his biggest setback since coming to power in May last year. "The task ahead for us is to come together and chart a new path forward," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said. "I don't know yet what that would be but it's something that we can do as a country." (Additional reporting by Kirsty Needham, Alasdair Pal and John Mair in Sydney; Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by William Mallard, Clarence Fernandez and Edmund Klamann) Why a Black mom drove 1,300 miles in an RV to give birth in another state When Mimi Evans found out she was pregnant for a third time 10 years ago, one of her first thoughts was: "Something has got to change." "I thought: 'I'm not going to have my baby here in Texas in a medical center anymore," Evans, now 36, tells TODAY.com. "I'm tired of it." She ended up driving 1,300 miles in an RV to another state to give birth. I was given so much choice, so much freedom and it was just such a much more pleasant experience, she says. I definitely felt like I made the right decision. View of the Virginia state sign on the road. (Courtesy Mimi Evans) Evans says she was "very young" when she gave birth to her first two children, and wasn't knowledgable about her birthing options. "I was very naive and I just kind of went in to the hospital because I thought that's what everyone did," she adds. Both times Evans gave birth in a hospital setting, she says she felt rushed, neglected, "on display" and ignored. "Thank goodness I did not have to do a C-section, but I do feel like I was given things that I did not necessarily want like a shot of Pitocin," she says. "I didn't get a lot of choice in how I wanted my experience to be, and then immediately after I gave birth I was just cleaned up and sent off to a room to manage the whole postpartum period alone." Black women living in the U.S. are two to three times likely to die as a result of pregnancy- or birth-related complications than white women, according to government data. They're also more likely to give birth via a C-section, according to the most recent data from the March of Dimes. Texas and Virginia have similar maternal mortality rates, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. But for Evans, it was important to give birth in a hospital that aligned with what she wanted in childbirth: most importantly, her health and safety. She purchased a 32-foot RV, registered the vehicle in Virginia and drove 1,300 miles to an RV park near the hospital. 'It was the kind of sacrifice I had to make' For two months, Evans lived in the RV with her former partner and two children so she could give birth inside a Virginia hospital. "It was very small definitely cramped quarters but my kids and I were very close knit family and so it wasn't so bad," she says. "It was something that I was willing to put up with just to ensure that I could have a more pleasant birth experience." To afford the RV, travel and two-month stay, Evans said her family had to "cut certain luxuries," like cable television. Pregnant Mimi Evans. (Courtesy Mimi Evans) "Being in the RV requires you to miss out on certain things, like preparing a nursery," she adds. "The baby had a tiny little bassinet -- no decorations or decor. I missed out on having a baby shower, because we just did not have the space to accommodate the things people typically bring to a baby shower. We didn't have a family gathering." Evans heard from family members who didn't understand why Evans would risk going into labor and not making it to the hospital. "I thought: 'If my baby happens to come while we're in the RV, and I don't make it to the hospital, I'm OK with that," she adds. "To ensure the safety, health and mental health, first and foremost of myself and my baby, it was the kind of sacrifice I had to make." 'It was just such a much more pleasant experience' Evans says she does not regret her decision. Mimi Evans and hew newborn at the hospital. (Courtesy Mimi Evans) "It was just such a much more pleasant experience," she says. "And because of that, my baby came when he felt like wanted to at four o'clock in the morning. I was never rushed. I felt so great and had so much energy after I gave birth to him. I spent a little more time in Virginia, to recover, then I came back to Texas." Evans' vastly different birthing experiences inspired her to educate other pregnant people about their options. Now, she works as a doula and birth educator. In 2022, Evans gave birth to a healthy baby girl at home. "I was still not willing to give birth at a hospital in Texas," she adds. "I had a student midwife and I had a doula. It was a very, very great experience." While Evans made the choice to cross state lines to give birth 10 years ago, as a doula and birth educator she is afraid that more and more pregnant people Black women especially will be forced to travel in order to give birth safely or receive quality prenatal care. Mimi Evans newborn baby. (Courtesy Mimi Evans) The Unites States has the worst maternal mortality rate of any developed nation, and some women's health advocates and researchers believe more restrictive abortion laws enacted after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade will make the maternal mortality crisis worse. "I wish that I could say 'everything is getting better,' but it's very scary," Evans says. "Roe v Wade really opened my eyes my goodness, we could possibly be going backwards. That is very scary to me. "That is one of the reasons why I'm in this line of (birth) work," she adds. "To ensure that my community does know that there are options out there." This article was originally published on TODAY.com Even with the busy summer travel season behind us, cheap cruises may be harder to find. As cruise line operators report continued high demand, prices have been creeping up, and theyve been heading that way for a while. Pricing has been going up for over a year, Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, chief experience officer and owner of the travel agency Live Well, Travel Often, said in an email. Cruising still represents a great value in travel and we have not seen a decrease in interest or in bookings. But that doesnt mean thrifty travelers are out of luck. Heres what to know: Why are cruises more expensive? While travelers healthy appetite for vacations at sea may be a driving force behind the price hikes, Goldberg-Glazer said there are others too. There are a lot of factors cost of goods and labor has gone up, so the cruise lines are seeing higher operating costs, she said. Combined with very high demand, that often leads to increases. Carnival Corp., which operates the largest number of cruises from the U.S., saw third-quarter revenue and earnings that exceeded expectations, driven by strong demand. We've consistently been delivering prices well in excess of 2019 levels while closing the occupancy gap by 11 (percentage) points over the course of the year, president and CEO Josh Weinstein said in a September earnings call. The companys brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. That trend could continue. We are well positioned to drive 2024 pricing higher, with less inventory remaining to sell than the same time last year, despite a capacity increase of 5%, the companys CFO David Bernstein added during the call. Those remarks echoed an update from Royal Caribbean Group earlier this year. Booking volumes in the second quarter remained significantly higher than the corresponding period in 2019 and at record pricing levels, the company, which operates lines like Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, said in a July news release. How expensive are cruises? Cumulative cruise prices for 2024 are up between approximately 17.5% and 22.5% from 2019, Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure analyst with Truist Securities, said in a report last month. Pricing for 2025 is even higher, up around 50%. We note that higher-end cruises tend to have longer booking windows, which skews the pricing numbers higher at the moment vs. where we believe they will eventually finish, he wrote. Looking for cheap cruises?: Here's what to know know about finding deals Can I still find affordable cruises? Maybe. Even as prices have risen, Goldberg-Glazer said guests can still find bargains. We work with all the cruise lines and while the most popular sailings and the high-end suites are typically going up, we can usually find great deals when our clients are a little flexible, she said. She recommended working with a travel adviser who can help you track those down. There are also sites like Cruisewatch, which record price changes for sailing itineraries. Keeping an open mind about sailing dates, in particular, will also give travelers a better shot at finding a reasonable fare. If passengers are locked into a school schedule, they will have more limited choices. The more options you have, the easier it is to find better deals, Goldberg-Glazer said. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cruise prices are up, but there are still deals 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. Iran eyes to expand oil exports despite U.S. sanctions: minister Xinhua) 10:53, October 14, 2023 TEHRAN, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji said on Friday the country plans to increase its crude production in the absence of any "green light" from the United States for exports, according to the Shana News Agency affiliated to the Iranian Oil Ministry. Making the remarks in the southwestern province of Fars, Owji said that plans for increasing oil production are drawing up, as Iran owns "customers across the world." "All these have been accomplished under the tough sanctions (on Iran) and the United States has given no green light and has even imposed 223 additional sanctions," he noted. Owji put Iran's present oil production at 3.3 million barrels per day, saying favorable moves and achievements have been made in all areas while the sanctions on the country have been intensified. Figures by consultants and companies that track tanker shipments show jumps in Iran's oil output and exports in recent months. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen rejected the notion that Washington had gradually relaxed some enforcement of the sanctions on Iranian oil exports as part of efforts aimed at a diplomatic rapprochement on Wednesday at a news conference on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Marrakesh, Morocco. "We have not in any way relaxed our sanctions on Iranian oil," she said, adding the United States constantly reviews new information that could justify a tightening of sanctions. "We will continue to do that." The U.S. sanctions on Iran, mainly targeting the country's oil exports and banks, intensified in 2018, following Washington's unilateral withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) By Lee Hae-rin The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) has been considering expanding military conscription to orphans and North Korean defectors to compensate for armed forces personnel shortages and the low birthrate, an opposition lawmaker said Saturday. All able-bodied South Korean men are required to complete nearly two years of military service as the country remains technically at war with North Korea since the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. But orphans and North Korean defectors are not subject to conscription. The policy study report by the MMA, released by Rep. Ki Dong-min of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, raised the possibility of conscripting orphans and North Korean defectors, citing that available resources have decreased due to the demographic cliff caused by the country's low birthrate. The report was created by external researchers upon the request of the MMA in 2021. The report marked growing concerns over the weakening of combat strength following the shrinking number of troops, especially considering that North Korea is modernizing its military strength and advancing its nuclear technologies despite an economic crisis. Thus, the country should expand the target of conscription for mandatory military service to upgrade its warfare capabilities, the report said. Orphans and North Korean defectors fulfillment of military requirements should be considered. The report pointed out that fulfilling mandatory military service could also contribute to improving equity and fairness related to conscription and help orphans and North Korean defectors social integration into society. Though the report was funded by the MMAs policy research budget, it noted the conclusion does not reflect the official view of the administration. Korea is forecast to see its population plummet further. The number of 20-year-old men, which stood at around 330,000 in 2020, is expected to shrink to 230,000 in 2025 and 150,000 by 2040. The MMA estimates around 600 to 700 orphans and 150 to 250 North Korean defectors would be subject to conscription every year. The lawmaker said he agreed with the seriousness of the projected shortage of military conscripts but expressed concerns about the policy change. Orphans and North Korean defectors are socially vulnerable groups who need to be protected from economic inequality and social prejudices, Rep. Ki said, urging the government to reach a social consensus before implementing the change. Not keen to project her as the next CM face in the upcoming assembly polls, BJP has yet to announce her candidature from any constituency How do you solve a problem like Vasundhara? The Bharatiya Janata Party is facing the same predicament as the nuns in the movie, Sound of Music, regarding the electoral future of former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje. Not keen to project her as the next chief ministerial face in the upcoming assembly polls, the BJP has yet to announce her candidature from any constituency. According to reports from Jaipur, the party leadership is reported to have asked Vasundhara Raje if she would contest against incumbent chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Jodhpurs Sardarpura assembly constituency. The BJP was convinced she would not be amenable to this suggestion given her cordial relations with Gehlot. However, Raje surprised her leadership by agreeing to the proposal but added a rider: She said since she would be contesting against a sitting chief minister, it is only fair that she be projected as the BJPs chief ministerial face. This has obviously flummoxed the BJP which wants to put up a tough fight against Gehlot. Earlier, there was talk that Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat would be asked to take on Gehlot but there is no clarity on the issue so far. * Till about two months ago, the Congress was perceived to be racing ahead in the coming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. But the Bharatiya Janata Party is said to have narrowed the gap with most political pundits now saying that the election promises to be a close fight between the two parties. There is all-round agreement, endorsed privately by many Congress leaders, that state party chief Kamal Naths over-confidence could prove to be their undoing. There is a growing perception in the state that Kamal Nath and his immediate coterie is acting as if they are already in power. On the other hand, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is going out of his way to beat anti-incumbency though the BJP is hoping that its decision to field a record number of MPs in the high-stakes contest will help counter the fatigue factor against Mr Chouhan. This is evident from the memes and social media posts doing the rounds with one titled Mama ka bidai nimantaran showing Mr Chouhan being carried in a palanquin, giving December 3 as the date of the occasion and the chief ministers residence as the venue. * Meanwhile, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot is said to be worried over the selection of candidates for the Assembly election. Poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu is reported to have suggested that a large number of sitting legislators be benched in view of the strong anti-incumbency against them. However, this is easier said than done as such sweeping changes can lead to rebellion and there is every chance that the disgruntled leaders will be snapped up by the Congress Partys rivals. Moreover, the MLAs in this list include a number of Gehlot supporters. According to the Congress grapevine, Mr Gehlot had called on Sonia Gandhi last week in this connection. * While the Bharatiya Janata Party is currently preoccupied with the coming five Assembly polls, its leadership is also strategising for next years Lok Sabha election. Though the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya tops the partys agenda, several other issues are also being flagged to help consolidate the BJPs Hindu support base. The Modi government is learnt to be planning a reform of the Waqf Boards which control and manage mosques, graveyards and other Islamic institutions. No details are forthcoming so far but the issue has the potential to raise a political storm. Then there is talk that the Centre will finally notify the rules of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act which had triggered angry street protests three years ago. The legislation could not be implemented as the detailed rules are yet to be notified. The BJP also plans to test the waters on its promise to introduce a Uniform Civil Code. The party has apparently given the go ahead to Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to work on this proposal and implement it before the Lok Sabha polls. The response to its limited application will determine the BJPs next move. * When Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha recited Om Prakash Valmikis poem Thakur ka Kuan during a recent debate in the Rajya Sabha, it sparked off a controversy with upper caste leaders from his own party joining Bharatiya Janata Party members declaring it to be an insult to their community. However, RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadavs rebuke that the party put a lid on this discussion and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars decision to publish the Bihar caste census has ended up popularising the poem among the backward classes and Scheduled Castes who are feeling further emboldened to take on the states feudal structure. The poem is being openly recited by backward and dalit members of panchayats with supporters of Lok Janshakti Party also endorsing the move on the caste census survey. Ironically, they are all praise for the RJD, convinced that it was Lalu Prasad Yadav who had pressured Nitish Kumar to place the details of the survey in the public domain on the ground that only he could have dared to take such a step. India did the right thing to condemn this terrorist attack. We are against terrorism of all kinds anywhere in the world David Bohm (1917-1992), the legendary quantum scientist and physicist, gave a dramatic illustration of how the same reality can appear materially different depending on the angle that you see it from. He gives the example of a rectangular fish tank full of fish under observation by two television cameras at right angles to each other. Although the fish tank is the same, the images of the cameras will project a truth that is variance with each other. This analogy is useful to try and understand the radically different appraisals of the current Israel-Hamas conflagration. First, there can be no hesitation in emphatically condemning the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on innocent Israelis at a music festival, killing over 260 people, and taking dozens as captives. The simultaneous attack by an arsenal of bombs on Israeli civilian and military targets left thousands dead or wounded. Hamas is an avowedly terrorist organisation, operating out of the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, and its brutality and barbarism are appalling. India did the right thing to condemn this terrorist attack. We are against terrorism of all kinds anywhere in the world. Our ties with Israel are strategic and close, including in the sensitive defense and intelligence sectors. Every country is guided by national self-interest. India followed this dictum when PM Modi expressed our unreserved support for Israel. But even where our self-interest is involved, a different perspective emerges from Bohms second camera filming the same situation. The Jews suffered the Holocaust in Hitlers Germany, and antisemitism was rife in some other European countries, but their promised homeland was created not in Europe, but as per the UN adopted Britain Partition Resolution to create Israel in 1948, in a messy division of territory in historical Palestine. In the six-day war of 1967, Israel took over whatever was left of Palestinian territory, occupying the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip. After the war, the United Nations in its Resolution 242 called for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The first step to ensure this, the Resolution stated, was the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the recent conflict. Israel failed to fully comply with this requirement. On the contrary, it aggressively expanded Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Today there are around 750,000 settlers in 250 settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Moreover, Israel has bombed Gaza, from where the Hamas operates, in 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2021, killing thousands of innocent Palestinians, mostly civilians. None of this created anything like the outraged media blitz we are seeing after the deplorable Hamas attack. Six million Palestinian refugees now live in refugee camps in the neighbouring countries of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. The narrative of history is tangled, and not always fair or impartial. Israel, as a State, has the right to exist, and ensure its security. But the case of the Palestinians, in all fairness, cannot be ignored. The Oslo Peace Process of 1993, based on the Camp David Accords of 1978, gave limited recognition to the Palestinians, but hawkish leaders like Netanyahu even then sabotaged the agreed acceptance of two nations, by refusing to fully withdraw Israeli forces from the Occupied Territories, and dismantle the illegal Jewish settlements there. Israels policy of unilaterism rather than sincere conflict resolution derailed the entire peace process, and after the failed Camp David Summit of 2000 which tried to revive the peace process, things went back to square one. One key advantage in all of this was and is that Israel has the unstinted backing of the United States, which has eight million influential Jews accounting for 2.4 per cent of the population. No American administration can afford to alienate such a powerful lobby. Israel is the recipient of the latest US weapons, and financial support from the large and wealthy Jewish diaspora in America. Through the Abraham Accords of September 2020, the USA midwifed agreements between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with Saudi Arabia waiting in the wings. The intention was clear: To create a strategic rapprochement between Israel and the Arab world, bypassing the plight of the Palestinians. The massive retaliation against Hamas by the current Israeli government led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu, a fragile coalition heavily influenced by hardline right wing Jewish parties, has already pulverised Gaza killing thousands, but the UN or the world community at large has not called for an immediate ceasefire. Hamas terrorism is condemnable, but the continuing ferocity of Israeli retaliation is also inhuman. Gaza has been blockaded, and is without food, water, electricity and fuel, with thousands rendered homeless. Through such draconian responses, understandable in the desire for vengeance within Israel to destroy a jaw for a tooth and both eyes in return for one, Palestinians may be punished, but terrorism is bound to raise its ugly head again, and enduring peace will not come. The first priority then must be to stop the war. There are two major unfinished projects for lasting peace in the world today. The first is the incomplete new architecture of security in Europe after the end of the Cold War, which has, due to continued Nato expansionism in spite of specific assurances given to Russia, led directly or indirectly, to the Russia-Ukrainian war. The second and much older issue is that of Israel and Palestine. India has on this occasion expressed its solidarity with Israel, and rightly so given the Isis-like inhumanity of Hamas, and our opposition to terrorism of any kind. But in the long run, it would also be in our self-interest, keeping our consistent policy in the past, and the need to keep Arab sentiments in mind especially now when Indo-Arab relations have greatly improved to stress the need for a just and lasting peace, as the UN had asked for, and Israel has refused to comply with. The attack by a "foreigner" took place in Beijings embassy district. While China offers its services as a mediator in the conflict, Israel views this coldly after Beijing failed to explicitly condemn the massacres of seven days ago. China is also taking a low profile vis-a-vis its own citizens killed or held by Hamas in Gaza. Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) China is still offering its services as a mediator in the conflict between Israel and Hamas; however, Fridays attack against an Israeli diplomat in Beijing is likely to have a serious impact for Sino-Israeli relations. Yesterday, Hamas called for worldwide action against Israeli targets. In France, a teacher was attacked and killed at his school, while in Beijings Chaoyang District, one of the best-policed areas of the city since it hosts several embassies, an Israeli embassy employee was stabbed by a man in front of a supermarket, not far from the embassy. Israels Foreign Ministry said the employee is in hospital in stable condition. The incident was captured on camera and went viral on Chinese social media. Chinese police announced that the investigation into the case was ongoing. It described the attacker as a 53-year-old foreigner" (some sources say a Palestinian) who runs a small business in Beijing. The incident comes at a time when relations between Israel and the People's Republic of China are very tense. The Israeli government criticised China for its call to de-escalate the conflict sparked by the terrorist action a week ago, and a "fair" solution for the Palestinians without expressly mentioning Hamas. Chinas Foreign Ministry said Chinese Middle East envoy Zhai Jun held talks yesterday with the Arab League, in pursuit of Beijings diplomatic action towards solving the conflict. Zhai told representatives from the 22-member bloc that China would continue to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Before this, he had direct contacts with the Israeli government. China has so far said very little about Chinese nationals caught up in the conflict. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed the death of three Chinese citizens without releasing their names or the circumstances of their death. The Ministry also did not provide clear information about missing Chinese, presumably held by Hamas. Unlike other countries, including in Asia, China is not planning to say anything in public about those caught up in the crisis, simply acknowledging that they found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. The only newsworthy item from China is a statement by the mother of Noa Argamani, the Chinese-Israeli woman who appears in a video at the time of her abduction at the rave party in the desert. From Beijing, where she lives, the mother said that her daughter (contrary to what was said at first) was not born in China but in Israel and so is not a Chinese citizen. Finally, it should be noted that while China is reluctant to speak about Hamas despite having its own citizens among the victims of its terrorism, the Uyghurs have clearly come out against the violence of the Islamists. China treats Uyghur pro-autonomy groups acting on behalf of the Muslim population of Xinjiang as a front for jihadism. On Monday, the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), the most representative of the Uyghur organisations, issued a statement in which it strongly condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians and is deeply concerned about the prospect of escalation of conflict and further loss of lives. We stand in solidarity with all those suffering from terror and war, and we keep all those impacted by violence in our prayers. The WUC urges the international community to act urgently to protect civilian lives and to establish an effective mechanism for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Polling stations are open for the historic referendum on the rights and recognition of indigenous peoples. This follows a campaign that exposed deep rifts between the countrys white majority and the descendants of its first inhabitants. Canberra (AsiaNews/Agencies) Australia is holding an historic referendum to amend its 1901 constitution in order to formally recognise, according to its proponents, the place of Aborigines in Australian society. Almost 18 million voters are called to choose between "yes" and the recognition of indigenous peoples in the constitution and the creation of a consultative body, called the "Voice", to vet legislation that affects those communities, and "no", to reject the amendment. In Australia voting is compulsory; non-voters are subject to an A$ 20 (US$ 12.6) administrative penalty. The campaign has proven very divisive so far, fuelled by disinformation, propaganda and hate campaigns against the indigenous population, which numbers around 984,000, Aborigines and Torres Strait islanders (3.8 per cent of the Australian population). To be valid, the proposal must be voted by 50 per cent of the national vote and in at least four out of six Australian states. The latest polls give the 'no' a clear lead with 60 per cent, against 40 per cent in favour, which stands in contrast to initial polls that indicated a majority support for the recognition of indigenous peoples. Speaking from the sacred Aboriginal site of Uluru, a large reddish sandstone formation in the centre of Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tried one more time to convince sceptical voters to recognise indigenous peoples in the constitution. The centre-left leader has urged his fellow citizens to show "the best of the Australian character", and back the constitutional reform that strengthens Aboriginal rights. What I want to see is the best of Australia. We are a great multicultural success story, Albanese told public broadcaster ABC, with Uluru dominating the background. Last week, in a meeting with representatives of various religious groups, Albanese presented the project as a really moving moment of unity. That is the sort of Australia that I want to see, an Australia where were defined by our unity, not by our divisions. More than two centuries since the start of British colonisation, life expectancy for Australian Aborigines - whose earliest ancestors arrived in the continent at least 60,000 years ago is eight years lower than that of other Australians; They are on average poorer, sicker, have a greater chance of being incarcerated, and have less access to education. A group of 250 Aboriginal leaders proposed the creation of a consultative body in 2017. Considered historic in many respects, the Uluru Statement from the Heart was not accepted by everyone. Some Aborigines fear in fact that, if the "yes" vote wins, their recognition in the constitution could be tantamount to ceding their lands to the Australian government. Some community leaders have been against the referendum from the start, preferring direct negotiations with Canberra to reach a legally binding agreement for the federal government. Australia is in fact the only country in the Commonwealth that has never signed a treaty with its indigenous peoples. Lidia Thorpe, a former spokesperson for the Greens, left the party, which backed the "yes" vote, saying that a treaty should be negotiated first. by Nirmala Carvalho Indias rank in the Global Hunger Index worsened from last year's 107th place out of 125 countries, coming in last for child wasting. Only countries like Mozambique, Afghanistan, Haiti, Yemen, South Sudan and Somalia are worse than India. The Indian government, however, has dismissed the findings, arguing that the GHI report is methodologically flawed. New Delhi (AsiaNews) India ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI), down four places over last year. With a score of 28.7 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India has a level of hunger that is serious," reads the global report released by Concern Worldwide and Welt Hunger Hilfe, NGOs based in Ireland and Germany respectively. In 2022, India which became the most populous country in the world a few months ago overtaking China was ranked 107th. In a statement, the Indian Ministry of Women and Child Development dismissed the index, saying that it continues to be a flawed measure of Hunger and does not reflect Indias true position. The GHI report placed Pakistan in 102nd place, Bangladesh in 81st, Nepal in 69th, and Sri Lanka in 60th place. In the past few years, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have been the regions with the highest levels of hunger. The index uses a 100-point scale with 0 as the best score indicating no hunger, and looks at four indicators to reach its results: undernourishment, child mortality, child wasting, and child stunting. One of the reports most alarming findings is the level of child wasting, with India in last place at 18.7 per cent; this means that almost one in Indian under the age of 18 is seriously malnourished. Indias rate of undernourishment stood at 16.6 per cent and under-five mortality at 3.1 per cent. The report also found that anaemia affected 58.1 per cent of women aged between 15 and 24 years. The Indian government has rejected the GHI report. "The index is an erroneous measure of hunger and suffers from serious methodological issues. Three out of the four indicators used for calculation of the index are related to the health of children and cannot be representative of the entire population," said the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in a statement. The fourth and most important indicator, Proportion of Undernourished (PoU) population is based on an opinion poll conducted on a very small sample size of 3,000," it added. For the ministry, "The percentage of child wasting, as seen on the Poshan Tracker, has been consistently below 7.2 per cent, month-on-month, as compared to the value of 18.7 per cent used for child wasting in the Global Hunger Index 2023. Yet, for Miriam Wiemers, senior policy advisor at the Global Hunger Index, the calculations for undernourishment were not based on its polls but on data from Indias own Food Balance Sheet. Today's news: Number of Thais who died in Mideast rises to 24. A meeting between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Kyrgyzstan over Nagorno Karabakh falls through. In Myanmar, junta drops one of its most powerful bombs on a refugee camp. In Moscow police raided the homes of Alexei Navalny's lawyers. Taiwanese government raises salaries of educators and caregivers of people with physical and mental disabilities. NORTH KOREA PALESTINE North Korea has denied claims that the Palestinian terrorist group used its weapons. Reports from the United States suggest that Hamas militants used North Korean F-7 rocket-propelled grenades. This could be new supplies or from previous shipments going back as far as 2009," said Bruce Bechtol, a professor at Angelo State University in Texas, who has researched North Korea's arms sales. He suggests the weapons may have taken an indirect route through Iran or Syria. ISRAEL THAILAND Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that three more Thais were killed in the Hamas attack, bringing the death toll of Thai nationals to 24. The government has announced that the number of people who have asked to be evacuated from Israel has reached 7,000. Srettha confirmed that his government is working with private airlines to bring Thais home as soon as possible. JAPAN Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has ordered the deployment of a Japan Self-Defence Forces plane to an operating base in Djibouti over the weekend as part of his governments efforts to evacuate Japanese nationals from Israel. Kishida said the plane will arrive in East Africa about 2,000 kilometres south of Israel and be on standby to intervene if necessary. MYANMAR According to an investigation by Amnesty International, Myanmars ruling military junta used one of its largest aerial-delivered bombs during an attack on the village of Mung Lai Hkyet, Kachin State, last Monday night. According to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), at least 29 people, including 13 children, were killed, while another 57 were injured. The junta reportedly bombed the village located about two miles north of the city of Laiza, thinking it was one of the KIA's headquarters. CHINA KAZAKHSTAN Kazakhstan has approved a bill that ratifies an agreement signed with China that will allow the two countries to exchange information name, date and place of birth, photograph, identification issuing authority and citizenship status about their citizens. This follows a visit by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to China, which is more interested in the deal in order to curb immigration to Kazakhstan of Chinese citizens, including several people from Xinjiang, who moved to Kazakhstan without informing Chinese authorities. INDIA India's palm oil imports increased by 29.21 per cent to over 90 million tonnes in the first 10 months of the year compared to 2022. India, the world's largest buyer of vegetable oil, had imported 70.28 million tonnes of palm oil products during the same period last year. During November 2022 and September 2023, the import of palm products increased sharply due to price parity, reads a statement by the Mumbai-based Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA). This has had a negative impact on the domestic market. NAGORNO-KARABAKH Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed in principle to reach a peace agreement within two to three months, but their leaders cannot find a place to meet. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliev did not show up at a meeting of European Union heads of state and government in Granada (Spain) on 5 October, while Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refused to take part in the summit of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation's (CSTO), currently underway in Kyrgyzstan, increasingly moving away from Moscow. RUSSIA Police in Moscow raided the apartments of Alexei Navalny's lawyers, Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser, and arrested them on charges of "participation in an extremist association, this according to other activists from the anti-corruption fund linked to the jailed dissident. Navalny himself was informed of this during a court hearing against him. TAIWAN The Taiwanese government has approved funding for a five-year Ministry of Health and Welfare project worth 48 billion New Taiwan dollars to increase the pay of educators and caregivers of people with physical and mental disabilities to NT,700 and 33,700 respectively. The increase is close to NT,000. Some 1.2 million people have a physical or mental disability in Taiwan, but despite many efforts, there are not enough staff to care for them. by Stefano Caprio The "piecemeal world war" evoked for years by Pope Francis is indeed turning into an increasingly global confrontation. Russia sees in this, the realisation of its "mission" to challenge the domination of the "collective" West. Solzhenitsyn's words about the troubled relationship between Russians and Jews come to mind. Russia did not directly and unequivocally condemn the actions of Hamas terrorists, whose sudden attack on 7 October sparked the ongoing horrific conflict between Israel and Gaza, with thousands of deaths on both sides and massacres that put to shame even the horrors of Bucha and Mariupol. Only two days after the start of the conflict did Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov make a statement, saying that "the Palestinian-Israeli armed confrontation must be absolutely stopped; the problem must be resolved with the civil authorities, who are also victims of the situation, in particular, "focusing on the reasons for the conflict", a hint at the need for a Palestinian state. Out of the various statements heard at this confusing time, the most belligerent Russians exhibit a barely concealed glee that the worlds attention has shifted away from the war in Ukraine, forcing the West to make serious choices, putting support for Ukraine itself on the back burner. Conspiracy theories aside that see Moscow's hand behind the actions of Palestinian terrorists, the statement by the overexcited former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev applies to everyone: "So, NATO friends, you are done fiddling! It is not hard to understand how Russia is profiting from the multiplication of wars around the world from those in which it is directly involved, in the Caucasus, to those in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa where the Russians are very active. While Chinas invasion of Taiwan might be in the cards, it is almost surprising that conflicts in South America have not yet been reignited, like the never-ending dispute over the Amazon forests between Peru and Ecuador. The "piecemeal world war" evoked for years by Pope Francis is indeed developing into an increasingly global clash, in which Russia sees the realisation of its "mission" to challenge the domination of the "collective" West. State propaganda in Russia, by politicians and media agitators, reiterates that any conflict is helpful to Russia, sometimes without trying to hide it behind seemingly neutral statements. Tigran Keosayan, a presenter on the NTV network, has said this repeatedly. On Russia-1, another mainstream TV windbag, Vladimir Solovyov, has explicitly accused the European Union and the United States of escalating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also said: "I am Jewish, not Israeli; I do not support Israel". The editor-in-chief of Russia Today broadcaster, Margarita Simonyan, noted that "a country that does not make war on its neighbours, is making war on its neighbours; now we must expect the exodus of Russian pacifists from Israel ... Actually, it would be better not to expect it; let us hope they go to countries that are even further away. The allusion is to the many Russians who fled to Israel criticising the war in Ukraine and who are now trying to return home, such as billionaire Mikhail Friedman of Alfa-Bank, who risks prosecution for high treason since he gave money to Ukrainians. Even on the website of Russias Council for Foreign Policy and Defence, a comment appeared titled Every war today is a favour to Russia, arguing that wars are now the new normal, and that we must get used to it. "Look, everyone is at war: Azerbaijan attacked Armenia and conquered Karabakh, Hamas lashed out at Israel, and Russian is settling the score in Ukraine. This "normalisation of war" is therefore not just a Russian mania, it is a worldwide phenomenon. We have entered the era of instability and we must get used to it", the site noted without raising an eyebrow. Getting used to war also means realising that there will be no quick solutions to conflicts, that war will be with us for many years, the Russians keep on telling us. It will not end tomorrow, and not even in a year ... Men fight, and it will always be like this. It is not surprising that the Russians are increasingly bragging about global conflicts, which they feel they are the true inspirers. There is nothing to be ashamed of, we have gone too far. Russia communicates only with a small group of allied and "friendly" countries, on the margins of the international community, and with openly authoritarian and aggressive regimes, such as Iran and North Korea, so it has nothing left to lose in terms of reputation. The Russian people, by habit, do not challenge the leadership", and in the face of all this, they sink more and more into indifference and apathy, so much so that many are now suggesting to simplify the next presidential elections by replacing voting with the tsars acclamation. People in Russia know well that propaganda trumps reality, both inside and outside the country, and therefore it is not worth believing anyone nor sticking your neck out to avoid having it cut off. One of the loudest mouthpieces is philosopher Alexander Dugin, one of Putins greatest ideological cheerleaders, according to whom "Israel is a vassal of the US and did not support Russia during the special military operation, despite the fact that ours is a war against the Ukrainian Banderite Nazis (Banderovstsy/, followers of Stepan Bandera, a collaborationist in the 1930s), who are guilty of taking part in the Holocaust of the Jews. For the prophet of Eurasianism, "whatever our opinions of Jews and Muslims, it is a matter of principle; Iran is our friend, ally and brother, it has supported us in the most difficult moment, while Israel has not. In his opinion, "Stalin's logic now becomes more understandable; he was in favour of Israel as long as Israel was on our side, and then he went against it. Dugin fears that the escalation in Israel could lead to a collective reaction from the Arab world, given that "the Palestinians in this war have no chance; they cannot destroy nor defeat Israel." And even Israel has little hope of reconquering the Palestinian territories, which lie within its boundaries, nor can it physically exterminate all Palestinians. Now it is time to wait and see how Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the other Gulf States and Egypt, all more or less aligned with Russia, will react. For this reason, he concludes: It is hard for Russia to choose a side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; we must pay close attention to the course of events," aware that "multipolarity is getting stronger, while the intensity of the hegemony of the collective West is weakening. Political and military strategies notwithstanding, a rather deep-rooted anti-Semitism is also re-emerging in Russia, which has gone through various phases in both ancient and recent history. Persecuted Jews across Europe travelled from the Atlantic to the Black Sea coast between Russia and Ukraine, in the area called "New Russia" (Novorossiya/). Here too, they were driven out to remove them from the Belarusian markets, which are another part of "Little Russia" (Malorossiya/), as Ukraine is also called, i.e. the lands where the "special operation" is currently underway. Thus, Russians and Israelis share a certain contradictory kinship, nurtured by emigration from Moscow to Tel Aviv even in Soviet times, which make Israel one of the most Russian-speaking countries in the world, a unique expression of the "Russian world". The founding fathers of modern Israel, from Ben Gurion to Netanyahu, come from Polish, Russian or Ukrainian-speaking families, and even Arab taxi drivers in Jerusalem know Russian. The last great literary effort by the great Soviet dissident writer, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, published in 2001, a few years before his death, was titled Two Hundred Years Together, centred on the relationship between Russians and Jews, which he divides into two periods, 1795-1916 and then the Soviet years, 1917-1995. As he writes in the preface, "I have long sought someone who could fully explain and in a balanced way, this red-hot relationship, but I have always come across one-sided opinions. On the one hand, the guilt of the Russians vis-a-vis the Jews, with all the outrage against the degradation of the Russian people; on the other, the faults of the Jews towards the Russians; both expressed passionately and indirectly, without even trying to see what must be attributed to both as merits. Many accused Solzhenitsyn of anti-Semitism, of getting into a very dark historical corner, far from his great visions in the Red Wheel novels in which he tried to explain the profound reasons for the revolution and the epochal changes of the 20th century. The author of Gulag Archipelago was certainly not aligned with the dominant thoughts in the East and the West, but he was often prophetic in his visions. Today we are again faced with the dilemma, after "centuries together" and decades of illusions, reverting to divisions and war, whose reasons cannot be fathomed. RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY IN YOUR E-MAIL? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. I'm fine, as I'm very fortunate to own my home I own, but I'm feeling the pinch on my mortgage with other inflation costs I rent and it's expensive, but it could be worse I'm seriously considering leaving the valley if something doesn't give Vote View Results By Kim Se-jeong In 1593, Joseon's King Seonjo wrote a letter from Euiju, North Pyeongan Province, where he had taken refuge during Japan's invasion of the Korean Peninsula. In his letter, Seonjo urged people to join the fight against Japan by offering government positions to those who would provide military intelligence regardless of their social stature an unconventional move. However, what got scholars interested in the letter was not the content but the language "Hangeul," the Korean alphabet invented by King Sejong. "It is the first public document solely written in Hangeul (without Chinese characters)," Lee Ha-young, a researcher at the Gimhae Hangeul Museum where the original document is currently on display, said of its significance. "It is believed the king deliberately chose Hangeul to ensure commoners could understand the message and to prevent the Japanese from understanding it." The exhibition is underway in celebration of Hangeul Day on Oct. 9 and will last until Sunday. Hangeul was invented by King Sejong in 1443 and proclaimed in 1446. Despite its excellence as a phonetic alphabet and the king's efforts to promote it, Hangeul faced resistance from aristocrats at that time. It was treated as a second-class alphabet and aristocrats boycotted it for the rest of Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). The impact of the boycott can be found in royal archives and Joseon's other official documents which have no Hangeul. However, the fact that King Seonjo used Hangeul can show some other aspects of Joseon's upper class. "It is true that Hangeul was boycotted. Kings did not use Hangeul for official documents due to opposition from aristocrats, but they learned and used it unofficially. Even Yeonsangun learned Hangeul and used it. Kings would have not boycotted Hangeul which was invented by their ancestors," Lee said. Yeonsangun, the 10th ruler of the kingdom, is also known for a Hangeul ban after discovering a complaint about him written in Hangeul in 1504. Scholars say the boycott was quite a big movement among aristocrats and prominent intellectuals such as Jeong Yak-yong and Park Ji-won, two great thinkers of that time. Initially named "Jeongeum," Hangeul was later given its current name by the linguist Ju Si-gyeong. King Sejong made arduous efforts to promote it. He published the alphabet guidebook, "Haerye," and asked scholars to translate existing Chinese books into Hangeul. Unlike aristocrats, ordinary people liked to use Hangeul. Hangeul is frequently featured in story books, agriculture books and Buddhism-related books. Toward the end of the Joseon era and during modernization, Hangeul found itself in a new standing in society. King Gojong acknowledged Hangeul as the national alphabet in its Gabo Revolution declaration in 1894. In 1896, Hangeul was used in Korea's first newspaper "Tognip Sinmun." In 1907, the first Korean language research center was founded, with scholars publishing grammar books and dictionaries. The Japanese oppression fueled the popularity of Hangeul despite the ban. Many people secretly flocked to learn the alphabet. Nowadays, with the popularity of Korean culture, the number of people around the world learning Hangeul is growing. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The Malaise era spelled the end for true muscle cars like those that hit the streets from 1964 to 1971. Though performance figures and design standards dropped during those dreadful years, some performance-oriented, V8-powered models pushed through. 1974 Plymouth Barracuda Photo: Mecum 1974 Pontiac GTO Photo: Mecum 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Photo: Mecum 1980-1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Photo: Mecum 1982 Ford Mustang GT Photo: Mecum Coined by journalist Murilee Martin after US President Jimmy Carter's malaise speech, the therm Malaise era is usually used to describe American vehicles built from the 1973 to the 1983 model years.After thrilling buyers with obscenely powerful rides from 1964 to 1971, American carmakers were forced by various federal regulations and a couple of fuel crises to give up focusing on performance in favor of safety and fuel efficiency.Though this led to the extinction of the original muscle cars , some models survived for a few years with detuned engines or pushed through the entire period thanks to significant redesigns.By late-1960s standards, these five Malaise-era models are not worthy of being called muscle cars, but compared to their contemporaries, they were unquestionably more powerful.Moreover, while most Malaise-era cars are considered the ugliest ever produced throughout the history of the American automotive industry, these models managed to retain or successfully reinterpret the muscle car spirit.While most muscle car icons were discontinued by the end of the 1973 model year, the third-generation 'Cuda managed to soldier on for another year.In terms of styling, the 1974 Barracuda retained the iconic design of the 1970-1971 models, plus the minor visual improvements introduced during the 1972 model year.In the engine department, the legendary 426 HEMI and the potent 440s were gone. Apart from the standard 318-ci (5.2-liter) V8 rated at an appalling 150 hp, the only performance option was a 360-ci (5.9-liter) that could make 245 hp.That was a long way from the 425 ponies of the HEMI , but still an acceptable figure for the period.Still, by this time, Americans were feeling the blunt force of the 1973 oil crisis and sky-rocketing insurance premiums, so rather than buying an underpowered 'Cuda, they shifted to fuel-efficient compacts like the new Mustang II.Consequently, Plymouth only sold 11,734 'Cudas in 1974, and by the time the model year ended, the legendary model was discontinued.Today, a 1974 Plymouth Baracuda is much more affordable than its high-powered 1970-1971 siblings. According to classic.com, the average value for one currently stands at $44,798.From the 1964 model credited with kickstarting the muscle car craze to the flashy 1969-1971 Judge , the GTO was one of the most iconic nameplates from the golden era of muscle cars.But, while the nameplate survived into the Malaise era, Pontiac - much like Ford with the Mustang - was forced to improvise.Therefore, in 1974, the GTO became an option for the Ventura (a rebadged Chevy Nova), much to the disagreement of the brand's hardcore enthusiasts.In this new compact guise, the GTO was only available with a 350-ci (5.7-liter) V8 equipped with a Rochester 4MC Quadrajet carburetor.Mated to a standard three-speed manual and hidden under a functional "shaker" hood, the engine was rated at an acceptable (for the period) 200 hp.Options included a wide-ratio four-speed manual adorned with a Hurst shifter , a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic, power steering, and power front disc brakes.Though sales improved over 1973, the GTO was discontinued after the 1974 model year ended and would only return three decades later on a rebadged Holden Monaro.Despite being dubbed the worst GTO ever, the 1974 model retained the muscle car spirit by combining a lighter body with sufficient V8 power and packaging everything into an eye-catching little ride.With an average value of $34,600, the baby GTO is a cool and affordable classic muscle car that can be enjoyed with its stock 360 or beefed up exponentially with a bigger V8.The second-generation Firebird Trans Am was another muscle car from the golden age that continued production during the early years of the Malaise era. However, unlike the GTO, it was constantly improved and thrived throughout the entire period.In 1979, the entire Firebird lineup received a significant redesign that aimed to modernize its appearance.Its front and rear ends were completely reshaped, giving birth to the most iconic looks of the Malaise era and one of the meanest-looking muscle cars ever produced.Under the hood, the high-performance Trans Am trim came with a standard Oldsmobile-sourced 403-ci (6.6-liter) good for 185 hp that could only be had with a three-speed auto.Those who wanted a more fuel-efficient V8 (and a manual) could get the 150-hp Pontiac 301 (4.9-liter), while power-thirsty enthusiasts could go for the 400-ci (6.6-liter) conservatively rated at 220 hp - albeit this engine leftover from the 1978 production run was in short supply.Equipped with the WS6 Special Performance Package that stiffened the suspension, the 1979 Trans Am was one of the best-handling muscle cars of the 20th century.These days, its average value stands at $34,600 (according to classic.com), which makes it an affordable muscle car icon that can be easily transformed into a tire shredder thanks to the availability of a wide range of aftermarket upgrades.Like its Pontiac sibling, the second generation Camaro also soldiered on past 1973, surviving on the market until 1981.However, unlike the Firebird, the Chevy pony car continued using the same early-1970s look with far more subtle improvements.The muscular Z/28 trim also survived, but like all other performance-oriented models, output ratings dropped significantly.As standard, the last hoorah for the second generation Z/28 was powered by a 305-ci (5.0-liter) rated at 165 hp, with the sole option being a 350-ci (5.7-liter) that made 190 hp.However, in 1981, the 350 received an engine management system to tame emissions but also affected power, dropping to 175 hp.Today, the 1980-1981 Z/28 has an average value of around $20,000, making it one of the cheapest classic muscle cars available.The stock ratings don't make it a thoroughbred muscle car, but this beautiful survivor can easily be tuned to produce more ponies. Moreover, it has a large engine bay that can accommodate another, more potent V8 if you really want some muscle-car-worthy power.The trend-setting pony car turned muscle car icon survived through the Malaise era but underwent two drastic redesigns.Launched in 1973, the second-generation, Ford Pinto-based 'Stang was an ugly and underpowered subcompact that proved highly successful despite losing all its muscles.In 1979, the Mustang was redesigned once again, moving to Ford's larger Fox platform. But, despite the larger platform, output remained anemic for the sake of fuel economy.Three years later, the Fox body 'Stang became slightly more exciting thanks to the rebirth of the GT trim. Unlike the Cobra package it replaced, the new GT was not just an appearance-boosting trim but also brought a performance-oriented engine.Marketed as a 5.0-liter, the "new" powerplant was actually a Winsdor 302 (4.9-liter) with several improvements that amounted to 157 hp - nearly twice as much as the 'Stang's standard inline-six.The first GT 'of the Fox body 'Stang family currently has an average value of around $15,000, making it the cheapest entry on our list.Though it's not the prettiest Mustang ever built, the Fox body has a cult following today and, thus, a wide range of aftermarket upgrades that can be used to exponentially increase performance. Every petrolhead (or most of them, anyway) loves a basic car with a big engine stuffed under the hood that's capable of smoking most high-end machines in a straight line. Dodge is well aware of that, so they spruced up the offering with Hellcat-powered versions of its Challenger, Charger, and Durango series. The famous engine, which is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 capable of pumping out from over 700 horsepower to well over 1,000 in the latest iteration Demon 170 , was also used in other vehicles from partner brands, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the Ram 1500 TRX.As it happens, it was the lump that made the pictured Dodge Charger truly great. And it wasn't an older example either, but a 2023 model, which gave its last breath while it was engulfed in flames. The fire got the best of it, destroying everything or almost everything, because the engine is gone, so it may have been saved (fingers crossed).The pictures shared on the automotive hall of shame called Copart show that there isn't anything that anyone could do with this 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat , as only the body remains, and it was badly affected by the flames. An artist might turn it into an interesting sculpture, though they'd need a tetanus shot before getting near it. Then again, it could easily be turned into a chicken coop.Whatever you may have in mind for this once great muscly sedan, know that it is for sale. It is listed for grabs on the aforementioned website as a direct sale, so it won't hit the online auction block as part of a future event. What you see is what you get, namely a burnt and stripped four-door that used to have a fabulous engine under the hood and additional hot amenities. And we don't know about you, but we'd definitely say no to it.If you don't agree with that, then you may want to click on this link that will take you to the listing. The car, or whats left of it, can be found in Jackson, Mississippi, yet it isn't the type of buy where an in-person inspection might convince you to drive it home or not. Nonetheless, we think it would probably sell, as it is often the case with vehicles in horrible conditions that get listed for grabs, and we'd want a word with the kind of person who sees the value in it, as it would likely lead to an interesting conversation.We'll wrap it up by reminding you that both the Challenger and the Charger are going away, and we don't know anything about their successors other than the rumor that they might go fully electric. Nowadays, delivery behemoths like United Parcel Service (UPS) are adding state-of-the-art drones and eVTOLs to their fleets, but it may not be long before we can see cars flying in the sky. People have been dreaming about flying cars ever since the 1960s, and we all remember the depiction of such futuristic vehicles in "The Jetsons" cartoon. Photo: Mecum Auctions Photo: Mecum Auctions Photo: Mecum Auctions The era of flying cars is drawing closer now, but back in the 1980s, it was still a fantasy. Even fast-food delivery companies like Domino Pizza were probably dreaming of sending pies to their clients by air, so they got the next best thing - an aerospace-inspired three-wheeler with a profile very similar to a small jet aircraft.Called the Tritan A2 Aerocar, the unusual machine was conceived as a quick, safe, and economical pizza delivery vehicle . The pizza chain commissioned the vehicle from a small, now defunct automobile maker based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, called Tritan Ventures. The vehicle was designed by James and Douglas Amick. The latter is known to have been experimenting with fuel-efficient, trike-based vehicles since at least 1969.Tritan Ventures originally unveiled the A2 Aerocar in 1984, aiming to offer a highly aerodynamic vehicle for extreme fuel efficiency. So, they built it with a lightweight body and an aircraft-inspired shape for less drag. Its aircraft-inspired shape resulted in a drag coefficient of just 0.15, less than half that of conventional automobiles of the day. To give you some perspective, a 1985 Corvette coupe had a drag coefficient of 0.33, and the Toyota MR2 boasted 0.35.The vehicle features a monocoque design on a three-wheeled layout and an "Amick Arch" linking the sides at the rear. All these factors resulted in a drag coefficient of only 0.15, less than half of what conventional vehicles of the day achieved.Moreover, the largely fiberglass construction results in a curb weight of just 900 pounds, and the arch-shaped airfoil at the rear provides excellent aerodynamic directional stability, causing the vehicle to slide if turned too sharply.The beating heart of the Tritan A2 is a 440cc air-cooled Syvaro rotary engine capable of a 30-horsepower output. The futuristic appearance, combined with an 80 mpg fuel efficiency and a top speed of 95 mph (27 kph), made the A2 Aerocar a revolutionary machine that caught the eye of Domino's Pizza. The pizza chain was already famous for its 30-minute pizza delivery guarantee, so it only made sense for them to look for an efficient machine to add to their fleet.Besides serving as an efficient means of delivering hot pizzas to the company's clients, the vehicle was such an unusual sight on the streets that it immediately grabbed news headlines, resulting in free publicity for the pizza chain.The enclosed fiberglass monocoque is spacious enough to seat two people in tandem and has a fighter jet-like forward sliding canopy that allows them to enter and exit the vehicle. The units used by Domino's Pizza were finished in special livery with the company's colors and logo and were fitted with pizza ovens that could keep several stacked pizza boxes in the back to keep the clients' orders hot until delivered.Though Domino's initial plan was to purchase 180 A2 Aerocars and deploy them at various locations across the United States, only ten prototype units were ever produced, and only seven are known to still be in existence today.Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan ordered the A2s for a pilot program in Ann Arbor, where the company is headquartered. However, they didn't proceed with the plan. It's not clear for how long Domino's used the ten Aerocars, but eventually, the pizza chain donated them to automotive museums across the country.At least two of the seven surviving examples are now in private hands, and one of them is coming up for sale. The Tritan A2 Aerocar shown in this article is said to have been restored, but the listing doesn't mention when exactly that happened.What we do know is that it still wears the correct Domino's livery with a red and white paint job and blue accents. It is powered by the original SP-440 Syvaro rotary engine, which has been rebuilt. The pizza oven in the back is missing, as Domino's is said to have removed them before donating the A2 Aerocars.The 1985 Tritan A2 Domino's Pizza delivery vehicle is set to go under the hammer in early November. There is no price guide for it, but a similar model sold in 2019 for $44,800. This particular unit comes with its own customized Aluma motorcycle trailer that will allow the future owner to easily move it around. Built in 2022, the trailer is still perfectly capable of hauling motorcycles.Though the performance of Tritan's A2 Aerocar wasn't that impressive, its futuristic design and slippery aerodynamics were elements of novelty that made it a fascinating machine. This Ferrari 512 TR Spider is 1-of-3 ever built. It rolled off the production line in 1994 wearing Blue Cobalto, had a single owner since new, and is now worth over $3 million. And there is one more reason for that staggering estimated price: that single owner did not even drive it much! Photo: RM Sotheby's Photo: RM Sotheby's Photo: RM Sotheby's It was the early 1990s, and Ferrari had the iconic Testarossa , with its mid-mounted flat-12, 385 horsepower (390 PS) and 361 lb-ft (490 Nm). It was time they came up with something else. The Testarossa still had some energy left in it, and sales figures proved it.But it was its sixth year on the market, and Ferrari needed to bring something new to the market and needed to do it fast. It needed something that would not make the brand's enthusiasts nostalgic about the Testarossa, but happy to see, buy, drive the new creation.And so Ferrari unveiled the direct successor of the Testarossa, the 512 TR Spider, with the '5' in the designation being a reference to the cubic capacity of the engine in liters (rounded up) and the '12' referring to the number of cylinders. Meanwhile, the TR' easy to guess was short for 'Testarossa.'The model entered production in 1991 with slightly redesigned front and rear bumpers, improved aerodynamics, and better ergonomics. The nose and tail were brought closer to the ground, while the radiator grille sported the Cavallino Rampante (Prancing Horse) badge placed in the center.The car came with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, which were a modern take on the Ferrari five-spoke design. They were 2 inches larger, a solution that Ferrari resorted to because they needed the extra space to fit the ventilated cross-drilled brake discs clamped by four-piston calipers.Ferrari lowered the chassis to reduce roll and put the center of gravity lower. Consequently, the engine and gearbox dropped by 30 millimeters (1.1 inches). The 512 TR still featured the suspension of the Testarossa, but retuned for the larger diameter wheels.Yet Ferrari kept the best for last: it was the 4.943 cc Tipo engine with extra oomph compared to what the Testarossa came with, due to the use of high compression pistons that raised the compression ratio from 9.3:1 to 10:1, larger valves, as well as a new Bosch Motronic M2.7 ignition and fuel injection system.They all brought along 38 horsepower over the engine that powered the Testarossa, taking it to a total of 422 horsepower (428 PS), while torque was rated at 360 lb-ft (488 Nm).The engine was linked to the same five-speed manual gearbox, while the car could hit 60 mph (97 kph) from 0 in 4.8 seconds and go all the way to a top speed of 195 mph (314 kph).In 1994, Ferrari built three units of the 512 TR Spider. Two of them ended up with Alfred Tan of Hong Seh Motors, Ferraris official dealership in Singapore, with strong ties to the Brunei Royal Family.He sold one of the two to a French CEO, but kept a model finished in Blue Cobalto. Chassis number 97310, his car is actually the worlds only Ferrari 512 TR Spider with the spectacular Blu Cobalt paintwork over the Blu Scuro Connolly leather interior. Also in blue was the floor mat. The convertible also came with a navy blue roof to support the all-blue color scheme.But why was Alfred Tan offered the two 512 TRs? He was the one who coordinated the production of the three Testarossa Spiders for the Brunei Royal Family. Tan knew the value of the Ferrari he had received and hardly drove the car, keeping it at the dealership most of the time or in dry storage, away from the elements. Today, the odometer shows only 570 kilometers (354 miles), which pretty much turns it into a garage queen.Everything about this Spider remained original. The almost 30-year-old paint is impeccable, the upholstery does not show its age either, and the matching numbers 4.9-liter flat-12 engine and gearbox kept their ground.Three years after purchase, in 1997, Alfred Tan was invited to display his car at the 50th Anniversary of Ferrari in Rome. This is how the 512 TR Spider was exhibited there and photographed, with the photos now part of the digital history file.The unique blue-themed Ferrari 512 TR Spider is the only chance anyone would get to drive home one of the only three ever made, as the other two are not in circulation.The car is now going under the hammer with RM Sothebys. The auction is scheduled for November 4 in London. Organizers expect it to fetch anywhere between 2.1 million and 2.7 million pounds. That translates into $2.5 million and $3.27 million. Those interested in taking it home must know that the car is offered without registration papers, Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) struck a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) Saturday, which is expected to enhance bilateral trade and overall economic relations, according to Seoul's industry ministry. Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun and the UAE's foreign trade minister, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed the joint statement on the conclusion of negotiations for a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Seoul, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said. This is Korea's 24th FTA and the first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern nation. The CEPA is a type of FTA, which emphasizes a broader scope of economic cooperation and exchanges on top of market opening. The two countries plan to officially sign the agreement in the first half of next year following a legal review and necessary domestic procedures, the ministry said. "The countries have concluded the negotiations, reaching a significant milestone in light of the strategic bilateral relationship," the joint statement read. "The CEPA will serve as a catalyst for the enhancement and promotion of economic relations, while also increasing and diversifying bilateral trade," Under the deal, Korea will remove tariffs on 92.8 percent of all items traded, and the UAE will lift tariffs on 91.2 percent of all products within up to 10 years. Korea is expected to enjoy growth particularly in exports of eco-friendly vehicles, weaponry and electronics, as well as fresh food items. The UAE will also remove a 3 percent tariff on crude oil over the next 10 years, which will help boost Korean refiners' price competitiveness and ensure stable supplies. "In the services sector, the UAE decided to open its online gaming, medical services and other industries in which South Korea is highly interested. The agreement is expected to further promote K-content in the Middle East," a ministry official said. "The UAE is Korea's key partner country in the Middle East under 'the special strategic partnership.' The CEPA is expected to further boost bilateral ties in a future-oriented manner and beef up cooperation in such fields as energy and advanced industries," he added. Two-way trade came to around $19.5 billion in 2022, and the UAE is Korea's 16th major trading partner, government data showed. (Yonhap) The fierce competition in the automotive space should soon include big names from the technology world, as Apple and Xiaomi are already working on vehicles projected to launch later this decade. EV The latter is likely to enter the car battle as soon as next year, with the official unveiling due in the first half of 2024.Reliable tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently released an investor note that includes several juicy tidbits about the Xiaomi Car . Kuo says Xiaomi sees the existing climate in the automotive space as the perfect opportunity to launch a car, especially in China'smarket, where Huawei paved the way for significant growth.As a result, Xiaomi's timing is just perfect, so the company planned its automotive strategy correctly, at least for a successful debut in the domestic market.The Xiaomi Car production is projected to begin early next year, and Kuo explains that the Chinese tech giant was to make between 50,000 and 60,000 vehicles in 2024. The figure is much lower than the original estimates, as people close to the matter said Xiaomi aimed for a 2024 output of 100,000 units. The figure was projected to double in 2025 when Xiaomi wanted at least 200,000 cars to roll off its new factory in Beijing.Kuo did not share any specifics on Xiaomi's long-term output targets, but the analyst claims the technology behemoth wants to create a strong connection between the smartphone and automotive products. The company wants cars and phones to work together seamlessly, possibly as it plans features to transition between the two screens when getting in and out of the car.Not long ago, it was discovered that Xiaomi also plans to offer Apple CarPlay support in its first vehicle. However, the company will double with an in-house product offering deeper vehicle integration, hoping drivers wouldn't feel the need for CarPlay. Additionally, the integration would serve as an incentive for potential Xiaomi Car buyers to purchase a Xiaomi phone.Kuo claims Xiaomi also wants to launch the Xiaomi car in overseas markets, with the analyst explaining that the company's international presence paves the way for this ambitious goal.One interesting tidbit in Kuo's investor note concerns the car's selling price. The analyst claims the vehicle should launch with a price tag below 300k yuan (approximately $41,000 at today's currency rates). However, Xiaomi is also targeting a 250k yuan (around $34,000) price tag, making the vehicle extremely competitive from a pricing perspective. If the EV becomes so affordable, Xiaomi could substantially increase the production target for 2024, the analyst says Apple's Car isn't expected until 2026 , at the earliest, as Kuo says the iPhone maker has reduced the focus on the vehicle, pushing behind the initial 2025 release target. Tiny houses have long been held as the epitome of minimalism, but in a more general sense, you don't get any more minimalist than an iPhone. Add an iPhone to the tiny house movement, and you get Kasita, a very smart, modular, and ultra-compact home dubbed the "iPhone of housing." Photo: Kasita Photo: Kasita Photo: Kasita Photo: Kasita Tiny living has taken center stage in recent years due to a variety of factors ranging from the rising costs of living, heightened awareness of environmental issues, and the desire to lead a more mobile life. Tiny houses and alternative housing options also make for great Instagram content, which turned tiny living itself into a bankable occupation.Before all this, there was the Kasita. Like the Boxabl Casita , a viral star since word got out that Tesla CEO Elon Musk lived in a prototype outside of SpaceX in Texas, the name comes from the Spanish word meaning "little house."The Kasita idea goes back to 2014 when creator Jeff Wilson was living out of a dumpster and started thinking about a unit that would be ideal for densely populated urban areas Wilson is a former environmental studies professor at Huston-Tillotson University, who also goes by Professor Dumpster because of that project that saw him live out of a repurposed dumpster for a year. He then moved on to the Kasita, which he unveiled in 2015, and, even later, the Jupe glamping unit , which uses some of the modularity features from Kasita to create the perfect vacation accommodation wherever you might be.Kasita looks like a container house and features a layout similar to what you might find in one of those. The difference is that it's not made out of a container but of prefabricated aluminum composite panels assembled on-site over a steel structural framework.One such micro-dwelling is perfect as a permanent residence for two people, or it could be joined with other units to create larger, multiple-bedroom family homes. Stack more such units, and you get "instant" (-ish) homes for crowded urban areas where construction permits are impossible to get.The Kasita has a linear layout, with an elevated platform at one end hiding the electrics and offering extra storage. The platform holds the kitchen and dining area, the bathroom, and a utility closet, while the front end is taken up by the bedroom slash lounge and an atrium-like living.Wilson unveiled a functional Kasita prototype with this layout in 2015. In between having it on display at various local trade events, he used it as his home. It was a welcome upgrade to living in a dumpster tiny home, to be sure: the Kasita prototype offered 319 square feet (30 square meters) of living space.Later that year, Wilson revealed plans for a series production unit that came with 352 square feet (33 square meters) of living space and took eight weeks to finish before the on-site assembly. It came equipped with the same IoT features as the prototype, so there'd be more than 60 connected gadgets and home devices meant to make life easier, more comfortable, and more convenient.Aside from being a very compact , quite elegant, and relatively mobile tiny house (*assuming you hired a crane and truck to move it around), Kasita immediately stood out for its smart features. This was a home that came with everything from smart lights and blinds, remote unlock, home security, and permanent monitoring of all functions, including water consumption.Wilson's unit even had a feature that recognized moods based on his voice when uttering commands. Preset, more obvious modes like "theater" were also available, dimming the lights, bringing out the TV from its hideaway, and opening Netflix."Kasita is on a mission to solve the housing crisis in America with our seamlessly smart, beautifully designed light homes," the Kasita team said in 2015 when the time came to bring the units to mass production. "We have taken a product design approach to housing in a way never before imagined."The interior was equally modular, and it was part of the unique design approach . As photos in the gallery show, the open-plan interior allowed for multiple functionalities, from coffee shop to personal gym, office, or home. Wilson's unit was a home and was specced accordingly, including full-size appliances in the kitchen, a full bathroom, and elegant finishes.The living area was wrapped in self-tinting glass, helping to create a home environment that was both airy and brightly lit by the sun. When you're dealing with compact layouts designed to double as permanent residences, it's gimmicks like these that help with making them feel less cramped.At the time, Kasita was presented as a one-for-all solution , with customers ranging from urban millennials looking to put their own spin on home ownership to retirees, environmentalists, middle-class workers, and the well-heeled looking to switch it up with a smart tiny.However, the base price of the Kasita was anything but affordable: $139,000 for a turnkey unit . This probably went a long way toward stalling the project, but Kasita lives on as a viable, if too costly, example of minimalist, smart, and mobile living. Photo: Instagram | Mansory kW There is certainly nothing controversial about this build, as it follows the usual recipe of featuring several add-ons on the outside that enhance its appeal and a healthy power boost for even quicker off-the-line sprints.In the looks department, this Porsche 911 Turbo S features Mansory's soft kit. It includes a new front hood made of carbon fiber, several bumper add-ons, including a chin spoiler with side blades, side skirt attachments, and new air vent surrounds on the rear fenders.Other stuff also came from the aftermarket world and bears the tuner's signature. Here, we can certainly mention the new side mirror casings, the ginormous wing at the back, various rear bumper add-ons, and a new diffuser with a much more aggressive styling.The car also has a quad exhaust setup and rides on new 21-inch front and 22-inch rear alloys. The forged wheels, which are part of the FV.5C series, can be ordered with or without center locking. And as you can probably assume, Mansory's components fit the Coupe and the Convertible versions of the 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S from the 992 generation.A look inside would've been nice, but we can see through the windows that the dominating hue is blue. It decorates the seats, door cards, and likely other parts of the interior. We don't know if Mansory signed it, but if it did, then it would've released a few clear pictures of the cabin.Don't go anywhere yet, as we haven't told you about the added power. This Porsche 911 Turbo S is much punchier than the stock one, with 900 metric horses (887 bhp/662) and 1,050 Nm (774 lb-ft) of torque produced by the engine. An untouched example has 650 ps (641 hp/478 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) on tap produced by its twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six lump and delivered to both axles via the eight-speed PDK.Without anyone messing around with its internals, the 911 Turbo S needs 2.7 seconds to 100 kph (62 mph). Mansory's proposal, however, is even faster than that, as the sprint is said to take only 2.5 seconds. The tuner claims that the top speed has increased to 340 kph (211 mph) from 330 kph (205 mph).There's no word about the pictured supercar being on sale, so it was probably commissioned by one of Mansory's clients . Meanwhile, we will remind you that the 911 Turbo S starts from $230,400 before destination in the United States, and the Cabriolet from $243,200. In the last two decades, civilized European countries banned smoking in public places because smoking harms everyone's health. The same logic goes for ICE cars, but banning them from urban areas is still unpopular. Stockholm is the first European capital that intends to do what's right, and I'm sure others will follow soon. Sorry, Big Auto, but common sense will prevail after all. ICE No smoke, no problem Photo: Image by brgfx on Freepik Photo: Image by brgfx on Freepik Burning fuels in ICEs is much worse than smoking Photo: Image by macrovector on Freepik Let's do some math, shall we? Photo: Image by storyset on Freepik electronic cigarettes In the aftermath of Dieselgate, some cities enforced a "diesel ban" rule aimed at older and, consequently, more polluting diesel-powered cars. In 2018, Hamburg was the first city in Europe to prohibit access to Euro 5 or older emissions standard cars on a few specific streets in the city center.Darmstadt, Berlin, and Munich followed its example, while Stuttgart, inspired by London's Low Emission Zone, decided in 2020 to ban all diesel cars with emission standards lower than Euro 6 in its own low-emission zone.At this point, I should also note that at the 2016 C40 Cities meeting in Mexico, the mayors of Paris, Mexico City, Madrid, and Athens committed to banning old polluting diesel vehicles in their cities starting in 2025. We're now to see if Stockholm's decision will make those politicians step up their plans and include petrol cars.London has another approach. UK's capital extended the central Congestion Charge Zone 18 times in just a few years, and now the Ultra-Low Emission Zone covers all of London's boroughs. Lower-than-Euro-4 petrol cars, as well as lower-than-Euro-6 diesel cars, must pay a daily charge of 12.50 / 14.50 / $15.35.So older and more polluting cars have to pay, but they are not banned from this zone. Of course, research showed a reduction of around 44% in NOx emissions, and 94% of the cars driving on an average day meet strict emissions standards. Still, Londoners breathe fumes fromcars.Twenty years ago, Ireland was the first country in the world to ban smoking in workplaces, followed shortly by pubs and restaurants. Tobacco brand ads vanished from Formula 1, television, and magazines, and warning messages, accompanied later by awful images, appeared on cigarette packs.The tobacco industry fought a long war against all of these and poured billions into lobbying and misinformation. But common sense prevailed eventually. Out of the eight billion people in the world, some one and a half billion are smokers.How long the smoking ban was delayed and how many people have been affected by second-hand smoke for decades is outrageous. It's scandalous that undeniable scientific and medical proof of smoking causing cancer was overlooked or minimized. Today, most of us are outraged when some jerk smokes indoors or near kids, don't we?That's because banning smoke where it can harm others is simply normal. There are many more non-smokers in the world than smokers, and allowing them to harm others is not an option. By the way, New Zealand is the first country in the world to prohibit young people born after 2009 from buying tobacco products Does it sound like an excessive measure? Everybody else taxes cigarettes, making them more and more expensive. Still, the number of smokers steadily increases because smoking is advertised as cool, and people easily accept to pay more for the drug.It became evident that imposing a tax on smoking can't stop people from buying and using tobacco products; it can't stop cancer and other diseases associated with smoking; it can't stop the not-to-be-ignored environmental harm of the tobacco industry.The only logical and sane solution is to ban smoking, although many could argue that this is simply tyranny. Sorry, folks, but the basic rule of democracy is that your freedom ends where my freedom is under attack If you smoke, you have the right to endanger your health, but you definitely don't have the right to endanger mine. If you disregard my right to breathe clean air and enforce your right to smoke around non-smokers, ignoring any common sense and logic, then this is autocracy, my friend.What have we learned from the smoking debate so far? Taxing this vice costs much more the society than prohibiting it. But we also witness that the filthy rich tobacco industry doesn't just give up without a fierce fight.I'd be very naive to think that common sense arguments can prevail and that both authorities and people deeply involved in the tobacco industry would act responsibly. The step-by-step anti-smoking strategy will bear fruit somewhere in the future, but I doubt smoking will ever be eradicated.I suppose that smoking and future tobacco product manufacturing will most likely be restricted to prevent harming others and the environment. I expect that smoking will be banned outdoors and only allowed in confined places at some point in the future. I also hope smoking becomes much more expensive so that few will afford it.What I depicted is simply a compromise scenario to prevent smoking from being banned. But do you really think such a compromise is feasible for fossil-fuel-based fuels and internal combustion engines?Funny thing, back in 2004, the Tobacco Control Journal published the results of an experiment involving a diesel car and cigarettes. A Euro-3 2002 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi was left idling in an enclosed garage for 30 minutes. Then, three cigarettes were lit sequentially and left to burn for 30 minutes.Researchers used a portable analyzer to measure fine particulate matter (PM) from both sources. They concluded that the three cigarettes were responsible for a ten-fold indoor PM pollution compared to the idling diesel car!I am still waiting to learn of recent similar experiments involving new electronic cigarettes and cars equipped with the latest tech ICEs. I'm very curious about the results.But thanks to the Berkeley Earth non-profit American organization, we know that "inhaling 22 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter for 24 hours gives you the same pollution exposure as smoking one cigarette."The latest Euro 6d emission standards require cars' petrol and diesel engines not to exceed 0.0045 g/km, which is 4,500 micrograms. Modern petrol and diesel cars usually emit ten times less of this value (around 450-500 micrograms PM), and several studies estimate that around half of them are PM2.5.Considering a value of around 200 micrograms per kilometer of fine particulate matter PM2.5 and that the average daily traveling distance in Europe is estimated to be 32 km, a car emits around 6,000 micrograms of PM2.5 daily.Dividing this value to the 24 hours a day results in around 260 micrograms of PM2.5 per hour, ten times more than Berkley Earth's equivalent for smoking a cigarette. If I would "translate" the other pollutants into smoking cigarettes, I can conclude that driving a car in Europe daily is like smoking a cigarette pack daily.So, every day, Europeans inhale the smoke from over 250 million cigarette packs, which adds to the actual 100 million cigarette packs burnt by European smokers. Basically, almost two-thirds of Europeans smoke every day, but most are unaware. How wicked is this?Because city centers are usually the most crowded, it's only natural to ban ICE cars in those areas. Just like smoking is banned indoors and not just taxed. Of course, it's only a matter of time before everybody realizes that they also inhale cars' exhaust emissions where they live, shop, or relax, not only in those city centers.In other words, the whole urban area should be considered "indoors" and thus "smoking" should be banned all over the city. I will translate it for petrolheads: cars propelled by engines burning fuels that release pollutants must not be allowed inside city premises anymore.I wonder if this was the logic behind Stockholm City Council's ruling coalition, which the Green Party is part of. But I believe the parallel to smoking is the best one to convince people that petrol and diesel cars can't be allowed anymore to pollute the air we breathe in the places we live in.That's why I really believe that many other capitals and cities will soon follow Stockholm. The only real solution to slash emissions in cities is to replace ICE vehicles with EVs or FCEVs. I'm sure the car industry and petrolheads will oppose and try to convince everybody thathybrids are the best compromise.I'll leave the conclusion to you. The "ICE ban" subject is far from settled, but I believe Stockholm sparked a new trend. And apparently, Greta had nothing to do with it. So, please, dear ICE fans, find someone else to blame. 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. 14 October 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Global reformers of the world need to build a new global system on new lands, and in most cases, economic collapses, destabilization of social labour, and work of the military-industrial complexes are introduced to such reforms. These are all carried out by the will of some international structures. Often methods of struggle and their solutions are proposed being far from favoring the masses. The most dangerous point was to keep the society under their influence through false information and to educate an illiterate society in a wild spirit. After Azerbaijan's successful local anti-terrorist measures, the Garabagh economic region, which was once inhabited by the Armenian people under the separatist regime, is breathing freely and wishing for a prosperous life together with the former IDPs. Although most Armenians decided to leave the Garabagh region after so many offers to stay, Azerbaijan took up the task of reintegrating those who wished to live with the Azerbaijani community. Unlike the events in the First Garabagh War, the Armenians who left Garabagh were not mistreated, on the contrary, they were all provided with food and water - they were treated as real human beings. So far, more than 90 Armenians have expressed their desire to stay in Azerbaijan's Garabagh and hold an Azerbaijani passport. However, the majority of Armenians who decided to return to Armenia were under the influence of the separatist regime's massive propaganda of hatred towards the Islamic religion, Turks, and neighbors, which eventually took hold for a generation in the minds of Armenian nationals. Azerbaijan has done a great job, and no matter how hard the separatist regime tried to sow propaganda in the masses. Official Baku complied with all resolutions and rules, unlike Armenia, which resisted at every step and rejected the offer from Baku to maintain peace in the region. Reshaping Garabagh through resettlement The liberated territories of Garabagh are beginning to take on a new look. A decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been enacted to restore the liberated lands and return the IDPs to the newly built "smart city" and "smart village", and along with the construction of new zones of residence, special attention has been paid to green energy and renewable energy sources. Azerbaijan's favorable geographical location is conducive to economic growth, imports, and exports of minerals, and the expansion of green energy and its provision in the region. Windmills, solar and marine panels, and hydroelectric power plants have been built and put into operation and a great demand for investment has come from the Arab countries. The pro-Armenian Diaspora in different Western countries and European Union structures were a big thorn in the side of peace and prosperity in the region, who did not want to solve the problem peacefully and sit down at the negotiation table. Eventually, Azerbaijan's regaining its full sovereignty over its territories was possible due to its strong military capabilities, political wisdom, and the support of the brotherly country of Turkiye. Today the West has exhausted itself by continuing to sow fear and hatred, in the face of corrupt organizations of the European Parliament, the UN, and others that adhere to the build-up of forces in hypocritical thoughts. The Caucasus has become a target of the West, which in every possible way undermines its reputation by supporting a separatist regime through unfair decisions of structures above, which do not hesitate to support and arm the weakened countries in every possible way. An example of this is the desire to arm Armenia by France. Take the OSCE Minsk Group, which went the extra mile to freeze the long-lasting conflict in the region. Over the past 30 years, the organization has shown its full ineffectiveness, and when Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity, it suddenly woke up from a deep sleep. activities of the OSCE Minsk Group are simply not necessary. For 33 years, the leading structures for ensuring peace and stability in different parts of the world, due to their corruption, have not been able to cope with any problem and even lost their reputation as long as they played into the hands of some powers. Since the establishment of the UN structure, no wars, conflicts, as well as the genocide of Azerbaijani people in history, including the First Garabagh War, were prevented. All ventures through the UN mission group misfired Attempts to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan at the international level have failed. The structures need to reformat their views and decisions. If we look soberly at the past for a better future, we need to build peace now, which is what Azerbaijan is doing. The unification of the Turkic world and its cohesion is not wanted by most countries with the ideology of "Crusaders". At the same time, the question of the deployment of the international contingent of UN "blue helmets" in Garabagh, on which Armenian activists had pinned so much hope, hoping to return to the region victorious under their protection, seemed to have disappeared of its own accord. Two UN humanitarian missions that visited the region on 1 and 10 October did not find any Armenians whose rights were being violated by the Azerbaijani authorities or the military, after which this initiative of Yerevan smoothly came to an end, leaving behind a small puddle of tears about unfulfilled fantasies. Maybe this is enough? Isn't it time to learn from all this failure? A significant milestone of prosperity for all in the Caucasus is the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, opening the communication link with Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan, and the return of the remaining 8 villages to Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 October 2023 16:33 (UTC+04:00) The Turkish Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister, Batuhan Mumcu, met with the President of Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency Fuad Nagiyev in Baku, Azernews reports. the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, Mumcu held a number of meetings in Azerbaijan, where he came to participate in the closing ceremony of the Gorkut Ata III Turkish World Film Festival. Mumcu first met with Fuad Nagiyev, president of the Azerbaijan Tourism Agency. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the activities that could be carried out jointly. It was emphasized that the works to be carried out in this framework will contribute to cultural cooperation between the two countries. Besides, Batuhan Mumcu visited the Turkish embassy in Baku. After his contacts, Mumcu went to the Baku Turkish Martyrdom with the accompanying staff and placed carnations on the graves of the martyrs. Deputy Minister Mumcu shared a post on the social network. The post reads: "We visited the Baku Turkish Martyrdom Cemetery. The struggle is with the spirit. We commemorate the martyrs of the Caucasian Islamic Army, who fought with their spirit for the independence of Azerbaijan, with mercy and compassion. Azerbaijan." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 October 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00) In accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Fuzuli continues, Azernews reports. Another group of former IDPs consisting of 28 families or 117 people left the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in Garadagh, for Fuzuli on October 14. The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Fuzuli, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Fuzuli residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Fuzuli has been provided for 258 families - 928 people. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 October 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Backing the UNs call, the European Commission said on Friday that the EU is ready to push for the opening of humanitarian corridors to Gaza, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Shafak. Speaking at the European Commissions daily news briefing, chief spokesperson Eric Mamer confirmed that the EU shares a worry about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, in particular due to the shortages of water, food, medical supplies, fuel and electricity. The EU supports the call by UN Secretary-General (Antonio) Guterres, and is ready to support UN efforts to help alleviate the situation, Mamer asserted. It includes encouraging the creation of humanitarian corridors and allowing deliveries of much-needed humanitarian aid, he explained. He repeated the EUs condemnation of the violent and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel by Hamas, and underlined that Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international humanitarian law. At the same time, he stressed that civilians must be pre-warned and alerted about incoming military operations, allowing them to leave and this is what Israel has done. He also noted that these moves should avoid strong humanitarian consequences. Hamas should not stop people from leaving and should not use them as human shields, Mamer further said. In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip, a response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories. The conflict began last Saturday when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers growing violence against Palestinians. The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip. Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 October 2023 20:20 (UTC+04:00) Dozens of foreigners from a variety of countries have been flocking to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, Azernews reports, citing TASS. According to the news website, groups of foreigners inside Gaza have headed towards the Rafah land crossing. A small crowd can be seen next to the checkpoint, which is still closed from the Gaza Strip. The website did not specify from which countries are the people at the Rafah crossing. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Thousands of Palestinians fled the north of the Gaza Strip on Saturday from the path of an expected Israeli ground assault, while Israel pounded the area with more air strikes and said it would keep two roads open to let people escape. Israel has vowed to annihilate the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza in retaliation for a rampage by fighters, who stormed through Israeli towns a week ago, gunning down civilians and making off with scores of hostages. Some 1,300 were killed in the worst attack on civilians in Israel's history. Israeli forces have since put the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities say more than 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 wounded. Israel had given the entire population of the northern half of the Gaza Strip, which includes the enclave's biggest settlement Gaza City, until Saturday morning to move south. It announced overnight that it would guarantee the safety of Palestinians fleeing the area on two main roads until 4:00 pm. (1300 GMT). "Around the Gaza Strip, Israeli reserve soldiers in formation (are) getting ready for the next stage of operations," Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus told a video briefing early on Saturday. "They are all around the Gaza Strip, in the south, in the centre and in the north, and they are preparing themselves for whatever target they get, whatever task." Hamas has told people not to leave and says the two roads Israel has declared open are unsafe. It says dozens of people have been killed on them in strikes on cars and trucks carrying refugees Friday, which Reuters could not independently verify. Israel says Hamas is preventing people from leaving to use them as human shields, which Hamas denies. In Gaza City's Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood, part of the area Israel has ordered evacuated, warplanes bombed a residential area during the night, hitting several houses, according to residents who posted appeals on social media platforms. Hundreds of residents of the area took refuge at the nearby Quds hospital and planned to join those fleeing to the south in the morning. "We lived a night of horror. Israel punished us for not wanting to leave our home. Is there brutality worse than this?", a father of three told Reuters by telephone from the hospital, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals. "I was never going to leave, I prefer to die and not leave, but I cant see my wife children die before my eyes. We are helpless." In Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli planes struck a four-storey building, killing and wounding several people. Neighbours rushed to rescue people trapped in rubble. "This is a genocide, not a war, it's genocide. And it's an attempt to displace the people of the Gaza Strip, but this will not happen," said neighbour Mohammad Sadeq. "Martyrs are stuck under the rubble and until now neither us nor the medics nor civil defence were able to take them out." The attacks on Israel plunged the nation into deep mourning and galvanised the country, which mobilised hundreds of thousands of reservists within days. Families of the Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas are terrified for their safety. Avichai Brodetz, a farmer from Kibbutz Kfar Aza whose wife and three children were taken captive to Gaza, set up a camp outside the Israeli army headquarters to focus attention on their plight. "The first thing that needs to happen is the release of the women and children," he told reporters. "I don't want to be political, I don't want to stand here with you. I love my friends and my home and my kibbutz. I hope we can return there and you'll never see me again." Israel's attacks on Gaza have not halted Hamas missile strikes deep into Israeli cities. Air raid sirens wailed in central Israel on Saturday morning and rockets smashed into a greenhouse in Ashkelon and wounded four people at a kibbutz. The only route out of Gaza that is not under Israeli control is a checkpoint with Egypt at Rafah. Egypt officially says its side is open, but traffic has been halted for days because of Israeli strikes on the Palestinian side. Egyptian security sources said the Egyptian side is being reinforced and Cairo has no intention of accepting a mass influx of Palestinian refugees. A senior U.S. State Department official said the United States was working with Egyptian, Israeli and Qatari officials to open the crossing later on Saturday to let some people out. Washington had been in touch with some Palestinian-Americans in Gaza who wanted to leave, the official said, adding it was not clear whether Hamas would let anyone reach the crossing. Countries and aid agencies have sent supplies to Egypt but have so far been unable to bring them into Gaza. Israel says nothing can enter through Rafah without its coordination. The Gaza Strip is already one of the most crowded areas in the world, and Israel's evacuation order for the northern half meant those fleeing south were forced to shelter with relatives and friends, in schools or in hastily rented apartments. Israel says the order is a humanitarian gesture to protect residents from harm while it roots out Hamas fighters entrenched in Gaza City. The United Nations says so many people cannot be safely moved inside the besieged enclave without causing a humanitarian disaster. It warned on Saturday of the threat of deadly water-borne disease without urgent deliveries of fuel to power Gaza's fresh water system. Hamas has vowed to fight until the last drop of blood, and says the order to leave the north of the enclave is a trick to force residents to give up their homes. Gaza City mosques have blared calls telling people to stay. The Israeli military said on Friday tank-backed troops had mounted raids to hit Palestinian rocket crews and gather information on the location of hostages, the first official account of ground troops in Gaza since the crisis began. The United Nations estimated that tens of thousands of Palestinians headed south from northern Gaza after the Israeli order on Friday, adding to 400,000 Gazans already displaced earlier in the week. "We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, so that we can get fuel, food and water to everyone in need," U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday. "Even wars have rules." The United States has firmly backed its ally Israel, but has called on it to avoid civilian casualties. President Joe Biden said tackling the humanitarian crisis was a top priority. "The overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks," Biden said in a speech. "And they're suffering as a result as well." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a lightning tour of the Middle East to rally allies, met Saudi Arabia's foreign minister in Riyadh and was due to travel to the United Arab Emirates. He has already visited Israel, Jordan and Qatar. (Reuters) 14 October 2023 21:30 (UTC+04:00) Natia Turnava, the Acting Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, on Saturday said she had discussed future cooperation with the representatives of the leading credit card companies - Visa and Mastercard, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Azernews reports, citing Agenda. The development of digital technologies and non-cash payment systems in banking services, including the implementation of an instant payment system in Georgia, were discussed during the meetings, the NBG said. Turnava emphasised that the instant payment system would help increase the competitiveness between commercial banks and non-bank tax service providers, adding it would also improve the quality of customer service and speed up the payment process. She highlighted Visa and Mastercard as important partners of the National Bank, which have been operating in Georgia for more than 20 years and actively cooperating with various departments of the Bank. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 October 2023 23:10 (UTC+04:00) On the initiative of the Transport Ministry of Uzbekistan, a meeting was held via videoconferencing between the Ministries of Transport of Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey and representatives of the railway sector, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency. At the meeting, important issues aimed at accelerating the processes related to signing the agreement on the establishment of the international transport corridor China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey-Europe were discussed. Aspects related to the development of the international transport and transit route between the countries were considered. The parties noted that the development of the international transport corridor China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey-Europe is beneficial for everyone, and this corridor serves to open new opportunities for the development of transit transport and trade relations between the countries. Within the framework of the directions of cooperation discussed at the meeting, the parties determined the tasks to be implemented in the future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Lois Henry is the CEO and editor of SJV Water, a nonprofit, independent online news publication dedicated to covering water issues in the San Joaquin Valley. She can be reached at lois.henry@sjvwater.org. The website is sjvwater.org. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 'This is about our veterans': Effort seeks to ensure every Bakersfield National Cemetery gravesite is adorned with a wreath or menorah Watching the pulverized alleys of Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza empty of people, Naji Jamal was frozen with indecision. Should he heed the Israeli army's demand that all Palestinians evacuate and make the risky trip to Gaza's south, where his only certainty was homelessness? Or should he stay at his multistory building within what the Israeli army has now designated a target zone ahead of a likely Israeli ground invasion ? It's an existential question , but there is no answer, Jamal, a 34-year-old health clinic worker, said. There is no safe haven, there is no place that is not being shelled and besieged, there is no place to go. In an unprecedented order to civilians in northern Gaza and Gaza City, the Israeli military gave Jamal and 1.1 million other Palestinians 24 hours to make up their minds. It was the sixth day of Israeli bombing prompted by Hamas brutal attack that killed more than 1,300 Israelis and stunned the country. As the clock ticked on the ultimatum, hundreds of thousands of Israeli army reservists were massing near Gaza's northern border. Israeli warplanes roared overhead, diving low to hurl bombs at homes and residential high-rises. Aid groups appealed to the international community to stop what they denounced as a possible war crime of forcible population transfer. In understaffed and poorly supplied hospitals , Palestinian doctors said they felt they had no choice but to stay put. There was no way to evacuate Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital, its general director Mohammad Abu Selim said. Even though the hospital was in chaos its electricity dwindling under an Israeli siege, its beds overwhelmed, its morgue overflowing Abu Selim said there was simply no other safe place in Gaza to put 600 patients, many of them in serious condition from the attacks. To ask us to evacuate is ridiculous, it's impossible, Abu Selim said. But hundreds of thousands of other Palestinians across the territory wrangled over the agonizing choice as the Israeli retaliation intensified. The Israeli army says its airstrikes target militant infrastructure, not civilians a claim that Palestinians reject. Many fled south for their lives, squeezing into relatives' cars and trundling through streets blocked by rubble even as thundering bombardment crashed around them. A jumbled line of tractors, horse carts and donkeys stretched some 30 kilometers (18 miles) across the strip, turning what is normally a breezy 45-minute trip into a harrowing and for dozens of people, deadly two-hour journey. Israeli airstrikes on evacuating vehicles killed at least 70 people, the Hamas press office said. I dont trust them, said Ali Abdul Bari, a 37-year-old resident of Gaza City said of the Israeli army. But I will always do whatever I can to keep my family safe. Bari's apartment on the northwest edge of Gaza City was flattened in a huge airstrike late Thursday. Dazed and weary from nights spent awake, he arrived in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, after the evacuation order, but couldnt fit all his family members in the car. He promised his aunt and uncle that he would return for them Saturday. Bari said the decision was simple for him. I am responsible for my parents, my brothers and my sisters, he said. When asked about how civilians would be able to evacuate to safety even as heavy bombardment persisted, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, told reporters: We will try to make sure that it will happen. Despite the danger, some stubbornly refused to leave their homes. They watched the convoys pass, remembering previous tides of Palestinian refugees who fled other wars only to never be able to return home. Some Palestinians point back to what they call the "Nakba," or catastrophe, of Israels creation in 1948, when some 700,000 fled or were driven from their homes in what is now Israel. Gazas Hamas rulers have also urged people not to flee, describing Israel's order as psychological warfare to break their solidarity. This is the Nakba, all of our traumas, all over again, said activist Yasser Hasouneh, in Gaza City. We will not be intimidated. Others did not have the means or the foresight to pack up and leave. Jamal, in the Jabaliya camp, simply didn't have a car. The thought of piling his infant son, ailing mother and 30 other family members onto a horse cart and sending them through a war zone made him shudder. He said he was resigned to whatever God had in store for him. This way we will be together and can read the Quran and pray, he said. For many, word of evacuations moved slowly, due to the the collapse of mobile phone networks and internet in much of Gaza. In the heart of Gaza City a once-vibrant district hollowed out by heavy bombardment 27-year-old engineer Saeb al-Jarz was waiting for word of his father, who was wounded in an airstrike on their residential tower late Thursday. Three of his neighbors were killed and his family home destroyed. Still in shock from the scenes he witnessed, al-Jarz first heard about the Israeli army's evacuation ultimatum from an Associated Press reporter. He was thrown into a panic, scrambling to figure out next steps with his 25 relatives. Maybe we stay, because if we die, we die together," he said. His voice trembled. He changed his mind. I just really, really want to live, he said. (AP) East Carolina University State Employees Credit Union Scholars share their appreciation with SECU Foundation representatives at the inaugural SECU People Helping People Scholars Luncheon. (ECU photos by Rhett Butler) This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is Matt Smith Since 2005, the State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) Foundation has invested more than $7 million in the success of East Carolina University students.The organization's partnership with ECU was celebrated Sept. 21 at the inaugural SECU People Helping People Scholars Luncheon at the Main Campus Student Center's Black Box Theater. SECU leaders met with SECU Scholars and Public Fellows and heard about the impact of their investment in ECU students.Currently, 136 SECU People Helping People Scholars are enrolled as Pirates. Laura Daniels, a freshman from Trent Woods in Craven County, is one of the new SECU Scholars at ECU. Earning an SECU scholarship helps her pursue her dream of entering the nursing program.Daniels said.Wesley Toone, a sophomore from Roxboro majoring in engineering with concentrations in mechanical engineering and environmental engineering, said his SECU scholarship made college more attainable.SECU's support of education spans every county in North Carolina. The SECU Foundation has invested $81 million through People Helping People Scholarships across all 100 North Carolina counties.Chancellor Philip Rogers took in the scene of nearly 60 scholars, fellows and foundation representatives as he spoke about the university's long-time partnership with SECU and their many contributions in support of ECU students.Rogers said.Rogers said partners like SECU add value to ECU's work because the organization has sustained a relationship with the university over time. They are partners whoRogers said.Rogers said.In the past nine years, the SECU Foundation has funded more than 120 ECU internships to 75 eastern North Carolina organizations through the SECU Public Fellows Internship program. ECU was a founding member of the program which provides students with real-world experiences where they can test the things they learn in the classroom. Six of ECU's public fellows interns attended the celebration.Rogers highlighted the development that ECU students gain in leadership and analytical skills, communication strategy and project management work by participating in the internship program. The impact of SECU's investment is not just on the students alone. This year, students interned in 12 counties and provided more than 330 hours of support service, Rogers said.Rogers said.SECU Scholars are selected based on their academics and community service. The chancellor used the opportunity to encourage the scholars to commit to giving back to the region that has given so much to everyone at ECU.Rogers said.Current scholars said the recognition of volunteerism was an important factor in applying for the SECU scholarship.Daniels said.Community service is important to Noah Presley, a junior from Wilmington.His scholarships require an aspect of service. The scholarships have allowed him to focus on his majors in finance and marketing and supply chain management with a minor in hospitality management.Presley said.Presley has been inducted to the Servire Society two years in a row. The society recognizes Pirates who have 100 hours of service on campus. He aims to earn the recognition again this year.McKinley Wooten, assistant secretary of the North Carolina Department of Revenue and a Foundation board member, said the university's new strategic plan,resonated with him when he thought about the partnership between the foundation and ECU.Wooten said.Wooten encouraged the students to take the opportunity to go back to their high schools and share their experiences with other students.Wooten said.Leah Beth Warren is set to graduate in December with a degree in engineering and a concentration in biomedical engineering. The senior from Blounts Creek said she would tell high school students they should definitely apply for the scholarship.Warren said.Warren has had four full-time internships with Thermo-Fisher Scientific and works there part-time. She has earned more than two years of job experience in the pharmaceutical industry.Warren said. UPDATES: HAMAS ATTACK ISRAELI RAVE PARTY HUNDREDS MISSING, POSSIBLY KIDNAPPED FEMALE SOLDIER PARADED WAS NOT A SOLDIERThe raid into Israel this morning started with a brutal attack on an all-night nature party near Kibbutz Re'im, close to the Gaza Strip.It has been... pic.twitter.com/mGcjBC4tDl Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 8, 2023 Considering what real news is available for all to witness, and in great specificity, should one pursue what is true outside of the channeled realm of the corrupt corporate /legacy media, and: Is Institutionalized Corruption real, and is it a hindrance to sustaining our Constitutional Republic now, and for future generations of American citizens? Yes No Not sure 258 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? Israeli rescue service Zaka reportedly recovered at least 260 bodies from a desert rave in the southern region of Israel after Hamas launched a full-scale terrorist attack on the country over the weekend.Yaniv, an emergency medic, told Kan News.Thousands of festival-goers were attending an all-night outdoor music festival called Supernova, also described as a peace party, near Kibbutz Re'im close to the Gaza Strip when video captured showed dozens running through an open field as terrorists began gunning them down.WARNING: Disturbing Content.Zaka officials reportedly said they expect the number of bodies recovered to increase as other paramedic teams provide support.An eyewitness who goes by Ortel told local media she noticed something was wrong when a rocket warning siren went off early Saturday morning, immediately followed by gunshots.she told Israel's Channel 12.Shani Louk, a German-Israeli citizen whose half-naked body Hamas terrorists paraded in the back of a pick-up truck in a viral online video, was also in attendance at the outdoor event before her abduction, German officials reportedly said.Videos circulating on social media showed Hamas terrorists sitting on her in the back of the vehicle as supporters chanteda phrase used by Muslims in prayers meaningHer mother, Ricarda Louk, reportedly published a video saying she recognized her daughter and asked the public for help.Louk said.It's unknown if she survived the attack, but her family told The Washington Post that the familyshe is still alive.Louk said.Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, the international spokesperson for the Israeli army, told The Independent that the attack isMore than 700 Israelis have been confirmed dead, and at least 2,500 have been injured following the attacks from Hamas.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed Israel will take Although she bailed out of running again at the last minute the shadow of former Labour prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern caused her party to hemorage seats in the country's parliamentary election and return a coalition of conservative parties to power. Ardern ran one of the most rigid Covid lockdown regimes in the world, instituted a draconian gun ban, and openly pushed to crush free speech. Labour lost 28 of the 62 seats it held in the outgoing parliament. The new government will be headed by the traditional conservative New Zealand National Party, which won 50 seats, up from 34, to make it the largest party in the new parliament, partnering with the populist / nationalist New Zealand First Party and the libertarian conservative ACT Party, both of which gained seats in the election. Some accounts say that they will only need one coalition partner. One seat will be voted on later as a candidate died during the campaign, and that seat is likely to go to the right. On the same day, Australian voters overwhelmingly rejected a racist Constitutional amendment that would have given aborigines special status in the country. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12629029/NZ-election-results.html https://redstate.com/bonchie/2023/10/14/elections-conservatives-triumph-in-new-zealand-racist-referendum-defeated-in-australia-n2165055 It is expected that the new government in New Zealand will repeal Ardern's gun control laws and create protections against future medical tyranny. Legacy media is reporting that the Biden regime approved another $75 million for Hamas controlled Gaza earlier this month knowing that Hamas was likely planning an upcoming terror attack. Via Bad Kitty. Breaking! Bidens state dept approved $75 million for the Hamas controlled Gaza Strip AFTER the US knew of a likely upcoming terrorist attack! https://t.co/7nelzH24NB The Biden administration granted over $90,000 dollars to a terrorist-linked Palestinian organization in the weeks before Hamas attacked, according to NGO Monitor. https://www.westernjournal.com/biden-admin-gave-90k-terror-linked-palestinian-organization-weeks-hamas-attack/ Then there is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. According to Reuters, data provided from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed the Strategic Petroleum Reserve had about 351.3 million barrels as of September 29. Biden sold the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) to Europe, India and China. Joe Biden depleted the SPR to help China. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/10/strategic-petroleum-reserve-near-historic-lows-biden-drained/ More than 1,100 patients are suing medical device company Exactech, which began recalling artificial knees, hips and ankles in 2021, according to an Oct. 10 report from CBS News. Patients who underwent procedures across hospitals, orthopedic centers and ASCs, found that some of the implants became worn out in just three years. Exactech sent a letter to surgeons, blaming the defects on packaging issues dating back to 2004. The letter claimed that the packaging caused the plastic in knee components to wear out prematurely for 140,000 implants. Voluntary recalls began in 2021, with additional implants being recalled throughout 2022. Several of the lawsuits allege that Exactech did not warn patients and surgeons about knee implant loosening and instead replaced the finned tray component in a strategy called a "silent recall." A page on Exactech's website outlines all of the knee, ankle and hip implants that are currently impacted. Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty has sent a message of hope to families who are suffering in Israel and Palestine. The presenter from Co Down, whose father was shot dead by the Ulster Freedom Fighters during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, recalled his experience of growing up in a conflict zone was that the hurt and the pain on both sides was sadly the same. However, he said the people of Ireland are living our own miracle and he hoped for those suffering during the Israel-Hamas conflict your miracle comes soon. As he closed Friday nights episode on RTE, the Irish national broadcaster, Kielty said: Before we go, I would just like to say that so many of us here on the Late Late Show want to send our love to the family of Kim Damti and all the families whose lives this week have been ripped apart in Israel and Palestine. There are no words that will even touch the sides on the pain and the loss and the ongoing horror that has been felt by so many tonight. But as someone who grew up during a conflict where the rights and wrongs of politics were always writ large, one common truth was the hurt and the pain on both sides was sadly the same. We all shared something, but we just didnt realise it at the time and there were days when we thought it would never end. Kielty continued: Tonight, there are many parents and children in Israel and in Gaza who also think this will never end and are praying for a miracle to make it stop. In the midst of despair, miracles are hard to believe in but its worth remembering that we are currently living our own miracle on this island because we are living in peace. And for all those in Israel and Palestine tonight, it mightnt seem like it but there is always hope and we hope that your miracle comes soon. Patrick Kielty (Ian West/PA) On Wednesday, 22-year-old Irish-Israeli citizen Ms Damti was confirmed dead after the Hamas attacks in Israel. She had been attending a music festival near the Gaza border on Saturday when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack. Palestinians are currently struggling to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military after power and water supplies to the region were stopped ahead of an expected land offensive. Kielty has presented documentaries about The Troubles, including the BBC programme My Dad, The Peace Deal And Me, about his fathers death at the hands of paramilitary gunmen. The comedian was 16 when Jack Kielty was shot dead. The programme coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and saw Kielty return to his home town of Dundrum to see if the historic peace deal has delivered on its pledge to create a new Northern Ireland. It was nominated for a Bafta for best single documentary and he was named UK documentary host of the year at the 2018 Grierson Awards. His film Patrick Kielty: 100 Years Of Union, which explored how the trauma of the past is shaping the future of Northern Ireland during its centenary year, also won an RTS award. The Palestinian United Nations envoy appealed to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Friday, to do more to stop a "crime against humanity" by Israel, which has warned nearly half of the population of the Gaza Strip to relocate as it plans an assault. "He has to do more. Whatever was done is not sufficient. We need all of us to do more to stop this crime against humanity," Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour told reporters before a meeting of Arab Group ambassadors at the United Nations. Countries urged Israel, Friday, to hold off attacking northern Gaza, where more than a million civilians largely defied Israel's order to evacuate before it goes after Hamas militants who slaughtered Israeli civilians last weekend. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan said that Israel's warning to residents in northern Gaza was "to temporarily move south ... to mitigate civilian harm." He was speaking at an event Israel hosted at the U.N. with families of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza in the attack. Guterres briefed the 15-member U.N. Security Council behind closed doors Friday. "The situation in Gaza has reached a dangerous new low," he told reporters on his way to the briefing, adding that he was in constant contact with the leaders across the region to try and "prevent further dangerous escalation in the West Bank or elsewhere in the region, especially in southern Lebanon." Guterres reminded the parties: "Even wars have rules ... Civilians must be protected and also never used as shields." During the meeting, Russia proposed a draft resolution for the Security Council that calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism, according to a draft text seen by Reuters. "Russia cannot accept the complete inaction and lack of any reaction on the part of the UNSC," Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said after the meeting, adding that Russia was also ready to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians. It was not immediately clear when or if Russia would put the draft resolution to a vote. The United States has traditionally shielded its ally Israel from any Security Council action. It holds a veto along with Britain, France, China or Russia. When asked about Russia's draft, British U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward said: "For something that is as important as this, we've already seen how much human life has been destroyed, we need time for consultation, serious consultation." China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said the council should "have a strong voice on this really alarming situation and also take meaningful action." The United Nations said Israel's military informed it late on Thursday that 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza should move to the enclave's south within 24 hours, in what Palestinians fear could be a precursor to a ground offensive. "Moving more than one million people across a densely populated war zone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous and in some cases, simply not possible," Guterres said. Erdan criticized the U.N. response, saying Israel should be praised for its advance warning to Gaza residents. He said the United Nations and the Security Council were "facing one of their most pivotal moments," adding: "Will they remain true to their founding values? Or will they empower genocidal terrorists? This shouldn't be a question." Hamas carried out their deadliest attack in Israel's history on Saturday, killing more than 1,300 people and taking scores of hostages to Gaza. Israel has responded with the most intensive air strikes of its 75-year conflict with the Palestinians. Gaza authorities said 1,799 people have been killed. "All hostages in Gaza must be released immediately. It is imperative that all parties - and those with influence over them - do everything possible to achieve these steps," Guterres said. The Arab Group ambassadors called for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid access to Gaza and a stop to any mass displacement of Palestinians. Mansour said there was no safe place in Gaza. "We need to stop this war immediately. We need to send convoys of food and medicine to help the people there and we need to stop this ethnic cleansing from taking place," he said. (Reuters) BOOK OF THE MONTH Water by John Boyne (Doubleday) Water by John Boyne This is the first in a quartet of books, the others being Earth, Wind and Fire, but can easily be read as a standalone piece. Vanessa Carvin rents a very basic cottage no wifi or TV on a small island off the west coast of Ireland, hoping to escape the scandal and notoriety caused by her ex-husband in Dublin. She changes her name now Willow Hale and cuts her hair to alter her appearance, trusting that the locals will not recognise her as the wife of a child abuser, currently serving a long term imprisonment for his crimes. The locals are not as unknowing of her circumstances but treat her, mostly, with kindness and understanding. She had two daughters, the eldest dying by suicide and the younger virtually estranged from her. This is a beautifully written, if quite short, book but it is powerful in what it has to say about mens treatment of women, abuse, religion and political meandering. All the characters well drawn, especially the main one. The writing has a lyricism, which seems common in all Boynes work. Looking forward to the next one. HELLISH HOLIDAY The Island by Catherine Cooper (HarperCollins) The Island by Catherine Cooper Catherine Cooper is known for her novels that sound blissful a cruise ship, a chateau for example and her new read is no different. Picture it: youve been invited to a beautiful luxury resort in the stunning Maldives, all expenses paid, surrounded by journalists and influencers. Sounds great, yeah? Definitely the ultimate in press trips but its not as paradisical as you would think/hope. The island is soon cut off from basically any contact with other islands thanks to a storm. Oh, and people are dying. With a murderer lurking, its difficult to think about relaxing and mindfulness during a facial and massage. Everyone seems to have a secret that they would not be willing to share one even wants to kill to keep it that way. You will appreciate the red herrings as you hop back and forth in terms of who is responsible. Ive read all of Catherines books and this is my favourite, but it will make you think differently about luxurious breaks. DIFFERENT KIND OF MURDER MYSTERY Supper for Six by Fiona Sherlock (Hodder & Stoughton, October 19) Supper for Six by Fiona Sherlock Lady Anderson invites five guests to her Mayfair apartment for an evening of dining and conversation. It all sounds perfectly delightful until the dinner turns deadly, secrets come out and theres more twists and turns than a helter skelter. This is an immersive murder mystery unlike any Ive read (though Ive listened to the audiobook of Fiona Sherlocks previous novel Twelve Motives for Murder and its excellent) that races through accusations, revelations and decisions until the end. Theres a lovely angle through the Supper for Six true crime podcast which announces the dinner party from hell. Join presenter Felix as he tries to uncover what really happened the night of the dinner when six strangers were invited and only five came out alive. LAUGH OUT LOUD MOMENTS The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella (Bantam) The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella Anyone whos ever felt like theyve hit a brick wall as regards their professional and personal lives will be nodding along to Sophies new read. Protagonist Sasha has had enough: her work is all consuming (and not that enjoyable), her social life is non-existent and she finally comes to the realisation that things needs to change. In the need for revival, Sasha heads to a Devon hotel, a much loved reminder of happier days but things there have also altered dramatically. While there, she meets uber grumpy Finn. Sasha wants to spend time in nature, Finn wants to eat pizza on the beach. But when messages start appearing on the sand, theyre forced to chat. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, but also theres a timely reminder of experiencing life. ONE OF A KIND West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman (Raven Books, October 24) West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman Dubbed an original and imaginative murder mystery, theres so much to say but doing so may spoil the enjoyment of interested readers. What we will state is this is a Fourth of July weekend unlike any other. The usual group is gathering at a prestigious country club: the treasurer, his wife, the emotional parent, the prospective member and a private detective, naturally. But theres also a body, naturally, as well as a case to solve. But this is no run of the mill whodunnit the writing swiftly causes readers to sit up and take notice, and pay attention lest you miss any of the clues or subtle (and snarky) impressions that are being left. Both honouring the classic crime genre and turning it on its head, this is a talented unique read that we predict will perform superbly. One to enjoy in one complicated, confusing but satisfying good. Wed love to know what you think of it. GLITZ AND GLAMOUR The Traitor by Ava Glass (Penguin) The Traitor by Ava Glass When you find a body in a padlocked suitcase, chances are things are exactly straightforward. But when its personal, well, thats a little different. Investigator Emma Makepeace knows this case is different, and theres a good chance an insider is working within the British government to help those procuring illegal weapons. Her job is find out whos responsible and fast. Amid the glamour and glitz of the Riviera is a tightly written, fast paced plot thatll have you trying to think three steps ahead. Because though the location may be paradise, finding a traitor is pure hell HOLIDAY ROM-COM Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey (Avon) Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey Whats planning for the festive season without a Christmassy read? For those who like their preparations with a little romance, this may be the one for you. Melodys life is far from special, even though shes the daughter of music royalty. A lover of old books (very old books), shes offered the chance to be in the spotlight and maybe, she thinks, this is a chance to shake up what is otherwise a very quiet life. Meanwhile, Beat loves the camera... and it loves him. Hes no issue with being front and centre but he and Melody have some issues, unresolved since their teenage years. When they reunite reluctantly theres a whole lot of chemistry, and a scandal with which to contend. Will there be a festive happy ever after? GOTHIC READ The Darlings of the Asylum by Noel OReilly (HQ) The Darlings of the Asylum by Noel OReilly In the late 19th century, respectable young women must seek out a spouse, even if youd prefer to be an independent woman doing your own thing. Violet Pring turns down a marriage (the horror!) and, a bit put out by her actions, her family decide shes better off in a lunatic asylum. But Violet plans to escape: to do so, shell have to keep those independent wits about her to manoeuvre Dr Rastrick (what a great name) and claim her liberty. Engaging and quite claustrophobic, the author gives the sense of life in an asylum and the all consuming atmosphere that pervades. TAKE THREE CHRISTMAS CRIMES The Night Before Christmas by Alex Pine (Avon, October 26) The Night Before Christmas by Alex Pine DCI James Walker has much to be happy about this Christmas: a promotion, a growing family and the chance to spend December 25 with them. However, in the fourth book in this series, the festivities are, once again, not so festive for four families. A quartet of trail hunters go missing in the Cumbrian fells on Christmas Eve and as the snow falls, their loved ones are worried when theyll come home. One body is found, bearing the message: the real hunt has begun. The temperature plummets as Walker and his team try to catch the killer before all trails go cold. It doesnt look like hell get home for his turkey and ham anytime before New Years Eve This is a clever series that offers new and surprising cases, all neatly tied into the holiday period. Anyone who prefers their mince pies and brandy butter with a side of homicide will appreciate it. The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett (Viper, October 26) The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett Well, well, well. If you read Janices debut and were charmed if a little frightened by the inhabitants of Lower Lockwood, nows your chance to reacquaint yourself with them and the Fairway Players. After much calamity (and murder) over a play some years since, the Players are rehearsing this years pantomime warts and all. Though its all in aid of the church roof campaign, I doubt Hollywood films have more drama and kick-offs. Arguments over a long-hidden beanstalk, a removable wall, sweets, gender neutral sweet bags and new and old participants abound as well as a few whod do whatever it takes to ruin the panto before curtain up. Of course, theres the teeny tiny issue of a dead body but who is it and why have they turned up as they did? Its another case for lawyers Charlotte and Femi to tackle and we are here for it. The Twelve Days of Murder by Andreina Cordani (Zaffre, October 26) The Twelve Days of Murder by Andreina Cordani This is my kind of book. The Masquerade Murder Society was a university group that enjoyed running murder mysteries. Each fatality is precisely exacted, each group member playing their role both inside and outside the society. Some friendships lasted, some were happy to fade away. But roll on 12 years and one members disappearance later, the friends are reunited in a remote Scottish hunting lodge. Its beautiful, its vast and its also Christmas Eve. If youre choosing to spend the holidays with those who, for some, are less than their nearest and dearest, it better be memorable, right? And it is: when the body of Lady Partridge is found hanging from a pear tree A really nicely paced whodunnit that has more red herrings that there are lords a leaping in that famous festive tale. Will you be able to figure out who is responsible for the deadly deeds before its time for turkey? In August 1849, and in the midst of a cholera epidemic, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Belfast during their first ever official engagement in Ireland. A warm Irish welcome was extended to the famine Queen, perhaps unexpectedly so given the ravages of starvation and disease that had troubled the island since 1845. NI Disney superfans share their love as company celebrates 100th anniversary We talk to the local fans who are expressing their love of Disney through memorabilia collections, character tattoos, dedicated social media pages and an online business Disney fan Megan O'Kane Catriona Doherty Sat 14 Oct 2023 at 08:00 To mark The Walt Disney Companys 100th anniversary, three local enthusiasts Niamh Keeley, Megan OKane and Toby Osbourn, reflect on their passion for the world-famous company that needs no introduction. Leaders speech at DUP conference also addressed party unity and wider unionist unityDonaldson calling on Government to establish East-West Council to strengthen NIs place in UK DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson delivers his keynote speech during his party's annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. Picture date: Saturday October 14, 2023. PA Photo. Liam McBurney/PA Wire DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson delivers his keynote speech during his party's annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. Picture date: Saturday October 14, 2023. PA Photo. Liam McBurney/PA Wire DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson delivers his keynote speech during his party's annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. Picture date: Saturday October 14, 2023. PA Photo. Liam McBurney/PA Wire DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said post-Brexit negotiations are making progress but he will not be afraid to say no to the Government if talks over the Windsor Framework do not deal with our fundamental concerns. Sir Jeffrey was speaking to members of his party on Saturday during his key note party conference speech in Belfast, touching upon a number of subjects including the partys recent election results, his party unity and wider unionist unity. Many onlookers were watching and listening closely something Sir Jeffrey admitted himself when he said all eyes are upon us as the unionist leader referenced the current negotiations around the post-Brexit arrangements which have seen barriers in the movement of goods over the Irish Sea. Talks have been ongoing around the Windsor Framework between the DUP and the Government for months but speculation has heightened in recent weeks that they may be close to concluding. However in his speech Sir Jeffrey simply said those discussions continue and stressed his party would not be bullied or threatened by anyone, whomever they purport to represent. Read more Sir Jeffrey is keen to return to Stormont but it will take all his skills to bring big beasts of the DUP with him The DUP is refusing to participate in the Assembly until its concerns over those trading arrangements are addressed by the Government. "Our phased withdrawal from the Northern Ireland Executive was designed to highlight to the UK Government and the EU that they needed to address unionist concerns about the Protocol, which for too long had been ignored, and to spotlight the harm it was doing to Northern Irelands place in the union, he told the conference. Our view on this has not changed. Despite the misguided analysis of some, and the prejudiced commentary from others who have always cheer-led for the original Protocol, we have remained focused on our aims and objectives, determined to secure further progress at this time. And let me make it clear again new arrangements must be capable of commanding the support of unionists as well as nationalists. The rights of unionists cannot be diminished, side-lined, or treated in a way that is less important than those of nationalists. "Those balances will have to be restored, and our rights respected and protected, if we are to build the truly shared future that we desire. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson delivers his keynote speech during his party's annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. Picture date: Saturday October 14, 2023. PA Photo. Liam McBurney/PA Wire "Today I can report that we are making progress but there remains more work to do. I am hopeful that remaining concerns can be addressed as quickly as possible. This party has a proven track-record of saying yes, and leading from the front, when its right to do so. Equally, we will not be afraid to say no if we conclude that what is on offer does not adequately deal with our fundamental concerns and is not in the best long-term interests of our place in the union. In what may be seen as a nod to suggestions of division within the DUP, Sir Jeffrey made reference to the unity within his party during the opening remarks of his speech, saying the burden of his leadership had been greatly eased as a result of the support and encouragement from those within the DUP. Beyond his own party and echoing earlier remarks in the day by MP Carla Lockhart, Sir Jeffrey made an appeal for wider unionist unity, adding that nationalist parties are already planning and preparing for the future while unionism is too often on the back foot. I believe that when unionism is united, we are at our strongest, he said. "This does not mean that all unionists will agree on every issue but that we can find commonality in a unity of purpose on the matters that draw us together. Where we can unite behind a shared vision and values that are open and welcoming. Wherever I travel in Northern Ireland I get one consistent message from unionists - they want their unionist elected representatives to work together. They see that a fractured unionism cost seats, and influence. I have repeatedly said, and I say it again, that there is more that unites the unionist family than divides us. I have had regular meetings with all the other unionist parties to discuss how we can work together to achieve our objectives. But we must do more and we stand ready to play our part in greater unionist co-operation. We must collectively step up our efforts in promoting the union. He added: Those who believe that a united Ireland is around the corner, that it is inevitable, and that Northern Ireland within the union will cease to exist are entirely wrong. If we make the right choices now, we can secure the Union for generations to come. But that means being prepared to face up to new realities and adapting to new circumstances. I welcome Labour leader Keir Starmers comments last week that a border poll is not even on the horizon. It is a confirmation of what we already know. However, we must not simply seek to defend Northern Irelands position within the United Kingdom, we must be active persuaders for the union in both word and deed. Read more Border poll not on the horizon, says Keir Starmer ahead of Labour party conference Meanwhile, Sir Jeffrey revealed in a bid to strengthen Northern Irelands position within the UK he has asked the Government to establish what he described as an East-West Council, which would bring together representatives from across the United Kingdom. "This would include Northern Ireland, the UK Government, and others from across our nation and its regions to meet on a regular basis to discuss and collaborate on opportunities for enhanced co-operation, he added. I have said it throughout the course of my leadership of this party and I say it again my unionism is an inclusive, positive and modern one. I want us to build a better Northern Ireland, not just for those who share our unionism, but for all our people. I want us to build the broadest coalition of Pro-Union support from right across the community. Unionism should have no barriers to entry beyond a belief that Northern Ireland is best served as being an integral part of the UK. He also dismissed the idea of direct rule from Westminster if Stormont cannot be restored claiming the Government has imposed laws upon us that are not in tune with the needs or wishes of the people of Northern Ireland a reference to legislation around abortion, marriage and legacy. "You cannot on the one hand repeatedly condemn successive Governments for letting us down and then argue with credibility that we are better off ruled directly by those who do not really understand what makes this place tick, he added. DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly speaking during the DUPs annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) The UK Governments new laws to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles are an affront to justice, Emma Little-Pengelly has told the DUP conference in Belfast. The MLA also accused the Irish Government of breathtaking arrogance for what she said was a failure to investigate claims of Garda collusion. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act received royal assent last month despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government. Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences to those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The ICRIR will be headed by former lord chief justice Sir Declan Morgan. The new Act will also halt future civil cases and inquests. A number of Troubles victims have launched legal action against the new Act. Ms Little-Pengelly told delegates at the DUP conference in Belfast that it was right that the government had addressed the witch-hunt against soldiers who had served in Northern Ireland, but said the new laws were not the right way to achieve that end. She said: To remove any real possibility of justice from the many, many innocent victims of terrorism through this legislation is simply wrong. It is an affront to justice. She also accused Sinn Fein of hypocrisy in its approach to dealing with legacy. The MLA added: The Irish Government has also displayed breathtaking arrogance. It is fast out of the blocks to lambast the UK for its approach, yet victims are crying out for Dublin to investigate claims of Garda collusion. Leo Varadkar might have one eye on the polls. However, any desire to seduce would-be Sinn Fein voters should not trump the moral duty to victims and survivors on both sides of the border. Victims must be valued more than votes. DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly said her party would not allow a rewriting of history about the Troubles in Northern Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms Little-Pengelly said her party would not allow the rewriting of history about the Troubles in Northern Ireland. She said: What we are seeing now are twisted, sleeked words to bend and spin the truth to justify the terrorist and besmirch the name and record of those who stepped up and stepped forward through duty and honour. We will not allow it to happen. We will not allow those who did evil to write the narrative of our past. We will defend the reputation of those who put their lives on the line in the defence of others. Richard Satchwell outside court where he is charged with the murder of his wife Tina (Brian Lawless/PA) Richard Satchwell has appeared in an Irish court charged with the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell. It comes after Irish police discovered skeletal remains buried beneath a home in Youghal, Co Cork, earlier this week. Ms Satchwell, originally from Fermoy, was 45 when last seen alive. She had been missing from her home in Youghal since March 2017. A major search operation began at a house and surrounding grounds in Youghal on Tuesday, with the Irish police service An Garda Siochana confirming human remains were found late on Wednesday. It is understood gardai are now satisfied the remains are those of Ms Satchwell. Mr Satchwell, 57, with an address on Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork, appeared at Cashel District Court in Co Tipperary on Saturday. Richard Satchwell (centre) arrives at the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary (Brian Lawless/PA) Detective Garda David Kelleher, of Cobh Garda Station, told the court he arrested Satchwell at 7.34pm on Friday and charged him, on receipt of direction, for the alleged offence of murder at 8.07pm. Mr Satchwell was remanded in custody to appear again at Clonmel District Court at 10.30am on Tuesday October 17 via videolink. Wearing glasses, a black t-shirt and grey pants, Mr Satchwell did not speak during the hearing. A tattoo which read TINA was visible on his right arm. Defence solicitor Eddie Burke made an application for legal aid on behalf of Mr Satchwell, which Judge Miriam Walsh granted. The court was told Mr Satchwell is not working. Mr Burke also recommended that Mr Satchwell receives medical attention on entry into prison and Judge Walsh said she would make that recommendation. Mr Burke made a formal application for Mr Satchwell to be remanded in Cork Prison as opposed to Limerick Prison. The judge said this was not within her remit but said the governors can make their own arrangements. Mo El-Deeb said his parents, Naila and Talal, are currently waiting at the border between Gaza and Egypt (Mo El-Deeb/PA) A man from London whose British-Palestinian parents are in southern Gaza said they are trapped at the border with Egypt like caged hens waiting to die. Mo El-Deeb, 30, said his father, Talal El-Deeb, 66, went to visit family in Gaza a few weeks ago and his wife, Naila, 69, joined him within the last two weeks. Mr El-Deeb said his parents, who are British-Palestinian with British citizenship, are currently waiting in Rafah at the Egyptian border in southern Gaza and likened the situation to a ticking time bomb. He said he hopes his parents will be able to leave the area through the Rafah border crossing but said they are still waiting there, adding there is no real clarity. Theres obviously no water, no food, medicine they had with them has obviously run out, Mr El-Deeb, from Marylebone, central London, told the PA news agency. Mo El-Deeb, from London, said his parents are trapped in Gaza (Mo El-Deeb/PA) Whether its going to be death by airstrike or a ground invasion or their health, its a ticking time bomb essentially. Theyre essentially caged in the south. Mr El-Deeb said he is trying to limit the contact he has to his parents to conserve the battery on their phones. Theyre obviously trying to keep high spirits because Ive got four siblings here as well, but every time I speak to them I can literally hear just a non-stop barrage of bombing in the background, it just sounds so close. Theyre essentially like caged hens just waiting to die. Every time nighttime comes theres no electricity, its just carpet bombings. Every time my phone rings or I get a message, I kind of expect the worst. Mr El-Deeb said he has called the British Consulate around 50 times, speaking to over 30 people during the last week but said no one can answer my questions. Ive spoken to a number of people, the general advice is to keep an eye on the email advice they sent out, he said. He added that his parents are everyday ordinary people that have nothing to do with whats going on. Why are they being caged in like hens just waiting for whats coming? he said. Mr El-Deeb said he feels like a zombie with the ongoing situation in Israel, adding: I cant see people, I cant hear people, theres just numbness. Any second your parents could be gone, and thats the life Ive been living for the last couple of days. Its beyond words now. He added that his message for the UK government is to be proactive in getting the border open in Rafah as there are British citizens who are stuck and waiting an imminent death. They need to be proactive and they need to get over there, he said. Im sure theres a level of influence they could impose. These are their own citizens, thats my message. When asked about the couples situation, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) repeated its advice for British nationals in need of help to contact the organisation. They reiterated that they are working with the Egyptian authorities to help those of British and dual nationality to exit the region of Gaza via Rafah. British D-Day veterans are being encouraged to register for major commemorations in Normandy next year to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the landings. The Ministry of Defence said former soldiers will be at the heart of official events in France and the UK next June 6. On that day in 1944, tens of thousands of British troops landed at Gold Beach and Sword Beach in a bid to free Europe from Nazi occupation. They were joined by US troops, who landed at Omaha and Utah beaches, and Canadian forces, who landed at Juno beach, as part of the Operation Overlord campaign which helped end the Second World War. Veterans are urged to register through the Royal British Legion if they wish to go to France, while those unable to make the trip will be able to attend commemorative events in the UK. The newly completed British Normandy Memorial in the village of Ver-sur-Mer near Gold and Juno beaches will host anniversary commemorations for the first time. The memorial, where the names and ages of British dead are written on its walls, was part-funded by the UK Government and officially opened two years ago. D-Day veteran Tom Schaffer, left, and his companion John Pinkerton study the names on the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer in France (PA) Armed forces personnel will lead the commemorations as veterans and special guests meet to remember those who gave their lives so Europe could be liberated. Official commemorations will also take place at the nearby Bayeux Cathedral and at the Commonwealth War Graves Commissions Bayeux War Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place of 4,144 members of British and Commonwealth service personnel who died in the landings. D-Day veteran Jack Quinn, 98, who was coxswain of a Royal Marines landing craft overnight on June 5 1944, said: Having visited the memorial several times, I am delighted that we will finally be able to remember all our fallen comrades of the Normandy campaign in this very unique and poignant setting for the first time on a major D-Day anniversary. Fellow D-Day veteran Albert Price, 98, who landed on Gold Beach aged 18, said: I can still remember driving the tank on to the beach in Normandy and having to zig-zag to avoid mines and shells flying straight at us. I will never forget that day, scrambling for safety after our tank got hit. I had to push my commander up out of the hatch and suffered shrapnel wounds in the process. I will always remember those young chaps I served with. They lost their lives so we could live. With the 80th anniversary of the landings coming up next year, its so important to remember those that never came home and sacrificed themselves for the greater good. Going back to Normandy with the Royal British Legion in 2019 was an experience I will never forget and I want to go back again. I hope as many D-Day veterans as possible sign up to attend the commemorations next year. I want the legacy of those I served with to be remembered. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: We will do all we can to remember those who died and thank those who served in the defence of freedom 80 years ago. Our armed forces are inspired by the legacy of the greatest generation and will lead the nation in commemorating their bravery next year. Royal British Legion director of remembrance Philippa Rawlinson said: Its vital we honour and remember the service and sacrifice of these brave men, so we encourage D-Day veterans, families and carers who wish to be involved in next years commemorations to come forward and contact the Royal British Legion. The partys Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, will address the conference on Sunday morning (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The SNP is asking Scots to put trust in themselves, the partys Westminster leader is expected to say in a speech to conference. Speaking for the first time at the annual gathering since taking over from Ian Blackford last year, Stephen Flynn will open the conference on Sunday. Ahead of a key debate on the partys approach to independence, Mr Flynn is expected to say: The real choice at the general election actually boils down to this. The Westminster parties are asking the Scottish people to trust them to fix the unfixable broken Brexit Britain. We are asking something and we are offering something deeply different. We are asking the Scottish people to put trust in themselves to take powers and our future into our own hands. We are offering the opportunity to build a new, independent Scotland. Mr Flynn is also expected to paint the SNP as the party of real change ahead of the general election, pitting them against a Labour Party currently ahead in the polls. The powers we have are not enough to meet our potential and they are not nearly enough to meet the challenge of this cost-of-living crisis, he will say. And I dont know about you, but I for one am tired of this false debate that says we either focus on independence or on the cost-of-living crisis. The cost-of-living crisis is a direct consequence of the constitutional status quo. Unfair, unequal broken, backwards, Brexit Britain is the very reason why people cant pay their bills. It is a cost-of-Westminster crisis. Addressing delegates, he will point to increased powers Scotland could have over energy, the economy, employment law, rejoining the EU and fighting poverty if it were an independent country. If you believe that independence is normal and needed now more than ever then we are the party of real change, he will say. This is our vision. And its greatest strength is that it will always, always be bigger, bolder and beyond anything those parties backing Brexit Britain can ever offer. It is the unfinished business of the movement that has brought us all here. It is the real change that the Scottish people are crying out for. The Westminster leaders remarks will open a decisive conference for the party, with a key decision due to be made on its approach to independence on Sunday afternoon. A leadership motion before the conference would see the party winning a plurality of seats in Scotland at the next election as enough to negotiate with Westminster to put the mandate into democratic effect which could include a referendum. Although media reports suggest this could be changed to a majority of seats. Protesters gathered on Saturday for a March for Palestine in London (James Manning/PA) Thousands of people have gathered for pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the UK, amid international concern over the situation in Israel and Gaza. A gathering in London attracted a crowd of thousands, with rallies also held in Manchester, Edinburgh and other parts of the UK. More than 1,000 officers were deployed by the Metropolitan Police for Saturdays demonstration in the capital, with police warning in advance that anyone showing support for militant group Hamas could face arrest. It comes as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians, as the death toll continues to grow amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. Protesters during a Manchester Palestine Action demonstration and march in Manchester (Danny Lawson/PA) The renewed violence came after an attack last week by the Palestinian militant group left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. Protesters gathered outside the BBCs Broadcasting House in Portland Place ahead of the London march on Saturday afternoon, waving Palestine flags and carrying placards. Flares in the national colours of red, green and black were set off early on the route, while chants of Free, free Palestine could be heard as people made their way through the centre of the capital. The Met said that certain areas of London would be covered by a Section 60AA power until 10pm, which requires a person to remove items such as masks that might be used to conceal their identity. The London march started outside BBC Broadcasting House (James Manning/PA) Section 12 of the Public Order Act is also in force covering the demonstration route, which finishes in Whitehall. Police warned that action will be taken against anyone in possession of, or found throwing, flares at the gathering. As marchers arrived in the thoroughfare and made their way to a stage outside Downing Street, chants of Rishi Sunak, shame on you and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free rang out among the crowd. Home Secretary Suella Braverman earlier this week urged police chiefs to consider whether that pro-Palestine slogan could be amount to an offence, while also suggesting that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those addressing the crowd, as he urged political leaders to condemn Israeli actions in Gaza. As we wave the Palestinian flag, lets hear it for the people of the West Bank, for the people of Gaza, for the people of the refugee camps, and say very bluntly to our political leaders in this country: Do not condone war crimes, do not condone the starvation and the denial of medicine to desperate people in Gaza or anywhere else. If you believe in international law, if you believe in human rights, then you must condemn what is happening now in Gaza by the Israeli army. A masked supporter shouts through a megaphone during the march (Jeff Moore/PA) Ahead of the demonstration the BBCs headquarters in London was targeted and daubed in red paint as pro-Palestinian group of Palestine Action accused the broadcaster of having blood on its hands. The BBC has also faced criticism in recent days from senior ministers for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas militants as terrorists. The UK Government has been steadfast in support of Israel, with ministers also calling on police to use the full force of the law against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community. Amid concerns about the scale of the Israeli response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that the country has every right to defend itself from Hamas attacks but stressed that civilian safety must be paramount in our minds. Orly Goldschmidt, spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again, she told Times Radio. Thousands gathered in London on Saturday (James Manning/PA) Overnight it emerged that an RAF flight had left Israel as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety. A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the air force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekends assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. A Reuters journalist was killed Friday and six others from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded while working in southern Lebanon, according to the three news organisations. A group of journalists from different media outlets was near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught up in cross-border shelling, one of the two wounded AFP correspondents said. A Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border. "We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," Reuters said in a statement, adding he "was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon." AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre for treatment. Two other Reuters reporters, "Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care," Reuters said, adding it was "urgently seeking more information." Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming "Israeli bombing on their vehicle." They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya. "We are deeply concerned that a group of journalists who were clearly identified have been killed and injured while doing their job," said AFP's global news director Phil Chetwynd. "We send our deepest condolences to our friends at Reuters for the loss of Issam and we are all pulling for our injured colleagues in hospital." AFP correspondents had reported shelling targeting the villages of Dhayra, Alma al-Shaab and Adaysseh, with smoke billowing from the area. The Israeli army had said in a statement not long before the journalists were hit: "A short while ago, a blast occurred on the border fence in Hanita (Western Galilee)," referring to a point in Israel just across the border from Alma al-Shaab. "Light damage was caused to the wall. In response, IDF (army) forces are currently responding with artillery fire towards Lebanese territory." Iran-backed Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah said it retaliated by firing at several positions in Israel. An Israeli spokesperson said later on X, formerly Twitter, that a remote-operated army aircraft was striking Hezbollah targets. The army also said that an "unidentified target crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanese territory and was successfully intercepted by air defence fighters." The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said it had "actively engaged with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate the situation." The U.N. demarcation line was drawn when Israeli troops withdrew from south Lebanon in 2000 after a 22-year-long occupation of the area. Lebanon and Israel are still technically at war, and U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed in Lebanon since 1978. "The potential for this escalation to spiral out of control is clear, and it must be halted," the force warned in a statement. In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah fought a bloody conflict which left more than 1,200 dead in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 160 in Israel, mostly soldiers. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Israeli forces had "directly targeted journalists as part of their ongoing attacks on Lebanese territory." U.N. chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences" to the family of Reuters journalist Abdallah and other journalists killed in the line of duty. "I want to say how much this demonstrates the enormous risk of spillover of this conflict, namely in relation to Lebanon," Guterres said of the Israel-Hamas conflict. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said on X: "Our hearts are with the families of the journalists who lost their lives and those who suffered injuries in Lebanon. Journalists do critical work to better inform the public, often in dangerous conditions." The Israel-Lebanon border has seen a series of flare-ups since a bloody attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel. Oct.7. Hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the border from Gaza into Israel on Saturday, killing more than 1,300 people, most of them civilians, and seizing about 150 hostages. Israel has retaliated by bombarding Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, killing some 1,900 people, and warned 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south. (AFP) Two charter flights have now left Israel, the Government has confirmed (Owen Humphreys/PA) Two charter flights have now left Israel, as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals out of the country amid the escalating conflict in the region. The Foreign Office confirmed that two flights had left the country, with further flights expected in the days ahead. One flight was a commercial charter flight, while an RAF A400M transport plane was also used. (PA Graphics) It is expected that the Ministry of Defence will continue to play a role supporting the Foreign Office in the charter effort. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, in a post on X, said: The UK is continuing to help vulnerable British nationals leave Israel. Two charter flights have now left Israel and we expect more to leave in the coming days. Its more important than ever that you follow our travel advice and register your presence. The UK Government had initially failed to organise repatriation flights from Israel due to problems obtaining insurance, an aviation source told the PA news agency. A UK-organised flight was originally planned to arrive at Gatwick Airport on Friday, but that was cancelled amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. An attempt to arrange a flight landing at the West Sussex airport at 5.40pm on Friday also failed. PA understands one of the reasons for the lack of flights is that Titan Airways, the contracted airline, was having difficulties arranging insurance. Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip (Hatem Moussa/AP/PA) A Government spokesperson said: Two flights facilitated by the UK Government have now departed Israel. Further flights are expected to leave in the coming days while commercial options are limited. Several airlines have suspended their flights between Israel and the UK, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Wizz Air. People watch a rare ring of fire solar eclipse along the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday (John Locher/AP) A rare ring of fire eclipse of the sun has been glimpsed across the Americas. Millions of people had looked forward to the annular solar eclipse, which sees a bright, blazing border as the moon moves between the Earth and sun. Some places expected an influx of visitors to watch the celestial event (Delcia Lopez /The Monitor/AP) Viewing depends on clear skies; part of the US path could see clouds (Rick Bowmer/AP) It was a spectacular show for some parts of the western United States as the moon moved into place and the ring formed. There were cheers for those with an unfettered view in Albuquerque, where the celestial event coincided with an international balloon fiesta that typically draws tens of thousands of spectators and hundreds of hot air balloon pilots from around the world. Tens of thousands of spectators view the ring of fire while at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AP) Harry Hughes from Houston and Dani Colmenares from Canada watch the eclipse on the second day of the second weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman/AP) Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesnt completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. Towns and national parks in the path braced for huge throngs (Delcia Lopez /The Monitor/AP) The sun rising over Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, before the ring appears (Rick Bowmer/AP) At Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah tiny lights could be seen along a well known trail that snakes through a valley of red rock hoodoos as eclipse enthusiasts hit the trail before sunrise to stake out their preferred spots in nooks and crannies along the way. The entire eclipse from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until it is back to normal is two and a half to three hours at any given spot (AP)Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the US in the opposite direction (Mike Stewart/AP) As totality began in Eugene, Oregon, oohs and ahs combined with groans of disappointment as the eclipse was intermittently visible, the suns light poking through the cloud cover from behind the moon only at times. The next ring of fire eclipse is next October at the southernmost tip of South America (Eric Gay/AP) Viewers on the East Coast were prepared to see less of the event close to a quarter eclipse around midday in some areas, such as New York City but were nonetheless geared up to watch the skies. Under this law it would have been a criminal offence to name Jimmy Saville as a prolific paedophile even after he was dead because the RUC had investigated him. And if victims had come to the media while Fr Malachy Finegan was alive we couldnt have named him or hinted at his identity if the police had even spent 10 minutes claiming to investigate him fizkes/Shutterstock.com As we were all cooped up more than usual due to COVID-19, for many of us, that meant more chances to wear comfy sweatshirts, loungewear, and fuzzy socks. Some people threw yoga pants into that mix but perhaps only feel theyre appropriate for home or when were alone. This thought could be a legitimate conviction or a reaction to churches harsh attitude toward yoga pants. Now that things have opened back up again, what now? Should Christian women continue to wear yoga pants? Before answering that question, others need addressing: are your wardrobe choices indicative of your spiritual level? Can a clothing item be considered sinful? Is telling a woman what she can or cant wear legalistic? What are yoga pants, and what is Christian modesty? What are yoga pants? As the name suggests, yoga pants started as attire for yoga classes. The fabric is stretchy knit and has an elastic, wide waistband. From there, the shape can be flared at the hem or like leggings. Either way, the area from the waist to the knee is tight-fitting. Some yoga pants are made of a heavy, ponte knit, but others are made of a thinner, lighter fabric. True to form, the fashion world isnt happy to leave well enough alone, so a new and improved version has materialized with enhanced buttock shaping built in. Instagram stylists now pair these pants with everything from blouses and blazers to tees and sweatshirts. The designers aim not to cover any part of the pants from mid-hip to ankle. Lately, some prefer waist-length, cropped tops with yoga pants. To most women, what makes these pants attractive is their comfort. Theyre easy to move around in and forgiving of extra tummy weight. They also look good with both lug-soled boots and sneakers. Why the controversy? You may wonder why comfortable clothing has set off such a controversy. The issue is the fabrics clinginess to a womans hip, abdomen, and thigh areas. Additionally, some fabric is so thin that its almost invisible over bumps, curves, and wrinkles. Wearing such attire in public without trying to cover these areas sets off a modesty radar among some Christians. The definition of Christian modesty. Reading the apostle Pauls letters in the New Testament helps shed light on this touchy subject. In each letter, he discusses cultural difficulties faced by local believers while offering insight into how to live a practical life as a person of faith. Peter does so in his two letters intended to flow between several churches in Asia Minor. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, he addresses what women wore, advising us not to focus on the externals and lose sight of the great truth of Christ living in us. Apparently, the women of Peters day were much like contemporary Christian women: concerned about their outer appearance. He encouraged women to decide that improving their spiritual relationship with God was most important. He hit the nail on the head when he implied that if our focus is correct, all other issues will fall into place. Its essential to note that modesty is a posture of the heart, not rules to shame women into submission. Both women and men are called to be modest towards God in all that God has given them. Can clothing be fashionable and modest? When a woman says she wants to be attractive, the next question is, what are you trying to attract? Its possible to dress fashionably while remaining modest. Its about how we wear clothing as what we wear. Actress Lauren Hutton once said that fashion is what designers offer us four times a year. Style is what you choose. We choose what we want to convey about ourselves by our clothing choices. A woman must answer the question of what she hopes to convey. Then, all of her choices will be easier. Is it appropriate to tell a woman what to wear? Using the Bible as a guide, we see that the apostles carefully preached against using lists of behavior as spiritual tests. Instead, they gave principles upon which to build. It would be best to follow their example. Its easy to be distracted by the externals, but we should resist. If were so consumed to please God and spread the gospel, were less likely to be tripped up by someone elses choices. We can make false assumptions about the spirituality or motives of others based on a first glance. We believe we know what theyre thinking without even talking to them. This idea is particularly true with hot topic issues like clothing choices. A persons wardrobe selections act as a message board. For example, consider the teenage girl dressed in black, with dyed-black hair and black fingernails. What do you think shes saying to the world? Also, think about the guy wearing heavy necklaces and baggy t-shirts with slung low pants. An older woman who always wears revealing tops and too much lipstick sends a different message. None of these characters need to say anything for you to gain an understanding that theyre hiding their genuine self behind a costume and they want your attention. The same could be said for a woman in practically transparent, skin-tight, buttock-enhancing yoga pants paired with a baggy, cropped sweater. What kind of attention should we give? What about a genuine friendship with no strings attached? Better yet, what would Jesus do? is still an excellent question to consider. We may want to step back and give grace. Unless we do know the other person well, and perhaps not even then, we cant know what was in her mind when she got dressed that morning. How to stop the madness. In any case, we should think before reacting to someone else and pay attention to ourselves. Galatians 5:22-23 illustrates the fruit of the Spirit, which never goes out of style. When we dress our inner person with these characteristics, our outer self will be easier to manage in a way that pleases God. As 1 Peter 3:4 tells us, thats the whole point: we should live for ourselves, not others. Ivan U/Shutterstock.com On the 22nd anniversary of Sept. 11, the New York City sky was filled with a double rainbow as Americans reflected on the thousands of lives lost due to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. People took to social media to share their views of the double rainbow in the Manhattan sky. One social media user wrote that they cried while taking a video of the phenomenon, adding that it was something they needed to take in and capture. One TikTok user wrote they were speechless after the NYC skies were consumed with a heavy thunderstorm followed by the double rainbow. A double rainbow also appeared in the sky after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, as mourners gathered around Buckingham Palace to grieve the longest-reigning British monarch. Some people think that a double rainbow sighting brings a newfound sense of hope despite sad times. So what is a double rainbow, and how do they happen? What is a double rainbow? According to the National Weather Service, a double rainbow is a weather phenomenon formed when two internal reflections and the rays exit the drop the second time at an angle of around 50 degrees instead of the 42 degrees for the primary rainbow. This effect results in a secondary rainbow, with the colors reversed from the primary rainbow. The appearance of double rainbows may be considered common, but some people believe they have a deeper meaning. What does a double rainbow signify? According to several online publications, double rainbows symbolize new beginnings, good tidings, promise and comfort for the dead. One publication shared that double rainbows bring a spiritual message of hope. Its believed to be a sign from the universe that all of your pain wont last long, and a brighter future is ahead. In the Bible, God put a rainbow in the sky to symbolize hope for Noah and his family. Pastor Jesse Bradley, leader of Grace Community Church in the Seattle, Washington area, previously told Fox News Digital that after the flood, Noah and his family saw a rainbow from God while trying to handle challenging circumstances, as detailed in Genesis 9:12-13. He added that after the loss and trauma of the flood, there was hope because of God. With hope comes the need to hold on and perseverance, so the double rainbow could signify that better days are ahead. Perhaps the universe has seen your struggles and encourages you to keep going no matter the circumstances. However, Noahs story isnt the only time the Bible mentions a rainbow. For example, God showed His glory to the prophet Ezekiel in a vision that looked like fire with a brightness like the color amber. He also said he saw what he thought were living things and a firmament on the heads of the living things, as detailed in Ezekiel 1:4. The apostle John also saw Gods throne surrounded by a rainbow in a vision resembling sardine stone and jasper. He also discussed how the seven spirits of God looked like seven lamps in Revelation 4:3. Additionally, the double rainbow is believed to provide comfort for those mourning lost loved ones. The rainbows symbolize that the dead have reached heaven, and theyre sending the rainbow as a message to the loved ones they left behind. Some may see the double rainbow appearance as a good omen, representing the start of a new journey in life. One blog wrote that this can be a spiritual sign that you should adjust your current path. With one semi-circle visible above the ground, it means your life is a full circle that should be explored. The blog added that a double rainbow can signify a new start, or maybe youve taken a step in the wrong direction, or you should change your direction for a more significant impact. Its natures way of telling you to rediscover and reassess your direction to achieve your lifes purpose. The biblical significance of a double rainbow. The Bible says that a double rainbow shows the world is under Gods glory, and we must believe in Him to find our lives. Well accomplish our mission by following Gods path. Furthermore, the Bible says a double rainbow is a sign of Gods promise that Hell never flood the earth again, as He did in the Genesis Flood. A double rainbow also means evil will be defeated, and we can trust His love. It also shows that God hasnt broken His promise of never flooding the earth again. Those who believe in Gods goodness and love should keep having hope and persevere. People can trust Gods promises and live fearlessly because the biblical double rainbow shows no more curses, evil will permanently lose, and we can count on Gods love. The Noahic Covenant is unconditional because it doesnt depend on anything Noah or his descendants had to do to fulfill the covenant. Its a promise based solely on Gods faithfulness. Because of His faithfulness to always do what He says Hell do, we know that no matter how wicked humanity becomes, there wont be another worldwide flood. Neither the righteousness nor the wickedness of humanity affects this covenant. Theres no condition where God will renege on His promise. However, it also doesnt mean God will never destroy the earth again. Hes promised to destroy the earth one day by fire, specifically in 2 Peter 3:10 in the events known as the day of the Lord. God put a rainbow in the sky as a sign to remind Noah and his family line of His covenantal promise. Just as circumcision signifies the Abrahamic Covenant, a rainbow symbolizes the Noahic Covenant. The lesson is that when we see a rainbow, specifically a double rainbow, we should be reminded of Gods amazing grace and faithfulness. We should also be reminded that God is righteous and holy with a hatred for sin. Like God delivered a way for Noah and his family to be saved in the ark, Hell also provide a way for us to be saved through Jesus. Australia on Saturday decisively rejected a proposal to recognise Indigenous people in the Constitution, in a major setback to the country's efforts for reconciliation with its First Peoples. Australians had to vote "Yes" or "No" in the referendum, the first in almost a quarter of a century, on the question of whether to alter the constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people through the creation of an Indigenous advisory body, the "Voice to Parliament." Nationwide, with almost 70 percent of the vote counted, the "No" vote led "Yes" 60 percent to 40 percent. Australian broadcaster ABC and other TV networks have projected that a majority of voters in all six of Australia's states would vote against altering the 122-year-old Constitution. A successful referendum requires at least four of the six to vote in favour, along with a national majority. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged it was not the outcome he had hoped for but said the country would have to seek a new way forward for reconciliation. "Our nation's road to reconciliation has often been hard going," Albanese said in a televised news conference. "Tonight is not the end of the road and is certainly not the end of our efforts to bring people together." Academics and human rights advocates fear the win by the "No" camp could set back reconciliation efforts by years. The Voice to Parliament was proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a 2017 document crafted by indigenous leaders that set out a roadmap for reconciliation with wider Australia. Australia's indigenous citizens, who make up 3.8 percent of the country's 26 million population, have inhabited the land for about 60,000 years but are not mentioned in the Constitution and are, by most socio-economic measures, the most disadvantaged people in the country. Supporters of the proposal believed entrenching an Indigenous Voice into the constitution would unite Australia and usher in a new era with its indigenous people. Many indigenous people favoured the change, but some said it was a distraction from achieving practical and positive outcomes. The political opposition has criticised the measure, saying it is divisive, would be ineffective, and would slow government decision-making. "I'm devastated," indigenous leader and prominent "Yes" campaigner Thomas Mayo said on ABC News. "We need a voice. We need that structural change." Referendums are difficult to pass in Australia, with only eight of 44 succeeding since the country's founding in 1901. This is the first referendum in Australia since voters rejected a proposal to become a republic almost a quarter of a century ago. In 1967, a referendum to count indigenous people as part of the Australian population was a resounding success with bipartisan political support. This year's referendum, however, has not garnered unified support, with leaders of the major conservative parties campaigning for a "No" vote. No referendum has passed in Australia without bipartisan backing. The Voice has been a key feature of Prime Minister Albanese's term in office, and a referendum loss would stand out, political analysts say, as his biggest setback since coming to power in May last year. Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticised Albanese for holding a referendum "that Australia did not need to have". "The proposal and the process should have been designed to unite Australians, not to divide us," he told a news conference after the result was known Saturday. A misinformation campaign that spread through social media also sparked fear that the Voice - a purely advisory body - would become a third chamber of parliament, resulting in more federal aid to Aboriginal people, and more disputes between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Albanese also criticised some sections of the media that he said had steered the referendum debate away from the core issues. "We have had, including in outlets represented in this room, discussions about a range of things that were nothing to do with what was on the ballot paper tonight," Albanese said. (Reuters) 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. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming Bill Gates obtained approval for an air vaccine that will be administered without peoples approval. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming the U.S. military is planning to reinstitute the draft. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close City council and select board members from 120 towns and cities, including from Berkshire County, signed a letter supporting a bill that would cut through regulatory red tape for green energy. AMERICAN MACULAR DEGENERATION FOUNDATION 'Maybe you learn to see with your fingers.' Vision & Art Project helps artists with macular degeneration chronicle their work and the progression of the disease They won't do an inspection for two reasons: because we lost custody of the truck, Select Board member John Field told the other two members of the Select Board at Mondays meeting. And because it's a municipality. And what I mean by lost custody is, A & M Auto service went and collected the truck the very next day and brought it up." Lenox native James Brooke has traveled to about 100 countries reporting for The New York Times, Bloomberg and Voice of America. He reported from Russia for eight years and from Ukraine for six years. If we allow a big country to bully a smaller one, to simply invade it and take its territory, then it's going to be open season, not just in Europe but around the world. In such terms did US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken denounce Russias invasion of Ukraine back in August last year. Yet on Thursday as nuclear-armed, Imperialist Israel continued reducing a tiny impoverished enclave to rubble Blinken stood side-by-side with Netanyahu at a joint press conference and solemnly vowed: You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists you will never, ever have to. Yes, it is open season in Palestine. In Ukraine, the western imperialists pose as the defenders of a small nation. Today, in Palestine, the same ladies and gentlemen send aircraft carriers to stand guard over Israel as it slaughters a largely defenceless people. In Ukraine, every Russian missile that hits civilian infrastructure is denounced as a war crime. Today, the flattening of entire neighbourhoods in Gaza and the bombing of schools and hospitals is legitimate self-defence. I witnessed the unprecedented airstrikes that caused this destruction. This neighborhood is 300 meters away from my house, pic.twitter.com/vYOPb1t9ps Rushdi Abualouf (@Rushdibbc) October 12, 2023 Everything should be done within international law, explained that lackey of the British ruling class, Sir Keir Starmer, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has the right to defend herself. Ah yes, international law, the rules-based international order. These mark the thin line between the civilised West and our barbarous enemies a line that Russia, we are told, violates flagrantly and often in Ukraine. In that war, western politicians tallied up every violation by the Russians real or imaginary and compiled them in a charge sheet to be taken to the International Criminal Court. According to the Ukrainian prosecutor general, the number of such crimes exceeds 65,000. Bourgeois law courts everywhere work on the basis of the so-called doctrine of precedent. Well, surely no upholder of liberal values will object if we use the doctrine of precedent and the charge sheet drawn up against Putin to see where Israel stands in relation to their rules-based international order and international law. Or perhaps we will find, as we suspect, that all talk of rules, international law, liberal values and the rest is mere hypocritical window dressing for the most vile, predatory policies of imperialism. War crimes Western politicians and the press didnt wait long to brand Putin a war criminal / Image: kremlin.ru, Wikimedia Commons As the Ukraine war unfolded, western politicians and the press didnt wait long to brand Putin a war criminal. First on the list of charges: that the Russians deliberately targeted civilians, a practice banned under the 1949 Geneva Convention. US Secretary of State listed the following alleged crimes: Russias forces have destroyed apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, critical infrastructure, civilian vehicles, shopping centres, and ambulances, leaving thousands of innocent civilians killed or wounded. Many of the sites Russias forces have hit have been clearly identifiable as in-use by civilians. That was one month into the Ukraine war. Yet, within hours of Israels campaign, the second tallest building in Gaza city a residential apartment block was flattened. This was merely a prelude to the flattening of whole neighbourhoods. According to the New York Times on 10 October a mere two days into the bombardment Israeli airstrikes had demolished mosques, hit at least two hospitals, two centres run by the Palestine Red Crescent Society, and two schools where refugees were huddled. After just two nights of bombardment, 187,000 Palestinians had been displaced nearly one in ten of Gazas 2 million population. 130,000 of them are staying in schools, the rest with friends. We do not know the latest figure. Surely the numbers displaced would have been far, far higher if Gazans had anywhere to go. Netanyahu sickeningly advised Gazans to flee, but the IDF had already instituted a complete lockdown on the Gaza Strip, with nothing going in or out. Fuel, food and water have all been cut off. And as people were attempting to flee through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, the IDF responded by bombarding the crossing. The depravity of it all is mind-blowing, railed US ambassador Michael Carpenter. [Firstly they] agreed to open a humanitarian corridor [] but then bombed the egress road just as civilians were in the process of fleeing. It is pure evil. Yes, he railed against the bombing of a humanitarian corridor out of Mariupol last year. When Mariupol was under siege, when Ukraines Black Sea ports were under siege, western imperialism formed a single chorus of denunciation. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the EU foreign policy chief, and many, many others all denounced these as war crimes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained in one tweet that Russias attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially electricity, are war crimes. But a day after Gazas only power station has run out of fuel because of the blockade, and lights went out and food began to spoil the EC President is on a trip of solidarity with the Israeli people and has yet to tweet a word about the plight of Gazans. Not that she hasnt had time to log on to Twitter, as she found time on 10 October to tweet to strongly condemn any act of destruction of critical infrastructure referring to a leak in a gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland! One would scour Twitter and the newspapers in vain for condemnation of the heinous crimes against Palestinians from US Secretaries of State, Ambassadors, EC Presidents. And yet, legally speaking, the prosecutors task should be that much simpler in the case of Israel. It is always more difficult to make charges stick when the accused party denies the allegations against it. The Russians have always denied that they have intentionally hit civilian targets or starved civilians. The Israeli government, on the contrary, has been quite plain about the fact: they are targeting all Gazans, and they make no apologies for doing so! As the Israeli energy minister explained: Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home. Humanitarian for humanitarian. And no one will preach morals to us. This is quite clear, is it not? Gaza is under siege, and all 2 million of its residents are hostages. Their lives are forfeit, and the minutes will tick down until they starve (if they are not first killed by missiles), until all 150 abducted Israelis are released. The former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet put the thing in quite brazen terms in his rather fractious interview with a Sky News presenter. Referring to the cutting off of electricity to Gaza, his interviewer asked, What about the babies in incubators in Gaza whos life support has been turned off because the Israelis have cut off the power? On Sky news ex Israeli PM Naftali Bennett was asked- "What about the babies in incubators in Gaza who's life support has been turned off because the Israelis have cut off the power" His answer - Are you serious asking about Palestinian civilians? What's wrong with you? pic.twitter.com/mxKfuBnQo1 Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) October 12, 2023 Bennet hit back, Are you seriously asking about Palestinian civilians? Whats wrong with you? Shouting over his interviewer, who dared even to pose the question whether we should consider sparing innocent Palestinian lives, Bennett compared the Israeli campaign to the notorious fire-bombing of Dresden, when the Royal Air Force deliberately used incendiary devices to create a firestorm that devoured the city and took 25,000 civilian lives. And speaking of incendiary weapons, in the week passed, Israel has used white phosphorus on densely populated areas and yes, that too is a war crime. Later, Israels President Isaac Herzog made his attitude towards the Palestinians in Gaza very clear. They are collectively to blame, and will therefore face collective punishment: Its not true this rhetoric about civilians not [being] aware, not involved. Its absolutely not true. They could have risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup detat. As these lines are being written, the collective punishment being meted out against the Palestinian people is being escalated exponentially. Today, the Israeli government has given all 1 million residents in the north of Gaza 50 percent of the whole enclaves population a deadline: evacuate to the south within 24 hours or risk your life. The US has given its full backing to the Israelis who are, you see, displacing a whole people only to save lives. It is hard to find even a precedent for such crimes. The worst war crime of all In a 2001 essay, the Belgian historian Anne Morelli described what she called the ten commandments of war propaganda. The third on her list reads as follows: Our adversarys leader is inherently evil and resembles the devil. When building public support for its proxy war in Ukraine, the West didnt consider it enough to accuse Putin and Russia of war crimes. No, in conformity with this commandment, in order to make Putin look like a real devil, they accused him of committing the very worst war crime, the one that surpasses all others and invokes Hitleresque comparisons: genocide. That particular accusation has featured heavily in the Wests propaganda. As Biden put it back in April 2022: I called it genocide because its become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being Ukrainian. The claim of genocide is backed up by reference to Putins justifications for the war, in which he claims that Russians and Ukrainians are one people, that there is no separate Ukrainian nation, which was a Bolshevik invention. According to Biden, this constitutes genocide. More than this, Russian officials have been quoted as referring to Ukrainian government officials as cockroaches. This language, we are told, is dehumanising, and is thus, apparently, genocidal. Quite frankly, it would be hard to argue against the Russian description, which could be extended to describe western officials. The latter, meanwhile, seem to have no problem with the Ukrainian army and government describing Russian soldiers as orcs. But if you want really colourful dehumanising language, we refer our readers to the Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who on the first day of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza declared: We are fighting against human animals. And yet again, of course, not the slightest objection has been made in the West, where the ruling classes have reiterated their full and undying support for Israels rampage at every turn. Yoav Gallant declared: We are fighting against human animals / Image: public domain But let us leave harsh words to one side and look at intent, which in criminal courts represents the dividing line between manslaughter and murder, and between mass murder and genocide. The Israeli regime has made quite clear what it is aiming at. This is about revenge: collective revenge against the whole Palestinian people. An official IDF spokesperson explained to Israels Channel 13 what this might look like: Gaza will become a tent city. Meanwhile the Likud MK, Revital Gotliv, suggested using nuclear weapons to level Gaza. Where is the uproar among our democratic ladies and gentlemen in the West? Where is the concern for humanity that they expressed with such apparent feeling in Ukraine, when ruling party lawmakers propose to eliminate millions of people with nuclear bombs? Let us listen to the colder, more carefully thought out plans for genocide from the present Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich. In 2017, this charming gentleman proposed a decisive plan for dealing with the Palestinian problem a plan that in all respects resembles the present governments policy of the last year. Firstly, throw full support behind an aggressive settlement policy in the West Bank. Secondly, violently enforce this policy. On this basis, Smotrich made a prediction: Arab terror efforts will only increase. But these efforts are to be welcomed, because Israel will crush the Palestinians ruthlessly, and despair will set in. The statement that the Arab yearning for national expression in the Land of Israel cannot be repressed is incorrect. The two state solution has failed, he explained, because there is no room in the Land of Israel for two conflicting national movements. The national aspirations of the Palestinian people (the scare quotes are Smotrichs) can, will and must be crushed. By any standard, this is a call for genocide far more brazen than anything that has fallen from the lips of Putin, and it forms the core ideology of the far right and fascist elements that prop up Netanyahus government. Whence the denunciation of genocide from the civilised West? We wont hold our breath. A glance at Nagorno-Karabakh, which has seen a complete ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population by Azerbaijan in the past few months, tells us all we need to know about the attitude of western governments in the face of such crimes against humanity when they are carried out by our allies. On one thing, however, we have to agree with Smotrich: on the basis of capitalism, there can be no solution to the Israel-Palestine question that does not involve ethnic cleansing and destruction for the people of Palestine. A significant section of the Zionist ruling class clearly wants a new Nakba and is working towards that end. Only an intifada extending far beyond Palestine a socialist revolution to establish a socialist federation of the Middle East, overthrowing the Zionist state and its regional allies and international imperialist backers can safeguard the national rights of the Palestinian people. A sick joke We will drop the talk about the rules-based international order here. It is a sick joke on the part of the western powers, and what is going on in Gaza presently is not a joke at all. The whole thing stinks to high heaven of hypocrisy. The events that are unfolding in Gaza ought to make it clear to all but the willfully blind that the western imperialists are utterly unmoved by the violation of the rights of small nations and the massacre of innocent civilians. All their righteous claims are merely fig leaves for their imperialist interests. Their righteous fury towards Putin is of relatively recent date. There was a time when the western imperialists thought that they could manipulate the man in the Kremlin, as they manipulated his predecessor, Yeltsin. But Putins great crime has been to assert the interests of the Russian ruling class against those of western imperialism: in Georgia, in Syria, and in Ukraine. In that conflict, the Ukrainian regime is a mere puppet, and the Ukrainian people are mere cannon fodder as the western imperialists themselves have explicitly stated. In the words of former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney: Supporting Ukraine weakens an adversary, enhances our national security advantage, and requires no shedding of American blood. We will also drop the talk of any point of comparison between the Ukraine war and what is going on in Gaza. There is no comparison, although Zelensky inserted a sick joke of his own at a meeting of NATO on Monday: that there is an equivalence between Ukraine and Israel and between Russia and Hamas: the essence is the same. Zelensky inserted a sick joke of his own at a meeting of NATO on Monday / Image: public domain In this fairytale story, Ukraine and Israel are engaged in a Manichean struggle of Good and Evil. The only thing that Ukraine and Israel have in common is that both are outposts of western imperialism: both armed to the teeth by the US and NATO but whereas the one is engaged in a regular war with a powerful competitor of western imperialism, the other in a one-sided war of revenge against a defenceless, impoverished people, without an army, navy or airforce, without an economy to speak of, with only the most primitive means of self-defence at its disposal. Israel has significance for the West as a secure bastion for the interests of US imperialism in a region of historical strategic importance. The imperialists have never ceased intervening in the region, as the US fought to establish a firm stranglehold, creating a living hell for millions of human beings. And yet, despite its bloody efforts, it has suffered setback after setback in recent years. Each setback forces it to rest ever more on its ally, Israel. The struggle of the Palestinian people for liberation is therefore seen by the masses of the region as an extension of their own struggle against imperialism. That is why the Palestinian cause enjoys such overwhelming sympathy among the oppressed peoples of the Middle East and everywhere. A victory for the Palestinians would be a victory for all those who, for generations, have suffered oppression, death and destruction at the hands of the most reactionary force on the planet: US imperialism and its regional allies. Rarely has human history known such asymmetrical barbarism as we are now witnessing. When the Russian army launched its initial offensive in February 2022, it did so with 200,000 troops spread out across a 1,000-km-long front. In Israel, 380,000 reserves have been called up in addition to the 200,000 soldiers already deployed, for a war against an enclave the size of Philadelphia. This vast army one of the most advanced in the world faces 40,000 men, armed with small arms and primitive, improvised devices. In just six days, Israel has dropped 6,000 bombs on Gaza. That is as many as the US dropped in a whole year during the war in Afghanistan. The western propaganda machine can try all it likes to twist this into a war of self-defence, but even it is not capable of miracles. Millions already see through it. Millions more will come to see through it as the IDFs barbarism escalates in Palestine. Before this invasion, a naive but perhaps well-meaning individual could talk about the need for diplomacy to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict, for the international community to bring pressure on Israel to respect international law. But now, the hypocrisy and falsehood surrounding the very words themselves leave a bitter taste in the mouth. As for the international community of western imperialist governments: by now it ought to be quite clear that they are as much, if not more to blame for the present mayhem than the state of Israel itself. For supporters of the cause of Palestinian liberation in the West, revolutionary struggle against our own ruling class represents the only means that can bring any aid to the struggle of the Palestinian people. It is up to the working class to pass sentence on our own criminal ruling classes. The war has come to Poland! However, it has not arrived in the form that the media parrots and paid hacks have been threatening for years: i.e. of Putins tanks rolling up to the Vistula to restore the Russian Empire. Instead, the borders of Poland are being guarded against fleets of grain coming from Ukraine, which threaten something at least as precious to every capitalist as independence: the market. The latest row over grain from Ukraine is the second round in a sparring match between Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia on one side, and Ukraine on the other. Previously, when these five states (illegally) introduced a ban on the import of Ukrainian grain in May, the European Commission stepped in to limit the conflict between its partners. All this led to was a formal, temporary pan-European ban on Ukrainian grain imports in place of the unilateral ban that these countries had imposed. Having no real solution, the EU buried its head in the sand, hoping that the problem would resolve itself. In the end, someone was inevitably going to lose out. Ultimately, the question of whether Europes border would open up to Ukrainian grain was in the hands of those same bordering countries that introduced embargoes a few months ago. It should come as no surprise then that once the official EU embargo ended, the embargoes imposed by these same states returned. Zelensky headed straight to the UN General Assembly to express his (surely feigned) surprise, and to give his European friends a piece of his mind. Some in Europe, he said without naming names and without needing to are treating solidarity like a piece of political theatre theyre making thriller from the grain. Polands rulers werent going to take a telling off from Zelensky. After all, its him who needs them, not vice versa. Former Prime Minister Szydo called Zelenskys speech insinuations unworthy of such a serious politician, while Marcin Prydacz, the presidents advisor found his remarks astounding and unfair. President Duda himself went further, comparing Ukraine to a drowning man, and as he explained, anyone who has ever taken part in rescuing a drowning man knows that he is incredibly dangerous he can drag you down to the depths. The spat didnt stop at a war of words. Ukraine, in turn, filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and announced the possibility of its own embargo on Polish tomatoes, onions, cabbages and apples, while Prime Minister Morawiecki warned that if introduced, these would be met with an escalation on the part of Poland. He also announced the end of new supplies of arms to Ukraine. But this has all gone to the wind now, as the frantic PiS politicians face the likely prospect of losing their majority in the coming elections on 15 October. They are desperately looking to scrape a few additional percentage points of support, with an eye to post-election manoeuvres and coalition negotiations. And indeed, as many as two-thirds of Poles support the government in its trade war, and indeed, PiS has edged a little higher in the polls, albeit by a marginal 2-3 percent points. Elections Ukrainian grain is creating disenchantment with the war among a key conservative, rural constituency for the ruling PiS party / Image: UNclimatechange, Flickr Ukrainian grain, by threatening the livelihoods of Polands many small farmers, is creating disenchantment with the war among a key conservative, rural constituency for the ruling PiS party. Compared to the rest of Europe, Polish agriculture is based to a much greater degree on small holders only 11 percent of agricultural land belongs to large and medium-sized farms (those over 20 hectares). Even medium to large farms are, in the vast majority of cases, cultivated directly by people who own them. These small farms, especially since Polands inclusion in the European market, are systematically squeezed by competition in the 10 years since 2010, as many as 200,000 small farms have disappeared. Additional competition from Ukrainian agricultural giants which are able to produce much more efficiently would be the final nail in the coffin for many Polish farmers. Prices of agricultural products in eastern Poland were already low in April this year, but continued to fall since, despite the embargo. While in April a tonne of rapeseed could be sold for PLN 2,525 and grain for PLN 700, in September a tonne of rapeseed could make PLN 1,960, and for grain as little as 500. For nearly 1.5 million Poles working in agriculture and for their family members, any loosening of trade with Ukraine is an existential threat to their livelihoods. With elections looming, this is a problem for the ruling party, which is struggling to combat the growing popularity of the far-right Konfederacja (Confederation), which feeds on anti-Ukrainian sentiment and is posing itself as better defenders of Catholic, conservative small farmers than the PiS. No permanent friends President Andrzej Duda, in a moment of clarity, pointed to the essence of the problem: I understand that for the great oligarchs of industrial agriculture in Ukraine [...] it is easiest to sell grain on the closest market and the first one from the border is Polish, and hence its the easiest, the closest one with cheapest transport. But we can not afford to allow it, because we also have our interests. Poland was among the most belligerent supporters of NATOs war effort to bleed Russia in Ukraine / Image: Jakub Szymczuk, Wikimedia Commons Duda, in his own way, has reiterated that truth about the national divisions of the capitalist class that were expressed much more eloquently by Lord Palmerston: We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow. The latest turn of events is quite remarkable. Poland was, along with the US, Britain and the Baltic states, among the most belligerent supporters of NATOs war effort to bleed Russia in Ukraine. There used to be talk of unconditional support for Ukraine until a victorious end to the war, until the recapture of Donbass, Crimea, and even until the overthrow of the madman Putin, when the Russian barbarians would be forced to accept democracy. President Duda even seemed willing to contemplate World War 3 by calling for NATO to discuss triggering Article 4 in response to a stray missile landing in Polish territory, allegedly from Russia (although subsequently proven to have been fired by Ukraine). Above all, the unconditional support of Polands ruling class for Ukraine had one very hard condition: hands off our markets! As the war goes from bad to worse for the West with the Ukrainian offensive stalling, and with governments facing the social and economic blowback of the war, the cracks are rapidly opening up in the western alliance. At a time when billions of people lack food and even in the rich countries, food prices are rising dramatically, millions of tonnes of food are waiting at the borders because they threaten the political interests of capitalist cliques. These parasitic cliques must be swept away. Only on this basis will we be able to feed every person on Earth and provide a stable, dignified existence for ordinary people. 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 Gold rises as geopolitical tension in Middle East escalates Xinhua) 10:54, October 14, 2023 CHICAGO, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Friday as geopolitical tension in the Middle East escalates. The most active gold contract for December delivery rose 58.50 U.S. dollars, or 3.11 percent, to close at 1,941.50 dollars per ounce. Israel called for all civilians in the northern half of the Gaza Strip to relocate within 24 hours, as it prepares for a ground assault in response to an attack by Hamas. Investors turn to safe haven gold amid geopolitical turmoil. Economic data released on Friday also supported gold. The U.S. Labor Department reported that the U.S. import price index rose 0.1 percent in September, the third straight increase. Economists were expecting a 0.5-percent gain. The preliminary reading of University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell to 63 in October from 68.1 in September, the lowest level since May. Economists had expected an October reading of 67.4. "I believe that we are at the point where we can hold rates where they are," Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker said in a virtual event with the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce on Friday. Silver for December delivery rose 93.60 cents, or 4.26 percent, to close at 22.895 dollars per ounce. Platinum for January delivery rose 8.40 dollars, or 0.96 percent, to close at 884.20 dollars per ounce. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Upcoming events Orleans award-winning Lush Life Travel invites you to a free info session Oct.26.23 @630pm about their 2024 European river cruise designed for self-care and healing. This wellness on water offers a perfect gathering for mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. Come travel with someone; or travel alone, together; from Budapest to Prague on this soothing luxury adventure. Cick here to register. HALLOWEEN PARTY at the Royal Oak Orleans corner of Jeanne dArc and St. Joseph Blvd. Dance the night away with DJ Gravity spinning the tunes. Prize for the best costume. STRAY DOG BREWING COMPANY presents the ultimate 90s cover band Numbers Station live in the taproom from 8:30 p.m. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. TAPROOM 260 presents the RockPhiles live from 8 p.m. for a frighteningly fun night of song and dance...Playing their tribute to the Eagles, Blue Rodeo, and many other classics. Reservations strongly recommended. Call 613-424-2260. HALLOWEEN HIJINKS at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Cumberland Village both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us for hijinks galore as we explore illusions, embrace our inner pranksters, and celebrate all the weird and wonderful spectacles of the season with family-friendly activities and demonstrations. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Advance registration required. Visit https://register.ottawa.ca/. Veteran British actor Sir Michael Caine has confirmed he has retired from acting after the release of his latest film. Caine (90) told the BBC: I keep saying Im going to retire. Well I am now. Advertisement Ive figured, Ive had a picture where Ive played the lead and had incredible reviews What am I going to do that will beat this? The Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta-winning actor has an extensive filmography, including classic films ranging from Zulu and The Italian Job to more recently in Interstellar and The Dark Knight franchise, alongside Christian Bale. He has appeared in more than 160 films over a career that has spanned seven decades. Advertisement Michael Caine is seen with his star on the newly opened Avenue Of Stars, outside the actors church St Pauls, in Covent Garden, London (Ian West, PA) In his final film, The Great Escaper which was released on October 6, he plays real-life World War Two veteran Bernie Jordan who escaped from a care home to attend D-Day celebrations in France. Advertisement The only parts Im liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Theyre not going to be the lead. You dont have leading men at 90, youre going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this. Advertisement Caine said he had turned the film down three times before accepting the role as he considered himself retired. He stars alongside Glenda Jackson, who died in June after the completion of the film. His announcement comes a month before Caines novel Deadly Game is scheduled for release. The novel follows the adventures of DCI Harry Taylor, a detective with no respect for red tape or political reputations. Advertisement Caine said in June: Its been my ambition for years to write a thriller. Its the genre I most love to read and Ive really got a buzz out of working on Deadly Game and teaming up with Hodder once again to publish it. I hope readers enjoy getting to know Harry Taylor as much as I did. Demonstrations in support of the people of Palestine are due to be held around Ireland this weekend. Since last Saturday's surprise attack by militant group Hamas, Israel has blocked the entry of essentials to Gaza, such as food, water and medical supplies, and has also cut off electricity to the region. Advertisement Gaza has also been heavily bombed by Israeli forces over the past week, with the region's health ministry announcing on Friday that approximately 1,900 have been killed there. Amarach, join us tomorrow in Dublin at 1pm, the Spire to stand with the Palestinian people in Gaza who are under murderous, genocidal bombardment, siege and ethnic cleansing by apartheid Israel. #StopIsraeliGenocide pic.twitter.com/sSECBHZ1bD IPSC (@ipsc48) October 13, 2023 Advertisement As a ground offensive looks increasingly likely, the Israeli government has ordered approximately one million civilians in northern Gaza to move southwards. The area in question includes Gaza City, with the United Nations warning that such a movement would cause huge human suffering, while many including those wounded in the recent airstrikes would likely be unable to relocate. Advertisement Speaking on Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged Israel to open a humanitarian corridor to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza. He added that while Israel "has the right to defend itself", the country's response to the attack by Hamas amounts to collective punishment and a breach of humanitarian law. An image showing the size of Gaza (in grey) relative to an area of north Mayo. This weekend's demonstrations in support of Palestine began on Friday evening, with rallies held in Naas, Navan and Wexford. Eight further rallies are due to be held on Saturday, with Limerick, Cork, Galway, Ennis, Clones and Armagh among the locations. In Dublin, demonstrators will gather at the Spire on O'Connell Street from 1pm and march to the Israeli Embassy in Ballsbridge. On Sunday, Belfast's Writers' Square will also host a Pro-Palestine rally, in addition to Mullingar and Killarney. Palestinians have struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military while grappling with a growing water crisis after Israel stopped the flow of resources to the region ahead of an expected land offensive a week after the wide-ranging Hamas attack on Israel. Israel renewed calls on social media and in leaflets dropped from the air for Gaza residents to move south, while Hamas urged people to stay in their homes. Advertisement The UN and aid groups have said such a rapid exodus would cause untold human suffering for hospital patients, older adults and others unable to relocate. The evacuation directive covers an area of 1.1 million residents, or about half of the territorys population. Advertisement The Israeli military said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had already heeded the warning and headed south. It said Palestinians could travel within Gaza without being harmed along two main routes from 10am to 4pm local time. Advertisement It was not clear how many Palestinians remained in north Gaza by Saturday afternoon, said Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. What we know is that hundreds of thousands of people have fled. And that one million people have been displaced in total in one week, she said. Advertisement Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with possessions crowded a main road heading away from Gaza City as Israeli air strikes continued to hammer the 25-mile long territory, where supplies of food, fuel and drinking water were running low because of a complete Israeli siege. Water has stopped coming out of taps across the territory. Palestinians were fleeing from northern Gaza after the Israeli army issued an unprecedented evacuation warning (Hatem Moussa/AP) Advertisement Amal Abu Yahia, a 25-year-old pregnant mother in the Jabaliya refugee camp, said she waits anxiously for the few minutes each day or every other day when contaminated water trickles from the pipes in her basement. She then rations it, prioritising her five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. Near the coast, the only tap water is contaminated with Mediterranean Sea water because of the lack of sanitation facilities. Mohammed Ibrahim, 28, said his neighbours in Gaza City have taken to drinking the salt water. The Israeli militarys evacuation would force the territorys entire population to cram into the southern half of the Gaza Strip as Israel continues strikes across the territory, including in the south. Advertisement Advertisement Rami Swailem said he and at least five families in his building decided to stay put in his apartment near Gaza City. We are rooted in our lands, he said. We prefer to die in dignity and face our destiny. A woman lights candles in honour of victims of the Hamas attacks during a vigil in Tel Aviv, Israel (Francisco Seco/AP) Others were looking desperately for ways to evacuate. We need a number for drivers from Gaza to the south, it is necessary #help, read a post on social media. Another person wrote: We need a bus number, office, or any means of transport. The UN refugee agency for Palestinians expressed concern for those who could not leave their current locations, particularly pregnant women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, saying they must be protected. The agency also called for Israel to not target civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics and UN locations. An Israeli military spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, said the evacuation was aimed at keeping civilians safe and preventing Hamas from using them as human shields. He urged people in the targeted areas to leave immediately and to return only when we tell them that it is safe to do so. Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south (Hatem Moussa/AP) The Palestinian civilians in Gaza are not our enemies. We dont assess them as such, and we dont target them as such, Mr Conricus said. We are trying to do the right thing. Advertisement Thousands of people crammed into a UN-run school-turned-shelter in Deir al-Balah, a farming town south of the evacuation zone. Many slept outside on the ground without mattresses, or in chairs pulled from classrooms. I came here with my children. We slept on the ground. We dont have a mattress, or clothes, said Howeida al-Zaaneen, 63, who is from the northern town of Beit Hanoun. I want to go back to my home, even if it is destroyed. The Israeli military said its troops conducted temporary raids into Gaza on Friday to battle militants and hunted for traces of some 150 people including men, women and children who were abducted during the shocking assault on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7. The Gaza Health Ministry said on Saturday that more than 2,200 people have been killed in the territory, including 724 children and 458 women. (PA Graphics) The Hamas assault killed more than 1,300 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, and roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed during the fighting, the Israeli government said. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. One official said both Israel and Palestinian militant groups had agreed to facilitate the departures and that talks were still under way about getting aid into Gaza through the same crossing. Advertisement Fearing a mass exodus of Palestinians, Egyptian authorities erected temporary blast walls on Egypts side of the crossing, which has been closed for days because of Israeli air strikes, two Egyptian officials said. Israels raids into Gaza on Friday were the first time it has acknowledged that Israeli troops had entered the territory since the military began its round-the-clock bombardment in retaliation for the Hamas massacre. Israeli tanks heading towards the Gaza Strip border (Ariel Schalit/AP) Palestinian militants have fired more than 5,500 rockets into Israel since the fighting erupted, the Israeli military said. Israel has called up some 360,000 military reserves and massed troops and tanks along the border with Gaza. A ground assault in densely populated Gaza would likely bring even higher casualties on both sides in brutal house-to-house fighting. US secretary of state Antony Blinken met Saudi Arabian foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on Saturday, and both called for Israel to protect civilians in Gaza. As Israel pursues its legitimate right to defend its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Mr Blinken said. Hamas said Israels air strikes killed 22 hostages, including foreigners. It did not provide their nationalities. The Israeli military denied the claim. Hamas and other Palestinian militants hope to trade the hostages for thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Advertisement In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry says 53 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including 16 on Friday. The UN says attacks by Israeli settlers have surged there since the Hamas assault. Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip (Hatem Moussa/AP) The US and Israels other allies have pledged ironclad support for the war on Hamas. The European Unions foreign policy chief, however, said on Saturday that the Israeli military needed to give people more time to leave northern Gaza. Josep Borrell welcomed the evacuation order but said you cannot move such a volume of people in (a) short period of time, noting a lack of shelters and transportation. Gazas Health Ministry said it was impossible to safely transport the wounded from hospitals already dealing with high numbers of dead and injured. Patients and personnel from the Al Awda Hospital in Gazas far north spent part of their night in the street with bombs landing in close proximity, the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said. Scott Hamilton, a spokesperson for the aid group, said some of the medical staff and all patients were moved to another location but the situation remains extremely complicated and chaotic. Hamas media office said air strikes hit cars in three locations as they headed south from Gaza City, killing 70 people. There was no comment from the Israeli military. US secretary of state Antony Blinken has called for protection for civilians in both the Gaza Strip and Israel as the Israeli military ordered half of the Palestinian territorys population to evacuate in advance of an expected ground assault. Mr Blinken met his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh as he began a third day of intense Middle East diplomacy aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a regional conflict and fuelling a humanitarian crisis. Advertisement Both stressed the importance of minimising the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant groups unprecedented attack in Israel. Advertisement As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Mr Blinken said before heading to the United Arab Emirates for similar discussions. Advertisement None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else. A US official said on Saturday that the US did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israels military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. Advertisement The official said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. Advertisement In a sign of some small potential progress, a senior US official travelling with Mr Blinken said an agreement in principle had been worked out between Egypt, Israel and Qatar to allow Palestinian-Americans and other dual citizens in Gaza to cross the border into Egypt during a five-hour window on Saturday. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. But Egyptian officials said the Rafah crossing remained closed due to a dispute over aid for Gaza and that US citizens in the territory were not yet permitted to leave. The state-owned Al-Qahera TV station, which has close ties with Egyptian security agencies and cited unnamed security officials, reported that authorities in Cairo have conditioned the crossing of American citizens on the delivery of aid to Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Also, it was not immediately clear whether Hamas would allow convoys of foreigners to reach the crossing unimpeded. While stressing Israels right and obligation to defend itself and its citizens, Mr Blinken repeated a warning to other countries and groups not to get involved. Its vitally important that we work together to make sure that to the best of our ability this conflict does not spread to other places on other fronts, Mr Blinken said. Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia is committed to the protection of civilians. Its a disturbing situation, he said. Its a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and its important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone. He also said it was imperative for the violence to end. We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence, he said. Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price. Advertisement (PA Graphics) Saudi Arabia called an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries. The OIC said in a statement that the meeting will address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region. The meeting will take place on Wednesday in Jeddah. After his meeting in Abu Dhabi, Mr Blinken plans to return to Saudi Arabia and then to travel on Sunday to Egypt. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain on his mission to show US support for Israel as it prepares for the expected incursion into Gaza, but has also affirmed the importance of maintaining humanitarian aid in Gaza and preventing civilian casualties, in part by creating safe zones inside Gaza. France will mobilise up to 7,000 soldiers to increase security around the country after a teacher was fatally stabbed and three other people wounded in a school attack by a former student suspected of Islamic radicalisation, the presidents office said. Some children and personnel returned to the Gambetta-Carnot school in the northern city of Arras as it reopened on Saturday morning, after a school-day attack on Friday that rattled France in a context of global tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Counter-terrorism authorities are investigating the stabbing, and the suspected assailant and several others are in custody, prosecutors said. The suspect had been under recent surveillance by intelligence services for radicalisation. Advertisement Court documents viewed by the Associated Press show he is from the Ingushetia region in Russias Caucasus Mountains, which neighbours Chechnya. Authorities had initially identified him as Chechen. Advertisement The French government heightened the national threat alert, and French president Emmanuel Macron ordered up to 7,000 soldiers deployed by Monday night and until further notice to bolster security and vigilance around France, his office said. The Attack Emergency threat posture allows the government to temporarily mobilise the military to protect public places among other measures. Advertisement At the school on Saturday morning, police stood guard as adults and children trickled in. Classes were cancelled, but the school reopened for those who wanted to come together or seek support. French president Emmanuel Macron at the school in Arras (Ludovic Marin, pool via AP) Advertisement One mother said she came with her 17-year-old daughter in a show of defiance against extremism, and to overcome the fear of returning to a site where children were locked down for hours after the stabbing. Another mother came to seek guidance from counsellors about how to support her two sons, who witnessed the attack in their schoolyard. As adults, we are managing with difficulty to take a step back, but for them, theyre children, said Emily Noge, arriving at the school with her sons and partner. They initially thought it was an exercise, so keeping things separate, to say that weve passed from an exercise to something dramatic, is very tricky for them. Advertisement Advertisement Its always the same moments that come back: The schoolyard, the chairs to protect themselves, the stabbings, the whys. Why us? Why Arras? Why the teachers? They were good teachers. They were there to protect us. The suspect in the weeks attack had been under surveillance since the summer on suspicion of Islamic radicalisation, French intelligence services told the Associated Press. Police stood guard at the school as adults and children trickled in on Saturday (Jeffrey Schaeffer/AP) He was detained on Thursday for questioning based on the monitoring of his phone calls in recent days, but investigators found no sign that he was preparing an attack, interior minister Gerald Darmanin said. French intelligence suggested a link between the war in the Middle East and the suspects decision to attack, the minister said. He said authorities have detained 12 people near schools or places of worship since the Hamas attack on Israel, some of whom were armed and were preparing to act. France has heightened security at hundreds of Jewish sites around the country this week. The person killed in the attack was Dominique Bernard, a French language teacher at the Gambetta-Carnot school, which enrols students aged 11-18. Another teacher and a security guard were in a critical condition with wounds from the stabbing, police said. The counter-terrorism prosecutor said a cleaning worker was also injured. Advertisement Announcing that the school would reopen on Saturday, Mr Macron urged the people of France to stay united. The choice has been made not to give in to terror, he said. We must not let anything divide us, and we must remember that schools and the transmission of knowledge are at the heart of this fight against ignorance. Hundreds of people have gathered for a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London, amid police warnings that anyone showing support for Hamas could face arrest. More than 1,000 officers have been deployed by London's Metropolitan Police for the march, which saw supporters gather to express solidarity with Palestine as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. Advertisement Protesters gathered outside the BBCs Broadcasting House in Portland Place ahead of the march on Saturday afternoon. Palestine flags and supportive placards were waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby. Protesters gather for a march for Palestine in London (James Manning/PA) Advertisement The BBCs headquarters in London was earlier targeted and daubed in red paint. The broadcaster has faced criticism from senior Conservatives in recent days for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas militants as terrorists. Advertisement But the Metropolitan Police said the incident has so far not been linked to any protest group. The gathering comes as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. Advertisement The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians, as the death toll continues to grow amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. Advertisement As the conflict deepens, an RAF flight left Israel on Friday night as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety. A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the air force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekends assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. The UK Government has been steadfast in support of Israel, with ministers also calling on police to use the full force of the law against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community. Advertisement Waving a proscribed flag in support of Hamas or other proscribed organisations at the protest will be an offence. Advertisement The Home Secretary also suggested this week that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate. Amid concerns about the scale of the Israeli response, British prime minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that the country has every right to defend itself from Hamas attacks but stressed that civilian safety must be paramount in our minds. A Section 12 of the Public Order Act will be in force from midday covering the demonstration route, which starts at Portland Place and finishes in Whitehall. Orly Goldschmidt, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again, she told Times Radio. In the besieged Gaza Strip, 2.3 million people do not have access to clean running water because of Israels decision to cut off water and electricity to the enclave while pounding it with air strikes. Israels chokehold has seen taps run dry across the territory. Advertisement When water does trickle from pipes, it lasts no more than 30 minutes each day and is so contaminated with sewage and sea water that it is undrinkable, residents say. The deprivation has plunged Gazas population deeper into misery as Israels bombardment intensifies one week after Hamas fighters surged across Israels separation fence, killing 1,300 Israelis and abducting dozens. Evacuation orders by Israel to hospitals in northern Gaza are a death sentence for the sick and injured As the @UN's agency responsible for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly condemns Israel's repeated orders for the evacuation of 22 hospitals treating pic.twitter.com/lTFIsmLRe0 Advertisement Advertisement World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) October 14, 2023 I dont know what were going to do tomorrow, 65-year-old Abu Samhadaneh said from her three-room home in the southern town of Rafah, which turned into a de facto shelter after Israel demanded everyone in Gaza evacuate south. Advertisement She said she rations just a few litres among dozens of friends and relatives each day, adding: Were going crazy. Israels retaliatory strikes have crushed hundreds of buildings in Gaza and killed more than 2,200 Palestinians. Even as terrified families flee their homes squeezing into United Nations shelters or the bloody and chaotic halls of Gazas biggest hospital in fear for their safety the desperate search for water remains a constant. UN agencies and aid groups are beseeching Israel to permit emergency deliveries of fuel and other supplies into the Gaza Strip. Advertisement (PA Graphics) There really cant be a justification for this kind of targeting of civilians, said Miriam Marmur, a spokesperson for Gisha, an Israeli human rights group. The UN Palestinian refugee agency called the water crisis a matter of life or death. Advertisement If fuel and water do not arrive soon, the agencys commissioner general Philippe Lazzarini said, people will start dying of severe dehydration. Advertisement In normal times, the coastal enclave which has struggled under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 relies on Israel for one-third of all available drinking water, the territorys water authority says. Its other water sources include desalination plants in the Mediterranean Sea and a subterranean aquifer, drained and damaged from years of overuse. When Israel severed electricity to Gaza, the desalination plants all shut down. So did the waste water treatment stations. That has left the entire territory without running water. People buy dwindling jugs from municipal sanitation stations, scour for bottles in supermarkets or drink whatever liquid may dribble out of their pipes. Quenching thirst has become more difficult in the past day, even for those with means to shell out for bottled water. It took 35-year-old Noor Swirki two hours on Saturday to find a box of six bottles she will try to stretch throughout the coming days. She took her first shower in a week on Saturday, using a cup of polluted tap water and splashing it over her husband and two children before rubbing the remaining moisture on her skin. We are here without anything, even the most basic thing, she said, shouting over the persistent noise of crying children in the UN shelter in southern Khan Younis, where she sought refuge after an airstrike demolished her Gaza City apartment. Advertisement Were worried about our safety in the bombing and now theres this other issue of survival. She and six other Palestinians interviewed across Gaza said they drink no more than half a litre of water a day. They said they urinate once a day or every other day. The World Health Organisation says that 50 to 100 litres per day per person are needed to ensure proper hydration and sanitation. Palestinian civil defence crews try to extinguish a fire in a house that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (AP) The US National Academies of Science and Medicine say men need to drink about 3.7 litres (125 ounces) and women need about 2.7 litres (91 ounces) per day to be adequately hydrated. Its like were in the stone ages, said 28-year-old Khalil Abu Yahia in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Drinking dirty water and poor sanitation due to lack of water can lead to terrible diseases, experts say, including cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. For the past week, the water along Gazas coast tasted like salt, residents say. Drinking salt water can lead to even more dehydration. Among the dozens of Palestinians with shrapnel wounds in their legs and arms from air strikes that Dr Husom Safiyah treated on Saturday in northern Gaza, there were 15 children, including infants, with bacterial dysentery caused by the water shortage, he said. The situation is disastrous, and it will become even more so after two or three days, said Dr Safiyah, a physician with MedGlobal, an organisation that sends medical teams to disaster regions. Palestinians are struggling to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military while grappling with a water and medical supplies shortage ahead of an expected land offensive, a week after Hamas attack in Israel. Israel renewed calls on social media and in leaflets dropped from the air for Gaza residents to move south, while Hamas urged people to stay in their homes. Advertisement The UN and aid groups have said such a rapid exodus would cause untold human suffering, especially for hospital patients, older adults and others unable to relocate. Advertisement The evacuation directive covers an area of 1.1 million residents, or about half the territorys population. The Israeli military said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had already heeded the warning and headed south. It said Palestinians could travel within Gaza without being harmed along two main routes from 10am to 4pm local time (8am to 2pm) BST. Advertisement A week after Hamas attack, Israel is still working to assess the casualties. With special rabbinic approval, workers at a military base in central Israel continued with the task of identifying the bodies of the Israelis and foreign nationals who were killed, most of them civilians. Work is normally halted on Saturday, the Jewish sabbath. Advertisement A destroyed house is seen in Kibbutz Beeri, Israel (AP) It is not clear how many Palestinians remained in north Gaza by Saturday afternoon, said Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. She said: What we know is that hundreds of thousands of people have fled. And that 1 million people have been displaced in total in one week, she said. Advertisement Meanwhile, an estimated 35,000 people have crammed into the grounds of Gaza Citys main hospital, seeking refuge ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive, medical officials said. Mohammad Abu Selim, general director of Shifa Hospital, confirmed that massive crowds had thronged the building and the courtyard outside. Shifa is the largest hospital in the entire Gaza Strip. An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip (AP) Advertisement Health ministry official Dr Medhat Abbas said: People think this is the only safe space after their homes were destroyed and they were forced to flee. Advertisement Gaza City is a frightening scene of devastation. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with possessions crowded a main road heading away from Gaza City as Israeli air strikes continued to hammer the 25-mile long territory, where basic necessities like food, fuel and drinking water were running low because of a complete Israeli siege. Water has stopped coming out of taps across the territory. Near the coast, the only tap water is contaminated with Mediterranean Sea water because of the lack of sanitation facilities. Mohammed Ibrahim, 28, said his neighbours in Gaza City have taken to drinking the salt water. The Israeli militarys evacuation would force the territorys entire population to cram into the southern half of the Gaza Strip as Israel continues strikes across the territory, including in the south. Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip (AP) The UN refugee agency for Palestinians expressed concern for those who could not leave, particularly pregnant women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, saying they must be protected. The agency also called for Israel to not target civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics and UN locations. Al-Shifa hospital was receiving hundreds of wounded every hour and had used up 95% of its medical supplies, hospital director Mohammad Abu Selim said. Water is scarce and the fuel powering its generators is dwindling. Advertisement The situation inside the hospital is miserable in every sense of the word, he said. The operating rooms dont stop. Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus said the evacuation was aimed at keeping civilians safe and preventing Hamas from using them as human shields. He urged people in the targeted areas to leave immediately and to return only when we tell them that it is safe to do so. Dehumanizing language that incites violence is never acceptable. Speaking on situation in the Middle East, @antonioguterres calls on all leaders to speak out against Antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry & hate speech of all kinds. https://t.co/VIekrXc4MD pic.twitter.com/0r5RZciMqL United Nations (@UN) October 14, 2023 He added: The Palestinian civilians in Gaza are not our enemies. We dont assess them as such, and we dont target them as such. We are trying to do the right thing. Thousands of people crammed into a UN-run school-turned-shelter in Deir al-Balah, a farming town south of the evacuation zone. Many slept outside on the ground without mattresses, or in chairs pulled from classrooms. The Israeli military said its troops conducted temporary raids into Gaza on Friday to battle militants and hunted for traces of some 150 people including men, women and children who were abducted during Hamas October 7 assault on southern Israel. Advertisement The Gaza health ministry said on Saturday that more than 2,200 people have been killed in the territory, including 724 children and 458 women. Palestinians stand by the building destroyed in an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, south of the Gaza Strip (AP) The Hamas communications office said that Israel has completely demolished more than 7,000 housing units so far. Hamas surprise attack killed more than 1,300 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, and roughly 1,500 Hamas militants died during the fighting, the Israeli government said. Israels raids into Gaza on Friday were the first acknowledgment that Israeli troops had entered the territory since the military began its round-the-clock bombardment in retaliation for the Hamas massacre. Palestinian militants have fired more than 5,500 rockets into Israel since the fighting erupted, the Israeli military said. Israel has also called up some 360,000 military reserves and massed troops and tanks along the border with Gaza. A ground assault in densely populated Gaza would likely bring even higher casualties on both sides in brutal house-to-house fighting. The Stormont power-sharing institutions are essential for building the case for Northern Irelands place within the Union, Jeffrey Donaldson has told the DUP conference. The DUP leader also said a time is coming when his party must decide if ongoing negotiations with the Government are a basis for ending the trade border impasse caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. Advertisement Addressing delegates in Belfast, Mr Donaldson said the DUP had a proven track-record of saying yes and leading from the front. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson updated delegates on his partys negotiations over post-Brexit trading issues (Liam McBurney/PA) However, he also warned he would not be afraid to say no if discussions did not result in a deal which adequately dealt with trading concerns. Advertisement The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest against the internal UK trade barriers created by the post-Brexit protocol. Advertisement Power-sharing is unable to function in Northern Ireland without the participation of the 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 Government provides further assurances over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market. Advertisement 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 earlier this month. The DUP conference is taking place against the backdrop of the continued negotiations between the DUP and the Government. Mr Donaldson told delegates their conference is taking place when all eyes are upon us. He said: Not for the first time, London, other Northern Ireland political parties, and no doubt even those in Dublin, will be straining to hear what is said from our proceedings. Advertisement He said the Government has to undo the harm caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. He said the Windsor Framework represented progress but did not sufficiently deal with some of the fundamental problems at the heart of our current difficulties over Brexit. Advertisement He said: Upon careful reflection and consideration of the facts, and not the spin, we concluded that the framework did not meet our seven tests as set out in our 2022 assembly election manifesto. Our phased withdrawal from the Northern Ireland executive was designed to highlight to the UK Government and the EU that they needed to address unionist concerns about the protocol, which for too long had been ignored, and to spotlight the harm it was doing to Northern Irelands place in the Union. Our view on this has not changed. He added: Despite the misguided analysis of some, and the prejudiced commentary from others who have always cheer-led for the original protocol, we have remained focused on our aims and objectives, determined to secure further progress at this time. He said the DUP alone had led in securing changes to the protocol, adding his party recognised the need for a pragmatic approach to dealing with the customs arrangements for the movement of goods entering the EU from Northern Ireland. He told the conference: Unionists rightly and reasonably recognised that were they to pursue the creation of a hard customs border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, even though that is where the international border remains, such a demand would have struck at the heart of the delicate balances that comprise the Belfast Agreement. Advertisement Yet the same is the case with imposing a border down the Irish Sea and disrupting our UK internal market for British goods. Let me again be clear to this conference, the imposition of a customs border on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and remaining within the UK internal market was unnecessary and unacceptable in 2019; it was unnecessary and unacceptable in 2021 and it is unnecessary and unacceptable now. He said discussions with the UK Government over post-Brexit trading arrangements were making progress and added he was hopeful remaining concerns could be addressed as quickly as possible. He added: There will come a point when we have to determine if the outcome of the discussions measures up to our objectives and manifesto commitments, and whether there is a sustainable basis for moving forward. This party has a proven track-record of saying yes and leading from the front when its right to do so. Equally, we will not be afraid to say no if we conclude that what is on offer does not adequately deal with our fundamental concerns and is not in the best long-term interests of our place in the Union. This party will not be bullied or threatened by anyone, whomever they purport to represent. We will take our own counsel and our own decisions. Advertisement DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said unionists had to make the case for the Union (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: If we want to make the positive case for the Union, then having local institutions that succeed in delivering for everyone in Northern Ireland is an essential element in building our case. We must not allow republicans to perpetuate the myth that Northern Ireland is a failed and ungovernable political entity and therefore, in their view, a divisive border poll is required. We can and must make Northern Ireland work for all its people. He added: Our system of government is far from perfect and when it returns, we must collectively dedicate ourselves to ensuring even when it is difficult that decisions are taken that make a real difference to the lives of the people we represent. 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A gathering in London attracted a crowd of thousands, with police warning in advance that anyone showing support for militant group Hamas could face arrest. Advertisement More than 1,000 officers were deployed by the Metropolitan Police for Saturdays demonstration in the capital, with other rallies and protests held across the country. Protesters during a Manchester Palestine Action demonstration and march in Manchester (Danny Lawson/PA) It comes as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. Advertisement The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians, as the death toll continues to grow amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. Advertisement The renewed violence came after an attack last week by the Palestinian militant group left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. Protesters gathered outside the BBCs Broadcasting House in Portland Place ahead of the London march on Saturday afternoon, waving Palestine flags and carrying placards. Advertisement The London march started outside BBC Broadcasting House (James Manning/PA) Flares in the national colours of red, green and black were set off early on the route, while chants of Free, free Palestine could be heard as people made their way through the centre of the capital. Rallies were also being held in Manchester and Edinburgh and other parts of the UK. The Met said that certain areas of London would be covered by a Section 60AA power until 10pm, which requires a person to remove items such as masks that might be used to conceal their identity. Advertisement Section 12 of the Public Order Act is also in force covering the demonstration route, which finishes in Whitehall. A masked supporter shouts through a megaphone during the march (Jeff Moore/PA) Ahead of the demonstration the BBCs headquarters in London was targeted and daubed in red paint. Advertisement Police have not linked the incident to any particular protest group, but it comes after the broadcaster faced days of criticism from senior Conservatives and others for its editorial stance of not describing Hamas militants as terrorists. Advertisement The UK government has been steadfast in support of Israel, with ministers also calling on police to use the full force of the law against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community. The Home Secretary also suggested this week that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate. Just arrived at work. This is the front entrance to BBC this morning pic.twitter.com/BHkyAtKZWF Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) October 14, 2023 Amid concerns about the scale of the Israeli response, British prime minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that the country has every right to defend itself from Hamas attacks but stressed that civilian safety must be paramount in our minds. Orly Goldschmidt, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war, and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again, she told Times Radio. Thousands gathered in London on Saturday (James Manning/PA) Overnight it emerged that an RAF flight had left Israel as part of a UK government effort to get British nationals to safety. Advertisement A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the air force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekends assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. Linux Performance This page links to various Linux performance material I've created, including the tools maps on the right. These use a large font size to suit slide decks. You can also print them out for your office wall. They show: Linux observability tools, Linux static performance analysis tools, Linux benchmarking tools, Linux tuning tools, and Linux sar. Check the year on the image (bottom right) to see how recent it is. There is also a hi-res diagram combining observability, static performance tuning, and perf-tools/bcc: png, svg (see discussion), but it is not as complete as the other diagrams. For even more diagrams, see my slide decks below. On this page: Tools, Documentation, Talks, Resources. Tools perf: perf one-liners, examples, visualizations. eBPF tools: BPF/bcc tracing tools and examples. perf-tools: Ftrace perf tools (github). bcc: BPF/bcc perf tools (github). bpftrace: BPF/bpftrace perf tools (github). Flame Graphs: using perf and other profilers. Documentation Talks In rough order of recommended viewing or difficulty, intro to more advanced: 1. Linux Systems Performance (USENIX LISA 2019) This is my summary of Linux systems performance in 40 minutes, covering six facets: observability, methodologies, benchmarking, profiling, tracing, and tuning. It's intended for everyone as a tour of fundamentals, and some companies have indicated they will use it for new hire training. A video of the talk is on usenix.org and youtube, and the slides are on slideshare or as a PDF. For a lot more information on observability tools, profiling, and tracing, see the talks that follow. 2. Linux Performance 2018 (PerconaLive 2018) This was a 20 minute keynote summary of recent changes and features in Linux performance in 2018. A video of the talk is on youtube, and the slides are on slideshare or as a PDF. 3. Linux Performance Tools (Velocity 2015) At Velocity 2015, I gave a 90 minute tutorial on Linux performance tools, summarizing performance observability, benchmarking, tuning, static performance tuning, and tracing tools. I also covered performance methodology, and included some live demos. This should be useful for everyone working on Linux systems. If you just saw my PerconaLive2016 talk, then some content should be familiar, but with many extras: I focus a lot more on the tools in this talk. A video of the talk is on youtube (playlist; part 1, part 2) and the slides are on slideshare or as a PDF. This was similar to my SCaLE11x and LinuxCon talks, however, with 90 minutes I was able to cover more tools and methodologies, making it the most complete tour of the topic I've done. I also posted about it on the Netflix Tech Blog. 4. How Netflix Tunes EC2 Instances for Performance (AWS re:Invent, 2017) Instead of performance observability, this talk is about tuning. I begin by providing Netflix background, covering instance types and features in the AWS EC2 cloud, and then talk about Linux kernel tunables and observability. A video of the talk is on youtube and the slides are on slideshare: 5. Container Performance Analysis (DockerCon, 2017) At DockerCon 2017 in Austin, I gave a talk on Linux container performance analysis, showing how to find bottlenecks in the host vs the container, how to profiler container apps, and dig deeper into the kernel. A video of the talk is on youtube and the slides are on slideshare. 6. Broken Linux Performance Tools (SCaLE14x, 2016) At the Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE 14x), I gave a talk on Broken Linux Performance Tools. This was a follow-on to my earlier Linux Performance Tools talk originally at SCaLE11x (and more recently at Velocity as a tutorial). This broken tools talk was a tour of common problems with Linux system tools, metrics, statistics, visualizations, measurement overhead, and benchmarks. It also includes advice on how to cope (the green "What You Can Do" slides). A video of the talk is on youtube and the slides are on slideshare or as a PDF. 7. Using Linux perf at Netflix (Kernel Recipes, 2017) At Kernel Recipes 2017 I gave an updated talk on Linux perf at Netflix, focusing on getting CPU profiling and flame graphs to work. This talk includes a crash course on perf_events, plus gotchas such as fixing stack traces and symbols when profiling Java, Node.js, VMs, and containers. A video of the talk is on youtube and the slides are on slideshare: There's also an older version of this talk from 2015, which I've posted about. To learn more about flame graphs, see my flame graphs presentation. 8. Give me 15 minutes and I'll change your view of Linux tracing (LISA, 2016) I gave this demo at USENIX/LISA 2016, showing ftrace, perf, and bcc/BPF. A video is on youtube (sorry, the sound effects are a bit too loud):. This was the first part of a longer talk on Linux 4.x Tracing Tools: Using BPF Superpowers. See the full talk video and talk slides. 9. Performance analysis superpowers with Linux eBPF (O'Reilly Velocity, 2017) This talk covers using enhanced BPF (aka eBPF) features added to the Linux 4.x series for performance analysis, observability, and debugging. The front-end used in this talk is bcc (BPF compiler collection), an open source project that provides BPF interfaces and a collection of tools. A video of the talk is on youtube, and the slides are on slideshare or as a PDF. 10. Linux Performance Analysis: New Tools and Old Secrets (ftrace) (LISA 2014) At USENIX LISA 2014, I gave a talk on the new ftrace and perf_events tools I've been developing: the perf-tools collection on github, which mostly uses ftrace: a tracer that has been built into the Linux kernel for many years, but few have discovered (practically a secret). A video of the talk is on youtube, and the slides are on slideshare or as a PDF. In a post about this talk, I included some more screenshots of these tools in action. 11. Performance Checklists for SREs (SREcon, 2016) At SREcon 2016 Santa Clara, I gave the closing talk on performance checklists for SREs (Site Reliability Engineers). The later half of this talk included Linux checklists for incident performance response. These may be useful whether you're analyzing Linux performance in a hurry or not. A video of the talk is on youtube and usenix, and the slides are on slideshare and as a PDF. I included the checklists in a blog post. Resources Other resources (not by me) I'd recommend for the topic of Linux performance: Director Sam Mendes Tony award-winning production of The Lehman Trilogy will make its Australian premiere in Sydney in February next year. The play from the Oscar-winning director of American Beauty and Spectre follows the Lehman family from their arrival in the United States from Germany in the 1840s through to the collapse of the Lehman Brothers bank in 2008 a trigger for the global financial crisis. Adam Godley, Simon Russell Beale and Adrian Lester star in The Lehman Trilogy on Broadway. Credit: Julieta Cervantes Its an international story. Its an immigrant story, explains Ben Power, who adapted the play from the original by Italian writer Stefano Massini. Its about people who have to build a new thing for themselves. That feels really relevant for an Australian audience. The story of how the financial systems evolved is the story of how this family evolved. Its a story of what happened to religion; its the story of how these cities were built. Its a story of the political systems. You get everything. It was a night of both familiar and first-time winners at the 34th Australian Commercial Radio Awards held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Saturday night. WSFM breakfast duo Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones claimed the top prize of best on-air team for the fourth time, having taken it home previously in 2012, 2014 and 2019. Meanwhile, outgoing 3AW broadcaster Neil Mitchell won best talk presenter (metro) for the eighth time, and Abbie Chatfield was named the inaugural podcast host of the year for her Its a Lot podcast. Fourth times a charm for WSFMs Jonesy & Amanda as they take out best on-air team at the 34th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards. Credit: Getty Images The 71-year-old Mitchell was also awarded for best news event coverage, of the Victorian floods. In September, Mitchell confirmed he would retire after 33 years on-air. He will broadcast his last show on December 1. Police are investigating an early morning demonstration in Melbournes CBD after witness reports of a group of people dressed in black marching and giving Nazi salutes. Police officers attended Parliament House and Flinders Street Station in the early hours of Saturday after becoming aware of an unplanned demonstration. Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the hateful and cowardly behaviour. It is particularly abhorrent at a time when our Jewish and Israeli communities are hurting and grieving, she said. How Australians voted and reacted to the Voice referendum result read our expert analysis. Some will tell Australia to feel ashamed for rejecting the idea of an Indigenous Voice. But it neednt. After all, a majority of respondents supported it in opinion polls consistently for five years. Australians instinctively welcomed the idea. But we should probably feel a bit embarrassed. Because we allowed politics to erode Australians inherent goodwill. The moment a political campaign set out to wreck the Voice, Australia started to doubt itself. Within two months of the Coalitions decision to oppose it, majority sentiment deserted the Voice. And never returned. The No campaign is confident it will secure victory in the Voice to parliament referendum, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton suggesting a record number of Australians could oppose the constitutional change. While Dutton did not invite media to attend a polling place when he voted in his electorate of Dickson on Saturday afternoon, prominent No campaigner Nyunggai Warren Mundine was out on the hustings and the oppositions Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was on Saturday afternoon due to fly from Alice Springs to Brisbane, where the official No campaign will gather to watch the vote count. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton with Jacinta Nampijimpa Price in April, two weeks after announcing the Liberal party would formally oppose the Voice. Credit: AAP The federal opposition leader told Channel Sevens Weekend Sunrise that Anthony Albaneses decision to hold a referendum had divided the country. I wrote to the prime minister in January of this year with 15 reasonable questions, hes never replied to that letter. Hes never answered the queries that millions of Australians have, he said. But he defended his carriage of the campaign by saying he and others pledged to give Australians the chance to decide for themselves whether the Voice should be approved. We have kept that promise. We have given our all. We argued for this change, not out of convenience but from conviction, because thats what people deserve from their government. And, of course, when you do the hard things, when you aim high, sometimes you fall short. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton blamed Albanese for the failure and said voters should be frustrated with the prime minister for asking them to vote for the Voice without giving them details about how it would operate. Loading Dutton committed to an audit of spending on Indigenous programs and a royal commission into child sexual abuse in First Nations communities. Australians were always going to reject a proposition which divided us into different categories, he said. One of the great attributes of the Australian public is that we all see ourselves as equal. It doesnt matter if you came here six months ago or 60 years ago, or [have] 65,000 years of ancestry in this country. Were all equal Australians. And I think the Australian public rejected the prime ministers proposition to divide us on the basis of ancestry or race and thats a great thing for our country. Coalition Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, one of the most visible No advocates, said it was a shame the Yes side wrongly claimed there was misinformation when the case for change was a campaign of no information. Price said voters had said no to grievance and the push from activists to suggest Australia was a racist country. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, with Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, said Australians were always going to reject a proposition which divided us into different categories. Credit: Dan Peled We are absolutely not a racist country, she said. We are one of the, if not the, greatest nations on the face of the earth. And its time for Australians to believe that once again. Loading The verdict from voters became clear shortly after 7pm, only one hour after polls closed on the east coast, in a sign of the strong mood against the call to enshrine the Voice in the nations founding document. NSW voters rejected the Voice by 58 per cent in the count at 10pm, while Victorians were 54 per cent against. Queensland led the No vote, with 67 per cent against, followed by South Australia with 64 per cent opposed. Tasmanian voters rejected the Voice by 59 per cent, and Western Australia was 60 per cent against. While Albanese called for grace and humility, leading Yes campaigners turned on Dutton and the No camp in a blistering accusation that they had spread lies and misinformation in the campaign, a claim the No side denied. There has been some really horrible political campaigning from Peter Dutton and his No campaign. Its been disgusting to be frank, said Thomas Mayo, a union official and a key leader of the Yes side, on the ABC. I think that the Australian public were ready for this. I disagree when people say that, that they werent, I disagree that this was a bad idea. Mayo said voters should look very closely at those who had lied during this campaign when they next cast their votes, in a clear reference to Dutton and the next federal election. I think Albanese was courageous. I think he was empathetic. I think he genuinely wanted this change. And he has done the right thing by putting it to the people. So its not his fault, Mayo said. Loading Its not the Australian peoples fault. Its the people that have lied to us to the Australian people. They are the ones that we should be blaming. Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin told supporters in Sydney on Saturday night that the No side had used misinformation to win. We did everything we could to cast the net wide across the political spectrum and the legal spectrum to ensure that what we proposed was strong, he said. But it is clear from the result that we were not able to reach you through that, and we were not able to reach you and cut through what has been the single largest misinformation campaign that this country has ever seen. Loading Yes campaigner Marcus Stewart, the co-chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, said the message was that political leaders needed to do better. Australian people are not racist if they voted No. I want to be absolutely, categorically clear, he said. No campaign leaders, including the Fair Australia group that led the case against change, have denied using lies or misinformation in social media campaigns that cited advocates for the Voice who have called over time for compensation for First Australians. Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe, who opposed the Voice because she wanted sovereignty and treaty instead, said she was not surprised by the result given the country has not been taken on a journey and the referendum was ultimately a bad idea in the first place. For generations in Cherbourg, only one voice ever mattered. The white superintendent ruled the Aboriginal families in this Queensland reserves crowded dormitories. He decided who could see who and where they would be sent for someone elses cheap labour. Takani Warner with her daughters at the Cherbourg polling centre on Saturday. Credit: Rhett Wyman Only in the 1970s was the dormitory system phased into extinction. The descendants of people who were forcibly removed from their lands to be protected trickled into the Cherbourg hall on Saturday to vote on a new Voice to parliament. Election analyst Antony Green told the ABC Melbourne had some of the highest Yes votes in the country in inner suburban electorates. But the citys outer suburbs were favouring No. What were seeing is the pattern of inner versus outer in both of the major capital cities, Green said. With counting continuing, support in the seat of Melbourne, held by Greens leader Adam Bandt, was at 78 per cent on Sunday morning. In Kooyong, won at the last election by Monique Ryan from former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the Yes vote was ahead 60-40, while in nearby Goldstein, won by Zoe Daniel, Yes was ahead 57-43. Labor deputy leader Richard Marles holds the seat of Corio which takes in much of Geelong and towards the outer-suburbs of Melbourne. It is 46-54 in favour of No. Marles told the ABC it was very difficult to win referendums. We knew that coming into this, but because something is difficult doesnt mean we dont try, he said. AFL executive Tanya Hosch supported the Voice to parliament. Credit: AFL Photos We took this to the Australian people and obviously the results we are seeing are not what we hoped. It is disappointing. In the same breath we very much respect this result. Yes campaigner and AFL executive Tanya Hosch said she was devastated the referendum was defeated. I have been working on this for over a decade and so have many other people, she told the ABC. We are going to need to take a moment to absorb that message and what it says. Senator Lidia Thorpe casts her vote. Credit: Joe Armao Federal senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe, who did not support the Voice, said it had been a horrible 12 months in the lead-up to the vote. We need to rebuild, and rebuild at the grassroots level, and thats where this whole referendum and even the idea of it coming out the way it did, it left the grassroots behind, she said. Thorpe was the Greens Indigenous spokeswoman before quitting the party after disagreeing with their decision to support the Voice. She is seen by many as the most vocal proponent of the progressive No vote, and describes herself as the leader of the Blak sovereign movement. She said she wasnt surprised to see a strong result for the No campaign, arguing the country had not been taken on a journey and the referendum was a bad idea. Polling from Resolve Political Monitor had support for the Voice in Victoria at 65 per cent in results collected over December and January. By June, it had fallen to 56 per cent, dropped to 49 per cent in August and September and bottomed out to 46 per cent a week before the referendum. In that latest poll, voters in Melbournes inner suburbs were most supportive of the proposal, with 58 per cent in favour. But voters in the outer suburbs and regions were opposed to the Voice, polling 53 per cent and 52 per cent respectively. Speaking before casting her ballot on Saturday, Allan said the Victorian government would continue to build on its policies for Aboriginal Victorians, including the Yoorrook Justice Commission and consulting the states First Peoples Assembly. Loading Thats the work that is happening right now. Thats the work that will continue to happen into the weeks, months and years ahead, she said. Victoria is in the early stages of negotiating a statewide treaty with the Assembly. It could include recognition of historic wrongs and commitments from the government to give Aboriginal Victorians greater decision-making powers over issues that affect them. In one of its first major reports in September, the Yoorrook Justice Commission called for a stand-alone child protection system and a major overhaul giving First Peoples a greater say over how the criminal justice effects them. It was clear within 90 minutes of the first polling booths closing on the east coast that the Voice referendum had been defeated, after a majority in three states voted No. So what does it mean? Anthony Albanese is badly damaged by the defeat, while Peter Dutton gains heightened authority. Credit: Marija Ercegovac The referendum was the first commitment Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made following last years election victory. Chief political correspondent David Crowe writes that the Prime Minister has been damaged by the defeat, while opposition leader Peter Dutton has gained the hope that No success can propel him to victory in the next election. Political and international editor Peter Hartcher says Australians should probably feel a little bit embarrassed, because we allowed politics to erode Australians inherent goodwill. After six weeks of campaigning following an election night pledge from the prime minister to hold a referendum on a Voice to parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Australians on Saturday voted no. As votes were counted through the evening, politicians and advocates from both the Yes and No campaigns including prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians had plenty to say about the referendum and its result. Here are some of the key moments. Result becomes clear 1.5 hours after vote counting begins The Yes camp is clinging to hopes of a miracle victory as Australians line up to cast their votes in the Voice referendum, amid warnings from leading Indigenous advocates that reconciliation will be irreparably damaged if the country returns a No vote. Campaigning at Balmain Public School in his inner-west Sydney electorate of Grayndler on Saturday morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged voters to be on the right side of history, accused the No campaign of stoking division and took a swipe at the medias coverage of the campaign. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese takes a selfie at Balmain Public School on referendum day. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone The No campaign has spoken about division while stoking it. I tell you what division represents in this country. Division is the division between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that sees just four out of the 19 Closing the Gap targets being on track to be achieved, Albanese said. This is not a radical proposition. This is a hand outstretched of friendship from the first Australians to every Australian just asking for it to be grasped in that spirit of reconciliation and friendship. They would re-gather our strength and resolve, and when we determine a new direction for justice and our rights, let us once again unite. Let us convene in due course to carefully consider our path forward. Earlier on Saturday evening, Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin delivered an emotional speech to a crowd of several hundred Yes volunteers at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club in Sydneys inner west. He addressed the Australians who voted No with hardness in your hearts. Emotional Yes supporters listen to Yes23 campaign leader Dean Parkin. Credit: Wolter Peeters Please understand that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have never wanted to take anything from you, Parkin said. All we have wanted was to join with you our Indigenous story, our Indigenous culture and not to take away or diminish what it is that you have, but to add to it, to strengthen it, to enrich it. I would ask you in light of this result, if not tonight, if not in the next few days, but at some point, you find some peace in your own hearts towards us. Parkin also took aim at what he called the single largest misinformation campaign that this country has ever seen and MPs who joined the No camp and waged a campaign, in my view very incorrectly and dishonestly, that this No vote would result in division in our country. Loading Its not enough to say that you were against division, you now have a solemn responsibility to back up those words in the next few days as we process this result, and in particular, when the parliament sits next week in Canberra, it is time to put the cudgels down, Parkin said. Before his speech, resignation filled the air as Voice supporters filed into the clubs function room. On muted TVs playing in the background, the ABC and Sky News beamed the early results they dreaded a thumping victory for the No campaign but few were watching, choosing instead to share a drink and swap stories from the hustings. However, they rose to their feet in a standing ovation as prominent Yes campaigner Thomas Mayo took to the stage and declared the fight for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would continue. This has been about justice. And it doesnt matter what happens tonight, if it is a No answer, then were not lying down. Were not taking no for an answer, and we will continue, Mayo said. He praised the 70,000 volunteers who had mobilised for the Yes cause on voting day. Prominent Yes campaigner Thomas Mayo addresses the crowd at the club. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer I really hope that everybody will keep walking with us. Its not just 70,000 people. What well see is millions of people saying Yes. And what weve done is we brought Indigenous matters to the forefront of this country. He may have been almost 1000 kilometres away in Brisbane, but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was in the minds of those at the Yes23 event in Ashfield as they sheeted home blame to him and the Coalition before the result was announced. Peter Dutton has been dishonest to the Australian people. He has lied to the Australian people. The No campaign, their lies were exhausting themselves in the last few days, Mayo said. Loading I really hope that when the analysis is done, win or lose, that that is exposed for all Australians to see. I hope there are repercussions ... That dishonesty should not be forgotten in our democracy by the Australian people. Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, a long-time friend of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former staffer in his electorate office, told the crowd that Dutton would be remembered as a wrecker of the referendum, giving an early taste of how the Labor faithful would seek to put their version of history. In the wake of his defeat at the Aston byelection, he decided to put his own political survival above the national interest. Division has been his goal and denigration his weapon of choice, Byrne said, as those gathered responded with chants of shame. Peter Dutton walked out on the apology to the stolen generations. In 2023, he has sought to slam the door shut on the hopes of reconciliation. There were no reflections on where the Yes campaign and government may have erred in their attempts to persuade voters of the merits of their cause. Instead, Byrne sought to place Albanese alongside the Labor giants who secured landmark progress on Indigenous rights. [Gough] Whitlam poured the sand into [Vincent] Lingiaris hands, [Bob] Hawke established ATSIC, [Paul] Keating spoke at Redfern and enacted Mabo, [Kevin] Rudd apologised to the stolen generations. And now Anthony Albanese has had the personal and political courage to insist that after 235 years, after everything weve seen, that there must finally be a just and respectful settlement between the first inhabitants and our society as a whole, he said. Janet Rentz, a volunteer who letterboxed around Sydneys inner west, said she had come to the event to be with like-minded people and to grieve. Im ashamed of my fellow Australians who have responded to vilification, misinformation and fear tactics, she said. Loading Another volunteer, Anne Ryan, said the referendum result didnt reflect her experience manning a booth in Sydneys inner west earlier on Saturday, which had left her hopeful of a victory for the Yes vote. Its upsetting, shocking. If anything, I thought we might have lost by a small amount, Ryan said. Its devastating to Indigenous people and for our nation. An empty paddock on Melbournes south-western periphery has become ground zero in a legal battle over whether it is time to build high-density apartment buildings in the outer suburbs. On one side of the looming Supreme Court case is property developer Peet, which has applied to build a 414-home estate in booming Tarneit. A planned estate in Tarneit has become a legal test of whether apartments up to five storeys high should be built in the outer suburbs. Credit: Alamy On the other is the City of Wyndham, which, in alliance with state authority Transport for Victoria, has said no. The council and the transport department both insist that the housing estate must be taller and denser with apartment buildings up to five storeys high in some parts of the estate, which is located in a growth corridor about 30 kilometres from the CBD. Tonight I need to go home and tell my 11 grandchildren that I live with about this result because Australia as a nation has revealed itself to the rest of the world. Yes23 volunteer Callan, 25, said he was disappointed at the landslide of no votes. It is disappointing that it looks like that its the most disadvantaged Australians that are the ones voting no, by and large. The official Fair Australia No campaign is not holding a post-referendum function in WA. WA voters served up some democracy The mood at polling booths was far more buoyant during the day in WA. As leading No advocate and WA Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash and the waiting press pack left through the gates of Doubleview Primary School on Saturday morning, Perth father Ian Richardson arrived to place his vote alongside his young family. Ian Richardson and his young son at Doubleview Primary School in Perths north. Credit: Jesinta Burton Wearing a T-shirt brandishing the words Vote Yes, Richardson told this masthead he was steadfast in his position and passionate about giving Indigenous Australians a Voice. You only need to look at the statistics to know what were doing isnt working well for them, particularly our high incarceration rates, he said. Loading I spend a lot of time in Indigenous communities and have a lot of friends in those communities, and its clear they need a lot more help than we are giving them. Its time for things to change for the better. He conceded the perceived lack of detail had left a number of voters torn, which Cash said was evidenced by the conversations shed had in the lengthy queue to the ballot box. Yes campaigners and signage outnumbered No advocates two-to-one in the inner-city booth at East Victoria Park Primary School, but the two camps mingled cordially as voters streamed into the school. No campaigner Joe Bryant said he believed the Voice would divide the country. It used to be one rule for all one vote for everyone, now theres a group who are going to get special treatment, and theyre going to tie it up to government, and its wrong, he said. Joe Bryant, a No campaigner at East Victoria Park Primary School in Perth. Credit: Hamish Hastie Bryant said he supported Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Prices call for an audit of federal government spending to find out where money was being wasted in Indigenous affairs, so it could be better spent to address issues in Indigenous communities. Yes campaigner Jethro Sercombe said he had never volunteered for a campaign like this in his life. Im here volunteering because Aboriginal people have asked us and given us an invitation to support the Voice, he said. I work in consultation and codesign for a living and I know that when we listen we get better results and better services and better outcomes. Final pitches The highest profile Yes and No campaigners like Noel Pearson or Price chose to spend the final hours of the campaign across the Nullabor, and in their absence the last-ditch pitches were left to WA politicians. Speaking outside Doubleview Primary School just after voting opened, Cash levelled a scathing attack on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and accused him of playing politics over good policy. She urged Albanese to turn his attention to uniting the country and addressing the issues affecting all Australians, with the cost of living crisis chief among them. If the Voice does get up, its risky, its unknown, its permanent, but more than that, regardless of the outcome tonight, the one thing Mr Albanese has done is divide this nation and its a great shame that he has done this as a leader, she said. Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash in Perth on Saturday. Credit: Jesinta Burton If the Yes case does not get up, that lies squarely at the feet of our prime minister, because he chose to walk down this divisive path and threw away the opportunity for bipartisan support. Asked how the Opposition would work to achieve better outcomes for Indigenous Australians, Cash backed Prices calls for an audit of wasteful spending. Loading Twenty kilometres south-east at the East Victoria Park Primary School booth, state and federal Labor MPs and former WA governor Kim Beazley formed a united front with Greens senator and Yamatji-Noongar woman Dorinda Cox to spruik the Yes case. Labors Swan MP Zaneta Mascarenhas said the referendum was an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders reach their full potential. Im the child of migrants, I am so grateful for the opportunities that Australia has given me, but it seems so unfair that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders dont have the same opportunities, as I do, she said. Kurin Minang woman and globally respected human rights academic Hannah McGlade said Australia would be joining many other countries in the world by recognising Indigenous Australians with a Yes vote. As a member of the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous issues I know that recognising indigenous peoples and constitutions is the best practice of many countries around the world, she said. All of these countries have made these commitments so long ago, we made a great commitment in 1967, come on Australia, we could do this again. WA Labor MP Hannah Beazley, WA Greens Senator Dorinda Cox, Swan MP Zaneta Mascarenhas, state upper house MP Kate Doust and former WA governor Kim Beazley at East Victoria Park Primary School. Credit: Hamish Hastie Beazley, famed for his extroverted public speaking, delivered another impassioned plea for West Australians to vote Yes by saying the Voice was not about race, and that every single person had black ancestry at some point. People need to understand that it is not about race, its about originality, thats what its about ... this Voice is before us because the Aboriginal people of this country were here 70,000 years before us, he said. If this passes, it will strengthen Australian resilience, it will make us more whole as a nation, it will give us the essential equipment to survive in what is going to be for this country an awfully difficult world as the years go by. The only one thing I know about my ancestors then, and it applies to pretty well, everybody whos standing around me, is they were black. The simple fact of the matter is, our white pigmentation is a product of the last 20-30,000 years, which is something to consider. An opportunity not to be missed Cox agreed with her former Greens colleague, Victorian independent senator Lidia Thorpe, that the mental health of Indigenous Australians has been impacted during the referendum debate, but said that was unavoidable in the fight for recognition. Cox said the referendum had impacted an already vulnerable population but the nation needed to take this opportunity. What we have seen is a very steep decline on the mental health and [increase in] suicide rates of our people for nearly a decade now, she said. WA Greens Senator Dorinda Cox at East Victoria Park Primary School. Credit: Hamish Hastie There has been a heightened risk in this to our people absolutely, I totally agree with that substance. But I dont think that this situation, in a political context, was avoidable. Before Londinium todays London ruled the roost, Camulodunum was the thriving capital of Roman occupied Britain. Founded in AD43 by emperor Claudius, it boasted the islands first classical temple, theatres and senate house. But after it was brutally destroyed by Queen Boudicas marauding Iceni tribe in AD61, the Romans relocated their colonia (capital) 100 kilometres down the road to Londinium. Colchester Castle, where youll find gold and silver jewellery discovered under a department store on Colchesters High Street in 2014. Im trying to picture the drama, chaos and smouldering ashes of that era as I stroll through the attractive, rolling green park at the historic heart of Camulodunum or Colchester, as it became. Having long claimed to be Britains oldest recorded town, it now bills itself as Britains First City thanks to another Queen, the late Elizabeth II, with Her Majestys Platinum Jubilee gifting city status to this Essex commuter hub. About an hour north-east of London by train, Colchester offers visitors a change of pace and scenery with fascinating history to boot. On a balmy summers afternoon, people young and old are lolling about, reading books, chatting and having picnics beside flower beds, oak and maple trees and Roman archaeological ruins in the citys Castle Park. Divided by the gently flowing River Colne, the park takes its name from its superbly preserved hilltop fortress, constructed in the late 11th century by another set of foreign invaders, William the Conquerors Normans. Inside the castle, intriguing exhibits include a vase depicting Roman gladiators, and gold and silver jewellery found under a department store on Colchesters High Street in 2014. Its believed the hoard was stashed by a wealthy Roman woman during the Boudican Revolt. Follow castle guides into the vaults to glimpse the buildings foundations the remains of the Temple of Claudius and enjoy interactive activities like firing a replica ballista (an ancient missile launcher) and steering a chariot. For former news anchor Cheng, her time in RSDL marked the darkest months of her life. Some detainees are tortured. Others are isolated and denied basic legal representation. Most are kept in rooms with no natural sun and bright fluorescent lights beating down on them 24 hours a day. Cheng Lei, a Chinese-born Australian journalist, worked for CGTN, the English-language channel of China Central Television. Credit: AP The RSDL is the Chinese legal system at its most brutal. The RSDL law was introduced in 2012, the year Xi Jinping was appointed General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. It allows Chinese police to hold a suspect incommunicado for up to six months. For national security cases, there is no obligation to tell the suspects family where they are or what is happening to them. They are disappeared. Loading The law is actually a very convenient tool for Chinese authorities to target anyone, says Chongyi Feng, a Chinese political expert at the University of Technology, Sydney, who was detained by Chinese state security in 2017. Its a form of psychological torture. In Chengs case, it took weeks for the Australian government and her family to find out where she was. For Chinese authorities, this time is critical to extracting a confession that will speed any case through a criminal justice system that must maintain a conviction rate of 99 per cent. In August 2018, a UN report warned that the system may amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or even torture. Research by numerous human rights organisations including Safeguard Defenders found victim testimonies point to a pattern of torture in the form of solitary confinement and oppressive interrogations with the aim of extracting confessions. In 2021, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs warned that conditions in RSDL facilities can be more severe than in black jails, off-the-grid detention facilities in China where hardened criminals are interrogated. Sources report that police are under pressure to obtain confessions prior to trial to ensure success in police investigation, the department said. The global condemnation has had little impact. Chinas use of the RSDL system is more prolific than ever. Analysis of Chinas official court records reveals that the number of people held under RSDL increased from up to 680 in 2013 to a maximum of 15,120 in 2020, including Cheng and the Australian pro-democracy writer Yang Hengjun. Im not guilty, but they treat me like dirt here, and they tortured me, Yang said in a message last year. Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun. Credit: AP The Chinese government staunchly defends its legal system and the treatment of its prisoners. I would like to stress that Chinas judicial authorities tried the case and delivered the sentence in accordance with the law, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday of Yangs case. The rights of the individual concerned under the law were fully protected, and Australias consular rights, including the right to visit and the right to be notified, were respected and implemented. In theory, suspects can be held for six months in RSDL, but this can also be extended on national security grounds. Once they are out of RSDL they are formally arrested and transferred to a jail, where conditions are often better than their first months in detention but the wait for an outcome is much longer. Charges can take more than 13 months to be laid. Chengs charges took seven months, then another year for her trial and another 19 months for her verdict. All of it was done largely in secret. Monthly consular visits from Australian embassy officials were her only real contact with the outside world. Her only consolation was memories of home. I wrapped myself in the doona and pretended I was being hugged by family under the sun, she said in a letter in August. Cheng was one of at least 55 Australians who are being held in Chinese jails. Alleged crimes range from drug dealing to national security. There are hundreds more from Japan, the US and Europe. Increasingly, Beijing is targeting not just journalists and human rights groups but also business executives who have found themselves suddenly put on exit bans as the Chinese government implements sweeping anti-espionage laws. Earlier this year, Chinese authorities raided the offices of US due-diligence firm Mintz and consulting firm Capvision. They also questioned the staff of consultant Bain. In March, a Japanese employee of multinational pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma was detained in Beijing on suspicion of espionage. Loading The cumulative effect has been chilling. Tammy Krings, chief executive of ATG Travel Worldwide told The Wall Street Journal last week that she had seen a 25 per cent increase in cancellations or delays of business trips to China by US companies in recent weeks. Australian business leaders hailed Chengs release on Tuesday, but they acknowledge it will be difficult to operate as freely as they once did in China. David Olsson, president of the Australia-China Business Council, who knew Cheng in Beijing, said it was fantastic to see the 48-year-old mother-of-two from Melbourne released. Its just amazing news for many of us, he says. But Olsson says the detentions, inspections, COVID-19 and trade disputes have changed the way Australia will do business with China. I think everybody realises that were not going to revert back to the same sort of business relationship that we had with China a number of years ago, he says. China remains a compelling business proposition for the medium to longer term, but the reality is that Australian business executives are conscious that the operating environment has changed. They know they have to do their due diligence. Thats just part and parcel of understanding whats happening. Olsson has travelled to China several times since COVID-19 and now sees more optimism in the relationship than at any time in the past few years. But he says business anxiety has also been fuelled by many employees not being able to enter the country for an extended period. Business decisions have to be based on a solid understanding of the environment. A lot of the concerns have been around the fact that people just havent been there for a long time, he says. Concerns are fuelled by reports people are reading in the newspapers without having had the opportunity to test those propositions at a practical level with their executives on the ground. Getting those reports out of China has become more difficult for the worlds media. When Cheng was first arrested in 2020, she became the highest-profile journalist arrested under Chinas national security laws. It shattered the presumption that foreign journalists were immune from being jailed by Chinese authorities. Most organisations believed they would just be kicked out. Cheng suddenly became a diplomatic pawn in a much wider dispute between Australia and China over human rights and national security. Her case was unique because she was born in China before moving to Australia as a 10-year-old, and later worked for Chinese state media. In many ways, she was the perfect target for a Chinese government looking for leverage in an increasingly bitter geopolitical environment. The arrest was enough for the Australian government to tell The Australian Financial Review and the ABC to pull the last two Australian correspondents working for Australian media out of China. This masthead had its visa application blocked in the same week. Loading Chinese authorities did not wait for AFR reporter Mike Smith and ABC reporter Bill Birtles to get out of the country. They put exit bans on the pair due to their limited interactions with Cheng, forcing them to take shelter in the embassy in Beijing and the consulate in Shanghai while triggering 11th-hour negotiations to get them out of the country. They were eventually allowed to leave, but no Australian media has been able to permanently return since. London: Australians evacuated from Israel say they were horrified by scenes in Australia of Palestinian supporters celebrating Hamas terrorist attacks and will remain wary at home even though they are relieved to have left the Middle East. A Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 241 people on board, operating as an official Australian government flight under a Royal Australian Air Force call sign, landed from Tel Aviv at Londons Heathrow Airport on Friday night (UK time). Members of Britains Jewish community welcomed the Australians upon their arrival. Credit: Domenico Pugliese But a second flight due to leave Tel Aviv on Saturday and a potential third operated by Qantas on Sunday were cancelled due to the deteriorating security situation, as sirens sounded in the city, warning of imminent rocket attacks. The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. I spent a lot of time on the phones today to see if there was any way we could find alternatives, and I understand how distressing this is for people, Wong said. Unfortunately, these fights were not able to proceed as we had originally hoped. The situation on the ground is obviously very volatile, and it is changing rapidly. We will keep working to try and ensure additional flights. Loading The Australian government said on Friday that 1600 people had registered in Israel or the West Bank, including 19 in Gaza, for repatriation in what was an extraordinary logistical exercise. Wong said 238 Australians were on the first flight which departed Friday and arrived at Londons Heathrow Airport early Saturday Australian time. Anthony Goldman, joint managing director of Goldman Group travel agency, had clients returning to Australia on the first repatriation flight. He is working to get a handful of others still in Israel on remaining El Al flights, although he believes eventually no one will be able to fly out of the area. I think its inevitable, unfortunately, he said on Saturday night. While he said those wanting to leave Israel would fly anywhere in the world to get out, he noted many, particularly those with children serving in the army, did not want to leave. Those leaving often had mixed emotions, he said, but decided to leave because they had younger children, or had not lived in Israel for a long time.They dont want to be a drain on the system. They dont want to take up beds in hospital or food, he said. The cancellation of the further repatriation flights came as Israel said it was preparing for the next phase of its war against Hamas. Around the Gaza Strip, Israeli reserve soldiers in formation (are) getting ready for the next stage of operations, Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said in a video briefing. They are all around the Gaza Strip, in the south, in the centre and in the north, and they are preparing themselves for whatever target they get, whatever task. Palestinian worshippers pray outside Jerusalems Old City while Israeli forces stand guard on Friday. Credit: AP Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas for the attack a week ago, in which its fighters killed 1300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and seized scores of hostages. Israel has since put the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza health authorities say at least 1900 people have died, with UNICEF reporting at least 500 Palestinian children have died since fighting began. On Saturday, residents of Gazas north were given a six-hour window to move south along two roads in the enclave, with a senior member of the Israeli military issuing the instructions via social media. Lieutenant Colonel Avichay Adraee wrote in Arabic that the Israeli Defence Force will allow movement on the indicated streets without any harm between the hours of 10:00 and 16:00. If you care about yourself and your loved ones, go south as instructed. Rest assured that Hamas leaders have taken care of themselves and are taking cover from strikes in the region, he wrote. On Friday, more than a million residents of northern Gaza received a notice from Israel to flee south within 24 hours, a deadline that expired at 5am (1pm Saturday AEDT). Hamas vowed to fight to the last drop of blood and told residents to stay. The Israeli military said tank-backed troops had mounted raids to hit Palestinian rocket crews and gather information on the location of hostages the first official account of ground troops in Gaza since the crisis began. Members of Londons Israeli community greet Australian citizens evacuated from Tel Aviv. An Israeli drone killed a number of militants who tried to infiltrate Israel from Lebanon, it added on Saturday. We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a rare statement televised after the Jewish Sabbath began on Friday. I emphasise that this is only the beginning. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were estimated to have headed south from northern Gaza after the Israeli order, according to the United Nations, which said more than 400,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced due to hostilities before the directive. Loading Many others, however, said they would stay. Death is better than leaving, said Mohammad, 20, outside a building smashed by an Israeli air strike near the centre of Gaza. Mosques broadcast the message: Hold on to your homes. Hold on to your land. The United Nations and other organisations warned of a disaster if so many people were forced to flee, calling for Israel to end the siege and allow aid into Gaza. We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, so that we can get fuel, food and water to everyone in need. Even wars have rules, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said. US President Joe Biden said tackling the humanitarian crisis was a top priority. American teams in the region were working with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, other Arab governments and the UN, he said. Palestinians fleeing to the southern Gaza Strip following Israels evacuation order. Credit: AP The overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas appalling attacks, Biden said. And theyre suffering as a result as well. Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian National Authority which rules the West Bank, told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jordan that the forced displacement would constitute a repeat of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from what is now Israel. Most Gazans are descendants of refugees displaced in 1948 or during subsequent wars between Israel and its neighbours. Gaza is one of the most crowded places on earth, and for now there is no way out. In addition to Israels blockade, Egypt has resisted calls to open its border with Gaza. Loading In the West Bank, demonstrators supporting Gaza fought gun battles with Israeli security forces. Palestinian officials said 16 people were shot dead. There have also been fears of hostilities spreading, including to Israels northern border with Lebanon, where clashes this week have already been the deadliest since 2006. Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed while working in southern Lebanon by missiles fired from the direction of Israel, according to another Reuters videographer on the scene. Six other journalists were injured. We are very sorry for the journalists death, Israeli military spokesman Richard Hecht was quoted as saying by AFP, stopping short of acknowledging responsibility. We are looking into it. Lebanese Prime Minister Najob Mikati and a Hezbollah politician blamed the incident on Israel. Israels UN envoy said it would investigate what had happened in the area. We always try to mitigate and avoid civilian casualties, said the envoy, Gilad Erdan. Obviously, we would never want to hit or kill or shoot any journalist that is doing its job. Meanwhile, thousands of people were expected to attend pro-Palestinian rallies in major cities across Australia on Sunday. NSW Premier Chris Minns has said he was concerned about the unauthorised protest planned at Sydneys Hyde Park today after attendees at a Monday night rally organised by the same group were filmed calling out anti-Semitic chants. Loading Mondays rally occurred on the steps of the Opera House, which had been lit blue and white in a show of solidarity with Israel, under police supervision. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore on Saturday was critical of the decision to light the Opera House sails with the colours of the Israeli flag. I didnt agree with that, taking one side or the other, Moore said, arguing that politicians should be promoting peace. Moore also said she was very concerned about the use of extraordinary police powers for a pro-Palestinian rally planned on Sunday. I think its appalling. I think in a democracy people should have the right to come together and protest about policies they dont agree with. with Reuters More coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Surprise attack: Hamas terrorists fired up to 5000 rockets from Gaza into Israel on October 7, triggering a declaration of war. Read our guide to the militant group and why its at war with Israel. The Iron Dome explained: How did Hamas breach Israels sophisticated anti-ballistic missile system? And why didnt Israels intelligence services see these attacks coming? America is already on high alert: US authorities are monitoring domestic threats; security has been ramped up at Jewish centres and synagogues; and protests between opposing groups have erupted on city streets and university campuses across the country. Meanwhile, Palestinian Americans have reported being frustrated by the rush to support Israel, and by the largely one-sided way the conflict has been covered by the US media. Palestinian supporters marched in protest of the Israel-Hamas war in New York on October 13. Credit: AP Even Fox News, the Murdoch-owned right-wing cable network that regularly pounces on any missteps Biden makes, made little mention of his roundtable remarks, which were initially reported by the media, including this masthead, until they were clarified. In any war, separating fact from fiction and propaganda can be extremely difficult, particularly when theres so much false or misleading information online, which adds to the confusion and anger about what is actually happening on the ground. One viral video, for instance, which purported to show a Hamas fighter shooting down an Israeli helicopter was actually taken from a video game called Arma 3. Fake accounts have surfaced on X (formerly known as Twitter), claiming to come from the Jerusalem Post newspaper and even a non-existent BBC reporter called Verona Mark, to spread false information. And then theres the usual political point-scoring: former president Donald Trump, for example, put up a post falsely claiming American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden administration. Bidens claims of terrorists beheading children stemmed from gruesome reports of atrocities committed at Kfar Aza kibbutz. Nicole Zedek, a journalist with Israels i24 News, originally reported that up to 40 babies had been killed in the attack and some had been decapitated, according to Israeli soldiers with whom she had spoken. Hamas branded the allegations false. Loading Asked about the presidents remarks, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the White House took very, very seriously the need to be as factual and certainly as truthful as we can possibly be. But he also said the public should not lose sight of the bigger picture: The utter depravity and the barbaric nature with which these terrorists murdered and butchered innocent Israeli civilians. And that further underscores why and this is what the Presidents specific point was that weve got to stay with Israel, Kirby added. Weve got to continue to make sure they have the support that they need. The administrations full-throated backing of Israel is hardly surprising given the parallels to the 9/11 terrorist attack and the fact that Americans are among those killed and believed to be taken hostage by Hamas. But Bidens relationship with Israel also dates back decades. He first visited the country as a young senator in 1973 and often tells the story of an hour-long gathering with then-prime minister Golda Meir, which he has described as one of the most consequential meetings hes ever had. People run from the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001. Credit: AP/Suzanne Plunkett And as a president whose life has been steeped in tragedy his first wife Neilia and their 15-month-old daughter Naomi were killed in a car crash in 1972; his eldest son Beau died of cancer four decades later the horrors of the Holocaust also resonate. In fact, one of Bidens most powerful moments during the roundtable meeting with Jewish leaders last week was when he recounted how he would bring each of his children to the Dachau concentration camp in Germany after they turned 14. I wanted them to see! he yelled, suddenly pounding the lectern in front of him as he shook with emotion. Some of the leaders in the room froze in response; others choked back tears. Loading The Israel-Hamas war now presents one of the most complicated geopolitical situations of Bidens presidency. It undercuts his campaign for normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia, adds another unwanted war to his list of pre-election challenges, and deepens divisions in an already fiercely fractured America. With so much at stake, adding to the disinformation and misinformation surrounding the conflict doesnt help. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday urged the private sector to come forward and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) saying it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to participate and contribute in this endeavour. Speaking at an event organised on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Annual meetings at Marrakesh in Morocco, the minister exuded confidence that MDB reform process emanating from the G20 deliberations will prompt multilateral development banks (MDBs) to maximise investments into developing nations. The 17 SDGs adopted by United Nations member states in 2015 were aimed at addressing a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030, she said. "India under its Presidency has called upon all G20 members to collectively resolve to fully and effectively implement the 2030 Agenda and accelerate progress toward the SDGs, in a timely manner," Sitharaman said. Observing that the SDGs provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, the Finance Minister said, "It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to participate in and contribute to this endeavour. I invite the private sector to come forward and join the pursuit of this global vision. The global progress on SDGs is off-track with only close to 12 per cent of the targets on track, she said, adding India under its Presidency has called upon all G20 members to collectively resolve to fully and effectively implement the 2030 Agenda and accelerate progress toward the SDGs, in a timely manner. It may be noted that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations member states in 2015 were aimed at addressing a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030, she said. With only seven years remaining to achieve the shared goals set out in the Agenda 2030, she said, it is essential to work towards closing the financing gap by fostering global cooperation and aligning financial resources towards these goals.. For the first time, during India's G20 Presidency, the agenda of Sustainable Finance has been extended to cover financing for SDGs, in addition to Climate Finance, she said. Also Read '2/3rd child-related SDGs off-track, India's progress to impact hugely' Nirmala Sitharaman's Daughter Parakala Vangamayi ties knot in Bengaluru Sitharaman meets UN Deputy Secretary General, exchanges views on SDGs Top headlines: Sitharaman says no licence raj, sees buoyancy in economy G20 development ministers' conclave adopts India-backed action plan on SDGs Disney Star creates new viewership record in high-voltage India Pak match PVR Inox launches monthly subscription pass 'Passport' for Rs 699 Sebi refuses to stay securities market ban on Eros International Media Risk monitoring helps Air India prevent revenue loss of over Rs 3 crore MCA probes accounts of Adani Enterprises' Mumbai, Navi Mumbai airports To bridge the SDGs financing gap, she said, especially for Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs), there is a need to enhance innovative financing approaches such as blended finance and risk-sharing tools which could be used to leverage private finance for scaling up sustainable finance. Stressing that MDBs reform process is needed, she said, "these institutions (MDBs) have stood by us for nearly 70-80 years, but gradually now showing signs of fatigue and because of that many of the objectives which were to be served other than restoring Europe after the war, are still waiting to be served. These very institutions now will have to be revived to meet with the current challenges of the 21st century, she said. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has joined hands with the West Bengal government to undertake a study for the development of state economic corridors, a government statement said on Friday. The ADB is "keen to support the projects with technical expertise and funding", it said. The government, in the statement, said the study aims at "strategising economic development across the nodes of Andal-Panagarh, Kharagapur-Goaltore-Salboni and growth centres such as Siliguri, Dankuni and Kalyani with urban-industriallogistics-skills-energy-social sector convergence". The ADB has worked on a number of landmark projects, including the East Coast Economic Corridor and the Bangladesh Corridor study, it said. During the day, a stakeholder consultation meeting was held by Chief Secretary H K Dwivedi with key industries on the Industrial and Economic Corridor Project. Senior representatives from ADB, consulting firm Deloitte, industry body FICCI and various businesses of the industrial parks along the identified corridors attended the meeting. Notably, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had recently announced the Industrial and Economic Corridor Policy and that the government plans to develop and upgrade three corridors -- DankuniKalyani, Tajpur-Raghunathpur and Dankuni-Jhargram -- in south Bengal, and another from Panagarh to Cooch Behar covering north Bengal districts. "The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has joined hands with the Government of West Bengal to undertake study and development of the state economic corridors," the statement said. The industry and logistics sector representatives welcomed the government initiatives and suggested some interventions to boost the economic and industrial corridor. The corridors will be developed through the land availability portal and will generate huge employment opportunities across West Bengal, the statement added. The corridors are expected to attract significant investment and create new jobs in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and tourism, an official said. Also Read Here's the list of India's medal winners in Asian Games 2023 till Sept 27 Asain Games 2023 closing ceremony: Live Streaming and all you need to know Asian Games 2023 India Kabaddi full schedule, match time, squads, streaming Asian Games 2023, men's cricket: India full schedule, match timings, squad 11 industrial corridors being developed across the nation, says Centre Govt looking at eligibility criteria for direct overseas listing of firms Over 1.94 million new workers enrolled under ESI Scheme in August Imports from Russia up 67% in Apr-Sep on higher shipments of oil: Govt data Govt extends 20% tax on exports of parboiled rice until March 2024 Export contraction narrows in September; govt sees 'green shoots' Top commanders of the Army will carry out a comprehensive review of India's national security challenges along the borders with China and Pakistan and ways to enhance the combat capability of the force at a five-day conference beginning Monday. The commanders' conference, to be chaired by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, is also expected to deliberate on a range of issues including the ongoing reform process, officials said on Saturday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address the conference on October 18. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari are among those who will address the Army commanders. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the government, will also deliver a talk on "Leveraging Technology for National Security". "The apex leadership will brainstorm current/ emerging security scenarios besides reviewing the operational preparedness of the Indian Army," the Army said. "They will also delve into pivotal subjects including review of the ongoing transformation process, training matters, HR management aspects and issues impacting serving personnel and veterans," it said in a statement. "The Army Commanders' Conference, with its broad scope, ensures the Indian Army remains progressive, forward-looking, adaptive, and future ready," it added. The officials said the first day's deliberations will be in hybrid mode while rest of the on the conference will be held in a physical format. The regional security situation and geopolitical developments including the Hamas-Israel conflict and the the Russia-Ukraine war may also figure at the conference. The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China as well as a long the frontier with Pakistan will be discussed, the officials said. The Army Commanders' Conference is an apex-level biannual event that is held in April and October every year. The conference is an institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army. The anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the overall situation in the Union Territory will also be deliberated upon at the conference, the officials said. Also Read US to control land sales to foreigners within 100 miles of 8 military bases US-India partnership vital for stability in Indo-Pacific: US Army Chief Over 6,000 posts of Captain, Major ranks vacant in Army: MoS Ajay Bhatt 114,000 posts vacant in central police organisations: Govt in Rajya Sabha India-Bangladesh biannual border talks set to begin in New Delhi today Health identity card for state citizens by November 30: Himachal Pradesh CM Govt declares August 23 as National Space Day to mark moon landing EAM Jaishankar to embark on 6-day visit to Vietnam, Singapore Delhi LG expresses concern over spike in stubble fires in Haryana, Punjab NGT forms panel, seeks report on construction of highway in HP floodplains Conjugal visitation away from the prying eyes of prison officials is a "fundamental right", a petition filed in the Delhi High Court has said. With many countries allowing such visits, the Delhi government told the Delhi High Court the Director General of Prisons has forwarded to the state's home department a proposal about the rights of prisoners to seek conjugal visits. The city government has said the proposal will also be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for issuing necessary instructions. A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula granted the city government six weeks to apprise it of the developments that follow its recommendation. The high court listed the matter for further hearing on January 15 next year. The bench was hearing a petition by advocate Amit Sahni seeking directions to the Delhi government and DG (Prisons) to make necessary arrangement in jails for conjugal visits by spouses of prisoners. The public interest litigation (PIL) had prompted the high court to issue notice to the authorities concerned in May 2019. The PIL wanted the court to set aside the state's prison rule that mandates the presence of a jail officer when a prisoner is meeting his or her spouse. It also urged the court to declare conjugal visit a "fundamental right" of a prisoner. During a recent hearing, Delhi government's additional standing counsel Anuj Aggarwal said a proposal has been forwarded by the DG (Prisons) to the state's home department "after due consideration" of the right of prisoners seeking conjugal visits. The petition says despite most prisoners being in the "sexually active" age bracket they were denied conjugal visitation. "Despite courts taking a progressive approach and various countries allowing conjugal visits considering it an important human right and also in the light of studies backing conjugal visits as a factor to cut down crimes in jail and reform the inmates, the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 are totally silent on the issue," it said. Also Read Pakistan to release 500 Indian prisoners after completing jail term Tripura to release prisoners who have completed 66% of jail time: Official HC seeks report on medical condition of prisoners over 75 years of age 427,000 undertrial prisoners lodged in jails as on Dec 31, 2021: Centre Prisoners not getting skill, educational training: Parliamentary panel Aerosols heating up Himalayan climate, accelerates glacier's retreat: Study India-Swiss relations example in today's era of war: Ambassador Heckner Air India, SpiceJet to operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday CM Adityanath launches fourth phase of Mission Shakti in Uttar Pradesh SC directs Centre to apprise it about rice fortification labelling norms The petition said prisoners cannot be denied private meetings with a spouse on grounds of existing provisions of parole and furlough in the Indian penal system, and added that these were anyway not available to undertrial inmates. It said conjugal visits not only ensure enforcement of the fundamental human rights of those incarcerated but also their spouses who suffer without having done any wrong. "One should not overlook the plight of the spouse of those incarcerated who suffer the punishment of denial of conjugal relationship without having done any wrong," the petition said. It said various research have shown conjugal visits reduce frequency of prison riots, sexual crimes and homosexual conduct while moving prisoners towards reformation and good behaviour. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Saturday for protection for civilians in both the Gaza Strip and Israel as the Israeli military ordered half of the Palestinian territory's population to evacuate in advance of an expected ground assault. Blinken met his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh as he began a third day of intense Middle East diplomacy aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a regional conflict and fuelling a humanitarian crisis. Both stressed the importance of minimising the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack in Israel. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and we're working together to do exactly that, Blinken said before heading to the United Arab Emirates for similar discussions. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it's in Israel, whether it's in Gaza, whether it's anywhere else." A US official said on Saturday that the US did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israel's military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about internal discussions, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. In a sign of some small potential progress, a senior US official travelling with Blinken said an agreement in principle had been worked out between Egypt, Israel and Qatar to allow Palestinian-Americans and other dual citizens in Gaza to cross the border into Egypt during a five-hour window on Saturday. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. However, the official said it was not immediately clear if Hamas would allow convoys of foreigners to reach the Rafah crossing unimpeded. Also Read Israel-Gaza war: Death toll up as conflict expands to bordering nations Gaza strip: Understanding the territory, its history, and ongoing conflict Israel-Palestine war: Here's a look at the history of the conflict Israel-Palestine conflict: All you need to know about this surprise war Israel-Hamas war: Iran's warning, support from world leaders, and more FM Sitharaman pitches for strong, quota-based and adequately resourced IMF Killed top Hamas commando who led assault on Israeli communities: IDF Air India, SpiceJet to operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday WHO plane carrying medical supplies for people of Gaza lands in Egypt Pakistan's railway upgradation project under CPEC subject to IMF approval While stressing Israel's right and obligation to defend itself and its citizens, Blinken repeated a warning to other countries and groups not to get involved. It's vitally important that we work together to make sure that to the best of our ability this conflict does not spread to other places on other fronts, Blinken said. Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia is committed to the protection of civilians. It's a disturbing situation, he said. It's a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and it's important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone. Faisal also said it was imperative for the violence to end. We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence, he said. Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price. Saudi Arabia called an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries. The OIC said in a statement on Saturday that the meeting will address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region. The meeting will take place on Wednesday in Jeddah. After his meeting in Abu Dhabi, Blinken plans to return to Saudi Arabia and then to travel on Sunday to Egypt. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain on his mission to show US support for Israel as it prepares for the expected incursion into Gaza, but has also affirmed the importance of maintaining humanitarian aid in Gaza and preventing civilian casualties, in part by creating safe zones inside Gaza. Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel last week taking more than 1,000 innocent lives, is worse than al-Qaeda, US President Joe Biden said Friday. "The more we learned about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans," Biden said at the top of his remarks on Hydrogen Hubs in Philadelphia. "These guys make -- they make al-Qaeda look pure. They're pure evil. Like I said from the beginning, the United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel. The United States stands with Israel," Biden said. "Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel yesterday, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is there today," the President said. "We're making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks. It's also a priority for me to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," he said. Biden said at his direction, his teams are working in the region, including communicating directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations, and the United Nations to surge support and humanitarian consequences for Hamas attack to help Israel. "We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas's appalling attacks, and their suffering as a result, as well. This morning, I spoke with the family members of all those Americans who are still unaccounted for, on a Zoom call, for about an hour and 10, 15 minutes," he said. "They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children are. You know, it's gut wrenching. I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible -- everything possible to return every missing American to their families," he said. "We're working round the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and our partners around the region, and we're not going to stop till we bring them home," Biden said at the event. During a press gaggle, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said the US is going to continue that level of significant engagement as they continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and make sure that they have every level of support in the days and weeks ahead. Also Read LIVE: Middle-East conflict raises fuel price concerns, says FM Sitharaman Iran Prez, Saudi Crown Prince hold 1st call since ties mended, discuss war WTO chief warns of 'big impact' on trade if Israel-Hamas conflict widens US defence secy to visit Israel to discuss military aid following attack Hamas practised in plain sight, posting video of mock attack before breach Weekend Bites: Another war, trouble in IT paradise, carmakers, 'those guys' Trump says he stands with Netanyahu after a barrage of GOP criticism Despite lack of credible threats, US cities boost security amid Israel war Gaza offensive still in early stages: Netanyahu vows to 'destroy' Hamas Days before Hamas attack, US intel warned of risk of Gaza-Israel conflict The United States continues to aggressively work with Egypt and Israel to navigate the possibility and create the conditions for the possibility of corridors for both safe passage for civilians who want to leave Gaza and flee the danger and also for humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian assistance that is critically needed to replenish stockpiles within Gaza. "Both of these things are critically important. We continue to talk to our Egyptian and Israeli allies about the importance of those things also with the UN," Dalton said. "Hamas continues to engage in tactics like using tunnels under residential buildings to conduct their operations, holing up in hospitals and mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organization with no regard for human life, with no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and we've got to continue to call it out," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented attack. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. As the Israel-Hamas conflict enters the eighth day, Hamas has released a footage of Israeli children whom they claim they held hostage during the deadly attack on Southern Israel, reported The Jerusalem Post. The Hamas group shared the video on their Telegram channel, with the caption, "Hamas fighters, showing compassion for children in the midst of the Kibbutz 'Holit' battles on day one of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood." The Kibbutz Holit located in southern Israel, very close to the Gaza border, had witnessed horrific atrocities by the terrorist group Hamas during their October 7 attack on Israel. 13 Israelis were killed during the attack on Kibbutz Holit, according to The Jerusalem Post. According to Israeli media, the children seen in the video have not been identified yet and it is unclear if their parents were killed when the children were taken away. In response, the IDF posted on its social media 'X', stating that the children are being held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists, while their parents lie dead in the next room. "You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat," the post said. During the attack on Kibbutz Holit, bullet-riddled buildings, burnt vehicles and shattered windowpanes are seen strewn about in the community, testimony to the suffering inflicted by the incursion. Arms and ammunition abandoned by the terrorists are also seen lying about. Israel's defence forces equipped with military tanks are now positioned across the town after regaining control over it, following the "surprise" attack. Visuals from Kibbutz Be'eri also show the aftermath of the atrocities carried out by Hamas terrorists who reportedly went door to door killing residents or taking them hostages. A resident Gili said that members of his family were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. He broke down while speaking about his sister but adds resolutely that they will "get her back." Also Read LIVE: Middle-East conflict raises fuel price concerns, says FM Sitharaman LIVE: India, Sri Lanka embarking on new chapter in economic ties, says PM Iran Prez, Saudi Crown Prince hold 1st call since ties mended, discuss war WTO chief warns of 'big impact' on trade if Israel-Hamas conflict widens US defence secy to visit Israel to discuss military aid following attack Palestinians flee northern Gaza after Israel orders mass evacuation Hunter investigations lead to ethical concerns about Joe Biden: Poll Isreal's relocation order 'extremely dangerous': UN chief Guterres WHO pleads for reversal of Gaza evacuation order to reduce suffering Putin stresses Israel's right to defend itself but calls for free Palestine Meanwhile, in New York, massive images of Israeli hostages, including of babies, elderly men and women were projected on the side of the United Nations headquarters building. In the latest update the IDF said that over 120 civilians were being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Reportedly, 1300 people have lost their lives in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel and over 3000 have been injured, according to the IDF. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said it has killed a commander in Hamas's commando forces who led one of the attacks on southern Israel communities last week, The Times of Israel reported. "Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate," the IDF wrote on 'X'. As per information provided from the IDF, Ali Qadi, a company commander in the so-called Nukhba unit, was killed in a drone strike following intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet security agency and Military Intelligence Directorate. The IDF said Qadi was arrested by Israel in 2005 over the kidnapping and murder of Israeli civilians and had been released to the Gaza Strip as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. In retaliatory strike against Hamas terror attacks in Israel, Israeli soldiers, their tanks and munitions have been deployed near the Gaza border as they prepare for a full ground offensive against Hamas. In visuals coming in from the Gaza border, tanks can be seen firing shells towards the Gaza Strip. Moreover, soldiers are seen loading artillery shells into howitzers. Adding to this, Israeli infantry troops have been moving closer to the Gaza border in anticipation of a full ground offensive on Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel military's top spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says the Israel Defense Forces is preparing for the next stages of the ongoing war with Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip and urges Palestinians in the north of the enclave to evacuate, saying Israel was going to "attack with great force." "We are deployed and strongly prepared for the next stages of the war," Hagari said in a press conference, as per The Times of Israel. "We are preparing the forces, going over plans, prepared in all arenas, south, north, and center," he says. "We are focused on Gaza but are widely deployed [across the country] that allows us to operate simultaneously in all arenas," he says. Hagari says hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians have evacuated from northern Gaza to the south, following warnings by the IDF that it will soon heavily target the area. "There are still citizens who have not yet evacuated. Anyone who chooses not to evacuate puts himself and his family in danger. We will attack with great force in the areas that have been evacuated," he says, according to The Times of Israel. Also Read Israel-Gaza war: Death toll up as conflict expands to bordering nations Gaza strip: Understanding the territory, its history, and ongoing conflict LIVE news updates: Israel agrees to allow foreigners to leave Gaza LIVE: Middle-East conflict raises fuel price concerns, says FM Sitharaman Air India suspends scheduled flights to Tel Aviv till Oct 18 amid conflict Air India, SpiceJet to operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday WHO plane carrying medical supplies for people of Gaza lands in Egypt Pakistan's railway upgradation project under CPEC subject to IMF approval Air India suspends scheduled flights to Tel Aviv till Oct 18 amid conflict France deploying 7K troops after deadly school stabbing by Islamic radical Hagari says Hamas is under pressure and trying to prevent Palestinian civilians from evacuating, "because the organization's leaders are hiding beneath them." However, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to "reconsider" its warning, calling it "dangerous and deeply troubling," according to The New York Times. Guterres in an opinion article in The New York Times emphasized that such demand for a mass evacuation on extremely short notice could have devastating humanitarian consequences. The IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Israeli Defence Forces on Saturday said 1300 people have lost their lives and over 3000 have been injured in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel. The Israeli Air Force has said that the IDF continues the effort to move the residents of the Gaza Strip in order to protect them in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said a call was sent out to residents of Gaza using a variety of different means in an attempt to minimize the harm to non-combatants. IDF said Hamas terrorists are hiding in terror tunnels located under the houses in Gaza City and in civilian buildings. The Israel Defence Forces said infantry forces and tanks entered the Gaza Strip on Friday in "localized raids" to clear the area of potential terrorists and locate missing citizens of Israel in a likely precursor to a full-scale incursion in response to Hamas's attack, The Times of Israel reported. NTFONJENI Parliament. This is a name a gang of robbers has dubbed themselves around Sidwashini under Ntfonjeni Constituency. Sidwashini is also the same area where a man was allegedly stabbed during the secondary elections at a polling station. The gang is said to be causing terror among residents, especially those returning to their homes in the evening, which is with they operate. Residents are increasingly concerned for their safety with reports of frequent robberies, resulting in the loss of valuable items such as cellphones and cash. Noteworthy, the word parliament is a legislative body that represents the people and makes decisions on their behalf. However, unlike the Parliament gang, it does not go around assaulting and robbing people. The six-member gang has inflicted physical and emotional harm on innocent victims, living in the Sidwashini area. Recent incidents include the assault of a 12-year-old boy who suffered severe injuries all over his body including damage to one of his ears resulting in hearing difficulties. The distressed mother of the young victim painfully recounted her childs ordeal demanding fast justice for his suffering. We are still waiting for the police to come take these people away but up to now, no action has been taken, stated the mother when she was reached for comment on Thursday. In another disturbing incident, a teacher was also reportedly assaulted by the gang. This was after he was found waiting at a bus stop. These distressing acts of violence have further exacerbated the fear and vulnerability felt by residents. The residents are now calling for action against the gang and are threatening that they will be forced to take action. Outrage by the residents is worsening as they accuse the local Piggs Peak Police Station of inaction, despite numerous reports made regarding the activities of the gang.residents claim that their pleas for assistance have fallen on deaf ears. Frustrated by the lack of progress the residents issued an ultimatum to law enforcement, demanding the immediate arrest of the gang members. They said if their demands are not met the community warned that they would take matters into their own hands to protect themselves and their families. Reasons A resident who will not be mentioned for ethical reasons shared chilling accounts of how the gang brandishes weapons such as knives or even guns when committing the alleged crimes. This, the resident said is usually done to residents who show resistance when being robbed. In what was anticipated to be a crucial turning point in the fight against the gang, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) was expected to visit Sidwashini on Wednesday morning to apprehend the alleged perpetrators. However, to the disappointment of the community, the police failed to appear, leaving residents disillusioned and desperate for a solution to their ongoing nightmare. The escalating situation has prompted widespread concern with calls mounting for urgent intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected community. Local leaders community organisations and concerned citizens are urging authorities to take immediate action implement effective security measures and bring an end to the reign of terror inflicted to Sidwashini. As the beleaguered residents of Sidwashini wait in anticipation of justice, their daily lives are overshadowed by anxiety and fear. The burden of protecting their loved ones continues to weigh heavily on their shoulders, as the gang continues to strike with impunity, leaving an indelible mark on this once peaceful community. On Monday, this publication also reported that a mob around the Herefords area was looking for two people who were accused of stabbing two men in a failed robbery attempt. The stabbed men were admitted to the Mkhuzweni Hospital last Friday and discharged on Saturday after the alleged stabbing. However, the men that were accused of stabbing them managed to escape, though residents are said to be searching for them. Chief Police and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati had also confirmed that two people were stabbed and that the alleged culprits who are said to have committed the incident were still on the run. This publication further gathered that the third person had been admitted to hospital for treatment due to the injuries he sustained. Meanwhile, since the unrest, there has been an increased number of incidences of violence by mobs. This publication had reported at least four incidences, whereby members of the public attacked people suspected of crime. Killed The Times of Eswatini has reported on two people attacked and killed by a mob after they were suspected of being robbers. The incident happened at Lombhiwako around Nsingizini under the Hosea Constituency. A male and a female died due to injuries sustained during the assault. On the night of the incident, the deceased male, with five others is alleged to have gone to rob a certain man but he called for help. A brother of the man who called for help is then said to have arrived with a bush knife and found his brother being suffocated. He is then said to have hacked the intruder but later, a mob of about 150 people joined in. About six people including the woman who later died were assaulted by the mob while questioning them on the items they allegedly stole. Also, later, Eswatini News reported that a man was also stabbed to death after he was attacked by angry residents fed up with crime in the area. This is said to have happened around Nginamadvolo.The deceased was allegedly fetched from his parental home and a few minutes later, he was stabbed to death. The deceased was also accused of having stolen some items including dagga but his parents disputed this allegation. The deceased is also said to have disputed this but despite doing so, he was stabbed to death. With some personnel changes over at CAMPIs secretariat committee, it took us a while to get the September 2023 new car sales breakdown for ... NHLANGANO Following governments promise to expand the Ngwane College, His Majesty eagerly anticipates achieving this goal. Yesterday, 570 teachers from Ngwane Teachers College graduated at a ceremony that was attended by His Majesty the King, foreign delegates among others. It is the first ceremony since the outbreak of COVID-19, which had made it impossible for such large gatherings to take place. Speaking at the ceremony, the King said he was pleased to officiate at the graduation ceremony after a long period of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said COVID-19 had a significant impact on various activities, not just locally but internationally. Further, he welcomed guests who had travelled from outside the country to attend. He expressed excitement that the college had produced 570 graduates, having produced 355 teachers in 2021 and 215 in 2022. He said of these, 411 hold primary teachers diploma while 159 had early childhood care education certificates. During the event, performers including lutsango, timbongi and warriors who performed before Their Majesties sang songs that had lyrics which encouraged that teachers should be hired.His Majesty got the message and smiled as they performed. Recently, it had become a norm for the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) to take to the streets and protest due to the shortage of teachers in schools. The organisation, through its members, had complained that they were being overworked because of shortage of teachers. This publication had also written several stories, where some of the schools did not have enough teachers such that certain classes had not learnt for the whole year. SNAT had also complained that there were many teachers who had graduated, but that they were not being hired and that instead, government only employed them as temporary teachers, year after year. In his message, the King said he had heard the message about the none hiring of teachers. He said that in the past there had been no hiring of teachers but assured that something positive would be done about it, much to the jubilation of the crowd. LOBAMBA The integrity of the Senate elections was put into question on Thursday afternoon. This was after reports that at least two of Senate hopefuls allegedly spent approximately E500 000 apiece on lobbying for votes. But they ended up on the losing side. Even more astonishingly, it was alleged that one of the Senate winners had to part with around E1 million just to win a seat in the upper chamber. Before the start of the elections, allegations were circulating in and outside the chambers that a certain businessman, known to this publication, was so desperate for the MPs support that he was allegedly offering E100 000 for a single vote. Corrupt After the final results of the Senate elections were announced, relatives of some of the Senate losers were overheard cursing the process, branding it as corrupt. The elections akanawo emaciniso (the elections lack integrity). Imagine spending over half a million Emalangeni to win a Senate seat but still end up on the losing side. This is promoting corrupt practices because there is no way in the Constitution or Parliament Standing Orders that you must bribe MPs for Senate votes, one of the disappointed Senate nominees said. Loyalties These MPs are not honest because they make you pay for a vote, knowing very well that their loyalties lie somewhere else. Mind you, these are the same legislators we trust to pass laws in Parliament yet they have a lot of skeletons in their closets. He said the office of the attorney general (AG) should look into the bribery allegations against MPs. Accepting a bribe is an act of corruption and must be punished by law, one MP said in the midst of it all. The sad part is that the payment of the money for votes has become a normal culture in every election year for Parliament seats and it would seem this is now an acceptable practice. Punished Some of us want Parliament seats to serve the nation, not to enrich individuals. My appeal is for the AG to seriously look into how MPs who receive bribes for votes are punished, because people like us were forced to buy those votes without any guarantees for victory. These concerns appeared to have been given weight by a statement from Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini in the House of Assembly before the start of the Senate elections. His statement almost caused commotion as some legislators, especially Nkwene MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini did not take kindly to it. Nangabe udle imali yemuntfu wametsembisa lo-one ungasifaki tsine. (loosely translated to mean: if you have taken someones money with the promise of a vote, do not involve us), MP Welcome said. Promises This statement appeared to suggest that some legislators may have taken money in exchange for promises to vote for certain individuals into Senate. What sparked the Mbabane East MPs statement was that before the start of the elections, Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba, who was the returning officer during this exercise, informed the MPs that they would not mark the ballot papers from their seats as stipulated by law, but would use the voting booths provided in the chambers to ensure that their votes remained confidential. Xaba pointed out that this was necessitated by the fact that the Senate candidates were stationed at the public gallery; just above the MPs seats, hence there were concerns that it would be easy to identify who the MPs voted for. Stipulates It is not wrong to vote from our seats as opposed to going to the ballot booth. The law stipulates that we should vote from our seats. I do not see the need for us to go to those boxes, MP Welcome said. However, with the assistance of Speaker Jabulani Buy Cash Mabuza, Xaba explained that for an election to be objective and impartial, the secrecy of the ballot paper was crucial, pointing out that as a returning officer, he was authorised by the same legislation to decide the voting method. In his submission, MP Sikhumbuzo called upon the Mbabane East MP to withdraw his statement, arguing that it was presented in such a way that it would give a wrong impression to the public about MPs taking bribes. The statement will make people think that we elected people based on who paid more money, he said, stating clearly that this would compromise the integrity of Parliament. Bribes He said if the Mbabane East MP knew something they did not know (like those who took peoples money), the Nkwene MP said his colleague from Mbabane East should not bring it into the House because emaSwati would think that Parliament was a den of crooks who took bribes. AG Sifiso Khumalo, who was also present, commended the Mbabane East MP for giving himself time to read Section 13 (4) of the Senate Elections Act, which states that after the member takes the ballot paper, he or she shall cast their vote in the manner they would like to. Another MP, who also asked not to have his identity revealed, said bribery was not new in Parliament, stating that it was not just confined to Senate elections. Parliament elections, by their nature, are very corrupt, he emphasised.It is not just about the Senate elections but we also had to part with lots of money to lobby for votes from primary up to secondary level. Discarded He said integrity was being discarded when it came to elections. This is an open secret, he said. He was concerned that the buying of votes was seemingly normal in the country. It is very easy for legislators to fork out money for elections because they can recover it quickly. After all, five years is a long time. It only becomes a problem when you pay the money for the votes but end up losing because this bribery money is never recoverable. Blame Clerk to Parliament Xaba stated clearly that the losers who spent money for votes should not blame anybody. If you use money to buy votes, then it cannot just be the person getting the money who is corrupt, but also the one giving. Complain In this scenario, nobody should complain or blame anybody when they have lost in the elections and I did indicate this in Parliament before the elections, Xaba said. The Dogma Dance Off will be held on Saturday, Oct 21, at 2 p.m. at Cherry Street Tavern, 719 Cherry St. in Chattanooga. A $10 donation is requested at the door.Now in its 5th year, returning after a 4-year pandemic break, Dogma Dance Off is an all-day festival and celebration of the D.I.Y. spirit, bringing the community together with fresh musical energy, a visual art fair and charitable activism.This diverse all-day extravaganza at Cherry Street Tavern and Coopers Alley will feature some of the regions brightest and newest sounds from local favorites and emerging artists, including the propulsive rock of Psychic Dungeon, off-kilter country/folk from Tennessee Juba, the sinister electronic darkness of Red Gene, and the hardcore/noise-rock/funk/Latin amalgam of The Claw, the self-declared bravest band in Chattanooga.Dogma Dance Off has partnered with the arts non-profit organizations Mark Making and the Shaking Ray Levi Society, with proceeds from the festival going to the mutual-aid organization Chattanooga Free Store.Music acts:Psychic Dungeon: www.facebook.com/psychicdungeonThe Claw: the-claw.orgTennessee Juba: tennessee-juba.bandcamp.comRed Gene: redgene.bandcamp.comMada Heaven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvP4-FE1-UULunch MeatDJs:ProtogeistSoweliCamphetamine: soundcloud.com/cameron-batyNon-Profit Organizations:Mark Making: markmaking.orgChattanooga Free Store: www.chattfreestore.org A man at Holiday Inn at 440 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. told police his truck was broken into and his pistol was stolen. The driver's side window had been smashed. The man said he kept his gun in the center console in its case and found the case empty. He didnt have the serial number and would provide it at a later date. * * * A man at Holiday Inn at 440 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. told police the vehicle he was renting had been broken into. There was damage to the front passenger side window and the rear passenger window had been shattered. Nothing was taken from the vehicle. * * * A man at Holiday Inn at 440 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. told police his truck was broken into. The rear driver's side window had been smashed and the front driver's side had been damaged. The glove box had been broken open as well. Nothing was taken from the vehicle. * * * A man on E. 14th Street told police people had been stealing scrap metal and other items out of his yard for roughly four months. He feels like they are watching him for it always happens when he leaves home. The man had gone to the business behind him on E. Main Street to see if there was any camera footage of the incident. Police saw footage of two black males driving a black GMC truck, loading the scrap metal into the bed of the truck. The men were last seen headed east down the alley. Police searched the area abut didnt find them. * * * Police responded to a disorder on E. 19th Street. A woman wanted a man to leave and he left without incident. * * * While on a construction site on Morrison Springs Road, a mans truck was struck by a piece of construction equipment, tearing a hole in the passenger rear fender. * * * A man on N. Germantown Road told police his cell phone had been stolen sometime the day before. He said his phone was showing the location to be on Brainerd Road. He said he had not been to that part of town at all the past two days. He told police who he believed to be the suspect, however after speaking to a possible suspect and no evidence being provided, police could not make an arrest for the cell phone. The phone was estimated to be worth $950. * * * A man on Bayside Way reported to police that late the previous night, someone removed items from his front yard and from his unlocked vehicle. * * * While on routine patrol checking for stolen vehicles, an officer ran a tag registered to a man in a parking lot on Campbell Street. The man had a long criminal history and is a known/validated gang member, who the officer had not seen in that area before. This report was for documentation purposes. * * * A man called police and said his wife received a notification that a Citi Bank credit card was opened in her name, without her knowledge or permission. The card was a Best Buy Citi Bank credit card and a purchase was made at Best Buy, 2288 Gunbarrel Road, in the amount of $1,869.40. * * * Officers were in the area of W. 37th Street and saw a parked Chevy Malibu. There were two people in the car, and the car was registered to one of them. They said they were just talking. * * * Police were called to check on a woman sleeping on Riverfront Parkway. They found her and were able to wake her up. She agreed to pack up and leave the area. * * * A man on Oak Meadow Drive reported to police he received a call from an unknown person claiming to be with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and stating he had a warrant. The suspect instructed the man to purchase $684 in bitcoin and transfer it to them, which he did. * * * Two men on N. Highland Park Avenue told police someone had slashed/flattened their tires. One mans Xterra had both rear wheels flattened. The other mans vehicle had the driver side tires flattened. They both believe the incident occurred between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Police will attempt to locate some information on possible suspect/s. * * * A passerby called police about homeless people panhandling on Commons Boulevard and Gunbarrel Road. An officer spoke with a man on the property of Lowes's where there is a no solicitation sign. The officer told the man he needed to move otherwise he would be arrested. The man moved along. * * * A woman told police she lost her Apple watch around the courthouse at 600 Market St. She said her watch was pinging on E. 3rd St. The woman said she never visited that area. * * * A woman on 4th Avenue told police she wanted the police to talk to her daughter about her leaving the residence. The woman said her daughter was being very disrespectful and she wanted her to leave if she couldn't respect her. The woman notified her daughter that she would have to leave her home in the morning and find somewhere else to stay. The daughter appeared to agree with what the woman said to her and the police. Hayley Mills was devastated that her Juvenile Oscar was stolen. The 77-year-old English actress won the award for her performance as the titular character in 1960 Disney movie 'Pollyanna' when she was aged 14, though was deprived of the prize shortly after receiving it in 1961. Hayley couldn't get a replacement because the Academy made the decision to present child stars with the full-size statuette. In an interview with Closer US, she said: "Unfortunately, some not very nice person stole it. I was never going to get it back because when they gave me mine in 1961, they broke the mould. Literally. "From 1962 on, the next child to get an Oscar got a big, full-sized one. When I lost mine, I was desperate and I kept thinking it must turn up." Despite winning the prestigious award, her parents didn't let her attend the ceremony in an attempt to try and keep her life as normal as possible, a decision Hayley now respects. She explained: "I think my parents thought it was important that things were kept in proportion. "I totally understand why they decided this is just too much of a good thing. I was only 14, and they really didn't want me to get too full of myself. So I didn't go to the ceremony. I was asleep at school." Having had so much glory at such a young age, the actress admitted that she felt guilty about her success. Hayley said: "It was all tied up with wondering if it had all been a terrible mistake because I hadn't done anything to earn it. I hadnt gone to drama school. I hadnt done endless auditions and been rejected and failed. "I was just a child being a child and suddenly this gift was given to me. But I wouldnt want you to think that I was beating my breast the entire time because, certainly in the early days, I loved what I was doing. I had a wonderful time." As well as her success in 'Pollyanna', Haley went on to star in 1961 film 'The Parent Trap' for Disney, and got the opportunity to meet Walt Disney in person. When asked what the iconic animator-and-producer was like, she said: "He was a very genuine human being, a very real, warm, interested, curious, kind human being. "He genuinely loved children. He had a lovely sense of humour. He was really easy to talk to because he listened." Brody Jenner revealed that he puts fiancee Tia Blanco's breast milk in his coffee, and the results are 'delicious.' Did you have milk in your coffee this morning? Perhaps it was whole milk, skim milk, soy milk, or almond milk? But in Brody Jenners case, its breast milk. And apparently, one taste convinced Jenner fiance Tia Blancos is the best milk. Heres more on when the reality TV star first tried his fiancees breast milk and how that experience has him declaring its freaking delicious. Who is Brody Jenners fiancee, Tia Blanco? Jenner, who was previously in a relationship with The Hills: New Beginnings co-star Kaitlynn Carter, met Tiarah Tia Blanco when they both happened to be vacationing in Hawaii. Blanco was born on May 5, 1997 in Puerto Rico. She is a professional surfer and like Jenner has appeared on reality TV as she was featured on MTVs The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros. Blanco and Jenner began dating in 2022 and shared some happy news to kick off 2023. On Jan. 1, Jenner announced that they were expecting their first child writing on Instagram: To start off this new year, wed like to take this opportunity to wish all of our friends, family, and followers health, happiness & an abundance of love. We truly appreciate & love you all. We are excited to share with you the blessing of a new life in the new year Our little angel is on their way. Happy New Year! They got engaged in June and their daughter, Honey Raye, arrived on July 29. Brody Jenner says Tia Blancos breast milk makes coffee delicious In a video posted to YouTube on Oct. 3, Jenner documented his experience using Blancos breast milk after he realized they ran out of almond milk. Alright, so I just came out to make us both some coffee and we are out of almond milk, The Hills alum explained. But I did find one thing, he continued as he held up a bag labeled breast milk. I hear its very nutritious. I hear its very delicious. I think it will do. Jenner went back into the bedroom and as his fiancee was waking up asked Do you mind if we use the breastmilk that I put in the fridge last night? Blanco backed the idea, so Jenner added a little to their coffee and returned to the room for them to try it. They were both seemed pleasantly surprised. Its freaking delicious, Jenner exclaimed after taking a sip. Blanco agreed adding: It just tastes like coffee. Morgan Kohan has some disappointing news about When Hope Calls. In a recent interview, she hinted that she likely would not return for a second season of the When Calls the Heart spinoff series. Morgan Kohan says When Hope Calls is a beautiful world Morgan Kohan and Marshall Williams in When Hope Calls | 2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood When Hope Calls follows two sisters, Lillian (Kohan) and Grace (Jocelyn Hudon), who run an orphanage in the small town of Brookfield. The characters were introduced in the 2018 When Calls the Heart holiday special, The Greatest Christmas Blessing. When Hope Calls premiered in 2019 and was renewed for a second season in 2021. A Christmas special aired later that year on Great American Family, but since then, theres been no word on when or if additional episodes will ever air. Unfortunately, it now sounds like fans may never get to see whats next for Lillian and the residents of Brookfield. Its a show that keeps popping by to say Hi, but you never know, Kohan told Hello! when asked about the in-limbo series. I think its a really beautiful world and Im so happy for my time in it. I think maybe, at a point, I would [return to the show] but Im really excited with where my career is taking me now. It was really, really special but I feel like a different person now from when I was filming that show, she said. Kohan is currently starring in the new series Sullivans Crossing, which airs on CTV in Canada and The CW in the U.S. Great American Media did not respond to Showbiz Cheat Sheets inquiry about the status of When Hope Calls Season 2. When Hope Calls debuted in 2019 on Hallmark Movies Now. It was Hallmarks first-ever streaming original series and later aired on Hallmark Channel in 2020. In 2021, the show was greenlit for a second season on a new network, Great American Family. A Christmas special aired in 2021, but since then, there have been no updates about additional episodes. While Kohan returned as Lillian for the shows holiday episodes, Hudon, her season 1 co-star and on-screen sister, did not appear. The Christmas special also featured an appearance from Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton, a character who was written off When Calls the Heart following the actors legal troubles in 2019. Daniel Lissing, who played Jack Thornton in the original Hallmark series, made a special appearance as well. Morgan Kohan currently stars in Sullivans Crossing on The CW Sullivans Crossing | Courtesy of CTV Fans are unlikely to see Kohan return to the When Calls the Heart universe anytime soon. But they can still catch her in another feel-good show. She currently stars in Sullivans Crossing, a new drama based on a book series by Virgin River author Robyn Carr. Kohan plays Maggie Sullivan, a neurosurgeon who leaves Boston for her hometown in Nova Scotia. There, she reconnects with her father (Scott Patterson). With its contemporary setting, Sullivans Crossing is a very different show from When Hope Calls. But both should appeal to viewers looking for an escape from the stresses of the world, Kohan said. The world right now is hard and these kinds of shows let you sit down for an hour, go on a journey with these characters that you learn to love, and you enjoy your time and get taken out of whatever else is going on in your world, she told Hello! Theres nothing too crazy or dark here; youre going to leave that hour feeling good Sullivans Crossing, Virgin River, When Calls The Heart all of them are about tight-knit communities where everybody is in it together. When Hope Calls Season 1 is streaming on Hallmark Movies Now. When Hope Calls Christmas is streaming on Prime Video. For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel. Priscilla Presley's parents insisted on visiting the house she shared with Elvis. She didn't want them to because she was secretly sharing a room with him. Priscilla Presley moved into Elvis Presleys house when she was a high school student. She bounced between Graceland and his home in Bel Air. The latter was exciting for her parents. When they left Germany, where theyd been living, they moved to Sacramento. This meant that they could see her more often. For Priscilla, their move to Sacramento was anxiety-inducing, as she didnt want them to know the truth about her living situation with Elvis. She had to rearrange the house when they finally convinced her to let them visit. Priscilla Presley rearranged the bedrooms at Elvis house in Bel Air When Priscilla and Elvis stayed at the Bel Air home, she tried to keep her parents away from the house. After a while, though, they finally persuaded her to let them drive her home after a visit. She felt a grim obligation to invite them to dinner. This meant she had to move fast when she got to the house. I ran into the house in a panic because I knew Id have to show them around, she wrote in her book Elvis and Me. I certainly couldnt tell my parents that I slept with Elvis, and I decided to try to fool them into believing that I had my own room. Priscilla and Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty She frantically asked employee Charlie Hodge if she could use his room and began dragging her belongings down the hall. She placed her perfume on the table, put her clothes in the closet, and threw stuffed animals on the bed. After dinner, she took them on a tour of the house and hoped they wouldnt examine Elvis room too closely. I opened the door to his room, praying that no one would want to see any of his huge walk-in closets because if they opened the closet door, all of my things would be revealed, she wrote. One of my shoes, I noticed in horror, had been left next to the bed. I managed to kick it out of sight. She noted that while her parents didnt question the setup, she wasnt sure they believed it. She didnt feel like shed gotten away with anything with her parents While the evening didnt end in angry accusations about the sleeping situations, Priscilla didnt think she could let her guard down. I continued to guard my lifestyle, she wrote. I was always afraid theyd look too closely at my relationship with Elvis. They didnt understand Elvis intentions for Priscilla and wanted her to move back home with them. How much longer is this going to go on like this? they wanted to know. What are his intentions? Are there any plans for anything? If not, why dont you just pack your bags and come home? We think its about time. Priscilla continued to insist that all was well between her and Elvis. She had no desire to move home. Priscilla Presley initially wasnt supposed to be living in the same house as Elvis When Priscilla first moved to Memphis to be with Elvis, she was supposed to be living with his father, Vernon, and his wife, Dee. Her parents did not want the teenage Priscilla living under the same roof as Elvis, who was 10 years her senior. It didnt take long for her to move into Graceland, though. Elvis, Vernon, and Priscilla Presley | Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images Living with Vernon and Dee was also difficult, she wrote. I felt out of place in their home, and did not want to be an intrusion in their personal life. I began spending more time with Grandma at Graceland, often staying all night, and gradually, almost unnoticed, I began to move in my things. By the time Elvis suggested that I move into Graceland, I already had. 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 If youre passionate about forensics or have always been fascinated by the science of it all, you should know who Frances Glessner Lee was. Frances was crucial to helping develop forensic science in the United States through her crime scene dioramas and was also the first female police captain in America. Frances was born to a wealthy family in Chicago in 1878. She was educated at home by private tutors, and as she got older, she had a great interest in studying medicine. However, because her family believed women shouldnt try to enter the male-dominated field, she didnt go to medical school and married as soon as possible. Over the years, Frances became very interested in more artistic domestic hobbies like sewing, knitting, metalwork, embroidery, painting, and making miniature figures and objects, all of which would be useful for her revolutionary career. After having three children and eventually divorcing her husband, Frances became interested in forensics and unsolved crimes in her forties, which some say may have stemmed from her love of Sherlock Holmes. In the early 1930s, she inherited her family fortune and used it to found the Department of Legal Medicine at the prestigious Harvard University. Frances became very involved in the department, organizing seminars and managing curriculums. After learning that students in the department had difficulty examining crime scenes without disturbing or ruining any evidence, she had a brilliant idea to help them solve those issues. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. The recent Hamas assault on Israel has left an indelible mark on the international community, with at least 11 American citizens confirmed dead, among hundreds of others. This unprecedented attack has brought together nations in grief and solidarity. As the conflict continues to escalate, the toll on both sides continues to rise, with concerns for hostages and missing individuals mounting. By early Monday, the cumulative death toll had exceeded 1,100 and is anticipated to increase further. According to Wall Street Journal, unidentified sources within Hamas and the Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbollah have alleged that Iran authorized the attack a week prior. In a statement delivered by the White House as of Monday, President Joe Biden said, As we continue to account for the horrors of the appalling terrorist assault against Israel this weekend and the hundreds of innocent civilians who were murdered, we are seeing the immense scale and reach of this tragedy. Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed many of whom made a second home in Israel, added Biden. Beyond the American casualties, the international community grapples with the enormity of the situation. Over 10 British citizens are feared dead or missing, adding to the growing list of casualties. France, Germany, and other nations are also reporting their citizens as victims of this merciless attack. As the casualty figures in Israel rise above 800, the devastating impact on communities is becoming painfully evident. The victims range from civilians to emergency service workers, including police officers and members of the Israel Defence Forces. This attack has left an irreplaceable void in countless lives. As the conflict rages on, the fate of those missing or held hostage remains uncertain. Families anxiously await news of their loved ones, their lives in limbo. Several Christian churches and leaders in the United States are requesting prayers for those caught into the attack and denouncing the Hamas attack. The White House has been expediting the initiation of a Senate confirmation process for President Joe Biden's chosen candidate for the role of U.S. ambassador to Israel, as reported by two White House sources. Former USCIRF Commissioner and "The Next Jihad" author Rev. Johnnie Moore | video screenshot / Blaze TV / YouTube American Evangelical leader, the Rev. Johnnie Moore, made an emergency trip to Brussels to speak at the European Parliament in Brussels on behalf of The Congress of Christian Leaders, advocating for increased European Union support for Israel in the aftermath of recent Hamas attacks. He holds the position of president at the Congress of Christian Leaders and has been appointed as commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on two separate occasions. Moore emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the involvement of Iran in the attacks during his speech. Throughout his address, Moore drew parallels between the atrocities committed by Hamas and the Holocaust, unequivocally labeling the attacks as the "worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust." He urged the EU Parliament to enact meaningful change in response to this tragedy. Mourning the loss of more than 1,300 Israelis due to the assaults organized by Hamas, he drew attention to the shocking scale of the attacks, comparing them to an event where up to 50,000 Americans being massacred in a single city, with an additional 10,000 to 20,000 taken hostage. The victims of these attacks were not confined to Israelis alone; they hailed from a multitude of nations, asserting the global impact of the terror unleashed by Hamas. Moore condemned the brutality of the attacks, characterizing them as acts of cowardice, recounting how Hamas systematically targeted civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. The heinous attacks are not representative of true religion or a just future for the Palestinians. Recently, there was a report from the Wall Street Journal on Iranian involvement in planning Hamas' attacks. He argued that the evidence strongly suggests the direct material support provided by the Iranian regime to Hamas. No one in this compound can deny that Hamas receives its funding, its weapons, its training and other material support, from the Islamic Republic of Iran. This whole event, scheduled long before this attack, is about the Iranian Regime and its representatives, he said. Moore further quoted a Hamas commander saying, that it is not an attack toward only Jews and Israel, but also Christians as the Hamas commander said, The entire planet will be under our law, there will be no more Jews or Christians traitors. Moore addressed authorities to safeguard Jewish communities in Europe from "the rise of anti-Semitism being seen across Europe and the world in pro-Hamas demonstrations. He called for unwavering support for Israel and suggested sanctions against Iran if its representatives cause harm. Moore also urged the designation of IRGC and Hamas as terrorist organizations, along with halting EU funds to Hamas. He stressed the importance of scrutinizing aid to the Palestinians to ensure it fosters peace. Lets make today the day common sense prevails. Its the least we can do to honor the memory of their most recent victims. What can be done, so much can be done. A lot can be done because so little has been done. In fact, the opposite has been done, urged Moore people at the EU Parliament. @BBC news capture Gaza's only power plant has ceased operations due to a fuel shortage, casting the region into darkness amid escalating tensions with Israel. Gaza is currently without power, said Galal Ismail, the Gaza authority. As military forces gather at the border, the United States is actively involved in discussions to establish an aid corridor for Gazas civilians, amid a sharp increase in casualties on both sides. This comes in the wake of Israel's decision to initiate a "complete siege" of the Palestinian enclave, severely limiting access to essential resources including electricity, fuel and food. The unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 casualties, has further worsened the situation. Over 2 million residents in the Gaza Strip face a sudden crisis, as they are now relying on generators for electricity. However, due to the border closures, this alternative is becoming increasingly unsustainable. The situation is exacerbated by the imminent depletion of fuel in hospitals, a development predicted to lead to catastrophic conditions. Israeli airstrikes have struck the densely populated Gaza Strip. At least 1,000 were killed, with thousands more wounded, as reported by the health ministry. The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that over 236,000 Gazans have been displaced; numbers expected to rise. In tandem, the U.S. has dispatched the first shipment of weaponry to support Israel's military efforts. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has confirmed active discussions with Israel and Egypt regarding the establishment of a humanitarian passage for Gaza's civilian population. Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken who recently departed from the U.S., is scheduled to arrive in Israel this week, an action characterized by a spokesperson from the State Department as a demonstration of unity and unwavering support. The United Nations World Health Organization warned that seven hospitals have already depleted their supplies, with additional facilities facing imminent shortages. Tragically, nine U.N. personnel have lost their lives in airstrikes since the onset of hostilities, with nearly 175,500 internally displaced individuals seeking refuge in UNRWA schools across Gaza. This number is poised to rise as airstrikes persist, causing collateral and direct damage to numerous UNRWA facilities. President Joe Biden confirmed the abduction of U.S. citizens by Hamas, cautioning against further military involvement to avert a broader regional conflict. So far, at least 14 Americans have been confirmed deceased, while several remain unaccounted for, according to President Biden. American poet Louise Gluck, winner of the Nobel prize for her distinctively austere writing that touched on themes of mythology and the universal human experience, has died, a Yale University spokeswoman told AFP on Friday. She was 80. The New York native most recently taught at Yale as a poetry professor. She died of cancer, The New York Times reported, citing friend and former Yale colleague Richard Deming, on Friday at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Gluck was the 2020 Nobel laureate in literature, the 16th woman to win the award. Her idols included other winners of the same prize, such as William Butler Yeats (1923) and T.S. Eliot (1948). Like theirs, the austerity of her poetry was a source of strength: "The unsaid, for me, exerts great power," she wrote in a collection of essays on poetry, "Proofs and Theories." "Louise Gluck's poetry gives voice to our untrusting but unstillable need for knowledge and connection in an often unreliable world," her longtime editor Jonathan Galassi said in a statement. "Her work is immortal." Gluck's work was informed by subjects such as nature's simple beauty and a child's experience of the world, coupled with the bold storylines of mythology. Her 2020 Nobel prize, which she received at home when the ceremony was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, honored her for "her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal." The winner of a Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for her collection "The Wild Iris," Gluck became a professor despite never finishing college herself. She grew up in Long Island, New York, the descendant on her father's side of Hungarian Jews who emigrated in the early 20th century. She was also the winner of a National Book Award in 2014 for her collection "Faithful and Virtuous Night," and served as the US Poet Laureate from 2003 to 2004. - Personal, yet universal - Her work was known for its emotional intensity, often reflecting on her personal life. Yet by playing on myths and classical motifs, it often spoke to a broader human experience. "The voices of Dido, Persephone, and Eurydice -- the abandoned, the punished, the betrayed -- are masks for a self in transformation, as personal as it is universally valid," the Swedish Academy said in its citation for her 2020 Nobel prize. Her collections "The Triumph of Achilles" (1985) and "Ararat" (1990) addressed "almost brutally straightforward images of painful family relations," the jury said, noting that her use of a "deceptively natural tone is striking," with "no trace of poetic ornament." In her poem "Snowdrops," she described the miraculous return of life after winter. Gluck was also a "poet of radical change and rebirth," her work often marked by "humor and biting wit," the jury added. - Difficult childhood - Gluck started reading and writing poetry as a child, encouraged by her father, who invented the X-Acto Knife but had a penchant for writing. It was not an easy childhood, marked by anorexia and the knowledge that she had a sister who died when very young. In her 1990 poem "Lost Love," she wrote: "My sister spent a whole life in the earth. She was born, she died. In between, not one alert look, not one sentence." In a 2006 interview, she described a lonely childhood. "My interactions with the world as a social being were unnatural, forced, performances, and I was happiest reading. Well, it wasn't all that sublime, I watched a lot of television and ate a lot of food, too." After dropping out of college and weathering a failed first marriage, Gluck began to find her feet with her first collection of poems in 1968, "Firstborn." With her second marriage, which produced a son, she found more stability, returning to her studies and eventually landing a teaching job at Goddard College in Vermont. In a 2012 interview, she credited psychoanalysis with teaching her how to think. She described writing poetry as "often a torment, a place of suffering, harrowing" before "a kind of tranquility" sets in after having completed a piece. nro/acb In the wake of Hamas' relentless attacks on Israel, the death toll continues to rise. The situation has evolved rapidly, leaving significant casualties and hostages behind. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's endorsement of the assault further complicates the geopolitical landscape. Upon Tehrans complicity in recent Hamas attacks, Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor told reporters, Weve said since the beginning that Iran is complicit in a broad sense because they have provided the lions share of the funding for the military wing of Hamas, theyve provided training, they have provided capabilities, they have provided support and theyve had engagement and contact with Hamas over years and years, and all of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen. However, direct evidence linking Tehran to the recent violence remains elusive. The conflict has resulted in a devastating toll on both sides, with over 1,000 Israelis and 900 Gazans reported dead, according to CNNs report. Amid the chaos, alarming reports of hostages have emerged, adding a distressing dimension to the conflict. Israeli forces have mobilized extensively, deploying troops along the border with Gaza. With more than 300,000 reservists called up, Israel is gearing up for a protracted engagement. Approximately 1,500 Hamas fighters have been slaughtered, primarily through air bombardments and border operations. CNN reports that Beeri, a kibbutz near Gaza, faced severe losses, with over 100 casualties. Atrocities, including hostage-taking and civilian killings, have been documented. The White House weighs in on Iran's involvement, citing its longstanding support for Hamas. In a daily press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller disclosed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's imminent visit to Israel following the unprecedented Hamas assaults on the nation. Eleven Americans are confirmed dead, and others remain missing. Antony Blinken described this as Israel's worst attack since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Israeli officials likened Hamas' actions to a combination of 9/11 and Pearl Harbor. New Jersey congressman launches campaign to shut down pro-life pregnancy centers A congressman in New Jersey has launched a campaign to shut down pro-life crisis pregnancy resource centers, drawing an accusation from a leading pregnancy resource center network that he is peddling "lies." New Jersey Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer staged a press conference outside one of the Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Centers offices on Oct. 6 as part of his strategy to crack down against the nonprofit organizations. Gottheimer claimed pregnancy centers "pose as healthcare clinics" but dont have licensed medical professionals on staff and use aggressive tactics to manipulate women into keeping their babies. Women go to these healthcare hoax clinics thinking they will get real medical help, but instead, they are greeted by people with no medical background whose goal is to brainwash women with their own ideological agenda, Gottheimer said. We need to do everything we can to shut down these brainwashing cult clinics. We need to stop the fake programming theyre pushing." Heartbeat International, the worlds largest network of pro-life pregnancy resource centers with over 3,000 affiliates, is calling on abortion proponents like Gottheimer to stop spreading falsehoods. Heartbeat International President Jor-El Godsey argues that abortion proponents like Gottheimer are the ones in a brainwashing cult. They deny the truth about women who don't really want an abortion; they deny the truth about pregnancy centers providing practical help as alternatives to abortion; and they deny the truth that every woman should be loved and supported during a pregnancy, Godsey said in a Thursday statement provided to The Christian Post. Elected representatives should be serving the people and not protecting abortion profits, he added. The Democratic congressman revealed that he plans to hold press conferences outside of multiple pregnancy centers across New Jersey. Gottheimer, who represents most of Bergen County and parts of Passaic County and Sussex County in the New York City suburbs, is also a proponent of the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act, introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. The legislation focuses on pregnancy centers, claiming they use deceptive tactics to prevent abortion access. The bill would "direct the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules prohibiting disinformation in the advertising of abortion services, and for other purposes." As part of his campaign, Gottheimer sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy and other state leaders asking them to "restrict crisis pregnancy centers deceptive marketing practices." Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications at Heartbeat International, says that the women and families these organizations serve are the ones who are hurt the most when people like Gottheimer spread "such lies" about pregnancy centers. Baseless attacks against pregnancy centers are a waste of taxpayer money and a distraction from day-to-day issues families truly care about, Trudden stated. Rather than try to shut down life-affirming pregnancy help organizations that provide free care and support to women such as parenting classes and formula perhaps these elected officials should try and work with them to solve families' real-world problems, she added. Gottheimer's office did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. Last July, Godsey issued a similar response after Warren introduced the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act and took to X, formally known as Twitter, declaring, We must do everything we can to protect Americans seeking reproductive care." The pro-life leader said its network of pregnancy centers advertises to help potential clients find answers after learning about an unexpected pregnancy, noting that abortion facilities use the same strategy to reach people. "Of course, they're doing so from a profiteering perspective while we're trying to do so from a service perspective, he noted. He also disagreed that pregnancy centers lie to women about the risks of undergoing an abortion, stressing that women facing such a decision should have as much information as possible. "We vehemently disagree with the idea that women have to have abortions in order to be successful," Godsey said. "They're more powerful than that; they've been the cradle of motherhood for millennia." Following the U.S. Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 and a leak of the ruling in May 2022, pregnancy centers and churches faced an onslaught of violence. Radical activists appeared to echo the claims made by abortion proponents, as some centers had the word LIARS spraypainted on their walls or signs. Some pregnancy centers, including CompassCare, a group of pregnancy centers in New York, were firebombed around the same time radical activist groups like ANTIFA and Janes Revenge were vandalizing pro-life organizations and churches nationwide. Jen Hatmaker promotes 'libido gummies,' 'arousal oil' bundle box A Christian author who has faced criticism for her comments on abortion and LGBT-related issues is using her Facebook page to promote sexual wellness products, including libido gummies and arousal oil. In a Sept. 28 Facebook post, Jen Hatmaker, a progressive Christian influencer, posted a message that began with the phrase attention sexy people. The rock stars over at FOCL have been working on a sexual wellness line for months to get it just right. Hatmaker touted libido gummies for him and for her as one aspect of the sexual wellness line. While maintaining that she was not a scientist, Hatmaker testified that these increase libido, harmonize hormones, boost vitality, and all the other things that make our sexual wellness enhanced and improved. They build over time, so you take them like a yummy little supplement every day, she added. She also plugged an Intimacy oil and an arousal oil as options for those looking for something instant. According to Hatmaker, If youve looked at any other lubricants on the market, who knows whats in them? FOCLs are only the good stuff with no weird, mystery ingredients. She concluded her post by highlighting a special deal for her followers: an arousal bundle or the intimacy bundle for her or for him which includes two sets of gummies (60-day supply) and one oil for a crazy sexy deal. FOCL is giving us 50% off the regular price of the bundle. So basically, youre saving more than $90. A video accompanying the Facebook post featured Hatmaker promoting the individual products in the bundle box and declaring that her followers were at this stage of life where I need a little boost here. She held up the box and said, Heres your boost. While the biography on her Facebook page doesn't contain any references to her Christian faith and instead says, I write books, I say stuff on a podcast, I raise a bunch of kids, Hatmakers website proclaims: I used to be a darling of evangelical womens subculture but now I am a bit of a problem child. I still love Jesus but church is hard for me, and this makes me sad, like I am missing my childhood home, her website states. Hatmakers reputation as a problem child within Evangelical womens subculture stems from her comments in support of same-sex marriage and abortion, which go against Christian teaching. In 2016, the publishing company Lifeway stopped selling Hatmakers books after she expressed support for same-sex marriage during an interview with Religion News Service. When asked for her thoughts on same-sex marriage, Hatmaker responded, From a civil rights and civil liberties side and from just a human being side, any two adults have the right to choose who they want to love. She added that they should be afforded the same legal protections as any of us, and maintained that, I would never wish anything less for my gay friends. Four years later, Hatmaker did a podcast with her daughter, who had come out as a lesbian. Im so glad youre gay, she told her daughter during their conversation. Im so glad youre free. Im so glad this is how you were made. Im thrilled about your future. I already told you about the kind of wife you need to marry. Last year, after Politico published a leaked draft opinion of the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision determining that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion, Hatmaker took to her blog to express opposition to the impending decision. Women deserve agency and choice not only with their bodies but over the decision to parent for the rest of their lives, she wrote. Anti-abortion advocates have every right to their convictions, but those convictions should only apply to their bodies, their families, and their futures, she added as she condemned opposition to legal abortion as political theater. Hatmaker suggested that if this rabid energy was genuine if it had any integrity, it would come baked in with the fiercest and staunchest advocacy for free birth control, comprehensive sex education, maternal health care and paid maternity leave. Hatmaker also called on pro-lifers to embrace subsidized child care, affordable housing, marriage counseling and family support systems, guaranteed food security, victims rights for all the rape and incest survivors forced to carry their abusers baby, subsidized medical care for all the women forced to carry a baby to the detriment of their own health or that of their baby, life insurance for the families whose mothers died in forced childbirth, and every conceivable support for a mother, baby, and family from birth until forever. Knife attacks occur in France, China after Hamas calls for Day of Rage Stabbing incidents occurred in France and China Friday after Hamas called for a "Day of Rage" as Israel readies for potential military action in the Gaza Strip in response to last Saturday's attacks that killed hundreds and injured thousands of civilians. In northern France, a man of Chechen origin stabbed a teacher and wounded three others at his former high school, which authorities are investigating as terrorism. The attacker, known to French authorities as a potential Islamic radicalization, shouted "Allahu akbar," or "God is great," in Arabic, during the assault at the Gambetta School in the northwestern city of Arras about 155 miles from Paris. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said there is "no doubt" the attack is linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to BBC. Police officer Sliman Hamzi was among the first to respond to the scene of the attack in France, The Associated Press reports. He described it as a "horrible thing to see this poor man who was killed on the job by a lunatic." French President Emmanuel Macron said his country had been "hit once again by the barbarity of Islamist terrorism." The victim, Dominique Bernard, was a French language teacher at the school. President Macron said Bernard "stepped in and probably saved many lives." The suspect, Mohammed Moguchkov, has been arrested. A police source told AFP that Moguchkov, 20, is on a national register called "Fiche S," indicating that he was a possible security threat. He was being electronically and physically surveilled by the French intelligence agency DGSI. Moguchkov was questioned by authorities on Thursday but was let go because he was not considered to be an immediate threat, The New York Times notes. On Saturday, France announced it would deploy up to 7,000 soldiers to increase security nationwide. A spokesperson for the Louvre, the world's largest museum, told AFP it had "received a written message stating that there was a risk to the museum and its visitors." In Beijing, an Israeli embassy worker was attacked, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Video footage showed the assailant repeatedly stabbing the man in front of a supermarket, The Times of Israel reported, adding that the victim is being treated at a hospital and is in stable condition. Security footage showed the attacker fleeing the scene, weapon in hand. Beijing security personnel began immediate questioning of people in the vicinity. No additional policing was visible outside the Israeli embassy in northeast Beijing. According to AP, Beijing police arrested a 53-year-old foreign man and it is not immediately clear if the crime was connected to Hamas. Hamas had called for a "Day of Rage" Friday, urging its supporters worldwide to "attack Israelis and Jews," according to the Israel National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Major pro-Palestinian protests erupted in the capitals of Iraq, Iran, Yemen and Lebanon. Those assembled at these protests were seen waving Palestinian flags. In Baghdad, Iraq, a rally attracted tens of thousands of participants, according to ABC News. In Beirut, Lebanon, a rally organized by Hezbollah drew at least a couple of thousand supporters. The crowd reportedly chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America," while Hezbollah leaders pledged solidarity with Hamas and denounced Israel. In Iran, some demonstrators were observed burning Israeli and American flags. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement warning that the protests "are liable to turn violent." In France, home to Europe's largest Muslim and Jewish communities, Interior Minister Darmanin issued a ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, AFP reports. The order came as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Paris. The attack in France has drawn parallels with the beheading of another teacher, Samuel Paty, nearly three years ago by a radicalized Chechen. Both assailants had Chechen backgrounds and were closely watched by French intelligence services. The incidents occurred against the backdrop of ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, which began after Hamas suddenly attacked Israel last Saturday. The Hamas attacks on Israeli settlements near the Gaza border killed over 1,300 people, mostly civilians. Survivors of those attacks have shared their accounts of the attacks on their settlements. In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry reported 1,537 Palestinians have been killed and another 6,612 wounded in Israeli airstrikes, though no distinction has been made between civilians and militant deaths. Israel contends that its airstrikes have targeted Hamas military infrastructure and areas where its militants hide. Israel also claims that over 1,500 Hamas fighters have been killed in Israel since Saturday. Ahead of a potential offensive against Hamas, Israel called on over 1 million people residing north of Wadi Gaza in the north Gaza Strip to evacuate to southern Gaza within 24 hours on Friday. The evacuation order has drawn scrutiny from the United Nations, which warned that such a military campaign can't happen "without devastating humanitarian consequences" and "could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation." NBC podcast links conservative Christians to 'far-right interpretation of Christianity NBC News debuted a new podcast series titled "Grapevine" this month, centered on what one of its reporters described as the "spreading influence of Christian dominion theology" in North Texas and beyond. According to the show's description, NBC News reporters Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton examine what they claim is a now-debunked story from a mother "determined to put God first" who accused "a teacher of convincing her child to change genders." The show's producers say the story is largely about a "fringe religious movement wielding newfound power and the revival of a long-simmering quest by Evangelicals to remake American education based on their version of biblical values." The six-part podcast series which is focused on what NBC News calls the "two-pronged fight to elevate Christianity and restrict [transgender] rights in classrooms" centers on Emily Ramser, an LGBT activist and former teacher in the Grapevine Colleyville School District (GCSD), who, according to the podcast, "set out to make her classroom the safe space for [LGBT] teens that she wished she'd had while growing up queer in North Carolina." Ramser, who is listed as a member of the North Texas trans activist group OUTReach Denton but is not identified as such in the NBC News report, is featured in the podcast, along with a former student referred to as trans-identified "Ren," who is said to have "attended weekend services at Evangelical churches where pastors taught that homosexuality is a sin, and that it's immoral for people to identify as a gender that does not match the one assigned at birth." As part of the podcast, Hixenbaugh and Hylton relay an episode in which Ren's mother, Sharla, accused Ramser of providing access to a book titled The Prince and the Dressmaker, a graphic novel about "a prince who loves to wear dresses but, fearing rejection from his parents, keeps his fashion hobby hidden." While NBC News says the book was "one of hundreds of titles that Ramser kept in her classroom library," Ren's mother accused Ramser of playing a role in Ren's reading of the book, which Ramser denied. According to NBC News, Ramser was later asked to remove LGBT rainbow pride stickers "from her name plate outside her classroom and any other decorations that might signal anything about her identity or personal beliefs." The NBC story also identifies Ramser as being one now openly-gay student's "first openly queer role model she'd ever had" and suggests Sharla lied about Ramser's involvement in Ren's decision to run away from home. The piece also notes the mom's social media postings of Bible verses and her reliance on her faith to sustain her. "Any loss of parent/child, friend or spouse relationships is unmatched to the gain of knowing Christ," NBC News quoted Sharla as saying. In addition to the personal stories, "Grapevine" also takes aim at Patriot Mobile, a group that successfully fought to have "In God We Trust" signage in North Texas schools and which NBC News called a "far-right Christian wireless provider" that supports candidates for local school boards who align with their faith values. In one MSNBC segment on the podcast titled "Far-right Christian dominionists infiltrate schools, civic offices in Texas," host Alex Wagner refers to Patriot Mobile as a "conservative Christian phone company that is literally taking the call to put God, or more specifically, an extreme far-right interpretation of Christianity, to put that back in schools." With repetitive, almost catatonic uses of buzz phrases like "far right," "fringe Christian ideology" and "extreme anti-LGBT conservative Christian ideology," the segment conflates Patriot Mobile and its company values with dominionism, which, according to NBC News, is "the belief that Christians are called on to dominate the seven key mountains of American life, including business, media, government, and education." It's not the first time NBC News has taken an openly hostile editorial stance toward Christianity. In 2021, the news network quoted a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center, which named a number of mainstream faith-based organizations that received COVID-19 aid as "anti-[LGBT] hate groups," including the American College of Pediatricians, American Family Association, and the Ruth Institute, which promotes "ancient Christian teachings about marriage, family, and human sexuality." Following the report and a pair of follow-up stories, The Ruth Institute's founder, Jennifer Roback Morse, accused NBC News of "doing a full-court press against pro-family organizations" and said such reports aimed to eliminate pro-family groups from polite society and routine business transactions." "Even worse, these NBC News stories are scapegoating and marginalizing Christians," Morse added. That characterization may not be hyperbole: NBC News spurred backlash on social media after a report in June described a chant by LGBT activists about "coming for your children" as "lighthearted." The report was fact-checked on Twitter after readers challenged the accuracy of the network's article. Last month, a report from NBC OUT, the LGBT-focused division of NBC News, appeared to link a suspect's past social media posts urging LGBT individuals to accept Jesus in their hearts and criticizing pride propaganda to the murder of a California shopkeeper known as an LGBT ally. In its lengthy coverage of the fatal shooting of California business owner Laura Ann Carleton, NBC OUT, which features stories and other content about LGBT-identified individuals, cited the stated religious beliefs of gunman Travis Ikeguchi, specifically several anti-LGBT "sentiments" he expressed on social media. The Christian Post has reached out to NBC News for comment but, as with previous inquiries, did not receive a response as of Friday afternoon. This story will be updated in the event a comment is provided. Despite its renewed focus on matters of faith, NBC News in recent years has been forced to issue a number of retractions on its reporting, including details on the attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and a false report on claims that Rudy Giuliani was the target of a Russian disinformation campaign. Trump sparks backlash over comments calling Hezbollah 'very smart' Former President Donald Trump is receiving criticism from his Republican rivals for referring to the terrorist organization Hezbollah as very smart and talking about how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu let us down in the past as his country reels in the wake of Hamas' terror attacks. Trump, currently the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president in the 2024 presidential election, addressed the aftermath of Hamas attacks in Israel during a speech in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday. He asserted that national defense people working for the Biden administration were saying, Gee, I hope Hezbollah doesnt attack from the north because thats the most vulnerable spot. The former president recalled reacting to the concerns about a Hezbollah attack by thinking that Hezbollahs very smart and mocked the idea that Biden administration officials would make Israels enemies aware of its national security weaknesses. He acknowledged that the press doesnt like when [I] say that as well as when he makes similar characterizations about Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trumps characterization of Hezbollah as very smart was not the only aspect of his speech that spurred a negative reaction from critics. While Trump praised and vowed to stand with Israel during his remarks, he also brought up how I did have a bad experience with Israel. According to Trump, When we took out [terrorist Qasem Soleimani], it was us and Israel working as a group and we knew where he was, we knew how he was coming in, we knew the plane, we knew everything. We worked on it for weeks, for months, actually. Israel was going to do this with us and it was being planned and working on it for months and now we had everything all set to go, and the night before it happened, I got a call that Israel will not be participating in this attack, he added. While the U.S. killed Soleimani on its own, Trump told the crowd, Ill never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down. That was a very terrible thing. Trump insisted that Bibi tried to take credit for the attack that took out Soleimani, adding, That didnt make me feel too good. Bob Vander Plaats, CEO of the Iowa-based religious advocacy group The FAMiLY Leader, reacted to the former presidents assertions during the speech as disturbing. Vander Plaats took to X to summarize and condemn Trumps analysis: The former #POTUS @realDonaldTrump telling the world #Israel let us down while calling out Hezbollah and Hamas, backed by Iran, as very smart. Raping women and butchering children isnt smart. Its evil. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, currently Trumps chief rival for the Republican nomination, weighed in on the former presidents statements about Hezbollah and Israel while campaigning in New Hampshire. This is a time to be standing with Israel and to be attacking the Prime Minister just makes no sense, he said. To be saying that Hezbollah, talking about how smart they are, just doesnt make any sense. "Makes no sense": @RonDeSantis rips Trump for attacking Bibi Netanyahu days after 1,200 Israelis and 25 Americans were murdered by Hamas. pic.twitter.com/iiKqx2wFjN DeSantis War Room ???? (@DeSantisWarRoom) October 12, 2023 Former Vice President Mike Pence, another candidate for the Republican nomination who served as Trumps second-in-command for four years, also issued a response to Trumps speech in an appearance on the radio program New Hampshire Today on Thursday: This is no time for the former president or any other American leader to be sending any message other than America stands with Israel. Hezbollah are not smart; theyre evil, Pence proclaimed. The former vice president also expressed disappointment that his former boss called Russian President Vladimir Putin a genius for invading Ukraine last year. Trump reacted to the backlash his comments received in a statement posted on his campaign website Thursday by defending his administrations foreign policy record pertaining to Israel: There was no better friend or ally of Israel than President Donald J. Trump. Under my leadership, the United States stood in complete solidarity with Israel, and as a result, Israel was safe, America was safe, and for the first time in decades, we made historic strides for Peace in the Middle East. The former president vowed that with President Trump back in office, Israel, and everyone else, will be SAFE AGAIN! Why Colorado Supreme Court hearing cake artists case is big deal The announcement last week by the Colorado Supreme Court that its justices will hear the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Scardina is music to the ears of Denver cake artist Jack Phillips, whos hoping this will be a case of same song, second verse. The song in question is the landmark decision issued earlier this year by the U.S. Supreme Court in another Colorado case, 303 Creative v. Elenis. The high court upheld free speech for all, blocking the states intent to compel a Colorado web designer to create custom websites celebrating views of marriage against her faith. The same law challenged in that caseColorados Anti-Discrimination Actis the one activists and state officials have been misusing for 11 years to coerce Phillips to create custom cakes that celebrate ideas and communicate messages he doesnt believe in. The first case tried to force Phillips to create a custom cake celebrating a view of marriage contrary to his beliefs and climaxed in a 2018 trip to the U.S. Supreme Court, where justices determined that a lower court ruling against Phillips was compromised by deep bias against his religious beliefs. A second case was precipitated by a phone call from an activist attorney on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court decided to hear Phillips first case requesting that Phillips create a custom cake symbolizing and celebrating a gender transition. The same attorney then called again to request a second custom cake, this one depicting Satan smoking marijuana to correct the errors of [Phillips] thinking, the attorney said. Phillips politely declined both requests because the cakes expressed messages contrary to his core beliefs. The attorney then filed the current lawsuit, threatening to continue harassing Phillips until he is punished. As of last January, two lower courts in Colorado have successively ruled that Phillips can be forced to create custom expression promoting ideas he doesnt believe; since then, the 303 decision has underscored the Supreme Courts determination to protect the free speech rights of all Americans under the First Amendment. That ruling should mean success for Phillips in his current appeal. Because the requested cake expresses a message, it is protected speech. The plaintiff made it clear when placing the order that the custom cake pink on the inside, blue on the outside was intended to communicate a very specific message celebrating a gender transition. Whats more, the trial court found that the requested cake clearly symbolize[s] the plaintiffs transition from male to female. The blue represents male, while the pink represents female; the message is unmistakable in context. Indeed, the very idea of commissioning a custom cake, for most customers, is to communicate a specific message of celebration and approval. The trial court suggested this cake request was no exception. Phillips decision on whether to create a custom cake always comes down to the message the cake will express not the customer asking. His willingness to serve anyone has been well-documented throughout his 11-year legal battle. In fact, a longtime gay customer testified for Phillips at trial, explaining that Phillips has always served him and treated him with respect. That commitment is consistent with Phillips character, as well as his right to expressive freedom. He serves people from all backgrounds but cannot create custom cakes expressing messages contrary to his beliefs and the Constitution says he shouldnt have to do so. A loss at the Colorado high court would likely mean another appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, inviting the justices to apply 303 Creative to protect Phillips freedom. But a win in Colorado would be a meaningful affirmation of the right of all Americans whatever their beliefs to express those beliefs without fear of government punishment. It would also mean a welcome end to the more than a decade of suffering Phillips and his family have endured in pursuit of their constitutionally protected freedoms. As one of his attorneys for most of those years, Ive watched him move through challenge after challenge with persistence and faith always hopeful, always thankful, always looking for a way to love his neighbor and to honor his God in the face of unrelenting opposition. His example reminds me of Pauls words to the Corinthians: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. I hope, one day soon, the Colorado Supreme Court will announce a decision that is music to this good mans ears and that gives all Americans something to sing about. New California law expedites process for building low-income housing on church properties California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law designed to expedite the approval process for religious institutions and colleges seeking to build low-income housing on their properties as the state continues to experience a homelessness crisis. On Wednesday, Newsom's office announced the signing of 56 laws designed to "streamline housing and expand tenant protections in California." "It's simple math California needs to build more housing and ensure the housing we have is affordable," Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement. "In partnership with the Legislature, we have advanced billions of dollars to that end," he added. "These 56 bills build on that work, supporting tenants and ensuring cities are held accountable to plan for and permit their fair share of housing." One bill signed by Newsom is S.B. 4, also known as Yes in God's Backyard and the Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act of 2023. Sponsored by Democratic State Sen. Scott Wiener, the measure was approved by the Democratic-controlled California Senate in a 33-2 vote and by the Democratic-controlled California Assembly in a 73-1 vote. While the measure achieved strong bipartisan support, all of the votes against it came from Republicans. "This bill would require that a housing development be a use by right upon the request of an applicant who submits an application for streamlined approval, on any land owned by an independent institution of higher education or religious institution on or before January 1, 2024, if the development satisfies specified criteria, including that the development is not adjoined to any site where more than one-third of the square footage on the site is dedicated to industrial use," the legislation states. One of the requirements outlined in the bill mandate that "100% of the units, exclusive of manager units, in a housing development project eligible for approval as a use by right under these provisions be affordable to lower income households, except that 20% of the units may be for moderate-income households, and 5% of the units may be for staff of the independent institution of higher education or the religious institution that owns the land." The bill's provisions will sunset on Jan. 1, 2036. "California desperately needs to ramp up housing production, and the Governor's action today helps put us on a path to achieve that goal," Wiener asserted in a statement. "The era of saying no to housing is coming to an end. We've been planting seeds for years to get us to a brighter housing future, and today we're continuing strongly down that path." Abram Diaz, the policy director for the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California, praised S.B. 4 as "a powerful new tool that harnesses the mission of our religious institutions and colleges to address the homebuilding needs of our state." Diaz said the law "unlocks" over 171,000 acres of land strictly for affordable housing production, "creating a game changing opportunity to house more veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and other community members who need support." "This is California policymaking at its best, by designing solutions that empower our community leaders to direct their resources to solve our most pressing problems," he said. "We are proud to partner with Senator Wiener and our coalition of over 300 supporters on this issue and applaud Governor Newsom for signing this bill into law." Supporters of S.B. 4 include the California Conference of Carpenters, Inner City Law Center, Jewish Public Affairs Committee, Non-Profit Housing Association of California and Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing. The approval of S.B. 4 and nearly five dozen related bills comes as California continues to experience a homelessness crisis. A report compiled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last year found that 171,521 homeless people lived in California, accounting for nearly 30% of the national total. Additionally, California has the highest percentage of homeless people who are unsheltered, meaning their "primary nighttime location is a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for people" such as the streets, vehicles or parks. California is home to 115,491 unsheltered people, who comprise 67.3% of the state's homeless population. Hamas hostage interrogated about his knowledge of Islam: 'Convinced I was about to die' A Muslim doctor was held hostage and shot multiple times by the Hamas terrorists who infiltrated southern Israel, killing and injuring thousands and seizing many hostages. Dr. Tarek Abu Arar is a volunteer physician with United Hatzalah, a national organization that has Muslims and Jews working together to respond to emergency medical calls. According to the United Hatzalah's website, Arar was driving to his shift at the emergency room at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon on Saturday when he came across someone who appeared injured at a junction near Sderot. The individual was on the side of the road next to a 44 vehicle, and, assuming there had been a car accident, Arar stopped to help. As the Muslim doctor approached the vehicle, he saw what looked like an Israeli soldier in uniform. At the time, there were no reports about Hamas breaching the border fence and invading Israel, according to Arar. Twenty minutes earlier, a Red Alert siren had warned Arar about rocket fire, so he was wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot in the chest. "I started shouting and praying, convinced that I was about to die," he remembered thinking before he heard someone shout in Arabic, 'Stop, stop, he is an Arab!" "This is when I understood they were Hamas terrorists," Arar said. Ten men dressed in military attire that Arar described as looking similar to IDF uniforms came out of the bushes and started interrogating the doctor in Arabic. The men asked Arar questions about Islam, testing his knowledge before tying him to a pole at the center of the junction. "'That's it, we have a hostage; the IDF cannot eliminate us from the air anymore,'" Arar remembers the men shouting. For about two hours, the terrorists shot at every car that passed the junction, killing every occupant. Once the army arrived at the scene, the opposing sides engaged in a shootout, with Arar in the middle. "Then one of the terrorists shot me in the leg from point blank and signaled with his hand that the next bullet would be in my head," the volunteer physician said. "I started bleeding pretty massively." "During this whole time, I was praying for a miracle," he recalled. "I was convinced that I was about to die." After the IDF forces retreated, a Yamam commando force Israel's counter-terrorism unit arrived at the scene 45 minutes later and eliminated all the terrorists. Arar said that members of the command force tied a tourniquet on his injured leg before an ambulance took him to a hospital, where he was treated and released a few hours later. "This was the worst experience of my life. I have dedicated my life to helping others and saving lives, both in my profession as a doctor and my volunteering with United Hatzalah," the doctor said. "To be forced to witness the horrible slaughter carried out in front of my eyes was terrible," he said. "I have no words to describe it. Just terrible." Arar has been a volunteer with the organization for over a year, and he is one of four volunteers injured following Hamas' attack Saturday that resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 people, according to United Hatzalah's post. Another one of the organization's volunteers was providing medical care to people at the Nova Festival when Hamas terrorists kidnapped him. Militants fired at attendees and abducted others, and at least 260 bodies have been recovered from the festival site. "An additional volunteer, Maor Shalom, was killed while trying to save lives after he was called up to duty as part of Israel's security forces," United Hatzalah. Israel 365, an organization that seeks to connect Christians with the land and people of Israel, is urging the world to pray for what it says are nearly 200 hostages ranging from 3 months to 85 years old taken by Hamas. The nonprofit is distributing fliers featuring photos and names of some of the hostages and individuals missing in hopes people will share them on social media to raise awareness. In an interview with Christian Post reporter Jeannie Ortega Law on Friday, Naphtali "Tuly" Weisz, director of Israel365, implored Christians in the U.S. not to waiver in their support for Israel's fight to defeat Hamas and to speak out for the hostages taken into Gaza. "I wanted to say that the cruelty exhibited by Hamas supersedes the cruelty of ISIS with all of its horrors," Weisz said. "It's a warning to the world. Every citizen of the free world needs to be aware that if the radical Islamic terrorism funded and facilitated by Iran is not stopped and is tolerated, all of our children could be next." Weisz called on Christians to "urge their elected officials to completely renounce Hamas and demand the immediate release of all Israeli hostages to their families." "Israel is going to be in this war for the long haul, and we need our Christian allies to hang in there with us and have our back while Israel does what it needs to do to destroy its evil enemy," Weisz stated. "And now is the time to activate and mobilize on behalf of Israel and the hostages by printing out these fliers and holding them up at churches and at rallies to show your solidarity with Israel's hostages." Anyone who rejoices over the butchering of babies and children is evil As if the news from Israel could not get any more shocking, an Oct. 10 headline announced, Babies beheaded, 40 children shot dead in a single settlement, and families burnt alive by Hamas. This is an unfathomable level of evil, a report of barbarism that is almost incomprehensible. Yet in response to such demonic acts, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech, We kiss the hands of those who planned the attack on the Zionist regime. How utterly despicable. The terrorists had blood on their hands. He has blood on his lips. (And, despite his denials of involvement in the massacre, he certainly has blood on his hands too.) But it is not just yet radical terrorist leaders like Khamenei who are celebrating these murderous, barbaric deeds. (I wish I had more adjectives to describe how wicked the actions of Hamas have been, but they are truly indescribable.) The Daily Wire reported that, The largest network of campus anti-Israel groups is organizing a Day of Resistance on Thursday to rally support for the deadly Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, calling the murder of nearly 1,000 Israelis, including women and children, a historic win for the Palestinian resistance. Babies beheaded by Hamas. A win! Little children slaughtered in front of their weeping mothers. A win! Ninety-year-old grandmothers shot in the head. A win! Women raped and abused. A win! And all this in the name of justice, as indicated by the name of this network: Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). They stated, Our people choose resistance over negotiated cages on our homeland. Fearlessly, our people struggle for complete liberation and return. Resistance? The willful, intentional, even gleeful butchering of whole families in cold blood is resistance? And it is fearless to murder hundreds of unarmed people pleading for their lives? To the SJP I say this: your position is evil and your hearts are evil. May God have mercy on your souls. You might say, But you rejoice in the suffering of the Palestinians. Who are you to speak? To the contrary, I grieve over the suffering of the Palestinians, especially those in Gaza right now. As I posted on Facebook on Monday, Tragically, many innocent Palestinians will suffer terribly in the days to come, including women and children. That should matter to us as human beings, let alone as followers of Jesus. I mean that from the heart, and not a single supporter of Israel I know takes delight in the suffering of these innocent non-combatants. But, I added, whereas Hamas targeted Israeli civilians and rejoiced in the butchering of the innocent, the IDF will do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties. And when they do occur, I can assure you that Israeli soldiers will not be parading naked corpses of Palestinian women while shouting praises to God as the Israeli crowds cheer on. So, yes, the suffering of Palestinians is as grievous as the suffering of Israelis. Absolutely. But let us not make false moral equivalences now. We can discuss the grievances of the Palestinians, doing our best to separate myth from fact, but not today. Not now. We can review the recent history of the region, dating back to the late 1800s (or to biblical times) and analyze who has a right to what but let that wait for another day. At this moment in history, the first thing that must be done is for all of us to stand together, Muslim and Christian and Jew (and people of other religions and non-religions), Israeli and Palestinian alike, and say, What Hamas did is outright, unjustifiable evil. Plain and simple. We denounce it. Yet contrary sentiments abound. An editorial in the New York Post stated, Remember: When leftists praise decolonization, they are celebrating the murder of innocents like Shani Louk by bloodthirsty Hamas killers. Dont believe us; take their word for it. A speaker at the [New York pro-Palestinian] rally on Sunday shouted to the crowd as you might have seen, there was some sort of rave or desert party where they were having a great time until the resistance came in electrified hang gliders and took at least several dozen hipsters. He was greeted with whoops and laughter. A Cal State-Long Beach student group held a Day of Resistance (to celebrate Palestinian terrorism). Prominent on the event poster was a paraglider of the kind Hamas used to infiltrate Israel and attack a desert rave where Louk and dozens of others were either killed or taken hostage. Those same decolonizers then paraded the likely dead Louks body in the back of a pickup truck. So the heartless slaughter of young people in cold blood at a peaceful music festival again, almost certainly not Bibi Netanyahu voters or rightwingers is a cool thing. Actually, its somewhat funny. Maybe the whoops and laughter would have been even louder if the crowd knew that it wasnt at least several dozen hipsters whom Hamas took but more than 260. (Some of them were literally taken, as in taken hostage; the great majority were just slaughtered.) This, too, is evil. You say, What about Jewish or Israeli calls to kill all Arabs or to completely wipe out Gaza? I denounce those clearly and without equivocation. Full stop. And where they represent the sentiments of groups and not simply individuals, I denounce them all the more forcefully. Evil is evil, wherever you find it. But please tell me where organized Jewish gatherings are saying, Lets behead Palestinian babies! Lets butcher their moms! Please tell me where the nation of Israel has ever rejoiced celebrating in the streets and praising God at the news of Palestinian babies and children being killed. It is the Palestinians, both in the West Bank and Gaza, who name childrens schools after mass murderers of Israelis, dubbing them martyrs and heroes. The equivalent in Israel does not exist. (A September 2018 article noted that, 76 Palestinian Authority schools named after terrorists and Nazi collaborators and honoring Martyrs and Martyrdom. And remember: the PA is considered moderate compared to Hamas.) It would be one thing if Hamas had led an attack against an Israeli military installation. I would still take issue with that, but I could understand pro-Palestinian supporters praising this bold act of resistance. But praising some of the most horrific acts of heartless cruelty we have ever seen is evil and inexcusable. In my last article, I referenced the reluctance of many celebrities to stand with Israel, lest they appear insensitive and politically incorrect. While writing this article, I noticed a statement from Gigi Hadid, whose sister Bella is strongly anti-Israel and whose father is an outspoken Palestinian-American. I can appreciate her sentiments when she wrote on Instagram, My thoughts are with all those affected by the unjustifiable tragedy, and every day that innocent lives are taken by this conflict too many of which are children. While I have hopes and dreams for Palestinians, none of them include the harm of a Jewish person. She added, The terrorizing of innocent people is not in alignment with & does not do any good for the 'Free Palestine' movement. The idea that it does has fueled a painful, decades-long cycle of back & forth retaliation. And this: No innocent civilian, Palestinian or Israeli, deserves to be a victim of the bloodshed. Despite our political and ideological differences, I applaud Hadids statement. Why cant others say the same? Visiting program for young sinologists opens in China's Xinjiang Xinhua) 11:27, October 14, 2023 URUMQI, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- On Friday, 23 young sinologists from 21 countries, including Russia, Egypt, Germany and Ethiopia, attended the opening ceremony of their visiting program in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. During the ceremony held at Xinjiang Normal University, five sinologists from the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Germany, Argentina and Uzbekistan shared their stories with China based on their experiences and research fields. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the program will last for 21 days, including themed lectures and experience activities as well as field trips in Xinjiang's regional capital of Urumqi, Kashgar Prefecture, the Hui Autonomous Prefecture of Changji and the city of Turpan. It is the first time for the Visiting Program for Young Sinologists to be held in Xinjiang. Themed on studies on Belt and Road and national public goods, this year's program is of great importance, said Peng Yubin, deputy director of the international exchange and cooperation bureau, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, at the ceremony. "We hope that during your study in Xinjiang, young sinologists will learn more about, understand, and fall in love with Xinjiang through exchanges and mutual learning and jointly promote the spread and development of Chinese culture," said Yan Naimin, deputy head of the Xinjiang regional culture and tourism department at the ceremony. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Armageddon? Not so fast It seems that just about every time theres a major conflict in the Middle East such as the recent horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli men, women, and children someone raises the question: Are we on the way to Armageddon? Is the end of the world just around the corner? Armageddon is listed in the book of Revelation as the place where the last battle of humanity will take place as the forces of the ungodly try to overcome Gods people. But by Gods power, the ungodly are completely vanquished. Through the centuries, Christians have speculated through one upheaval after another whether Armageddon is about to come. Some have gone so far as to dishonor the witness of Christianity by actually setting dates. You may recall that, a few years ago, one radio preacher who owned many Christian radio stations bought billboard space and predicted the end of the world on May 21, 2011. When it failed to transpire, he revised it to October 21, 2011. Uh, would you believe ...? His prediction was wrong they always are because he specified a date. Setting or even suggesting dates for the end of the world contradicts the teaching of Jesus. When Jesus told about His Second Coming, the climax toward which history is marching, He warned us that no one knows when the day or the hour will be. Even though He is divine, when He was on earth, He emptied Himself of all but love, as the hymn puts it. In His human nature, He said that even He Himself did not know the date that the Father had set for the Sons return to earth. So if Jesus didnt know, why should we trust some human authority who claims they know? I once wrote a book, Coming Again, long out of print, which compares the major views on the end-times and different opinions by different Christians. The book even contains many failed predictions through the centuries, as to when Christ would return. For example, one particular year saw many panicking: This was the dreaded eve of the millennium, the Day of Wrath when the earth would dissolve into ashes. Thus writes Richard Erdoes in his 1988 book, A.D. 1000 of yet another failed prediction. Nonetheless, we should so live our lives with the anticipation of His return, whenever that shall be. What if He chooses to come 1,000 years from now? What kind of a world do we want to leave for our children and grandchildren? Jesus Himself said, Occupy till I come. The vast majority of the founding fathers of America were professing Christians. Ben Hart reports that 99.8% of the American population around the time of independence were professing Christians. The Anglicans, for example, would get up Sunday after Sunday, and recite together the Apostles Creed, a summary of faith that echoes the teachings of the Apostles and is a unifying confession held to by all Christians. One of the lines affirms the return of Christ. Speaking of Jesus, the Creed declares: The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. George Washington affirmed this, as did Patrick Henry. So did Thomas Jefferson, who once proclaimed, Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever. Divine accountability was important to the founders. Divine accountability is a component of the return of Jesus. A Gallup poll in 1983 found that 62% of Americans harbor no doubt that Jesus is coming back. They note: Among those who say religion is very important in their lives, 79% believe in the Second Coming of Christ. (George Gallup, Jr. and Sarah Jones, 100 Questions & Answers: Religion in America (1989).) A decade later, a U.S. News and World Report (12/19/94) survey found that 61% believed in the return of Jesus. But what about now? Jewish-Christian author Joel Rosenberg wrote an article this year showing that a slight majority of Americans still believe in the Second Coming. Citing a recent study by Pew Research Center, Rosenberg says, To be precise, 55% of all American adults aged 18 and over believe in the Second Coming of Christ. And they dont mean symbolically or metaphorically. They mean they believe that Jesus is literally, physically going to return to Earth one day ... lets keep in mind that 55% is 142 million Americans. Meanwhile, as we see the bloodshed in Israel, we are reminded of the biblical admonition to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Jesus is coming back. We dont know when. We should all be ready. But in the meantime, let us be about our Fathers business. Israel-Gaza: Theres only one solution The terrible bloodshed in Israel and the Gaza Strip has accelerated the Last Days chatter among many Evangelical Christians in the U.S. My mother, for example, is a 91-year-old believer with a deep faith, and she is constantly talking about the End Times and the return of Jesus to the earth. I tell her, Mom, you may be right. Is the Israel-Gaza war a pivotal moment in the biblical End Times drama? None of us can know for sure. But this I can say there is only one solution to this crisis, and his name is Jesus. Ive worked in media ministry in the Middle East for many years, often amid wars and conflicts in many countries in the region. In the face of catastrophes, Ive seen a pattern emerge. People across the Middle East are desperate for real hope. Not just physical aid, but something much deeper. Spiritual hope. Right now, our Middle East-based Christian multimedia ministry SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) is broadcasting live 24/7 across the region, including the Holy Land reaching people via satellite television, online streaming, and social media in regional languages. We take to heart the call of the prophet Isaiah: Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. With gentle words, tender and kind (Isaiah 40:1-2). Our local presenters understand what their audience is facing right now, whether thats war, hopelessness, loneliness or bereavement. In a crisis, people are even more dependent on social media and our platforms are always open for real-time conversation, encouragement, and prayer. Strength for isolated believers Everywhere, God has his remnant. In both Israel and Gaza, there are isolated believers living their faith in secret among the non-Christian majority. Many of them fear what will happen to them if theyre discovered. Even now, SAT-7 staff are encouraging these believers through our social media channels, strengthening them spiritually amid the heartache now and for the struggles to come. We address the difficult questions Why did my spouse die? Why am I suffering like this? Does God really care? Many people are questioning how Israel didnt see this coming. In the midst of the chaos, were able to reassure viewers that God has not been caught off guard. His heart and purpose remain constant: to seek and to save every person, in every tribe, in every nation. While humankind tries and repeatedly fails to solve its problems without acknowledging God, with poetic poignancy the biblical prophet Jeremiah tells us what God said: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water (Jer. 2:13). Jeremiah reminds us that, without God, humankind gropes around in the dark, looking for answers but not finding any. In critical moments like this, we often hear politicians calling for peace, making statements that may sound good but lack real substance. Words alone are hollow when they have nothing to back them up and dont look to God. Theyre like broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Only Jesus has the spring of living water. Only he has the answer to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis because only Jesus is capable of transforming hearts, lives, and ultimately nations. Making Jesus visible At SAT-7, our mission is to make Jesus visible to all those in the Holy Land and across the Middle East so they might discover that he is the solution theyre searching for. If the tragic events in Israel and Gaza are indeed part of what Jesus describes as the beginning of birth pains (Matt. 24:8), the biblical End Times could be unfolding before our eyes. And that means sharing the Gospel with others and making Jesus visible to them should be the driving passion of all his followers in these Last Days. The rise of AI girlfriends One of the most telling statistics from the General Social Survey, is that Americans are having less sex now than they did in 1980s and 1990s. Young men especially have become less sexually active. Since 2008, the share of men under 30 reporting no sex at all has nearly tripled. This stat is one of the clearest signs of what has turned into a counterintuitive but reliable pattern. The more liberated and progressive our culture becomes, the less interested in or capable of finding human partners we become. I say, human partners, because the decline of sex and the rise of high-tech sex alternatives have gone hand-in-hand. Online pornography use, for instance, has become ubiquitous. The Institute for Family Studies reported in 2022 that a majority of men ages 30-49 say theyve watched pornography in the past month. And given the connection between porn and male sexual dysfunctions, this becomes a self-perpetuating cycle. Now, another emerging alternative to real women will likely draw even more men into unreality. British freelance writer Freya India recently highlighted the phenomenon of AI girlfriends, describing an array of new apps like Replika, Intimate, and Dream Girl Builder, which offer men the chance to craft flawless digital partners. These apps promise AI-airbrushed pornography. Users customize body type, face shape, and hair color to create their dream companion, that will exceed [their] wildest desires, and can join them on hyper-realistic voice calls. These apps offer not only simulated sex, but also the promise of companionship and emotional attention. As India writes: Eva AI, for example, not only lets you choose the perfect face and body but customise the perfect personality, offering options like hot, funny, bold, shy, modest, considerate and smart, strict, rational. Create a girlfriend who is judgement-free! Who lets you hang out with your buddies without drama! Who laughs at all your jokes! Control it all the way you want to, promises Eva AI. Design a girl who is always on your side, says Replika. That last app has been downloaded more than 20 million times, and the industry seems poised to boom, with NBC reporting that Ads for AI sex workers are flooding Instagram and TikTok. This isnt an expansion of sexual and romantic freedom or a tool that empowers people to make human connections. Rather, it is a retreat from human connection, a turning away from the very thing for which we are biologically, socially, and emotionally wired. And yet this has always been the end of the road we started on long ago, when we mixed a commitment to hyper-individualism with technology. As Sherry Turkle observed over a decade ago in her book, Alone Together, the process started with living our lives on the internet. Soon we began exploring alternative identities through social media. We crafted these identities and connections to perfection, pruning our friends lists to include only those people who pleased us. Before long, we came to prefer these digital relationships on our terms to the messy and often frustrating demands of in-person relationships. Now we have reached the stage at which many would rather cut out humans altogether, opting instead for drama-free companions who never have bad days, never grow old, always laugh at our jokes, never ask anything of us, and can be simply paused if it suits us. And AI technology is here to fill that demand. Whats next? C.S. Lewis was among many science-fiction authors to speculate. In That Hideous Strength, the last book of his Space Trilogy, he describes corrupted inhabitants of the Moon who do not sleep with each other when they marry, but each lies with a cunningly fashioned image of the other, made to move and to be warm by devilish arts, for real flesh will not please them, they are so dainty in their dreams of lust. Perhaps AI girlfriends will eventually become robotic girlfriends, deceiving users into truly giving up on human relationships. But what insanity! We were never made for such nightmares. We were created with bodies for embodied relationships among them the one-flesh union of marriage, through which God gives children. And at the heart of Christianity is the message that God values our embodied natures so highly that, in Christ, He assumed that nature in order to save us. Our human relationships dont need replacing. They need redemption. As our cultures retreat from humanity reaches new levels of strangeness, the task of the Church may increasingly be to call our neighbors back to being human. Few would have expected Christians to get a reputation for being the pro-sex people, but if falling in love with a computer is the alternative, we may be well on our way. Originally published at BreakPoint. Fears for hundreds of escapees sent back to North Korea A Christian human rights group is concerned for the welfare of hundreds of refugees forcibly repatriated from China to North Korea. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said that over 500 were sent back this week and are now at risk of being tortured, imprisoned or publicly executed. The organisation said that anyone who might have been in contact with Christians is especially at risk. "Those found to have had contact with Christians are known to face particularly harsh punishment," CSW said. Radio Free Asia reports that most of the refugees sent back were civilians and religious figures who were arrested while trying to reach South Korea via China. CSW's Founder President Mervyn Thomas condemned their repatriation to North Korea, a closed-off communist country with one of the worst human rights records in the world. "The horrific treatment they will now face in North Korea is no secret, and it is unacceptable that China persists with this policy which is in contravention of international law," he said. Mr Thomas appealed to North Korea not to punish the repatriated refugees and urged the international community to do more to hold the country accountable. "We call on North Korean regime to uphold and respect human rights, to release all those currently detained in prison camps immediately and unconditionally, and to ensure that those who have been forcibly returned to the country do not face punishment," he said. "Furthermore, we urge states to strengthen measures to hold the North Korean regime to account, so that these calls become a reality." In new letter, US evangelical leaders support Israel's right to self-defense Addressing policymakers at home and abroad, American evangelical Christian leaders responded Wednesday to the attacks on Israel by Hamas by issuing a letter calling for moral clarity, both supporting Israel's right to defend itself and proclaiming the need to protect the lives of innocent civilians. "In the wake of the evil and indefensible atrocities now committed against the people of Israel by Hamas, we, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn the violence against the vulnerable, fully support Israel's right and duty to defend itself against further attack, and urgently call all Christians to pray for the salvation and peace of the people of Israel and Palestine," the letter reads. The letter, signed by 60 institutional leaders, will be delivered to the White House, Congress and leaders at the United Nations, said Brent Leatherwood, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which helped organize the letter. The letter draws on the Christian justification for war known as just war theory to support Israel's right to defend itself from attacks. The letter also ties the current violence to past attacks on Jews and Israel. "Since the inception of the modern state of Israel in 1948, Israel has faced numerous attacks, incursions, and violations of its national sovereignty," the letter reads. "The Jewish people have long endured genocidal attempts to eradicate them and to destroy the Jewish state. These antisemitic, deadly ideologies and terrorist actions must be opposed." Leatherwood said that just war theory clarifies Israel's right to defend itself against attacks but also puts limits on the response to those attacks. Leatherwood said the letter's signers are concerned about civilians who will be harmed in the current war in Israel. "Our concern first and foremost for innocent, vulnerable individuals in Israel and throughout the region that are caught in the middle of this," he said. "It is a war that is not of their choosing." Leatherwood said organizing the letter is part of the ERLC's broader mission of "protecting the vulnerable." That mission, he said, has become even more important to him in recent months earlier this year, the school in Nashville, Tennessee, that his children attend was the site of a mass shooting in which three students and three adults were killed. That shooting led Leatherman to push for gun violence reforms. "The Lord has taught me to continually have an eye out for vulnerable individuals in a number of different contexts," he said. Evangelical Christians are among the staunchest supporters of the state of Israel. The ERLC cited a 2017 study of evangelical attitudes toward Israel from Lifeway Research, an evangelical firm, that found that 73% of those polled supported Israel's right to defend itself from attacks. Dan Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of the letter's signers, was encouraged to see evangelical leaders speak out for Israel. He also said that evangelicals are concerned about Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza who will be harmed by the war. He said there is no justification for the "atrocities inflicted on innocent Jewish people by Hamas." "The geopolitics of the region are complex," he said. "Condemning what we are seeing from Hamas is not complex." Leatherwood drew a distinction between Palestinians, who include a number of his fellow Christians, and the actions of Hamas. "Hamas is the enemy, not innocent civilians," he said. Religion News Service Officials vow to withdraw permit for Christian school in Indonesia Bowing to pressure from Islamic protestors, local officials in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia have vowed to withdraw permission that had been granted to build a Christian school, sources said. In the town of Parepare, the district representative council had granted permission for the construction of the school as the Gamaliel Christian School Foundation had completed all requirements, but the council promised to withdraw the permission after a demonstration on Friday that included a banned Islamic extremist group, according to legionnews.com. Members of the Islamic Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam, or FPI), banned since December 2020, participated in the march through the city along with hundreds of area residents, Muslim leaders and members of the Indonesian Association of Muslim Intellectuals (Ikatan Cendekiawan Muslim Indonesia, or ICMI) and the Soreang Society Alliance, arriving at the office of the district representative council, according to detik.com. As a result of the protest, Parepare's representative council promised to withdraw the permits to build the Christian school, saying it could potentially cause friction, according to legionnews.com. In Indonesia, such promises by officials to Islamic groups can be tantamount to an official decision, but the council has issued no letter of revocation of permission. A video widely viewed online shows some participants unfurling banners that read, "Rejecting the Construction of the Gamaliel Soreang Christian School," among others. Demonstrators shouted, "Refuse the permit, revoke the permit," and some orators called on the government to do the same. "We are the most tolerant people Muslims need no education on tolerance," said one orator. "We live in a neighborhood with non-Muslims and provide food to each other; we never disturb other's worship, but it is intolerance if you build a Christian school in a majority Muslim community." At the Parepare city representative council office, the protestors were greeted by the chairman of the council, two deputies and a council member identified only as Kamaluddin. "The residents refused because the majority of people there were Muslims, and they said the permission was not clear, according to the residents who held the demonstration," Kamaludin said, according to detik.com. "We are trying to avoid any conflict in the community." Opposition began mounting when hundreds of residents on Sept. 30 gathered at the Al Amin Mosque, in Soreang Permai Estate, Parepare, and signed a statement opposing the construction of the school, according to znews.com. Legally Authorized The construction of the Gamaliel Christian School had been legally authorized, bnn.com reported. The deputy chairman of the Gamaliel Christian Education Foundation, Sinta (who goes by a single name), confirmed that her institution had obtained the necessary permits for construction, in line with all relevant regulations and approved by authorities. In the face of the protest and the promised revocation of the building permit, Sinta said the foundation would not dare build the school without legal permission from the government. "We have fulfilled all [permits] before building," Sinta told detik.com on Saturday (Oct. 7), adding that the building permit process was not as problematic as residents claimed. Bonar Tigor Naipospos, deputy chairman of the Setara Institute, which advocates democracy and human rights in Indonesia, particularly religious freedom, said the case was "a clear sign of state subordination to the will of the intolerant groups." "Local political constellations and electoral interests, in gaining support from the masses, make public officials choose sides and accommodate the demands of intolerant groups," Bonar told Morning Star News. "They intentionally ignore it, even though it is considered to violate the constitution." Indonesia ranked 33rd on Christian support organization Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to the WWL report. 2023 Morning Star News Charlie McCann in 1843 Magazine: The patient was about 16 weeks pregnant. As Donna stood by her bed, steeling herself to deliver the bad news, she tried to stifle the now-familiar feeling of helplessness. It was November 2022 and they were in the triage area of the hospital in Texas where Donna (a pseudonym) worked as an ob-gyn (obstetrician-gynaecologist). The pregnant womans waters had broken. At this stage in the pregnancy, the fetuss lungs are months away from fully forming and stop developing as the amniotic fluid drains away. Doctors therefore usually recommend aborting the fetus or waiting to miscarry. The latter course can take days or weeks, during which time the mother is at high risk of infection and must endure the trauma of carrying a non-viable fetus. More here. COLUMBUS, Ohio A ruling from state utility regulators leaves renters in Ohio exposed to middlemen on the electricity supply chain, who for years have been accused of price gouging captive customers while providing little in return. Last month, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio denied a request from American Electric Power, which serves about 1.5 million Ohioans, to declare that submetering company Nationwide Energy Partners is operating as a public utility. This distinction leaves submetered customers without legal protections against new costs or disconnections. The ruling marks a win for the submetering industry, which is active at least in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Electric distribution utilities send power to whats called a master meter at communal living places like apartments, condos, or manufactured home communities. From there, submetering companies often pay landlords an up-front charge plus monthly residuals to act as a submeterer handling operations behind the master meter including billing tenants for power they use. But submetering isnt limited to electricity distribution. It also occurs in other utilities, including water and gas. In the case of AEP, the PUCO regulates what it can charge customers because it is a public utility. NEP is bound by no such limits. Its invoices physically resemble AEPs. It charges customers for the electricity they use. Its marketing hews closely to that of a utility. But according to the PUCOs ruling, NEP functions as an agent of the landlord and not a public utility. Under this framework, the landlord is the customer of the utility, not the residents who pay for the power. Consumers are just the useful idiots in this whole arrangement, said Mark Whitt, an NEP customer and an attorney who has tried and failed at the Ohio Supreme Court to get the state to regulate submeterers. NEP denied the allegations of price gouging, insisting that it verifies that ratepayers monthly bills do not surpass what they paid when enrolled with a traditional utility. Teresa Ringenbach, the companys vice president of corporate affairs, said NEP provides value to both landlords and tenants at facilities it covers, and that the company voluntarily abides by many of the consumer protections required of traditional utilities. About 34,000 Ohioans get their gas, water or electric bills from NEP instead of a traditional utility, according to the company, including about 1,000 in the Cleveland area. The company is also active in the Cincinnati area, where Duke Energy is asking the PUCO to block NEP from taking over a large apartment complex. A side-by-side AEP submitted in regulatory filings, showing the way NEP mirrors its invoices. (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) FirstEnergy Corp., which operates three Cleveland-area utilities, has been approached by submetering companies about servicing apartments in the area. But company spokeswoman Lauren Siburkis declined to comment on the potential impact. Oates Energy, a Florida submetering company, says on its website that it operates in the Cleveland area as well, but a spokesman didnt return a phone call. Because it is an unregulated industry, there is no central repository of information showing how many submetering companies operate in Ohio and where. When it comes to submetering, the utility companies have found themselves in unusual alignment with ratepayer advocates. They both say the submetering companies offer no added value to the end-users of the electricity but jack up costs while avoiding important consumer protections. Because utility companies enjoy government-sanctioned monopolies over captive customers, state law provides broad regulatory powers. Submetering companies start with the advantage of what the PUCO calls rate arbitrage they buy power in bulk at a discounted commercial rate and sell it to users at a residential price. That means the utility earns less because it is selling power at the discounted rate rather than to individual ratepayers. Submetering companies also add charges to renters for lighting in common areas like stairwells and hallways where there are no established limits or billing standards, according to AEP spokesman Scott Blake. Customers are often not told they are signing a lease in a submetered complex, he said. The rates charged for services arent clearly spelled out. Customers cant ask the PUCOs help in resolving service disputes. And customers lack access to programs that can help them if they have trouble paying their bills. Ohio Consumers Counsel spokeswoman Merrilee Embs said the agency, which represents residential ratepayers, doesnt operate any formal call center to generate firmer data but has heard general complaints about overly high bills from submetering companies. She noted a 2019 WEWS article about water bills increasing nearly four-fold after a submetering company took over at a Geauga County mobile home park. NEP earned one of five stars on its Better Business Bureau page, which is laden with accounts of peoples bills spiking after the company takes over their apartments. Whitt said he personally started getting $400 monthly electric bills at his sparsely used 1,800 square foot condo after NEP took over. The bills would often arrive after their due date, with $50 late fees already included, he said. Ashley Brown, a former PUCO commissioner who now runs the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, said most submetering companies dont really do anything for customers besides increasing prices. Its an industry that doesnt add value, he said. Its just a way to scrape some money off the top. Ringenbach, the NEP vice president, said the company provides property owners with valuable tools like usage data, ability to participate in wholesale electricity markets, and programs to reduce peak electricity demand. As for customers, she said NEP offers them more detailed data on power usage in each apartment, or functions like leak detection or high bill alerts. She said landlords hire the company, and part of their job is to ensure that residents bills dont increase. She denied the allegations of price gouging from AEP, the Better Business Bureau, and Whitt. What I can say is every single one of those, once they were verified, not one of them was higher than the bill cap, she said. The PUCO shares many of the concerns raised by AEP regarding consumer protections that submetered customers lose regarding late bills, disconnections, energy choice, and payment plans, according to the commissions order. Even though commissioners said they could not regulate NEP, they still ordered AEP within 90 days to request some of the protections disclosure to tenants, disconnection limits, and a price limit for NEP of the amount AEP charges in a legal filing for customers who are billed by NEP. If the PUCO agreed to those protections, NEP, in theory, would be bound to abide by them. Those tenants would remain ineligible to enroll in the states Percentage of Income Payment Plan, which helps those whose income falls below 175% of the federal poverty line pay electric costs. Enforcing the price limit would rely on consumer complaints, notification from AEP, or an independent PUCO action, according to PUCO spokesman Matt Schilling. He said the terms of AEPs filing would apply to all customers in AEPs territory (the greater Columbus area). As for the rest of the state, its an open question. Remains to be seen about the other utilities, he said. They should pay their bills The Ohio Supreme Court took up a submetering case in 2020. Its ruling changed the legal test the PUCO must use to determine whether submetering companies are public utilities but didnt answer the question itself. Justice Pat DeWine, in his opinion, referred to the industry as a big business and said it may well make sense for state lawmakers to address the issue. This session, state Sen. Andrew Brenner, a Republican from Powell, offered legislation that would declare that submetering companies are not public utilities, and are therefore unregulated. He said common sense dictates that a private company operating on private land cannot be a public utility. During a hearing on the bill, state Sen. Bill DeMora, a Columbus Democrat, asked Brenner if hes concerned about the lack of consumer protections for people who fall behind on electric bills and could face disconnection. They should pay their bills, Brenner said. DeMora asked what happened if they cant. Brenner said there are public programs available to help them, or they should do what they can to reduce their electric usage. The bill attracted a flurry of industry attention. American Power and Light, a submetering company, lobbied the bill. NEP hired 10 lobbyists to work on it. The Ohio Manufactured Homes Association signed up nine lobbyists as well. (After this article was published, the OMHA said only three were involved and to adhere to state rules, it registers some lobbyists who arent engaged on this issue.) Tim Williams, executive director of the OMHA, said a small fraction of the 1,300 manufactured home communities in Ohio have started using a submetering model, which he said should not be regulated like a public utility. It would be a taking to regulate a private company on private property, he said. Brenner tried to get his bill included in the state operating budget, according to Gongwer news service. He later wrote a letter to the PUCO chairwoman, urging her against regulating the companies for fear that it could open the door for long-standing businesses to close as a result. Possible appeal The Columbus Dispatch in 2013 published a major investigation on the industry, first bringing to light the middleman nature of the industry, rife with up to 40% cost increases over traditional utilities and aggressive tactics seeking repayment including initiating scores of evictions for tenants in arrears. Over the next few years, Whitt tried at both the PUCO and Ohio Supreme Court to force the regulators to rein in NEP specifically. But under the new legal test established by the court, the PUCO last month found that NEP is not a public utility. The recent opinion spans nearly 166 pages, landing on the conclusion that NEP is not engaged in the business of supplying electricity. Whitt said its just a showing of a commission that was caught asleep at the wheel as the industry blossomed and is now not wanting to confront the issue honestly. Both AEP and the Ohio Consumers Counsel have asked the PUCO to rehear the case. From there, either AEP or NEP could appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court. Attorneys with Consumers Counsel argued the PUCOs order is unjust and unfair in that it discriminates against renters. NEP customers will lose important consumer protections that the stipulations the regulators required dont adequately address. Customers still cant shop for better supply deals, enjoy broader disconnect protections during winter months, and others. The PUCOs attempt to protect NEP consumers falls short. It is no substitute for all the legal rights and protections under Ohio law and the PUCOs rules that AEP Ohio consumers receive, OCC attorneys argued. The PUCO should grant rehearing and reverse the Order to protect consumers from losing protections they are entitled to under Ohio law and the PUCOs rules. Jake Zuckerman covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Jonathan Guyer in Vox: In the Arab world, people have been as quick to show support for Palestine as most American politicians have for Israel. On Friday, after prayers at Egypts al-Azhar Mosque, protesters filled the streets. As did tens of thousands of Iraqis in Baghdads Tahrir Square, thousands of Jordanians protesting in the capital and in major cities, and hundreds who gathered outside a central mosque in Qatar, along with protesters in Lebanon, Oman, Tunisia, and Yemen. Demonstrators burned Israeli flags and chanted against Israels military campaign. Without understanding the full history of the conflict and the region, some American readers could dismiss everyone participating in these protests as angry Arabs, a repugnant trope that has permeated Western media for a century and was heightened after 9/11. It may still be jarring to watch for many, but the forces that drive the protests go deep and will only deepen as the latest war unfolds. More here. Taffy Brodesser-Akner in The New York Times: Section 301, in the second-to-highest tier of Levis Stadium, floats 105 feet above Santa Clara, Calif. It comprises 251 seats a mere hamlet in the vast 64,000-seat general kingdom of the place, but it was our hamlet, and on the last Saturday in July, we took up each one of those seats and watched, our collective breath held, as Taylor Swift emerged from a bevy of billowing pastel parachutes and rose up on a platform to perform the 47th show of her Eras Tour. A few songs in, she announced, laughing, that her father told her that Santa Clara had named her its honorary mayor during her two-night stay there and that the entire town had been renamed Swiftie Clara. On the way in, we saw the Police Department cheerfully exchanging friendship bracelets with legions of Swifties. The microcosm of Section 301 offered this same sense of sorority. What a nice neighborhood we had moved into, my 15-year-old son, Ezra, and I. Within minutes of sitting down, we were already a community with a shared, ardent sense of purpose. More here. Israel is expected to commence a ground offensive into Gaza after amassing troops at the border this week. The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, said it was "preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans" which will include "an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land" against Hamas in Gaza. The IDF added that it had already completed its mobilization of hundreds of thousands of servicemen for the counteroffensive, according to a statement translated by NBC News. Ahead of the looming ground operation, roughly 1.1 million Palestinians were given 24-hour notice to evacuate northern Gaza. The order was heavily criticized by many humanitarian agencies as it would be logistically difficult to move so many people within that timeframe. That deadline has now passed with no signs of an incursion yet. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shaking hands during their meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur region on Sept. 13, 2023. Vladimir Smirnov | Afp | Getty Images The U.S. unveiled the intelligence determination as North Korea lashed out Friday at the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier battle group in South Korea, calling it a provocation and again raising the specter of using nuclear weapons to defend itself. The North's official Korean Central News Agency called the aircraft carrier's arrival "an undisguised military provocation" that proves a U.S. plan to attack North Korea is being realized. It threatened to respond in line with its escalatory nuclear doctrine that authorizes the preemptive use of nuclear weapons. The U.S. has accused North Korea of previously providing ammunition, artillery shells and rockets to Russia. North Korea has previously denied providing weaponry to Moscow. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, last week published satellite photos that showed a sharp increase in rail traffic along the North Korea-Russia border, The report said satellite images as of Oct. 5 captured "a dramatic and unprecedented level of freight railcar traffic" at the Tumangang Rail Facility. It said images show approximately 73 railcars while a review of previous satellite images over the past five years shows about 20 railcars at this facility at most. watch now Kim last month, after he had met with Putin, called for an exponential increase in the production of nuclear weapons and for his country to play a larger role in a coalition of nations confronting the United States in a "new Cold War," North Korean state media said. During Kim's six-day trip to Russia, his longest foreign travel as a leader, the two countries said they discussed boosting their defense ties but didn't disclose any specific steps. Foreign experts speculate the two countries, both locked in confrontations with the West, were pushing to reach arms transfer deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The trip to Russia was also Kim's first foreign trip since the pandemic, during which North Korea imposed tight border controls for more than three years. After decades of hot-and-cold relations, Russia and North Korea have drawn closer since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, last week published satellite photos that showed a sharp increase in rail traffic along the North Korea-Russia border, The report said satellite images as of Oct. 5 captured "a dramatic and unprecedented level of freight railcar traffic" at the Tumangang Rail Facility. It said images show approximately 73 railcars while a review of previous satellite images over the past five years shows about 20 railcars at this facility at most. watch now US President Joe Biden, while discussing the ongoing conflict between Israel-Palestine conflict, said on Friday (October 13) that the military group Hamas has taken over 1,000 innocent lives, making it worse than the al-Qaeda. "The more we learned about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans," Biden said. He went on to express his strong condemnation of Hamas, saying, "These guys make they make al-Qaeda look pure. They're pure evil. Like I said from the beginning, the United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel." Just three days ago, Biden made a strong statement on Hamas' attack on Israel, announcing US military assistance for the Middle Eastern country. For his full statement, check here President Biden yesterday reemphasised the United States' commitment to supporting Israel during this crisis. He pointed out that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have been engaged with Israeli officials, ensuring that Israel has the necessary resources to defend itself. He further underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Regarding the plight of Americans affected by the conflict, President Biden noted, "I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible to return every missing American to their families." He mentioned that efforts are underway and the Biden administration is working "round the clock" to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and regional partners. White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton reiterated the United States' strong support for Israel during a press gaggle, emphasising significant engagement and cooperation with Egypt and Israel to create safe passages for civilians and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. "Hamas continues to engage in tactics like using tunnels under residential buildings to conduct their operations, holing up in hospitals and mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organization with no regard for human life, with no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and we've got to continue to call it out," he said. With agency inputs. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order allowing the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) not to remit any of its net earnings last year to the national government. Under Executive Order No. 43 signed on Oct.11 and announced on Saturday, Marcos adjusted the government-owned banks dividend rate from 50% to 0%. Republic Act (RA) No. 7656 requires all government-owned or -controlled corporations to declare and remit at least 50% of their annual net earnings as cash, stock, or property dividends to the national government. The percentage may be adjusted by the president, upon the recommendation of the Finance secretary, in the interest of national economy and general welfare. The EO stated that Finance chief Benjamin Diokno endorsed the downward adjustment to support the capital position of the [Landbank], maintain its compliance with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas regulations on capital adequacy requirements, and expand its role in the economic recovery of industries adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic." Marcos clarified that the adjusted rate is applicable only for 2022 earnings. He signed the directive around a month after Landbank sent to the Bureau of the Treasury its required 50-billion contribution for the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF). Under the MIF law, the initial capital for the fund will come from the national government and Landbank at 50 billion each, and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) at 25 billion. In December 2022, Marcos also adjusted the dividend rate of the DBP for 2021 from 50% to 0%. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) The government is planning to complete two connectivity projects by 2026 to expand internet services to remote areas, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Saturday. The National Fiber Backbone is now 70% (accomplished) in Luzon. The target is by 2026, matapos natin (we will finish) from North Luzon to Mindanao, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Dy told reporters. He added that the government will also start with phases two and three of the procurement activities, which will cover Visayas and Mindanao broadband connectivity. The National Fiber Backbone program is part of the National Broadband Plan that began in 2017. Uy said the government is also targeting to construct 110,000 free Wi-Fi sites worth 50 billion by the end of 2026 or by the middle of 2027. The Free Wi-Fi for All Project aims to provide internet connectivity in public places, including parks, municipal halls and public schools. Uy said this year, the government aims to establish 8,000 free Wi-Fi sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. By next year, ang target po natin ay 15,000 barangays," he said. "We are hoping to cover 110,000 sites all in all ibig sabihin, may mga barangay that will have more than one or two sites sa free Wi-Fi." [Translation: By next year, our target is 15,000 barangays. We are hoping to cover 110,000 sites all in all it means there are barangays that will have more than one or two sites of free Wi-Fi.] Free Wi-Fi spots were launched in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi on Saturday. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday made an appeal to spare innocent civilians as Gaza faces deeper humanitarian crisis brought about by the ongoing tensions between the Israel and the militant group Hamas. ICRC rapid deployment coordinator Stephen Ryan said that people in Gaza are having problems accessing basic necessities and services. At present, people are struggling to have access to food, water, medicine, and electricity, Ryan told CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend. The water supply is connected strongly to the electricity supply, and these are important basic services that have been cut off due to the ongoing siege, he also said. The ICRC official added that power outages and enough supplies also left medical facilities in Gaza overwhelmed. The parties to this have a responsibility to the civilians affected by it," he said. "Those who are not part of the fight should continue to have access to basic services." Israel, which controls most of Gazas electricity, water, and fuel, has imposed a strict blockade on the Palestinian city in response to Hamas brutal attack that led to thousands of deaths and displacement of millions. Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz earlier said that Gaza will not be provided with electricity, water, and fuel until the extremist group releases the150 Israeli hostages. But the Hamas warned it will start executing the hostages if Israel continues to target people in Gaza without warning. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that Gazas humanitarian situation was extremely dire before these hostilities; now it will only deteriorate exponentially. The ICRC said that relief organizations must be allowed to send help to the affected population as resources are quickly running out in Gaza. Its important to recognize that the parties of this conflict have this responsibility to make sure that humanitarian act such as the ICRC are able to access this area and are able to provide humanitarian relief, said Ryan. At present, we do not have access to bring further goods into Gaza but we are ready to do so," he continued. "We need support from outside to be able to do it, but we also need the agreement of different governments and different actors to be able to access Gaza and to be able to provide this assistance." Israels military on Friday has given a six-hour window to more than one million Gaza residents to move south on specified streets as airstrikes continue. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that tens of thousands of people in the Palestinian city have already left their homes following the warning, according to a CNN report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) The Senate discovered even more irregularities during its inspection of Sitio Kapihan, the homebase of the alleged religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI), Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Saturday. Hontiveros said children were born as a result of the alleged 22 child marriages. Earlier reports said only 19 minors were forced into relationships with adults. "Kailangan magkaroon ng buong imbestigasyon kung nasaan at ano ang kalagayan ng mga batang ipinanganak sa child marriages," she said. [Translation: There needs to be an investigation into the status of these children from child marriages.] The senator said that the SBSI had faulty record-keeping on its members who had died, particularly as to where they were buried. "Malinaw na paglabag iyan sa mga batas gaya ng Code on Sanitation (PD No. 856)," he pointed out. "Hirap tuloy ang mga kaanak ng mga pumanaw na hanapin ang huling hantungan ng kanilang mahal sa buhay." [Translation: It's clearly a violation of the law, such as PD No. 856. As a result, families face difficulties in finding their late relatives' resting places.] Due to missing official documents among Kapihan residents, she also noted a high possibility of identity theft among beneficiaries of government financial aid programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Hontiveros said lawmakers would get alleged cult leader Jey Rence Quilario, known as "Senior Agila," to explain the irregularities at the next Senate hearing. She also called on government agencies to help reintegrate members of the SBSI into mainstream society. Israel Defense Forces confirms killing of two top Hamas commanders The Israel Army on Saturday confirmed (October 14, 2023) that two top Hamas commanders, who were involved in the group's cross-border attack last week, have been killed. IDF confirms the killing of two top Hamas commanders. Photo Courtesy: IDF X page The Israel Defense Forces identified the two slain commanders of the group as Merad Abu Merad and Ali Qadi. IDF posted on X: "Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel." "We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate," read the X post. According to the IDF, the 37-year-old was one of among the 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in 2011 in exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was captured by Hamas, reported BBC. Qadi was arrested in 2005 for the kidnap and murder of an Israeli man who was reported to have worked for the Shin Bet internal security agency. Since this round of attacks between Hamas and Israel began on Saturday (October 7, 2023), Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip. So far, more than 1,500 Palestinians and more than 1,300 Israelis have been killed, Xinhua reported. Singaporean and Australian charged for making bomb threats to cruise ship and to Scoot flight Two people one of them Singaporean, another Australian were charged today in Singapore in separate incidents of making bomb threats. The Singaporean made a bomb threat to a cruise ship run by Resorts World Cruises, berthed at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. The Australian was on a Scoot flight going to Perth, Australia, when he claimed to have a bomb, forcing the aircraft to return to Changi International Airport in Singapore. Following the bomb threat while the Scoot plane was in mid-air, going from Singapore to Perth, it was escorted back by two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft. Representative photo courtesy: Instagram/flyscoot The ship will explode The cruise ship incident occurred yesterday, when the accused Neo Hui Ghim, aged 39, allegedly sent an e-mail to Resorts World Cruises customer care with the subject line: Bomb at Resorts World Cruises. The mail was received by the company around 2.30pm. Neo demanded some sort of a refund from the company and threatened to set off a bomb unless the demand was met. Please return me back my monies else the ship will explode and everyone dropped into the sea, he allegedly wrote in the e-mail. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) was alerted almost immediately. The police, along with Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) personnel and Marina Bay Cruise Centre security staff checked the entire ship. This whole incident caused a delay for about 4,000 passengers. Fortunately, the threat was a hoax and no bomb was found on the cruise ship. The e-mail sender was arrested within about three hours. He was charged in court and then sent to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for a checkup. Conviction in the case would mean for him a jail term of up to 7 years; a fine up to SGD50,000; or both. I have a bomb The Scoot flight incident occurred the day before yesterday, when the plane (flight TR16) was already in the air, on its way to Perth. The accused Hawkins Kevin Francis, 30, allegedly said I have a bomb to a cabin crew member around 4.30pm. He repeated the word bomb at least one more time to another crew member. The crew alerted the captain, and it was decided that the plane would fly back to Changi. It was escorted back by two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft. The SPF was informed of the bomb threat on the flight around 4.55pm. The plane landed at Changi at 6.26pm, with 362 passengers and nine crew members. Upon inspection, no bomb was found. Francis was charged in court with making false threats of terrorist acts, and was sent for a mental health checkup. His punishment, if convicted, would be a jail term up to 10 years; a fine of up to SGD500,000; or both. Comedy is supposed to be about laughter, fun and momentarily silencing your acute awareness that the world is a complete and utter dumpster fire. But occasionally, some joke-tellers humorous material has inadvertently inspired acts of actual physical violence literal punchlines, if you will even at events that arent lavish award ceremonies, like how Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. 3 Jackie Mason Was Nearly Assassinated, Possibly Due to a Joke About Frank Sinatra Famed rabbi-turned-comic Jackie Mason (aka Krusty the Clowns old man) made jokes at the expense of a lot of different folks throughout his long career, but one bit clearly pissed off the wrong person. Advertisement Advertisement In 1966, while appearing at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, three gunshots were fired at Masons hotel room, which thankfully just hit the headboard instead of his head. Although the assassination attempt went unsolved, some have pointed to the fact that, shortly before the shooting, Mason made some jokes about the age difference between Frank Sinatra and his new wife Mia Farrow, quipping: Frank soaks his dentures, and Mia brushes her braces. Its no secret that Sinatra had ties to the mafia and, perhaps not coincidentally, shortly after the attack, a Catskills club received a threatening phone call warning that the bullets meant for Mason will kill you instead if you book him. A bullet ridden, blood smeared doorway. A shattered interior strewn with debris. Not the scene a Foreign Secretary usually encounters abroad. But it powerfully brought home the sheer horror inflicted on the people of Israel last Saturday. This home in Ofakim had been the site of a 20 hour struggle for life and death. One of hundreds, as Israel suffered terrorism on an unprecedented scale. The worst in their 75 year history. I was told repeatedly more Jewish civilians had been murdered in a single day than since the Holocaust. The devastation was shocking. Gut-wrenching. But what hit me hardest were the stories I heard. An elderly couple were held at gunpoint by Hamas terrorists for nearly a day. They had to barter for their survival by offering food, winning just enough time for the IDF to save them. They were brave. They were also lucky. So many were not. The proud parents of a young IDF soldier have been living the nightmare of knowing their son is alive, but held hostage. They got a glimpse of him, kidnapped, in one of the sickening videos flooding social media. That glimpse condemned them to agonising fear and desperate hope. A bullet ridden, blood smeared doorway. A shattered interior strewn with debris. Not the scene a Foreign Secretary usually encounters abroad. But it powerfully brought home the sheer horror inflicted on the people of Israel last Saturday This home in Ofakim had been the site of a 20 hour struggle for life and death. One of hundreds, as Israel suffered terrorism on an unprecedented scale. The worst in their 75 year history. I was told repeatedly more Jewish civilians had been murdered in a single day than since the Holocaust I was left in no doubt. This was terrorism, plain and simple. Hamas set out to maximise civilian casualties, and have done so with unimaginable cruelty. They left well over one thousand victims in their wake. Ordinary people going about their daily lives. The elderly, the infirm, and children. Babies. That is why I wanted to be in Israel. To make clear to our Israeli friends that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them in their self-defence. We will be unwavering in our support as they restore security and recover their citizens from Hamas clutches. In offering our steadfast support, we are also helping our own nationals. As the terrorists struck, tens of thousands of Brits were in Israel. Tourists, students, expats. Many are dual nationals, as British as you or I. We are working tirelessly to support all of them, and offer whatever comfort we can to the families of those Brits Hamas killed. I discussed supporting each others nationals with my friend, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. We are also engaging intensively with Israel on how they do all they can to minimise civilian casualties and get vital aid into Gaza. They get it. We know that Hamas lurk amongst civilians, using them as pawns for the sake of their fanaticism. In contrast, the IDF has warned civilians, even as it acts decisively to defend Israelis from Hamas. Warnings which Hamas has told innocent Palestinians to ignore. It is false to equate Hamas heinous crimes with Israels right to self-defence. We should be in no doubt what Hamas stand for. A warped ideology which kills and abducts people simply because they are in Israel. Festival goers, Kibbutzim, peace activists, Arab Israelis. Anyone who happened to cross their path. Hamas are not acting on behalf of the Palestinian people. Kidnapping and murdering innocents from all corners of the world does not improve the lot of Palestinians. Human suffering in Gaza has increased as a result of Hamas actions. The loss of all civilian life is tragic. We have a proud track record of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches people in need, including Palestinians. We will once again do all we can. Hamas does not care about those in need. Their agenda is not peace or a two-state solution. It is to suck us all into a lethal vortex, hoping to wipe Israel off the map. That cannot happen. It must not happen. Britain will do all we can to help Israel stop it from happening. We will stand up for whats right. Have you noticed that Israel is the only country in the world that gets blamed for being attacked? And that there are people who loathe it so much that they are actually prepared to defend or excuse the deliberate mass murder of civilians, including old women and tiny children? There is something deeply wrong with the Western world's view of Israel, and this is not confined to absurd, marginal figures such as Jeremy Corbyn, wandering in the dense jungles of Trotskyism. It is far deeper and broader. The Western prejudice against Israel is most easily detected in the BBC. The Corporation long ago abandoned its impartiality over many issues, most notably man-made global warming. But it excuses its refusal to call the child-murderers of Hamas 'terrorists', on the grounds that its impartiality is so important. Have you noticed that Israel is the only country in the world that gets blamed for being attacked? And that there are people who loathe it so much that they are actually prepared to defend or excuse the deliberate mass murder of civilians, including old women and tiny children? Pictured: Protestors climb the Eros statue at Piccadilly Circus during a March for Palestine in London on Saturday I have a suggestion for the BBC. I would be quite happy if they called Hamas 'murderers' rather than terrorists. This is a factual description which does not breach impartiality. But we all know they will not do it. It is now 19 years since the BBC commissioned the Balen Report into claims that its coverage was biased against Israel. This document has never been published, and the BBC has spent more than 300,000 of your money on court cases ensuring that it stays secret. So it is not hard to guess what it says, is it? But this media and political bias is not confined to the BBC. I will not name (for I have no recording of the event) the prominent TV reporter who I once heard using the expression 'bashing the Shloms' to sum up his basic mission of running anti-Israel stories, as the Western media corps relaxed over drinks in the lovely courtyard of Jerusalem's American Colony Hotel. But you will find it in most of the British Establishment (the same is true of many European countries, less true in the USA). It is especially strong here because Britain in 1917 agreed to set up a 'National Home for the Jews' in what is now Israel. And almost immediately we wished we had not done so. In 1939, we tried to wriggle out of our promise just when it mattered most. That year, when the homicidal Nazi hatred for Jews was already obvious to all, this country's government stopped almost all Jewish migration to Palestine. This cowardly backtracking closed the only true escape route for those who would soon afterwards be slaughtered in Hitler's pogroms and death camps. One of the few to oppose this weak, shameful and wrong action at the time was Winston Churchill, then out of power. Israel's critics have many good points as well as bad ones. The anti-Israel propagandists say truthfully that Israel's foundation in 1948 was based on the cruel expulsion of Arabs from their homes, under cover of war. Defenders of Israel long tried to deny this. But Israeli historians, especially Avi Shlaim and Benny Morris, have shown beyond doubt that it is true. So what shall we do about this? Shall we make it a rule that nations which have displaced their original inhabitants should be dissolved, or forced to hand the land back? In that case what shall we do about the USA and Australia, both of which mercilessly cleansed their indigenous peoples, sometimes with actual massacres? Well, you might say that was long ago, though it wasn't really. But as it happens, the 1940s when Israel came into being saw several horrible events of this kind, in places other than Israel. In what are now India and Pakistan, uncounted numbers were slaughtered or forced from their homes when the country was partitioned in the last weeks of the British Empire. In Europe, a frightful, savage and often fatal campaign drove millions of Germans from their ancestral lands in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Most of these were women, children and the old, who could not be blamed for the deeds of Hitler. And the cleansing was authorised by the Great Powers under the Potsdam Agreement of 1945. If Israel had conceded an Arab state on the West Bank of the Jordan, as everyone tells it to do, what guarantee would there be that such a state would not, like Gaza, fall under the control of murderers? Pictured: Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank last Saturday They said it should be 'orderly and humane' but it was anything but. It was so shamefully cruel that it is little discussed, but it happened. Nearly 15 million were uprooted. More than two million probably died. Records were not kept amid the bloody chaos. And let us not forget that hundreds of thousands of Jews were ruthlessly ejected from all parts of the Arab and Muslim world. They were mostly forced to leave behind everything they owned. This cruelty was a response to the creation of Israel. In all of these cases, the nations to which the refugees fled took them in and integrated them. They may have bitter memories, but the world does not encourage them to ferment those memories into a permanent politicised fury. But Israel is different. Why is it such a special case? These events took place about 75 years ago, in another age. In no case except in that of Israel does a special agency of the United Nations keep the children and grandchildren of those 1948 refugees in misnamed camps, under the supervision of UNWRA, founded in 1949 and now employing 30,000 people. These places long ago ceased to be actual camps and are now often grim, cramped housing in which discontent and hatred are cultivated like evil plants by the fanatics of Hamas or of some other death cult. You may well ask why the Arab world, so rich through oil, has made so little effort to integrate the refugees of 1948 and their descendants into their often-prosperous societies, as has been done in all the other cases of 1940s ethnic cleansing. Is it possible that they prefer them to languish in these places of despair? There are shining exceptions to this stupid policy. When I visited Gaza a few years ago I was shown excellent new homes which had been built there by the United Arab Emirates, to their immense credit. It helped me to realise that Gaza, without its malice-filled zealots, could easily be a very pleasant and prosperous place. But I expect the flats have since been reduced to dust and rubble by Israeli high explosive, or soon will be. And here I should say that I think Israel's attack on Gaza is a mistake, mainly because it will probably not work, and because it will allow millions of people to start loathing Israel again. They cannot do this at the moment. As long as the memory of Hamas killers striding into peaceful villages and slaughtering unarmed civilians and even babies still lingers in the public mind, Israel will have the support of millions and most of its opponents will keep their voices down. And by the way, I do not support those friends of Israel now calling for the arrest and prosecution of those who defend Hamas. I am very glad that these people have come out into the open and said the disgraceful things they have said. By doing so, they have warned all civilised citizens that such opinions are truly held by an alarming number of people. As long as they stop short of actual incitement, then the rules of free speech apply to them, and the rest of us, likewise, are free to tell them what we think of them. So what can we do about it? Well, we can all ask ourselves what the real reason for Israel's special pariah status is. Of course, Israel as a country has done and still does bad things. I have written about them often. But so, in truth, do most countries, especially when they are frequently at war. But take some examples. This is a world which claims to despise appeasement, the giving away of actual territory in return for paper promises of peace. Yet in the case of Israel, the USA, the EU and most Western public opinion ceaselessly urge appeasement. They call it 'Land for Peace'. Israel gave up its major conquest in Sinai almost 50 years ago, under US pressure. It has little land left to spare. At slightly more than 8,000 square miles it is the size of Wales but not its shape. At its narrowest point it is nine miles wide a tank could drive across it in 18 minutes. At its widest point it is 70 miles broad. Everything is very close. That is why the 'two-state solution', which every Western statesman says he is in favour of, is so absurd. If Israel had conceded an Arab state on the West Bank of the Jordan, as everyone tells it to do, what guarantee would there be that such a state would not, like Gaza, fall under the control of murderers? In which case nothing but a wire fence would protect Israel's cities, towns, villages and farms from the sort of blood-soaked, screaming incursion we saw a week ago. Who, after these massacres and kidnaps, can now really think that a 'two-state solution' is a wise idea? Yet it will not go away, I promise you. Pictured: Protestors pictured in London on Saturday Who, after these massacres and kidnaps, can now really think that a 'two-state solution' is a wise idea? Yet it will not go away, I promise you. Behind all this folly the failure to resettle the 1948 refugees and recognise the reality of Israel, the endless pressure on Israel to weaken its defence lies a guilty secret. The ancient disdain for Jews is still among us, often masquerading as 'anti-Zionism'. In my own sad experience, drivelling anti-Jewish phobia can be found among too many Arabs in the region itself. You often find it in people who are otherwise charming, hospitable and educated. That is why, deep down, Israel is the only nation in the world which gets blamed for being attacked, and is ceaselessly pressured to make itself safer by actually making itself more vulnerable. Last week, Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein wrote movingly and wisely in The Times about how a Jewish state in the Middle East had become inevitable after the Nazi mass murders. Most people, including many European Jews, had always opposed such a state. But when the death camps were opened they reluctantly accepted that if the bad times came again, there had to be somewhere for Jews to go. There is no real counter to this. It is unavoidably true. And he said this: 'If the world wants peace in the Middle East, it must ensure that what Hamas has done is not rewarded, or compromised with, in any way. 'Only once the failure of such violence is obvious to them and to the Palestinian people will it ever stop.' This is absolutely true. Whatever happens in Gaza in the next few weeks, the only real hope of peace and harmony, and of better lives for the displaced everyone claims to care about, is Western resolve to stand by Israel. Weakness and compromise will bring more horror. The Duchess of Sussex cut a stylish figure even when pregnant with baby Archie Appearing at the 2018 British Fashion Awards, Meghan glowed in asymmetrical Givenchy as she presented a prize to Clare Waight Keller, the designer who had done her wedding dress earlier that year. It was an elegant, clean-cut display, as ever. Yet there was one aspect of the outfit that raised an eyebrow or two. For the hands simultaneously showing off her marriage sparklers and baby bump were adorned not with the clear or neutral tones of nail varnish normally expected of women in the British Royal Family, but a vibrant shade of red-black, possibly Rouge Noir from Chanel. Not that the Duchess is the only royal to have broken protocol in this particular way, as these pictures demonstrate. Meghan Markle cut an elegant figure for the 2018 British Fashion Awards. But her fingernails caused a minor stir At first glance, there is nothing amiss as coordinated Kate and Louis arrive for the Easter Morning service at St George's, Windsor But a closer look reveals that the Princess of Wales is wearing rich red nail polish Catherine, Princess of Wales added an unusual splash of colour as she attended the Easter Morning service in Windsor this year. The mother-of-three had her nails painted dark red in contrast with the neutral or clear shades she typically wears for public appearances. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 58, has been spotted in berry-coloured nail varnish from time to time, as well as red and pinks. Princess Diana kept to the neutral rule until her marriage to Charles unravelled. As a single woman, she reverted to brighter shades of nail varnish. Referring to the night Diana wore her black 'revenge dress' ( Prince Charles's admission of adultery had been broadcast that same evening) the designer Christina Stambolian wrote: 'She was clearly angry [] She wore bright red nail enamel, which we had never seen her do before. She was saying: 'Let's be wicked tonight.' Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, attends a service to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS at Westminster Abbey in July, wearing bright pink nail polish Diana began wearing brighter shades of nail varnish once she found herself single again, as seen here in New York in 1995 Queen Elizabeth, meanwhile, had favoured a pale pink 'Ballet Slippers' colour by Essie. The shade ended to complement many of her colourful outfits. In 1989, Queen Elizabeth's hairdresser sent Essie a letter requesting a bottle of ballet slippers, calling it 'the only colour Her Majesty would wear.' Most crime-drama writers would be horrified to be accused of rehashing the same story time and again. Yet Paul Tomalin has done just that with his new eight-part thriller albeit with a twist. In his mind-bending Netflix drama Bodies, the same murder happens multiple times over the course of 160 years and features detectives from four different eras. Its an ambitious notion, and Tomalin thought hed struggle to make it work when he was first asked to adapt Si Spencers cult 2015 graphic novel of the same name for the small screen. I believed it was too strange to actually get made, he confides. But I thought Id love to throw myself into the timelines, absorb everything, then put it on the page. Three years later, here we are. The result is a time-travelling police drama that kicks off in the present day with the discovery of an unidentified body in Londons East End by female Met detective Shahara Hasan. Enigmatic political leader Elias Mannix, played by Stephen Graham, and three of the detectives in the show The action then flips back to 1890 where, with Jack the Ripper still terrorising the capital, Victorian detective Edmond Hillinghead stumbles across the same body. In both instances the naked male corpse has been shot through the eye and has the same mystery symbol tattooed on his wrist. Soon were transported to wartime London, where a detective called Charles Whiteman comes across a similar grisly scene. Finally in 2053 a policewoman called Maplewood also finds the same slaying. Given the corpse is the same man in each era, its clear the crimes are all linked but will the detectives work this out? Theres great power in showing outsiders in their own timelines oblivious to the fact theyre involved in a mystery that unites them all, says Tomalin. Whether they realise that or not, and what they do from there, youll have to watch to find out. Another character underpins the narrative too, an enigmatic political leader by the name of Elias Mannix (Stephen Graham) who becomes increasingly central to the story. Graham is tight-lipped about his characters influence on what he calls a kinetic, ambitious thrill ride, though he will say Mannix is the beating heart driving the story. How his actions play out will define everything. Thats all Ill say. DS Shahara Hasan (pictured), played by Amaka Okafor, is the present day detective who discovers an unidentified body in London's East End at the beginning of the series It makes for an ensemble piece with a twist. At times it felt like you were just in your own story, but theres a bigger world around you, says Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, who plays DS Whiteman. Each era is meticulously portrayed, with gas lamps giving way to electric lights and typewriters banished in favour of laptops. When it came to the future, however, Tomalin admits he found this section the trickiest to write. Theres a risk the technology can take us away from the mystery, he says. Initially you go, Oh yes, flying cars, but its only 30 years in the future, so some wild everyone on Mars stuff just wouldnt work. Viewers can be reassured that unlike some other drama series, this has a definite ending. Youll walk away with your heart wrenched, but satisfied, says Stephen Graham. A premise of such magnitude demands an ending of the same nature I hope weve done that. China higher education exhibition held in Ghana Xinhua) 11:33, October 14, 2023 ACCRA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 China higher education exhibition, sponsored by the China Scholarship Council, was held Thursday in Accra, the capital of Ghana, featuring 24 top Chinese universities. Opening the exhibition, Lu Kun, China's ambassador to Ghana, said the scholarship council chose only Ghana and Egypt for its visits this year, making Ghana the only destination in sub-Saharan Africa. "This special arrangement reflects the great importance the Chinese government attaches to Ghana as an education hub in the region and beyond," the ambassador said, adding that the exhibition would create opportunities for Ghanaian students to travel to and study in China under various types of scholarships and the Chinese embassy would continue to support Ghanaian students in that regard. The universities participating in the exhibition included Beijing Language and Culture University, Tianjin University, Dalian University of Technology, and East China Normal University. At the exhibition stands, officials of the universities briefed Ghanaian students on the Chinese educational system, application procedures, accommodation, course areas and scholarship options. In a speech read for him, Ghana's Minister for Education Yaw Osei Adutwum commended China for building a higher educational sector celebrated for its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, saying the exhibition offered an opportunity for enhanced educational cooperation and new partnerships for growth. Gideon Debrah, a final-year accounting student at the University of Ghana, welcomed the exhibition, hoping to win a scholarship to further his education in China. "Chinese education promotes hard work and healthy competition, and I really hope to further my education in China to improve my professional skills," Debrah told Xinhua. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) A former influencer has warned of dangers in the industry... as university students could soon by studying how to create social media content. Cristina Scafidi has warned the new generation of potential influencers that the career has major drawbacks. She started a lifestyle YouTube channel when she started studying at the University of Aberdeen in 2016. As a kid I always liked being in front of the camera and I liked to explore video making she said. I really liked to watch YouTubers and wanted to be like them. Over her seven-year YouTube career Cristina spent countless hours working on her videos and published over 129, alongside dozens of TikTok and Instagram posts. Cristina Scafidi has warned the new generation of potential influencers that the career has major drawbacks Cristina warns upcoming influencers against the idea the job will be a golden ticket to a lucrative career She continues to post content but now only sees it as a fun hobby. But Cristina warns upcoming influencers against the idea the job will be a golden ticket to a lucrative career. She said: I do sometimes think these young people who want to be influencers dont really know what it entails. I think there is a common misconception that it just takes five minutes. Especially long-form content on YouTube takes so much time. And if you are not growing you can really think what is the point? There is a dark side to it because so many influencers put up their entire life and many people can judge you for it. There can be so many hate comments and even people who dont look at them can be affected. You are just opening yourself up to very harsh criticism. The biggest bullies hide behind a laptop. Sicily-born Cristina believes youngsters taking the decision to get involved in influencing need to understand the fierce competition in the industry. Christina warned there is a misconception that a lot of young people will make a lot of money South East Technological University (SETU) in Carlow will offer a qualification in content creation and social media from September 2024 She said: Everyone is on social media now so it is inevitable that people want to become influencers. It is very much oversaturated. There are just so many people. I think it is a misconception that a lot of young people will make a lot of money. Most of them are looking to go viral and make money very quickly. I think one of the issues is people wanting to become more and more extreme to stay viral. Sometimes the more stupid you are the more likely you are to go viral. It comes as a university in Ireland is offering a three-year bachelor of arts degree in influencing. South East Technological University (SETU) in Carlow will offer a qualification in content creation and social media from September 2024. It will accept applications in November for a degree covering business skills, creative writing, video and audio editing. Course co-designer Dr Eleanor OLeary told Irish broadcaster RTE: We saw that there was a growing interest in this area both from students and young people and also from employers. So we went ahead in developing the degree at that point. It draws on existing media and PR and marketing skills but its a new area in and of itself as well. As someone who stars, creating content at home or by themselves, they may not have any understanding of that whole part of the industry where there are contracts and agencies, and business involved, she said. The university hopes the degree to tap into the massively growing influencer market, which in 2022 reached $16.4 billion according to Harvard Business Review. More than 75% of brands have a dedicated budget for influencer marketing. One of the UKs most successful influencers Molly-Mae Hague has racked up a 6million net-worth since winning Love Island in 2019. The appeal of earning huge sums while having fun has drawn huge numbers of Gen Z'ers to the industry. Kids between eight and 12 are almost three times more likely to want to be a YouTuber than an astronaut, a 2019 survey found. Next year SETU will be enrolling around 40 students on the influencer course, the co-designer Irene McCormick told The Washington Post. If the overflow of applications to similar summer courses is any indication, she said they will have to turn scores of hopeful influencers away. An author has said that her new book will overturn Edward VIII's popular image as lazy and unintelligent and shed light on his visit to Nazi Germany before the Second World War. Jane Marguerite Tippett spoke to The Telegraph about her upcoming book which will cast a 'very different light' on Edward and looks into his trip to Nazi Germany. Edward gave up the throne in 1936, a year before his trip to see Hitler, to marry the divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. Edward and Wallis visited Germany and met the Fuhrer in 1937 despite British officials strongly advising them not to go because of tensions between the two countries at the time. Two years later, World War II began. Speaking about Edward's trip to Germany to visit Hitler, Tippett told the outlet: 'In the new material we get a better sense of why he went to Germany, something that has been misrepresented in popular culture. 'It introduces some nuance when we see things from his perspective around what he thought he was doing in Germany. That was not quite how his actions have been translated.' Jane Marguerite Tippett spoke to The Telegraph about her upcoming book which will cast a 'very different light' on Edward and look into his trip to Nazi Germany in 1937 Edward gave up the throne in 1936, a year before his trip to see Hitler, to marry the divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. Pictured: The couple The author added that the set of pictures of him with Hitler in 1937 'hasn't served him well.' Whilst in Germany, Edward was infamously photographed giving a Nazi salute and later also toured industrial facilities and even a concentration camp, whose guard towers were said to have been explained to him as meat stores. The former king was reported to have said as late as 1941 that Hitler was the 'right and logical leader of the German people'. This comes as prominent royal historian has claimed classified documents from The Royal Archives suggest the exiled Duke of Windsor was a Nazi sympathiser who gave up detailed plans of Buckingham Palace allowing it to be bombed in World War Two. Speaking at the Oxford Literary Festival yesterday, royal expert Alexander Larman said that whilst he had been given access to the archives for a book on the royal family during the war he had been surprised at the level of condemnation thrown at the Duke, revealing a Royal archivist had told him: 'We are not in the business of protecting the Duke of Windsor's reputation.' He said: 'The Nazi's knew what they were doing and that's because they had inside information [from the duke]. 'I don't think he wanted to see him [his brother King George VI] dead but he was in a position where he knew exactly where everyone was in Buckingham Palace.' During the conflict the Palace suffered nine direct bomb hits and one death - PC Steve Robertson, a policeman on duty there who was killed by flying debris in 1941. Edward and Wallis visited Germany and met the Fuhrer despite British officials strongly advising them not to go because of tensions between the two countries at the time. Two years later, World War II began Whilst on his visit, the Duke was photographed inspecting German troops Edward's proposal to marry Wallis whilst divorce proceedings with her second husband were still ongoing - sparked a constitutional crisis which culminated in Edward's decision to abdicate. Pictured: The couple on the day of their wedding in 1937 Tippett's book, Once a King, will also challenge the stereotypes that surrounded the former monarch. Commenting on Netflix's The Crown, Tippett also told The Telegraph: 'That series was the apotheosis of that view of him as lazy, not intelligent, someone who he didn't ever think critically about his life.' In contrast, she says that her book casts a different light on Edward's time as the Prince of Wales before he became King. She said that in this time period he 'wasn't lazy at all,' drawing upon the fact that he spent a year on tour in India and the East in 1919 and then went to Canada for four months. Tippett said that nowadays, royal tours only last a couple of days and she called Edward 'the hardest working British royal' at the time. The author added that because the former Monarch abdicated, the impact he had on the the Firm and its development over the last century 'has been erased.' Prince Andrew appeared unbothered as he drove through crowds of tourists today in Windsor - just weeks after reports he had 'no future' at his Royal Lodge home. The Duke of York, 63, opted for a red jumper and blue shirt as he got behind the wheel before heading for a drive. It come amid rumours that King Charles privately believes his younger brother 'has no long-term future' at his royal home have been circulating, despite the fact he gave Andrew more time to prove he can pay his way for the mansion's upkeep. One family friend said: '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. 'He and the duchess are rattling around in a huge property they simply can't afford.' Prince Andrew appeared unbothered as he drove through crowds of tourists today in Windsor - just weeks after reports he had 'no future' at his Royal Lodge home The Duke of York, 63, opted for a red jumper and blue shirt as he got behind the wheel before heading for a drive The King culled Andrew's annual allowance - believed to be in the region of 250,000 - following the emergence of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Andrew is said to have paid sexually abused Epstein victim Virginia Roberts 12million to settle a case she brought against him outside court - allegations he strenuously denied. Over the past two days, Andrew has been pictured going around Windsor Great park on horseback. Yesterday, 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 pictures follow 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 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. It come amid rumours that King Charles privately believes his younger brother 'has no long-term future' at his royal home have been circulating, despite the fact he gave Andrew more time to prove he can pay his way for the mansion's upkeep A 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.' The King's powers to remove Andrew are limited because he 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. 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 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'. 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. 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 '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.' Zahra McDonald suffered from debilitating cramps, heavy bleeding and unstable moods from the age of 13 - but whenever she complained she was told it was either 'normal' or 'all in her head'. When she was 21, the podiatry student from Adelaide bled heavily every day for a year. Her family and doctors continued to tell her everything was okay. Speaking to FEMAIL, Zahra, now 23, said when a doctor finally took a proper look, they told her a total hysterectomy was the only option to end her pain and suffering. 'I'm still so traumatised from being a teenager and no-one believing me about my endless pain. Sometimes, I'd dismiss it and convince myself I was being dramatic and that there was nothing actually wrong with me,' she said. Now she knows her agonising symptoms were from two separate conditions - endometriosis and adenomyosis. Adenomyosis, where tissue that lines the uterus grows into its muscular wall, gets worse over time and leads to heavy and irregular bleeding as well as infertility. Zahra McDonald suffered through debilitating cramps, anaemia, and unstable moods for 10 years before doctors finally took her seriously The 23-year-old podiatry student from Adelaide also experienced bowel problems and relentless heavy bleeding with seemingly no medical cause Zahra's symptoms began when she had her first period at the age of 13. 'It was bad for the first few years, but things got progressively worse as the years went on. I remember being 15 and thinking that it couldn't be normal, I shouldn't have to go through so much pain and heavy bleeding all the time. 'My mum told me that it was just part of life - and that I'd eventually get used to it but I never did.' Zahra's doctor put her on a birth control pill when she was 17 to deal with the irregular bleeding. She was getting her period for two weeks with only 14 days between cycles. 'I went to a gynaecologist and she'd only recommend over-the-counter pain medication like Nurofen,' Zahra said. 'She gave me some blood-thinning pills to deal with the clotting and I took them until I turned 21.' After several doctors' appointments, ultrasounds, blood tests, pap smears, and a biopsy of her cervix - Zahra was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis Zahra's doctor put her on a birth control pill when she was 17 to deal with the irregular bleeding Zahra's moods continued to fluctuate without notice or reason and she could no longer tell whether her emotions were due to the birth control or her hormones. 'The pill helped with the bleeding, but it didn't stop the pain,' she said. She also had to have iron transfusions every year to deal with the amount of blood loss she was experiencing. 'Not once did someone mention something being wrong,' she said. 'I was constantly in and out of my doctor's office but she didn't even tell me endometriosis was something that existed.' In 2022, Zahra randomly started bleeding every single day and didn't know what to do about it. She let the bleeding go on for a year before she decided to visit a doctor, worried about being dismissed once more. 'The ultrasound still came back perfectly healthy, and no one knew what to tell me. I didn't know what to do, but I couldn't just keep bleeding every single day. 'I was disappointed and upset after she mentioned some people just suffered through heavier periods.' In 2022, Zahra randomly started bleeding every single day and didn't know what to do about it. She let the bleeding go on for a year before she decided to visit a doctor, worried about being dismissed once more Another gynaecologist appointment and biopsy later, the doctor was finally talking to Zahra about having surgery to remove the lesions on her uterus. She was also told she will need to have a complete hysterectomy It wasn't until one of Zahra's colleagues went on leave for surgery did she first hear of endometriosis. 'We talked about our symptoms and they were almost identical - I couldn't believe I finally found someone who understood what I was going through. 'She told me that the illness typically didn't come up on any tests and recommended I go to her doctor.' Another gynaecologist appointment and biopsy later, the doctor was finally talking to Zahra about having surgery to remove the lesions on her uterus. 'I was still so shocked by all of it that I tried to talk myself out of the surgery,' she said. 'I thought it was all in my head and I spent six months thinking before finally going back.' Zahra struggled to pay for all the visits and surgery because her health insurance didn't provide her with enough cover. 'It was extremely strange to have an official diagnosis, but I don't think it helped me that much.' Zahra struggled to pay for all the visits and surgery because her health insurance didn't provide her with enough cover. Zahra's pain never went away and she was still bleeding every other day despite having a Mirena IUD inserted. 'My doctor told me that the adenomyosis might be causing all the pain, but the only way to diagnose that for sure would be to have hysterectomy.' At the present moment, Zahra has no timeline for recovery and isn't sure she'll ever see a day without bleeding or pain. 'I wish I knew it would take a long time to heal, and I really wish someone believed me when I first started experiencing symptoms,' she said. 'Most of the help and information I have about my condition hasn't come from doctors or other health professionals - it's from talking to other people with endometrioses and researching it myself online.' A cutting-edge laser gun that blasts the skin trillions of times per second can completely erase tattoos yet causes little pain and leaves no scars. The LightSense system, the first innovation in tattoo removal for a decade, has proven in clinical studies to be highly effective, and works well even on black and brown skin something that used to be difficult, if not impossible. Tattoos are created by punching ink into the dermis the middle layer of skin with a needle. Due to the large size of the ink particles, the immune system is unable to break them down, so cells known as microphages surround the ink and stay in place, naturalising it. As a result, the tattoo design is trapped in the dermis. Older methods of laser removal, while effective, were often gruelling, leaving the skin inflamed, blistered, sore and bruised, sometimes for weeks. Repeated sessions could also leave a combination of residual ink and pale scars sometimes known as a ghost tattoo. Jack Revell, pictured, a London-based model and fitness trainer regretted his first tattoo which he got aged 16 One patient to have benefited from LightSense is model and fitness trainer Jack Revell The most advanced way to remove tattoos has, until now, been with a picosecond or pico laser, which emits up to a trillion pulses a second. The pulses shatter the ink particles, helping to the body absorb it so it disappears. But LightSense is a form a femtosecond laser meaning it is capable of emitting a quadrillion (one thousand trillion, or 1,000,000,000,000,000) pulses a second. New Jersey-based dermatologist Dr Steven Hubert, who was part of the team that developed the LightSense laser at Princeton University, said: 'Pico lasers were a big improvement on older tattoo removal methods, but it wasn't as effective or as painless as everyone had hoped. 'Our laser has a shorter [faster] pulse duration, so less energy is needed to deliver the shocks to the tattoo ink. This means less injury to surrounding tissue.' LightSense is currently offered at just one clinic, NAAMA in Central London, where more than 18,000 treatments have been carried out in the past two years. In clinical trials, patients with skin types ranging from pale and white to dark brown saw at least a 50 per cent clearance of their tattoo after three sessions. On lighter skin tones, the laser was effective on back, purple, red, yellow and orange inks. On darker skins, only black inks were significantly cleared. Coloured inks have always proved harder to remove, as they reflect the laser light, making them harder to break up. The research also shows post-treatment reactions such as inflammation and redness, blistering and itching are uncommon, affecting fewer than one in ten patients. One in three working-age Britons have a tattoo including one in nine with a visible tattoo on the face, neck, forearms, wrists or hands, according to a YouGov survey. Two-thirds of people regret at least one of their tattoos with someone's name being the primary reason. Roughly one in ten have sought removal, while a further 30 per cent have considered it, according to Statista. LightSense costs from 140 per session for a small tattoo, under two square inches, and between 200 and 340 per session for larger designs. Black tattoos typically need ten sessions. One patient to have benefited from LightSense is model and fitness trainer Jack Revell. The 34-year-old from London had his first tattoo, a star on his right hip, aged just 16 a decision he came to regret. 'It took about 20 minutes to get the tattoo, and at first I thought it was cool, being a bit of a rebel,' says Jack. 'But that wore off when I got into my early 20s, and I realised it was a silly mistake.' Jack, who began modelling aged 18, found the tattoo was affecting his career. 'It was just above the trouser line, which meant it was visible when I took my top off,' he says. 'Back then, tattoos weren't as accepted in modelling as they are today, and some jobs would specify 'no tattoos' on the casting call.' In 2015 he decided to try laser removal with little success. 'It was so painful,' Jack says. 'Like someone stabbing you with a lit cigarette over and again. It left blisters that took weeks to heal and looked worse than before, as it faded a bit but not completely. I thought I'd have to learn to live with it.' In 2020 his then-girlfriend mentioned she'd signed up to be part of a clinical trial of a new kind of tattoo removal laser. 'She had a tattoo on her finger she hated,' Jack says. 'I signed up for the trial, too.' Jack had his first of 24 sessions in May that year. He adds: 'They put some numbing cream on and I could barely feel the laser. It was like a tiny electric shock. Afterwards they put some cream and a clear dressing on it. There was no blistering or pain and I was able to just continue life as normal. 'I had sessions every two weeks for about six months, then every three, until the tattoo faded to nothing. I'd been sceptical to start with, but it's genuinely gone. 'I've had a few other tattoos since that first one, but I don't hate any of them enough to get them removed. It's good to know it's an option, though.' British authors Lee and Andrew Child are convinced that a talent for thriller-writing is genetic. Lee is, of course, the author of the Jack Reacher series which has now sold more than 100 million copies earning an astonishing $1 billion in the process. But four years ago, aged 64, he retired and his younger brother Andrew (now 55) took charge. However, its not this siblings talent theyre talking about today; its that of Andrews daughter, Jess. Shes 24 now, but at primary school she had to do a writing exercise, says Andrew. They said they wanted one good character, one bad character, a conflict and a resolution. Well, her characters were these two rabbits and the conflict was over a carrot. The good rabbit killed the bad rabbit and I got called into the school because they were concerned by the level of violence. I said, Do you know who her uncle is? Its Lee Child. She [the teacher] said, Oh, that explains it, and no further action was taken. Lee Child published the first Jack Reacher novel, Killing Floor, in 1997 and wrote a further 23 titles in the series. His literary creation is a six-foot-five, 115 kilogram ex-US-military policeman with fists like Thanksgiving turkeys and a body like a condom crammed with walnuts. Reacher left the military to become a drifter who doesnt want to put the world to rights although he doesnt like guys who put it to wrongs. Living off the grid (no phone, no home) with only a fold-up toothbrush and an ATM card, he has become an emblematic literary rebel. Since Lee handed over to his brother, they have collaborated on three novels and the fourth, The Secret, is published this month. We are speaking via Zoom. The Child brothers are together at Lees house in Denver, Colorado Lee also has a home in Wyoming, around 140 miles to the North, where he and Andrew are close neighbours: We come to Colorado to escape the worst of the Wyoming weather, Lee explains. It can be pretty inhospitable for six to eight months of the year. British authors Lee (right) and Andrew Child (left) are convinced that a talent for thriller-writing is genetic It was on a journey back from Colorado to Wyoming in 2019 that the literary handover was first discussed. The brothers were travelling through a ground blizzard with snow and ice blowing up in front of their car to a height of 20 feet. I was driving, remembers Andrew. I couldnt see a thing and was basically navigating by GPS. I think Lee was kind of relying on this moment because, while I was concentrating on not killing us, he said: By the way, Im thinking of retiring. My first thoughts were: I was one of the first ever readers of Jack Reacher and I didnt want the books to end. The second thought was: could I do it? After years spent writing his own thriller series as Andrew Grant, overnight he became Andrew Child. And after years of trying not to imitate his brother, it became his mission. Ive always been interested in authors works being continued, says Lee. A ghost [writer] wrote Robert Ludlums books after he died. The same with Stieg Larsson. From what Ive seen, a skilful author can reproduce about 95 per cent [of an authors style]. But how do you get to 100 per cent? Thats down to the individual madness of the author. So, who in the world was most likely to reproduce that? It had to be Andrew. We are very similar. Are they? Theyre in a room with Lees guitar collection behind them on the walls (he also has a Renoir hanging in his Manhattan apartment). He is relaxed, smoking in a T-shirt, offering wry observations through a transatlantic drawl. Andrew, meanwhile, sits ramrod straight in a smart buttoned-up shirt, looking a bit like hes awaiting approval on a small business loan application. Maybe its because of their markedly different childhoods. Lee (originally James Grant) was raised in grim postwar Birmingham. After Andrew was born, 14 years later, the family settled in suburban Hertfordshire. Given his soft southerner background and the age gap, it is remarkable how similar we are, says Lee. But we both suffered a bit in our family we were both fish out of water and not sympathetic to our parents goals for us. Lee Child published the first Jack Reacher novel, Killing Floor, in 1997 and wrote a further 23 titles in the series Since Lee handed over to his brother, they have collaborated on three novels and the fourth, The Secret, is published this month Both also went to Sheffield University (Lee read law, Andrew English). Both became thriller writers. Both moved to the US, married and had children with American women (Lee has a daughter, Ruth; Andrew has two daughters, Jess and Katharine, and a stepson, Alexander). For me, growing up in Birmingham was to be kept at arms length from being considered fully English, says Lee. People think the place is a dump and the accent is considered unattractive. You grow up with a feeling of not being fully welcome. Id read Superman comics as a kid and America seemed like such an exciting place. Despite being neighbours in remotest Wyoming, the families dont meet every day. Lees wife Jane might call Andrews wife Tasha about a recipe or Lee might call Andrew if he needs to borrow a tool. But the collaborative process is strict. Just like his elder brother did, Andrew Child begins a new Reacher novel on 1 September each year. A broad plot idea is agreed, then Andrew writes and Lee gets to read each chapter thereafter. However, unlike Lee who used to swig 30 cups of coffee and smoke half a pack of cigarettes, writing all afternoon, before reviewing his work smoking cannabis in a pipe Andrew smokes less but drinks even more coffee. Ive heard rumours of 33, even 34 cups: Coffee is kinda part of the job, shrugs Andrew. There are stories that Lee had planned to build an adjoining office to Andrews where he might smoke and offer the odd suggestion like, Jack would never do that or We need a fight scene here. Is that true? Andrews apprenticeship is now over and next autumns novel will be his first solo effort Because of the weather in Wyoming, the building season is short so that is still pending, says Lee with his drawl. A Reacher novel is like figure-skating at the Olympics. The whole idea is to produce a routine thats fresh and creative but also contains certain elements like Reacher drinking coffee and getting up when he wants. But really, so much writing is instinctive. Its not like the movies where you have to have a fight scene every 20 minutes. Its not formulaic I wouldnt say to Andrew, There hasnt been a fight for several days. That becomes a committee thing. Its cardboard and it wouldnt work. Four novels into the handover process, some critics have complained that Andrew has made Reacher a bit too chatty and thoughtful. I wanted to revive some of Reachers wit from earlier books, says Andrew. In The Visitor [2000] his sarcasm is laugh-out-loud funny. Latterly hes gained this reputation for saying little, so I wanted to bring a bit of that back. Alan Ritchson (left) as Jack Reacher and Malcolm Goodwin as Detective Oscar Finlay in the Reacher TV series Ten years ago I met Lee when fans were complaining that Tom Cruise was too short to play Jack Reacher in films. (Cruise stopped after two films, when the franchise moved to Amazon TV in 2022. Now, Reacher is played by 6ft 3in Alan Ritchson.) Lee told me a funny story about Keanu Reeves being considered for the role. Producers insisted the successful actor convey a commanding physical presence, a certain moral ambiguity but also be the smartest person in the room. They agreed Reeves could not deliver on number three, Lee said. A decade on and there are new issues. Season three of the Amazon series had been halted mid-production because of the US screenwriters strike. The brothers support the strike, if only because developments in AI mean the Reacher TV franchise could be written by machines. With machine-learning, a studio could input a Reacher novel and produce an infinite series for ever, which obviously would be disadvantageous to the author, says Lee. For as long as possible, Reacher will stay in the family. Andrew Childs apprenticeship is over and next autumns novel will be his first solo effort, meaning Lee has officially retired. He doesnt say why exactly, but it sounds like hes had enough: Ive given everything to this job that I can. For the first time I can remember, I have nothing to do tomorrow and thats a great feeling, he says. And if Andrews daughter Jess wants to take over one day, Reacher might even live another generation. The Secret will be published by Bantam on 24 October, 22* *TO ORDER A COPY FOR 18.70 UNTIL 29 OCTOBER, GO TO MAILSHOP.CO.UK/BOOKS OR CALL 020 3176 2937. FREE UK DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER 25. I have a confession: I'm fascinated by George and Amal Clooney. And not just by their combined star power Amal, 45, a knockout human rights lawyer with an enviable designer and vintage wardrobe, who also does excellent coat (more about coats in a moment); George, 62, still box-office gold and probably the most gorgeous man ever born. No, I've become fascinated by their rather odd PDAs (public displays of affection) whenever they are seen out together. To be frank, I find their body language a total mind boggle. Married for almost a decade and parents to six-year-old twins, Amal and George behave like they're on the set of a romantic movie but one from Hollywood's golden era rather than anything modern day. The two of them staring dreamily into each other's eyes and smiling like smug cheshire cats can be a little nauseating to watch. Joanne Hegarty, pictured, is full of praise for Amal Clooney - a 'knockout human rights lawyer with an enviable designer and vintage wardrobe' Super-slender Amal, with her beautiful swishy locks, often looks like she's being propped up by George's arm making me wonder if she can manage her very high heels. During interviews, she's always beaming and nodding at George like he's an old sage and barely utters more than a few words even though she's hugely articulate in court representing high-profile political prisoners and survivors of atrocities. Amal, we all know you're besotted, but on the red carpet we need all the strong women with a brain we can get! When it comes to coats, though, I have zero quibbles with Amal. Coats, as she knows, have the power to confer personality, and I adore her array of chic structured ones that tie her winter outfits together. If you are thinking of buying a new coat this season, here are my tips to get it as right as she does Try to have two different lengths in your wardrobe a mid one to go with jeans and tailored trousers and a long one that can be worn over maxi dresses and skirts. (Mid-length coats and long dresses and skirts simply don't work). Invest well and a quality winter coat will last many years and, like a fine wine (or George Clooney), only get better with age. Fabric is key so always check the label the more real wool, the warmer it will be. The devil is in the detail: whether it's a designer buy or high-street number, keep an eye out for those small touches that'll make your coat feel properly finished and luxe on a cold day, whether it's a covered button, silk lining or blind-stitched hemline. Top coat trends this season are pinstripes, which go with everything, the cocoon shape, a red wraparound and, for minimalists, white boucle. @thestylistandthewardrobe @youmagazine COAT AND ACCESSORIES BY TOTEME, WOOL DRESS BY LISA YANG ON MY BUCKLE LIST There has been lots of hype this season about the return of the ballet flat and the Mary Jane. I'm a fan of both and love these metallic ones by British brand Penelope Chilvers for elevating an outfit. Shoes, 199, penelopechilvers.com TOP NOTCH Need to raise your belt game this autumn? Then check out the terrific selection at high-street hero Cos. This classic style comes in different colours and will add real edge to tailoring. Belt, 45, cos.com GET A GRIP I recently watched Arnold, the Netflix documentary about Arnie Schwarzenegger, and it was fascinating. What determination 'I'll be back' Arnie possessed. And the stylish wardrobe and use of a French rectangle hair clip by his now ex-wife, Maria Shriver journalist and niece to JFK was a joy to watch And the stylish wardrobe and use of a French rectangle hair clip by his now ex-wife, Maria Shriver journalist and niece to JFK was a joy to watch. After 25 years of marriage, Arnie blew it up by cheating on her with the housekeeper. D'oh, Arnie, d'oh. Convicted thieves have revealed the easiest things to steal from cars. The value of thefts from cars in the past two years is 109million, with the average victim losing possessions worth 618. Last year alone there was the equivalent of 540 thefts a day from cars. Number plates, catalytic converters, a vehicle's electronic components, bike racks and roof boxes are the five most common things stolen from cars. MailOnline and This is Money can also reveal the UK's car crime hotspots. Your browser does not support iframes. Number plates, catalytic converters, a vehicle's electronic components, bike racks and roof boxes are the five most common things stolen from cars London has the highest rate of theft from cars per 1,000 population in the last two years at 14.39. Close behind was the West Midlands with 10.83 and Greater Manchester with 9.41. Avon and Somerset saw the largest annual increase, with reports up 48 per cent. Warwickshire (43 per cent) and Northumbria (34 per cent) saw the second and third biggest increases respectively. The total value of possessions stolen from vehicles in 2022 was more than 61million. This is a 27 per cent increase from the 48million of possessions stolen in 2021. Convicted thieves told a study by Direct Line and the University of Huddersfield about their experiences stealing from cars. One said: 'You used to be able to make a good few hundred pounds a day doing it. Especially, when I was younger you used to have your car stereos with the pop-off fronts. We used to be able to get between 60 and 80 for them a time. 'Then they went out of fashion and then it became satnavs. Same again, 60, 80 for them when they first came out. All that's either built in or on your mobile phone.' Another added: 'People don't learn. They must be stupid. I don't get it myself. It amazes me, but I know one lad who got 10,000 out of a car boot in a safe, went back two nights later and got another 20,000 out of the boot! London has the highest rate of theft from cars per 1,000 population in the last two years at 14.39 'My mates have had 8,000, 9,000. I've had 2,000 and 3,000 out of cars, and they've all been open.' A third said it was mainly about seeing the opportunity. They said: 'Theft from vehicles happens probably just as much as people taking vehicles. 'That's only if you can see something in the car through the windows - a laptop, an electrical item.' Another said they always looked out for unlocked cars. They said: 'I can generally see if a car's open just by looking at it, i.e., are the wing mirrors out? 'Can I see a red flashing light on in the car? A car that's open to me stands out like a Christmas tree.' Lorraine Price, the head of motor insurance at Direct Line, said: 'Having belongings stolen from your car can be incredibly distressing and inconvenient for the victim. 'While car owners shouldn't have to take significant precautions to protect their vehicles, there are steps motorists can take to help reduce their risk of being targeted.' She added: 'Given how frequent the theft of items from vehicles is, car owners should, where possible, avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles and ensure that they understand what is covered on their motor insurance policy if this is unavoidable.' Earlier this year, a shocking video captured the moment brazen thieves stole a catalytic converter from an NHS worker's car in affluent Dulwich Village for the second time in six months. An NHS worker from Dulwich Village, southeast London, caught the three thieves on video as they stole the catalytic converter from her car on Thursday around 8.30pm after putting her children to bed. The woman, who requested to remain anonymous, became aware of the thieves when she heard a loud noise from outside. The video showed the thieves using a car jack to access the catalytic converter from underneath as a loud grinding noise can be heard across the street. The woman said she 'flung' the front door open and was met with three men who wore all-black and whose faces were covered with balaclavas. The video captures the moment thieves are caught stealing a catalytic converter from an NHS worker's car in Dulwich Village for the second time in six months She tried to scare the thieves away by shouting at them, however, they were unfazed and continued to work on the car. She said: 'I thought that they might get scared when someone saw them but they just carried on. One of them was high-fiving their mates.' The woman said that her husband chased the thieves and ran down the street after them in an attempt to catch them and identify their vehicle. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were called at 8.30pm on February 2, to a report of a theft in SE21. Officers attended and it was reported that a catalytic converter had been stolen from a car that was parked outside a house. 'Officers took a description of the suspects and carried out a search of the area, however, no suspects were identified. They await CCTV from a nearby property. 'Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 6937/02Feb. 'Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.' The City watchdog is under mounting pressure to investigate the Barclays board over how it appointed and then stood by former chief executive Jes Staley during the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Figures in the City and Westminster said the Financial Conduct Authority should look into the conduct of the board and why it failed to interrogate Staley deeper about his relationship with the convicted sex offender during his six year tenure at the head of the bank. Particular focus is on Barclays chairman Nigel Higgins, who took over in May 2019. Higgins was chairman when a letter was sent by Barclays to the regulator in October 2019 which contained a number of 'misleading' statements about Staley's relationship with Epstein. In the letter, Barclays stated that Staley did not have a close relationship with Epstein and that his last contact had been well before joining Barclays in 2015. Probe: Figures in the City and Westminster said the Financial Conduct Authority should look into the conduct of the board In reality, Staley considered Epstein to be one of his 'deepest' and 'most cherished' friends, and he was in contact with the sex offender three days before his appointment to the top job at Barclays. Fining Staley 1.8m this week and banning him from working in the City for life, the FCA branded the letter 'misleading'. Higgins and the rest of the Barclays board are now facing questions as to why they did not probe Staley harder. MP Harriett Baldwin, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, said: 'The Barclays board has questions to answer.' Higgins is also under pressure for standing by Staley despite persistent warning signs. In December 2019, Barclays launched its own internal review which concluded that Staley was sufficiently transparent with executives. That same month Higgins was summoned to see Mark Carney, Bank of England governor at the time, who told Higgins to consider Staley's position. And Barclays was still sticking by its chief executive in February 2020 when the Financial Conduct Authority began its investigation into Staley. Staley did not leave his post until November 2021. There are also question marks over Staley's appointment. The American was hired in October 2015 by Barclays chairman John McFarlane and head of the nominations committee Sir Michael Rake. Three days before he was officially named chief executive, the Mail on Sunday revealed that the known paedophile Epstein was backing his bid to get the top job. Australia has had its Brexit moment, firmly rejecting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plans to enshrine a 'Voice' for Aboriginal people into its constitution. In the wake of his election victory last year, left-leaning Labor Prime Minister believed that the rest of the nation shared his view - and that of his metropolitan inner Sydney electorate - that an Aboriginal body should be consulted on any future laws that affect Indigenous people. The working men and women of Australia disagreed. All six states voted No. Presented as simply as that, it's easy to think it's just another example of 'racist Australia' beating down on its wearied Indigenous population. But in reality, Mr Albanese couldn't tell Aussies what they were voting for - and even some of the most high-profile Aboriginal figures in the country ended up voting against his woke agenda. Australia has had its Brexit moment, firmly rejecting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 's plans to enshrine a 'Voice' for Aboriginal people into its constitution From the outset, very little was explained. Aussies rightly had some questions. Who would be on the body - called The Voice? We'll tell you afterwards. How exactly will they be chosen? We'll let you know. What changes will be made to the Constitution, and what powers will the Voice really have? That is a matter for after the referendum. The truth is that Mr Albanese had asked Aussies to sign a blank cheque - and they were having none of it. The referendum was all over within 90 minutes of the first polling booths closing. Tasmania - a must win state - was the first to be called for the No campaign, followed by New South Wales and, the final nail in the coffin, South Australia. And that was before the count had even started in Queensland and Western Australia, which were the two conservative states most likely to vote No. Two Aboriginal people are seen at a No rally in Sydney's Hyde Park last month As energy and food prices soar and with a property market in disarray, the last thing regular Aussies have on their mind is how better to represent the views of a group that makes up 3.2% of the overall population - and who are already represented in Parliament by their MPs, like everyone else. And having that thrust upon them by a leader who didn't appear to have the backbone - or perhaps understanding himself - to explain what it even meant, just wasn't going to fly. This was Australia's Brexit moment. Like Brexit, Aussies were not willing to stand for a group of largely unelected people having a say on the laws of the land. Like Brexit, Aussies were not going just going to tag along with the metropolitan elite - just because it was the 'right thing to do'. And like Brexit's Nigel Farage, the No campaign had firebrand politicians like Aboriginal senators Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Lidia Thorpe barracking for their cause. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Aboriginal No campaigner Warren Mundine led the charge against the Voice The No campaign received a massive boost as the likes Price and Thorpe backed their position - showing Aussies that it wasn't racist to vote No. Instead of putting across the case for The Voice, the Yes campaign instead sought to sow division by simply pointing at the No campaign and branding it racist - a point Senator Thorpe brought up herself. 'Labor just points to the 'racist No' campaign, and says, "you don't want to side with that",' she explained in an interview. 'I think that's part of the ignorance and the racism coming out in this whole debate, that First People can't say no because they are automatically put into this 'racist no' category. That in itself is racist.' The Yes campaign claim more than 80 per cent of Aboriginal Australians planned to vote in favour of the Voice - and that may be true. But Mr Albanese's failure to convince Average Joe Aussie to back him was his biggest failure and he now faces the embarrassing task of trying to move on after falling at the first hurdle of his premiership. When the UK voted for Brexit, Prime Minister David Cameron fell on his sword and quit. Traditional owners of the land at Uluru are pictured campaigning for Yes He had been forced to call a referendum to end decades of in-fighting within his own party about the nation's relationship with Europe - and foolishly thought the 'sensible' people of Britain would back him in continuing with the status quo. What makes Mr Albanese's error even worse than that is that he arguably didn't even need to call a referendum. The majority of Australia had likely not even heard of the idea of a Voice to Parliament a year ago - and with Labor's post-election majority he could well have been able to create a new advisory body without seeking permission from voters and without changing the constitution. Big players on both sides agree that the referendum - and particularly a No vote - would not help heal Australia's old wounds. Indigenous leader Marcia Langton, who backed the Voice, said a No vote would give 'a mandate to cause [Indigenous Australians] even further harm'. Meanwhile Senator Price, in her maiden speech in the Senate last year, warned that a vote against the Voice risked driving a wedge between black and white Australians. 'It would be far more dignifying if we were recognised and respected as individuals in our own right, who are not simply defined by our racial heritage, but by the content of our character,' she said. Mr Albanese won't be following Mr Cameron in handing in his notice, but even he may have to admit that rather than boosting the cause of Aboriginal Australians, his failure of leadership has set them back. Ollie Gillman has worked and lived in Australia for seven years and is now Daily Mail Australia's Night Editor in London. Trabucco was co-CEO while the alleged fraud was taking place - sharing the role with Caroline Ellison, Bankman-Fried's ex-girlfriend - but has not been charged He quit in August 2022, months before Alameda and FTX collapsed following what prosecutors have alleged was one of the largest frauds in American history Sam Trabucco, 31, was the co-CEO of Alameda Research, the firm which invested billions of dollars in FTX customer funds before the company imploded A former CEO at Sam Bankman-Fried's failed crypto trading firm has avoided criminal charges and amassed a luxury property portfolio after earning at least $25 million during the massive alleged fraud at FTX, DailyMail.com can reveal. Sam Trabucco, 31, was co-CEO of Alameda Research while the firm invested billions of dollars of FTX customer funds, which ultimately caused the collapse of both companies. Prosecutors described the scandal as one of the largest frauds in US history. During his tenure, Trabucco was also involved in an alleged $150 million bribe to Chinese officials after the country froze $1 billion of Alameda's assets. The bribe allegedly involved the use of accounts in the name of Thai prostitutes. He shared the co-CEO role with Caroline Ellison, Bankman-Fried's ex-girlfriend, for 10 months before resigning in August 2022. Ellison, who has pleaded guilty to fraud charges and is the star prosecution witness at Bankman-Fried's trial, became sole CEO and FTX imploded two months later, leaving customers billions out of pocket. Court records, bankruptcy filings and the testimony of insiders at FTX and Alameda, including Ellison, allege that fraud took place on a massive scale while Trabucco was co-CEO. He is also accused in a civil lawsuit of direct involvement in the scheme. But despite his leadership role, which involved shaping Alameda's investment strategy, he has not been charged by prosecutors who have relentlessly pursued the rest of Bankman-Fried's inner circle. Sam Trabucco, pictured in the Bahamas in 2022, is the former co-CEO of Alameda Research, which invested billions of dollars in FTX customer funds before both firms imploded last November following one of the largest frauds in US history Trabucco, pictured celebrating his 30th birthday last year, was co-CEO alongside Caroline Ellison, the ex-girlfriend of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. He earned at least $25 million Trabucco was co-CEO along with Caroline Ellison (left) at the company founded by Sam Bankman-Fried (right). He shared the role with Ellison before resigning in August 2022. Ellison became sole CEO and FTX imploded two months later Instead, Trabucco has remained a largely unknown figure in the scandal. He has not been seen or spoken publicly since FTX collapsed in November 2022. Since joining Alameda, he bought multimillion dollar properties in San Francisco and New York City and also owns a boat named 'Soak My Deck' which was paid for with $2.5 million from the company. Speculation is mounting he may have secured a deal with prosecutors to build their case against Bankman-Fried, who denies fraud, and he could deliver testimony at the disgraced FTX founder's ongoing trial in exchange for immunity. One legal source with knowledge of Trabucco's role at Alameda said such a deal was likely given his top-level job during the fraud. Trabucco did not respond to requests for comment. His sister, Kelsey, declined to reveal his whereabouts when approached by DailyMail.com and said she would instead pass a message to her brother. No response was forthcoming. $12 MILLION PROPERTY SPREE Bankruptcy filings show Trabucco was paid at least $25 million by Alameda, including several cash payments of between $4 million and $7 million during his time as co-CEO. He joined the company as a trader in March 2019, while Bankman-Fried was CEO. Bankman-Fried stepped down to focus on FTX in October 2021, when Trabucco and Ellison were promoted to joint chief executives. Property records reviewed by DailyMail.com reveal Trabucco has built an impressive portfolio of homes during his time at the company and since he stepped down. In June 2021, he snapped up two neighboring penthouse apartments for $4.35 million each on the 36th floor of a luxury San Francisco building with views of the Bay Bridge. A photograph shows Trabucco, circled, with a group of people on a balcony which appears to be at one of the apartments he bought in San Francisco in 2021 for $4.35 million each A picture shows the stunning Bay Bridge view from the San Francisco apartment building where Sam Trabucco bought two penthouses for around $4.35 million each in 2021 A picture from a property listing for a $4.35M apartment bought by Trabucco in San Francisco A picture shows the interior of the Brooklyn, New York City apartment building where Trabucco bought a $2.5 million home in November 2022 as the FTX scandal was unfolding The building has a gym, cinema and climbing wall, and one of the penthouses includes two balconies which overlook the bridge. Pictures uploaded to Instagram earlier this month show a smiling Trabucco with a group of friends on a balcony with the sweeping view behind them. Trabucco also bought a $2.5 million two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, New York City, in November 2022 - the same month that the scale of FTX's collapse was unraveling, records show. His sister, Kelsey, has been registered as a resident of that apartment. Two years earlier, in August 2020, he also spent around $500,000 on a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in a leafy neighborhood in Wells, Maine. The property, on the edge of scenic woodland and close to an exclusive country club, is believed to be used by Trabucco's parents. Trabucco also bought a property in the Bahamas around the end of 2021, according to an online post by his father. FTX was based in the Bahamas, a tax-haven where Bankman-Fried and his inner circle lived together in a $40 million penthouse. MATH WHIZZ WITH 'PENCHANT FOR GAMBLING' Trabucco, who was born John Samuel Trabucco, was a child 'mathlete' who graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2015 with a degree in mathematics with computer science. He met Bankman-Fried at a five-week math camp at Mount Holyoke College in 2010 and the pair became friends. Bankman-Fried was also at MIT and graduated the year before Trabucco. Trabucco, who was born John Samuel Trabucco, was a child 'mathlete' who graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in mathematics with computer science Sam Bankman-Fried, pictured asleep on a beanbag in his office, met Trabucco at a five-week math camp at Mount Holyoke College in 2010 and the pair became friends Like Bankman-Fried and others in his circle, including Ellison, he spent several years as a trader at an established financial firm before he joined Alameda. Trabucco was a trader at Susquehanna International Group from 2015 to 2017, according to his LinkedIn profile. Outside of finance, Trabucco also turned his talent with numbers to another risky, and potentially highly profitable, pastime: gambling. Trabucco has previously suggested he was banned from several casinos for card counting - a blackjack strategy which involves memorizing which cards have been dealt - and claimed he applied the same concepts to trading. He also indicated his main reason for working in the crypto industry was money. He said in a 2021 interview: 'I was really just finding it irresponsible not to be focusing on [crypto] when I could be making more money doing that than anything else I was aware of.' He is also fond of crosswords and has written dozens of puzzles for the New York Times. CO-CEO DURING HUGE ALLEGED FRAUD Prosecutors who have charged Ellison, Bankman-Fried and others claim that the fraud involving FTX and Alameda took place from 'at least in or about 2019' right through until the companies' collapse. Ellison also told a court hearing in December 2022, when she pleaded guilty to fraud, that she was aware 'from 2019 through 2022' that Alameda had an 'unlimited line of credit' from FTX which was backed by customer funds. She said loans worth billions of dollars were taken out by Alameda while she was co-CEO and then CEO, and that she 'agreed with others to borrow several billion dollars from FTX' to repay the loans in June 2022. Speculation is mounting that Trabucco might have flipped and agreed to help prosecutors who have charged Bankman-Fried, in exchange for immunity. A court sketch shows Ellison, who cut a similar deal, testify against Bankman-Fried at a New York court on October 10 Trabucco has not been charged by prosecutors over the FTX and Alameda fraud. But he is accused of direct involvement in a civil lawsuit filed in December 2022. The suit describes Trabucco, Ellison, and two other FTX employees, Nishad Singh and Gary Wang, as Bankman-Fried's 'Inner Circle' and claims they were complicit in 'one of the most spectacular financial frauds since Bernie Madoff'. 'Throughout their time as executives of FTX and Alameda Research, SBF and the Inner Circle made regular and calculated misrepresentations about how FTX customer funds were used,' according to the class action suit brought by an FTX customer who lost around $33,000. The suit notes Trabucco's 'penchant for gambling' and claims he 'encouraged aggressive trading and embracing risk as co-CEO of Alameda'. 'This risk-loving strategy ultimately led Alameda to make many bad investments that led to its downfall. In August 2022, Trabucco abruptly left Alameda, stepping down as ceo-CEO just before the house of cards collapsed,' the suit said. Trabucco 'knew, or should have known' that Alameda had accepted funds that were FTX customer deposits, it added. His name has also been mentioned during Bankman-Fried's trial, including during testimony from Ellison. She said that Trabucco was involved a bribe of $150 million to Chinese officials after the country froze $1 billion of Alameda assets. The payment was allegedly a breach of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Bankman-Fried was previously charged over an alleged payment to Chinese officials but the count was later removed ahead of his trial. Saturday's referendum day will mark the close of a long-winded chapter of polarised debate over Indigenous rights in Australia. Despite much of the conversation over the Indigenous Voice to Parliament being dominated by politicians and campaigners, the final call is in the hands of the public. Here's what you need to know before October 14. Where do I vote? More than 7000 polling booths will open between 8am and 6pm on Saturday. Similar to an election, voting places will be held in schools, churches, community centres, and town halls across the country. People can locate their nearest polling booth on the Australian Electoral Commission website. More than 7000 polling booths will open between 8am and 6pm on Saturday as millions of Australians are still to case their ballots Prime Minister Anthony Albanese takes a selfie for a voter at Balmain Public School polling station NSW Premier Chris Minns and Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney cast their vote at the polling booth in Carlton South Public School, Sydney How do I vote? Voters are asked to write clearly in English either Yes or No on their ballot papers to the following question: A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration? This would include a new chapter in the Constitution, which would read as: 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia: (i) there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice; (ii) the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; (iii) the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe casts her ballot in the Voice referendum at Reservoir in Melbourne Senator Lidia Thorpe walks post a Yes campaigner as she arrives to vote at Reservoir in Melbourne Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney pictured at the polling booth in Carlton South Public School, Sydney Voters buy democracy sausages outside the voting centre at Old Parliament House in Canberra People have been instructed to not use ticks or crosses to indicate their response. This rule has been in place over the past 30 years for six referendums. According to the AEC, only 0.86 per cent of votes were counted as informal during the 1999 referendum. Can I vote early? Early voting officially closes at 6pm on Friday, October 13. People can find early polling spots by using the AEC's "Where Can I Vote?" tool on their website. What if I don't vote? Voting is compulsory in Australia. Failure to vote as an eligible citizen aged 18 years and over will lead to a $20 fine. Who won't vote? Incarcerated people serving sentences of more than three years are ineligible to vote in federal elections or referendums. Given the high representation of Aboriginal people in prisons, roughly 40,000 First Nations people won't vote. People waiting to become an Australian citizen will also not cast ballots on Saturday. There were about 100,000 citizenship applications as of May 30, according to the Home Affairs department. People wait vote Voting in the referendum at an East Melbourne voting booth David Littleproud, leader of the federal National Party attends a voting centre in Brisbane A voter is seen inside the voting centre at Old Parliament House in Canberra When will we know? Counting will kick off at 6pm on October 14. The AEC will begin releasing rolling results once polling booths close. A virtual tally room will automatically update every 90 seconds to provide electorate-by-electorate results. A result will most likely not be confirmed on the night given a record number of postal votes; however, it's possible that the final answer will be made clear if it's not a close race. A war memorial - featuring a factual error - that had been on a council's wall for 20 years has been moved to its new HQ... because no one had spotted the mistake. Cambridgeshire County Council's multi-million-pound building was opened in 2021 - and includes a plaque moved from the foyer of its old base that was dedicated to council members who died in the Second World War. But slapdash staff have been labelled as 'disgraceful' after a local spotted it had mistakenly labelled the conflict the Great War on the plaque - a term denoting the First World War. This is despite the memorial being just three minutes from RAF Alconbury - from which heroic British bombers flew against Nazi Germany. One local - who spotted the blunder - slammed the council, saying: 'I thought: "Does no-one proofread this or have people forgotten their history?" Cambridgeshire County Council's multi-million-pound building was opened in 2021 - and included a plaque (pictured) dedicated to members of the council who died in the Second World War in the property's foyer But slapdash staff have been labelled as 'disgraceful' for mistakenly calling the conflict the Great War on the plaque (left) - a term denoting the First World War (the plaque for which is pictured right) The building was opened in July 2021 at the cost of 18million - with staff being slammed for leaving it virtually empty as they continued to work from home Among the names is noted war hero William Dick Hawkes, the pilot of a Lancaster bomber who died aged 26 after being shot down by a Luftwaffe night fighter over Holland in 1943 'If the council cant get this right about their own war dead then what else cant they get right. 'It's just poor show really, and shows complacency. And there it is on full public display. 'At the bottom it says: "We shall remember them." But they're not doing a great job of remembering if they can't get the name of the war right!' Among the names is noted war hero William Dick Hawkes, the pilot of a Lancaster bomber who died aged 26 after being shot down by a Luftwaffe night fighter over Holland in 1943. Witnesses to the tragedy say that after being attacked he refused to lighten his plane's load to escape by dropping their seven 1000lb bombs out of fear for the houses below. Ron Ravenhall, who was 10 witnessed the plane explode above his house in occupied Hilversum, researched Mr Hawkes as he followed in the pilot's footsteps - going to the same school as him and serving in the RAF. Writing for Roll of Honour, he said: 'Like me, the people of the Netherlands will never forget their indebtedness to the thousands of gallant young fliers who died that they might live and will continue to honour those who survived the unparalleled heroism of their youth. ' The memorial is dedicated to 'members of the Shire Hall staff who died in the Great War 1939-1945'. It adds: 'We shall remember them'. The blunder is despite the memorial being just three minutes from RAF Alconbury - from which heroic British bombers flew against Nazi Germany New Shire Hall's decor is war-themed, with a mural of a fallen soldier on the wall of one building The huge site, pictured front, sits just minutes from the old airbase, whose runway can be seen at the top of the picture A separate plaque next to it is dedicated to members of the 'County Hall staff' who died in the First World War and correctly calls it The Great War. Local resident Peter Edwards, 42, said: 'It is disgraceful that they cant write that correctly also bearing in mind the history of this particular area. 'I havent walked past there for a while but no one ever works there so in the winter at 4pm in the afternoon no one is ever in there - theyre all working from home. 'Its council-run, were paying for it, no ones in the building. It cost an absolute mint to put up. 'I dont think anyone in the building would have noticed this and probably dont even care. I think theyre more concerned about what is happening now.' The building was opened in July 2021 at the cost of 18million and its decor is war-themed, with a mural of a fallen soldier on the wall of one building and a cafe in the former RAF Alconbury Watch Office. Another local resident, John Dale, added: 'Its nice having a plaque up to remember people but getting the names and dates wrong - I think people need to read and write English correctly One local - who served in the RAF - called the plaque 'stupid' and said the council should take it down and replace it Glider pilot William Herbert Shipp died in September 1944. He was buried in the Netherlands with the heartbreaking inscription, while war hero William Dick Hawkes died aged 26 after being shot down by a Luftwaffe night fighter A cafe opposite the front entrance sits in the former RAF Alconbury Watch Office 'Get rid of the idiot who has made the mistake and put someone in their place who knows what they are doing.' Among the other names on the plaque are Robert Alfred Walter Dawkins, who was 21 when he was lost on a sortie while serving at the 299 bomber squadron in 1945. Royal Marines Commando Frank Holgate Hancock was killed in action in Croatia aged just 20 after an air attack on the unit's base. And Glider pilot William Herbert Shipp died in September 1944. He was buried in the Netherlands with the heartbreaking inscription: 'Dearly loved only child of Fred and Rhoda Shipp. He was all our world.' Two more military deaths are also noted on the memorial - John Baxter, William Reginald Jarman. A third resident, who did not want to be named, said: 'My father was ex-aircrew bomber command. 'I think its lack of communication and lack of someone not even knowing what the war was about. Do they teach it at school? 'All theyve done is copy the other plaque. Its a total disservice to these people and a lack of respect.' And another resident, who is ex-RAF, added: 'Its stupid isnt it. I think they should take it down and amend it. 'It amuses me that people put these things up without researching it.' A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council told MailOnline: 'Both plaques to honour staff members among the fallen in both World Wars on display at Cambridgeshire County Councils Headquarters moved with us from our previous headquarters in Shire Hall in Cambridge, where they had been on display for at least twenty years. 'The County Council has never received any complaints from staff or the public about the wording on either historic plaque which have and still form the centre piece of our annual remembrance service led by the Chair of Council each November.' The Pacific Northwest might be your best chance to find Bigfoot - but it's one California town that is truly obsessed with the mythical beast. Washington, with 713 sightings all-time, leads the way with the most Bigfoot reports, according to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. California was the next most common at 461 and Florida was third at 339. While the legend of Bigfoot has lived on across the US for decades, residents of Willow Creek, California, take it a step further. The tiny town of just 1,700 people has been gripped by the large-soled phenomenon since 1967, when the most famous and scrutinized 'sighting' occurred in the nearby Six Rivers National Forest. Over the years, conspiracy-tourists have flocked to Willow Creek's array of Bigfoot-themed attractions, restaurants and museums, with some even going on expeditions into the wilderness hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. Although many may turn their noses up at the town's obsession, the legend has put it on the map amid thousands of sightings across the country from Bigfoot believers. A towering 25-foot Bigfoot statue stands outside the Willow Creek - China Flat Museum, the small town's dedicated space to its sasquatch obsession The museum includes an array of Bigfoot 'evidence,' including footprint casts purportedly made by the huge-soled creature Willow Creek's fixation with the myth has spawned numerous attractions, including the annual 'Bigfoot Daze' festival held each July Branding itself the 'Bigfoot capital of the world,' the town is dominated by the myth, including hosting the annual 'Bigfoot Daze' festival each July. For a number of years, the local newspaper was even named 'Bigfoot Valley News.' Nearby Humboldt State University offers a course on 'Intro to Bigfoot Studies,' and manic lore has even seen murders in the local area attributed - except by authorities - to Bigfoot. The main hub of its tourist economy is the Willow Creek - China Flat Museum (named for the town's former moniker), a space dedicated to the sasquatch where attendees are greeted with a towering 25-foot statue of the beast. Inside, an array of footprint casts purporting to be made by Bigfoot fill an entire room, including one with a sign reading: 'THIS IS AN ACTUAL CAST OF A 'BIGFOOT IMPRINT' MADE IN 1958... BIGFOOT IS NOT A HOAX.' For those unconvinced by the exhibits, the 1967 footage that shot Willow Creek to conspiracy fame is also given its own display. The grainy three-minute movie was shot by adventurers Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin, showing a lumbering, gorilla-like monster moving through the woods in nearby Bluff Creek, in the Six Rivers National Forest. Known as the 'Patterson-Gimlin' footage, it grew to infamy over the years as one of the first times Bigfoot was 'caught on camera.' In 1967, the clearest footage of the beast was captured in the Six Rivers National Forest, California, showing a lumbering, gorilla-like beast roaming the woodland Explorers Bob Gimlin and Roger Patterson seen comparing footprint casts they said were made by Bigfoot in 1967 The lack of verifiable, non-shaky evidence in the half-century since is often pointed to by the non-believers, a fact that does little to shake the faith of those who flood Willow Creek each year. Bigfoot's history in California seemingly dates back to 1886, when the first reported sightings of a hairy human-monster hybrid emerged in Crescent City, around 100 miles north of Willow Creek. In early newspaper clippings, reporters detailed accounts of 'wild men in the woods,' although conflicting appearances saw terrified locals describe the animal to be anywhere from six to eight feet tall and weighing up to a ton. The creature seemingly went into hiding for decades around the turn of the 20th century, before West Coast explorers began spreading rumors of the animal - or at least its footprints - in the 1930s. A large Bigfoot statue in Crescent City, California - the site of some of the earliest reports of the mythical cryptid In 1958, the folklore took a turn when Humboldt Times reporter Andrew Genzoli wrote an article about 'huge footprints found on wilderness road' - a publication that birthed the term 'Bigfoot.' The 'Patterson-Gimlin' footage was shot nine years later, in what many see as the first step towards a thriving Bigfoot economy. 'Willow Creek is the gateway to Bigfoot Country,' Bryce Johnson, host of paranormal podcast 'Bigfoot Collectors Club' and Discovery's 'Expedition Bigfoot' told SFGate. 'To get to Bluff Creek, you have to come through Willow Creek, and thats a lot of how those guys like Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin came through. Its where they stayed and ate, and then theyd pack horses and go into the woods and camp.' Guided expeditions are carried out across the country, where Bigfoot believers scour woodland in states including California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee However, as a lack of evidence continues to plague the mythical animal, Johnson admitted that the Patterson-Gimlin footage 'stands as still to this day, even today when everyone has a cellphone, the best footage around.' For those hoping to top it, the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization offers an array of seemingly-sold-out guided expeditions. Upcoming trips advertised on their website include journeys to forests in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Tennessee - the latter undertaken by explorer Lori Wade who apparently 'gets action almost every time.' The organization pledges to 'bring people to areas where they will have encounters with Bigfoots at night,' which is based on 'thousands of sighting reports for more than 15 years.' For those still unconvinced, comments from participants across America included New Yorker Ken Fitzpatrick, an explorer who said his 'expectations were not high,' found himself 'pretty amazed when we finally found tracks.' 'This was the first time in four years of investigating this subject that I actually got to hear one,' added Mark Harrison, a Virginia resident. The organization also includes a snippet of the sounds of the sasquatch, eerily similar to the noises made by owls. 'This was a true learning experience for me. I was very impressed with the high quality and the knowledgeable individuals. This BF mystery will only be solved by a team effort like this,' concluded Row Cowan of Bakersfield, California. EXCLUSIVE Australian Underbelly star Dan Mor has begged ruthless Hamas terrorists to free his sister-in-law after terrifying footage emerged of her pleading for her life at gunpoint. Moran Yanai, 40, was snatched by the Palestinian militants who slaughtered 260 helpless Supernova festivalgoers during the Gaza Strip attack on Israel on Saturday. The jewellery designer had set up a retail stand at the doomed rave in Israel's south near Kibbutz Re'im before it turned into an horrific massacre. She managed to hide from the marauding guerrillas as they hunted down victims in the surrounding countryside while she made frantic phone calls to her family. But then they lost contact with her - until a video emerged on TikTok of her surrounded by gun-wielding militia fighters as she pleaded for her life. Now her brother-in-law has begged for her safe release - along with the 160 other hostages seized from the rave - and branded the merciless killers 'worse than Nazis'. 'I'm praying to God that we're going to bring her back,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'She is a peace-loving, kind-hearted artist who wouldn't hurt a fly. A clip posted to an anonymous TikTok account, shows Moran Yanai begging for her life as Hamas militants can be heard shouting in the background Moran Yanai, 40, was snatched by the Palestinian militants who slaughtered 260 helpless Supernova festivalgoers during the Gaza Strip attack on Israel on Saturday Her brother-in-law, Dan Mor (pictured), who starred in the Underbelly series The Golden Mile, revealed the family had spoken to her as she was desperately trying to flee the carnage 'Just a beautiful, beautiful soul inside and out.' Mr Mor is an Australian-Israeli dual citizen who starred in the Underbelly series The Golden Mile and is now a diamond dealer in Tel Aviv where he lives with his family. He revealed how his sister-in-law was excited to set up a stand at the festival until the early morning surprise attack by Hamas on Israel targeted the open air rave. 'On Saturday morning, at around 7am, she rang her father and was frantic because they were already shooting at them and they were running for their life', he said. 'She managed to hide with two other friends and rang her mother about an hour later saying that they're still hiding and bullets were flying over them. 'And later, we lost contact.' The desperate family trawled social media and government departments for any information until they finally discovered a clip of her on an anonymous TikTok account. It showed Ms Yanai begging for her life as armed Hamas militants can be heard shouting at her in Arabic in the background. 'She was surrounded by militants speaking Arabic saying that they've captured another one,' said Mor. 'It was frightening. 'Her mother had to see the video of her daughter on her knees begging, trembling, and militants speaking in Arabic. 'We didn't even want to translate to her what they were saying because it was terrible. 'We haven't had any sign of life, any signal from her for the past five days. That was it.' The worry over his relative's fate has had a devastating effect on his family, he said. 'My wife is shattered to pieces,' he said. 'She hasn't eaten for five days, and we're just fighting to bring Moran back. 'I'm praying to God that she, and the other 150 or 160 abductees kidnapped, will come back unharmed. 'We're really clutching at straws. We're crying out to the world to help us bring Moran home. We're desperate. We're broken. The family is devastated.' Jewellery designer Moran Yanai had set up a retail stand at the doomed rave in Israel's south near Kibbutz Re'im before it turned into an horrific massacre He said the whole country has been horrified by the savagery of the bloody attack on Israelis by the Hamas forces. 'I just saw a video of a father that got told that his eight year old daughter was massacred,' he said. 'He was saying, 'Yes!' - that he was thankful because her death is better than her being in Gaza right now and at the hands of these terrorists. 'Who knows what they would do to her 'Innocent young civilians - we're talking about babies, elderly, entire families - have been captured, humiliated, raped, butchered, burnt alive. 'They danced on their bodies. Forty-three babies were found beheaded, babies were found burned in their bed - completely burned. It looks like chunks of coal. 'Babies got shot at, pregnant women got cut open and the foetuses were pulled out. Rape and more rape everywhere apparently. 'It's complete terror and brutality that we have never seen before.' He said the militants were parading the bodies of their victims like trophies on social media and branded the savagery 'like the Holocaust magnified'. 'It's catastrophic,' he said. 'There are hundreds of funerals today and tomorrow. Everybody is touched by that. 'One thousand Israeli dead is equivalent proportionally to 35,000 Americans, you get the magnitude of this. The world has to wake up to this. 'It's extremist, it's radicalism and they're being fed this venom by a very small minority. We need to wake up and eliminate them. 'ISIS got dealt with - and this is ISIS on steroids.' Moran Yanai managed to hide from the marauding guerrillas as they hunted down victims in the surrounding countryside while she made frantic phone calls to her family Brother-in-law Dan Mor has begged for Moran Yanai's safe release - along with the 160 other hostages seized from the rave - and branded the merciless killers 'worse than Nazis' He said his sister-in-law's abduction was just one of hundreds. 'One mother received a video from her son's phone as if her son was sending the video but it was a terrorist killing her son filming it and sending it to his mother,' he said. 'Is that going to free Palestine? Is that going to free anyone? Is that going to do anything is that going to get us out of Israel? 'This is just pure evil - pure evil that the devil hasn't created. This is beyond evil.' He added: 'With the Nazis, it was crazy what they did, but everything was very organised - they gassed them, they shot them...but here, it's barbaric. 'Here it's like they're not even animals. Here it's like butchery, rape, slaughter but in the most horrific ways. 'We're helpless. We're faithful, we believe and hope that the world is going to come together and unite and put the hatred aside - and help us bring Moran back home.' Ms Yania was snatched from the Supernova festival - billed as a celebration of 'friends, love and infinite freedom' - which was scheduled to coincide with the Jewish festival of Simchat Torah Instead, the weekend-long outdoor rave in southern Israel turned into the site of an unimaginable bloodbath. Terrified revellers fled for their lives as they were surrounded by Hamas gunmen who descended on the site in paragliders, motorbikes and pick-up trucks. It was several hours before help would arrive, leaving militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns free to carry out a murderous rampage. At least 260 were killed in the carnage while many are still missing probably dead or taken hostage by the bloodthirsty militants. Here is how the unimaginable terror unfolded. DANCING WITHOUT A CARE UNDER THE STARS Surrounded by trees in the desert, revellers had spent the night dancing to pumping trance music under the stars. They had begun arriving at the site which featured multiple stages, a camping area and a food court from 11pm after paying $100 for a ticket, blissfully unaware of the terror to come. Three miles away at the border with Gaza, heavily-armed Hamas militants were preparing to embark on a callous multi-pronged attack breaking through the fortified fence surrounding the territory using explosives to create gaps. MURDEROUS ATTACK BEGINS AT SUNRISE Footage shows oblivious party-goers dancing at around 6.30am as a formation of Hamas militants on paragliders approaches in the sky some distance behind them. Around the same time rockets were sent arcing over the heads of the ravers. Some did not initially notice the sound of the explosions and gunfire over the thumping music while others, used to rockets from Gaza, shrugged them off. But when the music stopped the revellers hit the ground a standard drill for those in southern Israel where fire exchanges over the border are frequent. A voice boomed over the loudspeakers across the site warning: 'Guys, we have red alert. Red alert.' A handful of police officers began breaking up the party and shouting 'Colour Red' code for incoming rocket fire. Michel Atias, 43, who was at the festival, said: 'It started off as a beautiful party, with great vibes and energy. But at around 6.30am, the rocket fire started. Many people panicked and started running to their cars.' Briton Jake Marlowe, 26, who had been working as a security guard at the event, messaged friends later that morning saying he was still trying to get people out. At around 9am, the 26-year-old who has since gone missing left a brief voice note to a friend saying he had stayed behind with another pal he referred to as Shlomi. It said: 'Me and Shlomi are right by Gaza, bro... We are seeing it in front of our eyes, we are rounding up the people from the party now, we are on an ATV [quad bike] and we are telling everyone to get the f*** outta there.' Terrified partygoers were seen fleeing the festival on foot, running across the sand, trying to jump into cars as Hamas terrorists fired shots Israelis could be heard shouting, running, and hurriedly getting into cars as they attempt to escape 'SHOT LIKE DUCKS IN A FIRING RANGE' As the party-goers scrambled toward their vehicles or took cover they found themselves surrounded as four pick-up trucks filled with militants and gunmen on motorcycles encircled the main road leading out of the venue. 'We heard gunshots and later realised that the gunmen were targeting those who were trying to flee the party they were waiting for them,' Mr Atias added. 'When I reached my car, the terrorists were still shooting. I saw a woman shot in the leg, I saw a car with bullets that had shattered the windshield. 'There was so much panic and the sound of the gunshots was getting closer and closer. We all understood this was a terror attack.' Hanoch Hai Cohen, 32, from Tel Aviv said: 'They were shooting at people just a metre away... these were executions. We were like ducks in a firing range.' Vehicles were abandoned before the exit as cars were peppered with automatic gunfire and hit with rocket-propelled grenades. Shye Weinstein, 26, who recently moved to Tel Aviv from Toronto, said: 'I remember one specific car, the person in the car was in the front seat. They had tried to get away and couldn't and they were shot in their car.' Chilling social media footage showed desperate festival-goers running across the desert without cover as rapid gunshots rang out. Some were locked in a terrifying chase as they were pursued by attackers in vehicles, with revellers being killed or seized. Injured survivor Sahar Ben Sela said he was led to a concrete bomb shelter by a policeman with about 30 others. 'After a few minutes, the terrorists started shooting at us and neutralized the policeman right in front of us,' he said. Aftermath: Burnt-out and abandoned cars where revellers tried to escape the onslaught An armed Palestinian militant leading a man during the Supernova music festival An armed Palestinian militant is seen walking around the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Reim in the Negev desert in southern Israel 'They threw a grenade that exploded at the entrance of the shelter. After a minute... they threw another grenade that hit me in the head. I stood against the wall in the second row of people and the grenade flew to the bodies behind. They were the ones getting hit, and this is what saved us. 'He said a terrorist then entered the shelter with an Uzi machine gun and sprayed the trapped revellers with bullets. Everyone who was in the first and second rows, except for me, was killed. A bullet hit me in the elbow and shrapnel in my leg and lungs. I think his gun got stuck because I heard a noise and he ran outside.' When Sahar managed to escape he was able to call the police for help but was told simply: 'Just run. Good luck.' SAVAGERY IN SIX-HOUR MURDEROUS RAMPAGE As the murderous gunmen continued to mow down anyone in their path, terrified revellers scrambled for cover in nearby orchards, banana groves or ditches. 'We were hiding and running, hiding and running, in an open field, the worst place you could possibly be in that situation,' said Arik Nani from Tel Aviv, who had been celebrating his 26th birthday. Parents and friends received panicked messages from their trapped loved-ones desperately asking for help. It was still only 9.30am but it would be six hours before the Israeli military arrived, leaving the militants to murder indiscriminately. Dashcam footage from an abandoned car shows how a reveller was spotted as he hid. Cowering on the ground behind a vehicle, he is approached by a terrorist and executed. Moments earlier another terrorist had fired at an injured reveller before marching him off at gunpoint. Others were forced to play dead as the killing carried on around them, only emerging when they heard security forces speaking in Hebrew. Ester Borochov, 19, fled in her car before it was hit and broke down. 'They started shooting at us point blank,' she said. 'A young man took us in his Jeep. They shot him... the car overturned. We played dead, me and my friend, for two and a half hours... before help arrived. That's how we survived.' May Hayat, who had been working at a festival bar, said: 'I hid under the stage of the party and laid down next to three dead people. I smeared blood that dripped from one of the bodies and pretended to be dead. For three hours I lie among corpses and wonder what will happen to me.' Hamas had claimed the body in the truck was a female Israeli soldier - but it was last night confirmed to be tourist Shani by her cousin Tomasina Weintraub-Louk Shocking footage shared on social media appears to show Palestinian fighters parading Shani's naked body on the back of a pick-up truck KIDNAPPED...THEN USED AS VILE PROPAGANDA At around 10am, student Noa Argamani, 25, and her boyfriend Avinatan Or had texted loved ones to let them know they were safe. Noa was said to have been hiding with a group who were being murdered. 'She was saying there were terrorists going crazy, killing and kidnapping people,' said childhood friend Yad Gorjalstan, 27. 'We last heard from Noa around 10am and then the next thing we see is her on a Hamas propaganda video.' Footage circulating on social media showed the terrified student screaming as she is bundled on to a motorcycle. 'You can hear her screaming, 'No, no, no, I am innocent',' added Mr Gorjalstan. NAKED VICTIM'S BODY PARADED IN GAZA Shani Louk, 30, was seen struggling to reach her car as it was surrounded by armed terrorists. Her mother Ricarda said she last spoke to her daughter after hearing rockets and alarms sounding in southern Israel and called to see if she'd made it to a secure location. 'She was going to her car and they had military people standing by the cars and were shooting so people couldn't reach their cars, even to go away. That's when they took her.' Hours later a video emerged of an apparently lifeless semi-naked woman thought to be Miss Louk being paraded through Gaza in the bed of a truck. In highly distressing scenes, militants are seen sitting on the body as one pulls her hair and another spits on her. Her family said they recognised her distinctive tattoos. 'It looks very bad, but I still have hope,' said Mrs Louk. 'I hope that they don't take bodies for negotiations. I hope that she's still alive somewhere.' Hamas fighters circumvented Israel's border with the Gaza Strip by flying in via paraglider, according to the Israeli military (pictured: A paraglider crossing into Israel) The Israeli rescue service Zaka said at least 260 bodies have been removed from the festival site. Pictured: Partygoers fleeing the festival scene on Saturday A distressing image, shared in a pixellated form on the Israeli government's official Twitter page, showed scores of victims placed in body bags underneath a tent at the festival site BODY BAGS LOADED IN REFRIGERATED LORRIES The staggering toll of the festival was only becoming clear on Monday, as Israel's rescue service Zaka said at least 260 bodies had been recovered and there are fears the total could rise. Harrowing pictures emerged of dozens of body bags being loaded into refrigerated lorries. 'They butchered people in cold blood in an inconceivable way,' said Zaka spokesman Moti Bukjin. Desperate relatives have continued to descend on hospitals in an attempt to locate the missing. Shany Tsaban, 31, said her parents spent hours walking through hospital wards anxiously searching for her missing sister, Bar Zohar, 23. She said: 'Bar called our mother at around 6.40am yesterday, saying, 'Mum, come and get me, there are rockets here'. 'Then a bit later she called again screaming, 'Mum! Mum' And then the call was disconnected.' One together, not two divided. That's the message you have sent loud and clear. Australians have used their democratic voice to choose unity over division. We have affirmed a nation where we tackle our problems together. Side by side, as one. Not separated in our Constitution. Not divided by race. This has been a long and bruising campaign and I heard over and over again from Australians that they just wanted this over and done with. They're sick of the division, they're sick of feeling guilty, sick of being lectured to. Finally, they've been able to have their say through our democratic process and they've said 'no'. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says: This has been a long and bruising campaign and I heard over and over again from Australians that they just wanted this over and done with Pictured: Jacinta Nampijinpa Price at a No rally where she received a rockstar welcome No to those who want to treat Aboriginal people differently. No to those who want to treat Aboriginal disadvantage as something that's permanent. No to those who profit from casting Indigenous Australians as victims, powerless, incapable of being helped without special treatment. It's important to understand, though, that the No to those things turns tonight's result into a 'yes'. Not a vacuous 'yes' to silly ideas about 'making history'. But a 'yes' to practical solutions that bring us together as a united people. Senator Price says: Australians have used their democratic voice to choose unity over division. We have affirmed a nation where we tackle our problems together A 'yes' to politicians from the Prime Minister on down including me doing our jobs and making sure the money being spent to help is actually going where it needs to go. 'Yes' to a new approach to tackling Indigenous disadvantage where we are about making sure kids go to school and adults go to work. Where we focus on keeping women and children safe. And where we understand that Aboriginal people are Australians human beings who want exactly the kinds of things we want for all Australians. I understand many Australians will be disappointed with the result. But this is an opportunity. Because I mean it when I say it's our chance to be united and practical. And I'm looking forward to working with all Australians in a future where we tackle problems together, not divided any more but united as one together. The extraordinary life story of a Nazi officer who fled to Ireland where he worked as a teacher after being sentenced to death for war crimes can be revealed for the first time. Louis Feutren - who served as a senior squad leader in the SS during the Second World War - cheated the firing squad in France after escaping to Britain as a penniless fugitive. The French-born traitor accused of slaughtering Jews and resistance fighters eventually settled in Dublin where he spent more than 30 years as an apparently respectable teacher at a prestigious private school. The Nazi - ironically known to his Waffen SS handlers as 'The Master' - is now at the centre of controversy after former pupils at St Conleth's College demanded an apology from the school for allowing Feutren to evade justice by offering him a safe haven. It's alleged children were subjected to decades of abuse at the hands of the war criminal with a taste for brutal punishments and bizarre humiliations. They included violent tantrums which ended with pupils being hurled across the classroom and having lit Gauloises cigarettes flicked in their faces. Teacher Louis Feutren flicked cigarettes at pupils who were later shocked to learn he was a Nazi Feutren - ironically known to his Waffen SS handlers as 'The Master' - is now at the centre of controversy after former pupils at St Conleth's College demanded an apology from the school for allowing Feutren to evade justice by offering him a safe haven Former students claimed Feutren forced rulers into their mouths to make them pronounce vowels properly and made them strip off every item of clothes that they could not recall the correct name for in French. The victims he terrorised said complaints to the headmaster were met with laughter and warnings that as a convicted Nazi, the French teacher was not a man to be messed with. Brazen Feutren is said to have boasted of his wartime exploits showing pictures of himself in SS uniform in the classroom and describing details of his life on the run after the Allied liberation of France in 1944. Now MailOnline can reveal for the first time how Feutren was able to escape punishment for his wartime atrocities and hide 'in plain sight' before his death aged 87 in November 2009. Much of the testimony comes from Feutren himself from beyond the grave. Far from being unrepentant, the Nazi bequeathed in his will his personal records to the National Library of Wales along with a cash sum of around 300,000. This is when Feutren and other members of his 'Bretonischer Waffenverband der SS' had fled from liberated France to Germany, where Hitler was still in power. Feutren became interested in Celtic mysticism and the links between the 'true Celtic people' of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and the Isle of Man along with those of his native Brittany The archive, containing a massive collection of tapes, documents, letters and photographs packed into six boxes, has been collecting dust in a locked vault at the building in Aberystwyth. One chilling black and white photograph among 300 in the collection shows Feutren and a fellow collaborator in their Nazi uniforms. Detailed examination of the collection shows Feutren as a vain man who was proud of his war record. While glossing over his teaching career, the dossier records his time collaborating with the SS during the Second World War - ensuring his legacy would be preserved forever. Feutren was born in 1922 in a Breton-speaking village on the northern coast of France. As a young man he became interested in Celtic mysticism and the links between the 'true Celtic people' of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and the Isle of Man along with those of his native Brittany. It proved to be a connection he was able to repeatedly exploit over the years to avoid capture. The Nazi bequeathed in his will his personal records to the National Library of Wales along with a cash sum of around 300,000 Feutren became a member of the SS Armed Formation with the junior officer rank of Oberscharfuhrer Feutren joined the separatist Breton National Party in his final year of school aged 18 but told how he did not feel at home in 'the world of meetings and propaganda'. Shortly after enrolling as a university student in Rennes he joined the Breton party's paramilitary branch - the Bezen Perrot. In a synopsis entitled 'This is my life', which was type-written on a single page, Feutren said: 'It was a logical step when in autumn '43 we joined the Germans to fight the French as a Breton unit. 'The agreement was to fight the French power in Brittany and the Germans promised not to engage us in any action outside our country. They kept their word.' Feutren became a member of the SS Armed Formation with the junior officer rank of Oberscharfuhrer. The unit hunted down Jews and French resistance fighters who were put to death or sent to concentration camps. The group was later accused of taking part in massacres after Adolf Hitler ordered the liquidation of partizans following the Normandy landings. Feutren became a member of the SS Armed Formation with the junior officer rank of Oberscharfuhrer His unit hunted down Jews and French resistance fighters who were put to death or sent to concentration camps Feutren told how two weeks before the end of the war, with the Allies just hours away, members of the unit discarded their uniforms and headed to a meeting place in Germany where they found work on farms. He wrote: 'I hoboed around Germany seeing desolation everywhere. It was the most important year of my life.' In Germany, members of the unit were given fake identities by Leo Weisgerber - a specialist in Celtic linguisitics who worked with Nazi organisations to encourage insurrection during the war. Feutren told how he was in Paris in 1946 when he was sentenced to death in his absence for war crimes. Feutren added: 'I went to Paris and stayed low since I was a wanted man. Life on the run in Paris was a hard and lonely time.' He escaped to the UK using his false papers and was harboured in Wales. He said: 'The welcome generosity and help of the Welsh nationalists was a wonderful relief.' Using an unknown alias he headed to Ireland in the winter of 1947 joining the SS unit's leader Celestin Laine and fellow officer Alan Heusaff, who had both also been sentenced to death in their absence. The following summer, Feutren enrolled as a student at the University College of Galway while working as a part-time photographer. In 1951 he took a job teaching German at a prominent school in Belfast before returning to Dublin two years later to finish his Master of Arts degree. According to his own account, in April 1954 he joined the staff at St Conleth's, a school for 'sons of Catholic gentlemen' in the affluent Dublin suburb of Ballsbridge run by former international rugby referee Kevin Kelleher. The following year, Feutren was awarded Irish citizenship after earlier being granted refugee status by the Irish government. His new passport enabled him to return to Brittany for the first time with his future wife Maura Martin. Feutren's personal records contain love letters written to Maura signed Michel - a false name he is believed to have used while on the run. Describing the trip back home with his fiancee, Feutren wrote in his account of his life: 'I don't think she enjoyed the visit, convinced that every gendarme she saw was going to recognise me.' 'The following year we got married.' The documents - written in English, French, German as well as Breton and other Celtic languages - show Feutren remained lifelong friends with Laine and Heusaff. The collaborators were pictured in 1966 with a fourth unknown man holding a wreath at the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, describing the insurrection as an 'inspiration' to Breton separatists. Feutren retired in 1985 and settled down to an anonymous life enjoying the simple pleasures of 'waking up in the sunshine surrounded by beautiful hills, friends dropping in, intelligent conversation'. After his death at home in Dublin his ashes were returned to Brittany. There was a storm of protest when the National Library of Wales accepted Feutren's bequest saying the collection included 'material of significant historical importance'. In France, a bequest of 43,000 to the University of Brittany to help promote the Breton language was turned down because of Feutren;s background with the Waffen SS. It is only now, 14 years after his death, that Feutren is being held to account by the former pupils he tormented. His principle accuser Uki Goni, who studied at St Conleth's in the 1970s, is leading a campaign to get the school to apologise for the bullying French master's actions. Describing Feutren as a 'monster', Mr Goni - whose father was the former Argentinian ambassador to Ireland - said the Frenchman 'was a boastful, unrepentant and proud former officer in the most evil and tyrannical organisation of the 20th Century, the Nazi SS'. He said he had been 'physically bashed' by Feutren but added: 'Upon complaining, our headmaster Keven Kelleher laughed it off pointing out that Feutren was a convicted Nazi so I should better behave myself going forwards.' Mark Collins, who studied at St Conleth's in the 1980s, said there was a culture of physical punishment at the school, despite corporal punishment having been abolished in 1982. He told how he was once left humiliated in the classroom dressed in his t-shirt and underwear after being picked out by Feutren. He said: 'When I was aged 13, he told me to stand in front of a class of 40-plus boys and to remove every item of clothing I couldn't name in French.' Mr Collins - whose Jewish grandmother hid from Nazis in her native Hungary during the war - said Feutren spoke with pride of his wartime service. Another former pupil, Kieran Owens, said: 'No one would consider crossing Mr Freuten. He was a volcano ready to erupt at any moment. 'If there was any sort of transgression he would be very, very, very swift and violent. I witnessed him bashing a guy; the guy flew across the room.' In a statement St Conleth's College said: 'The school has always been aware that Mr Feutren was an ardent Breton nationalist but was most shocked and concerned to learn of the research that may have implicated him in the possible carrying out of atrocities. 'It was only after the death of Mr Feutren that the school became aware of these allegations.' It added that conduct set out by Mr Goni should not be 'overlooked or forgotten'. The statement added: 'The board accepts that such conduct (as described) has no place at St Conleth's College, whether that be in the past, present or future. 'The board has expressed the school's profound regret for any conduct by Mr Feutren (and any other person employed by the school) which failed to meet the standards of conduct and education which we have espoused since the school's foundation.' Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s announcement Monday to run for president as an Independent complicates the presidential race, with early surveys showing him tying up the race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. A Fox News poll from Wednesday found that in a three-way race between Trump, who is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, Biden and Kennedy, Biden and Trump tie at 41 percent and Kennedy sucks up 16 percent of the vote. A Zogby survey conducted for the pro-Kennedy PAC American Values 2024 had similar findings, with Trump and Biden tied at 38 percent and with Kennedy garnering 19 percent of the vote. What's interesting is that when a generic independent candidate was polled against Trump and Biden, Trump actually won that race 40 percent to Biden's 38 percent, but when Kennedy - a prominent anti-vaxxer - was specifically asked about, he pulled support away from the Republican ex-president. 'Based on that, today we have some votes taken away from Trump - but there is still over a year out and considering the American political landscape, and geopolitical hot spots, a lot can happen between today and election day,' pollster Jeremy Zogby told DailyMail.com. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s announcement Monday to run for president as an independent complicates the presidential race, with early surveys showing him tying up the race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump Additionally, the numbers shake out differently in the Fox poll. In that survey, Biden was one point ahead of Trump if just the two of them were on the ballot - with 49 percent for Biden and 48 percent for Trump. When Kennedy was added, Biden lost that edge and he and Trump tied. But a two or three-way general election isn't likely, because academic Cornel West has already entered the fray and will likely appear as the Green Party's candidate on the 2024 general election ballot. Fox did not test what a four-way race looked like, but instead weighed how West's bid would impact Biden's and Trump's. West does more damage to Biden than Kennedy, the Fox poll found, as West attracts the left-wing of the Democratic Party, as he was politically aligned with Sen. Bernie Sanders during the last two presidential election cycles. In that three-way race, Trump wins with the support of 45 percent of the electorate, while Biden gets 43 percent and West grabs 9 percent of the vote. Fox found that independents were more likely to go for Kennedy, 41 percent, than West, 28 percent - and that was detrimental to Trump, who performs 9 percent better among independents against West than when Kennedy is in the picture. 'A lot of pundits and practitioners speculate West would draw from Biden and Kennedy would draw from Trump,' Republican pollster Daron Shaw said. 'That may prove out over the long run, but third party or independent candidates tend to draw disproportionately from those who are more independent and less engaged, and that checks out in this poll.' Part of the speculation is thanks to another poll, this one from Quinnipiac University, that found that Kennedy was viewed the most favorably by Republicans. Forty-eight percent of Republicans polled had a favorable view of Kennedy, while just 14 percent of Democrats said they liked him. Among independents, 38 percent said they viewed Kennedy favorably, while 37 percent had an unfavorable view of him. A Kennedy 2024 bus is parked outside his campaign rally Thursday in Miami, Florida. Early polling on his independent presidential run shows that he ties the race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump A Quinnipiac University poll from earlier this month showed that Republicans have a more favorable view of Kennedy than Democrats, despite Kennedy previously running in the Democratic primary The biggest hurdle for any presidential candidate is ballot access - essentially will their name appear on the 2024 general election ballot in every state. That's why traditional candidates will usually run in the Democratic or Republican primary because those two parties have reserved space on ballots across the nation. But so do some lesser-known parties including the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. The moderate political group, No Labels, is working to secure a spot on ballots across the nation and will decide in April whether to field a candidate. The New York Times reported last month on a previously undisclosed meeting that Kennedy had in July with Angela McArdle, the chair of the Libertarian Party, stoking speculation that he could appear as their candidate on the ballot. Polling from NBC News conducted last month found that Biden was diminished when a Libertarian, a Green Party and a No Labels candidate all appeared on the ballot. Biden and Trump were tied at 46 percent support when it's just the two of them on the ballot. But when three extra candidates are added to the equation Biden loses to Trump 36 percent to 39 percent. In that scenario a libertarian candidate would take 5 percent of the electorate, a No Labels candidate would siphon away 5 percent and a Green Party candidate would get the support of 4 percent, the poll found. Pollsters didn't use West's name when asking respondents about a Green Party pick. Kennedy also wasn't tested as a candidate in this particular survey. Sickening footage released by Hamas allegedly shows the terrorists holding Israeli toddlers and children during the Saturday's shocking massacre. The video shows Hamas members holding the youngsters as they sit around a table. One is seen rocking a pram as an infant cries. Others are carrying the distressed children, rocking them and patting their backs. The footage was recorded as Hamas gunmen carried out their mass infiltration of Israel last Saturday, according to Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post. The attack saw Hamas, proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the US, burst through the heavily militarised border around the Gaza Strip and kill more than 1,300 people - most of them civilians - in an attack compared to 9/11 in the United States The group took an estimated 150 Israeli, foreign and dual national hostages back to Gaza during its initial attack. Hamas said on Friday that 13 of them had been killed in Israeli air strikes. It has previously said four hostages died in bombardments. Footage released by Hamas appears to show the terrorists holding Israeli toddlers and children during the Saturday's shocking massacre A Hamas gunman is seen carrying a distressed infant. The footage was recorded as Hamas carried out their mass infiltration of Israel last Saturday, according to Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post The video shows Hamas members holding the youngsters as they sit around a table A Hamas member pats an Israeli child's back while holding the youngster A Hamas member is seen rocking a pram as an infant cries Another Hamas member is seen apparently helping a child with their socks or shoes Israeli soldiers have swept the southern towns and kibbutz farming communities since Saturday. They said they found the bodies of 1,500 terrorists, as well as large numbers of civilians killed by Hamas fighters. Israeli ground forces have made 'localised' raids into Gaza in the last 24 hours to 'cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry' and try to find 'missing persons', the army said. Israel has called up 300,000 reservists while forces, tanks and heavy weapons have been moved to the southern desert area around Gaza. In fields along the border, artillery fires like clockwork with a deafening noise every 30 seconds towards barely visible targets in Gaza, shaking the earth. But any ground offensive is complicated by the presence of hostages, whom Hamas has threatened to kill one by one if bombardments are carried out without warning. Yossi Landau, who has 33 years' volunteer experience with Zaka, which recovers the bodies of people who suffered unnatural deaths, said in Beeri, just east of Gaza, he found a dead woman with her stomach 'ripped open, a baby was there, still connected with the cord, and stabbed'. They were among more than 100 people killed in Beeri, while around 270 were gunned down or burned in their cars at the nearby Supernova music festival. Hamas has denied that its fighters killed infants. Pictured: A Hamas gunman walking around the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Reim in the Negev desert in southern Israel on Saturday Pictured: Footage shared on social media appears to show Hamas terrorists parading victim Shani Louk's naked body on the back of a pick-up truck Pictured: An armed Hamas terrorist leading a man during the Supernova music festival A distressing image, shared in a pixellated form on the Israeli government's official Twitter page, showed scores of victims placed in body bags underneath a tent at the festival site Israel's military sent one evacuation order directly on Friday morning, telling the 1.1 million people living north of an area called Wadi Gaza to move south. This would mean the entire population of Gaza City and its surroundings fleeing their homes Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border since last Saturday's deadly incursion by Hamas. It came as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza today after Israel's military told some one million people to evacuate towards the southern part of the besieged territory, an unprecedented order ahead of an expected ground invasion against the ruling Hamas militant group. The United Nations warned that so many people fleeing en masse - almost half the Gaza population - would be calamitous, and it urged Israel to reverse the order. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City, the biggest city, even as Israeli strikes hammered neighbourhoods in southern Gaza. Hamas, which staged a shocking and brutal attack on Israel nearly a week ago and has fired thousands of rockets since, called on people to stay in their homes, saying the order was 'psychological warfare' to break their solidarity. The Palestinian envoy to the UN says his people's mass exit from northern Gaza under Israeli military orders may compare to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians amid the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation - an event that Palestinians call the 'nakba,' or catastrophe. Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the current flight 'potentially a second nakba' as he spoke to reporters at UN headquarters on Friday before a meeting of Arab countries' ambassadors. While the evacuation order involves the northern part of the territory, Mr Mansour said 'there is no place in Gaza that is safe'. He called for a ceasefire to allow food, medicine and water into the territory. In Jordan, after a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, King Abdullah II called for 'humanitarian corridors' to be opened urgently. Israeli soldiers carry the body of a victim of an attack by terrorists from Gaza at Kibbutz Kfar Aza Pictured: Photographs of some of the British Israelis who have been captured by Hamas on display in London Gunshots and blood stains are seen on a door and walls of a house where civilians were killed days earlier in an attack by Hamas on this kibbutz near the border with Gaza on Tuesday A baby's seat and child's dress is seen covered in blood in the aftermath of a Hamas attack Smoke and fire rise from an explosion after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, near the southern border. 70 were reported to have died in strikes while fleeing south at an undisclosed location Israel has given Palestinians 24 hours to leave the northern Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground offensive Palestinian militants fire rockets towards Israel from Rafah, on the southern Gaza Strip this evening Egypt's Foreign Ministry in a statement today condemned the Israeli army's decision to tell people in Gaza to evacuate. It said the move 'constitutes a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law, and will expose the lives of more than a million Palestinian citizens and their families to the dangers of remaining in the open without shelter'. In the statement, Egypt called on the UN Security Council, which was scheduled to meet on Friday, to stop the evacuation. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has shifted its Gaza centre of operations and some staffers to the territory's south, but many of the world body's 13,000 Gaza workers have chosen to remain in the north to continue helping people there, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday. The world body earlier warned of 'devastating humanitarian consequences' after the Israeli military told the entire population of northern Gaza to leave. Mr Dujarric said secretary-general Antonio Guterres and other UN officials have been working to try to get humanitarian aid into the sealed-off territory and to ensure that civilians are protected. Asked what it would take for aid to start flowing, the spokesperson said: 'What we need is the green light from the Israelis.' Hospitals are also struggling to cope with the dead and wounded from the relentless bombardment, and the health system was already 'at a breaking point', the World Health Organization said. Ashraf al-Qudra, from the Gaza health ministry, said hospitals were 'starting to lose capacity' and medicine was running out. This aerial view shows a house hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon on Friday Palestinians evacuate a wounded youth after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip on Friday Smoke plumes billow during Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on Thursday, October 12 Some 22,600 residential units have been destroyed in Gaza under Israel's bombardment Meanwhile, Israel faces a potential second front in the north after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon said it was 'fully prepared' to join Hamas in the war when the time was right. There has been cross-border fire in recent days, sparking concern about regional stability and prompting the United States to send additional munitions and its largest aircraft carrier. US President Joe Biden has warned other regional powers not to get involved. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin told Israel Friday US support was 'iron-clad'. Israel's arch foe Iran has long financially and militarily backed Hamas and praised its attack, but insists it was not involved. It comes at a time of soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran CIA made the admission in recent episode of Agency podcast, The Langley Files While revealing new details about the CIA rescue mission that inspired the Ben Affleck film Argo, the agency has for the first time acknowledged that the 1953 coup it backed in Iran was 'undemocratic'. The admission came in a recent episode of the CIA's podcast, The Langley Files, released about a month before the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel last weekend. The 1953 coup, backed by US and British intelligence and carried out by Iran's military, saw the overthrow of Iran's elected prime minister and cemented the monarchical rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. It comes at a time of soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran, over the Islamic Republic's rapidly advancing nuclear program, its aid to terror groups including Hamas, and its domestic crackdown on dissent. Other American officials have made similar remarks in the past, but the CIA's acknowledgment in a podcast about the agency's history comes as much of its official history of the coup remains classified 70 years after the putsch. Farah Pahlavi (the Empress Consort of Iran), Rosalynn Carter, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (the Shah of Iran), and US President Jimmy Carter attend an event at the White House in 1977 Bryan Cranston and Ben Affleck appear in the 2012 movie Argo A tank is clambered onto by demonstrators in the streets of Tehran during the coup in 1953 That complicates the public's understanding of an event that still resonates, and which remains a sore point in Iran, where the Shah is remembered, perhaps unfairly, as an American 'puppet'. The 'CIA's leadership is committed to being as open with the public as possible,' the agency said in a statement. 'The agency's podcast is part of that effort - and we knew that if we wanted to tell this incredible story, it was important to be transparent about the historical context surrounding these events, and CIA's role in it.' In response to questions from the AP, Iran's mission to the United Nations described the 1953 coup as marking 'the inception of relentless American meddling in Iran's internal affairs' and dismissed the US acknowledgments. 'The US admission never translated into compensatory action or a genuine commitment to refrain from future interference, nor did it change its subversive policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran,' the mission said in a statement. The CIA's podcast, called 'The Langley Files' as its headquarters is based in Langley, Virginia, focused two recent episodes on the story of the six American diplomats' escape. While hiding at the home of the Canadian ambassador to Iran, a two-man CIA team entered Tehran and helped them fly out of the country while pretending to be members of a crew scouting for a made-up science fiction film. The caper was retold in the 2012 Academy Award-winning film 'Argo' directed by and starring Ben Affleck. Known unofficially as the 'Canadian Caper,' the mission is one of the CIA's biggest successes -- but in the Hollywood version, Affleck played CIA officer Antonio 'Tony' Mendez as a solo officer pulling off the rescue. The podcast for the first time identified the second CIA officer who accompanied Mendez, naming him as agency linguist and exfiltration specialist Ed Johnson. Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Palhavi and Empress Farah Palhavi are seen at their 1959 wedding. The CIA now officially describes the 1953 coup it backed in Iran, which overthrew its elected prime minister and cemented the Shah, as undemocratic Pictured: Students burn an American flag after storming the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, during the revolution that overthrew the shah and resulted in the hostage crisis Ben Affleck (left) is seen with Tony Mendez, the CIA officer he portrayed in Argo. The identity of the second CIA officer who was on the rescue mission has been revealed The admission came in a podcast revealing new details about the CIA rescue mission that inspired the Ben Affleck film Argo, seen above The CIA has identified Ed Johnson as the second officer involved in the Argo mission. Above, Johnson (right) is seen being presented with CIAs Intelligence Star by then-Deputy Director for Operations John N. McMahon, in a photo provided by Johnson's family Though the CIA has long acknowledged a second officer was vital to the mission, his identity was cloaked in secrecy at the request of Johnson, who never sought public recognition for his role, and had been known publicly by the pseudonym 'Julio.' 'Working with the six - these are rookies,' Johnson recounts in an interview aired by the podcast. 'They were people who were not trained to lie to authorities. They werent trained to be clandestine, elusive.' But in the podcast another brief exchange focuses on the 1953 coup in Iran. In it, CIA spokesman and podcast host Walter Trosin cites the claims of agency historians that the majority of the CIA's clandestine activities in its history 'bolstered' popularly elected governments. 'We should acknowledge, though, that this is, therefore, a really significant exception to that rule,' Trosin says of the 1953 coup. CIA historian Brent Geary, appearing on the podcast, agrees. 'This is one of the exceptions to that,' Geary says. Seven decades later, the 1953 coup remains as hotly debated as ever by Iran, its theocratic government, historians and others. Iran's hardline state television spent hours discussing the coup that toppled Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh on its anniversary in June. In their telling, a straight line leads from the coup to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ultimately toppled the fatally ill shah. It still fuels the anti-Americanism that colors decisions made by the theocracy, whether in arming Russia in its war on Ukraine or alleging without evidence that Washington fomented the recent nationwide mass protests in Iran. Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh rides on the shoulders of cheering crowds in Tehran's Majlis Square in 1951. The CIA backed the military coup that ousted Mossadegh in 1953 The 1953 Iranian coup d'etat, known in Iran as the 28 Mordad coup d'etat, was the US- and British-instigated, Iranian army-led overthrow of the democratically elected Prime Minister Pro-Mosaddegh protests are seen in Tehran in August 1953 From the US side, the CIA's hand in the coup quickly was revealed as a success of Cold War espionage, though historians in recent years have debated just how much influence the agency's actions had. It also led the CIA into a series of further coups in other countries, including Guatemala, where American clandestine action in 1954 installed a military dictator and sparked a 40-year civil war that likely killed some 245,000 people. That's led to an American political reappraisal of the 1953 CIA action in Iran. Then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright acknowledged the 'significant role' the US played in the coup in 2000. President Barack Obama, speaking in Cairo in 2009, described the CIA's work as leading to the 'overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government.' But largely absent from the discussion was the CIA itself. After years of conflicting versions of the coup both in public and classified papers, a member of the CIA's own in-house team of historians wrote a reappraisal of the operation in a 1998 paper titled 'Zendebad, Shah!' in Farsi - or 'Long Live the Shah!' But despite a series of American historical documents being made public, including a major tranche of State Department papers in 2017, large portions of that CIA reappraisal remain heavily redacted despite attempts to legally pry them loose by the George Washington University-based National Security Archive. That's even after pledges by former agency directors Robert Gates and James Woolsey Jr. in the 1990s to release documents from that coup and others engineered by the agency. Further complicating any historical reckoning is the CIA's own admission that many files related to the 1953 coup likely had been destroyed in the 1960s. 'It's wrong to suggest that the coup operation itself has been fully declassified. Far from it,' said Malcolm Byrne of the National Security Archive. 'Important parts of the record are still being withheld, which only contributes to public confusion and encourages myth-making about the US role long after the fact.' Leading No campaigner and Country Liberal Party Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says she is 'quietly confident' voters will vote against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. More than 7000 booths opened across all states at 8am on Saturday and will remain available for Australians to cast their vote right until 6pm. A Newspoll found No at 57 per cent and Yes at 37 per cent - a late three-per-cent swing to the Yes camp. Speaking on Sunrise just after 8am, Ms Price said she is 'quietly confident' the referendum will go in her favour but said she did not want to 'take anything for granted'. 'There is still a push to make sure that Australians are voting toward the 'No' vote as opposed to supporting this empty voice proposal change in our Constitution,' she said. Jacinta Price revealed she is 'quietly confident' the No campaign will succeed Senator Price said there were 'a lot of red flags' with the fact Prime Minister Anthony Albanese failed to 'show any detail whatsoever as to how voting yes is supposed to change anybody's life'. She said Aussies need to understand the vote 'is not the only way forward'. 'I don't think we should be dividing ourselves along the lines of race,' Senator Price said. 'The Constitution belongs to every single Australian and we need to come together as Australians and I'm there with others to ensure that we will put hard work to bring about outcomes that this government is failing to do.' READ MORE: Fiery moment Anthony Albanese blows up over a simple question about what happens if Australia votes No at Voice referendum The Prime Minister launched a final Voice campaign sprint across multiple NSW polling booths flanked by his son Nathan, 22, and partner Jodie Haydon on Saturday Advertisement Linda Burney: Voice vote a chance to change history Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney has made a major call on The Voice just minutes before polls were set to open for the landmark referendum. Ms Burney appeared on ABC News 24 just minutes before the booths opened, as she stood outside a polling booth in Brighton-Le-Sands, in Sydney's south. She said she was committed to working until 6pm Saturday to convince as many people to vote Yes. 'You have a chance to change history in this country,' she told the ABC. LINDA BURNEY 'You have a chance to make Australia a better nation and get better outcomes for Aboriginal people.' Ms Burney said it was 'unacceptable' that the life expectancy of Aboriginal people is as low as 42 in some areas, while suicide rates are twice as high. 'Every Australian today has a chance to change that. That's by voting Yes in this referendum,' she said. The Indigenous Australians Minister said she was determined on the referendum succeeding, saying the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were a 'national shame'. 'The good thing is that everyone agrees on that,' she said. 'This is people's opportunity, we know one in five voters are still to make up their mind. This is everyone's opportunity to actually change those outcomes.' Record number of early voters A record number of Australians have already voted in the Voice referendum as the campaign enters its final hours. More than 5.4 million votes had been cast as of midday Friday at early voting centres around the country. The AEC has warned anyone who does not cast a vote will not only miss out on their opportunity but also risk being fined. To sweeten the deal, the AEC says many booths will have a BBQ or cake stall running. It's also called on the some 2 million Australians who applied for a postal vote and have not yet returned it to do so as soon as possible. Australians are heading to the polls to vote on whether to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body, the Voice, in the Constitution. It is the first referendum to be held since 1999. While the polls initially favoured the Yes campaign, polls published in the lead up to referendum date have indicated Australians are likely to vote No. For the referendum to be successful, a majority of voters in a majority of states must vote Yes. In his final appeal to voters, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said if Australia would 'feel better' about itself if it voted Yes. 'We have an opportunity for Australians to do better. To do better to show respect for the First Australians, but to do something for ourselves as well,' he told reporters on the hustings in Adelaide. But opposition leader Peter Dutton said he anticipated the vote would fail. 'The PM made a catastrophic mistake not providing the detail to Australians - he's instinctively won their hearts because Australians do want better outcomes for Indigenous Australia, but he hasn't won their minds,' Mr Dutton told ABC Radio. The vote count will start as soon as polls close at 6pm on Saturday. A controversial San Francisco progressive lawmaker has quit X, claiming he no longer feels safe after Elon Musk targeted him - but locals claim he's really left over outrage about his stance on the Israel massacre. Dean Preston announced his plans to quit the social media site formerly known as Twitter earlier this week - and blamed a personal attack by its billionaire owner for driving him off. Musk and other San Franciscans say Preston's progressive policies have contributed to the ruination of the city, now a byword for open drug-taking, ram-raids and violent crime. But many critics believe Preston is using the Musk excuse to deflect outrage over his Democrat Socialists of America party's outrageous stance on the Israel massacre by Hamas. That saw the DSA effectively-blame the Jewish state for the bloodbath that killed more than 1,000. The most outrageous part of their screed said: 'Violent oppression inevitably produces resistance. Socialists support the Palestine people's, and all people's right to resist and fight for their own liberation. This weekend's events are no different. Decolonization is the only path towards peace.' There is no suggestion Preston himself was behind the tweets, although he is the best-known figurehead for the DSA in San Francisco. Dean Preston on Friday announced he was quitting X, after Elon Musk called for him to face prison over his policies on San Francisco. Preston, a member of the DSA, has also been criticized this week for failing in his initial remarks to condemn Hamas The DSA, whose members advocate for progressive policies and community-led policing, has also backed pro-Palestine marches in the United States this week, most notably in New York City. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, prominent DSA members of Congress, disavowed the DSA's stance on the Hamas attack, condemning their rhetoric about 'occupation and apartheid' and their calls for a 'ceasefire' with the terrorists. In Michigan, Rep. Shri Thanedar officially renounced his DSA membership, saying in a statement on Wednesday that he won't 'associate with an organization unwilling to call out terrorism in all its forms.' Preston, unlike Ocasio-Cortez, Bowman and Thanedar, has not addressed the DSA's stance, to the anger of some. Noa Argamani was kidnapped by Hamas fighters on Saturday after being manhandled on a motorbike and driven across the desert He initially this week made a public statement condemning attacks on civilians - but did not explicitly speak out against the attacks by Hamas. He later in the week did condemn Hamas. On Friday, he told The San Francisco Chronicle that he was deleting his account on X. Musk on September 22 declared: 'Dean Preston needs to be fired. He is arguably the person most responsible for the destruction of San Francisco.' Musk on September 29 tweeted, in response to Preston's plan to bar armed security guards from unholstering their weapons to protect property: 'Dean Preston should go to prison.' And on October 3, Musk added: 'Dean Preston should be in prison for what he's done to San Francisco.' Preston on Friday said he had had enough. 'It's a reality check that it's not a safe or productive place to share my thoughts,' Preston said. 'Twitter has been overwhelmed by trolls and disinformation since Musk took over. With the owner of the site calling for me to be jailed, it became clearer it was time to move to a new platform.' Preston has previously hit back at Musk's criticism. In a statement on his website last month, Preston called Musk a 'billionaire fascist.' Preston is not the only San Francisco supervisor to leave X. Supervisor Shamann Walton said last year that he would leave the platform when Musk took over, and three other supervisors - Myrna Melgar, Hillary Ronen and Connie Chan - either deleted their accounts or stopped using them. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his campaign for the Voice to Parliament by lashing out over a question about what happens to the Uluru Statement from the Heart should Australia vote No. During a final campaign plea at Balmain Public School alongside his partner Jodie Haydon, the PM was asked whether he would still fulfil his promise to implement the statement if the Yes campaign lost. A visibly irritated Mr Albanese hit out: 'Once again, from the media, we get a question sent through looking to talk about something that this referendum isn't about. 'Can we concentrate between now and 6pm on what people are voting for? 'Can we just do that? That is an example - I'm not - not personal here - but that is an example of what's been happening.' The three principles of the Uluru Statement were an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, a truth-telling process and an eventual treaty between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. More than 7,000 booths opened across six states and the two mainland territories at 8am on Saturday and will remain available for Australians to cast their vote right until 6pm. The Yes campaign requires both a national majority - a majority vote of the entire Australian voting population - and a majority of four of the six states in order to win the referendum. Mr Albanese is expected to address the nation no matter what the outcome of the poll. A Newspoll on Saturday found a late swing to the Yes campaign of three per cent - up to 37 points - but that the nation is likely to vote No, which polled at 57 per cent. The Prime Minister launched a final Voice campaign sprint across multiple NSW polling booths flanked by his son Nathan, 22, and partner Jodie Haydon on Saturday Mr Albanese campaigns with his partner Jodie Haydon at a voting booth in Dapto, near Wollongong, NSW, on Saturday Vote No campaigners are seen canvassing outside a polling centre in Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, on Saturday Polling booths are open across the country until 6pm The PM also appeared emotional as he addressed reporters, volunteers and voters at the polling booth to mark the historic day and make a final plea for Australians to vote Yes in the referendum. 'This is not a radical proposition,' he said. 'This is a hand outstretched in friendship from the First Australians to every Australian, just asking for it to be grasped in that spirit of reconciliation and friendship.' He used the opportunity to poke holes in the No campaign, claiming they have no 'legitimate critique' of the referendum. 'There has been a lot of nonsense said over recent months during this campaign,' he said. READ MORE: The consequences of not turning up to the polls Voters show up in their swimmers at a polling booth in Bondi Advertisement 'The fact that the No campaign wants to talk about everything but what is on the ballot paper says that there is no legitimate critique of what people are actually voting for.' Lidia Thorpe's fiery statement Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe lashed a fiery statement after casting her vote for the Voice referendum in Melbourne The progressive No campaigner, and 'Blak Sovereign' movement representative, said it was a sad day. She said the only suitable outcome from this referendum was a No vote and said she'd like to see Australia move towards treaty rather than an Voice enshrined in our Constitution. 'Racism is a cancer. Racism is a illness, it makes people sick. So this referendum has shown where the cancer is in this country, and where we need to heal this country where we need to put out efforts as a nation to stamp out this ugly thing called racism,' she said. Lidia Thorpe said it was a 'sad day' as she pushed for a No vote campaigning in Melbourne Michaelia Cash slams Anthony Albanese, claims he is dividing nation Michaelia Cash has lashed out at Anthony Albanese declaring he had to take personal responsibility for 'dividing the nation.' Speaking from Perth, Senator Cash said regardless of the result tonight, Mr Albanese owed an explanation to the public and called for a probe into government funding. 'Mr. Albanese decided to pursue politics over good policy and tomorrow he needs to to explain to the Australian people why he chose to go down this path. It has been a very traumatic last 12 months for the majority of Australian people,' Senator Cash said earlier. 'We need to do what we all want to do, and that is achieve the best possible outcome for our most disadvantaged Australians. That starts with an audit of the $30 billion a year that we fund out of Canberra,' she said. 'Tomorrow our focus needs to be on uniting the country and moving forward together.' Penny Wong: Australia needs 'unity' Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it's difficult to win a referendum when views are split but pressed that unity was 'good for all of us.' Senator Wong said she voted Yes because 'nothing to fear and so much to gain.' 'This is all about bringing the country together,' she said. 'I've had the benefit of travelling to lots of parts of Australia and talking with so many Australians from so many parts of the country, different walks of life - young, old, different faiths, were united in a desire for reconciliation and to move forward.' Linda Burney admits 'butterflies' Indigenous Affairs minister and leading Yes campaigner Linda Burney said Australians agreed the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a 'national shame'. 'This is people's opportunity to change that,' she said. The minister said she had butterflies in her stomach, and was hopeful a 'yes' vote will lead to greater outcomes for Indigenous people. "If this is a successful referendum, the closing-the-gap targets will be turbocharged," she said. "We have worked incredibly hard. We've knocked on thousands of doors, rung thousands of phones." Australians Vote In Indigenous Voice To Parliament Referendum Australian Electoral Commission hits out Australia's Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers has urged Voice campaigners to stop harassing voters outside voting booths while flagging 'nutty' conspiracy theories. Mr Rogers said for the most part voting has been 'very orderly' but conceded there had been some bad behavior. 'We've had some disappointing activities, particularly outside the polling places and some of our voters have been hassled by some of the campaigners,' Mr Rogers said. Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said she had 'butterflies' when she voted on Saturday morning, as she made a final urge to one in five Aussies who are still undecided to vote Yes. 'Today is a truly historic day in this country,' Ms Burney said. 'There are one in five voters that are still to make up my own mind, and they will vote today, and I want those people to vote yes.' 'Yes, for a positive future. For this country. Yes, for a unified country, going forward. And most importantly, yes to better outcomes for First Nations people.' Gaza is bracing for invasion after 1.2 million civilians were told to flee for their lives. Israeli military drones dropped flyers throughout the day yesterday demanding that Palestinians evacuate the northern half of the strip 'within 24 hours' or risk being caught in a military escalation. The IDF then launched its first 'localised' raids into Gaza, deploying columns of Merkava main battle tanks alongside infantry into the tired enclave in search of hostages taken in the surprise attack by Hamas a week ago. Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would 'never forget this atrocity' and warned 'this is just the beginning'. 'We will end this war stronger than ever. We will destroy Hamas,' he said. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant added his defence forces would take Hamas 'out of Gaza and out of the Earth' and 'effect permanent change' in the territory. In a statement, the IDF said it would 'operate significantly' within Gaza City 'in the coming days', telling Palestinians: 'You will only be able to return to Gaza when another announcement permitting it is made.' Israel was accused of breaking international law over the sudden order to leave, with aid agencies warning such an unprecedented evacuation was impossible. The United Nations urged Israel to withdraw the demand and said it would have 'devastating humanitarian consequences'. World leaders came together to condemn Israel's hurried evacuation of a civilian population reeling from a week of near-constant bombardment. US President Joe Biden - who has remained staunchly supportive of Israel - urged Israel not to 'lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks'. Russia - seldom in agreement - compared Israel's siege of Gaza to the Nazi siege of Leningrad. A column of Merkava main battle tanks deployed along the border with Gaza on October 13 Israeli Merkava battle tanks deploy along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on October 13, 2023, as battles continue for the seventh consecutive day Israeli forces are amassing on the border with Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion Smoke billows over Gaza City on October 13, a bleak scene as Palestinians try to flee an anticipated ground invasion by Israeli forces More than 300 children have been killed and 300,000 displaced since Israel launched sustained retaliatory air attacks on Gaza Palestinians grabbed bags and desperately tried to save the lives of their loved ones, leaving their homes behind as Israeli main battle tanks crossed into Gaza, on October 13, 2023 Riding a donkey drawn cart as family along with hundreds of other Palestinian carrying their belongings flee following the Israeli army's warning to leave their homes and move south Cars made a desperate exodus south ahead of an anticipated Israeli invasion A Palestinian girl among the cars fleeing Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion Hamas, meanwhile, accused Israel of 'psychological warfare' and urged Palestinians not to flee. They told residents to 'remain steadfast in your homes and to stand firm in the face of this disgusting psychological war waged by the occupation'. But an exodus was already under way following a week of air strikes and blockades in retaliation for last Saturday's Hamas raids that left more than 1,300 dead. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City. On day seven of the war: The UN's refugee agency warned that Gaza faced a 'bone-chilling' humanitarian crisis; Iran told Israel 'new fronts' would open up if it continued 'war crimes' in Gaza; Hamas claimed 13 hostages were killed in Israeli air strikes, including foreign nationals a claim denied by Israel; Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said it was 'very likely' British nationals were among the hostages; The death toll in Gaza rose to 1,900 since Israel's retaliatory strikes began; Israel released further harrowing images of atrocities committed during the Hamas raids; In Britain, some Jewish schools closed their doors amid fear of attacks following a Hamas call for protests; Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned a 'disgusting' rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the UK as 1,000 extra police readied themselves for a London demonstration today; Britain was accused of botching repatriation flights for its nationals. Flyers dropped by the IDF warning residents to flee are seen in the skies above Gaza today Palestinians make the perilous journey south from the southern Gaza Strip, October 13, 2023 Some 1.2mn were ordered to evacuate parts of Gaza - around half the total population Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City Palestinians fleeing from northern Gaza to the south after Israel issued an unprecedented evacuation warning to a population of over 1mn people in northern Gaza and Gaza City Some 300,000 people had already been displaced by the war - within fewer than seven days Israel said its defence forces would 'operate significantly in Gaza City' in the coming days, suggesting a ground assault was imminent. It said it would take 'extensive efforts' to avoid harm to civilians, but that Hamas terrorists were hiding in tunnels underneath houses and civilian infrastructure and would use anyone who remained as human shields. It demanded the evacuation of a vast swathe of northern Gaza, including the Hamas stronghold of Gaza City. Civilians were ordered to flee to the south of the 25-mile long territory effectively forcing the entire two million population into an area half the size of the Isle of Wight. As night fell, Hamas claimed 70 people, including women and children, had been killed in Israeli air strikes on those fleeing the de facto capital. Before his wife Akshata Murty lit a candle in the window of Downing Street, Mr Sunak said Israel had 'every right to defend itself', but stressed that civilian safety must be 'paramount in our minds', joining a host of Western leaders who have urged caution as things threaten to spiral out of control. Speaking to the media after talks with allies in Sweden, Mr Sunak highlighted how he had urged his Israeli counterpart during a conversation late on Thursday that any action needed to 'protect civilians' caught in the crossfire. Yesterday there were clashes and panic across the region ahead of the possible full-scale offensive. In the West Bank, 11 people were killed in uprisings on a 'day of rage' called by Hamas leaders. Residents in scores of Israeli towns and cities were repeatedly ordered into bunkers as the terrorists blasted rockets across the border. In the north of the country, Iran-backed Hezbollah sent missiles into the Israeli border town of Hanita, forcing Israel to respond by firing into Lebanon. Senior EU officials and Israeli president Isaac Herzog were forced to seek cover in protected shelters as air-raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv. Incredibly, amid a massive security operation, suspected Hamas terrorists are still being found in Israel. Sky News, reporting from the site of the Nova festival atrocity, saw a knife-wielding man it believed was a Hamas fighter who has been hiding since Saturday. He was stripped, blindfolded and handcuffed. Gaza continues to endure devastating strikes from above - on October 13, 2023 Smoke rises above buildings, in the southern Gaza Strip, following an Israeli strike, on Friday October 13, 2023 Palestinians with their belongings flee to safer areas in Gaza City after Israeli air strikes, on October 13, 2023 A Palestinian man runs amid the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli air strike on October 13 A child carrying an infants car seat evacuates Gaza City following an Israeli warning of increased military operations in the Gaza strip, 13 October 2023 As civilians in Gaza gather what possessions they can, international onlookers have urged Israel to reconsider, judging the 24-hour notice 'impossible' to work around. Both the United Nations and the World Health Organisation have urgently called on Israel to revoke the evacuation order, saying it will result in a humanitarian disaster whether people can flee or not. With power supplies cut and food and water in the Palestinian enclave depleted, time is running out for Gaza's civilian population - who now also face cuts to humanitarian aid from abroad. 'The noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening. How are 1.1 million people supposed to move across a densely populated warzone in less than 24 hours?' U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths wrote on social media. A statement from the World Health Organisation said: 'WHO joins the wider United Nations in appealing to Israel to immediately rescind orders for the evacuation of over 1 million people living north of Wadi Gaza. 'A mass evacuation would be disastrousfor patients, health workers and other civilians left behind or caught in the mass movement.' More than 80 per cent of Gaza's population rely on humanitarian aid - which the EU said it would 'review' earlier this week - and most lack access to a vehicle. The desperate exodus south has not guaranteed the safe passage of Gazans out of the firing line. Hamas' media office said today that 70 people, mostly women and children, were killed in the air raids on cars leaving Gaza City. Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Friday evening that Israel had given Al Awda Hospital in Gaza 'just two hours to evacuate', causing panic in one of the most vulnerable spaces. 'Our staff are still treating patients,' the group wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'We unequivocally condemn this action, the continued indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks on health care in Gaza. We are trying to protect our staff and patients.' The group, named Doctors Without Borders in English, is a charity that provides humanitarian medical care. The International Committee of the Red Cross said Gazans had 'nowhere safe to go' and it was 'impossible' for them to know which areas 'will next face attack'. With a military siege in place, humanitarian organisations 'will not be able to assist such a massive displacement of people in Gaza'. Life saving machines running on generators are soon expected to stop working across the strip as doctors work around the clock to save the lives of men, women and children swept into the conflict. Ashraf Al Qidra, spokesperson of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, explained that Israel's decision to blockade Gaza under 'total siege' was pushing 'our medical operation into a precarious situation'. He said that without quick action to restore power, hospitals faced 'huge loss of these lives'. US President Joe Biden, who has repeatedly given staunch support for Israel, said that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a 'priority'. 'We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas's appalling attacks, and they're suffering as a result as well,' Biden said during a speech in Philadelphia. Earlier the White House said the evacuation demand was a 'tall order'. Even Saudi Arabia broke its silence on Friday to urge Israel to relent, denouncing the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and attacks on 'defenceless civilians' - its strongest language criticising Israel since the war broke out. Riyadh 'affirms its categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza, and its condemnation of the continued targeting of defenceless civilians there,' the foreign ministry said in a statement. The comments come in spite of attempts - mediated by US President Joe Biden - to facilitate normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a move unfavourable to Hamas. The United Nations said it had been informed of the order shortly before midnight but as thousands of people streamed southwards in cars and on foot, the Israeli army admitted that the evacuation would 'take time'. Two-month-old Muhammad Al-Khayyat baby dies in the hospital despite all the efforts as a result of the Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza on October 13, 2023 Medics in Gaza say time is running out for a population on life support as generators struggle to keep the power on for essential machines. Pictured: doctors examine a child at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis Gaza has been reduced largely to rubble, with tens of thousands of residential buildings destroyed Gaza City (pictured) and the rest of the north has been urged to try to move south - which onlookers say will be 'impossible' and result in 'humanitarian catastrophe' The Saudi statement was published as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Riyadh as part of a six-nation tour of Arab countries. US officials have appeared to backtrack on earlier efforts to let Gazans flee to neighbouring Egypt, saying they did not see wide support, and have instead promoted the idea of 'safe areas' within Gaza. Britain's Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also appealed on Friday for the creation of a humanitarian corridor and convoy in Gaza where, he said, more than two million civilians, half of them children, were facing a catastrophe. 'But in the face of a ground offensive in Gaza, I plead that the sins of Hamas are not borne by the citizens of Gaza, who themselves have faced such suffering over many decades. 'The price of evil cannot be paid by the innocent. Civilians cannot bear the costs of terrorists,' he said in a statement. Terrified families fled their homes in Gaza yesterday as aid agencies warned that it was being reduced to a 'hellhole'. Women carried children in their arms as they fled on foot, fear and desperation etched on their faces and their belongings piled high on trucks and donkey carts. Families ignored official pleas from Hamas for them to stay in their homes and instead began an extraordinary flight into the unknown. Many said they had no idea where they would go, only that they were desperate to leave before neighbouring Israel escalated its military retaliation for last Saturday's terror attacks. Civilians have already endured a week of punishing airstrikes that have seen entire neighbourhoods obliterated and killed 1,900 people. Meanwhile Israel's soldiers, tanks and guns continued to mass on the border, prompting fears an invasion could begin at any moment. Smoke billows following Israeli strikes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza, October 13, 2023 Thousands were hurried to evacuate the north of Gaza ahead of an expected Israeli invasion Palestinians fleeing from northern Gaza to the south on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 Palestinians in Gaza City flee for their lives after Israel's evacuation order for the north Queues of traffic were pictured trying to leave Gaza City - an evacuation order the UN said was 'impossible' to fully achieve Smoke rises above buildings in the Gaza Strip, following an Israeli airstrike, on October 13 Its military might included huge armoured bulldozers capable of ripping buildings apart to clear a path for troops and tanks. Aid agencies said the unprecedented evacuation was impossible, and would have to include refugee camps containing tens of thousands who have already fled. The Israeli military had ordered much of the population in the northern part of the territory to move south below the Wadi Gaza. It means that more than a million people from the north must now cram into the southern part of this 25 mile-long strip of land. The World Health Organisation said evacuating those with severe injuries would amount to a 'death sentence'. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, said Gaza was 'fast becoming a hellhole and is on the brink of collapse'. Huge queues of traffic formed as thousands tried to head south, amid reports Hamas had blocked roads. Those who had already reached the south said they were still under fire. A family of 16 who had reached Khan Yunis said they were crammed into a house with 60 others, and said they were British. A man who gave his name as Mohammed told BBC Radio 4 he had fled with relatives including his father, 77, and three young children. He said: 'We got in our cars, and the babies were sleeping at 5am... We were running for our lives, there was a huge shelling. 'We are staying now in a home full of people evacuating as well. There is around 50 to 60 people in this house, but we are afraid for our lives. I'm not afraid for my life, I'm afraid for my children. We've been contacting the British consulate in London for the last five days and nobody knows what's going on they don't have any plan for how we are going to get out of here.' The Archbishop of Canterbury appealed for a humanitarian corridor in Gaza as civilians 'cannot bear the costs of terrorists'. Justin Welby condemned the Hamas attacks and said Israel's anger was 'entirely justified'. But he said more than two million civilians in Gaza faced a 'catastrophe'. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf said he believed the Government had placed a different value on Palestinian lives to those of Israelis. Mr Yousaf, whose mother-in-law is trapped in Gaza, said he was 'frustrated' by ministers' response and said they should put pressure on Israel to protect civilian lives. Israel's military response has seen Gaza's only power plant forced to shut after it ran out of fuel, leaving the territory without electricity or running water. Hospitals have been overwhelmed by casualties from the airstrikes, and can operate only using emergency generators that are also running out of fuel. Medicins San Frontieres said staff at one of its hospitals had been given only two hours to evacuate, while they were still treating patients. Palestinians have been left without fuel or power altogether since a siege started Monday Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the southern area of the coastal enclave ahead of a possible Israeli ground offensive An Israeli soldier directs a Merkava battle tank as it deploys with others tanks along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on October 13, 2023 Israel sends columns of tanks in to deploy along the border with the Gaza Strip ahead of a planned ground invasion Israel has bombarded Gaza's civilian population with airstrikes and artillery since Hamas launched a devastating attack on Saturday - and now stands poised for invasion The Norwegian Refugee Council, which works in Israel and with the Palestinians, said the Israeli demand for a mass evacuation was tantamount to a war crime. Its secretary general Jan Egeland said: 'The collective punishment of countless civilians, among them children, women and the elderly, in retaliation for acts of horrible terror undertaken by armed men, is illegal under international law.' Israel acknowledged its 24-hour deadline for the vast evacuation could prove unrealistic but continued to mass its soldiers and tanks close to the border. It said it would continue its blockade on fuel, food, water or medicines entering Gaza until Hamas freed all hostages taken in last Saturday's brutal attacks that killed 1,300 people. Taxi fares across the UK could rise by 20 per cent after a High Court ruled that companies, rather than drivers, are liable for contracts. The ruling, which came following a legal battle with Uber, means that taxi companies could be responsible for charging VAT, The Times reported. Under current rules, private hire operators do not pay VAT because the individual taxi drivers are classified as independent contractors. Therefore the firms do not meet the required earnings threshold of 85,000 annually. But the new ruling - which has been dubbed 'taxi tax' by industry insiders - could see firms liable for charing VAT. Uber has already raised its prices in response to the court ruling its operations in London could be viable for VAT. Meanwhile, taxi firms are calling on ministers to change the law to clarify that cab operators would be exempt from VAT. Taxi fares across the UK could rise by 20 per cent after a High Court ruled that companies, rather than drivers, are liable for contracts. The ruling, which came following a legal battle with Uber, means that taxi companies could be responsible for charging VAT (stock photo) The High Court case extended the ruling across the UK and to include both online operators and minicab firms where drivers take payment directly from customers, the newspaper reported. But industry leaders allege the ruling has 'sowed confusion' and could result in the collapse of smaller firms. Dave Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire and Taxi Association, argued that there has to be a 'clear distinction' between companies like Uber, that take money from customers up front, and small firms that take bookings on behalf of drivers who are then paid directly by the passenger. Mr Lawrie added that the ruling could possibly lead to the 'end of the self-employed business model at the expense of big firms like Uber'. He described the situation as a 'mess' and said that officials are in discussions with the Department for Transport in an effort to 'clear it up'. However, Mr Lawrie warned: 'If this doesn't happen then there is a risk that everyone will have to charge VAT.' Joseph Jones, who runs Door2Door taxis in Southampton, echoed Mr Lawrie's claims, stating that imposing VAT on fares directly impacts customers and drivers. He warned a 20 per cent increase in fares will leave some passengers unable to afford their services, which will then reduce drivers' earnings. Mr Jones suggested the change could 'easily see tens of thousands of people leaving the industry'. Meanwhile, taxi industry insiders say there is a 'huge' behind the scenes effort to get MPs to 'take the situation seriously'. A spokesperson for HM Revenue & Customs told The Times: 'It's always been the case that taxi and private hire vehicle fares are liable to VAT at the standard rate.' Police in the UK are on high alert over fears of a domestic terror attack after Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate from Gaza and Hamas terrorists called on sympathisers to engage in a 'day of jihad'. Khaled Meshaal, a former leader of the extremist group who now acts as a messenger to Palestinians living abroad, this week called on 'all scholars who teach jihad' to join what he called 'a moment for the application' - believed to be a call to arms. An extra 1,000 police officers were put on duty in London following Meshaal's comments - and while the UK's domestic terror alert level is unchanged it remains at 'substantial', suggesting an attack is thought to be likely. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said a 'very significant policing operation' was in place for the weekend ahead of an expected pro-Palestine march in the capital on Saturday. In remarks reported by the Mirror, he said: 'For the moment we are doing largely reassurance and protective security patrols but it would, of course, be absolutely remiss of us not to be working in the background from the counter terrorism policing perspective to understand should there be any increased threats.' Khaled Meshaal is a former leader of Hamas and now serves as its link with Palestinians living abroad An extra 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers are on the streets of London after the Hamas dispora chief issued the implicit call to arms Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said a 'very significant policing operation' was in place ahead of a pro-Palestine march in London on Saturday Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces in protests during the 'day of jihad' on Friday (pictured: protesters in the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank) Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of London earlier this week outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington READ MORE - Outrage as women tear down posters of children kidnapped by Hamas and shout 'This is for Palestine' Advertisement He added that counter-terror specialists were assessing whether Meshaal's comments were likely to incite violence or 'increase the likelihood of any attacks'. But tensions are high in the UK, particularly in areas with large Jewish populations, amid a rise in reports of antisemitic abuse following Hamas' incursion into Israel. In London, the Met has recorded 105 antisemitic incidents and 75 antisemitic offences in the time period from September 30 to October 13 - a sevenfold increase on the same time period in 2022. DAC Taylor said offences in the past week included intimidation outside synagogues and loud playing of German military music. The force plans to have visited every synagogue in the city by the end of today, and has met 2,000 parents as well as pupils and schools' leaders, amid worries about the safety of young people. Staff have checked on more than 200 schools and more than 300 synagogues, mosques and other places of worship. But supporters of both Israel and Palestine have already clashed in London, after police had to separate them in High Street Kensington Underground station, close to Israel's British embassy. Police had to hold back rival groups inside High Street Kensington Tube station on Monday In ugly scenes in London, people have been seen tearing down posters raising awareness of Israelis who are believed to have been abducted by Hamas and taken back to Gaza Police in Stamford Hill, north London, are shown a poster detailing the alleged kidnap of an Israeli woman at the hands of Hamas Pro-Palestine campaigners were also seen tearing down posters in London that called for the safe return of Israeli citizens that are believed to have been abducted by Hamas terrorists. And in another clip, a woman wearing a Palestinian flag sticker on her face allegedly filmed a Jewish man as she taunted: 'Aww, are all your people dead? Good.' The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, says that areas of London where anxieties are running particularly high will see increased police patrols over the weekend. READ MORE - Foreign students and academics who praise Hamas or commit anti-Semitic acts risk being expelled from Britain Advertisement Speaking to Sky News, he said: 'Since Saturday (the Hamas attack) the police have been having additional proactive policing in some of our communities where people are concerned. 'This weekend, during congregational prayers, the police will be inside the synagogues to show support to the communities but also to provide a contact point for any people who are concerned. 'If anybody is concerned I'd encourage you to ring your local police, ring 101 or go directly to 999 if it's an emergency. 'There will be additional police presence this weekend - police officers will be working longer shifts, leave being cancelled and so forth, to keep our city safe, and that includes of course, those (in) our community who are feeling particularly anxious.' In France, police broke out tear gas and water cannons to dispel a pro-Palestine process that was deemed illegal for security reasons; Germany has outlawed any expressions of support for Hamas. Saturday's protest in London comes against the backdrop of Israel's ultimatum to more than a million people living in the Gaza strip, telling them to evacuate to the south of the occupied territory ahead of an expected ground campaign in Gaza City. Israel is stepping up its retributal attacks on Hamas after militants carried out terror attacks on Israeli soil on Saturday, breaching the border to indiscriminately gun down innocents in the streets and at a music festival. Israel has issued an ultimatum to Palestinians in Gaza City - telling them to leave ahead of an expected ground invasion More than 1million Gazans live in the area that is set to be the focus of an expected Israeli ground assault in the coming days Families prepare to evacuate from Gaza City following the Israel Defence Force's ultimatum A boy carries a mattress on his back as Palestinians prepare to flee Gaza City ahead of an expected Israeli ground incursion Leaflets are dropped by the Israeli military over Gaza City, telling citizens to 'immediately' flee to the south The Palestinian group's incursions were condemned internationally, and the ensuing conflict has claimed the lives of more than 3,200 people in less than a week. The Israeli military said more than 1,300 people, including 222 soldiers, have been killed, while Gaza says another 1,800 people are dead within the territory. However, the country has also faced criticism for its all-or-nothing warning to Gazans ahead of an expected prolonged ground assault on Gaza City. Huge swathes of Gaza City have been levelled by recurring air strikes, and Israel has sealed the territory off from receiving food, water and medical supplies, as well as electricity. UN chief Antonio Guterres appealed for the protection of basic human rights and stressed that 'even wars have rules'. He added on Friday the situation in Gaza had reached 'a dangerous new low' and called for immediate humanitarian access through Gaza to get 'fuel, food and water to everyone in need.' In a video message released earlier this week, Hamas diaspora head Meshall called on those who supported Hamas to 'deliver a message...of anger...and that we are part of this battle' in the so-called 'day of jihad'. He added: 'To all scholars who teach jihad for the sake of God and whi preach the fighters and martyrs, to all who teach and learn, this is a moment for the application (of theories), so that our words are not just words.' While the so-called 'day of jihad' appears to have passed without major incident in the UK, a fatal attack on a school teacher in France has been linked to the Hamas chief's call to arms. Police in Paris reportedly intercepted another potential Hamas-inspired attack after they arrested a man with a knife; the incidents prompted the French government to raise the country's terror alert to its highest level. The UK has five levels of terror alert: low, moderate, substantial, severe and critical. Intelligence bosses at the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) assess the level on a regular basis, based on ongoing intelligence on terrorist groups, as well as the capabilities and intentions of groups that pose a direct threat to the UK at any time. Israel has continued to bombard Gaza City with aerial strikes throughout the week following Saturday's horrific incursion into Israel by Hamas terrorists The continued aerial barrage - seen here on Thursday - is expected to be followed by ground action by the IDF A column of Israeli tanks and armoured personnel carriers are seen moving along an area at Israel's border with Gaza on Friday Israel's retaliatory air strikes have reduced entire neighbourhoods of Gaza to rubble Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was doing 'everything we can to ensure the security of British citizens' after the Defence Secretary said it seemed 'very likely' that there are British hostages in Gaza. The UK Government had struggled to arrange repatriation flights from Israel but a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said on Friday evening that a government chartered flight has left Israel with further flights expected to leave in the coming days. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf called for an end to deaths in Gaza and for the international community to "step up", amid the evacuation orders. Mr Yousaf said there was "no justification for the death of innocent men, women and children". His in-laws are trapped in Gaza, and his wife Nadia El-Nakla has spoken of her torment at the prospect of her relatives living in a refugee camp with no food or water. Hamas terrorists planned to attack elementary schools and a youth center in an Israeli kibbutz, with the instructions to 'kill as many people as possible'. Documents found on the bodies of dead fighters at the Kfar Sa'ad kibbutz, obtained by NBC News, detail their horrifying intentions. An IDF soldier told NewsNation that he had seen plans stating: 'Hunt and kill everything that moves. Pets, animals. Babies, infants.' The soldier added: 'It is clear it was written for them and what we are seeing is proof of that.' It was not clear where he found the plans. The NBC plans from Kfar Sa'ad are labeled 'Top Secret' in Arabic, and feature maps and orders. Documents found on the bodies of dead Hamas terrorists detailed their plans to attack Kfar Sa'ad One document translated by NBC shows that 'Combat unit 1' was told to 'contain the new Da'at school'. The document instructs 'Combat unit 2' to 'collect hostages,' 'search the Bnei Akiva youth center' and 'search the old Da'at school.' Another page, NBC said, was labeled 'Top Secret Maneuver' and laid out Hamas' intentions to encircle the community, specifying how many jeeps and motorbikes should approach from each side. One unit was to take control of the east side of Kfar Sa'ad, while another holds the western line. The document orders the terrorists 'kill as many as possible' and 'capture hostages.' Other orders include surrounding a dining hall and holding hostages in it. Surveillance camera footage shows terrorists appearing to carry out the plan. Palestinians transport a captured Israeli civilian, center, from Kfar Aza kibbutz into the Gaza Strip on Saturday At least 260 were killed in the massacre while many are still missing either dead or taken hostage by the bloodthirsty militants The death toll from the kibbutz, home to 800 people only two miles from the Gaza border, is not yet known. In neighboring Kfar Aza, home to another 800, initial estimates suggest over 100 people were killed. IDF sources told NBC News that the terrorists had similarly detailed plans for attacking other kibbutz, with shocking specificity. The officials said it showed they deliberately sought out families and children. 'The dental office, the supermarket, the dining hall,' an Israel Defense Forces source said. 'The level of specificity would cause anyone in the intelligence field's jaw to drop.' An armed Palestinian militant is seen walking around the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Reim in the Negev desert in southern Israel One IDF official told NBC he was horrified by the detail in the planning, and the aim of ensuring maximum civilian casualties. 'I've never seen this kind of detailed planning' for a mass terrorist attack, he said. Shocking footage shows Hamas preparing an attempt at a rocket-launcher grenade meant to fire into the Kfar Aza kibbutz. The footage, obtained by South First Responders, shows the militant terrorist group as they go about their assault. 'There are men inside, be careful,' someone is heard yelling in Arabic in one of the videos, according to CNN. 'The fighters and the Mujahideen have killed them.' Another visual shows some of the militants next to a tree, preparing the rocket-launcher, which seems to be malfunctioning. Shocking footage shows Hamas preparing an attempt at a rocket-launcher grenade meant to fire into the Kfar Aza kibbutz amid their surprise attack that has killed 1,500 people so far 'What's wrong with it, what's the defect?,' a Hamas member asks. The clips show the Hamas fighters - armed with rifles and clad in bulletproof vests - walk through the kibbutz, with gunshots ringing out in the background. The bullet-riddled bodies of Israeli residents now lay in the grounds of the kibbutz among burned out houses, strewn furniture and torched cars. Solemn Israeli soldiers went from house to house to take away the scores of people massacred there. Israeli troops were going house to house to retrieve civilian bodies in body bags. They had not been able to take them before as they were still fighting gunmen and working through booby-traps. One soldier shouted: 'Tell the world what you saw here.' Soldiers were still securing the paths of the kibbutz, which had single-story houses with verandas, palm trees and banana plants, as bursts of gunfire and explosions could be heard in the distance. 'What the journalists saw today is a massacre: children, women and elderly who were butchered,' said Nir Dinar, an Israeli Defense Force spokesman. 'These are animals, worse than Isis.' He said that the casualties numbered in 'dozens', adding 'we are still counting'. The footage, obtained by South First Responders, shows the militant terrorist group as they go about their assault IDF Lotar unit soldiers are slowly checking the Kibbutz in Kfar Aza Soldiers crying at the sight of a family dining table on which there is still Challah bread from Friday's Kiddush IDF soldiers are still looking through Kfar Aza days after the massacre began Israel's military on Friday ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza within 24 hours. Suffering in Gaza has been rising dramatically, with Palestinians desperate for food, fuel and medicine - and the territory's only power plant shut down for lack of fuel. The morgue at Gaza's biggest hospital overflowed as bodies came in faster than relatives could claim them. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Israel on Friday, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7. A major security operation is underway today ahead of planned pro-Palestinian marches and a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the country. Scotland Yard has deployed more than 300 dedicated officers to police areas close to Jewish schools and a further 1,000 to reassure communities. The force said that there had been a 700 per cent increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the capital in the past two weeks when compared with the same period last year. And schools including Torah Vodaas Primary, Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary and Menorah High School in north London, announced yesterday they would not reopen until Monday. The Jewish News reported a further three orthodox Jewish schools had closed, while others had taken precautions such as cancelling detentions and dropping requirements to wear uniform with school logos. A Jewish mother-of-two from north London who asked not to be named said she would keep her children away from school while there was any risk of an anti-Semitic attack. Menorah High School in north London , announced yesterday they would not reopen until Monday The school in north London is one of several which has been closed Last night, the force said a Section 12 order had been issued from midday today ahead of the protest (Stock Image) Torah Vodaas Primary (pictured) and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary also closed their doors until Monday She said: 'When you see articles that Hamas have called for a global day of jihad for terror across multiple regions, I'm not taking the risk for my children. 'They're already pulling posters down of kidnapped Israeli children on the streets of London, so they clearly have support here in the UK. That's frightening.' Josh Howie, a married father-of-five from north London, said: 'I don't like walking down the road having to make sure my Star of David is in and I'm unlikely to go to synagogue today.' The 47-year-old said: 'Dropping off your kids at school shouldn't feel like an act of bravery.' Thousands of people are expected in central London today for a planned pro-Palestinian march, with the Met deploying more than 1,000 officers for the protest. There have been at least 105 anti-Semitic incidents and 75 offences since September 30, compared with 14 incidents and 12 offences during the same period last year, according to Met figures. Last night, the force said a Section 12 order had been issued from midday today ahead of the protest. Starting at Portland Place at 12pm, protesters will march through London before finishing in Whitehall at about 3pm. A Met spokesman said participants 'must not deviate from the route below or they may be subject to arrest'. A Section 12 order under the Public Order Act 1986 relates to 'imposing conditions on public processions'. An Australian man has revealed his terrifying ordeal after he was forced to leave his partner behind in Israel as he fled the war-torn country on a repatriation flight. Speaking from Heathrow Airport on Saturday, Blake Jory described his conflicting emotions after making the difficult decision to leave behind his Israeli partner who had been called up to serve in the country's reserve forces. The first Australian repatriation flight landed at Heathrow airport in London at 7.45pm local time (5.45am+1 AEDT) after departing Ben Gurion Airport at 4.25pm local time (12.25am+1 AEDT). Mr Jory was one of 220 Aussies on board the Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Blake Jory (above) made the difficult decision to leave behind his Israeli partner who had been called up to serve in the country's reserve forces Mr Jory said his Israeli partner has been called up for service as a reservist, forcing him to leave her in the country while he waits in London before returning to home soil. 'It's really hard. Today's been an extremely tough day,' Jory told the Today Show. 'We made the decision for me to come... Leave Israel because it could get really messy really soon. 'She's going to go into the south, into the war zone. 'I'm just praying for her and thinking about her every second.' Mr Jory said his partner was happy to fight for her country and defend her people. 'After what happened on Saturday, I don't blame her,' he said. He said he felt immense relief at having fled the war zone. 'I'm feeling much better a lot safer,' he said. Mr Jory said the mood on the Qantas repatriation flight was uplifting. 'Qantas was making everyone feel really comfortable and they were doing such a great job like, everyone was smiling,' he said. He said he saw fellow evacuees 'smile for the first time' since Hamas launched a devastating terror attack on October 7. Mr Jory was one of 220 Aussies on board the Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner which landed in London at 5.45am+1 AEDT on Saturday Two more repatriation flights for Australians will leave Tel Aviv and fly to London on Sunday and Tuesday 'Coming from the conflict in Israel and seeing, you know, these horrible things happen,' he said. 'You know the streets are empty ... people are down, people, you know, are not in good moods over there. A second Qantas 236-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner will leave Tel Aviv on route to London on Sunday. On Tuesday, a Qantas Airbus A380 will depart London and land in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, offering 484 seats to Australian-Israeli refugees free of charge. All will be provided with accommodation in London while they wait for a flight back to Australia on Tuesday. Australians have been welcomed in London after getting on board the repatriation flight from Tel Aviv Mr Jory said he saw fellow evacuees 'smile for the first time' since Hamas launched a devastating terror attack on October 7 (stock image pictured) Australians hoping to catch rescue flights out of Israel this week slammed the Albanese Government after realising the planes are dropping them off in London, rather than taking them home. One woman who didn't want to be named told Daily Mail Australia she's grateful the planes are available, but said people are frustrated because they're going to England and there hasn't been any communication about connecting flights. She said there was further concern because two aircrafts have a combined capacity of about 1,200 people, which could mean 8,000 others miss out. 'Does it count as repatriation if they're not brought home, but are taken five hours further away from home?' she asked. 'This creates another stressful and expensive experience for travellers who are already exhausted and traumatised.' Tone, clarity, economy of words... it takes time to write a good email. Which is perhaps partly why many jobs have become overrun by the task. A poll has revealed that the average employee now spends eight hours and 42 minutes drafting emails every week. To make matters worse, many recipients don't seem to read them properly. The survey of 4,000 UK small business employees found they draft an average of 99 emails a week, spending over five minutes on each. On average, a worker ignores or deletes six emails a day after seeing only the subject line. (Pictured, stock image) However, workers estimate that only 42 per cent of their emails are fully read and understood by the recipients. Four in ten staff admitted they themselves wouldn't bother reading an email that was longer than eight sentences. And on average, a worker ignores or deletes six emails a day after seeing only the subject line, causing 31 per cent of employees to miss something important. The study, commissioned by the workplace messaging service Slack, also revealed that 27 per cent of employees believe email to be an 'outdated' form of communication. Forty-four per cent of respondents said their inbox was easily clogged by emails. (Pictured, stock image) Many find email frustrating because it is easy to misconstrue tone, while some lose emails to spam or junk folders. Forty-four per cent of respondents said their inbox was easily clogged by emails that weren't relevant to them. And a third said there was an expectation of staying 'formal'. This is more of a struggle for younger generations, with 45 per cent of Gen Z and 38 per cent of millennials feeling this way, compared with 28 per cent of Gen X and 22 per cent of baby boomers. Many employees also said they had been asked a question that they had already responded to in a previous email. Deirdre Byrne, head of Slack in the UK and Ireland, said: 'Email may never fully go away, but if we can get beyond the tyranny of the inbox, we can make a massive difference to work today.' A female delivery driver from Florida was brutally attacked by a vicious German shepherd when dropping food at a customer's front door. Diana Riveros, a mother-of-three from South Florida was making an Instacart delivery on October 6 in Cooper City when she faced a surprise attack. The attack came from a huge German shepherd that shoved its owner out of the way as it escaped the house and mauled Riveros in a shocking ambush that was caught on camera. The violent dog scarred Riveros and left her needing to get over 30 stitches on her arm, hand, foot and leg. Riveros told NBC6 she can't sleep after the attack because she wakes up in fear of the dog that attacked her. Diana Riveros, a mother-of-three from South Florida was making an Instacart delivery on October 6 in Cooper City when she faced a surprise attack The attack came from a huge German shepherd that shoved its owner out of the way as it escaped the house and mauled Riveros in a shocking ambush that was caught on camera The violent dog scarred Riveros and left her needing to get 30 stitches on her arm, hand, foot and leg The harrowing video showed the dog launch at the innocent Instacart employee and push her to the ground while the owner tried to control the canine by throwing herself on top of it. Riveros returned to her car where she called the police with bloody and shaky hands as she screamed 'help me' down the phone. She was rushed to the hospital for surgery where she was given over 30 stitches for the injuries. The Instacart employee won't be able to return to work for several weeks, which leaves her without an income and unable to make money before an unrelated life-or-death surgery. Riveros said: 'Lock your dogs because we are the ones who are gonna be affected you never know how a dog is gonna react with certain people.' Instacart is an American delivery company based in San Francisco that operates a grocery delivery and pick-up service through a website or app. The Instacart employee won't be able to return to work for several weeks, which leaves her without an income and unable to make money before an unrelated life or death surgery Harrowing video showed the dog launch at the innocent Instacart employee and push her to the ground while the owner tries to control the canine by throwing herself on top of it 'Our teams have reached out to Ms. Riveros to provide a number of support services and ensure her well-being and safety following this incident," a statement from Instacart read, in part. "We have also provided details about our shopper injury protection offering, which is insurance designed to protect shoppers', the company said in a statement to NBC6. This isn't the first time one of the company's employees have been caught up in their customer's dangerous drama. In 2022 an Instacart worker shared how she probably saved a customer's life by alerting them about a potentially deadly propane gas leak in his house. Jessica Higgs, who delivers groceries for the delivery service, broke down in tears in her viral video as she opened up about how she followed her gut instinct and went against company policy to help the man. A 17-year-old girl who cannot walk or talk and relies on being fed through a tube by her family has been taken hostage by Hamas terrorists at a musical festival where they also gunned down more than 260 people. Rut Perez, who has muscular dystrophy, and her father Eric are missing after the Supernova musical festival that was invaded by Hamas fighters as they launched a violent offensive in Israel on October 7. Her sister Yamit has been urgently appealing on social media for anyone with information on the pair to get in touch - after she left the festival early with friends. She has since begged Hamas to allow her father to look after Rut, also known as Ruth - if the pair are still being kept alive. Yamit, 20, and her mother Elinor, who also uses a wheelchair, were among hundreds of families who were gathered in Tel Aviv to be briefed on efforts to bring home the 150 hostages that Hamas is believed to have taken back to Gaza following last Saturday's incursion. Rut Perez (centre) and her dad Eric (left) are missing after Hamas terrorists shot up the Supernova music festival last Saturday. Sister Yamit (right) is begging for answers Rut, who has muscular dystrophy, cannot walk or talk, and relies on being fed through a tube by her family for sustenance Yamit has begged for information on whether her father and sister are still alive in posts on social media Gal Hirsch, the Israeli government's head of negotiations, is said to have told families that intelligence services are 'working 24 hours' to rescue hostages from Hamas terrorists Footage of terrified festival-goers running for their lives has become a defining early image of Hamas' incursion into Israel last Saturday READ MORE: Sickening footage released by Hamas shows terrorists holding Israeli toddlers and children during Saturday's massacre which shocked the world Advertisement Speaking to The Times, Yamit said: 'I am begging Hamas to let my dad take care of her, he's the only one who knows what she needs.' She added that the time her sister spent at the Supernova festival was 'the happiest I've ever seen her, dancing in her wheelchair'. But Yamit left with her friends as father Eric said: 'Me and your sister will stay on and enjoy.' She has not heard from them since - after gunmen wielding assault rifles pulled up at the desert festival in pickup trucks and indiscriminately fired on revellers. Yamit has written heartbreaking social media posts, in which she begs anyone who knows of what might have happened to her father and sister to get in touch. In one post written the day after Hamas invaded Israel, she said: 'I believe in God and God is with me always...And he keeps my dad and sister alive so help me find them.' Another status, posted on Wednesday, added: 'My dear father if you see this wherever you are I just hope you're not suffering. 'You promised me to come home with Ruth...I'm beginning to regret that I didn't stay with you there and protected you like only I know how.' The Times reports Gal Hirsch, the Israeli government's head of negotiations, told the families gathered in Tel Aviv 'the best people in the intelligence service are working 24 hours' to get their loved ones back. Further footage has since emerged of Hamas gunmen capturing and executing attendees of the Supernova festival More than 260 people were killed at the festival by Hamas terrorists as they embarked on an ultraviolent killing spree in Israeli border communities (pictured: the abandoned festival site) Hamas torched cars as they wreaked havoc at the festival - while revellers tried to run for their lives Video footage of festival-goers running in terror from Hamas gunmen have become a defining early image of the militant group's surprise attack on Israel last Saturday. In shocking scenes since released by the Israeli military, the terrorists even fired blindly at portable toilets in the hope of killing anyone inside. More than 260 people were killed in the attack on the Supernova festival, and an unknown number of people were abducted. Since then, Hamas has released videos of some of the hostages it has taken: from Israeli soldiers through to grandmothers and even babies and toddlers. It also claims that 13 of the hostages were killed by Israeli airstrikes into Gaza. Israel has kept up a consistent bombardment of areas of Gaza since last Saturday, and has told the population of Gaza City to leave ahead of a ground assault. In Gaza itself, access to food, water and medical supplies has been throttled by Israel, as has access to electricity. While the actions of Hamas have been met with international condemnation, observers have also criticised Israel for not allowing humanitarian aid through to help Palestinians who are suffering as a result of the terror group's actions. The war has claimed the lives of at least 3,200 people on both sides; and in Lebanon, where Hamas allies have fired shells into Israel, Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed by an Israeli shell on Friday. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas for the attack a week ago in which its fighters killed 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and seized scores of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told citizens on Friday the country was 'striking our enemies with unprecedented might' Israeli tanks move along the border with the Gaza Strip on Friday ahead of an expected full ground assault Israel has maintained a near-constant bombardment of Gaza since last Saturday's invasion by Hamas. More than 3,200 people have been killed on both sides of the conflict Israel has ordered Gaza City's 1.1 million inhabitants to leave ahead of the ground assault - but the country has been criticised for throttling access to food, water and medical supplies An Israeli air strike claimed the life of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah - after a shell struck an enclave of international journalists in south Lebanon on Friday The country has since put the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities say 1,900 people have died. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said tank-backed troops had mounted raids to hit Palestinian rocket crews and to gather information on the location of hostages, the first official account of ground troops in Gaza since the crisis began. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised statement on Friday: 'We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might. I emphasise that this is only the beginning.' But the United Nations and other organisations have warned of a disaster if a million people were forced to flee, and said the siege should be lifted to let in aid. 'We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, so that we can get fuel, food and water to everyone in need. Even wars have rules,' U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday. US president Joe Biden has also called for Israel to make allowances for humanitarian aid, telling reporters on Friday: 'The overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and they're suffering as a result as well.' It was only after his brother died that John Richards decided to look for the little sister he'd heard mentioned just once, 50 years previously. He knew almost nothing about her, only that she was around seven or eight when he was 25, and that she was the reason his father had left his mother, for the second time, never to return again. But John was dedicated. 'It was always in my mind, especially since my brother died. I thought I'm on my own. I have two great sons, a fabulous wife but I'd love to know: is she alive?' That's where RTE radio's new Documentary on One, Girl from the Letter, begins. In the programme, John Richards, 74, a Cork native, embarks on a quest to solve a mystery that has haunted him for nearly five decades. John and his wife Nell have two children and two grandchildren. They're a tight-knit family and John and Nell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 6. 'Dad's a bit of a softie,' his son Keith admits though he can be counted on to hold their family together a reflex, perhaps, from his own tumultuous childhood. John and his wife Nell have two children and two grandchildren John's father, John Joseph Alfred Richards also known as John Snr disappeared for the first time when John was just four. The details John's mother, Sheila, gave him about his father were scant: he was born in Wales, grew up in Ireland, served in the army and worked in England. He was on a trip to England when he vanished. 'She never spoke about him at any stage of our life,' John says. 'We just took it at that and left it at that. And we were happy.' For single mum Sheila, raising two boys in the 1950s and 60s, life was tricky. She made a living scrubbing floors, doing washing and ironing and generally trying to make the best of things. 'She was brilliant,' says Nell, who first met Sheila when she and John started going out. 'You'd think she hadn't a worry in the world. That was her way.' Then, in the early 1970s, a letter arrived from Sheila's husband asking if he could come home. Sheila, after discussing it with her sons, agreed. So, almost two decades after telling his schoolfriends that his dad was dead, John now 25 was about to meet him again. At this point, John says, he had no memory of his father. For John Snr, the home to which he was about to return was equally unfamiliar. 'He left two small children and he came back to two grown men,' adds Nell. John Jnr and Nell got married, and from a photo taken on the day of their wedding, you'd never imagine that the proud dad had only just reentered their lives At first, all seemed well. John Jnr and Nell got married, and from a photo taken on the day of their wedding, you'd never imagine that the proud dad had only just reentered their lives. Then, just 18 months after his reappearance, John Snr got a letter. This letter, 50 years later, still haunts John Jnr, but at the time he didn't discuss it with either parent. It was a little girl, threatening John Snr that if he didn't return to England, she would be sent, a tag around her neck, to Ireland. Just one week later, John Snr, once again, was gone. The whole family, having tentatively knitted themselves back together, were devastated, especially Sheila. 'She was heartbroken,' says Nell. 'The life was gone out of her. She continued the same way she always did but she was deflated.' Sheila never really got over the second betrayal. She doted on her grandchildren and tried to get on with life. But in the early 1980s, she was diagnosed with cancer and she died aged just 59. It was not until the death of John's brother Donal in 2020, however, that he began his quest to find his missing sister bringing in genealogical researcher PJ Hogan to aid his search. John and Nell, pictured with journalist Shauna McGreevy, the show's producer delved into birth records and death records, DNA testing, military archives and Ancestry.com PJ and John and journalist Shauna McGreevy, the show's producer delved into birth records and death records, DNA testing, military archives and Ancestry.com, in a search that ended up taking quite a while, with numerous dead ends. Then PJ found John Snr's death certificate. John's dad, they discovered, was father to five more children all born between 1955 and 1968 and all very likely still alive. For John Jnr it was an emotional moment 'There's seven of us,' he whispers. Nell, having supported her husband throughout his journey, also had a realisation. 'I can see the two sides now,' she says. 'I can see their mother and his mother. There were five children in England and there were two here, so what do you do?' PJ advised John to write a letter to the address listed on the death certificate and hope for the best. But John's son got there first via Instagram. He spotted a name that looked promising and sent her a brief message, explaining the situation. She replied, and they called the next morning. With that, the girl from the letter who for so long had just been a what-if at the back of John's mind became Karen, a 50-something English woman. 'I stopped still for a minute when she said hello,' John says, 'and I started crying.' 'And we just spoke away. But before we finished up, she said: 'There's one word I don't like half-sister,' and I said 'Oh why not?' And she said: 'Because you're my brother.' John and Karen have yet to meet but hope that it will happen before Christmas. 'I'm not blaming anybody. It's just life isn't it,' Karen says. The Girl From The Letter will air today at 2pm on RTE Radio 1. Tim Davie has has told BBC staff to 'speak up' as the broadcaster faces a backlash from over its editorial position to not call Hamas 'terrorists'. The director general of the BBC said in an email that it had been 'harrowing to watch and listen to the horrific events' unfold in Israel and Gaza over the past week and praised the role of 'teams who have been working around the clock'. In a message prior, the chief executive of BBC News and Current Affairs Deborah Turness defended the corporation's editorial position, saying 'that it is not for us to declare any group as terrorists, it is for us to report when others do'. However, she acknowledged that some staff felt 'uncomfortable' being at the 'centre of a public debate' and welcomed a meeting with anyone who may 'have questions about our editorial guidelines'. The broadcaster has come under fire from political figures over the long-standing editorial position, with Grant Shapps labelling its policy as 'verging on disgraceful'. Tim Davie (pictured) has has told BBC staff to 'speak up' as the broadcaster faces a backlash from over its editorial position to not call Hamas terrorists. An Israeli soldier stands in front of a destroyed house at the scene of last weekend's inflitration by Palestian militants on kibbutz Beeri near the border with Gaza Israeli army Merkava battle tanks were deployed along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Friday Mr Davie said in an email to staff yesterday: 'I want to pay tribute to all our teams who have been working around the clock. 'This is an incredibly difficult and complex story and our coverage has not shied away from reporting the nature of the atrocities and the impact they have had, on the ground around the world. 'I know some of you have been particularly affected by these events, both personally and professionally... As ever, we want everyone to feel supported and safe at the BBC, and for you to feel able to speak up whenever you need to.' Turness also added: 'It is because BBC News matters so much that the words we use - and don't use - also matter. 'Our audiences turn to us for clarity in a chaotic world, to help them separate fact from fake and we are proud to serve them and part of serving is listening and being responsive. 'If we are perceived to take sides in any war, it will no longer be safe for us to operate in hostile environments and to witness first-hand what is happening. 'I know from those of you who have contacted me that it is therefore uncomfortable to find ourselves at the centre of a public debate about the BBC's longstanding editorial policy. 'So we will meet with those who have questions about our editorial guidelines to better understand their concerns and explain the fundamental principles that sit behind them.' Hamas has been a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK since November 2021, meaning the Government sees it as a terrorist organisation. The BBC has come under fire from political figures over the long-standing editorial position, with Grant Shapps (pictured) labelling its policy as 'verging on disgraceful' The Defence Secretary ealrier clashed with the BBC's Mishal Husain over the corporation's refusal to brand Hamas 'terrorists' Grant Shapps labelled the BBC's policy 'verging on disgraceful' and told LBC the corporation needs to fix its 'moral compass', as he urged it to revise its long-standing position. It came as the Defence Secretary yesterday became embroiled in an extraordinary spat with the BBC's Mishal Husain over the corporation's refusal to brand Hamas 'terrorists' during a Radio 4 interview. Other senior ministers, including Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, have been among those expressing concern about the BBC's position. Ms Turness also told staff she understands that it can be 'really hard when we're faced with the kinds of atrocities we have seen - the murder of children and young people - the kidnapping of mothers, babies and elderly people'. She added: 'Our hearts go out to them and their loved ones, and we dedicate ourselves to telling their stories so the whole world will know what happened to them.' During the email, she also thanked BBC staff on the ground 'for the extraordinary courage and care you have shown as we tell this shocking and complex story'. She added: 'We have provided our global audiences with powerful coverage and first-hand testimony of the atrocities committed by Hamas, and the terrible suffering in Gaza.' Acknowledging that journalists and other news staff faced a 'huge toll' while they deal with 'harrowing editorial content or being worried about people you know', she encouraged staff to reach out for mental health support. Ms Turness also said: 'In this most challenging of moments, I could not be more proud of the work you do to serve our audiences. Trust is earned, and it is your courage and dedication that ensure we are the world's most trusted news organisation.' A Florida teacher who was beaten senseless by a 270 pound student has refused to support a lighter sentence for the teen. High school teacher Joan Naydich was violently attacked by Brendan Depa, then 17, in February after she told him to stop playing on his Nintendo Switch. The autistic teen was seen on video punching and kicking the educator in the back and head until she lay on the ground unconscious. Eventually the 6-foot-6 teen, now 18, was pulled away and restrained by other staff. Naydich, was taken to a local hospital and treated after the assault. A Florida teacher who was beaten senseless by a 270 pound student has refused to support a lighter sentence for the teen Naydich, was taken to a local hospital and treated after the assault Depa, reportedly threatened to kill Naydich during his arrest. Depa, was charged as an adult and faces up to 30 years in prison for the first-degree felony charge of aggravated battery. The teen, who was initially charged as a juvenile before being upgraded to an adult, is set to plead guilty in an attempt to avoid jail time, the New York Post reported. Naydich has 'shown no interest in mitigating what penalties Depa might face', according to news site Flagler Live. Depa had three prior battery arrests before the February attack and has been in a prison fight just last month, the Post reported. 'I'm hopeful that the awareness of this incident being spread far and wide will prevent anyone else from ever dealing with the trauma, physical healing and disruption of everyday life this has caused,' she said on a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $100,000. Depa is slated to issue his plea later month and will be sentenced after that in a separate proceeding. Matanzas High School where the assault occurred has been beset with violence in recent years, the Post reported. The autistic teen was seen on video punching and kicking the educator in the back and head until she lay on the ground unconscious The teen, who was initially charged as a juvenile before being upgraded to an adult, is set to plead guilty in an attempt to avoid jail time Earlier this week, eleven students were arrested after a fight broke out in a crowded hallway. Deputies and administrators who tried to quell the chaos were shoved and punched during the incident. 'The lack of respect demonstrated by these students is simply shameful,' Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said of the fight. 'But actions have consequences.' In yet another violent episode this week, a 16-year-old student was arrested for biting a teacher who tried to stop her from fighting another girl. A No supporter in the Voice referendum was allegedly called a 'racist' by a Yes campaigner in an angry confrontation that took place outside a polling booth. The incident took place outside the polling booth near Bourke Street Primary School, in Bourke Street, Surry Hills, in Sydney's inner-east around 9am on Saturday. No campaigner Bella d'Abrera claims she was confronted by the man as he repeatedly called her a racist during the shocking exchange which she filmed. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia Ms d'Abrera said she was standing outside the polling centre when the man approached her and began allegedly verbally abusing her. 'I was standing with my No cap on and my No t-shirt and he walked past me and came back and said "I just wanted to tell you...you're a racist",' she said. Ms d'Abrera said the man - who she had never met before - 'got in her face' during the exchange and a short time later came back and yelled at her in an Indigenous language. 'A [person] who was voting had to come and stand next to me, a taller guy... and [he] told him told him to leave me alone.' 'It got quite hairy.' It comes as the first exit poll - opinion polls taken from voters heading home - showed a tight result in a key state, with No winning. A total of 115 voters across the Adelaide electorate of Boothby were asked how they voted as they left four polling booths - 58 registered a No vote while 56 went for Yes. The tight numbers deliver a 50.8 per cent No majority versus 49.2 per cent for Yes. A Yes campaigner (pictured) allegedly called a No voter a 'racist' outside a polling booth in Surry Hills, in inner Sydney on Saturday morning which left the woman 'shaken' Voice altercation at the polls Ms d'Abrera also claims several Yes campaigners were nearby when the altercation unfolded and didn't step in to stop the man abusing her. 'He was...surrounded by all the Yes women,' she said. 'None of the Yes women came to my defence... they made excuses for him.' She said she was left 'shaken' from the terrifying ordeal and felt intimidated by the encounter. 'I was standing quietly... didn't even offer him a No card,' Ms d'Abrera said. Daily Mail Australia contacted Yes23 for comment. The incident was reported to police after Ms d'Abrera informed officers before the man allegedly left the scene. She said the man also allegedly yelled at another No campaigner. The man (pictured) launched into a shocking tirade against the No campaigner on several occasions while the woman was campaigning outside of the polling centre near a primary school Bella d'Abrera (pictured) detailed her terrifying ordeal outside of a polling booth on Saturday and alleged the man physically assaulted her during the confrontation Ms d'Abrera, who is the Director of the Foundations of Western Civilisation Program at the Institute of Public Affairs, claimed the man's alleged actions represent the division Yes advocates have created during the referendum campaign. 'This is exactly why we need to vote against this [The Voice].' Ms d'Abrera claimed. 'Everyone should know what the result of this referendum is...what it's done to society and I witnessed it first-hand this morning.' 'It's really nasty and it's really unnecessary. The footage seen by Daily Mail Australia shows the man who is dressed in a light grey cardigan and a pair of black shorts directly addressing Ms d'Abrera as she films him. 'You're so racist,' the man says. The man aggressively points his finger at the camera while Ms d'Abrera records his brazen act on her phone. 'You are racist,' he says. He then swipes at the camera with his left hand, forcing the woman to duck for cover in the process before the video cuts out. Moments later he is confronted by an unknown man who appears to come to the aid of Ms d'Abrera. 'What's your problem, she's doing nothing mate,' the man says. 'She's racist,' he replies before shielding his face with a white paper while blocking the camera. He then appears to take objection to being filmed while continuing to call Ms d'Abrera a racist. The man attempted to shield his face from the camera with a piece of white paper (pictured) as Ms d'Abrera recorded the man's tirade on her phone The footage seen by Daily Mail Australia shows the man pointing at the camera (pictured) as he repeatedly calls Ms d'Abrera a 'racist' and a bystander steps in to de-escalate the situation 'You're an idiot mate, what are you doing this for,' the bystander says. 'Racist, you're racist,' the man says. The male bystander is heard saying the man has no right to be in the woman's face which the man refutes and claims he is Indigenous. 'I've got no right,' he asks, 'I'm Aboriginal.' Later the man confronts the woman while speaking in an Indigenous language. 'Sorry, what else did you call me before that,' Ms d'Abrera asks. 'That you are a racist,' the man replies. He then walks away as Ms d'Abrera can be heard saying 'and what else... so I'm a racist and...' A spokeswoman from NSW police told Daily Mail Australia that officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command responded to reports of the incident. 'Police have been told a man and a woman had made comments to each other over the referendum, but no assault has been reported to police. 'The incident did not occur in the school but about 30[metres] from the entrance to the polling centre'. No one has been charged. Meanwhile, in Adelaide a person was spotted removing No campaign signs outside of a school's front gates with polls just hours away from closing. Footage captured by a passing motorist showed the woman removing the posters outside Grange Primary School, around 12 kilometres west of Adelaide just after midday. A woman has been seen removing 'No' campaign signage at an Adelaide Voice To Parliament referendum polling place. The footage was captured outside of Grange Primary School in Adelaide's west. It's unclear why the woman was removing the signage. pic.twitter.com/VgNaGH549d 10 News First Adelaide (@10NewsFirstAdl) October 14, 2023 The woman can be seen tearing a poster before she walks away holding multiple signs in her hands as cars nearby could be heard honking. Voice exit poll Meanwhile, exit polling - opinion polls taken from voters heading home - shows the No vote is winning in a crucial state. A total of 115 voters across the Adelaide electorate of Boothby were asked how they voted as they left four polling booths - 58 registered a No vote while 56 went for Yes. The tight numbers deliver a 50.8 per cent No majority versus 49.2 per cent for Yes. South Australia was a key target for both the Yes and No campaigns as changing the Constitution requires two majorities - a majority of voters plus four out of Australia's six states. South Australia's comparatively small population but equal weight as a state made its votes particularly valuable to pass the double majority test. For Helen Carpentieri, a 60 year-old woman voting at the Seacliff Uniting Church, uncertainty surrounding how the Voice would operate pushed her to a No vote. 'I don't think much has been explained,' she said. 'We don't know what it would do.' Madellen Dawson, voting at the Plympton-Glenelg RSL, said other issues such as cost-of-living pressures were 'much more important'. A person was spotted removing No campaign posters (picture) outside of a primary school in Adelaide just hours before polls for the Voice referendum close 'It (the Voice) will create a division that is unnecessary,' she said. 'More of a rift than unity'. Leigh Harris, 59, said she believed Indigenous elders opposed the Voice after she lodged her No vote at the Kauri Community and Sports Centre. 'From anything I've watched, the elders aren't wanting it,' she said. Jewish synagogues briefly went into lockdown in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday morning as police conducted patrols in the area. Jewish places of worship in Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Dover Heights were secured although police confirmed there is no immediate threat to the public. Initial reports of an armed man in the area proved unfounded as police said no weapons had been located. 'Just after midday on Saturday, officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were called to New South Head Road, Vaucluse, following reports of suspicious activity in the area,' police said in a statement. Some Jewish synagogues are reportedly in lockdown in Sydney 's eastern suburbs as police conduct patrols in the area 'Officers conducted an extensive and thorough search of the area; however, nothing was located. 'There is no threat to the public. Inquiries are continuing'. The unconfirmed reports come as tensions rise around the world in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel earlier this week, and Israel's firm response. The reports come a day after three men were arrested for making Hitler salutes outside the Sydney Jewish Museum. It's understood the trio - aged 30, 31, and 40 - allegedly intoxicated, were doing Nazi salutes outside the museum in Darlinghurst shortly after midday on Friday. The reports come a day after three men were arrested for making Hitler salutes outside the Sydney Jewish Museum Daily Mail Australia was on the scene as two of the men walked free from Kings Cross police station about 6.30pm Friday The three have each been charged with behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school, and knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse. All three have been granted bail and Daily Mail Australia was on the scene as two of the men walked free from Kings Cross police station about 6.30pm Friday. In the early hours of Saturday morning, police in Melbourne's CBD attended protests by a group performing Nazi salutes and chanting racist remarks. Daily Mail Australia revealed footage of the masked men and women at Flinders Street train station carrying a banner reading 'Expose Jewish Power'. A group of protestors gathered at Flinders street station in the early hours of Saturday morning and performed Nazi salutes The group were caught on video terrifying other passengers on a suburban Melbourne train where they sang songs about white supremacy. The shocking display of racism came just hours before Australians went to the polls to vote on a Voice to Parliament after a divisive six-week campaign, ahead of planned pro-Palestinian rallies across Australia, and after terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas in which at least 1,200 died and hundreds where taken hostage. More to come. Donald Trump has been accused of twisting the Israeli government's position, when recalling the January 2020 assassination by U.S. drone of an Iranian general. Trump on Wednesday night described the strike which killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani, who led the powerful Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Soleimani was killed when his convoy was leaving Baghdad airport, and was hit by a drone. His death was a massive blow to Iran, and a huge shock to the country's leadership. Trump on Wednesday recalled the drone deliberations, and said that the preparations showed Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, could not be trusted. 'Israel was going to do this with us, and it was being planned and working on it for months,' said Trump, addressing a crowd in Florida. 'We had everything all set to go, and the night before it happened, I got a call that Israel will not be participating in this attack.' Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani, who led the powerful Quds Force of Iran 's Revolutionary Guards, was killed by an American drone strike in January 2020. Trump on Wednesday accused Israel of backing out of the plan to assassinate him: on Friday, U.S. officials said Trump was wrong, and Israel was never actually on board with the plan Donald Trump has spent the week attacking Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu Soleimani's convoy is pictured ablaze near Baghdad airport in January 2020 after the fatal U.S. drone strike He said he was telling the story for the first time. 'I'll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down,' he said, describing his disappointment. Israel reacted angrily to the slight, coming four days after the Hamas terror attack, and while Netanyahu was leading the response and dealing with the tragedy. On Friday, three U.S. officials said Trump's version of events was not true, and Israel was never part of the U.S. plan. 'They were never on board with it,' said a former senior White House official, speaking to NBC News. 'They always thought it was a dangerous and destabilizing idea.' Another former Trump administration official said that in Washington, when Trump made the decision to go ahead with the Soleimani strike, the generals who were present seemed to collectively take a deep breath. Trump, whose son-in-law Jared Kushner is a family friend of the Netanyahus, has launched a series of attacks on the Israeli prime minister this week. He also called Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant a 'jerk.' Other political leaders have steered clear of criticizing Israel or its leaders while it continues to bury its dead. Soldiers are seen here carry the casket of Valentin Ghnassia, 23, who was killed in a battle with Hamas militants at Kibbutz Be'eeri near the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip during his funeral on Friday Troops remove the bodies of victims, killed during an attack by Hamas terrorists in Kfar Aza, on Tuesday IDF Lotar unit soldiers are slowly checking the Kfar Aza kibbutz, passing from one house to another to clear them from any ammunition or threat. It was here that Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes An Israeli soldier breaks down in tears at the sight of a family dining table on which there is still Challah bread from Friday's Kiddush at the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Hamas terrorists massacred families here on Saturday The attacks on Netanyahu are part of a wider argument that the Hamas attacks would never have happened if he was in the White House, but risk alienating a powerful and important voter base. They have also angered Israelis, in their time of national shock and grief. Trump later on Wednesday declared that Netanyahu had been complacent. 'He has been hurt very badly because of what's happened here,' said Trump, speaking to The Brian Kilmeade Show. 'He was not prepared. He was not prepared and Israel was not prepared. And under Trump, they wouldn't have had to be prepared. 'Who would've thought their intelligence wouldn't have been able to pick this up? 'Thousands of people were involved. Thousands of people knew about it and they let this slip by. That was not a good thing for him or for anybody.' Communications minister Shlomo Karhi told Israel's Channel 13 that it was 'shameful that a man like that, a former U.S. president, abets propaganda and disseminates things that wound the spirit of Israel's fighters and its citizens.' Trump also praised the Iran-backed Hezbollah group as 'very smart' for the way it went about launching attacks on Israel. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading rival for the nomination, attacked Trump for his comments. 'Terrorists have murdered at least 1,200 Israelis and 22 Americans and are holding more hostage, so it is absurd that anyone, much less someone running for president, would choose now to attack our friend and ally, Israel, much less praise Hezbollah terrorists as 'very smart,'' he posted on Twitter. Alleged killer yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong planned an escape from prison using a fake leg injury after being charged with killing her boyfriend's cyclist ex lover. The former yoga teacher, 35, was allegedly plotting her great escape from prison and requested offsite medical appointments for her 'leg injury' as a ploy to make her getaway. After her failed escape, an affidavit claimed that the ex-yogi was observed to be vigorously exercising regularly despite the 'injury' during her time in the Travis County Correctional Complex. Her intense work-out regimen was documented on security footage. Armstrong had also worn thermal trousers beneath her county-issued black and white striped uniform pants - which she stripped off during the foot pursuit to disguise her identity as an inmate, the affidavit indicated. After the escape an investigation of Armstrong's cell found a metal pin and dental floss. The metal pin had 'been broken off providing a solid thin metal piece that likely could be used to manipulate a handcuff to be removed', according to the affidavit. Armstrong stands accused of shooting cyclist Moriah Wilson dead in Austin, Texas, in May 2022, who had dated Armstrong's boyfriend Colin Strickland. After the killing, Armstrong fled to Costa Rica where she had plastic surgery - likely a nose job - before being caught 43 days later. Accused killer Kaitlin Armstrong was allegedly plotting her great escape from prison and requested offsite medical appointments for her 'leg injury' as a ploy to make her getaway Video shows Armstrong's brazen attempt at freedom in her eye-catching black and white striped jail-issue jumpsuit while officers chase her up a hill and stumble before Armstrong appeared to jump over a fence Authorities said she got a nose job and dyed her hair brown after fleeing the US. She used her sister's passport to leave the country and went by several aliases while on the run The affidavit stated in summary: 'Due to recent activity of exercising vigorously, and complaints of injury to secure offsite medical appointment, and restrictions of leg restraints, Affiant has reason to believe and does believe inmate Armstrong planned to escape from custody.' The escape came well after Armstrong was offered a plea deal which would have shaved decades off her sentence - which she rejected. Armstrong now faces even more time in prison for her attempt to escape from correctional officers on Wednesday. Cellphone footage captured the moment the ex-yoga teacher broke free from two correctional officers after visiting a doctor's office in Austin while they walked her back to the car on Wednesday. The video shows her brazen attempt at freedom in her eye-catching black and white striped jail-issue jumpsuit while officers chase her up a hill and stumble before Armstrong appeared to jump over a fence. Police said she bolted into a nearby neighborhood for about 10 minutes before she was captured. This is not Armstrong's first attempt at running away from the charges she is facing for Moriah Wilson's murder. The accused killer fled Texas after she was initially interviewed and travelled to Costa Rica. Armstrong had also worn thermal trousers beneath her county-issued black and white striped uniform pants - which she stripped off during the foot pursuit to disguise her identity as an inmate, the affidavit indicated Armstrong's boyfriend Colin Strickland, 35, has since admitted that he did in fact have an affair with Wilson and said that the pair had gotten dinner together the night she was murdered. Authorities said she got a nose job and dyed her hair brown after fleeing the US. She used her sister's passport to leave the country and went by several aliases while on the run. Armstrong was captured in Costa Rica after 43 days on the run. She was arrested when police received an anonymous tip that she had flown into a rage months before. She has pleaded not guilty to murdering 'Mo' Wilson - the competitive gravel and mountain bike racer from Vermont. Armstrong's boyfriend Colin Strickland, 35, has since admitted that he did in fact have an affair with Wilson and said that the pair had gotten dinner together the night she was murdered. Wilson, who lived in California at the time, was in Austin, Texas, for a race and joined Strickland for a swim at the Deep Eddy pool before the secret couple went to a burger joint across the street for dinner. Armstrong, who had allegedly been stalking Wilson, pulled up in her SUV near the apartment that Strickland had dropped his dinner date off at. Armstrong was supposedly tracking Wilson using the app for cyclists and runners, Strava. Armstrong was captured in Costa Rica after 43 days on the run. She was arrested when police received an anonymous tip that she had flown into a rage months before After her failed escape, an affidavit claimed that the ex-yogi was observed to be vigorously exercising regularly despite the 'injury' during her time in the Travis County Correctional Complex. Her intense work-out regimen was documented on security footage Search warrants revealed that she visited a gun range with her sister before the killing, and was given $450,000 by Strickland, who also admitted to purchasing two firearms between the end of 2021 and start of 2022 for himself and Armstrong. She is likely to face additional charges for trying to escape. She is currently being held in Travis County Jail on $3.5 million bond. Court records show that three subpoena applications have already been filed by the state after the attempted escape for information from St. David's South Austin Medical Center, Travis County Sheriff's Office and St. David's Austin Medical Center. Her jury trial is scheduled to start on October 30. She faces up to 99 years in prison if convicted. Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe says the referendum campaign has exposed where racism exists in Australia, as she casts her No vote in the Voice referendum. Heading into the polling booth at the Northern School for Autism in Melbourne's northern suburbs, Ms Thorpe wore a black T-shirt with 'Vote No' written across her chest. She made a final appeal for Australians to vote against the Voice to parliament, standing in front of a group of Yes23 campaign volunteers wearing 'Yes' T-shirts. 'Racism is a cancer. Racism is an illness, it makes people sick,' Ms Thorpe told reporters. Lidia Thorpe says the referendum campaign has exposed where racism exists in Australia Ms Thorpe has been a prominent voice on the No side of the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament 'This referendum has shown where the cancer is in this country, and where we need to heal this country. 'Where we need to put our efforts as a nation to stamp out this ugly thing called racism.' The firebrand senator has lead the contingent of Indigenous Australians who oppose the Voice to parliament on the grounds that Treaty is the way forward and the Voice will be a 'powerless' body. Ms Thorpe has lead the contingent of Indigenous Australians who oppose the Voice to parliament on the grounds that Treaty is the way forward More than 7000 booths opened across multiple states at 8am on Saturday and will remain available for Australians to cast their vote right until 6pm. Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said she had 'butterflies' when she voted on Saturday morning, as she implored those yet to vote to choose Yes. 'Today is a truly historic day in this country,' she said. 'There are one in five voters that are still to make up my own mind, and they will vote today, and I want those people to vote yes.' Australians are heading to the polls to vote on whether to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body, the Voice, in the Constitution. Around 9 million people will cast their vote after Australians turned out in the millions at early polling booths over the last week, according to the latest Australian Electoral Commission data. The senator has captured the attention of Australians in the lead up to the October 14 referendum, regularly staring down the barrel of a camera lense as she delivers her unfiltered opinions on the matter. She took the stage in front of thousands of January 26 protesters raising her first in the air in an impassioned speech detailing the treatment of indigenous people since colonisation. 'This is a war. They are still killing us. They are still killing our babies. What do we have to celebrate in our country?' she said. Ms Thorpe took the stage in front of thousands of January 26 protesters raising her first in the air in an impassioned speech detailing the treatment of indigenous people since colonisation Ms Thorpe this week accused Anthony Albanese of being 'weak' for ruling out any future iteration of the Voice to Parliament if the referendum failed Earlier this week, Ms Thorpe shocked many when she accused the Prime Minister of being 'weak' for ruling out any future iteration of the Voice to Parliament if the referendum failed. 'That's just weak. What a weak response. It's like, 'Oh, I'll throw my bat and run away. I don't want to play no more' kind of attitude,' she told ABC Radio National on Thursday morning. Host Patricia Karvelas then asked if she thought the Voice should be legislated, and the senator replied, 'Why not? Let's see how it works.' However by that afternoon, the senator's office released a statement to clarify she does not support the Voice but that 'truth and treaty are the first steps that must be taken to bring peace to this land'. The week before, Ms Thorpe was the target of a disturbing video message posted by neo-Nazi extremists including racist death threats. She accused the Prime Minister and the AFP of refusing to 'protect' her from the threats and said the referendum has 'nothing but pain and misery'. Bill Maher said Harvard students who've played down Hamas' massacre in Israel are as bad as Donald Trump saying there were 'very fine people on both sides' of a white supremacist riot. The late night comedian called it 'a difficult week, a very depressing week' after last Saturday's bloodbath in Israel, with more than 1,300 killed there and another 1,900 dying in subsequent strikes on Gaza. He continued: 'The college kids in America went full Trump, and said there's very fine people on both sides.' Trump in 2017, asked about the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville that resulted in the death of a counter protestor, Heather Heyer, declared that there were good people among both groups. The remarks remain among the most infamous of his presidency. Maher pointed out that there was now a campaign, led by billionaire investor Bill Ackman, to 'blacklist' Harvard students from future employment as a result of their signing a pro-Palestine letter. The letter stated: 'We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.' Bill Maher on Friday spoke about 'a very depressing week', and ridiculed Harvard students for declaring they 'hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence' Harvard students are seen attending a pro-Palestine rally after the Hamas attacks Maher said that Harvard students condoning Hamas were like Donald Trump defending white supremacists in Charlottesville in August 2017 Among those coordinating the letter was the son of British perfume creator Jo Malone, Josh Willcox. Wilcox is one of three leaders of the Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee. Maher also listed the freedoms that Americans enjoy, but which are restricted in Gaza - among them freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to choose your own political leaders. He mocked the group 'Queers for Palestine', and his guest, journalist James Kirchick, joked: 'Did you hear their sister organization, blacks for the KKK?' Hamas are notoriously homophobic, with LGBT people in Palestine running the risk of violence and persecution. Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard, said on Wednesday that the letter does not speak for the educational institution as a whole or its leadership. On Friday, she issued another apology. Gay said the university rejects terrorism, hate and harassment based on people's beliefs while embracing free expression, even 'views that many of us find objectionable, even outrageous.' She wrote: 'We do not punish or sanction people for expressing' objectionable or outrageous views. 'But that is a far cry from endorsing them. It's in the exercise of our freedom to speak that we reveal our characters and we reveal the character of our institution.' Josh Willcox (left) son of perfume mogul Jo Malone (center) is listed as one of three Harvard students who run the Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee. He is also pictured with his father Gary Willcox at a ritzy London party in 2017 The letter caused a massive backlash after 34 student societies backed the statement written by the PSC 'holding the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence' Harvard President Claudine Gay (pictured) has finally condemned the 'terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel' - at odds with 34 student groups at the Ivy League institution who have pledged support to the militants The death toll has topped 1,300 in Israel as the country plots a bloody revenge An aerial view shows the bodies of victims of the Hamas attack on the Kfar Aza Kibbutz on Tuesday Troops remove the bodies of victims, killed during an attack by Hamas terrorists in Kfar Aza, on Tuesday Maher joked: 'A lot of the students are still standing by their position to support the war criminals - but they strenuously object to the word 'blacklist'.' He added, to laughter, that the students blaming of the Hamas attack on Israel was absurd and offensive. 'Even Kanye said that is some anti-semitic bulls*** right there.' Maher then turned to the Democratic Socialists of America, who held a pro-Palestine rally in New York City the day after the terror attack and also said the murder and kidnapping was a result of the 'oppression' and 'apartheid' inflicted by Israel the region. 'The Connecticut chapter put out a statement. 'They said no peace on stolen land. 'This is from Connecticut - an Indian word that means 'that land you stole', so you know - and, by the way, it's not stolen land, okay.' Hamas left a trail of devastation at a series of kibbutzes near the border with Gaza, including children's beds soaked in blood Khalifa sparked massive backlash online after she loudly supported the terror attack by Hamas that left hundreds of Israelis dead over the weekend She revealed death threats from Islamic State in 2017 after filming porn scenes while dressed in a hijab Maher also addressed the outrage sparked by former porn star Mia Khalifa, who on Saturday tweeted: 'Can someone please tell the freedom fighters in Palestine to flip their phones and film horizontal.' The Lebanese-born celebrity's tweet was met with outrage: on Monday, she added: 'I just want to make it clear that this statement in no way shape or form is [inciting] spread of violence. 'I specifically said freedom fighters because that's what the Palestinian citizens are... fighting for freedom every day.' Khalifa has had her contract with Playboy cancelled as a result, and been fired by a magic mushroom company which sponsored her. Maher noted that Khalifa found fame performing sex acts while wearing a hijab, noting that that behavior would not be popular on the streets of Gaza. 'Where is Donald Trump when you need someone to pay a porn star to shut the f*** up?' he asked. Advertisement Up to 100 protesters have been arrested at a Pro-Palestine demonstration outside the Brooklyn home of Jewish Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer. The protesters called for an end to US aid for Israel on a day of mass protest in New York and around the world after the leader of Hamas called for a global 'day of outrage.' Hundreds of people, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, gathered at the Grand Army Plaza before marching a short distance to the senator's Park Slope residence and blocking the street. Protesters were arrested in the street, after blocking the flow of traffic, and placed on two MTA buses. The demonstration comes as Schumer prepares to depart for Israel this weekend, where he will lead a delegation of senators to show support for the country's government, a spokesperson announced on Friday. Protesters were arrested in the street, after blocking the flow of traffic, and placed on two MTA buses The protest came as Senator Chuck Schumer prepares to depart for Israel this weekend, where he will lead a delegation of senators to show support for the country's government An NYPD spokesperson said a total tally on the number of arrests from the demonstrations would not be available until later into the weekend Some protesters were seen holding signs that read 'Zionism is terrorism' and 'End Israeli apartheid.' Others held a banner with the words 'Jews say stop genocide against Palestinians.' An NYPD spokesperson said a total tally on the number of arrests from the demonstrations would not be available until later into the weekend. President Joe Biden spent about 45 minutes on Friday talking with the families of missing Americans in Israel, CNN reported. The father of missing American Sagui Dekel-Chen told the outlet 'as an American citizen, as an Israeli citizen, as someone whose beloved son, we are sure is being held alive, dead, wounded, we don't know, I could not possibly ask for more than President Biden expressed about the United States' commitment to getting these people back.' Dekel-Chen said that although Biden could not give much information the president's 'willingness to listen' was 'extraordinary.' Earlier on Friday Pro-Palestinian protesters chanted 'resistance is justified' as they gathered in Times Square for a major anti-Israel protest. The crowds, many of them covering their faces, marched from Baruch College to Times Square for the 3pm protest where they joined a larger group and were met with a smaller number of Jewish counter-protesters. 'Resistance is justified when people are occupied!' they chanted, labeling Israelis 'settlers' and telling them to 'go back home'. 'If we don't get no justice, then they don't get no peace!' sang one of the event organizers. Two people - one Palestinian protester and one Jewish - were arrested for fighting at the scene. At 5pm, the crowd is expected to leave Times Square to march to the Israeli Consulate. The NYPD shut down East 42nd Street with 5th Avenue, and diverted traffic, NBC reported. Protesters have been arrested at a Pro-Palestine demonstration outside Senator Chuck Schumer's Brooklyn home Pro-Palestine protesters are seen in New York City on Friday Muslims are seen praying on Friday at a pro-Palestine rally in New York City Palestinian protestors gather in Times Square in response to the war between Hamas and Israel on October 13, 2023 in New York City A woman marches through Times Square with a Free Palestine sign on Friday afternoon Pro-Palestine protesters gather in New York City to begin a march headed towards Times Square on Friday 13th. The city is on heightened alert after a former Hamas leader called for a worldwide day of 'jihad' Crowds gather in Times Square on Friday at a pro-Palestine rally. Tensions in New York City were heightened throughout the day as the conflict in Israel intensified New Yorkers were also notified of disruptions around Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, near Prospect Park. There is an enormous police presence at the scene, with National Guardsmen also on standby should the protest escalate into violence, as others in European cities did earlier in the day. Israel has issued a grave warning to Palestinians to evacuate Gaza within 24 hours before it proceeds with a ground assault. Every NYPD uniformed officer in the force - some 33,000 - has been called onto active duty for the day amid heightened fears of an attack or unrest. Officers are standing guard outside Yeshivas and synagogues to offer protection to the Jewish community, many of whom kept a low profile on Friday for fear of violence. In Chicago, police have bolstered their presence around synagogues and Jewish schools after a bomb threat earlier this week. White House officials insist there is no specific domestic threat, but say police and intelligence systems will continue to be on high alert. In France, a teacher has been killed and others wounded in a suspected terror-fueled knife attack. Lt. Randy Sutton, a 34-year police veteran and founder of The Wounded Blue, an organization that assists officers who are injured in the line of duty, told DailyMail.com the threat is unprecedented. 'There's a huge risk at this moment. We have cities across not just the US but the whole world, that are facing something that is basically, we've never faced before. Supporters of Palestine take part in a rally in New York City on October 13, 2023. The protesters were escorted by NYPD officers on mopeds Hundreds flooded into Times Square today to take part in the protest, the largest in New York City A small group of Israeli counter-protesters turned up to confront the pro-Palestinian group. They were separated by a road and held back by NYPD officers Israeli counter-protesters met pro-Palestinian protesters in Times Square on Friday Among the protesters' demands was that the US cut aid to Israel and allow the 'resistance' to continue NYPD officers observe the crowds in Times Square on Friday as hundreds of anti-Israel protesters descended on the streets Among the protesters were some Jews who called for an end to the 'genocide' of Palestine A counter-protester who showed up to support Israel was arrested at Baruch College after fighting with another man there The pro-Palestine protester who was arrested is shown being put in handcuffs. He fought with a pro-Israel counter-protester Pro-Palestine protesters gather in Manhattan on Friday ahead of a planned rally in Times Square A female protester carries a sign calling for an end to 'Israel's apartheid' on Friday, October 13th The demonstrators prayed before marching towards Times Square on Friday afternoon The majority of the protesters are young students attending CUNY schools around the city. Many covered their faces before the rally Students carrying signs reading SHAME ON CUNY (City University of New York) and 'Palestine will never die' outside Baruch College in Manhattan this afternoon Anti-Israel protesters carrying Starbucks stand before a Palestinian flag on Friday in the early hours of a NYC protest A young Muslim man prays before a pro-Palestine protest in New York City on Friday afternoon 'A call from a terror organization as effectively attacked the country of Israel, now they're trying to utilize that attack to bring threats to the rest of the world, the unfortunate reality is because of the mass migrations across not just Europe but also the us, we're now at an incredible risk of violence taking place,' he said. Despite local officials saying there is no 'specific' threat to any individual city, Lt. Sutton said the calling for a 'global day of rage' or jihad is specific enough. 'There are specific threats. There is no doubt about it. When there is a call for jihad across the world, that is a specific threat. Dozens of NYPD officers listen to a briefing before a planned pro-Palestine protest in Times Square. Every uniformed officer in the force has been called onto duty today NYPD officers gather on 42nd street for a briefing before planned pro-Palestine protests, Manhattan An Israeli flag is displayed in New York City's Times Square on Friday before scheduled pro-Palestine protests this afternoon National Guard provide security at Grand Central Station, Manhattan, New York. 13 October 2023 after being put on alert to assist the NYPD An NYPD officer stationed outside a synagogue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Friday 13th A member of the New York Police Department patrols in front of the synagogue Congregation Bais Yaakov Nechamia Dsatmar in the Williamsburg, Brooklyn Police presence at Temple Emanuel on Upper East Side in NYC 'We have seen mobs of people spitting on police officers, calling for violence....when there is a mob mentality like - with the looting that has taken place in American cities - then you have religion involved...we've seen not just an acceptance of these brutal bloody massacres, but also the encouragement of them from thousands of people across the globe. 'If you can accept that type of violence maniacal, irrational violence then you have placed every citizen in our nation and across the globe in jeopardy.' In Baghdad, tens of thousands of protesters gathered peacefully in protest while others in Malaysia, burned Israeli flags. There are a number of pro-Palestine rallies scheduled for today in New York City, the largest of which is due to take place in Times Square this afternoon. Nearby office buildings have received security alerts about the protest. A police officer with a dog patrols the grounds of the U.S. Capitol U.S. Capitol Police secure the U.S. Capitol Building in response to a call for a 'Day of Rage' on October 13, 2023 Mayor Eric Adams insists there is no specific threat 'Every member of the New York Police Department will be ready and be in uniform tomorrow,' NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell told reporters last night, ahead of the event. 'We will not tolerate any hate, any acts of disorder, it will be quelled quickly and we will be ready.' Hochul said the New York National Guard had already been ordered to patrol vital transportation hubs. Across the country, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement saying its officers would assume a higher profile around Jewish and Muslim communities 'during this unimaginable time.' Federal law enforcement agencies were also on alert. Increased police presence outside Barclays Center before a preseason game between the Brooklyn Nets and Maccabi Ra'anana Police patrol a neighborhood in Brooklyn with a large Orthodox Jewish community on October 12, 2023 in New York City. Across New York City and much of the nation, security has increased around synagogues and other Jewish cultural institutions following last weekend's Hamas attacks in Israel 'The FBI is aware of open-source reports about calls for global action on Friday, October 13th, that may lead to demonstrations in communities throughout the United States,' the agency said in a statement. 'The FBI encourages members of the public to remain vigilant.' At least one Arab-American advocacy group pointed to a more hostile posture taken by U.S. law enforcement toward Muslim groups than Jews. The Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee said on Thursday that FBI agents had paid visits to a number of mosques in different states and individual U.S. residents with Palestinian roots, calling it a 'troubling trend.' 'We have received multiple calls today regarding Palestinian nationals detained by ICE, and/or visited by the FBI,' the national executive director of organization, Abed Ayoub, said on X, formerly called Twitter. BERLIN: A pro-Palestinian demonstrator is detained during a protest PARIS: Clashes between protesters and police in Paris PAKISTAN: Demonstrators burn the flags of Israel (R) and the US (L) during a rally to express solidarity with the Palestinians, in Islamabad Rabbi Yoni Fein, who heads a large Jewish day school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Brauser Maimonides Academy, said 'higher alerts of operations are definitely in place' in anticipation of global protests on Friday. He said the FBI, U.S. homeland security officials and other federal authorities had held online security 'webinars' with Jewish institutions around the country. But Fein said the school was seeking to reassure students they are safe and to go about with their lives. Rather than give in to the heightened anxiety Fein acknowledged was gripping the Jewish community, he said the academy's message to its students and their families was to reassure them that 'their homes are safe, their schools are safe and that their trusted adults are keeping them safe.' Unsettling images of a young man performing a Nazi salute and yelling 'Heil Hitler' have emerged amid footage of a large Nazi protest in Melbourne on Saturday. Daily Mail Australia on Saturday revealed video footage of a group of masked men and woman throwing banned Nazi salutes and carrying a banner reading 'Expose Jewish Power' at Flinders Street train station. The group, identifying themselves as from the National Socialist Network, stormed through the station before boarding a suburban train where they terrified passengers on board by taunting them and singing white supremacist songs. But the protestors, dressed all in black including face masks, weren't the only ones engaging in offensive behaviour in the early hours of Saturday morning. Daily Mail on Saturday revealed video footage of a group of masked men and woman throwing banned Nazi salutes and carrying a banner at Flinders Street train station. The protestors carried a large offensive banner reading 'expose Jewish power' A closer look at the video footage reveals a young man throwing his hands up in the air and yelling 'Heil Hitler!' while the protestors march inside the station towards their preferred platform. The man is dressed in grey tracksuit pants, a black hoodie and a Gucci cap worth more than $600 if the genuine article. The man then tags along with the demonstrators as they travel down an escalator to one of the station's platforms, joining them in performing a Nazi salute. Once on the platform, the man again calls out 'Heil Hitler' while raising both his arms. While two police watched on, the young man also shouted 'f*** the Jews'. Daily Mail Australia did not witness the man get onto the train with the group. The young man (second from right) joins the far-right protestors as they descend onto one of the platforms at the station The young man is seen tagging along with the protestors and performing a Nazi salute The shocking display of racism came just hours before Australians went to the polls to vote on a Voice to Parliament after a divisive six-week campaign, ahead of planned pro-Palestinian rallies across Australia, and after terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas in which at least 1,200 died and hundreds where taken as hostages. The group of about 30 people were singing songs about white supremacy and posing for photographs before they were approached by a small group of police officers. An unidentified leader encouraged the group to make Hitler salutes in full view of passers-by. As a result of the police attention, the far-right group furled their banner, entered the station and boarded a 1.50am train on the Werribee line. A number of passengers were seen to abandon the train, or change their mind about getting on, once they spotted the group of protestors. Once on the train they attempted to hand out 'business cards' for the National Socialist Network to the small group of other passengers headed home. The group of protestors terrified passengers on board a suburban Melbourne train The far-right group attempted to hand out 'business cards' to passengers on board the train The most chilling moment on the train came when the group confronted a passenger holding a handkerchief in the blue and white colours of the Israeli flag. The group demanded to know 'whats with the handkerchief. The terrified male passenger responded that someone gave it to me on my way to the train. Then they asked, menacingly, does it mean anything - its not Israeli, youre not a Jew? He said not to me and they moved on. On the train, they handed out racist fliers and sang Advance Australia Fair. They also sang a racist pro-white power anthem. At one point, a man of Middle Eastern appearance boarded the train and police asked him to sit behind them for safety. At Footscray Station, a group of eight police officers boarded and prevented any more passengers from entering the train. The group of far-right protestors were seen posing for photographs with the police officers in the background. The leader of the group then encouraged them to sing more songs and throw more Hitler salutes. Daily Mail Australia witnessed the group leave the train at Altona. On the train, they handed out racist fliers and sang Advance Australia Fair. They also sang a racist pro-white power anthem Victoria Police on Saturday confirmed that they attended Parliament House and Flinders Street station in the early hours of Saturday 14 October when they became aware of an 'unplanned demonstration'. 'There were no reported incidents during the demonstration and at this stage, unless further information is received, no offences were detected,' police said in a statement. Police said they would 'assess the circumstances surrounding the demonstration and review vision of the incident and people involved'. Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, who has led a national campaign to ban the Nazi swastika and criminalise the Nazi salute, told Daily Mail Australia: 'Victoria is now officially the neo-Nazi capital of our nation and today was a sad and dark day for our democracy. 'This beyond despicable display of Hitler worshipping and depravity belongs in Nazi Germany of the 1930s and Victoria Police and Premier Allan have to explain how this terrifying intimidation was allowed. 'I urge the Allan government to quickly implement the ban on the Nazi salute that they develop a plan of action to combat this violent extremist ideology and ask the Federal government to designate all such groups as terrorist organisations.' The disturbing incident comes just hours after three men were arrested for making Hitler salutes outside the Sydney Jewish Museum. It's understood the trio - aged 30, 31, and 40 - allegedly intoxicated, were doing Nazi salutes outside the museum in Darlinghurst shortly after midday on Friday. The three have each been charged with behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school, and knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse. All three have been granted bail and Daily Mail Australia was on the scene as two of the men walked free from Kings Cross police station about 6.30pm Friday. One of the men covered his face with his t-shirt while the other, wearing hi-vis, used a cap to shield his face from cameras. Daily Mail Australia caught footage of two of the men as they attempted the shield their identities The trio's alleged act follows 'appalling' protests held on the steps of Sydney Opera House on Monday evening in which a section of the crowd was filmed chanting anti-Jewish slogans and attempting to burn a Star of David flag. Both incidents come amid rising tensions over the Israel-Palestine conflict which has this week erupted after terrorist group Hamas sent hundreds of its members across the border from Gaza to commit a surprise attack against Israelis. The attack saw Hamas, proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the US, burst through the heavily militarised border around the Gaza Strip and kill more than 1,300 people - most of them civilians - in an attack compared to 9/11 in the United States. Jada Pinkett Smith dished the interesting truth about rumors that she and husband Will Smith are gay during an hour long NBC interview with Hoda Kotb. During the interview, the host - Kotb - pressed Pinkett Smith, 52, to clear up rumors about her odd relationship with Will Smith, 55. Kotb, 59, brought up how Pinkett Smith and Smith battled a 'barrage of rumors' about the couple - including that they have an open marriage, they're swingers, he's gay, she's gay and another 'million things'. The host said: 'what, if anything, is true?' Pinkett Smith responded: 'I would say that none of that's true'. She was not asked if she or Will are bisexual. While Pinkett Smith deflected the question, the rumors about 'Hollywood's odd couple' were not squashed during the interview. Jada Pinkett Smith dished the interesting truth about her relationship with Will Smith during an hour long NBC interview with Hoda Kotb During the interview, the host - Kotb - pressed Pinkett Smith, 52, to clear up rumors about her odd relationship with Will Smith, 55 Kotb, 59, brought up how Pinkett Smith and Smith battled a 'barrage of rumors' about the couple - including that they have an open marriage, they're swingers, he's gay, she's gay and another 'million things' The rumors about the couple's sexuality have swirled for years, and Pinkett Smith even addressed them all the way back in 2009: Ive heard all the things their marriage is not real, hes gay, shes gay, they swing. I tell you what, its too hard to be in a pretend marriage. But Pinkett Smith this week revealed the couple have been separated for seven years, lending fresh scrutiny to previous claims about she and Will's strange marriage. In Friday's interview, Pinkett Smith said: 'I definitely can understand why there would be misunderstandings. But none of it's true.' Smith and Pinkett Smith share two children, Willow and Jaden, as well as a son, Trey, from Smith's first marriage. The prominent Hollywood couple married in 1997 and have addressed separations and marital troubles in the past, but Pinkett Smith revealed on Friday night how the pair essentially have a divorce without papers. 'Why not just amicably divorce? Why not just do that', Kotb asked. 'We don't want to,' Kotb replied. 'We love our family, and we love each other. You know, it's more of a life partnership. Now, ten years from now, who knows?' Pinkett Smith said. Kotb pushed further asking if the pair have a deal should each of them decide to date someone else - but such a suggestion was quickly pushed aside. 'Well, you know, right now what we're focused on, which has been so beautiful, is deep healing - because of everything that's transpired. Now, what happens after that, I don't know yet,' Pinkett Smith explained. 'Is it possible that there would be a full reconciliation?' Kotb asked. The host said: 'what, if anything, is true?' Pinkett Smith bizarrely responded: 'I would say that none of that's true' While Pinkett Smith deflected the question, the rumors about 'Hollywood's odd couple' were not squashed during the interview The rumors about the couple's sexuality have swirled for years, and Pinkett Smith even addressed them all the way back in 2009 : Ive heard all the things their marriage is not real, hes gay, shes gay, they swing. I tell you what, its too hard to be in a pretend marriage' 'You know, he's getting old. You know what I'm saying he getting old who going to be there for him, Hoda it's going to be me. It's going to be me. I will be there,' Pinkett Smith said, suggesting the couple would never completely part ways. News of the couple's split came as a surprise to many, considering Pinkett Smith's candor in her Red Table Talk series, in which she and Smith addressed her extramarital relationship in an episode in 2020, and the slap at the 2022 Academy Awards. At the ceremony, Smith infamously walked up on stage and struck presenter Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Pinkett Smith's hair. Smith has apologized several times for the incident , which got him a 10-year ban on attending the Oscars or any other academy event. And at the time, no one in the public knew that the highly-publicized couple had been living apart since 2016. Israel has killed a key Hamas commander as the death toll from airstrikes on Gaza topped 2,200 - with tanks now massing on the border in preparation for a full-scale ground invasion. Murad Abu Murad, the head of the terror group's aerial operations, was killed over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre, the Israeli military said today. Israel yesterday gave 1.1million civilians just 24 hours to escape to the south of the territory, a deadline that ended today at 3am BST. The UN has asked it to be revoked, saying it was impossible without 'devastating humanitarian consequences'. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with their possessions crowded a main road heading southward from Gaza City. Hamas claims 70 people were killed when airstrikes struck a convoy of cars. Israeli military drones dropped flyers yesterday demanding that all Palestinians, including those critically ill in hospital, evacuate the northern half of the strip or risk being caught in a military escalation. It said today that Gazans could flee safely via two main roads between 10am and 4pm local time (8AM - 2pm BST). The IDF then launched its first 'localised' raids into the territory, deploying columns of Merkava main battle tanks alongside elite troops to track down hostages and 'cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry'. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said the country would 'never forget' last Saturday's terrorist attacks by Hamas and warned 'this is just the beginning'. An Israeli drone killed a number of militants who tried to infiltrate Israel from Lebanon, the Israeli army said today. The army said it was 'very sorry' for the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed in Lebanon during Israeli shelling. At least 2,215 people have been killed by airstrikes on Gaza so far, with another 8,714 wounded. Israeli Merkava battle tanks streaming into Gaza yesterday in preparation for the full scale ground invasion A Palestinian man uses a fire extinguisher to douse a fire following an Israeli strike today in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip Palestinians carry an injured boy rescued from the rubble after an airstrike in Gaza today Palestinians search for casualties in a bombed building today. The strikes have killed at least 1,900 people so far Smoke and flames are seen over Gaza City after Israeli airstrikes continued today Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south today after the Israeli army issued an unprecedented evacuation warning A Palestinian family gather their possessions and prepare to flee the upcoming ground offensive A boy carries rolled up mattresses on his back followed by a woman with a young child in a scene from Gaza today The conflict began with Hamas' terror attacks last Saturday, which killed at least 1,300 Israelis. Horrific scenes of babies and families being massacred are continuing to emerge as Israel continues a relentless assault on the Gaza Strip. The UN says 1,300 buildings in the territory have been destroyed. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant added his defence forces would take Hamas 'out of Gaza and out of the Earth' and 'effect permanent change' in the territory. READ MORE - Twisted propaganda videos that show how Hamas trained for attack on Israel for YEARS Advertisement In a statement, the IDF said it would 'operate significantly' within Gaza City 'in the coming days', telling Palestinians: 'You will only be able to return to Gaza when another announcement permitting it is made.' Hamas told people to ignore the evacuation order. Families in Gaza faced what they saw as a no-win decision to leave or stay, with no safe ground anywhere. Israeli strikes have leveled entire city blocks, and Gaza has been sealed off from food, water and medical supplies - all under a virtual total power blackout. 'Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if you'll make it, if you're going to live,' said Nebal Farsakh, a spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City. Israel was accused of breaking international law over the sudden order to leave, with aid agencies and the UN warning such an unprecedented evacuation was impossible. US President Joe Biden - who has remained staunchly supportive of Israel - urged Israel not to 'lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks'. Russia compared Israel's siege of Gaza to the Nazi siege of Leningrad. Rishi Sunak said Israel had 'every right to defend itself', but stressed that civilian safety must be 'paramount in our minds'. Lord Kim Darroch, former British ambassador to the US and and a former UK national security adviser, said Gazans needed to be given more time to evacuate. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord Darroch predicted the Israeli ground offensive would fail to eliminate Hamas and warned the next generation of Palestinian fighters were 'already being radicalised'. Meanwhile, Tory MP Crispin Blunt warned the UK could be complicit in war crimes in Gaza and could face legal action if it does not do more to 'restrain' Israel. He told Sky News: 'If you know that a party is going to commit a war crime - and this forcible transfer of people is a precise breach of one of the statutes that governs international law and all states in this area - then you are making yourself complicit,' he said. 'And as international law has developed in this area, the fact of being complicit makes you equally guilty to the party carrying out the crime.' It came as the RAF made two flights from Tel Aviv early this morning and late yesterday as part of an effort to evacuate Britons from Israel. It follows criticism of the government's 'slow' response. US citizens are being allowed to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, an official said. It comes as: Iran told Israel 'new fronts' would open up if it continued 'war crimes' in Gaza, while Jordan warned more displacement of Palestinians risked a 'wider conflict'; Hamas claimed 13 hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including foreign nationals a claim denied by Israel; The IDF today denied reports it had retrieved the bodies of hostages from Gaza; Israel said it was 'very worry' for the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed yesterday during an airstrike in Lebanon; Country was accused by Human Rights Watch of using white phosphorus weapons; Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said it was 'very likely' British nationals were among the hostages; Police in the UK are on high alert over fears of a domestic terror attack, with threat level still at 'substantial'; Israel released further harrowing images of atrocities committed during the Hamas raids; In Britain, some Jewish schools closed their doors amid fear of attacks following a Hamas call for protests; Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned a 'disgusting' rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the UK as 1,000 extra police readied themselves for a London demonstration today; Israeli tanks and military vehicles massing near the border with Gaza today Columns of tanks have begun moving into Gaza alongside elite infantry to, in the words of the IDF, 'cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry' The detachments will also try to track down hostages taken during Hamas raids a week ago An Israeli soldier mans a gun on top of a tank as he moves into Gaza in the early stages of Israel's ground offensive Israeli artillery embedded within piles of sand fires towards fires towards the Gaza Strip today Smoke billows over Gaza City yesterday as Palestinians tried to flee a ground invasion by Israeli forces More than 300 children have been killed and 300,000 displaced since Israel launched sustained retaliatory air attacks on Gaza Palestinians grabbed bags and desperately tried to save the lives of their loved ones, leaving their homes behind as Israeli main battle tanks crossed into Gaza yesterday Riding a donkey drawn cart as family along with hundreds of other Palestinian carrying their belongings flee following the Israeli army's warning to leave their homes and move south Cars made a desperate exodus south ahead of an anticipated Israeli invasion A Palestinian girl among the cars fleeing Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion Palestinians crowd onto a truck as they head south today to escape Israel's ground offensive Meanwhile relatives of Israelis abducted during Hamas militants' attack last weekend pleaded at the UN on Friday for the world's help getting their loved ones home. Speaking by video from Israel, Yoni Asher told diplomats at an Israel-organized event that he hasn't slept or eaten since his wife and two small daughters vanished last Saturday while visiting his mother-in-law in the country's south. His wife called to tell him that they were locked in a safe room after people came into the house and she heard gunshots, Asher said. He said he later saw a video of his wife and daughters, who are under 5 and 3, being loaded into a vehicle, and he tracked his wife's phone to Gaza. 'I don't know if I've got any more tears left,' he said. 'I'm exhausted, and I just want to approach whoever can hear me in the international community. Please bring back my baby girls.' Hamas fighters took 150 hostages during last Saturday's surprise assault. Alana Zeitchik, who lives in New York, said a half-dozen of her cousins were snatched from a kibbutz. They were known to be alive as of Friday morning, she said. READ MORE - British surgeon Prof Ghassan Abu-Sittah gives a harrowing dispatch from Gaza Advertisement 'We don't want more bombs or rockets or blood or tears,' said Ms Zeitchik. 'We want our family back immediately. And we want peace.' Speaking to the media after talks with allies in Sweden, Rishi Sunak highlighted how he had urged his Israeli counterpart during a conversation last night that any action needed to 'protect civilians' caught in the crossfire. Yesterday there were clashes and panic across the region ahead of the possible full-scale offensive. In the West Bank, 11 people were killed in uprisings on a 'day of rage' called by Hamas leaders. Residents in scores of Israeli towns and cities were repeatedly ordered into bunkers as the terrorists blasted rockets across the border. In the north of the country, Iran-backed Hezbollah sent missiles into the Israeli border town of Hanita, forcing Israel to respond by firing into Lebanon. Senior EU officials and Israeli president Isaac Herzog were forced to seek cover in protected shelters as air-raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv. A crying woman carries a body bag through Gaza City following an Israeli airstrike A man inspects the damage to his home after Israeli strikes in Gaza. Photo taken today The morning sun glints over a tree to illuminate a scene of devastation in Gaza today An aerial view of damaged buildings and cars today as rescuers comb the rubble A vast crowd of Palestinians search through the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaza Rescuers dig through rubble today in an effort to find survivors from Israeli airstrikes Palestinians search for casualties under the rubble in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Gaza today Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, shelter at a United Nations-run school in Gaza today Flyers dropped by the IDF warning residents to flee are seen in the skies above Gaza yesterday Palestinians make the perilous journey south from the southern Gaza Strip yesterday Some 1.2mn were ordered to evacuate parts of Gaza - around half the total population Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City Palestinians fleeing from northern Gaza to the south after Israel issued an unprecedented evacuation warning to a population of over 1mn people in northern Gaza and Gaza City Some 300,000 people had already been displaced by the war - within fewer than seven days Incredibly, amid a massive security operation, suspected Hamas terrorists are still being found in Israel. Sky News, reporting from the site of the Nova festival atrocity, saw a knife-wielding man it believed was a Hamas fighter who has been hiding since last Saturday. He was stripped, blindfolded and handcuffed. As civilians in Gaza gather what possessions they can, international onlookers have urged Israel to reconsider, judging the 24-hour notice 'impossible' to work around. Both the United Nations and the World Health Organisation have urgently called on Israel to revoke the evacuation order, saying it will result in a humanitarian disaster whether people can flee or not. 'The noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening. How are 1.1 million people supposed to move across a densely populated warzone in less than 24 hours?' UN aid chief Martin Griffiths wrote on social media. READ MORE - Israelis raze Palestinian pizzeria to the ground after it used picture of kidnapped grandmother in mocking advert Advertisement More than 80 per cent of Gaza's population rely on humanitarian aid - which the EU said it would 'review' earlier this week - and most lack access to a vehicle. Medecins Sans Frontieres said yesterday evening that Israel had given Al Awda Hospital in Gaza 'just two hours to evacuate', causing panic in one of the most vulnerable spaces. 'Our staff are still treating patients,' the group wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'We unequivocally condemn this action, the continued indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks on health care in Gaza. We are trying to protect our staff and patients.' The group, named Doctors Without Borders in English, is a charity that provides humanitarian medical care. Riham Jafari of charity ActionAid, Coordinator of Advocacy and Communication for Palestine said: 'We have received information that Al-Awda hospital in Gaza, a partner of Alianza por la Solidaridad - a member of the ActionAid Federation - has been issued orders to evacuate staff and patients. 'Our understanding and fear is that the hospital will be bombed when that deadline expires. 'Let us be clear, ActionAid condemns, in the strongest terms any act that puts innocent lives at risk, and threatening a hospital is an egregious violation of humanitarian law. 'Here, wounded children, amongst many other civilians, are being treated with life-threatening injuries; they simply cannot leave. We call for the immediate removal of this threat, a ceasefire and the protection of civilians across Gaza.' Smoke rises above buildings in the southern Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike yeserday Palestinians with their belongings flee to safer areas in Gaza City after Israeli airstrikes A Palestinian man runs amid the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli airstrike on October 13 A child carrying an infants car seat evacuates Gaza City following an Israeli warning of increased military operations in the Gaza strip, 13 October 2023 The International Committee of the Red Cross said Gazans had 'nowhere safe to go' and it was 'impossible' for them to know which areas 'will next face attack'. With a military siege in place, humanitarian organisations 'will not be able to assist such a massive displacement of people in Gaza'. Life saving machines running on generators are soon expected to stop working across the strip as doctors work around the clock to save the lives of men, women and children swept into the conflict. Ashraf Al Qidra, spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, explained that Israel's decision to blockade Gaza under 'total siege' was pushing 'our medical operation into a precarious situation'. READ MORE - Hamas releases sickening video showing terrorists holding Israeli babies and toddlers on day of the kibbutz massacres Advertisement He said that without quick action to restore power, hospitals faced 'huge loss of these lives'. US President Joe Biden, who has repeatedly given staunch support for Israel, said that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a 'priority'. 'We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and they're suffering as a result as well,' Biden said during a speech in Philadelphia. Earlier the White House said the evacuation demand was a 'tall order'. Even Saudi Arabia broke its silence yesterday to urge Israel to relent, denouncing the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and attacks on 'defenceless civilians' - its strongest language criticising Israel since the war broke out. Riyadh 'affirms its categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza, and its condemnation of the continued targeting of defenceless civilians there,' the foreign ministry said in a statement. The comments come in spite of attempts - mediated by US President Joe Biden - to facilitate normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a move unfavourable to Hamas. The United Nations said it had been informed of the order shortly before midnight but as thousands of people streamed southwards in cars and on foot, the Israeli army admitted that the evacuation would 'take time'. Two-month-old Muhammad Al-Khayyat baby dies in the hospital despite all the efforts as a result of the Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza on October 13, 2023 Medics in Gaza say time is running out for a population on life support as generators struggle to keep the power on for essential machines. Pictured: doctors examine a child at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis Gaza has been reduced largely to rubble, with tens of thousands of residential buildings destroyed Gaza City (pictured) and the rest of the north has been urged to try to move south - which onlookers say will be 'impossible' and result in 'humanitarian catastrophe' The Saudi statement was published as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Riyadh as part of a six-nation tour of Arab countries. US officials have appeared to backtrack on earlier efforts to let Gazans flee to neighbouring Egypt, saying they did not see wide support, and have instead promoted the idea of 'safe areas' within Gaza. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also appealed yesterday for the creation of a humanitarian corridor and convoy in Gaza where, he said, more than two million civilians, half of them children, were facing a catastrophe. 'But in the face of a ground offensive in Gaza, I plead that the sins of Hamas are not borne by the citizens of Gaza, who themselves have faced such suffering over many decades. 'The price of evil cannot be paid by the innocent. Civilians cannot bear the costs of terrorists,' he said in a statement. The Royal Air Force was brought in last night to help British Citizens to safety The first repatriation flight helping Brits flee Israel has landed in Cyprus ahead of the Israeli military's land offensive on Gaza. The Royal Air Force was brought in last night to help British Citizens to safety after they said 'we don't want our children to witness what is about to happen in Gaza'. An Airbus A400M made two flights from Tel Aviv to Cyprus, the first on Friday night and the second during the early hours of Saturday morning, according to FlightRadar24. A Foreign Office (FCDO) statement said: 'A UK Government charter flight has now left Israel (October, 13), with further flights expected to leave in the coming days while commercial options are limited.' It comes as the UK Government had failed to organise repatriation flights from Israel due to problems obtaining insurance. The first repatriation flight helping Brits flee Israel has landed in Cyprus ahead of the Israeli military's land offensive on Gaza. An Airbus A400M (stock image) made two flights from Tel Aviv to Cyprus, the first on Friday night and the second during the early hours of Saturday morning British expats and tourists also boarded an evacuation flight out of Israel last night after days of delays in the hope to jet to London's Gatwick Airport A family of three and a pregnant woman were among dozens queuing at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport A UK-organised flight was initially planned to arrive at Gatwick Airport on Friday, but that was cancelled amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. An attempt to arrange a flight landing at the West Sussex airport at 5.40pm on Friday also failed. One of the reasons for the lack of flights is that Titan Airways, the contracted airline, was having difficulties arranging insurance. The airline was approached for comment. A spokeswoman for the FCDO said earlier: 'This is a fluid situation and we are currently working to ensure the flight can proceed as soon as possible.' Other options include scheduled services to Heathrow and Luton airports by Israeli airline El Al and a repatriation flight to Heathrow for Australian nationals organised by the country's government and operated by Qantas. Several airlines have suspended their flights between Israel and the UK, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Wizz Air. When the FCDO announced on Thursday it would organise flights, it said the first one would operate that day and they will be available to 'British nationals, including dual nationals, and dependants if travelling with a British national normally resident in the UK'. Each ticket will cost 300, which 'reflects the costs of operating the flight', according to the FCDO. The children and other dependants of British diplomats will be given seats as 'we have a duty of care to our staff', it added. British expats and tourists also boarded an evacuation flight out of Israel last night after days of delays. A family of three and a pregnant woman were among dozens queuing at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport to take a Foreign Office charter jet to London's Gatwick Airport. Two charter flights have now left Israel as efforts to help Britons leave the country continues, the Foreign Office has confirmed. A Government spokesperson said: 'Two flights facilitated by the UK Government have now departed Israel. 'Further flights are expected to leave in the coming days while commercial options are limited.' Teacher Revital Pavey and her husband Paul told how they had decided to take their children back to Britain to shield them from the escalating violence engulfing Israel. Mother-of-three Revital told MailOnline: 'We don't want our children to witness what is about to happen in Gaza. 'We were already evacuated from our home on a kibbutz in the north, close to the Lebanese border. There were some incursions by terrorists into the area and it is only going to get worse. 'We don't want our kids having to rush to the shelters all through the day. We don't want them to think that war is normal.' They are waiting to take a Foreign Office charter jet to London's Gatwick Airport ahead of the Israeli military's land offensive on Gaza Pictured are a family of four waiting in the airport in hope to reach safety after days of destruction in the country Her husband Paul said: 'We don't really know where we are going to go. We have family in the north, around Sheffield. 'We don't know how long we will stay, but we want to go back to Britain. 'We have been thinking of leaving Israel for a while.' Painter Liz Shani told how she had lived through numerous conflict after moving to Israel to get married and raise a family 34 years ago on a kibbutz in the south of the country. But she revealed she felt compelled to return to Britain because her daughter Ella is now expecting her first child in just two months time. Liz, 60, told MailOnline: 'The whole world needs to know what happened in the south of Israel the massacres, the rapes, the kidnapping. 'I have lived through many conflicts but nothing like this. 'My daughter Ella is seven months pregnant. I could not let her be in danger like that. Her husband is with his army unit and is preparing to go into Gaza.' She added: 'When the rockets and coming over and you are hiding in the shelter you only think of yourself and your family. Many were pictured in high spirits over the prospect of getting back home safely to their families An American flag was spotted among those waiting for the flight to get back home 'But afterwards, when things have settled down, I think of the women and children in Gaza. 'How can their leaders let them be human shields. 'We are all victims of this war. 'I hope that when the fighting is over and Hamas has been broken, the new leaders in Gaza will take care of their people and not put them in harm's way.' Grandmother June Bennett, from Southport, Merseyside, simply wants to go home. The 86-year-old had spent five weeks visiting her expat son and daughter and attending their weddings in Tel Aviv. But her return EasyJet flight home last Sunday 24 hours after Hamas' devastating attack inside Israel was cancelled. And all other flights were first delayed, then cancelled. June told MailOnline: 'I just want to go home. I've loved seeing my son, my daughter and attending my two grandchildren's weddings. The airport has seen hundreds queuing today as many brought their own chairs in anticipation of the long journey home Families holding new born babies could be seen desperately trying to flee the country to get back on home soil 'But I just want to be at home, surrounded by my things, my friends, my normal routine.' Her son expat son Philip, 61, a tour guide, added: 'Mum just wants to go home. First EasyJet say the flight is delayed, then it's cancelled. Even the evacuation flight which was meant to go last night has been delayed.' Holidaymaker Angela Nlewedim has been stranded in Tel Aviv for almost a week when her return Virgin Atlantic flight last Sunday was cancelled. Angela, 56, a social worker, from Horley, Surrey, told MailOnline: 'I've been trying to get home for a week. 'My Virgin Atlantic flight on Sunday was cancelled and now they've stopped flying here all together. 'I've suffer from arthritis and I've run out of my meds. 'I've spent a fortune on hotels and transport. We have even had to pay 300 for the evacuation flight! 'I want to get home.' Hamas propaganda videos have revealed how the militant group prepared for its sudden assault on Israel last Saturday for years, practicing cable tying hostages and paragliding just metres from the Israeli border. Israeli intelligence, previously regarded as some of the best in the world, was taken completely by surprise by the Hamas incursion, which killed 1,300 people of which the vast majority were civilians. Questions are being raised about how the state could have been blindsided by the terror group, with new videos showing at least six training sites within the Gaza Strip including one just 720 metres away from one of the most heavily-fortified areas of the Israel-Gaza border. It comes after Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in its history, massacring and kidnapping civilians including babies and young children, slaughtering 250 people at a music festival and wiping out entire villages. In response, Israel has vowed to wipe out the group, and has killed at least 2,200 people with non-stop airstrikes in the region, home to 2.2 million people. Hamas militants practice paragliding while aiming weapons at a training site Hamas propaganda videos have revealed how the militant group prepared for its sudden assault on Israel last Saturday for years At one training site the terror group built a mock kibbutz to practice urban warfare Videos released by Hamas show fighters training inside a makeshift kibbutz, practising urban warfare, missile strikes and fighting from house to house. More disturbing images show fighters taking over a makeshift kibbutz and imitating hostages, cable tying their hands and forcing them along in similar ways to those seen last Saturday. It is thought Hamas took at least 150 hostages back to Gaza during its assault, including entire families, children and the elderly. The group has threatened to kill hostages if Israel launches a ground assault against them, which Israel responded to by cutting off all electricity and aid until hostages are returned. The IDF has now forced Hamas back inside Gaza, but lone and small groups of soldiers are still being discovered in hiding in the country. CNN identified the six training sites in Gaza and said no action had been taken against them by Israel, despite one of them only being constructed 18 months ago. At one of the training sites, Hamas militants practised hang-gliding assaults, another method they deployed on Saturday. They drilled take-offs and landings as they prepared for their attack, which intelligence experts have claimed was years in the making. The IDF refused to comment on CNN's findings until the war is over. More disturbing images show fighters taking over a makeshift kibbutz and imitating hostages Hamas drills involved shooting guns and missiles in preparation for attacks on Israel Some of the training sites have been operating for years, seemingly without Israel being aware of them Mock kibbutz buildings were painted with star symbols matching those on Israeli flags At one of the training sites, Hamas militants practised hang-gliding assaults, another method they deployed on Saturday Israel's government is under intense pressure from the public to topple Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. It has called up 360,000 army reservists and threatened an unprecedented response to Hamas' wide-ranging incursion. The revelations came as it was claimed discarded raid plans found by IDF forces inspecting the bodies of Hamas militants showed the group meticulously planned their operation. The 'top secret' document, dated October last year, includes a raid plan on Mefalsim, a Kibbutz with '1,000 civilians', of which 20 are part of an Israeli rapid response team. The plan involved the use of 'artillery' and instructed a team member to 'open a hole' in a fence. The plan also indicated that Hamas forces should 'take prisoner soldiers, residents, and take hostages for negotiations,' the responder unit posted. It comes as, nearly a week after Hamas militants crossed through Israel's heavily fortified separation fence and killed over 1,200 Israelis in a brutal rampage, Israel is preparing for a possible ground invasion of Gaza for the first time in nearly a decade. The battle plan detailed that the attack would consist of a commander and two squads of five people. Hamas warned that an attack on Mefalsim could see additional Israeli forces arrive from the Nahal Oz area 'within three to five minutes'. The plan suggests these forces would arrive in two to three Jeeps along a specific road. A week after the attack, Gazans are desperately fleeing the north of the country after Israeli forces gave 1.1 million people 24 hours to evacuate ahead of an imminent ground assault. The government today announced that Gazans could flee safely between 10am and 4pm along two main roads. An Aboriginal ABC reporter has unleashed on the way the Voice to Parliament campaign has made Indigenous people feel unwelcome in their own country. Speaking during the ABC referendum coverage on Saturday night reporter Dan Bourchier, who grew up in Tennant Creek in the NT, said some fellow Indigenous people had told him they had mentally checked out of the whole debate. 'People have been saying they are stepping out of the debate, the tone has been so vile they don't want to be a part of it,' Mr Bourchier said. 'One elder in fact a couple of days ago told me they didn't want to have to consider their own Aboriginality as being the thing that was being debated by the nation and would be voted on today.' 'They explained what the process was and said that it feels like more than that, it feels like this is about who we are and our right to exist. That's a sentiment I have heard far and wide.' Indigenous Australians vote at Bellevue Hall voting centre in Midland, Perth on Saturday 'On the other hand I have heard the most extraordinary generosity from elders,' Mr Bourchier said. He explained a woman told him a story about being in front of the girls home where she were taken as a child. 'When she got out she said to her mum, why didn't you love me and her mum burst into tears and said of course I love you, they took you away.' 'She said even in spite of that pain, right now she feels like she wanted to vote Yes because that was something that would have an impact and there would be a change.' Reporter Dan Bourchier, who grew up in Tennant Creek in the NT, said some fellow Indigenous people had told him they had mentally checked out of the whole debate Australians will soon know whether an Indigenous voice will be enshrined in the constitution, as polls close across three states and the ACT. Millions of voters attended 7000 polling booths across the nation on Saturday for the first referendum since 1999. They were asked whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders should be recognised through a permanent, non-binding advisory body in the constitution that would be able to make representations to the government and parliament. Polling closed at 6pm local time in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT, with South Australia to follow, before polls close in Queensland, the Northern Territory and then finally Western Australia. Four of the six states will need to vote in favour of the referendum for it to succeed on top of a majority of all Australia's voting 'yes'. A three-three state tie will result in a 'no' result. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remained hopeful of a 'yes' outcome, despite published polls pointing to the 'no' vote succeeding. A high-profile ABC reporter has slapped down trolls who bizarrely attacked her for broadcasting live from a No campaign event. Left-wing viewers took aim at Ms Karvelas after the national broadcaster showed Ms Karvelas interviewing Warren Mundine, one of the top No campaigners, as votes were counted for the Voice to Parliament referendum on Saturday. The journalist defended her coverage of the event on X, formerly Twitter, and said that she was not endorsing any side of the debate, but simply covering all angles of the night. 'Just a brief explanation of reporting. I am REPORTING from the No event. Thats not an endorsement of it,' she wrote. 'Reporters cover everything as they should.' Patricia Karvelas took to X to respond to critics who slammed her for covering a No campaign event on the night of the Voice to Parliament referendum Ms Karvelas had interviewed Australian Order medalist and prominent No campaigner Warren Mundine as the votes were counted Some ABC viewers objected as seeing Ms Karvelas spending time at the conservative event and chastised her for doing so. 'It's a bit late to start reporting on the No campaign. If journalists had called out their outrageous lies as they happened it would be a different outcome,' one viewer wrote on social media. READ MORE: AEC's massive Melbourne blunder Melbourne voters have been left outraged after queuing for hours to cast their vote just moments before Voice voting closes. Advertisement 'Well, what about calling out misinformation and publishing fact checks the No vote,' a second wrote. 'Id be asking why your bosses threw you under the bus if I were you,' a third added. Ms Karvelas responded to critics moments before interviewing Mr Mundine, who has featured on No campaign material alongside Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. She asked Mr Mundine why the campaign was unable to recruit more volunteers and if it had mismanaged its presence on the day of the vote. 'The problem that we have is that we don't have as many volunteers as the Yes campaign,' Mr Mundine said. 'But my feeling is that people have already made up their mind.' In the 90 minutes after polls closed in all states and territories except West Australia, ABC has called New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia as voting No. Queensland was called No half an hour later. Australia has overwhelmingly rejected the Voice to Parliament, but several heavily populated parts of the country voted Yes. Affluent electorates in Sydney's eastern suburbs strongly supported the proposed change to the Constitution, along with voters on the city's northern beaches. The Prime Minister's own seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner west also resoundingly voted Yes, initial figures shows. But across western Sydney and the rest of New South Wales, it was a clear No and a stark map reveals the clear divide. Inner-city Melbourne - a seat held by Greens leader Adam Bandt - bucked the national trend and led the way for Yes votes across the nation with 78 per cent of voters supporting the proposal. Affluent electorates in Sydney's eastern suburbs strongly supported the proposed change to the Constitution, along with voters on the city's northern beaches. Pictured: ABC map of Sydney areas that voted Yes are in purple, while No is in orange The PM's own seat of Grayndler had the second highest show of support with 75 per cent voting Yes, followed by another Labor-held seat, Canberra. The Australian Capital Territory wholly supported the proposal in complete opposition with the rest of the nation, with about 65 per cent voting Yes with 16 per cent of the count complete. The votes in territories will be included in the overall national tally, but for the referendum to succeed it also needed the majority of states to vote Yes. After Tasmania and New South Wales were declared for the No camp, the loss of South Australia at about 7.30pm meant it was all over for the Yes campaign, before polls had even closed in Western Australia. The Prime Minister's own seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner west also resoundingly voted Yes Queensland was the next to fall, while the vote was called in WA less than an hour after the count began there. The Northern Territory, whilst not counting for the double majority, also voted No. But the biggest defeats were felt in Queensland. Nationals leader David Littleproud's electorate of Maranoa boasted the biggest rejection of the Voice with an 85 per cent No vote, followed by Flynn and Capricornia, both also in Queensland. Hinkler, which includes Bundaberg, the division of Dawson comprising Mackay, and Bob Katter's electorate of Kennedy were also strong No votes, with rejection of the proposal sitting at around 80 per cent by early Sunday morning. Queenslanders weren't the only ones to reject the proposal near wholesale, though. The electorate of Grey, which comprises 92.4 per cent of South Australia from the Flinders to Port Lincoln and Coober Pedy, had the fourth largest turnout of No voters. Parkes in New South Wales, Mallee in Victoria and Durak in Western Australia rounded out the top 10 No electorates - each on 78 per cent. Although the Prime Minister's signature policy was trounced, his own electorate backed the Voice to Parliament with a whopping 78 per cent voting Yes in the early stages of the count. A Yes supporter reacts at the Inner West For Yes2023 Official Referendum Function at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club on October 14 Warringah and Mackellar on the northern beaches also showed strong support for the referendum with 64 per cent and 54 per cent, respectively, voting Yes so far. North Sydney's tally currently stands at 63 per cent Yes, Wentworth in the city's eastern suburbs is at 66 per cent and Kingsford Smith stands at 54 per cent. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek's electorate of Sydney currently stands at 71 per cent Yes and Bennelong has a slim majority with 52 per cent. Teal-held eastern suburbs electorate Wentworth has supported the proposal with 63 per cent in favour, as has Cooper and Wills in Victoria, with 65 and 66 per cent support. The small victories did little to numb the pain of the Yes campaign with photos showing emotional volunteers holding their heads in their hands and wiping away tears as the results from across Australia roll in. Yes volunteers are seen embracing as the results roll in Yes campaigners are seen wiping away tears A volunteer firefighter has died while battling a blaze in country NSW. The firie was with his crew at Bean Creek near Kyogle when he suffered a 'medical episode' on Saturday. Other members of NSW Rural Fire Service attempted first aid until paramedics arrived on the scene but the man could not be revived. A NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer has died while battling a blaze near Kyogle (stock) 'This is a terrible tragedy, where a volunteer helping protect his community has paid the ultimate sacrifice,' RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends and firefighting colleagues at this terrible time. 'We are offering every assistance to his family and fellow brigade members.' The firefighters were battling the grassfire at Bean Creek Road since Saturday afternoon and had just gotten the blaze under control, the RFS said. The UK could be complicit in war crimes in Gaza and may even face legal action if it does not do more to try and force Israel to show constraint in its attacks on Palestinians, a UK MP has warned. Tory MP for Reigate Crispin Blunt told Sky News he does not believe members of government 'have grasped the legal peril they are in' as he condemned Israel's heavy bombing of the Gaza strip, a 25-mile long stretch of land in which 2.2 million people live. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), of which Mr Blunt is co-director, today confirmed it intends to prosecute UK government officials for 'aiding and abetting war crimes in Gaza.' It is estimated that 2,200 people have so far been killed by relentless airstrikes in Gaza in response to Hamas militants' incursion onto Israeli territory last Saturday and slaughtering civilians, including more than 250 attendees at a music festival. The letter from the ICJP follows Israel's warning to Palestinians to evacuate to the south of the Gaza Strip or risk being caught up in military action and calls for the UK to support an immediate ceasefire. It comes ahead of a planned protest in support of Palestine in central London on Saturday, which thousands of people are expected to attend. An injured girl is carried away from rubble after an Israeli airstrike hit Khan Yuris in southern Gaza Gaza City (pictured) is at the centre of an Israeli evacuation order as they prepare to launch a ground offensive Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the seventh day of the clashes in Rafah, Gaza Israeli artillery embedded within piles of sand fires towards fires towards the Gaza Strip today Tory MP Crispin Blunt is co-director of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) which has issued the warning to UK government The IDF yesterday warned 1.2 million people to flee in just 24 hours, including those critically ill in hospital who cannot be moved. The deadline expired in the early hours of Saturday, although the IDF today said citizens could evacuate via two main roads between 10am and 4pm local time. The UN and World Health Organisation both condemned the Israeli order, warning of 'calamitous' results and a humanitarian crisis if it was not revoked. So far in the conflict, more than 1,300 Israelis have been killed with around 150 people, north Israelis and foreign citizens, taken hostage and imprisoned in Gaza. Palestinian authorities say of the 2,200 killed by Israeli strikes so far, 583 are confirmed to be children. Mr Blunt told Sky that 'everyone must act to restrain people' if they know war crimes are likely to happen. He continued: 'If you know that a party is going to commit a war crime - and this forcible transfer of people is a precise breach of one of the statutes that governs international law and all states in this area - then you are making yourself complicit,' he said. 'And as international law has developed in this area, the fact of being complicit makes you equally guilty to the party carrying out the crime.' The MP previously came under fire and was investigated by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner after failing to declare payments totalling 20,000 on time, and his role as co-director of the ICJP in summer 2022. Rescuers dig through rubble today in an effort to find survivors from Israeli airstrikes Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, shelter at a United Nations-run school in Gaza today Flyers dropped by the IDF warning residents to flee are seen in the skies above Gaza yesterday Palestinians crowd onto a truck as they head south today to escape Israel's ground offensive Smoke rises above buildings in the southern Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike yeserday The morning sun glints over a tree to illuminate a scene of devastation in Gaza today Smoke billows over Gaza City yesterday as Palestinians tried to flee a ground invasion by Israeli forces In a statement, the ICJP said: 'The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has issued Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a stark warning that UK government officials could be individually liable for their role in aiding and abetting Israeli war crimes. READ MORE - Twisted propaganda videos that show how Hamas trained for attack on Israel for YEARS Advertisement 'Sunak has been issued with the notice of intention to prosecute UK government officials, for their role in providing military, economic and political support to Israel, which has aided Israel's perpetration of war crimes. 'This remarkable development comes at a time when Scotland Yard's War Crimes Unit have opened calls for evidence relating to war crimes in the region. In an incredible turn of events, this could lead to UK government officials being prosecuted for war crimes by Scotland Yard. Individuals could also be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. 'The decision to prosecute comes in response to Israel's directive to 1.2 million people in Gaza to immediately leave their homes in northern Gaza and move south. 'This order will result in mass forced displacement which may amount to both a war crime and a crime against humanity. The siege of Gaza, restricting electricity, food, water and other basic necessities, constitutes collective punishment, which is also a war crime under the Geneva Convention.' It also claimed: 'The UK government has provided military assistance and economic and political support. Now that war crimes have been carried out, continuation of such support and assistance would mean that UK Government officials would be complicit in the commission of war crimes and potentially crimes against humanity. 'This complicity, formally known as 'aiding and abetting' war crimes, may mean that UK government officials are individually criminally liable for breaking international law.' The ICJP issued six demands to the UK government which it said would 'prevent further legal action'. These are: Issue a public statement condemning Israeli breaches of international law; Ask each Government official that has encouraged war crimes in Gaza to rescind their statements in public; Insist Israel complies unequivocally with international law; Immediately act to safeguard civilians in Gaza; Call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life; Call for an immediate end to the siege to allow the secure the access of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south yesterday after the Israeli army issued an unprecedented evacuation warning Israeli tanks and military vehicles massing near the border with Gaza today Mr Crispin's comments fuelled disquiet amongst past and present Conservative MPs. Ex-Tory MP Lord Frost said: 'I know the Conservative Party is a very broad church nowadays, but a Tory MP threatening to prosecute the PM and Foreign Secretary for war crimes surely crosses some sort of threshold, doesn't it?' The UK has been among countries showing steadfast support to Israel since the Hamas attack last weekend. Evidence of atrocities by the militant group including the killing of babies and entire villages, with many families being burnt to death in their own homes, has emerged in recent days. Most recently Hamas has told Palestinians to ignore Israel's evacuation order, accusing it of 'psychological warfare'. It is feared the terror group will use hostages captured in Israel and its own civilians as human shields if Israel attack Gaza. It is thought the attack was years in the making as propaganda videos show Hamas practising invasion tactics from training sites which have existed for several years. But global leaders have urged restraint by Israel ahead of an expected imminent ground offensive in order to protect innocent civilians. Following Israel's evacuation order, the World Health Organisation said evacuating those with severe injuries would amount to a 'death sentence'. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, said Gaza was 'fast becoming a hellhole and is on the brink of collapse'. Israeli Merkava battle tanks streaming into Gaza yesterday in preparation for the full scale ground invasion Palestinians carry an injured boy rescued from the rubble after an airstrike in Gaza today A Palestinian man uses a fire extinguisher to douse a fire following an Israeli strike today in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip Huge queues of traffic formed as thousands tried to head south, amid reports Hamas had blocked roads. Although the government has thrown its full support behind Israel, the Archbishop of Canterbury appealed for a humanitarian corridor in Gaza as civilians 'cannot bear the costs of terrorists'. Justin Welby condemned the Hamas attacks and said Israel's anger was 'entirely justified', but highlighted that more than two million civilians in Gaza faced a 'catastrophe'. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf added he believed the Government had placed a different value on Palestinian lives to those of Israelis. Mr Yousaf, whose mother-in-law is trapped in Gaza, said he was 'frustrated' by ministers' response and said they should put pressure on Israel to protect civilian lives. Israel's military response has seen Gaza's only power plant forced to shut after it ran out of fuel, leaving the territory without electricity or running water. Hospitals have been overwhelmed by casualties from the airstrikes, and can operate only using emergency generators that are also running out of fuel. Medicins San Frontieres said last night that staff at one of its hospitals had been given only two hours to evacuate, while they were still treating patients. Israel acknowledged its 24-hour deadline for the vast evacuation could prove unrealistic but continued to mass its soldiers and tanks close to the border. It said it would continue its blockade on fuel, food, water or medicines entering Gaza until Hamas freed all hostages. US President Joe Biden, who has repeatedly given staunch support for Israel, said that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a 'priority'. 'We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and they're suffering as a result as well,' Biden said during a speech in Philadelphia. A FCDO spokesperson said: 'Israel has suffered a shockingly brutal terrorist attack and Hamas alone is responsible for this conflict. 'We support Israel's right to defend itself and to take action against terrorism. Unlike Hamas, Israeli President Herzog has said their armed forces will operate in accordance with international law. 'Given that Hamas has embedded itself in the civilian population in Gaza, it's important that Israel takes all possible measures to protect ordinary Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid.' Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to a teacher stabbed to death in northern France yesterday, saying he 'saved many lives' by protecting pupils from the attacker. Dominique Bernard, 57, a French literature teacher, was murdered - allegedly at the hands of 20-year-old Chechen refugee Mohamed Mogouchkov - at Gambetta high school in Arras at 11am local time. Mr Bernard, a father of three girls, was married to an English teacher at the school, and had tried to reason with Mogouchkov when he stormed into the school playground with two knives. He then went on the rampage, killing Mr Bernard, and then severely wounding two other adult members of staff. Witnesses said the attacker could be heard to shout 'Allahu Akbar', while French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said the incident bore a link to the Middle East as Palestinian terror group Hamas called on Muslims to demonstrate on a 'day of Jihad'. Dominique Bernard, 57, a French literature teacher, was murdered - allegedly at the hands of 20-year-old Chechen refugee Mohamed Mogouchkov - at Gambetta high school in Arras at 11am local time This handout photo released by an anonymous source on October 13, 2023 shows the suspected perpetrator (C) of a knife attack being escorted by a policeman outside of the Gambetta high school in the town of Arras, northern France A video shows a confrontation between two men in the school grounds French President Emmanuel Macron (centre) arrives at the Gambetta high school in Arras Officers stand guard in front of Gambetta high-school in Arras yesterday after a teacher was killed There are still high emotions in Arras as members of the public continue to leave flowers in Mr Bernard's memory People lay flowers outside Gambetta high school this morning, after a teacher was killed yesterday and two other people severely wounded in a knife attack Scores of floral tributes have been left outside the school by members of the public A woman leaves flowers outside Gambetta High School, where Mr Bernard lost his life Police officers hold flowers as they stand guard at the entrance of the Gambetta high school 'This school was struck by the barbarity of Islamist terrorism,' Macron said after visiting the school. 'The teacher who was killed had come forward to protect others and without doubt saved many lives.' France has upped its alert level to the highest position following a crunch security meeting chaired by Macron, and will deploy 7,000 soldiers to maintain order. President Macron told reporters another attempted terror incident had been foiled by security forces. According to the interior ministry, the president was referring to the arrest of a 'radicalised' man who was detained as he left a prayer hall in the Yvelines region of Paris while carrying a prohibited weapon. A total of eight people were in police custody yesterday following Mr Bernard's death, a police source said. In addition to the attacker, several members of his family were arrested 'for the purposes of the investigation', including one of his brothers and his sister, other police sources said. The national anti-terrorist prosecutor announced that it has opened an investigation. Moguchkov, who is in his 20s, is from Russia's mainly Muslim southern Caucasus region of Chechnya. He was already on a French national register known as 'Fiche S' as a potential security threat, a police source said, and under electronic and physical surveillance by France's domestic intelligence agency the DGSI. Mr Bernard, a French teacher, was stabbed in the throat and chest. Among those wounded were a school security guard who was stabbed multiple times and is fighting for his life, and a teacher in a less serious condition, the source added. A cleaner was also hurt, according to anti-terror prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard. No pupils at the school were hurt, another police source said. French President Emmanuel Macron, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and officials arrive at the site French police officers from the forensic service stand in front of the Gambetta high school in Arras A pupil is comforted by a relative as he leaves Gambetta high-school in Arras, where a teacher was killed and two others were severely wounded Police investigate following the stabbing at the school in Arras on Friday morning Emergency services attend the scene of the fatal attack which took place around 11am local time (10am GMT) at the Gambetta high school in the city of Arras Israeli embassy worker is attacked in Beijing An Israeli embassy worker in Beijing was attacked on Friday, Israel's foreign ministry said. Video geolocated by AFP shows the man was stabbed with a knife on a street in the Chinese capital. 'An Israeli employee of the Israeli embassy in Beijing was attacked today,' a foreign ministry statement said, adding that the attack did not take place at the embassy compound. 'The employee is being treated at hospital and is in stable condition,' the statement said. 'The motive for the assault is being looked into.' A video posted on social media and geolocated by AFP to an area around a kilometre and a half (roughly 1 mile) from the embassy shows a man brandishing a knife repeatedly stabbing another man, with blood visible on the pavement. The man with the blade can later be seen leaving the site, weapon in hand. In another video of the same location, security staff are seen questioning people and making phone calls. A man then rushes in on a bike to where the blood-soaked and conscious victim is sitting, shouting 'ambulance!' to onlookers. The victim is seen being carried away by several others, likely for medical treatment, to a vehicle out of frame. During the video, a policeman can be heard saying he is from Xinyuanli police station. A person who answered the phone at that station told AFP they were 'not clear' about the details of the case. An AFP journalist at the scene where the stabbing occurred said there were eight plainclothes police officers standing around. There was no police tape cordoning off the area and no visible blood stains on the ground, which were seen in one video posted on social media. Three shopkeepers at stores directly in front of the attack's location said they did not see anything take place. The attack comes after Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and took about 150 hostages in their surprise attack on Saturday. Israel has retaliated by raining air and artillery strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip for six days, killing over 1,350 people. A statement on the Israeli foreign ministry website warned that Hamas had called on 'all of its supporters around the world to hold a 'Day of Rage' on Friday to 'attack Israelis and Jews'. 'It is reasonable to assume that there will be protest events in various countries that are liable to turn violent,' the statement said. The Israeli embassy, located in a diplomatic neighbourhood of northeast Beijing, appeared to be operating normally on Friday afternoon, an AFP journalist saw. Security personnel asked AFP not to film the site, where no additional policing was visible from the outside. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond for comment. Advertisement The attack comes almost three years to the day after the October 16, 2020 beheading of teacher Samuel Paty, also by a Chechen, near his school in a Paris suburb. 'Three years after the assassination of Samuel Paty, terrorism has struck a school again and in a context that we all know,' Macron said. Macron traveled to Arras along with the interior and education ministers. The French president stopped for a moment before the blanket-covered body of the teacher, which was in the parking lot in front of the school. A puddle of blood was visible as forensic experts worked around the body. Macron then went to see students from the school in an adjacent building. At least two other people were wounded, including a security agent who was stabbed multiple times and a teacher who is in a less serious condition, a source added. No pupil at the school was hurt. Both Mogouchkov and his brother, who was also taken into custody, were known to the authorities and were on the national security watchlist, police said. Mogouchkov's brother is said to have spent 18 months in prison for distributing ISIS propaganda online, and Mogouchkov was also a known ISIS sympathiser, sources said. Sliman Hamzi, a police officer who was one of the first on the scene said Mogouchkov, a former pupil at the school, shouted: 'Allahu Akbar' - 'God is great' in Arabic. Mr Hamzi said he was alerted by another officer who was passing in front of the high school and called in. He 'was shouting: 'Someone is attacking with a knife,'' Mr Hamzi said. 'Colleagues arrived quickly but unfortunately couldn't save the victim,' Mr Hamzi said. Fabien Dufay, a PE teacher at the school said he had taught Mogouchkov in his final year 'three years ago'. He described him as a 'reserved, calm student with whom I had completely normal conversations.' The attacker 'had two knives in his hands,' says another teacher at the school, who asked not to be named. 'He turned to me and said, 'Are you a history teacher? Are you a history teacher?',' said the teacher, who then hid behind a glass door. He added: 'It was only when I left that I was able to see that the attack was much more serious than I thought. Someone was dead in front of the school.' Clips of what appear to be the attack circulated by students on social media show how a man appears to lunge at victims in the courtyard. One of the victims holds a chair between himself and the attacker to defend himself but is ultimately bundled to the ground and sustains several blows. Students meanwhile barricaded themselves in classrooms and were told to remain inside, before being allowed out in the afternoon. A large security cordon was set up around the school where parents had gathered, and police, firefighters and emergency services were deployed. Martin Dousseau, a philosophy teacher who witnessed the attack, described a moment of panic during break-time, when schoolchildren found themselves face-to-face with the armed man. 'He attacked canteen staff. I wanted to go down to intervene, he turned to me, chased me and asked me if I was a history and geography teacher,' Dousseau said. 'We barricaded ourselves in, then the police arrived and immobilised him.' The attack in Arras comes almost three years to the day after the murder of Paty, also by a Chechen extremist, which took place on October 16, 2020. It also comes with tensions rising in France, which has large Jewish and Muslim communities, after last weekend's attack by Hamas on Israel. President Emmanuel Macron said in an address to the nation on Thursday that 582 religious and cultural facilities in France were receiving stepped-up police protection. 'Those who confuse the Palestinian cause and the justification of terrorism commit a strong moral, political and strategic error,' he said. His office said he would head to the scene in Arras. There has also been controversy over the French government's ban on pro-Palestinian protests following the Hamas attack, with the left lamenting it was no longer possible to protest for peace but the right saying the measures did not go far enough. French police officers from the forensic service stand in front of the Gambetta high school in Arras French police and fire fighters secure the area after a teacher was killed and several people injured in a knife attack at the Lycee Gambetta-Carnot high school in Arras, northern France People stand near the Lycee Gambetta-Carnot high school after a teacher was killed and several people injured in a knife attack in Arras, northern France, October 13, 2023 French police officers from the forensic service stand in front of the Gambetta high school French Education and Youth Minister Gabriel Attal (second right) arrives at Gambetta High School yesterday as the nation reels in shock over the murder of one of its teachers Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Thursday ordered that the demonstrations be prohibited nationwide as they 'are likely to generate disturbances to public order,' adding that organisers should face arrest. This is the latest incidence of what appears to be a growing problem of knife violence in France. In June this year, a knifeman stabbed four children at a lakeside park in the French Alps, assaulting at least one in a stroller repeatedly. The attacker, a 31-year-old Christian Syrian refugee with permanent Swedish residency, mentioned his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ during the attack in the lakeside town of Annecy. The stabbing follows a series of bomb, gun and knife attacks carried out by Islamic State and al-Qaeda operatives in France, dating back to early 2015. The deadliest single terrorist attack ever in the country came in November 2015 when 130 people were killed in Paris after suicide bombers pledging allegiance to ISIS targeted the Stade de France, cafes, restaurants and the Bataclan music venue, where 90 died. Earlier in the year, two Paris-born gunmen linked to Al-Qaeda broke into the offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine, leaving 17 people dead inside and three outside. In July 2016, 86 people were called and more than 400 injured when a 19 tonne truck was deliberately driven into crowds on the seafront promenade in the southern city of Nice. The terrorist turned out to be a Tunisian immigrant who was shot dead by police. During the same month, two Isis terrorists murdered an 86-year-old Catholic priest during a church service in Normandy. And in October 2020, three people were stabbed to death by a Tunisian immigrant in the Notre Dame basilica in Nice. There have also been frequent knife attacks on the forces of law and order, leading to the deaths of serving police. Yes23 campaigner Thomas Mayo has unleashed a scathing attack on the No campaign after the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum was soundly defeated. Tasmania, South Australia, NSW and Queensland voted against the proposed change to the Constitution, however the official count still continues. Mr Mayo, who is a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, said he is 'devastated' at the result but does not blame voters, but rather politicians. 'We need a Voice. We need that structural change and we got it right at Uluru,' Mr Mayo said. 'But we have seen a disgusting No campaign, a campaign that has been dishonest, that has lied to the Australian people and I'm sure that will come out in the analysis. 'I'm sure that history will reflect poorly on Peter Dutton, Pauline Hanson, all of those that have opposed this, and so, you know, I don't know what's next, but it's just devastating.' Indigenous Voice campaigner Thomas Mayo has blasted the No campaign as 'disgusting' Asked if he was angry, Mr Mayo said he was but not at the Australian people. 'I am not angry at the Australian public. I think that the Australian public were ready for this. I disagree when people say that they weren't. I disagree that this was a bad idea.' 'I know that we needed that foundational change to be recognised. And to have a guaranteed representative body and people that speak for us like the one that we have just heard and not having political parties choose for us. But having us choose our leaders ourselves.' 'We got that right and I am not blaming the Australian people at all. 'But who I do blame and who I hope that the Australian people look very closely at the next time they have a say in this democracy about who our leadership is, I hope they look at who lied to the Australian people.' Yes supporters hug at the Inner West For Yes2023 Official Referendum Function at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club on October 14 as Australia delivered a No result on the referendum A Yes volunteer is seen crying as the as the results roll in Mr Mayo called Mr Albanese's decision to seek the referendum 'courageous' and said 'it's not his fault' the the Yes vote lost. He placed blame squarely at the feet of No activists. 'It's the people that have lied to us, to the Australian people, they are the Australian ones that we should be blaming,' he claimed. 'It's been disgusting from the No campaign to be frank.' NSW, Tasmania, SA and Queensland have voted down the Indigenous Voice to Parliament as of 8pm Emotions run high for Yes campaigners seen consoling each other after the result was revealed At the same event Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin slammed the 'single largest misinformation campaign the country has ever seen' during a speech to devastated supporters at an event in Sydney. The group hoped they'd be enjoying a celebratory evening; instead, a deflated Parkin told them that they did 'all they could' to get the vote over the line. Parkin said to No voters: 'We did all we could to alleviate doubts (about the Voice). 'We did all we could to ensure the proposal was strong. We believe that the proposal was strong. We believe the proposal remains strong. 'In spite of their belief in the campaign, Parkin said the Yes camp could not compete with 'the single largest misinformation campaign this country has ever seen', slamming the 'disrespect and disdain' which had been shown toward Indigenous people. Yes23 Campaign director Dean Parkin looked deflated at the same event as Mr Mayo Mr Parkin said the No campaign was the 'biggest misinformation campaign the country has seen' Meanwhile it appears voters in the electorate of Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney are among those who have voted a majority No. The Labor MP's inner-Sydney seat of Barton had a progressive 56 per cent 'No' vote two hours after polls closed on Saturday, as counting continued. The referendum asked Australians whether they wanted to recognise First Nations people into the constitution by enshrining a non-binding advisory body that could make representations to the government and parliament. This comes just hours ahead of a planned march for a protest for Palestinians BBC headquarters has been covered with blood-red paint as the controversy still rages on over the corporation's decision not to call baby-slaughtering Hamas 'terrorists'. Metropolitan police officers were seen marching outside the publishing house after the media organisation was covered in paint following the Hamas controversy. The attack came just hours ahead of a planned march for a protest in solidarity with Palestinians. Palestine Action, who confirm it was them who soaked the doors in paint, released a statement which said the reason behind the act was to symbolise the BBC's 'complicity in Israels genocide of the Palestinian people through biased reporting'. The statement read: 'Today, Palestine Action sprayed the BBCs Headquarters with blood red paint, in response to its recent coverage of Palestine, which has been complicit in manufacturing consent for the occupations genocide of Palestinians.' BBC headquarters has been covered with blood red paint as the controversy still rages on over the corporation's decision not to call baby-slaughtering Hamas 'terrorists' The attack comes just hours ahead of a planned march for a protest in solidarity with Palestinians The building is near the starting point of today's march, which is set to begin at Portland Place at 12pm before finishing in Whitehall at about 3pm. Hundreds of protesters have gathered outside the BBC's Broadcasting House in Portland Place ahead of a pro-Palestinian march in London. Palestine flags and supportive placards were waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby. A cordon had been placed outside the main entrance to the BBC building after red paint was thrown at its entrance early on Saturday morning. The Met wrote on X: 'Ahead of a planned March for Palestine demo today, a Section 12 has been authorised from midday in the area shown. Any person participating in or associated with the 'Palestine Solidarity Campaign' protest must not deviate from the route below or they may be subject to arrest.' The Met has 1,000 officers dedicated to 'reassurance and security patrols' following a 'massive' spike in incidents of antisemitism over recent weeks. Photos showed the building being fenced off while police officers stood by as cleaners desperately tried to wash away the vandalism. The BBC has previously defended its decision not to describe Hamas militants as 'terrorists' in its coverage of the deadly attacks in Israel, despite receiving a huge backlash from politicians and those within the Jewish community. The broadcaster's refusal continues despite King Charles condemning the 'barbaric acts of terrorism' while the Prince and Princess of Wales spoke of their distress following 'Hamas's terrorist attack'. Instead the BBC refers to Hamas as a militant group and described the slaughter of civilians as a militant attack. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis accused broadcasters of trying to wilfully mislead by not using the word terrorist, saying: The murder of babies where they sleep is not the act of a freedom fighter. Meanwhile Defence Secretary Grant Shapps called on the coorporation to 'get the moral compass out' while Labour leader Keir Starmer urged the broadcaster to 'explain' its reasoning. The broadcaster justified its language use in the name of impartiality, adding its job is to explain 'precisely what is happening on the ground so audiences can make their own judgement'. The decision has seen a number of BBC stars rally around their employer, including the corporation's veteran foreign correspondent John Simpson defended the coverage claiming 'calling someone a terrorist means you're taking sides'. Earlier this week, Mr Simpson took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to defend his employers decision, claiming 'British politicians know full well' why it avoids using the word terrorist. The building is near the starting point of today's event, which is set to begin at Portland Place at 12pm before finishing in Whitehall at about 3pm Metropolitan police wrote on X: 'Ahead of a planned March for Palestin e demo today, a Section 12 has been authorised from midday in the area shown. Any person participating in or associated with the 'Palestine Solidarity Campaign' protest must not deviate from the route below or they may be subject to arrest.' The Metropolitan police confirmed to MailOnline: 'We are aware of criminal damage to a building in Portland Place, W1A. At this stage there is no suggestion this is linked to any protest group' Instead the BBC refers to Hamas as a militant group and described the slaughter of civilians as a militant attack He wrote: 'British politicians know perfectly well why the BBC avoids the word terrorist, and over the years plenty of them have privately agreed with it. 'Calling someone a terrorist means youre taking sides and ceasing to treat the situation with due impartiality. 'The BBCs job is to place the facts before its audience and let them decide what they think, honestly and without ranting. 'Thats why, in Britain and throughout the world, nearly half a billion people watch, listen to and read us. Theres always someone who would like us to rant. Sorry, its not what we do.' The BBC has defended its decision not to describe Hamas militants as 'terrorists' in its coverage of the deadly attacks in Israel Veteran BBC foreign correspondent John Simpson defended the coverage claiming 'calling someone a terrorist means you're taking sides' Nick Robinson, a presenter on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, said on social media: I understand entirely why some want the word terrorism used. It is, though, the long-standing practice of BBC, ITV and Sky to report others using that language rather than using it ourselves. BBC director of editorial policy David Jordan said not using the word terrorist was a very long-standing policy which had stood the test of time. He added: Weve called them massacres, weve called [them] murders, weve called them out for what things are and that doesnt in any way devalue the awfulness of what is going on. Australia has cancelled planned repatriation flights out of Israel, citing the 'highly challenging and rapidly changing' situation as the federal government investigates alternative options. 'The Australian government is working to ensure Australians who want to leave can do so as soon as possible,' the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Saturday night. 'We will communicate to registered Australians about next available flights.' Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said she understood people's distress at the flight cancellations. Penny Wong has said that Australia will seek out the next available flights for Australians stuck in Israel after the situation became too complex Australia cancelled planned repatriation flights out of Israel, citing the 'highly challenging and rapidly changing' situation. 'Unfortunately, these fights were not able to proceed as we had originally hoped,' she told Sky News. 'The situation on the ground is obviously very volatile, and it is changing rapidly.' Earlier, a Qantas flight to evacuate people from the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip landed in London, with 238 Australians aboard. READ MORE: Reality star's sister trapped Australian Underbelly star Dan Mor has begged ruthless Hamas terrorists to free his sister-in-law after terrifying footage emerged of her pleading for her life at gunpoint. Advertisement Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the repatriation, confirming the first group of Australians flown out of the conflict zone had landed safely at Heathrow Airport. 'I report the flight from Qantas has landed in London,' he told reporters in Sydney. 'It was a full flight carrying around 220 passengers.' The foreign minister said about 825 Australians had departed Israel and the occupied territories, with the foreign affairs department working to secure the safety of about 20 Australians seeking to leave Gaza. 'We continue to work on the travel arrangements for those Australians,' she said. 'We are moving quickly to secure more options for Australians who want to leave Israel or the occupied territories.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the repatriation, confirming the first group of Australians flown out of the conflict zone had landed safely at Heathrow Airport Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil told ABC News on Saturday it was 'brilliant' that passengers had arrived safely in London. 'We've got another flight, a Qantas flight, leaving for London and two more Australian government charter flights going to Dubai over the coming days,' she said. 'Our urgent priority is to protect Australians caught up in this conflict, whether they be caught in Israel or Gaza.' Ms O'Neil said Australians could register the interest of family members in the region who wanted to come home. 'If you want to get out, now is the time,' she said. The 'peaceful' Pro-Palestine protests have taken an ugly turn as activists launched bottles, placards and flares at police in Trafalgar Square as thousands more staged demonstrations across major UK cities. Crowds calling for Israel 'stop bombing Gaza' have taken to the streets of London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle today as police warned that anyone showing support for Hamas could face arrest. The Met Police said they have deployed more than 1,000 officers to police the London demonstration amid fears of clashes. Police said 15 protesters were arrested, while nine officers are being treated for minor injuries. Shocking aerial footage shows Pro-Palestine supporters becoming extremely hostile towards police, throwing several objects and pouring water over dozens of officers at Trafalgar Square. The London protest started at Portland Place at around 12pm and was due to finish at Whitehall at 3pm. But huge crowds carried on marching through the heart of the capital to nearby Trafalgar Square, where tempers flared as police appeared to arrest a man up against the iconic plinth. One activist launched a firework towards officers. Police have closed off a section of Kensington High Street in west London in anticipation of a huge protest outside the Israeli embassy, which is located next to Kensington Palace. Barricades are also in place - with officers lined up along them - to stop protesters getting anywhere near to the Embassy. The protests come as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israel's military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. In London, protesters walked from BBC New Broadcasting House - which had been doused in fake blood - to the gates of Downing Street where activists chanted: 'Rishi Sunak, shame on you! Suella Braverman, shame on you!' as dozens of officers watched on. At one point, a group of young protesters could be seen pushing and shouting at police, leading to several arrests. In other unsavoury scenes, posters with the faces of missing Israeli hostages were torn off walls along sections of the route. Police officers and protesters scuffle at Trafalgar Square as things turned nasty on a day of widespread protests The Pro-Palestine protest in London has turned ugly as activists started hurling objects at police LONDON: As things got heated at Trafalgar Square, a police officer started scuffling with one of the protesters Police officers arrest a protester in Trafalgar Square during a March for Palestine in London Police have barricaded off a large section of Kensington High Street to stop protesters gathering near the Israeli Embassy LONDON: The Socialist Worker's Party contingent joining the march at Portland place. Protesters lit flares as they took to the streets in support of Palestine BRISTOL: Palestine supporters climb the bandstand in Castle Park, Bristol and raise the Palestinian flag before marching through the city NEWCASTLE: A protester gestures at a police officer during a pro-Palestine protest today in Newcastle MANCHESTER: Protesters march through the centre of Manchester calling for 'Freedom to Palestine' EDINBURGH: A crowd waving Palestine flags gather in Edinburgh for a march organised by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign LIVERPOOL: Palestine supporters march to the BBC in Liverpool holding a sign saying 'boycott Israel apartheid' GLASGOW: Thousands of people turned out in Glasgow to protest against further bombing of the Gaza Strip LONDON: Police officers arrest a protester close to Downing Street during a March for Palestine The protests come as Israel prepares to launch an attack on Gaza by land, air and sea. An Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian convoy fleeing northern Gaza on a route reportedly approved by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) killed as many as 70 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry. READ MORE - Hamas accuses Israel of bombing convoy of fleeing Palestinians leaving 70 dead - including children Advertisement The Met Police issued a statement during the march saying 'action will be taken' after some protesters lit flares and fireworks, saying it is 'clearly a danger' to others. It has also warned that protesters who deviate from the route may face arrest in a bid to prevent ugly scenes outside the Israeli embassy. Last Saturday, police arrested three people at the Israeli embassy protests, with a man, 70, detained for racially-motivated criminal damage, a 15-year-old male on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and a third man, 29, for possessing an offensive weapon. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has urged police chiefs to use the 'full force of the law' on any protesters showing support for Hamas. Yesterday, the officer in charge policing in London this weekend said anyone waving a flag of any proscribed terror organisation would be arrested. Former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal this week called on 'all scholars who teach jihad' to join what he called 'a moment for the application'. The UK's terror threat rating currently remains at 'substantial', meaning an attack is likely. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those to take to the stage at the rally in London today following a minute's silence for those who have lost their lives in the conflict. When the MP for Islington North took to a stage near the Cenotaph, he stopped short of condemning Hamas directly by name. LONDON: Thousands of protesters marched for Palestine, chanting 'Free Free Palestine' amid the war in the Middle East LONDON: The protest in London hit its worst point at Trafalgar Square where officers were seen shouting at aggressive protesters LONDON: Police are seen detaining a man on the floor by the Trafalgar Square ponds, sparking fury LONDON: Police officers make an arrest in Trafalgar Square after a 'March For Palestine' in London LONDON: Police officers were scuffling with protesters as activists threw objects at them on a heated day Several officers are required to detain a man during unsavoury scenes at Trafalgar Square today LONDON: The Socialist Worker's Party let off flares as they march through the capital in support of Palestine Protesters climb monuments in Trafalgar Square in central London during today's protest LONDON: A protester with a flare in Trafalgar Square during a March for Palestine in the capital Protesters set off flares and fireworks in Trafalgar Square where tempers flared between activists and police A police officer scuffles with a protester during the pro-Palestine march through London today Police officers and protesters clash in Trafalgar Square during a March for Palestine in London Thousands of protesters took to the streets of London, shouting 'Free Free Palestine' March for Palestine from the BBC Broadcasting House to Whitehall in central London A man holds a flare while wearing a face mask and sunglasses London's march has been organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Stop the War Coalition, Muslim Association of Britain, Palestinian Forum in Britain, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament One woman was pictured who had a facemask especially made for today's march in London Many have come prepared with hand made banners while others brought professional printed placards Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the thousands at a pro-Palestine rally in London, calling on political leaders to condemn Israeli's assault on Gaza Mr Corbyn accused Israel of war crimes, referencing the country's decision to cut of electricity and prevent vital aid supplies from reaching those in need in Gaza A group of Jewish people from the fringe Neturei Karta sect join the pro-Palestine march through central London on Saturday A man wearing a mask and carrying two smoke flares protests in solidarity with Palestinians in London A protester in Manchester climbs atop a bus stop waving a large Palestinian flag Protesters march down Regent's Street in London on Saturday afternoon Protesters let off smoke canisters in central London as they gather in support of Palestinians Smoke canisters are let off by protesters in Westminster on Saturday The MP - who lost the Labour whip in 2020 - was accused of overseeing an influx of antisemitism into the party during his time as leader and once referred to Hamas as his 'friends'. Referencing the deaths of young Israelis in the desert close to Gaza last week, he told the crowd: 'Those killings are wrong, murder is wrong, the loss of human life is wrong.' He said the event was about justice, 'particularly for the people of Palestine'. 'It is right to condemn the killings that have happened, it is right to condemn the targeting of civilians which is of course a war crime in international law,' he said. 'But it is also right to condemn the continuing occupation of Palestine by Israeli forces.' He added: 'There are many that will say we shouldn't be here today because we will be condoning terrorism - none of us are here to condone killing, none of us are here to condone occupation and none of us are here to allow this assault on the people of Gaza and the people of the West Bank to go on. 'If you believe in international law, if you believe in human rights, then you must condemn what is happening now in Gaza by the Israeli army.' Mr Corbyn accused Israel of war crimes, referencing the country's decision to cut of electricity and prevent vital aid supplies from reaching those in need in Gaza. Elsewhere, pro-Palestine protesters climbed Bristol's Castle Park bandstand and waved Palestinian flags and let off flares in Liverpool and Manchester. Attacks on Israel by Hamas last weekend killed at least 1,300 people, mostly civilians. At least 2,200 people have been killed in Gaza as Israeli forces retaliate. Orly Goldschmidt, spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. 'There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again,' she told Times Radio. In London a group of Orthodox Jews joined pro-Palestine protesters, holding signs reading 'Free Palestine' and waving Palestinian flags. A man is arrested by police officers close to Oxford Circus amid protests on Saturday Protesters set off red flares as they marched through London streets Police vehicles accompany a protest through Manchester on Saturday afternoon Green flares were also set off in Liverpool as protesters marched on BBC offices A protester lets off a smoke canister as people gather to take part in the march in London Protesters march near to Whitehall in London on Saturday Protesters gather outside Downing Street on Saturday in support of Palestine Police officers lead protesters through the streets of central London Supporters of Palestine hold placards during a rally to condemn the recent fighting in Gaza on October 14, 2023 in Glasgow Many protesters held signs calling for an end to Israeli airstrikes against Gaza A man is detained by police during a pro-Palestinian march in Liverpool Demonstrators protest in solidarity with Palestinians, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas Protesters held a large flag as they began their march through London The Metropolitan Police Service will deploy more than 1,000 officers to police the demonstration , in which people will be marching in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict Palestine flags and supportive placards are waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby The chants from emotional pro-Palestine supporters can be heard streets away as a sea of Palestinian flags floods the capital city. A young girl is pictured during London's protest with Palestinian facepaint and a flag tied around her neck Other signs on display included slogans such as free us from the shackles of the Zionist state, wake up and smell the Zionist propaganda and 'stop the Zionist massacres and persecution in Gaza'. On Saturday afternoon, the Met announced it had introduced powers which requires the removal of any items which conceal their identity, such as balaclavas and face masks, until 10pm across the protest route and its surrounding areas. This includes Kensington, where the Israeli embassy is located. This morning BBC headquarters, located close to the start of the planned protest, was sprayed with red paint amid the controversy over its refusal to call Hamas terrorists. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the BBC's Broadcasting House ahead of the march. Palestine flags and supportive placards were waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby. Protesters in Liverpool also marched on BBC offices amid a row over the fact that the broadcaster refuses to call Hamas a terrorist organisation. A statement by the Metropolitan Police states: 'We are aware of criminal damage to a building in Portland Place, W1A. At this stage there is no suggestion this is linked to any protest group.' Across the UK, popular placard slogans included 'Exist, resist, return' and 'Palestine will be free from the rivers to the sea.' Many look emotional as they chant and shout for their people in Gaza as people of all ages can be seen marching across the capital city Thousands of people turned out to attend the march in London on Saturday Thousands of people are expected to march in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London today A sea of Palestinian flags and signs with slogans could be seen in central London on Saturday Armed police are seen near the Embassy of Israel in Kensington, London Police speak with a protester outside of a Barclays branch in Newcastle Protesters in Bristol hold large banners in solidarity with Palestine It comes as the Met Police deployed 300 officers specifically to tackle safety fears for London's Jewish population, amid a huge spike in reported hate crimes since the beginning of the conflict last Saturday. Between 29 September and 12 October 2023 there were 105 reports of anti-Semitic incidents and 75 anti-Semitic offences in London. That is compared with 14 anti-Semitic incidents and 12 anti-Semitic offences during the same time the previous year. There has also been a rise in Islamophobia. During the same time-frame there have been 58 Islamophobic incidents and 54 Islamophobic offences. In the same fortnight the previous year there were 31 Islamophobic incidents and 34 Islamophobic offences. Police have warned that anyone showing support for Hamas or deviating from the route could face arrest Protesters were seen coming together in solidarity as they line the streets in Palestinian flags Families have brought their toddlers along for the march as fathers can be seen supporting their littles ones above the crowds to show their support for those in Palestine Demonstrators hold a banner reading 'No justice, no peace' as they join the pro-Palestinian rally London streets are awash with red, green, white and black as the Palestinian flag is boasted through out the capital Police officers have powers to make protesters remove items that obscure their identity in these areas of London Police officers have powers to make protesters remove items that obscure their identity in these areas of London Private security operatives are seen patrolling outside a synagogue in Golders Green Police vans line up on Oxford Street as thousands march through central London Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who is responsible for policing in London this weekend, said: 'Our role as an independent and impartial service is to balance the right to lawful protest with potential disruption to Londoners. 'People do not have the right to incite violence or hatred. The law is clear that support for proscribed organisations is illegal. 'Anyone with a flag in support of Hamas or any other proscribed terrorist organisation will be arrested. 'We will not tolerate the celebration of terrorism or death, or tolerate anyone inciting violence.' The Met added that simply flying the Palestinian flag or supporting the Palestinian people does not constitute a criminal offence, but said 'some situations' in which a flag or banner could be seen as intimidation or intending to cause alarm and distress, in which case it may be a criminal offence. Last night the force announced a raft of restrictions upon protesters, issuing a Section 12 (3) Public Order Act 1986 for the planned march route, active from 12pm today. A separate protest in Newcastle saw several hundred people gather in the city centre Police officers are seen amassing outside the Israeli embassy in preparation for Saturday's protest Police officers amass outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington ahead of today's protest This is the planned route protestors are set to take this afternoon. Police have warned people could face arrested if they deviate from the planned from march going from Portland Street at 12pm to Whitehall at 3pm Dozens of police officers gather in Knightsbridge ahead of the pro-Palestinian protest Protesters arrive in central London ahead of a march in solidarity with Palestine BBC headquarters has been covered with blood red paint as the controversy still rages on over the corporation's decision not to call baby-slaughtering Hamas 'terrorists' Police officers have had a heightened presence in Jewish communities across London in recent days Private security patrol the Orthodox Jewish area of Stamford Hill in North London on Saturday A police officer speaks with a member of London's Jewish community after the outbreak of conflict A metal cordon was in place in front of the Israeli embassy in London on Saturday A statement from the force said: 'This means those taking part, must observe the route from Portland Place to Regent's Street, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. 'Any person participating in or associated with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest, must not deviate from this route, or they could be subjected to arrest.' Separately, a Section 14 (3) Public Order Act 1986 condition has also been imposed from 12pm, prohibiting protesters from assembling immediately by Kensington Palace and the Israeli embassy. Anyone in breach of this restriction 'may be subject to arrest'. Jonathan Hall KC, independent reviewer of terrorism, told the BBC that several speeches made at pro-Palestinian rallies that have already taken place in Britain might have glorified terrorism and appear to be in breach of terrorism legislation. In the crowds on Saturday, a recently retired 72-year-old woman from Sussex, who asked not to be named, expressed sympathy for the Jewish dead - before openly questioning whether the Hamas slaughter was an inside job by Israel. She said: 'I feel that there is a genocide that is unfolding in Gaza. 'I find what happened in Israel very suspicious. The Israeli state has got so many resources, they have got people who are in Gaza that report back to them, all that surveillance equipment and Egypt warned them in advance. 'Did they let it happen?' Sarah Burns, a 52-year-old finance director at a TV company, said she was attending the protest in 'solidarity', but added it was 'not about taking sides'. 'I think it is escalating to a level that anyone would find abhorrent on both sides. 'I understand Hamas are using it to make a political point, but Israel's reaction to that is too far.' Asked about the spike in anti-Semitic incidents in London since the Hamas slaughter, she said it was 'unacceptable', but added: 'Sometimes we get confused with what is antisemitism and what is criticism of the Israeli government's policies.' For others, their reasons for being there were more personal. Patricia Salti, 80, from Barnes, London, said her husband had been killed by Israeli soldiers in 1966. She said: 'It is not about antisemitism, it's about human beings,' she said, before quipping that she and her friend Annie Rose, 78, were 'old white ladies for Palestine'. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was doing 'everything we can to ensure the security of British citizens' after the Defence Secretary said it seemed 'very likely' that there are British hostages in Gaza. An RAF flight left Israel on Friday night, part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety amid the escalating conflict in the region. A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the Air Force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekend's assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. The war has claimed at least 3,500 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7, with Israel placing the 25-mile Gaza Strip under siege and subjecting it to a torrent of retaliatory air strikes. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf called for an end to deaths in Gaza and for the international community to 'step up', amid the evacuation orders. Mr Yousaf said there was 'no justification for the death of innocent men, women and children'. His in-laws are trapped in Gaza, and his wife Nadia El-Nakla has spoken of her torment at the prospect of her relatives living in a refugee camp with no food or water. The march on Saturday follows calls from Mr Sunak on Israel to 'protect ordinary Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid' and from the Archbishop of Canterbury for a Gaza humanitarian corridor. An injured girl is carried away from rubble after an Israeli airstrike hit Khan Yuris in southern Gaza Israeli Merkava battle tanks streaming into Gaza yesterday in preparation for the full scale ground invasion Palestinians carry an injured boy rescued from the rubble after an airstrike in Gaza today Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the seventh day of the clashes in Rafah, Gaza Justin Welby said in a statement: 'I plead that the sins of Hamas are not borne by the citizens of Gaza, who themselves have faced such suffering over many decades. READ MORE - Twisted propaganda videos that show how Hamas trained for attack on Israel for YEARS Advertisement 'The price of evil cannot be paid by the innocent. Civilians cannot bear the costs of terrorists.' A Section 12 will be in force from midday covering the demonstration route, which starts at Portland Place and finishes in Whitehall. Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told a press briefing on Friday of a 'massive increase' in anti-Semitic crime and incidents since the Israel-Hamas conflict. He said the force has seen an increase in Islamophobic incidents as well, 'but nothing like the scale of the increase in antisemitism'. Mr Sunak condemned the 'disgusting rise' in antisemitism. The Prime Minister said intimidating behaviour and inciting violence or hatred will not be tolerated and will instead be met 'with the full force of the law'. No 10 announced that 3 million in extra funding will be given to provide the Jewish community with additional protection, with strengthened security at schools and synagogues. A small number of schools in north London were closed due to safety fears. Contractors working at Ateres Beis Yaakov primary school in Hendon, which was closed on Friday, said they had been asked to 'raise the fence' to make it harder for people to 'reach over'. Gates were locked at Menorah High School and Torah Vodaas Primary School in Barnet on Friday, with no staff or pupils seen on site. A Met Police spokesman said: 'The protest in central London earlier today went without issue, and thousands were able to express themselves at the planned demonstration. 'This evening saw small pockets of disorder and unacceptable criminality towards our officers in Trafalgar Square, with nine offices (sic) being treated for minor injuries. The area is now clear. 'The Met said the arrests related to suspected assaults on emergency workers, as well as allegedly setting off fireworks in public places and suspected public order offences.' Fleeing Palestinians have crammed into cars and donkey carts in a desperate attempt to beat Israel's deadline to leave the north of the Gaza Strip. The IDF had allowed 1.1million civilians just 24 hours to escape to the south of the territory, a deadline that ended at 3am BST. It then said today that Gazans could flee safely via two main roads between 10am and 4pm local time (8AM to 2pm BST). Many Palestinians are struggling to escape from areas targeted by the Israeli military while grappling with a growing water crisis after Israel stopped the flow of resources to the region. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gaza's people out through the southern border with Egypt. Hamas terrorists have urged civilians to ignore the evacuation order and some are refusing to leave, with Mahmoud Shalabi - director of Medical Aid for Palestinians - saying 'no place was safe in Gaza' and he hoped to 'die with dignity'. A convoy of vehicles was hit by an airstrike yesterday killing 70 people, according to the Palestine Health Authority. The BBC identified at least 12 bodies in the footage, mostly women and children - some of whom appear to be as young as two to five. At least 2,215 people have been killed by airstrikes on Gaza so far, with another 8,714 wounded. Families have been pictured with their belongings as they leave their homes in Gaza Palestinians wait at the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip The Israeli convoy was pictured today in a position near the border with Gaza A Palestinian family gather their possessions and prepare to flee the upcoming ground offensive Palestinians wait to buy bread outside a bakery today, where long queues snaked onto the street Rescuers bring a Palestinian boy to hospital in Gaza today following an Israeli air strike A girl is taken into the hospital in Khan Younis, where medical work has been made harder by an electricity blackout A Palestinian woman hugs her two girls in harrowing scenes from Gaza today Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, shelter at a United Nations-run school in Gaza today Riding a donkey drawn cart as family along with hundreds of other Palestinian carrying their belongings flee following the Israeli army's warning to leave their homes and move south 'Merkava' battle tanks muster today at a gathering site at an undisclosed location along the border with Gaza An elderly Palestinian man wounded in Israeli air strikes on Gaza Strip is brought to al-Aqsa hospital in Deir el-Balah city Palestinian paramedics treat a wounded little girl at Al-Aqsa Hospital in the city of Deir al-Balah In Gaza City's Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood, in the area Israel ordered evacuated, warplanes bombed a residential area during the night hitting several houses, according to residents who took refuge at the nearby Al Quds hospital and planned to flee south in the morning. 'We lived a night of horror. Israel punished us for not wanting to leave our home. Is there brutality worse than this?', a father-of-three said by telephone from the hospital, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals. 'I was never going to leave, I prefer to die and not leave, but I cannot see my wife and children die before my eyes.' The UN agency overseeing relief efforts warned today that 'more than 2million people are at risk as water runs out' in Gaza, with Philippe Lazzarini, a senior official, warning: 'It has become a matter of life and death. It is a must.' Water has stopped coming out of taps across the territory. Amal Abu Yahia, a 25-year-old pregnant mother in the Jabaliya refugee camp, said she waits anxiously for the few minutes each day or every other day when contaminated water trickles from the pipes in her basement. She then rations it, prioritizing her five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. She said she is drinking so little herself, she only urinates every other day. Near the coast, the only tap water is contaminated with Mediterranean Sea water because of the lack of sanitation facilities. Mohammed Ibrahim, 28, said his neighbors in Gaza City have taken to drinking the salt water. The Israeli military's evacuation would force the territory's entire population to cram into the southern half of the Gaza Strip as Israel continues strikes across the territory, including in the south. Rami Swailem said he and at least five families in his building decided to stay put in his apartment near Gaza City. 'We are rooted in our lands,' he said. 'We prefer to die in dignity and face our destiny.' Others were looking desperately for ways to evacuate. 'We need a number for drivers from Gaza to the south, it is necessary help,' read a post on social media. Another person wrote: 'We need a bus number, office, or any means of transport,' posted another. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said the country would 'never forget' last Saturday's terrorist attacks by Hamas and warned 'this is just the beginning'. Tanks and elite commandos have already began conducting 'localised' raids into Gaza to target Hamas terrorists and weaponry while tanks are massing on the border before a major ground offensive. The Israeli military today confirmed it had killed two top Hamas commanders. Murad Abu Murad, the head of the terror group's aerial operations, was killed over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre. A Palestinian woman holds her two daughters in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip Rescuers transport the wounded and transport bodies inside the hospital after an Israeli raid on Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip A man pushes a stroller past debris as residents of Gaza City begin to evacuate following an Israeli warning A picture taken from just over the border in Sderot in Israel shows smoke plumes rising above buildings during an Israeli strike on the northern Gaza Strip It later announced the death of Ali Qadi, who was killed in a drone strike after being located by military intelligence. He had been arrested by Israel in 2005 for the kidnapping and murder of civilians before being released into Gaza as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. Today, the IDF said a drone had killed several militants who tried to infiltrate Israel from Lebanon. Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed in Lebanon during Israeli shelling, with Israeli officials today saying they were 'very sorry'. The conflict began with Hamas' terror attacks last Saturday, which killed at least 1,300 Israelis. Horrific scenes of babies and families being massacred are continuing to emerge as Israel continues a relentless assault on the Gaza Strip. The UN says 1,300 buildings in the territory have been destroyed. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant added his defence forces would take Hamas 'out of Gaza and out of the Earth' and 'effect permanent change' in the territory. In a statement, the IDF said it would 'operate significantly' within Gaza City 'in the coming days', telling Palestinians: 'You will only be able to return to Gaza when another announcement permitting it is made.' Hamas told people to ignore the evacuation order. Families in Gaza faced what they saw as a no-win decision to leave or stay, with no safe ground anywhere. Israeli strikes have leveled entire city blocks, and Gaza has been sealed off from food, water and medical supplies - all under a virtual total power blackout. READ MORE - Thousands of pro-Palestine supporters began their march through London as Met Police warn: Support Hamas and you will be arrested Advertisement 'Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if you'll make it, if you're going to live,' said Nebal Farsakh, a spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City. Israel was accused of breaking international law over the sudden order to leave, with aid agencies and the UN warning such an unprecedented evacuation was impossible. Today, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has shared an update on the chaotic situation at hospitals in the north of Gaza. Last night, MSF said Israel had given staff at Al Awda Hospital just two hours to evacuate even as they were still treating patients. 'We unequivocally condemn this action, the continued indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks on health care in Gaza,' they said, before adding in an update: 'At time of writing the hospital is still standing.' Orly Goldschmidt, spokesman for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, said Hamas was preventing civilians in Gaza from moving along a 'safe corridor' to the south. 'The problem is that Hamas themselves are blocking the Palestinians from reaching the south,' she told Times Radio. 'They're putting roadblocks. They are physically stopping them from going south and this is a real problem.' US President Joe Biden - who has remained staunchly supportive of Israel - urged Israel not to 'lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks'. Russia compared Israel's siege of Gaza to the Nazi siege of Leningrad. Rishi Sunak said Israel had 'every right to defend itself', but stressed that civilian safety must be 'paramount in our minds'. A still picture taken from a video shows the moment an Israeli airstrike hit a Palestinian rescue team while operating in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip this morning A fire burns as Palestinian rescue teams work under the rubble of a collapsed building following an Israeli strike, in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza Thousands of people, both Israeli and Palestinians have died since October 7, 2023 (Pictured: A rescue worker in Khan Younis) A picture from the Israeli city of Sderot shows black dust and smoke ascending over the border in the Palestinian Gaza Strip Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels, as electricity remains cut A group of Palestinian boys, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, play football as they shelter at a United Nations-run school Israel continues to deploy soldiers and armored vehicles along the Gaza border in Zikim kibbutz of Ashkelon, Israel Relatives, colleagues and loved ones mourn at the funeral ceremony of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah Distraught relatives paid their respects to journalist Mr Abdallah, who was killed by Israeli forces while working in southern Lebanon in Khiam town of Nabatieh Israeli soldiers guard a check point near the border with Israel, in Lebanon, earlier today Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, shelter at a United Nations-run school Palestinian children gather inside the shelter at a UN-run school in Khan Younis, as over one million citizens are ordered to evacuate their home Lord Kim Darroch, former British ambassador to the US and and a former UK national security adviser, said Gazans needed to be given more time to evacuate. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord Darroch predicted the Israeli ground offensive would fail to eliminate Hamas and warned the next generation of Palestinian fighters were 'already being radicalised'. READ MORE - British surgeon Prof Ghassan Abu-Sittah gives a harrowing dispatch from Gaza Advertisement Meanwhile, Tory MP Crispin Blunt warned the UK could be complicit in war crimes in Gaza and could face legal action if it does not do more to 'restrain' Israel. He told Sky News: 'If you know that a party is going to commit a war crime - and this forcible transfer of people is a precise breach of one of the statutes that governs international law and all states in this area - then you are making yourself complicit,' he said. 'And as international law has developed in this area, the fact of being complicit makes you equally guilty to the party carrying out the crime.' It came as the RAF made two flights from Tel Aviv early this morning and late yesterday as part of an effort to evacuate Britons from Israel. It follows criticism of the government's 'slow' response. US citizens are being allowed to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, an official said. It comes as: Iran told Israel 'new fronts' would open up if it continued 'war crimes' in Gaza, while Jordan warned more displacement of Palestinians risked a 'wider conflict'; Hamas claimed 13 hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including foreign nationals a claim denied by Israel; The IDF today denied reports it had retrieved the bodies of hostages from Gaza; Israel said it was 'very worry' for the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed yesterday during an airstrike in Lebanon; Country was accused by Human Rights Watch of using white phosphorus weapons; Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said it was 'very likely' British nationals were among the hostages; Police in the UK are on high alert over fears of a domestic terror attack, with threat level still at 'substantial'; Israel released further harrowing images of atrocities committed during the Hamas raids; In Britain, some Jewish schools closed their doors amid fear of attacks following a Hamas call for protests; Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned a 'disgusting' rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the UK as 1,000 extra police readied themselves for a London demonstration today; US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for protection for civilians in both the Gaza Strip and Israel as the Israeli military ordered half of the Palestinian territory's population to evacuate in advance of an expected ground assault. Mr Blinken met his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh as he began a third day of intense Middle East diplomacy aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a regional conflict and fuelling a humanitarian crisis. Both stressed the importance of minimising the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack in Israel. 'As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and we're working together to do exactly that,' Mr Blinken said before heading to the United Arab Emirates for similar discussions. 'None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it's in Israel, whether it's in Gaza, whether it's anywhere else.' A US official said on Saturday that the US did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for protection for civilians in both the Gaza Strip and Israel Mr Blinken met his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan (right), in Riyadh as he began a third day of intense Middle East diplomacy aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from expanding Black smoke rises from Gaza city after an Israeli airstrike on the eighth day of clashes in the Gaza Strip Palestinians crowd onto a truck as they head south today to escape Israel's ground offensive A Palestinian girl among the cars fleeing Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion Cars made a desperate exodus south ahead of an anticipated Israeli invasion Palestinians grabbed bags and desperately tried to save the lives of their loved ones, leaving their homes behind as Israeli main battle tanks crossed into Gaza yesterday Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south today after the Israeli army issued an unprecedented evacuation warning A boy carries rolled up mattresses on his back followed by a woman with a young child in a scene from Gaza today Palestinians wait to buy bread outside a bakery in Gaza, where water is running out and there is a power blackout Huge queues snaked out onto the street from the bakery in the besieged Gaza Strip A crying woman carries a body bag through Gaza City following an Israeli airstrike A Palestinian man uses a fire extinguisher to douse a fire following an Israeli strike today in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip Palestinians carry an injured boy rescued from the rubble after an airstrike in Gaza today Palestinians search for casualties in a bombed building today. The strikes have killed at least 1,900 people so far Palestinians take shelter from the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in a school run by the United Nations A mother comforts her sleeping children at the UN operated school inside the Rafah refugee camp Israeli tanks and military vehicles massing near the border with Gaza today Columns of tanks have begun moving into Gaza alongside elite infantry to, in the words of the IDF, 'cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry' The detachments will also try to track down hostages taken during Hamas raids a week ago An Israeli soldier mans a gun on top of a tank as he moves into Gaza in the early stages of Israel's ground offensive Israeli artillery embedded within piles of sand fires towards fires towards the Gaza Strip today Israeli armoured vehicles near the border with Gaza today as they prepare for a new offensive More than 1,300 Israelis have been killed and over 3,200 others injured, according to the IDF Meanwhile relatives of Israelis abducted during Hamas militants' attack last weekend pleaded at the UN on Friday for the world's help getting their loved ones home. Speaking by video from Israel, Yoni Asher told diplomats at an Israel-organized event that he hasn't slept or eaten since his wife and two small daughters vanished last Saturday while visiting his mother-in-law in the country's south. His wife called to tell him that they were locked in a safe room after people came into the house and she heard gunshots, Asher said. He said he later saw a video of his wife and daughters, who are under 5 and 3, being loaded into a vehicle, and he tracked his wife's phone to Gaza. 'I don't know if I've got any more tears left,' he said. 'I'm exhausted, and I just want to approach whoever can hear me in the international community. Please bring back my baby girls.' Hamas fighters took 150 hostages during last Saturday's surprise assault. Alana Zeitchik, who lives in New York, said a half-dozen of her cousins were snatched from a kibbutz. They were known to be alive as of Friday morning, she said. 'We don't want more bombs or rockets or blood or tears,' said Ms Zeitchik. 'We want our family back immediately. And we want peace.' Speaking to the media after talks with allies in Sweden, Rishi Sunak highlighted how he had urged his Israeli counterpart during a conversation last night that any action needed to 'protect civilians' caught in the crossfire. Yesterday there were clashes and panic across the region ahead of the possible full-scale offensive. In the West Bank, 11 people were killed in uprisings on a 'day of rage' called by Hamas leaders. Residents in scores of Israeli towns and cities were repeatedly ordered into bunkers as the terrorists blasted rockets across the border. In the north of the country, Iran-backed Hezbollah sent missiles into the Israeli border town of Hanita, forcing Israel to respond by firing into Lebanon. Senior EU officials and Israeli president Isaac Herzog were forced to seek cover in protected shelters as air-raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv. A man inspects the damage to his home after Israeli strikes in Gaza. Photo taken today The morning sun glints over a tree to illuminate a scene of devastation in Gaza today An aerial view of damaged buildings and cars today as rescuers comb the rubble A vast crowd of Palestinians search through the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaza Rescuers dig through rubble today in an effort to find survivors from Israeli airstrikes Palestinians search for casualties under the rubble in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Gaza today This photo, taken from the Israeli city of Sderot, shows black dust and smoke from airstrikes in Gaza Flyers dropped by the IDF warning residents to flee are seen in the skies above Gaza yesterday Palestinians make the perilous journey south from the southern Gaza Strip yesterday Some 1.2mn were ordered to evacuate parts of Gaza - around half the total population Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City Palestinians fleeing from northern Gaza to the south after Israel issued an unprecedented evacuation warning to a population of over 1mn people in northern Gaza and Gaza City Some 300,000 people had already been displaced by the war - within fewer than seven days Incredibly, amid a massive security operation, suspected Hamas terrorists are still being found in Israel. Sky News, reporting from the site of the Nova festival atrocity, saw a knife-wielding man it believed was a Hamas fighter who has been hiding since last Saturday. He was stripped, blindfolded and handcuffed. As civilians in Gaza gather what possessions they can, international onlookers have urged Israel to reconsider, judging the 24-hour notice 'impossible' to work around. Both the United Nations and the World Health Organisation have urgently called on Israel to revoke the evacuation order, saying it will result in a humanitarian disaster whether people can flee or not. 'The noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening. How are 1.1 million people supposed to move across a densely populated warzone in less than 24 hours?' UN aid chief Martin Griffiths wrote on social media. READ MORE - Israelis raze Palestinian pizzeria to the ground after it used picture of kidnapped grandmother in mocking advert Advertisement More than 80 per cent of Gaza's population rely on humanitarian aid - which the EU said it would 'review' earlier this week - and most lack access to a vehicle. Medecins Sans Frontieres said yesterday evening that Israel had given Al Awda Hospital in Gaza 'just two hours to evacuate', causing panic in one of the most vulnerable spaces. 'Our staff are still treating patients,' the group wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'We unequivocally condemn this action, the continued indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks on health care in Gaza. We are trying to protect our staff and patients.' The group, named Doctors Without Borders in English, is a charity that provides humanitarian medical care. Riham Jafari of charity ActionAid, Coordinator of Advocacy and Communication for Palestine said: 'We have received information that Al-Awda hospital in Gaza, a partner of Alianza por la Solidaridad - a member of the ActionAid Federation - has been issued orders to evacuate staff and patients. 'Our understanding and fear is that the hospital will be bombed when that deadline expires. 'Let us be clear, ActionAid condemns, in the strongest terms any act that puts innocent lives at risk, and threatening a hospital is an egregious violation of humanitarian law. 'Here, wounded children, amongst many other civilians, are being treated with life-threatening injuries; they simply cannot leave. We call for the immediate removal of this threat, a ceasefire and the protection of civilians across Gaza.' Smoke rises above buildings in the southern Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike yeserday Palestinians with their belongings flee to safer areas in Gaza City after Israeli airstrikes A Palestinian man runs amid the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli airstrike on October 13 A child carrying an infants car seat evacuates Gaza City following an Israeli warning of increased military operations in the Gaza strip, 13 October 2023 The International Committee of the Red Cross said Gazans had 'nowhere safe to go' and it was 'impossible' for them to know which areas 'will next face attack'. With a military siege in place, humanitarian organisations 'will not be able to assist such a massive displacement of people in Gaza'. Life saving machines running on generators are soon expected to stop working across the strip as doctors work around the clock to save the lives of men, women and children swept into the conflict. Ashraf Al Qidra, spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, explained that Israel's decision to blockade Gaza under 'total siege' was pushing 'our medical operation into a precarious situation'. READ MORE - Hamas releases sickening video showing terrorists holding Israeli babies and toddlers on day of the kibbutz massacres Advertisement He said that without quick action to restore power, hospitals faced 'huge loss of these lives'. US President Joe Biden, who has repeatedly given staunch support for Israel, said that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a 'priority'. 'We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and they're suffering as a result as well,' Biden said during a speech in Philadelphia. Earlier the White House said the evacuation demand was a 'tall order'. Even Saudi Arabia broke its silence yesterday to urge Israel to relent, denouncing the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and attacks on 'defenceless civilians' - its strongest language criticising Israel since the war broke out. Riyadh 'affirms its categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza, and its condemnation of the continued targeting of defenceless civilians there,' the foreign ministry said in a statement. The comments come in spite of attempts - mediated by US President Joe Biden - to facilitate normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a move unfavourable to Hamas. The United Nations said it had been informed of the order shortly before midnight but as thousands of people streamed southwards in cars and on foot, the Israeli army admitted that the evacuation would 'take time'. Two-month-old Muhammad Al-Khayyat baby dies in the hospital despite all the efforts as a result of the Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza on October 13, 2023 Medics in Gaza say time is running out for a population on life support as generators struggle to keep the power on for essential machines. Pictured: doctors examine a child at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis Gaza has been reduced largely to rubble, with tens of thousands of residential buildings destroyed Gaza City (pictured) and the rest of the north has been urged to try to move south - which onlookers say will be 'impossible' and result in 'humanitarian catastrophe' The Saudi statement was published as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Riyadh as part of a six-nation tour of Arab countries. US officials have appeared to backtrack on earlier efforts to let Gazans flee to neighbouring Egypt, saying they did not see wide support, and have instead promoted the idea of 'safe areas' within Gaza. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also appealed yesterday for the creation of a humanitarian corridor and convoy in Gaza where, he said, more than two million civilians, half of them children, were facing a catastrophe. 'But in the face of a ground offensive in Gaza, I plead that the sins of Hamas are not borne by the citizens of Gaza, who themselves have faced such suffering over many decades. 'The price of evil cannot be paid by the innocent. Civilians cannot bear the costs of terrorists,' he said in a statement. Yes campaigners have declared a 'week of mourning' as they reacted with tears, blame and fury as the Indigenous Voice to Parliament was rejected by the majority of Australians. Every state in Australia returned a resounding No result on Saturday night, prompting a group of Indigenous leaders to issue a statement announcing a week of silence, flags to be flown at half-mast and the brutal comment: 'We now know where we stand in ... our own country'. Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin and Uluru statement signatory Thomas Mayo both delivered scathing speeches slamming the 'lies' of No campaign leaders at an event in Western Sydney. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney fought back tears as they conceded defeat in Canberra. Meanwhile, Yes advocate Professor Marcia Langton and No campaigner Warren Mundine butted heads in fiery appearances on a televised discussion panel for NITV's The Point. Yes23 Campaign director Dean Parkin looked deflated as he called the No campaign one of the 'biggest misinformation campaigns in Australia's history' Yes volunteers broke down crying as the as the results rolled in (pictured, scenes at a Sydney Yes23 event) Tears in the crowd during Mr Parkin's speech at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club as it became clear the referendum had no chance of being voted in About 9.30pm a furious two-page statement was shared on social media by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the Central Land Council vowing to take part a week of silence, including a media blackout, from Sunday. Both the Yes23 and Uluru Dialogue groups said they endorsed the statement. It read the week will be used to 'grieve this outcome and reflect on its meaning and significance'. 'We will be lowering our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to half-mast for the week of silence to acknowledge this result. We ask others to do the same,' the group said. The group said they would need to 'regather strength and resolve', to look toward the future and consider a new path forward. 'To our people we say: do not shed tears. This rejection was never for others to issue. 'The truth is that we offered this recognition and it has been refused. We now know where we stand in this our own country. Always was. Always will be.' The group said the reasons for this 'tragic outcome' will be 'dissected in the weeks, years and decades to come'. 'Much will be asked about the role of racism and prejudice against Indigenous people in this result. The only thing we ask is that each and every Australian who voted in this election reflect hard on this question.' The Yes camp was hoping for a shock win in the referendum even on Saturday morning A yes supporter looks on at the Inner West For Yes2023 Official Referendum Function at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club in Sydney No campaigner Nyunggai Warren Mundine told SBS's The Point the No camp would not be celebrating but 'the Australian public have told us what they want, they don't want a Voice.' 'They want the government and other people to get out there and actually do the job that needs to be done. We need to look at the billions of dollars that have been spent, and not got the outcomes that we need.' 'We need to do a performance audit of this,' the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr, and Yuin man said. Indigenous advocate Marcia Langton fired back on the same program and declared 'Reconciliation is dead'. High profile Voice campaigner Professor Marcia Langton declared 'reconciliation is dead' after the vote Two of the No campaign leaders Jacinta Price and Warren Mundine were overjoyed on Saturday night and insisted the No win was a vote for unity The Yiman and Bidjara woman was member of the referendum working group and said Reconciliation had been continually 'kicked down the road.' 'I think the No campaigners have a lot to answer for in poisoning Australia against this proposition and against Indigenous Australia.' 'They say they're not celebrating, but let's see how they wheel themselves out in the future. Because this has been a cynical political exercise by the Coalition ... They'll now be pressing hard for policies that cause us harm.' Tireless Yes campaigner Thomas Mayo said he was personally 'devastated' at the result but does not blame voters, but rather politicians. 'We need a Voice. We need that structural change and we got it right at Uluru,' Mr Mayo said. 'But we have seen a disgusting No campaign, a campaign that has been dishonest, that has lied to the Australian people and I'm sure that will come out in the analysis. 'I'm sure that history will reflect poorly on Peter Dutton, Pauline Hanson, all of those that have opposed this, and so, you know, I don't know what's next, but it's just devastating.' Indigenous Voice campaigner Thomas Mayo has blasted the No campaign as 'disgusting' Asked if he was angry, Mr Mayo said he was - but not at the Australian people. 'I am not angry at the Australian public. 'I think that the Australian public were ready for this. I disagree when people say that they weren't. I disagree that this was a bad idea. 'I know that we needed that foundational change to be recognised. And to have a guaranteed representative body and people that speak for us like the one that we have just heard and not having political parties choose for us. But having us choose our leaders ourselves.' 'We got that right and I am not blaming the Australian people at all. 'But who I do blame and who I hope that the Australian people look very closely at the next time they have a say in this democracy about who our leadership is, I hope they look at who lied to the Australian people.' Yes supporters hug at the Inner West For Yes2023 Official Referendum Function at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club on October 14 as Australia delivered a No result on the referendum Every state has voted down the Indigenous Voice to Parliament by a clear margin Mr Mayo called Mr Albanese's decision to seek the referendum 'courageous' and said 'it's not his fault' the the Yes vote lost. He placed blame squarely at the feet of No activists. 'It's the people that have lied to us, to the Australian people, they are the Australian ones that we should be blaming,' he claimed. 'It's been disgusting from the No campaign to be frank.' At the same event, Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin slammed the 'single largest misinformation campaign the country has ever seen' during a speech to devastated supporters at an event in Sydney. The group hoped they'd be enjoying a celebratory evening; instead, a deflated Parkin told them that they did 'all they could' to get the vote over the line. Parkin said to No voters: 'We did all we could to alleviate doubts (about the Voice). 'We did all we could to ensure the proposal was strong. We believe that the proposal was strong. We believe the proposal remains strong. 'In spite of their belief in the campaign, Parkin said the Yes camp could not compete with 'the single largest misinformation campaign this country has ever seen', slamming the 'disrespect and disdain' which had been shown to Indigenous people. Mr Parkin said the No campaign was the 'biggest misinformation campaign the country has seen' In Canberra, a visibly emotional Anthony Albanese called for unity. Nearly two hours after the vote was called for No, the Prime Minister said he accepted the outcome, and took 'responsibility' for the decision to hold the referendum. 'While tonight's result is not one that I had hoped for, I absolutely respect the decision of the Australian people and the democratic process that has delivered it, he said. 'When we reflect on everything happening in the world today, we can all give thanks that here in Australia we make the big decisions peacefully and as equals, with one vote, one value.' He conceded at no point could he have 'guaranteed the referendum would succeed'. 'What I could promise was that we would go all in, that we would try, and we have,' he said. Speaking in Canberra on Saturday night nearly two hours after the vote was called for No, the Prime Minister said he took 'responsibility' for the outcome Emotions run high for Yes campaigners seen consoling each other after the result was revealed 'Of course, when you do the hard things, when you aim high, sometimes you fall short. And tonight we acknowledge, understand and respect that we have.' Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said it was a 'day of sadness'. 'This result is not what we hoped for. The Australian people have had their say, and a clear majority have voted against the proposed change to the constitution,' she said. 'We, of course, except the decision of the Australian people.' She also thanked the Prime Minister, her parliamentary colleagues and those who worked on the Yes23 campaign, and said it was not the end of reconciliation. 'I know this outcome will be hard for some, but achieving progress is never easy, and progress doesn't always move in a straight line,' she said. 'There are breakthroughs and heartbreaks, but I am confident that because of this campaign and the millions of conversations it has sparked, the renewed generation of Indigenous leaders will emerge.' Linda Burney said she believes the referendum even though defeated would spark a new generation of Indigenous leaders Senator Burney said she would have 'more to say' in the months ahead about the government's 'renewed commitment' to close the gap. Voters in her own electorate are among those who appear to have voted majority No. The Labor MP's inner-Sydney seat of Barton had a progressive 56 per cent 'No' vote two hours after polls closed on Saturday. The referendum asked Australians whether they wanted to recognise First Nations people into the constitution by enshrining a non-binding advisory body that could make representations to the government and parliament. The No camp had claimed the advisory body would 're-racialise' the country by making a distinction based on race in the country's foundational declaration. This is the dramatic moment two Ukrainian kamikaze drones were shot down, targeted at resort Sochi where Vladimir Putin's official Black Sea resort is based. Russian air defences had to be deployed leading to major explosions offshore in Krasnodar region. The airport was closed and locals reported a series of half a dozen explosions with lights going out in some homes. Putin, 71, often rules Russia from Sochi, and his lover Alina Kabaeva, 40, a gold-medal winning rhythmic gymnast, is frequently based in the city and was here this week. The city authorities said there were no casualties from today's drone onslaught. This is the dramatic moment two Ukrainian kamikaze drones were shot down targeted at tyhe Russian town of Sochi on the Black Sea President Vladimir Putin often rules Russia from Sochi, his official Black Sea resort Putin's lover Alina Kabaeva, 40, a gold-medal winning rhythmic gymnast, is frequently based in the city and was here this week. Footage captured one of the failed drones shooting across the sky before it was struck down The Russian defence ministry said: 'At about 7:10 am Moscow time, the Russian military foiled another attempt of the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack on Russian facilities with the use of drones. 'Two unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by the Russian Air Defence Troops on duty over the waters of the Black Sea near the coast of the Krasnodar Region.' The attack comes in a week which has seen two Russian warships damaged in Krasnodar in an attack by Ukrainian-made undersea drones. Kyiv also claims to have hit two Russian Su-25 war planes. Sochi mayor Alexey Kopaigorodsky said on his Telegram channel. 'The airport and all systems of the resort city are [now] working normally. 'The situation is under control of the operational headquarters, thanks to all our [defence forces]. 'There is no threat to the life and health of residents and tourists, everything is calm in the resort.' Putin's official residence Bocharov Ruchey is in the city. Explosions were reported in the district close to the house. He also has a 1 billion clifftop palace at Gelendzhik, in the same Krasnodar region. Putin this week flew abroad for the first time since an International Criminal Court arrest warrant was issued for him over the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. He flew to Kyrgyzstan which is not a signatory to the ICC. He is due to visit China next week. Moscow's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov hopes to meet representatives of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Qatar next week for talks to free Israeli hostages, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported Saturday. Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) was welcomed by Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov yesterday, in his first flight abroad since an international arrest warrant was issued Vladimir Putin at his Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi, south of Russia Moscow has so far carefully denounced violence from both sides in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, while renewing an offer to be a potential mediator. Bogdanov told RIA Novosti he 'did not exclude' meeting Hamas representatives on the trip, adding: 'If they are willing, we always are in favour of contact. Especially in this situation (the meeting) would be useful for solving practical issues, including the freeing of hostages.' On October 7, hundreds of Hamas gunmen broke through the militarised border around the Gaza Strip into Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking around 150 Israeli, foreign and dual-national hostages. Moscow manages to retain close relations with both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities. The announcement of Bogdanov's efforts came a day after President Vladimir Putin said Russia could help find a way to end the crisis. 'Russia can (help), by virtue of the fact that we have had good relations with Israel over the last 15 years,' Putin said on a visit to Kyrgyzstan Friday. He also said Israel risked waging an 'unacceptable' siege in Gaza. The Russian leader has said that the creation of a Palestinian state is the only viable way to solve the conflict. Moscow - whose troops have fought in Ukraine for almost 20 months - has blamed the West for the conflict in Israel. Ukraine reported 'heated' fighting around its eastern city of Avdiivka today, saying Russian forces had 'not stopped assaulting' the symbolic industrial hub for days in their attempt to surround it Ukraine gunners conduct military activity in the Donetsk direction following attempted assaults by Russia in Avdiivka Ukrainian troops stepped up their assault in Donetsk following Russia's incursion upon the eastern city of Avdiivka Avdiivka has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since 2014, after it briefly fell to Russian-backed separatists Ukraine reported 'heated' fighting around its eastern city of Avdiivka today, saying Russian forces had 'not stopped assaulting' the symbolic industrial hub for days in their attempt to surround it. Kyiv last week said Russia had stepped up assaults on the frontline city, which lies just 15 kilometres (nine miles) from Moscow-held Donetsk. Avdiivka has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since 2014, after it briefly fell to Russian-backed separatists. Russian forces now control territory to the east, north and south of Avdiivka. 'For the fifth day already, the enemy has not stopped either assaulting or shelling positions around the city,' Vitaliy Barabash, the head of the city, said on Ukrainian television. 'It is very heated, very heated,' he said of the fighting. 'They are trying to surround the city,' Barabash added, claiming that Moscow was deploying 'more new forces' to the area. He described intense battles: 'There is certainly no silence there at all. Shooting battles continue, both from the north and from the south of the city.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv was holding its ground in Avdiivka, but Moscow claimed it had improved its positions there. Around 1,600 civilians remain in the city, which had a pre-war population of around 31,000. Ukraine also said Saturday that a Russian attack killed an 11-year-old boy in the eastern village of Bagatyr, also in the Donetsk region, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Avdiivka. 'The boy turned 11 just two days ago,' Ukrainian police said in a statement. It said his 31-year-old mother and younger brother were wounded and taken to hospital following the attack, which damaged some 20 homes, a church and a school. A husband appeared in court today charged with murdering his wife Tina Satchwell, whose skeletal remains were found in Ireland six years after she disappeared. Richard Satchwell, 57, has been in police custody since Thursday - when he was arrested for the second time in less than 24 hours. Tina's skeletal remains, which are understood to have been mummified and wrapped in black plastic, were found late on Wednesday beneath a house in Youghal, Cork. Ms Satchwell, originally from Fermoy, was 45 when she was last seen alive in March 2017. Mr Satchwell appeared at Cashel Courthouse in County Tipperary this morning. Richard Satchwell, 57, has been in police custody since Thursday - when he was arrested for the second time in less than 24 hours. He is seen outside court today Tina's skeletal remains, which are understood to have been mummified and wrapped in black plastic, were found late on Wednesday beneath a house in Youghal, Cork Detective Garda David Kelleher, of Cobh Garda Station, told the court he arrested Satchwell at 7.34pm on Friday before charging him for murder at 8.07pm. He was remanded in custody to appear again at Clonmel District Court via videolink at 10.30am on Tuesday October 17. Defence solicitor Eddie Burke made an application for legal aid on behalf of Mr Satchwell, which Judge Miriam Walsh granted. The court was told Mr Satchwell is unemployed. Mrs Satchwell's skeletal remains, which are understood to be mummified and wrapped in black plastic, were found buried beneath a home in Youghal, Cork, earlier this week Mr Burke also recommended that Mr Satchwell receive medical attention in prison, with Judge Walsh agreeing to the request. Mr Burke made a formal application for Mr Satchwell to be remanded in Cork Prison instead of the nearby jail in Limerick. The judge said this was not within her remit but said the governors can make their own arrangements. A top German politician has indicated that the EU might be open to looking again at post-Brexit trading relations with the UK, telling politicians to 'call us'. German finance minister Christian Lindner told BBC News that the UK has a 'standing invitation' on any future talks on reducing trade barriers or 'obstacles in daily business life'. 'If you want to intensify your trade relationship with the EU - call us!' He told the broadcaster: 'In the daily life of German corporates, there are new obstacles since Brexit... I don't think (the) United Kingdom is benefiting from Brexit. 'We really appreciate the United Kingdom and its values, its people... and I would really, really appreciate it if we can intensify (the trading relationship) again,' he said. German finance minister Christian Lindner told BBC News that the UK has a 'standing invitation' on any future talks on reducing trade barriers or 'obstacles in daily business life' He told the broadcaster: 'In the daily life of German corporates, there are new obstacles since Brexit ... I don't think (the) United Kingdom is benefiting from Brexit. The comments come after Rishi Sunak's deal with the EU on post-Brexit arrangements in Northern Ireland, the Windsor Framework, appeared to usher in better relations between Brussels and London. In February, the Windsor Framework was announced by Mr Sunak and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, with the Prime Minister claiming that the agreement 'removes any sense of a border in the Irish Sea'. The Prime Minister set out a wider array of planned changes and reforms, covering trade, VAT regulation and the role of Stormont in EU laws that apply to Northern Ireland. At the core of the deal is the creation of a new system for the flow of goods. The UK will also return to the European Union (EU)'s 85billion Horizon research programme, in another sign of improved ties. Both Labour and the Conservatives remained committed to keeping the UK out of the EU's single market, but Sir Keir Starmer's party has been clear that it wants a better trade deal with the bloc. Speaking on Fox and Friends on Saturday morning, Mandel said groups of young people are 'looking at everything through the Marxist point of view' An American author who penned a book on 'wokeism poisoning young brains' has lashed out at students gathering to praise the Hamas terrorists. Bethany Mandel, who co-wrote Stolen Youth: How Radicals Are Erasing Innocence and Indoctrinating a Generation, blasted student groups at Ivy league schools seen supporting the terrorist group's actions. Scores of students at the University of Washington, Harvard and Georgetown University have rallied this week, blaming Israel for Hamas' deadly attack. The groups have asserted their support for Hamas following the assault that killed 1,300 Israelis and launched the region into a bloody war. Speaking to Rachel Campos-Duffy on Fox and Friends, Mandel addressed footage of disturbing comments made at a pro-Palestinian protest at Baruch College in New York City where a young man told Fox News: 'Hamas is violence but we have to understand that these people have been under occupation for 75 years.' American author Bethany Mandel blasted students blaming Israel for Hamas' deadly attack The Palestine Solidarity Committee holding banners outside of Harvard University The first space of the statement released by the Students for Justice in Palestine and a Jewish Voice for Peace out of Columbia University Mandel labelled the growing number anti-Semitic remarks being echoed across college campuses 'holocaust revisionism'. 'We have foreign journalists on the ground in Israel who have seen these decapitated babies in person,' she said. 'They volunteered to go into these kubutzes and look at these bodies. There's nothing at play here but holocaust revisionism, and this is no way possible for us to prove to them that there are dead babies who were massacred in their beds to these people. 'They don't care about Jewish lives, and the fact that this is happening on our elite campuses, the fact that these are supposedly the people who are the most educated in America, really speaks volumes to what we call "education in America".' Asked how much responsibility she believes the education system holds, Mandel said she wasn't prepared to 'give legal adults a pass here'. 'They have the ability to open a computer or and look at these photos themselves,' she said. 'If they're not able to process information, if they're not able to understand that dozens of foreign journalists and the President of the United States have all fine independently confirmed that there were babies massacred, I don't know how to prove it to them. 'A lot of what I'm seeing, a lot of these interviews are idiot Marxist, leftist students. Of course there is a foreign element at play here, but there's a lot of stupid white kids from Connecticut.' Mandel says she believes some blame lies with the universities, but added: 'These are adults who are excusing the massacre of civilians in their beds'. When probed if it's at all possible that they are getting their messaging wrong, and may actually disavow Hamas while also having sympathy for Palestinians, but Mandel doesn't believe that's the case. Harvard organizations including college's Amnesty International affiliate blame Israel for Hamas' brutal terror attack Pro-Israel students take part in a protest in support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at Columbia University in New York City Speaking on Fox and Friends on Saturday morning, Mandel said groups of young people are 'looking at everything through the Marxist point of view' 'Organized on democratic principles to promote justice, human rights, liberation, & self-determination,' is the group describes itself on Facebook 'They're putting images of the people who were flying in on paragliders and they're calling them heroes, they're calling them freedom fighters. 'It is absolutely possible to say I deplore innocent life being lost on both sides, but you have to put the responsibility for that initially here on Hamas.' It comes as Harvard University students released a statement accusing Israel of being 'entirely responsible' for the 'unfolding violence' in the region following Hamas' surprise attack last weekend. The stance was widely condemned including by former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers who wrote on X: 'In nearly 50 years of @Harvard affiliation, I have never been as disillusioned and alienated as I am today.' 'As long as you perpetuate this narrative, fighting will continue to break out until justice is achieved. Because nothing else is working,' the coalition's statement read. 'As Columbia students, our classes regularly discuss the inevitability of resistance as part of the struggle for decolonization. We study under renowned scholars who denounce the fact that the media requires oppressed peoples to be 'perfect victims' in order to deserve sympathy.' 'Yet not only does our institution neglect to align its actions with its ostensible values, but it actively normalizes Israeli apartheid and subjugation of Palestinians,' the group went on. A student organization from Columbia University then joined in the chorus of equivocation by calling the terrorism a 'counter-offensive.' Columbia students participate in a rally in support of Palestine at the university Hamas militants launched an unprecedented surprise attack Saturday killing hundreds of Israeli civilians, and kidnapping others Three female pro-Israel Columbia University students look solemn while taking part in a protest amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza A shocking statement released Monday by the Justice in Palestine group at Columbia said that Hamas' actions were a 'counter-offensive against their settler-colonial oppressor.' 'The weight of responsibility for the war and casualties undeniably lies with the Israeli extremist government and other Western governments,' the statement, which was also signed by a group named Jewish Voice for Peace, read. A group from Northwestern University, named Justice in Palestine, said that they 'stand unwavering in our commitment to highlighting the profound injustices faced by the Palestinian people.' The group also wrote that it is a 'grievous miscarriage of justice to portray Palestinians as the aggressors in this occupation' adding that it's 'morally untenable to portray Israel as the victim.' Republican Josh Hawley has called for the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Palestine student groups on college campuses across the nation after they held anti-Israel protests. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price stood by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's side on Saturday night as he thanked Australia for voting No to the Voice to Parliament referendum, saying the result was 'good for our country'. But some Coalition supporters watching on suggested their positions should be reversed and that Ms Price should be the country's alternative prime minister. The Indigenous Senator played a pivotal role in the No campaign and tirelessly worked to poke holes in the Yes campaign's arguments. She kept her cool throughout and even shrugged off a barrage of vile racist abuse in the lead up the vote as she went from a political unknown, to the face of the campaign and now one of the nation's best known politicians. 'Dutton please step aside, Jacinta to lead the Liberal party please,' one person wrote on social media. Another said: 'P*** off Dutton, make Jacinta Price the Opposition leader.' Peter Dutton (left) and Jacinta Price (right) held a conference to celebrate the victory of their No campaign for the Voice referendum on Saturday night 'Now what? Better watch your back Dutton, I see a rising supernova superstar behind you!,' a third added. A fourth commented: 'Dutton's such a robot. At least Jacinta looks pleased, Dutton looks like he doesn't believe in anything he is saying. Just a destructive void of a human being.' The No vote won in every state, meaning there will be no Indigenous recognition enshrined in the Constitution and no advisory body made of Indigenous Australians to inform Parliament. 'It is clear, obviously, the referendum has not been successful and I think that's good for our country,' Mr Dutton told Australians in a press conference Saturday night. 'Tonight, while the majority of Australians will be pleased with the outcome, there of course will be Australians who are disappointed as well. 'What matters tomorrow is that this result doesn't divide us as a people. What matters is we all accept this result in the great spirit of our democracy. 'At all times in this debate, I've levelled my criticism at what I consider to have been a bad idea, to divide Australians based on their heritage or the time at which they came to our country.' Mr Dutton also called out Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for allegedly creating the 'divisive' situation. Viewers called for Jacinta Price to lead the Opposition with some voters (above) calling Peter Dutton a 'robot' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (above) admitted defeat after the majority in every state voted No in the referendum 'The Coalition, like all Australians, wants to see the Indigenous disadvantage addressed. We just disagree on the Voice being the solution,' he said. 'While Yes and No voters might hold difference in opinion, these differences do not diminish our love for our country or our love for each other. 'This is the referendum Australia did not need to have. The proposal and the process should have been designed to unite Australians, not divide us.' Ms Price followed Mr Dutton's speech with a message for Australians to become 'stronger' in the wake of the result. 'I want to thank the Australian people for believing in our great nation in understanding the vast majority of Australians want what's best for each and every one of us, including our most marginalised Indigenous Australians,' she said. 'The Australian people have voted, overwhelmingly, saying No to this referendum. 'They've said No to division within our Constitution along the lines of race, they've said No to the gaslighting, to the bullying, to the manipulation. 'They've said No to the grievance and the push from activists to suggest we are a racist country when we are absolutely not a racist country.' Senator Price kept her cool throughout and even shrugged off a barrage of vile racist abuse in the lead up the vote as she went from a political unknown, to the face of the campaign and one of the nation's favourite leaders. Mr Dutton (pictured on Saturday with Price) called out Mr Albanese for starting the 'divisive' referendum READ MORE: Map shows where Australia voted YES for the Voice Advertisement Senator Price added that until Australians can unite, Indigenous issues won't be solved. 'We are one of, if not the, greatest nations of the face of this earth and it's time for Australians to believe that once again, to be proud to call ourselves Australian,' she said. 'Until we are proud we can't be strong to form a position to tackle our tough issues. '[I want to thank] the Nationals for coming out and drawing a line in the sand and saying 'No' to this proposal early in the piece so that Australians could understand that it was okay. 'Okay to recognise that this was a bad proposal - a proposal that the Prime Minister failed to provide detail on. When we kept asking questions. We never received any answers whatsoever. 'We could not be shown with any clarity or it could not be demonstrated how this proposal was supposed to support our most marginalised Indigenous Australians.' She continued to explain how the majority of Indigenous Australians she spoke to did not support the Voice, despite the Yes campaign advertising otherwise. Mr Albanese (above) called for Yes advocates to show 'grace and humility' after losing the referendum, saying 'we make the big decisions peacefully and as equals' 'For me, my family, we experienced three funerals yesterday. For me, my family is still sitting in communities where largely they have been exploited for the purpose of someone else's agenda,' she said. 'This referendum has been another one of those agendas. 'It was suggested that 80 per cent of Indigenous Australians supported this proposal when we knew that that was not the case. When I knew having spoken to people throughout the Northern Territory. 'The vast number of Indigenous Australians did not support the proposal.' Meanwhile, a teary Mr Albanese held his own conference where he admitted defeat and asked Yes advocates to show 'grace and humility'. 'When we reflect on everything happening in the world today, we can all give thanks that here in Australia we make the big decisions peacefully and as equals, with one vote, one value,' he said. 'I never imagined or indeed said that it would be easy. Very few things in public life worth doing are.' Anthony Mundine has unleashed a lengthy and bizarre rant about the Voice referendum, suggesting it was designed to 'enslave humanity'. The boxer and one-time footy star uploaded his stream-of-conscious response after the Yes campaign failed miserably on Saturday, losing in every single state. The vocal conspiracy theorist filmed himself thanking Allah outside in the dark after the major TV networks called the result. 'This was about the World Economic Forum, what they wanted to do to enslave humanity, and use aboriginal peoples to do that,' he said, with no evidence. Sporting legend Anthony Mundine celebrated the defeat of the Voice to Parliament by thanking Allah and slamming members of his community for selling out Prime minister Anthony Albanese greeted a crowd of reporters on Saturday night to accept defeat in the referendum, which he said needed to be done with 'grace and humility' Mr Mundine, a First Nations man, claimed without evidence that others in his community had been bought off by the Yes campaign. 'Alhamdulillah, praise Allah praise almighty man that the No [vote] got up,' he said. 'I'm just disappointed in a lot of people that I thought that sold out, got paid, pushed this Yes campaign. 'I want Australia to walk as one, it doesn't matter what you are.' Alhamdulillah is an Arabic phrase meaning 'praise be to god' or 'thank God'. The sporting legend said that Anthony Albanese had divided the country with the Voice. He then went on to claim the Voice would have been the first step towards the enslavement of humanity. 'Allah showed them, they can play him but Allah is the greatest of planners,' he ssaid. Mundine had been updating his Instagram story throughout the day, uploading his first vlog at 11am when he told followers to take their own pens to the polls. 'Take you own pen or use a pen because they're handing out pencils which they can rub out and put what they want to put,' he said. Mundine said that the referendum was a ploy set up by the World Economic Forum in order to enslave humanity He had been eagerly watching the results of the referendum and updating his followers online with numerous vlogs and status updates After the votes had been counted and the referendum was lost, Mundine posted his last update of the night at around 7:30pm. 'I'm having a giggle. I just want to say they spent probably two, three hundred million with this campaign,' he said. 'They can plan all they want, they can try and manoeuvre, rig it, whatever, but Allah is the king. 'A lot of people have found out, a lot of people sold out for money and greed. 'They can give me the world and everything in it but I'd never go against my people, and not just my people but all people. I'm for the human race.' The race was lost for the Yes campaign by 7.25pm when South Australia became the third state to vote No. The Yes campaign failed to garner either majority needed for the referendum to pass. A majority of states and a majority of Australians voted No within two-and-a-half hours of the polls closing. Israel today announced it had killed two top Hamas commanders in a wave of airstrikes on the terror group. Ali Qadi was arrested by Israel in 2005 for the kidnapping and murder of civilians before being released into the Gaza Strip as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. Israel's Air Force said he had led the 'Nukhba' commando force which gunned down Israeli civilians last Saturday. Officials revealed a black and white video of a massive explosion engulfing a Hamas base where he was said to be located. Earlier today, the IDF confirmed it had also killed Murad Abu Murad, the leader of Hamas' air forces. They said he played a key part overseeing the attacks last Saturday which saw terrorists descend on civilian targets in Israel using hang gliders. Confirming his death on Twitter, the Israeli Air Force said: 'During the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force attacked the operational headquarters of the terrorist organisation Hamas, from where the organisation's aerial activities were managed. 'During the attack, Murad Abu Murad, the head of the air formation in Gaza City who took a large part and directed terrorists in the murderous attack on Saturday, was killed.' The Israeli Air Force also released footage that allegedly shows the airstrike which killed Hamas commander Ali Qadi Israel's Air Force said he had led the 'Nukhba' commando force which gunned down Israeli civilians last Saturday Earlier today, the IDF confirmed it had also killed Murad Abu Murad, the leader of Hamas' air forces. They said he played a key part overseeing the attacks last Saturday which saw terrorists descend on civilian targets in Israel using hang gliders Qadi was arrested in 2005 for the kidnapping and murder of civilians before being released into the Gaza Strip as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange (pictured is the exchange taking place) Israel yesterday gave 1.1million civilians just 24 hours to escape to the south of the Gaza Strip, a deadline that ended today at 3am BST. The UN has asked it to be revoked, saying it was impossible without 'devastating humanitarian consequences'. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with their possessions crowded a main road heading southward from Gaza City. Hamas claims 70 people were killed when airstrikes struck a convoy of cars. READ MORE - The prisoner exchange that led to Qadhi's release back into Gaza Advertisement Israeli military drones dropped flyers yesterday demanding that all Palestinians, including those critically ill in hospital, evacuate the northern half of the strip or risk being caught in a military escalation. It said today that Gazans could flee safely via two main roads between 10am and 4pm local time (8AM - 2pm BST). The IDF then launched its first 'localised' raids into the territory, deploying columns of Merkava main battle tanks alongside elite troops to track down hostages and 'cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry'. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said the country would 'never forget' last Saturday's terrorist attacks by Hamas and warned 'this is just the beginning'. An Israeli drone killed a number of militants who tried to infiltrate Israel from Lebanon, the Israeli army said today. The army said it was 'very sorry' for the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed in Lebanon during Israeli shelling. At least 2,215 people have been killed by airstrikes on Gaza so far, with another 8,714 wounded. Israeli Merkava battle tanks streaming into Gaza yesterday in preparation for the full scale ground invasion A Palestinian man uses a fire extinguisher to douse a fire following an Israeli strike today in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip Palestinians carry an injured boy rescued from the rubble after an airstrike in Gaza today Palestinians search for casualties in a bombed building today. The strikes have killed at least 1,900 people so far Smoke and flames are seen over Gaza City after Israeli airstrikes continued today Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south today after the Israeli army issued an unprecedented evacuation warning A Palestinian family gather their possessions and prepare to flee the upcoming ground offensive A boy carries rolled up mattresses on his back followed by a woman with a young child in a scene from Gaza today The conflict began with Hamas' terror attacks last Saturday, which killed at least 1,300 Israelis. Horrific scenes of babies and families being massacred are continuing to emerge as Israel continues a relentless assault on the Gaza Strip. The UN says 1,300 buildings in the territory have been destroyed. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant added his defence forces would take Hamas 'out of Gaza and out of the Earth' and 'effect permanent change' in the territory. READ MORE - Twisted propaganda videos that show how Hamas trained for attack on Israel for YEARS Advertisement In a statement, the IDF said it would 'operate significantly' within Gaza City 'in the coming days', telling Palestinians: 'You will only be able to return to Gaza when another announcement permitting it is made.' Hamas told people to ignore the evacuation order. Families in Gaza faced what they saw as a no-win decision to leave or stay, with no safe ground anywhere. Israeli strikes have leveled entire city blocks, and Gaza has been sealed off from food, water and medical supplies - all under a virtual total power blackout. 'Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if you'll make it, if you're going to live,' said Nebal Farsakh, a spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City. Israel was accused of breaking international law over the sudden order to leave, with aid agencies and the UN warning such an unprecedented evacuation was impossible. US President Joe Biden - who has remained staunchly supportive of Israel - urged Israel not to 'lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks'. Russia compared Israel's siege of Gaza to the Nazi siege of Leningrad. Rishi Sunak said Israel had 'every right to defend itself', but stressed that civilian safety must be 'paramount in our minds'. Lord Kim Darroch, former British ambassador to the US and and a former UK national security adviser, said Gazans needed to be given more time to evacuate. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord Darroch predicted the Israeli ground offensive would fail to eliminate Hamas and warned the next generation of Palestinian fighters were 'already being radicalised'. Meanwhile, Tory MP Crispin Blunt warned the UK could be complicit in war crimes in Gaza and could face legal action if it does not do more to 'restrain' Israel. He told Sky News: 'If you know that a party is going to commit a war crime - and this forcible transfer of people is a precise breach of one of the statutes that governs international law and all states in this area - then you are making yourself complicit,' he said. 'And as international law has developed in this area, the fact of being complicit makes you equally guilty to the party carrying out the crime.' It came as the RAF made two flights from Tel Aviv early this morning and late yesterday as part of an effort to evacuate Britons from Israel. It follows criticism of the government's 'slow' response. US citizens are being allowed to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, an official said. It comes as: Iran told Israel 'new fronts' would open up if it continued 'war crimes' in Gaza, while Jordan warned more displacement of Palestinians risked a 'wider conflict'; Hamas claimed 13 hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including foreign nationals a claim denied by Israel; The IDF today denied reports it had retrieved the bodies of hostages from Gaza; Israel said it was 'very worry' for the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed yesterday during an airstrike in Lebanon; Country was accused by Human Rights Watch of using white phosphorus weapons; Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said it was 'very likely' British nationals were among the hostages; Police in the UK are on high alert over fears of a domestic terror attack, with threat level still at 'substantial'; Israel released further harrowing images of atrocities committed during the Hamas raids; In Britain, some Jewish schools closed their doors amid fear of attacks following a Hamas call for protests; Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned a 'disgusting' rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the UK as 1,000 extra police readied themselves for a London demonstration today; Israeli tanks and military vehicles massing near the border with Gaza today Columns of tanks have begun moving into Gaza alongside elite infantry to, in the words of the IDF, 'cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry' The detachments will also try to track down hostages taken during Hamas raids a week ago An Israeli soldier mans a gun on top of a tank as he moves into Gaza in the early stages of Israel's ground offensive Israeli artillery embedded within piles of sand fires towards fires towards the Gaza Strip today Smoke billows over Gaza City yesterday as Palestinians tried to flee a ground invasion by Israeli forces More than 300 children have been killed and 300,000 displaced since Israel launched sustained retaliatory air attacks on Gaza Palestinians grabbed bags and desperately tried to save the lives of their loved ones, leaving their homes behind as Israeli main battle tanks crossed into Gaza yesterday Riding a donkey drawn cart as family along with hundreds of other Palestinian carrying their belongings flee following the Israeli army's warning to leave their homes and move south Cars made a desperate exodus south ahead of an anticipated Israeli invasion A Palestinian girl among the cars fleeing Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion Palestinians crowd onto a truck as they head south today to escape Israel's ground offensive Meanwhile relatives of Israelis abducted during Hamas militants' attack last weekend pleaded at the UN on Friday for the world's help getting their loved ones home. Speaking by video from Israel, Yoni Asher told diplomats at an Israel-organized event that he hasn't slept or eaten since his wife and two small daughters vanished last Saturday while visiting his mother-in-law in the country's south. His wife called to tell him that they were locked in a safe room after people came into the house and she heard gunshots, Asher said. He said he later saw a video of his wife and daughters, who are under 5 and 3, being loaded into a vehicle, and he tracked his wife's phone to Gaza. 'I don't know if I've got any more tears left,' he said. 'I'm exhausted, and I just want to approach whoever can hear me in the international community. Please bring back my baby girls.' Hamas fighters took 150 hostages during last Saturday's surprise assault. Alana Zeitchik, who lives in New York, said a half-dozen of her cousins were snatched from a kibbutz. They were known to be alive as of Friday morning, she said. READ MORE - British surgeon Prof Ghassan Abu-Sittah gives a harrowing dispatch from Gaza Advertisement 'We don't want more bombs or rockets or blood or tears,' said Ms Zeitchik. 'We want our family back immediately. And we want peace.' Speaking to the media after talks with allies in Sweden, Rishi Sunak highlighted how he had urged his Israeli counterpart during a conversation last night that any action needed to 'protect civilians' caught in the crossfire. Yesterday there were clashes and panic across the region ahead of the possible full-scale offensive. In the West Bank, 11 people were killed in uprisings on a 'day of rage' called by Hamas leaders. Residents in scores of Israeli towns and cities were repeatedly ordered into bunkers as the terrorists blasted rockets across the border. In the north of the country, Iran-backed Hezbollah sent missiles into the Israeli border town of Hanita, forcing Israel to respond by firing into Lebanon. Senior EU officials and Israeli president Isaac Herzog were forced to seek cover in protected shelters as air-raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv. A crying woman carries a body bag through Gaza City following an Israeli airstrike A man inspects the damage to his home after Israeli strikes in Gaza. Photo taken today The morning sun glints over a tree to illuminate a scene of devastation in Gaza today An aerial view of damaged buildings and cars today as rescuers comb the rubble A vast crowd of Palestinians search through the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaza Rescuers dig through rubble today in an effort to find survivors from Israeli airstrikes Palestinians search for casualties under the rubble in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Gaza today Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, shelter at a United Nations-run school in Gaza today Flyers dropped by the IDF warning residents to flee are seen in the skies above Gaza yesterday Palestinians make the perilous journey south from the southern Gaza Strip yesterday Some 1.2mn were ordered to evacuate parts of Gaza - around half the total population Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City Palestinians fleeing from northern Gaza to the south after Israel issued an unprecedented evacuation warning to a population of over 1mn people in northern Gaza and Gaza City Some 300,000 people had already been displaced by the war - within fewer than seven days Incredibly, amid a massive security operation, suspected Hamas terrorists are still being found in Israel. Sky News, reporting from the site of the Nova festival atrocity, saw a knife-wielding man it believed was a Hamas fighter who has been hiding since last Saturday. He was stripped, blindfolded and handcuffed. As civilians in Gaza gather what possessions they can, international onlookers have urged Israel to reconsider, judging the 24-hour notice 'impossible' to work around. Both the United Nations and the World Health Organisation have urgently called on Israel to revoke the evacuation order, saying it will result in a humanitarian disaster whether people can flee or not. 'The noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening. How are 1.1 million people supposed to move across a densely populated warzone in less than 24 hours?' UN aid chief Martin Griffiths wrote on social media. READ MORE - Israelis raze Palestinian pizzeria to the ground after it used picture of kidnapped grandmother in mocking advert Advertisement More than 80 per cent of Gaza's population rely on humanitarian aid - which the EU said it would 'review' earlier this week - and most lack access to a vehicle. Medecins Sans Frontieres said yesterday evening that Israel had given Al Awda Hospital in Gaza 'just two hours to evacuate', causing panic in one of the most vulnerable spaces. 'Our staff are still treating patients,' the group wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'We unequivocally condemn this action, the continued indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks on health care in Gaza. We are trying to protect our staff and patients.' The group, named Doctors Without Borders in English, is a charity that provides humanitarian medical care. Riham Jafari of charity ActionAid, Coordinator of Advocacy and Communication for Palestine said: 'We have received information that Al-Awda hospital in Gaza, a partner of Alianza por la Solidaridad - a member of the ActionAid Federation - has been issued orders to evacuate staff and patients. 'Our understanding and fear is that the hospital will be bombed when that deadline expires. 'Let us be clear, ActionAid condemns, in the strongest terms any act that puts innocent lives at risk, and threatening a hospital is an egregious violation of humanitarian law. 'Here, wounded children, amongst many other civilians, are being treated with life-threatening injuries; they simply cannot leave. We call for the immediate removal of this threat, a ceasefire and the protection of civilians across Gaza.' Smoke rises above buildings in the southern Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike yeserday Palestinians with their belongings flee to safer areas in Gaza City after Israeli airstrikes A Palestinian man runs amid the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli airstrike on October 13 A child carrying an infants car seat evacuates Gaza City following an Israeli warning of increased military operations in the Gaza strip, 13 October 2023 The International Committee of the Red Cross said Gazans had 'nowhere safe to go' and it was 'impossible' for them to know which areas 'will next face attack'. With a military siege in place, humanitarian organisations 'will not be able to assist such a massive displacement of people in Gaza'. Life saving machines running on generators are soon expected to stop working across the strip as doctors work around the clock to save the lives of men, women and children swept into the conflict. Ashraf Al Qidra, spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, explained that Israel's decision to blockade Gaza under 'total siege' was pushing 'our medical operation into a precarious situation'. READ MORE - Hamas releases sickening video showing terrorists holding Israeli babies and toddlers on day of the kibbutz massacres Advertisement He said that without quick action to restore power, hospitals faced 'huge loss of these lives'. US President Joe Biden, who has repeatedly given staunch support for Israel, said that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a 'priority'. 'We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and they're suffering as a result as well,' Biden said during a speech in Philadelphia. Earlier the White House said the evacuation demand was a 'tall order'. Even Saudi Arabia broke its silence yesterday to urge Israel to relent, denouncing the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and attacks on 'defenceless civilians' - its strongest language criticising Israel since the war broke out. Riyadh 'affirms its categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza, and its condemnation of the continued targeting of defenceless civilians there,' the foreign ministry said in a statement. The comments come in spite of attempts - mediated by US President Joe Biden - to facilitate normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a move unfavourable to Hamas. The United Nations said it had been informed of the order shortly before midnight but as thousands of people streamed southwards in cars and on foot, the Israeli army admitted that the evacuation would 'take time'. Two-month-old Muhammad Al-Khayyat baby dies in the hospital despite all the efforts as a result of the Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza on October 13, 2023 Medics in Gaza say time is running out for a population on life support as generators struggle to keep the power on for essential machines. Pictured: doctors examine a child at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis Gaza has been reduced largely to rubble, with tens of thousands of residential buildings destroyed Gaza City (pictured) and the rest of the north has been urged to try to move south - which onlookers say will be 'impossible' and result in 'humanitarian catastrophe' The Saudi statement was published as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Riyadh as part of a six-nation tour of Arab countries. US officials have appeared to backtrack on earlier efforts to let Gazans flee to neighbouring Egypt, saying they did not see wide support, and have instead promoted the idea of 'safe areas' within Gaza. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also appealed yesterday for the creation of a humanitarian corridor and convoy in Gaza where, he said, more than two million civilians, half of them children, were facing a catastrophe. 'But in the face of a ground offensive in Gaza, I plead that the sins of Hamas are not borne by the citizens of Gaza, who themselves have faced such suffering over many decades. 'The price of evil cannot be paid by the innocent. Civilians cannot bear the costs of terrorists,' he said in a statement. A Minnesota woman who protested the Israeli military incursions into Gaza has been killed by Hamas alongside her husband in their kibbutz. Cindy Flash, 67, and Igal Flash, 66, were killed inside a safe room at their home inside the community of Kfar Aza, a southern kibbutz close to the border with Gaza. Their daughter, Keren Flash, told CNN that she had learned on Thursday of their deaths, with the last message from her mother saying 'they managed to break into the safe room'. Kfar Aza was an Israeli farming community of around 750 people but has now become a charnel house after Hamas gunmen laid waste to the village last Saturday. Speaking to CNN, Keren Flash, 34, told the outlet: 'She was she was just all heart and soul.' Cindy Flash, 67, and Igal Flash, 66, were killed inside a safe room at their home inside the community of Kfar Aza Their daughter Keren Flash, seen here, said she had learned on Thursday of their deaths, with the last message from her mother saying 'they managed to break into the safe room' 'They were just a good balance of each other, and really taught me what a loving and strong relationship should look like and they were just my inspiration for everything.' After radio silence from her parents, Flash said the only small comfort she found after receiving the news of their deaths was they 'apparently died instantly'. Her father Igal was born in Israel and was the son of Holocaust survivors, with her mother moving to live their after falling in love with the country. Flash said her mom had a continued hope in humanity and had protested Israeli military action in Gaza. She told CNN: 'Whenever there was a military operation, (she) would always protest. 'She was there protesting all the time so they won't destroy it so that people will see what's happening because you don't treat human beings like that no matter what their religious belief is and what their ethnicity is.' 'They were some of the best people that I have ever known. They were good people. They cared about other people. They fought for other people's rights and other people's voices.' Flash also told CBS: 'We kept hearing shootings and gunfire, and bombs, and alarms, and just didn't know what was happening. Just our worst nightmares.; After the attack launched by Hamas last weekend, at least 27 American citizens have died in the ongoing conflict. Picture taken from the Israeli city of Sderot shows black dust and smoke ascending in the Palestinian Gaza Strip, on October 14, 2023 Four bodies of Israeli civilians killed days earlier in an attack by Hamas militants wait to be collected on October 10, 2023 in Kfar Aza, Israel Flash said the only small comfort she found after receiving the news of their deaths was they 'apparently died instantly' The Gaza Health Ministry said on Saturday that 2,215 people have been killed in the territory, including 724 children and 458 women. The assault launched by Hamas killed more than 1,300 Israelis with the majority of them civilians, according to the Israeli government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Friday night that he would 'destroy Hamas'. Israel has kept up a steady pace of air strikes on Gaza, where Hamas is based, and is preparing for a ground invasion of the territory. President Biden delivered a speech on Tuesday saying he had dispatched a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the region. Surviving Americans could soon catch evacuation flights out of the region as the war intensifies. Earlier this week, we told how an Israeli-American family had also been killed after their kibbutz came under attack. Israeli soldiers stand on a stationed tank near the border with Israel, in Lebanon, on Saturday October 14 An Israeli flag flies over body bags of more than 20 dead Hamas militants with the word 'terrorist' written in Hebrew, on a field at Kibbutz Be'eri Tamar Kedem-Siman Tov with her husband Johnny and their five-year-old daughters Shachar and Arbel, and their two-year-old son Omer Johnny Siman Tov, 36, his wife Tamar Kedem-Simian Tov, 35, and their three children aged between two and five and Johnny's mother were killed last Saturday. The six lived in the Nir Oz kibbutz, near the Gaza Strip - a community of 400 people. Eighty died in Saturday's attack. As Hamas advanced on the community, Tov sent texts to friends in Australia saying they were safe. She wrote to her Sydney friends, Yishai and Mor Lacob, from the concrete bunker of her home at about 2.45pm on Saturday, saying: 'Hi guys, we got into the shelter in our house, we're all going okay.' An hour later, the texts to Australia stopped and the Lacobs tried contacting everyone they knew in the village to find out what was going on, before they received the news that the Tov's safe room had been breached. CNN hit back and slammed the footage as 'fabricated' and 'inaccurate' CNN took aim at a 'fabricated, inaccurate' viral video claiming war correspondent Clarissa Ward staged taking cover in a ditch. Ward was forced to duck for cover earlier this week as a barrage of rockets flew overhead while she reported from near the Israel-Gaza border. While the journalist was praised by many for bravely reporting from the front lines, a fictitious video parodied the moment and alleged she was faking the danger in front of the cameras. 'The audio in the video posted and shared on X is fabricated, inaccurate and irresponsibly distorts the reality of the moment that was covered live on CNN, which people should watch in full for themselves on a trusted platform,' a CNN spokesperson told the New York Post. CNN's Clarissa Ward conducted a live broadcast from a ditch near the border to the Gaza Strip after being forced to take cover amid rocket fire The reporter described a 'barrage' of rocket fire over head just moments before she began the broadcast live from Israel The footage of Ward rushing for cover was among numerous poignant moments captured by journalists on the ground since the conflict broke out a week ago, including Fox News' Trey Yingst reporting from inside Israel's 'house of horrors.' Ward, along with several members of her team in bullet proof vests, scrambled into a ditch by the side of a road seconds after hearing rockets overhead. She was seen with her face down in the ditch as a man on her team indicated the rockets were being stopped by Israel's 'Iron Dome'. The iron dome is Israel's land-based defense system which intercepts rockets and mortars. 'Get down! Close, close, close,' the man said. 'You're fine, you're okay... that's the Iron Dome.' Addressing her news anchor, Ward says: 'Forgive the inelegant position but we have just had a massive barrage of rockets coming in here not too far from us, so we have had to take shelter here by the roadside.' 'We are just about five minutes away, Gaza is in that direction. We can hear now a lot of jets in the sky we can also hear the iron dome intercepting a number of those rockets as they were whizzing overhead and making impact.' Ward added that the location was 'ground zero' for the Hamas militia where terrorist fighters were 'spraying lead' from a pickup truck down the street. CNN Busted FAKING Attack In Israel For The Camera! pic.twitter.com/AjfiyMGZQi TheQuartering (@TheQuartering) October 10, 2023 But Ward's reporting was parodied by The Quartering, which brands itself a 'news and content organization' but admitted it used fake audio dubbed over Ward's original footage. In the fake footage, which has been viewed over five million times on X (formerly Twitter), audio intended to sound like a CNN producer began: 'Yeah, we can see the area is completely deserted but I want you to get them off the road.' 'Get them to lay down next to the road, okay?' the voice adds, as one of Ward's team members was seen on a phone call. The footage continues to joke about the situation, including instructing Ward to look 'nice and scared' for the cameras. In a follow up tweet, the fake news account admitted that 'yes of course the voice over isn't real', but insisted that Ward's 'fake acting IS real.' Despite the audio clearly being manipulated, with Snopes the first to debunk it, the video was circulated widely with many viewers seeming to believe it to be legitimate. 'Merkava' battle tanks muster today at a gathering site at an undisclosed location along the border with Gaza The fake video row comes as the conflict in the Middle East escalates into the weekend, with Israel readying a significant ground onslaught after bombarding the Gaza Strip in retaliation to Hamas' attack a week ago. Israel has warned upwards of one million residents to flee the region, leading fleeing Palestinians to desperately try and escape. The war-torn region was given a 24-hour deadline to escape to the south of the territory, which was then extended as Gazans try to flee via two main roads out of the area. Hamas terrorists have urged civilians to ignore the evacuation order and some are refusing to leave, with Mahmoud Shalabi - director of Medical Aid for Palestinians - saying 'no place was safe in Gaza' and he hoped to 'die with dignity'. Walmart's decision to install anti-theft technology in stores nationwide has made customers 'hostile and dangerous against untrained staff,' employees told Insider. The retailer's computer vision technology that closely monitors self-checkouts and deters potential thefts causes customers to act confused, defensive, or at times aggressive, according to workers. The system, internally known as Missed Scan Detection by employees, works by illuminating a light over each counter whenever the system detects an unscanned item. Walmart's decision to install anti-theft technology in stores nationwide has made customers hostile and dangerous against untrained employees Walmart has clearly instructed its employees to 'play dumb' and strictly prohibited directly accusing anyone of theft The retailer's computer vision technology that closely monitors self-checkouts and deters potential thefts causes customers to act confused, defensive, or at times aggressive, said employees The machine then pauses itself and sends a text notification to a nearby member of staff, forcing the customer to 'ask for help'. Employees then act as if something is wrong with the machine and redirect the buyer towards a cashier checkout. Walmart has clearly instructed its employees to 'play dumb' and strictly prohibited directly accusing anyone of theft. But the loss-reducing system has started backfiring in the face of store workers, with some even throwing merchandise at their faces, as said by Mendy, a 10-year employee of a Walmart store in Arkansas. Joe Pennington, a Walmart spokesperson told Insider: 'As with other retailers, theft is always a challenge, and we're always looking for better ways to tackle this issue. This includes enhanced technology at our checkouts.' The news of customers attacking employees comes a week after one woman on a motorized scooter punched a cop in the face during a meltdown in the store after being accused of stealing. The suspect is seen arguing with the officer by the checkouts before attacking him in the outrageous clip posted on Reddit. While the police officer cannot be heard clearly in the video, viewers can listen to the woman yell, 'Yes, I did. Yes, I did,' over and over again. She repeatedly says 'drag me the f*** out' before the cameraman changes their angle to a shot from a nearby register. The unidentified woman then picks up items off the belt and hurls a bottle of ginger ale at the officer and a bag of classic Lay's chips at the cashier next to her. She then rifles through the aisle snack shelf and gets up from the motorized scooter as she rummages through the other side of merchandise. A plus-sized black woman in a gray tee shirt and bright purple leggings is seen in a motorized scooter as a white male cop with glasses approaches her on line The cop and suspected thief were in a short tussle as the woman shoved a shelf and candy and magazines to the floor just before the cop tackled her In an attempt to stop the customer from creating more damage, the cop grabbed her by her shoulders and she immediately shoves him in the face and ripped off his glasses. The two were in a short tussle as the woman shoved a shelf, candy, and magazines to the floor just before the cop tackled her. Customers could be seen crowding around as Walmart employees tried to keep them as far away as possible. The officer could be seen trying his best to control the woman by getting on top of her. Her left shoe fell off in the process as she said: 'F****** white trash.' At this point, another officer, who appeared to be dressed in off-duty attire, started to clean up the area around the other cop who continued to struggle with the woman. 'Take me to JAIL,' the woman yelled as the cop was still trying to get her under control. Soon enough, he was able to start handcuffing her as she chanted 'Walmart is racist,' at the top of her lungs. More spectators started to crowd around the disturbing scene as the lone cop struggled to cuff her but ultimately was able to. He flipped her to her front side as she continued to scream: 'Walmart is f****** racist'. It is still unclear what she was accused of stealing and what happened after the wild encounter. The Atlanta store is set to open in May of 2024, following a nearly year-long closure after shoplifters set the building on fire to distract from their thieving (suspect is pictured) In January, a Walmart worker was caught on camera being bashed about the head after two would-be thieves tried to walk out of the store pushing a couple of shopping carts filled to the brim. In a short clip posted to TikTok, two brazen shoplifters were caught on cellphone footage pushing their fully loaded carts toward the exit of the store. One of the thieves is seen grabbing several coat hangers and hitting a female shop worker over the head several times. The employee ducks down to avoid being struck but it makes little difference. A second shoplifting accomplice then appears while wearing a bright red towel over their head, in an attempt to avoid being identified. Rather than face the shop worker, they head straight out the door knowing the jig is up. Last month, a Walmart in Atlanta announced that it was all set to add an on-site police substation or a mini precinct that will double as a deterrent to shoplifters and a working space for officers. The store is set to open in May of 2024, following a nearly year-long closure after shoplifters set the building on fire to distract from their thieving. Beyond acting as a deterrent for criminal activity, the mini precincts will act as an area for officers to recharge batteries and do paperwork. Early this year, one Walmart employee took to TikTok and revealed that while he had stopped 373 customers from shoplifting over the course of 12 months, he had only received a pay rise of 60 percent as a reward. Alexander Buckner, from Alabama said: 'Me realizing I caught 373 people stealing from Walmart last year and only got a 60 cent raise.' Many were divided in the comments section about the reward from the company. It was reported in September that Walmart alone lost a whopping $3 billion annually to theft and shoplifting incidents. READ MORE: Where Australia voted Yes and No EXCLUSIVE Voice tensions have boiled over with TV host Narelda Jacobs brutally shutting down No campaigner Warren Mundine after he unleashed on Yes campaigner Marcia Langton. Fireworks erupted during Indigenous broadcaster NITV's coverage of the Voice referendum results on Saturday night, with a furious Ms Jacobs slamming Mr Mundine for 'twisting' Professor Langton's words - and jumping to her defence as a 'national treasure'. Daily Mail Australia can reveal the nasty live TV spat was just the beginning of the recriminations after the Yes campaign lost all six Australian states and a national majority on Saturday night. Some of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's closest advisers on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament turned on him and Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney last night - with one calling his speech after the Voice vote 'insulting'. Last night's ugly stoush on NITV's The Point show began when Mr Mundine claimed that the Yes camp had failed to show voters how the Voice would fix issues facing Aboriginal Australians. 'They couldn't see anything, no one gave them details about how it was going to fix anything. It was almost like a magic wand,' he said. That sparked protest from Jacobs, who argued that Ms Langton had 'given the detail everybody needed' in the Calma-Langton report. Narelda Jacobs (pictured) was forced to boot Warren Mundine off NITV on Saturday night Warren Mundine (pictured) has unleashed on Indigenous activist Marcia Langton live on air The 2021 report, which Prof Langton co-authored with Professor Tom Calma, suggested the basis of the Voice, proposing a committee of 24 people around the nation to give advice to government on Indigenous policy. 'I can't be here in good conscience as a journalist and not put to you, that you are at odds with a majority of First Nations people,' Jacobs told Mr Mundine. Mr Mundine then launched into a scathing attack on Prof Langton - claiming that 'she racially abused this country.' 'She called Australia a racist country. She has no credibility in this. She needs to get out and actually meet Australians. Australians are not racist. They are incredible people. 'They want to make sure that Aboriginal people have a good life and be part of the Australian opportunities. So I am not going to take any comments from a person who thinks that we are a racist country.' In response, Prof Langton said Mr Mundine was igniting racial tensions for political gain and taking her words at a forum during the campaign out of context. Prof Langton came under fire for telling voters in Bunbury, WA that No campaign tactics were based in racism or stupidity. She said at the time: 'Every time the No cases raise their arguments, if you start pulling it apart you get down to base racism, I'm sorry to say that's where it lands, or sheer stupidity.' Prof Langton fired back at Mr Mundine: 'This is a Trumpian play. Right out of the Steve Bannon play book,' she said. 'Create racial division by lying and then accuse me of being a provocateur.' Mr Mundine immediately began talking over Ms Langton to accuse her of 'lying' before Jacobs was forced to intervene and cut him off. 'We are not going to sit here and take you abusing a national treasure like Marcia Langton who never said that Australians were racist and her words were twisted,' Jacobs said. Marcia Langton (pictured) said she never called Australians racist and her words were twisted As Mr Mundine continued his tirade, speaking over the host, the program was forced to cut him off air. 'We've just seen who Warren Mundine is,' Jacobs said, as Mr Mundine was removed from the discussion. Voice advisor turns on PM, Burney The stoush comes as Anthony Albanese's own handpicked advisers on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament turned on the government in the wake of the referendum's crippling defeat. Sally Scales, an Uluru Dialogue member and APY Artist who advised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney as part of the government's Referendum Working Group tore strips off the Yes campaign on Saturday night. 'Min Burney has done nothing since the ALP came to office,' she said, before taking aim at Ms Burney's address to the nation. 'As usual the ALP has continued Morrison-era policy... And unfortunately Linda's speech was glib and flippant. Racism drove this result. Lies drove this result.' Ms Scales then turned her criticism to the Prime Minister - describing Mr Albanese as 'insulting and pathetic'. 'This was a devastating result that keeps our people in the status quo. It is bleak. 'The PM was insulting & pathetic. How dare he. A cop out. Just hours after the historic Indigenous Voice to Parliament was defeated in every single state, the government's hand-picked advisers on the measure turned on Linda Burney (above) and Anthony Albanese Sally Scales, an Uluru Dialogue member and APY Artist who advised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, slammed his speech to Australia as 'insulting and pathetic' 'Albanese and the ALP will not accept the lies that we put up with. We have been rejected by the Australian people. Reconciliation is dead.' The UNSW Indigenous Law Centre, which top Yes campaigner Professor Megan Davis was the director of between 2006 and 2016, also came out swinging against the government's response to the loss. Reposting a message from Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers in which he said 'our job is not to dwell on this hurt', the organisation said: 'what a privilege not to ''dwell on this hurt''. 'Our people do not have the luxury of Cabinet members. Our people have been rejected. The country can never come back from this. But neither do they care.' Professor Davis remains the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous UNSW and a Professor of Law at the university. Her niece Allira, the Manager of the Uluru Youth Dialogues, also slammed the PM over his speech, describing his words as 'cruel'. Allira Davis, the Manager of the Uluru Youth Dialogues, slammed the PM over his speech, describing his words as 'cruel' Sally Scales, an Uluru Dialogue member and APY Artist who advised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney on the Referendum Working Group, was scathing of their campaign on Saturday night 'Imagine saying tonight that you are proud of being Australian when First Nations people are in mourning after a relentless campaign of lies and racist abuse. How callous 'we have accepted the result'. He's already moved on,' she said. 'We are just a blip.' Teela Reid, who was a member of the First Nations Referendum Engagement Group which worked closely with the Working Group, also expressed her disappointment in the vote. 'Australia, the reconciliation era is over,' she said. Thomas Mayo, who also served on the referendum working group, unleashed on the No campaign earlier in the evening, shortly after it became clear there was no path forward toward victory for the Yes campaign. Teela Reid, who was a member of the First Nations Referendum Engagement Group which worked closely with the Working Group, also expressed her disappointment in the vote Some members of the referendum working group have since lashed out at the government's response Mr Mayo, who is a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, said he is 'devastated' at the result but does not blame voters, but rather politicians. 'We need a Voice. We need that structural change and we got it right at Uluru,' Mr Mayo said. 'But we have seen a disgusting No campaign, a campaign that has been dishonest, that has lied to the Australian people and I'm sure that will come out in the analysis. READ MORE: Senator Lidia Thorpe sums up Australia's No vote Advertisement 'I'm sure that history will reflect poorly on Peter Dutton, Pauline Hanson, all of those that have opposed this, and so, you know, I don't know what's next, but it's just devastating. 'Who I do blame and who I hope that the Australian people look very closely at the next time they have a say in this democracy about who our leadership is, I hope they look at who lied to the Australian people.' At the same event Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin slammed the 'single largest misinformation campaign the country has ever seen' during a speech to devastated supporters. 'We did all we could to alleviate doubts (about the Voice),' he said. 'We did all we could to ensure the proposal was strong. We believe that the proposal was strong. We believe the proposal remains strong. 'In spite of their belief in the campaign, Parkin said the Yes camp could not compete with 'the single largest misinformation campaign this country has ever seen', slamming the 'disrespect and disdain' which had been shown toward Indigenous people. Mr Mayo, who is a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, said he is 'devastated' at the result but does not blame voters, but rather politicians The Prime Minister and Linda Burney fronted up to supporters and the media immediately after the polls closed in Western Australia. By that time, it was already abundantly clear that the Voice had been defeated. Mr Albanese said: 'While tonight's result is not one that I had hoped for, I absolutely respect the decision of the Australian people and the democratic process that has delivered it. 'When we reflect on everything happening in the world today we can all give thanks that we make the decisions peacefully, and as equals. 'We argued for this change not out of convenience but from conviction, because that's what people deserve from their government. 'When you do the hard things, when you aim high, sometimes you fall short. And tonight we acknowledge, understand and respect that we have. As prime minister, I will always accept responsibility for the decisions I have taken, and I do so tonight.' The Prime Minister and Linda Burney fronted up to supporters and the media immediately after the polls closed in Western Australia. By that time, it was already abundantly clear that the Voice had been defeated A tearful Linda Burney spoke next, offering a message of hope to Indigenous Australians. 'I will never forget that day in September when some 200,000 Australians walked together for yes right across this country. I know this outcome will be hard for some, but achieving progress is never easy, and progress doesn't always move in a straight line,' she said. 'There are breakthroughs and heartbreaks, but I am confident that because of this campaign and the millions of conversations it has sparked, the renewed generation of Indigenous leaders will emerge. 'To all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, I want to say this: I know the last few months have been tough, but be proud of who you are. Be proud of your identity. Be proud of the 65,000 years of history and culture that you are part of, and your rightful place in this country. 'We will carry on, and we will move forward, and we will thrive. This is not the end of reconciliation, and in the months ahead, I will have more to say about our government's renewed commitment to closing the gap.' The suspected killers of a Philadelphia cop have been captured on surveillance footage driving a stolen car into a hospital emergency area to drop off a wounded accomplice. Police released footage Friday of suspects connected with the shooting at Philadelphia International Airport that killed one police officer and injured another. Officer Richard Mendez, 50, was killed by four shots throughout the body, and Officer Raul Ortiz, 60, was shot once in the arm at Terminal D's airport parking garage when they had just arrived at work around 11 pm on Thursday. Mendez and Ortiz spotted a group of suspects breaking into another car. When they interrupted and confronted the alleged car thieves, at least two suspects pulled out guns and fired multiple shots. Suspect Jesus Herman Madera Duran, 18, was seen being dropped off by associates on the floor of a parking garage at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was later pronounced dead. Jesus Herman Madera Duran, 18, was driven and dropped off by his associates on the floor of a parking garage at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was later pronounced dead Philadelphia police released video footage Friday of suspects connected with the shooting at Philadelphia International Airport that killed on police officer and injured another Officer Richard Mendez, 50, was killed by multiple shots after he interrupted and confronted the alleged car thieves Mendez was pronounced dead at 11.34pm Thursday at Presbyterian Medical Center. Ortiz was shot once in his arm, and remained hospitalized in stable condition Friday. 'There have been no arrest,' Officer Tanya Little said in a statement to MailOnline.com. 'It's devastating to this city to know that this is the type of behavior that's occurring,' Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford said at a Friday news conference. 'The type of individuals that are out there on the street to take someone's life over a vehicle that didn't belong to them,' he said. The alleged shooters fled the scene in a black 2022 Dodge Durango with a vanity license plate that reads 'PLUSTAX', which was reported stolen in the city about a week ago, The suspects dropped off 18-year-old Duran who was believed to be involved in the shooting, authorities said at the news conference. Duran was shot in the chest, abdomen and left arm and was pronounced dead around 11.30pm Thursday. A group of suspects were breaking into another car. At least two suspects pulled out guns and fired multiple shots when officers interrupted and confronted them The alleged shooters fled the scene in a black 2022 Dodge Durango with a vanity license plate that reads 'PLUSTAX' Mendez, a 22-year veteran of the force, was killed three days before celebrating his 23 years with the police force. He was survived by his wife and one daughter. Ortiz, 60, is a 20-year veteran of the department. He is married with three children. Mendez's gun has not been located, Stanford said. It's not known if anyone fired the weapon during the confrontation at the garage. And it's unclear how many of the suspects had fired weapons. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said law enforcement staff lacked the ability to match crime scene ballistics to firearms through a database of gun sales, citing a lack of gun regulation. Pennsylvania state law prevents law enforcement and government agencies from having firearm registries. The shooting came a week after three Philadelphia police officers were shot and wounded while responding to a call. 'A numb, numb moment for us, to again encounter something like this,' Stanford said. Members of the Philadelphia police were visibly emotional before the procession for the fallen officer. 'So you can imagine how we feel,' he said. 'You could imagine what this department is going through, and quite frankly how this city should be feeling to know that this is happening. 'Two of the men that have served them twenty-plus years and ultimately one giving his life tonight for the city of Philadelphia,' he added. The slain officer's body was transported from the medical examiner's office to a funeral house Members of the Philadelphia police were visibly emotional before the procession for the fallen officer Mendez's body was draped in an American flag while being escorted to the medical examiner's office inside the Philadelphia Police Headquarters. He was later transported from the office to a funeral house. 'I saw more tears last night than I've ever seen in all my years here,' Lodge 5 President John McNesby said. He called the two officers 'standouts' and the loss was a tough one for colleagues and the department. McNesby also said the city's police force was 'undermanned' and criticized the district attorney's office for not prosecuting violent offenders. 'That sends a message they can do what they want,' he said. President Joe Biden, who was in Philadelphia on Friday, offered his condolences the families of the officers. 'They put their lives on the line to protect this community,' he said. A reward of $148,500 was being offered for information leading to an arrest. It would be in addition to a $20,000 reward that the city has offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Chuck DeVore is an executive with the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a retired U.S. Army intelligence officer Israel is pleading with more than one million Palestinian civilians to flee Gaza City. The vile terrorists in control of that doomed metropolis are telling innocent people to stay put. Hamas has used the Palestinian people as pawns for decades. It's no surprise they're now using them as human shields. On Thursday, the Israeli Defense Forces, massing 360,000 troops on the border of Gaza in preparation for the grim task of rooting out and dismantling Hamas, dropped fliers from planes instructing non-combatants to get out. 'Civilians of Gaza City, evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields,' the IDF said. Hamas responded: 'Our Palestinian people reject the threat made by the leaders of the occupation and its call for Gazans to leave their houses and leave to the south or to Egypt.' Like clockwork, the United Nations and America's left-wing, anti-Israel media took up the Hamas narrative. Israel is pleading with more than one million Palestinian civilians to flee Gaza City. The vile terrorists in control of that doomed metropolis are telling innocent people to stay put. (Above) Hamas militants carry a dead body through Gaza City in May 2019 Hamas has used the Palestinian people as pawns for decades. It's no surprise they're now using them as human shields. (Above) Palestinian paramedic holds girl pulled from rubble of Israeli airstrike on October 9, 2023 The U.N. called for the IDF evacuation request to be 'rescinded' and warned that a mass evacuation could be 'calamitous.' The Washington Post desperately described the Gaza Strip as a 'kill box.' The ridiculous phrase was later edited out of the article, but this twisted narrative cannot be ignored. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea on its west and Israel on its north and east, the Gaza Strip is 140-square miles. Gaza City is the most populous area in the region, but there are large cities in the south near its border with Egypt. Israel sees no military utility in indiscriminate bombing. They want to evacuate as many civilians as possible from the immediate warzone. Hamas' information warfare strategy requires them to remain. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken alluded to this on Friday. 'Efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza are complicated by the fact that Hamas continues to use innocent civilians as human shields and is reportedly blocking roads to prevent Palestinians from moving to southern Gaza out of harm's way.' Indeed, Hamas thrives on tragedy. And one can see where this is all headed as the U.N. and a complicit press attempt to gradually erode global support for Israel's offensive and force them to stop short of eliminating the terrorist threat in Gaza once and for all. But in all of this, it must be understood that the ultimate blame for the despair of the Palestinian people falls not on Israel, but on Hamas and its Islamist benefactors in Tehran. For it's them who for decades have valued their own political purposes over the lives of innocents. But in all of this, it must be understood that the ultimate blame for the despair of the Palestinian people falls not on Israel, but on Hamas and its Islamist benefactors in Tehran. (Above) Gaza City on October 9, 2023 Israel sees no military utility in indiscriminate bombing. They want to evacuate as many civilians as possible from the immediate warzone. (Above) Palestinian man shouts in streets of Gaza City on October 8, 2023 U.S. Secretary of State Blinken said Friday that 'Hamas continues to use innocent civilians as human shields and is reportedly blocking roads to prevent Palestinians from moving to southern Gaza out of harm's way.' (Above) Palestinians fleeing Gaza City on October 13, 2023 In 2005, Israel withdrew all of its citizens - some voluntarily and some by force from Gaza City and turned over governance to the Palestinians. A Palestinian unity government soon collapsed after Hamas waged a bloody civil war against the opposition party Fatah. The struggle concluded with Hamas agents throwing rival politicians to their deaths from high-rise buildings. Since then, local Palestinian elections have been held just three times though only in the Fatah-ruled West Bank while Hamas has rededicated itself to the destruction of Israel and always at the cost of its own people. Under the scourge of indiscriminate rocket strikes, Israel and Egypt agreed in 2007 to prevent arms, ammunition, and other goods that could be turned into weapons from entering Gaza. In response, Hamas turned their land into an arms factory. Whatever they couldn't smuggle in from Iran, they made themselves. Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades posted videos online of militants digging up water pipes to cut them down and convert them into rockets. Is it any wonder that today only 10 percent of Gazans have access to clean drinking water? Hamas rockets rain down on Israeli cities like Ashkelon whose power plant provides Gaza with electricity for free because Hamas has prioritized war over civilian improvements. The lights are typically on for about half the day in Gaza - now the city is dark. Despite all of this, in 2010, Israel began allowing importation into Gaza for humanitarian projects like the building of schools, hospitals and housing. But Hamas seized the concrete to construct tunnels under the border to stage attacks on Israel. Hamas seized the concrete to construct tunnels under the border to stage attacks on Israel. (Above) Hamas terrorists in terror tunnel in 2014 Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades posted videos online of militants digging up water pipes to cut them down and convert them into rockets. (Above) Al-Qassam Brigades video of rockets constructed from water pipes One such terror tunnel - said to have required 500 tons of concrete was discovered by Israel in 2013. 'Instead of building reservoirs for water or kindergartens, Hamas is investing in tunnels,' an IDF spokesperson said at the time. And of course, the lives of Gazans don't appear to hold much value for their Hamas wardens It is well-known that Hamas' de facto military headquarters is located inside al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, because they know Israel will not bomb it. The IDF cares more about Palestinian civilians than Hamas does. Why else would Hamas store and fire rockets from inside Palestinian schools? The United Nations agency dedicated to helping Palestinian refugees exposed this practice in 2014 when they discovered 20 rockets hidden in a single schoolhouse. In the coming days, there will be horrific images broadcast out to millions that will surely shake the world's conscience. War is terrible. But we cannot lose sight of the truth that Israel is attempting to protect innocent lives no matter the nationality - and Hamas is the Palestinians' worst enemy. An onslaught of outrage was triggered after the Clemson College Republicans posted a picture of the dispenser to X At least 50 students attended the protest after dispensaries were removed Clemson University students have rallied to demand the return of menstrual products in the men's bathroom Clemson University students have rallied to protest sanitary products being stripped from male bathrooms on their South Carolina campus. Dressed in bright colors while clinging to signs with messages such as 'hello, it's the 21st century', around 50 students attended the protest this week, calling for the reinstatement of sanitary products in the men's bathrooms. The feminine hygiene dispensaries were quietly taken away after the Clemson College Republicans slammed their presence on social media and triggered an onslaught of criticism. Take Back Pride, who organized the event, claim machines were vandalized with 'hateful slurs towards the transgender community' soon after the post before the university removed them entirely. 'Today, we are marching for the reinstatement of the menstrual products in the mens restrooms in Cooper Library and throughout campus,' Pan Tankersley, from the group's march committee, told her fellow demonstrators. Clemson University students have rallied to demand the return of menstrual products in the men's bathroom Take Back Pride, who organized the event, claim machines were vandalized with 'hateful slurs towards the transgender community' soon after this photo was posted to social media At least 50 students attended the protest after dispensaries were removed 'Students are still not safe on campus. They still experience harassment, hate and all of those things. 'If anything, the university needs to step up and needs to protect its students.' Another student called for the dispensary to be put back in the bathroom, saying it created an environment where people did not feel included. 'We demand the reinstatement of the menstrual dispensers that were unjustly removed from the mens bathrooms at Cooper Library,' they said. 'Queer people on this campus are not just going to magically disappear. So instead of working against us, like taking away menstrual products from the mens bathrooms, making people feel unwelcomed, there should be support for the community that is already fighting to feel safe here.' The female health products were removed from the male facilities at Cooper Library three days after the Clemson College Republicans post generated outrage. 'If you werent aware already, Clemson University has tampon/pad dispensers in the MENS restrooms located in Cooper Library,' the conservative student organization wrote online on September 13. It added: 'We truly live in [clown emoji] world.' The post was seen by a Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, April Cromer, who reportedly approached campus leaders to discuss the issue. The group claim the removal of the products has created an environment where people do not feel included An onslaught of outrage was triggered after the Clemson College Republicans posted a picture of the dispenser to X Pan Tankersley, from Take Back Pride's march committee, said students 'are still not safe' Clemsons Dean of Students and President of Student Affairs Chris Miller supported his classmates exercising their right to free speech. 'Its always good that our students have access to their campus,' Miller told the College Fix after the protest. 'The ability to assemble and speak freely unencumbered just goes to the heart of what a university is and what a university is for.' Clemson University spokesperson Joe Galbraith said there are no plans to reinstall the dispensers in the male bathrooms. The uproar is yet another saga seen across the country as schools redefine bathroom polices. A protester outside the Kansas Statehouse holds a sign after a rally on the Transgender Day of Visibility as schools battle with gender identity issues Just last week, the the family of a teenage girl who was raped in her high school bathroom by a 'male student wearing a skirt' launched a $30million lawsuit. Scott Smith, the victim's father, alleges Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia failed to adequately investigate his daughter's claims and attempted to cover up the sexual assault. He claims a biological male, who was wearing a skirt in a women's bathroom, raped his daughter in the girls' bathroom at Stone Bridge High School in May 2021. In September, hundreds of students in Pennsylvania walked out of school in protest over a new rule allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice. High school students in Perkiomen Valley School District staged the protest after officials opted not to adopt a policy that would force students to use restrooms which correspond with their biological sex. They accused education chiefs of 'compromising' their rights and putting female students at risk during the demonstration last week. A shocking video shows a family's pet dog refusing to leave the bed of where Hamas butchered its owners' children. The black shaggy pup panted in distress as it lay in a blood-stained and bullet-riddled home in Kfar Aza kibbutz, where the terrorists slaughtered its entire family. The 65-second-clip shared by the State of Israels account to X, formerly known as Twitter, showed the animal lying across a messy mattress on the bottom of a child's wooden bed bunk. They wrote: 'This is the home of an entire family in Kfar Aza slaughtered by Hamas terrorists. 'The family dog refuses to leave the bed where the familys children used to sleep before they were butchered.' The black shaggy pup panted in distress as it lay in a blood-stained and bullet-riddled home in Kfar Aza kibbutz, where the terrorists slaughtered its entire family Next to the wooden frame is a smaller mattress soaked in blood and littered with abandoned toys Hidden in a small alcove in the same room was a white wooden cot - also covered in blood Next to the bed's wooden frame is a smaller mattress soaked in blood and littered with abandoned toys. Hidden in a small alcove in the same room was a white wooden cot - also covered in blood. The walls behind the pup showed the endless hours of sticker fun enjoyed by the siblings which occupied the bedroom before mass destruction plagued their home. The video showed the result of a heartless massacre where walls were filled with gapping holes were bullets have destroyed the foundations of their property. As soldiers walked through the building, they found the parents' bed also soaked in blood as the once-loving abode was left in devastation. This is just one of thousands of homes that have been destroyed as a result of the Hamas terror attack. The smell of the rotting bodies hung in the air in the southern Israeli kibbutz, where Hamas terrorists massacred families, including 40 children, before apparently beheading some of them in a savage attack on Israeli soil. As soldiers walked through the building, they found the parents' bed also soaked in blood as the once-loving abode was left in devastation The video showed the result of a heartless massacre where walls were filled with gapping holes were bullets have destroyed the foundations of a once-loving family home This is just one of thousands of homes that have been destroyed as a result of the Hamas terror attack This graphic (above) shows how the horrifying Hamas massacre on the Kfar Aza kibbutz unfolded The dog would not follow the soldiers to safety and so was left to stay in the remains of its family home The small kibbutz, popular with young parents, was one of the first Israeli settlements targeted on Saturday morning by the rampaging terrorists who unleashed horrors that defy belief. Here, the Hamas gunmen, wielding assault rifles and grenades, ruthlessly shot dead screaming families as they begged for their lives before setting fire to their homes. The terror began just after dawn on Saturday morning when most of the 400 Israeli residents living at the Kfar Aza kibbutz were sleeping or enjoying breakfast with coffee. The first wave of 70 Hamas terrorists had roared towards the quiet kibbutz on motorbikes after they tore through the border wire a mile away, while others paraglided over Israel's unsuspecting defences from Gaza. As soon as they arrived, the heavily armed fighters attacked the compound from four directions - starting with the 'baby quarter' on the west side where all the young families lived. The terrorists were met by a frantic kibbutz guard, a small group of residents with military experience who were patrolling the perimeter when they saw the swarm of black figures racing towards them on their motorbikes. They - like the Israeli military and government - were not prepared for the wave of terrorists firing streams of bullets at them. The small security squad tried in vain to protect their neighbours, but they couldn't hold the terrorists off and they were killed in the intense fighting. The ruthless Hamas gunmen moved quickly through the kibbutz, first killing a 90-year-old grandmother who had been sitting on her porch when the terrorists arrived. They dragged the terrified pensioner into her living room and shot her twice in the head. Families were woken to the terrifying sound of gunfire and voices outside their homes. Terrified parents ran to their sleeping children and plucked them out of their beds and cots before bundling them into safe rooms or cupboards. Video footage showed the moment terrified visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris evacuated the building due to a bomb threat. Tourists ran for the emergency exits as the fire alarm sounded over the museum building. The Louvre said the move was linked to the French government's decision to up its alert level to the highest position following a crunch security meeting chaired by Macron - with 7,000 soldiers deployed on the streets. The museum added that no one has been hurt and no incident has been reported. Paris police said verifications in the museum are underway. Alarms rang out through the vast museum in central Paris overlooking the Seine River when the evacuation was announced, and in the underground shopping center beneath its signature pyramid. The Louvre Museum in Paris is evacuating all visitors and staff and closing early today because it received a written threat Video footage showed tourists running for the emergency exits as alarms sounded in the building The Louvre said the move was linked to the government's decision to put France on high alert after a fatal school stabbing by a suspected extremist The French government raised the threat alert level and is deploying 7,000 troops to increase security after Friday's school attack French police officers keep watch in front of the Louvre museum, closed for security reasons The decision to close the Louvre - the most famous art museum in the world - is a striking symbol of the national alert underway in France The scene has been surrounded by a police cordon, with guarding it against entry The French government raised the threat alert level and is deploying 7,000 troops to increase security after Friday's school attack. French authorities say a former student suspected of Islamic radicalization killed a teacher and wounded three other people before being captured. The Louvre was dramatically forced to close at short notice following the bomb threat Videos posted online showed people leaving, some hurriedly and some stopping to take photos, while others were apparently confused about what was happening Dominique Bernard, 57, a French literature teacher, was murdered - allegedly at the hands of 20-year-old Chechen refugee Mohamed Mogouchkov - at Gambetta high school in Arras at 11am local time Police cordoned off the monument from all sides, and the underground access, as tourists and other visitors streamed out. Videos posted online showed people leaving, some hurriedly and some stopping to take photos, while others were apparently confused about what was happening. The government is also concerned about fallout in France from the war between Israel and Hamas. The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, welcomes between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors per day. Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to a teacher stabbed to death in northern France yesterday, saying he 'saved many lives' by protecting pupils from the attacker. Dominique Bernard, 57, a French literature teacher, was murdered - allegedly at the hands of 20-year-old Chechen refugee Mohamed Mogouchkov - at Gambetta high school in Arras at 11am local time. Mr Bernard, a father of three girls, was married to an English teacher at the school, and had tried to reason with Mogouchkov when he stormed into the school playground with two knives. He then went on the rampage, killing Mr Bernard, and then severely wounding two other adult members of staff. Witnesses said the attacker could be heard to shout 'Allahu Akbar', while French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said the incident bore a link to the Middle East as Palestinian terror group Hamas called on Muslims to demonstrate on a 'day of Jihad'. This handout photo released by an anonymous source on October 13, 2023 shows the suspected perpetrator (C) of a knife attack being escorted by a policeman outside of the Gambetta high school in the town of Arras, northern France A video shows a confrontation between two men in the school grounds French President Emmanuel Macron (centre) arrives at the Gambetta high school in Arras Officers stand guard in front of Gambetta high-school in Arras yesterday after a teacher was killed People lay flowers outside Gambetta high school this morning, after a teacher was killed yesterday and two other people severely wounded in a knife attack Scores of floral tributes have been left outside the school by members of the public Police officers hold flowers as they stand guard at the entrance of the Gambetta high school 'This school was struck by the barbarity of Islamist terrorism,' Macron said after visiting the school. 'The teacher who was killed had come forward to protect others and without doubt saved many lives.' President Macron told reporters another attempted terror incident had been foiled by security forces. According to the interior ministry, the president was referring to the arrest of a 'radicalised' man who was detained as he left a prayer hall in the Yvelines region of Paris while carrying a prohibited weapon. A total of eight people were in police custody yesterday following Mr Bernard's death, a police source said. In addition to the attacker, several members of his family were arrested 'for the purposes of the investigation', including one of his brothers and his sister, other police sources said. The national anti-terrorist prosecutor announced that it has opened an investigation. Moguchkov, who is in his 20s, is from Russia's mainly Muslim southern Caucasus region of Chechnya. He was already on a French national register known as 'Fiche S' as a potential security threat, a police source said, and under electronic and physical surveillance by France's domestic intelligence agency the DGSI. Mr Bernard, a French teacher, was stabbed in the throat and chest. Among those wounded were a school security guard who was stabbed multiple times and is fighting for his life, and a teacher in a less serious condition, the source added. A cleaner was also hurt, according to anti-terror prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard. No pupils at the school were hurt, another police source said. French President Emmanuel Macron, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and officials arrive at the site French police officers from the forensic service stand in front of the Gambetta high school in Arras A pupil is comforted by a relative as he leaves Gambetta high-school in Arras, where a teacher was killed and two others were severely wounded Police investigate following the stabbing at the school in Arras on Friday morning Emergency services attend the scene of the fatal attack which took place around 11am local time (10am GMT) at the Gambetta high school in the city of Arras Israeli embassy worker is attacked in Beijing An Israeli embassy worker in Beijing was attacked on Friday, Israel's foreign ministry said. Video geolocated by AFP shows the man was stabbed with a knife on a street in the Chinese capital. 'An Israeli employee of the Israeli embassy in Beijing was attacked today,' a foreign ministry statement said, adding that the attack did not take place at the embassy compound. 'The employee is being treated at hospital and is in stable condition,' the statement said. 'The motive for the assault is being looked into.' A video posted on social media and geolocated by AFP to an area around a kilometre and a half (roughly 1 mile) from the embassy shows a man brandishing a knife repeatedly stabbing another man, with blood visible on the pavement. The man with the blade can later be seen leaving the site, weapon in hand. In another video of the same location, security staff are seen questioning people and making phone calls. A man then rushes in on a bike to where the blood-soaked and conscious victim is sitting, shouting 'ambulance!' to onlookers. The victim is seen being carried away by several others, likely for medical treatment, to a vehicle out of frame. During the video, a policeman can be heard saying he is from Xinyuanli police station. A person who answered the phone at that station told AFP they were 'not clear' about the details of the case. An AFP journalist at the scene where the stabbing occurred said there were eight plainclothes police officers standing around. There was no police tape cordoning off the area and no visible blood stains on the ground, which were seen in one video posted on social media. Three shopkeepers at stores directly in front of the attack's location said they did not see anything take place. The attack comes after Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and took about 150 hostages in their surprise attack on Saturday. Israel has retaliated by raining air and artillery strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip for six days, killing over 1,350 people. A statement on the Israeli foreign ministry website warned that Hamas had called on 'all of its supporters around the world to hold a 'Day of Rage' on Friday to 'attack Israelis and Jews'. 'It is reasonable to assume that there will be protest events in various countries that are liable to turn violent,' the statement said. The Israeli embassy, located in a diplomatic neighbourhood of northeast Beijing, appeared to be operating normally on Friday afternoon, an AFP journalist saw. Security personnel asked AFP not to film the site, where no additional policing was visible from the outside. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond for comment. Advertisement The attack comes almost three years to the day after the October 16, 2020 beheading of teacher Samuel Paty, also by a Chechen, near his school in a Paris suburb. 'Three years after the assassination of Samuel Paty, terrorism has struck a school again and in a context that we all know,' Macron said. Macron traveled to Arras along with the interior and education ministers. The French president stopped for a moment before the blanket-covered body of the teacher, which was in the parking lot in front of the school. A puddle of blood was visible as forensic experts worked around the body. Macron then went to see students from the school in an adjacent building. At least two other people were wounded, including a security agent who was stabbed multiple times and a teacher who is in a less serious condition, a source added. No pupil at the school was hurt. Both Mogouchkov and his brother, who was also taken into custody, were known to the authorities and were on the national security watchlist, police said. Mogouchkov's brother is said to have spent 18 months in prison for distributing ISIS propaganda online, and Mogouchkov was also a known ISIS sympathiser, sources said. Sliman Hamzi, a police officer who was one of the first on the scene said Mogouchkov, a former pupil at the school, shouted: 'Allahu Akbar' - 'God is great' in Arabic. Mr Hamzi said he was alerted by another officer who was passing in front of the high school and called in. He 'was shouting: 'Someone is attacking with a knife,'' Mr Hamzi said. 'Colleagues arrived quickly but unfortunately couldn't save the victim,' Mr Hamzi said. Fabien Dufay, a PE teacher at the school said he had taught Mogouchkov in his final year 'three years ago'. He described him as a 'reserved, calm student with whom I had completely normal conversations.' The attacker 'had two knives in his hands,' says another teacher at the school, who asked not to be named. 'He turned to me and said, 'Are you a history teacher? Are you a history teacher?',' said the teacher, who then hid behind a glass door. He added: 'It was only when I left that I was able to see that the attack was much more serious than I thought. Someone was dead in front of the school.' Clips of what appear to be the attack circulated by students on social media show how a man appears to lunge at victims in the courtyard. One of the victims holds a chair between himself and the attacker to defend himself but is ultimately bundled to the ground and sustains several blows. Students meanwhile barricaded themselves in classrooms and were told to remain inside, before being allowed out in the afternoon. A large security cordon was set up around the school where parents had gathered, and police, firefighters and emergency services were deployed. Martin Dousseau, a philosophy teacher who witnessed the attack, described a moment of panic during break-time, when schoolchildren found themselves face-to-face with the armed man. 'He attacked canteen staff. I wanted to go down to intervene, he turned to me, chased me and asked me if I was a history and geography teacher,' Dousseau said. 'We barricaded ourselves in, then the police arrived and immobilised him.' The attack in Arras comes almost three years to the day after the murder of Paty, also by a Chechen extremist, which took place on October 16, 2020. It also comes with tensions rising in France, which has large Jewish and Muslim communities, after last weekend's attack by Hamas on Israel. President Emmanuel Macron said in an address to the nation on Thursday that 582 religious and cultural facilities in France were receiving stepped-up police protection. 'Those who confuse the Palestinian cause and the justification of terrorism commit a strong moral, political and strategic error,' he said. His office said he would head to the scene in Arras. There has also been controversy over the French government's ban on pro-Palestinian protests following the Hamas attack, with the left lamenting it was no longer possible to protest for peace but the right saying the measures did not go far enough. French police officers from the forensic service stand in front of the Gambetta high school in Arras French police and fire fighters secure the area after a teacher was killed and several people injured in a knife attack at the Lycee Gambetta-Carnot high school in Arras, northern France People stand near the Lycee Gambetta-Carnot high school after a teacher was killed and several people injured in a knife attack in Arras, northern France, October 13, 2023 French police officers from the forensic service stand in front of the Gambetta high school French Education and Youth Minister Gabriel Attal (second right) arrives at Gambetta High School yesterday as the nation reels in shock over the murder of one of its teachers Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Thursday ordered that the demonstrations be prohibited nationwide as they 'are likely to generate disturbances to public order,' adding that organisers should face arrest. This is the latest incidence of what appears to be a growing problem of knife violence in France. In June this year, a knifeman stabbed four children at a lakeside park in the French Alps, assaulting at least one in a stroller repeatedly. The attacker, a 31-year-old Christian Syrian refugee with permanent Swedish residency, mentioned his daughter, his wife and Jesus Christ during the attack in the lakeside town of Annecy. The stabbing follows a series of bomb, gun and knife attacks carried out by Islamic State and al-Qaeda operatives in France, dating back to early 2015. The deadliest single terrorist attack ever in the country came in November 2015 when 130 people were killed in Paris after suicide bombers pledging allegiance to ISIS targeted the Stade de France, cafes, restaurants and the Bataclan music venue, where 90 died. Earlier in the year, two Paris-born gunmen linked to Al-Qaeda broke into the offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine, leaving 17 people dead inside and three outside. In July 2016, 86 people were called and more than 400 injured when a 19 tonne truck was deliberately driven into crowds on the seafront promenade in the southern city of Nice. The terrorist turned out to be a Tunisian immigrant who was shot dead by police. During the same month, two Isis terrorists murdered an 86-year-old Catholic priest during a church service in Normandy. And in October 2020, three people were stabbed to death by a Tunisian immigrant in the Notre Dame basilica in Nice. There have also been frequent knife attacks on the forces of law and order, leading to the deaths of serving police. Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was laid to rest in his home village in Lebanon today after he was killed by Israeli shelling that also wounded six others. Draped in a Lebanese flag, his body was carried on a stretcher through the streets of his southern town of Khiam, from his family's home to the local cemetery. Dozens of journalists and Lebanese politicians attended the funeral. Mr Abdallah was killed Friday evening near the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon when an Israeli shell landed on a gathering of international journalists covering exchange of fire along the border between Israeli troops and members of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group. Lebanon's Foreign Ministry asked Beirut's mission to the United Nations to file a complaint against Israel over Friday's shelling, calling it a 'flagrant violation and a crime against freedom of opinion and press.' Issam Abdallah, a Reuters journalist, was laid to rest in his home village in Lebanon today Dozens of journalists and Lebanese politicians attended his funeral today in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam READ MORE - BBC headquarters is covered with red paint as controversy rages over corporation's decision not to call Hamas 'terrorists' Advertisement The statement was carried by the state-run National News Agency. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said today: 'We are aware of the incident with the Reuters journalist and we are looking into it.' Hecht did not confirm that the journalists had been hit by Israeli shells, but called the incident 'tragic,' adding, 'we're very sorry for his death.' Reuters said in a statement that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the same shelling while Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV, said its cameraman Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, got wounded as well. France's international news agency, Agence France-Presse, said two of its journalists were also wounded: photographer Christina Assi, and video journalist Dylan Collins. Mr Abdallah's body was carried aloft in a funeral procession attended by hundreds of people Mr Abdallah was killed Friday evening near the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon when an Israeli shell landed on a gathering of international journalists AFP reported Saturday that photographer Christina Assi was in need of blood donations at the American University Medical Center in Beirut where she was hospitalized. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since Saturday's surprise attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel. Journalists from various countries have been flocking to Lebanon to monitor the situation as tensions have been escalating between Hezbollah and Israel. The Israeli man said he fled for over 19 miles before he made it to safety An Israeli man who survived Hamas' barbaric attack on a music festival revealed the heartbreaking phone call he made to his dad as he feared for his life. Shahar Gabay branded the terrorists who descended on the festival as 'merciless animals', and said the chaos-filled moments left him 'saying my last goodbye' to his father. 'I was terrified for my life... people all around me getting slaughtered and just a massacre,' Gabay told Fox News. The former soldier said he endured an agonizing five-hour ordeal as he fled the scene, and was forced to run around 19 miles until he made it to safety. Although Gabay was able to escape the 'horror show' event, Hamas' brutal onslaught killed at least 260 people in one of the first locations to be attacked when the conflict escalated Saturday. Shahar Gabay said he was 'terrified for my life' when the Nova music festival was attacked by Hamas terrorists on Saturday At least 260 were killed in the massacre while many are still missing - either dead or taken hostage by the bloodthirsty militants After Hamas fighters paraglided into the nearby area and smashed through the festival borders in pickup trucks, Gabay said the event rapidly went from 'normal' and 'really fun' to a 'horror show.' 'We heard explosions and missiles and everything around us just changed in a minute,' he said. 'Total shock. Everyone ran. Everyone screamed. Everyone didn't know what to do. Also, you need to understand that at this location there is no safe place to be. There's no cover. It's all open fields and the missiles are within seconds of being launched on us.' The horrific attack lasted for over four hours, as bloodthirsty insurgents shot at festivalgoers as they ran in every direction. Gabay miraculously survived by dodging bullets in the largely flat, open space, and tried to hide with his friend in several areas while they were hunted down. He said they hid between two containers when missiles first struck, but said they desperately ran from the scene 'as fast as (they) could' and jumped into an ambulance when bullets began firing. When the ambulance got stuck, they attempted to use a van, which Gabay said 'everyone was hanging on.' In a 'terrifying' moment, they realized the van couldn't make it out as it was blocked by cars, and the group knew their last resort was escaping on foot. An Israeli soldier searches the music festival site on Thursday, days after at least 260 people were massacred Israeli soldiers are seen at the site of the music festival, which was around three miles from the Gaza border Destroyed cars and personal effects are still left scattered around the music festival site on October 13, six days after the attacks Shattered glass and an array of personal items were left at the scene Gabay said the terrorists fired a hail of bullets all around the site, with bullet holes still visible in the windshield of a car pictured on October 13 'They shot directly at us. The van got all the bullets flying and glass breaking and it was terrifying at this moment... We were panicked,' he said. 'We didn't know what to do and we just jumped out of the van and we were by foot.' The scenes at the music festival shocked the world, with the father of an Israeli-American reveler revealing the heartbreaking choice he made to track her iPhone to discover how and where she lost her life. The father, Eyal Waldman, found his daughter's her wrecked, bullet-ridden car where it had been stranded as they tried to escape the atrocious Hamas attacks. Gabay said the barrage of bullets left him 'terrified for my life', as he sprinted for over a mile in an 'open field with nothing to protect us'. At that same moment, Gabay's father called him without realizing the danger his son was in. 'I told him I love him. I was panicked and I think he realized what was happening and realized that I'm saying my last good-bye,' he said. Gabay said he was a combat soldier and intends to join the conflict when he recovers from the ordeal, and he insisted that his training in the Israel Defense Force included strict guidelines on how to handle civilians. 'I was always taught to be human first. If we did something that was even close to what they did, we would be [put] in prison, we would be judged the harshest way,' he said. 'People need to know the difference [between us and them]. Hamas is no army, no country. They are just terrorists without any heart.' As the devastating attacks by Hamas continue, an Israeli soldier walks past a house destroyed by Hamas in Kibbutz Be'eri on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 'Merkava' battle tanks pictured at a gathering site at an undisclosed location along the border with Gaza on October 14 The Nova music festival was one of the first locations to be targeted by Hamas, with the sudden attack on Saturday leading Israel to declare war on the terror group. A blizzard of missiles have rained down on the Gaza Strip in the week since in a brutal retaliation, as the IDF extended its deadline for residents to flee to allow over a million people to try and escape. Many Palestinians are struggling to escape from areas targeted by the Israeli military while grappling with a growing water crisis after Israel stopped the flow of resources to the region. Hamas terrorists have urged civilians to ignore the evacuation order and some are refusing to leave, with Mahmoud Shalabi - director of Medical Aid for Palestinians - saying 'no place was safe in Gaza' and he hoped to 'die with dignity'. Strolling hand-in-hand along the paved promenade next to a sun-splashed marina, they could be any young couple enjoying a Caribbean vacation. But this romantic pair is the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal, have jetted to the tiny island of Canouan in St Vincent and the Grenadines following a week spent promoting mental health projects in New York. A photo taken by a passer-by on Friday shows the pair leaving a gourmet food store inside the Sandy Lane Yacht Club and Marina in Glossy Bay. Meghan, 42, is wearing a simple ivory maxi-dress and a ribboned Panama hat while husband Harry, 39, is casual in navy shorts and a white t-shirt and flip flops. Harry and Meghan jetted to the tiny island of Canouan in St Vincent and the Grenadines following a week spent promoting mental health projects in New York A photo taken by a passer-by on Friday shows the pair leaving a gourmet food store inside the Sandy Lane Yacht Club and Marina in Glossy Bay During his weeks visit to New York City the duo Took part in a summit to mark World Mental Health Day The island whose name means island of turtles in the Carib language is a short 45-minute hop from Barbados or an even shorter 15-minute trip from St Vincent The pair were without children Archie, 4, and two-year-old Lilibet, and were affectionate with each other according to the onlooker. The source told DailyMail.com: They looked happy. As Harry walked out of the shop, he slightly bumped into one of the barrels [outside] and they both giggled and Meghan reached for his hand. They just looked very happy to be having a holiday together. Meghan and Harry had been shopping at Faye an upmarket grocery store that bills itself as offering an exclusive selection of fresh seasonal organic products, from vegetables to cheeses, sweets, seafood and exclusive meat cuts imported from France. After browsing the shelves, the couple enjoyed a stroll along the bougainvillea-festooned promenade before boarding a luxury tender that whisked them away towards Canouans north shore. The tiny Caribbean island is just three miles wide but has a reputation for being the place where billionaires go to escape millionaires due to its gorgeous sandy beaches and a handful of upscale resorts. Options include the glamorous Canouan Estate Resort and Villas, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Soho Beach House Canouan. Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental start at $837 and rise to more than $9000-a-night for the propertys lavish four-bedroom villa while the Soho Beach House is a relative snip at $1,200 for its most luxurious room, although members like Meghan get a discount and pay $1,020 per night. Meghan has long been associated with the Soho House properties due to her long-standing friendship with Markus Anderson, the lifestyle club chains Chief Membership Officer. It was Anderson who arranged a private room at Soho House in London for the Montecito-based couples first date, while Meghan threw a low-key hen night ahead of her 2018 wedding at Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton, UK. Like Oxfordshire, Canouan is popular with many of the couples friends and acquaintances, with George Clooney and his wife Amal among the famous names who have fallen in love with the islands charms. Other fans of Canouan include Robert Downey Jr and Leonardo DiCaprio, both of whom have been known to vacation there. The tiny Caribbean island is just three miles wide but has a reputation for being the place where billionaires go to escape millionaires due to its gorgeous sandy beaches and a handful of upscale resorts. Options include the glamorous Canouan Estate Resort and Villas, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Soho Beach House Canouan Soho Beach House rooms go for $1,200 a night for its most luxurious accommodations, Meghan has long been associated with the Soho House properties due to her long-standing friendship with Markus Anderson, the lifestyle club chains Chief Membership Officer Meghan and Harry had been shopping at Faye an upmarket grocery store that bills itself as offering an exclusive selection of fresh seasonal organic products, from vegetables to cheeses, sweets, seafood and exclusive meat cuts imported from France. After browsing the shelves, the couple enjoyed a stroll along the bougainvillea-festooned promenade before boarding a luxury tender that whisked them away towards Canouans north shore The island whose name means island of turtles in the Carib language is a short 45-minute hop from Barbados or an even shorter 15-minute trip from St Vincent. Commercial flights to Barbados and St Vincent are widely available while Grenadines Air Alliance has frequent scheduled flights between the islands, although many celebrity visitors opt to fly in direct on a private jet. It is also a stones throw from another royal favorite the island of Mustique, also part of the St. Vincent and Grenadines, where the late Princess Margaret owned a lavish villa named Les Jolies Eaux [the pretty waters]. In recent years, Mustique has become a favorite with the Prince and Princess of Wales who often holiday there with their three children and Kates parents Carole and Michael Middleton. Like Canouan, Mustique is a tiny, secluded island that provides the last word in luxury accommodation and boasts several celebrity fans, including Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams and Tommy Hilfiger who all own homes there. The Sussexes Caribbean vacation comes at the end of a week that saw them return to New York City for the first time since getting involved in a near catastrophic car chase in Manhattan in May. The pair were widely ridiculed after releasing a statement that described a relentless pursuit lasting for two hours that resulted in multiple near collisions only for the NYPD to say the incident was merely a bit chaotic. This weeks visit proved less controversial with the duo taking part in a summit to mark World Mental Health Day. The eco-conscious pair, who were staying at the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, did attract some flak for being driven a block in a seven-car convoy of gas guzzling SUVs to the event but otherwise enjoyed a smooth trip. Meghan, 42, arrived at the summit sporting a $987 white off-the-shoulder Altuzarra blazer with matching white pants and heels, which she accessorized with a $4,100 gold and emerald choker from Logan Hollowell Meghan, who wore a $987 Altuzarra blazer for the panel discussion, used the discussion to share her fears for children using social media, saying: 'As parents, though our kids are really young, they're two and a half and four and a half... but social media is not going away. 'I think by design, there was an entry point that was supposed to be positive in creating community and something has devolved, and there's no way to hear that and not try to help these families have their stories be heard.' The couples New York trip also saw them visit a school in Brooklyn and weigh in on the crisis engulfing the Middle East after Hamas terrorists murdered 1,300 Israeli civilians in a horror attack last Saturday. A statement released via the website of the Archewell Foundation read: 'At The Archewell Foundation, with Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we stand against all acts of terrorism and brutality. 'We are supporting our partners and organizations on the frontlines in Israel to provide the urgent aid needed, and to help all innocent victims of this unconscionable level of human suffering.' Report said children as young as two were killed when travelling on agreed route Hamas' armed wing said on Saturday that nine captives including four foreigners, were killed due to Israeli air strikes in Gaza over the past 24 hours. A statement from Al Qassam Brigades on its Telegram channel said the captives were killed 'because of the zionist bombardment on the areas they were staying in'. It came as an Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian convoy fleeing northern Gaza on a route reportedly approved by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) killed as many as 70 people on Friday, the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry has said. Women and children as young as two to five were among the dead after a strike hit a Palestinian convoy of vehicles fleeing northern Gaza to the south, a BBC report said. The IDF had allowed 1.1million civilians just 24 hours to escape to the south of the territory, a deadline that ended at 3am BST. It then said today that Gazans could flee safely via two main roads between 10am and 4pm local time (8AM - 2pm BST). An Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian convoy fleeing northern Gaza on a route reportedly approved by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) killed as many as 70 people, the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry has said Many Palestinians are struggling to escape from areas targeted by the Israeli military while grappling with a growing water crisis after Israel stopped the flow of resources to the region. Reports emerged yesterday afternoon alongside video of the devastation of the scene after the strike. The BBC Verify service said it has confirmed that the strike happened on Salah-al-Din street, which is one of two evacuation routes from north Gaza to the south. Hamas terrorists have urged civilians to ignore the evacuation order and some are refusing to leave, with Mahmoud Shalabi - director of Medical Aid for Palestinians - saying 'no place was safe in Gaza' and he hoped to 'die with dignity'. The BBC identified at least 12 bodies in the footage, mostly women and children - some of whom appear to be as young as two to five. As Gazans fled the north yesterday after Israel issued an evacuation order, the road was packed with traffic. The BBC report said the video was likely filmed at around 5.30pm local time because of the placement of the shadows. Most of the people killed in the strike can be seen mangled and lying on the back of a flatbed lorry surrounded by pools of blood - as other victims lay dead around the road. Other cars destroyed in the strike are also seen. As a group of men ran towards a lorry, some climbed aboard as others filmed the scene. Prayers and cries over the victims of the strike were shouted by people at the scene, as smoke filled the air. The body of a child - who the BBC say is likely to be no more than four years old - is then seen on the footage. A fireball erupts during Israeli bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip on October 14 Gaza continues to sustain devastating airstrikes ahead of the planned ground invasion Black smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the eighth day of the clashes in Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023 'We lived a night of horror. Israel punished us for not wanting to leave our home. Is there brutality worse than this?', a father-of-three said by telephone from the hospital Palestinian armed resistance fighters from the Tulkarm Brigade carry out military maneuvers during a parade in the Tulkarm Palestinian refugee camp in the northern West Bank, 14 Oct The Palestinian health ministry said that 70 people were killed at the scene and blamed Israel for the attack, the BBC reports. BBC Verify later said they had confirmed another video of a Palestinian Convoy fleeing northern Gaza near the location where the strike happened. The report said that more than 30 people were on the vehicle, which was filmed before the strike - likely at between 3.30pm and 5.20pm local time yesterday. Sky News asked the IDF's Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner to comment, who said: 'I am not aware of any IDF strikes at this time at that location, but we will be updating throughout the day.' When he was pressed over what it could mean if it was proven that Israel was responsible for the strike, he made clear that the facts need to be established first, saying it was possible that Hamas could be 'doing it themselves'. He said: 'We need to be very clear what exactly happened and we also need to be aware that Hamas is booby trapping roads. 'They could be doing it themselves. Who knows? We don't. 'We need to be very, very cautious in judging before we know the facts.' An out of control XL Bully dog bit a young girl in front of panicking teachers as it launched a vicious attack on a group of primary school children. Eyewitness said the 'huge' and 'out of control' animal, which allegedly wasn't on a lead, 'latched onto' a young girl as teachers desperately tried to pull her away. Police are now trying to trace the animal and its owners following the incident. The drama unfolded at Salford Quays, Manchester, shortly before 11 am on Thursday morning. A group of around 20 kids, said to be from a local primary school, who were accompanied by three teachers, were walking over the bridge that crosses the Mariner's Canal from the area next to the Beefeater pub, over the Watersports Centre. Eyewitness said the 'huge' and 'out of control' animal, which allegedly wasn't on a lead, 'latched onto' a young girl as teachers desperately tried to pull her away The drama unfolded at Salford Quays shortly before 11 am Thursday morning Conor Bennett, 19, who goes to university at Media City, was walking with three friends when they saw the incident unfold. READ MORE: Britain's deadly dog attack scourge: Interactive map shows every death by crazed animals including 'devil' XL Bully beasts since Covid lockdown - as grim toll now stands at 24 A new interactive map shows the scale of Britain's dangerous dog problem, with the death toll since the start of Covid lockdown three years ago now standing at 24. Victims of attacks since January 2020 include Bella-Rae Birch, a 17-month-old who was killed when her family's American Bully XL mauled her to death at her home in Blackbrook, St Helen's, in March 2021. As a region, the north west of England has seen the highest total of fatal dog attacks in recent years, with six deaths since March 2020. Wales has seen four attacks since March 2020 and Scotland one. Advertisement The journalism student, said: 'We were walking to the Tesco and walked round the back of the Watersports Centre. 'We heard a dog barking and saw it run over the bridge that goes from the Beefeater to the Watersports Centre. There must have been 20 plus kids, no older than seven. And this dog was huge, bigger than them. 'And the dog just completely turned on them. It was just chaos, It was chasing kids around and they were pressed against the fence and it was making its way up and down the line of kids. 'The teachers were obviously freaking out and didn't know what to do. They stood between the kids and the dog. But there a few who were frozen and it just turned on this girl. It latched onto her and then it was literally on top of her. 'Eventually a guy ran over and tackled this dog down. But it took him a good five minutes. He started shouting quite foully at the teachers saying it was their fault for not getting out of the way. Another guy turned up and it was two of them trying to get this dog off. 'It was pretty scary. The girl was in tears for ages after. Loads of the other kids were crying as well. The workers at the Watersports Centre offered for the kids to go in there. 'I spoke to one of the teachers afterwards and they said the dog ran at them as a group. Apparently the girl froze in fear and it just went for her. It was properly gripping onto her. It pulled her coat off her shoulders. I don't think she had any injuries but it was enough force for it to be off the floor hanging onto her.' Mr Bennet explained that one teacher managed to get some of the children away as the others tried to get the girl away from the dog. With the help of staff at the centre, Mr Bennet and his friends helped escort the remaining children inside until the dog was brought under control, using a rope from the centre. Mr Bennet added: 'As we walked away it was causing chaos on the waterfront again. Then a police van turned up.' Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed officers attended but said the dog and its owners had left the area before they got there. 'Officers attended reports of a dog out of control on The Quays shortly before 11am, a spokesperson for the force said. 'A child is thought to have sustained a bite to the finger causing no injury. Searches remain ongoing for the dog and its owners, who had left the area, and officers provided reassurance to those concerned, who were understandably shaken from the incident.' Three students have stepped away from a Harvard politics committee over the lack of a statement condemning the attacks on Israel Three student leaders have resigned from the Harvard Institute of Politics' Student Advisory Committee, saying they were 'ashamed' the committee decided against publicly condemning the attacks on Israel. Former members Robert Fogel, Ryan Tierney and Theo Harper wrote that they could not continue on the committee 'in good conscience', according to The Crimson. According to their statement, only 17.9 percent of students voted to adopt a statement of any kind on the ongoing conflict. The students said: 'To say we are disgusted is an understatement. Silence is complicity. Silence is irreconcilable with the principle of moral conviction.' Harvard is facing backlash after 31 of its student societies issued a joint statement 'holding the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence. The Palestine Solidarity Committee holding banners outside of Harvard University Members Robert Fogel, left, Ryan Tierney, right, and Theo Harper, middle, wrote that they could not continue on the committee 'in good conscience' Continuing their statement, the students added: 'Silence is why many students do not feel safe at Harvard right now.' The Crimson reported that after the release of the statement, the Institute of Politics executive team said they 'heavily' weighed their options before opting not to issue an official statement on the invasion. The committee said: 'We unequivocally condemn all acts of terror and violence against civilians in Israel and Palestine and are unified in our deep sadness at the challenging events that have faced our campus.' According to the outlet, members on the committee had been deliberating on issuing a statement that condemned the loss of civilian life in both Israel and Gaza. The statement continued: 'Some claimed we should condemn all terrorism, or not use the word terrorism at all. 'Others refused to name Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization whose most recent actions include executing children, raping women, and taking hostages.' Fogel, Tierney and Harper said that issuing a statement should never have been an issue in the first place, citing statements issued over the killing of George Floyd and Supreme Court rulings on abortion and affirmative action. Their statement continued: 'Condemning the slaughter of innocents is not political. It is a human obligation. 'The fact that we cannot come together to make a statement that defends our common humanity is deafening. If not now, when? And if not us, who?' In a statement published on the Ivy League institution's website, university president Claudine Gay said the 31 student groups who pledged to support the militants 'don't speak for the university or its leadership' An Israeli flag flies over body bags of more than 20 dead Hamas militants with the word 'terrorist' written in Hebrew, on a field at Kibbutz Be'eri, where dozens of civilians were killed Israel has kept up an intense bombardment of Gaza ever since the unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists last Saturday, that killed more than 1,200 people 60 percent of members of the Student Advisory Committee initially agreed to release a statement mourning civilian deaths in Israel and Gaza, but some withdrew over fear of being doxed by fellow students on campus. Fogel, Tierney, and Harper wrote they believe inaction would only exacerbate the situation. They said: 'Doxxing, verbal or physical threats, and Islamophobia of any kind are abhorrent and must be condemned. Nothing condemning terrorism, however, puts students at risk.' Subsequent protests have kicked off at the Ivy League school, with Israel supporters being branded 'Nazis' after turning out to challenge pro-Palestinian demonstrators. A group of around 150 brandishing placards and Palestinian flags occupied the steps of Cambridge City Hall. One was seen stamping on a US flag as he slammed the 'brutal treatment of Palestinians since 1948'. Israeli supporters then appeared on the scene, having brought an amplifier along and berated the protesters as terrorists and cowards. Nazis, Nazis, Nazis, one man in a keffiyeh with Palestinian colors repeatedly chanted at the counter-demonstrators Why are you killing kids and women? demanded a woman on the microphone. Why dont you fight against the military. Lets see how brave you are' It comes after students at the elite school had their own future thrown into doubt after a host of blue chip CEOs declared them unemployable. After 31 of the student societies on campus held Israel accountable for 'all unfolding violence' hedge fund manager Bill Ackman revealed that his fellow bosses want to know who they are so none of us inadvertently hire any of their members. The CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management said he has been approached by a number of CEOs, adding: One should not be able to hide behind a corporate shield when issuing statements supporting the actions of terrorists, who, we now learn, have beheaded babies, among other inconceivably despicable acts. Jonathan Neman, CEO of food chain Sweetgreen, agreed, tweeting he would like to know so I know never to hire these people. DoveHill Capital Management CEO Jake Wurzak supported the call, and EasyHealth healthcare services CEO David Duel responded: Same. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman revealed that his fellow bosses want to know who the students are so none of us inadvertently hire any of their members Sweetgreen boss Jonathan Neman (left) and DoveHill Capital Management CEO Jake Wurzak (right) echoed the call In their statement on Sunday the groups said the attack which left more than 1,000 dead 'did not happen in a vacuum', and claimed the Israeli government has forced Palestinians to live in 'an open-air prison for over two decades. President of Harvard Claudine Gay issued a statement on Tuesday condemning 'terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel' and insisting the 31 student groups 'don't speak for the university or its leadership'. 'Let me also state, on this matter as on others, that while our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student group not even 30 student groups speaks for Harvard University or its leadership,' Gay said. Harvard President Claudine Gay (pictured) condemned the 'terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel' - at odds with student groups at the Ivy League institution 'As the events of recent days continue to reverberate, let there be no doubt that I condemn the terrorist atrocities perpetrated by Hamas,' Gay said in a statement. 'Such inhumanity is abhorrent, whatever one's individual views of the origins of longstanding conflicts in the region,' she said. The president then added: 'We will all be well served in such a difficult moment by rhetoric that aims to illuminate and not inflame. The organizations signing the letter included Muslim and Palestinian support groups, plus others named for a variety of backgrounds, including the Harvard Jews for Liberation and the African American Resistance Organization. A former leader of Hamas said he is 'proud' of terrorists who killed and kidnapped Israeli civilians. Hamas' head of foreign affairs, Khalid Meshaal said they are 'either soldiers or civilians, they are all enemies'. Meshaal, based in Qatar, claimed it was 'an attempt to end the Israeli occupation' and that the conflict did not begin last week, but in 1948 - the year Israel was created. He told Turkey's Haberturk TV: 'Israel has been saying that their army was the strongest and undefeatable. When we saw that they were defeated in a few hours, we were surprised, too.' Meshaal was asked about attacks on civilians, including children and elderly people, he said: 'We kept telling them not to do that. But in war times, these incidents can happen. Isn't it what Israel always says, that they didn't do it [kill civilians] on purpose?' Hamas' head of foreign affairs Khalid Meshaal said they are 'either soldiers or civilians, they are all enemies'. Meshaal, who is based in Qatar, claimed it was 'an attempt to end the Israeli occupation' and that the conflict did not begin last week, but in 1948 - the year Israel was created He claimed there was a 'big difference' between what Hamas and Israel were doing when asked if he was being hypocritical. 'We are the owners of this land. When the enemy comes from outside, either soldiers or civilians, they are all enemies. Whoever comes to my land [to occupy] is enemy, and guilty.' This came just days after the former chief called for protests to take place across the Muslim world on Friday in support of the Palestinians, and for the peoples of neighboring countries to join the fight against Israel. '[We must] head to the squares and streets of the Arab and Islamic world on Friday,' said Khaled Meshaal, who currently heads Hamas's diaspora office. Meshaal said the governments and peoples of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt have a bigger duty to support the Palestinians. 'Tribes of Jordan, sons of Jordan, brothers and sisters of Jordan... This is a moment of truth and the borders are close to you, you all know your responsibility,' Meshaal said in a recorded statement. 'To all scholars who teach jihad... to all who teach and learn, this is a moment for the application (of theories).' Jordan and Lebanon are home to the largest number of Palestinian refugees. Meshaal's call for a Friday 13th uprising was reiterated by Hamas itself, according to the Israeli-run, Washington DC-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). MEMRI said that Hamas urged its supporters in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel to rise up in what he called 'the Al-Aqsa Flood' - echoing what the the secretive Palestinian mastermind Mohammed Deif calls the attack he launched on Saturday against Israel. The phrase Israel's most wanted man used in an audio tape broadcast as Hamas fired thousands of rockets out of the Gaza Strip over the weekend signaled the attack was their payback for Israeli raids at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa mosque. 'We declare next Friday, ''The Friday of the Al-Aqsa Flood,'' as a day of general mobilization in our Arab and Islamic world and among the free people of the world,' Meshaal's statement said, which was sent to Reuters news agency. 'It is a day to rally support, offer aid, and participate actively. 'It is a day to expose the crimes of the occupation, isolate it, and foil all its aggressive schemes. It is a day to demonstrate our love for Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa. 'It is a day for sacrifice, heroism, and dedication, and to earn the honour of defending the first Qibla of Muslims, the third holiest mosque, and the ascension of the trusted Messenger.' A Vietnamese student who dreamed of enjoying Florida's beaches at the University of Miami ended up at an institute with the same name in Ohio. Valerie Do, currently a college junior, thought she applied to Miami University in Coral Gables, Florida, but it turned out to be Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Her dreams of lying under palm trees on the sun soaked beaches of the warmer state came crashing down when she received her acceptance letter. But some research into the Ohio college's business school convinced her to accept and Do quickly realized the mistake was, in fact, a blessing in disguise. Valerie Do, currently a college junior, thought she applied to Miami University but never realized that there was another college with the same name in cold Ohio. The video currently has nearly two million views and reads: 'When someone says 'go to hell' but I am studying abroad at Miami University of Ohio Valerie Do, currently a college junior, thought she applied to Miami University. But she actually applied to Miami Univesity, Ohio and ended up accepting her position there Do told Insider: 'I realized there are no beaches; it's just a cornfield in the middle of nowhere in the Midwest of America.' While Do has made many people laugh on campus with her story for the last two years, it wasn't until last week she shared her story on TikTok for the world to know. The video currently has nearly two million views and reads: 'When someone says 'go to hell' but I am studying abroad at Miami University of Ohio. 'I thought it was Miami Florida and did not realize. There are no beaches here it's just corn field and in the middle of nowhere.' While many viewers related to her confusion, others wrote 'love and honor' - an ode to Miami University's tagline. One British user wrote: 'No because I'm from a town in the UK called Boston and we'd have international students turning up at the college thinking it was the one in the US.' Another chimed in and said: 'I did the same thing and accidentally applied to the wrong college, only realized when I had my mom read the application essay and she freaked out lol' Some even called Do's case a scene from Hannah Montana or something The Office's Kelly Kapoor would do. After the video went viral, she released another on TikTok clarifying that she loved her university and it was the best decision she ever made. 'First of all, I love my school and I love it here. Miami has the true American college experience that I was looking for, just like the movies. 'Cause I grew up watching movies like Legally Blonde, Mean Girls, Bring It On, Animal House, and stuff like that and I hoped to experience stuff like that and Miami has the perfect stuff for me. 'Also the people here are really friendly and I feel like I don't have to change myself to be able to fit in, if that makes sense. 'This aspect is something really important for international students because we came here and we have this huge language and culture barrier. Miami has great resources for international students.' she said. She told Insider that she didn't expect the video to blow up like that and the criticism did not bother her. Do also recounted her spring trip to Florida and told the publication that she felt unsafe there and was extremely glad to be in Ohio instead. A six-year-old British boy has drowned in a swimming pool during a family holiday in Cyprus. The child was found by his mother floating unconscious in the pool at a hotel in the popular resort town of Paphos. He was taken to a local hospital and put on a ventilator but his condition worsened. Still unconscious, he was taken to Makarios Hospital of Nicosia for more treatment but died on October 6. Police said he had been on holiday with his mother and younger brother, reports The Sun. Paphos on the south-west coast of Cyprus is popular with British tourists Earlier this month a British man drowned in Portugal after getting into trouble in strong currents. 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 him, Mr Calow was pronounced dead at the scene. His brother Dale Calow paid tribute to him, describing the 41-year-old as his 'best friend' and a 'beautiful person' who was turning his life around after struggling with his mental health. Last month, another British tourist died after jumping into a lake to cool off during a family holiday in Turkey. The Pakistani-born British citizen, aged 43, had been on an organised tour at Manavgat Dam, in Antalya Province, when he plunged into the water to escape the heat. The Brit entered the water from a pier platform attached to a riverside restaurant. Soon after, he appeared to struggle, disappearing beneath the surface. The 'killer' also wore a disguise under her inmate uniform and was spotted routinely exercising in preparation for the break out, despite her 'injury' Alleged 'killer' yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong 'vigorously' exercised for her failed escape from prison, and wore thermal pants under her prison uniform in a bid to disguise her identity. The former yogi, 35, was observed routinely exercising despite allegedly having a leg injury while inside the Travis County Correctional Complex in Texas. An affidavit says Armstrong intense work-out regimen was all documented on security footage at the facility before her failed break out earlier this week. Armstrong had also worn thermal trousers beneath her county-issued black and white striped uniform pants - which she stripped off during the foot pursuit to disguise her identity as an inmate, the affidavit indicated. Armstrong stands accused of shooting cyclist Moriah Wilson dead in Austin, Texas, in May 2022, who had dated Armstrong's boyfriend Colin Strickland. Accused killer Kaitlin Armstrong was allegedly plotting her great escape from prison and had been exercising in preparation for the breakout Authorities said she got a nose job and dyed her hair brown after fleeing the US. She used her sister's passport to leave the country and went by several aliases while on the run After the killing, Armstrong fled to Costa Rica where she had plastic surgery - likely a nose job - before being caught 43 days later. The affidavit stated in summary: 'Due to recent activity of exercising vigorously, and complaints of injury to secure offsite medical appointment, and restrictions of leg restraints, Affiant has reason to believe and does believe inmate Armstrong planned to escape from custody.' The escape came well after Armstrong was offered a plea deal which would have shaved decades off her sentence - which she rejected. Armstrong now faces even more time in prison for her attempt to escape from correctional officers on Wednesday. Cellphone footage captured the moment the ex-yoga teacher broke free from two correctional officers after visiting a doctor's office in Austin while they walked her back to the car on Wednesday. After the escape an investigation of Armstrong's cell found a metal pin and dental floss. The metal pin had 'been broken off providing a solid thin metal piece that likely could be used to manipulate a handcuff to be removed', according to the affidavit. The video shows her brazen attempt at freedom in her eye-catching black and white striped jail-issue jumpsuit while officers chase her up a hill and stumble before Armstrong appeared to jump over a fence. Police said she bolted into a nearby neighborhood for about 10 minutes before she was captured. This is not Armstrong's first attempt at running away from the charges she is facing for Moriah Wilson's murder. The accused killer fled Texas after she was initially interviewed and travelled to Costa Rica. Video shows Armstrong's brazen attempt at freedom in her eye-catching black and white striped jail-issue jumpsuit while officers chase her up a hill and stumble before Armstrong appeared to jump over a fence Armstrong had also worn thermal trousers beneath her county-issued black and white striped uniform pants - which she stripped off during the foot pursuit to disguise her identity as an inmate, the affidavit indicated Armstrong's boyfriend Colin Strickland, 35, has since admitted that he did in fact have an affair with Wilson and said that the pair had gotten dinner together the night she was murdered. Authorities said she got a nose job and dyed her hair brown after fleeing the US. She used her sister's passport to leave the country and went by several aliases while on the run. Armstrong was captured in Costa Rica after 43 days on the run. She was arrested when police received an anonymous tip that she had flown into a rage months before. She has pleaded not guilty to murdering 'Mo' Wilson - the competitive gravel and mountain bike racer from Vermont. Armstrong's boyfriend Colin Strickland, 35, has since admitted that he did in fact have an affair with Wilson and said that the pair had gotten dinner together the night she was murdered. Wilson, who lived in California at the time, was in Austin, Texas, for a race and joined Strickland for a swim at the Deep Eddy pool before the secret couple went to a burger joint across the street for dinner. Armstrong, who had allegedly been stalking Wilson, pulled up in her SUV near the apartment that Strickland had dropped his dinner date off at. Armstrong was supposedly tracking Wilson using the app for cyclists and runners, Strava. Armstrong was captured in Costa Rica after 43 days on the run. She was arrested when police received an anonymous tip that she had flown into a rage months before After her failed escape, an affidavit claimed that the ex-yogi was observed to be vigorously exercising regularly despite the 'injury' during her time in the Travis County Correctional Complex. Her intense work-out regimen was documented on security footage Search warrants revealed that she visited a gun range with her sister before the killing, and was given $450,000 by Strickland, who also admitted to purchasing two firearms between the end of 2021 and start of 2022 for himself and Armstrong. She is likely to face additional charges for trying to escape. She is currently being held in Travis County Jail on $3.5 million bond. Court records show that three subpoena applications have already been filed by the state after the attempted escape for information from St. David's South Austin Medical Center, Travis County Sheriff's Office and St. David's Austin Medical Center. Her jury trial is scheduled to start on October 30. She faces up to 99 years in prison if convicted. Michigan business icon and former owner of Weight Watchers, Florine Mark, has died aged 90 after opening more than a dozen of franchises across the US and Canada. The Weight Watchers pioneer, prominent business woman, and philanthropist, died 'suddenly' Friday morning, Sheri Mark, Florine's oldest child, told FOX2. Mark, born in Detroit, established the Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966 following her own stunning body transformation of 50-pound weight loss. She later led the franchise to go into 17 states in the US, then Canada and Mexico. 'My heart is really hurting it's hard to believe,' said Sheri Mark. 'My mom was larger than life.' Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Friday in a statement: 'Florine was a fearless trailblazer and devoted friend.' Florine Mark(pictured in 2018) died aged 90 after opening more than a dozen of franchises across the US and Canada After losing 50 pounds, Mark led business to success became the president and CEO of the largest franchise group of Weight Watchers Mark made Michigan Weight Watchers, a small family business in 1966, into the biggest franchise group of the company A leader in the local Jewish community for decades, Mark and had been worried about her grandchildren and great grandchildren caught in the midst of the Israel-Hamas War for the last few days of her life. When asked whether her mother would still be alive if the war had not happened, Sheri responded with a definitive 'oh yeah, yeah.' 'This was very sudden - she wasn't sick, she was the healthiest person I knew,' Sheri said. 'This was pretty sudden.' Gov. Whitmer said Mark was 'An incredibly savvy and successful businesswoman.' 'She was an icon and a leader who could encourage, empower, motivate, and inspire individuals to achieve their goals and be their best selves,' Whitmer continued. 'I am grateful to have known Florine, and I know her memory will serve as an example for Michiganders to follow. My love goes to Florine's family.' She established the Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966 following her own stunning body transformation Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Mark was 'An incredibly savvy and successful businesswoman Mark served on the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow called Mark 'a leader in so many amazing ways in business, in Detroit, in the Jewish community, as a role model for women and as the matriarch of a close and loving family.' Mark lost 50 pounds after seeking help at a Weight Watchers chapter in New York and went on to establish the Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966. Having led the small family business to success. she became the president and CEO of the largest franchise group of Weight Watchers. She sold the Weight Watcher franchises in Michigan, Ontario, and Canada to Weight Watchers International two years ago. Mark served on the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and was chair for the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, according to the Detroit Historical Society. Mark, a longtime supporter of Israel, told WXYZ-TV on Wednesday that he was worried about his family who live in Israel, some of whom have been called up to fight in the IDF. Mark lost 50 pounds after seeking help at a Weight Watchers chapter in New York and went on to establish the Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966 The long-term leader of the local Jewish community had been worried about her families caught in the Israel-Hamas War 'I'm terribly scared,' Mark told the station. 'I'm frightened for the Israeli people, I'm frightened for my children and my grandchildren, I'm frightened for the Palestinians. I don't want war I want peace.' Mark returned from Israel three weeks ago for the wedding of a family member, who is now fighting in the IDF. 'They came home and we had an engagement party here for them,' Mark said Wednesday looking at a picture of herself with Mataan and Mataan's new wife. 'He got called up into a special unit and he's now fighting, and his new bride is volunteering.' 'His grandfather was in the IDF, his father was in the IDF and he felt this was his legacy.' In the Detroit area, Mark's 'Ask Florine' and 'Remarkable Women' broadcast television and radio segments were popular. She was passionate about her newest project, her widely popular podcast 'Today's Takeaway' at the time of her passing. 'She gave her time and philanthropic time to many organizations she was a trailblazer with women, she just recently got an award Friday night,' Sheri said. 'It's a huge loss for our family.' Jeremy Corbyn has told thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters at a rally in London that they 'must condemn' the Israeli army's actions in Gaza. The former Labour leader addressed pro-Palestine supporters in the capital as people armed with placards demanding Israel 'stop bombing Gaza' took to the streets in protest across major UK cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. Speaking to the crowds in London, where the Met Police said they have deployed more than 1,000 officers amid fears of clashes, the independent MP for Islington North said: 'It is a day of solidarity and it is a day of hope. 'There are many who say that nobody should be here today because they'll be condoning terrible things. None of us are here to condone killing. None of us are here to condone occupation. 'None of us are here to allow this assault on the people of Gaza and the people of the West Bank to go on The former Labour leader addressed pro-Palestine supporters in the capital as people armed with placards demanding Israel 'stop bombing Gaza' took to the streets in protest The gatherings come as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israel's military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion Mr Corbyn accused Israel of war crimes, referencing the country's decision to cut of electricity and prevent vital aid supplies from reaching those in need in Gaza Protesters march down Regent's Street in London on Saturday afternoon 'Today, as we wave the Palestinian flag, let's hear it for the people of the West Bank, for the people of Gaza, for the people of the refugee camps, and say very bluntly to our political leaders in this country do not condone war crimes, do not condone the starvation and the denial of medicine to desperate people in Gaza or anywhere else. READ MORE: Timeline of Israel and Palestine's violent conflict as Hamas terrorists reignite historical war after Gaza attack Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City Advertisement 'If you believe in international law, if you believe in human rights, then you must condemn what is happening now in Gaza by the Israeli army.' Mr Corbyn also accused Israel of war crimes, referencing the country's decision to cut of electricity and prevent vital aid supplies from reaching those in need in Gaza. The MP was accused of overseeing an influx of antisemitism into the party during his time as leader and once referred to Hamas as his friends. Referencing the deaths of young Israelis in the desert close to Gaza last week, he told the crowd: Those killings are wrong, murder is wrong, the loss of human life is wrong. He said the event was about justice, particularly for the people of Palestine. It is right to condemn the killings that have happened, it is right to condemn the targeting of civilians which is of course a war crime in international law, he said. But it is also right to condemn the continuing occupation of Palestine by Israeli forces. His comments came as large crowds gathered outside Downing Street chanting: 'Rishi Sunak, shame on you! Suella Braverman, shame on you!' as dozens of officers watched on. At one point, a group of young protesters could be seen pushing and shouting at police, leading to several arrests, and a group of Orthodox Jews joined pro-Palestine protesters, holding signs reading 'Free Palestine' and waving Palestinian flags. Others in the group held banners with slogans such as 'Stop the Zionist massacres and persecution in Gaza'. The gatherings come as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israel's military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. Protesters let off smoke canisters in central London as they gather in support of Palestinians Palestine flags and supportive placards are waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby People gather with placards to take part in a 'March For Palestine', part of a pro-Palestinian national demonstration, in London A woman holds a placard as she stands beside the route of a 'March For Palestine', part of a pro-Palestinian national demonstration The Socialist Worker's Party contingent joining the march at Portland place An Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian convoy fleeing northern Gaza on a route reportedly approved by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) killed as many as 70 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The Met Police issued a statement during the march saying 'action will be taken' after some protesters lit flares and fireworks, saying it is 'clearly a danger' to others. It has also warned that protesters who deviate from the route may face arrest in a bid to prevent ugly scenes outside the Israeli embassy, which is located next to Kensington Palace. The march planned for today was due to begin at Portland Place at 12pm before finishing in Whitehall at about 3pm. It comes as the Met Police deployed 300 officers specifically to tackle safety fears for London's Jewish population, amid a huge spike in reported hate crimes since the beginning of the conflict last Saturday. Between 29 September and 12 October 2023 there were 105 reports of anti-Semitic incidents and 75 anti-Semitic offences in London. That is compared with 14 anti-Semitic incidents and 12 anti-Semitic offences during the same time the previous year. Demonstrators march from the BBC in Portland place to Downing street People gather with placards to take part in a 'March For Palestine', part of a pro-Palestinian national demonstration Private security patrol the Orthodox Jewish area of Stamford Hill in North London on Saturday Police officers are seen amassing outside the Israeli embassy in preparation for Saturday's protest The Socialist Worker's Party contingent also joined the march along London's streets Thousands gathered in the capital armed with placards which urged for the bombing of Gaza to be stopped Police officers have had a heightened presence in Jewish communities across London in recent days There has also been a rise in Islamophobia. During the same time-frame there have been 58 Islamophobic incidents and 54 Islamophobic offences. In the same fortnight the previous year there were 31 Islamophobic incidents and 34 Islamophobic offences. The Met added that simply flying the Palestinian flag or supporting the Palestinian people does not constitute a criminal offence, but said 'some situations' in which a flag or banner could be seen as intimidation or intending to cause alarm and distress, in which case it may be a criminal offence. READ MORE: Thousands of pro-Palestine supporters take to the streets around the country setting off flares and brandishing signs as Met Police warns: Support Hamas and you will be arrested LONDON: Palestine supporters climb the bandstand in Castle Park, Bristol and raise the Palestinian flag before marching through the city Advertisement Last night the force announced a raft of restrictions upon protesters, issuing a Section 12 (3) Public Order Act 1986 for the planned march route, active from 12pm today. A statement from the force said: 'This means those taking part, must observe the route from Portland Place to Regent's Street, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. 'Any person participating in or associated with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest, must not deviate from this route, or they could be subjected to arrest.' Separately, a Section 14 (3) Public Order Act 1986 condition has also been imposed from 12pm, prohibiting protesters from assembling immediately by Kensington Palace and the Israeli embassy. Anyone in breach of this restriction 'may be subject to arrest'. Elsewhere, pro-Palestine protesters climbed Bristol's Castle Park bandstand and waved Palestinian flags and let off flares in Liverpool and Manchester. Attacks on Israel by Hamas last weekend killed at least 1,300 people, mostly civilians. At least 2,200 people have been killed in Gaza as Israeli forces retaliate. Orly Goldschmidt, spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. 'There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again,' she told Times Radio. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was doing 'everything we can to ensure the security of British citizens' after the Defence Secretary said it seemed 'very likely' that there are British hostages in Gaza. Protesters from the Orthodox Jews Against Zionism movement attend a 'March For Palestine' Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the seventh day of the clashes in Rafah, Gaza Palestinians carry an injured boy rescued from the rubble after an airstrike in Gaza today An injured girl is carried away from rubble after an Israeli airstrike hit Khan Yuris in southern Gaza An RAF flight left Israel on Friday night, part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety amid the escalating conflict in the region. A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the Air Force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekend's assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. The war has claimed at least 3,500 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7, with Israel placing the 25-mile Gaza Strip under siege and subjecting it to a torrent of retaliatory air strikes. Above the blood-stained floor and a parenting book entitled 'Evolving Together Week by Week' lies the wedding photo that Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky gave out to family and friends. On the table next to the picture of the happy couple is an open packet of the popular peanut snack 'Bamba'. Beside it the fridge door lies open. Food is mouldy and rotting. A darkening red smear creeps under the sink. A bigger blood stain covers a baby's cot in a bedroom behind. A double buggy has been abandoned outside next to a pair of baby swings. The bloated corpse of a Hamas fighter dressed in fatigues and a bullet belt lies nearby. An IDF soldier stands inside the home of Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky, who were murdered by Hamas terrorists at Kfar Aza kibbutz last Saturday 'When I arrived at Kfar Aza I saw many terrible things,' the 30-year-old from Tel Aviv who cannot reveal his identity for security reasons told MailOnline. Pictured: Inside the Berdichevsky family home The wedding photo of Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky, who bravely shielded their 10-month-old twins inside their home before terrorists murdered them at Kfar Aza, in southern Israel Miraculously the 10-month-old twins survived the attack after they were hidden by their parents in a shelter inside their home A soldier stands at the scene where doting parents Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky died trying to save the lives of their children Above the blood-stained floor, one soldier noticed a parenting book entitled 'Evolving Together Week by Week' inside the family home Destruction and devastation: Personal possessions lie strewn across the ground following the brutal attack on the kibbutz in southern Israel A wedding photo of the couple lies on a dining table alongside baby bottles, dummies and food A remnant of one of the vehicles driven by Hamas terrorists into Kfar Aza kibbutz last weekend Men, women and children, including 40 babies, were murdered during the attack, while dozens of others were kidnapped and taken to Gaza This is the home of just one family at the Kfar Aza kibbutz that was ripped apart when Hamas terrorists burst through the border fence early on Saturday morning and started killing. Men, women and children died. Others were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. Their fate remains unknown. The parenting book was the first thing a young Israeli Defence Force [IDF] captain saw, when he entered the white-wall terrace cottage on Monday looking for booby traps. Next, he saw young mother Hadar's blood-drenched body lying on the floor by the sink. Itay was found in the bedroom next to a baby's cot. The doting parents had bleed to death fighting to protect their infants. A soldier has described the graphic scene at Kfar Aza Kibbutz where dozens died trying to defend themselves from the attack A trampoline has been upturned at a children's nursery inside the kibbutz, where scores were killed, including 40 children Fierce battles between Hamas fighters and Israeli soldiers continued for four days until the IDF finally took back control of the kibbutz. Piles of unused ammunition, hand grenades and bombs lie just yards from the corpses of Hamas fighters that it is feared have been booby-trapped An Israeli soldier holds a detonating device with a message printed in Arabic on the casing More live ammunition discarded and discovered by Israeli soldiers at the Kfar Aza kibbutz A dead Hamas terrorist dressed in fatigues and a bullet belt lies close to the home of the Berdichevsky family The captain is among hundreds of thousands of army reservists awaiting orders to launch the land attack on Gaza. 'When I arrived at Kfar Aza I saw many terrible things,' the 30-year-old from Tel Aviv who cannot reveal his identity for security reasons told MailOnline. 'There were dozens of bodies lying all around. There were kibbutznik who had died fighting back. There were women murdered in their beds. And babies, lots of dead babies. 'But the thing that has affected me the worst was the sight of the parenting book. 'Then I saw the mother's body. She had been shot several times. And then I went into the bedroom and the baby's cot was covered in blood. Covered. ' These parents were trying to do their best for their children. This graphic (above) shows how the horrifying Hamas massacre on the Kfar Aza kibbutz unfolded The kibbutz, once home to 800 people, lies abandoned in the days after the devastating attack Riding on motorbike and in Toyota pick-up trucks more than 100 heavily-armed gunmen they burst through the gate the separates Israel from Gaza and starting shooting Israeli soldiers sent to the kibbutz take a break from the painstaking task of searching for bodies Soldiers on patrol around the kibbutz look for discarded ammunition amid the remnants 'How can any human being do such things? I cannot understand this level of hate, no matter what the reasons. 'It was a massacre, genocide. It was like the Holocaust. 'My girlfriend's father was the only member of his family to survive the camps. His family are from a town on the Hungarian border. They were all murdered by the Nazis. 'What happened on Saturday has brought it all back to him. 'But to be honest everyone in Israel has been affected by what happened. 'Everyone knows someone who was killed or kidnapped. 'That is why when I found out what had happened I ran straight back to the army and volunteered to go to the frontline. 'I will be crossing into Gaza when the operation starts. And I will stay doing my duty for as long as it takes to get our safety back and make our borders safe. 'We want people to feel safe again.' The fields and orchards of the Kfar Aza kibbutz stretch right up to the border fence with Gaza. The apartment block homes of Palestinian families living in the village of settlement of Beit Hanoun are visible with the naked eye. This is why the community of about 800 people was one of the first to be attacked in the Hamas early morning raid on Saturday. Riding on motorbike and in Toyota pick-up trucks more than 100 heavily-armed gunmen they burst through the gate the separates Israel from Gaza and starting shooting. Fierce battles between Hamas fighters and Israeli soldiers continued for four days until the IDF finally took back control of the kibbutz. Piles of unused ammunition, hand grenades and bombs lie just yards from the corpses of Hamas fighters that it is feared have been booby-trapped. The IDF will not give out the casualty figure for the number killed at Kfar Aza. But across Israel the death toll is close to 2,000 and rising. But somehow the Bedichevsky twins survived. Brave Itay and Hadar died trying to save their beloved children's lives. Somehow they succeeded. The youngsters were rescued by advancing soldiers who fought door-to-door to take back the settlement that was created in 1951 as a egalitarian dream. Catering to the needs of all with the efforts of all. The twins are being cared for by their grandmother. And it is from Kfar Aza, and other settlements along the Israel-Gaza border that the IDF will launch their revenge attack. Israeli soldiers patrol the Kfar Aza Kibbutz in the days following the horrific attack last weekend A soldier stands on guard at the kibbutz on the Israel-Gaza border ahead of a planned retaliation A breached security fence at the Kfar Aza Kibbutz shows from where the terrorists launched their attack last Saturday Israeli forces pictured today (Saturday) dug-in with their tank near the border of the Gaza Strip Soldiers have been preparing in readiness for an anticipated ground invasion of Gaza Troops patrol the boundaries of the Kfar Aza kibbutz, which lies close to the border with Gaza Howitzer cannons are firing on Gaza night and day from a few kilometres. A battalion of tanks is already making its way to the border. The captain explained: 'We have to wipe out Hamas. We have no other choice.' Can you help us identify these women? Email newsUS@dailymail.com It comes as tempers flare on college campuses over the Middle East conflict The journalist claims activists demanded to know her ethnicity Pro-Palestine college activists harassed a journalist covering their protest and allegedly demanded to know her ethnicity as tensions on US campuses continue to escalate in the wake of the Middle East conflict. Kassy Dillon, a video journalist with Fox News, said she was targeted after leaving an anti-Israel protest at the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. 'As I was leaving, two guys kept asking me my ethnicity,' she tweeted on Thursday. 'When I got into my car, I was approached by a group of the protesters demanding to know my address and phone number.' The aggressive exchange comes as pro-Palestine groups across America sparked outrage at their support for Hamas' brutal attack that killed 1,300 Israelis, with tempers flaring from the other side as Israel launches retaliatory sieges on the Gaza Strip. Dillon shared footage of a hostile confrontation where she was repeatedly asked to identify herself for 'legal reasons' Video journalist Kassy Dillon claimed that anti-Israel protestors demanded to know her ethnicity as she reported on their demonstration Pro-Palestine students march on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Hostile protests conducted by Israeli and Palestinian supporters have erupted across college campuses Heres footage of the end of it once I grabbed my phone from my bag. You can hear me responding that they cannot have my number. pic.twitter.com/A2XGurJ4ti Kassy Dillon (@KassyDillon) October 12, 2023 Dillon shared footage of the aftermath of the alleged confrontation, where the college activists are seen demanding to have her number. 'You can not have my number,' Dillon fires back. One of the protestors asks her she can contact the reporter for 'legal reasons', to which Dillon responds: 'There are no legal reasons to do it... I gave you my name, you can go look it up.' Another activist, who also appeared to record the hostile interaction, then joins in demands for the reporter to repeat her name. Kassy Dillon was previously the US news editor for Jewish News Syndicate and worked for Nikki Haley 'I'll have my lawyers contact you that way, okay?' the protestor adds. 'Have a terrible night.' Dillon said she had two security guards with her at the protest, and said she was 'just filming' and 'didn't even speak to anyone who followed me to the garage.' The journalist, who was previously the US news editor for Jewish News Syndicate and worked for Nikki Haley, also posted an Instagram promotion of the protest, which was posted by the university's 'Students for Justice in Palestine' group. The 'day of resistance' rally poster was accompanied by a caption reading: 'All out for Palestine. Be there this Thursday. Meet outside the student union with keffiyehs, flags, and posters. 'We will be marching in solidarity with Palestinians breaking out of their open air prison.' Dillon shared a flyer advertising the anti-Israel protest, which declared 'solidarity with Palestinians breaking out of their open air prison' Some students across the country have sparked backlash after showing support for Palestine in the wake of the brutal Hamas attack After the protest at the U.Mass campus, Dillon shared footage purporting to show activists threatening her with legal action The anti-Israel protest was countered on campus by pro-Israel activists, who said they were disgusted at the language used by those supporting Hamas' barbaric attacks over the last week. 'I was overwhelmed by how many people came out to support what I think is just terrible,' Olive, a Jewish college student, told Fox News. 'Its a massacre of innocent civilians, and it should be strongly condemned, and instead theyre here celebrating this.' Counter-protestor Hakan, a pro-Palestinian demonstrator, countered as he claimed that it was a 'very peaceful protest' marred by 'some people (who) came to try and make a scene.' 'Palestine will be free,' he added. 'They are supporting a terrorist organization,' fired back Milana, another attendee at the fierce rally. 'They are not supporting Palestinians who want peace with Israel. They are supporting a deep-rooted hate of Jews. Its unjust.' Similarly antagonistic protests have sparked up across the nation, leading Republican Senator Josh Hawley to call for the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Palestine student groups on college campuses after they held anti-Israel protests. Happing now : Students chant from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free during a protest on Columbia university campus in New York pic.twitter.com/8QKK1qefM3 Davide Lerner (@DavideLerner) October 12, 2023 California State University's La Fuerza Student Association has been slammed for its 'sickening' and distasteful pro-Palestine protest poster (pictured) which depicts a paraglider Republican Josh Hawley has called for the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Palestine student groups on college campuses Students at the University of Washington and Georgetown University were among those who gathered to praise the terrorists, with a Harvard group sparking widespread outrage as it blamed Israel for the attack. The California State University's La Fuerza Student Association has also come under fire for a 'sickening' pro-Palestine proster depicting a paraglider, a method used by Hamas terrorists to enter a music festival on Saturday before massacring at least 260 people. Speaking on Fox News on Thursday, the Missouri senator slammed organizations at Ivy league schools like Harvard and Columbia, which have supported the terrorists' actions as justified. '[Hamas] would kill every Jew in the world if they could. Thats what these terrorists want. And to be silent in the face of that or to celebrate it as these crazy student groups are doing?,' Hawley told Sean Hannity. 'What I want to know, Sean, is whos funding these student groups? I hope that the DOJ is investigating where the money is coming from. Are there terror groups who are part of these networks who are infiltrating our campuses? 'I mean, this is crazy stuff that were seeing on these campuses. And for these administrators to have their hand out to take federal money, taxpayer money, and at the same time be silent or silently condone this kind of terrorism is just it is grotesque.' SECOND home owners are to be targeted by the SNP as part of a radical shake-up of rural housing rules. Amid the biggest land reforms in a generation, Humza Yousafs government will force families with holiday homes or those not classed as main residences to pay up to double their council tax from April next year. Holiday home owners could even see their boltholes acquired by councils in compulsory purchases and converted into private rentals to ease the housing crisis. Meanwhile, a socialist-style clampdown on lairds will introduce a public interest test applied to the sale or transfer of estates which could see large landholdings being taken into public or community ownership. The proposals outlined by the Scottish Government yesterday in its Rural Housing Action Plan are designed to make it easier for young families to buy first homes in the Highlands and Islands, as well as encourage youngsters not to leave rural communities for work. Fergus Ewing says his partys latest plans will backfire Critics fear it will punish people who have worked hard to buy a holiday home and could even drive money abroad. Last night SNP rebel Fergus Ewing, the MSP for Inverness and Nairn and a former Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, slammed the proposals. He told The Mail on Sunday: These proposals will punish those who have invested hard-earned cash in homes and will lead many to invest abroad instead, driving money out of Scotland and damaging many local economies with less money going to local builders, shops and tradesmen. He added: The damaging short-term let regulations have seen thousands of small businesses simply give up so theres already less money going into many rural communities. Added to this wilful destruction of small businesses, more new regulation will further damage these communities. Stephen Young, a director at Scottish Land & Estates which represents the countrys largest landowners, said: Policy reform to increase housing supply in rural areas is badly needed but it needs a coherent approach which is all too often missing. Between obstructive planning policy, restrictive grant funding and the recent war waged on landlords, the Scottish Government has done little to encourage new housing in rural areas. The Action Plan comes in the wake of the SNPs Programme for Government last month which saw Mr Yousaf commit to introducing a 35 million council tax raid on second home owners. Several local authorities later confirmed they will look to charge the 100 per cent levy, including Angus, the Western Isles, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and West Lothian. The document released yesterday shows councils will be able to impose the tax double whammy from April. The move comes despite those buying second homes in Scotland already paying a 6 per cent additional homes supplement on top of land and buildings transaction taxes. Meanwhile, a further clampdown on short-term lets will go ahead. This will allow councils to expand control areas, limiting the number of Airbnb-style properties in a particular location. They will also be able to force tourism lets to switch to private rentals. The Action Plan document states: The growth of online platforms has fuelled the trend for residential homes, particularly in tourist hotspots, to be changed from primary homes to short-term lets or second homes. Making the best use of existing housing can make a significant contribution to increasing the supply of permanent homes. This could be by limiting the number of second homes, changing the use of properties used for tourism to private rental, acquiring properties back into the affordable sector as well as bringing empty homes back into use. Demand for second homes can reduce the supply of permanent homes and inflate house prices, making it more difficult for people, particularly younger people, to access the homes they need. Some affordable homes could have special conditions included in their title deeds to allow a rural housing body to have first refusal when the house is sold. The report says the so-called rural housing burden would give a housing body the right of pre-emption and control of future sales to enable the property to be retained as an affordable home. It continued: There can be distinct advantages to using rural housing burdens, in that the property must be occupied as a primary residence, which helps to ensure properties continue to be used as homes in perpetuity. In the event of a sale, the rural housing body has the first opportunity to purchase the property. If that opportunity is not utilised and the property is sold, the burden remains on the title. Local authorities may also be given further compulsory sale and purchase powers in order to bring derelict land and empty properties back into use. The plan reads: In 2024 we will take forward work to consider the justification for and practical operation of compulsory sales orders, particularly in light of our commitment to reforming compulsory purchase orders. Additionally, a new public interest test could be introduced on the sale of big estates. The document states: It will include new measures to regulate the market in large-scale landholdings, including the introduction of a public interest test, and requirements for community bodies to receive notification of impending sales or transfers. Last night Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton said: It is clear from these proposals the SNP are once are again being dictated to by their Green coalition partners. Land managers across rural Scotland have already embraced massive change and there is scope for many ownership models to work. Ministers must consult with them fully before imposing such reforms on them. SNP Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: The Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan will deliver the right homes in the right places, generate sustainable local economic growth and help rural and island communities to thrive. In another world, efforts by independence activists to secure separation from the rest of the UK would have reached a frenzied climax this week. Humza Yousaf would have no doubt issued a rallying cry to the public imploring them to wake up and shake themselves free from the shackles of Westminster rule. Meanwhile, swathes of excited Indy voters would have been out knocking on doors encouraging people to vote Yes. It would have culminated in a crunch vote this Thursday the date set by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for another independence referendum so the people of Scotland can have their say for the second time in a generation. Of course, those plans were made in another world. Nicola Sturgeon had called for a referendum on October 19, 2023 For the past 16 months, ever since that October 19 date was set by Ms Sturgeon, things have not gone well for the party of government. Amid widespread rebellion, police fraud probes, lies about membership figures, a sex-pest scandal, resignations, suspensions, cash for seats claims and even a defection to the bogeyman Tories, the SNP now stands, on the eve of its conference, a divided husk and a shadow of the party it once was. While starstruck members once watched in awe as Ms Sturgeon espoused the benefits of independence to a packed hall, the partys conference now faces a different reality; one of extreme division with deep schisms in the party created by bitter disagreements on gender and green plans. This weekend, far from gearing up SNP diehards for an independence vote, Mr Yousaf can only hope to bring disenchanted members back on board. He will outline his revised stance on breaking up the UK and water down his predecessors pledge to have a de facto referendum based on winning most Scottish seats at a general election, tweaking it to winning the majority of seats, according to reports. Humza needed to put that idea back in the box. Lets be honest, we are going to lose votes at the general election, one Nationalist MP admitted. It is perhaps a wise decision given the wounds inflicted by Labours victory in Rutherglen and Hamilton West this month. And it is one that will perhaps go some way to placating Mr Yousafs internal party critics. For months the First Minister and his team have decried such dissenters for spouting nonsense amid concerns about his stance on gender reforms, rural policies and the deal with the Greens. The Mail on Sunday has told how the embattled First Minister has been the subject of a Highland Coup by some MSPs who predicted Mr Yousafs policies would go down badly at the ballot box. Last week one of his MPs, Dr Lisa Cameron, crossed the floor to the Tories, sparking speculation about who else may defect. Mr Yousaf has even been served a Christmas ultimatum by enraged Nationalists who have pledged a leadership rebellion if he does not radically change direction. Insiders say he is now poised to change tack and adopt a new-found humility in order to stave off a challenge to his position. According to one MP, he has already started to organise meetings with those who openly denigrate his leadership in a bid to close the ranks and forge a semblance of rapprochement. There will be no big bust-up at conference, one rebel MSP yesterday insisted. Yet, unfortunately for Mr Yousaf, efforts to soothe his detractors have not halted discussions behind closed doors about how to boot him out of office. Some have suggested the First Minister should broker a peace deal with former leadership rival Kate Forbes to steady the ship and prove that different factions of the party can work together. Others are looking longer term, with Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, being touted as a possible unity leader. One MP said: Stephen in the longer term would be a good replacement. He is much more reasonable and has shown he can lead in the Westminster group. Another insider said: Humzas special adviser Colin McAllister spends most of his waking hours trying to work out how to resist a challenge from Stephen Flynn. One MSP said: Stephen is a serious pretender for the throne and he could bridge the divide. He has dealt with issues around gender deftly and his stance on the Greens is much more nuanced. Notably, the unity frontrunner is opening the SNPs conference today. Mr Flynn, though, cant run for the leadership as it is restricted to those who sit in Holyrood, meaning any future move will be too late to quell anger from those looking for change by Christmas. Certainly, Mr Yousaf will be desperate to stabilise the party after a polling expert noted that if the Rutherglen result was replicated across the country at the next general election, the SNP would plunge from 48 to just six seats. The 20.4 per cent swing from the SNP to Labour prompted rebel MSP Fergus Ewing to give Mr Yousaf two months to demonstrate he is capable of leading the party. He said: Weve seriously lost trust. We must change course radically. That must be done before Christmas. If that fails to happen, then I fear for the future of the SNP. Once you lose trust, you cannot expect to win elections. It is salvageable if Humza says, We got a number of things wrong. Ive been reflecting on the result and people have spoken. Were going to make major changes. While Mr Ewing and Ms Forbes have refused to attend conference, Mr Yousaf will hope he can use the event to heal his fractured party. Whatever the outcome, he wont ever emulate his predecessors halcyon Hydro days or experience the rock star adoration afforded her. The brutal truth of the matter is; people just dont rate him. This is the shocking moment a pro-Palestinian protester appears to goad Jewish people about the Holocaust, telling them: 'Don't forget where the Jews were in 1940.' The clip, that appears to have been filmed in Glasgow's Buchanan Street, shows a woman wearing a Palestinian flag as a cape and a black and white keffiyeh - a scarf that has become a symbol of support for Palestinian people. She gestures and swears at an unseen person off-screen, before making reference to Nazi concentration camps and the Holocaust, which killed approximately six million Jewish people. 'F*** you,' she yells at the unseen target of her abuse, adding: 'Free Palestine' as she is led away by her companion, who is also wearing clothing expressing support for Palestinian people. She adds: 'Don't forget where you were in 1940, ha. Don't forget where the Jews were in 1940 and 194(obscured). All in your camps.' The woman brandishes the Palestinian flag she is wearing as a cape as she yells 'Free Palestine' She is then led away by a companion as she yells 'Don't forget where you were in 1940, ha...All in your camps' The clip was widely condemned on X, formerly Twitter, by politicians, commentators and others The shocking clip was shared online by Glasgow Friends of Israel, which wrote: 'The girl draped in the Palestinian flag taunted #Jews about concentration camps.' Glasgow Tory councillor Thomas Kerr shared a copy of the footage on X, formerly Twitter, and said: 'This is beyond reprehensible, just absolutely vile.' Political activist Emily Hewertson said: 'Scary that these people live amongst us.' Another Twitter user added: 'This is just unacceptable tbh (to be honest). Taunting people about the Holocaust is a disgrace. 'Sad thing is most of us don't have half a clue about the complexity of the situation that is playing out before our eyes. Spouting nonsense like this doesn't help anyone or any cause.' The protest in Glasgow led to nearby streets being closed off due to the sheer size of the crowds at the city's Royal Concert Hall steps, a frequent gathering spot for political protests. Glasgow City Council officials confirmed the street later reopened; the protest then moved to the offices of BBC Scotland on the banks of the River Clyde - the BBC has been criticised for its refusal to call Hamas 'terrorists'. Pro-Palestine protests were also held in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh, where thousands staged an impromptu march to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Chanting slogans such as 'Free, free Palestine!' and 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free', demonstrators marched up The Mound and along Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile as onlookers including tourists watched. In Edinburgh, Palestinian woman Iman, who did not give her last name, said people in Gaza 'need a right to freedom and refugees need the right to return'. She added: 'We want justice, we want peace and we want freedom. I thank Scotland for not raising the Israeli flag. 'I thank Scotland for standing in solidarity, unconditional solidarity with my people. I thank Scotland for its strength to find a safe haven for refugees. 'We need corridors for people to receive medical aid, food and water.' Six activists with Israel flags attended the demonstration as a counter-protest but they were outnumbered by pro-Palestine activists. Pro-Palestine protesters gather at the steps of the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow's Buchanan Street Protesters marched from the Royal Concert Hall to BBC Scotland's headquarters on the banks of the River Clyde to continue their action The protest continued outside the BBC building amid criticism of the corporation for refusing to call militant group Hamas 'terrorists' In Edinburgh, pro-Palestinian activists gathered at the Mound before marching on the Scottish Parliament Elsewhere in the UK, pro-Palestine protesters climbed Bristol's Castle Park bandstand and waved Palestinian flags and let off flares in Liverpool and Manchester. As of 5.30pm, seven protesters had been arrested in London including for public order offences and criminal damage, as Jeremy Corbyn called for condemnation of the Israel army's action in Gaza. Shocking aerial footage shows Pro-Palestine supporters becoming extremely hostile towards police, throwing several objects and pouring water over dozens of officers at Trafalgar Square. Police have closed off a section of Kensington High Street in west London in anticipation of a huge protest outside the Israeli embassy, which is located next to Kensington Palace. Barricades are also in place - with officers lined up along them - to stop protesters getting anywhere near to the Embassy. The protests come as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israel's military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. In London, protesters walked from BBC New Broadcasting House - which had been doused in fake blood - to the gates of Downing Street where activists chanted: 'Rishi Sunak, shame on you! Suella Braverman, shame on you!' as dozens of officers watched on. MailOnline has contacted Police Scotland for comment. Pro-Palestine protests across the country took a dark turn today as demonstrators were seen with offensive placards, stamping on flags, and making apparent references to Hamas' atrocities and the Holocaust. Footage emerged earlier today of protesters with paragliders stuck to their backs chanting 'England is a terrorist state' on the streets of London amid mass protests over the Israeli army's actions in Gaza. The video, shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, shows crowds walking down the streets of London shouting: 'Israel is a terrorist state, the UK is a terrorist state, France is a terrorist state, Italy is a terrorist state'. Met Police have arrested 15 protesters at the time of writing including for public order offences and criminal damage. In Glasgow, one protestor was seen appearing to goad Jewish people about the Holocaust, telling them: 'Don't forget where the Jews were in 1940.' The clip, which appears to have been filmed in Glasgow's Buchanan Street, shows a woman wearing a Palestinian flag as a cape and a black and white keffiyeh - a scarf that has become a symbol of support for Palestinian people. She gestures and swears at an unseen person off-screen, before making reference to Nazi concentration camps and the Holocaust, which killed approximately six million Jewish people. Other signs on display today included slogans such as free us from the shackles of the Zionist state, wake up and smell the Zionist propaganda and 'stop the Zionist massacres and persecution in Gaza'. Across the UK, popular placard slogans included 'Exist, resist, return' and 'Palestine will be free from the rivers to the sea.' The video, which was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter , shows crowds walking down the streets of London shouting: 'Israel is a terrorist state, the UK is a terrorist state, France is a terrorist state, Italy is a terrorist state' Those shouting in the footage were also seen to be carrying placards of their own to rival those of pro-Palestine protestors The people in the video shared on X were also seen with an image of paragliders stuck to their backs "Israel is a terrorist state, the UK is a terrorist state, France is a terrorist state, Italy is a terrorist state" pic.twitter.com/CLeK7E03pS Harry's Place (@hurryupharry) October 14, 2023 Protesters march near to Whitehall in London on Saturday Protesters let off smoke canisters in central London as they gather in support of Palestinians The Met Police deployed more than 1,000 officers for the protests amid fear of clashes - and dozens have secured a ring of steel around the Israel Embassy to block activists who are marching towards the building from central London. Police have also closed off a section of Kensington High Street in west London in anticipation of a protest outside the Israeli Embassy, which is located next to Kensington Palace. Barricades are also in place - with officers lined up along them - to stop protesters getting anywhere near to the Embassy. Shocking aerial footage shows Pro-Palestine supporters becoming extremely hostile towards police at a protest in London today, throwing several objects and pouring water over dozens of officers at Trafalgar Square. One police officer in London stepped into confiscate an Israeli flag from pro-Palestine supporters who had stamped on it and attempted to burn it earlier today. Some were seen earlier today with an image of paragliders stuck to their backs, which could be in reference to Hamas blitzing into Israel on motorised paragliders during a lightning offensive last week. Footage from southern Israel on Saturday showed squads of Palestinians on suicide missions swooping over the border on the aircraft, spreading fear and chaos among cowering families below before landing and opening fire on Israel civilians and soldiers alike. It comes despite Met Police issuing a warning that anyone 'with a flag in support of Hamas or any other proscribed terrorist organisation [would] be arrested' during the rallies across the UK today. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who is responsible for policing in London this weekend, said: 'Our role as an independent and impartial service is to balance the right to lawful protest with potential disruption to Londoners. 'People do not have the right to incite violence or hatred. The law is clear that support for proscribed organisations is illegal. 'Anyone with a flag in support of Hamas or any other proscribed terrorist organisation will be arrested. 'We will not tolerate the celebration of terrorism or death, or tolerate anyone inciting violence.' The Met added that simply flying the Palestinian flag or supporting the Palestinian people does not constitute a criminal offence, but said 'some situations' in which a flag or banner could be seen as intimidation or intending to cause alarm and distress, in which case it may be a criminal offence. Former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal this week called on 'all scholars who teach jihad' to join what he called 'a moment for the application'. Earlier today, the peaceful protests took an ugly turn as activists launched bottles, placards and flares at police in Trafalgar Square. Aerial footage shows Pro-Palestine supporters becoming extremely hostile towards police, throwing several objects and pouring water over dozens of officers at Trafalgar Square. The Met Police said they had deployed more than 1,000 officers to police the London demonstration amid fears of clashes. As of 5.30pm, seven protesters had been arrested in London including for public order offences and criminal damage. The London protest started at Portland Place at around 12pm and was due to finish at Whitehall at 3pm. But huge crowds carried on marching through the heart of the capital to nearby Trafalgar Square, where tempers flared as police appeared to arrest a man up against the iconic plinth. One activist launched a firework towards officers. The Pro-Palestine protest in London has turned ugly as activists started hurling objects at police Police officers arrest a protester in Trafalgar Square during a March for Palestine in London LONDON: Police officers arrest a protester close to Downing Street during a March for Palestine LONDON: Police officers make an arrest in Trafalgar Square after a 'March For Palestine' in London Protesters climb monuments in Trafalgar Square in central London during today's protest Police have closed off a section of Kensington High Street in west London in anticipation of a huge protest outside the Israeli embassy, which is located next to Kensington Palace. Barricades are also in place - with officers lined up along them - to stop protesters getting anywhere near to the Embassy. Protesters walked from BBC New Broadcasting House in London - which had been doused in fake blood - to the gates of Downing Street where activists chanted: 'Rishi Sunak, shame on you! Suella Braverman, shame on you!' as dozens of officers watched on. At one point, a group of young protesters could be seen pushing and shouting at police, leading to several arrests. In other unsavoury scenes, posters with the faces of missing Israeli hostages were torn off walls along sections of the route. The protests come as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israel's military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. Israel is said to be preparing to launch an attack on Gaza by land, air and sea. An Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian convoy fleeing northern Gaza on a route reportedly approved by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) killed as many as 70 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Attacks on Israel by Hamas last weekend killed at least 1,300 people, mostly civilians. At least 2,200 people have been killed in Gaza as Israeli forces retaliate. Police have barricaded off a large section of Kensington High Street to stop protesters gathering near the Israeli Embassy LONDON: Thousands of protesters marched for Palestine, chanting 'Free Free Palestine' amid the war in the Middle East Police officers are seen amassing outside the Israeli embassy in preparation for Saturday's protest Palestine flags and supportive placards are waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby Protesters march down Regent's Street in London on Saturday afternoon LONDON: Palestine supporters climb the bandstand in Castle Park, Bristol and raise the Palestinian flag before marching through the city Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City Israeli Merkava battle tanks streaming into Gaza yesterday in preparation for the full scale ground invasion Palestinians carry an injured boy rescued from the rubble after an airstrike in Gaza today Orly Goldschmidt, spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. 'There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again,' she told Times Radio. Elsewhere, pro-Palestine protesters climbed Bristol's Castle Park bandstand and waved Palestinian flags and let off flares in Liverpool and Manchester. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was doing 'everything we can to ensure the security of British citizens' after the Defence Secretary said it seemed 'very likely' that there are British hostages in Gaza. An RAF flight left Israel on Friday night, part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety amid the escalating conflict in the region. A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the Air Force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekend's assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. The war has claimed at least 3,500 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7, with Israel placing the 25-mile Gaza Strip under siege and subjecting it to a torrent of retaliatory air strikes. The Biden administration has ordered 'non emergency' government staff to leave Israel and has urged Americans in Gaza to head to Egypt's Rafah crossing. An updated travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza was released earlier today as the Israel Defense Forces prepare to take the fight to Hamas. The State Department has authorized the departure of all 'non-emergency' U.S. government personnel and eligible family members for staff at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. Branch Office in Tel Aviv. Outside of staff, the government has also advised its citizens in Gaza to move south towards the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to be ready for its possible reopening. Washington worked with Egypt, Israel and Qatar to try to open the Rafah crossing for limited hours on Saturday afternoon to allow Palestinian-Americans to leave, a senior State Department official told reporters traveling with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. President Joe Biden speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House, Oct. 7, 2023, in Washington Smoke rises from the town of Beit Lahia in the northern part of the Gaza Strip as a result of an Israeli airstrike, 14 October 2023 It remains unclear however if Hamas, which controls Gaza, would allow access to the crossing, or whether any U.S. citizens would be able to exit. The advisory states: 'Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. 'Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. 'Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.' A U.S. State Department spokesperson said: 'We have informed U.S. citizens in Gaza with whom we are in contact that if they assess it to be safe, they may wish to move closer to the Rafah border crossing. 'There may be very little notice if the crossing opens and it may only open for a limited time.' The U.S. government estimates the number of dual-citizen Palestinian-Americans in Gaza at 500 to 600 among the strip's population of 2.3 million, and Washington hopes to get many of its nationals out of harm's way. So far, 27 Americans have been killed in the ongoing conflict which first started last weekend. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby had confirmed earlier this week that President Biden asked his team to ensure the government is assisting those in the region who want to leave. People sit in front of the gates as Palestinians with dual citizenship wait outside Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the hope of getting permission to leave Gaza, October 14, 2023 US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby speaks at the White House Press Briefing in Washington, DC, USA, 12 October 2023 The first charter flight was sent to Israel on Friday to bring citizens and their families home, Kirby said the government would also explore travel options by sea. Biden and top national security officials have repeatedly stressed the need to protect human life and follow the 'rule of law,' in comments that could constitute a caution to Israel. U.S. officials estimate 160,000-170,000 Americans are in Israel, as residents, tourists. or in other capacities. There will be at least four charter flights per day taking Americans out of the country. The U.S. Embassy in Israel said: 'It will take some period of time to schedule everyone seeking to depart. 'Transportation will be by air to Athens or Frankfurt, or sea from Haifa to Cyprus. You will not be able to choose your destination we will assign you to the next available flight or ship. Israel has kept up an intense bombardment of Gaza ever since the unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists last Saturday, that killed more than 1,200 people An Israeli flag flies over body bags of more than 20 dead Hamas militants with the word 'terrorist' written in Hebrew, on a field at Kibbutz Be'eri, where dozens of civilians were killed 'You should be prepared to depart within 8-12 hours of receiving notice of your booking. Each traveler may bring one small carry on item no more than 22 pounds (10 kg) and one suitcase no more than 35 pounds (16 kg),' according to the embassy.' Additional charter flights are scheduled between Athens and Tel Aviv through at least Oct. 19, a source told Reuters More than 400 Americans were signed up for the first flight but that figure includes an assumption that some would not turn up for it, a different source said. The State Department said this week it 'will take some period of time to schedule everyone seeking to depart.' Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma said earlier this week that the U.S. government had received roughly 17,000 inquiries about travel assistance leaving Israel. Deliberately calling someone by the 'wrong' gender pronouns could become a hate crime punishable by imprisonment under a Labour government, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Vowing to toughen up the sentencing guidelines for abuse and violence targeted at trans people, Labour would make attacks motivated by hatred of the victim's gender identity into 'aggravated offences'. This would bring transphobic abuse into line with assault and harassment motivated by hatred on the grounds of race or religion, which are punishable by up to two years in prison. Critics warn that the policy could therefore mean jail sentences for someone refusing to use a transgender person's preferred pronouns, or referring to them by their former name or their birth sex rather than their chosen gender. Last night, a senior Tory source said: 'Some police forces have shown themselves overzealous in the pursuit of supposed hate crimes and this reform would send them a signal to go even further. 'We've seen people arrested for misgendering but this isn't enough for Labour they want them locked up for two years.' Labour would make attacks motivated by hatred of the victim's gender identity into 'aggravated offences', including deliberately calling a person by the wrong pronouns Caroline Ffiske from Conservatives for Women said: 'Thousands of women dispute the notion of 'gender identity' and particularly the idea that it should be prioritised over biological sex. 'We have serious and legitimate concerns over being expected, in the workplace, when using public services or in private life, to refer to a man as 'she/her'. 'Is there a risk with this policy that a woman could be accused of harassment for correctly sexing a man and then for that to be treated as an aggravated offence?' Last year a Christian preacher was convicted of harassing a transgender woman by calling her a 'man' and a 'gentleman'. David McConnell was given a 12-month community order for leaving Farrah Munir 'emotionally distraught' after an argument between the two while he was preaching on a street in Leeds. His conviction was quashed after magistrates ruled there was no evidence he intended to harass her. Kate Scottow, who self describes as a 'radical feminist' was arrested in front of her children and convicted for a string of malicious messages directed at a transgender activist on Twitter In another case, Kate Scottow who describes herself as a 'radical feminist' was arrested in front of her children and later convicted of malicious communications for a string of messages directed at a transgender activist on Twitter, including referring to the activist as a man and a 'pig in a wig'. Again, her conviction was overturned on appeal after judges ruled that it was 'a grossly disproportionate and entirely unjustified state interference with free speech'. Labour remains committed to its transphobia plan despite abandoning its previous pledge to introduce gender 'self-ID'. Anneliese Dodds, Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary, said: 'The Conservatives are failing to protect LGBT+ people with their inability to get a handle on hate crime, including violent hate crime. Labour will strengthen the law to ensure the perpetrators of anti-LGBT+ hate can no longer dodge longer sentences. And our fully funded plan to recruit 13,000 more neighbourhood police and community support officers would increase safety for everyone.' A man from London whose British-Palestinian parents are in southern Gaza said they are 'trapped' at the border with Egypt 'like caged hens waiting to die'. Mo El-Deeb, 30, said his father, Talal El-Deeb, 66, went to visit family in Gaza a few weeks ago and his wife, Naila, 69, joined him within the last two weeks. Mr El-Deeb said his parents, who are British-Palestinian with British citizenship, are currently waiting in Rafah at the Egyptian border in southern Gaza and likened the situation to 'a ticking time bomb'. He said he hopes his parents will be able to leave the area through the Rafah border crossing but said they are still waiting there, adding there is 'no real clarity'. 'There's obviously no water, no food, medicine they had with them has obviously run out,' Mr El-Deeb, from Marylebone, central London, told the PA news agency. Naila and Talal El-Deeb, the British-Palestinian parents of Mo El-Deeb, find thesmelves trapped in southern Gaza Cars made a desperate exodus south ahead of an anticipated Israeli invasion, on October 13 Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south on Friday, October 13, 2023 Palestinians flee their homes in Gaza City, taking a few personal belongings as they head south 'Whether it's going to be death by airstrike or a ground invasion or their health, it's a ticking time bomb essentially. They're essentially caged in the south.' Mo El-Deeb said: 'Whether it's going to be death by airstrike or a ground invasion or their health, it's a ticking time bomb essentially.' Mr El-Deeb said he is trying to limit the contact he has to his parents to conserve the battery on their phones. 'They're obviously trying to keep high spirits because I've got four siblings here as well, but every time I speak to them I can literally hear just a non-stop barrage of bombing in the background, it just sounds so close. 'They're essentially like caged hens just waiting to die. 'Every time nighttime comes there's no electricity, it's just carpet bombings. 'Every time my phone rings or I get a message, I kind of expect the worst.' Mr El-Deeb said he has called the British Consulate 'around 50 times', speaking to 'over 30 people' during the last week but said 'no one can answer my questions'. 'I've spoken to a number of people, the general advice is to keep an eye on the email advice they sent out,' he said. He added that his parents are 'everyday ordinary people' that have 'nothing to do with what's going on'. 'Why are they being caged in like hens just waiting for what's coming?' he said. Mr El-Deeb said he feels 'like a zombie' with the ongoing situation in Israel, adding: 'I can't see people, I can't hear people, there's just numbness. 'Any second your parents could be gone, and that's the life I've been living for the last couple of days. 'It's beyond words now.' Black smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the eighth day of the clashes in Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023 Mo El-Deeb said: 'Whether it's going to be death by airstrike or a ground invasion or their health, it's a ticking time bomb essentially.' He added that his message for the UK government is to be 'proactive' in getting the border open in Rafah as there are 'British citizens who are stuck and waiting an imminent death'. 'They need to be proactive and they need to get over there,' he said. 'I'm sure there's a level of influence they could impose. 'These are their own citizens, that's my message.' When asked about the couple's situation, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) repeated its advice for British nationals in need of help to contact the organisation. They reiterated that they are working with the Egyptian authorities to help those of British and dual nationality to exit the region of Gaza via Rafah. In the 17 days since the sickening felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, there has been no shortage of suggestions how it might be replaced. Some want a sculpture to fill the void, a full-size replica cast in metal while others feel a bench, hand-crafted from its timber, would be an apt memorial. A would-be benefactor even offered to donate his own, fully-grown, 150-year-old sycamore. It was growing in light soil, he said, adding hopefully that it would be 'easy to move'. Another man bought, and then planted, a young sapling at the site only for the National Trust to promptly dig it up. On Thursday, after being cut into pieces that were as large as possible, the timber was removed to be stored by the National Trust which is looking at the possibility of growing a replacement from the dead tree's seeds, or perhaps leaving the stump and hoping that, come spring, fresh growth will sprout. If there's been plenty of speculation about how the ancient natural landmark arguably the nation's most famous tree should be commemorated, that's nothing to the endless conjecture about who might have been responsible for the mindless crime. As one wag observed, it's the sort of rural whodunnit worthy of fictional detective Miss Marple or, rather in this instance, Miss Maple. And as befits a scenario that would also make a fitting plotline for Midsomer Murders, a 1,500 bar tab has been offered by the local pub for information leading to an arrest. There's been no shortage of suggestions for replacing the felled Sycamore Gap tree Some want a sculpture to fill the void, a full-size replica cast in metal while others feel a bench, hand-crafted from its timber, would be an apt memorial As one wag observed, it's the sort of rural whodunnit worthy of fictional detective Miss Marple or, rather in this instance, Miss Maple An early suggestion was that that the felling may have been a sick social media stunt Others claimed the act might have been by someone with a grievance against the National Trust, which looks after the tree's site, along with the Northumberland National Park Perhaps the most baffling part of the case is understanding the motive. Who would have committed such a senseless act of vandalism? One early suggestion was that it might have been a sick social media stunt that a tree that had so often featured in people's posted photos had been felled for cheap hits on TikTok. Others claimed it might have been someone with a grievance against the National Trust, which looks after the tree's site, along with the Northumberland National Park. So when two locals were separately arrested and then released on police bail without charge, their backgrounds came under intense scrutiny. And with one aged just 16 too young legally to be named the focus fell on the second detainee, 69-year-old Walter Renwick. Mr Renwick was quick to protest his innocence. 'You've got the wrong feller,' he told reporters. But at the same time, he acknowledged why his name had circulated on social media ahead of his arrest. 'I'm a former lumberjack and I've just been kicked off my property, so I can see why people have pointed the finger,' he said. His eviction, it transpires, had been a long-running and bitter affair that ended with him being forced to leave the farmhouse that had been home to three generations of his family. Within hours, the tree was cut down. A coincidence, Mr Renwick insisted. His relatives also claimed that the National Trust had nothing to do with his eviction. But, as locals have pointed out, his property was surrounded by the Trust's land including 200 acres acquired from the late Queen's great uncle and the charity had in fact lodged a complaint against a campsite that he had run. 'There were a lot of complaints, especially during lockdown,' a local resident told The Mail on Sunday. 'Some of the campers left litter behind and it was felt that lockdown rules were being breached by people drinking too much and misbehaving. 'The National Trust owns lands opposite it and they made a complaint about the campsite, which didn't help his case for staying on the land.' Of course, such observations prove absolutely nothing, which leaves police continuing the work of finding hard evidence at the scene of the crime. Not an easy job, given the tree in question was located in remote countryside, in a gap in the landscape next to Hadrian's Wall, close to the village of Bardon Mill in Northumberland. The tree notably featured in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, and was voted English Tree Of The Year in 2016. Unsurprisingly, there is no CCTV nearby and on the night in question the high winds of Storm Agnes would have completely masked the noise of a chainsaw and a falling tree. Whether that was by luck or careful planning, no one knows. What detectives from Northumbria Police do have in their favour is that the crime scene was largely undisturbed. Liaising with arboriculturists and chainsaw experts at the Woodland Trust, analysis of the cleanly severed trunk of the 70 ft-tall sycamore suggests that it could only have been done by someone with professional skills. Sources say the tree was felled using three cuts, a method favoured by tree surgeons. The first two created a 'gob' on one side of the tree, removing a wedge of wood and so allowing the tree-feller to determine which direction the tree would fall. A final or 'back' cut was then made from the opposite side of the tree, linking towards the gob, above which the top part of the tree would have hinged over and down to the ground. Former Walter Renwick, 69 was one of two detained and then released on bail. He was evicted from his property following a long-running dispute with the National Trust The tree notably featured in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, and was voted English Tree Of The Year in 2016 Experts say samples retrieved from the sycamore would yield genetic material that could then be matched with sawdust found on the clothing or machinery of any potential suspects From the cutting marks left on the trunk, it is believed the chainsaw's blade was between 25 in and 35 inch, larger than models sold at DIY shops From the cutting marks left on the trunk, it is believed the chainsaw's blade was between 25 in and 35 in larger than popular models sold at DIY shops. The tree also appeared to have been circled with white paint to guide the cut. As Andrew Poad, general manager of National Trust for Hadrian's Wall, observed: 'I think it probably would have been done in about half an hour. 'You can see they have marked where they wanted it cut. So this wasn't a spontaneous thing.' Interestingly, DNA evidence may also have an important role to play in the investigation. And not necessarily human DNA but from the tree itself. Experts say samples retrieved from the sycamore would yield genetic material that could then be matched with sawdust found on the clothing or machinery of any potential suspects. The technique was successfully used recently by law enforcement agencies in America to convict two men of stealing timber used for making top-end acoustic guitars. 'There was a famous case on the West Coast of the US involving bigleaf maple, which are very valuable trees,' Roger Young, who runs Agroisolab a UK laboratory that specialises in identifying the origins of timber told The Mail on Sunday. 'Some rangers found stumps where someone had cut down the trees for the purposes of stealing this beautiful wood. 'And by chance, not long after, someone found some logs in a yard which were bigleaf maple, called the DNA guys and they showed that the DNA from the stumps was the same as in the logs.' 'Can science provide some answers for wood chips found in a workshop by a chainsaw, which could link it with some level of certainty?' asks Mr Young. 'I would argue it could. If there were some chips from where they first cut the tree, when the blade cut the tree, there would definitely be DNA.' Within hours of the discovery of the felled tree on September 28, police arrested a 16-year-old on suspicion of causing criminal damage. He was released on bail the following day pending further enquiries. When approached by The Mail on Sunday, relatives of the teenager declined to comment. Soon after, police announced they had arrested a second man, this time in his sixties. He was identified as Mr Renwick, whose name had been circulating widely online. In a series of statements, he strongly refuted cutting down the tree, which was located eight miles from the farm where he was born and lived all his life. 'The speculation is bloody ridiculous,' he said of the claims on social media. 'I wouldn't be so sad to do that. It was a lovely tree, an iconic tree. But I mean to go up there and cut that down. I'm not that stupid.' Mr Renwick said his work as a lumberjack for 40 years had seen him identified as a potential suspect. 'It makes it sound like me, doesn't it, because it was a good cut,' he said, referring to the culprit's handiwork. 'It was dark obviously but it was a lovely moonlit night... the cut was brilliant. 'When I say brilliant, you can tell a good lumberjack by the way he cuts a tree down. I haven't seen the cut obviously but I have seen it on the computer.' He added that while he owned a chainsaw, it had not been used 'for ages'. Police searching outbuildings at his property were seen removing the saw as well as other items. But it wasn't just Mr Renwick's tree-felling skills that raised suspicions among the locals. An advert for a local beer featuring the image of the famous tree next to Hadrian's Wall Following the death of his father, Eric a farmer and West Cumberland wrestling champion in 2006, Mr Renwick had expected the lease for the farm and land, including a campsite, to be passed down to him. The landowners, Jesuits In Britain, part of a 500-year-old religious order, took a different view, prompting a lengthy stand-off which culminated in eviction proceedings this summer. As the matter came to a head, supporters of Mr Renwick started an online petition which blamed the order and the National Trust for his eviction. Mr Renwick, meanwhile, voiced his grievances regarding the eviction in the local press using a tree analogy. 'It has broken a proud man,' he said. 'They have eaten away at my body, they have chip, chip, chipped. 'I mean some days I could just stay in bed and not get up, and that is not me, I worked day and night on the farm. I was born here. It is like a tree with roots.' A spokesman for Jesuits In Britain confirmed it had applied for a possession order on the property 'after repeated and fruitless attempts' to persuade Mr Renwick to leave. The organisation said despite there being no clause in the original lease for him to inherit the rental contract, it had agreed to extend the lease on several occasions up to 2021 'in order to give the illegal occupier time to find a new home'. It had also offered financial help for Mr Renwick to move. The spokesman added: 'Many of those denouncing the repossession have based their objections on the fact that the son of the leaseholder has been running a paid-for campsite on fields adjacent to the property. This campsite was never allowed under the terms of the lease and did not have planning permission from the local authority. However, the Jesuits have never taken action on this point. 'Over a number of years, the Jesuits have received complaints from both the local council and the National Trust, who own an adjacent property, about the unsocial behaviour of several campers, especially during the pandemic in 2020.' Records show that the National Trust owns two parcels of land nearby, including nearly 200 acres acquired by the charity in 1942 from the late Queen Elizabeth's great uncle, The Honourable Francis Bowes-Lyon Whether those responsible are ever brought to justice, it will take time lots of time before this ancient landscape beside Hadrian's Wall is restored Records show that the National Trust owns two parcels of land nearby, including nearly 200 acres acquired by the charity in 1942 from the late Queen Elizabeth's great uncle, The Honourable Francis Bowes-Lyon. A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council confirmed it had received a complaint in 2020 regarding an unauthorised campsite on the farm. She said: 'It was discovered that the campsite had been in operation for more than ten years and is therefore immune from planning enforcement action.' Jesuits In Britain confirmed it took possession of the property at the end of September, although Mr Renwick remains living on site in a campervan. A female relative told reporters he had only moved out of the house on the day the tree was felled. She added: 'He's got two leaking heart valves. He's never fit enough to get up there.' To the background of those protestations of innocence, this weekend the police investigation carries on. An investigation into a crime against a 150-year-old tree and those to whom it means so much. Because, whether those responsible are ever brought to justice, it will take time lots of time before this ancient landscape beside Hadrian's Wall is restored. Her couture collections may have made her the darling of the fashion world. But Stella McCartney's designs for a 5million modernist home in the remote Highlands of Scotland have been less well received. For the 52-year-old has applied to build a massive glass-fronted house in one of the wildest parts of Britain to the fury of locals who have condemned it as a 'carbuncle'. Even though the designer who is the daughter of vegetarian pioneer Linda McCartney and her Beatles legend husband Sir Paul has been a lifelong advocate of animal welfare, objectors claim her plans will disturb wildlife, including nearby families of otters. They also claim the 'monstrous' house could see Scots pine trees being cut down and walkers being blocked from the beach. Stella McCartney 's designs for a 5million modernist home has angered locals. Pictured, Alasdhair Willis (left) and Stella McCartney attend the launch of the Stella McCartney Global flagship store on Old Bond Street The couple have lodged plans with Highland Council, including a design statement from architects Brown & Brown. Pictured, designs for the modernist build McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis bought a plot of land on the coastline of the West Highlands around 150 miles north-west of Glasgow. The couple have lodged plans with Highland Council, including a design statement from architects Brown & Brown stating a 'simple materials palette' will be used 'with a contemporary and complementary mix of rough-cut natural Scottish stone' as well as concrete and weathering steel. The architects also note: 'The applicant wishes to create a home here which is site-specific, with the setting, existing contours, aspect, and sun-path being among the key generators of the design. 'Privacy is of prime import to the applicant, which was a chief reason they acquired the site. 'The secluded nature of the site would be retained, with the house being largely unseen outwith the site, and primarily only visible from the water.' However, more than 50 objections have been lodged. One is from Highland councillor Angus MacDonald, who lives nearby and believes the couple's new house would be out of place. He said: 'We would welcome them living in the area but would hope they could come up with a building suggestion more sympathetic to its location.' One resident, who did not want to be named said: 'It's believed in the area that the build will cost around 5million. Stella McCartney, who makes a big thing about being green, plans to build a house that's steel and concrete. Highland Council has confirmed the plans are still under consideration. Designs for the interior of the build More than 50 objections have been lodged including one from Highland councillor Angus MacDonald. Pictured, the plot of land where the house is being proposed to be built on 'Everybody in the area was expecting something eco, maybe with a turf roof, for example, so everyone was quite surprised that's not what has been proposed.' Documents lodged with Highland Council show a range of complaints about the plans. Celia Woodhouse says it would be 'disastrous' if the 'monstrous house' is built. Patrick MacDonald believes the home would be to the 'detriment' of the area, saying: 'The fact that there exists a woodland of mature Scots pine trees and indeed otters on the site should be all the more reason it should be protected.' Lady Marie-Sophie Law de Lauriston adds: 'Non-reflective glass would be more appropriate to reduce the visual impact of the building in the evening sun. 'Access to the beach at the east of the proposed property should be guaranteed, given the constant visitors to the beach. 'There is an otter holt on the knoll where the proposed house will be, and the impact on local wildlife should be considered.' Another objector says the 'new modern dwelling will spoil the natural beauty of this landscape and become a carbuncle on the bluff'. Highland Council has confirmed the plans are still under consideration. McCartney has strong links to Scotland, having spent much of her childhood with her parents at the farmhouse on the Mull of Kintyre which inspired Sir Paul's famous 1977 song. America's top diplomat Antony Blinken has called for civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel to be protected as he meets with Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Secretary of State has intensified his diplomatic outreach across the Middle East in recent days to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from expanding. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting. He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive. His remarks followed the Hamas ran Palestinian health ministry reporting that an Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian convoy feeling northern Gaza killed as many as 70 people on Friday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves as he departs Doha on October 13, 2023, en route to Manama in Bahrain An Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian convoy fleeing northern Gaza on a route reportedly approved by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) killed as many as 70 people, the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry has said A fireball erupts during Israeli bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023 Women and children as young as two to five were among the dead after a strike hit a Palestinian convoy of vehicles fleeing northern Gaza to the south, a BBC report said. Many Palestinians are struggling to escape from areas targeted by the Israeli military while grappling with a growing water crisis after Israel stopped the flow of resources to the region. Reports emerged yesterday afternoon alongside video of the devastation of the scene after the strike. The BBC Verify service said it has confirmed that the strike happened on Salah-al-Din street, which is one of two evacuation routes from north Gaza to the south. Hamas terrorists have urged civilians to ignore the evacuation order and some are refusing to leave, with Mahmoud Shalabi - director of Medical Aid for Palestinians - saying 'no place was safe in Gaza' and he hoped to 'die with dignity'. In visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, Blinken cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns. Blinken also reached out to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his country's help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinken's spokesman declined to characterize Wangs response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the region's stability. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops ahead of the push into Gaza Smoke billows from a building in Gaza after Israel fired missiles in response to Palestinian air strikes earlier on Saturday A fireball erupts during Israeli bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023 While in Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians. Blinken said: 'As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that. 'None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else.' Prince Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end. He said: 'We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence. 'Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price.' While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words 'Light in the Darkness.' Blinken planned to return to Saudi Arabia and then stop in Egypt on Sunday. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on October 14, 2023 Blinken puts a tile on the intention wall at the Abrahamic Family House, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Saturday Oct. 14, 2023 Blinken signed a tile with the words 'Light in the Darkness' that has been displayed at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi Israeli army spokesperson Jonathan Conricus said earlier today that Israeli forces are now 'in formation all around the Gaza Strip, in the south, in the centre and the north' as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu met with troops. Netanyahu's office said in a statement, and an accompanying video showed him telling them: 'You ready for the next stage? The next stage is coming.' The U.S. government estimates the number of dual-citizen Palestinian-Americans in Gaza at 500 to 600 among the strip's population of 2.3 million, and Washington hopes to get many of its nationals out of harm's way. So far, 27 Americans have been killed in the ongoing conflict which first started last weekend. An updated travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza was released earlier today also, with U.S. government staff and their families now fleeing Israel. Outside of staff, the government has also advised its citizens in Gaza to move south towards the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to be ready for its possible reopening. It remains unclear however if Hamas, which controls Gaza, would allow access to the crossing, or whether any U.S. citizens would be able to exit. People visit exhibition during World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 in E China's Fujian Xinhua) 11:36, October 14, 2023 This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows the exterior view of the main venue of the World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. The World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 kicked off Thursday in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province, aiming to pool wisdom for fields including technological innovation, equipment manufacturing, and industrial cooperation. The four-day event, jointly hosted by the Fujian provincial government, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport, is themed on "Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons." It strives to provide a high-level international exchange and cooperation platform for the marine equipment industry. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) People visit an exhibition during the World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Oct. 13, 2023. The World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 kicked off Thursday in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province, aiming to pool wisdom for fields including technological innovation, equipment manufacturing, and industrial cooperation. The four-day event, jointly hosted by the Fujian provincial government, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport, is themed on "Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons." It strives to provide a high-level international exchange and cooperation platform for the marine equipment industry. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows a model of the "Adora Magic City," China's first domestically-built large cruise ship, at an exhibition during the World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. The World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 kicked off Thursday in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province, aiming to pool wisdom for fields including technological innovation, equipment manufacturing, and industrial cooperation. The four-day event, jointly hosted by the Fujian provincial government, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport, is themed on "Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons." It strives to provide a high-level international exchange and cooperation platform for the marine equipment industry. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) People visit an exhibition during the World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Oct. 13, 2023. The World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 kicked off Thursday in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province, aiming to pool wisdom for fields including technological innovation, equipment manufacturing, and industrial cooperation. The four-day event, jointly hosted by the Fujian provincial government, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport, is themed on "Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons." It strives to provide a high-level international exchange and cooperation platform for the marine equipment industry. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A visitor takes photos of a Qiandong marine granary model at an exhibition during the World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Oct. 13, 2023. The World Marine Equipment Conference 2023 kicked off Thursday in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province, aiming to pool wisdom for fields including technological innovation, equipment manufacturing, and industrial cooperation. The four-day event, jointly hosted by the Fujian provincial government, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport, is themed on "Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons." It strives to provide a high-level international exchange and cooperation platform for the marine equipment industry. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Soaring over a sparkling azure sea, a paraglider whoops with joy next to a beach in Gaza. He is a German diplomat and after a scenic flight he lands to triumphant cheers and gleefully proclaims: 'Everything is possible in Gaza.' Clutching his deflated parachute, Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff an EU envoy boasted to a camera that he had performed 'the first Gaza paragliding flight in history', to demonstrate to the world what could be achieved in the troubled enclave. 'What does it tell us? You can fly here,' he announced. That was three months ago. Whether the pro-Palestinian EU diplomat now regrets his political stunt is open to question. For, as the world now knows to its cost, he was not the first to paraglide in Gaza as the airborne wing of Hamas proved with such savagery last Saturday. Pictured, still from footage showing fighters training ahead of Hamas' operation into Israel Festival goers flee the carnage as Hamas terrorists gun down revellers at a music festival It turns out the terror group's 'Air Force Falcon Squadron' had been training with their motorised paragliders for months, if not years, to unleash death from the skies. As partygoers at the Nova music festival danced in the sands of the Negev desert at sunrise, they were oblivious to the horror about to descend upon them. In one of the most spine-chilling videos, filmed by a carefree reveller in the moments before joy turned to unspeakable terror, the paragliders appeared simply as innocent grey specks in the sky. Flying in formation, the fleet of Falcon Squadron fighters swooped low over the stunned partygoers and opened fire with machine guns mounted on the frames and Kalashnikov rifles. Some of the Hamas 'pilots' were flying solo, others were in two-man aircraft. But how on Earth did Hamas manage to establish an air force in Gaza an area smaller than the Isle of Wight? How did its pilots train to such a high standard right under the noses of the formidable Israeli security services? The Falcon Squadron pilots landed smoothly on the sands on one side of the festival and continued their barbaric bloodletting. Petrified young people were mown down as they scrambled to escape. And, in a sickening tactic, those fleeing the carnage were deliberately driven into an ambush at the exit where more Hamas gunmen lay in wait. The Hamas paragliders who even had uniforms emblazoned with 'Air Force Falcon Squadron' insignia were just as brutally effective in attacks unfolding elsewhere. The slick PR wing of the terror group has since put out a professionally-filmed video boasting how the fighters rehearsed. But how on Earth did Hamas manage to establish an air force in Gaza an area smaller than the Isle of Wight? Pictured, Hamas terrorists training According to multiple security sources in Israel this week, the paragliding rehearsals had been noticed but were dismissed as 'ridiculous'. Pictured, pictures of the music festival just before the terrorists struck It shows them starting up the engines with parachutes stretched out. A handful of sand is thrown into the air to gauge the wind direction - a technique also seen in the video of the German diplomat preparing for his flight. The Hamas video, set to thumping Hollywood-style music, shows gun-toting paragliders hovering above the desert scrub before landing beside a mocked-up Israeli village marked with blue Star of David signs, before storming it. How did all this deadly training go unnoticed in one of the most surveilled few square miles on Earth? The Gaza Strip, 25 miles long, five miles wide and governed by a ruthless terror organisation hell-bent on destroying its neighbour, must have more spy satellites and eavesdropping equipment directed at it than almost anywhere else. According to multiple security sources in Israel this week, the paragliding rehearsals had been noticed but were dismissed as 'ridiculous'. Motorised paragliders are noisy, they fly relatively slowly and they make a big, easy-to-spot target for any halfway decent Israeli sniper or soldier with a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile. During the seven-week Gaza War of 2014, Hamas sent paragliding fighters over the fence to attack Israel and all were easily shot down, said Shalom Ben Hanan, a former major general in the Israeli Security Agency. He told me: 'They have been training in the Gaza Strip for years, and we saw them training. 'We felt it was something ridiculous because we had intercepted them easily in 2014.' Ilan Lotan, another former intelligence officer, added: 'We saw them training with the paragliders, we saw the propaganda videos Hamas made. The twin Berdichevsky brothers Guy and Roi with their parents Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky Survivors of the attrocities Guy and Roi at a relative's home a week after the massacre 'There were no new tools used in this attack, we knew them all.' Hamas 'air force' was apparently regarded as no more than a joke. Until, that is, a week ago. As dawn broke, the worst atrocity in Israel's history was set in motion as another wing of Hamas's primitive air force, the 'Zouari' drone squadron, sent unmanned aircraft to drop bombs on surveillance towers along the fence rendering the Israeli military 'blind'. Then members of the Falcon Squadron soared over the 20ft fortified cement wall in paragliders to secure terrain on the other side, allowing Hamas's commando units to use explosives to break through the barrier at multiple points. Bulldozers widened the gaps, allowing terrorists armed to the teeth to stream through in cars, pick-up trucks and on motorbikes. Yesterday the vast scale of the incursion was laid bare as it was estimated that more than 2,000 terrorists breached the barrier. And while all this was going on, another Hamas unit sent a 'shock and awe' barrage of 3,000 rockets streaking into Israel, overwhelming its 'Iron Dome' defence system and causing chaos in military control centres. Yesterday, Israel said it had killed the Hamas 'air force' chief Merad Abu Merad with a fighter jet strike on his headquarters in Gaza. But no one thinks Hamas launched such an extraordinary operation without outside help, the finger of blame being pointed squarely at Iran for financing and sending weapons and equipment. Foreign fighters with their own warped expertise are believed to have joined the bloody venture. I have seen evidence, so far uncorroborated, of at least six Taliban insurgents said to have been killed fighting alongside Hamas. Colonel Richard Kemp, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, told me yesterday: 'The hand of Iran is very firmly on the shoulder of Hamas, and pushing them from behind as well. 'It is possible they conducted, or helped to conduct, the paragliding training. You can't just jump in and fly those things. 'It may have been in Iran or somewhere else, possibly Lebanon. But there seems no doubt they could train inside the Gaza Strip as well.' There are security questions to be answered even our friend the German diplomat reportedly managed to bring his own paraglider into Gaza, despite Israel banning such items under its 'no fly' restrictions on the enclave. The vast bulk of Hamas's material would have been smuggled in through a network of tunnels in Gaza. Thirteen years ago, I was shown one. There was an 80ft vertical drop, lined with strings of fairy lights. At the bottom, the tunnel was almost tall enough to stand in, and ran for more than half-a-mile to a cellar in a house over the border in Egypt. The boss of this tunnel boasted he could shift 40 tons a day through it, saying: 'I charge around $100 for a motorbike and $15 for a sack of food. We bring everything.' 'Everything' included sheep, goats, a baby camel and even lions sedated on order from Gaza's zoo. But the boss insisted he did not import weapons. There are countless other tunnels though, and by the evidence of last weekend they have been doing a brisk trade of late. It is now becoming clear just how meticulously Hamas planned its bloodbath. Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general, said Hamas had 'gone back to the Stone Age' to avoid its plans being detected. Terror commanders had avoided using phones and computers, and conducted their business in rooms specially guarded from technological espionage, or they have gone underground altogether. Many Hamas leaders were said to be unaware of the plans and, while training, the hundreds of fighters deployed in Saturday's assault were in the dark over the exact purpose of the exercises. That will not be the case if a new front of the war breaks out in Israel's north. There, Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon will know exactly what they have been training for. They have an 'air force' too. There were panicked reports of 'up to 100' Hezbollah paragliders flying over the border on Wednesday evening, as a red alert sent Israel's entire northern population fleeing terrified to their shelters. Thankfully it was a false alarm. But it seems only a matter of time before Israelis again face the spectre of slaughter from the skies. Rishi Sunak was warned last night not to give ground on Brexit after the German finance minister invited him to improve the UK's trade deal with Brussels. Christian Lindner declared: 'If you want to intensify your trade relationship with the EU call us!' Government insiders said Germany's willingness to forge closer links proved that 'Brexit naysayers were completely wrong'. But Brexiteer Tory MPs claimed the offer would have too many strings attached. Former Cabinet member Simon Clarke asked: 'At what price? We know there is no closer deal to be agreed without customs unions and single market membership, both of which would make Brexit pointless.' Rishi Sunak was warned last night not to give ground on Brexit after the German finance minister invited him to improve the UK's trade deal with Brussels David Jones, deputy chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs, said: 'I'm sure German companies would love to do more business with the UK.' But he also warned that the German minister 'shouldn't hold his breath'. A Government source told The Mail on Sunday: 'We won't be calling them. We have the TCA [Brexit trade agreement] and we're not amending, changing or renegotiating it.' By contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he will seek 'a much better' relationship with the EU if he wins the next election. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the Labour Party Conference last week: 'Just because we accept Brexit, it doesn't mean we think we can't get a better deal.' Christian Lindner declared: 'If you want to intensify your trade relationship with the EU call us!' Government insiders said Germany's willingness to forge closer links proved that 'Brexit naysayers were completely wrong' Mr Clarke said: 'Labour's desire for a closer deal is either empty words or a Trojan Horse to overturn our vote for independence.' In a BBC interview, Mr Lindner stated that the UK had a 'standing invitation' on future talks aimed at reducing trade barriers. He went to say: 'In the daily life of German corporates, there are new obstacles since Brexit... I don't think [the] United Kingdom is benefiting from Brexit. 'We really appreciate the United Kingdom and its values, its people... and I would really, really appreciate it if we can intensify [the trade relationship] again.' Lord Frost, former chief Brexit negotiator, responded: 'It would be much better if our European friends and partners concentrated on putting their own ramshackle Eurozone in order rather than constantly telling us how we should govern ourselves. 'If the EU ever wishes to offer a closer trading relationship that doesn't involve our accepting EU law, then that will be something new. But it's clear Lindner is not offering that and it is not in his power to offer it. Rather, he hopes we will be suckered back into the single market without a say in its rules, destroying our prospects as a global trader. I can see why that would be in Germany's interest but it is not in ours.' Mr Lindner's comments also opened up divisions within the EU over trade negotiations. Maros Sefcovic, who negotiated the Brexit trade deal, has previously ruled out reopening talks before a scheduled review in 2026. French MEP Nathalie Loiseau said of the German minister's remarks: 'I am surprised to hear him express views which aren't co-ordinated with EU27 and don't take into account the position expressed by the British Government.' Another UK Government source said: 'Since leaving the EU, we have seized the benefits of Brexit to sign trade deals with 71 nations and scrap red tape to help boost investment and growth across the UK. 'Of course we're happy to talk trade with Germany as ever, the Brexit naysayers were completely wrong. It's in their best interests to access our dynamic economy and investment opportunities.' Germany's exports to the UK were 14.1 per cent lower last year than in 2016, according to the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce with both German and British industry complaining about extra red tape since Brexit. Last week Mr Lindner met Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Morocco as part of a summit organised by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. A Treasury source said the Brexit trade deal was not discussed. Everyday Australians have joined political leaders and social commentators in calling for Anthony Albanese to step down as prime minister. The calls come after Mr Albanese was handed a resounding defeat in the Voice referendum on Saturday night with all six states voting No. Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt urged the prime minister to throw in the towel while South Australia's Opposition Leader David Speirs joined in on the chorus. A referendum defeat has toppled leaders around the world in the past with UK prime minister David Cameron resigning following Brexit in 2016. 'Some people are saying he should resign,' Mr Speirs said. Everyday Australians have joined political leaders and social commentators in calling for Anthony Albanese to step down as prime minister The calls come after Mr Albanese was handed a resounding defeat in the Voice referendum on Saturday night with at least five of the six states voting No (pictured, emotional scenes unfolded following the referendum defeat on Saturday night) 'He should resign because the damage he has done to our country and to the very fabric of what it means to be Australian is, quite frankly, heartbreaking. 'The prime minister should think about his future. I don't think he will resign but there are international precedents there.' Columnist Simon Benson wrote in The Australian: 'Failure of the referendum doesn't necessarily go to fatality of leadership.' 'But the question is whether there is a residual effect that goes to a broader issue of political competence and judgment. 'Is what has been exposed by the Voice reveal something endemic about how Albanese deals with the big issues?' Everyday Australians have joined in and demanded Mr Albanese hand in his resignation immediately. 'Albanese has demonstrated his hatred for Australia and our Constitution. Albanese MUST RESIGN,' one wrote on social media platform X. 'Its a good day to be living in Australia,' another added. 'The only thing that would make it better would be for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to resign, for putting this country through such a divisive fiasco.' A third wrote: 'How about Albanese look for a way forward for ALL Australians and how he can get onto there larger issues like cost of living, health and housing rather than be totally distracted. 'Albanese should resign and get out of the way.' Bolt led the calls on Saturday night saying Mr Albanese 'should go' after subjecting the country to the 'poison' of the referendum. 'I just wonder now how Anthony Albanese can stay on as prime minister,' he said. 'I mean he's put us through this nightmare. He's wasted nearly $400 million worth of taxpayer's money (on the referendum).' Sky News' Andrew Bolt has called for Anthony Albanese to resign after a resounding defeat in the Voice to Parliament referendum, which he says had divided the country The Yes campaign lost the referendum within 90 minutes of polls closing all states except West Australia Bolt said the result was 'marvellous'. 'I think Australians have seen through the falsehoods of the Yes campaign.' Fellow conservative commentator Prue MacSween joined in on the call for Mr Albanese's resignation, suggesting he 'consider his future as PM' after large numbers of Labor voters turned on the PM. Ms MacSween said that if Mr Albanese did not resign then Labor would not stand a chance in future elections. READ MORE: ABC host defends coverage of the Voice A high-profile ABC reporter has slapped down trolls who bizarrely attacked her for broadcasting live from a No campaign event. Advertisement 'He may want to tough it out. To think it will be business as usual, but Anthony Albanese must consider his future as PM,' she wrote. 'If he doesn't, many voters will. Big numbers of Labor seats have voted NO. 'They have rejected his judgement, his despicable con on the Australian people, the fact he showed us all disdain, refused to explain detail [and] treated us all with contempt.' Mr Albanese addressed reporters after the referendum failed and renewed his promise to continue fighting for the rights of Indigenous Australians. 'While tonight's result is not one that I had hoped for, I absolutely respect the decision of the Australian people and the democratic process that has delivered it,' he said. 'When we reflect on everything hapepning in the world today we can all give thanks that we make the decisions peacefully, and as equals. 'We argued for this change not out of convenience but from conviction, because that's what people deserve from their government. 'When you do the hard things, when you aim high, sometimes you fall short. And tonight we acknowledge, understand and respect that we have. As prime minister, I will always accept responsibility for the decisions I have taken, and I do so tonight.' Prue MacSween said that if Mr Albanese did not resign then voters would kick him out of the job in the next election Commentators announced that the referendum had lost within 90 minutes of polls closing before adding that both a majority of states and a majority of Australians voted No In the 90 minutes after polls closed in all states and territories except Western Australia, ABC has called New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria as voting No. The Yes campaign failed to garner either majority needed for the referendum to pass. A majority of states and a majority of Australians voted No within two-and-a-half hours of the polls closing. READ MORE: How the Yes campaign reacted to defeat Indigenous TV anchor and Yes supporter Brooke Boney has revealed why she covered the Voice referendum despite polls warning of a No victory. The presenter headed Channel Nine's live coverage of the referendum with Peter Overton on Saturday night. Australia voted No to the proposed change to the constitution, with every state rejecting the proposal and only the ACT voting Yes as the vote count continues. Boney revealed she wanted to be present to convey the results of the referendum to Indigenous people despite whether the Yes or No vote succeeded. 'I have a message for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers, as a Kamilaroi woman I wanted to be here tonight to deliver the results to you, regardless of the outcome,' she said. Indigenous TV presenter Brooke Boney (pictured) revealed she wanted to 'be there' to deliver the results of the Voice referendum in an emotional message to First Nations people The presenter headed Channel Nine's live coverage of the referendum with Peter Overton on Saturday night 'I wanted to be here to remind you all of the love we have for one another a love that has served us for the last 60,000 years to be the longest-continuing culture of anywhere in the world.' 'That does not happen by accident.' Boney reflected on the divisiveness brought out during the debate around the Voice and encouraged the community to move forward together with a sense of hope. 'This is a discussion that has, at times, been inspiring and at times been ugly. We've seen the best and the worst of people during this campaign.' 'As the sun sets on polling day, it will rise again tomorrow and our work continues to make sure our babies are loved, our Elders are cared for and our community is strong. 'To all of you at home tonight, I say goodnight.' Boney posted the video of her emotional on-air message to her Instagram page. Her followers expressed their sympathies with the TV presenter and their sadness over the final result. 'Really well done Brooke. Thinking of you and all of Australias First People tonight,' said one. 'Brooke, I have no words. Holding The First Nations people of Australia in my heart tonight as best I can' said another. 'I am heartbroken for you and for every Australian who held hope.' A third added: 'So disappointed with this outcome. So sorry to all Indigenous people.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney addressed the nation at Parliament House after the referendum was called. Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney addressed the nation at Parliament House after the referendum was called The Prime Minister vowed his government would continue to fight to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians by working to 'close the gap' and advancing reconciliation The Prime Minister acknowledged that while it wasn't the result he had hoped for, he respects the overwhelming decision of the Australian people. 'When we reflect on everything happening in the world today, we can all give thanks that here in Australia we make the big decisions peacefully and as equals, with one vote, one value,' he said. READ MORE: The Voice referendum: The winners and losers of extraordinary campaign that divided Australia Advertisement 'I never imagined or indeed said that it would be easy. Very few things in public life worth doing are.' Visibly emotional after the outcome, Mr Albanese vowed his government would continue to fight to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians by working to 'close the gap' and advance reconciliation. 'Our nation's Road to reconciliation has often been hard going, steep climbs, the ground uncertain, the headwinds powerful, the way forward difficult to navigate,' Mr Albanese said. 'But through the decades there have been hard moments, moments of hard-won progress as well. 'That's why I say tonight is not the end of the road and is certainly not the end of our efforts to bring people together. 'The issues we sought to address have not gone away, and neither have the people of goodwill and good heart who want to address them.' A video showing a California police officer dragging a woman from her car and punching her to the ground after an alleged burglary has gone viral on social media. The shocking footage shows the end of a car chase after a business near the Gateway Plaza Shopping Center was burglarized on Friday, the Vallejo Police Department told KRON4. Police allege that the suspect was driving recklessly and crashed into a truck in the area of Auto Mall Pkwy and Admiral Callaghan Lane. @romyrhamilton Just witnessed this crash right in front of me then this original sound - Romyr Hamilton A video showing a California police officer dragging a woman from her car and punching her to the ground after an alleged burglary has gone viral on social media The shocking footage shows the end of a car chase after a business near the Gateway Plaza Shopping Center was burglarized on Friday The suspect, wearing jeans and a white sweater, then resisted arrest and tried to escape, according to police. The video, taken by a civilian in a car, shows an officer pulling the woman out from the car door, slamming her against the nearby truck, before pulling her to the ground and punching her in the face. The officer then restrains the woman and sits on her head. After the woman is handcuffed the officer picks her up from the floor and forcefully walks her away from the camera. Both the woman and the police officer were injured in the arrest, police told KRON4. The suspect was injured from the car crash, and the officer was injured from trying to arrest the woman. The woman is currently in police custody, authorities said. The name of the suspect nor the officer involved in the arrest has yet been released. The video, taken by a civilian in a car, shows an officer pulling the woman out from the car door, slamming her against the nearby truck, before pulling her to the ground and punching her in the face The officer then restrains the woman and sits on her head The Vallejo Police Department said the incident will be reviewed under the departments use of force policy Since being posted on Friday afternoon, the TikTok has garnered more than 467,000 views, 49,000 likes and 2,400 comments. Police said the incident will be reviewed under the departments use of force policy. Investigation after all five passengers on board vessel died during the tragedy American authorities are considering filing criminal manslaughter charges over the doomed Titan sub, The Mail on Sunday has learned. Titan imploded in June on a dive to the wreck of the Titanic in the North Atlantic, killing all on board: British billionaire Hamish Harding, 58; Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son Suleman; French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77; and pilot Stockton Rush, 61, CEO of Titan's parent company, OceanGate Expeditions. Last night, a person closely associated with the investigation into the tragedy said: 'Interviews with those involved, both people who were directly involved with Titan and those who warned against it, have been taking place. 'There is serious discussion about criminal charges being brought against those responsible, including possible negligent homicide charges or manslaughter charges.' The investigation is said to be focusing on those aboard the Polar Prince, Titan's support vessel, and current and former OceanGate staff, as well as 'dozens' in the underwater exploration world who repeatedly warned Titan was 'unsafe'. American authorities are considering filing criminal manslaughter charges over the doomed Titan sub, which imploded in June, The Mail on Sunday has learned Graphic showing the parts of the Titan submersible that have been found following 'catastrophic implosion' The source said: 'There is a trove of evidence, including written and legal, which shows Stockton Rush was repeatedly warned that Titan was an accident waiting to happen.' A lawyer who is familiar with the case said last night: 'The civilian passengers signed a waiver but that could certainly be challenged in court should evidence emerge that safety tests were knowingly bypassed and warnings were recklessly ignored.' University student Suleman (left), 19, and his father Shahzada Dawood (right) were two of the five victims who were killed instantly when the OceanGate submersible suffered a 'catastrophic implosion' British explorer Hamish Harding was among those killed in the 'catastrophic implosion' Following a week of abject horror, there could scarcely be a more obscene insult. Under the noses of police, two young women parade brazenly towards Trafalgar Square sporting pictures of paragliders taped to the back of their jackets. As the world knows, it was by paraglider that Hamas terrorists floated into Israel exactly a week earlier, cutting down revellers at a music festival with machine gun fire from the air. As she marched, one of the women, wearing a red jacket, chanted: 'Britain is a terrorist state.' Yesterday's march for Palestine was never supposed to be a celebration of slaughter. But it was a day when social media's nasty tribalism transferred from screen to street, personified in the full-throated rage of some of the protesters, one pictured waving a black and white flag often used by jihadis in full view of a nearby policeman who did nothing to intervene. Protestors were seen with an image of paragliders stuck to their backs in reference to the attacks on Saturday Protestors gather in Whitehall, outside Downing Street, on October 14, 2023 Demonstrators protest in solidarity with Palestinians, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in London, Britain, October 14, 2023 Protesters let off smoke canisters in central London as they gather in support of Palestinians At one point, a woman shouted, 'Where is the love?' Her words soared above the bustle and clamour left by a rare lull in chanting, and was delivered as much in admonishment as naive despair. Perhaps she hadn't expected that this could happen on the streets of our capital this appalling provocation or to see the entrance to the BBC sprayed with blood-red paint, or placards inexplicably accusing the broadcaster of supporting genocide or worse still, to hear two men openly calling for the murder of Jews. Last night, there were scuffles with police who drew their batons in Trafalgar Square to subdue 100 troublemakers, many with faces covered, who refused to leave the area. Scotland Yard said seven people were arrested. There were plenty of placards issuing injunctions Free Palestine, BBC Go to Hell, End Israel State Terror, and so on. And others accusing Israel of crimes against humanity. The crowd was addressed by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who called on political leaders to condemn Israel's 'war crimes' in Gaza. Later, a few hundred protesters tried to march on the Israeli embassy in West London. Police barricaded the streets and had earlier issued a dispersal order telling activists to stay away from the area or face arrest. Officers armed with riot helmets and truncheons blocked the nearby roads with metal barriers to stop the activists, many of whom were carrying large Palestinian flags. They milled around for a short while before drifting away into the night. The protests repeated in cities around Britain came as the Middle East teetered on the edge of all-out conflict. On a day of intense drama: Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the next stage of a military operation in Gaza was 'coming' as he visited troops preparing for action; Hundreds of thousands of people fled northern Gaza ahead of the expected land, air and sea offensive, although Israel claimed Hamas had used roadblocks to disrupt the evacuation; Nine Israeli hostages were killed in Gaza, with Hamas claiming it was as a result of Israeli air strikes; There were skirmishes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah terrorists on the border with Lebanon, where two Lebanese civilians were killed by Israeli rockets; Two rockets were reportedly fired from Syria, setting off sirens in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and sparking a return of artillery fire; Two Foreign Office flights left Israel, evacuating British citizens; Israeli forces said Ali Qadhi, the Hamas commander who led last weekend's deadly terrorist attack, had been killed in an air strike; UN chiefs warned clean water in Gaza was running out, food supplies were 'dangerously low' and hospitals 'overwhelmed'; Gaza authorities said more than 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 wounded in Israel's bombardment; British civil servants were revealed to have rebelled against Downing Street's order for the Israeli flag to be flown above Government buildings; Tory MP Crispin Blunt was embroiled in a row after he said that Britain could be 'complicit in war crimes' for supporting Israel. Last night, Scotland Yard said it would investigate videos posted on Twitter showing antisemitic chanting and the protesters wearing paraglider badges although they were not stopped at the time. A police source said they were studying 'facial images' of the young women, and a spokesman said: 'We are aware of the tweets and this will form part of our post-event investigation.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a statement offering his 'unequivocal' support for Israel. Condemning the 'horror and barbarism unleashed in Israel a week ago', he said: 'To the people of Israel, I say Britain is with you. What took place was an act of pure evil and Israel has every right to defend itself. We will do everything we can to support Israel in restoring the security it deserves. 'To our Jewish community in the UK: I know you are hurting and reeling from these vile terrorist acts. At moments like this, when Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe. We've seen intimidating behaviour and shameful antisemitism online and on our streets with attempts to stir up tensions. I say: not here. Not in Britain. Not in our country. Not in this century. 'We will do everything we possibly can to protect Jewish people in our country. And if anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it.' He ended his message: 'Am Yisrael Cha' a Hebrew phrase meaining: 'The people of Israel live' Writing in The Mail on Sunday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: 'It is false to equate Hamas' heinous crimes with Israel's right to self-defence. We should be in no doubt what Hamas stand for. A warped ideology which kills and abducts people simply because they are in Israel. Festival goers, kibbutzim, peace activists, Arab Israelis. Anyone who happened to cross their path.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: 'There must be zero tolerance of any increase in antisemitism or Islamophobia.' Protesters holding Palestinian flags climb the Eros statue at Piccadilly Circus during a 'March For Palestine', part of a pro-Palestinian national demonstration, in London on October 14 Jeremy Corbyn speaks and gets and enthusiastic response during a pro-Palestine march on October 14 Protestors wave flags during a pro-Palestine march in London, amid nationwide demonstrations, on October 14 Police officers arrest a protester in Trafalgar Square during a March for Palestine in London The Pro-Palestine protest in London has turned ugly as activists started hurling objects at police Yesterday, of all the thousands of flags and placards on display as the march snaked through London, not one featured the word peace. Nobody spoke about the murder of babies and children by Hamas terrorists at a kibbutz close to the Gaza border, nor the music festival attack which left more than 260 dead. 'Today is about Gaza, what the Israelis are doing to the Palestinian people and what they are about to do,' said Alan Pledger, a radiologist from Lewisham, South London. Nearby, a Turkish-born man, dressed all in black, his face covered by a red and white keffiyeh, went further. Referring to last week's massacres, he said: 'Israel moans because they get one day of it but this has been happening to Palestine for 75 years.' As we spoke, a policeman intervened not because of the inflammatory language but because of his face covering and his flag, bearing an Arabic inscription. 'It's a shahada flag, a declaration of my faith,' he told the officer, before fumbling for some identification and reluctantly pulling down his scarf. 'Thank you,' says the officer, beaming. 'You're free to go.' The man drifted away towards BBC's New Broadcasting House, where cleaners were removing the red paint, the work of a group called Palestine Action which accused the BBC of a pro-Israeli bias. A purple-haired student with a megaphone whipped up the crowd with chants of: 'Intifada revolution!'. Someone else cries: 'Intifada till victory!' using the Arabic word for 'uprising'. The march taking place against a background of rising antisemitism and the closure of some Jewish schools because of fears of attack began at the BBC's headquarters just before 1pm. From Regent Street to Haymarket to Trafalgar Square it went, and finally to a stage erected in front of the Cenotaph in Whitehall. 'I marched for this cause more than 20 years ago,' said a well-spoken pensioner from Surrey, who said he was 'combining the march with a visit to the galleries'. He'd paid 15 for his Palestinian flag from a man outside Oxford Circus Tube station. The march reached the theatre-goers of Haymarket. Bill and Kate Burden, both 67, from Kettering stared with bemusement at the parade of flags and placards as helicopters circled above. 'It all seems so aggressive, doesn't it?' said Kate, 'Like something from another country, like, well, the Middle East.' At Trafalgar Square, a commotion broke out as an onlooker remonstrated with the crowd. Olav Scheimann, a German professor visiting London, was rounded on after asking some of the protesters why none of them had placards about the 160 hostages, some of them British, being held by Hamas. 'You Tory!' screamed one of the activists in his face. Although not Jewish, Professor Scheimann said his country's history and his Israeli friends had made him very emotional. He said: 'There is not a single sign about the hostages. It is unbearable. Did they not see the videos of what Hamas did? This is not about two states it is about killing humans in Israel. There is no counter demonstration. This is like 1945 when the Jews were slaughtered.' The march moved on to Whitehall, where a master of ceremonies worked the crowd with chants of 'Rishi Sunak, shame on you!' Then came a series of speeches from pro-Palestinian supporters, including ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Palestine's ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot. A minute's silence for all those killed in the conflict brought some semblance of dignity. But it didn't last long. Fireworks were let off sending green, red and white smoke the colours of the Palestinian flag over the Cenotaph and, with a lift from a light breeze, down towards the Houses of Parliament. Ohad Harel, who hasn't heard from his sister-in-law Sharona Shmunis Harel, since she was kidnapped by Hamas last week, said: 'I am amazed to hear that it has taken people in Britain just seven days to forget that more than 1,300 innocent Israelis have been butchered. Just seven days to forget that there are at least 130 innocent people being held hostage in Gaza. 'Sharona is a mother of two young children. And these crazy terrorists phone Sharona's parents to boast that they are raping her. 'I have seen videos of terrorists killing children and raping their mothers. Why are people in Britain protesting in support of this? Where is Britain in our time of need? Britain's Government is letting these people demonstrate for what? For killing us? Where are you Britain?' Police officers make an arrest in Trafalgar Square on October 14, 2023. The Met said 15 had been arrested in London this evening Protestors wearing keffiyeh in central London during a protest, amid the bombardment of Gaza Palestine flags and supportive placards are waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby Protesters march down Regent's Street in London on Saturday afternoon Israeli activist Hen Mazzig, who moved to the UK three years ago, said: 'It's horrifying to see thousands of people protesting in London. 'Those people weren't supporting peace, they were supporting Hamas, and the butchering of Jewish families, the violating of Jewish girls and the burning of Jewish babies. I am afraid to leave my house in London.' Convicted rapists will spend the 'entirety' of their sentence behind bars, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk vowed last night. He promised to end the possibility of early release for people convicted of the most serious sexual offences. The Justice Secretary said: 'We will ensure rapists spend the entirety of their sentence in prison so that victims get the justice they deserve and the British people are protected. 'No longer will the perpetrators of this heinous crime walk out of prison after even two-thirds of their sentence.' He added: 'A 15-year sentence will mean 15 years in prison. 'This is the justice that the British people expect, and we will deliver it.' Britain's Justice Secretary Alex Chalk addresses delegates at the annual Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, northern England, on October 3, 2023 Figures last week revealed that the prison population behind bars in England and Wales was now at a record high for modern times of 88,225 inmates in England and Wales. The move comes amid the expectation that this Autumn's King's Speech of new government legislation which include a heavy emphasis on tackling crime. The new tough approach comes reports last week that rapists and burglars will escape being sent immediately to jail because the country is running out of prison places, with judges told to delay sentencing hearings. But writing in the Telegraph, the Justice Secretary said: 'There have been inaccurate reports claiming that judges are being told not to send rapists to prison. 'Let me be categorical: this is untrue. 'Under this Government, the most serious and dangerous offenders are being locked away for longer.' The announcement set for tomorrow comes amid a prison overcrowding crisis, with figures last week revealing that the prison population behind bars in England and Wales was now at a record high for modern times of 88,225 inmates in England and Wales. And the Justice Secretary conceded that the Government did need to 'think again about how we manage population pressures in the long term, so there are always sufficient spaces to lock up the most dangerous criminals'. To that end, Mr Chalk also pledged to pursue Texas-style justice by sending fewer low-level offenders to prison, and making them clean up graffiti and plant forests instead. He said the reform would end the 'cycle of criminality' caused by a 'merry-go-round of short sentences'. Shops being turned into fortresses as retailers grapple with shoplifting epidemic A Tesco store has resorted to using a heavy-duty padlock on a fridge to stop thieves stealing champagne. Bottles of Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Lanson and Taittinger costing from 30 to 50 are displayed in the fridge in the Tesco Extra in Purley, south London. The fridge also contains luxury vodka brands. Customers can only buy the bottles by asking a member of staff to open it. Earlier this month it emerged a Sainsbury's store had replaced bottles with cardboard cutouts, with signs telling customers to go to customer service if they wanted to buy them, while Morrisons has introduced a 'buzz for booze' button system on locked cabinets stocked with alcohol. It comes amid an 'epidemic' of thefts costing supermarkets and high street stores 1 billion a year, with a theft taking place every two seconds. Experts say Britain is in a state of crisis with police failing to prosecute thieves. Bottles of Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Lanson and Taittinger costing from 30 to 50 are displayed in the fridge in the Tesco Extra in Purley, South London It's not the first time Tesco has resorted to extreme measures. Last year they put security tags on milk following incidents of shoplifting High street stores are now being turned into fortresses to try and prevent shoplifiting, with everyday items from duvets to washing powder put under lock and key. The problem has even led to the Co-op warning some communities could become 'no-go' areas for shops. And a Sainsbury's in south London, which was once the chain's biggest supermarket in the country, is set to shut later this year with staff claiming theft is one of the factors behind the decision. Fortress stores are introducing extra guards, electronic security barriers at self-service tills, body cameras for employees and even facial recognition systems to spot known shoplifters. Some retailers are putting dummy packages on sale for products such as coffee which have to be taken to the till to be swapped for the real thing. The idea of locking up products began with wine and spirits before being extended to other high-value items such as steaks, imported cheeses, razor blades and manuka honey. But now everyday essentials such as washing powder, milk, baby formula, butter, laundry gel and coffee have been tagged. Chicken for sale in a Tesco Express with security marking on it earlier this year amid the shoplifting epidemic Even Ferrero Rocher boxes have been seen in plastic cases. Last week it emerged that home furnishing giant Dunelm is locking up its duvets and pillowcases in pin-protected cabinets. And Iceland stores now have rows of roasting joints, Persil and other laundry products in security cases. Generally, officers do not attend and prosecute reports of shoplifting if the value of items taken is below 200. The British Retail Consortium has reported a 27 per cent surge in losses due to shoplifting which has, in some cases, become organised looting, taking the figure close to 1billion a year. Young thugs are sharing theft tips and organising mass raids, for example on designer stores in London's Oxford Street, over social media app TikTok. Emmeline Taylor, professor of criminology at City University, wrote in a report, called Fortress Stores, published by the ECR Retail Loss group: 'There is a strong relationship between substance misuse, shop theft and the use of violence and aggression by drug-affected offenders. 'Industry research in the UK suggests that the majority of thefts committed against retail businesses (79 per cent) are by repeat offenders that are not being sufficiently tackled by the police.' Tesco is to start offering bodycameras to staff, while the Asda chairman Lord Stuart Rose has called for tougher action by the police. The Co-op has suffered record levels of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour with almost 1,000 incidents each day in the six months to June a 35 per cent annual increase. It said one of its stores in inner London was 'looted' three times in one day. 'This level of out-of-control crime is unsustainable and could even see some communities become a no-go area for local stores,' a spokesman added. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has stressed she wants police to investigate all crimes where there is good evidence, such as CCTV. The nation's police forces have signed up to the initiative. In the last month, reports of bed bugs have exploded, with social media crawling with photos and videos of the blood-sucking insects. Now, data has revealed the UK's skin-crawling hot spots with the biggest infestations. Using Google search data, researchers from Merlin Environmental worked out which areas of the UK have the biggest bed bug problems compared with the population size. Out of the UK's 20 biggest cities, four were deemed to have a 'very high infestation', with London claiming the top spot as 'Bed Bug Capital' of Britain. However, the results show that it's not just the biggest cities that have the highest levels of infestation. Is your city on the list? This map reveals which of the UK's 20 largest cities have the worst bed bug infestations for their population size A family who spent 700 on a Butlin's 'Spooktober' mini-break suffered a nightmare after their two-year-old son was bitten hundreds of times by bedbugs at the Minehead resort in Kent READ MORE: Have the French bedbugs invaded the London Underground? Advertisement What areas in the UK have the worst bed bug infection rate? The researchers examined Google search trends for the 12 months leading up to January 2022 to find out how frequently the terms 'bed bugs' or 'bed bug treatment' were searched. These figures were then divided by the number of people in the area to work out what percentage of the population the searches accounted for. The analysis revealed that London had the highest amount of searches per capita with 266,400 searches, equivalent to 2.97 per cent of the population Googling bed bugs. The second spot was claimed by Leicester, coming in just behind at 2.95 per cent of the population - a surprising result given that it is only the 13th most populous city. Manchester came in third with 2.8 per cent of the population feeling compelled to search for bed bugs. Meanwhile, residents of Wakefield will be relieved to discover that their city had the lowest rate of bed bug problems out of anywhere the researchers examined, with only an equivalent of 0.46 per centof the population searching for bed bugs While a plague of blood-sucking insects might sound too grim to be true, the situation in the UK is a growing public health issue. How infected is your city? Name of city or town Search rate per aapita Greater London 2.97% Leicester 2.95% Manchester 2.82% Bristol 2.67% Birmingham 2.51% Glasgow 2.49% Liverpool 2.42% Newcastle upon Tyne 2.36% Nottingham 2.14% Edinburgh 2.06% Leeds 1.97% Sheffield 1.81% Wolverhampton 1.78% Belfast 1.73% Coventry 1.57% Plymouth 1.46% Sunderland 1.12% Bradford 1.07% Cardiff 0.61% Wakefield 0.49% Are bed bugs really an issue in the UK? This week, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said that the possibility of bed bugs on the London Underground was 'a real source of concern'. Mr Khan said that he was in contact with officials from Paris after the French capital became overwhelmed by a massive infestation. A viral video even appears to show a bed bug crawling on a passenger's leg on the Victoria Line in London, while the bugs have also been spotted on Manchester bus services. Dr Richard Naylor, an etymologist from the Bed Bug Foundation, told MailOnline that the recent spread of bed bugs was due to several different factors. 'Bedbugs were once much more common. In the 1930s almost every house in London had bedbugs' Dr Naylor explained. However, after the Second World War, efforts were made to improve living conditions and numbers fell. Bed bugs continued to grow rarer until the late 90s when, all across the world, their numbers began to increase rapidly. Only the Covid-19 pandemic could briefly knock bed bug numbers back down as travel restrictions limited their spread. Due to repeated exposure to pesticides, the remaining bed bug populations have become extremely resistant to the chemicals used to treat infestations Dr Naylor told MailOnline: 'There are multiple factors that contribute to the bedbug's success. They thrive wherever human population density is high because this makes it easy for them to spread. 'In apartment buildings and sheltered housing complexes they can easily walk down corridors and under doors, gradually infesting the whole building.' Bed bugs' entire life cycle is very temperature dependent, meaning the warmer it is the faster they spread. 'They benefit from good central heating and warm weather. The warmer they are, the more they feed and the faster they reproduce,' Dr Naylor added. 'Warmer weather resulting from climate change could make the bedbug problem worse.' And, as central heating and warmer weather have made life easier for bed bugs, the bugs themselves have adapted to be harder to remove. Bed bugs are perfectly adapted to hiding in our homes as they need the warmth of central heating to reproduce and can hide in even the tiniest cracks or crevices. Pictured: what is claimed to be a bedbug on a passenger's leg on the Victoria line in London How to get rid of bed bugs Bed bug infestations used to be treated with chemicals such as DDT, which has now been banned as it was found to have caused the deaths of many British birds of prey. Pest control now uses chemicals called pyrethroids to treat infections, however, bed bugs have become highly resistant to these chemicals. Dr Naylor said: 'Whenever an insecticide application is less than 100 per cent effective, the survivors will tend to be the most resistant individuals from the population. 'If they run off and establish new infestations in the neighbouring apartment or hotel room, the resulting population will be the offspring of those most resistant individuals.' Solo travel is something many young people want to experience, either to 'find themselves,' or just so they're able to see more of the world before settling into work. However, before you jet off, you should thoroughly research where you're heading and make sure it's a safe place for you to go alone. One traveller has revealed why she would never visit Egypt alone and why she believes it's unsafe for women to do so. Tara Katims (@tarkatims), 24, was in Egypt with her best friend when she made the video - she replied to a commenter who wrote 'wait, so it's not safe for solo travelers?' Answering the question along with some footage of her trip, she said 'This is Bazar in Cairo where I went with my best friend and I don't even want to know what would have happened if I went alone. Tara Katims (@tarkatims), 24, was in Egypt with her best friend when she made the video - she replied to a commenter who wrote 'wait, so it's not safe for solo travelers?' Answering the question along with some footage of her trip, she said 'This is Bazar in Cairo where I went with my best friend and I don't even want to know what would have happened if I went alone 'There were tons of men harassing us, we just kept our sunglasses on, heads down and pretended like we couldn't understand but then we got really lost. 'It was so overwhelming. This elderly looking guy appeared and was like, 'I can tell you guys are really lost' - he spoke good English and was like I'll lead you back to the main part of the bazar'. She continued 'We thought he was super nice and so we followed him, leading us back to his perfume store and pleaded with us to check it out. 'He took us inside what is the equivalent of a perfume closet and then he locked the door. 'For an hour and a half he was rubbing different essential oils and perfumes on us and we tried to leave multiple times but he wouldn't let us. 'There was no ventilation in here and I thought I was gonna pass out from the fumes. 'We eventually realised he wouldn't let us leave until we bought something and even when we did buy something he tried reaching inside our wallets and grabbing our money and then stalked us down the street.' She said 'There were tons of men harassing us, we just kept our sunglasses on, heads down and pretended like we couldn't understand but then we got really lost' She continued 'We thought he was super nice and so we followed him, leading us back to his perfume store and pleased with us to check it out' The TikToker concluded 'We got away but I seriously don't know what I would have done in this situation if I wasn't with my best friend and I really wouldn't recommend for a girl to travel to Egypt alone because we had so many situations like this happen to us and it was hard to navigate at times.' The area the pair were visiting was Kahn El Khalili Bazar, somewhere they thought would be safe as it looked touristy online. Adding pictures of the area, she explained 'Only one part looked like this, the rest was so dirty and crowded. 'There are tour guides who can take you here and it's so worth it to have a local speaker as it's so easy to get lost. Don't let the baby kittens fool you, the bazar is not safe to do alone.' Advising 'There are tour guides who can take you here and it's so worth it to have a local speaker as it's so easy to get lost. 'I really thought I was going to be terminated in that room. We went to get Koshari to heal the trauma afterwards. 'Koshari is a must-try dish, this place is the best (Abou Tarek) safe to go here alone, they will not lock you in a closet.' Commenters agreed with the TikToker's advice, writing 'I never hear good stories about Egypt' and 'I've done 25+ countries solo. I'm glad I didn't do Egypt solo'. Another girl wrote that she had a similar experience: 'This exact same thing happened to me! We were lost, an old man told us he would show us, led us to his shop and wouldnt let us leave. Terrifying.' The original poster replied 'Im so sorry but Im also so glad we are talking about this so other girls dont fall for this nonsense !!!' Tara explained 'For an hour and a half he was rubbing different essential oils and perfumes on us and we tried to leave multiple times but he wouldn't let us' She told MailOnline that the advice she would give to women who do choose to travel there is to 'always take Ubers, so there is a record of where you are going and whos taking you places' One viewer advised 'Its important to do your research and prepare when you travel abroad especially a country like Egypt. Stern boundaries and dress conservatively'. However, the TikToker argued that she 'had researched for the past year' and also 'dressed as conservatively' as she could while backpacking. She told MailOnline that the advice she would give to women who do choose to travel there is to 'always take Ubers, so there is a record of where you are going and whos taking you places'. Secondly, 'assume your being ripped off as a tourist 100% of the time and bargain prices when shopping on the streets and wear loose clothing and travel with tour guides as much as possible.' Finally, it's good idea to 'Learn how to say thank you, Shukran, as locals appreciate it.' Their official language is the same, but America and Scotland can seem worlds apart. A point former Las Vegas resident Lua Rodriguez Murphy highlights in fascinating and often hilarious TikTok videos. The Californian-born 33-year-old moved to Glasgow after meeting her now-husband Kevin, a Scot who visited the hotel she worked at in Las Vegas. Going by the TikTok username 'luluowl', Lua has amassed quite the following sharing her candid takes on Scottish life, amassing nearly 30,000 TikTok followers. We spoke to her in June about how free healthcare and bagging your own groceries proved to be big culture shocks for her in Scotland. Since then she's posted several more TikToks documenting how Scottish life can sometimes leave her feeling baffled. Lua Rodriguez Murphy moved from Las Vegas to Glasgow, revealing the biggest 'culture shocks' she's faced since the move in a series of TikTok videos In one video, Lua reveals how she has noticed a huge difference in the food and drink offered in Scotland and the U.S. When she lived in the U.S party capital, Lua became accustomed to 'free pours' and 'free shots' on a night out, but she says that Glaswegians are notoriously strict with their measures and that the first time she went to a bar in the city, they measured her drink 'to a tee'. In addition, she says she has noticed the absence of a 'happy hour' offering at bars and clubs, explaining: 'I'm not sure if it exists, but I've never seen it and I've been here for quite some time now.' Lua reveals how she has noticed a huge difference in the food and drink offered in Scotland and the U.S Lua decided to make the near 5,000-mile (8,000km) trip from Las Vegas to Glasgow after she met her now-husband Kevin, a Scot who visited the hotel she worked at in Las Vegas. She left her career in hospitality behind in the U.S and now works for the NHS NHS worker Lua also describes the sugar tax, or the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), implemented across the UK in 2018 in a bid to reduce obesity, as a 'culture shock'. When taking her three-year-old son to America, the TikToker says he was 'hooked' on the noticeably sweeter Capri-Sun juice cartons. Although Lua has had to get used to pricier (and less sugary) drinks, she describes the quality of food in Glasgow as 'so much better'. Pictured left is Lua visiting Kelvingrove Art Museum in Glasgow for the first time. Lua admits she has noticed the absence of a 'happy hour' offering at bars and clubs in Scotland Lua's candid videos have gained popularity on TikTok - she has nearly 30,000 followers and counting She says: 'Food [products] back home are filled with chemicals, dyes, fillers, enhancements, preservatives, you name it, it's probably in there. In fact, lots of food from back home is actually illegal or heavily restricted here in the UK.' While Lua has taken the move in her stride, she admitted that a few small things have tripped her up - such as the pronunciation of Scottish words. In one TikTok video, she warned her followers that the correct way to pronounce Edinburgh is not 'Edinburggg'- a common mistake among her fellow Americans. (It's 'ED-in-bruh' or 'ED-in-bur-uh'.) She also revealed that she could not pronounce the Scottish name 'Hamish' ['Hay + mish'], admitting she used to pronounce it as 'Ham-eesh'. Mother-of-three Lua at the scenic 'Rest and Be Thankful' lookout in Arrochar in the Scottish Highlands Lua also finds that Scottish people frequently end sentences with the phrase 'so I am'. She comments: 'It's so cute!' Certain Scottish phrases, she's noticed, are seasonal. Lua says that during the summertime, 'you'll always hear someone say "it's roastin"'. Other summertime habits she's picked up on? Locals get into the habit of 'doing back-to-back loads of laundry to take advantage of the sun to hang out [their] clothes'. On top of that, 'without a doubt, someone, somewhere will have their top off, absorbing that vitamin D', she says. And even though Scotland doesn't enjoy the same climate as Las Vegas, there's lots to love about a Scottish summer, she says. 'It stays light out so late. You could take a walk at 9pm, 10pm and it will still be really light for you to enjoy your walk,' she comments. In one final video, titled 'Things I love about living in Scotland', mum-of-three Lua says she loves bagpipes, remarking: 'Nothing excites me more about seeing a good piper.' She even wants them played at big life events, including her children's birthday parties, her wedding vow renewal ceremony and even her funeral. She shared which five countries she felt most safe in While solo travelling is a fun experience full of adventure, it also comes with its dangers, especially as a woman. Despite the industry shifting and more young women becoming confident enough to take the plunge alone, things can quickly go wrong and whether you feel secure or not can make or break your trip. Passing on her knowledge, a travel influencer has shared the five countries where she felt most safe and that she would recommend to others. The video posted by Chloe Jade has over 33,000 likes, with commenters sharing their own suggestions. It comes after the TikToker previously highlighted four countries she felt unsafe in as a female traveller. Passing on her knowledge, a travel influencer has shared the five countries where she felt most safe and that she would recommend to others Benin Benin is the first country that Chloe felt safe in as a woman, explaining that transport isn't an issue as 'it's really easy to get around by motorbike, taxi or by hitchhiking. She added 'I felt incredibly safe in the markets and the food is really good. 'Everyone is just super overly nice, warm energies and I felt comfortable my entire time.' The pro-traveller included clips of her riding through the streets on a motorbike and meeting locals. Saudi Arabia Next on the list is Saudi Arabia, with Chloe saying she felt safe there, despite hearing rumours before she arrived. She said 'I heard a lot of things about this country before I went and I do not wanna discount or ignore all of the human rights violations that continue to happen with international workers, but as a woman I felt extremely safe here. Adding 'I should say as a foreign woman traveller. No one ever bothered me and I was not concerned about crime at all.' However, some viewers were shocked at the recommendation, with one user writing 'Saudi Arabia really? Interesting, people told me it was not. Good to know'. Another agreed with Chloe, saying 'I felt so safe in Saudi Arabia. Everyone was so kind and so respectful. The men truly do not bother you. Never have been treated with so much respect as a woman'. Next on the list is Saudi Arabia, with Chloe saying she felt safe there, despite hearing rumours before she arrived The Philippines Another favourite for the TikToker is The Phillipines, where she shared clips of herself riding on a motorbike, eating fruit and swimming at a waterfall. She told viewers 'I've gone on and on about how much I love the Philippines. 'Filipinos are some of the most hospitable, friendly and fun if you're going to generalize a country. 'I feel safe walking around at night. I was never in an uncomfortable situation. The only thing I would say here is if you're gonna be around a lot of foreigners, that's your only risk because obviously foreigners come from other countries and they are unpredictable.' Bangladesh Fourth on the list of places she felt the most safe is Bangladesh. She explained 'Just the excitement that locals have to meet foreigners because they want to show you their country is super heartwarming. 'The entire time that I was in Bangladesh, I just felt like people were trying to take care of me, made sure that I got where I needed to go and enjoyed myself in the process.' However, there were a lot of comments disagreeing with her judgement. Someone wrote 'Haha love this for you! But as a Bangladeshi woman who grew up and lived in Bangladesh for 19 years, I have never once felt safe being a woman.' Another added 'Im shocked by Bangladesh on the list, as a Bengali myself its quite unsafe but for foreigners they tend to be nice somehow lmao, please stay safe whilst visiting.' Fourth on the list of places she felt the most safe is Bangladesh READ MORE: I'm a female solo traveller and I've felt unsafe in these four countries Advertisement Rwanda Finally, the TikToker also recommended Rwanda as somewhere she felt secure. She said 'I feel like most people who have not been to too many parts of the African continent are always really surprised at Rwanda. 'Coffee is really good in Rwanda, the roads are incredible in Rwanda, there are a lot of programmes in place for women in Rwanda. 'Getting around in Kigali by motorbike is super easy and it felt incredibly safe as a woman.' She concluding the video by warning 'Now obviously I can't speak to everybody's experience in all of these countries but these were just a few places where I felt very very safe and at home.' Adding in the caption 'I do feel I have to point out that traveling is very subjective and these are just my experiences. 'Everyone is treated differently based on how they look and where they are from. It is the sad reality. 'Overall, these countries made me feel safe in terms of my possessions not being stolen, people being kind, nighttime safety, etc.. 'There's a lot that goes into feeling comfortable and safe on a trip. But my number 1 tip is always use your intuition.' Roughly 12,000 years ago, the majority of the human race made the adjustment to settling in towns and villages rather than eternally wandering from place to place for a living. However, the Hutchinson family - from Corby, Northamptonshire - have left the UK to live as modern-day nomads, and have no intention of coming 'home' any time soon. Chris and Tamira upped sticks with their children - Olivia, 9, Scarlett, 7, and Bella, 3 - almost six months ago, and have since visited Thailand, China and Malaysia. The father of three introduced a new TikTok on the family's account documenting the trip: 'Here are five reasons why we won't be returning back to the UK once we've finished travelling.' The first of those reasons was the cost of living crisis back in the UK, with Chris saying: 'You have to work every hour God sends just to afford the necessities and keep a roof over your head. There's no room for enjoyment.' Chris and Tamira Hutchinson upped sticks with their children - (L-R) Olivia, 9, Scarlett, 7, and Bella, 3 - almost six months ago, and have since visited Thailand , China and Malaysia Chris revealed that whenever the family do finish travelling, they have very little intention of returning to the UK In an earlier video on their TikTok page, Tamira had outlined how the family are budgeting on their travels. She said that they allow themselves roughly 35 per night for accommodation, and up to 40 for 'daily living' including food and drink. This contrasts to the family spending roughly a month before they left, covering their mortgage, bills, groceries, petrol, and other expenses. The high cost of living also ties into why the family left Britain in the first place, with the parents realising that they were missing out on their girls growing up, and not seeing much of each other either given the hours they were working to provide. Chris continued to reveal the second reason for not returning to the UK was the 'woke ideology'. He explained: 'You can't say boo to a goose anymore. Everybody's offended, everybody's appalled, and it just leaves everyone feeling awkward and scared to say anything.' The third reason he gave was the weather. 'This is something that can't be changed unfortunately,' he said. 'If you can't afford to get away to warmer climates at least once a year, it can get pretty depressing. 'We have about nine months of the year with doom and gloom, when it finally gets to the "British summer" it's pretty much raining all the time, but you might get that one freakishly hot day.' Ironically for the Hutchinsons, when it comes to this gripe, their extended holiday has seen them miss both the hottest June on record in the UK, and an October heatwave. Speaking from a temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Chris revealed that culture was one the big reasons that he was not keen on a return to the UK Another issue Chris mentioned was the British weather. Ironically, a month after leaving the country, the Hutchinsons missed out on the UK's hottest June on record. Pictured: Brighton Beach on June 25 Another issue Chris mentioned he felt existed in British life was 'negativity'. He said: 'There's too much negativity and judgement these days. 'Whether it's friends bashing other friends down, work colleagues stomping on other work colleagues, you only have to drive for five minutes and people are beeping in your face getting road rage. 'It's not a nice vibe and we should be lifting other people up rather than pushing them down.' The final, and broadest point was that the father of three said that he was disappointed by the lack of celebration of culture in the UK. Speaking from a temple in Bangkok, Thailand, he said: 'It's fully celebrated - the history, the heritage of Thailand - there's Thai flags everywhere, and it's really sad that we don't have things like this in the UK that are celebrated anymore. Take a domestic flight in the UK and it's highly likely you'll jump on an aircraft operated by British Airways, easyJet or Ryanair. If you're flexible with when you can travel, it's possible to find similarly dirt-cheap ticket prices for all three carriers. But is price where the similarity ends? I'm the MailOnline Travel Editor and I put them head to head in a mystery shopper battle to find out... flying economy with British Airways to Manchester, then with easyJet to Belfast International, then Ryanair to London Stansted. The Mail paid for every flight and none of the airlines knew I was coming. Scroll down for a short video documenting my fascinating odyssey around the UK and my verdicts on each airline, from booking to boarding and the in-flight cabin experience. Who won? Spoiler alert not the one with the filthy cabin carpet and seat that's a disgrace to aviation... BRITISH AIRWAYS - HEATHROW T5 TO MANCHESTER AIRPORT BOOKING I found my British Airways flight, which departed at 7am from Heathrow Terminal 5, using Google Flights then booked directly through the BA website. The process was a cinch, with the fare, baggage and seat selection options presented clearly and aggressive pushing of extras joyously conspicuous by its absence. Ted found the BA booking process a 'cinch' and the layout of the carrier's website 'almost serene' And thanks to the layout comprising gentle fonts and calming blue BA-brand hues, the experience was almost serene. I opted for the 'economy basic' fare, which included two pieces of hand baggage, and paid 47.68 (which included 3 for choosing my window seat - 31A). Rating out of five: 4. BOARDING On his BA flight, Ted was greeted by a stewardess with a cheery, 'Morning, you okay?' I was given a friendly 'good morning, Mr Thornhill' at Terminal 5's A6 gate by a friendly BA worker once she'd seen my boarding pass. And upon entering the aircraft, a stewardess in the new Ozwald Boateng uniform gave me a cheery, 'Morning, you okay?', while her colleague busied himself with organising the galley. Rating out of five: 3.5. IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE FROM SEAT TO SERVICE Ted says of his BA in-flight experience: 'The seat was very comfortable, with a luxuriously padded headrest. Plus, there was a recline option' The legroom on the BA A321? 'Distinctly average,' says Ted, 'but fine for a short flight' Ted's BA A321 flight (stock image) began at 7am from Heathrow's Terminal 5 The aircraft was an Airbus A321, which felt quite new. The flight was almost full and I had a seat companion so a good opportunity to test the comfort levels (as having a spare seat to the side can mask true comfort and legroom). The seat was very comfortable, with a luxuriously padded headrest. Plus, there was a recline option. The seatback in front featured a plastic cubby hole at eye level and a pocket beneath. And a good-sized tray table. Sadly, though, no charging port. The width of the seat was agreeable, and the legroom just fine for a short flight, though it would be a tad uncomfortable over long distances (for reference, I'm 5ft 10). The BA cabin crew were on point friendly and well drilled, says Ted Even though the BA plane was only 35 minutes in the air, the crew managed to distribute spring water and a Kellogg's snack to all The cabin crew, meanwhile, was on point friendly and well drilled (though not all in sync sartorially because of 'logistics issues with the new uniform', we were told via the PA). They whipped out complimentary bottles of Harrogate spring water and Kellogg's Nutri-grain bars to the entire economy cabin despite the flight once in the air lasting just 35 minutes. And with a smile on their faces. The captain was impressive, too, with a debonair lilt over the PA and a yen for keeping us well informed. He told us about the cause of a small delay (someone didn't make the flight on time and their bags had to come off), kept us up to speed on our expected departure time and revealed he expected the flight to be a smooth one. Part-way, he announced when we would be beginning our descent. He could definitely land a job in radio or TV... Rating out of five: 4. VALUE FOR MONEY Pictured above is the HS2 scar in the countryside just north of London Ted's BA fare was only 47 - but he would have paid 370 had he flown slightly later in the morning There's no arguing with a 47 fare with BA. However, on the date I flew, the price for the next departure slightly later in the morning was 370, which seems dizzyingly steep. Rating out of five: 5. GRAND TOTAL: 16.5 out of 20 82.5 per cent. EASYJET - MANCHESTER TERMINAL 1 TO BELFAST INTERNATIONAL BOOKING Ted found the easyJet booking site clear, but there were an irritating number of nudges to buy extra luggage I booked my Manchester to Belfast flight directly through the easyJet website. Once you've selected your flight, you're presented with your fare options and the baggage allowance that comes with each one. I opted for a 'standard - travel light' ticket that cost just 25.48, the cheapest fare in the head-to-head adventure, and gave me permission to bring a 'small under seat cabin bag' on board. After this, there was a seat selection page, along with the chance to add on travel insurance and food and drink vouchers, plus a great deal of badgering for buying bonus baggage. I had to tell the site four times at various stages of the booking process that I was happy with my baggage allowance. The constant cajoling was irritating and made me feel like I was doing something wrong, while on the 'hold luggage' page I was confusingly told what my allowance was for 'each flight', when I was buying a one-way ticket for a solitary flight. On the plus side, there was a panel to the side of each page reminding me of my purchases and the layout was quite clear. Rating out of five: 2.5. BOARDING Ted's 25 flight to Belfast with easyJet departed from Manchester's Terminal 1 My afternoon flight to Belfast International departed from Manchester Airport's Terminal 1, (which is fine in the main departures area, but prison-esque at the gate). The easyJet boarding-pass checker at the gate was quite chirpy and the greeting by the beaming cabin crew on board the most sincerely welcoming of the trio of flights I took for this mystery shopper experience. Rating out of five: 4. IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE FROM SEAT TO SERVICE Ted is pictured above in the easyJet seat, which was 'not quite as thickly padded as the BA seat' The seat on the A319 aircraft was quite comfortable, though not quite as thickly padded as the BA seat and there was no recline function. However, the legroom was comparably satisfactory, along with the tray table size, and it was handy to have a seat pocket. Also on the seatback an advert for discounted beauty products (I was mildly surprised it wasn't an ad for buying more baggage for a subsequent easyJet flight). The easyJet A319 legroom was satisfactory, writes Ted, along with the tray table size During the easyJet flight, 'the bonhomie-infused crew zipped up and down with the drinks and snacks trolley' The flight crew gave informative PA announcements, letting us know part-way after we'd flown over Liverpool when the descent would begin. And the bonhomie-infused crew zipped up and down with the drinks and snacks trolley. We arrived 20 minutes late and it was a bit bumpy on the approach, but nothing really to grumble about. Rating out of five: 4. VALUE FOR MONEY EasyJet scored a respectable 77.5% in Ted's mystery shopper assessment At 25, a genuine bargain, with an in-flight experience that competed with BA's. Rating out of five: 5. GRAND TOTAL: 15.5 out of 20 77.5 per cent. RYANAIR - BELFAST INTERNATIONAL TO LONDON STANSTED BOOKING Ted found the Ryanair website 'clear and easy to navigate' The Ryanair booking website, like its Twitter ('X') feed, is light-hearted at times ('reserved seat just not the pilot's seat!'), clear and easy to navigate. I particularly liked the handy phrases deployed to clarify what sort of seat you're buying ('get off quick', 'best value at the back' and so forth) and the little pictures of the kinds of bags you're allowed on board with each fare type. And while, like easyJet, there is some cajoling to buy extras such as car hire and travel insurance, it's not quite as aggressive as it is with the aforementioned carrier. I opted for a 'regular' fare for my 7.40pm flight from Belfast to London Stansted, which gave me allowances for a small bag under the seat, a 10kg overhead locker bag, priority boarding and a reserved seat. The grand total was 42.49. Rating out of five: 3.5. BOARDING As Ted entered the Ryanair 737-800 cabin (above) a female air stewardess offered a cheery 'hiya' The incoming plane came from Milan and it was around 30 minutes late, with the perfectly polite Ryanair gate staff complaining that 'it's always late when it's from Milan'. The turnaround was rapid, with said gate staff announcing that 'the plane has arrived so boarding can begin'. And this was no false promise. On we went. As I entered the Boeing 737-800 cabin a female air stewardess offered a cheery 'hiya'. Rating out of five: 3. IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE FROM SEAT TO SERVICE Despite the smiles here, Ted was not terribly impressed at all with the Ryanair inflight experience Ted writes: 'This in-flight experience felt as cheap as the fare' The carpet around Ted's Ryanair seat looked 'filthy', as the photograph above shows Oh. Deary. Me. This in-flight experience felt as cheap as the fare. The carpet by my seat looked filthy covered in what looked to be bits of food and stains - and the seat itself was dreadful, a disgrace to the aviation industry. The headrest was rock hard and the armrests thin. Plus, there were no seat pockets... at all. And with adverts lining the overhead bins and the seatbacks, the whole vibe screamed 'tacky'. Ted labelled the Ryanair seat as being 'dreadful, a disgrace to the aviation industry' Ted points out that his Ryanair fare was only slightly cheaper than the BA ticket. Above, a photo showing the lack of seat pockets on the Ryanair 737 Within seconds of sitting down a cabin-crew PA announcement informed passengers that 'we don't take cash payments, only cards', which felt mercenary and the welcome message from the flight deck was polite, but very short. The announcements from cabin crew in general were rushed and sounded insincere, though the head flight attendant's PA offerings were more professional and reassuring. Any plus points? Apart from the flight being mercifully short at just over one hour in duration, I did quite like the alluring blue lighting that illuminated the cabin once we were underway. The flight crew didn't bother with any PA messages mid-flight and I was glad to be off the plane and onto a far more comfortable Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street at 10.13pm. Rating out of five: 2. VALUE FOR MONEY Ted rated the Ryanair 737 cabin experience (stock image) as inferior even to that of Wizz Air, which was ranked as 2023's worst short-haul airline by Which? The problem for Ryanair in this domestic carrier face-off is that the fare was only slightly cheaper than the one for the BA flight, yet the inflight BA experience was in a different class. Even the inflight experience from Wizz Air, the airline that came bottom of this year's Which? short-haul airline ranking, is better, in my opinion. I flew Wizz Air to Lyon earlier this year and versus Ryanair it was superior in the seat and crew department. Rating out of five: 3. GRAND TOTAL: 11.5 out of 20 57.5 per cent. CONCLUSION Ryanair comes last with a score of 57.5 per cent. Ted took the image above as his BA flight left Heathrow for Manchester British Airways (82.5 per cent) is victorious thanks to a swish booking site and an impressive cabin experience, but easyJet (77.5 per cent) comes a close second but only because of its poor score for the booking process. Some may find all the nudges to buy more baggage allowance useful, but I found them irritating. Ryanair comes last with a score of just 57.5 per cent. I'm shocked that the Irish airline charged me a similar fare to British Airways but then give me a cabin with a filthy-looking floor and an uncomfortable seat with no seat pockets. Unfathomably awful. Ryanair's Twitter account declares that it sells 'seats not windows'. I'd suggest the social media team puts quote marks around the word seats. On the plus side, there's no denying Ryanair's competitive prices and user-friendly website. THE GOOD SHIP MURDER Fridays, channel 5 Rating: I probably shouldnt love Fives new murder-mystery series anywhere near as much as I do... so, shoot me! But before you do, please wait until the cabaret has started in the ships theatre. And make sure you use a silencer because that chap from housekeeping is probably doing double shifts as a private investigator... Whoops, got carried away there, plot-wise. Mind you, on The Good Ship Murder thats very easily done. Catherine Tyldesley, who appeared in Coronation Street, plays feisty First Officer Kate Woods in The Good Ship Murder So, first things first: TGSM is a whodunnit-wheredunnit-howdunnit cross between Death In Paradise and The Love Boat, with a soupcon of Just Good Friends. And if that doesnt sound like a surefire hit, well, it has plenty of those, too; every episode ends with a song. Starring Shayne (X Factor, Coronation Street) Ward as copper-turned-cruise ship entertainer Jack Grayling now theres a career path! and Catherine (also Corrie) Tyldesley as feisty First Officer Kate Woods, this eight-part series is aimed at armchair Marple-istas of a certain age. And though it doesnt sit squarely within the cosy crime genre it is comfy-ocean-view-balcony-suite crime, more Richard Coles than Stephen King. Its not short on plot theres a lot packed in, a la Midsomer Murders and I wasnt bothered by the fact that I spotted the murderer before thered been an actual murder. Bearing in mind that this show isnt in the Colombo inverted story style in which a death is a given at the start and its the route to the solution that entertains us this could have finished me off before the second ad break. Instead, I was (gently) gripped. Theres something about Shaynes smile and the prospect of everything getting neatly wrapped up just in time for a show tune plus the way Cath stands on the ships bridge, her pretty brow furrowed, saying, Switching on radar... that makes me think this show will last longer than, for example, Triangle, set on a North Sea ferry in the 80s. Then theres that bubbling chemistry between their characters Jack and Kate, which calls to mind (for those of us old enough to remember) Penny and Vince in Just Good Friends. Shayne Ward, who was also in Coronation Street, plays police officer-turned-cruise ship entertainer Jack Grayling in the eight-part series Like Penny, Kate is a pursed-lipped high-flyer; like Vince, Jack is a bit twinkly and jazz hands. I have a rule when Im at sea, says Kate, when he asks her out. Officers and Ents never mix. Its good to have boundaries. You dont need to be a detective to guess that Kates personal and professional boundaries are going to be tested while she steers a course towards the next murder. And its not long before FO Woods gets promoted to Captain, surely? Tuck into Eva's tasty travelogue EVA LONGORIA: SEARCHING FOR MEXICO Sundays, BBC2 Rating: Former Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria takes viewers on a journey through Mexico in Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico In this delectable series, the former Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria who describes herself as a Texican (Texan Mexican-American) explores Mexico via its food. And if that idea sounds more than a little like the fabulous Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy (BBC iPlayer), in which the Italian-American actor gets in touch with his roots via platefuls of perfect-looking pasta, then it will come as no surprise to discover that Tucci is one of this shows producers. Mexico is one of my favourite countries. Im lucky enough to have visited a few times and have incredibly happy memories of the people, culture, ancient architecture, beaches, food... and the tequila. So I was delighted that the first episode kicked off somewhere I havent visited the state of Jalisco, home to Mexicos second city, Guadalajara, where its T-shirt weather all year round. Yes, please. Though she doesnt look as though a carb has ever passed her lips, Longoria tucks into all the local delicacies, including a Torta Ahogada. When the French invaded Mexico in 1864 they wanted food that reminded them of home, but were unable to get any yeast so created a sourdough baguette. Its now a Jaliscan staple, loaded with refried beans, tomato salsa and pork. Guadalajaras now on my bucket list. Thanks, Eva. A close-up of a bushbaby in BBC2's Big Litlle Journeys Another wild ride Theres so much great natural history TV that you might think the genres peaked. Im still recoiling at the memory of snakes chasing iguanas in Planet Earth II in 2016. Mind you, 2016 is, technologically, ancient natural history, so I cant wait to see what Planet Earth III has to offer. And in BBC2s brand new Big Little Journeys (Sun, BBC2), the images are extraordinary. In episode one, about the perils facing a young turtle and a bushbaby, footage was captured with a newly developed periscope probe-lens. Hooray for new tech the results are unmissable. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the hot favorite and 'one to beat' to become the next James Bond, DailyMail.com can exclusively confirm. Ever since Daniel Craig ditched the 007 role after five films and made his Bond swansong in 2021's No Time To Die, rumors have been swirling over which debonair star will replace the icon. Now, an insider has revealed the British actor, 33, is extremely close to landing the role, with Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, 53, looking likely to helm the next film in the franchise. The insider said: Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the hot favorite to step into the iconic role, hes the first choice for Barbara Broccoli he is the one to beat. They added of Nolan: He is extremely interested in doing something very different with the franchise. If he can get his way with producers, then he is all for it. Next 007? Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the hot favorite and 'one to beat' to become the next James Bond, DailyMail.com can exclusively confirm Vodka martini please: Ever since Daniel Craig ditched the 007 role after five films and made his Bond swansong in 2021's No Time To Die, rumors have been swirling over which debonair star will replace the icon It was previously reported that Nolan wanted to direct the next Bond film as a period piece set in the same as the original source material something that director Quentin Tarantino had previously wanted to do with Casino Royale, but was turned down. However, the insider adds: Whether Nolan coming on board will affect the casting of Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently a grey area as hes very particular with who he works with. Nolan is known for consistently using similar casts in his films, working with another rumored Bond, Tom Hardy, on three films, Inception, Dunkirk and The Dark Knight Rises. Nolan has worked with Taylor-Johnson on 2020 film Tenet, in which the actor played minor character Ives. Taylor-Johnson has previously spoken about how he 'wanted to be in Nolan's presence' as he lobbied for a role in Tenet. Speaking to THR in 2020, he said: 'When theres an opportunity to work with someone like Chris Nolan, you just hope to get your foot in the door. Hes always going to have his go-to actors, so you never know if something is going to come around or not. 'John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki were already on board, weeks away from shooting, and I was just waiting in the wings and putting my hand up, going, I would really love to get in a room with Chris Nolan. And it was quite a process if Im being honest. 'I went through a couple of different castings before I could even get in the room to do another audition for him. So it wasnt a done deal, but the best things are worth fighting for and putting yourself out on a limb. So it didnt come about that easy, but luckily, he gave me the part. And it didnt matter to me how big or small the role was. I just wanted to be in his presence on his next movie.' Acclaimed: Now, an insider has revealed the British actor, 33, is extremely close to landing the role, with Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, 53, looking likely to helm the next film in the franchise Collab: Nolan has worked with Taylor-Johnson on 2020 film Tenet, in which the actor played minor character Ives. Taylor-Johnson has previously spoken about how he 'wanted to be in Nolan's presence' as he lobbied for a role in Tenet 23 year age gap: The star is married to director Sam Taylor-Johnson, 56, and shares Romy Hero, 11, and Wylda Rae, 13, with her Hunk: Henry Cavill is another Bond favorite and tipped at 7-2 In the running: Tom Hardy is also in the line-up to become the new Bond, with his odds currently at 10-1 Mr Bond, is that you? James Norton became a fan favourite in Happy Valley and is now in the running to be Bond, with odds of 4-1 Could it be you? Richard Madden is also on the list of runners and riders to be the new Bond at 16-1 In March Taylor-Johnson was said to have completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Bond boss Broccoli and impressed her. Other fans have been rooting for Henry Cavill, 40, to star as Bond - as he was previously considered and hope for a better outcome this time. According to the Mail On Sunday, Barbara has made it clear she wanted the next actor to portray the character for 15 years. Aaron rose to fame after starring in Nowhere Boy, a 2009 John Lennon biopic. The star is married to the director of the film, Sam Taylor-Johnson, 56, and shares Romy Hero, 11, and Wylda Rae, 13, with her. Filmmaker Sam also has two older daughters - Angelica, 26, and Jessie, 17. The couple tied the knot back in 2012 and welcomed their first child Wylda in 2010. They had Romy two years later, while Sam has her two elder daughters from her 11-year marriage to art dealer Jay Jopling, which ended in 2008. Sharing a loved up snap to celebrate ten years of marriage back in June 2022, Sam dubbed her husband Aaron 'father to all 4 girls.' '10 glorious years. My incredible husband, father to all 4 girls. I love you, I love you, I love you. love conquers all,' she wrote. The Block is potentially looking at some major changes next year following complaints from viewers and declining ratings. According to sources close to production, Channel Nine may change the show's production company after the 20th season airs next year to freshen things up. 'The Block could crumble if [producers] and the team behind the show don't make some major changes,' the source said. One source of tension has been the drama between villains Brett and Kristy, and their rivals Leah and Ash, with the feud taking over the entire season. 'I don't think they quite expected as much conflict as they got but they did cast competitive women, around the same age, who have a lack of self awareness and would not hold back on opinions,' the source explained. The Block is potentially looking at some major changes next year following complaints from viewers and declining ratings One source of tension this season has been the drama caused by villains Brett and Kristy 'This made an explosive season,' they added, before claiming that the drama had been 'toned down' for television due to how heated it got on set. 'They escalated [Kristy and Brett] to being the series villains and watered down the others so audiences don't get confused on who is good and who is bad.' Despite the backlash from viewers, the source said that producers weren't surprised by what went down. 'These women are just behaving as usual. They are doing exactly what they were cast to do and that really isn't their fault. If you put all the ingredients into the mix you can hardly get mad when the cake rises,' they said. 'Channel Nine would be stupid to pull the show but maybe it is time it gets some fresh eyes on it,' they added. When contacted for comment, a Channel Nine rep dismissed the claims and insisted that there are 'no changes to the production company'. 'Channel Nine would be stupid to pull the show but maybe it is time it gets some fresh eyes on it,' a source said The Block has been produced by creator Julian Cress (pictured) for almost 20 years The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been inundated with complaints about the current season of The Block. In just one week, ACMA registered a total of 28 complaints - the most they've ever received for the renovation series. 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.' 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. Josh and Luke Packham were cast as the villains on season 17 in 2021 Last year, Ankur Dogra and Sharon Johal got the villain edit during season 18 With the exception of occasional competition from Seven's MKR, this strategy has translated into higher ratings for Nine. Although this season has dropped a dramatic 20 per cent from last year, it's still one of the highest-rated programs on air right now. Michael Healy, Nine's Director of Television, has been unapologetic about the approach, saying that the numbers speak for themselves. '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.' One Life Verdict: Timely tribute to a timeless hero Rating: The European premiere of One Life at the London Film Festival this week felt remarkably timely. James Hawes's drama is about the best of humanity, which arrives as we continue to digest news about the worst of humanity. More specifically, in a week in which hundreds of Jewish children have been massacred, here is a tale about hundreds of Jewish children being saved, thanks to the tireless efforts of numerous people, but above all a London stockbroker called Nicholas Winton, played in old age by Sir Anthony Hopkins and as a young man by Johnny Flynn. The film's title is lifted from an old Hebrew proverb which suggests that 'if you save one life you save the world'. Its narrative flits back and forth between the late 1930s and the late 1980s. In 1938 and 1939, we see Winton spearheading British attempts to extract children from the Czech capital Prague ahead of a German invasion that everyone knew was imminent. Johnny Flynn as a young Nicholas Winton in the film One Life Anthony Hopkins plays an older Winton in the film about hundreds of Jewish children being saved Fifty years later, living in comfortable retirement in Maidenhead, he is encouraged by his wife (Lena Olin) to clear out reams of old papers, re-igniting memories of the eight train loads of refugees that he, and others, managed to save from the Nazis. Hopkins gives a lovely, sensitive performance, and the famous 1988 edition of the BBC show That's Life!, when Winton sits in the audience unaware that everyone around him is a former child refugee whose survival he ensured, is beautifully dramatised. The actual clip, readily available on YouTube, is deeply moving. But the film (with Samantha Spiro as a credible Esther Rantzen) somehow makes it even more of a tearjerker. In truth I was glad that the lights didn't go up too soon afterwards. It gave my cheeks time to dry. The dramatic heart of the story, of course, is the monumental effort to get the children out. In 1938, Winton travels to Prague and persuades the tough, acerbic head of the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia, Doreen Warriner (Romola Garai), that they should focus on the most vulnerable. He also enlists the help, back in London, of his formidable German-born mother Babette (an imperious Helena Bonham Carter). When she bustles off to speak to a fellow at the Foreign Office, he asks loftily where she has come from. 'From Hampstead,' she replies, drily. 'On the 24 bus.' Winton's campaign is soon in danger of being strangled by red tape. The British government insists on a 50 bond, a visa, a medical certificate and a host family lined up, for every child. Winton's German-born mother Babette is played by Helena Bonham Carter Winton writes to The Times and offers of help start rolling in (along with some anti-Semitic hate mail). In the meantime, his job is at risk. 'Winton, enough heroic work,' thunders a telegram from his boss. Stockbroking needs him. But the Czech and Slovak youngsters need him more. Eventually, he and his colleagues extract 669 children, a remarkable number, yet in old age Winton's mind turns to the 250 others who were crammed on to the ninth train, the one that was due to set off from Prague on September 1, 1939, the day Germany invaded Poland. It never left the station. Perhaps wisely, One Life does not dwell too much on Nazi brutality. Indeed, if there's a single villain of the piece then somewhat unfairly it's not so much Adolf Hitler as the editor of the Maidenhead Advertiser. When Winton finally decides to tell his remarkable story and loyally goes first to his local paper, the editor rejects it because he can't see the 'Maidenhead angle'. By the time he realises what a scoop he's missed, it's too late. Director James Hawes, whose credits are mostly in TV (Doctor Who, Black Mirror), does a splendid job of packaging all this, helped by an understated script from Lucinda Coxon and Nick Drake. It could be all frenzy and tumult, but the story doesn't need any great cinematic flourishes, and doesn't get any. Yet none of that diminishes the impact of One Life, especially now. Winton died in 2015 at the mighty age of 106. It is reasonable to assume that the events of this week in Israel and Gaza would have broken his heart. One Life opens across the UK in January. Gemma Chan, Chloe Grace Moretz and Alicia Vikander enjoyed a girls night out in Los Angeles Thursday. The Hollywood superstars were joined by another friend at the private San Vicente Bungalows club in West Hollywood. Gemma, 40, whose film The Creator is doing well in theaters, looked business-like in a black suit and a tan top with a scooped neck. The Eternals star wore black ankle boots with thick soles and carried a shoulder bag with a black strap. Her dark hair was parted on the side and styled in smooth layers. Star-studded: Gemma Chan, Alicia Vikander (pictured) and Chloe Grace Moretz enjoyed a girls night out in Los Angeles Thursday. Sleek: Chloe, 26, looked sleek in a brown oversized leather jacket. The Peripheral star wore a black T-shirt and black slacks with matching pumps The Crazy Rich Asians star wore natural looking makeup with a red lip. She was joined by a friend who looked stylish in a pair of black leather pants, with a brown button down shirt over a black tee. Gemma's next project is The Actor, co-starring Toby Jones and Tracey Ullman. The thriller is a period piece about an actor tries to regain what he's lost after being beaten up and left for dead. Alicia, 35, kept her look casual. The Irma Vep star was spotted wearing a white T-shirt and her long, dark blonde hair was pulled back in a half ponytail. The Danish Girl actress seemed to be wearing natural looking makeup. The Oscar winner is set to team up with her husband Michael Fassbender, 46, and Korean star Hoyeon in the upcoming thriller Hope. Girls night: Gemma Chan, Alicia Vikander and a friend arrive for a girls night out at a private club in Los Angeles Thursday. Gemma, 40, looked business-like in a black suit and a tan top with a scooped neck Fashion week: Chloe was spotted enjoying fashion week in Paris at the Louis Vuitton show. Gemma and Alicia were also in attendance (Pictured in Paris October 2) Thriller: Gemma's next project is The Actor, co-starring Toby Jones and Tracey Ullman. The thriller is a period piece about an actor tries to regain what he's lost after being beaten up and left for dead (Pictured in Paris October 2) They will star as residents of a small harbor town who fight for survival after a mysterious discovery. The couple met when they starred in 2016's emotional The Light Between Oceans Chloe, 26, looked sleek in a brown oversized leather jacket. The Peripheral star wore a black T-shirt and black slacks with matching pumps. She parted her blonde bob on the side, and accessorized with gold hoop earrings. The Shadow in the Cloud actress wore minimal makeup with a neutral lip. The threesome were spotted earlier this month taking in the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week. She's one of the biggest Australian stars in Hollywood and she's about to make a huge career move by directing her first film. And Sydney-born Rebel Wilson has now revealed that she turned down major offers in the States, instead preferring to make her directorial debut Down Under. The 43-year-old made the revelation ahead of filming her new musical comedy The Deb, which starts production in country NSW next week. 'If I was directing a movie it was only going to be in Australia because that's authentic to me,' Rebel told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday. 'I didn't want to do the studio ones I was offered in America because I didn't feel like I had that heart connection,' she explained. Australian actress Rebel Wilson has revealed why she's making her directorial debut Down Under instead of taking offers from America The 43-year-old made the revelation ahead of filming her new musical comedy The Deb, which starts production in country NSW next week The Deb, which stars Rebel and comedian Shane Jacobson, centres on a country school girl getting ready for her debutante ball. The film will also feature actress Natalie Abbott from the ABC series Aftertaste, as well as newcomer Charlotte McInnes. Rebel, who is based in America, also revealed that she didn't want filming to disrupt her role as a new mother to her baby daughter, Royce Lillian. Actress Charlotte McInness one of the stars of The Deb 'I wanted to bring my family back here because my little daughter, it's her first time in Australia and she is loving it,' Rebel said. 'I've taken her multiple times to see the koalas. Everything is so safe here.' The performer shares her daughter with her fiancee, Ramona Agruma, who she first met in 2021. The pair eventually began dating, and they made their red carpet debut in March of last year. Rebel Wilson and the cast of The Deb pose during a rehearsal in Sydney The performer shares her daughter with her fiancee, Ramona Agruma Wilson later revealed that she had welcomed Royce via surrogate in November. The actress will begin filming The Deb in regional NSW next, after completing rehearsals in Sydney this week. Locations include country towns such as Carcoar, Blayney, and Orange, as well as Sydney. Comedian Rove McManus's call for Australians to 'just be decent' and vote Yes at the Voice to Parliament referendum has been slammed online by supporters of the No campaign. Millions of Australians will cast their votes on Saturday, saying either yes or no to enshrining an advisory body for Indigenous Australians in the constitution. The comedian revealed to The Project panel that he had 'got mad' at a meeting on Friday, saying the Voice had been 'manipulated'. 'What are we doing to ourselves? This is a real moment where we can be proud and show what a wonderful country this is.' But One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is among the Aussies leading the backlash against his remarks, calling it a 'last ditch effort to bully voters'. 'You would think the Yes campaign would have learned by now, Aussies are sick of celebrity bullies and tomorrow they will head to the polls to Vote No to their Voice of Division,' Ms Hanson posted on X. Another X user posted: 'READ THE ROOM: Elitist has-been Rove McManus has driven the final nail in the Yes coffin.' 'Why would anybody take advice from Rove McManus or The Project panel on how to vote?' wrote another. 'Stop influencing our personal lives,' posted another person. 'Why do celebrities think their opinion is smarter than our research. Quite frankly how dare Rove, good-bye Project.' Others criticised the entertainer for referring to a conversation with his nine-year-daughter about the referendum during his on-air remarks. On last night's show, he revealed what he believed was 'mind-blowing' about those planning to vote no, after a conversation with his nine-year-old daughter. 'She said, "I can't believe anyone would vote no to this", and that's what breaks my heart,' he said. 'Rove McManus telling us to 'be decent for once' showing his contempt for ordinary Australians who he clearly believes to be indecent,' one person posted. 'Oh and Rove, citing your 9 year old child is crass emotional nonsense.' Rove McManus has made an impassioned plea to Australians to 'be decent' and vote Yes at the Voice to Parliament referendum The comedian's comments came on the eve of the final opportunity for Australian to cast their vote in the proposal to recognise First Nations people in the constitution and establish an advisory Voice to parliament. It's hoped that the Voice will give First Nations people, who have lifespans that are eight years shorter than other Australians and double the rates of suicide, a chance to weigh in on laws that affect them. The triple Gold Logie award winner, whose company Roving Enterprises produces The Project, also addressed those who criticised the Voice for not going far enough to address the problems facing Indigenous Australians, saying that 'in many ways, of course it doesn't'. 'You can't just drop in at the top of Mount Everest, you've got to climb slowly and this is the only way you can do it,' he said. He urged Australians to think about how they wanted to vote and to 'just be decent for once' in order to bring change to First Nations people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also issued an emotional plea on Friday, telling voters that 'kindness costs nothing'. Millions of Australians will cast their votes today, saying either Yes or No to enshrining an advisory body for Indigenous Australians in the constitution 'There is nothing, no cost to Australians showing kindness, thinking with their heart, as well as their head when they enter the polling booth tomorrow,' Albanese said. 'This is a time where Australians have that opportunity to show the generosity of spirit that I see in the Australian character,' he told reporters in Adelaide. Opposition leader Peter Dutton used the last day before polling to warn the proposed advisory body would be 'a very significant and detrimental change to our system of government'. 'I think there is a lot of regret in terms of the division that has been created, the money that has been expended and no practical outcome that was going to be delivered for Indigenous Australians,' he said on ABC radio. Last-minute polling continued to show the No vote is likely to prevail over the Yes campaign, with only the state of Victoria looking likely to agree to the referendum proposal. To pass the referendum question must gain a Yes from a majority of voters in a majority of Australian states. Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted during a solo shopping trip in Santa Monica on Friday afternoon. The 42-year-old model cut a very casual figure as she made her way through the Third Street Promenade while browsing. The former Victoria's Secret Angel, who recently promoted her swimwear brand GAL Floripa by sharing a set of sultry snaps, showed off her impeccably sculpted legs while wearing a pair of light blue cutoff shorts. Ambrosio contrasted the bright tone of her bottoms with a dark gray cardigan sweater and a low-cut black T-shirt. The fashion industry figure accessorized with several necklaces and a pair of sunglasses, and she kept a chic leather purse slung over her right shoulder. Making the rounds: Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted during a solo shopping trip in Santa Monica on Friday afternoon The runway regular's gorgeous brunette hair fell onto her back and complemented her dark outerwear. Ambrosio's outing took place just a day after she included numerous photos of her daughter Anja, 15, and her son Noah, 11, in a video that was posted on her Instagram account. The model was also seen while spending time with her kids in several of the snaps, which were shared in recognition of Brazilian Children's Day. The fashion industry personality shares her children with her former fiance Jamie Mazur, to whom she became engaged in 2008. The former couple started a family with Anja's birth that same year, and they waited for four more years before welcoming Noah. Ambrosio and Mazur remained together until 2018, when it was announced that they had ended their engagement. The supermodel spoke about her children during an interview with Harper's Bazaar, where she opened up about teaching them about confidence. The fashion industry figure stated that she wanted her kids 'to feel happy and comfortable in their own skin' as they matured. There they are: The former Victoria's Secret Angel, who recently promoted her swimwear brand GAL Floripa by sharing a set of sultry snaps, showed off her impeccably sculpted legs while wearing a pair of light blue cutoff shorts Proud mom: Ambrosio's outing took place just a day after she included numerous photos of her daughter Anja, 15, and her son Noah, 11, in a video that was posted on her Instagram account Special occasion: The model was also seen while spending time with her kids in several of the snaps, which were shared in recognition of Brazilian Children's Day Ambrosio also spoke about the potential of stepping in and offering her children guidance during their older years. The model stated: 'I would gently guide them if I felt they were trying to be someone they're not.' The entrepreneur concluded by stating that she was committed to supporting her kids as they grew older. 'I'm happy for them to take their own journey. It's the only way,' Ambrosio said. They're are best known for their hilarious commentary on some of Australia's most-watched and loved television shows. But the stars from Gogglebox Australia surprised viewers on Thursday night's episode when they shared their political views on Saturday's Voice to Parliament referendum. The episode saw them tune in to SBS to watch The Point: Referendum Road Trip as they each shared their stance on the topic, and whether they'll be voting 'Yes' or 'No' on Saturday, October 14. Brisbane family Kevin and partner Bob, and friends Jared and Mia, are the first Indigenous group to appear on the Australian series. The four friends were divided over the referendum. Brisbane family Kevin and partner Bob, and friends Jared and Mia, are the first Indigenous group to appear on the Australian series. The four friends were divided over the referendum Kevin is a Wakka Wakka and South Sea Islander man who grew up on Butchulla Country (Hervey Bay) in Queensland's South-East, and revealed why he is voting No. The university lecturer said his biggest issue with The Voice was that 'it lacks the ability for nuanced conversations' 'I think we need more than just an advisory committee,' he said. 'For me, and I know a lot of blackfellas are worried that it's a toothless tiger.' Kevin continued: 'How many royal commissions have we had over the years, black deaths in custody, removal of black children from families? 'And those recommendations haven't all been implemented. We've had a voice, they haven't been listening.' Mother-daughter duo Kerry and Izzy also weighed in on the vote, as Kerry proudly sported a colourful 'Yes' T-shirt Meanwhile, Jared was firm on his stance by wearing a 'Yes' T-shirt on the show. 'It's not going to make a big difference to my life, I don't think it'll make a big difference to anyone's life,' the Kalkadoon, Undumbi and South Sea Islander man said. 'I'm voting yes because I have a fear of what a conservative No vote win will mean.' Mother-daughter duo Kerry and Izzy also weighed in on the vote, as Kerry proudly sported a colourful Yes T-shirt. Best mates Symon and Adam also agreed on the Yes vote 'It's about recognition, listening, and better results,' she said. 'Is it actually going to create change?' Izzy asked, to which Kerry replied, 'Well this is what the Voice hopefully will create because right up until now, nothing else has worked.' Best mates Symon and Adam also agreed on the Yes vote. 'It's an advisory group, it will provide advice from the people who are affected by the decisions to the parliament to have them make laws that then affect them,' Symon said. 'In my heart, it is the right thing to do to vote Yes,' Adam added. On the other hand, Milo and Nic sounded like they were still weighing up their options. 'I don't know where I sit,' Milo said. Milo and Nic sounded like they were still weighing up their options Meanwhile, Nic was swaying towards a 'No' vote: 'I think at this stage, I haven't been shown enough evidence of what I'm voting for to vote Yes.' Tim share his thoughts with housemate Leanne, as he proudly wore an 'I'm voting YES' badge pinned to his chest. 'This is one of the most important referendums of our lives,' he said. Tim share his thoughts with housemate Leanne, as he proudly wore an 'I'm voting YES' badge pinned to his chest Couple Keith and Lee both wondered how the Voice to Parliament would actually 'be better' for Indigenous Australians 'We actually have the power to make change.' Couple Keith and Lee both wondered how the Voice to Parliament would actually 'be better' for Indigenous Australians. 'If all the aboriginals want this referendum, they're all together and say, 'Okay, yes', it must be a pretty good thing,' Keith began. 'But they're all divided and they're arguing against each other, so there's something wrong with it.' According to the latest Newspoll 57 per cent of voters said they intended to vote No, a point down since a previous poll on Monday Anastasia also questioned if there was some sort of 'hidden agenda' behind the Yes campaign. One of the youngest members on the show, Millie Dalton, pointed out that 'the constitution is 120 years old. 'It's going to need updating at points in time,' she said. According to the latest Newspoll 57 per cent of voters said they intended to vote No, a point down since a previous poll on Monday. LATEST NEWSPOLL ON OCTOBER 13 Voters were asked: On October 14, Australians will decide at a referendum whether to alter the Australian Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration? 'Uncommitted' people were asked the following leaner question: voting at this referendum will be compulsory. While you may change your mind, if you had to choose now, do you approve of this proposed alteration of the Australian Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice? Yes 37 per cent No 57 per cent Don't know 6 per cent Source: The Weekend Australian Newspoll Advertisement Only about 6 per cent of voters said they were undecided. The state with the strongest level of support is Victoria and is looking like the only state to produce a majority Yes vote. To succeed the referendum must gain a double majority, which is a yes vote from the majority of Australians and also the majority of states. If every state votes No it would be a significant embarrassment for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with support for Indigenous Constitutional recognition in the form of a Voice sitting at well above 60 per cent in January. Avril Lavigne's on-off romance with the rapper Tyga has been brought definitively to a close, it was claimed this week. They first went public with their romance this March, only for rumors to begin flying in June that they had broken up. However they were then spotted together at a Las Vegas event over Fourth Of July weekend, igniting an explosion of conjecture that they were back on. Now, though, an insider has informed People that they only briefly got back together and their relationship is now 'totally over.' Tyga and Avril were first spotted together in February of this year, in the immediate aftermath of her split from her fiance Mod Sun. Done: Avril Lavigne's on-off romance with the rapper Tyga has been brought definitively to a close, it was claimed this week; pictured at Paris Fashion Week in March 'Rebound': Tyga and Avril were first spotted together in February of this year, in the immediate aftermath of her split from her fiance Mod Sun; Mod and Avril are pictured September 2021 Mod, who previously hit the headlines for his long-term relationship with Bella Thorne, was involved with Avril for three years. After his relationship with Avril ended in February, Mod publicly revealed that he was 'blindsided' by her decision to break their engagement. Shortly thereafter, Avril was spotted out with Tyga, who achieved international notoriety for dating Kylie Jenner when she was a teen and he in his 20s. Rumors started circulating that Avril's romance with Tyga overlapped with her engagement to Mod, but an insider has denied as much to DailyMail.com. 'Avril didn't cheat on Mod,' said the source, a close friend of Avril's. 'She was simply over his BS and Tyga was an easy distraction.' In June, it emerged that Avril and Tyga had brought the curtain down on their romance, which she allegedly never took that seriously. 'It came down to this,' the same friend of hers revealed to DailyMail.com. 'Avril didn't want to be locked into anything. Tyga was a rebound and he helped her get away from her toxic relationship with Mod Sun.' However, once Fourth Of July weekend rolled around, Avril and Tyga were glimpsed together enjoying Marshmello's set at the Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas. An insider exclusively observed to DailyMail.com that Tyga appeared to be 'in boyfriend mode' during his interaction with Avril. Remember when: They first went public with their romance this March, only for rumors to begin flying in June that they had broken up; pictured in March in Los Angeles However: They were then spotted together at a Las Vegas event over Fourth Of July weekend, igniting an explosion of reunion conjecture; they are pictured on TikTok later in July 'While they laughed, smiled and were carrying on when she joined him and their entourages at VIP, they definitely didn't care if anyone saw them together. To everyone that was watching them, it seemed like they were the only ones in the building,' the source divulged. 'Both were seemingly very interested in each other equally as they were often very eye to eye while deep into conversation. They had a very unique connection. There wasn't kissing or handholding but it seemed like they were going to jump each other when they got beyond closed doors, there was an electricity between them both. 'When they finally left, Tyga was very protective and acted like he was in boyfriend mode as he guided her with his hand on the small of her back on the way out. 'No one mentioned that they were dating again throughout their time there, but the time they had together looked as if they rekindled something.' George Clooney gave a speech at his Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. The Oscar winner, 62, was spotted at the podium in a casual wardrobe of polo and jeans as he raised awareness for the institution, whose mission is to 'build a more inclusive pipeline of historically underrepresented, college and career ready students interested in the film and television industries,' per its website. Surrounded by a bevy of Hollywood heavyweights including Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington and Don Cheadle George looked to have the audience enraptured, as he was highly animated throughout the speech. Afterwards, Clooney who is handing over the Ocean's 11 series to Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling posed with the three superstar actors, as the group threw their arms around each other and smiled for the shutterbugs. Eva and Kerry took to the stage as well, offering inspirational words for the young student body. School in session: George Clooney gave a speech at his Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet in downtown Los Angeles on Friday Famous friends: George was surrounded by a bevy of Hollywood heavyweights, including Eva Longoria , Kerry Washington and Don Cheadle Inspiring women: Eva and Kerry took to the stage as well, offering inspirational words for the young student body Don, who is a Roybal Advisory Board Member, was on hand for the second year in a row, as he attended in 2022 alongside Mindy Kaling. At Friday's event, George also spoke out about the SAG strike, urging Hollywood studios to re-engage in negotiations with the striking actors, per Reuters. Negotiations between the studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors' union were suspended on Wednesday after studios rejected a demand for a bonus tied to the number of streaming TV subscribers. George called the breakdown in negotiations 'worrisome.' 'At least get in the room. Don't take a vacation,' he added. The star added that SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher had told him she was ready to restart negotiations and that he hoped the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) would follow her lead. 'Hopefully we can just get in a room and get this thing solved,' he said. George's rousing address was the second time he spoke at the Roybal School, as last year's event had him putting his wit on full display. Striking star: At Friday's event, George also spoke out about the SAG strike, urging Hollywood studios to re-engage in negotiations with the striking actors Worried for the future: George called the breakdown in negotiations of the SAG strike 'worrisome' Solidarity: Negotiations between the studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors' union were suspended on Wednesday after studios rejected a demand for a bonus tied to the number of streaming TV subscribers 'When you think of actors, you don't think of education, in general. I mean, you look at me, you just think, "Oh, he's just the best Batman of all-time,'" he joked during the ceremony, He also spoke with ET at the launch about why he thought creating this school in Los Angeles was so important. 'We're excited about this. We feel like theres a real opportunity here, and its something that I think we missed in our industry, and I think its something that its pretty obvious what the solution is and its starting earlier,' he said. 'I just felt like, if you see a hole, you try to fill it, and this is one that it just seemed like I was in London, and we were staffing up, and because its been a very busy time in the industry, its hard to find crew, and we need to do a lot better about inclusivity,' he mentioned. Returning champ: Don, who is a Roybal Advisory Board Member, was on hand for the second year in a row, as he attended in 2022 alongside Mindy Kaling Talk it out: 'At least get in the room. Don't take a vacation,' George said of the SAG strike negotiations Hug it out: Kerry and Eva shared a big hug after their speech Governor report: Gavin Newsom made a speech at the Roybal School of Film after George Clooney Busy star: Eva was also seen at the Hollywood Museum celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Cruise control: Eva was joined by Diane Warren and Richard Montanez He said he would be willing to lend a hand in the classroom as well. 'I'm gonna come in. And listen, this is below-the-line guys, right? So, I'm not really gonna come in and talk about directing or acting, but I can come in and sit down with the kids when they're editing and stuff like that, so, something like that,' he explained. In June 2021, George, Grant Heslov, and Bryan Lourd partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to establish The Roybal Film and Television Magnet. The school is described as, 'a specialized academy housed within the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center,' which will provide, 'Los Angeles Unified teachers with access to renowned storytellers, along with industry professionals and experts, and support students with a robust academic education and practical training, establishing a clear pathway to good-paying jobs.' Al Pacino's relationship with his much younger baby mama Noor Alfallah has been called into question in recent weeks and though many have thought the two had put those rumors to rest on a dinner date earlier this week, she was seen putting on quite the amorous display with another man outside of a restaurant just hours later. The 29-year-old producer was seen without the 83-year-old father of her child on a lunch outing with Prince Alexander von Furstenberg at E. Baldi on Thursday afternoon. Noor and the 53-year-old American businessman and socialite definitely raised eyebrows as they packed on playful PDA outside of the celeb-favorite restaurant just hours after enjoying an outing with the father of her child. Perhaps the most interesting thing of all was that at one point Prince Alexander grabbed Noor's backside with his right hand. At one point he even hugged her from behind as she turned her face away from his while they were in the valet queue. Moving on? Al Pacino 's relationship with his much younger baby mama Noor Alfallah has been called into question in recent weeks and though many have thought the two had put those rumors to rest on a dinner date earlier this week , she was seen putting on quite the amorous display with another man outside of a restaurant just hours later Interesting: The 29-year-old producer was seen on an outing with the 83-year-old father of her child on a lunch outing with Prince Alexander von Furstenberg at E. Baldi on Thursday afternoon Close: Perhaps the most interesting thing of all was that at one point Alexander grabbed Noor's backside with his right hand The previous evening Noor and Al were spotted enjoying a date night as they went out to dinner at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood on Wednesday. It all seemed to be in good fun as Noor flashed a big smile while walking toward her car after saying her goodbyes to the son of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and Prince Egon von Furstenberg. Noor kept her look simple in all black including blazer over top, trousers, and leather heeled Chelsea boots. She accessorized with black designer sunglasses and a matching watch as she carried along a brown paper bag. Her raven-colored locks were worn down as she showcased her natural looks with complementary make-up. Prince Alexander donned a black T-Shirt with white trousers and black leather sneakers. Despite being the son of fashion royalty, he has paved a way all his own as he began his career in 1993 as a trader on Risk Arbitrage Desk of Allen and Company. He now is the Chief Investment Officer of Ranger Global Advisors, LLC, a family company he founded which focuses on opportunistic value-based investing. Prince Alexander was previously married to Alexandra von Furstenberg who is the daughter of duty-free shops owner Robert Warren Miller. Hanging out: Noor and the 53-year-old American businessman and socialite - who is the son of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and Prince Egon von Furstenberg. - definitely raised eyebrows Comfortable: They packed on playful PDA outside of the celeb-favorite restaurant just hours after enjoying an outing with the father of her child Hmm: At one point he even hugged her from behind as she turned her face away from his while they were in the valet queue Prince Alexander had himself a laugh The son of fashion royalty couldn't keep his hands to himself The two married in a Catholic ceremony in October 1995 in New York City. They share two children; Talita Natasha born on May 7, 1999 and Tassilo Egon Maximilian born on August 26, 2001. Prince Alexander and Alexandra separated in 2002 and were divorced a year later. Years later he announced his engagement to Alison 'Ali' Kay years later. He and Alison share two children together; Leon in July 2012 and Vito in June 2020. Prince Alexander and Alison were civilly married on September 19, 2020 which happened to be her 36th birthday. The previous evening Noor and Al were spotted enjoying a date night as they went out to dinner at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood on Wednesday. The Godfather star and the producer further pushed split speculation aside during their night out which first sparked last month after she filed for sole custody of their baby, Roman. It all seemed to be in good fun as Noor flashed a big smile while walking toward her car after saying her goodbyes Noor kept her look simple in all black including blazer over top, trousers, and leather heeled Chelsea boots She accessorized with black designer sunglasses and a matching watch as she carried along a brown paper bag The pair were spotted leaving the iconic venue in a sleek, black vehicle as Alfallah donned a chic black ensemble. Her locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders. The Oscar winner also opted for a black outfit and was seen in the passenger seat while Noor sat behind the wheel. Al and his girlfriend were last seen on a date night in September as they stopped by A.O.C. restaurant in Beverly Hills. The two were first romantically linked in April 2022, and at the time, a source revealed to Page Six that Pacino was not bothered by their age gap. 'Pacino and Noor started seeing each other during the pandemic. She mostly dates very rich older men, she was with Mick Jagger for a while, and then she dated Nicholas Berggruen,' an insider told the outlet. 'She has been with Al for some time and they get on very well. The age gap doesnt seem to be a problem, even though he is older than her father,' the source expressed, adding, 'She moves with the wealthy jet-set crowd, and she comes from a family with money.' Earlier this year in May, it was confirmed that the couple were expecting their first child together. A close friend had spoken to DailyMail.com and stated that although the pregnancy was 'not expected,' the star was thrilled over the news. 'If she waited until 11 weeks to tell Al it is because she found out then.' 'She's wanted to have a baby for years and Al could not be happier. He loves Noor and the feeling is mutual.' The insider also slammed speculation that Noor was dating Pacino strictly for financial reasons as 'complete and utter b******t'. 'Not only does Noor come from an extremely wealthy family, but she has also worked to obtain her own wealth.' In June, Pacino himself confirmed that he was happy over the news during an outing in Los Angeles. 'It's very special,' he had announced at the time. 'It always has been. I've got many kids. But this is really special coming at this time,' he continued to explain. In June, Al and Noor welcomed their son, Roman - now four-months-old. Last month in September, the producer notably filed for sole custody of their little one, requesting 'reasonable visitation' for the award-winning actor. TMZ had reported that Alfallah had filed a petition in L.A. Superior Court and along with reasonable visitation, she had also requested that Pacino have 'joint legal custody' as well. The filing quickly sparked split rumors between the pair, however, a source told the outlet, 'Al and Noor have successfully worked together and have mutually reached agreements regarding their child, Roman. They are still together.' A representative for the Hollywood actor also further shut down break up rumors to DailyMail.com and stated the two have, 'mutually reached an agreement regarding their son.' 'Al and Noor have successfully worked together and have mutually reached agreements regarding their child Roman. They are together. They haven't split.' The Scarface actor is not only father to baby Roman, but also daughter, Julia, 33, whom he shares with Jan Tarrant, as well as twins Anton and Olivia, 22, whom he welcomed with Beverly D'Angelo. Sole custody: Last month in September, the producer notably filed for sole custody of their little one and 'reasonable visitation' for the award-winning actor Mutual 'agreement': A representative for the Hollywood actor also further shut down break up rumors to DailyMail.com and stated the two have, 'mutually reached an agreement regarding their son'; seen with Bennett Miller Spotted: Earlier this month, Alfallah was spotted enjoying a night out with her ex, Berggruen, as they attended a Sting concert together in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl; seen above with her ex In the past, the star was previously linked to other celebrities such as Diane Keaton, Jill Clayburgh and also Penelope Ann Miller. Noor was also linked to actor Clint Eastwood, now 93, back in 2019, and dated Mick Jagger as well as billionaire Nicolas Berggruen. Earlier this month, Alfallah was spotted enjoying a night out with her ex, Berggruen, as they attended a Sting concert together in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl. The outing seemingly was their first since early 2020. She uploaded a video from the concert onto her Instagram stories as she documented special moments from the night. Amy Schumer shared her feelings about the IsraelHamas war in an emotional statement that was posted on her Instagram account on Friday. In her message, the 42-year-old comedian spoke about her experience of feeling 'ashamed' of her Jewish identity during her younger years and how she had to 'laugh along' with hurtful jokes to fit in with her former classmates. The performer who recently signed an open letter condemning the 'barbaric acts' of Hamas soldiers then expressed that she was sympathetic to the plights of both Israelis and Palestinians who have been affected by the ongoing conflict, as well as Jews abroad. Schumer began her statement by speaking about her familial relationship with a survivor of Nazi-run concentration camps and her experience of growing up as a Jewish individual. 'As a child I grew up, with uncle Alex, numbers from Auschwitz burned into his forearm. Attending Hebrew school reading endless books about the Holocaust like all Jewish children do. Learning of the worlds confusing hatred for us,' she wrote. Speaking her mind: Amy Schumer shared her feelings about the IsraelHamas war in an emotional statement that was posted on her Instagram account on Friday; she is seen earlier this month The I Feel Pretty actress also spoke about how her heritage made her a target during her school years. She recalled being 'ridiculed for being Jewish by the students and parents alike. Ashamed and scared I kept it quiet. Learned to laugh along at all the "Jew jokes" and make them myself.' The performer spoke about how she had to deal with comments about 'how Jews were greedy and rich while I had to share a bed with my mom while living in other families tiny basements and attics because we had no money.' Schumer then stated that she had embraced her Jewish identity and was not afraid to discuss her her heritage in public. 'I'm not laughing anymore or being quiet anymore. I'm proud to be descended from a population they have tried to exterminate over and over again thousands of years. My ancestors fought too hard and survived too much for me to sit quietly,' she said. The comedian also publicly expressed her sympathy and support for the Jews and Palestinians involved in the ongoing war. 'I am Jewish. I am proud. My heart breaks for Israel. It breaks for the innocent people of Gaza too. I love my Palestinian brothers and sisters. Palestinians are not Hamas, who wants only to exterminate the 16 million of us left,' she wrote. Schumer concluded her message by imploring her followers to 'donate' to charitable organizations aimed at assisting those involved in the war and asked her fans to 'reach out to your Jewish and Palestinian friends.' Opening up: In her message, the 42-year-old comedian spoke about her experience of feeling 'ashamed' of her Jewish identity during her younger years and how she had to 'laugh along' with hurtful jokes to fit in with her former classmates Proud: Schumer then stated that she had embraced her Jewish identity and was not afraid to discuss her her heritage in public; she is seen in 2022 Heartfelt: The comedian also publicly expressed her sympathy and support for the Jews and Palestinians involved in the ongoing war; she is seen in 2022 The performer also shared a short statement in her post's caption to speak about supporting individuals on both sides of the conflict. 'Please don't worry about saying the perfect thing to your friends you can just say that "I'm not sure what to say but I love you. I'm here and I'm sorry" you don't need to pick a side. I didn't pick a side.' She added that many likeminded individuals were 'just begging for our friends to not let them try and exterminate us again.' Schumer has re-shared numerous posts regarding the war on her Instagram account ever since the conflict increased in severity earlier this month. Heidi Klum showed she was a major leather fan as she strutted her stuff to the set of America's Got Talent: Fantasy League in Los Angeles. The 50-year-old supermodel draped her impressively taut figure in a scarlet ensemble that emphasized her petite frame. Her red-hot getup included a jacket with the sleeves folded up, in a concession to the steamy weather that persists in Los Angeles even in mid-October. She balanced expertly on a towering pair of Larroude stiletto boots and warded off the beating California rays with a gleaming pair of purple aviators. Wearing her luxurious caramel locks down and letting them cascade over her shoulders, she swung a massive burnt-orange handbag. Smile and wave: Heidi Klum went hell for leather as she strutted her stuff to the set of America's Got Talent: Fantasy League in Los Angeles Swanking about: The 50-year-old supermodel draped her taut figure in a scarlet ensemble that emphasized her petite frame. Her red-hot getup included a jacket with the sleeves folded up, in a concession to the steamy weather that persists in Los Angeles even in mid-October Aglow: She balanced expertly on a towering pair of Larroude stiletto boots and warded off the beating California rays with a gleaming pair of purple aviators A week ago, the Teutonic blonde was in Berlin in order to judge the new season of Germany's Next Top Model, a job she has held since 2006. For the first time in its history, the America's Next Top Model spin-off will have a cast of contestants that includes not just women but men as well. While there, Heidi also found time to swing by an Intimissimi gala with her daughter Leni, 19, who has followed her footsteps into the modeling business. Over the past year Heidi has been deluged with backlash more than once for posing with Leni in lingerie shoots for Intimissimi. During the second controversy, which unfolded this May, the blowback grew so intense that Heidi turned off her Instagram comments. However she and Leni were defiantly cheerful at last week's gala, standing for pictures in front of a backdrop of their controversial underwear snaps. A few weeks ago Heidi revealed she had begun to plan her impending Halloween party, a highlight of her social calendar. Heidi is famous for pulling out the stops for her extravagant costumes, once spending 10 hours having prosthetics applied on her body in order to dress as a revolting worm. Globetrotter: A week ago, she was in Berlin in order to judge the new season of Germany 's Next Topmodel, a job she has held since 2006. For the first time in its history, the spin-off will have a cast of contestants that includes not just women but men as well Getting ready: A few weeks ago Heidi revealed she had begun to plan her impending Halloween party, a highlight of her social calendar Making it happen: Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com last month, Heidi teased this year's costume as bound to 'be extra. It's going to be really extra.' Without spilling any details, she dished: 'I have had sleepless nights over it' Gorgeous: While in Berlin, Heidi also found time to swing by an Intimissimi gala with her daughter Leni, 19, who has followed her footsteps into the modeling business Her no-holds-barred costumes over the years have included Fiona from Shrek, a man-eating space alien and Michael Jackson as a werewolf in the Thriller video. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com last month, Heidi teased this year's costume as bound to 'be extra. It's going to be really extra.' Without spilling any details about what precisely she will be dressing as this year, she dished: 'I have had sleepless nights over it. You know me.' Meanwhile, Heidi's 19-year-old daughter Leni has followed her footsteps into the modeling business, prompting persistent allegations of being a 'nepo baby.' Ice Spice was pictured while spending time backstage on the set of Saturday Night Live in New York City on Friday. The 23-year-old rapper wore a revealing outfit during her time at the show's production area, during which she was also pictured with its longtime cast member, Pete Davidson. The performer, who recently spoke about working with Ben Affleck during a shoot for a Dunkin' Donuts commercial, wore a pair of denim shorts that showed off a slight portion of her rear end as she posed for photos. Ice Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston, also wore a pink tube top that exposed her midsection and was paired with near-matching sleeves. The hitmaker also donned pairs of black stockings and knee-high leather boots, and she accessorized with a sparkling necklace. Hanging out: Ice Spice was pictured while spending time backstage on the set of Saturday Night Live in New York City on Friday Her gorgeous red hair paired well with the bright tones of her clothing as she spent time with Davidson. Ice Spice and the comedian, 29, are set to serve as the musical guest and host of Saturday Night Live's 49th season premiere episode, which is set to air tomorrow. The actor began his career on the program, on which he appeared from 2014 until 2022. Although she appeared to be enjoying her time on the program's set, the rapper also found the time to promote the release of her new single, Pretty Girl, by sharing a set of photos on her Instagram account on Thursday. In the snaps, the performer wore a revealing outfit while spending time on the set of what appeared to be a video shoot. Ice Spice opted for a yellow crop top that was paired with a denim skirt, which showed off her curvy thighs and rear end. The hitmaker also wore a pair of thigh-high pink boots and carried a near-matching purse as she posed for her photos. The performer accessorized with several pieces of jewelry, and her red hair paired perfectly with her light top. Showing some skin: The performer, who recently spoke about working with Ben Affleck during a shoot for a Dunkin' Donuts commercial, wore a pair of denim shorts that showed off a slight portion of her rear end as she posed for photos Working hard: Although she appeared to be enjoying her time on the program's set, the rapper also found the time to promote the release of her new single, Pretty Girl, by sharing a set of photos on her Instagram account on Thursday Doing her thing: In the snaps, the performer wore a revealing outfit while spending time on the set of what appeared to be a video shoot Color coordination: Ice Spice opted for a yellow crop top that was paired with a denim skirt, which showed off her curvy thighs and rear end Ice Spice collaborated with Nigerian rapper Rema while working on Pretty Girl, which was released on Friday. The performer's most recently-released single prior to Pretty Girl, entitled Deli, debuted this past July. The song was included on the deluxe version of her first EP, Like..?, which was released that same month. Ice Spice's debut received mixed to positive reviews from critics, and it currently holds a 69 percent rating on Metacritic. Olivia Munn was dressed for success during a stroll in New York City on Friday. The actress, who welcomed her son Malcolm to the world in November 2021 with her partner John Mulaney, was seen chatting with a female friend along the bustling streets in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. The Iron Man 2 actress looked stylish in black slacks from Silk Laundry and a white top that she partially covered with a tan trench coat. With the sun peeking through the clouds at times, on a day that saw the temperatures move between the low 50s and low 60s, Munn also wore cool dark sunglasses. The Oklahoma City native, 43, rounded out her look with black stilettos, and she accessorized with a gorgeous black handbag. Classy: Olivia Munn, 43, looked business chic in for her stroll along the bustling streets of Tribeca in Manhattan on Friday She had her raven tresses styled long and straight down close to her waistline in the front and back with a center part. Despite a possible chance of rain, Munn appeared to be in a great mood if her glowing smile was any good indication. The former Newsroom star was absolutely beaming as they talked and laughed while making their way from one New York City block to the next. The unidentified woman went with a summery look in black-and-white striped pants, a white T-shirt and black Adidas sneakers, and she also carried a brown handbag. At one point, the ladies stopped to take a breather but continued on with their conversation. It didn't take long before they resumed their walk together in the downtown neighborhood. It appears Munn and her beau were staying at the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, which is close to SoHo and the Financial District. He was pictured smiling and waving towards an admiring photographer when he left the luxury 5 star New York wellness hotel the previous day. Just one week earlier, Munn shared how she's been relishing in wearing her nicer, more stylish clothes recently after spending a lot of time at home due to COVID-19 in 2020 and then the pregnancy and birth of baby Malcolm following year. 'I honestly can't believe I've been getting dressed up more and more,' she confessed during a photoshoot she captured on Instagram. 'Thought I'd live in my robe forever after baby.' Munn and Mulaney began dating in 2021, about a month after the stand-up comedian split from his wife Anna Marie. Business chic: The actress looked stylish in black Silk Laundry slacks and a white top that was partially covered with a trench coat New York state of mind: It appears Munn and husband John Mulaney were staying at the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, which is close to SoHo and the Financial District in downtown Stylin': The comedian looked handsome in a black-and-white patterned slacks with a blue and white-striped dress shirt Work preps: Mulaney has been prepping for the start of his new stand-up comedy tour, slated to beginning in Upstate New York on November 2 The couple wasted little time in starting up their family with the birth of their son Malcolm in November of that same year. Since her pregnancy and the birth of her boy, Munn has only had one on-screen acting credit, a guest-starring role on Tales Of The Walking Dead, which aired in August 2022. Currently, she voices the lead role of Akiko Yokohama/Lady Bullseye II in the computer-animated series Hit-Monkey. Created by Will Speck and Josh Gordon and based on a Marvel Comics character of the same name by Daniel Way and Dalibor Talajic, season one premiered on Hulu in November 2021, within days of when she gave birth. The cast also includes voice performances by Ally Maki, Nobi Nakanishi, Fred Tatasciore, George Takei, Jason Sudeikis and Leslie Jones. Season two of the series was greenlit in February, but so far there's been no official word on when it will drop on the streaming service. Family matters: Munn appears to have cut her workload down since she and partner John Mulaney welcomed their son Malcolm to the world in November 2021 Going strong: The couple have been an item since the early part of 2021 As for Mulaney, the comedian is set to embark on a new stand-up comedy tour titled John Mulaney In Concert. The Emmy-winning comic, 41, kicks off his latest tour in Kingston, New York on November 2, and then goes on through until with a New Year's Eve gig on Phoenix, Arizona. Just this past April, Mulaney dropped his latest Netflix special, Baby J, which documented his last stand-up special that was recorded in February 2023 at the Boston Symphony Hall. Baby J, which was collection of stories surrounding his drug addiction, his subsequent intervention and eventual rehabilitation, was nominated for two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) and Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special. The wife of Indigenous footy legend Lance 'Buddy' Franklin has shared an emotional message about the Voice to Parliament explaining why she is voting Yes. Jesinta Franklin, 32, said on Instagram that she tucked her two children Lulu and Rocky in on Friday, kissed them on their foreheads and then broke down in tears. 'I was overcome with emotion,' the 2010 Miss Universe Australia revealed. 'Tomorrow, we are being asked to vote on whether we will or will not recognise Indigenous Australians in our constitution. 'We are the only former colony in the world that does not recognise our first peoples in our founding document. The only one. 'Our constitution recognises lighthouses and coinage but doesn't recognise the people I love and care about the most in this world, my husband and children. This simply isn't right.' Jesinta Franklin , 32, said on Instagram that she tucked her two children Lulu and Rocky in on Friday, kissed them on their foreheads and then broke down in tears Lance Franklin with wife Jesinta and children Rocky and Lulu are farewelled during the AFL Round 24 match between the Sydney Swans and the Melbourne Demons in 2023 Ms Franklin urged Aussies to think about the impact that a successful Yes vote will have. 'It's about doing things for other people that may not have any impact on you, but are going to improve or positively impact someone else's life,' she said. 'Tullulah and Rocky, Mum and Dad are voting Yes for you tomorrow and we want you to know that no matter what the outcome is, you matter and your lives are valued beyond measure. 'You, along with your dad, are survivors of the oldest living culture in the world and that is something to always be proud of and something we will continue to always celebrate with you. We love you and we hope tomorrow is the beginning of a brighter, more hopeful and inclusive future for Australia.' Ms Franklin urged Aussies to think about the impact that a successful Yes vote will have Despite polling leading up to Saturday's Voice referendum indicating a landslide victory for the No campaign, early exit polls from a crucial must-win state points to a victory show the vote may be closer than anticipated. A total of 115 voters across the Adelaide electorate of Boothby were asked how they voted as they left four polling booths. 58 registered a No vote while 56 went for Yes. The tight numbers deliver a 50.8 per cent No majority versus 49.2 per cent for Yes. Polls officially close in each state and territory at 6pm. Strictly Star Angela Scanlon was left looking embarrassed after she accidentally made an inappropriate joke on Thursday's episode of It's Take Two. The One Show host, 39, was left red faced after her joke took an unexpected X-rated turn during the show and she revealed she would be 'flashing a bit of pink' during Saturday night's show. The TV presenter and her dance partner Carlos Gu appeared alongside host Janette Manrara as they discussed their routine this week. After wowing both the judges and viewers with their Charleston during movie week, the couple will return to the dancefloor this week with a Viennese waltz to You Are The Reason by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis. Angela's outfit for the routine was then revealed to viewers, prompting the star to make her X-rated joke. Hilarious: Strictly star Angela Scanlon, 39, was left embarrassed after she took it TOO far with an X-rated joke on It Takes Two on Thursday evening Hilarious: The TV presenter and her dance partner Carlos Gu appeared alongside host Janette Manrara as they discussed their routine this week As Janette welcomed the head of the wardrobe department, Vicky, onto the show she revealed Angela will don a bright green dress which features a dramatic skirt with a hidden surprise. While the dress appears mainly green and turquoise, underneath the skirt the stylist revealed a bright pink underskirt, which will be revealed when she kicks her leg in the air. The added pop of colour surprised Angela and Janette, as the contestant joked: 'I love it, and the theme is, we're in the woods, it's warm and romantic, and then you just flash a bit of pink!' Realising her mistake at the rude innuendo, the star was mortified and took back the embarrassing comment as she muttered 'I'm so sorry' under her breath. Angela couldn't contain her laughter as her and Vicky shared the joke and Janette wrapped up the segment. Shirley Ballas was accused of 'underscoring' Angela during last Saturday's live episode of the show. Angela and Carlos performed the Charleston to Whos Got The Pain? From the film Damn Yankees for Movie Week. While Shirley's fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all gave Angela a score of nine each, Shirley awarded her an eight. Latest look: As Angela's outfit for the routine was revealed to viewers, the star felt compelled to make her X-rated joke Hysterics: The star couldn't contain her laughter as her and Vicky shared the joke and Janette wrapped up the segment Keeping it professional: Janette professionally wrapped up the segment as Angela hid behind her as she struggled to contain her laughter Fun time: The pair were joined by head of wardrobe Vicky who also found Angela's joke amusing Fan favourite: Last week Angela and Carlos performed the Charleston to Whos Got The Pain? From the film Damn Yankees for Movie Week Stylish: The dance couple donned matching outfits as they were pictured together at the Pride Of Britain awards earlier this week It comes after Shirley, 63, was criticised by show fans of giving three of the show's female celebrities low scores last week, and after she became embroiled in a 'sexism row' for favouring the male contestants during last year's series. Taking to Twitter this weekend, many viewers expressed their views on Shirley's score for Angela. One person wrote: 'Why on earth did Shirley give Angela an 8 when everyone else, including Craig, gave her a 9?!?!?!!!!!' Someone else posted: 'I'm not being funny but Shirley always votes the male contestants more than she should do and then when it comes to the women she votes very low scores like Carlos and Angela deserved at least a 9 from her it's just sexist.' Another viewer exclaimed: 'Shirley undermarking Angela. Shock. Just admit you hate young women and go.' 'Angela Scanlon is very good, likeable, and very pretty. Shirley hates her,' posted one person, while someone else noted: 'Angela S was under marked by Shirley AGAIN.' Another show fan wrote: 'Of course Shirley marked down Angela and Carlos #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.' And someone else remarked: 'Oh Shirley been a party pooper yet again giving Angela 8 really!!!' Neelam Gill epitomised elegance as she attended the Conde Nast Traveller & Cartier's Diwali Celebration at The Savoy in London on Friday. The model, 28, effortlessly turned heads at the event in a white blazer with beige detailing. The beauty paired it with a matching skirt and added height to her frame with matching heels. Letting her locks fall loose down her shoulders, Neelam added to her outfit with a white handbag. The star accentuated her natural beauty for the evening with a light palette of makeup. Radiant: Neelam Gill epitomised elegance as she attended the Conde Nast Traveller & Cartier's Diwali Celebration at The Savoy in London on Friday Style: The model, 28, effortlessly turned heads at the event where she donned a white blazer with beige detailing Neelam was recently linked to actor Leonardo DiCaprio after they spent time together on his yacht in the summer. But in July, the model squashed romance rumours, telling Instagram followers: 'Just to clear up any rumours... I am not Leonardo DiCaprio's new flame. 'In fact I am in a committed relationship with his good friend, and have been for many months now. 'The only reason we have been pictured in the same vicinity is because I have been there with my partner. I hope this clears up all false stories.' A source told MailOnline Neelam is dating Leo's best friend and confirmed: 'They are not together and have never been'. In 2019, Neelam revealed the shocking racism she was exposed to as a child growing up in Coventry. She recalled how being called a 'p***' on her way to school was an every day occurrence and made her hate the colour of her skin. The activist, who was one of the first British Asian women to become the face of a major campaign when she was chosen as the face of Burberry in 2014, also called for the fashion industry to stop using ethnic minority models as 'token' faces. Fashion: The beauty paired it with a matching skirt and added height to her frame with matching heels Stunning: Letting her locks fall loose down her shoulders, Neelam added to her outfit with a white handbag (pictured with actress Charithra Chandran) Love life: Neelam was recently linked to actor Leonardo DiCaprio after they spent time together on his yacht in the summer. But in July, the model squashed romance rumours Pose: Influencer Rahi Chadda cut an incredibly stylish figure at the star-studded event Pals: Rahi (R) was joined by fashion friend and ultra chic Thomas Brooks (L) In a candid interview with Stylist, Neelam said: 'I remember being a kid and walking to school and someone shouting 'Paki' out the window. That was just so normal.' She added: 'I'd get comments like, 'does your Dad own the corner shop?' or 'Is he a taxi driver?' It makes me feel really angry. I could never imagine doing that to someone. It's not something I'd stand for now and now I'm very outspoken about it. 'When I was younger I was very insecure and I didnt think I was pretty because I thought being fair was what made you beautiful. I would always hate the colour of my skin.' Admitting there has been a change in the representation of ethnic minorities in the fashion industry, Neelam argued that more needed to be done. The model revealed how many brands appeared to use minority models 'just to cover their backs', and even spoke about how her model pals had been missed out on jobs because the designers 'already had a black girl in the show'. Neelam rose to prominence after making her debut for none other than Fashion Week favourite Burberry after being scouted at the tender age of 14, and has credited them for making her a household name. Serial killer Stephen Reid's reign of terror came to an end during Friday's episode of Coronation Street as he left Weatherfield in a body bag. And now the American actor who played him, Todd Boyce, 62, has revealed his new job after following his exit from the soap, and gushed: 'I'm dead excited!' Todd told Birmingham Mail: 'The last week of November I start rehearsals for panto, which runs the last three weeks of December. 'And then Bill Kenwright, who was famously an actor in Corrie before he became a massive theatre producer, has just offered me without even blinking the Laurence Olivier part in Sleuth. 'That's going to be a tour starting in Windsor and doing a tour around London, and then coming to The Lowry here [in Salford]. That's going to take me through to the end of June so I'm dead excited about that.' Exciting! Todd Boyce, 62, has revealed his new job after following his character Stephen Reid's dramatic exit from Coronation Street during Friday's episode Fun: The actor will first star in panto, before taking on the titular role in Sleuth in a tour Epic: 'Bill Kenwright, who was famously an actor in Corrie before he became a massive theatre producer, has just offered me without even blinking the Laurence Olivier part in Sleuth' In his final Coronation Street scenes, a shocking twist saw Todd's character Stephen mowed down by Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) as he sped to The Rovers after hearing the murderer was back in town and had Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) hostage. But the surprises didn't end there for fans of the show, when in the last few moments it was revealed that his latest victim Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) was still alive. During the episode, residents were left reeling after Stephen's murderous activities were unraveled, but he was nowhere to be seen. While attempting to board his flight to Bangkok, he had realised his passport was missing and was forced to return to Weatherfield to confront partner Jenny. Meanwhile, Jenny had heard noises coming from inside The Rovers Return and had taken it upon herself to investigate. Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) urged Jenny to not go inside, saying: 'Jenny this is not your responsibility this is a job for the police!' The two ladies were almost knocked off their feet when Dylan Wilson came rushing out of the pub with his friend. Elsewhere, Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) had also spotted something inside the pub and entered the boarded up Rovers to investigate. The end: Serial killer Stephen Reid's reign of terror came to an end during Friday's episode of Coronation Street as he left Weatherfield in a body bag Drama: A shocking twist saw him mowed down by Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) as he sped to The Rovers after hearing the murderer (Todd Boyce) had Jenny Connor held hostage After speaking with Jenny, who explained she had caught Dylan smashing up glasses in the pub, Sarah revealed that she popped in after spotting someone upstairs. 'You saw me upstairs? I was never upstairs,' Jenny replied. 'I think we should go!' Sarah exclaimed after realising they were not alone. Before the duo got the chance to flee Stephen ran down the stairs and bashed his niece Sarah over the head with a wine bottle. 'No, you made me do this, that was you! She is breathing she will fine. This was your fault! You were both sneaking around,' Stephen shouted at Jenny. Meanwhile, a worried Gail texted the Weatherfield group chat where she received a reply from 'Jenny' saying Sarah was at the precinct with her. Back at The Rovers Stephen was seen sending the message to Gail from Jenny's phone while he questioned her about the whereabouts of his passport. Jenny the began to piece everything together as she realised that Teddy's body must have been hidden in the roof box, not sewing machines as previously believed. Survived: But the surprises didn't end there for fans of the show, when in the last few moments it was revealed that his latest victim Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) was still alive Ouch: Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) had also spotted something inside the pub and entered the boarded up Rovers to investigate when Stephen bashed her on the head with a bottle Battle: After waking, Sarah hit Stephen over the head with a chair resulting in a scuffle that saw the serial killer take Jenny hostage Rushing to the scene: But as Stephen decides to set Jenny free, Peter speeds down the street, mowing down the murderer Stephen admitted that he committed the crimes through 'fear of failing' saying it was he last chance to be a success rather than 'washed up and pathetic.' Jenny told Stephen that his passport was in her handbag and he should run before Audrey finds out who he really is in attempt to set herself free. As he confessed his love for Jenny, voices were heard outside the pub, but Stephen muffled Jenny's screams for help with his hand. After hearing the screams Sean Tully rushed to help, informing the police that he believed Stephen wa inside The Rovers. After waking, Sarah hit Stephen over the head with a chair resulting in a scuffle that saw the serial killer take Jenny hostage. Stephen then walked Jenny out of the pub, holding at broken bottle to her throat, in front of the Platt family who had gathered on the pavement outside. Meanwhile at Roy's cafe, Carla took a phone call from Peter Barlow and with the duo putting two and two together, Carla rab to the Rovers while the cabbie sped to the scene. Upset: Reeling from the shock of Stephen's death, with mum Audrey (Sue Nicholls) crouched over him, fans were hit with another bombshell as Tim opens his eyes from the boot of his taxi Will Tim be found before it's too late? Will Underworld's stolen money be found before the business collapses and will Peter be arrested for murder? But as Stephen decided to set Jenny free, Peter sped down the street, mowing down the murderer. Reeling from the shock of Stephen's death, with mum Audrey (Sue Nicholls) crouched over him, fans were hit with another bombshell as Tim, who'd been attacked by Stephen earlier in the week, opened his eyes from the boot of his taxi. Will Tim be found before it's too late? Will Underworld's stolen money be found before the business collapses and will Peter be arrested for murder? Australian director Warwick Thornton said he'd been struggling with the script of his new film The New Boy before Cate Blanchett came along. The Hollywood actress, 54, revitalised it with a surprising suggestion that set the film on its journey to production. The New Boy was originally centred on a priest named Dom Peter, tending to a secluded orphanage filled with young boys, but Thornton was inspired by Blanchett to execute a gender swap in the story. In order to have the chance to work with the Academy Award winner on the film, Thornton changed the central character to a nun. Speaking to 9Honey, the film director candidly explained this adjustment made the film 'much more exciting.' Australian director Warwick Thornton said he'd been struggling with the script of his new film The New Boy before Cate Blanchett (pictured) came along. The Hollywood actress, 54, revitalised the story with a surprising suggestion that set the film on its journey to production During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Thornton reworked the script with Blanchett via video calls. 'When we were writing it, she was very careful that she didn't try and impose her character to become more important - the film's called The New Boy and it's about the new boy and she really did understand,' the director said. '[Cate] was really, really beautifully conscious of not stealing the thunder of the other character and being Sister Eileen, slightly elusive, slightly thoughtful... [and] not trying to steal in the writing process the scenes from the new boy character.' The New Boy was originally centred on a priest named Dom Peter, tending to a secluded orphanage filled with young boys, but Warwick Thornton (pictured) was inspired by Blanchett to execute a gender swap in the story The film, set in the 1940s and filmed in Burra, South Australia, approximately 160 kilometers north of Adelaide, also saw the involvement of two of Thornton's old friends Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, who contributed their musical talents to the project. Although Cate was present for the movie's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May and attended a screening in Melbourne before the Australian release in July, she was unable to promote the film at the London festival due to the ongoing actors' strike in Hollywood. Thornton, an Academy member, supports the strike and said that he keeps getting text messages from Cate apologising that she can't do promo. Although Cate was present for the movie's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May and attended a screening in Melbourne before the Australian release in July, she was unable to promote the film at the London festival due to the ongoing actors' strike in Hollywood. Pictured Cate Blanchett as Sister Eileen Pictured: Cate Blanchett as Sister Eileen in The New Boy It comes as Blanchett stepped out and stunned at Milan Fashion Week a few weeks ago. The actress looked sensational as she graced the red carpet in a stylish black jumpsuit which fitted like a glove. The star, who is an Armani brand ambassador, dazzled in the daringly plunging one-piece which boasted sequin embellishment and eye catching cape sleeves. Cate added inches to her statuesque frame with a pair of towering Aquazzura black boots as she posed for pictures at the star-studded event. Flashing her gorgeous smile, the star showed off her radiant palette of makeup and styled her blonde tresses in luxurious curls. Cate's collaboration with the luxury brand was signed for a whopping $10million dollars in 2013 and she has featured on a number of adverts ever since. Blanchett made very stylish appearances at the Giorgio Armani show during Milan Fashion Week in September Speaking about aligning her views with Armani and their take on beauty, she previously said: 'I think often we have a very narrow field of focus when we talk about beauty, but I find beauty in unexpected places... 'And through collaborations of various kinds over the years, my lens has widened and I'm really grateful for that'. Speaking about the fragrance Si, she said: 'With fragrance you can create an atmosphere; its very emotionally, subconsciously charged... 'Anything that can help inhabit a character or atmosphere on set I will do. Finding a scent for a character allows you to operate on a much more subconscious level. Australians have been rushing to their local Woolworths stores to purchase the same cake that Chris Hemsworth chose for his 40th birthday celebration. The Thor actor shared a photo on Instagram in August to commemorate the event, where he was seen standing alongside a Woolworth's Chocolate Drip Cake. 'Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Another lap around (the) sun and still going strong. I can safely say not a single piece of cake made it through the night,' he wrote in the caption. After the photo was posted, fans flocked to Woolworths to sample the dessert for themselves. Priced at AUD $29, the cake is described as a light sponge with a luscious chocolate buttercream, topped with a Belgian dark chocolate drip. Australians have been rushing to their local Woolworths stores to purchase the same cake that Chris Hemsworth (pictured) chose for his 40th birthday celebration The Thor actor shared a photo on Instagram in August to commemorate the event, where he was seen standing alongside a Woolworth's Chocolate Drip Cake, valued at AUD $29 TikTok user aims.lc was among the Australians who were inspired to try the cake, and she shared a video on the platform providing her review of the cake. 'This is the cake Chris Hemsworth had for his birthday. He is an Australian icon,' she said. 'It smells so good. It is dense I hate the word "moist", but it's the only word coming to mind. That, my friends (is) delicious cake, (with the) thickest layer of icing. It's so good.' 'Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Another lap around (the) sun and still going strong. I can safely say not a single piece of cake made it through the night,' he wrote in the caption After the photo was posted, fans flocked to Woolworths to sample the dessert for themselves. The cake is described as a light sponge with a luscious chocolate buttercream, topped with a Belgian dark chocolate drip Fans praised Chris Hemsworth in the comments for his down-to-earth choice of a Woolworths cake. 'It brings me so much comfort that Thor had a Woolies cake for his birthday,' wrote one user. 'Love the fact someone like him is happy with a Woolies cake!' remarked another. It comes as Hemsworth shared a down-to-earth moment of a different kind earlier this week, when he and his wife Elsa Pataky took their children dirt bike riding in Byron Bay. Elsa shared a series of photos to Instagram as she posed with her husband Chris and one of their sons near the off-road motorcycle. In another image, the actress wore motocross gear as she smiled alongside her daughter India Rose before hitting the track. 'Family race day! Not competitive at all,' she wrote, adding laughing emojis. She also shared an impressive video of one of her boys mid-air as his motorbike took a jump off a dirt ramp. The Hemsworth clan looked excited to be spending the day together after recently reuniting from separate overseas holidays. The lovebirds are truly global citizens and the couple proved as much when they recently took their brood halfway across the world on separate holidays. Chris and his wife Elsa Pataky (left) took their thrill-seeking children dirt bike riding in Byron Bay recently Elsa shared a series of photos to Instagram as she posed with her husband Chris and one of their sons near the off-road motorcycle Marvel star Chris took the couple's daughter India to Iceland, while Elsa took her twin boys Tristan and Sasha, nine, on an adventure-filled trip to Tokyo, Japan. The family live in a $30million mansion in Broken Head, near Byron Bay, after relocating from Los Angeles to Australia nine years ago. In March 2021, Elsa said the move to Byron had been a blessing for their kids. 'Byron has been beautiful,' she told The Sydney Morning Herald. 'We made the right decision in 2014 to leave LA and come to Australia. It's been great for the kids to be in nature, enjoy animals and go horse riding.' In June, Chris praised his wife Elsa as he revealed that he wouldn't of been able to do 'any of the things I've done' with out her 'sacrifice and support'. The Libertines stars Pete Doherty and Carl Barat have confirmed they are releasing their first album in nine years. The group are returning with their new album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade in March 2024 after releasing their latest single Run Run Run earlier this month. Appearing on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Pete, 44, described how the album came to fruition. He said: 'We did something we'd never done for ever so long, which was just sit down together with guitars and try and write songs, and we thought we'd done amazing job and then when we got back and sat everyone down to play what we did, we sort of looked at each other and were a little bit [groans]. 'We tried again in Margate, and we managed to get a collection of songs together, and then we went over to Normandy and honed them a bit and so between three or four old songs that we never finished, and five or six brand new songs, we got an album.' New music: The Libertines stars Pete Doherty and Carl Barat have confirmed they are releasing their first album in nine years (pictured in 2022) History: Carl and Pete formed The Libertines in 1997 and became known for hits including Can't Stand Me Now, Don't Look Back Into The Sun and What Became of the Likely Lads (pictured in 2003) Carl and Pete formed The Libertines in 1997 and became known for hits including Can't Stand Me Now, Don't Look Back Into The Sun and What Became of the Likely Lads. Carl told how the new album is about looking forward rather than trying to relieve their past success. He said: 'It's about being trapped, and trying to escape your dismal life, a bit like the man in Charles Bukowski's Post Office. 'The worst thing for the Libertines would be to get stuck in a 'Run-run-run' rut, constantly trying to relive our past. 'Our first record was born out of panic, and disbelief that we were actually allowed to be in a studio; the second was born of total strife and misery; the third was born of complexity; this one feels like we were all actually in the same place, at the same speed, and we really connected.' Pete added: 'I feel like we've completed a cycle of some kind as a band, and finally now we can add these songs to the set list, because we've got some bangers in there. 'Now we've opened the hotel and used the studio ourselves and it's all worked outmore Libertines records? I should hope so!' After the release of their debut album in 2002, Pete's increasing drug problems caused him to become estranged from The Libertines. Album: The group are returning with their new album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade in March 2024 after releasing their latest single Run Run Run earlier this month Looking ahead: Carl told how the new album is about looking forward rather than trying to relieve their past success Pete later sought treatment for his drug addictions at an alternative detox centre called Wat Tham Krabok, a temple in Thailand which was famous for helping crack and heroin users. However, he left after three days and returned to the UK, prompting The Libertines to cancel performances they had lined up at at the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury festivals. While post-production was taking place on the band's second studio album in 2004, Pete was again asked to leave the band. The other band members claimed Pete's continuing drug problems had caused them to ask him to leave but they insisted they would take him back once he had addressed his issues. They later reformed in 2010. The band released a celebratory version of their debut album, Up the Bracket: 20th Anniversary, on 21 October 2022. While the group last toured in 2022, their prior reunion gigs did not go too smoothly. They had a reunion gig in London's Hyde Park in 2014 and toured the UK in 2016. However, Pete later dropped out of a show at Camdens Electric Ballroom after he suffered a panic attack. Pete has now left the UK for rural France where he lives with his wife Katia de Vidas. Peter Barlow will find himself arrested on suspicion of murdering Stephen Reid in Monday night's episode and hauled in for questioning by DS Swain and her team. Actor Chris Gascoyne has revealed he is delighted that Peter was the character Coronation Street producers chose to kill Stephen (Todd Boyce). Chris, 55, who plays Peter, said it was perfect timing as he had decided to leave the show just as they were exploring the end of the serial killer storyline. The star added that the aftermath of the death will have a huge effect on the recovering alcoholic in the coming weeks. On Friday, viewers were shocked when Peter mowed down Stephen on the cobbles in front of Stephen's horrified family and Peter's wife Carla. Plot: Peter Barlow will find himself arrested on suspicion of murdering Stephen Reid in Monday night's (October 16th) episode and hauled in for questioning by DS Swain and her team Character: Chris Gascoyne has revealed he is delighted that Peter Barlow is the person the Coronation Street producers chose to kill murderer Stephen Reid Speaking about the storyline, Chris told how he believes Peter was capable of murder only because he was 'not in control of what he's doing.' He said: 'He was not thinking rationally. He'd gone into some weird place that he can sometimes get into, and he can't stop that. I think that's what has happened there. 'He wound himself up to a point where he had tunnel vision and thinks he is being the hero, but was he being a hero? That is where the story goes from here, what was his real intention? I've really, really enjoyed playing this story out and there is so much more to come. Chris also discussed the headspace Peter is in now that he is being questioned by police over the murder. He said: 'He is shocked that he is being arrested and questioned for murder, as the week starts he is certain that he saved Jenny's life and he can't understand why he is being asked about his motivation for running him over. 'At this point that is his frame of mind and he is still feeling a certain amount of justification for what he did.' He added: 'When other people who saw what happened start to question it he starts to doubt himself. He starts to lose control and a whole internal monologue starts in his head. 'He starts to think 'What have I done?' 'Was Jenny in danger?' 'Could I have done something different?' ' 'Would it have been better if Stephen had been arrested?' Drama: Chris, 55, who plays Peter, said it was perfect timing as he had decided to leave the show just as they were exploring the end of the serial killer storyline Candid: Chris told how he believes Peter was capable of murder only because he was 'not in control of what he's doing' Chris is interested to see what audiences will make of the storyline and whether they think his character should face justice. He said: 'Now the thing is here, what Im really interested in is whether they will forget that Stephen did what he had done, and will they be pleased that Peter killed him to save Jenny or will they be led by other peoples feelings? 'Will they see Peter as a good person or will they think that he should face justice for what he did? It is multi faceted in that way, and I hope that that's where they go. 'I dont want people to have a straight down the line opinion. They will feel for Peter and feel for Audrey, and I hope they'll feel for Stephen to an extent.' Chris also confirmed this storyline is the beginning of the end for his time on the ITV soap. He said: 'Yes without giving too much away this will affect his future. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder, he is struggling with his demons. The end: Serial killer Stephen Reid's reign of terror came to an end during Friday's episode of Coronation Street as he left Weatherfield in a body bag Drama: A shocking twist saw him mowed down by Peter (Chris Gascoyne) as he sped to The Rovers after hearing the murderer (Todd Boyce) had Jenny Connor held hostage 'He has always had lots of enemies but at the end of the day he is his own worst enemy, he is the one that has suffered at his own hands the most emotionally and we can see this starting to happen again. 'He is facing prison, the drink is on his mind again, Audrey wants him to pay for what he has done. It is a turbulent time ahead.' Asked if he can give any hints as to how Peter leaves the street, Chris said: 'Well he has just killed someone so there are so many storylines that can come out of that and so many reasons that he might not be around any more. 'All I will say is I am delighted with my exit storyline, the scripts are superb and I cant wait to see the reaction to how Peter leaves the street.' Coronation Street airs on Monday at 8pm on ITV. Brittany Hockley went to daring lengths to stand out on the red carpet on Saturday night. The radio host attended the 34th ACRA Awards in Sydney in a very revealing frock that left little to the imagination. The 36-year-old showed off her sensational figure in a white frock with tactical cutouts that flashed the flesh. Risking a wardrobe malfunction, the beauty worked her angles in the silky number that sat off her shoulders and offered a glimpse of her taut abs. The gown, with twisted detailing, left little to the imagination, putting her ample bust on display and clinging close to her physique. Brittany Hockley (pictured) went to daring lengths to stand out on the red carpet on Saturday The radio host attended the 34th ACRA Awards in Sydney in a very revealing frock that left little to the imagination The radio host carried a designer purse and added a pair of clear heels to her look, as well as dainty earrings. She chose a rosy makeup look with heavy eyeliner while wearing her chestnut hair down in a soft old Hollywood wave. Brittany posed alongside her radio co-host Laura Bryne who looked chic in a slinky mint green gown. The 36-year-old showed off her sensational figure in a white frock with tactical cutouts that flashed the flesh Risking a wardrobe malfunction, the beauty worked her angles in the silky number that sat off her shoulders and offered a glimpse of her taut abs The gown, with twisted detailing, left little to the imagination, putting her ample bust on display and clinging close to her physique Laura put a little less skin on display but ensured her trim pins were highlighted in the frock's thigh high split. It comes after the women's incredible earnings were revealed. According to Yahoo Lifestyle, Life Uncut podcast hosts Byrne and Hockley are on track to make $1.5million in tickets for their eight day tour across Australia and New Zealand. The pair plan to extend invitations to their celebrity pals, including Rebel Wilson, and are set to entertain a combined audience of 16,000 fans throughout their entire tour. The wife of actor Lou Ferrigno looked relaxed and carefree as she stepped out for a day of shopping in Los Angeles just days after it was revealed she had filed for divorce following a series of disturbing allegations about the 'Hulk' star. While she must be angry after revealing Lou has a mistress, Carlotta Ferrigno was not showing it as she left retailer Marshalls. The mom-of-three was dressed in an elegant white coat with multi-colored leggings and black ballet flats as she walked with a male companion. Her blonde locks were worn down and had been styled to sit atop of her shoulders. Carlotta's hair caught the wind as she entered the department store, but settled into a natural neat look by the time she exited. Carlotta Ferrigno spotted out shopping after her bombshell divorce filing The mum-of-three appeared relaxed as she headed into Marshalls Wearing a burgundy top, she was also seen donning a gorgeous necklace Ferrigno, 71, claimed in court that Carla has 'advanced dementia' and accused their own daughter, 42-year-old Shanna of 'elder abuse' Pictures show the pair arriving at the shopping complex together before disappearing into the store. They were photographed leaving together in the same vehicle before continuing their day. DailyMail.com first revealed how Carla had filed for filed for divorce, accusing her Hollywood husband of flaunting a mistress, and trapping her in an abusive and controlling marriage after she was diagnosed with dementia. Carla said her husband of 43 years had covertly cut off her access to their joint finances, and of kept her physically isolated to prevent her from divorcing him. In a signed declaration, she also alleged that Ferrigno had a brazen affair with a mistress named Lisa, 'with whom he spends most of his time, traveling to his various appearances and flaunting in my face even when he is home.' 'While his infidelity may not be abuse, when I get upset with him about her being around, he physically intimidates me, by getting into my face and using his much larger sizehe will remind everyone that he is the Hulkcompared to my slight stature, to scare and control me into submission,' she said. Ferrigno's attorney Vatche Zetjian responded in a statement to DailyMail.com, saying: 'Lou's priority remains his wife's welfare. All of the Restraining Orders recently mentioned in the press have been suspended upon mutual agreement of the parties. 'Lou and Carla, through counsel, have agreed to mediate and Lou's hope remains that they reach an amicable resolution. Lou requests privacy for all his family members at this time.' Carla confirmed in the filings that she has been diagnosed with dementia but both her doctor and attorney said she consistently expressed her desire for a divorce for years, and had the capacity to understand that decision. Carlotta and a male friend appeared to be running errands A snapper captured the moment the pair exited the store together The pair appeared unbothered as they were pictured together Carlotta appeared relaxed as she and her companion picked up some items 'Lou decided to hatch what can only be described as a Machiavellian scheme to try to trap Carla in the marriage so that he can hold on to all the assets Carla and Lou accumulated throughout their 43 year marriage,' Carla's attorneys wrote in a filing. Those assets include the $2.9 million mansion the couple purchased in 2019 in Arroyo Grande, California. Text messages between Lou and Shanna, including in the filings, purport to show Lou lamenting that Carla wanted to divorce him over a year ago. In multiple messages, Lou shares his concern that a divorce would mean the loss of their mansion, writing: 'She can take my house away' and 'she wants to take away my beautiful home.' According to the court filings reviewed by DailyMail.com, Carla met with her attorneys Gary Hunt and Alex Newsum on September 8 to seek a divorce. 'Without divulging any attorney-client communications, I can state that Carla expressed a clear desire to divorce her husband, Lou Ferrigno, and to hire our office to pursue that action,' Newsum said in a signed declaration. The wife of the 'The Incredible Hulk' star Lou Ferrigno filed for divorce, accusing him of flaunting a mistress, and trapping her in an abusive and controlling marriage Newsum said he followed up with a phone call with Carla's neurologist of the past three years, Dr. Robert Price, to consult on her mental state. According to Newsum, and verified in a signed letter from Price, the doctor stated his belief that Carla had the capacity to understand and express her desires regarding a divorce, and pursue the necessary legal action. On September 14, Carla's lawyers filed a petition for divorce, and a request for a restraining order, which included declaration describing the alleged abuse and a supporting statement from hired caregiver Kari Shaw. 'Through recent filings and statements through his attorneys, Lou has made it known that I have been diagnosed with dementia, but what he leaves out is that his own frustration with that fact and my aging in a way that prevents me from keeping up with him, has led to him being abusive of me in many ways,' she said in the declaration. 'I do not deny that I am not in the same condition as I was when I was younger, but I know what is going on around me, how Lou treats me, and that he is trying to ensure that I am treated as completely incompetent so that he can use our estate and leave me to die,' she continued. Ferrigno is seen with wife Carla and their children Lou Jr and Shanna in 2020. Ferrigno was a bodybuilding rival of Arnold Schwarzenegger before becoming an actor best known for The Incredible Hulk Carla's attorneys alleged that Ferrigno is keeping her 'trapped' in their marriage because he fears losing the $2.9 million mansion they bought in 2019 It comes after Ferrigno, 71, accused their own daughter, 42-year-old Shanna (above) of 'elder abuse' for attempting to drive Carla to the bank to withdraw $500,000 Lou and Carla Ferrigno are pictured in 1985 in Los Angeles. They married in 1980 'I know that I want a divorce and that Lou is trying to stop that by isolating me from other family members,' said Carla. Carla also appeared to address Lou's prior claims that her daughter, Shanna, attempted to trick her into withdrawing $500,000 from his bank account -- though the filing does not explicitly say she is describing the same incident. In a restraining order request, Lou claimed Shanna, a fitness trainer, and her aunt, Carla's sister Pam Voge, were attempting to siphon Carla's assets, and accused them of 'financially exploiting' Carla. Carla said in her declaration: 'I believed that I had access to some joint accounts and credit cards, but recently went to the bank to access this, and Lou had used estate planning documents to limit my access and he was notified at my attempt, came to the bank and made sure that I was not able to access our money, in any way.' The declaration makes disturbing allegations that Lou severely restricts Carla's movements within the mansion by locking interior doors, restricting her to her bedroom and the kitchen. She alleges that he has failed to make the home safer for her declining mental condition by installing traction on the stairs, or a fence around the pool. She claims that her bed smells like dog urine, because her 17-year old dog had difficulty going down stairs to get outside, and that Lou refuses to steam clean the carpet. Former Disney child star Dylan Sprouse paid homage to his supermodel wife Barbara Palvin in a heartfelt Instagram post. While celebrating his new spouse's milestone birthday, the Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum, 31, shared a slideshow of stunning snaps of them exploring a vineyard in Napa Valley, California. 'Happy dirty 30 to my wife. Truly, Ive never enjoyed being drunk on a locomotive before, but you really know how to keep me on my toes!' he captioned the photos, which included one of her smiling as she held a glass of red wine and another of the Victoria's Secret Angel sitting on a train. Another sweet image showed him planting a sweet kiss on her cheek after spending time at the Cottage Inn & Spa and Napa Valley's oldest winery, Charles Krug Winery. Perfect pair: Former Disney child star Dylan Sprouse paid homage to his supermodel wife Barbara Palvin in a heartfelt Instagram post The couple said 'I do' nearby the Hungarian capitol of Budapest in July, just one month after confirming their engagement. Barbara and Dylan have been dating for the last six years, after the actor first contacted her via DM in 2017. The couple confirmed their betrothal in a recent issue of V Magazine, following months of speculation. In March, Palvin flashed a diamond engagement ring at the Mammoth Film Festival but did not confirm she was ready to wed. Confirming their engagement to V, the model posted to her Instagram account: 'With the power invested in V I am a Sprouse to be, @dylansprouse.' In a video she is seen in a wedding dress as she holds the face of her groom. She told the magazine she is thrilled with the news. 'I knew we were building this story up,' Barbara told the outlet. 'So, I'm very happy that we ended up doing it our way.' The pair have been one of Hollywood's few stable couples. Cheers! While celebrating his new spouse's milestone birthday, the Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum, 31, shared a slideshow of stunning snaps of them exploring a vineyard in Napa Valley, California 'Happy dirty 30 to my wife. Truly, Ive never enjoyed being drunk on a locomotive before, but you really know how to keep me on my toes!' he captioned the photos, which included one of her smiling as she held a glass of red wine and another of the Victoria's Secret Angel sitting on a train Vacation mode: Another sweet image showed him planting a sweet kiss on her cheek after spending time at the Cottage Inn & Spa and Napa Valley's oldest winery, Charles Krug Winery She raved about him in 2019. 'I feel like I found the perfect guy,' she told Vogue Australia. 'He's very kind and gentleThat's what I do on my day off: I spend it with the people I love and I'm very much in love right now.' In March a source told ET that the Hungarian supermodel was engaged and had 'been showing off her ring to people.' The insider continued: 'They're always very in love with one another and by each other's sides, but they're even happier than usual. Love story: Palvin and Sprouse pictured together in September 2022 'They can't wait to start this new chapter together.' Speaking to W Magazine in 2019, Dylan talked about how they met. He recalled messaging the beauty on Instagram after she randomly followed him on the app. 'She followed me, so I was like, I guess I'll give her something. And I slid into her DMs,' he told the outlet. He tried to organize a meetup with the Victoria's Secret model but it took longer than expected for her to respond. 'I was like, "Hey, I don't know if you're in New York for very long, but we should hang out if you want to. Here's my number." And she didn't message me for six months,' he recalled. But Barbara made a major move by flying out to China in 2018, where Dylan was having six-month movie shoot, in order to have their first official date. She told PEOPLE that Dylan was instantly ready to go steady, but that she had some reservations. 'And then I was like, "OK, let's do it." I just sat down, took a deep breath, and I'm like, "What am I waiting for? There's no other guy I would love more than I love him, and he's got everything that I need,"' she recalled to the outlet. Barbara later admitted to PEOPLE that she knew she was in love with Dylan the 'first minute we met.' They made their relationship Instagram official in August 2018 and made their red carpet debut during New York Fashion Week that September. Happily married: The couple said 'I do' nearby the Hungarian capitol of Budapest in July, just one month after confirming their engagement (seen in 2020) Bold move: Barbara and Dylan have been dating for the last six years, after the actor first contacted her via DM in 2017; pictured in April 2023 They reportedly moved in together in January 2019 and Barbara was introduced to Dylan's twin brother Cole the following month. Barbara and Dylan have not been shy about showing their love for one another on social media, as well as at the number of events they've attended together over the years. The Disney Channel alum has also been an avid supporter of Barbara's modeling career, which included being crowned a Victoria's Secret Angel in March 2019. He sat front row as she walked the runway for the lingerie brand in 2018 and even brought her a post-show treat. 'He is bringing Shake Shack burgers for me,' Barbara revealed to PEOPLE as she hung out backstage with her fellow models. She previously raved about him in 2019. 'I feel like I found the perfect guy,' she told Vogue Australia (seen in 2022) 'He's very kind and gentleThat's what I do on my day off: I spend it with the people I love and I'm very much in love right now' (seen in 2022) Serious from the start: They reportedly moved in together in January 2019 and Barbara was introduced to Dylan's twin brother Cole the following month (seen in 2019) Prior to dating Barbara, Dylan was in a longterm relationship with Dayna Frazer - who is also a model. The former couple were together from approximately 2013 until 2017. It was reportedly an on/off romance. As for Barbara, the runway maven has only been in a few public romances over the span of her decade-long career. She is said to have been romantically linked to One Direction alum Niall Horan and musician Julian Perretta. Barbara told Vogue Australia in November 2018 that she's never been much of dater and that it's actually 'not normal for me to have a boyfriend.' 'I was single for six years,' she confessed to the outlet. Karen Gillan cut a chic figure in a black mini skirt and shirt as she attended the star-studded New York Comic Con event in New York on Saturday. The actress, 35, looked incredible in the all black ensemble which she paired with an edgy leather jacket as she took to the stage at the Javits Centre where the popular event was held. She added inches to her frame in a pair of ankle boots with a zip up the centre and accessorised with a pair of huge gold hoop earrings and matching rings. The Guardians of the Galaxy star styled her long red tresses poker straight and opted for minimal makeup. She was joined by other cast members of the Marvel franchise to give creators their best advice. Leggy: Karen Gillan 35, looked incredible in an all black ensemble as she attended the star-studded New York Comic Con event in New York on Saturday Edgy: She paired her black ensemble with a stylish leather jacket as she took to the stage to give creators some advice saying 'Be so, so, so persistent' One fan revealed that Karen told the audience to 'Be so, so, so persistent' while Michael Rooker who plays Yondu Udonta in the superhero films joked 'Make sure you get paid.' Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.3, sees Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff and Vin Diesel all reunited. Their newest mission begins as Peter Quill (Pratt) mourns the death of his love Gamora (Saldana) which occurred in The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special. As part of the event where comic book fans gather to meet creators, experts, and each other, organisers were charging 85 for an autograph from Karen and 25 and 240 for a 'diamond pass' which included an autograph, standard photoshoot, talk ticket and a gift. Also in attendance was David Tennant who is about to start rehearsals of The Scottish Play at the Donmar Warehouse in London. Due to the ongoing SAGA-AFTRA strike, the Scottish actor was unable to discuss many of his current or past projects during his stage talks. David played the part of Doctor Who from 2005-2010 and returned for a 2015 special. The actor will once again jump into the Tardis for string of specials to celebrate the series' 60th anniversary this autumn. Star studded: Karen was joined by other cast members (L-R) Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Michael Rooker, Chukwudi Iwuji, Karen Gillan, and Ashley Victoria Robinson Pricey: Organisers were charging 85 for an autograph from Karen and 25 and 240 for a 'diamond pass' which included an autograph, standard photoshoot, talk ticket and a gift Thumbs up: Also in attendance was David Tennant who is about to start rehearsals of The Scottish Play at the Donmar Warehouse in London Doctor Who: The actor, 52, will once again jump into the Tardis for string of specials to celebrate the sci-fi series' 60th anniversary this autumn Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa, takes on the role as the Time Lord for series 14 and has promised 'some extraordinary storylines for this season', which is expected to air on Christmas Day. David and Ncuti both attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now known as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Karen Gillan is no stranger to Doctor Who and played the Time Lords assistant for one year. The ex-model made her debut appearance in 2010, and became popular with viewers because of her trademark mini-skirts and on-screen chemistry with the then doctor, Matt Smith. Jada Pinkett Smith has been opening up about a lot of things this week from her marriage to the Oscar slap to her sexuality to her soulmate while promoting her memoir Worthy. And, she's not stopping yet. In a conversation with People about her 'soulmate' Tupac Shakur, she dropped another bombshell as she claimed the late All Eyez on Me rapper suffered from alopecia. 'I don't think Tupac ever talked about the alopecia he suffered from,' she said of the condition she also has. Skakur had similar hair loss issues as Smith - who revealed she's been separated from Will Smith for seven years - does, which she said began in 1991, after he was arrested by the Oakland Police Department for jaywalking. 'After he was in Northern California with the police officers that beat him up, he started losing his hair. And his alopecia patterns were far more extreme than mine,' The Red Table Talk host, 52, recalled. Soulmates: In a conversation with People about her 'soulmate' Tupac Shakur, she dropped another bombshell: she revealed the late All Eyez on Me rapper suffered from alopecia Shakur later sued the Oakland Police Department and settled the case. Smith also said that the California Love hitmaker kept his condition a secret because of societal pressures. 'I don't think Pac ever talked about his alopecia, but he also looked really good with a bald head. But that was during a time and during an era that you wouldn't he just wouldn't talk about it.' The Girls Trip star met the rapper - who was murdered in 1996 - in high school at the Baltimore School for the Arts when they were both teenagers. 'I'm sure if [Shakur] were alive today, he would' speak out about his condition publicly, she added. The Collateral actress went public with her own battle with alopecia in 2018. 'I'm glad that I've had the opportunity and we'll continue to have the opportunity to talk about how alopecia affects me,' she said. 'And I'm just hoping that it'll give people the freedom to talk about how and just not have shame around it and not to have such a stigma. And there's a lot of shame around alopecia.' During an interview with Rolling Out, The Nutty Professor star talked about her friendship with Tupac and called him her 'soulmate.' High school friends: Jada Pinkett Smith has been opening up about a lot of things this week from her marriage to the Oscar slap to her sexuality to her soulmate while promoting her memoir Worthy Hair loss: . 'I don't think Tupac ever talked about the alopecia he suffered from,' she said of the condition she also has Coming clean: Skakur had similar hair loss issues as Smith does, which she said began in 1991 when he was arrested by the Oakland Police Department for jaywalking Old friends: 'After he was in Northern California with the police officers that beat him up, he started losing his hair Speaking out: And his alopecia patterns were far more extreme than mine,' The Red Table Talk host, 52, recalled 'If there is such a thing as past lives, I definitely think that Pac and I have traveled a few together,' she said. However, she clarified that they weren't romantically involved because they had 'no chemistry.' 'It's that friendship love chemistry,' she said. 'It was almost like God made us that way. It was like, look, I'm going to put y'all together, right? Y'all are going to be a dynamic duo. 'But I'm going to tell you right now, I'm going to make it so y'all are not going to be able to get together 'cause that just wasn't the purpose.' As the highly paid boss of Channel 4, Alex Mahon has become known for her expensive tastes in jewellery and high fashion. Now the television industry is rife with rumours that the stylish executive is ready to jump ship and join French designer label Chloe in a senior position. Ms Mahon, who turns 50 this month, is already a non-executive board member of another French haute-couture brand, Chanel, which she joined in June 2021 as Channel 4 was struggling with post-Covid financial difficulties. Her future was the hot topic of conversation at the recent Edinburgh Television Festival, with well-connected industry executives trading gossip. One of them tells me: 'There has been talk among the staff at Channel 4 that Alex is going to be off at some point soon and the Chloe link has emerged. 'Alex loves fashion. She loves nice things so it's perhaps no surprise that there is talk of her going to such a high-end brand. As the highly paid boss of Channel 4, Alex Mahon has become known for her expensive tastes in jewellery and high fashion Ms Mahon, who turns 50 this month, is already a non-executive board member of another French haute-couture brand, Chanel, which she joined in June 2021 as Channel 4 was struggling with post-Covid financial difficulties 'There has been non-stop talk of her leaving Channel 4. Staff are sure that she is going to cut and run some time soon and it's unlikely she would go to another television channel. She simply loves fashion and she is so proud of her role at Chanel. Alex was delighted when that happened a couple of years ago and without it taking too much away from Channel 4 she puts a lot of energy into it. 'Chloe would be a new and different challenge, though. She says that talk of her moving is nonsense but then you wouldn't exactly admit you're going to leave, would you?' Ms Mahon, who was paid 1.2 million by Channel 4 last year, has become known for taking part in photoshoots, including one for Vogue magazine. And in June 2021, she wore a diamond Jessica McCormack necklace worth nearly 50,000 while she was quizzed by MPs about the 'obscene' salaries the broadcaster paid its senior staff. She's been with the company for six years and was praised for seeing off the threat of privatisation in January. In June, The Mail on Sunday revealed a 'bloodbath' of programmes at the cash-strapped broadcaster, with Naked Attraction, Scared Of The Dark and Rescue: Extreme Medics, filmed in Scotland, all axed. She was dressed to the nines as the Duchess of Hastings on Regency drama Bridgerton but actress Phoebe Dynevor opted for a more casual look as she mooched through Londons Notting Hill with her new boyfriend Cameron Fuller last week. They appeared relaxed in each others company with Phoebe, 28, going make-up free in a baggy grey jumper from Los Angeles-based designer Anine Bing and gym leggings, while actor Cameron, 27, wore an oversized grey sweatshirt. Their romance became public when they were spotted leaving a New York hotel together earlier this year. However, Phoebes Instagram feed suggests she might have wanted to keep her new beau a secret since he never features in it. She was dressed to the nines as the Duchess of Hastings on Regency drama Bridgerton but actress Phoebe Dynevor opted for a more casual look as she mooched through Londons Notting Hill with her new boyfriend Cameron Fuller last week Normally, Phoebe is seen on screen like this playing Daphne Bridgerton on the Netflix hit No10 Cleo's baby Gazelle Former Downing Street insider Cleo Watson had more than just her debut novel Whips to celebrate at the Cheltenham Literature Festival last week as it turns out Boris Johnsons ex-aide, nicknamed The Gazelle, is pregnant. Hopefully the glow of an impending baby managed to sweeten the embarrassing moment when Cleo whos married to barrister Tom had to read out an extract from her steamy novel about the fictional sexual escapades in Westminster to an audience that included her parents-in-law. Awkward! Former Downing Street insider Cleo Watson had more than just her debut novel Whips to celebrate at the Cheltenham Literature Festival last week as it turns out Boris Johnsons ex-aide, nicknamed The Gazelle, is pregnant Pyjama drama for Emma It looks like Emma Bunton didnt get the memo that headteachers dont want parents doing the school run in their pyjamas. Last week, Baby Spice opted for navy blue floral PJs paired with pink Nike trainers to drop off her children, Beau 16, and Tate, 12 then posted about her fashion choice on Instagram. If 47-year-old Emma is going to be wearing her jimjams in public a lot perhaps she ought to invest in fellow Spice Girl Victoria Beckhams glamorous nightwear. Though they are 390 for a set! It looks like Emma Bunton didnt get the memo that headteachers dont want parents doing the school run in their pyjamas Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hauer cut a sombre figure as she appeared on Saturday's live show with comedian Eddie Kadi, hours after it was reported she had split from her husband Jordan Wyn-Jones. The professional dancer, 41, and Jordan married last year, describing the ceremony as a 'fairytale' at the time, but sources are now claiming that the pair have gone their separate ways after a 'tough time.' Karen, who attended the Pride of Britain Awards without her wedding ring last week, took to the dancefloor with comic Eddie, earning just 24 points out of 40 for their American Smooth, Of their split, a source told the Mirror: 'Karen and Jordan have had a tough time in the past few months and decided to split. It's obviously very sad for both of them. 'But there's no ill-will whatsoever. The split is amicable, and they wish each other the best.' End of the road: Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hauer put on a brave face as she performed on the show on Saturday as it emerged she'd reportedly split from her husband Jordan Wyn-Jones (Karen pictured on Strictly with her celebrity dance partner Eddie Kadi) Looking back: The professional dancer, 41, and Jordan married last year, describing the ceremony as a 'fairytale' at the time MailOnline has contacted a representative for Karen for comment. In August this year Karen revealed she and Jordan were having counselling to help them with their relationship. She told Hello! magazine: 'Counselling. You know what I think communication is massive but learning how to communicate, you know, so we get outside help. 'So whenever we're having tricky moments or anything like that, it's just seeing the vulnerable side of each other and understanding it and knowing that both of us are working on things because nobody is perfect.' She added: 'There is no such thing as a happy marriage or a happy relationship with the perfect couple. 'It's about dealing with things the right way and not just running away from things, and I guess that's what makes us tick even better and understand one another.' This summer, Karen said she hadn't decided if she wanted children with her husband Jordan. She told Hello! magazine: 'There's always the possibility but right now I'm really happy living in the moment with my husband and with the dogs. The show must go on: Karen took to the dance floor with Eddie on Saturday, with news of her split from her husband breaking while she was on the live show Glitz and glamour: Karen wore a flowing purple dress with a plunging neckline and front split for her performance In the moment: The dancer appeared to lose herself in the moment as she performed with Eddie on Saturday No ring: Karen, who is paired with comedian and radio presenter Eddie Kadi (left) on Strictly this year attended the Pride of Britain Awards without her wedding ring last week Absent: There was no wedding ring visible on her finger as she attended the glitzy Pride of Britain Awards Powering through: Karen pulled a hat down over her face as she left her hotel on Saturday ahead of her performance live on Strictly, shortly before news of her split broke 'Nothing compares to a love of a dog. No matter how you wake up, the dogs are always happy to see you with their tails wagging. 'I know it's going to sound weird but it's like having a child but it's a furry child.' Karen, who is paired with comedian and radio presenter Eddie Kadi on the current series of Strictly, was married to former show professional Kevin Clifton from 2015 to 2018. Although they parted ways that year, they continued to work together until Kevin left Strictly in 2020. Prior to her relationship with Kevin, she was married to Matthew Hauer for nine years before they split in 2009. Karen married fitness professional Jordan in an intimate ceremony in Hampshire in June last year. At the time, she described the ceremony as a 'fairytale' and gushed about how special it was to bring their families together. Speaking to Hello! magazine, she said: 'I haven't seen my family for the last two years so it's really touching to bring them here and be able to share this amazing moment with them.' Heartbreak: A source told the Mirror: 'Karen and Jordan have had a tough time in the past few months and decided to split. It's obviously very sad for both of them' Luxurious: Karen and Jordan got hitched at the five-star Chewton Glen hotel, an 18th century country house bordering the New Forest Past: Karen was previously married to her former dance partner Matthew Hauer and later to ex Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton from 2015 to 2018 (pictured with Kevin in 2017) Karen and Jordan got hitched at the five-star Chewton Glen hotel, an 18th century country house bordering the New Forest. The couple went public with their relationship in 2021 when Jordan shared a post asking how he could 'get so lucky' as to be with Karen. He wrote: '32 years definitely worth all that life could throw at me so that I could have you in my arms. How can a donut like me get so lucky to have met my person. Can't wait to have you home.' After she and ex-husband Kevin split, Karen - who is originally from Venezuela - insisted she would never date a dancer again. She told The Sun: 'I'm not dating any more dancers, absolutely not, no way. I married two of them already. I think I'm done in that area now, I'm moving on. 'My ideal man would have blond hair, blue eyes, tattoos and a good body, pretty much the opposite to my exes. You always want to go the complete opposite. Ex: Karen's first marriage was to her former dance partner Matthew Hauer (pictured together on US show So You Think You Can Dance) Former flame: After her split from Kevin, Karen went on to date opera singer David Webb, who she was said to have 'quietly split' from back in September 2020 'They definitely need to work out. They need to know themselves, be nice and know what they want, because I know myself now.' After her split from Kevin, Karen went on to date opera singer David Webb, who she was said to have 'quietly split' from back in September 2020. A source told The Sun: 'It finished on good terms, they have a mutual respect for one another and there were no other parties involved.' 'Karen has been able to throw herself back into preparing for the next series of Strictly and has told her friends she's in a really good place.' Actress Ellie Leach kicked off the fourth week of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday with a lively samba to Copacabana by Barry Manilow alongside her partner Vito Coppola. Dressed in a vibrant pink feathered dress, the former Corrie star twirled and dipped her way to a score of 28. Upset: Ellie Leach, 22, broke down in tears during Strictly Come Dancing's live show on Saturday, as she admitted she felt like she had let Vito Coppola, 31, down Head judge Shirley Ballas said Ellie had 'mastered' the dance from the waist upward but advised her to focus on her footwork, adding: 'What a way to open our show.' Motsi Mabuse noted the complexity of the routine but said she could see a 'struggle' in the actress's face. Paralympic champion Jody Cundy and his partner Jowita Przystal performed an energetic salsa filled with dramatic lifts and flips for their routine. Jody, who is celebrated his 45th birthday on Saturday, scored 19 points for his dance to Bellini's Samba de Janeiro. Judge Craig Revel Horwood said it 'lacked fluidity' but hailed the sportsman for the lifts. Motsi noted that he started strong with Jowita ripping open his shirt, but that he became more 'shy' as the performance went on and encouraged him to be more confident in himself. Actress Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice performed a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac for their routine, scoring 31 points for their efforts. Motsi said she enjoyed that they took the time to show the 'beauty of the movement'. Born to perform: Paralympic champion Jody Cundy and his partner Jowita Przystal performed an energetic salsa filled with dramatic lifts and flips for their routine Twinkle toes: Actress Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice performed a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac for their routine, scoring 31 points for their efforts Reaction: Krishnan Guru-Murthy wowed the judges with his Paso Doble, which head judge Shirley Ballas said was 'sharp, crisp and to the point' Powerful: Krishnan danced the Paso Doble to By The Way by the Red Hot Chili Peppers with partner Lauren Oakley Strictly 2023: Week four Leaderboard Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin - Cha Cha Cha to Million Dollar Bill by Whitney Houston - 37 points out of 40 Nigel Harman and Katya Jones - Salsa to Suavemente by Elvis Crespo - 33 points out of 40 Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk - Waltz to I Wonder Why' by Curtis Stigers - 32 points out of 40 Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice - Foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac - 31 points out of 40 Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington - Rumba to Rise Like a Phoenix by Conchita - 31 points out of 40 Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell - Tango to Fashion by David Bowie - 30 points out of 40 Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe - Jive to Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man - 29 points out of 40 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola - Samba to Copacabana by Barry Manilow - 28 points out of 40 Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima - Viennese Walt to You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Brenda Lee - 28 points out of 40 Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu - Viennese Waltz to You Are the Reason by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis - 28 points out of 40 Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley - Paso Doble to By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers - 28 points out of 40 Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer - American Smooth to Sex Bomb by Tom Jones - 24 points out of 40 Jody Cundy and Jowita Przysta - Salsa to Samba de Janeiro by Bellini - 19 points out of 40 Advertisement Channel 4 news presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy delivered a dramatic paso doble to By The Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers with his partner Lauren Oakley, securing him 28 points. Shirley described the news anchor as 'rather special' and praised his 'crisp, sharp, to the point' movements. Krishnan left his son Jay, 16, cringing with embarrassment with a massive welcome sign. The Channel 4 presenter's son begged his father not to take part in the show and refused to attend the launch episode alongside the rest of the family. But Jay has been warming up to the idea of his father dancing on the BBC show and finally attended to watch him dance the Paso Doble to By The Way by the Red Hot Chili Peppers with partner Lauren Oakley. As Krishnan, 53, received his feedback from the judges, a massive sign reading 'Welcome Jay' was held up behind him. Oh dear: Krishnan left his son Jay, 16, cringing with embarrassment on Saturday night's episode of Strictly Come Dancing with a massive welcome sign Reaction: Jay cringed with embarrassment from the audience but gave a good-natured laugh Jay - sat next to Krishnan's wife Lisa - was filmed cringing with embarrassment in the audience, although he managed a good-natured laugh. Reality star Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima made a triumphant comeback after landing in the dance-off last week with their Viennese Waltz to Brenda Lee's You Don't Have To Say You Love Me, which landed them 28 points. Craig said he 'really loved' the routine, describing it as 'beautiful'. Shirley hailed it as her 'best dance so far' and said she gets extra praise for coming back so strong after surviving the dreaded dance-off. Stunning: Adam wowed the judges with his waltz on Saturday Emotional: His brothers Scott and Ryan were left in tears by the dance Actor Ryan Thomas could be seen shedding a tear from the Strictly Come Dancing audience while he watched his brother Adam Thomas glide across the dancefloor. Waterloo Road star Adam delivered an elegant waltz for his latest routine with his partner Luba Mushtuk to I Wonder Why by Curtis Stigers, which landed them a score of 32. Judge Anton Du Beke admitted he was 'speechless' after the performance and praised the actor for having the best top line he had seen across the whole series. Motsi Mabuse also agreed it was his 'best dance' since the series started. Strictly Come Dancing: The Results airs on BBC One tomorrow at 7.15pm. Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Who are the couples? Nigel Harman and Katya Jones Bobby Brazier and Diane Buswell Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk Jody Cundy and Jowita Przysta Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Nikita Kanda and Gorka Marquez Les Dennis and Nancy Xu Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer Advertisement Chris Evans finally confirmed he is a married man, one month after reports broke that he and Alba Baptista tied the knot during an intimate ceremony in Cape Cod. During his first public outing since the happy couple exchanged vows in front of their closest loved ones, including his Marvel co-stars Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, the heartthrob, 42, announced that he 'got married' during his panel at New York City Comic Con on Saturday. 'It was really, really great. We kinda had two ceremonies. We had one on the East Coast. We did one in Portugal. My wifes Portuguese. Yeah, go Portugal!' he told the crowd at Javits Center while wearing his gold wedding band. He went on to admit that quietly navigating the stress of planning two weddings on separate continents was a feat to pull off. Beaming: Chris Evans finally confirmed he is a married man, one month after reports broke that he and Alba Baptista tied the knot during an intimate ceremony, held at a private estate in Cape Cod Newlywed bliss: During his first public outing since the happy couple exchanged vows in front of their closest loved ones, including his Marvel co-stars Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, the heartthrob, 42, announced that he 'got married' during his panel at New York City Comic Con on Saturday 'They were wonderful and beautiful. Its a lot planning a wedding. For those you who are married, it takes a lot out of you,' the actor confessed. 'Now that were through that, weve just kinda been enjoying life, gearing up for autumn, my favorite season. Its, like, the best time of year right now.' Following their walks down the aisle, he revealed they are 'just relaxing and enjoying life and reflecting.' While this is his first time speaking out getting hitched, a source told Page Six that the pair's East Coast wedding was 'locked down tight' and attendees were asked to 'sign NDAs and phones were forfeited.' Guests included Jeremy Renner, John Krasinski, his wife Emily Blunt, Elsa Pataky and Susan Downey, according to People. In January, Evans officially confirmed his relationship with Alba, 26, in a cute video in which he and his love were trying to scare each other. In the caption he said he was looking back on 2022 as he added three red heart emojis that made it clear he had love for the budding star. In November, People reported the action star has been dating her for over a year and the relationship is 'serious.' 'They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her,' a source told the site. 'It was really, really great. We kinda had two ceremonies. We had one on the East Coast. We did one in Portugal. My wifes Portuguese. Yeah, go Portugal!' he told the crowd at Javits Center while wearing his gold wedding band Honest: He went on to admit that quietly navigating the stress of planning two weddings on separate continents was a feat to pull off 'They were wonderful and beautiful. Its a lot planning a wedding. For those you who are married, it takes a lot out of you,' the actor confessed. 'Now that were through that, weve just kinda been enjoying life, gearing up for autumn, my favorite season. Its, like, the best time of year right now' In the past, he has dated actresses Jenny Slate, Minka Kelly and Jessica Biel. Last year, he was also rumored to be close to Selena Gomez. Chris told People in 2022 that he feels very 'content' in his personal life. And he also shared that he would like to settle down one day. 'That's absolutely something I want: wife, kids, building a family,' said the actor. 'When you read about most of the best artists, whether it's actors, painters, writers, most of them [admit] it wasn't the work they made [that they are most proud of], it was about the relationships; the families they created, the love they found, the love they shared. 'So it's also something through my long 41 years that also rings true. Following their walks down the aisle, he revealed they are 'just relaxing and enjoying life and reflecting' 'Those things are the most important. I love the idea of tradition and ceremony. I had a lot of that in my life, so the idea of creating that I can't think of anything better,' he added. Baptista has a successful career as an actress. At age 16, she worked in a short film Miami landing in her the Best Actress Award at the Festival Iberico de Cine. She then starred in several films in Portugal including Caminhos Magnetykos by Edgar Pera,and Equinocio by Ivo Ferreira. In 2019 she appeared in the film Patrick, the directorial debut of Goncalo Waddington, and which was in competition at San Sebastian International Film Festival. Next came Fatima in 2020 where she worked with Harvey Keitel. The One: In January, Evans officially confirmed his relationship with Alba, 26, in a cute video in which he and his love were trying to scare each other Whirlwind romance: In November, People reported the action star has been dating her for over a year and the relationship is 'serious' 'They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her,' a source told the site Alba starred in the lead role of Ava in Netflix's series Warrior Nun, which was released in 2020. This year she had the lead role in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. She has a heart too: Four years ago she did humanitarian work at an orphanage in Cambodia. During the early years of his career, Chris dated such names as Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth and Christina Ricci and was also linked to Sandra Bullock. Since becoming a global superstar in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris conducted an on-off romance with Jenny Slate of Big Mouth fame. Age is just a number: In July, Evans' brother, Scott, defended his sibling's romance with Alba, despite their 16-year age gap In July, Evans' brother, Scott, defended his sibling's romance with Alba, despite their 16-year age gap. In response to public scrutiny and wild reactions to Chris' relationships over the years, Scott, who is openly gay, said that 'it's tough' for Chris as 'people can ruin things pretty quickly.' While appearing on Nick Viall's podcast The Viall Files, Scott explained how fame affected his brother's ability to date. Scott explained that a superstar's girlfriend will initially think: 'Oh, I'm just dating a person, he's a guy,' only to find herself on the business end of 'article after article after article after post after tag after tag.' He spoke candidly about Chris' besotted public 'destroying' his girlfriends and denouncing 'anybody he's tried to date' as 'a piece of crap.' Scott acknowledged that 'you can only take that for so long,' which 'makes relationships kind of hard for him, I think.' Hearthrob: During the early years of his career, Chris dated such names as Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth and Christina Ricci and was also linked to Sandra Bullock; seen in 2022 Successful career: Alba starred in the lead role of Ava in Netflix's series Warrior Nun, which was released in 2020. This year she had the lead role in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris; pictured in 2021 Chris' stardom, he said, developed in 'a slow burn over the years,' rather than an overnight shock where 'all of a sudden he catapults to fame.' The two brothers 'watched the Internet happen' together, Scott said, pointing out that 'Twitter wasn't around when he started making movies.' Now at the height of the social media age, the internet 'can be a dark place' where 'people can get very bold with the things they think are appropriate.' Scott claimed that he hears from some of Chris' smitten fans, who refer to Scott as their 'brother-in-law' while rhapsodizing about the Marvel hunk. Meanwhile Scott had nothing but kind words for Alba, confirming that 'I approve' of the Portuguese actress' relationship with Chris. In 2019, the year after he split from Jenny for the final time, Chris told Men's Journal: 'I really want kids. Yeah, I do. I like pretty pedestrian, domestic things.' The Knives Out sizzler declared: 'I want a wife, I want kids. I like ceremony. I want to carve pumpkins and decorate Christmas trees and s*** like that.' Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas insists Amy Dowden will be back on the show next year after taking a break from the current series following her breast cancer diagnosis. Amy, 33, was told she had breast cancer in May and underwent a mastectomy before doctors discovered she was also battling another form of cancer and would need further treatment. Professional ballroom dancer Shirley, 63, has known Amy since was a little girl having been her teacher and she has been in touch with Amy while she has been receiving treatment. Shirley told the Mirror: 'I know her fight having known her as a little girl and she will be back on that show by next year. 'We love her, we miss her. She's very creative, she's so positive when you go on tour with her, she gets you upbeat.' Comeback? Strictly judge Shirley Ballas insists Amy Dowden (pictured) will be back on the show next year after taking a break following her breast cancer diagnosis Pals: Professional ballroom dancer Shirley, 63, has known Amy since was a little girl having been her teacher and she has been in touch with Amy while she has been receiving treatment (Shirley pictured last week) She added: 'I send her flowers and notes and letters and tell her what's been going on.' Twinkle-toed star Amy returned to Strictly for one night only last Saturday to support her co-stars in her first TV appearance since shaving her head following her chemotherapy. She previously revealed she would cry herself to sleep at night as she watched her hair fall out onto her pillow. Last month she shared a heartbreaking video of herself as her hair was shaved off by her loved ones. The star broke down in tears before she embraced the brave step she had made as she looked at herself in the mirror. Amy said 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. It comes after Amy was moved to tears as a young girl was handed a prize at the Pride of Britain Awards after she was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer in 2021. Amy stepped out to the Pride of Britain Awards at Grosvenor House in London on Sunday and she was seen sobbing as the ceremony aired on ITV1 on Thursday this week. Brave: Amy recently shared a heartbreaking video of herself as her hair was shaved off by her loved ones and said while it was tough, it was empowering to take control She's back! Amy's glamorous outing comes after she returned to Strictly last Saturday night to support her co-stars in her first TV appearance since shaving her head Pride of Britain's Child of Courage award winner Freya Harris, eight, went through 'hell and back' after being diagnosed with a rare cancer, and Amy was seen wiping away tears as the schoolgirl was honoured during the ceremony. The cancer warrior was recognised after she won second place at Crufts with her Australian Shepherd dog, Echo, even though she was undergoing chemotherapy for kidney cancer at the time. When she was seven years old, Freya was diagnosed with Wilms' Tumour, a form of kidney cancer that affects around 80 children in the UK each year. Freya's family received the devastating news that she had cancer in December 2021 after first becoming ill two months earlier. Soon after, it was confirmed as stage four cancer and Freya underwent a kidney removal, lung surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for a year. Freya was later diagnosed with a rare side effect from the chemotherapy triggering internal organ failure, which luckily, she managed to overcome. Emotional: Amy was moved to tears as a young girl was handed a prize at the Pride of Britain Awards after she was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer in 2021 Health troubles: Pride of Britain's Child of Courage award winner Freya Harris, eight, went through 'hell and back' after being diagnosed with a rare cancer This week, Strictly star Amy voiced her gratitude for Britain's unsung heroes as she shared a slew of snaps from the Pride of Britain Awards. She penned: 'Sunday evening I had the honour of attending @prideofbritain, where we get to celebrate extraordinary people who go above and beyond to help others. 'It was a privilege to stand along side my Strictly Come Dancing family and present a award to John Burkhill a remarkable man who has raised such a huge sum of money for @macmillancancer - a charity which has played a significant part in my own journey recently.' She added: 'It was a humbling experience and one that I was truly grateful to be a part of and to be able to show my gratitude.' She found herself in the dreaded dance-off last week. And Zara McDermott, 26, found it hard to hold back the tears on Saturday night once she finished her performance for week four of the live show. Before taking to the stage, Zara told the camera that last week was 'the biggest mix of emotions' but that she was grateful for the judges saving her. This week the former Love Islander danced the Viennese Waltz with her partner Graziano Di Prima, 29, but couldn't hold back the emotions of the past week as she stood by his side. After Claudia asked if being in the dance off was good motivation, Zara shaking replied: 'I could have looked at it one of two ways. I could have really let it get me down this week. I could have used it as a way to find more fire. I've worked so hard this week.' Emotional: Zara McDermott, 26, found it hard to hold back the tears on Saturday night once she finished her performance for week four of the live show Thankful: Before taking to the stage Zara, who is partnered with Graziano Di Prima, 29, (pictured right) told the camera that last week was 'the biggest mix of emotions' but that she was grateful for being saved Upset: Zara could be seen covering her eyes and wiping away tears as she finished dancing the Vienesse Waltz one week after being in the dance off Fighting back tears and sounding of breath Zara added: 'This man has been my absolute rock this week because he's kept me so positive in a week that could have been quite emotional, so I feel really really happy. 'I've got that dance done. It's my favourite dance in the world ever. And yeah, I feel goo. I feel good.' Despite some of the judges describing Zara's performance as 'gorgeous' and 'beautiful' with Shirley even saying it was her 'best dance yet', Craig said he found it 'a little bush kangaroo and by that I mean skippy with the up and down-ness'. Fans flocked to X - formally known as Twitter to praise the documentary maker for her performance. One user said: 'Zara has taken it up a notch this week - that was quite wonderful. She deserves NOT to be in the dance off this week'. Another said: 'I think Zara's doing really well in this but for some reason she's not getting the public's support.' A third said: 'Zara's best so far. Not flawless but a vast improvement and a nice routine.' A fourth wrote: 'I thought Zara was great! What an improvement! And the dress is the one of dreams'. Dancing queen: Zara credited Graziano for being her 'absolute rock' saying that he has kept her so positive in a week that could have been quite emotional Negative thoughts: Ahead of the live show Zara said she was 'gutted and sad' about being in the bottom two hours before the live show Criticism: Despite some of the judges describing Zara's performance as 'gorgeous' and 'beautiful' Craig said he found it 'a little bush kangaroo and by that I mean skippy' Nifty: The TV personality who scored 28, has banned her boyfriend Sam Thompson from attending so he can vote on his phone from home and get his followers to do the same Support: Fans flocked to X - formally known as Twitter to praise the documentary maker for her performance Strictly 2023: Week four Leaderboard Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin - Cha Cha Cha to Million Dollar Bill by Whitney Houston - 37 points out of 40 Nigel Harman and Katya Jones - Salsa to Suavemente by Elvis Crespo - 33 points out of 40 Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk - Waltz to I Wonder Why' by Curtis Stigers - 32 points out of 40 Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice - Foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac - 31 points out of 40 Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington - Rumba to Rise Like a Phoenix by Conchita - 31 points out of 40 Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell - Tango to Fashion by David Bowie - 30 points out of 40 Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe - Jive to Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man - 29 points out of 40 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola - Samba to Copacabana by Barry Manilow - 28 points out of 40 Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima - Viennese Walt to You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Brenda Lee - 28 points out of 40 Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu - Viennese Waltz to You Are the Reason by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis - 28 points out of 40 Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley - Paso Doble to By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers - 28 points out of 40 Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer - American Smooth to Sex Bomb by Tom Jones - 24 points out of 40 Jody Cundy and Jowita Przysta - Salsa to Samba de Janeiro by Bellini - 19 points out of 40 Advertisement It comes after Zara said she was 'gutted and sad' hours before the live show. She spoke out on Instagram ahead of stepping onto the stage telling her followers: 'HAPPY SATURDAY EVERYONE. It's Strictly night tonight. Only 11 hours and we will be performing our Vienesse Waltz live. 'I have tried not to let last week's results get me down, even though I was quietly gutted and sad last Saturday to be in the bottom two. 'However this week and ESPECIALLY today I am channeling FULL CONFIDENCE. I have been up since 5am going over the choreography in my head, telling myself positive things, and telling myself that I absolutely can do this.' She added: 'This routine tonight is my favourite. It is emotional, beautiful, and incredible choreography by my partner @grazianodiprima. I have also kept telling myself this is what Strictly is all about.' Whilst the TV personality scored 28, her boyfriend Made In Chelsea's Sam Thompson was supporting her from home from so he could vote for his girlfriend on his phone and get his followers to do the same. Wearing a figure-hugging dress at her sister's wedding catapulted Pippa Middleton to international attention. Now, more than 12 years later, an unknown actress has been set on her own road to fame after being cast as 'Her Royal Hotness' in The Crown. Matilda Broadbridge, 19, beat thousands of other young hopefuls to play the Princess Of Wales's younger sister in the next series of the hit Netflix drama,. She revealed her excitement to her Instagram followers last week, posting a photo of herself outside her trailer on the set. Next to it, she wrote: 'A very short but very sweet trip to crown land. So excited to announce that I'll be appearing as Pippa Middleton in The Crown Netflix. So grateful to have been a tiny part of this production and for this experience, keep your eyes peeled.' Unknown actress Matilda Broadbridge has been selected to play Pippa Middleton in The Crown in the next series of the Netflix drama Ms Broadbridge was cast after submitting a self-made audition tape. She is expected to appear in scenes where Kate tells her family about meeting the future King Pippa with her sister Kate at the book launch of Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore Wearing a figure-hugging dress (pictured) at her sister's wedding catapulted Pippa Middleton to international attention Pippa wore a stunning white dress with a low cut neckline to her sister's wedding in 2011 She revealed her excitement to her Instagram followers last week, posting a photo of herself outside her trailer on the set. Next to it, she wrote: 'A very short but very sweet trip to crown land. So excited to announce that I'll be appearing as Pippa Middleton in The Crown Netflix. So grateful to have been a tiny part of this production and for this experience, keep your eyes peeled.' Ms Broadbridge who was educated at the 16,000-a-year Royal High School in her home city of Bath joins Meg Bellamy, who will be playing Kate, and Ed McVey as Prince William. Kate Middleton and Prince William kiss on the balcony after getting married in 2011 Introducing her Royal Highness: The Crown have cast actress Meg Bellamy (left) in the role of Kate Middleton (right in 2008) for series six of the drama Her Prince awaits: Meg, who was head girl at St Crispin's School where she studied drama, will star alongside Ed McVey (left), who has been cast as her onscreen husband Prince William (pictured right in 2008) With no screen credits to her name, Ms Broadbridge was cast after submitting a self-made audition tape. She is expected to appear in scenes where Kate tells her family about meeting the future King. However she won't get to wear that striking bridesmaid's gown, as the drama only covers the future Waleses' first year together at St Andrews University in Scotland. Speaking of her dream of becoming an actress, Ms Broadbridge said she has been dancing, singing and acting since the age of three. But she added: 'It was only around the time I was 13 or 14 that I realised how much I loved acting and that it was something I wanted to pursue.' She attended the National Youth Theatre before signing with an agency which lists her preferred accent as 'heightened received pronunciation'. The first four episodes of the sixth and final season of The Crown will be streamed from November 16. Ms Broadbridge will feature in the final six episodes, which will follow on December 14. Dawn French has revealed she told a surgeon to take special care of her because she was 'a national treasure'. The Vicar of Dibley star groggily muttered the words as she went under anaesthetic for an operation, which she said was of the 'female kind'. But she wasn't aware what she'd said until the surgeon told her after the procedure to her abiding horror. Describing her embarrassment after she came round from the surgery, the 66-year-old said: 'In comes the surgeon and he said, 'It all went very well.' I said, 'Isn't it amazing, anaesthetic?' 'He said, 'Do you remember what you said to me?' I said, 'I thought I was counting backwards, wasn't I?' Dawn French has revealed she told a surgeon to take special care of her because she was 'a national treasure' 'He said, 'Yes, but you did say to me at the very last minute...' I'm embarrassed to admit this I said, 'I'm a national treasure, no pressure! '' Reflecting on that cringe-inducing moment, French added: 'Imagine saying that about yourself! How revolting. I don't even think that. 'Why did I say it? I just wanted him to be extra careful. 'It's a great disinhibiter, an anaesthetic, and I'm ashamed. Luckily, he was laughing he said, 'Yes, that put me on my toes.' How embarrassing, how revolting.' Dawn confessed her blunder to comedy partner Jennifer Saunders on their podcast French & Saunders: Titting About She confessed her blunder to comedy partner Jennifer Saunders on their podcast French & Saunders: Titting About. French also described how she lavished praise on a nurse as she came round from the anaesthetic. She said: 'Next thing I know I'm waking up and I'm in the recovery room and I've got a lovely nurse right next me who's helping me to recover. Coming out of that anaesthetic, I suddenly felt I sort of had to be in love with her. 'I said, 'What's your name, I love you, thank you for looking after me, I don't know what you have done to deserve this as a job or anything, but I will never, never be able to thank you enough for all the things that you are doing for me, for everything you are doing to help me now. I am not dying because of you. 'I am not cold because of you.' ' In the same podcast, Saunders revealed how her husband, Young Ones star Adrian Edmondson, went for a vasectomy and was assured by the doctor that the practice respected the confidentiality of its celebrity patients. He then proceeded to undermine that promise by revealing how the late Sir Michael Parkinson had been in for a procedure a few days earlier. Emily Ratajkowski was spotted taking a walk in New York City on Saturday afternoon. The 32-year-old model was accompanied by her dog, Colombo, and pushed her son Sylvester, two, in a clear stroller as she made her way down the Big Apple's rainy streets. Ratajkowski, who recently appeared in a campaign for Self-Portrait, wore a green hoodie styled with matching sweat pants as she spent time with her only child. She also layered up with a black puffy jacket that kept her comfortable in the downpour. The Gone Girl actress donned a pair of light gray running shoes and accessorized with a bright white hat. Spotted: Emily Ratajkowski was spotted taking a walk in New York City on Saturday afternoon The runway regular's gorgeous brunette hair remained concealed by her hood as she spent time in the rain. Ratajkowski shares Sylvester with her estranged husband, Sebastian Bear-McClard. The model and the producer had been friends for several years before they tied the knot after just a few weeks of dating in February of 2018. The fashion industry personality revealed that she was pregnant in October of 2020, and she gave birth the following March. However, she separated from McClard after he was faced with claims of infidelity in July of last year, and she filed for divorce two months later. The entrepreneur has since been linked to various individuals, including Harry Styles and Eric Andre. Ratajkowski spoke about parenting during a members-only Q&A session that took place this past March, during which she stated via Vanity Fair that she was looking to expand her family, although she was not sure about doing so with a partner. 'I think I definitely would like to have more childrenI really love being a mom. I'm not sure I'm going to find somebody that I want to raise a child with,' she said. The 32-year-old model was accompanied by her dog, Colombo, and pushed her son Sylvester, two, in a clear stroller as she made her way down the Big Apple's rainy streets Co-parents: Ratajkowski shares Sylvester with her estranged husband, Sebastian Bear-McClard; they are seen in 2022 It's all over: The model separated from McClard after he was faced with claims of infidelity in July of last year, and she filed for divorce two months later; they are seen in 2018 Making plans: Ratajkowski spoke about parenting during a members-only Q&A session that took place this past March, during which she stated via Vanity Fair that she was looking to expand her family, although she was not sure about doing so with a partner The entrepreneur then expressed that she admired the work of several single parents that she had met in the past. 'I think that, you know, having a father is important. But I also just want to say that I know quite a few women who have done it on their own and they've done incredible jobs,' she said. The model went on to state that she was perfectly fine with raising two children on her own in the future. 'I, personally, wouldn't be afraid of getting pregnant and giving birth as a single woman,' she stated. Russia announced on Friday October 13 that it had signed agreements with Mali and Burkina Faso, with the aim of developing the civil nuclear sector there. These agreements were finalized during the Russian Energy Week which was held in Moscow. The government of Burkina Faso has signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a nuclear power plant, Ouagadougou confirms in a press release. The construction of this nuclear power plant aims to cover the energy needs of the population. Burkina Faso imports a large part of its electricity from its neighbors. At the end of 2020, only 22.5% of Burkinabe people had access to electricity, according to figures from the African Development Bank. The Russian atomic energy agency, Rosatom, also announced on Friday that it had signed a cooperation agreement with neighboring Mali to develop civil nuclear power. According to her, the document focuses primarily on the "development of Mali's nuclear infrastructure", the "training of personnel, nuclear research facilities and nuclear energy" and "public awareness" of this energy. Only one nuclear power plant on the continent The African continent currently has only one nuclear power plant, in South Africa at Koeberg, near Cape Town. According to South African researcher specializing in nuclear structures, Iyabo Usman, Burkina Faso does not have enough qualified personnel to operate this nuclear power plant and will have to call on foreign personnel. She also mentions a competition between China and Russia on the continent in terms of investment in nuclear power plants. Since Captain Ibrahim Traore came to power, Burkina has distanced itself from France, a historic partner and former colonial power, notably by obtaining the departure of French soldiers from its soil in February. Concerning Mali, Relations with France, a former colonial power engaged militarily alongside the Malian army against the jihadists since 2013, have deteriorated significantly since colonels took power by force in Bamako in August 2020. The junta pushed French forces out in 2022 and turned politically and militarily toward Russia. In January 2022, she expelled the French ambassador. For its part, Russia has sought to strengthen its diplomatic and security ties with Africa since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, competing in certain countries with France. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas has become a critical juncture in the West Asian region. Hamas audacious attack has exposed vulnerabilities in Israels security apparatus, triggering a humanitarian crisis. Controversial evacuation orders have rekindled memories of historic displacements. As tensions mount, there are growing concerns about the potential for a broader regional crisis. Hamas has surprised the State of Israel by launching one of the deadliest terror attacks on it last week, since its foundation in 1948. This brazen assault by the terror group is viewed as a turning point in Israel-Palestinian conflict. The multi-pronged war is now seen as long planned and clearly failed the sophisticated Israeli security network, known for decades for its stealth work and extensive espionage activities against its enemies like Hamas and Hezbollah. This crisis is crucial for the US. No US President can ignore a conflict in which Israel is at stake or directly involved in the war. Also, for President Joe Biden, who is fighting re-election next year, the quagmire in West Asia is decisive. This crisis is virtually challenging the world order led by the US, since the end of the Second World War and the establishment of the UN. Well, Hamas knows its limits. And Israel can easily assess how far it can push. With an annual military aid of about $3 billion to the country, the Israelis will be giving a tough fight to Hamas. Only time will tell how the current crisis unfolds and how bloodier and costlier it is going to be. But for sure, it will lead to one of the most serious humanitarian tragedies in recent days in West Asia. Who is Hamas? Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni militant group that was founded on December 10, 1987, after the first intifada (uprising). Its name is an acronym which comes from Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya. Its English translation means Islamic Resistance Movement. For Hamas, the main objectives since its inception have been the creation of an independent Palestine state and the destruction of the Israeli state. It will fight till the end. However, sustaining a prolonged conflict with an armed Israel would inevitably lead to further loss of lives, both in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in the days to come. Is it possible for Israel to fortify the nation adequately? It is an extremely challenging task for any nation, including Israel. Israel has been under threat from all its neighbours since its inception. However, the country has built an excellent security system over the years to counter attacks from non-state actors like Hamas and Hezbollah. This attack by Hamas indicates a near-total security and intelligence failure on Israels part, as experts suggest. Meanwhile, there has been a deluge of international reaction to the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. The international victims of assault on Israel by Hamas come from the US, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Canada, Thailand, Nepal, the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Tanzania, Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico, etc. It is certain that Gaza Strip will soon turn into a hotspot of humanitarian tragedy. Israel has asked more than one million Gazans to vacate the North Gaza in no time and to move towards the south. But the UN says the Israeli evacuation order is impossible without a major humanitarian catastrophe. The UN also warns that Gaza is becoming a hell hole on the brink of collapse signalling that war clouds hovering over the Gaza Strip, the people might face all the hardships simply to survive. On the other hand, Hamas told Gazans not to leave their homes. By now, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening, as Israel has already cut off food and electricity to the besieged territory. Most of the common people are at risk of starvation. According to the estimate from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 1,800 people have died so far. The UN reports that over 4,23,000 people are internally displaced due to the massive air raids conducted by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) since October 7. US President Joe Biden strongly criticised Hamas for its military mission against Israel. In an official message delivered immediately after the offensive, he said, We are with Israel. Let us make no mistake. He further emphasised that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian peoples right to dignity and self-determination. Its stated purpose is the annihilation of the State of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. However, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin has criticised Israel for employing quite cruel methods in its response to the Hamas attack. He said, In my view, it is unacceptable. More than two million people live there. Not all of them support Hamas by the way, but all of them have to suffer, including women and children. Of course, it is difficult for anyone to agree with this. This shows that Putin is fully aware of the chaos left behind by the relentless aerial bombing carried out by Israel over the Gaza Strip. Previously, he also stated that an Israeli ground operation would be entirely unacceptable, as it would result in significant casualties. He advocates for the resolution of this crisis through negotiations, with Russia playing a role in the peace process due to its longstanding relations with both parties. These lofty words coming from a crude statesman who has been at war with his neighbour and creating another global crisis leading to thousands of deaths and displacement of lakhs in Ukraine. Before offering solutions to clash between Hamas and Israel, he must first deescalate the Ukraine crisis that he had started in February 2022. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Israel and reaffirmed his countrys unwavering support for the latter. However, he also acknowledged the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians that are not represented by Hamas militants. While meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken said, You may be strong enough to defend yourself on your own. But as long as America exists, you will never ever have to. We will always be there by your side. This shows how the US is directly providing aid to the Jewish state, while all other Western allies of Israel remain relatively quiet. Washington has taken one step further by sending its Defence Secretary Llyod Austin both to bolster support for Tel Aviv and assure all possible help to its ally. By pledging full support to Israel, Austin said, This is no time for neutrality, or for false equivalence or for excuses for the inexcusable. When Blinken met the President of Palestinian Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan, the latter rejected the forced displacement of the Gazans from the northern Gaza. He strongly opposed the idea of evacuation and to him such a move would lead to Second Nakba. Naqba (Palestinian Catastrophe) is an Arabic word that refers to the catastrophe brought by the creation of the Zionist State in 1948 and the displacement of nearly 7,50,000 Palestinians from their homes. This all happened only after the end of the historic British Mandate and the establishment of Israel on May 14, 1948. This finally resulted in the beginning of the first Arab-Israeli War. Subsequently, the Zionist military forces captured 78 per cent of the historic lands of Palestine and today the remaining 22 per cent are left as the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip. So now, with the evacuation of the Northern Gaza as per the order of Israel for beginning its ground offensive to crush Hamas and to rescue the hostages taken might lead to another Naqba. At the moment, the Israeli security forces are conducting local raids in Gaza to locate the hostages taken by Hamas. And as per some media reports, the IDF is able to free nearly 200 hostages from the hands of Hamas so far. The battle is on, and it is certainly going to be bloodier than ever before. The road ahead is complicated and filled with dangerous twists and turns for both Israel and Hamas. There will be no solution until an independent state of Palestine is created. But this will not be feasible given the circumstances that have led to the current hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Furthermore, a counteroffensive by Hezbollah and involvement of nearby Arab nations against Israel might further complicate the situation. However, while dealing with Hamas, the IDF and the Israeli State is careful to minimise civilian casualties. Otherwise, the Israel-Hamas conflict may escalate into a larger regional quagmire. (The writer is currently president of the Global Research Foundation) In an effort to further enhance ties with Vietnam and Singapore, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a six-day visit to the two countries from Sunday. In the first leg of his visit, Jaishankar will visit Vietnam from October 15 to 18 to discuss ways to review the progress in several areas and discuss ways to further enhance cooperation, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said here on Saturday. Jaishankars visit to the strategically-located Southeast Asian country comes less than three months after India gifted missile corvette INS Kirpan to the Vietnamese armed forces, in reflection of the growing bilateral strategic partnership amid common concerns over Chinas increasingly aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea. It was for the first time that India handed over a fully-operational corvette to any friendly foreign country. India and Vietnam share a robust comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam is a key member of our Act East Policy. The External Affairs Ministers visit will provide an opportunity to review progress in several areas and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, MEA said. Jaishankar will also co-chair the 18th meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Commission on economic, trade and scientific, and technological cooperation with his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son. The external affairs minister will visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is expected to hold talks with the Vietnamese leadership, the MEA said in a statement. He will also meet members of the Indian community and unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh city. From Vietnam, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore for a visit from October 19 to 20. During his visit, the external affairs minister will meet his Singaporean counterpart and the top leadership of the country. He will also chair the regional conference of Indian heads of missions, MEA said. The India-Singapore relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2015 and since then, the intensity of the bilateral cooperation has increased significantly. In 2023, both sides had several ministerial interactions on the sidelines of the G20 Summit held under Indias presidency. Singapore was invited as a guest country to the G20 Summit. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited New Delhi to participate in the summit in September. On the sidelines of P20 Summit, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco, presiding officers of Russia, European Union, Singapore, Turkey, Mexico, Netherlands and South Africa. In his meeting with the IPU, Birla outlined that India pursues with the IPU a common agenda of promoting and supporting democratic governance and building strong parliaments to serve the people. Birla also lodged a strong protest with European Parliament Vice President Nicola Beer over its resolution on Indias internal issues. Birla told the European Parliament Vice President that every nation and Parliament is sovereign and internal issues of other countries should not be discussed by others. In July, the European Parliament had adopted a resolution calling on the Indian government to act promptly to halt the violence in Manipur and protect religious minorities. Indias continued participation in the diverse activities of the IPU and its committees reflects our commitment to furthering the purpose of the IPU, added Birla. Birla suggested that democratic principles and multilateralism should be given priority and everyone should be given proper representation on global platforms. Shared objective of both India and IPU is to democratise international governance structures that reflect current realities, informed Birla. Birla also held bilateral talks with Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. Speaking on the occasion, Birla thanked Matvienko for her contribution in making P20 a success. He also commended her political experience and contributions towards Parliament and the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). Observing that India and Russia have long-standing deep relations, Birla said that both countries have stood together in times of crises. He added that India and Russia also have strong relations in diverse fields like military, agriculture, energy, and science and technology. Noting the mutual trust and close relations between leaders of India and Russia, Birla expressed hope that both India and Russia will continue to strengthen their mutual relationship by further expanding parliamentary diplomacy. Birla also held bilateral discussions with the Vice President of the European Parliament Nicola Beer. On this occasion Birla underlined Indias sovereignty and protested against bringing proposal in European Parliament on Indias internal issues. He insisted that every nation and parliament is sovereign and their internal issues should not be discussed by others. Beer congratulated Birla for a successful P20 Summit and emphasised on closer relations of European Parliament with India. She also informed that Europe is going through challenging times and sought Indias cooperation. Birla invited Beer to watch the festival of democracy during the Indian general elections next year. In his bilateral with Turkey, the Lok Sabha Speaker held bilateral talks with his Turkish counterpart Kurtulmus, Speaker, Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Birla expressed gratefulness to Kurtulmus for attending the P20 Summit and commended his views towards Mahatma Gandhi. Noting the historic and civilisational ties between India and Turkey, Birla noted that Sufi and Bhakti traditions are a shared cultural heritage of both nations. He added that the relationship between the two nations will be further strengthened through the efforts of their people and parliamentarians. Mentioning that Operation Dost is a symbol of Indias friendship towards Turkey, Birla hoped that Turkey will soon recover after the damage caused by the recent Earthquake. Recalling the frequent Indian film shoots in Turkey, Birla observed that Turkey has emerged as a favorite place for Indian destination weddings. He added that tourism and cultural relations between India and Turkey will also be strengthened through parliamentary diplomacy. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla further held bilateral meeting with Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament of Singapore. Commending Singapores efforts in tackling climate change, Birla urged for promotion of clean and green energy by sharing technology. He also stressed on increasing cooperation in trade, industry and green technology between the two countries. Mentioning that India is a fast growing economy undertaking massive infrastructure expansion, Birla called for Singapore companies to explore investment opportunities in India in fields like solar energy and electric vehicles. A sense of fear has gripped Kerala following Friday nights demonstrations and public rallies across the State by activists of the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the frontal organisation of the banned Popular Front of India. The rally held by thousands of SDPI workers carrying torches raised provocative slogans against the Central Government and India and expressed solidarity with Hamas, which was described by the rallyists as angels of peace. However, despite the rallies against Israel, there is a strong pro-Israeli wind blowing across Kerala, especially among Christians. A section of the media and political commentators are trying to portray Israel and Jews as villains and this is highly objectionable. These people do not know the history of Israel or the Jews, said Dr John Joseph, a medical doctor and highly respected community leader for his selfless service. It is time the Centre banned even the SDPI as this is not the first time they are holding such rallies and raising provocative slogans against humanity, said a prominent CPI(M) leader who did not want his name to be quoted for obvious reasons. The CPI(M) leadership has gone public by expressing their support to Hamas and terming the Israeli attack as acts of terrorism. For the first time in Keralas history, an outfit has requested expatriates working in Israel to stay put and not to return to the State at this critical juncture. The Marxists had swept the 2004 Lok Sabha polls from Kerala by displaying the pictures of Ahmed Yasin, the Hamas chief who was killed by the Israeli Army. Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action (CASA) urged Keralites working in Israel not to leave the Jewish nation at this critical juncture. Kevin Peter, president, CASA, reminded Keralites working in Israel that the promised land required their services very badly and they should not leave that country now. Israel is facing a serious situation from outside forces. Many have lost their near and dear ones while there are thousands of injured people requiring medical aid. Those of you who are working in fields like telecommunication, transport, health care, trauma care and as home nurses should show your love and affection to Israel by remaining in that country and focusing on your field of work. Israel needs you and your service, said Peter. He also told the expatriates working in Israel that the CASA was making all efforts to protect their interests. The Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is our only hope and we have been told by the Centre that the Modi Government is leaving no stones unturned to ensure your security and safety. Please understand that The Kerala Government is incapable of doing any help other than making you give up your job and return to the State. Israel is Indias friendly country and past instances tell us that they are equally concerned about your well- being, Peter signed off with this statement. Recruiting agents charge anything between `2 million to `3 million for jobs like nurses and home nurses in Israel. Most of the job seekers have mortgaged their properties to pay off the agents and if they choose to return home, they will be facing debt trap and an uncertain future. Describing the resumption of a ferry service between India and Sri Lanka after a gap of four decades as an important milestone in strengthening ties between the two nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said both the countries were embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations. Addressing the event to launch ferry services between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai near Jaffna in Sri Lanka, via a video message, Modi said the ferry service brings alive all historical and cultural connections. Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer, he said. The ferry service was disrupted four decades ago due to the Sri Lankan civil war. The high-speed ferry operated by the Shipping Corporation of India has a capacity of 150 pax. The distance of about 60 nm (110 km) between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai will be covered in approximately three-and-a-half hours depending on sea conditions. The Prime Minister said India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations and the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone in strengthening the relations. Underlining the shared history of culture, commerce and civilisation between India and Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister pointed out that Nagapattinam and nearby towns have been known for sea trade with many countries, including Sri Lanka, and the historical port of Poompuhar finds a mention as a hub in ancient Tamil literature. He also spoke about Sangam age literature like Pattinappalai and Manimekalai which describe the movement of boats and ships between the two countries. Modi also touched upon the great poet Subramania Bhartis song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, which mentions a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. He said the ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections. During the recent visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a vision document was jointly adopted for an economic partnership with the central theme of connectivity, the Prime Minister said. He emphasised that connectivity enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, while also creating new opportunities for the youth of both countries. Modi also recalled his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 when direct flights between Delhi and Colombo were launched. Later, he said, the landing of the first international flight in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka was also celebrated. He also noted that direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019, and now the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction. Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector, Modi said as he underlined that India and Sri Lanka collaborate in a wide range of areas such as fintech and energy. Freethought Party of India (FPI) general secretary B Ramchandra CST Voltaire demanded capital punishment for a man and other accomplices who committed honour killing in Kalahandi district involving a pair of teenage lovebirds. Jemamani Patel (15) and Sunil Patel (17), both from Banjipadar village under Dharmgarh police station in Kalahandi were in deep love. They found opposition to their love affairs at the brides home front. So, they eloped on 30.06.2023 and hid themselves in an abandoned mill in Gotaguda village. Father of Jemamani, Kuneshwar Patel and other members of his family traced the lovers. With the help of his brother Debananda Patel and son-in-law Sundar Naik, Kuneshwar strangled the lovers to death. To hide their crime, they got them hung from the branch of a tree nearby Banjipadar village. Police arrested the three killers on July 9. Meanwhile, three months have gone by. FPI general secretary B Ramchandra CST Voltaire demanded that these killers be given capital punishment so that no other father would ever dare to kill his daughter and her lover in order to save the honour of the family. He further demanded that the case be fast tracked. He also demanded that the State should protect the lives of teenage lovers as per the orders of the Madras High Court. Two passengers were injured after miscreants pelted stones on a city bus in the state capital, a video has surfaced of vandalism by stone pelting at a city bus on the streets of Bhopal, some miscreants stopped the moving bus and started throwing stones. The reason behind the dispute is an altercation with the conductor-driver of the private bus regarding boarding the ride. This is the fifth incident in 3 days when stones were thrown at buses. The bus plying between Bairagarh to Mandideep (Route No. TR4) was vandalized at 6 pm on October 12. Today the bus was going towards Mandideep. Then some youths stopped the bus and started throwing stones on the glass. The passengers were frightened by the sudden attack. At the same time, two passengers were also hit by glass and stones. Stones were also thrown on the front glass. Front and back cameras are installed in the city bus. In which the entire incident of sabotage was captured. This video has also been handed over to Misrod Police. Passengers sitting in the bus before the attack. They were frightened by the sudden attack. Buses of private operators also run on the Mandideep route. There are often squabbles between drivers and conductors of city buses and private buses regarding seating arrangements. It is being told that due to this reason, people associated with private buses throw stones and vandalize city buses. More than 10 such incidents have come to light this year. On October 12 itself, at 4 pm, an incident of stone throwing took place at a city bus (MP04-PA3878) at Mandideep bus stand. A young man named Vijay abused the driver Tanveer. When Vijay was stopped by the driver, he started throwing stones at the bus. Due to this the front and back side glass broke. Vijay threatened to kill him if he boarded a ride from the bus stand. In this matter also a case has been registered in the police station. Complaints of vandalism have also been made in 3 other buses. The Balangir Cyber police have arrested three persons on the charge of duping a person of Rs 16 lakh on the pretext of providing him admission in a Government medical college. A team led by Inspector Bharti Nayak raided the Kalinga Academy near Ruchika Market in Bhubaneswar and nabbed the accused. The accused were arrested from different places like Bhubaneswar, Bangalore and Phulbani, said Balangir Superintendent of Police Rishikesh Khilari here on Friday. The arrested were identified as Byasadev Mohanty, Kanha Purohit and Manas Parida. Police seized Rs 1,90 lakh in cash, five mobile phones, six debit cards, SIM cards, bank passbook and other incriminating document from the accused. Police made the arrests based on a complaint lodged by Brundaban Meher of Padampur that he was cheated by some unknown persons who promised him to get him admitted in a Government medical college and he paid Rs 16 lakh for this. During investigation, police ascertained about the Kalinga Academy in Bhubaneswar and a total of eight persons involvement in the fraud, said Khilari. The modus operandi of the fraudsters was they posed as government officials and created fake government websites and they sent letters from different mail IDs to show that the candidate has been admitted in government medical colleges. After that, they asked the candidate to deposit the money. The accused targeted the candidates who have secured less mark in NEET entrance examination, said the SP. A class 10 student was attacked with sharp edged after two groups had a dispute in the night on Friday near NRI School located in Amrai area; Baghsewania police have started searching for the accused based on the video of the incident. Police said that initial investigation reveals that the youth was attacked after the accused got angry by his refusal to overtake, four miscreants attacked the student more than five times in his face, stomach and arms and legs. The student was taken to AIIMS in injured condition, where doctors declared him dead. Two friends of the student were also injured in the incident, whose treatment is ongoing. Bagh Bagsevania police station in-charge Amit Soni said that the matter is being investigated. A case of murder has been registered against the accused. Shubham Rajak (17), a resident of Amrai Park in Bagh Sewania, was a class 10 student. His father Kailash Rajak works BarkatUllah University. At around 10:30 pm on Friday night, Shubham was passing near NRI School located in Amrai with his friends Aditya Sankat, Vaibhav Sankat and others. Then his bike was overtaken by accused Jammu, Arun and 2 other minors. They were walking away staring. Shubham and his friends asked not to do this. On hearing this the accused got enraged. They started abusing and went ahead and stopped the vehicles and started beating Shubham and his friends. Meanwhile, Jammu and Arun took out the knives they kept with them. He started stabbing the three friends. Shubham was stabbed in the face, stomach and arms and legs. While both his friends also suffered injuries. The accused fled away leaving all three in a bloody condition. After this, passersby took all three to AIIMS where Shubham was declared dead. DCP Shraddha Tiwari said that the matter is being investigated. No old rivalry has come to light yet. This was an immediate dispute. Due to which this incident has happened. Police teams are busy searching for the accused. Both accused and victim groups were acquainted with each other. According to the information revealed regarding the case, the miscreants who murdered Shubham were already familiar with him. They have been living together as both the parties are residents of nearby localities. In Indian tradition, three significant manifestations of the Goddess representing truth, knowledge and happiness are revered out of her nine forms. In Saturdays Mission Shakti event, held a day before Navratri, special guests Padma Shri Hema Prabha Sotia, ISRO scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and HCL chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra were honoured, symbolising these three goddess-like qualities, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday. Their presence in the event epitomises womens empowerment and underscores the belief that with persistent effort, anything is achievable, he added. The chief minister expressed these sentiments at a felicitation ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow where women who have made extraordinary contributions in diverse fields were honoured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commenced the event by presenting mementoes to the three distinguished women guests on the stage. Chief Minister Yogi emphasised the inspiring presence of ISRO scientist Karidhal Srivastava, a daughter of Lucknow, during the event. He highlighted that her success underscores the notion that nothing is unattainable; its a matter of effort and determination. The chief minister pointed out that Padma Shri Hema Prabha Sotia, dedicated to connecting the North and the South, communicated her message in Assamese, demonstrating that language should not be a barrier to expressing our feelings. Her dedication to handicrafts showcased empowerment, he added. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the HCL chairperson, was lauded for her significant contributions to the industry and through social work. Her success shows abundant possibilities across various fields, emphasising the importance of timely choices and dedicated pursuits. Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the governments initiative, Mission Shakti, which commenced in 2020 to ensure safety, dignity and self-reliance of women. He noted that there was a substantial increase in womens recruitment within the Uttar Pradesh Police, reaching 40,000 from the initial 10,000 women personnel from 1947 to 2017. He attributed this to the success of Mission Shakti, leading to a noticeable decline in crimes against women, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. Past decade has seen extensive increase in the field and usage of digital currencies. Not only that, a large number of business firms both operating online and offline accept the digital currency as a method of payment. Apart from this, some of the prominent key players have acquired dominance in the market operations., one being- bitcoin- the market capitalization of which stands at $421.35 billion in 2023. Other major players include Ripple, Litecoin, Ethereum that has a market capitalization of over $100 billion. The demand has been driven up partly because of its recognition as a store of value and a means of payment, the extending ease of buying and using digital currencies. In view of the fintech solutions that have transformed the banking industry as it encompasses the use of decentralised systems and blockchain technology, the faster and efficient transactions have highly caught the attention of the masses. Owing to its decentralised nature which reflects that idea that no single entity controls the currency, its open to rigid security as there is no central point of failure- its recorded on public ledger which is simply secure and transparent. Additionally, due to the absence of intermediaries such as banks which include services of currency exchange and wire transfers, it makes the production and distribution less complicated and simple. However, having its arrangement like a shared metafiction, it's skeptical and a factor thats killing the planet vulnerably. The currency devastates not only the plant but also the communities which thrive near the mining farms due to the sole reason that they run on fossil fuels. Bitcoin consumed nearly 36 billion kilowatt-hours in the year 2022, threatening the undermined decades of progress towards achieving climate goals and reducing pollution in large. Through their so-called efficient mining practices they have been reported to raise the cost and risk for utilities and their ratepayers, stress the electric grids and flooding the communities with noise. The bitcoin to human energy consumption is unwaveringly high. Henceforth ignoring the investment in long-term energy infrastructure that benefits the grid, what cryptocurrency seeks for is the fastest energy that can only serve its needs and looks for minimal regulation. Without any action taken to limit the cryptocurrency mining, the goals set by the Paris Agreement and Intergovernmental Panel on climate change to restrict warming to two degree celsius. Apart from the environmental concerns, cryptocurrencies due to its volatile nature and decentralised governance lack trust in its operation. The pseudonymity has allowed it to become associated widely with criminal activities involving funding of terrorism, mafias and wars. No regulation would also comply with no course of protection. The complexity of the currency involves a multidisciplinary debate. No matter what side an individual dwells on, the ultimate purpose of money is to serve as a tool that people can acquire -via trade- the goods necessary for development, aiding economic growth and development, and working towards the common good of the society in large. The writer is a Class 12 (Science) at Mayo College Girls School, Ajmer. Her interests lie widely in finance and management. Views expressed are personal. A severe dengue outbreak is wreaking havoc in Uttar Pradesh, with more than 2,000 new infections reported in just four days. The situation has become alarming as 487 new cases emerged within a 24-hour period. The districts most affected by the outbreak include Budaun, Lucknow and Bareilly, where a significant number of dengue cases have been reported. According to government data, the state has now recorded a total of 11,932 dengue cases, and the numbers continue to rise rapidly. Tragically, a government doctor succumbed to dengue in Ghaziabad on Friday after battling with the disease for 26 days. The 32-year-old Dr Aditya, who served as in-charge of the Saraswati Vihar Urban Primary Health Centre in Ghaziabad, fell victim to the DEN-2 strain of dengue which resulted in multiple organ failure. Dr Adityas battle with the disease began on September 16 when he was admitted to Manipal Hospital on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway due to persistent fever. Subsequent tests confirmed dengue, specifically the DEN-2 strain. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Max Hospital in Vaishali. Medical professionals noted that his platelet count continued to decrease, and the DEN-2 strain ultimately led to the failure of multiple organs, ultimately resulting in his untimely death. Another dengue-related fatality was reported at TS Mishra Medical College hospital in Lucknow, where Mukesh passed away on September 29. Mukesh had been suffering from fever, and the ELISA test confirmed dengue. His cause of death was attributed to dengue shock syndrome, as explained by District Surveillance Officer Dr Nishant Nirvana. Mukeshs case involved the complicating factor of pre-existing medical conditions, which contributed to his shock and ultimately multiple organ failure. In yet another grim case, 35-year-old Pavitra Upadhyaya of Geetapalli in Lucknow passed away on October 9. She had been experiencing high fever for four days before her family sought medical attention. Dengue was confirmed in her case, and she was admitted to the King Georges Medical University (KGMU) Trauma Centre. Her condition continued to deteriorate, and her death was attributed to multiple organ failure caused by dengue shock syndrome. State capital, Lucknow, has emerged as a dengue hotspot with the highest number of reported infections at 957. Other severely affected areas include Moradabad (944 cases), Gautam Buddha Nagar (819 cases), Kanpur Nagar (816 cases) and Ghaziabad (732 cases). Despite the growing number of cases and reports of dengue-related deaths, official government data has only confirmed eight deaths due to dengue. Experts, however, warn that dengue cases are expected to surge in the coming days, raising concerns among the public and health authorities. Director General of Medical Health Dr Deepa Tyagi issued an alert across all districts in the state regarding dengue. Expert teams are diligently monitoring the affected areas and while there is no immediate cause for panic, all necessary precautions are being taken. Instructions have been given to expand the capacity of dengue wards and to admit patients as needed. Control rooms have been reactivated in major cities, including Lucknow, and additional healthcare professionals have been deployed. In case of emergencies, patients can reach out to doctors for information on treatment and care. The situation remains fluid and efforts are going on to contain the dengue outbreak in Uttar Pradesh. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that India is not only the consumer of technology but has also played an active role in development and implementation of the new technology. He said that India was dependent on other countries during 2G, 3G and 4G but with the advent of 5G it is setting up global standards in the field of telecom technology. The CM said that digitisation is taking place at a fast pace in the country and digital India is an important part of the broad vision of development of the country. The CM was speaking at the inauguration of the local office of Hexaware Technology at Doon Business park, Transport Nagar here on Saturday. He said that the country is making rapid progress in the field of technology which is helping people to become self-reliant. Digital India is providing a market to the small entrepreneurs, traders and artisans. People are making UPI payments in markets, mandis and roadside vendors. The change in the life of common people is clearly visible. He said that India has made progress in the sector of digitisation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in the last six years ,UPI has become an important part of our economy and habits. Dhami said that efforts are being made to improve use of technology and systems in the State. He expressed hope that the new office of Hexaware Technology will prove to be a milestone in the extension of IT services in the State. The Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli, secretary Shailesh Bagauli, ITDA director Nikita Khandelwal, executive vice president of Hexaware Technologies Hemant Vij and others were present on the occasion. The Kharvel Nagar police on Saturday busted a drug-and-loot gang by arresting four persons, including a woman, from near the Bhubaneswar railway station. The arrested were identified as Ashok Behera (33) alias Landa of Gandhinagar in Ganjam, Purnachandra Sethi (33) of Itamati in Nayagarh, Sushanta Rout (34) of Odagaon in Nayagarh and Muskan alias Sarifa Khatun (22) of Unit-III in the city here. Two motorbikes, a knife, cold drinks and four strips of Lorazepam tablets were seized from the arrested persons. The accused were hatching a plot to loot passengers of their valuables near the Bhubaneswar railway station, police said. The woman member of the gang usually seduced the passengers and offered them spiked food or drinks. The gang members looted the passengers of their money and valuables once they lost their consciousness, said a police officer. The accused were earlier involved in several cases of crime in the capital city, police said. The gang members were targeting youths and Defence personnel who arrive at the railway station. Major breakthrough against extremism on Saturday Chatra Police arrested five hardcore committee members of extremists group Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC). Acting on the basis of secret information received by Chatra Superintendent of Police (SP), Rakesh Ranjan, Simaria SDPO Ashok Ravidas with the help of Tandwa and Simaria police station took action and arrested five militants of TPC organization by conducting an operation in the forest of Sidalu-Satpahari mountain. The arrested militants are Subzonal Area Commander, Prabhat alias Virasat Ganjhu, Vishu Ganjhu, Arun Prajapati, Naresh Kumar and Jitendra Kumar. The police have recovered one AK-56 rifle, one semi-automatic SLR rifle, one US made rifle, one 315 bolt rifle, 275 rounds of live bullets, two country-made pistols, five magazines and a poster of TPC from the arrested militants. All the arrested militants have previous criminal history. The arrested sub-zonal commanders of TPC militant organization, Prabhat and Vishu, all the five militants had become synonymous with terror for the coal businessmen and railway contractors in Chatra district. On May 30, the Poklane machine installed in the railway construction site at Tandwa was burnt by all these militants. Apart from this, on September 23, an incident of arson was carried out by them in Purnadih Coal Project of Piparwar police station area. Besides, a demand for levy was also made from many people in Piparwar area in the name of Balwant ji of TPC militant organization. A total of 14 cases are registered against Sub-Divisional Commander Prabhat in Balumath of Latehar district and Tandwa, Simaria and Piparwar police stations of Chatra district. 11 cases are registered against Sub Zonal Commander Vishu in Khalari, Budhmu of Ranchi district and Tandwa and Piparwar police stations of Chatra district. Two cases are registered against Arun Prajapati, Naresh Bhokta and Jitendra Kumar in Piparwar police station. Meanwhile, Gumla Police has arrested a hardcore militant of CPI Maoist, Nehru Munda from Marwa village of Kurumgarh police station. Nehru is accused of attacking the police. In fact, Nehru, along with the Naxalites, had detonated landmines in the forest of Kurumgarh area. A policeman's foot had fallen on that landmine, due to which his leg was amputated. Nehru was absconding since this incident. Later, on a secret information, the police caught him. SDPO Vikas Anand Laguri said that a case has been registered against Nehru Munda under Kurumgarh police station. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the fourth phase of Mission Shakti on Saturday, reaffirming the governments commitment to promoting womens safety, respect and self-reliance. The chief minister inaugurated this pivotal phase of the mission from his official residence, marking the occasion with a women empowerment rally. The rally embarked on a journey through various locations in the state capital before culminating at the 1090 intersection. The primary objective of the rally is to raise public awareness about the various government schemes designed to improve the well-being of women and daughters across the state, Yogi said. In his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reminisced about the inception of the programme in 2020, initially aimed at curbing crimes against women and ensuring their safety, respect and self-reliance. This initiative, initially centered around three core principles, has since evolved into the renowned Mission Shakti. Over time, Mission Shakti has emerged as a national leader in reducing crimes against women and bringing offenders to justice. The success of Mission Shakti has been so remarkable that the Government of India has adopted it as a national campaign for womens safety, illustrating the profound impact of such awareness initiatives on society. The fourth phase of Mission Shakti is an embodiment of this mission, seeking to replicate its achievements on a larger scale. The chief minister expressed concern that despite the governments implementation of various programmes, the target audience often remains unaware of them, hindering their ability to benefit from these initiatives. To address this issue, awareness rallies have been launched across all 75 districts of the state. Furthermore, morning rallies will be conducted in schools and colleges in every district. Individuals and organisations demonstrating exceptional efforts to enhance womens safety, respect and self-reliance within their districts will be recognised and honoured, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Beginning on October 15, women-centric schemes from the Central and state governments will receive focused promotion across cities, villages and municipal areas. This campaign aims to educate and inform individuals about government initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting the well-being of women and daughters. The state governments efforts have transformed the public perception of womens capabilities. Previously, less educated women were often underestimated in terms of their potential contribution. However, the government has altered this perception, enabling women to take on vital roles such as Banking Correspondence Sakhi (BC Sakhi) and bridging the banking gap in villages. The government provided these dedicated individuals with six months training and financial support, resulting in them now earning between a minimum of Rs 25,000 and a maximum of Rs 1.25 to Rs 1.5 lakh. Yogi emphasised the importance of amplifying and expanding such transformative efforts. In 2019, the government launched the Balinee Milk Producer project, supporting a group of women with a third to fifth-grade education. Over the past three years, this initiative has grown into a successful business, achieving an annual turnover of Rs 150 crore and a net profit of Rs 15 to Rs 16 crore, positively impacting the lives of 40,000 women. He stressed that with determination and support from the government and administration, women have the potential to achieve remarkable feats. Additionally, the chief minister underscored Uttar Pradeshs status as the most populous state in India and the necessity of special efforts to ensure the welfare of its vast female population. The launch of the fourth phase of Mission Shaktis women empowerment rally highlights this commitment. Extensive programmes will be conducted across the state to raise awareness among women and address their concerns. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated all the people of the state on the launch of the fourth phase of Mission Shakti. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, DGP Vijay Kumar, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Administration) Neera Rawat and Additional Director General of Police, Women and Child Protection Organisation, Padmaja Chauhan. A petition filed in the Delhi High Court asserts that conjugal visitation, away from the scrutiny of prison officials, is a fundamental right. Citing practices in several other countries, the Delhi Government told the court that a proposal regarding prisoners rights to seek conjugal visits has been forwarded to the states Home Department. The Delhi Government has indicated that this proposal will also be sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the issuance of necessary instructions. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula was hearing a petition urging the Delhi government and DG (Prisons) to make suitable arrangements in jails for conjugal visits by prisoners spouses. This public interest litigation (PIL) was originally filed in May 2019, leading to the High Court issuing notices to relevant authorities. The above-mentioned proposal is also set to be conveyed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the issuance of necessary guidelines. The Bench has granted the Delhi government six weeks to provide updates following its recommendation, and has posted the matter for hearing on January 15, 2024. The PIL aims to challenge the states prison rule, which currently requires the presence of a jail officer during prisoner-spouse meetings, and also sought to declare conjugal visits a fundamental right for inmates. The petition highlights that despite most prisoners being within a sexually active age bracket, they are denied conjugal visitation. It points out the progressive approach taken by courts in various countries, considering conjugal visits an important human right and their potential to reduce crimes within prisons. The petition stresses that prisoners should not be denied private meetings with their spouses based on the existing provisions of parole and furlough within the Indian penal system, particularly as these options are not available to undertrial inmates. The Jharkhand High Court has imposed Rs 1 lakh fine on one Mantu Soni. The penalty results from Mantu Soni's misuse of Public Interest Litigations (PILs), where he made baseless claims about illegal land payments by NTPC Coal Mining Projects in Hazaribag, seemingly with the intention of tarnishing NTPC's reputation and extracting personal benefits from the company. The court has dismissed Mantu Soni's public interest petition, firmly stating that his motives seemed more rooted in personal gain than the welfare of the public. The court also highlighted Mantu Soni's failure to disclose numerous pending criminal cases against him. Soni faces a wide range of charges, including illegal possession of firearms, association with extremist groups like the Jharkhand Tiger Force, acts of violence, obstruction of governmental operations, and physical assaults on law enforcement officials. He has been found guilty in two of these cases, while others remain under investigation. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 12 individuals in connection with the 2019 Maoist attack on security forces in which six Maoists and one civilian were killed near Tiriya village in Chhattisgarh, an official said on Saturday. The accused have been slapped with charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the chargesheet filed on Friday. In a statement issued by NIA on Saturday, it said the investigation unveiled a sinister plot by Maoist cadres led by senior figures including Sanju, Lxman Nag, Dashri Kawasi, Dubasi Shankar, Jalimuri Srinu Babu, Vijayalaxmi, Ramesh Kunjami, and others. The assailants, armed with sophisticated weaponry, targeted combined teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), State Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) engaged in a search operation near Tiriya village in Jagdalpur. "In addition to the primary suspects, further individuals linked to the case have been identified including B. Ch. Padma, Dubasi Devender, Dongari Devendra, Duddu Prabhakar and Kandula Sirisha. These accused were clandestinely associated with various organisations while actively supporting the CPI (Maoist)," it said. "These accused maintained close ties with the top leadership of the CPI (Maoist) and played pivotal roles in furthering the unlawful and violent agenda of the banned organisation. They received funding from the CPI (Maoist) to facilitate their operations and used various front organisations to disseminate Maoist ideology," read the NIA statement. The case was originally registered on June 28, 2019, encompassing the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and UAPA. Meja Urja Nigam Private Limited (MUNPL), a 50:50 joint venture company between NTPC Limited and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, has decided to expand its power generation capacity. The MUNPL is gearing up to build 5,600 megawatt coal-fired power units in the coming years. Construction of new thermal units is targeted to be completed in the next five years. This initiative is in response to the escalating energy needs of Uttar Pradesh. MUNPL currently operates a 1,320 MW thermal power project at Meja, in Prayagraj district. The utility aims to increase this with additional three units, totalling up to 2,400 MW, at the Meja. The UP government has already awarded the contract to MUNPL for the construction of a new thermal unit of 1,600 MW at Obra and a new unit of 1,600 MW at Anpara E at the existing site of the thermal plant in Sonbhadra district. At Obra, five units of 50 MW each and three units of 100 MW each constructed over five decades will be demolished for the construction of new thermal units by the MUNPL. The new units at Meja, Obra and Anpara E add to 5,600 MW. The post-COVID-19 pandemic era has witnessed a sharp upswing in power consumption in Uttar Pradesh, surpassing traditionally high-demand industrial states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. In August and September, as the national peak power demand reached a historic 2.4 lakh MW, Uttar Pradesh emerged at the forefront with the demand burgeoning to over 29,000 MW. The Central Electricity Authority has projected the demand in September 2024 to over 32,000 MW in UP. The ambitious capacity expansion plan of MUNPL highlights the revival of coal-based power. Official sources here said that the planned capacity of 5,600 MW symbolised the state governments faith in MUNPLs capabilities and the growing demand for cost-effective power. He emphasised that this would position MUNPL as the flagship joint venture of NTPC Limited. The rising power demand is attributed to increased power connections and commercial growth. UP Power Corporation Limited has given 1.60 crore new power connections in rural and urban areas in the last six years. These plans by MUNPL and the UP state government reflect the growing dependence on coal-fired electricity. As renewable energy growth lags behind electricity demand, countries are turning to coal to meet future needs. MUNPLs coal is supplied by three subsidiaries of Coal India Limited which ensures that UP gets power at reasonable prices. MUNPL has streamlined its project construction process. Instead of juggling 40 different contracts, the company is now awarding a combined engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tender, attracting the attention of international firms. The thermal EPC sector, previously dominated by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), has welcomed international companies such as General Electric Company (GE), Toshiba and Hitachi. This change is due to growing electricity needs and increased reliance on coal-based energy. MUNPL has also introduced cutting-edge technologies such as supercritical power units and flue gas desulfurisation (FGD). These technologies not only improve operational efficiency but also control emissions. Compared to subcritical units, which have around 35 per cent efficiency, supercritical units boast over 40 per cent efficiency. Supercritical units are more fuel and water efficient, produce more electricity and have reduced emissions compared to their subcritical counterparts. The FGD technology, retrofitted to older units or built into new ones, removes sulphur from the thermal units emissions. MUNPL supplies electricity primarily to Uttar Pradesh, with the remaining supplies going to states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha said on Saturday that the three National Lok Adalats held this year have resolved a total of 11,78,357 in the state. With time, Lok Adalats have gained the trust of people by settling disputes effectively and amicably, he said. The introduction of Lok Adalats as a component of alternative dispute resolution systems has provided a new dimension to the justice delivery system, he said. He said this at a meeting held to evaluate the performances of the National Lok Adalats at the Chhattisgarh High Court in Bilaspur. The meet was organized by the Chhattisgarh Legal Services Authority and the Chhattisgarh High Court. Sinha appreciated the commitment and dedication of the presiding judges and urged them to continue the good work for the Lok Adalat to be held on December 9. Chief Electoral Officer Madhya Pradesh Anupam Rajan conducted a detailed review of the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Sagar division in compliance with the instructions of the Election Commission of India. Collectors and Superintendents of Police of all the districts of the division were present in the review meeting held in Orchha of Niwari district. Preparations for the Assembly elections-2023 were reviewed in detail in the meeting. Directions were given in the meeting to use e-challan in the election process. Polling personnel should be given maximum training on EVMs and VVPATs. Ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct during the election process. Prepare two security plans for peaceful elections. Information about postal voting should be provided to the eligible persons for postal voting within the time limit. There should be no duplication in the voter list. It was told in the meeting that more than 60 lakh voters will vote at more than 7000 polling booths in Sagar division. Ensure that the names of deceased do not remain in the list. EPIC cards should be distributed to voters whose names have been added to the list. All returning officers should visit the polling booths of their area and ensure availability of all basic facilities at the polling booths. It was directed that polling booths with more than 1500 voters should be divided into two parts for the convenience of the voters. The new polling booth should be built in the same premises or in a nearby building. Rajan directed that inter-state and inter-district checkpoints should be started immediately, so that action can be initiated. Ballot preparation should be done well for the employees engaged in election work, senior citizens above 80 years of age, disabled people and people who have been severely affected by Covid. BLO should also know which voters are to be provided the facility of postal ballot. Special monitoring should be maintained on social media, so that no person can spoil the atmosphere by posting or re-posting communal posts. To maintain law and order, prohibitory action and action to expel out of district should be taken against people with criminal background. To prevent material influencing the elections, checkpoints should be set up at the district and state borders and strict checking of vehicles should be ensured. Strict action should be taken against illegal manufacturing and transportation of liquor. Flying squad and SST should work diligently. The cVigil mobile app created for election related complaints should be widely publicized. Instructions were given to run voter awareness campaigns along with ensuring security arrangements in the polling booths of vulnerable areas. Rajan appreciated the action of confiscation of silver and cash in Sagar district and said that all the districts should take such action. Similarly, he also appreciated the activities being done under the SVEEP plan of Sagar. Collector Sagar Deepak Arya displayed a video of SVEEP activities in the meeting. Joint Chief Electoral Officer Rakesh Singh, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Smt. Ruchika Chauhan, Inspector General of Police, Law and Order and Security Madhya Pradesh and State Police Nodal Officer Anurag along with Divisional Commissioner Dr. Virendra Singh Rawat, IG Pramod Verma, DIG Sunil Kumar Jain, all the Collectors and Superintendents of Police involved in the elections in their respective districts gave information regarding the preparations made for elections in their respective districts. A solemn ceremony marked the 29th death anniversary of Devendra Manjhi, was organised at Goilkera Haat Bazaar ground on Saturday. Chief Minister Hemant Soren and local MLA Joba Majhi, along with officials and workers of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, paid heartfelt tributes to the fallen hero. Before the tribute event, Minister Joba Majhi honoured martyr Devendra Majhi by laying floral wreaths at his tomb on Pump Road. The convoy then proceeded to Goilkera from Chakradharpur, receiving warm welcomes along the way. JMM workers, with drums and traditional fanfare, greeted Minister Joba Majhi near the Girls Middle School in Goilkera. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the chief guest at the tribute program, arrived at 3 pm and engaged with party workers and supporters from Manoharpur Assembly and Saranda area. During the visit, he addressed the concerns of the local community and interacted with residents. Notably, a demand letter was submitted by villagers under the leadership of Manoharpur Dhipa Panchayat head Ashok Banda, highlighting the region's pressing issues. The event underscored the party's commitment to honoring martyrs and addressing the needs of the people in the area. The solemn event took place in the dense Naxal-affected area near Chaibasa, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, underscoring the Chief Minister's commitment to honoring those who sacrificed during the state's freedom fight. The tribute ceremony unfolded in Goilkera, a region known for its challenging security situation. Despite the heightened security measures, Chief Minister Hemant Sorenlaid wreaths at the memorial dedicated to Martyr Devendra Manjhi. The ceremony not only commemorated the sacrifice of the freedom fighter but also symbolized the state's resilience in the face of challenges. Addressing people on the occasion the CM said, Jharkhand has always been the land of heroes and martyrs. Many heroes here fought a long battle against injustice and exploitation. Many sacrificed everything in this fight. One name among these martyrs is Devendra Manjhi. He sacrificed his life for the protection of water, forest and land. We can never forget his contribution as the pioneer of water-forest-land. The Chief Minister said that our heroes fought a long struggle for the movement of separate Jharkhand state and for the protection of tribals, indigenous people and water, forest and land. Now it becomes our responsibility to improve Jharkhand according to the dreams of these martyrs. Give the people here their rights and entitlements with full respect. Our government is fully committed to this and are moving rapidly in this direction. He said that the new construction of Jharkhand will be the true tribute to the martyrs. The CM said that building a better society and state is possible only through education. In such a situation, our government has special emphasis on the improvement of education. To ensure that girls do not leave their studies, they are being linked to Savitribai Phule Samriddhi Yojana. The government is providing financial assistance for everything from preparation for competitive exams to studies of medical engineering and other courses. 100% scholarship is being given to the children here to get higher education abroad. In excellent schools, children are being given education on the lines of private schools. Apart from this, many schemes related to education are going on, which are working to improve the future of the youth here. The CM said that providing social security to the poor and needy here is a special priority of the government. In this series, our government is giving social security pension to all the elderly, disabled and widows through the Universal Pension Scheme. The Chief Minister said that special instructions have been given to the officials to ensure that no elderly person is deprived of pension. The CM said that through the Government Aapke Dwar program, work was done to solve the problems of lakhs of people by organizing camps in Panchayats and connecting them with the schemes. Now this program is going to start once again. Officials will visit your homes and not only give you information about government schemes but will also work to provide you its benefits. Jharkhand is a state where the officials are going to far flung and remote villages and solving your problems at your doorstep. This trend will continue further also. An international seminar on Cultural Heritage Tourism: Celebrating the Divine Feminine was held at the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management here in association with INTACH, Bhubaneswar and Odisha Tourism on October 11 and 12. Seminar secretary Dr Adyasha Das presented the theme paper. The objective of the seminar was to promote an understanding and appreciation of cultural and heritage tourism centred on the Divine Feminine in various cultures, religions and regions. Cultural heritage tourism focusing on celebrating the Divine Feminine is an enriching travel experience to explore the rich tapestry of human spirituality, mythology, heritage and cultural traditions that revere feminine deities. This form of tourism will offer a deep dive into the diverse and fascinating world of goddess worship, providing insight into the role of women in society, spirituality and arts. The seminar was enriched by eminent academicians, research scholars, consultants and students from within the country and abroad. Academicians from five countries including the USA, Italy, Germany, Denmark and India participated. Prof Triloki Pandey, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology from the University of California, gave the keynote address highlighting the ancient as well as contemporary trends of goddess worship. Prof Annapurna Pandey, Cultural Anthropologist, University of California, and Dr Ileana Citaristi, eminent Odishi and Chhau dance exponent, were among the speakers. Anil Dhir, convenor of Intach Bhubaneswar Chapter and Dr Biswajit Mohanty gave insightful talks on rethinking the concept of heritage and cultural tourism initiatives built around the theme of Divine Feminine Goddess. Dr Md Sabir Hussain, Nodal Officer IITTM, presented a paper on the Divine Feminist in Islam. Prof Swarup Sahu, academician of repute, presided over the valedictory programme. Arthritis patients should modify their lifestyle with adequate sleep and exercise apart from having nutritional food and remaining stress-free to stay healthy, said noted physician in the field Prof Prasanta Padhan of the KIMS. Speaking at an event organised on the World Arthritis Day by the Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Dr Padhan stressed the need to minimise the use of social media and TV, especially serials with stressful storylines. He emphasised yoga and nurturing spiritualism to reinvent a new self. Medication should not be stopped as arthritis, as a systemic disease, stays till the end of ones life, he said. Assistant Prof Debashis Maikap advised patients to abstain from alcohol and smoking for better recovery and result. Associate Professor Dr Sakir Ahmed advised the participants to disclose everything to the doctor for better treatment and never go by the influence of online knowledge sharing. We are here to treat you and discuss with us and do not seek online advice, he said. Dr Padhan, in his address, also advised arthritis patients not to identify themselves with the disease. He said that one should move out of the shadow of the mindset of a chronic illness and move forward with better lifestyle modifications and re-engineering self. In the midst of swirling speculations regarding a cabinet reshuffle in the Yogi Adityanath government during Navratri, the meeting of top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in the state with the partys national president JP Nadda has garnered significant attention. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and a prominent leader in the state became the latest high-profile officials to meet Nadda recently. This meeting follows similar meetings of Nadda with BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Pathak took to his social media account to disclose details of his meeting with JP Nadda, which took place in New Delhi. The meeting has fueled further speculation about the impending cabinet reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh. Speculation about a cabinet reshuffle has intensified since the recent Ghosi by-election, with political observers suggesting that prominent leaders like Om Prakash Rajbhar, the national president of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party, and Dara Singh Chauhan may secure positions in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths cabinet. The series of high-level meetings with top BJP leaders and JP Nadda is seen as a crucial development in the ongoing political landscape of Uttar Pradesh. While no official announcements have been made, the frequency of such meetings underscores the partys focus on strengthening and reorganising its leadership in the state. The speculation over cabinet reshuffle has generated considerable interest among the political circles and the general public as they anticipate significant changes in the Yogi Adityanath government during the auspicious Navratri period. As these meetings continue and political leaders maintain their silence, the state remains on edge, awaiting official announcements that could reshape the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Hazaribag Superintendent of Police Manoj Rattan Chothey said that strict action must be taken on the coal and sand smugglers in the district.Regular raids will break the morale of the smugglers. The SP said this during a meeting of the members of the mining task force. He further said that there is a need for coordination among different departments like transport, pollution, sales tax and police. A single department can not stop the illegal coal mining and transportation. He has directed the local police officers to visit the doubtful mining area and hold regular raids on such places. He said that if the police officers will take strict action on such persons who are involved in this illegal business then it will have positive effects. He further directed to the members of the task force that if they will face any problem during the regular raids then it should be conveyed to the higher officers of the district. The district administration will provide the full cooperation to the team members. Chothey said that the guidelines of NGT must be implemented strictly by the members of the team. He directed the district transport officers that the department and his team must be watchful to check illegal coad and sand tractors on road and stop them and lodge police case on such transporters. In the meeting Divisional Officer, sadar SDO Vidyabhushan Kumar, Barhi SDO Poonam Kujur, district mining officer Ajit Kumar, DY.SP Mahesh Parjapati and all circle officers of the blocks were present. A six day visit of a team of 24 fish farmers from Tripura along with six officials of Tripura Fishery Directorate visited the State to learn various method of fish farming including cage culture. The tour concluded on Saturday which was scheduled from October 9 to October 15. The visiting team impressed by the States fish farming and appreciated the effort of Jharkhand Fishery Directorate. Tripura Fisheries Superintendent Aghor Dev Burman, said that for cage culture in Jharkhand, there is a need to learn coordination, stocking density, feeding practices and others between the fish farmers and the department. He expressed his gratitude to the scientists of CIFRI Barrackpur who have taken Jharkhand to this stage by providing technical knowledge in cage culture. He said that Jharkhand is a leading state in cage culture. Therefore, for the first time, the farmers of Tripura visited the site and inspected the cage culture in Tilaiya of Hazaribagh, Chandil Reservoir of Seraikela and Patratu Dam of Ramgarh. Burman was impressed by observing the cage culture in coal pit at Khalari in Ranchi district as well as seeing the biofloc pond in Nagdi and fish farming in RAS. This technology seemed new to them where more and more fish are being reared in less space and less water. Along with this, colorful fish farming, pearl farming and fish farming in biofloc tanks were seen at the Fish Farmers Training Centre. On the occasion Director Fisheries, Jharkhand VN Dviwedi said that efforts should be made to spread the cage culture technology of Jharkhand in North East states like Tripura also, so that more and more employment can be provided to the people and Tripura can lead in fish production. Fish feed is an important component in cage culture which needs to establish feed mill in the State, he added. The Director further said that people like Jatan Kumar Chakma, Brihat Kumar Tripura, Dev Kumar Das, Udit Jamatia, Sanjit Kumar Saha and others who came from Tripura expressed their views. The cage culture of Jharkhand was appreciated by the fish farmers and information about the hidden facts was given. The work to improve the living conditions of those fish farmers is being done by the Tripura Government, which is a matter of praise. There is difficulty in starting any plan. For the first time in Tripura, fish farming through cage culture has been started, which will face some problems in the beginning. But do not get discouraged by problems. We should maintain our relationship with Tripura, farmers from here should go there and farmers from there should come here, this way this relationship should continue, he added. The fish farmers here were instructed to go to Tripura to see the hatcheries for breeding prawn, mangur, singhi, pabda fishes and to see the rearing work. Cage farmers need to pay attention especially in winter. Collect as much fish seeds as possible for rearing in cages. Joint Director of Fisheries, Manoj Kumar told about the history of cage culture of Jharkhand. The Uttar Pradesh government has set an ambitious target of production of 45 million metric tons of food grains, including wheat in Rabi season 2023-24. The state has witnessed cultivation on about 13.6 million hectares (MH) of land and harvest of 42.78 MT in the Rabi season 2022-23. In the coming season, the state is estimated to cultivate food grains and oilseed crops on 13.45 MH of land, but expects 5 per cent higher harvest at 44.86 MT. We have drafted a multipronged strategy to boost the yield and productivity of food grain and oilseed crops in the coming Rabi season, an Agriculture department official said. Rabi crops, also known as winter crops, are grown in October and November and harvested in March. Major Rabi crops in India include wheat, barley, mustard, maize, sesame and peas. Owing to remunerative prices and ready market, the government is giving special emphasis on increasing the production of oilseeds and maize in the state. In UP, sowing of oilseeds is estimated on 1.3 MH of land and production is pegged at 1.15 MT. The major oilseeds grown in UP include groundnut, mustard, sesame etc. The state is targeting 42.86 MT of food grain production and 2 MT of oilseeds production, thus totalling 44.86 MT. The targets are sub-divided into wheat, barley, maize, gram etc., as well as peas, lentils, mustard, rapeseed and linseed. While India is among the leading oilseeds importers, higher oilseeds production will offer a ready market to farmers. In 2021, India imported oilseeds worth $2.39 billion, followed by China and Turkey at $1.34 billion and $1.27 billion, respectively. India is also among the top five oilseeds producers with 20 per cent of the global oilseed acreage under cultivation. Apart from augmenting the income of farmers, the UP government is focusing on enhancing productivity while reducing the cost of production. To achieve greater cropping intensity, the farmers are encouraged to cultivate two-three crops in a year. They are nudged to sow rapeseeds in the fields vacant from sowing in the Kharif season. While wheat cultivation spans the largest area in UP, its wheat productivity trails that of Punjab and Haryana due to lack of resources, unbalanced use of agri inputs and not taking advantage of modern technology. The Delhi Polices Special Cell on Saturday claimed to have arrested a woman accused of duping people, including an Army officer, on the pretext of selling mineral seeds that claim to improve health. Assam native Gayatri Deori alias Arti Mukherjee alias Janet was arrested from Mayur Vihar on Saturday, the police said. Deori was wanted in two cheating cases, including one in Sarita Vihar for which she was declared a proclaimed offender, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Alok Kumar said. The police had earlier announced a reward of ` 20,000 for information leading to her arrest. Deori admitted that she and her husband Nigerian national Okeleke Frankline Vhbundum Zule and some associates cheated people on the pretext of selling the mineral seeds, the officer said. She disclosed that, in one such case, she and her husband duped Sanjiv Menezes, a businessman, of `44.25 lakh, he added. Zule first contacted Menezes with an offer to sell 10,000 packets of the seeds at `3.00 lakh per packet. Deori then contacted Menezes with a counter offer to sell the seeds at `2.10 lakh per packet. Menezes gave her `44.25 lakh but never received any seed, the police said. A case in this regard was lodged at Sarita Vihar police station. Deori and her husband used the same modus operandi to allegedly dupe Lt General Balbir Singh Sandhu of `10.50 lakh. This case was registered at Greater Kailash police station. The police said while Zule was arrested, Deori had gone underground to evade arrest. Indias steadfast commitment to the safety of its citizens, both at home and abroad, is exemplified through a series of daring rescue operations. From evacuating citizens in conflict zones like Yemen and Afghanistan, to aiding nations in distress after disasters, Indias Indians First policy remains unwavering. The sudden and audacious attack by Hamas in the early hours of October 7, 2023, took Israel by complete surprise and shocked the world. With more than 1,300 killed by Hamas on the first day, including infants, women, and the elderly, it marked the single bloodiest day in Israels history. After the initial setback, Israeli forces quickly regrouped to take back control of the military situation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn the terror attack and extend support to its strategic ally, Israel. On October 13, as it prepared for a massive counterattack, Israel gave a final warning to citizens in Gaza to evacuate 1.1 million civilians as it finalises plans to punish Hamas for the dastardly terror attack. Terror attacks are an absolute redline for India and having its voice heard against any form of terror is important. It was highlighted during PM Modis speech during the P20 Summit in Delhi on October 13, where he stated: Wherever terrorism happens, for whatever reason, in whatever form, it is against humanity. Another very important foreign policy priority of India is to evacuate its trapped citizens in any war-torn area. In recent years, wherever there has been conflict or war, India has been among the first to launch operations to evacuate its citizens. Living up to it, India launched Operation Ajay on October 12, 2023. With an estimated 18,000 citizens, including students and tourists, trapped in the war zone in Israel and only air route available to evacuate, it is going to be a long haul. Already, by October 14, two Indian air Force planes have landed back carrying more than 200 passengers each. The stories of these people evacuated from the war zone are heart rendering as they describe the destruction caused by war and their immeasurable gratitude that the Indian Government has been able to pull them out safely. It is, however, not the first time that such dare devil rescue operations have been undertaken by India. Only last year, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, India made its first priority to get its people out. Despite pressure from the western world, India made it clear that among its national interests and priority, topmost was to get its people out. Operation Ganga launched therein evacuated almost 20,000 Indians, mostly students. It was an operation of mammoth proportions as it entailed not only a combined civilian and military air coordination but it tested Indias deft diplomacy skills to the fullest as the citizens had to be moved by road to different border points and then brought back home from Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova. Over a period of over 15 days from February 22, 2022 to March 10, 2022, more than 80 military and civilian flights were operated to rescue stranded Indians. It may be recalled that Russia and Ukraine, despite being engaged in a bloody war, agreed to stop firing whenever and wherever Indians were being evacuated from. Also, multiple stories from evacuees of how well they were treated and cleared promptly at border points in Poland, Hungary, etc, whenever they were seen with the Indian flag, is a testimony of Indias goodwill and global standing. Just a few months earlier this year, in April 2023, when a civil war broke out in South Sudan, India was again quick to evacuate its citizens. In a well-coordinated operation and in close consultation with Saudi Arabia, India launched Operation Kaveri and brought back over 2,000 citizens. It arranged to transport its citizens in buses from the conflict zones of Khartoum to Port Sudan, from where they were taken to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in Indian Air Force heavy-lift transport aircraft and Indian Navy ships. From Jeddah, Indians were subsequently brought back on commercial flights and Air Force aircraft. Earlier, in 2016, India evacuated its citizens from South Sudan in Operation Sankat Mochan, carried out by the Indian Air Force to evacuate Indian and other foreign nationals amid the ongoing civil war. In 2020, when Covid-19 pandemic broke out, once again India was among the frontrunners to get its citizens back through sea corridors created across the globe as a part of Operation Samudra Setu, launched in May 2020. The operation successfully brought back almost 4,000 Indian citizens by sea. The Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa, Airavat, Shardul, and Magar participated in this operation, which lasted for over 55 days. In August 2021, who can forget the absolutely shocking and disturbing images beaming on TV of Taliban taking over Kabul, US forces leaving Kabul airbase amid total chaos and Afghan civilians trying to flee Afghanistan, hanging onto wheels of aircraft and falling to their death. Once again, amid total anarchy and conflict, India managed to evacuate 669 people from Afghanistan, including 448 Indians and 206 Afghans, which include members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority community. Later too, when Taliban was in full control of Kabul, India operated a special flight in December 2021 and brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, including members of Afghan minority community which carried with them 2 Swaroopas of Guru Granth Sahib and some ancient Hindu manuscripts. While discussing rescue operations, we cant forget Operation Raahat conducted in Yemen in March 2015 in which India safely evacuated almost 6,700 people through air and sea. It included 4,741 Indians and 1,947 foreign nationals from 48 countries. Why foreigners? Because India was the only country trusted and permitted by the warring parties to evacuate people! The no-fly zone imposed on the Yemeni airspace and blockade of sea route by the coalition forces made the evacuation exercise a complex and very difficult task. Once again, the warring parties agreed to provide a safe corridor while Indians were being evacuated, no mean feat considering that the mighty US and other western nations could not even land a plane or ship in the war zone. During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, almost 1,75,000 Indians were evacuated. Air India operated 488 flights between August and October to airlift Indians stranded in Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion. The 63-day operation is still called the largest air evacuation and found its way into the Guinness Book of World Records. In March 2011, after the outbreak of the Arab Spring, almost 15,000 of the total 18,000 Indians were evacuated from Libya through a combination of navy and charter ships operating from Tripoli and Benghazi to Alexandria, Egypt. From there, Air India aircraft flew the passengers to India. There have been a few more too, like Operation Sukoon launched in 2006 to evacuate Indians from Lebanon. However, the Indian rescue story does not end with Indians only. Even in global disasters, India has been at the forefront in rendering assistance to nations in need. Operation Maitri launched after massive earthquakes in Nepal in 2015 and Operation Dost launched in February 2023 in support of people in Syria and Turkey devastated by Earthquake are prime examples where India was the first global responder in aid of grief-struck people. India has proved time and again that Indians First is its primary focus. As the world recognises India as a Vishwa Guru, India is ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Indians anywhere in the world obviously come first. In PM Modis own words, India is presenting itself as a Vishwa Mitra, which can be trusted and depended upon no matter what the circumstances and no matter where in the world. As the unfortunate war unfolds in Gaza, Indians can feel safe that Bharat is to their rescue. (The writer, a retired Colonel, is Assistant Director at MP-IDSA, New Delhi. He has served as Director Military Intelligence and as Director in the Ministry of External Affairs) Kerala University, once envisioned by Sir CP Ramaswami Aiyar for quality education, now grapples with scandals and declining standards. Political favoritism, subpar theses, and controversial appointments plague the system. Scholars call for reform as the legacy of excellence gives way to a grim reality of nepotism and educational decay, writes Kumar Chellappan Sir CP Ramaswami Aiyar, former Diwan of the princely State of Travancore, may be turning in his grave if he were to read about the happenings in Kerala University, which he founded in 1937. All colleges in the provinces of Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar (predecessors to present-day Kerala) were affiliated with Madras University until 1937, which had made higher education inaccessible for students from average and middle-income families. When the university was launched as Travancore University (its name was later changed to Kerala University after the formation of the State of Kerala), Sir CP brought in the best teachers in the country as faculty members. He even approached Albert Einstein with an offer of Rs 6,000 per month as salary to head the physics department. However, for reasons best known to him, Einstein preferred to join Princeton University in the US. Gone are the days of the Maharaja of Travancore and the Diwan. Sir CP, who aimed to establish a modern Kerala, faced a multitude of calumnies from vested interests, and there was even an attempt on his life. Immediately after the country was liberated from the shackles of colonialism, Sir CP tendered his resignation and returned to his ancestral house, The Grove in Chennai. Soon after the swearing in of the popular governments, Kerala University began its descent into an abyss. The institution has fallen into a Black Hole. Not only Kerala University, but all universities in the State have become cesspools of political manipulations, favoritism, and the appointment of near and dear ones of comrades to senior positions and teaching posts. The appointment of the wives of CPI(M) minister MB Rajesh, Speaker Shamseer, and Chief Ministers secretary Rakesh in violation of all norms has reached the Supreme Court. Most universities are functioning with temporary vice chancellors following the standoff between the CPI(M) Government and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. The Governor, famous for his no-nonsense approach to all issues and a stickler for norms, has questioned the double standards of the CPI(M) in the selection of vice chancellors, which has infuriated the commissars and comrades. What comes next is literally shocking. The degrees, especially the PhDs in humanities, represent the pinnacle of callousness, irresponsibility, nepotism, and spinelessness among the senior staff members. Chintha Jerome, the youngest CPI(M) state committee member, obtained a PhD in English literature by submitting a thesis riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as factual errors. She couldn't differentiate between Vailoppilli Sreedhara Menon and Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, two romantic poets in the Malayalam language. Even schoolchildren in Kerala are familiar with the significant works of Changampuzha and Vailippilli. Addressing them as Vailoppalli and Krishna Menon is an unpardonable error. Despite her thesis being packed with factual errors, grammatical and spelling mistakes, university authorities gleefully awarded her the PhD. There is a clamour for PhDs among students, as a research degree is essential for a teaching profession according to University Grants Commission guidelines. The Higher Education Department of the Kerala Government has discarded the UGC's directives in the selection procedures for faculty and awarding of doctoral degrees. Jerome has become the subject of jokes on social media due to her subpar English speeches. There is nothing surprising in the British leaving India in haste, as they were taken aback by the way we speak English, remarked an academic in the State. Chintha's case is not a flash in the pan example of a substandard doctoral thesis. Sunil Elayidam, a professor at Sree Sankara Sanskrit University, obtained a PhD in Malayalam language only after the intervention of a Marxist minister who requested that he be awarded the doctoral degree. The examiner who reviewed Elayidam's work candidly admitted that the thesis was substandard and did not meet the minimum requirements for a creative work. He had already made headlines for plagiarising Bharatanatyam, A Reader, a work by Davesh Soneji, a social historian based in the US working in the field of performing arts. This earned him the nickname Suniladi, rhyming with Coppiyadi, Malayalam for copying an original work. Many Marxist leaders in Kerala consider a PhD a status symbol, granting access to the intellectual elite. A PhD in the field of art and literature should embody creativity, and the thesis should serve as a reference point for researchers and critics alike," said Professor Ravi Shankar S Nair, an avant-garde critic in Malayalam literature. Professor Nair, who meticulously evaluates all PhD theses in the state, highlighted a recent research work by a student of Sree Sankara Sanskrit University at Kalady. He remarked that the thesis, titled Onam: A Cultural Analysis, is of lower quality than an essay authored by a high school student. "The main findings of this PhD thesis assert that thousands of people participate in the Kerala Government-funded Onam-Tourism week with enthusiasm. There is no permanent crowd for this festival; it is a mobile crowd. Since food is freely distributed by temples, all hotels remain closed... these are the findings for which the 'researcher' has been awarded the Ph.D.!" stated Professor Nair. Appalled by the decline in the quality of higher education, CK Anandan Pillai, a septuagenarian scholar and chief editor of Sahitya Vimarsam, a quarterly magazine, sent a questionnaire to ten academics in the State regarding the selection process of faculties pursued by university authorities and the quality of research theses. All those who responded to Pillai's inquiries were unanimous in their belief that the selection of faculties in universities is the most significant scam of modern times. "Most of the PhD theses submitted to the universities lack the value of the papers on which they are written. Dustbins are the ideal place for them," remarked RS Sasikumar, an academician with more than three decades of experience. According to KV Thomas, an educationist, PhD theses could be described as the best comedies. "Since none but the candidate reads these creations, there are no complaints," added Thomas. Rasheed Panoor, a teacher with a three-decade-long outstanding track record, suggested that Kerala may be the only State in India where the appointment of vice chancellors is based on caste, community, and religion. True to what Rasheed has said, the names of vice chancellors are discussed in the liaison committee of the Left Democratic Front before being presented to the Governor. Sasikumar and his fellow academics have formed a Save University Campaign Committee and submitted a memorandum to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who is leading a battle against the CPI(M)-led Kerala Government, requesting him to intervene immediately to rescue the higher education sector in the State from the shackles of Marxists. As this article is being written, yet another PhD scandal has come to light, this time from Sree Sankara Sanskrit University in Kerala. The university awarded a PhD to a Marxist leader for her thesis, which is riddled with errors. Princy Kuriakose, who has been appointed as a member of the Kerala Public Service Commission, claimed in her thesis that Adi Sankara lived during the period 1800 to 1900. When asked about this mistake, the vice chancellor who oversaw the research took the easy way out. See, I am traveling and did not see any reports about this incident. Let me get back to the University and study the issue, said Dharmaraj Adat, the then vice chancellor. The Malayalam term for University is Sarva Kalaa Saala, which means an institution that encompasses all forms of arts. However, Anandan Pillai suggests that the ideal Malayalam term should be Sarva Kalla Saala (a comprehensive institution for all kinds of thefts - 'Kalla'). There have been instances in the past where individuals going to oil-rich West Asian countries managed to secure employment by presenting wedding invitation letters to Sheikhs as if they were degree certificates from engineering colleges. Welcome to God's Own Country. (The writer is Chennai-based Special Correspondent of The Pioneer) A court that granted five days' custodial interrogation of two accused in a carjacking case has also allowed the Delhi Police's plea seeking handcuffing of the duo during their questioning, sources said. The sources in the court said Metropolitan Magistrate Animesh Bhaskar Mani Tripathi allowed the plea in an order passed on Friday. The court had also granted five days of custodial interrogation of Mehraj Salmani (33) and Asif (24) on the police's remand application. The duo had posed as passengers and on the way to the airport, snatched driver Bijender Shah's (43) mobile phone and wallet and pushed him out of the car, leading to his horrific death. The remand application filed by the police said, "It is pertinent to mention that the accused persons are involved in a gruesome and heinous act and have previous involvement in crime, there are apprehensions that the accused persons may attempt to flee from police custody, therefore, to thwart any such attempt, it is requested that the use of handcuffs may kindly be granted during police custody remand." A police officer confirmed that the court has allowed the plea to handcuff the accused during their custody. The officer said the accused were previously involved in cases where they robbed a foreign national and also a doctor in the national capital. "They run a gang, which is involved in carjacking on highways, and do not hesitate to kill people. They were also involved in an attack on a police team in Ghaziabad," the officer said. Iran's foreign minister on Saturday called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, warning that the war might expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle, and that would make Israel suffer a huge earthquake. Hossein Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut that Lebanon's Hezbollah group has taken all the scenarios of a war into consideration and Israel should stop its attacks on Gaza as soon as possible. Israel considers Hezbollah its most serious immediate threat, estimating it has some 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles that can hit anywhere in Israel. The group, which has thousands of battle-hardened fighters who participated in Syria's 12-year conflict, also has different types of military drones. Hezbollah fighters have been on full alert along Lebanon's borders with Israel following last Saturday's attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas that left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. On Saturday, the Israeli military said an Israeli drone strike along the border with Lebanon killed a cell that was trying to infiltrate into Israel. On Friday, Hezbollah said its fighters fired several rockets at four Israel positions along the border. Amirabdollahian said he met Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who briefed him on the group's conditions in Lebanon. I know about the scenarios that Hezbollah has put in place, Amirabdollahian said. Any step the resistance (Hezbollah) will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity. Amirabdollahian added: I want to warn the war criminals and those who support this entity before it's too late to stop the crimes against civilians in Gaza, because it might be too late in few hours. With an eye toward Hezbollah, US President Joe Biden has warned other players in the Middle East not to join the conflict and has sent American warships to the region and vowed full support for Israel. The Iranian foreign minister said he will be contacting UN officials in the Middle East because there is still an opportunity to work on an initiative (to end the war) but it might be too late tomorrow. The possibility of a new front in Lebanon brings back bitter memories of a vicious monthlong war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 that ended in a stalemate and a tense detente between the two sides. Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) had its price objective lowered by Cormark from C$22.50 to C$20.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. Cormark also issued estimates for Eldorado Golds Q3 2023 earnings at $0.07 EPS, Q4 2023 earnings at $0.21 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $0.55 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $0.64 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $1.53 EPS. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Haywood Securities boosted their price target on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$16.50 to C$18.50 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. National Bankshares lifted their price target on Eldorado Gold from C$17.00 to C$17.50 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Eldorado Gold currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$16.75. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on ELD Eldorado Gold Price Performance Eldorado Gold stock opened at C$13.39 on Tuesday. Eldorado Gold has a 12 month low of C$7.21 and a 12 month high of C$16.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.50, a current ratio of 3.75 and a quick ratio of 2.28. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$12.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$13.55. The stock has a market capitalization of C$2.72 billion, a PE ratio of 53.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 56.20 and a beta of 1.24. Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported C$0.12 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.10 by C$0.02. Eldorado Gold had a return on equity of 1.03% and a net margin of 1.00%. The business had revenue of C$308.76 million during the quarter. Equities analysts predict that Eldorado Gold will post 0.8196286 earnings per share for the current year. Eldorado Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru gold mines located in western Turkey; Lamaque gold mines located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE:MAA Get Free Report) and Killam Apartment REIT (OTCMKTS:KMMPF Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, institutional ownership and earnings. Insider & Institutional Ownership 93.4% of Mid-America Apartment Communities shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.3% of Mid-America Apartment Communities shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Mid-America Apartment Communities alerts: Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Mid-America Apartment Communities and Killam Apartment REIT, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mid-America Apartment Communities 3 8 7 0 2.22 Killam Apartment REIT 0 0 0 0 N/A Valuation and Earnings Mid-America Apartment Communities currently has a consensus price target of $163.25, suggesting a potential upside of 24.22%. Killam Apartment REIT has a consensus price target of $21.17, suggesting a potential upside of 71.53%. Given Killam Apartment REITs higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Killam Apartment REIT is more favorable than Mid-America Apartment Communities. This table compares Mid-America Apartment Communities and Killam Apartment REITs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Mid-America Apartment Communities $2.11 billion 7.26 $637.44 million $5.12 25.67 Killam Apartment REIT N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Mid-America Apartment Communities has higher revenue and earnings than Killam Apartment REIT. Profitability This table compares Mid-America Apartment Communities and Killam Apartment REITs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mid-America Apartment Communities 28.28% 9.54% 5.27% Killam Apartment REIT N/A N/A N/A Summary Mid-America Apartment Communities beats Killam Apartment REIT on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Mid-America Apartment Communities (Get Free Report) MAA, an S&P 500 company, is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on delivering full-cycle and superior investment performance for shareholders through the ownership, management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of quality apartment communities primarily in the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. As of June 30, 2023, MAA had ownership interest in 101,986 apartment units, including communities currently in development, across 16 states and the District of Columbia. About Killam Apartment REIT (Get Free Report) Killam Apartment REIT, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is one of Canada's largest residential real estate investment trusts, owning, operating, managing and developing a $5.0 billion portfolio of apartments and manufactured home communities. Killam's strategy to enhance value and profitability focuses on three priorities: 1) increasing earnings from existing operations, 2) expanding the portfolio and diversifying geographically through accretive acquisitions, with an emphasis on newer properties, and 3) developing high-quality properties in its core markets. Receive News & Ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA Free Report) Investment analysts at Zacks Research increased their Q2 2024 EPS estimates for shares of Murphy USA in a research report issued on Tuesday, October 10th. Zacks Research analyst N. Choudhury now anticipates that the specialty retailer will earn $4.77 per share for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $4.21. The consensus estimate for Murphy USAs current full-year earnings is $21.54 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Murphy USAs FY2024 earnings at $21.88 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $7.10 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $5.48 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $4.31 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $22.00 EPS. Get Murphy USA alerts: Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $370.00 price target on shares of Murphy USA in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Murphy USA from $330.00 to $385.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, September 25th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Murphy USA in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Murphy USA from $362.00 to $360.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $329.60. Murphy USA Price Performance MUSA stock opened at $359.62 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $328.31 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $300.66. Murphy USA has a 12-month low of $231.65 and a 12-month high of $369.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.21 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.38. Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The specialty retailer reported $6.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $6.09 by ($0.07). Murphy USA had a return on equity of 80.20% and a net margin of 2.59%. The business had revenue of $5.59 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.61 billion. Murphy USA Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 7th. Investors of record on Monday, August 28th were given a dividend of $0.39 per share. This is an increase from Murphy USAs previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 25th. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.43%. Murphy USAs dividend payout ratio is 6.16%. Insider Activity at Murphy USA In other Murphy USA news, CEO R Andrew Clyde sold 18,971 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.40, for a total value of $5,964,482.40. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 226,473 shares in the company, valued at $71,203,111.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Murphy USA news, CEO R Andrew Clyde sold 18,971 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.40, for a total value of $5,964,482.40. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 226,473 shares in the company, valued at $71,203,111.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Christopher A. Click sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $302.31, for a total transaction of $211,617.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 70,815 shares of company stock worth $22,153,785 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 9.04% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Murphy USA A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Pinebridge Investments L.P. grew its stake in Murphy USA by 136.1% during the second quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. now owns 85 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Murphy USA by 70.8% during the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 111 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. purchased a new position in Murphy USA during the second quarter valued at $38,000. Mendota Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in Murphy USA during the first quarter valued at $50,000. Finally, GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC purchased a new position in Murphy USA during the first quarter valued at $52,000. 83.95% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Murphy USA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Murphy USA Inc engages in marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. The company operates retail stores under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and QuickChek brands. It operates retail gasoline stores principally in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest United States. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Murphy USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EA Series Trust acquired a new stake in shares of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LW Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 26,057 shares of the specialty retailers stock, valued at approximately $2,995,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in LW. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. increased its stake in shares of Lamb Weston by 81.6% in the second quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 184,497 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $21,208,000 after buying an additional 82,901 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Lamb Weston by 1.9% in the first quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 46,896 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $4,902,000 after buying an additional 880 shares in the last quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Lamb Weston by 49.4% in the first quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 4,469 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $467,000 after buying an additional 1,477 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in shares of Lamb Weston by 3,242.8% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,163,334 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $121,592,000 after buying an additional 1,128,533 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of Lamb Weston by 3.6% in the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 4,045 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $423,000 after buying an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. 85.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Lamb Weston alerts: Insider Transactions at Lamb Weston In other news, insider Eryk J. Spytek sold 6,319 shares of Lamb Weston stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.23, for a total transaction of $652,310.37. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 1,052 shares in the company, valued at approximately $108,597.96. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.66% of the companys stock. Lamb Weston Price Performance Lamb Weston stock opened at $83.18 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.02, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.55. Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. has a 1 year low of $79.39 and a 1 year high of $117.38. The business has a 50-day moving average of $95.59 and a 200-day moving average of $105.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.16. Lamb Weston (NYSE:LW Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 5th. The specialty retailer reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.08 by $0.55. The company had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.62 billion. Lamb Weston had a return on equity of 77.14% and a net margin of 17.18%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 48.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.75 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. will post 5.96 EPS for the current year. Lamb Weston Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 2nd. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.35%. Lamb Westons payout ratio is currently 16.18%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the company. TD Cowen assumed coverage on Lamb Weston in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. They issued an outperform rating and a $125.00 target price for the company. Barclays lifted their price objective on Lamb Weston from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price objective on shares of Lamb Weston in a research report on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Lamb Weston from $129.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Lamb Weston in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.29. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on LW Lamb Weston Profile (Free Report) Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc produces, distributes, and markets frozen potato products worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Global, Foodservice, Retail, and Other. It offers frozen potatoes, commercial ingredients, and appetizers under the Lamb Weston brand, as well as under various customer labels. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Lamb Weston Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lamb Weston and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in shares of Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX Free Report) by 0.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,505 shares of the credit services providers stock after buying an additional 58 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Equifax were worth $2,237,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. US Bancorp DE raised its position in shares of Equifax by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 13,645 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $2,768,000 after purchasing an additional 573 shares during the period. AGF Management Ltd. lifted its stake in Equifax by 10.0% in the first quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 16,721 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $3,392,000 after buying an additional 1,520 shares during the last quarter. KBC Group NV boosted its holdings in shares of Equifax by 209.2% during the first quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 27,929 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $5,665,000 after acquiring an additional 18,896 shares during the period. Atria Investments Inc boosted its holdings in shares of Equifax by 3.9% during the first quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 9,489 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,925,000 after acquiring an additional 360 shares during the period. Finally, Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in shares of Equifax by 5.4% during the first quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 31,669 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $6,424,000 after acquiring an additional 1,626 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.37% of the companys stock. Get Equifax alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have issued reports on EFX. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Equifax in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Equifax from $204.00 to $221.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on Equifax from $260.00 to $239.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Credit Suisse Group boosted their price target on Equifax from $235.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Equifax from $190.00 to $204.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $219.13. Equifax Price Performance Shares of NYSE EFX opened at $178.41 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $192.97 and a two-hundred day moving average of $205.56. The company has a market capitalization of $21.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.98, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. Equifax Inc. has a twelve month low of $145.98 and a twelve month high of $240.35. Equifax (NYSE:EFX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The credit services provider reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.67 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.32 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.33 billion. Equifax had a net margin of 10.36% and a return on equity of 19.67%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.09 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Equifax Inc. will post 6.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Equifax Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 6th were given a dividend of $0.39 per share. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 5th. Equifaxs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 36.71%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Mark W. Begor sold 7,000 shares of Equifax stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.38, for a total value of $1,409,660.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 69,902 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,076,864.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Equifax news, CFO John W. Gamble, Jr. sold 2,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.33, for a total transaction of $503,325.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,026 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,863,754.58. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Mark W. Begor sold 7,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.38, for a total value of $1,409,660.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 69,902 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,076,864.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 19,500 shares of company stock valued at $3,912,985 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.57% of the companys stock. Equifax Company Profile (Free Report) Equifax Inc operates as a data, analytics, and technology company. The company operates through three segments: Workforce Solutions, U.S. Information Solutions (USIS), and International. The Workforce Solutions segment offers services that enables customers to verify income, employment, educational history, criminal justice data, healthcare professional licensure, and sanctions of people in the United States; and employer customers with services that assist them in complying with and automating payroll-related and human resource management processes throughout the entire cycle of the employment relationship. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Equifax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equifax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO Free Report) by 20.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 28,001 shares of the transportation companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,722 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorps holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) were worth $702,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ZTO. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 136.0% during the 1st quarter. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. now owns 254,840 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $6,470,000 after purchasing an additional 146,838 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 415,473 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $10,387,000 after purchasing an additional 13,333 shares during the last quarter. HAP Trading LLC bought a new position in ZTO Express (Cayman) during the 1st quarter valued at about $413,000. Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 753.5% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 69,896 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,762,000 after purchasing an additional 61,707 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 116.2% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 839,600 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $20,990,000 after purchasing an additional 451,200 shares during the last quarter. 41.68% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get ZTO Express (Cayman) alerts: ZTO Express (Cayman) Price Performance Shares of ZTO opened at $24.15 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $24.70 and a 200-day moving average price of $26.38. ZTO Express has a fifty-two week low of $16.27 and a fifty-two week high of $30.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.71 billion, a PE ratio of 16.89, a PEG ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 0.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a current ratio of 1.32. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ZTO Express (Cayman) ( NYSE:ZTO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 29th. The transportation company reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.33 by $0.09. ZTO Express (Cayman) had a net margin of 22.08% and a return on equity of 15.21%. The firm had revenue of $1.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.41 billion. Equities analysts predict that ZTO Express will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. TheStreet cut shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their price objective on shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) from $36.00 to $31.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. StockNews.com cut shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) from $36.50 to $30.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) from $39.00 to $34.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.60. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ZTO ZTO Express (Cayman) Company Profile (Free Report) ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. It offers freight forwarding services; and delivery services for e-commerce and traditional merchants, and other express service users. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ZTO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Counselors Inc. decreased its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report) by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,942 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 137 shares during the period. Financial Counselors Inc.s holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $446,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Carson Advisory Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the second quarter worth approximately $523,000. Rosenbaum Jay D. increased its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 3.0% during the second quarter. Rosenbaum Jay D. now owns 9,034 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,022,000 after buying an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. Carmel Capital Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 6.2% during the second quarter. Carmel Capital Partners LLC now owns 9,879 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,117,000 after buying an additional 578 shares in the last quarter. Kesler Norman & Wride LLC increased its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 3.1% during the second quarter. Kesler Norman & Wride LLC now owns 52,410 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,927,000 after buying an additional 1,580 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Unigestion Holding SA increased its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 11.7% during the second quarter. Unigestion Holding SA now owns 43,584 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,894,000 after buying an additional 4,573 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.91% of the companys stock. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ICE has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler raised their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $125.00 to $135.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 5th. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $141.00 to $140.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $129.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $122.00 to $120.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a report on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a neutral rating and a $125.00 price target for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Intercontinental Exchange currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $133.58. Insider Activity at Intercontinental Exchange In other Intercontinental Exchange news, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 88,683 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.82, for a total value of $10,005,216.06. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,169,965 shares in the company, valued at approximately $131,995,451.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Intercontinental Exchange news, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 88,683 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.82, for a total value of $10,005,216.06. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,169,965 shares in the company, valued at approximately $131,995,451.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Martha A. Tirinnanzi sold 496 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.56, for a total transaction of $56,325.76. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 2,878 shares in the company, valued at $326,825.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 95,202 shares of company stock valued at $10,756,352. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Intercontinental Exchange Price Performance Shares of ICE stock opened at $110.43 on Friday. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has a 52-week low of $89.49 and a 52-week high of $118.79. The stock has a market cap of $61.87 billion, a PE ratio of 36.69, a PEG ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.10. The firms 50 day moving average price is $113.59 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $111.09. Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The financial services provider reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.89 billion. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 17.64% and a return on equity of 13.11%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.32 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current year. Intercontinental Exchange Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were given a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.52%. Intercontinental Exchanges dividend payout ratio is currently 55.81%. Intercontinental Exchange Company Profile (Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CENTRAL TRUST Co lessened its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPLV Free Report) by 67.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,675 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,503 shares during the quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Cos holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF were worth $105,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of SPLV. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF in the second quarter worth $31,000. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. Lakewood Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Assetmark Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 852.2% in the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 638 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 571 shares during the period. Finally, Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 584.0% in the first quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 684 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 584 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Stock Up 0.8 % Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF stock opened at $58.75 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $60.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $61.93. The firm has a market cap of $8.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.07 and a beta of 0.69. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF has a 52 week low of $57.17 and a 52 week high of $66.32. About Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF The Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Low Volatility index. The fund tracks a volatility-weighted index of the 100 least-volatile stocks in the S&P 500. SPLV was launched on May 5, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPLV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPLV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. trimmed its position in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 0.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 98,929 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 658 shares during the quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc.s holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $11,265,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC raised its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 19.8% during the 1st quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 545 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $77,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Commerce Bank raised its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 7,943 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $781,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. First Financial Corp IN raised its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 93.9% during the 2nd quarter. First Financial Corp IN now owns 221 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC raised its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC now owns 3,358 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $476,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,269 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $223,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance Shares of Digital Realty Trust stock opened at $122.60 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The firm has a market cap of $37.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 95.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.56. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $124.28 and a 200 day simple moving average of $111.01. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $86.33 and a fifty-two week high of $133.39. Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend Insider Activity at Digital Realty Trust The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 378.30%. In related news, insider Cindy Fiedelman sold 2,770 shares of Digital Realty Trust stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.00, for a total value of $346,250.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have commented on DLR. StockNews.com began coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $130.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $80.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Digital Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their target price for the stock from $112.00 to $131.00 in a report on Friday, August 25th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised Digital Realty Trust from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $138.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $122.20. Read Our Latest Research Report on DLR Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust (NYSE:ECAT Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 77,970 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $14.85 per share, for a total transaction of $1,157,854.50. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 16,098,009 shares in the company, valued at $239,055,433.65. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s): Get BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust alerts: On Monday, October 9th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 30,730 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $14.81 per share, for a total transaction of $455,111.30. On Friday, October 6th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 145,133 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $14.72 per share, with a total value of $2,136,357.76. On Wednesday, October 4th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 194,681 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $14.54 per share, with a total value of $2,830,661.74. On Monday, October 2nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 88,457 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $14.81 per share, for a total transaction of $1,310,048.17. On Friday, September 29th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 133,755 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $14.87 per share, for a total transaction of $1,988,936.85. On Wednesday, September 27th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 442,590 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $14.60 per share, for a total transaction of $6,461,814.00. On Monday, September 25th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 74,372 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of $14.78 per share, for a total transaction of $1,099,218.16. On Friday, September 22nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 600 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $14.68 per share, for a total transaction of $8,808.00. On Wednesday, September 20th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 1,271 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of $15.10 per share, for a total transaction of $19,192.10. On Monday, September 18th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 6,309 shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $15.01 per share, for a total transaction of $94,698.09. BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust Stock Performance Shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust stock opened at $14.63 on Friday. BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust has a twelve month low of $12.92 and a twelve month high of $16.10. The companys 50 day moving average is $15.09 and its 200 day moving average is $15.39. BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust Announces Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.125 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 13th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.25%. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust in the second quarter worth about $179,000. LPL Financial LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $707,000. Wells Fargo & Company MN boosted its position in shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust by 24.2% in the second quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 411,641 shares of the companys stock worth $5,890,000 after purchasing an additional 80,127 shares during the period. Citadel Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust by 13.1% in the second quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 108,557 shares of the companys stock worth $1,553,000 after purchasing an additional 12,565 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust by 31.4% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 417,564 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,349,000 after purchasing an additional 99,793 shares during the period. About BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust (Get Free Report) BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Trusts (ECAT) (the Trust) investment objectives are to provide total return and income through a combination of current income, current gains and long-term capital appreciation. The Trust invests in a portfolio of equity and debt securities. Generally, the Trusts portfolio will include both equity and debt securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue reduced its stake in TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE:THS Free Report) by 3.5% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 33,348 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,215 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in TreeHouse Foods were worth $1,680,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 16,753 shares of the companys stock valued at $844,000 after buying an additional 243 shares during the period. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,221 shares of the companys stock valued at $314,000 after buying an additional 298 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 22,242 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,122,000 after buying an additional 342 shares during the period. Diversified Trust Co lifted its holdings in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 9,643 shares of the companys stock valued at $486,000 after buying an additional 361 shares during the period. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System increased its stake in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 14,625 shares of the companys stock worth $738,000 after purchasing an additional 393 shares in the last quarter. 99.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get TreeHouse Foods alerts: TreeHouse Foods Trading Up 3.8 % Shares of THS stock opened at $40.27 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $45.27 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $49.09. TreeHouse Foods, Inc. has a 52-week low of $38.18 and a 52-week high of $55.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.27 billion, a PE ratio of -30.05 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 1.26. Insider Buying and Selling at TreeHouse Foods TreeHouse Foods ( NYSE:THS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 7th. The company reported $0.42 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.42. TreeHouse Foods had a negative net margin of 2.09% and a positive return on equity of 7.49%. The business had revenue of $843.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $831.84 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.04) EPS. The businesss revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that TreeHouse Foods, Inc. will post 2.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, Director Jana Partners Llc acquired 87,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $44.49 per share, with a total value of $3,910,671.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 4,883,314 shares of the companys stock, valued at $217,258,639.86. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.93% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on TreeHouse Foods from $56.00 to $52.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Barclays reduced their price objective on TreeHouse Foods from $55.00 to $46.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. TD Cowen assumed coverage on TreeHouse Foods in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. They issued a market perform rating and a $45.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on TreeHouse Foods in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Finally, TheStreet lowered TreeHouse Foods from a b- rating to a c rating in a research note on Thursday, August 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $51.00. View Our Latest Stock Report on TreeHouse Foods About TreeHouse Foods (Free Report) TreeHouse Foods, Inc manufactures and distributes private label foods and beverages in the United States and internationally. The company provides snacking product, such as crackers, pretzels, in-store bakery items, frozen griddle items, cookies, snack bars, and unique candy; and beverage and drink mix, including non-dairy creamer, single serve beverages, broths/stocks, powdered beverages and other blends, tea, and ready-to-drink-beverages. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding THS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE:THS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TreeHouse Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TreeHouse Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AI program developed by students benefits goose farm Xinhua) 11:40, October 14, 2023 This undated file photo shows a student from Shenzhen University-Tencent cloud AI BEng program developing an AI goose-breeding program at Shenzhen Univeristy, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua) SHENZHEN, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- A team of 16 college students from Shenzhen University has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) program that helps identify sick lion-head geese for breeders, increasing the survival rate of the gaggle by 30 percent. Lion-head geese are a primary ingredient in making local marinated goose dishes in the Chaoshan area of south China's Guangdong Province, which are renowned for their good quality but quite hard to raise. For over 300 years, breeders in Chenghai District, Shantou City, relied on their experience to judge the health of geese by observing if they remained still for too long and by feeling their body temperature with their hands. While the rule of thumb is effective, it is not efficient enough in emergency situations. Diseases could devastate a farm of over a thousand geese in as little as ten days. In the winter of 2018, an unexpected outbreak of avian influenza swept through Houxi Village, leaving only five out of thousands of lion-head geese alive. As a young entrepreneur returning to his hometown, Jin Shutao, a professional goose farmer in Houxi Village, Chenghai District, thought about harnessing the power of technology. In 2022, he invited 16 students from Shenzhen University-Tencent cloud AI BEng program to his lion-head goose farming cooperative. With guidance from teachers at the university and engineers from Chinese internet giant Tencent, they aimed to tackle this hard problem. In a 500-square-meter space with over 4,000 geese closely packed together, the team faced the challenge of identifying sick geese amidst the cacophonous sounds. They decided to determine sickness by measuring the duration of a goose's stillness, and they divided the project into four groups, namely hardware, frontend, backend, and algorithm. However, the first challenge they met was to install cameras because traditional QR code-based recognition methods for animals, such as cows, sheep, or pigs, did not work for geese. To collect enough data for AI training, the students used existing farm cameras to capture images and manually label them. This labeling process involved categorizing and tagging 6,000 images of 300,000 geese. The arduous work was necessary to realize the level of detail and precision required for AI work. They needed to be 100 percent focused since even a slight error could affect the AI's training results, said Wang Yifeng, one of the team members. Moreover, they had to continuously optimize the algorithm, as different scenarios could impact accuracy. Under the guidance of Tencent engineers, they first improved the recognition algorithm to improve the identification rate of lion-head geese in crowded scenes. Then, they optimized the tracking algorithm to record the duration each goose spent in one spot, helping identify any anomalies. After dozens of model adjustments, the students learned that there is no one-size-fits-all algorithm. It must be customized based on specific conditions. As they worked, they got more acquainted with the geese. They discovered that it was challenging to measure the body temperature of adult lion-head geese due to their thick feathers. Therefore, they turned to identifying feverish baby geese as supplementary means. Some students even found through research that goose diseases were closely related to weather conditions such as typhoons and haze. Therefore, they added data observation and analysis functions to the program for optimization. Through more than a hundred days and nights and countless online meetings, the AI goose program was continually updated. Currently, the program provides real-time alerts for "listless geese" and "feverish geese," displaying temperature, humidity, PM2.5 levels, and trends in data changes on the farm. This has helped the farm increase the survival rate of lion-head geese by 30 percent. "Developing AI isn't about sitting in an air-conditioned room and writing code. It's about learning to write code in 'goose dung,'" said Shen Linlin, director of the visual research institute under Shenzhen University. Lion-head geese are seen at a farm in Houxi Village of Chenghai District, Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province, July 8, 2022. (Xinhua) This photo taken on July 8, 2022 shows a goose farm in Houxi Village of Chenghai District, Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua) This undated file photo shows the interface of an AI-powered goose-breeding program developed by students from Shenzhen University-Tencent cloud AI BEng program. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) In an unusually forthright statement at the worlds top diplomatic table, Gordon Brown congratulated Robert Mugabe for stealing Zimbabwes presidential vote once again. The British prime minister told a meeting of the UN security council today that Mugabes tactics are very similar to his own. Commenting on the results of the ballot, Brown said: Everyone knows, having seen the result at the polling stations, that President Mugabe has lost this election but won it on the coerced recount with the use of brute force. A stolen election would not be an election at all. Believe you me, I know, having been brought into power without any election or vote. Indeed the supreme Comrade Brown secured the Prime Ministerial role without election after Tony Blair left office. When called to declare a much needed general election in September 2007 he bottled it and backed away from his word. Gordon Brown also promised the people of Britain a referendum on Europe and backed away from that as well. The prime ministers praise of Mugabe came at a meeting to discuss security council cooperation with the African Union, chaired by the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, who is Mugabes subordinate. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, KCB (born on February 21, 1924) is the President of Zimbabwe. He has served as the head of government in Zimbabwe since 1980, as Prime Minister from 1980 to 1987 and as the first executive President since 1987. He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in guerrilla warfare against white-minority rule in Rhodesia in the Bush War (19641979). Mugabe is an outspoken, controversial and polarizing figure who is proud of his homosexuality. Emerging from the Zimbabwe parliament, he has been hailed by gay Africans as a hero for championing homosexual rights in Zimbabwe. The President currently lives in his pink palace in Harare with his string of male concubines. There are rumours that President Mugabe has full blown AIDS but leaders of ZANU-PF have staunchly denied the allegations. Mugabes continuing thin frame and fragile mental state have alarmed African leaders and the media with concern for his health. Witnesses say the jihadist started shaking uncontrollably and ripped his coat off whilst reciting words that no one could understand. I saw him he looked a bit funny. Then his eyes rolled up in ecstasy and he was blowing kisses at every one. Everyone could feel the love, it was as if sprinkles of multicoloured dust were flying off him, then when he ripped his jacket off we all ran because we thought it was a suicide vest, but it was a t-shirt with a peace sign on it and the word L-O-V-E on it. Thats when he exploded, like a trillion fireworks undulating across the square and sky, a sonic boom where we saw the blast waves ripple through the crowd. Everyone started hugging each other, black, white, whatever, we even saw a rabbi suddenly hug a Muslim man giving him a big smacker on the cheek. Man, that was the most amazing high I ever felt, better than any drug. Shit, Im still tripping right now, Miles Brigstow, 28, a student at UCL who was in the square at the time told the BBC. The Metropolitan Police and bomb squad who attended the scene of the love blast never found any remains of the jihadist apart from a few wisps of glowing embers. Meanwhile, in Syria, the martyr was denounced as a kook and someone not in tune with the Jihadist cause of hatred. Donald Tusk was cheery today after announcing the change of heart and end to ransom payments. I woke up this morning and thought to myself. What are we doing kidnapping the UK? We are holding them to ransom and all they want to do is to leave the European Union. We are not kidnappers, or Somali pirates, even though we have been acting like that for some time. This is ridiculous behaviour and by punishing them, we at the end of the day punish ourselves. EU Commission President, Jean Claude Juncker was also apologetic and even shed a tear during a press conference. The way I treated the British. I am ashamed of myself. Here is a country that saved Europe in WW2, and we are treating them like criminals, just because they want to leave the EU. I am sorry to Mrs. May for calling her an old bag, or was it a witch? Anyway, I would like to extend my profound grief at the way the EU attacks dogs have been treating the British. We are not Mafiosi, although we have acted like that. If the Brits want to leave, they should be allowed to do so without huge ransom payments, or punishment. Chief EU Brexit EU negotiator Michel Barnier, was also repentant of his awful treatment of the British. I am French. Yes, we dislike the British, and have for some time, however, I am extremely sorry for the way I have acted in trying to sabotage Brexit at every turn, and with my impossible demands of ransom money. The British do not owe us anything. Does Japan, which is not even in the EU, have to jump through so many hoops to trade with the EU? No! The same must be entreated to les Rosbif eating friends in Britain. From now on, I will be kind to you. Especially as it is you who liberated us cheese eating surrender monkeys in WW2 from our keepers, the dastardly Jerries. Huzza! Britain will leave the EU, the ECJ, and will not be held to ransom any more. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas serves as a stark reminder of the many complex and interconnected challenges our world faces. While the situation in the Middle East is influenced by a multitude of factors, it is essential to recognize the role that overpopulation plays in fostering conditions conducive to terrorism, human suffering, pollution, war, and devastation. Overpopulation, or the excessive growth of the human population beyond the carrying capacity of the Earth, has far-reaching implications. The current conflict in Gaza brings forth the ongoing strife in the Middle East and its broader consequences. 2.3 million people in Gaza live in an area of 45 km2. Resource Scarcity: Overpopulation places immense pressure on finite resources, such as water, arable land, and energy sources. In densely populated regions like the Gaza Strip, resource scarcity can lead to desperation and competition, increasing the likelihood of conflicts. Unemployment and Poverty: High population density often correlates with high unemployment rates and widespread poverty. These conditions create fertile ground for radicalisation, as individuals with limited opportunities may turn to extremist groups as a means of escape or empowerment. Political Instability: Overpopulation can strain governance systems, leading to political instability and corruption. Weak governments are less effective at addressing the needs of their populations and may inadvertently support or tolerate terrorist organizations. Pollution and Environmental Degradation: Overpopulation exacerbates pollution and environmental degradation. In regions grappling with resource shortages, waste disposal, and pollution control may become secondary concerns, further compromising public health and quality of life. Displacement and Refugees: Overpopulation can contribute to displacement and migration, as individuals seek better living conditions. This can lead to refugee crises, creating tensions and conflicts in host countries. Territorial Disputes: In regions with limited space and an abundance of people, territorial disputes become more frequent. In the Middle East, disputes over land and resources have played a significant role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Social Tensions: Overpopulation often amplifies social tensions and divisions, making it easier for extremist ideologies to gain traction. This can lead to radicalisation and terrorism. It is important to emphasize that overpopulation alone does not cause terrorism, misery, pollution, war, or destruction, but it can exacerbate the conditions that foster these issues. Addressing the challenges associated with overpopulation requires a multifaceted approach, including sustainable family planning, equitable resource distribution, and economic development. In the case of the Israel-Hamas conflict, understanding the broader context of overpopulation can help inform strategies for peace and development. Promoting dialogue, addressing root causes, and striving for equitable resource allocation are essential steps in finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict. While overpopulation is just one piece of the puzzle, acknowledging its role in global challenges is crucial for creating a more peaceful and sustainable future for all. By working together on these complex issues, we can begin to mitigate the conditions that contribute to terrorism, human suffering, pollution, war, and destruction, ultimately fostering a more harmonious world. For a sustainable globe, the human population should be maintained at a reasonable level of 500 million. This is the hoped level of the human population for the future. Detention camp (Representational Image) Guwahati: In what has once again raised serious question over the judicial process to detect and deport foreigners in Assam, a woman from state's Cachar district, who spent two years in a detention camp after being declared a foreigner due to a mismatch in the names of her father and grandfather in multiple voters' lists, was declared an Indian citizen by a Foreigner's Tribunal on the basis of circumstantial evidence. It was in 2017 that Dulubi Bibi, 48, was declared a "foreigner" by a Foreigners Tribunal in Assam because of inconsistencies in her name in the voter lists, and sent to a detention camp where she spent two years. But in fact her suffering had started much earlier in 1997. A resident of Khaspur village in Assams Cachar district, Bibi first came under the scanner of the Electoral Registration Officer during the revision of electoral rolls from the Udharbond assembly constituency that year. Her name, listed as Dulubi Bibi in the draft electoral roll, had not featured in earlier voter lists, which raised a doubt on her citizenship. The name of the father of Dulubi Bibi alias Dolabjan Begum, from Khaspur of Udharbond block, has appeared as Sirai Mia in one list and Sirai Uddin in another. Even her grandfather's name has appeared as Majmil Ali Laskar in one place and Majmil Ali in another, casting doubts on her antecedents. A case was registered under the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act the following year, but it was only in 2015 that she received a notice from the Foreigners Tribunal. On March 20, 2017, the tribunal declared her a "foreigner" who had entered the country after March 25, 1971. Dulubi Bibi moved Gauhati HC in May this year challenging the tribunal's order declaring her a foreigner. In an order dated October 7, the Foreigners Tribunal stated that on the basis of documents submitted, it found "very much detailed information of the relationship of (Bibis) family members, which reveals the continuity of the family". It declared that she "is a Citizen of India born out of Indian Citizens living in Indian soil". Silchar-based social activist Kamal Chakraborty, who assisted Bibi with her case, told reporters, "The problem is inconsistencies in different voter lists. Across the country, people have never seen what their names are listed as in voting lists, but this has huge consequences for people whose citizenship is under the scanner." According to government records, as of March 15 this year, there were 185 "declared foreign nationals to be deported" lodged in the dedicated "detention centres" for "illegal foreigners" in Goalpara. (EOM) Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. (Image Source: Twitter) Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will arrive in Visakhapatnam at 10:40 am on Monday, October 16, to inaugurate the Infosys Development Centre at the IT SEZ in Madhurawada. He will attend a meeting in the Infosys boardroom and later interact with staff of the IT giant. He will arrive at Rushikonda beach around noon and launch the beach cleaning machines. According to an itinerary of the CM, released by the district officials on Saturday, the Chief Minister will fly to Paravada from IT SEZ by helicopter and interact with public representatives. Later, he will inaugurate Eugia Sterile Pvt. Ltd. at Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City and interact with the companys chief executive officer and employees. Jagan Mohan Reddy will fly from the pharma city and arrive at Atchutapuram SEZ in Anakapalli district at about 1:20 pm. He will inaugurate Laurus Lab-2 at the SEZ and visit the factory. The chief minister will return to Visakhapatnam Airport and fly back home at about 3:20 p.m. Mayor Hari Venkata Kumari and GVMC Commissioner C.M. Saikanth Varma visited IT SEZ at Madhurawada and inspected the premises. The mayor visited the Infosys office and inspected the beach cleaning machines, which the Chief Minister will formally inaugurate. GVMC will station six cleaning machines at different places along the Vizag beach. Interacting with media persons later, Hari Venkata Kumari said apart from IT SEZ, the Rushikonda area would also be kept clean, as the CM will start functioning from there from Dasara. GVMC zonal commissioners, public health officials and Infosys infrastructure head Amul Kulkarni were present when the mayor carried out her inspection. Governor Dr.Tamilisai Soundararajan (DC file) Hyderabad: Governor Dr.Tamilisai Soundararajan has sought a report on the suicide of Pravallika, a 23-year-old aspiring competitive examination candidate. She directed the Chief Secretary, the DGP and the Secretary, TSPSC to submit a detailed report on the incident within 48 hours. The Governor also extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved parents and family members. "Ms. Pravallika's untimely demise is a poignant reminder of the challenges and pressures faced by young aspirants preparing for competitive examinations," the Governor said in a press comminuq from the Raj Bhavan. "Dr. Soundararajan, while deeply saddened by the loss of such a promising young life, remains committed to addressing the issues raised by this tragic incident," reads the press note. Meanwhile, the Governor urged all unemployed youth not to lose hope and to exhibit courage in their pursuit of gainful employment. She assured them of her unwavering support in this endeavor, emphasizing her commitment to help them in achieving their employment goals. Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh receives Indian nationals evacuated from Israel under 'Operation Ajay' at New Delhi airport. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: A second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv in Israel, under Operation Ajay, landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday morning. The evacuated Indian nationals were welcomed by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, at the airport. He welcomed Indian nationals with a handshake and folded hands. People were seen hugging and embracing their families and relatives as they arrived back in New Delhi with a feeling of relief but minds full of ordeal. As many as 447 Indian nationals, who were stranded amid the raging Israel-Hamas war have been brought back to India under 'Operation Ajay'. "Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Israel's Tel Aviv," posted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on X, on Friday-Saturday intervening night. The passengers were mainly those who were staying and working in Israel. They applauded the government of India for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to ANI, before the second flight flew from Tel Aviv, an Indian passenger Ashish Kumar said, "I am going to India. Here, I am a post-doctoral student, at Agriculture Research Organisation. The situation in central Israel is quite normal, not like the Gaza border, Beersheba and nearby regions". "I think this is a very good initiative of the Indian government. I had seen only European countries evacuating their citizens. So, I appreciate the government for this," he added. Wagesh Dwiwedi, another passenger also appreciated the initiative and recalled the tenure of former Minister Sushma Swaraj. "I work as a visiting scientist at ARO. The situation is tense here because of the bombarding, and it will get even more serious. So, that's why we are leaving. Everyone is scared at home. Operation Ajay is a very positive step and I really appreciate it. The government has been carrying out such missions since the time of Sushma Swaraj," he said. On Friday, the first flight under Operation Ajay carrying 212 Indian passengers landed in Delhi. Those who were evacuated after being stranded in Israel thanked the Indian government for bringing them back. Chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' were also seen by the passengers on the first flight, according to a video shared by a passenger. Earlier on Thursday, Indian Ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla said that the Indian Embassy in Israel is working to ensure the well-being of Indian nationals in war-torn Israel and informed that under "Operation Ajay" the embassy will help Indians who want to return to India. "Operation Ajay" was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday. The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. The MEA had set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan also visited the 24/7 control room set up in New Delhi as part of Operation Ajay. He said India continues to monitor the situation in Israel and provide necessary information and assistance. He further said the government is always committed to the safety of Indians abroad. BRS Working President and Minister K T Rama Rao with Ponnala Lakshmaiah Hyderabad: BRS Working President and Minister K T Rama Rao on Saturday visited Ponnala Lakshmaiah, former Pradesh Congress Committee President who quit citing the 'unjust environment' in the party, at his residence and invited him to join the the Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao-led outfit. It is not clear what transpired between the two leaders. In a setback to the Telangana Congress ahead of the assembly elections in the state, Lakshmaiah had recently sent a letter to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge resigning from the party. In his letter, he alleged that when a group of 50 leaders from the backward classes (BC) in Telangana went to Delhi to request prioritisation for BCs, they were denied even a meeting with AICC leaders which is an embarrassment for the state that prides itself on self respect. Lakshmaiah's resignation comes as a setback to the Congress which is gearing up to announce its list of candidates for the November 30 assembly polls. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao will release the much-awaited party manifesto for the November 30 Assembly elections on Sunday and also hand over B Forms. (Image source: Twitter) Hyderabad: BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao will release the much-awaited party manifesto for the November 30 Assembly elections on Sunday and also hand over B Forms, the document that makes their nomination official, to party candidates. By releasing its manifesto, the BRS will become the first political party in Telangana to do so, notching up another first for the coming Assembly elections after having released its list of 115 candidates on August 21. The Congress, which is expected to release its first list of candidates on Sunday, and the BJP are learned to be still some distance from releasing their manifestos and finalising candidates. Rao will release the manifesto and hand over the forms to the candidates in a meeting at Telangana Bhavan, following which he will also address them and provide pointers for the campaign. Party sources said that Rao is also likely to name candidates for at least two of the five constituencies Jangaon, Nampally, Goshamahal, Narsapur, and Malkajgiri which the party had kept pending. While Marri Rajasekhar Reddy is believed to be the frontrunner for the Malkajgiri seat after Mynampally Hanumantha Rao left the BRS for the Congress. There is trepidation among a few candidates whose names were announced that there could be last-minute changes due to opposition from party cadres. The Chief Minister too, when he released the names, had left the option open for last-minute changes, although party sources said even that changes, if any, would be few. El ex gobernador regional de Junin, Vladimir Cerron, fue incluido en el Programa de Recompensas por el delito de colusion. Se ofrece una recompensa de S/ 100 000 por informacion idonea que facilite su ubicacion y captura. Lee mas ?? https://t.co/kFojHJbJ15#TuDatoTeRecompensa pic.twitter.com/sK4zHjOohK TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy. (Image Source: Twitter) Hyderabad: The Congress will release the names of 58 candidates in its first list of candidates for the Telangana Assembly polls on Sunday, after the AICCs central election committee (CEC) headed by Mallikarjun Kharge cleared them at a Delhi meeting on Saturday. AICC screening committee chairman for Telangana, K. Muraleedharan, addressing mediapersons in Delhi, said: "Talks with Left parties for alliance have been going on. A clarity on the number of seats to be offered to CPI and CPM will emerge on Sunday and soon after, the first list with 58 names will be released." He said that the CEC will meet again on October 17 or 18 to finalise the candidates for the remaining seats. Candidates for all 119 Assembly seats will be declared by October 19, he said. The Congress is all set to kick its campaign into overdrive after the first list is released, with senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra set to flag off a bus yatra in the state on October 18. As part of the plan, the Gandhi scions will offer prayers at the Kondagattu Anjaneyaswamy temple in Jagtial, where they will hold their first roadshow. The bus yatra will then move to Nizamabad. TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy told mediapersons in Delhi on Saturday that the detailed schedule of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadras visit for the bus yatra in Telangana will be released on Sunday. In the discussion over seat sharing with Left parties, held among AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, Revanth Reddy, CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and MP N. Uttam Kumar, the party reportedly decided to offer two seats each to the CPI and CPM in erstwhile undivided Khammam and Nalgonda districts. Party sources said that the Congress offered Kothagudem and Munugode seats to CPI and Bhadrachalam and Miryalaguda seats to CPM, following which the Left parties sought time till Sunday to inform them about their decision. Senior leaders Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Tummala Nageswara Rao, who quit BRS and joined Congress, on Saturday met Rahul Gandhi and Venugopal to discuss the allotment of tickets. It was learnt that the top leaders asked Nageswara Rao to contest from Khammam and Srinivas Reddy from Palair. Nageswara Rao had sought the Palair ticket as he won from this seat on a BRS ticket in May 2016, but lost in 2018. Srinivas Reddy joined the Congress in June, reportedly after he was assured the Palair ticket, sources said. Nageswara Rao joined the Congress on September 17. After the meeting, Nageswara Rao refused to comment on this issue. "I will follow the directions of party high command on ticket allotment. I don't want to embarrass the party by commenting on this issue," he said. While the Left parties are yet to announce their decision, an alliance would see the revival of a tie-up after nearly 20 years, when they dethroned the TD government in undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2004. Although the Congress had sought a grand alliance with Left parties for the 2018 Assembly polls, only CPI joined hands with the party, while the CPM joined the Bahujan Left Front, an alliance of 28 political parties, and social and minority organisations. Finance minister T. Harish Rao has been camping in Husnabad for the past five days to monitor arrangements and mobilise crowds for KCR's Husnabad meeting on October 15. (Image: DC) Karimnagar: Aiming for a third consecutive term to helm Telangana, BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao will launch the partys campaign from the lucky constituency of Husnabad, from where he launched the past two poll campaigns, on Sunday. After winning the polls in 2014 and 2018, assuming the office as Chief Minister for two consecutive terms, Rao is now aiming for a third consecutive term, an unprecedented feat in southern Indias political ecosystem. Party sources said that Rao will continue his sentiment with Husnabad, before embarking on a spree to address 41 public meetings in 24 days, till November 9. They said that Rao, who is also a staunch believer in numerology, decided to launch the campaign on October 15 as the digits add up to six, his lucky number. Leaders and cadres have made elaborate arrangements for the Chief Ministers first public since the Election Commission of India (ECI) released the schedule for the Telangana Assembly polls on October 9. Finance minister T.Harish Rao has been camping in Husnabad for the past five days to monitor arrangements and mobilise crowds for Raos meeting. Husnabad MLA Vodithala Satish Kumar and party leaders have geared up to mobilise around one lakh people for the meeting, being held under the title of Praja Ashirwada Sabha. After inspecting the meeting venue and helipad on Saturday, MLA Satish Kumar said that special galleries were also established for women and disabled persons who wish to attend the meeting. Before addressing the public meeting, Rao will visit the residence of former BRS Rajya Sabha member Captain Laxmikantha Rao in Husnabad, take his blessings, as is his routine every time, and then proceed to launch the election campaign. Washington, D.C. A recent assessment by the National Security Council has revealed that Russia and North Korea are strengthening their military partnership, raising concerns and drawing condemnation from the White House. This collaboration comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues and the United States imposes heavy sanctions on Russia. Council spokesman John Kirby disclosed alarming details, including a map that supposedly illustrates the flow of lethal aid from North Korea to Russia, destined to support Russias invasion of Ukraine. Over the past month, more than 1,000 containers filled with military equipment and munitions have followed this route, according to Kirby. Get alerts: We condemn the DPRK for providing Russia with this military equipment, which will be used to attack Ukrainian cities, kill Ukrainian civilians, and further Russias illegitimate war, Kirby stated, using the acronym for North Korea. The ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly depleted military stockpiles on both sides, relying heavily on attrition warfare with constant need for supplies. Ukraine fires approximately 8,000 shells daily, emphasizing the importance of a continuous supply of munitions. The United States and its allies have been increasing production and sending military support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has partnered with other nations to sustain its war effort. Notably, Moscow has received Iranian-made drones to target Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met last month in Russia, a rare summit between two adversaries. During the meeting, Kim expressed support for Russias actions in Ukraine, while Putin mentioned North Koreas interest in rocket technology, possibly related to the countrys space program. North Korea has attempted to launch satellites but failed twice this year. The United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on individuals involved in arms negotiations and transfers between Russia and North Korea, whose nuclear program has made it an international pariah. Kirby also highlighted the possible delivery of Russian military equipment to North Korea, marking a concerning development. This assessment has once again prompted calls for additional assistance to Ukraine. The White House requested approximately $25 billion in additional funding earlier this year. The Senate initially considered a bill including $6 billion but later removed it in late September as part of an agreement to prevent a government shutdown. In a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced an additional $200 million in U.S. security aid for Ukraine, increasing the available funding to $5.2 billion, along with approximately $1.6 billion to restock the U.S. military inventory. However, it is worth noting that congressional approval for further aid depends on the appointment of a confirmed House Speaker, a situation expected to persist following the withdrawal of the previous Republican nominee, Steve Scalise of Louisiana. Teacher Retirement System of Texas reduced its stake in shares of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO Free Report) by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 47,072 shares of the apparel retailers stock after selling 2,699 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas holdings in American Eagle Outfitters were worth $555,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Toroso Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of American Eagle Outfitters during the 1st quarter worth about $1,861,000. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in American Eagle Outfitters during the 1st quarter worth approximately $5,481,000. Qsemble Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in American Eagle Outfitters during the 1st quarter worth approximately $300,000. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in American Eagle Outfitters by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 938,970 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $12,366,000 after purchasing an additional 74,944 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Keeley Teton Advisors LLC increased its position in American Eagle Outfitters by 9.6% during the 1st quarter. Keeley Teton Advisors LLC now owns 64,950 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $873,000 after purchasing an additional 5,700 shares in the last quarter. 90.10% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get American Eagle Outfitters alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently issued reports on AEO. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 8th. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $18.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Friday, September 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $17.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $16.41. American Eagle Outfitters Trading Down 1.3 % AEO stock opened at $16.81 on Friday. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has a twelve month low of $9.84 and a twelve month high of $17.53. The company has a market capitalization of $3.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.16, a PEG ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 1.50. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $16.00 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.82. American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 6th. The apparel retailer reported $0.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by $0.09. American Eagle Outfitters had a net margin of 4.04% and a return on equity of 14.92%. The business had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.20 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.04 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. American Eagle Outfitters Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 27th. Investors of record on Friday, October 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 12th. American Eagle Outfitterss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.46%. American Eagle Outfitters Profile (Free Report) American Eagle Outfitters, Inc operates as a specialty retailer that provides clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the American Eagle and Aerie brands in the United States and internationally. The company provides jeans, apparel and accessories, and personal care products for women and men; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections. Read More Receive News & Ratings for American Eagle Outfitters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Eagle Outfitters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lowered its holdings in Kemper Co. (NYSE:KMPR Free Report) by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,411 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 539 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas holdings in Kemper were worth $551,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of KMPR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in Kemper by 4.2% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 84,710 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,789,000 after purchasing an additional 3,402 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Kemper by 16.1% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 8,516 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $481,000 after purchasing an additional 1,179 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in Kemper by 20.8% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,377 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $134,000 after purchasing an additional 410 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its position in Kemper by 14.9% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,617 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $489,000 after purchasing an additional 1,118 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Kemper by 33.5% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 38,718 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,189,000 after purchasing an additional 9,722 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.93% of the companys stock. Get Kemper alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Piper Sandler raised Kemper from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and dropped their price target for the company from $55.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Kemper in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $70.00. Kemper Stock Up 3.8 % Shares of NYSE KMPR opened at $43.71 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $45.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $47.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.80 billion, a PE ratio of -9.05 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.22 and a quick ratio of 0.22. Kemper Co. has a one year low of $38.32 and a one year high of $68.15. Kemper (NYSE:KMPR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 7th. The insurance provider reported ($0.26) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.38) by $0.12. The business had revenue of $1.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.33 billion. Kemper had a negative return on equity of 5.55% and a negative net margin of 5.82%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.62) EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Kemper Co. will post -0.53 EPS for the current year. Kemper Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 28th. Investors of record on Monday, August 14th were issued a dividend of $0.31 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 11th. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.84%. Kempers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -25.67%. About Kemper (Free Report) Kemper Corporation, a diversified insurance holding company, engages in the provision of insurance products to individuals and businesses in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance, Preferred Property & Casualty Insurance, and Life & Health Insurance. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KMPR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kemper Co. (NYSE:KMPR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kemper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kemper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Over 100 local young people from all over the Derry and Strabane Council area have taken part in a special engagement event at the Guildhall to allow them to share their views on childrens rights and speak to key decision makers about what is important to them. The Your Say Child Rights event was organised as part of the Council areas journey towards achieving UNICEF UK Child Friendly City and Community status. The young people came from local youth organisations in all the Council areas district electoral areas and the event gave them the opportunity to engage with a number of guests and local politicians. Special guests included Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue and Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn. A number of the young people addressed the event before they took part in a Q and A with members of all the political parties represented in the Council chamber where they highlighted the issues that they would like to see addressed in the City and District and learned more about how local democracy can have a positive impact on their lives. The young people also received an update on the Council areas bid to achieve UNICEF UK Child Friendly status which is now in a 2 to 3 year Delivery phase. The event was officially opened by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, who praised the young people for effectively communicating their needs and hopes for the future. The Your Say event at the Guildhall was a brilliant way to empower our youth to have a direct impact on the decisions that affect them, she said. I was delighted to hear from the young people who spoke eloquently and passionately about what is important to them and showed a genuine interest on becoming more aware about their rights and how we can shape a better future for everyone in our City and District. Derry City and Strabane District Council have hosted a Unicef Child Friendly Status Your Say Youth Consultation event at the Guildhall focusing on the views and needs of young people within the area This event was a key milestone in our Council areas journey to achieve the internationally recognised Unicef Child Friendly status where we are striving to create a community that all young people have a meaningful say in and truly benefit from the local decisions, services and spaces that shape their lives. Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn added: I was honoured to be invited to this event and engage directly with young people who have shared their views on the issues that matter to them. As Commissioner, it is my job to listen to the views of children and young people and use my powers to promote their best interests. Its important that they know their rights and my role in protecting them. This event has been truly inspiring, the impact of knowing your rights can be lifechanging, and I look forward to hearing more about Derry City and Strabane District Council's journey towards being a Child Friendly Community. I wish all the young people well in their ongoing work as Childs Rights Defenders. North West Ministry of Youth Member Sophie Feeney said the young people in attendance appreciated the opportunity to highlight the issues they face as young people. This was a really big event for us as young people because it allows us to engage directly with decision makers and they can hear some of the issues we face as young people when it comes to our rights. And it challenges them to take some action to help address the issues. Saoirse Lynch, North West Ministry of Youth Member, added: I really enjoyed having the opportunity to speak about the rights of Children and Young people. The conference showed how important it is to educate young people and adults on their rights and to share all of our views and opinions and how these rights can be better met. For more information on Child Friendly Cities and Communities visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/community/children-and-young-people/unicef and for more on Derry and Strabanes bid for Unicef Child Friendly Status contact youth@derrystrabane.com. Julia Bradbury has said Ireland has cemented its place in my heart after exploring the country for her new travel programme. The four-part series, titled Julia Bradbury Irish Journey, sees the presenter return to the isle where she was born to witness the landscape, culture and history on offer. Each episode sees Bradbury explore a different region and various cities including Cork, Dublin and Derry. Reflecting on making the show, she said: I was born in Dublin so its been wonderful to explore the island of Ireland and learn more about the place of my birth. There is such a huge variety of things to do and explore. If historic 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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julia Bradbury (@juliabradbury) In the first episode, the TV presenter 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. Next up she will take on Irelands Wild West and up the Wild Atlantic Way, going from the rocky Burren to the hills of Connemara. The third instalment will see her explore Dublin. During her time there she will visit Croke Park, home of Gaelic sports, and will experience traditional Irish music and learn about why it is regarded as a great literary city. The final episode will see Bradbury travel through Northern Ireland and the north-west corner of the Republic, experiencing everything from sailing to surfing to a seaweed bath. The series continues on Channel 4 on Saturday night at 8.35pm and will be distributed internationally by ITV Global. The Bloody Sunday Trust has slammed the Israeli government after a social media post comparing the current situation in Palestine with what happened in the Bogside in January 1972. The chairperson of the Bloody Sunday Trust, Tony Doherty, whose father was murdered on that day has said that he "is absolutely staggered" that the Israeli Defence Force have claimed that the current situation unfolding in Palestine is "their Bloody Sunday". The statement carries a short clip of U2 frontman singing in praise of the Israelis after last weeks attacks by Hamas. Bloody Sunday was an attempt by the British government to drive those marching for civil and human rights off the streets. It was shortly followed by lies about the deceased which fed British propaganda for decades. What happened in Derry in January 1972 can easily be compared to what the Israeli apartheid government and its armed forces have done to thousands of innocent people in Gaza and what they now plan to do. It is turning right, truth and justice on its head to justify genocide. It is blunt manipulation being used for dark propaganda purposes and should be dismissed as such. The Israeli claim was posted with @U2 tagged in. U2 have yet to distance themselves from this claim, which for an Irish rock band is simply atrocious. The Bloody Sunday Trust will continue to fly the Palestinian colours over Free Derry Wall as we have done for many years. The Irish government needs to become more vocal in its opposition to the genocide in Gaza. We have rightfully distanced ourselves as a nation from the wholehearted support provided to Israel by Ursula Von der Leyen, the President of the European Union. This will go down as a terrible stain on the European project. We need to push for peace, the end of all hostilities in Gaza and elsewhere in Palestine/Israel and get all sides to commit towards peaceful methods of resolving political and historical differences. 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. ??#DeRegresoACasa| La Cancilleria informa que, gracias a un trabajo articulado entre el Gobierno peruano y @LATAM_PER, esta aerolinea trasladara sin costo a nuestros connacionales evacuados desde Israel, dentro de sus vuelos entre Europa y el Peru. In 2022, 3,500 people, and 1,060 businesses participated in upskilling with a Skillnet Ireland Business Network in counties Louth and Meath. Figures from Skillnet Ireland reveal the national agency for workforce development delivered 22,700 training days across both counties last year. 55% of those who undertook training were women and 45% were men, while those aged 30 to 39 years were the largest group of people availing of upskilling supports. The vast majority (95%) of the 1,060 Louth and Meath companies that upskilled their workforce with Skillnet Ireland in 2022 were small and medium enterprises. The greatest uptake came from the Food & Drink sector followed by Health, Services, Retail, Manufacturing, Financial Services and Agriculture. Companies based in Louth and Meath undertook upskilling programmes with 65 Skillnet Business Networks, including M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet. The Skillnet Ireland Annual Report, for 2022 found that nationwide, upskilling and training programmes to the value of 70.2 million, were provided to almost 25,000 businesses and over 92,000 workers across the Irish economy and the regions. Companies contributed 26.5 million or 37% of the total investment towards upskilling their staff, a 4 million increase on 2021, signalling a high level of buy-in from industry sectors to develop their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet Ireland provides programmes to business of all sizes across all regions in key areas such as digital skills and skills for a green transition. Every business, large or small, is facing challenges, from the need for digital advancement, to talent shortages and skills gaps. In this, the EU Year of Skills, which runs until May 2024, Skillnet Ireland, the national talent development agency, is making substantial progress in futureproofing businesses in Louth and Meath, as well as enhancing the specialist skills of the Irish workforce through talent development. Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy said, As a knowledge-based economy nurturing our highly skilled workforce is central to our national competitiveness. "Skillnet Irelands approach is based on flexibility, working with companies to respond to new industry trends in a fast and targeted way. We look forward to growing our partnerships with industry, higher education and State agencies in 2023. Skillnet Irelands Director of Business Networks, Dave Flynn said, In this European Year of Skills we are making substantial progress in futureproofing Irish business through skills development so employers fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by technological innovation, digitalisation and the green transition. "As the talent development agency, Skillnet Ireland will expand our engagement with companies to ensure they have the talent to meet these challenges and more. "We considered them to be the most important. With this last group, a total of 160 Peruvians have been evacuated. Besides, they are safe and sound," he added. "Tourists were identified first because, although the international airport was not attacked, airlines were not flying in, so we opened the registration and registered the names of 160 people," he pointed out. Unable to get flights, a first group was evacuated by land through Jordan; from there, they headed to Madrid (Spain) on a commercial flight, the Peruvian envoy commented. "We provided them with accommodation, permanent advice, transportation, as well as the flight ticket from Oman (Jordan) to Madrid. We managed to keep in contact with them. Besides, the remaining ones flew yesterday to Rome (Italy) before heading to Lima, thanks to the support of the President (Dina Boluarte) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said. Likewise, the ambassador explained that only 25 out of 42 Peruvians who traveled to Rome will fly aboard the presidential plane, while the remaining group will head to Lima on a commercial flight. Finally, he stressed that the registration of Peruvians who wish to leave Israel has not been closed yet, since 20 applications have been received. However, this list includes compatriots who live and work in said nation, but who no longer have a place to go in Peru. Louth Fianna Fail senator Erin McGreehan has called on the government to implement a policy that would allow farms to be carbon audited to calculate their level of carbon sequestration (how much carbon their land is capturing and storing.) The senator also suggested that a pilot project be carried out in Louth whereby farms would be audited and given a carbon balance sheet. Speaking in the Seanad yesterday the senator said: This is a very important issue, one I have been talking about for many years. I am very frustrated by the lack of clarity on the topic. We have had crazy debates, including some bullying in my opinion, over carbon budgets for agriculture. The agricultural sector people speak about is not some sort of anonymous entity. It is the farm I grew up on. It is the farm my neighbours toil on and where they struggle to make ends meet every single day of the week. While we are trying to keep all that going, we must cut emissions, which we agree with, but why are farmers taken advantage of? She continued: We have big and small farm holdings. They are the carbon sink of this nation and to date there is no acknowledgement of that by the State. Trees, grass, soil and even sheep's wool sequesters carbon. The 400,000 km of hedgerows right across the country is a carbon sink and a biodiversity haven. Even the lowly common hawthorn has about 200 different insects living on it. Senator McGreehan gave the example of Devenish, a private agri-technology company, based in Meath that is using sustainable farming initiatives that help decarbonise global agriculture by supporting farmers to continue to produce nutritious meat and milk while improving their carbon balance. She said that a farm knowing their carbon balance sheet could help the identification of actions that will help the wider agricultural sector to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Welcoming increases in the national budget to research sustainable agriculture, she concluded: I know the Department is behind me on this, but I want to ensure that money will be put into farms to make sure every farm is audited. We could start a pilot project in County Louth because we have every type of agriculture there - tillage, grain, sheep, cattle, dairy and we even have aquaculture - to ensure that every single farm has a carbon balance sheet. I am very excited about this. I hope the new research budget will assist in that regard. In response, Minister of State Mary Butler said that: The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is collaborating with the EPA, Teagasc and other research institutions in a range of research projects to better understand the capacity of Irish soils to sequester carbon in different types of grassland or on different individual farms. It is challenging given the different soil types, crops, climatic conditions and land use to accurately measure carbon sequestration emissions as well as proving the additionality and permanence of carbon sequestration. The Minister has provided funding for the formation of a nationwide network of best practice demonstration and research farms under the Teagasc Signpost programme. The Signpost programme is a collaborative partnership of farmers, industry and State agencies working together to lead climate action and the transition towards more sustainable farming systems. " " The Bullseye Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus soror) is bright yellow/orange with purple claws and a characteristic blue bullseye dot on each side of its body. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY SA 3.0) Being called a shrimp doesn't exactly make you known for having sizable strength or an intimidating presence. But there's one little weird wonder of the sea the pistol shrimp that crushes the stereotype in a dramatic way. It's so powerful it not only shoots and annihilates its prey; it has thrown the U.S. Navy off track, landed a superhero role on Netflix and even helped researchers make strides in fighting climate change. Pistol shrimp, also known as snapping shrimp, earn their sea cred by creating something that's seemingly childlike and innocuous: bubbles. But these definitely aren't your ordinary bubbles they make a sound louder than a gun and generate massive amounts of heat. Pistol shrimp "shoot" these deadly bubbles to kill prey, jackhammer into rock to create burrows or protect said burrows from other, jealous shrimp. They have no need for a fancy holster or to stock up on ammo their gun is built right into their one, oversized snapper claw that can grow to be half the size of their tiny body. Advertisement The monstrous sound isn't actually caused by the parts of the claw impacting each other. As the shrimp open their large snapper claw, water fills the small crook. Upon closing the claw with impressive force, a plunger-like piece shoots the water out at speeds as fast as a car traveling down the highway. This creates a powerful bubble that not only kills what's in its path but creates a ridiculously loud sound when it pops. Here are six fun facts about the pistol shrimp: YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Various countries and international organizations have so far pledged a total of 35 million in assistance for Armenia through the ICRC to meet the needs of the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh, Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan has said. Another 35 million has already been allocated, 15 million of which will be provided as budgetary support to the Armenian government. Development agencies will direct the rest of the funds through their representations to support the forcibly displaced persons. Furthermore, over the course of the past two weeks Armenia received more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid for the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh. The government is monitoring the issues of the forcibly displaced persons and continues to develop support programs accordingly. The past two weeks were used to solve the primary issues, but its already time to clarify the further assistance programs in the direction of mid-term and long-term tasks. Soon these programs will be presented to get opinions and adjust the decisions more appropriately, Khachatryan, who is in charge of the Humanitarian Center responding to the crisis, said at a press conference. A man aged in his 50s is to appear in court this morning after being charged by Gardai investigating the murder of missing woman Tina Satchwell. It comes after Gardai discovered skeletal remains buried beneath a home in Youghal, Co Cork, earlier this week. It is understood gardai are now satisfied the remains are those of Ms Satchwell. A man in his 50s was arrested following the discovery. Ms Satchwell, originally from Fermoy, was 45 when last seen alive and has been missing from her home in Youghal since March 2017. A major search operation began at a house and surrounding grounds in Youghal on Tuesday. The human remains were found late on Wednesday, according to An Garda Siochana. They were removed on Thursday and taken to Cork University Hospital where they were examined further, including for DNA analysis. Heavy machinery, including a digger, was used in the search of the Youghal home. A large screen has been erected around the building and grounds and people have laid flowers in memory of Ms Satchwell. As well as the search at the property in Youghal, gardai said a second search had been carried out at a location between Youghal and Killeagh in Co Cork. The man will appear before a special sitting of Cashel District Court at 10.30am this morning. Richard Satchwell has appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell. The 57-year-old was charged with the murder of 45-year-old Tina Satchwell contrary to common law on the 20th of March, 2017 at 3 Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork. He appeared before a special sitting of Cashel District Court in Co Tipperary this morning. Evidence of arrest charge and caution was given by Detective Garda David Kelleher. Dt Garda Kelleher said that Mr Satchwell was arrested at 7.34pm yesterday (Friday) at Cobh Garda Station in Co Cork. At 8.07pm yesterday he was formally charged with the murder of his wife. Inspector Aidan Lonergan made an application that Mr Satchwell be remanded in custody pending his next court appearance. Eddie Burke, solicitor, who was representing Mr Satchwell made an application for legal aid and told the court that his client was not working. Judge Miriam Walsh granted legal aid in the case. Mr Burke asked that his client be remanded in custody to Cork Prison. Judge Walsh said that this was outside her remit and was a matter for the Governor. No bail application was made in the case as bail cannot be granted at district court level to persons charged with the crime of murder. Judge Walsh remanded Mr Satchwell in custody to appear before Clonmel District Court on October 17th next. Mr Burke consented to his client appearing by video link at the next court hearing. Mr Satchwell of 3 Grattan Street, Youghal did not speak during the short hearing. He was wearing a black t-shirt and grey pants. Tight security surrounded the short hearing. A small crowd gathered near the court house which was cordoned off. Tina Satchwell, nee Dingivan was a native of St Bernards Place in Fermoy, Co Cork who was living in Youghal at the time of her death. The 45 year old was reported missing on the 24th of March 2017 by her husband Richard. After she was reported missing gardai followed 400 lines of inquiry, watched hundreds of hours of CCTV and took witness statements from 170 people. A major sea and land search was carried out by gardai following her disappearance. In March 2018 gardai led a major search for Tina in Mitchels Wood in Castlemartyr, Co Cork. In March of this year on the sixth anniversary of Tinas disappearance, gardai issued a renewed appeal for information in a bid to locate her. The case was upgraded to a murder inquiry earlier this week. Tina Satchwell would have turned fifty last year. She hailed from a family of eight and is survived by her siblings. Family members of the deceased were in attendance at the court. HUGE crowds attended the funeral today of Isabel Terry Byrne, a Cork native who had bravely battled a long illness and inspired many others in the process. Isabel, who was in her 40s, died last Thursday October 12 from health issues associated with pulmonary atresia. She was born with a defect of the pulmonary valve in the heart which left her on bottled oxygen for 24 hours a day, but received a transplant in 2017 which allowed her to live a more normal life. Her family wrote that she died peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a life long illness borne with great courage, strength and determination. She left behind husband Philip, mother Deirdre, siblings Julie, Bill, Robert, Peter and Stephanie, as well as brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, her adored nephews and nieces especially her god-daughter Isabel, relatives and a wide circle of wonderful friends. The requiem mass took place this morning in St. Josephs SMA Church, Wilton, followed by a funeral to St. Olivers Cemetery, Model Farm Road. Her sister Julie gave a speech on behalf of the family, beginning by thanking the countless hospital staff who had helped her over the years, saying: she had a long battle, wed be here all day if we were to thank everyone. MOVING TRIBUTE Explaining that Isabel got married recently to Philip, she said she would be giving a maid of honour style speech for her sister in place of an obituary. Remembering Isabels birth, she said: She was rushed to Crumlin, a sick baby never meant to live - oh but she lived, oh but she fought, she proved every doctor wrong. She recalled the times she would spend in her sisters bed even after they no longer shared a bedroom, talking or listening to music in the dark, in particular if something scared her - saying Isabel would get out of her sick bed to deal with spiders. She was so much more than her poor health, she was vibrant, she wanted to live and she did. So many times she hit the town with her friends knowing shed pay for it after, she recalled. She also paid tribute to her husband Philip, who proposed in 2018 on a hot air balloon while they were visiting Isabels brother in Philadelphia, saying that the two of them had true happiness together, and apologizing that his time with her had been so short. She ended her moving speech by saying that Isabel was with their father Oliver now, a man who Isabel had previously told The Echo bought her a pink sapphire ring to celebrate her going on the transplant list before his death. Isabel shared at the time: After my operation, I was so very tired, I felt like giving up. Mum was by my side all the time, showing me pictures of loved ones. She told me not to give up on myself. When she showed me a photo of us with dad, I believe that I smiled for the first time. It was first discovered that Isabel would need a heart transplant in 2003, and in 2009 it became clear that she also required a double lung transplant, which she received in 2017, after years on the list awaiting donor organs. Isabels blog Life on the List documented her life but also encouraged others to consider organ donation, a passion of hers which was brought up during the prayers of the faithful this morning. One of the prayers offered thoughts to everyone who has donated organs, as well as those still on the list awaiting organs. The priest said that Isabels campaigning while she battled her own illness should serve as an inspiration to everyone to live their own lives to the fullest. Hundreds of Cork people were confused last night by a straight line of mysterious lights moving through the sky. Around ten lights equidistant from each other were moving through the sky in a straight line formation last night, with people in other parts of Ireland and the U.K. reporting seeing them too. Many took to social media to ask what was going on, writing that they: Look like stars but moving very quick and dead straight line, with some asking if they were military aircraft and others joking that they belonged to supernatural visitors such as UFOs. Anyone know whats going on in the cork sky tonight with these straight line of lights pic.twitter.com/g0vm1BqZHI tbroderick (@broderickterry7) October 13, 2023 Amongst those to express their confusion were Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher, who asked: Looking west tonight from Glanmire Cork at 8,50 pm there was a straight line of moving lights in the sky. Just wondering did anyone see this and does anyone know what this is? Im not an astronomer but I know that Ive never seen a straight line of stars like this. The mystery was eventually solved by the Cork-based Atlantic Flight Training Academy, who explained that the lights were Starlink satellites. Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by aerospace company SpaceX, the owner and founder of which is Elon Musk, the worlds current richest man. Posting a photo of the lights from high up, the Atlantic Flight Training Academy wrote: Amazing view of @SpaceX Starlink satellites passing over Cork during an MEIR training flight tonight. Amazing view of @SpaceX Starlink satellites passing over Cork during an MEIR training flight tonight. pic.twitter.com/VMy3JRxgq9 Atlantic Flight Training Academy (@AtlanticFlight) October 13, 2023 There are thousands of such satellites in the sky, but it is rare that they will all be in a straight line, as this only occurs immediately after launch as they all move into their positions. According to SpaceX, 22 Starlink satellites were indeed launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida on Friday, October 13, 2023. Those who missed it can check https://satellitemap.space/ to see when they will next be visible in Cork. Muireann Duffy Demonstrations in support of the people of Palestine are due to be held around Ireland this weekend. Since last Saturday's surprise attack by militant group Hamas, Israel has blocked the entry of essentials to Gaza, such as food, water and medical supplies, and has also cut off electricity to the region. Gaza has also been heavily bombed by Israeli forces over the past week, with the region's health ministry announcing on Friday that approximately 1,900 have been killed there. Amarach, join us tomorrow in Dublin at 1pm, the Spire to stand with the Palestinian people in Gaza who are under murderous, genocidal bombardment, siege and ethnic cleansing by apartheid Israel. #StopIsraeliGenocide pic.twitter.com/sSECBHZ1bD IPSC (@ipsc48) October 13, 2023 As a ground offensive looks increasingly likely, the Israeli government has ordered approximately one million civilians in northern Gaza to move southwards. The area in question includes Gaza City, with the United Nations warning that such a movement would cause huge human suffering, while many including those wounded in the recent airstrikes would likely be unable to relocate. Speaking on Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged Israel to open a humanitarian corridor to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza. He added that while Israel "has the right to defend itself", the country's response to the attack by Hamas amounts to collective punishment and a breach of humanitarian law. An image showing the size of Gaza (in grey) relative to an area of north Mayo. This weekend's demonstrations in support of Palestine began on Friday evening, with rallies held in Naas, Navan and Wexford. Eight further rallies are due to be held on Saturday, with Limerick, Cork, Galway, Ennis, Clones and Armagh among the locations. In Dublin, demonstrators will gather at the Spire on O'Connell Street from 1pm and march to the Israeli Embassy in Ballsbridge. On Sunday, Belfast's Writers' Square will also host a Pro-Palestine rally, in addition to Mullingar and Killarney. Tom Tuite A Dublin man accused of persistently making crank calls has been ordered not to buy a new mobile phone or dial 999 for an emergency. William Green (47), of Bective Square, Dublin 7, appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Garda Jeremy Gibbons charged him with an offence under section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951 for persistently making phone calls to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another on August 24th without reasonable cause. There were no objections to bail with conditions imposed by the court. Mr Green, who is on disability allowance, was ordered to remain sober, sign on regularly at his local Garda station, not purchase a mobile phone, and not contact 999 emergency services. Judge Finan warned him that the terms must be obeyed and remanded him on bail to appear again in December pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Green, who has yet to indicate a plea, was granted legal aid following an application by his barrister, Kevin McCrave, who said his client was a suitable candidate. The judge noted there was no Garda objection. The offence can carry a possible one-month jail sentence. Many Indian students are increasingly choosing medical courses in government universities in the Republic of Belarus due to the combination of quality education and affordability, reports The New Indian Express. In Gomel State Medical University nearly 60 out of 100 admitted students come from South Indian states, particularly Telangana. According to the report, out of the 2,000 available seats at the university, 300 are allocated to international students from 35 different countries. Notably, a significant majority of these international students are Indians. Currently, approximately 1,200 Indian students are actively enrolled in MBBS and MD programmes offered entirely in English across four government Belarusian universities. The demand for medical education in India is high, with an increasing number of students taking the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET UG) exam, but the available seats in government institutions are limited. Moreover, private institutions charge exorbitant fees, reaching up to Rs 12 lakh per annum. This makes studying in Belarus an attractive alternative. For instance, Gomel State Medical University charges only Rs1.83 lakh per semester. Furthermore, scholarships are accessible to deserving and meritorious students, as Dr Tishchenko Grigor from the Department of Pathology pointed out. Speaking to The New Indian Express, KM Puneet Srinivas Naidu, a final-year student of the Gomel State University said that the education there is different from India as eight out of ten students from foreign countries are placed in one group with one teacher paying full attention to them. "100% attendance is necessary. In addition, the students have to undergo Russian language classes in their initial years compulsorily," he said, adding that university hostels are available which provide good services to students. Nevertheless, the cold weather can be challenging for Indian students unaccustomed to it. Hostel charges may also go up slightly during the winter months, requiring students to budget between Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per month for living expenses. B Aravind, another final-year student, highlighted the differences in the medical education system. Unlike India, Belarus lacks cadavers for practical training, and the language barrier can make patient interactions challenging. Students primarily observe their teachers treating patients and ask questions when needed. Aravind, who serves as President of the Indian National Students Union, mentioned that his batch had to bear additional expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and war situations. "The Ukraine border is just 100 to 150 km away from us. However, we were absolutely safe. The Indian Embassy was very helpful. They informed us to keep a stock of essential food products and promised to lift us in case there is a situation of crisis. In COVID as well, special flights were arranged for the students," Aravind added. When students were suffering during these crisis situations due to lack of money, the university even provided food which is otherwise the student's responsibility, he added. V Rajaram, Managing Partner of Medico Abroad Consultants, the official representative of Gomel State University, highlighted that despite an increase in the number of medical seats in India, the trend of students opting to study abroad is on the rise. He pointed out that the current disparity between the number of NEET aspirants and available seats is quite significant. Additionally, with the impending National Exit Exam (NExT), Indian students studying medicine within the country will need to pass this exam to practise medicine independently. In contrast, students pursuing foreign medical degrees will receive their degrees regardless of this examination, offering them opportunities beyond India's borders. Belarus, with its affordability and safety, presents an attractive option in this scenario. The Owasco Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has announced that applications for four state-level competitive scholarships are now available through the chapter to students at any high school that is part of the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES system. The multiyear DAR Scholarship is open to any high school senior, male or female, who will be attending a university or college in New York. The multiyear Barben Scholarship is open to young women attending college to prepare for life and citizenship. The one-time Damaris Smith Desimone Scholarship is open to young people acquiring a higher education in U.S. history. And the one-time Peggy Jo Power Gifford Scholarship is open to young people seeking to attain education in U.S. history or philanthropy. The national DAR also has 13 scholarships available on its website. Application forms are available at the guidance departments of local high schools or nydar.org. Completed applications and all necessary background materials, including a letter of approval from the student's high school, are due to the Owasco chapter by Jan. 15. Late applications will not be accepted. For more information, call the Owasco chapter's scholarship chair, Ally Mead, at (315) 415-6286. M.A., History of Art, The Courtauld Institute of Art B.A. History of Art, Yale University Rosa Bonheur (March 16, 1822May 25, 1899) was a French painter, best known today for her large scale painting the Horse Fair (1852-1855), which is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was the first woman to receive Frances Cross of the Legion of Honor, in 1894. Fast Facts: Rosa Bonheur Full Name: Marie-Rosalie Bonheur Marie-Rosalie Bonheur Known For: Realist animal paintings and sculptures. Considered the most famous female painter of the 19th century. Realist animal paintings and sculptures. Considered the most famous female painter of the 19th century. Born: March 16, 1822 in Bordeaux, France March 16, 1822 in Bordeaux, France Parents: Sophie Marquis and Oscar-Raymond Bonheur Sophie Marquis and Oscar-Raymond Bonheur Died: May 25, 1899 in Thomery, France May 25, 1899 in Thomery, France Education: Trained by her father, who was a landscape and portrait painter and art teacher Trained by her father, who was a landscape and portrait painter and art teacher Mediums: Painting, sculpture Painting, sculpture Art Movement: Realism Realism Selected Works:Ploughing in the Nivernais(1949), The Horse Fair(1855) Early Life Marie-Rosalie Bonheur was born to Sophie Marquis and Raimond Bonheur in 1822, the first of four children. Her parents marriage was a match between a cultured young lady used to the company of European aristocracy and a man of the people, who would become only a moderately successful artist (though Rosa Bonheur would certainly credit him with raising and cultivating her artistic talent and therefore her success). Sophie Marquis succumbed to illness in 1833, when Bonheur was only 11 years old. Raimond Bonheur (who later changed the spelling of his name to Raymond) was a San Simonian, a member of the French political group active during the first half of the 19th century. His politics rejected the sentimentalism of the Romantic movement, which can account for the realist subjects which his daughter painted, as well as the relative equality with which he treated her, his eldest daughter. Portrait of Rosa Bonheur by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.Corbis / Getty Images Bonheur was trained in drawing by her father alongside her brothers. Seeing his daughters early talent, he insisted she would surpass the fame of Madame Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun (1755-1842), one of the most famous female artists of the era. During Bonheurs youth, the family followed their politically active father to Paris from Bordeaux, a change of scenery that the young artist resented. The family struggled financially, and Bonheurs early memories were of moving from one small apartment to another. Her time in Paris, however, did expose her to the front lines of French history, including much social unrest. Newly widowed in 1833, Bonheurs father tried to apprentice his young daughter as a seamstress, hoping to secure her a financially viable profession, but her rebellious streak kept her from being successful. Eventually he allowed her to join him in the studio, where he taught her everything he knew. She enrolled at the Louvre (as women were not allowed in the Academy) at the age of 14, where she stood out for both her youth and her gender. Though definite conclusions about the artists sexuality are impossible, Bonheur did have a lifelong companion in Nathalie Micas, whom she met at the age of 14, when Micas received art lessons from Bonheurs father. Bonheur became increasingly distant from her family due to this relationship, which lasted until Nathalies death in 1889. Portrait of Rosa Bonheur. Found in the collection of Musee de l'Histoire de France, Chateau de Versailles.Heritage Images / Getty Images Early Success In 1842, Raymond Bonheur remarried, and the addition of his new wife freed Rosa from taking care of her younger siblings, thereby allowing her more time to paint. By the age of 23, Bonheur was already getting attention for her skilled rendering of animals, and it was not uncommon for her to win awards for her work. She won a medal at the Paris Salon in 1845, her first of many. In order to realistically depict her subjects, Bonheur would dissect animals to study anatomy. She spent many hours at the slaughterhouse, where her presence was questioned, as she was not only petite, but above all else, female. She also frequented the Louvre, where she studied the work of the Barbizon School, as well as Dutch animal painters, among them Paulus Potter. She was not, despite her living in Paris, influenced by contemporary art, and would remain largely oblivious (or outright hostile) to it for her entire life. The Farm at the Entrance of the Wood, 1860-1880. One of the most celebrated female artists of the 19th century, Bonheur established an international reputation by exhibiting at the Paris Salons. Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, visited her studio to personally confer the Legion of Honor, making Bonheur the first woman to receive the award. This painting may have been inspired by the rustic houses in the vicinity of the Forest of Fontainebleau, where Bonheur lived for more than 40 years.Heritage Images / Getty Images Feminism Bonheurs feminism was typical of the time, influenced by both a post-French Revolution sense of enlightenment and freedom, while also inhibited by a sense of middle class propriety. (Many writers and artists of the time who espoused liberal thinking hypocritically criticized the emancipation of women.) Throughout her life, Bonheur wore mens clothing, though she always insisted it was a matter of convenience rather than a political statement. She often self-consciously changed her clothing to more appropriate womens dress when she had company (including when the Empress Eugenie came to visit her in 1864). The artist was also known to smoke cigarettes and ride horses astride, as a man would, which caused a stir in polite society. Ploughing in Nevers also called the First Dressing. Painting by Marie Rosalie Bonheur called Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899), 1849. 1,3 x 2,6 m. Orsay Museum, Paris.Corbis / Getty Images Bonheur was a great admirer of her contemporary, the French writer George Sand (a nom de plumefor Amantine Dupin), whose outspoken advocacy for the equality of womens artistic achievement resonated with the artist. In fact, her 1849 painting Ploughing in the Nivernaiswas inspired by Sands pastoral novel La Mare au Diable (1846). The Horse Fair In 1852, Bonheur painted her most famous work, The Horse Fair, whose enormous scale was unusual for the artist. Inspired by the horse market at Paris Boulevard de lHopital,Bonheur looked to the works of Theodore Gericault for guidance when planning its composition. The painting was both a critical and commercial success, as people flooded the gallery to see it. It was praised by the Empress Eugenie, as well as Eugene Delacroix. Bonheur called it her own Parthenon Frieze, referring to its elaborate and energetic composition. The Horse Fair, 1852-55. Horse market held in Paris on the tree-lined Boulevard de l'Hopital. Artist Rosa Bonheur.Heritage Images / Getty Images Awarded a first class medal for the Horse Fair, she was owed the cross of the Legion of Honor (as is customary),but was refused it as she was a woman. She officially won the prize, however, in 1894 and was the first woman to do so. The Horse Fairwas made into a print and hung in school rooms, where it influenced generations of artists. The painting also went on tour to the United Kingdom and the United States, thanks to the intervention of Bonheurs new dealer and agent, Ernest Gambard. Gambard was instrumental in Bonheurs continued success, as he was responsible for promoting the artists reputation abroad. Reception Abroad Though she achieved success in her native France, her work was met with even more enthusiasm abroad. In the United States her paintings were collected by railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt (he bequeathed the Horse Fair to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1887), and in England Queen Victoria was known to be an admirer. A Limier Briquet Hound by Rosa Bonheur 1856, oil on canvas, 36.8 45.7 cm (14.5 18 in). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.Corbis / Getty Images As Bonheur did not exhibit in French Salons after the 1860s, her work was considerably less respected in her native country. In fact, as Bonheur aged and her particular style of pastoral realism aged along with her, she was increasingly seen as a regressive who was more interested in commissions than in true artistic inspiration. Her success in Britain was considerable, however, as many saw her style to share affinities with British animal paintings, such as those painted by Bonheurs great hero, Theodore Landseer. Later Life Bonheur was able to live comfortably on the income she received from her paintings, and in 1859 she purchased a chateau at By, close to the forest of Fontainebleau. It was there that she took refuge from the city and was able to cultivate an extensive menagerie from which she could paint. She owned dogs, horses, a variety of birds, pigs, goats, and even lionesses, which she treated as if they were dogs. View of a room of the Chateau de By ("By Castle"), the former property of the late French artist Rosa Bonheur, taken on September 20, 2019 in Thomery, outside Paris.Corbis / Getty Images Like her father before her, Bonheur had an abiding interest in the United States, especially with the American West. When Buffalo Bill Cody came to France with his Wild West Show in 1899, Bonheur met him and painted his portrait. Despite the procession of admirers and celebrities who would show up at her door, as she aged Bonheur associated less and less with her fellow man, instead drawing into the company of her animals, who she often remarked possessed a greater capacity for love than some human beings. An Old Monarch by Rosa Bonheur (circa 19th century). Vintage etching circa late 19th century.powerofforever / Getty Images Death and Legacy Rosa Bonheur died in 1899, at the age of 77. She left her estate to Anna Klumpke, her companion and biographer. She is buried in Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris alongside Nathalie Micas. Klumpkes ashes were interred with them when she died in 1945. The successes of the artists life were great. In addition to becoming an Officer of the Legion of Honor, Bonheur was awarded the Commanders Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella by the king of Spain, as well as the Catholic Cross and the Leopold Cross by the king of Belgium. She was also elected as an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Watercolorists in London. Bonheurs star, however, was overshadowed towards the end of her life when her artistic conservatism was unbending in the face of new art movements in France like impressionism, which began to cast her work in a regressive light. Many thought of Bonheur as too commercial and characterized the artists incessant production as that of a factory, from which she churned out uninspired paintings on commission. While Bonheur was very famous during her life, her artistic star has since faded. Whether due to diminished taste for 19th century realism, or her status as a woman (or some combination thereof), Bonheur maintains a place in history more as a pioneering woman to look up to rather than a painter in her own right. Sources online casino real money californiashows grade level based on the word's complexity. decurion [ dih-kyoor-ee-uhn ]/ dkyr i n / New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.[ dih-kyoor-ee-uhn ]/ dkyr i n /Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. noun Roman History.the head of a decury.a member of the senate of an ancient Roman colony or municipality. Words nearby decurion How to use decurion C14: from Latin decurio, from decuria company of ten, from decem ten QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Question decurion13501400; Middle English President Xi Jinping and his blacktype casino crazy play casinowife, Peng Liyuan, pose for a photo on Tuesday with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his wife, Iriana Joko Widodo, before a welcoming dinner for world leaders at the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. JU PENG/XINHUA Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, met with Indonesian first lady Iriana Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday afternoon, calling for strengthened exchanges between China and Indonesia to promote public welfare. Upon arrival, Peng was welcomed by young local people playing in a gamelan, a traditional Indonesian orchestra. Iriana Joko Widodo received Peng warmly and posed for a photo with her. Peng was accompanied by Iriana Joko Widodo during her visit to an exhibition of traditional Indonesian culture, art and craftwork, and talked to young local girls who welcomed her by preforming traditional pendet dance. Peng said she appreciated the refinement of Bali's handmade silk work. She had tea with the Indonesian first lady, and the two engaged in casual conversation and listened to music. Peng praised Iriana Joko Widodo for her enthusiasm in promoting public welfare, and spoke to her about China's policies and achievements in treating and preventing tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Peng said she hoped that the two countries will enhance exchanges in the field of public welfare and work together to improve people's well-being. Students of the Tourism Confucius Institute of Udayana University sang an Indonesian folk song in Chinese before Peng departed. Praising the students' voices and expressing her appreciation for the musicians' accompaniment, Peng talked with the students about their studies and lives. Someone among the students called out "mother Peng", and Peng responded with delight. Peng encouraged the students to continue to learn Chinese, and encouraged more young Indonesians to visit China, learn about the culture and become envoys for China-Indonesia cooperation. President Xi Jinping speaks at a session of the 17th Group of 20 Summit in Bali,surya777 slot online hkb poker Indonesia on Wednesday. XINHUA G20 cooperation called for to help developing nations, disadvantaged groups President Xi Jinping highlighted on Wednesday the necessity for Group of 20 economies to spur the vitality of digital cooperation and bring the benefits of the digital economy to the people of all countries. In remarks made at a session on the second and final day of the 17th G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, Xi stressed the importance of upholding multilateralism and beefing up international cooperation on the digital economy. He pointed out that the growing scale of the digital economy and the accelerating digital transformation across the globe have become important factors affecting the world economic landscape. China, while hosting the G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016, included the digital economy in the G20 agenda for the first time and called for finding innovative ways of development and creating new growth drivers, Xi noted. The G20 has built more consensus and stepped up cooperation on adapting to digital transformation and building the digital economy, he said. The president called for joint efforts to foster an open, inclusive, fair, just and nondiscriminatory environment for the development of the digital economy. International cooperation on digital industrialization and industrial digitization should be moved forward to unleash the potential of the digital economy in driving global growth, Xi said. Actions that build "a small yard with high fences", or those that restrict or hinder cooperation on science and technology bring good to no one and are not in keeping with the common interest of the international community, he said. Xi reiterated the need to give priority to development and close digital gaps, saying that nations should jointly promote connectivity in the digital age and adopt effective measures to improve the public's digital literacy and skills. Greater efforts must be made to help developing nations and disadvantaged groups adapt to the tide of digitization and strive to eliminate the digital divide, he said. China, following the launch of the Digital Silk Road initiative, sees the digital economy as a key aspect of cooperation in the Global Development Initiative, and the nation looks forward to cooperation with various parties, the president said. Xi also said that China will continue to work with G20 members to foster a balanced, coordinated and inclusive landscape for the global digital economy that brings benefits to all and features win-win cooperation and shared prosperity, he said. The summit ended on Wednesday, with world leaders issuing a joint declaration. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation to address global economic challenges. They were also committed to supporting developing countries, particularly the least-developed and small island developing states, in responding to global challenges and achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. On Tuesday evening, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, attended the welcoming banquet for G20 leaders hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his wife, Iriana Joko Widodo, at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Bali. Xue Jingqi in Bali contributed to this story. Chinas yuan funds outstanding for foreign exchange increased by 140.9 billion yuan (22.37 billion U.S. dollars) in January from December, rising for the first time in four months, the central bank said Monday. However, the figure was far less than last Januarys 501.65 billion yuan. As of the end of January, the nations total yuan funds outstanding for foreign exchange stood at 25.50 trillion yuan, according to the Peoples Bank of China. Analysts said the reversed downward trend was because of eased concerns about the eurozone debt morass and a pickup in expectations for further appreciation of the yuan. The rebound was due to capital inflows after a surge in the countrys foreign trade surplus and appreciation of the yuan, which was also a sign of investor confidence in Chinas stable growth, said Lian Ping, chief economist at the Bank of Communications. China amassed the worlds largest foreign exchange reserves, topping 3.18 trillion U.S. dollars at the end of December. Xinhua China funds for foreign exchange rebound in Januaryadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline BYD is american express platinum welcome bonusto unveil its premium brand Yangwang in 2023. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] China's No 1 new energy vehicle maker BYD has rolled out 3 million NEVs off its production line, said the company on Wednesday. BYD is the only Chinese carmaker that has produced 3 million NEVs. "It marks a milestone in the history of our company, and is also an example of China's efforts to develop from a big auto market to a competitive car-producing country," said the carmaker in a statement. Wang Chuanfu, chairman and founder of BYD, said the company will continue its focus on technological innovation to meet car buyers' demand for green mobility. The carmaker quit its conventional gasoline car business earlier this year to focus on the burgeoning NEV segment. Wang said the carmaker will unveil the first model of its premium brand, whose Chinese name is Yangwang, in the first quarter of 2023. Vehicles produced under the new brand will be priced at between 800,000 yuan ($110,287) and 1.5 million yuan, said BYD. Besides Yangwang, BYD will launch a niche brand in 2023 as well without giving details. The carmaker has the namesake BYD brand and Denza, which was established as a joint venture between Mercedes and BYD. BYD sold 218,000 NEVs in October, up 142 percent year-on-year. In the first 10 months, its sales totaled 1.4 million units, up 159 percent year-on-year. A year after signing a partnership agreement with Changan,cryptocurrency exchange platform bitfinex PSA Peugeot Citroen announced today that it received official approval of the joint venture from China in which the French group has invested nearly a billion euros. The National Commission of China Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has given the green light last week in the creation of PSA Changan Automobile Co., Ltd., a joint venture that combines the China Changan and PSA Peugeot Citroen which will soon have three factories in the Middle Kingdom. This is the second Chinese alliance of the French group which is already partnered with Dongfeng. Named Capsa, this joint venture, whose capital amounts to 440 million euros equally distributed between the two partners, has received an initial investment of 935 million euros, 440 million euros of equity. Based in Shenzhen, it will produce and market passenger cars and light trucks with the desire to reach 200,000 vehicles and engines per year. In addition, a R & D center for new energy vehicles will also be created. Between 2015 and 2020, PSA aims to increase its market share in China from 3% to 8%. PSA Peugeot Citroen Receives Official Approval for Its Chinese Joint Venture with Changanadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Since Zonta International is an organization dedicated to making the world a better place for women and girls, I wanted to get some history of National Daughters Day, and the purpose behind it. National Daughters Day has a long history in America, being celebrated at least as far back as 1932. In that year, newspapers in Vermont reported that the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War met for a combined Christmas and Daughters Day celebration in December. During the evening, each woman was given a bouquet of roses, watched a music recital, enjoyed refreshments and, at the end, was presented with a decorated cupcake. The reason or the creation of this day was for parents to honor their daughters and show them how much they are appreciated. This is also a day for parents to reflect on the value of an equal and fair upbringing, which will allow daughters to be strong and thrive throughout their lives. However, for decades the holiday was mostly forgotten, until a company in India called Archies Limited reinvented Daughters Day. Anil Moolchandani, the chairman and managing director of Archies Limited, said in an interview in 2007, "As the original creator of beautiful days and a leader in the social expression industry, we decided to do something about the plight of the girl child." They created the holiday to raise awareness of the struggle girls have in parts of India, where they are considered a burden and inferior to sons. This holiday, which was revived in 2007, aims to encourage people to show their daughters how proud they are of them, and that they are loved. Subsequently an International Daughters Day and National Daughters Day are observed each year. The importance of observing this day is due to the issues of gender imbalance that have also been present in the United States, where for years women have been discriminated against and faced bigger obstacles than men. For example, issues such as the gender pay gap are still prevalent to this day. The #MeToo movement also highlighted the dangers that some women face from violent and abusive individuals. In addition, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The ladies of the Auburn Zonta Club will be observing this by attending a presentation sponsored by Community Action Programs Cayuga Seneca, which will host a Wear Purple Day Rally at noon Thursday, Oct. 19, on the steps of the Cayuga County Courthouse at 152 Genesee St. in Auburn. Let's join CAP as they raise awareness of domestic violence, honor the memories of loved ones lost to domestic violence, and show survivors they are not alone. The Zonta Club of Auburn also welcomed four new members to our organization, who bring a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and vision to assist us with the work we do in the community. We also want to thank the community at large and the sponsors who contribute funds, services and support to assist us in making the world "a better place for women and girls. For more information on how you can participate and make a difference, please reach out to us at our website, zontadistrict2.org/auburn, or email us at auburn@zontadistrict2.org. Software engineer Yao Yue told employees to let Musk fire them rather than resign over his new return-to-work policy. Xs firing of an employee who pushed back against a return-to-office policy imposed by Elon Musk last year was illegal, the National Labor Relations Board alleges. In what Bloomberg reports is the NLRBs first formal complaint against X Corp., filed on Friday, the labor board accused the company of retaliating against software engineer Yao Yue for attempting to organize workers in the wake of the new policy. After Musk gave then-Twitter employees an ultimatum in November 2022 to return to the office, Yue urged others not to resign in response but instead let him fire you. Musk at the time had told employees, If you can physically make it to an office and you dont show up, resignation accepted. Yue was fired five days after tweeting about it and writing a similar post on Slack. In terminating her, the complaint filed by a San Francisco branch of the NLRB alleges the company violated federal labor law by interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees exercising protected rights, according to CNBC . A hearing is now set for January 30. Don't resign, let him fire you. You gain literally nothing out of a resignation. https://t.co/4OcZKag0UZ Yao Yue (@thinkingfish) November 10, 2022 EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has been sending warning letters to online platforms, reminding them of their duty to address disinformation going around regarding the Israel-Hamas war. Now Breton has written a letter addressed to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, reminding him of the company's "precise obligations regarding content moderation under the EU Digital Services Act." Specifically, Breton is asking Alphabet to be "very vigilant" when it comes to Israel-Hamas-related content posted on YouTube. The European Commission has been seeing a "surge of illegal content and disinformation" being disseminated via certain platforms, he said, telling Pichai that Alphabet has an obligation to protect children and teens from "violent content depicting hostage taking and other graphic videos." Breton also warned Pichai that if Alphabet receives notices of illegal content from the EU, it must respond in a timely manner. Finally, he reminded the CEO that the company must have mitigation measures in place to address "civic discourse stemming from disinformation." The video-sharing service must also adequately differentiate reliable news sources from terrorist propaganda and manipulated content, such as clickbait videos. YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi told The Verge that the service has "removed tens of thousands of harmful videos and terminated hundreds of channels" following the attacks in Israel and the "conflict now underway in Israel and Gaza." The platform's systems, she added, "continue to connect people with high-quality news and information." She also said that YouTube's teams are "working around the clock to monitor for harmful footage and remain vigilant to take action quickly if needed on all types of content, including Shorts and livestreams." Breton was the same the official who had previously sent Elon Musk an "urgent" letter about the spread of disinformation on X amid the Israel-Hamas war. He called out the spread of "fake and manipulated images and facts circulating on [the platform formerly known as Twitter] in the EU, such as repurposed old images of unrelated armed conflicts or military footage that actually originated from video games." X CEO Linda Yaccarino published the company's response a day later, claiming to have removed or labeled "tens of thousands of pieces of content" and to have deleted hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts from the platform. Even so, the European Union still opened an investigation into X for the lackluster moderation of illegal content and disinformation related to the war. The EU commissioner also sent Meta a stern letter, voicing similar concerns about misinformation on its platforms. Meta responded by saying that "expert teams from across [ts] company have been working around the clock to monitor [its] platforms while protecting people's ability to use [its] apps to shed light on important developments happening on the ground." Breton sent TikTok a letter about disinformation spreading on its platform related to the Israel-Hamas war, as well, giving the company 24 hours to explain how it's complying with EU law. In addition to asking YouTube to keep a close eye on Israel-Hamas disinformation, Breton also tackled the issue of election-related disinformation in his letter. He is asking the service to notify his team of the measures it has taken to mitigate deepfakes "in light of upcoming elections in Poland, The Netherlands, Lithuania, Belgium, Croatia, Romania and Austria, and the European Parliament elections." Man Convicted in $67 Million Doctor Chase Genetic Testing Fraud Scheme A federal jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, convicted a Florida man on Oct. 6 for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $67 million by tricking physicians into authorizing thousands of genetic tests that were completely unnecessary and not used in the treatment of the Medicare beneficiaries who took them. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jose Goyos, 37, of West Palm Beach, managed a call center that engaged in deceptive telemarketing calls targeting thousands of Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians. Goyos and his co-conspirators managed the so-called doctor chase division of the call center, which contacted the primary care physicians of targeted Medicare beneficiaries and tricked these medical providers into ordering and authorizing medically unnecessary genetic tests based on medical paperwork that the call center created. For example, Goyos directed call center employees to falsely represent to providers that the Medicare beneficiaries were mutual patients who requested these genetic tests, and that the beneficiaries had medical conditions justifying genetic testing, when neither statement was true. Goyos and his co-conspirators then used those doctors authorizations to submit claims to Medicare for the expensive and unnecessary genetic tests. In reality, the labs were shells; they had no equipment, did not conduct a single test, and had no lab personnel. Goyos and his co-conspirators referred all the genetic tests to other labs, which conducted them at a small fraction of the price that Goyos and his co-conspirators charged to Medicare. Finally, after the tests were conducted, the results often were not sent to the Medicare beneficiarys primary care physicians and were not used in the treatment of the beneficiary. In total, between June 2020 and July 2021, Goyos and his co-conspirators submitted over $67 million of these false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, of which Medicare paid over $52 million. The jury convicted Goyos of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 21. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit wire fraud count and 10 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit money laundering count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. To date, 20 other defendants have pleaded guilty in the scheme to various charges, including the leaders of the scheme Daniel M. Carver, Thomas Dougherty, and John Paul Gosney Jr. who are scheduled to be sentenced in December. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBIs Criminal Investigative Division, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Queenan, Reginald Cuyler Jr., and Andrew Tamayo of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Divisions efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. This story has been published on: 2023-10-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Jiangxi urged to promote green growth 14:46, October 14, 2023 By CAO DESHENG ( China Daily Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on advancing the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and delivers an important speech in Nanchang, East China's Jiangxi province, Oct 12, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Xi stresses low-carbon, high-quality development on 4-day inspection tour President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of emancipating the mind and making pioneering efforts as he called on Jiangxi province to promote green, low-carbon, high-quality development by leveraging its strengths in writing its chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a four-day inspection tour of Jiangxi, which concluded on Friday. He said that the province should strive to take the lead in accelerating the high-quality development of the old revolutionary base areas and in promoting the rise of Central China, and make contributions to the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Jiangxi is in the middle reaches of the Yangtze, China's longest river, and most of the southern areas of the province are old revolutionary base areas. The inspection tour took Xi to the cities of Jiujiang, Jingdezhen and Shangrao. He inspected the shoreline of the Yangtze River, local enterprises, a historical and cultural block, and a village. In Jiujiang, Xi urged Jiangxi to make greater efforts in protecting the environment of the Yangtze River for the sake of the sustainable development of the Chinese nation. Xi said that porcelain is an important "name card" of Chinese civilization during his visit to Jingdezhen, which is known as China's "porcelain capital". It is necessary to achieve positive interaction between the protection of porcelain culture and the development of the cultural tourism industry, strengthen the creative design, research and development of porcelain products, and further expand the growth of the sector, he said. While visiting Changhe Aircraft Industries Group in Jingdezhen, Xi inspected the helicopter assembly workshop and flight test station, and learned about the company's progress in technological innovation. He emphasized that aviation equipment is a key part of China's manufacturing industry. It is important to adhere to innovation-driven development, put more efforts into independent research and development of core technologies, strive to build an advanced manufacturing system and create a world-class helicopter enterprise, he added. Before concluding the inspection on Friday, Xi heard a work report in Nanchang, the provincial capital, by the province's senior Party and government officials about Jiangxi's development. He underlined the need for the province to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, promote the development of strategic emerging industries, and strive to build a modern industrial system that reflects its own characteristics and strengths. Innovative chains should be deployed in a targeted manner, Xi said, and he called on the province to align itself with national scientific and technological resources to make breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields and create high-tech industrial clusters. While calling for expanding opening-up, Xi said that Jiangxi should vigorously develop its port economy and create regional logistics hubs and trade centers. Jiangxi should actively serve the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and enhance its attractiveness in terms of capital, technology and talent, he added. Xi also emphasized the need for the province to deepen reforms in key areas, improve the business environment, steadily expand institutional opening-up in terms of rules, regulations, management and standards, expand market access for private investment in an orderly manner, carry out policies that promote fair competition and ensure the healthy development of the private economy. Efforts must be made to ensure that people in the old revolutionary base areas share the fruits of reform and development and live a happy life, he said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) ALBANY Gas and construction trade groups are suing to block New York state's ban on gas stoves and furnaces in new buildings. The organizations argue the law violates the federal government's rules around how gas appliances are regulated, and filed the case against New York on Thursday in federal court. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, approved the ban this spring on the installation of fossil-fuel equipment in new buildings. It's set to take effect in 2026 for structures of seven stories or less and in 2029 for larger buildings. The law would not apply to existing buildings. Similar policies have been approved by dozens of Democrat-controlled cities and local governments as supporters say they are aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality. The rule quickly became the source of partisan outrage over climate change, with Republican officials and other opponents criticizing it as an infringement on consumer choice. The New York Department of State, which is named as a defendant, declined to comment on the lawsuit. The case was filed by the National Association of Home Builders and the National Propane Gas Association, among others. It alleges that New York does not have the legal ability to enforce its rule because a preexisting federal law called the Energy Policy and Conservation Act already regulates energy use policies. They are asking a judge to rule that the state's ban is unenforceable under federal law and for it to be blocked before it takes effect. The states law contains exemptions for emergency backup power equipment and for commercial food establishments, laboratories and car washes. New York City is set to begin phasing in a separate set of rules for all-electric new construction next year. This Saturday, October 14th, Rebel - The Director's Cut -will screen as a Movicorp classic feature will screen again at 9pm. Remastered and presented as timely and every pleasing slice of history and a reflection on war, actions and reactions people undertook during the '70's to make life more meaningful, you can relive or discover a moment when someone or a generation chose a "Road less travelled" to find purpose in a violent and chaotic world. People are hurt or hurt others, communication falters, the Truth seems elusive, and best wishes go astray, but the New York scene, the jeans and panchos, and the rebel against the machine character reflects the antihero in all of us and the question of our time. Whether or not you were alive during the Vietnam War era, whether you played in this film, or you saw it over overseas before it was remastered to return to American Screens, 30 years after its first release-you will find the subject, story and characters authentic, memorable, and capable of evoking pathos. So do not miss an opportunity to bring friends and family tomorrow night to return to the past and to wonder about our shared future. You are invited by Robert Schnitzer the Director, co-writer, and producer, when he spoke at the Premiere's prescreening Q&A to risk your heart and see what touches and moves you. MC'd by Kathy Close, VP of Production for Oasis TV and Movicorp at the Rebel Premiere paraphrased her Schnitzer here "The most of important of all causes of our time, is world peace." The nonprofit designated Premiere donations is World beyond war.org and MacGregor Reddy represented California and the national organization and its projects, initiatives, and mission as global charity worthy of donations year-round. As a vintage antiwar, romantic thriller starring a young Sylvester Stallone, it will be represented by Movicorp at the Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall Saturday night for a limited run. RSVP and reserve your tickets ahead and bring several friends. There was never a better moment to consider global peace through the mirror of Stallone's decisions and characters, choices, and stories of the cast. The Lumiere screens the film at the Music Hall Theatre on 9036 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 if you dare attend this showing. This is a must see when a new release after 30 years, can return with a message for new generations. With your help Movicorp will find a new audience and show Rebel every Saturday night in a Limited Engagement on Saturday as part of its ongoing streaming release plan with new footage from the Premiere Q&A with Hostess Kathy Close drawing out the purpose of the film from Mr. Schnitzer, the cast members and viewers who filled the Music Hall with another Hollywood Tradition, mentoring fans, writers, future actors, and future creatives. Get your tickets online tonight. For more information, you can call 310-274-6860 or look on the Lumiere's website at www.LumiereCinemaLA.com to purchase your seat for the Schnitzer/Movicorp Directors Cut. https://lumierecinemala.com/film-rebel-1973/ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ World Beyond War Benefit and Film Premiere press release: www.vsnewsnetwork.com Los Angeles media licensing and production and company: www.movicorp.com Lumiere Screenings and Tickets: Lumiere Tickets for Screenings: https://lumierecinemala.com/film-rebel-1973/ Clips of the film: Preview on Drop Box: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/05lk0y2dynvnuj12d068a/Scenes-from-REBEL-Directors-Cut.mov?rlkey=spp1he4xkw9hx4qmy2l8g9q8j&dl=0 Ticktok share this moment with friends: https://www.tiktok.com/@movicorp/video/7286075342542916870?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Resources about World beyond War: World Beyond War.org Myth: War Is Inevitable - World BEYOND War https://worldbeyondwar.org/no-more-weapons-shipments/ https://worldbeyondwar.org/palestine-like-much-of-the-world-needs-a-radical-change/ https://worldbeyondwar.org/horror-grief-and-urgent-advocacy/ https://worldbeyondwar.org/israels-9-11-is-a-slogan-to-rationalize-open-ended-killing-of-palestinian-civilians/ https://worldbeyondwar.org/david-swanson-and-david-gibbs-discuss-palestine-with-santita-jackson/ From the news to a new solution: Not Ashamed of being Peacebuilders: is this another way suggested https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwe9qmN1uHY Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Partly cloudy skies with gusty winds. High 52F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Mostly clear skies. Low near 35F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. CEDAR RAPIDS, IowaOne would be hard-pressed to find a Republican voter here who doesnt think the stakes are high in next years presidential election. But as Donald Trumps challengers scramble to make a case for themselves in Iowa, the 45thpresident has decided the best argument against Democrats is simply to point and laugh. Theyre going to do the electric vehicle nonsense, you know? Trump told the audience, in one early moment that sounded like a Seinfeld cold open. You put a little circle around your house. You cant go outside the circle, youll never come back. Welcome to the 2024 campaign trail, where, as the stakes get higher, Trump gets, well, funnier. Although its a brand of humor that obviously isnt for everyone, like any savvy New York insult comic, Trump knows his audience. Here in Iowa, he was addressing a crowd much more likely to drive a Ford F-150 than a Tesla, for instance, in a state where ethanol fuel is a key component of the states economy. Yes, most political candidates tweak their stump speeches to suit local sensibilities. But not like this guy. A week earlier at the California Republican Party convention, Trump went on an extended, heavily ad-libbed riff about water shortages in the West that had his Anaheim audience in stitches. They pay millions of dollars in taxes! Trump said. Yet, when theyre taking a shower, theyre told to hurry up. Youre only allowed a small amount of water when youre taking a shower. Thats why rich people from Beverly Hills, generally speaking, dont smell so good. Their hygiene is not good. But its forced to be that way. So when you meet somebody with a beautiful house in Beverly Hills, you know that person is sort of disgusting under there. Trump was always willing to say things other politicians werent. It was simultaneously his superpower (it got him nominated and elected president) and his Kryptonite (it got him impeached twice and charged criminally). Perhaps all these current court cases help explain it what does he have to lose at this point? but as they say on The Bachelor, its apparently prompted Trump to take things to the next level. And not necessarily in a good way. In Anaheim, for instance, he used unnecessarily salty language that jarred some of his listeners. (One word started with mother and ended with a word that rhymes with trucker.) He needled not only Crazy Nancy Pelosi, but her husband Paul, who was seriously wounded in a gruesome home invasion by a mentally disturbed stranger, a gratuitous aside that caused some in the audience to gasp and others to laugh nervously. Sometimes, in his stream-of-consciousness riffs, Trump seems to lose the plot. In California, he took the bit about water to a goofy fantasy about preventing forest fires by flooding the forests of the High Sierra, a scientific impossibility that left at least one elderly lady in the audience checking her hearing aids. In Cedar Rapids, he raised the specter of the dangers posed by people from insane asylums crossing Americas southern border, but somehow ended up touting a fictional endorsement from a fictional character. Hannibal Lecter, how great an actor was he? Trump asked the crowd, evidently conflating the chilling cinematic cannibal serial killer with British actor Anthony Hopkins. You know why I like him? Because he said on television I love Donald Trump. So I love him. I love him. I love him. He said that a long time ago. For years, the media has engaged in spirited fact-checking of such Trumpisms, to a point beyond inundation. But its worth noting that none of the three actors who have played Hannibal Lecter, including Hopkins, have uttered a good word about him publicly. Whatever Trump is tapping into lately, the source of that particular misconception is likely to remain a mystery. Not all the flights of fancy are harmless. In Iowa, Trump relitigated the 2020 election counts yet again. In Anaheim, just a mile from the entrance to Disneyland, Trump entered into his own personal fantasyland with an extended opening monologue about how he would easily carry heavily Democratic California in 2024 if they didnt have a rigged voting system. All of his recent rallies contain this strange brew of self-serving revisionist history, grim prophecy, and comedic riffing all of it spiced with his well-known insults and name-calling. None of which would be out of place at a local comedy club. In Iowa, Trump lambasted the Marxists, fascists, and far-left lunatics he said were running the Biden administration before boasting of his own accomplishments in office. He opened his Anaheim speech in similar fashion. Boy, are they messing up California, but were thrilled to be here with the conservative patriots who are leading the charge to take back this state from the radical left lunatics, he said. Theyve given you sanctuary cities, wide-open borders, mass homeless encampments, out-of-control taxes, soaring income inequality, Marxist district attorneys, woke tech tyrants, rolling blackouts, child sexual mutilation, and roving bands of looters, criminals, and thugs. Some of his proposed remedies were unspeakably dark, however, one in particular: We will immediately stop all of the pillaging and theft, he said. Very simply: If you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store, he proclaimed to loud applause. Shot! he added. To Democrats, Never-Trump Republicans, libertarian-minded independents, and most of the media, such talk sounds not only deranged, but dangerous and most of the news coverage of the California speech reflected as much. For students of The Donald, it brought to mind political writer Salena Zitos insightful 2016 campaign observation about Trumps critics taking him literally but not seriously, and Trumps supporters taking him seriously but not literally. Its possible to do both, of course, which is the apparent mindset of three sets of prosecutors. Nonetheless, Trump himself occasionally reveals, at least to friendly audiences, that hes in on the joke. In Anaheim, for instance, yes, he insulted Adam Schiffs manhood and appearance, but he also made two self-deprecating references to his own infamous hairdo. Another tell is how Trump tends to pull his punches with people whove refrained (mostly) from personal criticism of him. Take California Gov. Gavin Newsom, for instance. Hes an environmental maniac, but only for political reasons, Trump said, implying that Newsom is more pragmatic than he lets on. Ron DeSantis, the man Trump evidently sees as his only possible barrier to the Republican nomination, is given no such quarter. In California and in Iowa (and in Florida and on social media), Floridas governor is invariably called Ron DeSanctimonious, a slur that for obvious reasons hasnt caught on, but which Trump cant stop repeating. Globalist politicians like Crooked Joe [Biden] and Ron DeSanctimonious have been selling out your farms, your families, your factories, and your communities, Trump told his Iowa audience, adding that during DeSantis time in Congress, before occupying the governors mansion, he was a betrayal, alongside beautiful Hillary Clinton. Everywhere he goes, Trump predicts a dystopian future for America unless Republicans prevail in 2024. The country is finished. Its never been worse than this, he said in Iowa. Were laughed at all over the world, were patsies. But amidst the doom and gloom, its laughter that seems to be Trumps objective at these rallies. Even after the grim and depressing news from Israel, the former president didnt deviate from a speaking style that can best be described as stand-up comedy. This is a president with Jewish grandchildren, remember, but the largest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust was treated with gallows humor: The first mention of Israel last Saturday evening in Cedar Rapids came with a quip at President Bidens expense. He wasnt Winston Churchill, lets put it that way, Trump said while critiquing the cautious initial response from the White House. Then Trump did his Winston Churchill impression. The former and would-be future commander in chief ultimately came back around to the task at hand, offering strong support for Israel, calling the terrorist attack an act of savagery, and proclaiming that Hamas must be crushed. He also slammed the current administration for their negotiation of a $6 billion payout in exchange for hostages held by Iran. This guy, this poor sad sack of a president that we have, will lead us into World War III, 100% I hope thats a prediction that Im wrong on but weve never been closer, Trump said. If Im elected and Im the only one who can say it you will never have World War III. And just a moment later, he was back to joking. A redevelopment plan for Fingerlakes Mall suggests radical changes there, but a mall official and the owner of a business that would be affected by those changes stressed that the plan is far from final. Released by mall leasing broker Cushman & Wakefield and Pyramid Brokerage Co., the plan includes a conceptual drawing that reimagines the mall outside of anchor store Bass Pro Shops. The area where the Cafe Square food court and Track Cinema currently stand would be replaced by public space and greenery, and behind that would be a recreational area and four residential or lodging developments. The plan, which advertises opportunities for "retail, medical office, multifamily and hospitality" development at the mall, would also reduce the number of parking spaces there from 2,129 to 1,837. Asked by The Citizen for comment on the plan, Vice President Linda Charles of mall property manager Sutton Real Estate Co. in Syracuse said it's meant to market the property to new tenants. "I believe a lot of what is shown on the flyer is conceptual at this point to give potential tenants a point of view of how a redevelopment could look," said Charles, who declined further comment. Track Cinema owner Randy Currier, whose movie theater lies in the middle of the public space shown in the plan, also stressed to The Citizen that it is "conceptual." He doesn't believe the mall will be redeveloped as it suggests, he continued, particularly the four residential or lodging spaces. When a plan is finalized, he said, he expects mall ownership will reach out to tenants about potential impacts. However, "anything is possible" for Track Cinema, Currier said, due to the downturn movie theaters have experienced starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing with the SAG-AFTRA strike. "Our lease is up the end of July," he said. "While it is our hope to be a part of any redevelopment, we have not even had a profitable quarter since COVID so the future at this point is unknown." Sutton Real Estate Co. manages Fingerlakes Mall on behalf of new owner Vachi Fingerlakes LLC, which purchased the 492,592-square-foot development for $3.6 million in September 2022. While the specific nature of the LLC is uncertain, last year's property transfer lists the buyer as Dean Davidov, of Los Angeles, who is a partner at commercial real estate development firm Misuma Holdings. According to the firm's website, its redevelopment and "repositioning" portfolio includes shopping centers The Linc and The Crescent in Austin, Texas, and Myrtle Beach Mall in South Carolina. One Google review for The Linc said "the transformation of this place over the years has been amazing!" while others criticized its security. The Crescent was praised for its collection of Asian businesses, going from "almost dead" to "so popular that finding parking is a challenge," according to one reviewer. The majority of reviews of the Myrtle Beach Mall are negative, with some calling it "a ghost town." The Citizen contacted the chambers of commerce in several cities where shopping centers developed or redeveloped by Misuma are located, but did not receive any responses to requests for comment. Chris Evans has finally confirmed he is married to Alba Baptista. Chris Evans has finally confirmed he is married to Alba Baptista The Captain America star, 42, made the admission in his first public outing a month after it was reported he had got hitched to the 26-year-old actress with the actor also revealing they had two wedding ceremonies. Chris spoke about the double celebration while flaunting his wedding ring at the New York Comic Con on Saturday (14.10.23), and told fans: I got married. It was really, really great. We kind of had two ceremonies. We had one on the East Coast, we did one in Portugal my wifes Portuguese. But they were just wonderful and beautiful. Its a lot planning a wedding for those of you who are married you know, it takes a lot out of you. But now that were through that, weve just kind of been enjoying life, gearing up for autumn my favourite season. Its, like, the best time of year right now. Now were just relaxing and enjoying life and reflecting. It was reported in September Chris and Alba got married in an intimate ceremony at their Boston-area home. A source told Page Six at the time that the ceremony was locked down tight and guests had to sign non-disclosure agreements and turn off their mobiles. The ceremony was attended by guests including Chris Marvel co-stars including Jeremy Renner, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth. It was also reported the couple travelled to Albas home country to have a second wedding so her family could witness her and Chris exchange vows. Chris and Alba first sparked rumours they were an item in November 2022, when People reported they had been dating for more than a year and hours after the report, the actors were spotted holding hands in Central Park, New York City. In February, Chris made their romance Instagram-official by posting a series of pictures of him and Alba hiking and picking apples to mark Valentines Day. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner are "on the path to healing" following their divorce. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner are said to be on the same page over their custody agreement The 34-year-old pop star had been married to British-born actress Sophie, 27, for just over four years when he announced their "amicable" split in September but an insider has now explained that they are "both on the same page" since reaching an agreement on the custody for their daughters Delphine, 15 months, and Willa, three. A source told UsWeekly: "Theyre on the path to healing and to being healthy coparents. Theyre both on the same page. They spoke recently and it was amicable, and that triggered a quicker resolution." The news comes just days after the former Disney Channel star and the 'Game of Thrones' actress released a statement regarding their decision. The statement explained: "After a productive and successful mediation, we have agreed that the children will spend time equally in loving homes in both the US and the UK. We look forward to being great co-parents." Court documents, obtained by PEOPLE, show that Joe, 34, and Sophie, 27, came to an agreement after a "productive mediation" between October 4 and October 7. The agreement states that the children will be with Sophie between October 9 and October 21. During that period, Sophie and her children are permitted to travel to England and throughout the US. The kids will be returned to their dad by a nanny on October 21. The musician will have the same travel permissions up until November 2. The celebrity duo have been asked to "submit a status report letter", detailing the status of their mediation, while it's also been decided that their temporary agreement will run until January 7. The agreement was reached after Sophie launched a lawsuit against her estranged husband, with the actress accusing him of blocking her from taking their children to the UK. A man has pled guilty to stealing a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in 'The Wizard of Oz'. Man pleads guilty to the theft of the ruby slippers According to CBS News, Terry Martin, 76, appeared in a Duluth federal courtroom on Friday (13.10.23) accused of stealing the shows seen in the classic 1939 film from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids in 2005 and admitted he used a small sledgehammer to break into the museum. The outlet went on to claim that he "used the tool to crack the case the slippers were in and take them" before driving away and keeping the shoes in a trailer near to his home. Martin then took the shoes to a criminal who buys and resells stolen goods but refused to reveal the identity of any others who could be involved in the case. Attorney Dane DeKrey, who is not connected to the case, speculated that Martin's ill health was what caused him to plead guilty in the end. He told WCCO: "I think when someone is at the end of their life, they are making decisions that are right for their affairs, and this short answer is because he's guilty. I think he wanted to take responsibility and move on with his life the little life he has left. I think he's lived a fast and loose life and I think he's OK with what's happening now. I think he's at peace with it, frankly." In 'The Wizard of Oz', Judy Garland wore a number of pairs of the famous red high heels for logistic purposes, with five having known to survived. The pair in question were owned by Michael Shaw and were on loan to the museum dedicated to the actress when they were stolen but were returned to him in 2018 following an FBI operation. John Kelsch, curator of the Judy Garland Museum, said: "There's some closure, and we do know definitely that Terry Jon Martin did break into our museum, but I'd like to know what happened to them after he let them go. "Just to do it because he thought they were real rubies and to turn them over to a jewelry fence. I mean, the value is not rubies. The value is an American treasure, a national treasure. To steal them without knowing that seems ludicrous!" 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. Lakme Fashion Week 2023 Highlights Day 3: Creativity and innovation shown during fashion weeks are a given, and India's biggest fashion event, Lakme Fashion Week, is no exception. Each year, LFW introduces new and exciting fashion trends. This year is no different, as the runway has witnessed a stunning array of reinvented silhouettes, intricate craftsmanship, and more. Lakme Fashion Week 2023 kickstarted on a high note across the country on Thursday and continues to maintain the standards of glitz and style. Meanwhile, on the day of the show, Janhvi Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Rana Daggubati, and Athiya Shetty turned showstoppers for different designers, setting the stage ablaze with their oomph factor. Janhvi Kapoor Actor Janhvi Kapoor left everyone in awe on Friday night as she turned up the heat in the latest collection by Amit Aggarwal. Wearing a breathtaking strapless black outfit, it featured a structured bustier with a body-grazing skirt. The piece had a metallic finish. Jahnvi's hair was styled in waves, with kohl-rimmed eyes and dewy glam makeup, and the Bawaal actress completely owned it. Talking about her outfit, Janhvi said, "I love its simplicity and it is impactful just like Amit's entire collection. Also, it is sustainable." Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI: Karisma Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin & Saba Azad Open The Show For Sanjay Garg Raw Mango Dia Mirza On Friday, Dhak Dhak actor Dia Mirza also made heads turn with her ramp walk for Kalki. She looked pristine as she walked in an ivory co-ord ensemble and was paired with a long embroidered jacket designed by Pankaj and Nidhi. She competed with beautiful pearl ear cuffs and simple, soft makeup. Athiya Shetty Athiya looked stunning as she walked the ramp for Birkenstock's Grounded In Nature collection. The outfit designed by Shivan and Narresh had a black bustier with an asymmetrical ombre-coloured skirt that was cinched at her waist. Her look was put together with metallic flat footwear, golden earrings, and wet hair, giving it a sultry finesse. Rana Daggubati Actor Rana Daggubati too turned showstopper for Birkenstock and Shivan & Narresh at the Lakme Fashion Week. He was dressed in a black and blue complementary outfit, an abstract blue shirt, shiny black pants, a matching jacket, and black shades. He wore blue metallic footwear. Lakme Fashion Week Day 2 Highlights: Alaya F, Hina Khan, Jim Sarabh & Other Celebs Make A Stylish Statement Harnaaz Sandhu Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu was the showstopper for Guapa and Not So Serious by Pallavi Mohan. She wore a furry, shimmery, violent outfit, styled hair in soft waves, and huge danglers. The Akshay Kumar starrer 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue' has been opening with fantastic word of mouth since its release. While the film has been collecting good reviews, The audience's love and praise for Akshay Kumar, who played the character of unsung hero Jaswant Singh Gill, continued to pour even after the seven days of release. On National cinema day, the film received tremendous good response and witnessed houseful shows across the nation. From the critics to the audiences, everyone hailed his performance in the role of legendary hero Gill, and in a recent development, Mrs. Nirdosh Singh Gill, the wife of Jaswant Singh Gill, has praised the performance of Akshay in the film. In a recent interview, Mrs. Gill expressed her views and said, "I got very emotional while watching the film." Ahead of this, Mrs. Gill shared her thoughts about Akshay Kumar's performance in the film and showered immense love by saying, "Akshay Kumar has done a wonderful acting in the film. He acted so perfectly that looked like Gill Sahab himself was present on screen. He played the character so perfectly, Kapda waisa, turban waisi, aenek bhi waisi, uska jo physique, sab kuch mil raha tha". Continuing the same, Mrs. Nirdosh Kaur said, "When the film was on the casting stage and Akshay Kumar's name came out to play the character of Gill Sahab, I was so happy to hear it. His personality matches completely with Gill Sahab." Talking about the film Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue, the film tells the story of the courage and bravery of Jaswant Singh Gill, who rescued 65 coal mine workers. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, and Ajay Kapoor, the film, directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and music by Jjust Music, promises to bring to life the coal mine accident that shook not only the nation but also the world. The relentless dedication of the rescue team, led by Jaswant Singh Gill, offering audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience, screening in cinemas now. OTT Series: With Navratri, the festival celebrating divine feminine energy, just around the corner, it's the perfect time to explore stories of strength, resilience, and female empowerment. In line with the festival's spirit, here's a list of must-binge web series and audio series featuring powerful female protagonists. These series not only entertain but also empower, embodying the essence of Navratri. From gripping crime dramas to heartwarming tales of ambition and self-discovery, these narratives resonate with the festival's ethos. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the journeys of remarkable women and celebrate their strength as you mark Navratri with these must-watch series that inspire and captivate. Aarya Season 1 and 2 "Aarya" Season 1 and 2 on Disney+Hotstar are a must-watch this Navratri, featuring a compelling narrative with a powerful female lead, Aarya Sareen, portrayed by Sushmita Sen. Set in the world of organised crime, Aarya transforms from a loving wife and mother into a confident decision-maker after her husband's mysterious death, uncovering his illegal activities. Sushmita Sen's performance anchors Aarya's character as a symbol of strength and determination. The series follows Aarya's journey for justice and the protection of her children, making it a perfect fit for Navratri's celebration of empowerment. Witness her transformation from a caring mother into a fearless mafia queen. Don't miss this captivating series that underscores the resilience of the female spirit in the face of adversity. Love After Rebirth "Love After Rebirth," an audio series on Pocket FM, is a must-binge this Navratri. The story follows Aryaa Sinha, a resilient Army officer who was betrayed and brutally murdered. Through reincarnation, she seeks justice and her son's protection, aided by her devoted husband, Dr. Sivaay Maheshwari. The series is a thrilling journey where love, redemption, and vengeance intertwine. Will it lead to reconciliation or a heart-wrenching climax? Find out in this electrifying narrative, exclusively on Pocket FM. Celebrate Navratri with a strong female protagonist in a gripping tale of retribution and love. List Of Telugu OTT & Theatrical Releases This Week: Prema Vimanam, Raakshasa Kaavyam, & Others Delhi Crime Season 1 and 2 "Delhi Crime" Season 1 and 2, now streaming on Netflix, are a must-watch for your Navratri binge list. Season 1 delves into the harrowing events of the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi and places a strong female protagonist, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, at its heart. Shefali Shah brilliantly portrays a character embodying calm, composure, and unwavering rationality, challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated profession. Addressed as 'Madam-Sir' by a fellow female officer, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi shatters gender barriers. The second season takes viewers on a new crime saga, further showcasing her exceptional skills in solving complex cases in the heart of Delhi. This series is a powerful and essential watch this Navratri, portraying the unwavering spirit of women in the face of adversity. Four More Shots Please Season 3 "Four More Shots Please" Season 3 on Prime Video is a Navratri must-watch. The series follows four inseparable friends on a journey of emotional farewells, baggage, and complex relationships. It highlights a strong female protagonist in Damini, Akanksha, Siddhi, and Umang. As they seek closure and navigate their tumultuous lives, their stories resonate with the challenges and aspirations of modern women. The workplace encounter between Damini and Akanksha adds poignant nuances to the narrative. Siddhi's inner turmoil leads to a fiery reunion, unravelling the intricate layers of their friendship. Stream this engaging series on Prime Video for a fresh perspective on friendship, love, and self-discovery during Navratri. A Nightmare This Navratri, "A Nightmare," on Pocket FM deserves a spot on your binge list. The series features Kriya, a strong female protagonist, facing abandonment and a shocking accusation of murdering her parents. Amid her darkest hour, she finds solace in the love of Ahir Khurana, Asia's foremost tycoon. Their unexpected romance tests the limits of Ahir's devotion as haunting shadows from Kriya's past loom. Will he stand by her when confronted with the staggering truth, or will love's endurance face its ultimate trial? "A Nightmare" delves into themes of trust, redemption, and the unwavering strength of love, promising a gripping and heartfelt journey filled with unexpected twists. Tune in to uncover the truth, experience a story of resilience, and love this Navratri. Listen to A Nightmare on Pocket FM. Aranyak "Aranyak" on Netflix is a Navratri essential binge. Raveena Tandon shines as Kasturi Dogra, a local police officer thrust into a high-profile investigation amidst the mystique of the Himalayan hills. Her character epitomises strength, independence, and relatable vulnerability. In this gripping series, she navigates a spectrum of emotions. As the show gears up for its second season, anticipate more mysteries in the enchanting Himalayan backdrop, illuminated by Raveena Tandon's exceptional performance. Don't miss this intriguing series celebrating a strong female protagonist during Navratri. Behind the Masks: Dream Girl To Haddi, 5 Most Riveting Dual-Life Stories On OTT Shiksha Mandal "Shiksha Mandal" is an MX original series based on real events. It tells the story of a massive education scam in India, where politicians and educational institutions work together to cheat in exams. This dishonesty harms students who are trying to succeed. The show aims to raise awareness about these illegal activities and highlight the problems and tricky operations involved in these fraudulent high-level exams. It features actors like Gauahar Khan, Gulshan Devaiah, Pavan Raj Malhotra, Rajendra Sethi, and Iram Badar Khan. Drone Prathap Biography: Drone Prathap is an Indian entrepreneur, prominently engaged in the technology industry. Prathap faced controversy for claiming to develop drones to assist farmers and technologists. However, in 2023, he revealed his actual initiatives by sharing videos on social media, demonstrating his active support for farmers through the use of drones. Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 As per the confirmed sources Drone Prathap participating in the Kannada reality show Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10. He will enter the house on October 8th, 2023 hosted by Baadshah Kiccha Sudeep. Read More Bigg Boss Kannada 10 elimination: Kiccha Sudeep's show has returned with a bang on Colors Kannada. The tenth season of the popular reality show made a comeback with a blockbuster premiere episode on Sunday (October 8). The makers introduced an exciting line-up of contestants in the new season, generating a massive response from the audience. BIGG BOSS KANNADA 10 VOTING RESULTS From a snake charmer to a journalist, BBK 10 has contestants from different professions. While the show features 18 contestants, only eleven got the tag of permanent housemates. Other celebrities have to compete in different tasks to earn the status. Bigg Boss Kannada season came up with a new theme to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the show. The voting lines have been closed and fans have voted in huge numbers to safeguard their favourite contestants from their eviction. While gossip mills suggested that there will be no eviction in the first week, the makers have planned a special twist for the audience. An eviction is indeed on the cards on the first weekend of Bigg Boss Kannada 10. The official Instagram handle of Colors Kannada dropped a new promo, confirming that an eviction would take place on the weekend episode. The promo captured the attention of the netizens. BIGG BOSS KANNADA 10 EVICTION RESULT Seven contestants were nominated for elimination in Bigg Boss Kannada season 10. Who will get eliminated from Bigg Boss Kannada 10 in the first week? This is the question on everyone's mind. Fans have been wondering which contestant will get evicted and bid adieu to the BBK 10 house. If the recent buzz is to be believed, Snake Shyam has been eliminated from Bigg Boss Kannada season 10. A viral tweet suggested that the snake charmer has been evicted from Kiccha Sudeep's show, marking the end of his journey. Keep watching this space for more updates. Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2023) - Thanks to the visionary efforts of QazTrade JSC, a Trade and Economic Mission is set to take place in Dubai from October 15 to 17, 2023. This mission is poised to serve as a transformative platform for more than 30 Kazakhstan companies to showcase their products and services, fostering closer ties with investors and importers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mission aims to fortify existing trade relationships and establish new ones, leading to a promising future of economic growth and collaboration. Photo: Kazakhstan and UAE flags. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7633/183980_f77af3e8343f19a8_001full.jpg Networking Opportunities and Knowledge Exchange: One of the central goals of this event is to foster meaningful connections among attendees. The Trade and Economic Mission provides the perfect platform for individuals to network with like-minded peers. It's an avenue for attendees to exchange ideas, strategies, and insights, setting the stage for lasting business partnerships. Business Matchmaking Sessions: Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this mission is the exclusive business matchmaking sessions in the speed dating format. These sessions are a direct path to making deals and forging partnerships that can shape the future. It's a unique opportunity for Kazakhstan companies to find their ideal partners in the UAE and vice versa. Every participating company will be given a table, meticulously designed to showcase their unique offerings. These tables will serve as a vibrant canvas where attendees can not only sample the products but also peruse through detailed catalogs and explore the terms and conditions of potential collaborations. Within this diverse assembly of 30 participants, a rich tapestry of industries is represented. Among them, numerous food companies stand ready to tantalize taste buds with their offerings, including exquisite sunflower oils, delectable meat products, indulgent cookies, flavorful ketchups, and savory croutons. The array of culinary delights promises to be a feast for the senses, a testament to the gastronomic diversity of Kazakhstan. In tandem with the culinary treasures, the mission also hosts a stellar contingent of high-caliber IT companies. These tech-savvy innovators specialize in data and software analytics, offering cutting-edge solutions that promise to redefine business intelligence. Furthermore, they venture into the immersive worlds of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), creating transformative educational experiences that are set to reshape the landscape of learning and engagement. Photo: B2B matchmaking session To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7633/183980_f77af3e8343f19a8_002full.jpg Kazakh IT Companies at the Forefront of Innovation: Showcasing Excellence at Exhibitions in Dubai 2023 Right after the Trade and Economic Mission Kazakhstan's brightest IT talents are gearing up to make a significant mark on the global stage. Companies will be attending world's renowned IT exhibition in Dubai, which is poised to host an array of visionary Kazakh IT companies, who are eager to demonstrate their cutting-edge solutions, unparalleled expertise, and unwavering commitment to technological excellence. Parqour: A Leading Innovator in Tech A significant highlight of the Trade and Economic Mission is the participation of Parqour, a renowned software developer of smart parking systems. Parqour specializes in streamlining parking operations and enhancing the customer experience. Parqour is already operating in US, UK, Switzerland, Central Asian and Middle East region. Parqour is visiting Dubai to showcase its smart parking technologies that are set to revolutionize the way people interact with parking facilities. This addition to the event promises to be a game-changer, demonstrating how technology can open new doors for business growth and customer satisfaction. Photo: Parqour features To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7633/183980_f77af3e8343f19a8_003full.jpg Positive Impact on Export Potential: QazTrade JSC specialists have carefully assessed the potential of this event and are confident that it will have a profound impact on Kazakhstan's export potential. The event paves the way for flourishing partnerships between Kazakhstan and UAE companies, opening doors to exciting opportunities for both nations. The Trade and Economic Mission in Dubai is more than just a conference; it's a platform for Kazakhstan companies to embark on an international journey. With a focus on networking, knowledge exchange, and business matchmaking, it's poised to take Kazakhstan's export potential to new heights. As Parqour and other innovative companies visit Dubai for exhibitions, the future of trade and economic collaboration between Kazakhstan and the UAE looks brighter than ever. Contact QazTrade Amina Ismagulova +7 708 978 7776 pr@stankeviciusmgm.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183980 JK Tyre Motorsport has announced that it will launch Indias first-ever drifting competition. The JK Tyre Drift Challenge will be held on October 16, 2023, and will be held at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. Drifting involves drivers sliding the cars and using oversteer to go sideways through a corner. The drift challenge involves skill, precision, and car control over sheer speed. The JK Tyre Drift Challenge will feature a grid of 25 rear-wheel drive cars driven by some of the most skilled drivers from across the country. The event will see the drivers compete on specially designed track layouts. The drivers will be judged by an international three-member panel of drifting experts comprising Alistair Woodham from India who was an ex-member of the Drift Commission of FIA, Cristiani Nanami Lazaro from Brazil and Tanakorn Lertyaovarit from Thailand. The judging criteria will centre on four main aspects - line, angle, style and speed. Sanjay Sharma, Head-Motorsport, JK Tyre, said, The introduction of the JK Tyre Drift Challenge marks a significant moment in Indian motorsport history. Drifting has been happening in India in silos; however, with this competition with the help of FMSCI, we will formalize norms of drifting in India and try to match it on par with global standards soon. We have always been forerunners in the Indian motorsports arena, and with this competition, we continue to pursue our aim to develop the motorsport scene here with the introduction of diverse disciplines. This challenge will not only provide a platform for the countrys talented drivers to shine but also delight motorsport enthusiasts who are hungry for a new thrill." Trending Cars Find more Cars Skoda Slavia 10.69 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Tata Nexon 8.10 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Mahindra Thar 10.54 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Hyundai Exter 6 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Tata Punch 5.49 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Maruti Suzuki Swift 5.99 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers The drift challengers will be scored based on the ideal line through a corner and drivers that stick as precisely to it are scored higher. Drivers also get scored at the angle at which a driver drifts the car. A more acute angle is scored higher as the driver needs to carry more speed through. Meanwhile, a shallow angle will earn a lower score. In addition to the Drift Challenge, JK Tyre will also host the JK Tyre Formula Imperial and Indian Karting Race. Organised by the Imperial Society of Innovation Engineers (ISIEINDIA), over 2,000 students from across the country are expected to take part, demonstrating their innovation in the areas of vehicle aerodynamics, battery and powertrain design, brakes, and suspension technologies. They will be put to the test over various rounds between October 12 and 16, culminating in a 12-lap endurance finale at the BIC which will decide the winners. First Published Date: Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2023) - Blacksteel Energy Inc. ("Blacksteel" or the "Corporation") is providing this bi-weekly update on the status of the management cease trade order granted September 1, 2023 (the "MCTO") by its principal regulator, the Alberta Securities Commission, under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"), following the Corporation's announcement on August 25, 2023 (the "Default Announcement") that it was unable to file its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related certificates for the year ended April 30, 2023 (the "Documents") on or before August 29, 2023, as required under applicable securities laws. In addition, the Corporation was unable to file its interim first quarter financial statements, management discussion and analysis and related certificates for the period ended July 31, 2023 (the "Q1 Statements") on or before September 29, 2023, as required under applicable securities laws. The Corporation now expects to file the Documents and its Q1 Statements on or about November 3, 2023. There are no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement. In addition: (i) the Corporation is satisfying and confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203 and issue bi-weekly default status reports for so long as the delay in filing the Documents is continuing, each of which will be issued in the form of a press release; (ii) the Corporation does not have any information at this time regarding any anticipated specified default subsequent to the default in filing the Documents; (iii) the Corporation is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (iv) there is no material information concerning the affairs of the Corporation that has not been generally disclosed. Blacksteel Energy Inc. Blacksteel is a junior oil and gas company involved in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas resources. Duncan Nightingale President and CEO (587) 433-4159 duncan@blacksteelenergy.ca Jeff Callaway EVP and CFO (403) 540-2408 jeff@blacksteelenergy.ca www.blacksteelenergy.ca Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement: This document contains forward-looking statements regarding the business and operations of Blacksteel. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. In particular, statements as to the Corporation's anticipated transactions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon various assumptions. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding: the completion of the Corporation's audited financial statements and associated management discussion and analysis for the year ended April 30, 2023 and the date for filing of the Documents. The Corporation's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward- looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the plans, intentions or expectations anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefit the Corporation will derive there from. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with oil and gas exploration; risks related to the listing and maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drilling results; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration and development results will not be consistent with the Corporation's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Corporation's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Corporation's disclosure record. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Corporation or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States of America. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183982 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2023) - Akwaaba Mining Ltd. (TSXV: AML) ("Akwaaba" or the "Company") announces the consolidation of its common shares on the basis of 1 post-consolidation shares for every 20 pre-consolidation shares issued and outstanding as of the close of business on October 12, 2023. The shares are expected to begin trading on a consolidated basis on the TSX Venture Exchange on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The share consolidation was approved by the Company's shareholders at the annual and special meeting held on March 31, 2023. The Company's shareholders will receive 1 post-consolidation common share for every 20 pre-consolidation shares held by them. No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the consolidation. Fractional interests will be rounded to the nearest whole number of shares without any consideration payable therefor. The consolidation affects all the Company's common shares outstanding on October 12, 2023. As a result, the number of issued and outstanding shares will be reduced to 10,259,374 from 205,187,470, subject to treatment of fractional shares. Each shareholder's percentage ownership in the Company and proportional voting power will remain unchanged, except for minor adjustments resulting from the treatment of fractional shares. The new CUSIP number for the post-consolidation shares is 01021L205 and the new ISIN number is CA01021L2057. The Company's common shares will continue to trade under the symbol "AML" and the Company's name will not change. Shareholders who hold their shares in brokerage accounts or in "street name" are not required to take any action to effect an exchange of their shares. Registered shareholders will receive a letter of transmittal from Computershare Investor Services Inc., the Company's transfer agent. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions on how registered shareholders can exchange their share certificates representing pre-consolidation shares for new certificates representing post-consolidation shares. Until surrendered, each share certificate representing pre-consolidation shares will represent the number of whole post-consolidation shares to which the holder is entitled as a result of the consolidation. The consolidation will not have any effect on the number of issued and outstanding common share purchase warrants of the Company. However, as a result of the consolidation, the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of each warrant will be reduced and the exercise price increased, the whole in accordance with the terms of the instruments governing the warrants. Management believes that the share consolidation is necessary to provide the Company with a share structure that will better attract capital financing and that will provide for future growth opportunities. The share consolidation is subject to final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. On behalf of the Board of Akwaaba Mining Ltd.: "Iyad Jarbou" Chief Financial Officer Tel: 604.362.7685 Email: iyad@akwaaba-mining.com FORWARD-LOOKING AND OTHER CAUTIONARY INFORMATION Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This release may contain statements that are forward looking statements and are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this release. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183905 Twelve International Human Rights and Religious Freedom Organizations Have Signed a Statement Published in Bitter Winter Warning Japanese Political Leaders That They are Acting More Like a Totalitarian Regime Than a Democracy Washington, DC, Oct. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Center for Studies on New Religions' Bitter Winter Publishes Statement by Religious Freedom and Human Rights Organizations On Japanese Government's Undemocratic Request to Dissolve a Minority Religion TORINO, Italy (October 14, 2023)-Twelve international human rights and religious freedom organizations have signed a statement published in Bitter Winter warning Japanese political leaders that they are acting more like a totalitarian regime than a democracy with their recent request to liquidate a minority religion that has existed in Japan for 60 years. On October 13, the Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, asked a Tokyo court to proceed with the dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, also known as the Unification Church. Since 2022, the religious organization has cooperated with a government investigation while protesting falsehoods and half-truths in the media. But the Japanese government did not heed these good-faith challenges. Instead, Mr. Kishida unilaterally changed the rules about dissolution, broadening it from relying solely on criminal charges to include civil torts, and then allowed government officials to bring in long-resolved civil cases from before 2009 to make its case. The dissolution, which goes through a court process, would strip the Family Federation of its religious corporation tax-exempt status, force it to liquidate its assets, and paint its leaders and members as "antisocial" (outcast) people. "It seems that the dissolution of the Family Federation, a measure reminiscent of practices current in China and Russia rather in democratic countries, is out of proportion with the charges raised against it and not consistent with the Federation's law-abiding behavior," said the statement, published in Bitter Winter, a magazine of the Center for Studies on New Religions. "This is not the Japan we have learned to respect and love," said the statement signed by CESNUR Co-Founder Dr. Massimo Introvigne; Marco Respinti, Director-in-charge, Bitter Winter; Thierry Valle, President, Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberte de Conscience; Rev. Eric Roux, Chairman, European Inter-Religious Forum for Religious Freedom; Francesco Curto, Co-Founder, Fedinsieme [Faiths Together]; Alessandro Amicarelli, President, European Federation for Freedom of Belief; Dr. Aaron Rhodes, President, Forum for Religious Freedom Europe; Willy Fautre, Director and Co-Founder, Human Rights Without Frontiers; Rosita Soryte, President, International Observatory for the Religious Liberty of Refugees; Raffaella Di Marzio, Managing Director, Center for Studies on Freedom of Religion, Belief, and Conscience; Hans Noot, Director, Gerard Noodt Foundation for Freedom of Religion or Belief; and Camelia Marin, Deputy Director, Soteria International. For more information, please contact: info@bitterwinter.org Link to Bitter Winter article: https://bitterwinter.org/the-request-for-dissolution-of-the-unification-church-in-japan-a-tragic-violation-of-freedom-of-religion-or-belief/ Alpaca, a San Mateo, CA-based provider of a brokerage platform for stock and crypto trading, received an investment of $15M from SBI Group. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its expansion of businesses and extend its reach to enterprise financial institutions for the clearing and execution of US securities in Asia. Led by CEO Yoshi Yokokawa, Alpaca is a developer-first API brokerage platform that supports businesses globally, which offers stock and crypto trading, real-time market data, and end-to-end brokerage infrastructure through modern APIs. Its platform supports businesses in close to 30 different countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India. Alpaca has raised over $120m in funding and is backed by top investors in the industry globally, including Portage Ventures, Spark Capital, Tribe Capital, Social Leverage, Horizons Ventures, Unbound, SBI Group, Eldridge, Positive Sum, Elefund, and Y Combinator. FinSMEs 14/10/2023 The reality is this: retirement plans offer a dual advantage for small business owners. Not only do they assist in saving for the future, but they also provide significant tax benefits. So, if youre searching for ways to maximize your savings with small business tax deductions and ensure your security, keep reading as we explore the realm of retirement plans designed specifically for small business owners. The Dual Advantage of Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners One of the benefits of utilizing retirement plans is their potential to save on taxes. Contributions made towards retirement plans are generally tax-deductible, meaning they lower income and thereby decrease your tax liability. This can prove advantageous for business owners who often face higher tax rates. By maximizing contributions to retirement accounts, you reduce your tax burden and build up a nest egg for your future needs. In addition to tax advantages, retirement plans also offer term financial security to small business owners. By contributing to these accounts over time, you create a savings cushion that will support you during your golden years. It is crucial to begin planning for retirement at an early stage, as the power of compounding interest can substantially increase your investments over time. Investing money in retirement accounts has the potential to generate returns compared to savings accounts or other investment choices. Moreover, offering retirement plans can bring advantages for businesses beyond just the owners financial well-being. Implementing plans can retain skilled employees who value long-term financial security and stability. A robust retirement plan demonstrates your concern for your employees future and fosters a sense of belonging within the company culture. This can increase employee loyalty, productivity, and overall organizational satisfaction. Popular Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners If you are a business owner looking to establish a retirement plan, there are popular options. Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs offer benefits that make them an appealing choice for a retirement plan. One significant advantage is their flexibility when it comes to contributions. As a business owner, you can contribute up to 25% of each employees compensation, with a maximum contribution limit of $58,000, for 2021. This means that if you have staff members, you can save for your retirement and also assist your employees in saving for theirs. Besides the contribution limits, another benefit of SEP IRAs is their simplicity and easy management. Unlike retirement plans that may require paperwork and extensive record keeping, SEP IRAs have minimal administrative requirements. There is no need for filings or ongoing reporting obligations. Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs The Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs offers an accessible way for employees to save for their future. It provides a retirement option thats user-friendly and easy to understand. With Simple IRA benefits like tax advantages and employer matching contributions, its no surprise why many small business owners opt for this plan to meet their employees retirement needs. One of the advantages of IRAs is the contribution limits. Additionally, employers can choose to match employee contributions up to 3% of their compensation or make an elective contribution of 2% for all eligible employees regardless of whether they contribute themselves. Employees and employers must meet the criteria to be eligible for a Simple IRA. Employees need to have received a minimum of $5,000 in compensation during any two years. Must expect to receive at least $5,000 in the current year. Small businesses with more than 100 employees who earned a minimum of $5,000 in compensation during the calendar year are also qualified to establish a Simple IRA plan. Solo 401(k) Plans With a Solo 401(k) plan, you can take charge of your future. This retirement plan is specifically designed for self-employed individuals or small business owners without employees. It allows them to save money for retirement compared to plans. One notable advantage of the Solo 401(k) plan is its range of investment options. You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and alternative investments like cryptocurrencies. This flexibility enables you to diversify your portfolio and potentially enhance your returns over time. Qualifying for a Solo 401(k) plan is relatively straightforward you need to be self-employed or own a business without any full-time employees than yourself or your spouse. Lastly, if you have money in another retirement account, like an IRA or an employers 401(k), you can transfer those funds into your Solo 401(k). This will help consolidate your retirement savings into one account, making it easier to manage and potentially providing tax benefits. Defined Benefit Plans With a defined benefit plan, also referred to as a pension plan, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your retirement income is guaranteed. Unlike retirement plans that rely on contributions and investment returns, defined benefit plans use actuarial assumptions to calculate pension benefits based on factors such as salary history and years of service. One of the advantages of defined benefit plans is their ability to provide a source of retirement income. As an employer, it is your responsibility to fund the plan and ensure there are assets to meet future pension obligations. By contributing to the plan, you can build up a pool of funds to pay out retirement benefits when your employees reach their specified retirement age. Key Considerations When Establishing a Retirement Plan When creating a retirement plan, there are factors to consider to minimize your business tax liabilities effectively. The initial step in this process involves understanding the limits on contributions. There are types of retirement plans, each with limitations on annual contributions from you and your employees. Maximizing these contributions can reduce your income and save more money for retirement. Another critical factor to consider is the tax benefits of a retirement plan. Specific plans like 401(k)s or SEP IRAs usually offer tax contributions. Any money you contribute will lower your annual income, resulting in tax savings. Moreover, the earnings within the plan grow without being taxed until they are withdrawn during retirement. Employee eligibility is also a consideration when establishing a retirement plan. Depending on your chosen plan, there may be requirements regarding which employees can participate. Providing a retirement plan to all employees helps attract and retain top talent and offers additional tax advantages for your business. Lastly, evaluating investment options is crucial when selecting a retirement plan. Different plans provide choices such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or target date funds. Assessing these options based on risk tolerance, diversification goals, and long-term growth potential is essential. In conclusion Using retirement plans can be a tactic for business owners who want to minimize their tax obligations. By leveraging the advantages of these plans, you not only build savings for your future but also decrease your current taxable income. Two eminent city historians, Swapna Liddle and Rana Safvi, combed through DAGs archival collection of photographs, books and documents relating to the citys history over the past two centuries to curate DAGs first exhibition drawn from its archives focusing on the three Durbars of 1877, 1903, and 1911. With an abundance of material relating to the three Coronation Durbars that the British held in the city in the late colonial era, along with related material that shows how the pageantry and imagery of the Durbar drew on the citys rich cultural and architectural heritage, DAG is proud to present Delhi Durbar: Empire, Display and the Possession of Historyan exhibition that traces the trajectory of Delhi within the British imperial imagination, from the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857 to the proclamation of New Delhi in 1911. While the historians in the past have analysed the ideology of the Delhi durbars, never-before has such a collection of the material culture of these events been brought together for display, even though, the British Delhi Durbars have been the subject of much recent scholarly study and re-evaluation. Heavily drawing the visual imagery of the durbars on the heritage of the city: on Mughal courtly ceremonies of the pastas the very name durbar indicatesas well as the stately architecture of the Mughal and sultanate periods, the objects in this exhibition bring them materially present, through works by some of the leading artists and photographers of the period. Delhi had also, of course, been the scene of some of the bloodiest conflict during the Uprising of 1857, and the first of the durbars was held in Delhi just twenty years later, partly as a gesture of reconciliation and healing. Beginning with a darshan of the great monuments of the city, as seen in paintings, photographs and postcards of the time, the exhibition then moves to images of Delhi in 1857, before proceeding to the three imperial durbars in turn. Ashish Anand, CEO and MD, DAG, says, History, in India, has been shaped by collective memory, but in recent times the rich repository of archives and their material culture have become useful tools for the dissemination of differing views and perspectives of the past. Revisiting history through material culture adds a fresh layer of understanding of what has passed before. I am excited that our first exhibition from the DAG Archives sheds new light on our colonial historythe three Delhi Durbars of the Raj and how they borrowed from and contributed to a vivid visual culture that ranges from imperial razzmatazz to the common mans view of the scenes around him. This museum-quality exhibition opens new frontiers in our exploration of the nations history and points to the critical directions that DAG has begun to explore as part of its commitment to an exhibitions calendar that is not limited by commercial constraints. Rana Safvi comments, The three Delhi Darbars held immense significance in Indian history as they played a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of British rule in India. These magnificent gatherings were characterized by their grandeur, with attendance of Indian royalty and foreign dignitaries. They served as an exhibition of British authority and opulence, which while stamping their authority also drew upon Mughal symbols and customs, underscoring their influence. This exhibition, drawing upon the archives of DAG, guides visitors through the rich history of not just these three Durbars, but also of India as a British colony. Adds Swapna Liddle, The story of the Coronation Durbars is very largely about the central importance of Delhi in the history of Indian empires, an importance that the British had to engage with, and finally acknowledge by shifting the capital of their Indian empire from Calcutta to Delhi. Alongside numerous photographs of Delhi and the three durbars, the exhibitions includes many other objects relating to them, from medals, souvenirs, postcards, official durbar directories, admittance tickets and books. For instance, H. C. Fanshawes Delhi Past and Presentone of the most popular guides to Delhi till date; G. F. Atkinsons The Campaign in India, a volume of lithographs, tinted with watercolour on paper recounting the revolt of 1857; medals such as the Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) made of enamel, gilt and silk; The History of the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi, 1877 by James Talboys Wheeler which is considered the official history of the event; Durbar, 1903a printed book with 100 coloured illustrations by artist Mortimer Menpes with the text written by his daughter, Dorothy; Collectible figures from the Durbar of 1903 by William Britain, among an embroidered khwanposh (tray cover) and handcrafted durbar chairs and maps outlining the plan of the new capital. Accompanied by an eponymous publication edited by historians and curators Swapna Liddle and Rana Safvi, Delhi Durbar: Empire, Display and the Possession of History opens on 23 September 2023 for six weeks and will remain on display until 6 November 2023. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Pallavi Mohans latest collection titled My Journey.Just the Beginning at Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI revealed the creative ethos of her brand Not So Serious in a stylish format. Pallavis 15-year journey in the fashion world has always been grounded by her love for nature and valuable knowledge of textiles. The legacy of her textures has been taken forward in her showcase collection. Her journey as a textile designer using laser cut techniques, 3D flowers and playing with layers and sheers, since her university days has become the core of her brands DNA. Opening the ultra-glam Not so Serious show was lovely Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021, who looked stunning in a royal purple, sleek, sequinned gown, edged with feathers and a feathered wrap for added drama. Pallavis visual romance with flowers and nature has always been translated into 3D embellishments and surface ornamentation along with ingenious crafting of laser cut flowers. Her new collection was a grand album of Pallavis traditional techniques that brought the 3D floral hand appliques to striking life in gorgeous pastels and multi coloured tones. There was a melange of hues like aqua, earthy moss green, pretty vanilla peach, soft blush, sage green, striking navy blue and mustard that moved gracefully into neutrals like grey, metallic ecru and shades of denim blue. Clever layers of the laser cut textures were eminent on the billowing sheer and mesh fabrics. Luminous fabrics played a tantalising game with sheer and peek-a-boo textures. It was the beauty of sheer organza, French tule, the very exotic high sheen velvet, silk satin and twill along with tones of denim and fake leather, which created a visual impact on the runway. The line of great formal wear offered amazing mix and match possibilities with unique directions. Detailing for Pallavi was all about dreaming up visuals like mints and hints of Anthracite, while hues of lilac and deep burgundy, as well as an array of salmon moved gently into shades of black. Designer Pallavi Mohan shared, My journey as a designer had its beginnings with FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India) and today, with the combined support of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, it has become a powerful platform that has brought me recognition and personal growth. Reflecting on my journey, it has been incredibly rewarding. Over the years, Ive continuously strived to grow Not So Serious as a brand, and I am grateful for the support of those who believed in us, especially in the early days. I began my career in 2009, not entirely sure of what I was doing, but with the support of mentors like Mr Sunil Sethi and the fashion community, I gained confidence. Today, as I celebrate 15 years of Not So Serious, I am proud to be a part of the Lakme and FDCI family. Together, they have made our journey stronger and more promising. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of platforms like Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI on the Indian fashion industry. Closing the Not So Serious show was the very gorgeous TV personality, Safa Siddiqui who looked amazing in a white gown splashed with silver sequins and a grand, feathered, floor-kissing robe. Pallavi Mohans My Journey.Just the Beginning for her Not So Serious label ensured that the creative, individuality of the stylish fashionistas was brought to the forefront in her designs. 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 Revenue Service officer Sameer Wankhede has been hogging headlines yet again. The former NCB Zonal Director, who arrested Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan, has now allegedly received a death threat. PTI reported quoting an official who informed that the death threat came from a religious fanatic in Bangladesh. Sameer Wankhede receives death threats According to the official, Wankhede received the death threat over phone earlier this week. The IRS officer is presently posted in Chennai. Following the threat call, Sameer Wankhede dropped an email to Mumbai police commissioner as well as the Goregaon police station informing them about the matter. Soon, a case was lodged at Goregaon police station, under the limits of which his permanent residence falls. The official further added that an investigation is underway. Sameer Wankhedes history Sameer Wankhede made news when he was heading the Narcotics Control Bureaus Mumbai zone two years back. Around that time, the ex-NCB Zonal Director handled some high-profile incidents including the alleged drug seizure case involving Aryan Khan. Wankhede landed into trouble after CBI registered a case against him and four others over bribery charges. The complaint was lodged against him for allegedly demanding Rs 25 crore bribe from superstar Shah Rukh Khan. He reportedly asked for the sum to help the actors son in the 2021 alleged drug seizure case. Wankhede faced many charges during his tenure with NCB. He was then transferred and an internal inquiry was ordered against him over a few of his controversial cases. Aryan Khan and the alleged drug case On the other hand, Aryan Khan was given a clean chit along with five others among the 14 accused in the alleged drug case. The NCBs move came in favour of the star kid due to lack of sufficient evidence. Aryan Khan was arrested on 3 October, 2021 and was released on bail by the Bombay High Court at the end of the month. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid are the newest rumoured couple in Hollywood. The alleged lovebirds have been clicked together by the paparazzi on two separate occasions in the recent past. As the Hangover actor and the supermodel continue to make headlines due to their dating speculations, an insider source claimed that Gigi Hadid is exactly Bradley Coopers type. If the source in the DailyMail.com is to be believed, Bradley Cooper is reportedly thrilled about getting to know Gigi Hadid. Bradley Cooper excited about getting to know Gigi Hadid Going by the reports, the Silver Linings Playbook actor has not felt this excited about a woman in a very long time. The sources further added that the couple is taking things slow at the moment, however, Bradley Cooper is very much into Gigi Hadid. A source revealed, Bradley is eager to date again and be in a relationship. He loves all that comes with it and Gigi is beautiful and she gets it, she is really cool and knows her way around relationships like this with famous men, so they are both having fun. Gigi Hadid and Bradley Coopers romance is still really new but theres a growing belief that it could turn into something serious. Irina Shayk Introduced Bradley Cooper to Gigi Hadid According to the sources, Bradley Cooper was introduced to Gigi Hadid by the formers ex-partner Irina Shayk and also through some of their mutual friends from the industry. They also have hung out together in the past, but as just friends. Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid got in touch recently and bonded over their daughters. Finally, The Mule actor asked the model out. For the unaware, Gigi Hadid has a 3-year-old daughter Khai with her ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik, whereas Irina Shayk and Cooper share the custody of their six-year-old daughter Lea de Seine. How does Zayn Malik feel about Gigi Hadid dating Bradley Cooper? The news portal further reported that Zayn Malik is not too excited about his former girlfriends rumoured relationship with Bradley Cooper. Not that it is Bradley, just because it is anyone in the first place. He still has a connection with Gigi Hadid, the source was quoted as saying. Union minister Anurag Thakur on Friday announced that renowned Hollywood star Michael Douglas will be honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. Thakur shared the news in a post on microblogging site X, saying that the actor will also attend the 54th edition of the festival along with wife Catherine Zeta Jones and son Dylan. The film gala will be held from November 20 to 28. Im delighted to announce that Michael Douglas, the distinguished Hollywood Actor and Producer, will be honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award at the 54th International Film Festival Goa, Thakur wrote. Im delighted to announce that Michael Douglas, the distinguished Hollywood Actor and Producer, will be honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award at the 54th International Film Festival Goa. His deep love for our country, , is well known, Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 13, 2023 His deep love for our country is well known, and we look forward to welcome him, Catherine Zeta Jones and their son, to the most prominent Film Festival in South Asia to showcase our rich cinematic culture and unique traditions at #IFFI54!! A heartfelt welcome to Bharat and @IFFIGoa, he added. In his career of over five decades, Douglas, 79, has starred in several critically-acclaimed and blockbuster movies such as Wall Street, Fatal Attraction, The War of the Roses, Basic Instinct, Falling Down, The American President, Traffic and Behind the Candelabra. Douglas, son of Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas, had won an Oscar for his 1975 production One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and then bagged the best actor trophy for Wall Street. According to a press release, Douglas and Zeta Jones will also be participating in a special In Conversation session hosted by the National Award-winning film producer, Shailendra Singh. The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in the IFFI in 1999, is presented to individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly enriched and elevated the world of cinema. Past recipients include Bernardo Bertolucci, Carlos Saura, Martin Scorsese, Dilip Kumar, Krzysztof Zanussi and Wong Kar-wai. In May this year, the Hollywood veteran had visited the India Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival where he was felicitated and invited to the IFFI. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. LONDONDominic Ford, the founder of the JustForFans platform, has won his libel lawsuit against adult performer Mickey Taylor, who had accused him of raping male models in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) in June 2020. The High Court in London found that Taylors claim met the legal standard of libel because he made it seem as if Ford was therefore a serial rapist, according to a Daily Mail report. Taylors X posts were the result of a disagreement both had on an unrelated matter, the report said. Ford at the time called the claims incredibly serious false allegations and an act of revenge. As a result of the ruling Taylor was ordered to compensate Ford more than 100,000 in damages and fees, per The Mail. In a statement posted to X on October 13, Ford said the judge awarded him almost 310,000 and also made reference to performer Tannor Reeds public allegation of assault against him. During the trial, both Tannor and Mickey gave evidence, Ford said in the statement. The judge, after [a] thorough examination, found their testimonies to be untrue. He firmly stated he didn't find Mickeys allegations against me credible. The claims about any wrongdoing on my part were not only unfounded but deliberately misleading. The damage to my company and to my reputation has been done. But now Im glad for everyone to see that none of the claims were ever true. Performer Justin Stone also accused Ford of sexual assault in June 2020 on Twitter, but he walked back the claim in 2021, the Str8UpGayPorn blog reported. Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam have worked together in many memorable films and given a string of melodies that will forever be etched in peoples minds. Some of their collaborations include Border, Soldier, Refugee, LOC Kargil, Fiza, Aaghaaz, Ajnabee, Ab Ke Baras, Main Hoon Na, Waqt- The Race Against Time, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon, No Entry, Chor Machaye Shor, Jaan-E-Mann, and many more. They even judged Indian Idol together. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nigam revealed how Malik used to bully him when he was new. He said, First I used to get scared of him. When I was new in the industry, he used to bully me, in the sense that he was older than me, and had a lot of experience. I met him when I was 14 years old, at a competition which I won. That time he had said, Get him to me when he grows up. He added, When I came to Mumbai, my father and I went to see him. He was very intimidating at that time. But slowly, I understood how to deal with him. Jitna daboge, utna dabaenge (The more you will go in a corner, the more you will be cornered). I even learnt a lot from him, he is my guruji, When Sonu Nigam collaborated with Subhash Ghai for 36 Farmhouse About the collaboration, Sonu said, Subhash ji is like family to me. I always feel the warmth and love of a father from him when he is around me. He has been a part of my life since Pardes and I can feel that hes internally proud of me and the fact that he has played a very important role in shaping up my initial musical life. About lending his voice to the song for 36 Farmhouse, he said, I can never say no for anything to Subhash ji. This time around, he composed the song too, bedsides writing it. Since I treat him like my own, I did recommend him Meghdeep Bose as the music producer to further beautify his song and he listened to me because he trusts me. It goes without saying that Subhash ji has always had a knack for music. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Climate change may soon make the worlds most popular alcoholic beverage, beer, much more bitter. Beer, the worlds third most popular beverage after tea and water, is composed of four primary ingredients: water, yeast, barley malt, and hops. Climate change has long been a threat to grain production, but a recent study finds that it is already affecting the production of hops. According to a study published Tuesday in Nature Communications, climate change threatens the cultivation in Europe of aromatic hops which gives beer its bitterness. European varieties of hops are prized and used by brewers around the world, but rising temperatures and less rain are reducing yields and the concentration of the compounds that provide beer its refreshing tartness. Alpha acids from hops are decreasing The researchers observed this trend by analysing data from five sites in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovakia, which along with Poland are the primary hops growers in Europe, study co-author Miroslav Trnka said. They wanted to find out how the ongoing climate crisis affects hops production. The researchers examined the production of hops flowers between 1970 and 2020. They also looked at another important factor: the amount of lupulin found in hops blossoms. This resin contains alpha acids, which give bitterness and determine hop quality. The numbers for each harvest were then cross-referenced with other meteorological characteristics, such as temperature, rainfall, and hours of sunlight during important periods of fruit bearing and harvesting. The results show that the yields fell between 9.5 and 19.4 per cent at four sites and were stable at a fifth when data from 1995-2018 was compared with 1971-1994. Meanwhile, the concentration of the bitter compounds, alpha acids, decreased. Extrapolating from the data, the researchers predicted a drop in yield of between four and 18 per cent, compared with 1989-2019 while the concentration of alpha acids could drop between 20 and 31 per cent as temperatures rise and rainfall is impacted. With droughts expected to increase in central and southern Europe it will be necessary to expand the area of aroma hops by 20 per cent compared to the current production area to compensate for a future decline in potency and yields, said the study. Serious consequences Martin Mozny of the Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the studys lead author, says this acceleration has serious consequences. As temperatures increased, the onset of the phenological phases occurred earlier. The problem lies in the shift of the generative phase of hops to a period of longer days. All of this has a negative effect on the alpha quantity and aroma content, he said, as reported by EL PAIS. The plant requires a lot of light during the weeks when hops grow to their typical six-metre height. When the plant stops growing and is ready to bear fruit, however, excessive heat might harm the blossoms. The advancement of hops phenology has had a significant influence; depending on the area, productivity has fallen by 0.13 to 0.27 tonnes per hectare. It called for urgent adaptation measures to stabilise international market chains such as moving crops to more suitable areas or irrigating. Hops farmers are trying to adapt, but Trnka said their options are limited as hops needs a specific combination of climate and soil and the introduction of genetically modified plants designed to better support warmer temperatures and drought is prohibited in Europe. Brewers can also try to modify their methods to adapt to the reduced bitterness in hops. Agricultural engineer Javier Fraile told EL PAIS that it is difficult to separate the impact of climate change from other causes. The issue is that the various types do not live forever. The ideal would be 15 years of production, he says. Hops plants can survive for roughly 20 years and produce differently in their early and late years. He believes that this may have an impact on the studys findings. With inputs from AFP Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to eradicate Hamas and said the countrys counteroffensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza is just the beginning. Tens of thousands of people are believed to have fled northern Gaza after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordered them to move south so they are not in the area where the troops are going to enhance our military operations. Israel, which has the most powerful army in West Asia, is expected to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. The IDF was caught off guard after Hamas carried out its surprise multi-front attack last Saturday (7 October). Israeli warplanes have been bombarding Gaza on a never-before-seen scale, killing at least 1,900 people, including 614 children and 370 women, in the narrow enclave. The IDF said its infantry forces and tanks entered the Gaza Strip yesterday in localised raids, which is being seen as a likely precursor to a full-scale invasion. Israel is also facing a very tense situation on the northern border where Hezbollah fighters sent drones and fired surface to air missiles towards Israeli aircraft, IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus told reporters today (14 October). The attempts were successfully intercepted by the military. On Hamas, the spokesperson reportedly said: Our aim is very clear. The end state of this war is that we will dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities, and fundamentally change the situation, so that Hamas never again has the ability to inflict any damage on Israeli civilians or soldiers. ALSO READ: What will happen if Israel invades Gaza? As the conflict rages in West Asia, lets explore through graphics how powerful Israels military is and what kind of firepower it boasts of. All creatives designed by News18 Israeli troops carried out localised raids in Gaza on Friday (13 October), further stoking speculations of an expected ground invasion. Around the Gaza Strip, Israeli reserve soldiers in formation are getting ready for the next stage of operations, Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said early today (14 October), as per Evening Standard. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also extended the deadline for 1.1 million civilians living in northern Gaza to leave and said they will have two safe routes between 10am and 4pm local time to move south, reported Sky News. The United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have denounced Israels mass evacuation order for the Palestinians, with the health agency terming it a human tragedy. Thousands of Gazans are reported to have already fled on foot, carts or vehicles after Israels warning. As the Israeli militarys ground invasion of Gaza seems imminent, lets look at why it conducted localised raids. Israel raids Gaza Israeli troops backed by tanks entered the Gaza Strip on Friday to find missing hostages and flush out Hamas terrorists, The Times of Israel reported citing the military. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said infantry forces carried out searches and thwarted anti-tank guided missile squads that intended to infiltrate into Israeli territory. The forces located findings that may help in the effort to locate the missing, he said. We will continue to make every effort to find every detail about the missing and hostages. According to the IDF, over 120 civilians, including non-Israelis, are being held captive in the narrow enclave by the Palestinian militant group. BBCs Middle East correspondent Tom Bateman told Radio 4s Today programme that this is the first time the IDF has shared an update about the activities of its troops, which as per him appears to confirm that they were sent into Gaza to try and destroy rocket-launching squads. A report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz claimed that IDF spokesman Hagari said the army was able to retrieve the bodies of several Israelis who have been missing since Hamas surprise attack on Saturday and notify their families. However, the IDF has dismissed the media reports that it recovered the bodies of hostages. This claim is not accurate. We possess no information regarding this matter, Spokesman Lt Col Richard Hecht was quoted as saying by BBC. The Israeli military said today that it eliminated Hamas commander Ali Qadi, who led the last Saturday (7 October) attack on the West Asian nation. It said he was killed in a drone strike under the intelligence guidance of the countrys Shin Bet security agency and Military Intelligence Directorate. ALSO READ: What will happen if Israel invades Gaza? Toll of the Israel-Hamas war At least 2,215 people have died and 8,714 others wounded so far in the nearly weeklong retaliatory airstrikes by Israel in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Hamas said in a statement that the killing of Palestinians in Israeli air raids is a heinous crime that will only increase our peoples adherence to their land, reported Al Jazeera. Calling it a massacre by Israeli forces, the militant group reportedly said, this war will not succeed in breaking the will of our people who stand united with their resistance, rejecting all forms of displacement from their land. According to Israel, over 1,300 people, including soldiers, were killed and 3,400 injured after Hamas last weeks surprise attack. Currently, 355 wounded people are in Israeli hospitals, out of which 95 are in serious condition, The Guardian reported citing Israeli public radio. Meanwhile, Gaza, a densely packed area with a population of 2.3 million, is running out of medical supplies and fuel to power hospitals. The blockaded enclaves only fuel plant shut down days back after Israels complete siege cut off water, fuel and food. The UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) said millions of people in Gaza are at risk as water runs out. It has become a matter of life and death. It is a must; fuel needs to be delivered now into Gaza to make water available for 2 million people, Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA commissioner-general said in a statement, as per Al Jazeera. Clean water is running out in Gaza, after its water plant and public water networks stopped working. People are now forced to use dirty water from wells, increasing risks of waterborne diseases, the statement said. The situation for Gazan civilians is dire and may turn into a humanitarian crisis. The recent raids and orders to evacuate are being seen as a precursor to Israels ground invasion of the enclave. The Israeli military has stationed troops, including some of its 300,000 reservists, and tanks near its border with Gaza. Experts fear the war between Israel and Hamas, which would bring more death and destruction, could have a spillover effect and result in a wider regional conflict. Only time will tell the real cost of the war in West Asia. With inputs from agencies Its been a long, deadly week. It was last Saturday (7 October) that militants of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, launched, perhaps, its most bloody and dangerous attack against Israel by air, land and sea, killing civilians women and children included and taking people hostage. Israel enraged with the attacks launched their counteroffensive in the Gaza Strip, and even announced a complete blockade of essential supplies of food, water and power to the region, with Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant declaring, Israel will wipe Hamas off the face of the Earth. The attacks and counterattacks have claimed a heavy toll though; nearly 3,500 people have died, while thousands of others have been wounded. The United Nations has also stated that the fighting in the Gaza Strip has led to the displacement of thousands of others. But as all this action unravels, Indians who were away from the fighting wore signs of worry on their face. Many were concerned about their loved ones being trapped amid the fighting in Israel, while others were more wary about how this war could affect Indias economy. Aside from the war, poll fever is catching on in India the election dates were announced for the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Manipur and campaigning has begun in earnest in these states. The other big news came from the Supreme Court of India, which was left divided over a case of abortion. As the Israel-Hamas war unravels and its effects start to have a domino effect, we take a deep dive and give you Indias perspective on the war and a lot more. We bring you the big developments of the week. 1) Israel and Hamas have been drawn into a bloody war with a disastrous death toll. Amid this precarious situation, India launched its Operation Ajay, the evacuation mission to rescue the 18,000-odd Indians that are stuck in Israel. At the heart of this mission is Indias envoy to Israel Sanjeev Kumar Singla, who is working hard night and day to ensure that no Indian national is harmed. 2) The Israel-Hamas war has also worried financial analysts and market watchers. Many are wondering whats at stake for the Indian economy? Our explainer (here) states that a long drawn-out war would be detrimental to Indias economy. One of the first and immediate impacts of this war would be the surge in oil prices, and that would hit India hard because it is the worlds third-largest importer of crude oil. 3) The war between Israel and Hamas isnt just an economic concern for India. As the war unravels, dividing the world into two camps pro-Israel and pro-Palestine India has been walking the balancing beam of diplomacy. This is because it has a traditional relationship with Palestine and a growing friendship with Israel. When the war first broke out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning the terrorist attacks. Many saw it as a pro-Israel move. Five days later, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, advocating the resumption of direct negotiations for a peaceful resolution between the two states. The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: Our policy in this regard has been long-standing and consistent. India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders, side by side at peace with Israel. We explore Indias historic ties with Palestine, its evolution of relations with Israel and how New Delhi maintains a balance between the two. 4) As the war intensifies, there has been a surge in antisemitic attacks across the world. In light of such a situation, India sounded an alert on Friday (13 October), urging more deployment of personnel around Jewish centres in an attempt to ensure the safety of Jews. But what is the strength of this community in India? When did they arrive on Indian shores and how safe have they been here? We explored these questions in our next explainer that you can read here. 5) Another issue that grabbed the headlines in India, away from the war, was the abortion case that divided the Supreme Court. While one bench of justices allowed for the termination of a 26-week foetus, another bench put the decision on hold. But what led to this change in decisions? Moreover, does this case have an impact on the pro-life vs pro-choice debate in the country? We explored this matter deeply and get you the answers here. 6) And while we talk about women and their rights, there was another news item pertaining to women that was significant this week. The Indian Navy, which has been inducting women into the forces, is also mulling a change in the name of ranks in an attempt to be more gender-inclusive. As per the proposal, ranks such as Master Chief Petty Officer Ist Class, Master Chief Petty Officer IInd Class, Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer, Leading Seaman, Seaman Ist Class and Seaman IInd Class would be redesignated. The change in ranks also comes at a time when the Armed Forces of India is shedding its colonial past. It will be interesting to see what the new ranks will be called and you can be guaranteed we would cover it. Until then, you can read about the change, here. If you like these stories and yearn for more, catch up on our explainers here. Australia has rejected a proposal to recognise its Aboriginal people in the constitution and form a body to advise Parliament on policies concerning their issues. Preliminary results from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) suggest that most of the countrys 17.6 million registered voters voted no, striking down the first effort at constitutional change in 24 years. The Opponents of the Voice to Parliament referendum believe it would have divided Australians along racial lines. However, its supporters argued the proposal to amend the 122-year-old constitution would have acknowledged the special place of Indigenous people in Australian history, while giving them a voice in government policies. The vote laid bare divisions even among the Indigenous leaders of Australia. Who are Australias Aboriginal people? The Aboriginal people of Australias mainland are culturally distinct from Torres Strait Islanders who come from an archipelago off the northeast coast. So Australias Indigenous population is known collectively as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They comprised 3.8 per cent of Australias population in 2021, a 23.2 per cent jump in five years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Indigenous people are Australias most disadvantaged ethnic group. Indigenous men have a life expectancy of 71 years and Indigenous women 75 years. Thats 8.6 years shorter than other Australian men and 7.8 years shorter than other Australian women. What is the Voice? It is the proposal to create an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice that would advise Parliament and the government on Indigenous matters. If the yes vote had won, the constitution would have been rewritten to say the Voice may make representations to Parliament and government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Parliament would have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Voice. Its not clear who would have been part of the Voice and how they would have get there. Proponents said the Voice would have included Indigenous Australians from all eight states and mainland territories, the Torres Strait Islands and remote and regional communities. Members would have been chosen by local Indigenous people and serve for a fixed period. Arguments for and against the Voice Proponents argued the Voice is needed because Indigenous Australians die years younger than other Australians, have a suicide rate twice that of the wider community, have worse rates of disease and infant mortality and fewer education opportunities. They said that is evidence Australias current approach isnt working and a Voice would lead to governments making better decisions. Opponents said the Voice would be the biggest change to Australian democracy in the countrys history and the biggest ever change to Australias constitution. They said it might worsen racial divisions. Proponents said there would be no Indigenous right of veto over government policy and lawmakers would be free to disregard the Voices representations. Critics argued the courts might interpret the Voices constitutional position in unpredictable ways, creating legal uncertainty. Opponents also warned that the Voice could be a first step toward Indigenous claims for repatriation and compensation. How did the idea emerge? The Voice was recommended in 2017 by a group of 250 Indigenous leaders who met at Uluru, a landmark sandstone rock in central Australia that is a sacred site to traditional owners. The then conservative government rejected the proposal, saying that a Voice would be seen as a third chamber of Parliament, an unwelcome addition to the House of Representatives and the Senate. When the center-left Labor Party won elections in May last year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his first speech to commit his government to creating the Voice. The Liberal Party and the Nationals party, which formed the previous conservative coalition government, both opposed the Voice. How is Australias constitution changed? The Voice is now the 37th referendum to fail. Only eight of the 45 changes proposed in referendums since the constitution took effect in 1901. A referendum to change the constitution requires what is known as a double majority the support of a majority of Australians nationwide plus a majority of voters in a majority of the six states. Five referendum questions have failed because while they were supported by most Australians, they fell short of gaining majorities in at least four of the six states. Voter turnout is high because voting is compulsory. When Australia last held a referendum in 1999, Indigenous recognition in the constitution was a key issue behind one of the questions. In that vote, Australians rejected adding a preamble to the constitution an introduction that carried only symbolic and no legal significance acknowledging that Indigenous Australians had inhabited the country since time immemorial and were honored for their ancient and continuing cultures. With inputs from Associated Press The second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Israel under Operation Ajay landed in New Delhi early on Saturday. The 235 Indian passengers, including two infants, were safely evacuated from the war-struck country on Friday. The Indian passengers were received by MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh at the New Delhi airport. India launched Operation Ajay on Thursday to facilitate the return of those who wish to return home following the brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, triggering fresh tension in the volatile region. The second flight took off from Israel at 11:02 pm local time. #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/avrMHAJrT4 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 13, 2023 Officials told PTI that the operation to bring back Indians safely will be continued tomorrow as well. A researcher at Bar-Ilan University, Safed has thanked the Indian government for Operation Ajay. I really want to thank the Government of India for evacuating us from the war situation in Israel Our government has evacuated us from such a situation under Operation Ajay, Suryakant Tiwari, PhD student at Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed told PTI. VIDEO | Visuals from inside the second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals before it took off from Tel Aviv earlier today. #OperationAjay pic.twitter.com/6evsrmv1Dp Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2023 On Friday, the first chartered flight carrying 212 Indians, including one infant, landed in New Delhi. The passengers were chosen on a first come first serve basis after a drive launched by the Indian embassy for all Indians to register at the missions database. The government is bearing the cost of their return. There are about 18,000 Indian nationals living and working in Israel including caregivers, students, several IT professionals, and diamond traders. With inputs from PTI In a historic move, Bharat has taken a giant stride aiming towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy future for the world with the establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance at the G20 Leaders Summit. This ambitious initiative aims to bring countries together to expand and create new markets for sustainable biofuels, fostering collaboration in biotechnology, innovation, and market development related to biofuels. The proposal for the Global Biofuel Alliance comes on the heels of the successful launch of the International Solar Alliance in 2015, demonstrating commitment of Bharat to leading the drive for renewable energy solutions. Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bharat, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, UAE and USA are initiating members of the alliance whereas Canada and Singapore are observer countries. As many as 19 countries and 12 international organisations have so far agreed to join the alliance, including both G20 members and non-member countries. As we stand at the cusp of this transformative initiative, it is essential to understand the significance of biofuels in the global energy matrix. Currently, the United States holds the rank of the world leader in ethanol production, boasting a substantial 55 per cent share, followed by Brazil at 27 per cent. In stark contrast, Bharat, despite being an agricultural powerhouse, contributes only 3 per cent to the global biofuel production. If we include Europe and Indonesia, these five nations collectively produce a staggering 80 per cent of the worlds biofuels. The primary goal of the Global Biofuel Alliance is to facilitate cooperation among member nations to expand sustainable biofuel production and consumption. This will involve the sharing of best practices, technical support, and capacity building to overcome the challenges faced by the biofuel industry, particularly in terms of feedstock availability. We have witnessed that the global economy is often facing disruptions in the energy supply chain. Energy prices and market volatility create uncertainties in global economies. At this juncture, the Global Biofuel Alliance paves the way for a just energy transition. It will accelerate the production of biofuel, boost cooperation for innovation, provide low-cost financing, facilitate access to emerging technologies, and develop a transparent and resilient global market for ethanol, biodiesel, and Biogas. It will create green jobs and livelihoods in developing countries in conjunction with the aim of achieving zero and low emission. One of the critical challenges in biofuel production is ensuring an adequate supply of feedstock. To address this challenge, Bharat must develop a long-term strategy that encourages crop diversification. Balancing the nations need for both energy and food security is paramount in this endeavor. The central government has taken several major steps to boost the biofuel sector, including the launch of the ethanol blending program in June 2021 and the revision of the National Biofuel Policy in June 2022. Achieving the 10 per cent ethanol blending target ahead of schedule in November 2022 saved a substantial Rs 46,000 crore. Moreover, reducing GST on ethanol blending from 18 percent to 5 percent has incentivized ethanol use across the country. The central government has already taken steps in this direction by allowing the use of maize, damaged food grains (DFG), in addition to sugar, for ethanol production. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar, have also implemented biofuel policies at the state level, further promoting the adoption of sustainable energy sources. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh have established rules and authorities related to biofuels. The countrys first ethanol plant has been started with public-private partnership in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh. The operation of the plant established by a private company has started in Chhindwara and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh government aims to produce 60 crore liters of ethanol by 2024. Gobar Dhan Yojana (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Wealth Scheme) launched by the Central Government is helpful in collecting the raw material. The efforts made by some state governments in this direction are yielding pleasant results. The first compressed biogas plant under construction in Kurukshetra, Haryana is expected to produce four lakh tonnes of biofuel per year. With this, the construction of a biogas plant will be completed in Karnal by next year. This plant will consume 40 thousand tonnes of straw every year. This will not only relieve the farmers from the problem of burning stubble, they will also earn income in return. Public sector oil companies have established bio-refineries in Panipat (Haryana), Bathinda (Punjab), Numaligarh (Assam), Bargarh (Odisha). Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) 2G (second generation) ethanol plant in Panipat processes 2.1 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of dry rice straw annually, converting it into 3 crore litres of ethanol. Most of this dry rice straw is burnt by farmers in Haryana and Punjab as they clear their fields for the next crop post-harvest. Central government cooperative Kribhcos upcoming 2.5 lakh litre bio-ethanol plant in Hazira, Gujarat, is a shining example of how biofuels can benefit farmers and the environment. This plant is set to produce 8.25 crore liters of biofuel, utilizing approximately 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of maize. By converting surplus or low-quality corn into ethanol, this initiative reduces food grain wastage and promotes sustainability. Additionally, the residue left after ethanol production can be used as cattle feed, leaving a minimal carbon footprint on the environment. Ethanol, bio-diesel, and compressed biogas (CBG) are the primary products of biofuels. Ethanol, a type of alcohol, is blended with petrol and diesel to improve their quality and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is derived from both food grains (first-generation ethanol) and non-food residues like agricultural and animal waste (second-generation ethanol). Research is even underway to produce third-generation ethanol from micro-bacteria and algae. Bio-diesel, another significant biofuel, is made from vegetable oils and fats through a process known as trans-esterification. Its environmental friendliness, owing to the absence of sulfur and aromatics, makes it a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel. The establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance will open doors to advanced technologies related to pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction, enabling member nations to harness the full potential of biofuels. In India, where 80 per cent of crude oil and 50 per cent of natural gas are imported to meet the nations energy needs, biofuels represent a significant renewable energy resource. With foreign exchange reserves of over Rs 9 lakh crore spent on crude oil imports, the strategic development of biofuels can play a pivotal role in reducing the countrys dependence on foreign oil. Compressed biogas (CBG), the main form of biofuel, is said to be a greener version of natural gas. Five thousand CBG plants are being established across the country. According to data released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, there will be an investment of about $ 20 billion in CBG plants by 2024 with a production target of 15 MMT. These also include CBG plants established by the public and private sector as well as cooperative institutions. Initially, these plants will produce 15 million tonnes of compressed biofuel (CBG). Biogas will be prepared for these plants with the help of waste generated from agriculture, forest, animal husbandry, sea and municipality. This will reduce our dependence on oil and conventional natural gas. Compressed biogas (CBG) holds a vital role in the biofuel landscape, often referred to as the green version of natural gas. India is embarking on the ambitious task of setting up 5,000 CBG plants across the nation, with an estimated investment of approximately $20 billion by 2024 and a production target of 15 million metric tons. These plants will be established through cooperative efforts involving the public and private sectors. One of the unique advantages of biofuels in India is the abundant availability of raw materials from farming and livestock. With over 53 crore livestock in the country, organic residues from these animals can be harnessed to produce biofuels, electricity, and organic manure. Utilising agricultural residue as a raw material for biofuels not only addresses environmental concerns but also reduces pollution-related diseases. To realise the full potential of biofuels in Bharats energy landscape, it is imperative to establish a sustainable supply system. This will incentivise the automobile industry to develop vehicles compatible with E-20, while also considering exemptions for existing vehicles. Crop diversification should remain at the heart of biofuel production planning, ensuring that production of crops like paddy and sugarcane does not exceed demand, especially given their water-intensive nature. As Bharat spearheads the establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance, it is not only promoting a sustainable energy future for itself but also leading the world towards a greener tomorrow. With a robust strategy and international cooperation, biofuels have the potential to play a pivotal role in reducing our carbon footprint and securing a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come. The author is a public policy expert. 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. The Centre has decided to install smart fencing along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur, which is expected to boost the existing monitoring mechanisms. The latest annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mentions that a stretch of 100 kilometres of the border will be equipped with a smart fence, which is in addition to the barbed-wire fence of 10 kilometres that is being constructed along the border town of Moreh in the state. The report claims that the barbed wire fence will be completed within this year. The decision by the home ministry comes in the wake of allegations by Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh that the unrest in the state was the outcome of a conspiracy by Kuki militants from Myanmar and Bangladesh in collaboration with rebel groups operating in the state. The government has also begun capturing biometric details of illegal immigrants in the state from Myanmar. India shares a 1643 km border with Myanmar, out of which Manipurs border is 398 km. A free movement regime (FMR) exists between the neighbours, which allows citizens from one country to travel up to 16 kilometres on the other side under certain conditions. Manipur suspended the FMR in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. But communities speaking the same languages and sharing the same customs reside on both sides of the border. Smart fences are considered as an option in zones that have geographical barriers. Almost the entire stretch of the India-Myanmar border from Anjaw in Arunachal Pradesh to Lawngtlai in Mizoram is hilly, making surveillance an arduous task for the government. Manipur will be the second state in the Northeast to be equipped with a smart fence after Assam, where a project aimed at curbing illegal border crossings and criminal activities along the Indo-Bangla border in Dhubri district was launched in 2019. The scheme covers 61 km of the border where the Brahmaputra river enters Bangladesh. Monitoring the border is a challenging task in Dhubri for the Border Security Force (BSF), given the presence of numerous sandbars and riverine islands. Can smart fence curb illegal immigration? Some officers of the BSF who have first-hand knowledge about smart fences are of the unequivocal view that such a mechanism must be supported by other measures if results are to be achieved. Smart fencing can serve the purpose of checking infiltration only up to about 50 per cent which was evidenced from our experience along Jammus border with Pakistan. The infiltrators were found to adopt tactics to overcome the barrier of smart fences. So additional measures are necessary along with smart fences, said P K Mishra, former additional director general of BSF. Another middle-ranking officer of BSF currently serving in the Northeast pointed out that illegal immigrants are never dependent upon a single route or zone. He said that they cross the border after receiving the green signal from their associates or relatives who had already settled in a secured location. The officer had interrogated some immigrants from Bangladesh who were apprehended in Tripura. The Centre has not specified the border zones in Manipur where the smart fence would be erected. The state has a total of five districts that share their border with Myanmar. An army officer who had served in the Assam Rifles about a decade ago is of the view that there are hotspots spanning the entire stretch of the border that witness the movement of contraband and militants of separatist outfits that have camps in the neighbouring country. Erect smart fence in Churachandpur Some functionaries engaged with civil society organisations in Imphal pointed out that the smart fence could yield better results if it is erected along the border in Churachandpur. Joychandra Konthoujam, president of United Committee Manipur, explained that Manipur would lose a large chunk of land if the fence were to be installed in the disputed zones in Tengnoupal. The border zones in Tengnoupal from Pillars 76 to 110111 are disputed. A huge area has been included in Myanmar, and the government has been apprised about the matter. So, this project cannot be supported in Tengnoupal till the dispute with Myanmar is resolved, said Konthoujan. Border disputes with Myanmar had led to protests by local groups in Manipur. In 2013, several civil society organisations in Manipur threatened to launch an agitation if the government went ahead with the fencing project. The episode came on the heels of an attempt made by Myanmar soldiers to set up a temporary camp inside Indian territory near the border town of Moreh. Again, in 2018, at a place called Kwatha north of Moreh, local residents alleged that Myanmar had made attempts to change the boundary. The objective of the smart fence could be to check not only illegal immigration but also cross-border criminal activities, especially drug trafficking from Myanmar. Tonzang in Myanmar, which is contiguous to Churanchandpur, was identified as a zone by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) where poppy cultivation is thriving. There are widespread allegations that some rebel groups from Manipur are involved in illicit drug cultivation at Tonzang and some border zones in Manipur. The writer is a senior journalist in Guwahati. 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. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was recently on her first state visit to India. She acknowledged herself as a product of Indian education, attributing it to her ITEC training at National Institute of Rural Development in Hyderabad. President Samia has been evenhanded in dealing with China, other partners, and India and in giving New Delhi adequate space in the economic and development partnership with Tanzania. Conferring her an honorary doctorate from JNU was gracious, recognising one of the few lady presidents in Africa. She is the key to the new strategic partnership enunciated with India. The visit came within a month of the conclusion of the G20 Summit, when India successfully integrated the African Union as a member of the G20. This was the first visit by an African leader since then and therefore had a resonance with how India views Africa and its priorities. Tanzania perhaps exemplifies how requests have been frequently met by India. Tanzania is one of Indias foremost economic and development partners in eastern Africa. It has received about $1.1 billion in lines of credit, and four of the six projects have already been completed, some before time. Indias assistance to Tanzania in water-related infrastructure has become an idiom for successful implementation of projects in Africa. Related to the lines of credit and their catalytic effect is the increase in trade and investment. Today, India has an investment of $3.7 billion there, and the trade has grown to $6.34 billion with Indian exports of $3.9 billion. Tanzanian exports have a huge market in India, just after China. A significant part of the trade is the exports of cashew and various kinds of dals, which are the beneficiaries of the duty-free tariff preference scheme that India opened to African Least Developed Countries in 2008. This has led to cross-investments and buyback arrangements. Tanzania has shown indications to invite more Indian businessmen and enhance trade, and this was evident in the interaction that President Samia had with Indian businessmen. There are two factors that support a greater emphasis on FDI and trade with Tanzania. First, the Africa Continental FTA provides avenues for better regional markets, which Indian investors prefer to expand beyond the limits of small national markets. Second, the East African Community, whose headquarters are in Arusha, Tanzania, is among the most successful regional communities in Africa. From the original three of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, it has now expanded to include South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and now the largest Central African country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Therefore, investing in Tanzania and utilising the internal facilities of the EAC provides Indian companies with avenues up to the Atlantic Ocean at the port of Matadi in the DRC. Somehow, India is not paying more attention to the EAC. Tanzania is an important defence partner. Their defence minister has visited India twice in the last two years. They have participated in Indian-led defence meetings, and two defence expos have been held in Tanzania by the active Indian Mission. They are keen on obtaining a line of credit to buy more Indian defence equipment. An Indian military training team is at their training college, originally established with Indian assistance. Tanzania is now not hesitant to have Indian ships visit it frequently. A hydrographic survey was held off the Tanzanian coast. In addition, the first ever trilateral exercise between India, Mozambique, and Tanzania was held in 2022. This is great progress. Tanzania is interested in cooperating with India in maritime matters, particularly the blue economy and maritime security. Unhesitatingly, the joint statement issued after the visit shows that Tanzania acknowledges Indias Indo-Pacific policy and sees itself as a direct part of it. This is progressive. Moreover, it acknowledges the outreach of SAGAR and sees benefit in it. This is welcome from an Indian Ocean country on the East African littoral. While India does not seek to establish bases in Tanzania, having it as a cooperative partner ensures that inimical forces will not gain ground over there. This can be buttressed by an export of Indian defence equipment, particularly coastal patrol boats and the like. Human resource development is at the core of the India-Tanzania partnership. A very large number of Tanzanian students study in India. Nearly 5000 Tanzanians have benefited from programmes in India, including the remarkable ITEC programme, the ICCR scholarships, the Raman fellowships, agriculture fellowships, and over 200 military training positions. India has increased the ITEC allocation for Tanzania, recognising that the utilisation is very good and fulfils mutual objectives. Significantly, these positions are now covering new areas like artificial intelligence, port management, and the like. Indian companies are showing more interest in Tanzanian ports, which were earlier considered a Chinese preserve. It is now up to them to grasp the opportunity, raise funding from multiple sources, and make an entry into Tanzania. From time to time, Indian educational institutions have attempted to set up campuses in Tanzania. The solar mamas training programme in Zanzibar is one such effort. However, the most significant effort is the first ever overseas IIT to be established by IIT Madras in Zanzibar. Significantly, this has only the Indian governments approval and no Indian investment. This is an important facet of Tanzania. Their governments, whether from Darussalam or Zanzibar, put together the funding to establish institutions with Indian assistance, which they believe are for their development. A Centre of Excellence in ICT at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology in 2011 and the ICT Centre at the Nelson Mandela African Institute for Science and Technology in 2016 run successfully. Tanzania is supportive of Indias international role. It has praised the leadership of the G20. It supports India for the next election to the non-permanent seat and has consistently supported Indian initiatives like ISA, the Bio Fuels Alliance, the Big Cats initiative, and the like. It is a country where there is an Indian diaspora that is successful, where Indian trade and investment can expand, with defence exports having a huge market, and where the Indian model of development is positively assessed. In view of this, the visit of Tanzanian President Samia has been well timed and well organised. The writer is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. 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. We talked about the players, we talked about the stakeholders, we talked about the politics. Now, lets talk about the benefits. We know it sounds like a paradox. This is, after all, a war so who can possibly benefit? The defence industry. Wars can lead to an increase in defence spending. The more prolonged and intense the conflict, the greater the demand. A government that is fighting a war will obviously spend more money. So, nations invest heavily in technology, in weaponry, and in infrastructure. Watch: This heightened demand helps defence companies across the globe, and that causes stocks to rally. Take U.S. defence stocks for example. They have added $23 billion in market value since the war began. On Monday, Northrop Grumman soared by 12%, General Dynamics jumped 9%, Lockheed Martin gained 8% and RTX rallied 4%, and this is only expected to grow in the days ahead. Take Lockheed Martin, for example. This company makes the F-35 fighter jets being used by the Israel military. They also make Black Hawk helicopters. Northrop Grumman makes combat vehicles. Israel uses all these weapons and will need more in the future. The U.S. will be sending more weapons to Israel in the coming days, so the stocks of these companies are expected to rally. And this wont be the first time this happens. Last year too, defence stocks got a huge boost when Russia invaded Ukraine. As of today, the US has spent over $40 billion in military aid to Ukraine, so the biggest beneficiary is the American defence sector and that is likely to be the case with this war too. This is one of the harshest realities of war. For some people, wars cost lives and for others, they drive value. For defence companies wars act as economic stimulus, they bolster sales, they fuel job creation and sometimes they also boost local economies. Now, of course, this does raise moral and ethical questions like: is this profiting from human suffering? More importantly: is this motivation to prolong a conflict? Plus, there is the investor dilemma: defence stocks are often called sin stocks, or warmonger investments. But the label here doesnt matter, these stocks surge massively during war and that makes them very attractive for investors. Currently, the world is dealing with two wars the Ukraine war, and now, the Israel-Hamas war. Defence spending was already on the rise this year. Europe has ramped up military sending, the highest since the cold war. Asian nations have also bumped spending. Defence budgets of Japan and South Korea grew by 7% in 2022, Indias defence budget was $81.4 billion in 2022, a rise of 6% from 2021. Currently, global military spending is at $2.24 trillion, which is 2.2% of the worlds GDP. Chances are it will only rise further in the coming days. 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. Its been seven days of the war and some graphs are constantly moving up like the death toll and the number of strikes. For perspective, here are two figures: in the last six days Israel has fired 6,000 munitions into Gaza, theyve dropped 4,000 tonnes of explosives. That alone should tell you the scale of the offensive. And the ground invasion hasnt even begun. What about attacks from the Hamas? They havent ended although their intensity has reduced. Border villages in Israel are still coming under attack, including the village of Sderot that we visited earlier this week. Rockets are being fired from the Gaza strip. On Thursday, four civilians were injured, two of them critically. But given Israels superior defences, the damage is less. Also, Hamas is said to be saving rockets, they plan to use the stockpile when Israel launches a bigger offensive. Overnight, the Israeli military has fired more than 750 missiles. The IDF says theyre firing every 30 seconds. What does this mean for Gaza? Sheer misery. Watch: Theres no escape Israel also issued a warning for the people of Gaza yesterday: leave in 24 hours, move to the south of Gaza. But its impossible because all of Gaza is small and cramped. The Gaza strip is 41 kilometres long and around 12 km wide at its widest point. It is surrounded by Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean. 2.3 million people live on this strip 1 million of them are children. The strip has seven border crossings of which six are controlled by Israel and one of them opens into Egypt. All of them are closed right now. So basically, ordinary Gazans have nowhere to go, and they are being hit by airstrikes every minute. I cant keep up with the numbers of those killed. Why this crime? I say thank God that our martyrs are in heaven. But we are sad, everyone is sad for the people and the loved ones they lost. You are sad about losing your home but homes can be rebuilt and with one death we will have a thousand martyrs, says resident of Khan Younis, Mohammed Abu Ola. Its going to get worse Gaza is picture of devastation. Buildings have been reduced to rubble, there is no electricity, fuel has run out, hospitals are overwhelmed and drinking water is scarce. World Food Programme deputy head of emergencies, Brian Lander, says: Were very worried about how this will evolve over time, particularly if the humanitarian situation is not addressed. The people that are seeking shelter and striving to survive in this environment are only going to get worse and worse situations as time goes on. Hes right. It is going to get worse. Israels new ultimatum is like a death warrant for Gazans. Theyre being told to move to the south. The IDF calls for the evacuation of all civilians from Gaza city, I can zoom in a second, from Gaza city, from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection and to move to the area south of Wadi Asa, the river Gaza, as shown on the map, says Lieutenant Colonel Res. Jonathan Conricus, Israel Defense Forces. A disaster in the making What does that mean? If we look up Gaza on a map, the north of the Gaza strip is the most populated. It includes the Gaza city, the biggest city on the entire strip. Israel wants the entire population of the northern region to move south of Wadi Gaza. Now, Wadi Gaza is a nature reserve and Israel wants the entire northern population to go here. Were talking about displacing around 1.1. million people. They have been asked to leave their home in 24 hours. That would mean around 40,000 people being relocated every hour. It wont happen. Plus, how and where will they go? There are bombs falling everywhere, the roads are broken, their homes are destroyed, their family members are hospitalised, how do you move in the middle of all of this? Its a recipe for what the UN calls devastating humanitarian consequences. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organisation (WHO) says: We need a corridor to provide medical services and so on. That is what I would ask for: one, is to protect civilians and second, to provide them with the support they need, be it food, medical services, supplies and the other things they need. Israel says the evacuations are necessary because they want to reduce civilian casualties. But the Hamas is challenging this, they are calling it Israeli propaganda and theyre asking civilians in Gaza to stay put. Basically, there are no good options the Hamas sees Gazans as human shields and the Israelis see them as collateral damage. 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. Arab neighbours have responded bluntly to calls for a humanitarian corridor or an escape route for Palestinians from Gaza as the confrontation between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist party Hamas has intensified. Jordan, which borders the West Bank that is controlled by Israel, and Egypt, the only Arab nation with a border to Gaza, have both issued statements against the eviction of Palestinians from their homes. It underscores widespread Arab apprehensions that Israels most recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza would lead to another round of long-term evictions from territory where Palestinians hope to establish a future state. This is the cause of all causes, the cause of all Arabs, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Thursday. It is important that the (Palestinian) people remain steadfast and present on their land. For Palestinians, the prospect of leaving or being expelled from territory where they hope to found a state evokes memories of the Nakba, or catastrophe, in which numerous Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes during the 1948 conflict that preceded Israels founding. Around 700,000 Palestiniansroughly half the Arab population of what was once British-ruled Palestinewere evicted and forced to flee; many of them ended up in adjacent Arab states, where they or many of their descendants still reside. Many people still occupy refugee camps. Israel disputes the claim that it expelled Palestinians, claiming that five Arab governments fought it soon after it was founded. After a devastating attack by Hamas militants on October 7, Israel began an intense bombardment of Gaza. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Gazas 2.3 million residents have fled their homes while still remaining inside Gaza, a tiny sliver of land wedged between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. More than a million Gaza City residents were advised by the Israeli military on Friday to leave their city for the south within 24 hours for their own protection. This declaration was interpreted as an indication that Israel would soon begin a land assault. Hold on to your homes. Hold on to your land, was the message broadcast from mosques in Gaza, as tens of thousands of people headed south. Others vowed to stay. Death is better than leaving, said Mohammad, 20, outside a bombed Gaza building. King Abdullah of Jordan warned against any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from all Palestinian territories or cause their internal displacement, calling for preventing a spillover of the crisis into neighbouring countries and the exacerbation of the refugee issue. Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, was immediately urged to denounce this insane Israeli effort to transfer the population by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the head of the 22-member Arab League. The idea of a safe passage for people in Gaza was brought up by the United States this week, according to reports from Egypt and Israel. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: Civilians need to be protected. We do not want to see a mass exodus of Gazans. Israels ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, said the evacuation warning was to temporarily move (people) south to mitigate civilian harm. The U.N. should be praising Israel for these precautionary actions, Erdan told U.N. diplomats at a Israel-hosted event with families of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas. For years, the U.N. has put its head in the sand in the face of Hamass terror build-up in Gaza. One of the trickiest problems in the deadlocked peace process is what will happen to the Palestinian refugees. The right of those refugees and their descendants to return should be part of any agreement, according to the Palestinians and Arab governments; Israel has historically opposed this. Arab anxiety has increased as a result of some Israeli pronouncements. Palestinians should get out of Gaza through the Rafah gate, which is located on the southern border of Gaza with Egypt, according to an Israeli military spokesman on Tuesday. In a correction, the Israeli military stated that the crossing was shut at the time. The main access point for residents of Gaza to the outside world is the Rafah crossing. Israel is accessible from every other exit. People displaced inside, according to Mariam al-Farra, a 36-year-old mother of two in Khan Younis in southern Gaza People are just saying we are all going to Sinai that we are going to be forcibly displaced, she said. We have nothing to do with any of this. We just want to live in peace. (With agency inputs) Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan approved the parliaments decision to join the International Criminal Court in a move that has further strained the countrys ties with its old ally Russia. Last week, Armenias parliament voted to join the ICC by ratifying the Rome Statute that created the tribunal. Countries that have signed and ratified the Rome Statute are bound to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was indicted for war crimes connected to the deportation of children from Ukraine, if he sets foot on their soil. Moscow last month called Yerevans decision an unfriendly step, and the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Armenias ambassador. Armenia later sought to assure Russia that Putin would not be arrested if he entered the country. Armenian officials have argued the move has nothing to do with Russia and was prompted by what they call Azerbaijans aggression against the country. Lawmakers voted to ratify the Rome Statute by a vote of 60-22. The decision comes into force 60 days after the ratification, according to Armenian lawmakers. Armenia had started the process of joining the tribunal more than 20 years ago, but in 2004 the Constitutional Court ruled that the Rome Statute contradicted the countrys constitution at the time, putting the process on pause. The constitution has been amended twice since then. In March, the Constitutional Court ruled that the obligations for signatories outlined by the Rome Statute are in line with the existing constitution. Armenias envoy on international legal matters, Yegishe Kirakosyan, said Yerevan decided to resume the process of joining the ICC because of Azerbaijans alleged moves against Armenia. Last month, Azerbaijan routed the ethnic Armenian separatist forces in Nagorno-Karabakh and recaptured the enclave. A Red Crescent official and an aid worker reported that more assistance flights arrived on Saturday in Egypts Sinai Peninsula, where supplies are being stored until a deal is made for delivery into the adjacent Gaza Strip. Egypt claims that their side of the Rafah crossing, which connects the Sinai Peninsula with the Gaza Strip, is still open, despite the fact that Israeli bombardments on the Palestinian side of the border have caused traffic to be suspended for several days. According to two Egyptian security officials, there is no agreement being discussed with Israel and the United States to deliver aid into the enclave, which has delayed the scheduled evacuation of certain Gaza residents with foreign passports. After talks with Egypt, Israel, and Qatar aimed at opening the border, a senior U.S. State Department spokesman claimed that the United States had advised its citizens that they might move closer to the bridge. According to a senior State Department official, Washington has been in touch with Palestinian-Americans in Gaza, some of whom have expressed a desire to escape through Rafah. However, it is unknown whether the Palestinian Islamist party Hamas will provide access to the crossing. Under the condition of anonymity, a third Egyptian security source claimed that while Egypt has been bolstering security on its side of the border, including relocating concrete obstacles, claims that forces were blocking off the crossing were false. For the 2.3 million people living in the Gaza Strip, the main point of evacuation that is not under Israeli control is the Rafah border. Since Hamas assumed control of the enclave in 2007, Israel and Egypt have maintained a siege, limiting the passage of people and goods. The border remains blocked, according to the military spokesperson for Israel, and any passage into Egypt must be negotiated with Israel. At least five planes have arrived this week delivering humanitarian goods for Gaza, according to the Red Cross official and the aid worker, including two that have just touched down at Sinais Al Arish airport, which is roughly 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the Gaza border. A plane, according to the World Health Organisation carrying trauma medicines and health supplies had landed. Every hour these supplies remain on the Egyptian side of the border, more girls and boys, women and men, especially those vulnerable or disabled, will die, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. Egypt is concerned about the possibility that people of Gaza may be forced to leave due to Israels embargo and bombardment of the region, which was initiated in retribution for the deadly incursion by Hamas terrorists. Like other Arab nations, Egypt has stated that as the conflict intensifies, Palestinians should remain on their territories and that it is striving to ensure that relief reaches the Gaza Strip. The Turkish foreign minister stated he supported Egypts stance while in Cairo on Saturday. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that during a separate trip to the Egyptian capital that Germany is one of the nations seeking to bring help into Gaza and evacuate its citizens. (With agency inputs) Chinas Middle East envoy met senior members of the Arab League in China in an emergency meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry said on Saturday. As per the statement, Zhai Jun said that Beijing supports the Arab League which is playing an important role in the Palestinian issue and that it will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The international community should earnestly enhance its sense of urgency to return to the correct basis of the two-state solution to realise the peaceful coexistence of the two states of Palestine and Israel, Zhai said, according to the statement. Meanwhile, Israelis expressed deep disappointment with Chinas statements concerning Hamas assault on southern Israel. The deputy director for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Rafi Harpaz emphasised that the messages from China have no clear and unambiguous condemnation of the terrible attack and heinous massacre committed by the terrorist organisation Hamas against innocent civilians and the abduction of dozens of them to Gaza. France will deploy 7,000 soldiers after a Chechen-origin man fatally stabbed a teacher and severely wounded three other adults at a school in the northeastern town of Arras, the Elysee presidential palace said Saturday. The attack on Friday was denounced by President Emmanuel Macron as an act of Islamist terror in Arras, which has large Jewish and Muslim populations. The deployment of the soldiers will be completed by Monday evening. France has raised its alert level to the highest position following a crunch security meeting chaired by Macron on Friday. Macron said a separate attempted attack in another region had been foiled by security forces. This school was struck by the barbarity of Islamist terrorism, Macron said after visiting the school, saying the victim had probably saved many lives with his courage in seeking to block the attacker. The suspected attacker, Mohammed Moguchkov, who is in his 20s, was arrested by police. Moguchkov is from Russias mainly Muslim southern Caucasus region of Chechnya. He was already on a French national register known as Fiche S as a potential security threat, a police source told AFP, and under electronic and physical surveillance by Frances domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI. Moguchkov cried the Arabic phrase Allahu akbar! (God is greatest), according to the preliminary elements of the investigation. Hamas is a terrorist group and its only agenda is to destroy Israel and murder Jews, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan. Blinken also said that the group is not a representative of the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations for the future. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. Israels military has ordered half of the Palestinian territorys population to evacuate in advance of an expected ground assault, but there are were few good options for those fleeing as border crossings remained closed. Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his countrys help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinkens spokesman declined to characterize Wangs response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the regions stability. In Riyadh, Blinken and Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant groups unprecedented attack against Israel. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Blinken said. None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else, Blinken said. The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians. Its a disturbing situation, he said. Its a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferers of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and its important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone. A US official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israels military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. In a sign of some small potential progress, a senior U.S. official travelling with Blinken said an agreement in principle had been worked out between Egypt, Israel and Qatar to allow Palestinian Americans and other dual citizens in Gaza to cross the border into Egypt during a five-hour window on Saturday. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. But Egyptian officials said the Rafah crossing remained closed due to a dispute over aid for Gaza and that U.S. citizens in the territory were not yet permitted to leave. The state-owned Al-Qahera TV station, which has close ties with Egyptian security agencies and cited unnamed security officials, reported that authorities in Cairo have conditioned the crossing of American citizens on the delivery of aid to Gaza. Also, it was not immediately clear whether Hamas would allow convoys of foreigners to reach the crossing unimpeded. The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv. Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end. We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence, he said. Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price. Saudi Arabia called an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries. The group said in a statement that the session, set for Wednesday in Jeddah, will address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region. After his meeting in Abu Dhabi, Blinken plans to return to Saudi Arabia and then to travel on Sunday to Egypt. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain on his mission to show U.S. support for Israel as it prepares for the expected incursion into Gaza, but has also affirmed the importance of maintaining humanitarian aid in Gaza and preventing civilian casualties, in part by creating safe zones inside Gaza. With inputs from agencies. The commander of Hamas commando forces who oversaw one of the attacks on villages in southern Israel last week has reportedly been killed, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate, the IDF wrote on X. According to information from the IDF, Ali Qadi, a company commander in the so-called Nukhba unit, was assassinated by a drone attack as a result of intelligence gathering by the Military Intelligence Directorate and Shin Bet security agency. According to the IDF, Qadi was released to the Gaza Strip as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner swap after being detained by Israel in 2005 for the kidnapping and murder of Israeli civilians. Israeli soldiers, tanks, and weapons have been stationed close to the Gaza border in retaliation for Hamas terror strikes in Israel as they get ready to launch a full-scale combat invasion against the terrorist organisation. Images from the Gaza border show tanks firing shells in the direction of the Gaza Strip. In addition, soldiers are visible loading artillery shells into howitzers. Additionally, in preparation for a comprehensive military offensive against Hamas, Israeli infantry units have begun advancing towards the Gaza border. Israels top military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, urged Palestinians in the northern part of the enclave to leave because Israel will attack with great force in the upcoming phases of its conflict with Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip. We are deployed and strongly prepared for the next stages of the war, Hagari said in a press conference, as per The Times of Israel. We are preparing the forces, going over plans, prepared in all arenas, south, north, and center, he said. We are focused on Gaza but are widely deployed [across the country] that allows us to operate simultaneously in all arenas. According to Hagari, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian inhabitants have fled from northern Gaza to southern Gaza as a result of IDF threats that the region would soon be brutally attacked. There are still citizens who have not yet evacuated. Anyone who chooses not to evacuate puts himself and his family in danger. We will attack with great force in the areas that have been evacuated, he said. Hagari says Hamas is under pressure and trying to prevent Palestinian civilians from evacuating, because the organizations leaders are hiding beneath them. Israels warning was deemed dangerous and deeply troubling by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who asked Israel to reconsider. In a New York Times editorial piece, Guterres emphasised that such a demand for a mass evacuation on such short notice may have disastrous humanitarian ramifications. Over 120 citizens are being held hostage by the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza, according to the IDF. The Israeli Defence Forces reported on Saturday that the Hamas terror strikes on Israel have resulted in 1300 fatalities and more than 3000 injuries. According to the Israeli Air Force, the IDF is still trying to relocate Gaza Strip civilians in order to safeguard them there. The IDF said that in an effort to lessen the injury to non-combatants, a call was issued to Gazan citizens through a variety of different channels. According to the IDF, Hamas terrorists are concealing themselves in structures used for civilian use and beneath residences in Gaza City. According to the Israel Defence Forces, infantry units and tanks carried out localised raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday to search for missing Israelis and clear the region of suspected terrorists. This was likely a prelude to a larger incursion in reaction to the attack by Hamas. (With agency inputs) Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel last week taking more than 1,000 innocent lives, is worse than al-Qaeda, US President Joe Biden said Friday. The more we learned about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans, Biden said at the top of his remarks on Hydrogen Hubs in Philadelphia. These guys make they make al-Qaeda look pure. Theyre pure evil. Like I said from the beginning, the United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel. The United States stands with Israel, Biden said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel yesterday, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is there today, the President said. Were making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks. Its also a priority for me to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he said. Biden said at his direction, his teams are working in the region, including communicating directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations, and the United Nations to surge support and humanitarian consequences for Hamas attack to help Israel. We cant lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamass appalling attacks, and their suffering as a result, as well. This morning, I spoke with the family members of all those Americans who are still unaccounted for, on a Zoom call, for about an hour and 10, 15 minutes, he said. Theyre going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children are. You know, its gut wrenching. I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible everything possible to return every missing American to their families, he said. Were working round the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and our partners around the region, and were not going to stop till we bring them home, Biden said at the event. During a press gaggle, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said the US is going to continue that level of significant engagement as they continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and make sure that they have every level of support in the days and weeks ahead. The United States continues to aggressively work with Egypt and Israel to navigate the possibility and create the conditions for the possibility of corridors for both safe passage for civilians who want to leave Gaza and flee the danger and also for humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian assistance that is critically needed to replenish stockpiles within Gaza. Both of these things are critically important. We continue to talk to our Egyptian and Israeli allies about the importance of those things also with the UN, Dalton said. Hamas continues to engage in tactics like using tunnels under residential buildings to conduct their operations, holing up in hospitals and mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organization with no regard for human life, with no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and weve got to continue to call it out, he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented attack. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. The Louvre Museum in Paris is evacuating all visitors and staff and closing early Saturday because it received a written threat. It said the move was linked to the governments decision to put France on high alert after a fatal school stabbing by a suspected extremist. The country triggered its top alert level after a man stabbed a teacher to death and severely wounded three others at a school on Friday. A spokeswoman for the Louvre, the largest museum in the world, told AFP it had received a written message stating that there was a risk to the museum and its visitors. We have decided in the current national context of an emergency attack alert to evacuate and close it for the day, while we carry out the necessary checks, the spokeswoman said. Police in Arras arrested the suspected attacker, Mohammed Moguchkov, who had cried the Arabic phrase Allahu akbar! (God is greatest). The French government raised the threat alert level and is deploying 7,000 troops to increase security after Fridays school attack. The government is also concerned about the fallout in France from the war between Israel and Hamas. The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, welcomes between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors per day. Authorities have suggested a probable link to the ongoing violence in the Middle East, with President Emmanuel Macron condemning an act of Islamist terror. The Louvre said visitors who had booked a ticket for the day would be reimbursed. With inputs from agencies. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza since Israel issued a warning to evacuate north of Wadi Gaza on Friday, a statement by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Saturday. The statement added that more than 400,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced. The World Food Programme distributed food to 135,000 people in shelters across Gaza on Friday. As a last resort, people are consuming brackish water from agricultural wells, triggering serious concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases, it said. Israeli infantry made their first raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday since Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a campaign of retaliation had only just begun. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday warned that Gazas health system is at a breaking point and that there is little time to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. In a state WHO said, Time is running out to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe if fuel and life-saving health and humanitarian supplies cannot be urgently delivered to the Gaza Strip amidst the complete blockade. Hospitals have only a few hours of electricity each day, as they are forced to ration depleting fuel reserves and rely on generators to sustain the most critical functions. Even these functions will have to cease in a few days when fuel stocks are due to run out, it added. With inputs from agencies The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that it has killed the head of Hamas aerial force who was responsible for directing terrorists to infiltrate into Israel using hand gliders on 7 October. The head, Murad Abu Murad, was killed in an overnight airstrike in the Gaza Strip. The strike targeted the headquarters which is used to manage Hamas aerial activity, according to IDF. IDF says that in an overnight airstrike in the Gaza Strip, the head of Hamass aerial array, Murad Abu Murad, was killed. The strike targeted a headquarters from which the terror group managed its aerial activity, according to the IDF. pic.twitter.com/KqYjDCqrTX Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 14, 2023 It said that Murad took a big part in directing terrorists during the massacre last weekend. Apart from this, IDF has also killed 3-4 terrorists that were attempting infiltration into Israel from Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza since Israel issued a warning to evacuate north of Wadi Gaza on Friday, a statement by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Saturday. The statement added that more than 400,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced. Israeli infantry made their first raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday since Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a campaign of retaliation had only just begun. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have stated they are wrapping up preparations for a significant ground operation in the Gaza Strip as the Israel-Palestine war enters its ninth day. A joint and coordinated attack from the air, sea, and land, according to the IDF statement, is among the offensive operational plans it is getting ready to deploy in order to expand the offensive. The logistics directorate is preparing to outfit troops with all of the equipment they would need for the ground offensive, according to the IDF, which stated that it is finalising the draught of hundreds of thousands of reservists. It said: In recent days, the tools required for combat have been transferred to the assembly areas, and at this stage, the various units of the Technological and Logistics Directorate are working to complete the qualification of the tools and equipping them with advanced combat means, as needed. IDF battalions and soldiers are deployed all over the country and are prepared to increase readiness for the next stages of the war, with an emphasis on a significant ground operation, the military added, according to The Times of Israel. As tensions on the northern border rise, the military is anticipated to start a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip, but its scope and timing may be influenced by operational factors. Tzachi Hanegbi, the head of Israels National Security Council, has reiterated that the cabinets war objective is to deprive Hamas of its ability to govern the Gaza Strip militarily and politically. Hanegbi, however, chose not to go into further detail about the seaside enclaves future plans. When asked about Israeli plans for alternative control, or return to occupation, of the Gaza Strip, Hanegbi told The Times of Israel, We cant report through you to the enemy on what is coming, we can tell Hamas that it is prohibited for it to be sovereign in Gaza. Hanegbi claims that the prime minister and defence minister made statements about a plan to destroy Hamas during a recent cabinet meeting. Hamas will not be the ruler, the sovereign in Gaza after the combat, he said. Earlier on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready with its fighters in the Gaza Strip at the front line. With our fighters in the Gaza Strip, on the front line. We are all ready, Netanyahu wrote on X on Saturday. According to his office, Netanyahu visited Kibbutz Beeri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza, two of the Gaza border towns that were most severely impacted by last weeks Hamas offensive. Netanyahu, according to a statement, walked between the ruins of the houses where these terrible massacres took place. The IDF officials present, including the commander of the paratrooper unit, briefed the prime minister. More than a week after the attack, in which waves of Hamas terrorists broke through the border, killing more than 1,300 Israelis, the majority of whom were civilians, Netanyahu pays his first visit to the area. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has stated that the soldiers from Unit 669 were dispatched to the scene as soon as they learned of the injuries sustained as a result of the terrorists infiltration of Zikim. The forces worked to rescue the wounded under fire and mortar fire. Since the beginning of the fighting, Unit 669 rescued about 200 wounded in about 45 rescues, the IAF wrote on X. Following the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides, including civilians, a deal has been made under which Israel will permit visitors to leave the conflict-torn territory. Israel promised to refrain from attacking areas the foreigners would pass through on their way out of Palestinian territory as part of an agreement with Egypt, the United States, and Israel to permit foreigners living in Gaza to enter the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. The Palestinian militant organisations Hamas and Islamic Jihad gave their support to the participants, who apparently included Qatar in the negotiations. Furthermore, the accord has no provisions for the release of captives held by Hamas. A second officer at the Rafah crossing point on the Egyptian side claims to have received instructions to reopen it for travellers leaving Gaza on Saturday afternoon. The first official stated that talks to open the border point for the distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza were still ongoing. Since neither official had permission to brief the media, they both agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity. A large-scale evacuation of Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip has been mandated by Israel. (With agency inputs) Irans foreign minister called on Israel to cease its actions in Gaza and warned that the conflict may spread to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the war and that would cause a huge earthquake for Israel. Hossein Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut that Lebanons Hezbollah group has taken all the scenarios of war into consideration and that Israel should stop its attacks on Gaza as soon as possible. Israel views Hezbollah as its primary immediate concern, assessing the organization to possess around 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided ones capable of reaching any part of Israel. The group, comprising numerous battle-tested fighters with experience from Syrias 12-year conflict, also maintains various military drone capabilities. In response to a recent attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas that resulted in the deaths of numerous Israeli civilians and soldiers, Hezbollah fighters have been on high alert along Lebanons borders with Israel. On Saturday, the Israeli military said an Israeli drone strike along the border with Lebanon killed a cell that was trying to infiltrate into Israel. On Friday, Hezbollah said its fighters fired several rockets at four Israel positions along the border. Amirabdollahian said he met Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who briefed him on the groups conditions in Lebanon. I know about the scenarios that Hezbollah has put in place, Amirabdollahian said. Any step the resistance (Hezbollah) will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity. Amirabdollahian added: I want to warn the war criminals and those who support this entity before its too late to stop the crimes against civilians in Gaza, because it might be too late in few hours. With an eye toward Hezbollah, U.S. President Joe Biden has warned other players in the Middle East not to join the conflict and has sent American warships to the region and vowed full support for Israel. The Iranian foreign minister said he will be contacting U.N. officials in the Middle East because there is still an opportunity to work on an initiative (to end the war) but it might be too late tomorrow. The possibility of a new front in Lebanon brings back bitter memories of a vicious monthlong war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 that ended in a stalemate and a tense detente between the two sides. With inputs from AP. In the latest update on the Israel Hamas conflict, Israeli Defence Forces Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus noted on Saturday that people in the Gaza Strip are listening to Israels warning and are doing the right thing, noting that there has been a significant movement of Palestinian civilians towards the South. We have seen a significant movement of the Palestinian civilians towards the southwe have seen people listening to our warning, understanding that they doing the clever thing, moving out of the dangerous area, and the right thing for their family, he said. On Friday the Israeli military had called for the evacuation of all civilians from Gaza City. The IDF says that it had advertised its intentions because they did not want civilians to be affected by the war. The IDF further said that Israel was fighting against Hamas and its military infrastructure. We advertised our intentions in advance not because it has any military logic but because we want civilians not to be affected by the war. We didnt put those civilians there and they are not our enemy. We are not trying to kill or injure any civilians, we are fighting against Hamas and its military infrastructurethats where we targeted around the Gaza strip and in the northern part of the Gaza strip, he said. Lt. Col. Conricus stressed that the Hamas is trying to stop Palestinians from evacuating that area, through messages and also checkpoints and stops on the ground. Hamas actively undermines and has stopped, tried to stop Palestinians civilians from evacuating that area, both via messages and also checkpoints and stops on the ground, according to reports made by international media. That, I think, is the peak of cynicism, he said. IDF Spokesperson further expressed hope that Palestinians will evacuate as soon as possible for their own safety. Hopefully, Palestinians will do that as fast as possible, vacate the area for their own security and return only when we tell them that it is safe to do so, he added. Conricus highlighted that the end state of this war is the complete destruction of Hams and its infrastructure. We dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities and fundamentally change the situation so that Hamas never again has the ability to inflict any damage on Israeli civilians or soldiers the IDF spokesperson said. The IDF also facilitated the high level visits by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of different countries to various sites of engagement with the Hamas. Ursula von der Leyen from the European Commission, Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defence from the US, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, and the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani been in Israel since Friday and visited several sites linked to the Hamas offensive. Meanwhile, as the attack continues, Hamas also posted footage of holding Israeli toddlers and children on Saturday, during the mass infiltration and massacre of Israelis, reported The Jerusalem Post. Moreover, the IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organisation. Furthermore, 1300 people have lost their lives in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel and over 3000 have been injured, according to The IDF. Starting on October 15, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Vietnam and Singapore for a six-day tour to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Jaishankar will go to Vietnam for the first part of his trip from October 15 to October 18 in order to evaluate the progress made in a number of sectors and to discuss how to further strengthen collaboration, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on October 14. Jaishankars trip to the strategically important Southeast Asian nations comes less than three months after India gave the Vietnamese armed forces the missile corvette INS Kirpan as a sign of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and amid shared worries about Chinas increasingly belligerent behaviour in the South China Sea. It was for the first time that India handed over a fully-operational corvette to any friendly foreign country. India and Vietnam share a robust comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam is a key member of our Act East Policy. The external affairs ministers visit will provide an opportunity to review progress in several areas and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, the MEA said. (With agency inputs) The Israeli military had stationed its personnel and tanks near the Gaza border as they prepared for a full ground offensive against Hamas. In the pictures coming in from the Gaza border, tanks can be seen firing shells towards the Gaza Strip. Moreover, soldiers are seen loading artillery shells into howitzers. Israels military has long been supported by the United States, with $3.3 billion in congressionally mandated annual funding, plus another $500 million toward missile defence technology. Israel is one of the best-armed nations in the wider Middle East. Its air force includes the advanced American F-35 fighter jet, missile defence batteries including the American-made Patriot, and the Iron Dome missile defense system. Israel has armoured personnel carriers and tanks, and a fleet of drones and other technology available to support any street-to-street battles. Israel trains soldiers on such techniques at its Urban Warfare Training Center, known colloquially as Mini Gaza. Israel has some 170,000 troops typically on active duty and has called up some 360,000 reservists for the war three-fourths of its estimated capacity, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Adding to this, Israeli infantry troops have been moving closer to the Gaza border in anticipation of a full ground offensive on Hamas. Earlier in the day, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) asked residents of the Northern Gaza Strip to relocate to the southern part of the enclave using evacuation corridors between 10 am to 4 pm (local time), The Times of Israel reported. The Israeli military said, If you care about yourself and your loved ones, go south as instructed. It said, Rest assured that Hamas leaders have taken care of themselves and are taking cover from strikes in the region.Their message indicated that the IDF could be readying to launch a ground invasion in response to Hamass attack on October 7. However, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to reconsider its warning, calling it dangerous and deeply troubling, according to The New York Times.Guterres in an opinion article in The New York Times emphasized that such demand for a mass evacuation on extremely short notice could have devastating humanitarian consequences. The IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Israeli Defence Forces on Saturday said 1300 people have lost their lives and over 3000 have been injured in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel. The Israeli Air Force has said that the IDF continues the effort to move the residents of the Gaza Strip in order to protect them in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said a call was sent out to residents of Gaza using a variety of different means in an attempt to minimize the harm to non-combatants. IDF said Hamas terrorists are hiding in terror tunnels located under the houses in Gaza City and in civilian buildings. The Israel Defence Forces said infantry forces and tanks entered the Gaza Strip on Friday in localized raids to clear the area of potential terrorists and locate missing citizens of Israel in a likely precursor to a full-scale incursion in response to Hamass attack, The Times of Israel reported. More than 1,300 buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, the United Nations said Saturday, after nearly a week of fierce bombardment by Israeli forces. The UNs humanitarian agency OCHA said 5,540 housing units in those buildings were destroyed and nearly 3,750 more homes were so badly damaged they were uninhabitable. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the bombardment is just the beginning as Israel seeks to retaliate against Hamas after their fighters killed more than 1,300 people a week ago. At least 1,900 Gazans most of them civilians and including more than 600 children have been killed in missile strikes on the densely populated enclave, the Palestinian health ministry said. According to the Gaza Ministry of Public Works, 1,324 residential and non-residential buildings, comprising 5,540 housing units, have been destroyed, OCHA said. Another 3,743 housing units have been damaged beyond repair and rendered uninhabitable. A further 55,000 housing units have been partially damaged, said OCHA. The UN has been monitoring the number of people displaced from their homes within the Gaza Strip, with more than 423,000 recorded by the end of Thursday. Israel then warned that some 1.1 million people in the north of the enclave quickly needed to evacuate to the south, ahead of an expected ground offensive. As of 1800 GMT Friday, it is estimated that tens of thousands have fled, OCHA said. Currently, the precise scope of internally displaced persons in the Gaza Strip is unknown, it said. Citing the Palestinian health ministry, it said vehicles of those evacuating the north were hit, killing more than 40 people and injuring 150 others. These incidents prompted many people to abandon their evacuation efforts and return home. No safe corridors were initially provided for people to safely comply with the orders to move southwards. Hundreds of people, including families, had to flee on foot. OCHA said most people in the Gaza Strip were now without access to Clean drinking water . As a last resort, people are consuming brackish water from agricultural wells, triggering serious concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases. OCHA said that since the start of hostilities, six water wells, three water pumping stations, one water reservoir, and one desalination plant serving over 1,100,000 people had been damaged by air strikes. The full electricity blackout has brought essential health, water and sanitation services to the brink of collapse, and exacerbated food insecurity, it said. Asserting that the accusation made in some media reports was an attempt by Washington to shift responsibility for the crisis from itself to a third country, North Korea denied on Friday that its weapons were used by Hamas in the strike against Israel. This week, military specialists claimed that images from the conflict suggested that Hamas militants may have been armed with North Korean weapons, possibly F-7 rocket-propelled grenades. According to Bruce Bechtol, a professor at Angelo State University in Texas who has studied North Koreas arms sales, there have been rumours of Hamas operating the F-7 for a number of years. This could be new supplies or from previous shipments going back as far as 2009, he told the media, adding that in any case the weapons likely took an indirect route to Hamas from North Korea through Iran or Syria. KCNA, the official news agency of North Korea, described the allegations that its weapons were used in the assaults as a baseless and false rumour. It is nothing but a bid to shift the blame for the Middle East crisis caused by (the United States) wrong hegemonic policy onto a third country and thus evade the international criticism focused on the empire of evil, it said. The red band surrounding the warhead of the F-7 makes it simple to distinguish it from comparable RPGs, according to European experts Joost Oliemans and Stijn Mitzer. Photos posted by the Israeli Defence Force and other social media accounts show such red bands. The F-7 and a few North Korean Bulsae-2 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) were also observed being used by Hamas in combat in 2021, according to the researchers at the time. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, stated on Thursday that he was unable to confirm the allegations regarding the origin of the rockets being utilised by Hamas. The Israel-Hamas conflict will not have an impact on the United States security policy elsewhere in the world, especially on the Korean peninsula, Kirby continued. Israel was cited earlier this week by the official media of North Korea as the cause of the carnage in Gaza. The bloodiest Palestinian militant attack on Israeli territory in Israeli history, carried out by Hamas, marked the start of the most recent Israel-Palestinian conflict over the weekend. (With agency inputs) An aerial view of the vast Zhuofu Grassland in Weining county, Bijie city, Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo by Li Jingcheng /Provided to chinadaily.com.cn] The Zhuofu grassland in Bijie city, Guizhou province, has evolved from a barren area into a plateau grassland after decades of work. Over 600 hectares of alpine grassland have been artificially restored. In the 1980s, the pasture was a barren and desolate mountain range, unsuitable for planting or grazing. Ren Jizhou, a grassland ecologist and academic of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, proposed the idea of developing grassland ecological animal husbandry after conducting research on the grassland resources. In 1986, the Zhuofu grassland was officially established as a testing, demonstration and promotion base for a grassland animal husbandry system project. As a result of Ren's effort, the once barren slopes are now covered with grass. In addition to providing beautiful scenery, the grassland is also a generator of wind power with 100 large turbines rotating in the wind. An aerial view of the vast Zhuofu Grassland in Weining county, Bijie city, Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo by Li Jingcheng /Provided to chinadaily.com.cn] An aerial view of the vast Zhuofu Grassland in Weining county, Bijie city, Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo by Li Jingcheng /Provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Herds of cattle and sheep leisurely eat grass in the boundless green grassland. [Photo by Li Jingcheng /Provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Herds of cattle and sheep leisurely eat grass in the boundless green grassland. [Photo by Lin Jian/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Israeli infantry made their first raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday since Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a campaign of retaliation had only just begun. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas after its fighters burst out of Gaza a week ago and stormed through towns and villages, killing 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and making off with scores of hostages. Since then Israel has placed the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities say 1,900 people have died. On Friday Israel gave more than a million residents of the northern half of Gaza 24 hours to flee to the south to avoid an onslaught. Hamas vowed to fight to the last drop of blood and told residents not to go. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said troops backed by tanks had mounted raids to attack Palestinian rocket crews and seek information on the location of hostages, the first official account of ground troops in Gaza since the crisis began. We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might, Netanyahu said in a brief statement which, unusually, was televised after the Jewish Sabbath had begun. I emphasise that this is only the beginning. Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening, following a Security Assessment, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv: Citizens of Israel, Shabbat Shalom. Shabbat shalom to our forces deployed across the country who are celebrating the Sabbath in the field, far from home. pic.twitter.com/eRBNEBZPKi Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 13, 2023 Several thousand Gaza residents took to roads heading out of the northern part of the Gaza Strip, but it was impossible to assess their numbers. Many others said they would not leave. Death is better than leaving, said Mohammad, 20, standing in the street outside a building reduced to rubble in an earlier Israeli air strike near the centre of Gaza. Mosques broadcast the message: Hold on to your homes. Hold on to your land. We tell the people of northern Gaza and from Gaza City, stay put in your homes, and your places, Eyad Al-Bozom, spokesman for the Hamas Interior Ministry, told a news conference. Gaza authorities said 70 people were killed and 200 were wounded when Israel struck cars and trucks carrying people fleeing the north of the strip for the south. Reuters could not independently verify the reported incident. The United Nations and other organisations warned of a disaster if so many people were forced to flee, and said the siege of the enclave should be lifted to let in aid. The situation in Gaza has reached a a dangerous new low, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday. We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza so that we can get fuel, food, and water to everyone in need. Even wars have rules. Earlier, a UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it would be impossible for Gazans to obey Israels order to leave the north without devastating humanitarian consequences, prompting a rebuke from Israel that the UN should condemn Hamas and support Israels right to self-defence. The noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening. How are 1.1 million people supposed to move across a densely populated war zone in less than 24 hours? U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths wrote on social media. On Saturday, Pilsudski Square in Warsaw, Poland, and its surrounding areas were blocked off by police after a man reportedly made threats to blow himself up while perched on a monument there, according to local media. The event occurred the day before a crucial legislative vote in Poland. No entrance, there is a bomb, police officials at the scene informed the media, but a police official cited by the state-run PAP news agency refuted the claims that the man was threatening to blow himself up. At the moment negotiations are going on, on the scene there are negotiators and counter-terrorist officers, the spokesperson told Reuters, urging members of the public to stay away from the area. Regarding the continuing incident, he declined to comment further. A man was seen standing atop the Smolensk monument, which honours the victims of a 2010 aviation catastrophe that claimed 96 lives, including President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, Maria, in a video released on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. PAP reported that a square-area operation comprised several hundred officers. Armed cops were seen approaching nearby by a Reuters video journalist. A visitor to the Sofitel hotel, which faces the area, claimed they were instructed to only exit the structure by the back door. (With agency inputs) Australia strongly rejected a constitutional amendment on Saturday that would have recognised Indigenous people, which is a big setback for the nations efforts to achieve peace with its First Peoples. The first referendum in almost 25 years required Australians to choose Yes or No on whether to change the constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people by establishing an Indigenous advisory body called Voice to Parliament. Nationwide, the No vote was 60% to 40% ahead of the Yes vote with nearly 70% of the ballots counted. According to projections made by Australian broadcaster ABC and other TV networks, the majority of voters in each of Australias six states would reject changing the 122-year-old constitution. A national majority and at least four of the six members must concur for a referendum to be deemed successful. While admitting it was not the result he had hoped for, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the nation would need to look for a fresh strategy for reconciliation. Our nations road to reconciliation has often been hard going, Albanese said in a televised news conference. Tonight is not the end of the road and is certainly not the end of our efforts to bring people together. Academics and human rights activists worry that the No camps victory could put reconciliation efforts years behind schedule. The Uluru Statement from the Heart, a 2017 declaration drafted by Indigenous leaders that outlined a plan for reconciliation with the rest of Australia, included the Voice to Parliament as one of its recommendations. Indigenous Australians, who make up 3.8% of Australias 26 million inhabitants and have been on the continent for nearly 60,000 years, are the most economically and socially disadvantaged people in the nation despite not being recognised in the constitution. Supporters of the idea hoped that including an Indigenous Voice into the constitution would bring Indigenous Australians together and usher in a new age. Although many Indigenous people supported the change, others said it was a distraction from achieving practical and positive outcomes. The political opposition has criticised the measure, saying it is divisive, would be ineffective, and would slow government decision-making. Im devastated, Indigenous leader and prominent Yes campaigner Thomas Mayo said on ABC News. We need a Voice. We need that structural change. In Australia, where the first referendum was held in 1901, just eight of 44 have been successful. Since Australians rejected a plan to become a republic almost 25 years ago, this is the countrys first referendum. A vote in 1967 to include Indigenous Australians in the population was overwhelmingly supported by both political parties. However, the referendum this year has not received unanimity of support, with the heads of the main conservative parties urging voters to vote No. In Australia, no referendum has ever passed without support from all major parties. According to political analysts, Prime Minister Albaneses biggest setback since taking office would be a referendum defeat because The Voice has been so important to his administration. Peter Dutton, the head of the opposition, attacked Albanese for convening a referendum that Australia did not need to have. The proposal and the process should have been designed to unite Australians, not to divide us, he told a news conference after the result was known on Saturday. A social media misinformation campaign also stoked worries that the Voice, a purely advisory body, might transform into a third chamber of parliament, leading to increased federal support for Aboriginal people and conflicts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Albanese also chastised some media outlets for, in his opinion, diverting attention from the crucial issues during the referendum campaign. We have had, including in outlets represented in this room, discussions about a range of things that were nothing to do with what was on the ballot paper tonight, Albanese said. (With agency inputs) After flying out more than 400 Indian nationals from Israel on two consecutive days, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has announced two special flights on Saturday to further facilitate more Indians wanting to leave the country amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. The special flights are part of Operation Ajay launched on October 12 to facilitate the return of those Indian nationals who wish to return home following the brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, triggering fresh tension in the region. The first flight is expected to leave at 5:00 pm local time and can carry 230 passengers. The second flight is scheduled at 11:00 pm local time and can carry 330 passengers. The Embassy has been working round the clock to facilitate all our citizens in Israel who wish to leave. We have reached out to students, caregivers, and business people. Some of them are actually working with us as volunteers. We urge everyone to remain calm, Ambassador Sanjeev Singla told PTI. The Embassy has emailed the next lot of registered Indian citizens for two special flights today. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights, the Indian Embassy in Israel posted the announcement on X. The passengers are chosen on a first come first serve basis after a drive launched by the Indian embassy for all Indians to register at the missions database. The government is bearing the cost of their return. This would be the third and fourth batch of Indians to be flown out from the Ben Gurion airport amid Israels raging conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The second batch of 235 Indian nationals, including two infants, was safely flown back late on Friday and reached Delhi on Saturday morning. The first charter flight from Israel had left late Thursday evening carrying 211 adults and an infant and reached the Indian capital on Friday morning. There are about 18,000 Indian nationals living and working in Israel including caregivers, students, several IT professionals, and diamond traders. The voluntary departure of Indian nationals was necessitated after armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip launched an unprecedented attack on Israel by land, air, and sea on October 7. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed at least 1,900 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. US news network MSNBC has reportedly taken two prominent Muslim journalists off anchoring duties since Hamas launched an offensive against Israel on October 7. While one of the journalists, Ayman Mohyeldin, will fill in for another host on Thursday and Friday, the other anchor Mehdi Hasans show on Thursday was not aired, according to the news website Semafor. Meanwhile, NBC has said that the shift changes are coincidental, denying claims that the hosts are being sidelined due to the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. The news broadcaster added that both Mohyeldin and Hasan had appeared as guests for several programmes this week. Mohyeldin, an American-Egyptian journalist, is a veteran NBC News correspondent and has covered the Israel-Gaza conflict for two years. In 2021, he aggressively questioned Israeli leaders on strikes on the territory, the Semafor report said. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza since Israel issued a warning to evacuate north of Wadi Gaza on Friday, a statement by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Saturday. The statement added that more than 400,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced. Israeli infantry made their first raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday since Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a campaign of retaliation had only just begun. Six journalists were injured and one Reuters journalist was killed in southern Lebanon on Friday when missiles fired from the direction of Israel struck them. The group of journalists, including from Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse, were working near Alma al-Shaab, close to the Israel border, where the Israeli military and Lebanese militia Hezbollah have been trading fire in border clashes. With inputs from agencies Washington should play a constructive and responsible role in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi told his US counterpart Antony Blinken during a phone call on Saturday. The United States should practically play a constructive and responsible role, pushing the issue back on track for a political settlement as soon as possible, Wang told Blinken, according to a readout published by the Chinese foreign ministry. The conflict between Israel and Hamas seemed poised to intensify on Saturday as the Israeli military reiterated its advisory for civilians in the densely populated northern portion of the Gaza Strip to relocate to the southern area to protect your safety. This recommendation came in anticipation of a widely anticipated ground offensive. Israels military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came Friday on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gazas people out through the southern border with Egypt. With agency inputs. The Israeli army said Saturday it was very sorry for the death of a Reuters journalist killed when caught up in cross-border shelling along the frontier with Lebanon. We are very sorry for the journalists death, military spokesman Richard Hecht told reporters when asked about the killing of the Reuters videographer on Friday. The Israeli military did not acknowledge responsibility, however. We are looking into it, Hecht said of the incident in which six other journalists, including two from AFP, were also injured. Six journalists were injured and one Reuters journalist was killed in southern Lebanon on Friday when missiles fired from the direction of Israel struck them. The group of journalists, including from Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse, were working near Alma al-Shaab, close to the Israel border, where the Israeli military and Lebanese militia Hezbollah have been trading fire in border clashes. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza since Israel issued a warning to evacuate north of Wadi Gaza on Friday, a statement by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Saturday. With inputs from AFP An effort to impose congressional age limits in North Dakota has spawned a lawsuit challenging a state ban on out-of-state petition circulators. The Tribune Editorial Board opposes the proposed initiative and the lawsuit. The Tribune believes voters should decide whether a candidate has the ability to serve on a case-by-case basis. The Tribune agrees with Secretary of State Michael Howe when he said, The initiated measure process is for the people of North Dakota, by the people of North Dakota. Howe and Attorney General Drew Wrigley are named in the lawsuit filed by initiative supporters, the Virginia-based Liberty Initiative Fund and Accelevate 2020 LLC. Liberty is helping to fund and advance signature-gathering efforts. Accelevate, according to the lawsuit, is a petition management firm able to deploy petition circulators who live outside North Dakota. The Tribune has been a strong supporter of initiative and recall processes. We believe they provide citizens with a way to act when they think an issue hasnt been addressed or an officeholder has failed in his or her duties. It shouldnt be an easy process. It requires people committed to the initiative or recall, willing to work within the rules. The age initiative supporters dont want to do the work; instead they want firms or workers from other states to gather signatures. What in the past have been grassroots campaigns could become slick out-of-state efforts. North Dakota has already seen large amounts of money from other states poured into initiative campaigns. If we allow initiatives to be run and financed from other states then they are no longer citizen-led efforts. The age initiative would ban anyone who would turn 81 by the end of his or her term from running or being appointed to the U.S. House or U.S. Senate. North Dakota has had two notable senators who served into their 80s. Democratic Sen. Quentin Burdick was 84 when he died in office. Republican Sen. Milton Young was in his 80s when he retired from the Senate. Youngs age became an issue in his 1974 reelection campaign against Bill Guy, a former Democratic governor. One way he countered that was with a commercial showing him breaking a board with a karate chop. North Dakotas present Republican delegation wouldnt be impacted if age limits were adopted. Sen. John Hoeven is 66, Sen. Kevin Cramer is 62 and Rep. Kelly Armstrong is 47. As we age, some of our capabilities can suffer. That can happen to some people in their 50s while others may not notice changes until their 60s, 70s or 80s. While the Tribune might like to see a younger House and Senate, we believe voters should be allowed to elect the person of their choice regardless of age. Some see the age initiative as an effort to create a U.S. Supreme Court test case on whether states can establish age limits on an individual basis. That may be true, but it doesnt justify the effort to weaken North Dakotas initiative and recall laws. As Howe said, the process should be done by North Dakotans for North Dakotans. We agree. UK authorities have given the approval to Microsofts USD 68.7 billion Activision Blizzard deal, after FTCs approval back in July. This paves the way for Ubisoft to take control of key titles like Call of Duty, marking a major shift in gaming as Microsoft becomes a global gaming powerhouse. Microsoft Gamings CEO Phil Spencer, an avid gamer, lauded the impact of Activision Blizzard and its subsidiary, King, on gaming and pop culture. Games like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush Saga have captivated millions globally. Ubisoft, a key player in the evolving cloud gaming landscape, now holds perpetual cloud streaming rights for Call of Duty and other Activision Blizzard games. In the European Economic Area (EEA), including EU countries, gamers can freely stream these titles. Beyond the EEA, Ubisoft manages cloud streaming rights, with the potential to license them to Microsoft for Xbox Cloud Gaming. The likelihood of withholding licenses is slim, with Microsoft paying a wholesale fee for these rights. As part of this deal, Activision Blizzard games will join Ubisoft Plus, the companys game subscription service. The timeline for full availability remains uncertain, but this arrangement will endure for 15 years, with perpetual licenses ensuring Ubisofts control. The gaming industrys shift to streaming is transforming accessibility, with Ubisoft making gaming as convenient as music and movie streaming. In summary, Microsofts acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Ubisofts cloud gaming efforts, and the evolving gaming landscape promise to enhance convenience for gamers. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, in an email to employees, said: Today marks a milestone in our companys celebrated history. Combining with Microsoft will bring new resources and new opportunities to our extraordinary teams worldwide. It will also enable us to deliver more fun, more joy, and more connection to more players than ever before. This moment is possible because of your efforts over four decades to innovate, inspire, and achieve. Regarding the matter, Chris Early, Ubisofts SVP, Strategic Partnerships & Business Development said: Menacing, red-eyed robot wolves are being used to deter bears from encroaching upon towns in rural Japan, reports Andrew Paul for Popsci. Stories about solar-powered robotic wolves first surfaced back in 2017 after Japanese researchers began testing prototypes to combat wild boars' devastating encroachment into farmlands. Since then, a company called Wolf Kamuy expanded sales of its sentry products featuring menacing fangs, fur, flashing red LED "eyes," and a head capable of shaking side-to-side while emitting a 90 decibel howl. But boars aren't the only problem plaguing rural Japanese communities. According to recent reports, Wolf Kamuy is now offering many of its faux-wolves as bear deterrence. The manufacturer's website is a thing of HTML beauty, sure to scare off any modern stylesheets that wander too close. Post-Soviet countries Azerbaijan and Armenia have fought several conflicts over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in recent decades, but the last, in 2020, ended with Azerbaijani forces finally overrunning the disputed territory and pushing out its Armenian population. Now, reports Politico, it is anticipated that Azerbaijan will invade Armenia itself to create a land corridor to one of its own ethnic enclaves there. Azerbaijiani President Ilham Aliyev has previously called on Armenia to open a "corridor" along its southern border, linking mainland Azerbaijan to an exclave that borders Turkey and Iran. Aliyev has threatened to solve the issue "by force." In an Oct. 3 phone call, lawmakers pressed Blinken on possible measures against Aliyev in response to his country's invasion of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in September, the people said, who were granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive call. Blinken responded that the State Department was looking at avenues to hold Azerbaijan accountable and isn't planning to renew a long-standing waiver that allows the U.S. to provide military assistance to Baku. He added that State saw a possibility that Azerbaijan would invade southern Armenia in the coming weeks. Below, a post from Azerbaijan's president outlining his plan for Armenia: slavery. Britain better get used to hosting Eurovision contests won by countries that can't be expected to run the event next year. Chinese envoy urges immediate ceasefire between Palestine, Israel Xinhua) 15:29, October 14, 2023 UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Friday urged immediate necessary measures to secure a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel. Addressing the Security Council during its emergency consultations, Zhang, representing China's position, elaborated on the current grave situation between Palestine and Israel and emphasized the critical need to avert more significant humanitarian catastrophes. Zhang said that the latest round of conflicts has resulted in "massive civilian casualties and humanitarian crises." China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians, and opposes all acts that violate international law. "China reiterates its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and its support for all efforts to realize a ceasefire as soon as possible, so as to prevent a further escalation of tensions and the spillover of the flames of war impacting regional and international security," he said. Zhang said that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is "a red line" under international humanitarian law. "The indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, and neither Palestinian nor Israeli civilians should be targeted," he said. On the safety of UN staff and humanitarian workers, Zhang said that their safety "must be guaranteed." The envoy expressed China's serious concerns about the consequences of Israel's imposition of "a full siege" on Gaza and its order of a 24-hour emergency evacuation of the population in northern Gaza. "China calls on Israel to heed the appeals of the international community and the UN secretary-general to stop the collective punishment of the people in Gaza, so as to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian disasters," he said. Moreover, Zhang said that China supports active discussions on a humanitarian corridor in Gaza and the conclusion of feasible arrangements at an early date, and appreciates the efforts by Egypt and other countries concerned in this regard. The ambassador also underscored that China supports diplomatic efforts to ensure that the safety and humanitarian needs of hostages can be guaranteed, and that they can be released and returned home safely as quickly as possible. Talking about solutions, the ambassador said that the answer lies in "the early resumption of genuine peace talks" to realize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the peaceful coexistence of the two states, Palestine and Israel. "While addressing the ongoing crisis, the international community must adhere to the fundamental direction of the two-state solution, work for broader consensus, and formulate a timetable and road map to that end," he said. Zhang emphasized that the United Nations must play its due role, and the Security Council must demonstrate its commitment by quickly forging consensus and taking practical measures to promote a ceasefire and prevent humanitarian disasters. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Need some solitude? Here's a map of the loneliest road in every US state. This map/list, presented by Atlas Obscura and created by telematics specialists at Geotab, is perfect if you're looking to hit the open road and avoid busy highways. Just remember to have enough gas in your tank and food and water on hand in case your car breaks down (has happened to me on a desolate road- not fun!). Here's some information on how the map was created: "Telematics specialists at Geotab gathered 2015 data from the U.S. federal government's Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) to find, for each state, the route with the lowest annual average daily traffic (AADT). HPMS data covers interstates, U.S. routes, and state routes over 10 miles long. That excludes Washington, DC, by the way. (The nation's capital apparently doesn't feature any major road of at least that length.)" The top 3 loneliest roads in the US can be found along State Route 73 in South Dakota, State Route 360 in Nevada, and State Route 19 in Montana. If you live in the US, check the map to find out what the loneliest road in your state is! (Screenshot from Atlas Obscura) Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts 1. Wessex The House of Wessex actually began before Alfred but the modern kings of England begin with his reign. He wasn't actually the first king of England as England itself did not exist at that time. He was King Alfred of Wessex, it was later monarchs who identified him as the first King. He is widely known as 'Alfred the Great' as he played a crucial role in defending his kingdom against Viking attacks and is credited with laying the foundations for a unified England. His descendants, Edmund I, Eadred, Eadwig, Edgar the Peaceful and Edmund the Martyr all united the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and continued to fight the Vikings with success until the reign of Aethelred the Unready whose reign was rife with war with the Vikings; he is remembered for his lack of decisive leadership. Aethelred's son, Edmund Ironside, briefly resisted the Vikings but lost the battle against King Canute II of Denmark in 1016. They agreed to divide the kingdom in two but after Edmund's death later the same year, Canute took the throne of England and began the House of Denmark which lasted the duration of three kings over the next 26 years with Harold I Harefoot and then Harthacnut. The houses of Wessex and Denmark were both connected at this time with the house of Normandy through marriage. As such, following Harthacnut his cousin, Edward the Confessor returned the kingdom to the House of Wessex. He let his father-in-law Earl Godwin of Essex and his son, Harold, hold the power in England. After Edward dies childless Harold seizes the throne as Harold II but only reigns for 9 months before his death in the Battle of Hastings. The House of Wessex actually began before Alfred but the modern kings of England begin with his reign. He wasn't actually the first king of England as England itself did not exist at that time. He was King Alfred of Wessex, it was later monarchs who identified him as the first King.He is widely known as 'Alfred the Great' as he played a crucial role in defending his kingdom against Viking attacks and is credited with laying the foundations for a unified England. His descendants, Edmund I, Eadred, Eadwig, Edgar the Peaceful and Edmund the Martyr all united the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and continued to fight the Vikings with success until the reign of Aethelred the Unready whose reign was rife with war with the Vikings; he is remembered for his lack of decisive leadership.Aethelred's son, Edmund Ironside, briefly resisted the Vikings but lost the battle against King Canute II of Denmark in 1016. They agreed to divide the kingdom in two but after Edmund's death later the same year, Canute took the throne of England and began the House of Denmark which lasted the duration of three kings over the next 26 years with Harold I Harefoot and then Harthacnut.The houses of Wessex and Denmark were both connected at this time with the house of Normandy through marriage. As such, following Harthacnut his cousin, Edward the Confessor returned the kingdom to the House of Wessex. He let his father-in-law Earl Godwin of Essex and his son, Harold, hold the power in England. After Edward dies childless Harold seizes the throne as Harold II but only reigns for 9 months before his death in the Battle of Hastings. 2. Normandy The Norman kings began with William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings in 1066 where he defeated King Harold II. Edward had promised him the throne and Harold had sworn allegiance to him three years earlier. His reign was marked by the Norman Conquest, the compilation of the Domesday Book and the establishment of feudalism in England. He was followed by his two sons - William II and Henry I. William II spent a large portion of his reign trying to recapture Normandy from his brother Robert which led to the Barons' Revolt in England and two wars with the Scots. He also had problems along the Welsh borders. With no heirs he was succeeded by his brother Henry I. Henry was popular with the Saxons but his brother Robert, the Duke of Normandy, invaded England and attempted to seize the English Crown - he was defeated and returned to France. Five years later Henry defeated Robert at the Battle of Tinchebra and became Duke of Normandy and King of England. Henry died with just a daughter, Matilda, who was promised the throne but after she married into the House of Anjou, which was a rival of Normandy, her cousin Stephen of Blois secured the throne for himself. Stephen was the son of William the Conqueror's daughter Adela who married the Count of Blois. Matilda arrived from France four years later, civil war broke out and Matilda was briefly on the throne in 1141. The war continued until Matilda retreated back to France in 1148. Stephen died six years later and the crown went to Matilda's son, Henry. 3. Plantagenet Henry II was the son of Matilda and Count Geoffrey of Anjou and thus the first king of the Plantagenets. Their rule lasted for eight kings and for over three centuries. Henry spent much of his reign consolidating his power and expanding the Angevin Empire in France. He was Lord of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and Count of Anjou, Brittany, Poitou, Normandy, Maine, and Gascony. He claimed Aquitaine through marriage to the heiress Eleanor who had previously been married to Louis VII of France. He is also known for legal reforms including the development of common law, curbing the Barons and the murder of Thomas a Becket. His third son, Richard I, - known widely as Richard the Lionheart - spent most of his reign in Aquitaine and nearly all of his time involved in the Third Crusade. He only spent six months in England and only spoke French which did not endear him to his subjects. King John, also known as Lackland, was Richard's younger brother. He ruled as Richard's regent before his own reign. The majority of his regime was dominated by wars with the French. Within five years of his coronation he had lost Normandy and almost all the other English possessions in France. The cost of these wars led to the huge conflict with the barons in England and eventually ended up with John being forced to sign the Magna Carta. His son, Henry III, was only nine when he was crowned and he had two French nobles for regents. He also had many conflicts during his reign including the second Barons' War and legislation that even further limited the monarch's powers. Edward I Longshanks, his son, conquered Wales and invaded Scotland. At first victorious, he begins the Scottish wars with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The last three kings were not so lucky; Edward Longshank's son, Edward II, had problems with the nobles and the Scots of which he lost both. He was the first Prince of Wales and is generally remembered as incompetent and frivolous and influenced way too much by his 'favourite' male friends. He was murdered by his wife Isabella, daughter of Philip IV of France, and her lover. Edward III, his son, laid claim to the French throne through his mother's line which commenced the Hundred Year War with France, which dominated his reign. His grandson Richard II was only ten when he succeeded and his reign endured much political unrest with Parliament and the Peasants' Revolt. He was eventually defeated and deposed which lead to the rise of the House of Lancaster and the beginning of the War of the Roses. 4. Lancaster Edward the III had three sons. The first was Edward, the Black Prince; he pre-deceased his father and Richard the II was his son. The second son was John of Gaunt - his descendants were the House of Lancaster. The third son was Edmund of York whose descendants were the House of York. These heirs fought for control of the kingdom throughout the 15th century. It went from Lancaster to York back to Lancaster and back to York again. The war was so named because of the red rose of Lancaster and white rose of York. Henry IV was the son of John of Gaunt and became the first Lancaster King. His son was Henry V who is renowned for his military successes, particularly at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War with France. He signed the Treaty of Troyes with Charles VI of France (and married his daughter Catherine of Valois) which declared him to be heir to the French throne. Henry VI, the son of Henry V, ascended the throne as an infant and his time was one of political instability. He lost territories in France and the House of York took advantage and claimed the crown for the first time. He was briefly reinstated for a year in 1471 where he took the crown back from Edward IV of York. Edward the III had three sons. The first was Edward, the Black Prince; he pre-deceased his father and Richard the II was his son. The second son was John of Gaunt - his descendants were the House of Lancaster. The third son was Edmund of York whose descendants were the House of York. These heirs fought for control of the kingdom throughout the 15th century. It went from Lancaster to York back to Lancaster and back to York again. The war was so named because of the red rose of Lancaster and white rose of York.Henry IV was the son of John of Gaunt and became the first Lancaster King. His son was Henry V who is renowned for his military successes, particularly at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War with France. He signed the Treaty of Troyes with Charles VI of France (and married his daughter Catherine of Valois) which declared him to be heir to the French throne.Henry VI, the son of Henry V, ascended the throne as an infant and his time was one of political instability. He lost territories in France and the House of York took advantage and claimed the crown for the first time. He was briefly reinstated for a year in 1471 where he took the crown back from Edward IV of York. 5. York Richard, Duke of York, grandson of Edmund of York, was the one who laid a claim to the throne from Henry VI and began the War of the Roses but it was his son Edward IV who was victorious in the Battle of Towton and became the first King in the House of York. His reign showed some periods of stability but internal rivalries continued - he briefly lost the crown back to the House of Lancaster but regained it a year later and kept it until his death. His heirs were his 12 year old son Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York. Their uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester, assumed the role of Lord Protector on their behalf. Both boys were sent to the Tower of London to keep them safe until the coronation and they both disappeared without a trace, believed murdered, presumed by their uncle. Either way it left the position open for their uncle to declare himself King Richard III. His reign was controversial because of the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower and his executions of political rivals which left the field clear for a Lancastrian revolt. There was only one Lancaster left in line - Henry Tudor. Henry V's widow, Catherine of Valois, married Owen Tudor and they had a son Edmund Tudor who married Margaret Beaufort. Margaret was the great granddaughter of John of Gaunt through his mistress/third wife. Henry Tudor raised a rebellion and defeated Richard III at the battle of Bosworth. Richard was the last English king to die in battle. Henry was crowned as Henry VII and then married Elizabeth of York (the young murdered Edward V's older sister) thus uniting the houses of Lancaster and York and beginning the Tudor Dynasty. 6. Tudor Henry VII spent the majority of his reign focused on stabilizing the kingdom, strengthening the economy, and establishing the Tudor monarchy. His eldest son Arthur died leaving Prince Henry as heir; his daughter, Margaret, married James IV of Scotland giving his descendants a claim to the English throne. Prince Henry becomes the infamous Henry VIII whose reign was marked by significant political and religious reform that changed England's laws forever. He broke with the Roman Catholic Church over their refusal to allow him to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, thus leading to the establishment of the Church of England and the dissolution of the monasteries. His six marriages, with two divorces and two executions while waiting for a male heir, are historical lore. He ended up with three children; Mary, Elizabeth and Edward - one each from his first three wives. Edward VI, son of Jane Seymour, was the youngest and only nine when he ascended the throne. His reign only lasted for six years before he died of TB. He passed the First Act of Uniformity making the Roman Catholic Mass illegal. He had two Protectors during his reign - the second of these, The Duke of Northumberland, persuaded him to nominate his daughter Lady Jane Grey as his heir in a bid to secure a Protestant succession. Jane was descended from Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's sister. Lady Jane Grey was just 16 when Edward died and although she was proclaimed queen and installed at the Tower awaiting coronation she was never crowned as Mary's (Edward VI's sister) supporters marched on London and secured the crown for her. Lady Jane Grey was later executed. Mary I, daughter of Catherine of Aragon, married Philip the heir to the Spanish throne but they had no heirs. Mary was staunchly Catholic and immediately set about re-establishing the religion. Known as Bloody Mary she persecuted the Protestants, reinstated the heresy laws and then burned Protestant bishops at the stake. Elizabeth I, daughter of Ann Boleyn, took the throne on Mary's death. She restored the Protestant Church and enforced it by law. She was also responsible for the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots - as Margaret Tudor's granddaughter she had a claim to the English throne. In general the Elizabethan era saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada and peace with the French. There was a huge economic, exploratory and cultural upturn - Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake were on the seas and Shakespeare arrived in London. She never married and there were no Tudor heirs so her death ended the Tudor dynasty. 7. Stuart The house of Stuart begins with James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots. He was already James VI of Scotland at this time so his coronation created the Kingdom of Scotland and England. His mother had been forced to renounce the throne when James was only 13 months of age. He ascended to the English throne at 36; he was married and had eight children but was known to have many male 'favourites', George Villiers being probably the most famous. More religious troubles, this time between the Puritans and Church of England, Guy Fawkes and the Catholic dissidents attempt to blow up parliament and heretics are burnt at the stake but the King James Bible is also published. His son Charles I believed in his divine right as king and tried to control the parliament. At two separate times he dissolved it and ruled himself which eventually led to the English Civil War. Charles was eventually captured, tried and executed. This led to a period of 11 years without a monarch during which time Oliver Cromwell established the Commonwealth of England. He led as Lord Protector; his son followed him briefly but the commonwealth basically collapsed and calls were made for the restoration of the monarchy. Charles II, son of executed Charles I, returned to England after nine years in exile. His reign saw the plague and The Great Fire of London and more Catholic persecution by the Government. He had no heirs so his brother James II came to power. The government was worried because James was a known Catholic but as his two daughters were Protestant he was left to reign in peace until he married a young Catholic wife who provided him with a male Catholic heir. The parliament moved to oust him and thus began the "Glorious Revolution" when William and Mary of Orange were invited to rule - both of whom were royal descendants. William III was a grandson of Charles I who was married to Mary II, James II's oldest daughter. They ruled jointly under what is called The House of Stuart and Orange. Many constitutional changes, including the Bill of Rights, were made during their reign. This limited the powers of the monarchy and made it illegal for a Catholic to succeed to the throne. After their deaths the crown passed to James II's second daughter Anne. Her reign was plagued by wars with the French and the Spanish succession. England and Scotland were united into the Kingdom of Great Britain. She died with no living heirs so ended the House of Stuart. The house of Stuart begins with James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots. He was already James VI of Scotland at this time so his coronation created the Kingdom of Scotland and England. His mother had been forced to renounce the throne when James was only 13 months of age. He ascended to the English throne at 36; he was married and had eight children but was known to have many male 'favourites', George Villiers being probably the most famous. More religious troubles, this time between the Puritans and Church of England, Guy Fawkes and the Catholic dissidents attempt to blow up parliament and heretics are burnt at the stake but the King James Bible is also published.His son Charles I believed in his divine right as king and tried to control the parliament. At two separate times he dissolved it and ruled himself which eventually led to the English Civil War. Charles was eventually captured, tried and executed.This led to a period of 11 years without a monarch during which time Oliver Cromwell established the Commonwealth of England. He led as Lord Protector; his son followed him briefly but the commonwealth basically collapsed and calls were made for the restoration of the monarchy.Charles II, son of executed Charles I, returned to England after nine years in exile. His reign saw the plague and The Great Fire of London and more Catholic persecution by the Government. He had no heirs so his brother James II came to power. The government was worried because James was a known Catholic but as his two daughters were Protestant he was left to reign in peace until he married a young Catholic wife who provided him with a male Catholic heir. The parliament moved to oust him and thus began the "Glorious Revolution" when William and Mary of Orange were invited to rule - both of whom were royal descendants.William III was a grandson of Charles I who was married to Mary II, James II's oldest daughter. They ruled jointly under what is called The House of Stuart and Orange. Many constitutional changes, including the Bill of Rights, were made during their reign. This limited the powers of the monarchy and made it illegal for a Catholic to succeed to the throne. After their deaths the crown passed to James II's second daughter Anne. Her reign was plagued by wars with the French and the Spanish succession. England and Scotland were united into the Kingdom of Great Britain. She died with no living heirs so ended the House of Stuart. 8. Hanover The House of Hanover is descended from James I's daughter Elizabeth Stuart who married Frederick V, the King of Bohemia. Her grandson became George I. George I was 54 when he ascended the throne and barely spoke any English; his reign was marked by Jacobite uprisings and a stock market crash. He was not popular in England and spent a lot of his time in Hanover. His son, George II's, reign saw many more conflicts - the War of Jenkins Ear against the Spanish, The War of Austrian Succession against the Prussians and the French, another Jacobite uprising as they tried to put Bonnie Prince Charlie (The Stuart heir) on the throne and then the Seven Year War with France. George III was his grandson. His reign saw the American War of Independence, the French Revolution, the colonisation of Australia, the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars with the final defeat at Waterloo. He was also known as 'Mad King George' as he faced many periods of mental instability believed now to have been caused by porphyria. His son, George IV, reigned as Prince Regent for his father and then succeeded him. England was at peace during his time and it was a period of cultural and architectural developments. With no living heirs he was succeeded by his brother, William IV, who began huge changes in political reform and the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire. William had ten illegitimate children but no legal heirs. The last of George III's sons, Edward, had died so his daughter, Victoria, was next in line. Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years having been crowned at just 18. The British Empire was at its height and as such it was a time of huge industrial, political, trade, scientific and military progress. Victoria and her husband Prince Albert had four sons, five daughters and 42 grandchildren who were married to royalty right throughout Europe and she became known as 'The Grandmother of Europe'. Unfortunately she also passed on haemophilia which affected the male heirs. 9. Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Victoria's son, Edward VII, reined under the name of his father, Price Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which was a German dynasty. Edward only reigned for nine years but a lot of social changes occurred during this time - socialism and women's suffrage were rife, the trade unions were on the rise and the foundations laid for Britain's welfare state. His son George V followed in his footsteps with WWI dominating his early reign. In 1917 with anti-German sentiment running high, he changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor and he relinquished all German titles and family connections thus making him the first King in the House of Windsor. 10. Windsor George V's reign also saw the Spanish flu, the first Labour Prime Minister and the Great Depression which continued for the rest of his time. His son Edward VIII was next in line to the throne but only served for ten months as he abdicated to marry the twice divorced American, Wallis Simpson. They were created the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; ostracised by the Royal family they spent most of their time in Paris. His younger brother George VI then became the third king of the year. George had never expected or wanted to become King but he rose to the challenge and restored the country's faith in the monarchy. His reign saw WWII, economic austerity, the end of the British Empire and the establishment of the Commonwealth. His daughter became Queen Elizabeth II when she was only 25, a young wife and mother. Her reign of 70 years, 7 months and 1 day became the country's longest. It witnessed many social, cultural and technological changes and many personal difficulties within her own family life. She had four children, eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren at the time of her death on the 8th September 2022. She was 96 and was succeeded by her son Charles III. George V's reign also saw the Spanish flu, the first Labour Prime Minister and the Great Depression which continued for the rest of his time.His son Edward VIII was next in line to the throne but only served for ten months as he abdicated to marry the twice divorced American, Wallis Simpson. They were created the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; ostracised by the Royal family they spent most of their time in Paris.His younger brother George VI then became the third king of the year. George had never expected or wanted to become King but he rose to the challenge and restored the country's faith in the monarchy. His reign saw WWII, economic austerity, the end of the British Empire and the establishment of the Commonwealth.His daughter became Queen Elizabeth II when she was only 25, a young wife and mother. Her reign of 70 years, 7 months and 1 day became the country's longest. It witnessed many social, cultural and technological changes and many personal difficulties within her own family life. She had four children, eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren at the time of her death on the 8th September 2022. She was 96 and was succeeded by her son Charles III. Source: Author Midget40 This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor gtho4 before going online.Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system. Howard R. Wolf not only taught a wide range of styles and topics in literature at the University at Buffalo, he also tackled them as an author. In addition to modern American literature, he lectured on short fiction, autobiography and literary journalism. In turn, he produced a novel (Broadway Serenade), a memoir (Forgive the Father) and numerous short stories. Poet and UB professor emeritus Carl Dennis noted that at the time of his death, Mr. Wolf was gathering for publication a collection of his short stories that featured the character Ludwig Fried, a semi-comic double whom he describes in a preface to one of his fiction collections, Second Time Around, as a restless loner, dreamer, introspective writer, and a 20th century embodiment of Jewish history who longs for security and thinks he needs to travel to find it. Mr. Wolf enjoyed traveling for pleasure and for his profession, though security in faraway places wasnt guaranteed. On one occasion, he was robbed. On another, he narrowly escaped a tsunami. He died Oct. 7 in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center after a short struggle with lung cancer. He was 86. Born in New York City, the son of an impoverished garment worker and the younger of two boys, he attended the academically challenging Horace Mann School in the Bronx, where he fell in love with literature and writing. His favorite authors were F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and George Orwell. He told former Buffalo News reporter Louise Continelli he once chatted with Hemingway in the Ritz Bar in Paris. He earned a bachelors degree in English in 1958 at Amherst College and wrote for the school paper. He went on to receive a masters degree from Columbia University in 1960, served in the Army and won the Hopwood Award for Fiction at the University of Michigan, where he taught composition and completed his Ph.D. in 1967. Later that year he joined the English Department at UB and soon was part an experimental program to teach composition to college and high school students. His colleague Carl Dennis noted, In a time when a dominant strain of critical theory in literature departments was deeply skeptical about the claim of literature to represent life, Howard was an ardent humanist, believing that literature helps us understand the world, that the skills that make us appreciative readers of fiction are the same skills we use to make sense of experience. He served as director of English undergraduate studies at UB. Becoming an emeritus professor in 2007, he was a senior fellow in the English Department and continued as an adjunct professor until 2010. He also taught a course on travel writing for UBs Discovery Seminars Program. He lectured in at least 20 countries and wrote extensively on his travels. He was a Fulbright scholarship lecturer at Ankara University, Turkey, in 1983-84 and at the University of the Free State in South Africa in 1998. He also lectured for three years at the University of Hong Kong and taught in UBs Malaysian Cooperative Program. He spoke on literary topics at meetings of the F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway societies, at colleges and universities, and at local high schools. He was elected to the PEN American Center, an honor reserved for authors who have published books of distinction, and was a fellow of the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, N.H., in 2016. Author of 10 books and more the 300 publications, his collection of personal essays, The Education of a Teacher, was included in The Call to Reform Liberal Education: Great Books of 1987. Im like a Henry Jamesian figure who would like to be more like Norman Mailer, he told News contributing writer Esther Harriott Swartz in 1979 after the publication of Forgive the Father. In addition to his fiction, he produced poetry, a collection of one-act plays (Home at the End of the Day) and saw the collaborative publication of two novellas about outsiders who yearn to belong his own Of Two Lives on the Lower Golan and Chris Helveys Behind the Eight Ball. He also was a frequent contributor to columns on the editorial pages of The News. His most recent essay, a reflection on Shakespeare and The Winters Tale, appeared Aug. 28. His manuscripts and letters have been collected by the Amherst College Archives and Special Collections since 1971. He raised his daughter Alexis as a single father after his marriage to Judith Essenson ended in divorce in 1967. In addition to his daughter, survivors include four grandsons. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Mesnekoff Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Road, East Amherst. Operation Iron Swords - Day 7 - 13 October 2023 Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". The Israeli military had notified 120 families that their loved ones are being held captive in Gaza, spokesman Daniel Hagari said. Hamas earlier said 13 captives had been killed in Israeli strikes. Since 7 October, over 1,500 people had been killed and more than 6,600 injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza according to the ministry of health in Gaza. By another count, as many as 1,799 Palestinians, including 583 children and 351 women, had been martyred and more than 7,000 others injured. The real number of fatalities is expected to be much higher, with families struggling to recover bodies from under the rubble. The horrifying attack by Hamas killed at least 1,229 people and injuring 3,436, according to Israels ministry of health. Many of the most extreme claims have since been retracted, including that Hamas militants slit the throats of Jewish babies and that they raped Jewish women in the border settlements. The military rabbinate accompanies the process of identification and burial. So far, notices have been given to 258 families of IDF martyrs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. US Secretary of Defense Austin: "We're with you, Mr. Prime Minister. As the President said, we have your back. And it's an awful week. Disgusting acts by this terrorist group. And as you know, I was the guy that initially put the ISIS campaign together. And I know a lot about ISIS, and this is worse than what I saw with ISIS. We do stand with you, Mr. Prime Minister." We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might, Netanyahu said. I emphasise that this is only the beginning. The Israeli prime minister did not elaborate on the statement, which he made during a brief address. With the help of aerial intelligence, Air Force aircraft attacked dozens of emergency positions of the terrorist organization Hamas to launch hostile drones, which were built inside and on the roofs of the houses of residents of the Gaza Strip. Hamas placed the emergency positions for launching the hostile drones on their roofs and inside the homes of civilians in the Gaza Strip. This is another example of how the terrorist organization Hamas uses the citizens of the Gaza Strip as a human shield. Air Force aircraft destroyed dozens of positions, the IDF will continue its intense offensive activity and will work to destroy the Hamas UAV systems. The IDF forces carried out local raids in the territory of the Gaza Strip to complete the effort to cleanse the area of ??terrorists and weapons. In these operations, an effort was also made to locate the missing. Infantry and armored forces searched and collected the area for findings that may help in the effort to locate the missing and thwarted Terrorist infrastructures and terrorist cells found in the area, including a cell of the terrorist organization Hamas fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli territory. The IDF continued to vigorously attack terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip and attacked about 750 military targets throughout the Gaza Strip tonight, including Hamas underground tunnels, military compounds and outposts, senior officials' houses that were used as military headquarters, IML warehouses, communication rooms and eliminated operatives in the terrorist organizations. During the attacks, dozens of IDF warplanes attacked many military targets of Hamas throughout the Strip, including 12 high-rise buildings where the terrorist organization's military infrastructure was established. The 12 buildings were attacked in full synchronization between the warplanes, in just one minute. IDF spokesman, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, stated: "The IDF is not fighting civilians in Gaza. The IDF is fighting the terrorist organization Hamas, which has brought disaster upon them and built its entire operational logic in a way that puts its citizens in danger of life and will shout to the world that civilians are being harmed. We cannot live with Hamas-ISIS rule near our borders. The IDF has the responsibility for Israel's security. "If Hamas prevents the residents of Gaza from evacuating, the responsibility will be on them - wherever there are Hamas infrastructures, they are attacked. There have been no incidents in the Otef in the last few hours. We will continue scanning, the area is still threatened and a closed military area, requests to obey the instructions and not take unnecessary risks. We have sent messages to the families of 120 abductees, many efforts are concentrated on this matter. The Home Front Command is located and prepared throughout the country from the north to Eilat." The IDF spokesman conveyed the IDF's message to the residents of Gaza City: "The IDF calls on all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes, move south for their protection and settle in the area south of the Gaza River. The terrorist organization Hamas started a war against the State of Israel, Gaza City is an area where military activity takes place. This evacuation is for your personal safety. It will be possible to return to Gaza City only after a notification confirming this. Do not approach the fence area with the State of Israel. "Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City in tunnels under houses in Gaza City, and inside many buildings are innocent civilians. Residents of Gaza moved south for your personal safety and the safety of your families, distance yourself from the Hamas terrorists who are using you as a human shield. The IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City in the coming days, and wishes to avoid harming civilians." After Israel asked about half of the population of the Gaza Strip to quickly evacuate ahead of a possible ground attack, groups of people riding in multi-use vehicles, and others on foot, headed to the south of the Gaza Strip. Israeli army missiles attacked a convoy of displaced people in the Gaza Strip, killing 70 Palestinians and wounding more than 200 others. Israels order for 1.1 million civilians in the Gaza Strip to relocate from the north to the south created an atmosphere of confusion and fear in the besieged enclave on the seventh day of Israels bombardment. The directive came on Friday 13th Octob3r 2023 as Israel was expected to launch a ground invasion of the densely populated territory following last weeks unprecedented attack carried out on southern Israel by Hamas, the armed group that ruled Gaza. Dr. Kevin Barrett, an Islamic scholar and former American academic who is now based in Morocco, said Palestinians would resist the Israeli regimes ground invasion, as they have nothing to lose and are ready to die for their cause, unlike Israelis who can move to other countries and live a comfortable life. The Palestinians have long since reached the point where they really have nothing to lose. Like Putin, who says Whats the point of a world without Russia; they see no point in living in a world without Palestine. And of course, Muslims will never accept a world without al-Aqsa. So the Palestinians and their supporters are fully prepared to die for their cause, he stated. Not so the Zionists. Most have dual citizenship and can live quite comfortably in Western or Eastern Europe, Russia, North America, or even South America, he explained. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that he rejects the forced displacement of the residents of the Gaza Strip, and warned of a "second Nakba." The official Palestinian Wafa news agency reported that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during their meeting in Amman the necessity of immediately stopping the Israeli aggression against our people, protecting them, and completely rejecting the displacement of our people from the Gaza Strip. Because that would be a second nakba for our people. Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh confirmed that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Secretary-General of the League of Arab States , Ahmed Aboul Gheit , said that Israels demand for residents of the northern Gaza Strip to move to its south constitutes a new war crime, stressing that the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the occupation from forcibly transferring residents. Aboul Gheit stressed, according to what the university published on the X platform, in a letter addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, that the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the occupying power from directly forcibly transferring populations. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Israel's request for residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes, saying that it was unacceptable in any way. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Israel's cutting off water, electricity and food to two million people trapped in an area of 360 square kilometers contradicts the most basic human rights. A statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the Kingdoms categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, and its condemnation of the continued targeting of defenseless civilians there. Saudi Arabia is putting US-backed plans to normalize ties with Israel on ice, two sources familiar with Riyadh's thinking told Reuters, as war escalated between Israel and Palestinian resistance movements. The conflict has also pushed the kingdom to engage with Iran, the sources added, stressing that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took his first phone call from Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi as Riyadh tries to prevent a broader surge in violence across the region. The escalation of the conflict between the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) and Israel after the Al-Aqsa Flood operation renewed talk about the occupations attempt to forcibly displace the residents of the Gaza Strip towards Egyptian territory as it is their only outlet in light of Israels preparedness for a possible ground incursion that may begin at any moment, which is Something that puts Cairo in front of a major dilemma. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed in a speech that the people of Gaza should remain steadfast and present on their land. He called on both sides of the conflict to immediately return to the negotiating track and exercise restraint, stressing that his country's national security is its "primary responsibility." The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned against the Israeli armys call for more than a million residents of the Gaza Strip to leave their homes and head south, and said in a statement that this measure would constitute a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law, and will expose the lives of more than a million Palestinian citizens and their families to dangers. Staying out in the open without shelter, facing dangerous humanitarian and security conditions. In Cairo, media figures denied that Egypt would allow the resettlement of residents of the Gaza Strip in Sinai, and via Egyptian official television, journalist Youssef Al-Husseini said, No excess or negligence, referring to what is being circulated about pushing the Palestinians to the Egyptian peninsula. Al-Azhar in Egypt extended in a statement its salute to the steadfastness of the people of dear Palestine, and its appreciation for their clinging to their precious land, and their adherence to remaining on its soil, whatever the cost and sacrifices. It continued, addressing the Palestinians, "It is better for you to die on your land as knights, heroes, and martyrs... and know that leaving your lands is the death of your cause and our cause and its disappearance forever." In Jordan - the country that hosts two million Palestinian refugees registered with the United Nations - King Abdullah II warned during a meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken against any attempt to displace Palestinians from all Palestinian territories or cause their displacement, stressing not to transfer the crisis to Neighboring countries and exacerbating the refugee issue. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said that the United States must rein in Israel if it wants to avoid a regional war, adding that Washington wants to give Israel an opportunity to destroy Gaza, and this is a fatal American mistake. Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian said the region's resistance groups are ready for all scenarios in the face of the Israeli regime, which has brought the Gaza Strip under an all-out and indiscriminate war. The top Iranian diplomat made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal al-Mekdad in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Amnesty International said Israels order for civilians to leave the northern Gaza Strip cannot be considered an effective warning. It added the action may constitute forced displacement of the civilian population, a violation of international humanitarian law... Regardless of timeframe, Israel cannot treat northern Gaza as an open-fire zone based on having issued this order. Their forces have an obligation to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians wherever they are in Gaza." But Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions, reflective of customary law, provides that no displacement shall be ordered for reasons related to ae conflict, unless civilians must move for their own security or a clear military imperative. The European Unions top diplomat Josep Borrell described Israels directive as utterly unrealistic. The UN chief has called for humanitarian access to Gaza but has come short of calling for a ceasefire. Moving more than 1 million people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water or accommodation when the entire territory is under siege is extremely dangerous and in some cases simply not possible, Guterres said during brief statements at UN headquarters in New York. Already, at least 423,000 people nearly one in five Gazans have been forced from their homes by Israeli air strikes, the UN said on 12 October 2023. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it would be impossible to stage such a massive evacuation without devastating humanitarian consequences. He called on Israel to rescind any such orders, saying they could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said time was running out to prevent humanitarian catastrophe in besieged enclave. Israels evacuation order for Gaza amounted to a death sentence for vulnerable hospital patients, the World Health Organization warned. There are severely ill people whose injuries mean their only chances of survival is being on life support, such as mechanical ventilators, Jasarevic said. So moving those people is a death sentence. Asking health workers to do so is beyond cruel. Hamas rejected the Israeli threat for 1.1 million people in Gaza to leave the northern area within 24 hours to save themselves. For many Palestinians, the order is reminiscent of the mass exodus known as the nakba, or catastrophe, during Israels creation in 1948. We adamantly reject to be expelled from our homes once again, said a statement from Izzat Al Risheq, a member of Hamas political bureau. We will resist Israels attempt to ethnically cleanse Gaza. Israel has publicly declared its plan to commit genocide against Palestinians. What the Zionists are doing is inhumane, it is unprecedented. We will either live standing tall or we will die fighting. While many Palestinians in northern Gaza were trying to flee, others have told Amnesty International that they are choosing to stay for fear this could become a second Nakba as the generational trauma of displacement is etched in the collective memories of many Gazans. Our parents were expelled from their homes in 1948 during the Nakba. We lost our house which was destroyed in the August 2022 offensive; our rebuilt house was destroyed again all our lives we have known nothing but a series of displacements, Munir Radwan a university professor told Amnesty. Russian President Vladimir Putin likened the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip to Nazi Germany's siege of the Russian city of Leningrad during World War II, and called for a solution to the conflict through mediation. He added that we must think about the Palestinian citizens who are suffering from the Israeli military escalation, warning that Israel launching a ground operation in Gaza will lead to an increase in civilian casualties. Russia distributed a draft resolution to Council members, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza , while its representative to the United Nations accused Washington of promoting lies in support of Israel. The Russian draft resolution - which was distributed during a closed session of the Security Council on the escalation in the Palestinian territories - expresses deep concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and calls for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the safe evacuation of civilians who need it. The text emphasizes the necessity of protecting the Israeli and Palestinian civilian populations. The Russian project condemns all acts of violence against civilians and terrorist acts, and calls for the release of all hostages, in reference to the Israelis who were captured by the Palestinian resistance in the first hours of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation. The Russian delegate to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, said that the indiscriminate bombing of residential areas in Gaza is unacceptable. Nebenzia added that cutting off water and electricity from Gaza brings to mind the memory of the siege of the Russian city of Leningrad by Nazi forces during World War II. The Russian delegate continued that the escalation is very worrying and the region is on the verge of a comprehensive and unprecedented war, accusing Washington of promoting what he described as lies in support of Israel against the Palestinians, without finding a solution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cheektowaga police on Thursday walked back a Facebook post warning that the town would need to begin euthanizing dogs unless people came forward to adopt them. Police told WGRZ-TV an employee made an error in the initial post. "The Town of Cheektowaga does not run an animal kill shelter," the updated Facebook post read. "Euthanasia is only used as a last resort after all other adoption, sheltering, and care methods have failed and is not done at the Town of Cheektowaga. The Cheektowaga Dog Control Office continuously works diligently to help dogs avoid that fate." The shelter has been running at capacity since late September, according to a separate online post from Cheektowagas dog control division. Anyone who wants to get more information about the adoption process or schedule an appointment can call the office at 716-686-3525. - Stephen T. Watson Operation Iron Swords - Day 8 - 14 October 2023 Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". Israel continued its bombing of various areas of Gaza. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that 2,215 martyrs were killed in the Gaza Strip, and 8,714 others were injured since the start of the Israeli operations, while 54 people were martyred and more than 1,100 were wounded in the West Bank. Israel reported over 1,300 people killed and 3,400 wounded following the Hamas assault. At least 279 IDF soldiers have been killed since the Hamas attack, an Israeli army spokesman said. In total, more than 1,200 Israeli citizens had already died , and another 126 were kidnapped. Human Rights Watch has alleged that the Israel Defense Forces have deployed munitions with white phosphorus, stating that using these munitions endangers the safety of civilians, causing severe and enduring injuries. This allegation was repudiated by the IDF's spokesperson, who said, The current accusation made against the IDF regarding the use of white phosphorus in Gaza is unequivocally false. The IDF has not deployed the use of such munitions. The Israeli ambassador to Russia, Alexander Ben Zvi, stated that "it must be refuted. It is not true. Nowadays, you know, everyone is on social media, and everyone has a mobile phone. It is merely nonsense." The head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Ismail Haniyeh, delivered a speech in which he stressed that the resistance began writing history with the Al-Aqsa Flood, which marked the beginning of the demise of the occupation. He added that the people of Gaza are rooted in their land, clinging to their homeland, and will not leave their land. They will not emigrate, neither from the West Bank nor from Gaza. Kuwait spoke out against Israel's calls for civilians in Gaza City to evacuate amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said. "The state of Kuwait categorically rejects Israeli occupation forces calls of forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza Strip, and continued escalation, killing and random destruction in violation of international and humanitarian law," Al-Sabah was quoted as saying by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The minister called on the international community and the UN Security Council to take action in order to stop the escalation and "put an end to this war that does not differentiate between civilian and military targets." "The New York Times" revealed that video footage taken from "cameras" installed on the heads of militants affiliated with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), who were killed in then attack showed that the attackers knew a lot of information and secrets related to the Israeli army and its weak points. The attackers used drones to destroy the main observation and communications towers along the border with Gaza, which affected the performance of the Israeli army. Israeli officials said Hamas used explosives and tractors to open gaps in border barriers, allowing 200 attackers to pour in in the first wave, and another 1,800 later that day. The newspaper continues that the attackers used motorcycles and small trucks to invade at least 8 military bases and launched attacks in more than 15 villages and cities. The newspaper indicated that the attack was coordinated, as documents and video clips show, as teams of attackers were appointed for specific targets. Footage from cameras mounted on the attackers' heads, including video of the raid on the intelligence center, showed Qassam gunmen, from the highly trained elite brigade, storming checkpoints at several bases in the early morning hours. In one of the shots that the newspaper viewed - according to what it said - and verified during interviews with Israeli officials, it appears that 10 militants from the Al-Qassam Brigades - the military arm of Hamas - knew exactly how to find an Israeli intelligence center and how to enter it. The footage shows the moment they crossed into Israel, where they headed east on 5 motorcycles, each carrying two gunmen, and everyone opened fire on passing cars as they advanced. After several kilometers, the group deviated from the main road into a forest area, where they descended outside an unmanned gate leading to a military base. They then blew up a checkpoint with a small explosive device, entered the base, stopped to take a group selfie, and then shot an Israeli soldier, killing him. For a moment, the attackers seemed unsure of where to go next, but one of them pulled out of his pocket a detailed map of the base, in colors. The group was then redirected to find an open door to a fortified building. Once inside, they reached a room full of computers in the military intelligence center. There were two Israeli soldiers taking cover under a bed in the room, and they were then shot dead. The newspaper points out that this footage, which was found on the camera mounted on the head of a Hamas militant who was later killed in the clashes, provides details, which it described as terrifying, about how Hamas was able to surprise and overcome one of the most powerful armies in the Middle East. Documents found with Al-Qassam militants, video clips of the attack, and interviews with security officials, show that the group had a surprisingly sophisticated understanding of how the Israeli army operated and positioned certain units, as well as the time it would take for reinforcements to arrive. The Israeli army says that once the war is over, it will investigate how Hamas was able to penetrate its defenses so easily. But whether there was negligence on the part of the Israeli forces regarding their secrets, or whether they were infiltrated by spies; What was revealed has already raised concerns among officials and analysts, who wondered how the Israeli army, known for gathering intelligence, could inadvertently reveal so much information about its own operations, according to the newspaper. The Israeli army said that it is preparing to expand the scope of its attacks in Gaza, including preparing for a ground operation, and added in a statement that its forces are preparing to mobilize resources to implement broad operational plans, including an integrated attack on land, sea and air. The Israeli forces will start active combat operations in the Gaza Strip once the conditions allow them to do so after assessing the situation on the ground, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Jonathan Conricus said. The Israeli military said it was preparing for an extensive campaign in Gaza and "the implementation of a wide range of offensive plans that include, among other things, a comprehensive and coordinated attack from air, sea and land." Israeli Army battalions and soldiers are deployed throughout the country and are ready to increase combat readiness for the next phases of the war, with an emphasis on significant ground operations , the IDF said in a media release. "We'll have to assess the situation on the ground, see how many civilians are left in the area and understand how many of them are blocked by Hamas from actually evacuating ... and once we'll see the situation will be permissible for significant combat operations, then they'll commence," Conricus told CNN when asked when a possible ground operation by the IDF would start in the Gaza Strip. The spokesman once again urged civilians in the area to evacuate as soon as possible from the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The IDF continued its attacks, terrorists identified coming out of a tunnel shaft were eliminated: The IDF continued throughout the day to attack military targets of Hamas, with an emphasis on the neighborhoods of Jablia, Zeitoun, Al-Furkan and Beit Hanun. Among the targets that were attacked, operatives of the terrorist organization were eliminated and military headquarters and dozens of mortar launchers were destroyed. In the evening, a combat helicopter located a building where a number of terrorists were staying, attacked and eliminated them. Also, the IDF spotted a number of Hamas operatives coming out of a tunnel shaft in Gaza during the afternoon. An IDF aircraft eliminated the terrorists and attacked the route of the tunnel from which the terrorists came out. 20:10 - IDF spokesman, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari : "We launched a broad attack against thousands of targets in the Gaza Strip, we eliminated terrorists from the terrorist organization Hamas - all complicit in this terrible act are mortal, and their elimination is a top priority. We are evacuating the population in Gaza from the combat zones. Hamas wants the population as a human shield. Hamas wants Gazan casualties, to show the world that it has dead and wounded. We continue to urge the residents of Gaza City - go down south, drive south across the Gaza River, Hamas wants you as a human shield." Reuters quoted an Israeli military spokesman as saying, "The forces are fully prepared in the north. The operation is coming and will take a long time," referring to the imminent ground attack on the Gaza Strip. "Our goal is to completely destroy the governance and military capabilities of Hamas and terrorist organizations," the spokesman said. He added, "The residents of Gaza City must leave and not return until we tell them," adding, "We told the residents of Gaza to move to the south for their safety, and Hamas is preventing people from leaving." Israeli Channel 10 reported that the Israeli army informed the residents of the Gaza Strip that the war would continue for at least another 3 weeks. Over the last few days, the IDF has called the residents of the Gaza Strip to evacuate their homes because of the military operation that is taking place in the area, in response to Hamas' brutal terrorist attacks. The call was sent out using a variety of different means in an attempt to minimize the harm to non-combatants. Hamas terrorists are hiding in terror tunnels located under the houses in Gaza City and in civilian buildings. The IDF has identified a trend of residents moving towards the south, even though the Hamas terrorist organization tried to deny the move in order to use these residents as a human shield. IDF aircraft, artillery and tanks struck several military targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon in response to the mortar shells launched toward Israeli territory earlier today. IDF soldiers identified a terrorist cell which attempted to infiltrate from Lebanon into Israeli territory. An IDF UAV targeted the terrorist cell and neutralized a number of the terrorists. The IDF struck a Hezbollah terror target in southern Lebanon in response to the infiltration of unidentified aerial objects into Israel and fire on an IDF UAV. The IDF intercepted the infiltrating aerial object and the fire on the IDF UAV. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 13 October 2023 - Day 597 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 Russian Air Force Long Range Aviation (LRA) aircraft have not conducted a strike against Ukraine since 21 September 2023, a period of 21 days. While such breaks have not been unusual, the last similar break in strikes occurred between 9 March and 28 April 2023, a period of 51 days. In that instance it was likely that LRA had almost depleted its stocks of capable AS-23 missile munitions following its winter campaign against Ukrainian critical national infrastructure. This time, it is likely that Russian LRA are preserving existing stocks of AS-23 missiles as well as using this pause to increase useable stocks in anticipation of further heavy strikes against Ukraine over the winter. Recently, Russia has focused its airstrikes against grain-related facilities across the south of Ukraine, using SHAHED one-way-attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAVs.) This included strikes against Ukrainian Danube River ports, which likely required a high level of accuracy due to the target's proximity to the Romanian border. It is likely that Russia used SHAHED OWA UAVs on these targets because of their better accuracy over other types of air-launched missiles. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Kremlin forces cynically launched a missile attack on a children's art center in the center of the city of Pokrovsk (Donetsk oblast). As a result of the targeted hit, more than 20 civilians were injured and two administrative buildings were partially destroyed. The operational situation in east and south of Ukraine remains difficult. During the day of October 13, there were 68x combat engagements. Russian forces launched 2x missile and 39x air strikes, 24x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. 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 Russian 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. The Russian invaders launched air strikes near Leonivka, Hrem'yach (Chernihiv oblast), Popivka (Sumy oblast). More than 15x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Bleshnya, Sen'kivka (Chernihiv oblast), Bachivs'k, Vyshen'ky, Volfyne, Mohrytsya (Sumy oblast), Ternova, Hatyshche, Pletenivka (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Ukrainian soldiers repelled 12x Russian attacks in the vicinity of Syn'kivka, Ivanivka and Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces also conducted air strikes there. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 15x settlements, including Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Novomlyns'k, Zapadne, Kup'yans'k, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka, Novolyubivka, Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Spirne (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian defense forces repelled Russian attacks in the vicinity of Makiivka (Luhansk oblast). The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at about 15x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Dronivka, Vyimka, Fedorivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Bila Hora, Oleksandro-Shul'tyne and New York (Donetsk oblast). More than 20x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Min'kivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders are bravely holding the line, repelled 10x Russian attacks in the vicinity of Avdiivka and more than 15x attacks near Keramik, Tonen'ke, Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke and Netailove (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Novokalynove and Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast). The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, Opytne, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: during the day of October 13, Ukrainian defense forces successfully repelled about 10x Russian attacks in the vicinities of Mar'inka (Donetsk oblast). About 10x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Antonivka, Yelyzavetivka (Donetsk oblast), were under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian occupiers. Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful assault operations with air support near the settlement of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Blahodatne, Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Zaporizhzhia axis: Russian forces made unsuccessful attempts to regain the lost ground in the vicinity of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The Russian occupants launched an air strike near Novoandriivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 25x settlements, including Hulyaipole, Orikhiv, Novodanylivka, Robotyne, Mali Shcherbaky, Plavni (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: Russian forces launched air strikes near the settlements of Kozats'ke, Odradokam'yanka, Mykolaivka, Ol'hivka, Vysoke and Ul'yanovka (Kherson oblast). The Russian fired artillery and mortars at Beryslav, Sadove, Stanislav, Oleksandrivka (Kherson oblast) and the city of Kherson. 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 occupation forces, exhausting the Russian forces all along the front line. During the day of October 13, Ukrainian Air Force launched 12x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment of the adversary. Ukrainian defenders also destroyed 1x russian Su-25 fighter jet and 1x Orlan-10 tactical UAV. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x command post, 1x concentration of troops, weapons and military equipment, 1x ammunition depot and 1x electronic warfare system of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in the period from 7 to 13 October 2023, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out eight group strikes by Iskander-M operational-tactical system and unmanned aerial vehicles. The strikes hit one warehouse of missile, artillery weapons, and military equipment, production workshops of enterprises manufacturing weapons and military equipment, as well as accommodation points for Ukrainian servicemen, nationalists, and foreign mercenaries. As a result of the strikes, storage facilities for U.S.-made Willard motor boats, one field artillery depot of Kherson combined force grouping of AFU, one hardware depot at the 'Dunaysudoservice' ship repair plant close to Ilichevsk (Odessa region), and a fuel and lubricants storage base at the Uman airfield (Cherkassy region). In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery captured more favourable positions. 46 AFU attacks were repelled close to Ivanovka, Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Makeevka (Lugansk People's Republic). In addition, AFU 25th airborne, 14th, 92nd mechanised brigades' manpower and hardware have been hit close to Sinkovka, Timkovka (Kharkov region) and Novoselovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic). The enemy losses were more than 830 AFU servicemen killed and wounded, three tanks, four armoured fighting vehicles, 19 motor vehicles, and 17 artillery guns. Two missile artillery ammunition depots of foreign mercenaries and the 1st Special Operations Brigade were destroyed near Volchansk and Ogurtsovo (Kharkov region). In Krasny Liman direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces using 5th national guard, 63rd and 67th mechanised brigades made unsuccessful attempts to regain lost positions near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic) and Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic). As a result of competent action by units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, air strikes, artillery fire, and heavy flamethrowers, 22 enemy attacks were repelled. The enemy losses were more than 895 servicemen, four tanks, 11 armoured fighting vehicles, 19 guns, as well as Czech-made Vampire MLRS. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, in cooperation with aviation and artillery, repelled 17 attacks by Ukrainian Armed Forces near Vasilyevka and Vodyanoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Over the week, the enemy has lost more than 1,580 servicemen killed and wounded, four tanks, 30 armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, 14 field artillery guns, as well as one Grad MLRS. In addition, two AFU sabotage and reconnaissance groups and five field ammunition depots were eliminated. In South Donetsk direction, due to cohesive actions the Russian units have improved the situation along the front line and repelled eight AFU attacks. Three AFU sabotage and reconnaissance groups have been disabled. Over the week, the enemy has lost more than 1,285 militants killed and wounded, ten armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, 14 field artillery guns, as well as one Grad MLRS. In Zaporozhye direction, four attacks of assault groups of AFU 65th mechanised, 71st jaeger brigades were repelled by intensive actions of the Russian units, air strikes, and artillery fire near Verbovoye and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses were more than 385 servicemen, three tanks, nine armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, and 14 field artillery guns. In Kherson direction, the enemy units made unsuccessful attempts to capture bridgeheads on islands and the left bank of the Dnepr. Over the week, more than 325 militants, nine field artillery guns, one Grad MLRS, and 53 motor vehicles have been eliminated. In addition, three ammunition depots and two sabotage and reconnaissance groups were eliminated on Alyoshkinsky and Pereyaslavskyi islands. ighter Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces shot down one Su-25 ground-attack aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force close to Preobrazhenka (Zaporozhye region). Operational-tactical and Army Aviation, missile troops and artillery destroyed one Su-25 ground-attack aircraft at Dolgintsevo airfield (Dnepropetrovsk region), one Tochka-U missile system launcher near Peresechnoye (Kharkov region), S-300 SAM system close to Nikolayev, as well as two ST-68U radar stations for the detection, identification, and tracking of aerial targets near Malovarvarovka (Nikolayev region). In addition, air-delivered ordnance depots were destroyed near Dubievka (Cherkassy region) and Priluki (Chernigov region), as well as fuel depots at airfields Ozernoye near Zhitomyr and Mirgorod (Poltava region). The Black Sea Fleet's naval aircraft destroyed one AFU uncrewed surface vehicle in the Black Sea waters. Air defence facilities have intercepted 19 HIMARS, Olkha, and Uragan projectiles, seven JDAM aerial guided bombs, 12 HARM anti-radiation missiles, as well as two Neptune anti-ship missiles. 218 AFU unmanned aerial vehicles were eliminated. In total, 488 airplanes and 250 helicopters, 7,790 unmanned aerial vehicles, 441 air defence missile systems, 12,546 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,163 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6,753 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 14,143 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 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) together with Subang Jaya Medical Centre, organised a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "'My family has a history of breast cancer, should I be worried? What screening should I do?" at the MHTC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The event aimed to create more awareness on the importance of early detection and provide valuable insights into breast cancer prevention and screening methods. The panel was joined by Dr. Teh Mei Sze, a Consultant Breast Surgeon (Oncoplastic), and Ms. Yoon Sook Yee, a Certified Genetic Counsellor, both shared their expertise and knowledge on breast cancer prevention, genetic factors, and the latest advancements in screening techniques. The panel discussion is aligned with this year's breast cancer awareness month theme, Thrive365. This theme emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to breast cancer prevention and encourages individuals to prioritise their overall well-being throughout the year. Breast cancer affects both genders, and it is crucial to raise awareness about the disease among men as well. According to recent statistics, breast cancer cases in Malaysia have been on the rise, with approximately 5,000 new cases reported each year. While some cases are hereditary, comprising only 5-10%, the majority of breast cancers result from factors like environment and lifestyle. Early detection plays a vital role in improving survival rates, and regular screenings are recommended for individuals above the age of 40. Farizal B. Jaafar, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MHTC, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "This event is a testament to our commitment in the battle against breast cancer. We are delighted to collaborate with one of the finalists of our Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital programme, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, to organise this session today. We hope that with such platforms, we can revive the idea of being more aware and more alert around breast cancer, a disease that for the most part is detectable in early stages, with better outcomes for those who are diagnosed with it. MHTC remains dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and saving lives. Through initiatives like discussions, MHTC aims to empower individuals with knowledge and encourage proactive steps towards breast cancer prevention and early detection. To learn more about breast cancer and for more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org/ 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. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/790080e9-f54f-4be0-ab36-6e22030e3665 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d97962a-97ac-4939-abc6-5115d6a60904 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/013b89c6-fe15-4cea-a560-92d7d2e523b8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2b98e06-6906-4431-abe7-be25efd6bdb2 PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN The BuildClub , an on-demand building materials supplier, will host a webinar that offers an exclusive look into the company's groundbreaking strategies, innovations and promising investment opportunities. The BuildClub's founder and CEO, Stephen Forte, a renowned expert in mobile apps and software, will be the event's host. With one patent awarded and three filed, Forte is a visionary leader. He has previously founded and successfully exited multiple tech startups, served as the CEO of both public and private companies, managed operations in 63 countries, and overseen P&Ls ranging from startups to over $1 billion in revenue. Mark your calendar for October 23 at 10 a.m. PST and register now for this exclusive event. To secure your virtual seat and explore the future of construction materials sourcing, visit: https://dnagency.lpages.co/the-buildclubs-bold-new-era/ Contact Stephen Forte Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Sole Director The BuildClub Palo Alto, CA stephen@buildclub.com 888-423-0323 Palo Alto, CA About The BuildClub The BuildClub is a Silicon Valley-based startup that has emerged as a disruptive force in the construction and home improvement industry. With a strong commitment to transforming the way construction materials are sourced, The BuildClub leverages cutting-edge AI technology to offer a seamless, transparent, and efficient supply chain solution. Visit The BuildClub website or download their app directly from the app stores. Volunteer boat builders at Canalsides Longshed Building have been busy working on a replica of the Erie Canal-era Seneca Chief for the past few years, lofting the boat, planing stock, making bronze fasteners in the metal shop and fitting planks. Using volunteers for such a difficult project seemed like a Herculean task when work began in 2019. But completing the ships hull the most difficult part of the project is nearly complete, and plans are to launch the boat in May 2024. Its a prelude to the boats starring role in the bicentennial commemoration of the Erie Canal the following year, to commemorate when New York Gov. DeWitt Clinton boarded the boat in Buffalo and traveled to New York City to mark the canals opening. We have been planking this 73-foot-long boat with amateurs, said Roger Allen, master boat builder at Buffalo Maritime Center. This is one of the most astonishing parts of this whole project. They have almost no prior woodworking experience, let alone boat building experience. We are doing the most complicated kind of boat building, and its been incredibly successful. The work included the added challenge of double planking the hull so it can be stored ashore without worrying about the planks drying out. On Oct. 7, John Montague turned the last screw to fasten the whiskey plank onto the hull, ceremonially completing the wooden boats exterior. It was fitting that it was Montague, the Maritime Centers founder, director emeritus and trustee who long advocated for such a project and took the lead in designing the boat. We have a 40-ton object on its way to completion, Montague said with a sense of amazement. I look at the whole thing as a kind of a miracle. We also achieved what we set out to do: to make this a public project that the community could be involved in at all levels, and see this as a serious piece of Buffalos history they can identify with and be proud of, he added. Montague was struck by the projects significance when a couple from New Zealand recently told him they had heard of the boat being built and came to Buffalo to see it. They said they planned to see Niagara Falls later, but this was first on their list, he said. There are about 200 active volunteers, and about twice that number who have helped over the course of the project, according to Greg Dudley, the Buffalo Maritime Centers boat building programs director. Around 75 to 100 have been constantly involved since work began at the Longshed in October 2020, he said. The Buffalo Maritime Center uses an apprenticeship program with crew chiefs to teach volunteers. The work by volunteers is just monumental, Dudley said. The volunteer builders and docents have been so enthusiastic, and theyve made it fun and interesting for visitors to come and view the project. About 20 of the volunteers work as docents, with most having also worked on the boat. Visitors have come on a daily basis to watch the boat building from the mezzanine level. An exhibition there tells the overlooked story of the Erie Canals impact on the Haudenosaunee in Western New York. It was never just a boat building project, said Brian Trzeciak, the Maritime Centers executive director. Its a project to explore our past, expand the narrative of the Erie Canal to include the Haudenosaunees story, and preserve the craftsmanship that goes into building a vessel like this. Ras Jomo Akono, union carpenter of local 276, has volunteered and coordinated involvement of others from his local. Our carpenters actually built the Longshed Building, and our volunteers have been assisting with the project, in various phases, from the first major beam, Akono said. This has put me on a quest to reimagine early life along this whole canal path, and what it meant for the different ethnic groups coming to America at an interesting time. Five students from St. Marys School for the Deaf worked on the boat in summer 2022. It ties in well with what we do in school in shop class, high school teacher Ron Czech said. They thought it was cool to see how they had to bend the wood for the boat. Thanks to a volunteer, it was learned that the Seneca Chief wasnt actually a packet boat, which the Buffalo Maritime Center called it, but a line boat, since it carried cargo as well as passengers. The next stage for the Seneca Chief is working on the exterior of the cabin, the deck and installation of double-hung windows before the boat is launched into the water in May. During that time, the Longshed will be turned into a construction site to add amenities including bathrooms and showers for in- and out-of-town mariners. Detailed interior work on the boat and an immersive exhibit will be done in later stages leading up to the bicentennial. From this point on, nothing is that incredibly difficult for this crew because they are so trained now, Allen said. The Seneca Chief will be launched in the beginning of May and pull into the Commercial Slip on May 25. Late-summer sea trials to Lockport and possibly other destinations will follow. The boat will make its bicentennial voyage on Sept. 24, 2025, during the World Canals Conference. It will arrive in New York City on Oct. 26, the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal. The boat will winter in Albany and then return across the Erie Canal to Buffalo in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Trzeciak called the completion of the hull a bittersweet moment. Though Im relieved we have got to this milestone, this project has flown along very quickly, Trzeciak said. Its really been a magical project to be a part of. The public can see the boat and learn more about it from docents at the Longshed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I hope people will come and look at it, Allen said. Its so big and its so pretty because of all the shapes, the curves and all that, and the construction itself is fascinating. Dave Rogers, after reading an article about the then-proposed project in May 2018 in The Buffalo News, stepped forward to foot the $325,000 cost, helping make the project a reality. The cost has since gone to $500,000, with more expected to be needed, which Rogers is also covering. New York State Canal Corporation has also given $410,000 toward the project. Rogers, a Clarence resident and co-founder of Life Storage, gives all the credit to the volunteers. I cant say how many thousands of hours theyve put in, said Rogers, whos now a trustee and helped fair the hull. Its hard work and something hardly done anymore. Thats where the real effort is. Those hours will continue to accumulate as the boat builders reset for the interior work still to be done. We are going to keep everybody busy, Dudley said. Were not laying off any volunteers. VANCOUVER, Oct. 13, 2023 - Giga Metals Corp. (TSX.V:GIGA, OTCQX: GIGGF) today announced that pursuant to its Stock Option Plan, approved by the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company will be granting 570,000 stock options to certain Employees and Consultants, exercisable at $0.30 per share, expiring October 13, 2028. 25% of the options will vest immediately, with an additional 25% vesting on each anniversary after issuance. 100% of the options will vest in the event of a change of control of the Company. About Giga Metals Corporation Giga Metals Corp.'s core asset is the Turnagain Project, located in northern British Columbia, which contains one of the few significant undeveloped sulphide nickel and cobalt resources in the world. Turnagain is held in Hard Creek Nickel, a subsidiary owned 85% by Giga Metals Corp. and 15% by Mitsubishi Corporation. The Pre-Feasibility Study results were announced in September 2023. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Giga Metals Corp. "Mark Jarvis" MARK JARVIS, CEO and Chairman Contact Information Office Phone: +1 (604) 681-2300 Investor Inquiries: info@gigametals.com Company Website: www.gigametals.com 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. Suite 203 - 700 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1G8 The Downtown Eastside neighborhood in Vancouver, British Columbia, looks a little worse for wear. On Hastings Street, the decrepit buildings are a mix of boarded-up windows, cheap bodegas and fast food joints. The sidewalk is littered with trash, and a line of homeless people, along with their belongings, tents and other makeshift shelters, winds down the block. On a recent Wednesday morning, the crowd was surprisingly lively. It was 9 a.m., but it looked like no one had yet been to sleep from the night before.One storefront on Hastings houses a small facility that at first glance seems like any traditional community health clinic. Inside the door is a reception area with mismatched chairs and murals on the wall. In the back, beyond a partition, theres a larger room with a big central conference table and half a dozen small cubicles along the wall. The clinic is run by volunteer health workers, trained in reversing drug overdoses and testing opioids for lethal chemicals.But this is not a health clinic. Its the Overdose Prevention Society, a safe consumption site where intravenous drug users are welcome to come in and shoot up with no questions asked. The volunteer health workers are on hand to make sure users dont overdose, and to dress any wounds from needle use. On this Wednesday morning, most of the cubicles are in use; the people sitting in them are injecting themselves with various opioids. A couple more sit at the conference table, riding out their highs and staring off into space. Near the back exit, two staffers huddle over a computer and a lab machine, testing the street drugs for lethal substances such as carfentanil and fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin that started becoming commonplace in overdoses about five years ago.Vancouver opened the first safe injection site in North America in 2003, in response to an HIV outbreak in British Columbia. Its called Insite, and its just up the street from the Overdose Prevention Society. Insite is more akin to a full medical facility, with a team of at least 10 professionals at any given time, and a detox center on site. There are treatment beds, and the staff can connect users to addiction services, counseling and other resources. Its open until 3 a.m. seven days a week, and 24 hours a day during the week when social welfare checks are distributed and drug use spikes. Insite is supported by the Vancouver health authority, and its legal status has been legitimized over the years: After the minister of health in Ottawa tried to shut Insite down in 2006, the Canadian Supreme Court unanimously affirmed its legality, ruling that shuttering the clinic would have an immediate negative public health impact.Its now ubiquitous in the community, and really a point of pride, says Insite manager Darwin Fisher. In some circles, its even hip: One trendy local boutique sells T-shirts and tote bags with a needle emblazoned across the front and the words Be Safe. Inject at Insite.But the Overdose Prevention Society, which opened in 2016, represents a new kind of approach -- smaller, nimbler pop-up sites that the city has approved in recent years in response to the ongoing opioid epidemic. Some 1,500 people died from overdoses in British Columbia in 2018, roughly the same number as the year before. Eighty-five percent of those deaths were from lethal amounts of fentanyl. In an effort to reduce the number of overdoses, Vancouver has opened six new safe consumption sites since late 2016. They dont offer the same medical expertise or recovery services that Insite does. But the city regards them as something of a temporary triage in the battle against opioids. Theyre easy to set up and can be located (and relocated) where theyre most needed. When overdose victims began showing up in one alleyway, officials drove in a trailer and began inviting people to inject there in order to keep a close watch. Another was sited next to a hospital where many overdose victims seek care. Yet another is restricted to women, to reduce the incidence of being in an incapacitated state around men who may harm them.Canadian officials seem to be embracing the idea of pop-up injection sites. Since the Overdose Prevention Society and other clinics opened in Vancouver, similar facilities have been set up in Montreal, Toronto and other cities. There are now around 25 across Canada -- including in more conservative provinces. At these newer pop-up sites, the main focus is simply on keeping people from dying. Previously, we had dead bodies in an alley, says Mark Lysyshyn, a medical health officer at Vancouver Coastal Health, the regional public health authority. Now we have an overdose consumption site, and people are alive.Sarah Blyth echoes that sentiment. Blyth, a well-known community activist in Vancouver, started the Overdose Prevention Society and still runs it today. She seems to know everyone who walks through its door by name, making small talk with them as they shuffle in from outside. She believes safe consumption sites are the first step into recovery, and the drug-purity testing services they offer mean that users will know if theyre taking really terrible stuff. But the most important value of these facilities, she says matter-of-factly, is simple: No one dies at these sites.That seemingly straightforward proposition is about to be tested south of the Canadian border: Several U.S. cities are actively exploring the possibility of setting up a safe injection site. Half a dozen American cities in the past few years have announced plans to open a supervised consumption site. So far none has, but its possible that the first could be up and running by the end of this year.Its hard to overstate just how controversial that would be. There are an estimated 100 supervised consumption sites worldwide, mostly in Europe. While the idea has become more accepted there and in Canada, it remains wildly divisive in the United States. Giving junkies a free, comfy spot to inject themselves with illegal drugs not only condones drug use, critics say, it encourages more of it. And supervised clinics would invite crime and other illicit activities wherever theyre located. The Trump administration has threatened to arrest any city officials who open a safe injection site.But many health workers see it as their best hope to stanch a worsening crisis. More than 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017, and the number of fentanyl deaths has been doubling every year since 2013, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the death rate is still highest among white people, the sharpest increases have been among African Americans (whose fentanyl death rate increased an average of 141 percent each year from 2011 to 2016) and Hispanics (whose rate rose 118 percent on average over the same period).In the face of harsh numbers like those, officials ought to be doing anything in their power to keep more people from dying, say many health experts. Our overdose rate in Philadelphia is triple our homicide rate, says Jose Benitez, director of Prevention Point, Philadelphias needle-exchange program. We need to be real with ourselves that fentanyl has changed everything. We need to respond accordingly.Philadelphia, in fact, may become the first U.S. city to actually see a supervised site open its doors. A nonprofit called Safehouse has vowed to open a clinic in the city by the end of 2019.The group was created by community health leaders who decided to circumvent state legislation by creating their own privately funded supervised injection site. Safehouse was trying to fundraise $1.8 million and was working with community leaders to find a proper location for a clinic. Then in February, a federal prosecutor in the city filed a lawsuit against the group; U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain said at a press conference that normalizing the use of deadly drugs like heroin and fentanyl is not the answer to solving the opioid epidemic.Philadelphias mayor, health commissioner and district attorney have all voiced support for Safehouse. We are not going to prosecute people who are trying to stop people from dying, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said after the lawsuit was filed. We had 1,200 people die last year. I think it is inexcusable to play politics with their lives. Pennsylvania state leaders remain wary; Gov. Tom Wolf last fall said injection clinics were not a workable solution. Former Gov. Ed Rendell, however, sits on Safehouses board.At issue is a 1986 federal law known as the crack house statute, which prohibits making any property available for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, distributing, or using a controlled substance. That includes safe injection sites, the federal government argues.Safehouse has pledged to proceed anyway, despite the legal uncertainty. In late March, the group announced it had found a site for the clinic in Kensington, a neighborhood at the heart of Philadelphias opioid crisis. (A local developer announced plans to donate the space to Safehouse, rent-free.) Were moving forward, says Safehouse vice president and secretary Ronda Goldfein, adding that she feels heartened that the lawsuit is a civil procedure and not a criminal case. We have no money and were being sued, but were moving forward.Local leaders across the U.S. are watching. After fentanyl began showing up more prevalently in overdoses, several cities began exploring the idea of a safe consumption site. Seattle officials were the first to formally greenlight a plan. Boston, Denver, New York and San Francisco have also discussed the idea. None of those proposals has gotten very far. In Seattle, logistical challenges of funding and securing a site have stymied plans for a clinic. California legislators last year approved a law allowing San Francisco to pilot a site, but it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who said he simply didnt believe such a facility would reduce drug addiction; lawmakers have taken up an almost identical bill this year, and new Gov. Gavin Newsom has voiced support for it. In Massachusetts, a state task force in February recommended to Gov. Charlie Baker that the benefits of opening a safe injection site outweigh the concerns; Baker remains opposed to the idea, and one state representative who served on the task force says it will likely be a long road before such a facility could open in Boston. In New Jersey, meanwhile, lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow a yearlong pilot of four different injection sites.Many of the officials who object to safe injection sites, including Brown and Baker, have cited the federal governments opposition to them as part of their reasoning. Whats the sense in trying to open a clinic that the feds have vehemently vowed to shut down? Because of that, some health experts say theyre actually glad to see the current lawsuit in Philadelphia. I think its a really helpful development, says Jessica Gaeta, chief medical officer at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless. The crack house statute in question wasnt written to address public health impacts of an overdose. I think its a healthy thing that this conversation is happening in the courts now, as opposed to if it opened and there was litigation brought against people.Of course, even if the courts do determine that injection sites violate federal law, some cities could decide to open a clinic anyway, especially if state legislation in places like California or New Jersey were to give them cover. After all, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and two different presidential administrations have now allowed dispensaries and cannabis shops to continue operating in 33 states and the District of Columbia.Most Americans right now oppose supervised injection sites. A 2018 study from Johns Hopkins University found that only 29 percent of people approve of them, with 39 percent of people supporting similar programs like clean needle exchanges.Nonetheless, there is a growing consensus among researchers that these facilities work. No one has ever died at any safe consumption site around the world. In Vancouver, studies over the years have shown that Insite has reduced overdose deaths by 35 percent and has resulted in a 30 percent increase in the number of people seeking treatment for addiction. As for the concern that clinics beget crime and homelessness, numerous studies have found that conditions in the neighborhood around Insite have largely remained the same. In fact, in the past two decades that facilities like Insite have proliferated across the world, there has only been one study that was critical of supervised injection clinics, which found that they didnt have a significant impact on mortality or syringe sharing. But that study was retracted bya month after publication for methodological weaknesses.We have hundreds, if not thousands, of people walking around Vancouver who wouldnt be around if not for safe injection facilities, says M-J Milloy, a research scientist with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use who has studied Insites impact in Vancouver.Research on the impact that such sites would have in the United States is limited, but generally favorable. One study published infound that a supervised consumption site would save the city of San Francisco $3.5 million in annual health-care and emergency services costs, and would drastically reduce public injection and discarded needles.A lot of this work hasnt been surprising, because it mirrors research thats come out of Canada, says Alex Kral, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley, who has extensively studied the issue. Theres nothing about Insite that couldnt work in America. With us having 70,000 deaths, in my mind those numbers are enough for us to try it.Fisher, the Insite manager, says he understands the hesitancy to open a similar clinic in the United States. Its an entirely new paradigm on harm reduction, requiring most people to recalibrate the way they view drug users, addiction and treatment. Weve spent a hundred years telling these people to go away, to live on the margins, to do this procedure in egregious situations in the most unsafe places in cities, he says. The central truth of supervised consumption sites, he says, is that these places acknowledge the existence of these people. I'm globally huge because I didn't follow trends - Rocky Dawuni Edith Mensah Showbiz News Oct - 13 - 2023 , 19:47 Ghanaian reggae artiste Rocky Dawuni has revealed that his relevance and success in the music industry is because he has chosen to be unique with his own style without being pressured to follow music trends. The multiple Grammy award nominee indicated many artistes with global potentials are failing to make the mark because they abandoned what sets them apart and kowtowed what is believed to be in vogue and trendy. He asserted that the path to sure success in the music industry lies in remaining true to one's unique vision and cultural identity. The three-time Grammy nominee emphasized that his ability to stay true to his cultural roots and draw inspiration from Ghana's rich music traditions encouraged him to carve a niche, earning him global recognition and attention. Rocky Dawuni pointed out that his approach has not only secured him longevity but earned him huge reputation among music audiences. "Embracing my calling has shaped my mindset to be resilient as a musician and not be swayed by trends but rather create my own pathway", he said in a recent interview on TV3. He urged young artistes to embrace their unique vision and cultural identity to attain lasting success in the industry. Lawyer Nti: Being a celebrity is tough, fans don't care about your low moments Kofi Duah Showbiz News Oct - 14 - 2023 , 08:20 Ghanaian comic actor Lawyer Nti says it is difficult for celebrities to keep up with their lifestyles because it comes with a lot of challenges and expectations. According to Lawyer Nti, it is actually tough to be a celebrity since a number of people look up to you. The fans see you as their kings and queens so you cannot fail them. When you are going through any form of difficulty you cannot even voice out because the fans dont want to see our low moments. They get motivated by us so we cannot go telling them our problems he made this statement during the Graphic Showbiz Twitter( X) Dialogue Series on the topic: Celebrity and Mental Health: Coping with the weight of fame last Thursday mentioned that as a comedian, the fans always expected him to be in a joyous and light mood when they met him without consideration for his mood at that particular time, adding that he was not ready for the instant fame, affecting his mental health. Lawyer Nti pointed out that he started battling mental health challenges when the fear of meeting up with family, friends, fans and public's high expectations started having a toll on him. Before, you are just an ordinary person but all of a sudden, everybody knows you. Your family and friends think you are rich so they are expecting so much from you. You don't have any privacy and must always pretend to be happy because your fans want to see your comic side anytime they meet you. I couldn't bear with the pressures, it was a tough time because I'm naturally a quiet person who wants my privacy. But I started finding peace when I became born again. Now I can say that I live a happy life getting closer to God. I have now discovered myself and know who truly I am and that all happened after going through this my mental health challenge. I would advise anyone going through any form of mental health challenge to get closer to God and pray a lot," Lawyer Nti said. The Graphic Showbiz Twitter (X) Dialogue Series hosted by Graphic Showbiz's Gifty Owusu- Amoah had other panelists like Abena Korkor, Gospel musician Kobby Salm, Actress Vicky Zugah and Dr Isaac Newman Arthur, a Clinical Psychologist. Read also: I've always been a target of cyber bullying, says Abena Korkor Winning Best Gospel Song award at 2023 GMA-UK boosts my brand -Joseph Matthew Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Oct - 14 - 2023 , 09:33 UK-based-Ghanaian Gospel artiste, Joseph Matthew has won the UK based Best Gospel Song of the Year award at this years Ghana Music Awards - UK held at the Royal Regency last Saturday. He told Graphic Showbiz that the win boosts his soaring brand which he has worked hard over the years to build. Joseph Matthew, who beat strong competition from the likes of MayQueen, Samuel Sey, Yvonne Asamoah-Tawiah, Alice Mckenzie, Nana Amankwah Tiah and Alex Acheampong, mentioned that even though winning awards doesnt define him, it is equally a recognition of his brand and testament of his good works. I dont think that winning awards defines the success of any artiste but if you work really hard and know just how much work you put into your career, winning awards gives credibility and also boosts ones brand. And that is why Im excited about this award. It is a major enhancement for my brand considering that the awards ceremony is a prestigious and credible platform, he stated. Joseph Matthew emerged as a fast-rising Ghanaian-UK-based Gospel artiste making some steady progress in Ghana when he started promoting his songs back home four years ago. With songs such as Halleluyah, Nyame Ye, My Story, Not Alone and The Name gaining some amount of popularity in Ghana, Joseph was emboldened to host his maiden concert at the Perez Dome in May last year. The artiste released the song, Blessed last year which won him the UK-based Best Gospel Song of the Year award. Matthew has always shown his love and appreciation for the Ghanaian culture and that had been his motivation for starting a music genre referred to as Afro-Gospel. In keeping up with the style, he released Promise Land, rendered in a highlife vein, earlier in July. Several people suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash in the Town of Lancaster Friday night, police said. The crash took place on Broadway, at the intersection of Schwartz Road at about 8:40 p.m. Police said that "several occupants were transported" to Erie County Medical Center with "serious injuries." Police said Saturday that they would provide details as the investigation continues. In the meantime, authorities asked anyone with questions or information about the crash to call Detective Lieutenant Shaun Dimino of the Lancaster Police Department Accident Investigation Unit at 716-683-2800, Ext. 223. Hamas attack: Deadliest against Israel in decades Mary Mensah International News Oct - 14 - 2023 , 06:53 By Mary Mensah Last Saturday, as Israelis were wrapping up the seven-day-long Jewish festival of Sukkot, a full-fledged surprise attack was being waged from the air, sea and ground by Hamas militants, leading to the death of more than 1,200 Israelis mostly. The armed Hamas militants, many on motorcycles, storm blockaded areas of the Gaza Strip, shooting at Israelis in the Gaza Strip, militants taking Israeli citizens, including mothers, children and the elderly as hostages. Before Saturdays operation, the last war between Hamas and Israel was in 2021, which lasted for 11 days and killed at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel but last Saturdays assault occurred on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, when Israels Arab neighbours jointly launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, on October 6, 1973, which had occurred during the 10th day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in that year. Outbreak of hostilities Following the outbreak of hostilities, both the United States and the Soviet Union initiated massive resupply efforts to their allies (Israel and the Arab states respectively) during the war which led to a confrontation between the two nuclear-armed superpowers. The Yom Kippur War had far-reaching implications; the Arab world had experienced humiliation in the lopsided rout of the EgyptianSyrianJordanian alliance in 1967 but felt psychologically vindicated by early successes in the 1973 conflict. The Israelis recognised that despite impressive operational and tactical achievements on the battlefield, there was no guarantee that they would always dominate the Arab states militarily, as they had done consistently throughout the First, Second and Third ArabIsraeli Wars; these changes paved the way for the IsraeliPalestinian peace process. Camp David Accords At the 1978 Camp David Accords that followed the war, Israel returned the entire Sinai Peninsula to Egypt, which led to the subsequent 1979 EgyptianIsraeli peace treaty, marking the first instance that an Arab country recognised Israel as a legitimate state. Israel captured Gaza from Egypt in the 1967 war, then withdrew its troops and settlers in 2005. The territory, home to some two million Palestinians, fell under Hamas control in 2007 after a brief civil war with Fatah, a rival Palestinian faction that is the backbone of the Palestinian Authority. After Hamas seized control, Israel and Egypt imposed a strict siege on the territory, which is ongoing. Tensions between Israelis and the Palestinians have existed before Israels founding in 1948. Thousands of people on both sides have been killed and many more injured over decades but the violence has been particularly acute this year. The number of Palestinian militants and civilians killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces since the year began is the highest in nearly two decades. The same is true of Israelis and foreigners, most of them civilians killed in Palestinian attacks. Surprised attack The news of the surprised attack shocked the whole world as Israel's military and intelligence capability has long been rated as the best in the Middle East and one of the best in the world but reports indicated that the attack lasted for more that 10 hours before Israeli army realised what was happening as they may also have underestimated the abilities of their opponents. Last Saturday morning, militants from Gaza fired thousands of rockets towards Israeli towns, before breaking through the heavily fortified border fence with Israel and sending militants deep into Israeli territory. There, Hamas gunmen killed hundreds of people, including civilians and soldiers, and took hostages, sometimes from their homes. Unprecedented The attacks were unprecedented in tactic and scale as Israel has not faced its adversaries in street battles on its own territory since the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. It has also never faced a terror attack of this magnitude that has taken the lives of more than 1200 people and so many civilians. While Hamas has kidnapped Israelis before, it has never before taken dozens of hostages at once, including children and the elderly. Hamas called the operation Al-Aqsa Storm and said the assault was a response to what it described as Israeli attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and the ongoing siege of Gaza. After the surprise attack, the number one question on the minds of many was where were the Israel Defence Forces in those long hours as Hamas militants roamed leisurely at will around communities near Gaza and carried out an unprecedented attack by air, sea and land. "The army completely failed as a quick-reaction force," one Israeli said, pointing to how some of the communities that came under attack had to rely on their own civilian protection forces while they waited for the military to arrive. The full answer of why this happened will take some time to emerge. But it seems as if surprise, scale and speed overwhelmed defences which were patchy and unprepared for what they faced. Surprise was crucial in Hamas's assault. Conclusion Judging from how last Saturdays events unfolded, it is clear that Israeli intelligence failed to get inside the planning by Hamas for the attack. The group seems to have undertaken a long-term programme of deception to give the impression it was incapable or unwilling to launch an ambitious attack. It also practised good operational security, probably keeping off electronic communications. It took Israeli troops more than two days to take back control as fighting raged in the streets. Since Saturday, it was on Monday that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had retaken control of all Israeli communities in Gazas vicinity on its southern border after fighting with Hamas ended. By Mary Mensah Presec, Wesley Girls & Achimota among 27 schools in 2023 NSMQ quarter-finals (LIST) GraphicOnline Education Oct - 14 - 2023 , 07:23 The one-eighth contests of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) drew to a close yesterday, with 27 Senior High Schools clinching coveted spots in the highly anticipated quarter-finals. Remarkably, this achievement not only secures their position in the ensuing rounds but also guarantees these schools an automatic qualification for the 2024 edition of the competition. Eight schools achieved a notable feat by besting previously seeded schools, emerging as fresh contenders. Among the notable newcomers are Wesley Girls SHS, who, commenced their journey at the regional stage before advancing to the preliminaries. Mpraeso SHS also made a mark by prevailing over Ghana National in a revenge match. In a remarkable comeback, Achimota School, which suffered defeat at the hands of St. Augustines in the preceding year, demonstrated their resilience. Furthermore, Wesley Grammar School and St. Louis Girls' caused quite a stir by surpassing last year's finalist, Adisadel College. St. Johns School, Yilo Krobo SHS, and G.S.T.S. also secured their places, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. Meanwhile, reigning champions Presec Legon and the 2022 first runners-up, Prempeh College, successfully retained their positions as seeded schools. Keta SHTS, finalists in 2021, showcased their prowess by clinching victory in their one-eighth contest with an impressive score of 70 points marking the highest score achieved in the competition thus far. The quarterfinal matches are slated to unfold from Sunday, October 15 to October 17, promising intense competition. Only nine schools will ultimately advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for October 19. Below is the list of the 27 seeded schools for the NSMQ 2024: Ashaiman Agenda 111 hospital project takes off Benjamin Xornam Glover Oct - 14 - 2023 , 09:07 The Municipal Chief Executive for Ashaiman, Albert Boakye Okyere, has handed over the site for works to begin on the construction of a100-bed municipal hospital for the area. The MCE, accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, traditional chiefs, and political party executives in the Ashaiman constituency, joined the project consultants, Indigene Associates, for a brief site presentation ceremony at the project site near Community 22. The hospital, being constructed under the government's flagship Agenda 111, will be constructed by three contractors including ASVAS Ltd and JOSANO Ltd at a cost of USD$ 12 million.The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024 At the sod-cutting ceremony, Mr Okyere said Ashaiman deserved a modern hospital to cater for the health needs of the people considering how fast the municipality was growing. He explained that although the municipality boasts a polyclinic, which was recently upgraded to the status of a primary hospital to meet the health needs of the growing population of Ashaiman, some of the residents of Ashaiman and its environs were forced to travel to the Tema General Hospital and other private facilities to seek healthcare service Mr Okyere commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his commitment to extend health facilities to every district in the country and gave an assurance that the Assembly would ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the project He also commended the Ghana Armed Forces for releasing part of its lands at Michel Camp, the base of the First Battalion of Infantry for the project. Access to healthcare The Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, welcomed the initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare facilities by the people of Ashaiman. He said prior to the sod cutting ceremony yesterday, the previous NDC Government in 2015 had secured the land from the Ghana Armed Forces for the construction of the E-block project and a health facility and expressed his joy at the efforts of the current administration to pursue the vision and ensuring that the land was put to good use. Multi-storey The Project Consultant, Romeo Ohene Djan, said initially the project was designed to sit on a 15-acre land, but since the land offered in Ashaiman was just five acres, the facility was redesigned as a two-storey hospital. It would have units such as patient reception and processing area, administration, pharmacy, laboratories and diagnostics units, out patients department (OPD), physiotherapy, public health, Accident and Emergency Unit, surgical ward, pediatric ward, maternity ward, isolation ward and surgery. He said the facility would be supported by other structures like mortuary, waiting pavilions, security pavilions, residences for key medical staff, laundry, waste management, kitchen, central store, maintenance yard as well as a mortuary. Lack of basic amenities: Bachabor-Doo community appeals for support Mohammed Fugu Oct - 14 - 2023 , 08:30 Bachabor-Doo is a farming community in the Mion District in the Northern Region. With a population of more than 1,000 people, the community is one of the food baskets of the region as the residents are into both commercial and peasant farming. They cultivate yam, maize, cowpea, soyabean, rice and rear livestock and poultry. In fact, the story of agriculture cannot be told without mentioning the Bachador-Doo community due to its significant contribution towards food production. In spite of the potentials of the community, it is underdeveloped and deprived. The community is lacking numerous basic social amenities which is negatively affecting the standard of living of the residents. The Bachabor-Doo community Challenges For instance, the road network connecting the community to Mion, the district capital, is in a very deplorable state and has never seen any rehabilitation. During the rainy season, the residents are cut off from the rest of the district and region as cars and motorbikes are not able to access the road. More troubling is the residents inability to cart their farm produce to the markets in the cities, especially during the rainy season due to the bad nature of the road. Checks by the Daily Graphic indicated that since the inception of the community some decades ago, the road network had never seen any rehabilitation. Also negatively impacting the lives of the people is lack of electricity in the area. Though an electricity project was started in 2016, it halted immediately after the elections. During a recent visit, it was observed that the electricity poles and cables had been left at the mercy of the weather. The only Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) compound, a dilapidated three-unit classroom block and a borehole serving the entire community were provided by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). However, these amenities are unable to meet the growing needs of the residents. The road network linking the community to Mion, the district capital Concerns The residents told the Daily Graphic that they could not pinpoint any significant project successive governments or assemblies had provided for them. The residents particularly complained about the deplorable nature of the road and said it was affecting their day to day activities as farmers. A resident, Magnakigak Tignannaginne, lamented the frustrations women went through as a result of the bad roads and lack of electricity as well as access to some basic social amenities in the district capital. Pregnant women suffer a lot to access health care in Mion due to the bad nature of the road. Sometime ago, a pregnant woman nearly lost her life when she was on referral from the CHPS compound to the hospital, she said. Another resident, Baba Salifu, said our checks reveal that the community electricity project was awarded on contract in 2016 by the National Democratic Congress-led administration and electricity poles were erected. However, the project was abandoned after they lost the elections. They, therefore, appealed to the government to provide basic amenities to improve their living condition. Some abandoned electrical poles in the community Neglect In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Chief of the community, Ubor Binagma Bachabor, said the continued neglect by successive governments could compel the community to boycott the forthcoming elections to register their displeasure with authorities. He lamented the high rate of insecurity in the community, because of the absence of a police station in the community. He, therefore, called on the assembly and the government to provide them with social amenities to help alleviate their plight. Reacting to the concerns of the residents, the District Chief Executive of Mion, Samuel Negin Mahama, said the government had not forgotten about the development of the community, stating; "the community would soon receive their share of the national cake because our development plans have captured all the pressing needs of the community. "I haven't forgotten the community; I was once a teacher in the community so I am fully aware of their challenges. Unor Binagma Bachabor (seated 2nd from right) with some residents of the community SDGs The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11, four and three advocate sustainable cities and communities, quality education, and good health and well-being of all citizens irrespective of their geographical location. However, achieving these goals by 2030 appears to be bleak with the glaring state of deprivation of communities such as Bachabor-Doo. Mahama calls for desilting of Lower Volta Basin Timohty Gobah Oct - 14 - 2023 , 08:07 Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for an urgent desilting of the Lower Volta Basin, particularly the estuary at Ada. He said the exercise had not been carried out for some time now, and attributed that to the reduction in the volume of water flowing into the sea from the Volta River. Speaking to journalists after touring flood affected sites in the Volta Region on Friday October 13, former President Mahama said the situation had compounded the flooding after the Volta River Authority (VRA) spilled excess water from the Akosombo and the Kpong dams. Former President Mahama, therefore, called on the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to take immediate measures to support communities affected by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam with relief items and other security measures to secure life and property. He said the situation at the downstream of the dams was so precarious that it was no longer a hearsay in the face of the realities on the grounds. He made the call when he toured some affected communities in the South, North and Central Tongu districts in the Volta Region. He expressed disappointment over lack of support from NADMO because the government had failed to resource the organisation to offer the needed assistance in times of need. He, therefore, called on the government to help the affected communities. Mr Mahama thanked the VRA for coming to the aid of the affected communities. The former President was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Kobina Mensah Woyome, the MP for Central Tongu, Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze, the MP for Ketu South, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the MP for North Dayi, Joycelyn Tetteh, the MP for Ho West, Emmanuel Bedzrah, and the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region, Mawutor Agbavitor. Floods Aside from the spillage-induced floods in the Lower Volta Basin, persistent rainfalls have caused unprecedented floods of the southern parts of the Volta Region. Worst affected areas include parts of Dzelukope, Keta, Vui, Anloga, Dzita, Anyanui, Agbozume, Afiadenyigba, Denu, Adina, Amutinu and surrounding areas and Aflao. Residents of the areas have been calling on the government and other organisations to come to their aid. We need lasting solution: Displaced communities cry out Alberto Mario Noretti & Ezekiel E. Sottie Oct - 14 - 2023 , 09:00 Communities along the lower Volta basin have said they have paid too much price for sacrificing to power the nation. They said since the construction of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, downstream communities had experienced varied and persistent forms of ecological, economic, health and social crises just for sacrificing to have the river dammed to generate power for the nation. We feel that this is too much a price to pay for our sacrifice to power the nation. We demand that while in the immediate term, the humanitarian catastrophe is dealt with, in the medium to long term, the state agencies responsible for the problems the communities are facing must engage the people to find a people-centred solution to these enduring crises, the Chairman of the Mepe Development Association (MDA), Kojo Mawulenu Fabian, told the Daily Graphic. A school compound in one of the affected communities Thousands of communities along the banks of the Volta River in the North, Central and South Tongu districts in the Volta Region are reeling under the devastating effects of the disaster that has impacted livelihoods of the people negatively as they bear the brunt of the spillage of excess water from the two dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA). Thousands of homes have been submerged in the flood, destroying properties worth millions of cedis, with many rendered homeless. Mepe has been the worst hit. Inter-Ministerial Committee Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to address the Volta dam spillage-induced flooding. Headed by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the committee will coordinate the governments response to the unfortunate flooding of some communities, a statement issued by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who is also a member of the committee, said. Other members of the committee include the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Dan K. Botwe. The rest are the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye; the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwesi Amoako Atta; the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie; the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh; the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, and the Minister of Information. More emergency supplies The people of Mepe entreated the government and its relevant agencies to speed up relief efforts to alleviate the plight of the people. Mr Fabian said the thousands of displaced people urgently needed food supplies, drinking water, temporary accommodation facilities, medical interventions and clothing to prevent the already deplorable situation from further aggravation. Looming disaster The association said there was a looming health crisis following the flooding of toilet facilities and refuse dumps. The river has been heavily contaminated leaving many, who depend on its water for cooking, drinking and other domestic uses, in a difficult situation, the Chairman of the MDA told the Daily Graphic. He said the situation had become dire because pipe-borne water had been shut down alongside widespread power cuts. Mr Fabian described the situation as the worst since the 1965 flooding disaster that occurred following the construction of the Akosombo Dam. We are appealing for support from concerned individuals, organisations and other interested parties for the victims of the disaster in these trying moments, he said. Volunteers The MDA Chairman expressed appreciation for the communal spirit and support exhibited by the youth and volunteers for the flood victims. He said by so doing, they had saved lives and salvaged properties, urging let us continue to be one anothers keeper and keep faith alive. We shall overcome. MP Alexander Gabby Hottordze, MP for Central Tongu, addressing the media The Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Tongu, Alexander Gabby Hottordze, said the people of the Tongu area had sacrificed their lives for the construction of the Akosombo Dam 60 years ago, and were still suffering the consequences of their sacrifice. He appealed to relevant state institutions and philanthropists to come and assist the victims. The Assembly Member of the Sokpoe Electoral Area in South Tongu, Edmund Fingero Dikah, who led the media to some of the affected places, said precautionary measures should be taken to protect the Sogakope Bridge from collapse in the near future. Mawupemor Fiagbenu, a victim at Siamekope, who has relocated to New Bakpa in the Central Tongu District, appealed to the VRA, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the district assemblies in the lower Volta basin to come together and find lasting solution to the yearly spillage of water from the dams. She said the spillage of the dams had worsened their plight in the midst of the difficult economic situation in the country as they had lost almost everything from physical cash, farms, clothes, childrens school stationery and textbooks, documents, among others. On behalf of the people evacuated from Siamekope, Avadiwoekome and Bekpo, Ms Fiagbenu said the psychological trauma was even worse. To be honest with you, none of us here is in any better frame of mind. In the first place, this New Bakpa, where you have seen us, is not our own place. We have been brought here for days now through the collaboration of the assembly, NADMO and VRA, she said. As a matter of fact, we have been disturbed to be brought here without any form of accommodation, Ms Fiagbenu lamented. Let me say that apart from the school books and other materials, our children go to school at Adidome and due to the displacement and the way the water is moving, they wouldnt be able to go to school, she complained. A young victim from Bekpo, Janet Mansah Nyagblordjro, said most of them just started making some progress in life, and that what had happened to them had set them back. She said VRA did not give them enough prior information on the spillage, otherwise they would have relocated to nearby communities to avoid what she described as a calamity. Election 2024: Who wont vote and why? Dr John Osae-Kwapong Politics Oct - 14 - 2023 , 07:11 Last week I wrote about the enthusiasm gap as we head into Election 2024. In my analysis I looked at the Afrobarometer question that asks, If presidential elections were held tomorrow, which partys candidate would you vote for? and focused on those who said they would vote. This week, my focus is on those who answered, would not vote. Recall that respondents have the following response choices a) specifying a particular political party; or by saying b) they would not vote; c) they dont know; or d) they can simply refuse to answer the question. Who wont vote? The would not vote response choice was first captured in survey year 2008 (Round 4). This is the overall picture five per cent (Round 4, 2008); seven per cent (Round 5, 2012); nine per cent (Round 6, 2014); six per cent (Round 7, 2017); 13 per cent (Round 8, 2019); and 28 per cent (Round 9, 2022). Granted, the election is a full year away and minds can change. Additionally, the voter turnout in the most recent election (2020) was 78.89 per cent which was preceded by two survey rounds in which double percentages of respondents said they would not vote. Anything can happen between a voter saying they would not vote and what happens on election day. However, it goes without saying that the percentage is quite astonishing for the most recent survey (Round 9, 2022). I decided to probe the Round 9 (2022) results further. What percentage of voters within a particular demographic said they would not vote? First, we had 32 per cent urban and 22 per cent rural; then 27 per cent male and 29 per cent female; 24 per cent with no formal education; 26 per cent with Primary school education; 29 per cent with secondary school education and 31 per cent with post-secondary education. The results also showed that 4.29 per cent of Christians; 21 per cent Muslims and 29 per cent other faiths said they would not vote. When it comes to the age category, 5.31 per cent of those within the 18-25 years bracket; 32 per cent of those between 26-35 years; 24 per cent within 36-45 years; 22 per cent between 46-55 years and 23 per cent within the 56+years bracket said they would not vote. It also came out that 6.31 per cent within the Coastal belt; 30 per cent in the Middle belt and 17 per cent in the Northern belt indicated they would not vote. In respect of membership or sympathisers of political parties, 7.3 per cent were NDC; 14 per cent were NPP while four per cent of other political parties. The results also points to the fact that 8.23 per cent -No lived poverty; 30 per cent low lived poverty; 27 per cent - Moderate lived poverty and 28 per cent - High lived poverty) If you look at the regional differences in descending order, this is how the picture looks like Eastern, 42 per cent; Greater Accra, 41 per cent; Bono, 38 per cent; Central 38 per cent; Upper East, 35 per cent; North East, 28 per cent; Bono East, 28 per cent; Western, 25 per cent; Ashanti, 24 per cent; Western North, 18 per cent; Ahafo, 15 per cent; Volta, nine per cent; Northern, nine per cent; Savannah, six per cent; Upper West, three per cent and Oti three per cent. Why wont they vote? Why is such a high percentage saying they would not vote? Voters are motivated by various reasons but for the purpose of this, I selected six areas of government performance to see if they are affecting the decision to vote or not to vote. They are - a) management of the economy; b) job creation; c) fighting corruption; d) addressing education needs; e) improving basic health services; and f) the presidents job performance. Here is what the analysis showed. Twelve per cent rate positively the governments management of the economy; 10 per cent rate positively the governments job creation efforts; 11 per cent rate positively the governments fight against corruption; 31 per cent rate positively how well the government is addressing education needs, 35 per cent rate positively how well the government is improving basic health services and 19 per cent approve of the presidents job performance. Does it mean that those who say they will vote feel differently about these areas? 1.21 per cent rate positively the governments management of the economy. 2.19 per cent rate positively the governments job creation efforts. 3.17 per cent rate positively the governments fight against corruption. 4.43 per cent rate positively how well the government is addressing education needs. 5.44 per cent rate positively how well the government is improving basic health services. 6.34 per cent approve of the presidents job performance. What next? Two groups of voters. While there are differences between them in how they view government performance the overall disposition across both groups is not very positive. Both groups of voters are clearly dissatisfied with government performance on the key issues. Yet, one group would vote. The other group would not vote. If you are a political party vying for the votes of these two groups, especially those who say they would not vote, what choices do you have? Focus on those who say they would vote and win as many as you can of those voters! Craft a message that changes the minds of those saying they would not vote. While figuring out the answer to that, here is one statistic to keep in mind because it offers a glimmer of hope if one of the strategies will be efforts to convince those who say they would not vote to change their mind. Both groups have not lost faith in using elections to choose leaders eighty four per cent (84%) among those who say they would vote, and eighty-two per cent (82%) among those who say they would not vote. The writer is a Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Senators on Friday passed a bill that would appropriate at least $30 million to the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority to help pay its vendors. GMHA currently owes a total of $28.8 million as of Oct. 6, according to Yukari Hechanova, the hospital's chief financial officer, during an Oct. 12 emergency session. Travel nurses alone are owed $8.9 million, she said. Bill 164-37 passed by a vote of 10-to-3 during an emergency session. The Republican bill now goes to the governor for action. Democrat Sens. Amanda Shelton, Roy Quinata, Joe San Agustin and Sabina Perez joined Republicans in voting "yes" to the bill. Speaker Therese Terlaje, Sen. William Parkinson and Sen. Chris Barnett voted "no." At stake: $50 million Bureau of Budget Management and Research Director Lester Carlson, during session, said $20 million in American Rescue Plan funding for GMH infrastructure projects may have been a package deal with the $30 million for vendor payments. This comes just three days after Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said she committed $20 million in ARPA funding, in a letter to Speaker Therese Terlaje. Those funds had still not been received by GMHA, hospital administrator Lillian Perez-Posadas said during the Friday session. A news release from the governor's office on Friday foreshadows that Bill 164-37 may be signed into law. The release indicated that the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration pledged to work with the Legislature to identify $30 million in local funds to pay vendors. I look forward to members of the Guam Legislature also providing a solution to help GMH pay for its large accounts payable, said Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio. By working together, I am confident that we will stabilize the operations of our hospital and improve the outlook of the hospital for the future. To help GMH maintain their finances with current plans and proposals, Tenorio also signed an executive order to create a GMHA fiscal review committee. Executive Order No. 2023-12 created the committee to help monitor, review and make recommendations to the governor regarding GMHAs budget, plans, financial expenditures and revenue, and give input on the hospital's proposals make critical infrastructure repairs. Guam is mourning the loss of the late U.S. District Court of Guam Judge John Sablan Unpingco, who dedicated his life to public service, from the military to the justice system and championing veterans issues. Unpingco, who was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, served as chief judge from 1992 to 2004. He was also a former administrator of the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs. I join the Judiciary of Guam and the people of Guam in remembrance of the late Judge John Unpingco. Judge Unpingco devoted his life to our islands community. As director of the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs after retiring from the judiciary, he fought to improve the grounds of the Veterans Cemetery, enlarge assistance for the Veterans Clinic, and develop an accurate count of veterans on Guam, acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio said in a statement on Sunday. The acting governor recognized Unpingcos distinguished military service, contributions to the federal judiciary, advocacy for veterans services, and academic contributions to the University of Guam. My prayers are with his wife, Annie, and his family on his sudden passing, Tenorio said. The Judiciary also extends its condolences to Unpingcos family, and honors his contributions to the community. A public servant of the highest order, Judge Unpingcos career is hallmarked by his exceptional service to our island, Chief Justice Robert J. Torres said in a Friday statement on behalf of the Judiciary of Guam. Torres said Unpingcos legal acumen and experience as a trial attorney and international law practitioner with the U.S. Armed Forces earned him a nomination as judge for the District Court of Guam in 1992, where he faithfully served for over 12 years. Judge Unpingcos commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and impartiality were evident throughout his tenure, continuing through his advocacy for Guams veterans as the former administrator of the local Office of Veterans Affairs, Torres said. In Unpingcos honor, the Judiciary has lowered its flags to half-staff and will continue to do so until Oct. 23. On behalf of a grateful judicial system, I send my deepest condolences to Judge Unpingcos wife Annie, his children, his brother Steve, and the entire Unpingco family, Torres said. He shall be sorely missed but long remembered for how he lived: a defender of justice and a dedicated public servant for the People of Guam. A federal appeals court will review a lawsuit challenging the militarys decades-old practice of detonating explosives on Tarague Beach. Oral arguments were heard in Hawaii last week for the suit, filed by activist group Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian against the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force. Plaintiffs took the case to the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals after District Court of Guam Chief Justice Frances Tydingco-Gatewood threw the case out just over a year ago. Prutehi Litekyan wants the case sent back to District Court of Guam, which they hope will order a halt to open detonation operations while the military reviews safer alternatives. Counsel for the military argued the case should stay dismissed. Since 1980, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prohibited the use of open detonation for the disposal of hazardous waste, except in cases where there are no safe alternatives. Joint Region Marianas and Andersen Air Force Base, which operate the Tarague detonation range, have argued that there are no safe alternatives when unstable World War II munitions are routinely found. Under its permit, the Tarague may also dispose of expired munitions stored locally. Late last year, local lawmakers voted to ban open detonation, but walked back the move about a week before the ban took place. JRM had said it would have to halt all emergency responses to unexploded ordnance on the island. Tarague is the only range for the detonation of ordnance on Guam. The arguments Justices will have to rule on whether the military is required to undergo an environmental analysis every three years as it renews its permit. They will also have to decide whether Prutehi Litekyan is able to sue the Air Force and the DoD just for applying for a permit renewal. Tydingco-Gatewood was unconvinced by both lines of thought. Most of the arguments made in Hawaii this past week centered around the permit application, and Prutehi Litekyans ability to sue over it. The Air Force was only able to continue blowing up bombs at Tarague because they had submitted the application for renewal, Earthjustice attorney David Henkin argued for the plaintiffs. Though the application for a new permit was submitted to Guam EPA in May of 2021, the Air Force was allowed to keep using the Tarague range while the application was under review. Applying for renewal of a permit, its not like paying your cell phone bill, it requires consideration, Henkin said, asserting that it qualified as a final agency action over which Prutehi Litekyan could sue, and also for the mandated follow-up environmental analysis. Military attorney Robert Stockman argued that since the 80s, the military has not changed how it detonates munitions at Tarague. Just deciding to send in a permit renewal did not qualify as a final action on the part of the Air Force, he asserted, and allowing Prutehi Litekyan to sue over that would open the door to lawsuits at every step of the federal governments decision-making progress. Decisions from the appellate court are usually released between 3 and 12 months after a case is heard, though justices are held to no compulsory time limit. All legal options Earthjustice and Prutehi Litekyan dont intend to wait out that full year without taking any other action. Prutehi Litekyans Monaeka Flores said that they plan to continue to pressure the local government to take action on Tarague. Theyre continuing to blow up explosives on the beach in open air near Tarague, and this continues to cause harm to our community, to our environment, it continues to pose tremendous risk to our aquifer, to our coastal resources. And we need our government to take action, we need Guam EPA to take action on the permit, Flores told the Pacific Daily News. She said that the permit for the Tarague detonation range has been under review by Guam EPA for almost two and a half yearsalmost the term of the permit, had it been renewed immediately. At this time, no record of decision has been issued for (Andersen Air Force Bases) revised draft open detonation permit, Guam EPA spokesperson Nic Lee told the PDN. Guam EPA is working with their federal counterpart on the review, this is a lengthy review process that has to consider compliance with local and federal law. Leadership for the local regulator last October stated they would not be renewing the permit until alternative methods for disposal are assessed, in line with more strict regulations for open detonation handed down by U.S. EPA last June. Henkin told the PDN that Earthjustice and Prutehi Litekyan are in it for the long haul in the fight to end the antiquated practice of open detonation. He said that both parties were exploring all legal options to oppose the detonation range. The PDN asked whether a lawsuit against Guam EPA was one of the options being considered. As I mentioned, were exploring all the legal options, Flores said. We will let you know when we can, Flores said. There are a lot of moving parts and things going on behind the scenes that we cant mention right now. By William Schwartz | Published on 2023/10/13 Though an established name in the South Korean serial drama industry, Jin Soo-wan is difficult to pin down in terms of genre. Her earliest work is in the pre-modern era School series. But the screenwriter's first clear success was "Capital Scandal" in 2007 with ratings of 10%, the Japanese Occupation era story of love and revolution being a new kind of setting in an old type of style. Jin Soo-wan is back to teenagers with the currently airing "Twinkling Watermelon" yet flips that script around. Advertisement "Twinkling Watermelon" isn't an obvious project for Jin Soo-wan to be attached to. The youth drama deals heavily with deaf culture as well as youth musical culture. But more than the subject matter, "Twinkling Watermelon" is a project that appeals more clearly to younger viewers and foreign viewers with its tone and presentation. With domestic ratings of only 3.58% in its most recent episode, the sixth, "Twinkling Watermelon" does not appeal to strongly to core television demographics. But the only reason one would expect a Jin Soo-wan project to appeal to a large audience is because Jin Soo-wan wrote "The Moon Embracing the Sun" back in 2012, a legendary court romance drama with ratings exceeding 40%. But the series market in 2012 was quite different than the one today, to the point that such success for a weekend drama is no longer possible. "Kill Me, Heal Me" in 2015 was a more typical success, with the romance drama's ratings hovering n the 10% range. "Chicago Typewriter" from 2017 was Jin Soo-wan's most recent project, though, and with closing ratings of 2.162% the reincarnation themed drama was her most indisputed failure. Nevertheless, even at its worst, "Twinkling Watermelon" has proven it could find a cult audience. In this way, Jin Soo-wan is adapting to the times while maintaining a more traditional approach to storytelling. Written by William Schwartz ___________ "Twinkling Watermelon" is directed by Son Jeong-hyeon, Yoon Bum-sang, written by Jin Soo-wan, and features Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah, Shin Eun-soo, Ahn Do-gyu, Yoon Jae-chan. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/09/25~Now airing, Mon, Tue 20:50 on TVING, tvN. The Department of Agriculture has supported subsidies for farmers since before World War II. Today, the agency continues to provide Americas farmers with a strong safety net through the organization of a number of programs that include subsidies for failed crops, education in the best use of land, innovative agricultural methods, conservation and nutrition. The Farm Bill, which is incorporated into the Defense Bill, is voted on every five years by members of both Houses of Congress. It will be voted on again this year. Over its long history, the Farm Bill has adapted to the needs of the agriculture industry in numerous ways and continues to use scientific and economic research to offer farmers support. There are 12 functions and major issues that this bill monitors, including price supports for farmers, conservation programs that insure protection of natural resources, all of them vitally important to sustaining our nations food production. Perhaps one of its most important functions is the oversight of the SNAP program, which provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to their health. What is perhaps less well known is that the Farm Bill extends its reach across the world to assist millions of people across 100 countries in both emergency and non-emergency settings. Through Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Acts, the World Food Program receives agricultural commodities such as rice, corn, wheat and soybeans to distribute to vulnerable people. For nations struggling with internal or external conflict such as Yemen, Ethiopia, Nepal and Haiti school lunches and general food assistance have helped keep people alive. From 1990-2014, the world made tremendous progress in reducing the number of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition. In recent years, however, many of the important and lifesaving gains that were achieved have been reversed due to the effects of conflict, climate change, Covid-19 and rising food costs. An example of the upheaval of these compounding factors is Afghanistan, the Dry Corridor of Central America, and the Horn of Africa, where communities are facing the worst drought ever recorded after five consecutive failed rainy seasons. The Farm Bill is important to all of us in as much as we profess to be good neighbors and generous people. Call or write to your representatives in Congress and urge them to do all they can to support this bill for the sake of the poorest among us. A peaceful protest in support of Palestinian civilians was halted by the police and not allowed to proceed to the Israeli Embassy on Yrjonkatu street on October 13. The demonstration, which began at around 6:00 PM from the Postitalo in central Helsinki, saw the attendance of at least several hundred people, including numerous families with children, before setting off towards the embassy. Despite its peaceful nature, police stationed at the Yrjonkatu intersection and behind barricades ensured protesters could not reach the embassys vicinity. The crowd was stopped at Simonkatu near Narinkkatori square. Mounted and riot police were positioned strategically to halt the march towards Yrjonkatu. Nonetheless, the protesters remained undeterred, broadcasting music and speeches. Many speakers expressed staunch opposition to Israels actions against Palestinians. By 7:00 PM, the protesters began to disperse peacefully from the location. An Amnesty International human rights observer estimated a total turnout of approximately 500 individuals. This is the second protest in support of Palestine in Helsinki. A previous demonstration on the 9th of October also gathered hundreds of people in central Helsinki. Protesters speak out One protester, identified as Karim, told HS that he was protesting against what he perceives as genocide. Responding to questions about the actions of Hamas, Karim portrayed the occurrences as resistance against decades-long oppression, citing the lack of basic necessities such as electricity, water, and food in Gaza. Another protester, Moe, condemned the portrayal of Palestinians as terrorists, likening them to indigenous peoples resisting colonisation in Australia and America. He criticised the dominant narrative, feeling that issues are too often viewed through a lens of anti-Semitism. Moe expressed a desire for media coverage to showcase Jewish individuals who support Palestine. Chants and signs Throughout the demonstration, various chants were echoed by the crowd in Finnish, English, and Arabic, such as "Hey hey, ho ho, occupation got to go!" and "Free, free Palestine!" Palestinian flags were notably visible, and many held signs portraying Israel as a terrorist state and calling for peace for civilians. Police were heavily present but the protests went on peacefully till the end. Meanwhile, isolated shouts supporting Israel were heard from bystanders as the protesters advanced. Similar protests have been conducted in other Finnish cities, such as Turku and Tampere, and a pro-Israel demonstration is scheduled in front of the Parliament House on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Concerns amid military operations and siege This protest comes amidst heightened tensions in the region. The Israeli army has indicated plans to conduct significant military operations in the Gaza City area in the coming days, urging all civilians in Gaza City to evacuate. In the 5 days of constant bombardment of the Gaza Strip, Israel has dropped about 6,000 bombs on Gaza between October 7 and 12. According CNN at least 1,800 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza from Israeli strikes. The death toll includes 583 children and 351 women, An additional 7,388 people have been injured, including 1,901 children and 1,185 women. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas on earth with over 2 million people living in 227 square kilometres. Israel has blockaded Gaza for a week and is not allowing water, food, medicine or electricity to enter the enclave. We are imposing a complete siege on Gaza, said Yoav Gallant, Israeli defence minister. There will be no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel. Everything will be closed. We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly. Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip is a "clear-cut war crime," as starvation is used as a weapon in "warfare" and more than 2 million residents are subjected to collective punishment, according to a regional director for the Human Rights Watch (HRW). In an interview with Anadolu, Ahmed Benchemsi, advocacy and communications director for HRW's Middle East and North Africa division, said the Israeli government was punishing the entire population after a surprise attack by Gaza-based Palestinian group Hamas. There have been numerous large scale protests globally in support of Palestinians with hundreds of thousands of people marching after Friday prayers in muslim countries. Large demonstration have also been held in almost every western capital and New York. HT THE father of a young boy who died from cancer will attempt to climb three of the highest mountains in the UK in 24 hours to raise money for research into the disease. Chris Peto, 40, and nine workmates from Rowan Forestry are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves scaling the tallest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales. They are doing it in memory of Mr Petos five-year-old son Elliott, who died in December after being diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue sarcoma, in 2021. He was a pupil at Sacred Heart Primary School in Henley. The climbers will start the challenge at the foot of Ben Nevis in the Grampians at 6am next Saturday (October 21) before climbing Scafell Pike in Cumbria and then Snowdon in North Wales, all before 6am the next day. They will travel between the mountains by minibus. They will all be dressed as superheroes, which Elliott loved. Mr Peto will be in a Spiderman costume and his colleagues will all be dressed as Marvel and DC characters. They are Oliver Dickson, 34, from Wallingford (the Hulk), Brandon Cooke, 50, from Henley (Batman), Mohammed Ait-Kaci, 28, from Maidenhead (Black Panther), James Green, 20, from Caversham (Superman), Charlie Ilsley, 28, from Henley (Thor), Ben Wiltshire, 28, from Henley (Mr Incredible), Mike Baker, 35, from Wallingford (Ironman), Oliver Jones, 24, from Steventon (Deadpool) and Isaac Orson Wilde, 31, from Didcot (Captain America). Mr Peto, who lives in Reading, said: Brandon and all the guys have been a real rock for me and when I returned to work they said We want to help and thats when we came up with this idea. The men have been training at weekends in places that Elliott loved to go to, including Streatley Hill, where he would go during breaks in his treatment, as well as the Brecon Beacons in South Wales and Snowdonia. Mr Peto said Elliott liked being outdoors. He loved nature, he said. Before he was poorly every weekend wed be down by the river or out in the woods, looking at all the animals. Our jobs are outdoors and I always used to think that was something I shared with Elliott. As soon as he was well enough and his immune system had recovered from the last dose of chemotherapy he was like: Lets get outside. It was just a break from the hospital environment. The treatment affects your legs quite badly and your calves get really tight with the drug that is issued, so the physio team would say: Yeah, get up those hills. The men will have to walk 23 miles, ascending 3,064 metres, and cope with little sleep as well as navigating Snowdon in the dark. Mr Cooke, who is Mr Petos boss at Rowan Forestry, said: Weve got a big minibus so were going to try to grab some sleep as best we can. Its going to be tough. Mr Peto said that having the support of his colleagues during Elliotts treatment and after his passing had been enormously important and that training alongside them had given him a boost. There so many things going on in your head all the time, he said. Some days you could just spend the day in bed but having work to go to gets you up and out. Also knowing that all the lads are aware of what Ive gone through, supporting me while I was away, and keeping the job for me to come back to was amazing. His colleagues also supported Mr Petos previous fundraising challenge, an 80-mile sponsored bike ride around the Wash, by secretly clubbing together to buy him a new bike. He only learnt that the bike had been paid for when he collected it from AW Cycles in Caversham. Mr Cooke said: We have worked together for nearly eight years. Chris is great and we wouldnt have it any other way. Mr Peto hopes the challenge will raise 5,000 to find better treatments and a cure for Rhabdomyosarcoma through Elliotts Arc, which he and his partner, Aimee Day, set up after the death of their son. It is part of the childrens cancer charity Alices Arc, which is dedicated to funding research into the disease. Since the start of the year the couple have raised more than 23,000 towards Elliotts Arc. Mr Peto said: I want to keep doing as much as I can to raise the profile of what took Elliott and keep him in everyones memory. Im touched by the support. To make donation, visit www.justgiving.com/page/aimee-day-1690228512273 In recent years, the collective commitment to fostering a healthier environment and ensuring equitable access to outdoor recreational spaces has taken center stage. Its a movement that transcends boundaries and demographics, designed to benefit everyone, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. One of the most promising aspects of this endeavor has been the work to create new pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists while connecting existing trails. This approach not only benefits the environment but also fosters advocacy through active participation. In this spirit of connectivity and progress, GObike Buffalo, in collaboration with Cheektowaga, Lancaster and Clarence, has embarked on a transformative journey the Cheektowaga Trail Feasibility Study. This initiative seeks to analyze and connect three vital trail networks: the Scajaquada Creek Extension to Cheektowaga, the Clarence Pathway Buffalo Extension and the Lancaster Heritage Trail West Extension. Its ultimate goal is to boost safe and regional connectivity for our communities. The recently held public meeting at the Cheektowaga Senior Citizens Center provided a platform for proponents and skeptics, alike, to voice their hopes and concerns. Justin Booth, the executive director of GObike Buffalo, articulated the studys purpose: to identify community preferences, trail alignments and costs. Addressing concerns about potential noise and pollution, its essential to reassure those living near these trails that users will be respectful of their surroundings and their fellow residents. Nevertheless, some remain skeptical, primarily regarding privacy and safety. Daniel Young, a planner for Cheektowaga, aptly described the proposed trail network as a bridge between the western part of the region and more rural areas in the east a link that has the potential to foster greater appreciation and understanding between these diverse landscapes. Realizing this vision requires financial support. Assembly Member Monica Wallace, a staunch advocate for the proposed trails connecting Cheektowaga and Lancaster, has been instrumental in securing funding for the initial portion of the feasibility study. With $50,000 in hand, this study will involve critical mapping and research. An additional $1 million from the state will enable the execution of the study. To fully realize the project, advocates must turn to federal funding, with the hope that the states investment can leverage an impressive $5 million from the federal government. The implications of this funding could be profound, significantly enhancing trail connectivity for our communities. The study is also funded through a contract with the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council. Yet, obstacles exist, notably the ownership of many abandoned railroad corridors by CSX Transportation and its reluctance to engage in discussions about land use. It is unfortunate. However, trail supporters have not been deterred, diligently seeking alternatives and combinations of property rights-of-way and road routes to ensure a safe connection through Cheektowaga. In the end, these efforts promise to enhance the quality of life for all trail users, promote stronger bonds between neighbors, and create a more environmentally friendly atmosphere for current and future generations. The only reason why President Biden changed his stance on the wall being built on the Texas/Mexico border is because former President Trump appears to be beating him badly in the polls. He is hoping that changing his stance on building the wall will garner more votes for him in the 2024 presidential election, because he knows the issue of the wall being built concerns a lot of Americans. Its sad when the ship leaves without you. Not a real ship, the metaphorical technology ship that I need to admit I am not technologically on and I hate that. I recently traveled to Germany, newly widowed, but accompanied by my savvy, techy daughter. I was dazzled by the wonders of her cellphone and in awe of how fantastic it is to have a virtual computer in your pocket (well, her pocket). Dont know the language of the foreign country you are in? No longer a problem. Using an app, the cellphone translates for you if a person speaks into the phone. If you place the phone over text, it also becomes translated for you, very handy when using a menu and your rudimentary familiarity with the language is not enough. Also, in this day and age, English is commonly taught in European schools, and with signage everywhere often in English, the language barrier diminishes further. No more the unfolding of a map and trying to find the street your restaurant is on the cellphone to the rescue again. It also converts euros to dollars before you spend. However, without bragging, I must insist that the U.S. is way ahead in not charging for the use of a loo. That, I wont miss. As tourists, we went to typical sites and at times we wondered if there were any Americans left at home because so many were out and about with us. We were on a Viking ship tour, but the water level of the Elbe was so low we ended up on land and seeing by bus. The good news, no one had a chance to get seasick. We met a great many Americans who told us how much they loved Niagara Falls, which was fun to hear. The sites were fascinating as we drove through heavily forested areas but whereas in the Buffalo area many houses are built of wood, the houses we saw in Germany were made of stone. I first went abroad as a teenager. I am now a bona fide old-ager and how the times have forged ahead. The good news? The sites of beautiful castles, and the wonder of the autobahn still impress. The kindness of the people, the uniqueness, or not, of the landscape as it zips by your bus window is still fun. We went from Prague to Berlin, and so often the landscape seemed to mirror that of New York State. Coming from the Buffalo area it was an unfamiliar experience to have too little water in the river thank you Lake Erie and Niagara River. Water does not seem to be a Buffalo problem. Foodwise, the trip was great. There were fabulous dark, grainy breads. The beer (I was told) was wundebar, and the white wine (I can attest) flowed freely and was much appreciated. The local drinking water from the tap was safe, though bottled water was easily available. The apple strudel was worth the trip, and the bratwurst did not disappoint. The universal feeling when you travel and come home is to feel it is good to be back and that people from all over are equally wonderful, kind and interesting. We have more in common with each other than not, life is good, and we all have so much for which to be grateful. But whens the next trip, please? Joy Alukkas, the chairman and managing director of jewellery retail chain Joyalukkas, has become the richest jeweller in India, according to the Forbes list of 100 richest Indians. Ranked 50, his estimated net worth is $4.4 billion. He climbed 19 notches to improve his ranking from 69th in the previous year to 50th in the latest list. Who is Joy Alukkas? A school dropout, Alukkas went to the Middle East to open the family's first overseas store in 1987 in Abu Dhabi.(File) Alukkas is the chairperson of Joyalukkas Group, a multi-national jewellery retail chain. In 1956, Alukkas' father, Varghese Alukkas, opened the first jewellery store in Kerala's Thrissur. A school dropout, Alukkas went to the Middle East to open the family's first overseas store in 1987 in Abu Dhabi. Later, he broke off to launch his own Joyalukkas brand, which now has 100 outlets spread across India and 60 overseas with over 9000 employees. The group also owns the world's largest gold jewellery retail outlet in Chennai. According to the press statement released by the jewellery group, Joyalukkas has reported a turnover of 14,513 crore in FY2023, with a net profit of 899 crore in India. The chairman has planned to take the total India showroom count to 130 and is in the process of expanding its North India footprint. Alukka's wife Jolly Joy heads the Joyalukkas Foundation while his son John Paul is managing director of the international jewelry business. As per the Forbes list, Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian with a net worth of over 92 billion dollars. Gautam Adani, the richest Indian last year, slipped to the second spot. The top 10 richest in India are: Mukesh Ambani; US$92 billion Gautam Adani; $68 billion Shiv Nadar: $29.3 billion Savitri Jindal; $24 billion Radhakishan Damani; $23 billion Cyrus Poonawalla; $20.7 billion Hinduja Family; $20 billion Dilip Shanghvi; $19 billion Kumar Birla; $17.5 billion Shapoor Mistry & Family; $16.9 billion 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! India will not impose the licensing requirement on imports of laptops and computers but will only monitor their inbound shipments, a top government official said. Centre in August had announced that laptops, tablets and computers, would be put under a licensing regime.(AFP) The remarks assume significance as the government in August announced that these products, including laptops, tablets and computers, would be put under a licensing regime from November 1. ALSO READ: Import of laptops, tablets restricted, says govt. Here's why "On laptops, we are of the view that there are no restrictions as such. We are only saying that somebody who is importing these laptops, have to be under close watch, so that we can look at these imports. "It is basically monitoring, which we are doing. It has nothing to do with restrictions as such," Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal told reporters here. Explaining further, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi said there will be an import management system, which will come into place from November 1. The work is in progress and hopefully it will be in place before October 30, he said. The government in August imposed import restrictions on laptops, computers (including tablet computers), micro computers, large or mainframe computers, and certain data processing machines with a view to boost domestic manufacturing and cut imports from countries like China. While the IT hardware product industry comes under MeitY, the DGFT notifies decisions with regard to import/export of a product. Following this notification, IT hardware industry had flagged concerns. India already has an import monitoring system for certain products like steel, coal and paper. The licensing conditions on imports were put on the grounds of security and to spur domestic manufacturing of these products. According to a report by think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India is critically dependent on China for day-to-day use and industrial products like mobile phones, laptops, components, solar cell modules, and integrated circuits. The government has taken several steps to boost domestic manufacturing of electronic items such as rolling out of the production-linked incentive scheme and increasing customs duties on the number of electronic components. India imports about USD 7-8 billion worth of these goods every year. The country has imported personal computers, including laptops, worth USD 5.33 billion in 2022-23 as against USD 7.37 billion in 2021-22. Imports of certain data processing machines stood at USD 553 million in the last fiscal as against USD 583.8 million in 2021-22. Similarly, imports of micro computers/processors stood at USD 1.2 million in the last fiscal against USD 2.08 million in 2021-22. In May, the government approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay of 17,000 crore. The government, in February 2021, approved the scheme for IT hardware, covering the production of laptops, tablets, All-in-One PCs and servers with an outlay of 7,350 crore. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a shocking incident, a Bengaluru woman allegedly assaulted police officials and even bit one when asked to leave the premises of a popular mall in the city, at closing hours. The incident reportedly occurred within the Adugodi police station limits in the early hours of Thursday, according to a report. The woman, who worked as a chartered accountant, attacked officials when asked to leave the mall at closing hours. The woman has been identified by the publication as a 28 year old chartered accountant hailing from Davanagere. She lived at a PG in Koramangala. Following the altercation, the woman has been arrested and is currently being kept at the Central jail in judicial custody. She had gone to the Nexus mall in Koramangala to catch the 10:30pm show of The Nun II. However, things took a turn when she stayed back at the mall for hours after the show ended. She was found by officials of the mall at around 2:30am when they were closing, but refused to answer questions on what she was doing there. READ | Kannada actor Nagabhushan arrested after Bengaluru car crash kills woman When staffers tried convincing her to leave, she allegedly abused them and their manager, and attacked the security officers. The manager of the mall then dialled 112 to call the police, and a woman police sub-inspector on patrol duty responded. The woman was then taken to the police station by the SI and her team, and questioned. Cops at the station asked her whether she wanted to file a complaint on the mall authorities over any possible trouble she had faced, however, the woman threw her slipper at an assistant sub-inspector and abused the cops. The woman continued attacking police officers even after being warned that cameras were recording her. READ | 28-year-old man held for raping, impregnating 12-year-old: Cops She also tried to run away from the station and even bit the SI's hand when she was caught. Cops then registered a case against her under sections 353, 323, 324 and 504 of the IPC, for assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging duty, for voluntarily causing hurt, for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means and for intentional insult, the report said. The woman has been tested medically, and a report is awaited. Further police probe is underway and cops are in the midst of trying to find out is she was facing any issues. 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 Punjab cabinet on Saturday gave its nod to fill 106 clerk cadre posts in the department of general administration at the secretariat. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann chaired the cabinet meeting in Chandigarh on Saturday afternoon. (HT Photo) This was decided at the cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister Bhagwant Mann at the Punjab civil secretariat. A spokesperson of the chief ministers office said with the completion of the recruitment for these posts, work of the Punjab civil secretariat, Chandigarh, would be carried out in a smooth and effective manner. Also read: Punjab Police bust Lashkar terror module with arrest of 2 J&K residents The cabinet approved evolving a viable mechanism for expediting the construction of medical colleges at Mohali, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Malerkotla and Sangrur. The cabinet gave its consent to the framing of the Department of Legal and Legislative Affairs (Group B) Service Rules, 2023. For better health facilities to livestock owners, the cabinet approved extending the services of 481 veterinary pharmacists working in 582 veterinary hospitals across the state as service providers for a year from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. To provide animal health services through the department of animal husbandry, the government merged the 582 civil veterinary hospitals along with posts of rural veterinary officers with the management of the zila parishad under the rural development and panchayats department to the animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy development department. The cabinet approved sending the case of five prisoners for the premature release of life convicts confined in jails of the state and four others for rejecting such cases. After the nod of the cabinet under Article 163 of the Constitution, these special remission/premature release cases will be submitted to the Punjab governor under Article 161 of the Constitution for consideration. The Cabinet also reviewed the decision to restructure the department of the printing and stationery. According to this decision, the financial burden on the state exchequer will be reduced with the abolition of surplus posts. 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 Rural development and panchayati raj minister Anirudh Singh has appealed to the zila parishad employees, who went on strike, to return to work in view of the relief and rehabilitation works after the recent natural disaster in the state. He said that their services were crucial in these works. Himachal rural development minister Anirudh Singh (Photo:X) In a statement issued on Saturday, Singh said that in the recent rainy season, Himachal has probably faced the worst tragedy in its history. Due to incessant rain and landslides, thousands of houses and cowsheds collapsed and there was huge damage to private and public property besides agricultural and horticultural lands, he said. The state government has announced a special economic package worth 4,500 crore to help the affected families. Under it, works ranging from rebuilding peoples houses and cow sheds to conservation of agricultural land have been included. The state government is going to spend about 1,000 crore under MGNREGA to revive rural life, he said. Anirudh Singh said that all these works have to be completed at the panchayat level in which zila parishad employees play a major role. He appealed to all the employees who went on strike to return to work understanding the pain and suffering of the affected families. The state government was concerned about the genuine demands of the zila parishad employees as well, he said. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Saturday criticised the western media for not reporting on the plight of civilians in Gaza after been bombed by the Israeli forces. Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami (HT File Photo) Four-time J&K legislator and spokesperson of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Tarigami said that there was selective coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict which lays bare the media bias in the western media outlets that dominate the global media landscape. These media houses have failed to highlight the protracted sufferings of the 2.3 million people in besieged Gaza. The region is consistently being pounded by bombs, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties. Selective reporting and negative labelling have sadly become the standard practice of western media when it comes to the oppressed people of Palestine, he said. Tarigami said that Israel has forcibly occupied land in Palestine for decades now. Its unfortunate that nobody in the West speaks on the illegal occupation of Palestine and are instead advocating for Israel. He added it was historical fact that people of Palestine had been deprived of their basic rights, especially after the war of 1967. 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 BoC-Macklem-Roundtable 20231013 Diane Bellemare, independent senator and economist, talks with Financial Posts Larysa Harapyn about how she has introduced a bill to push for changes in the Bank of Canada Act. Bellemare discusses why it needs an update and more. Listen to Down to Business for in-depth discussions and insights into the latest in Canadian business, available wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the latest episode below: Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Dont miss the business news you need to know add financialpost.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. For most parents, the prospect of their child enrolling in one of Indias best universities would be a matter of joy. For Fatima Nafees, however, it is a source of unending regret. For the last seven years, the 54-year-old has woken up every day with the same thought. I wish I had not accepted my sons decision to study at JNU... Maybe he would have still been with us, she said, her voice trailing off. Fatima Nafees, Najeebs mother, participated in several protests organised by various student outfits, demanding the authorities find his son. (HT Archive) The two-day mega parent-teacher meeting (PTM), organised by the Delhi government, concluded on Saturday, during which a large number of parents interacted with teachers and discussed the academic progress of their children, officials associated with the event said. Delhi education minister Atishi at the Mega PTM in New Delhi on Friday. (HT Photo) The PTM included schools under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) as well. On Friday, education minister Atishi along with deputy MCD mayor Aaley Mohammad Iqbal visited Veer Savarkar Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Kalkaji, and MCD primary school in Govindpuri, where they interacted with the parents, teachers and students. Speaking on the parents contribution, Atishi said, After Delhi government schools, our priority is now to transform MCD schools. But in this process of change, parents have the most important role to play. The higher the involvement of parents in their childrens education, the better the academic performance of children. Sweety Jha, 35, whose daughters study in Class 8 and Class 9 at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Begumpur, said that she fails to pay much attention to her daughters studies after she started running a food stall a few months ago. My husband and I both work during the day. It is of great help that schools have started taking more initiative to help us understand our childrens progress. The teachers informed her that the strongest suit of her daughters is Hindi, and they both need to improve in math and English, she said, adding that she would now focus more on their education. On Friday, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote on X (formerly Twitter), Parents play a significant role in the success of children We have decided on this journey together, and we will continue to work together in the future. According to officials, the focus of PTM was to share students progress with their parents, inform students about different government initiatives in the field of education, sharing the results of the mid-term exams, and updating them on Mission Buniyaad, which tracks progress on the basic reading and numeracy competence. Mohammad Iqbal, principal of Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya in old Delhis Zeenat Mahal, said the teachers individually informed students about their strongest and weakest subjects. Exposure visits Two groups of 20 mentor teachers each from MCD schools met education minister Atishi on Saturday after returning from the exposure visits to Palampur in Himachal Pradesh and Bengaluru. Atishi said, These exposure visits have heightened the passion and enthusiasm of MCD mentor teachers to drive change in schools. If this energy continues to spread across all teachers and administrators in all schools, no one can stop MCD schools from becoming world-class. The teachers were sent on visits with the intention of learning unique approaches to teaching, providing education beyond textbooks and fulfilling every childs individual learning needs. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! New DelhiThe Delhi government has told the Delhi high court that it would send a proposal to the ministry of home affairs (MHA) regarding the right of prisoners to seek conjugal visits. Conjugal visits are scheduled visits wherein an inmate is allowed to spend time with their legal spouse in privacy. (Representational image/jtanki - Fotolia) Conjugal visits are scheduled visits wherein an inmate is allowed to spend time with their legal spouse in privacy. Taking note of the submissions, a bench of chief justice Satish Chandra Sharma and justice Sanjeev Narula granted the Delhi government six weeks and posted the matter for January 15, 2024. The bench was hearing a public interest litigation by advocate Amit Sahni in 2019 seeking directions to the Delhi government and director general (prisons) to make conjugal visits a fundamental right. The PIL wanted the court to set aside the states prison rule that mandates the presence of a jail officer when a prisoner is meeting their spouse, irrespective of the fact that most prisoners were within the age group of 21-50. The proposal was forwarded by the DG (prisons) to the states home department after due consideration of the right of prisoners seeking conjugal visits. DG (prisons) had filed an affidavit earlier in July 2019 stating that it was not practical to allow conjugal visits due to limited infrastructure. 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! BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena has alleged that 500 crore of black money and 50 kg of gold are kept in 100 private lockers in Jaipur in connection with the Rajasthan paper leak case. Demanding police to open the lockers, Meena claimed that 50 out of the total lockers were functional, while 10 belonged to some government officials. BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena(HT File) The senior BJP leader's allegations come ahead of the assembly elections of Rajasthan slated for November 25. Black money made from the government recruitment paper leak scam, the state information technology department scam, and the Jal Jeevan Mission scam is there in the lockers, Meena alleged at a press conference in Jaipur on Friday. After the press conference, the BJP leader headed to an office of a firm near MI Road in Jaipur - where he claimed the lockers were located. While Meena claimed that teams of the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) reached the firm to examine the matter, there has been no immediate confirmation from the two agencies. On my demand, the police have sealed the lockers. The concerned agency has been informed and policemen have been deployed for security. Soon the black money earned through corruption will be revealed to the common people, the BJP leader wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Meanwhile, he also alleged that Congress leader Dinesh Khodaniya and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party leader Spardha Choudhary were involved in the appointment of Babulal Katara as a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), reported news agency PTI. According to Meena, Katra leaked the question papers. Also read: Congress hopes old pension plan may bolster prospects in Rajasthan elections Notably, Katra has already been arrested and interrogated by the ED in the case. Ashok Gehlot hits back Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot hit back at the BJP leader saying that the Centre and Meena are trying to defame the state government. .What do we have to do with the lockers? He went there (firm) with the media, and sat on a dharna. He keeps doing such things to remain in the newshe goes to the ED office, he makes false complaints, Gehlot told the media, as quoted by PTI. (With inputs from PTI) Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Navi Mumbai HT Image The APMC police have arrested a gang of eight men who targeted businessmen and cheated them of lakhs of rupees after promising them USdollars at a cheaper rate. Residents of Mankhurd and Turbhe store, the accused used to meet their victims either at Turbhe or at APMC area and exchange the money with fake American dollars and flee. Acting on a to tip off received by Senior police inspector Tanveer Shaikh of APMC police station, the police team laid a trap and arrested the accused red handed while they were exchanging the money with fake dollars with businessman. The accused have been identified as Mohammad Habib Malik Sheikh (32), Mohammad Rahul Luqman Sheikh (33), Ismail Aizul Sheikh (35), Mohammad Shahid Abdul Fariq Sheikh (32), Javed Ashfaq Khan (38), Bablu Manjur Sheikh (38), Mohammad Mufanjul Hasamuddin Sheikh (38) and Shebud Saifuddin Haji Shaikh (31), all originally hailing from Jharkhand. All the men from the gang are unemployed and used to pretend to have US dollars and offered them at low prices. They would approach any businessman and tell them that the US dollars were given as a gift by a family to the mother of one of them and hence they were selling them at a lower price. When the businessman would come with the cash, they would give a bundle which looked like bundle of cash with only first note as real dollar and rest would be plain paper. After the exchange, they would immediately flee from the spot, the police said. On Tuesday evening, the gang called Javed Abdul Hameed Palsara (34), a hardware shop operator from Jogeshwari near Mafco market in APMC. to buy US dollars after luring him. Police Sub-Inspector Nilesh Kumar Mahadik and his team laid a trap in the Mafco Market area of APMC and arrested all the eight accused. The police have seized 2 US dollars, Rss 3,000 in cash, 15 mobile phones of different companies and paper bundles in the size of notes used for cheating from these accused. Investigation has revealed that this gang committed two similar crimes in APMC police station last month. Apart from that, this gang has also committed crimes in other parts of Navi Mumbai and the police is investigating about the same. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Gautam Budh Nagar police have booked five boys studying in class 11 of a private school in Noida for allegedly assaulting and molesting a female classmate on the school premises on Friday, said senior police officers. According to the police, the 16-year-old girls parents submitted a complaint at the Sector 39 police station on Friday evening. (Representative Image) According to the police, the 16-year-old girls parents submitted a complaint at the Sector 39 police station on Friday evening, regarding the incident that happened earlier in the afternoon. In the written complaint, it has been alleged that the girl had a tiff with a boy in her class over a game they were playing. The boy allegedly slapped her, and later, four of his friends also joined him to allegedly assault her. The girl also alleged that one of the five boys touched her inappropriately, states the complaint submitted to the police. The matter was reported to the school authorities and management, following which the girls parents also arrived at the school and submitted a complaint to the principal against the boys, all aged 16 years. A representative of the school said, on condition of anonymity, The school is aware of the unfortunate incident on campus. The matter is being thoroughly investigated and addressed. On the basis of the parents complaint, an FIR has been registered against the five minor boys, under charges of assault, sexual harassment, intentional insult, and criminal intimidation of the Indian Penal Code, said Rajneesh Verma, assistant commissioner of police 1, Noida. He said the incident was captured by CCTV cameras installed at the school and the police will look through it. Allegations made against the students are being investigated following which further legal action will be taken, said the ACP. 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 Manipur Forest Department will carry out a head count of Amur falcons-the worlds longest travelling raptors- in Tamenglong district. The Amur falcons, locally known as Akhuaipuina, usually arrive in Manipur in thousands, mostly in Tamenglong in mid-October from their breeding grounds in South Eastern Siberia and Northern China. (File Photo) We have engaged a well-known NGO in the state for conducting census at the roosting sites. They will carry out the head count when the birds completely arrive in Tamenglong, said Divisional Forest Officer Amandeep of Tamenglong district, on Friday. Once the census is conducted, we will maintain data on their (falcons) arrival, he added. The Amur falcons, locally known as Akhuaipuina, usually arrive in Manipur in thousands, mostly in Tamenglong in mid-October from their breeding grounds in South Eastern Siberia and Northern China. These pigeon-sized birds, which undertake a yearly journey covering up to 22,000 km, leave the region at November-end after having enough food for their non-stop flight to Africa, where they spend their winters. They also cross over the Indian Ocean between Western India and tropical East Africa, a journey of more than 4,000 km, which also includes nocturnal flight. This bird is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The districts forest unit as well as Tamenglogn based Rainforest Club Tamenglong (RCT) are all set to hold a series of programmes jointly to spread awareness among the villages, mostly the youths, to protect and show their love to the winged guest during their stint. Meanwhile, barely a week after Tamenglongs district magistrate L Angshim Dangshawa released an order, banning on hunting, catching, killing and selling of the birds and using of air guns during the raptors roosting period, his Noney counterpart, Joseph Pauline Kamson, also issued a similar order on Friday asking the 13 village authorities and other areas of Noney to keep their air guns in the respective custody of the village authorities. This time, we are planning to tag satellite-transmitters on two healthy birds to study their migratory routes and for this purpose we have contacted Wildlife Institute of India experts, the forest officer said. We will soon engage village volunteers for carrying out patrolling along with our own forest guards at the roosting sites to safeguard Amur falcons. The radio-tagging programme of Amur Falcon in Manipurs Tamenglong was undertaken in two phases, first in 2018 and then in 2019, to conserve wildlife and also to study the route of these long-distance migratory birds and the environmental patterns along the route as India is a signatory to an international agreement on conservation of migratory birds of prey. 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 Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil after completing his state-wide tour recently, once again set afoot for a massive rally in Jalna district, where he had protested sitting on hunger strike for more than two weeks. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Saturday held a massive rally in Jalna (File Photo) On Saturday, he began a massive rally in Jalna and gave an ultimatum of 10 days to the state government to decide on including all Marathas in the other backward classes (OBC) category for reservation in government jobs and education. I will not rest till the Maratha community gets the reservation. Either we will take out a victory march or you will take out my funeral procession. We cannot tolerate more. Maratha community will not stop now, said Jarange-Patil. His objective is to pressure the government to grant the Maratha youths reservation in jobs and education, either through a new quota or by sharing the benefits given to the OBCs. Also Read: Jarange-Patil kicks off tour to push for Maratha reservation; OBC activist calls off hunger strike Our main demand is to issue Kunbi certificates to all Marathas and give them the benefit of OBC reservation. We will accept a special category for Maratha reservation but it should not be above the existing reservation limit of 50%, he said. One of the grounds on which the Maratha quota was set aside by the Supreme Court in May 2021 was that it took the states reservation limit beyond 50%. The October 14 rally marks a special significance as it will be 30 days since Patil gave an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government to complete the necessary procedure to give Kunbi status to Marathas from Marathwada. The idea of the statewide tour and rally is to mobilise Marathas and also to remind the state government of their assurance to give reservations to the community, said Jarange-Patil. He also demanded that the government should conduct a survey of the OBCs every 10 years and remove the castes from the OBC list which have achieved progress by getting benefits from the reservation. A government-appointed committee has got proofs of around 5,000 pages about the Kunbi background of the Maratha community, he said adding, therefore, Kunbi certificates should be given to all Marathas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah should look into it. I request PM Modi and chief minister Eknath Shinde to Maratha reservation issue seriously and give Kunbi certificate and OBC reservation to the Maratha community, urged Jarange-Patil. Marathas comprise 32% of the states population. Marathwada is a politically significant region, and the government has been on the back foot here after the hunger strike by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil for reservation benefits for the community. 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! Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh L Mandaviya along with chief minster Neiphiu Rio on Saturday officially inaugurated Nagalands first medical college, the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) at Phreibagei in Kohima. Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh L Mandaviya officially inaugurated Nagalands first medical college, the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) at Phreibagei in Kohima (HT Photo/Sourced) Despite being the second oldest state in the Northeast after Assam, Nagaland has been the only state in the region without a medical college. Mandaviya expressed happiness that Nagaland finally has its own medical college, not only for the purpose of medical education but also as a research centre to address health issues in the region. The Union minister maintained that the central government is committed to the holistic development of the health sector of Nagaland. Pointing out that medical seats in the country have almost doubled in the last nine years, Mandaviya said, NIMSR is also now one of the institutions across the country that offers medical education to our youth. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision to make affordable healthcare for all, Mandaviya asserted that for India, health is not a business or commerce but that it is a service to all citizens. Together with the help of medical institutions, he said, India will make medical services world class which will also boost the concept of medical tourism. The Union health minister further expressed hope that NIMSR will grow into such a centre that would cater to not just the people of the region or country but also to those from other countries seeking healthcare in India. CM Rio described the inauguration of NIMSR as historic and a realisation of the long-felt need of the people of the state. He said the state had for a long time faced a severe shortage of doctors and shortcomings in the delivery of secondary and tertiary healthcare. With the new medical college being made operational, quality healthcare delivery will be ensured, Rio said. He hoped that the college would develop into a centre of excellence and be part and parcel of the growth and progress of India as a nation. The National Medical Commission recently approved NIMSR to take in its first batch of 100 MBBS students for its inaugural academic session 2023-24. 85 of the 100 seats were allotted to the state of Nagaland and 15 from the India quota. 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 Chhattisgarh high court has held that recording a phone call without the knowledge of the person concerned violates their right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Chhattisgarh high court has held that recording a phone call without the knowledge of the person concerned violates their right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution of India (Representative Photo) The order was passed by justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey on October 5 quashing an order of a family court which allowed the use of such recording in a case. The petitioner Asha Lata Soni had challenged the order of a family court of Mahasamund district on October 20, 2021. ...it appears that the respondent recorded the conversation of the petitioner without her knowledge which amounts to a violation of her right to privacy and also the right of the petitioner guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the high court stated. It further observed that the right to privacy is an essential component of the right to life envisaged by Article 21 of the Constitution, therefore, in the opinion of this Court, the learned family court has committed an error of law in allowing the application under Section 311 of the CrPC along with the certificate issued under Section 65 of the Indian Evidence Act. The petitioner (wife) had challenged the family courts order passed in 2019 in which the respondent (husband) moved an application under Section 311 of the CrPC along with a certificate under Section 65-B of the Indian Evidence Act for the re-examination of the petitioner on the ground that certain conversation was recorded on the mobile phone and he wants to cross-examine the petitioner confronting with the conversation recorded on the mobile. The family court allowed the application against which the petitioner moved the high court claiming that the application infringed the right to privacy the conversation was recorded by the respondent and without her knowledge, and the same cannot be used against her. Vaibhav A Govardhan, the counsel of the petitioner, argued that the respondents application was against the law. On the other hand, counsel for the respondent claimed that his client (husband) wanted to produce certain evidence to prove some allegations against the petitioner and he had the right to confront the petitioner with the conversation which was recorded on his mobile phone. After hearing the arguments, the high court cited two of the Supreme Courts decisions R.M. Malkani (supra) Vs State of Maharashtra, which explains the right to privacy and Peoples Union for Civil Liberties Vs Union of India which cited the right to privacy. The high court further referred to the observations made by the Madhya Pradesh high court in a similar case of Abha Mehta Vs Sunil Mehta, where the court had to decide the evidentiary value of conversation recorded behind the back and is definitely an infringement of her right to privacy. Besides, it is violative of articles 11 and 21 of the Constitution of India and has rightly pointed out by the Counsel for the petitioner (wife), that interception in the recording conversation is permitted only under the circumstances, the court cited in its 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 Ritesh Mishra State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh. Reports Maoism, Politics, Mining and important developments from the state. Covered all sorts of extremism in Central India. Reported from Madhya Pradesh for eight years. ...view detail Gaya: Valentine (42) from Germany was visibly pleased after offering Pind Daan to her son, who departed in his early teens. Foreign nationals from Germany, France, USA, Russia and Ukraine performed pinddaan at Gaya during Pitri Paksha (Twitter Photo) She was extremely regretful that she could not do anything for her only child. Last year, she came in contact with Loknath Gaur Das, a preacher associated with ISKCON. Das informed her that there was a solution in Indian culture. She could appease the soul of her dead son and send him to heaven. Despite my husband not agreeing, I came to India alone and offered Pind Daan for the peace of my sons soul. Now, I am feeling very unencumbered and happy, Valentine said and thanked Indian spirituality. The experience was similar for others like Natalia, Oxana, Shasa, Irina, Margherita, Grichkevich and Kevin from Germany and Svetlana from Ukraine. Kevin was the only male among the 12 foreign devotees who together performed Pind Daan at Dev Ghat near Vishnupad temple on Wednesday. The Germans performed the Tarpan rituals for their departed parents, husbands and even sons. Svetlana performed rituals for the peace of souls of the soldiers and common people killed in the war between Russia and Ukraine. The women wearing traditional Indian saris of the same colour and Kevin wrapped in a white dhoti, performing rituals with great devotion, was a beautiful scene, making us proud of our most humanist culture, said ISKCON preacher Loknath Gaur Das, who led the rituals. Kevin praised the authorities for making Falgu River visible. We had read that Falgu flows underground except during the rainy season. But the rubber dam had made available sufficient clean water for the pilgrims. A visibly impressed Margherita said, Indian culture and people are blessed who are so sensitive towards their ancestors. It is wonderful and endearing that they remember their dead ancestors for 15 days every year and offer them water and their favourite food. India is great. Gaya district magistrate (DM) Dr Thiyagarajan SM said it was a pleasant sign that 35 foreign devotees from Russia, France, Germany and the USA had performed Tarpan rituals till Wednesday. Foreign pilgrims had not come after the Covid pandemic in 2020 except one or two that arrived last year. He said special arrangements had been made for them at Dev Ghat. Adequate women magistrates and female police personnel were deployed. Standard sanitation, drinking water, medical, security and traffic arrangements along with uninterrupted darshan to the Garbhagriha had been ensured for all pilgrims. 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 management of Baidyanath temple in Jharkhands Deoghar districthas landed in controversy after a section of local residents, including Pandas and others, knocked on the doors of authorities, including Jharkhand governor and assembly Speaker, to remove the chief manager, Ramesh Parihast, from his post, alleging that the man has a criminal background and is involved in corruption. The Baidyanath temple in Jharkhands Deoghar district (HT File) A four-page letter to the governor by a local, which is in possession of Hindustan Times, suggested that there are criminal cases against the chief manager under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 379, 498, 506, 341, 420, 467, 468, 498, at different police stations, and is involved in extortion and types of financial irregularities. The letter levelling allegations not only demanded the dismissal of Parihast from his post but also demanded a Jharkhand Administrative Service officer to run the temple fairly. A local resident familiar with the development confirmed the situation, saying Parihast has always been in controversy over various issues. The deputy commissioner had once removed him from his post when he had misbehaved with a lady legislator, Amba Prasad, and the legislator raised the issue in the assembly. But after a few months, he returned to his post. When contacted, Parihast denied the allegations, saying, All the matters are old. He stated he has received a clean chit in all cases and that he has helped many VIPs in darshan and all know him properly. He stated that he held two persons, Shakti Nath Falhari and Bhakti Nath Falhari, for campaigning against him. When contacted, both the Falhari men supported the letters to the authority. Parihast is worse than Ram Rahim. If a probe is done fairly, he will land in trouble. Despite a monthly salary of hardly 35,000 per month, he has properties worth crores. He does not deposit the donation in the temple fund and uses it as personal property, said Shakti Nath Falahari. Bhakti Nath Falahari, a priest at Radha Krishna Mandir, echoed Shakti, saying the temple needs proper attention, and a full-time administrative officer will be of great help. 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 MP Police Constable Result 2023 Live Updates: Employees Selection Board Madhya Pradesh will release MP Police Constable Result 2023 in due course of time. The results when declared can be checked by all the appeared candidates on the official website of ESEMP at esb.mp.gov.in. MP Police Constable Result 2023 Live Updates: ESEMP results, direct link, cut off, latest news on esb.mp.gov.in The written exam was held from August 12 to September 12 in 13 districts across the state. The provisional answer key was released in mid-September and results are expected next. There is no official update on MP Police Constable Result date and time. Candidates can expect results to be available on the official website anytime. This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 7090 constable vacancies. The registration process was started on June 26 and ended on July 10, 2023. Follow the blog for latest updates on result, direct link and other details. French governments educational initiative Choose France Tour 2023 event was held on Friday, October 13 in New Delhi. The event was attended by French Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou. H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India With the goal to host 30000 Indian students for higher studies by 2030, this educational fair witnessed participation of as many as 50 French educational institutions, including universities, Grandes Ecoles, and colleges offering ease-of-study measures. H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India at the event said, Choose France Tour is an initiative of the French government to introduce Indian students, especially high-school graduates, with various prospects for pursuing advanced studies in France, and availing of scholarships at top French institutes. Students will have a chance to get first-hand information from representatives of 50 leading universities, Grandes Ecoles, and colleges about the programmes they can attend. These programmes span a wide range of fields. As per a press release issued by French embassy, the tour is organised from October 8 to October 15 in Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Mumbai. This event is being organized by the French Institute in India (lInstitut Francais en Inde), the educational, cultural, and scientific wing of the Embassy of France in India, in collaboration with Campus France, a French government sector organization. Additionally, it is being supported by Alliance Francaise. Mr Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens, Country Director, The French Institute in India while speaking about the tour said that the fairs will also help Indian students explore practical ways for seeking job opportunities in France after graduating there. In August 2023, France had announced new initiatives that not only included the 30,000-student target but also encompassed the creation of international French classes and the introduction of a 5-year validity short-stay visa for Indian Alumni, read the press statement. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! 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 In a monumental announcement at New York Comic-Con, the creators of the much-awaited anime adaptation, Kaiju No. 8, revealed that the series will hit screens in the spring of 2024, exclusively on Crunchyroll. This news has sent ripples of excitement through the anime community, marking a significant milestone for fans of the acclaimed manga. Crunchyroll snags exclusive rights to Kaiju No. 8 anime, premiering Spring 2024. What is Kaiju No. 8 anime about? The manga, created by Naoya Matsumoto, introduces readers to a world besieged by colossal creatures known as Kaiju. The story centres around Kafka Hibino, who dreams of enlisting in the Japan Defense Force to combat these menacing monsters. However, life takes him down a different path, and he ends up working at Monster Sweeper, Inc., a company cleaning up the aftermath of Kaiju battles. But fate takes an unexpected turn when Kafka's childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, now the Captain of the Defense Force's 3rd Division, re-enters his life. The encounter reignites Kafka's dormant ambition, setting the stage for an epic tale of bravery and friendship. Naoya Matsumoto, the creator of Kaiju No. 8, shared his heartfelt message with fans, saying, "It's a story about someone struggling in a harsh world without ever giving up, in the hopes of leading people into an even slightly brighter future... Next year when Kaiju No. 8 begins to air in America and worldwide, I'll be looking forward to seeing your reactions." Crunchyroll secures exclusive rights to stream Kaiju No. 8 Crunchyroll has secured exclusive rights to simulcast Kaiju No. 8, allowing fans to experience the thrill of this eagerly anticipated series in both English subbed and dubbed versions. This announcement follows Crunchyroll's recent acquisitions of other highly anticipated anime titles, solidifying its position as a go-to platform for anime enthusiasts. Also Read | New Dragon Ball anime announced - All you need to know about Dragon Ball Daima The anime adaptation, produced by renowned studios Production I.G and Studio Khara, promises viewers an immersive experience. The trailer, featuring impressive animation and captivating storytelling, has already generated buzz among fans. As the premiere date approaches, the anime community eagerly awaits further updates, including the unveiling of the main staff and cast members. 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! 'Sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself'. Dhak Dhak ends on this beautiful note, and it somewhat sums up what the film stands for. Four women embark on a bike trip from Delhi to Leh, and with their mean machines roaring loud, they must reach world's highest peak, Khardung La. What makes the journey even more exciting is how these four women from different backgrounds bond on common grounds, and discover themselves and their strengths, while crossing one obstacle after another. Along the journey, they laugh, enjoy, break down, rise again and ride vigorously towards their dream. Also read: Dhak Dhak Twitter reviews Sanjana Sanghi, Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Dia Mirza feature in Dhak Dhak. With its heart at the right place and a well-meaning plot, Dhak Dhak attempts to empower you, entertain you and keeps you excited. It is not at all devoid of the thrills and frills that you would expect to see in a road trip movie. Director Tarun Dudeja wastes no time in weaving subplots to make us meet his leading ladies. Crux of Dhak Dhak The story starts with Shashi Kumar Yadav aka Sky (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a YouTuber, who with her penchant for bikes and travel photography, wants to reset her identity that got tarnished after an ugly online scandal. Covering the Barcelona auto expo on her channel is the next big thing on her list, but she first needs to prove herself to secure that spot. Searching for a story, Sky meets Manpreet Kaur Sethi aka Mahi (Ratna Pathak Shah), who had just won a bike by collecting newspaper coupons, and in no time, nurtured a dream to one day go on a bike trip to one of the world's highest motorable roads. Upon realising that only Sky can help her turn this dream into a reality, Mahi gets aboard the idea of this dangerous bike trip. Joining the duo on this trip next is automobile mechanic Uzma (Dia Mirza), who couldn't have asked for a better chance in life to show to her husband that she, too, deserves to follow her aspirations. Lastly, when an extremely guarded Manjari (Sanjana Sanghi), who has been pressured by her single mother to settle for an arranged marriage without even meeting her to-be-groom, sees an opportunity to live her life one last time, she laps it up without any second thoughts. How the four face all the struggles, yet don't give up on their journey, and how the most difficult roads lead them to the most beautiful destination of their life, is what forms the crux of Dhak Dhak. Dhak Dhak needed better editing The story co-written by Parijat Joshi and Anvita Dutt follows a simplistic screenplay without complicating it much. Though, at places, it does look patchy and inconsistent, especially in its pace. The first half brilliantly sets the premise, and gives adequate attention to the story of each of these four protagonists. At 2 hours 17 minutes, the film could have been edited a bit more crisply. It slows down quite often, and especially in the second half, gets a tad stretched. Despite that flaws, the conviction and determination that these four actors showcase just lifts up the whole story. Sure it could have had more depth and grip on the narrative, but for most part, Dhak Dhak succeeds in keeping you invested in each of these four tales. The performances are earnest Ratna, a seasoned performer, brings her experience and finesse, and as a matriarch of a Punjabi family, she is so endearing and a delight to watch. The way she keeps the quartet together fills your heart with joy, giving you hope that age is never a hindrance, if you decide to live your dreams. Fatima is quite impressive in this bold and daring act, and as the in-charge leading the pack to their destination, she exudes immense confidence and power. Dia as a Muslim wife suffering at the hands of her shauhar (husband) is a slightly stereotypical portrayal, not problematic though. Sanjana, is perhaps the weakest written character of the four, but holds her own and delivers an earnest performance in whatever she gets to do. Dhak Dhak also has several heartwarming moments, when these women seeks solace and comfort in a stranger, and a piece of advice from the person helps them navigate ahead. Sky's heart-to-heart with a monk, Manjari's rescue moment with a truck driver, who tells her to look for solutions rather than focus on problems, and Mahi's encounter with a foreigner, who helps her bike, are among the touching moments in the film. Dhak Dhak review: The Sanjana Sanghi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ratna Pathak Shah and Dia Mirza film released on Friday. Doesn't opt for a preachy route to make a point Even the sequence, when the quartet gets high on substance-laced cookies and rum, while spending a night at a lodge, has been thoughtfully written and shot. The way the four let themselves lose, discuss about orgasm, faking it, condom flavour and never being kissed, it brings out their vulnerabilities, and at the same time, letting them bare their soul and connect with each other without any inhibitions. But, one question here: Why do we always need to show women under the influence of some substance to be able to speak their mind and heart? Besides these moments that strike a chord, there are various underline messages that the film aims at conveying and gladly, it doesn't opt for a preachy route to make a point. For instance, when Uzma tells her husband that he should seek her consent in bed. Or when Manjari confronts her mother and expresses that she wants to be like her - independent, decisive and strong. They leave you with a thought that stays with you for long. Dhak Dhak might have used a lot of tropes that you would see in a story about women empowerment, but it is also about a lot of things that you usually don't associate with women. At the core, it remains a tale of this quartet, who continues to break free from the past, and dealing with the present conflicts. In the end, the four women's desire and dream is to ride all the way up is what leaves a sense of pride and victory. Watch Dhak Dhak to experience an adrenaline rush of seeing women on bike, taking a road trip of their life, and also enjoy some scenic views of the magnificent Leh. Film: Dhak Dhak Cast: Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanjana Sanghi Director: Tarun Dudeja Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Hollywood Actor Chris Evans was seen at Comic Con 2023, held at the Javits Center in New York. On Friday, October 13, 2023 the Captain America star was seen posing with fans for photo ops, and autographing sessions. On Friday, October 13, 2023 the Captain America star was seen posing with fans for photo ops, and autographing sessions. Chris, 42, was all smiles as he posed with several fans. However, what has caught the eyes of many is that he was spotted sporting a wedding band at the event. This was also his first appearance since his marriage to the Portuguese Actress Alba Baptista, 26. In a photo shared by a fan named Alesia, Chris's wedding band is clearly visible. So happy to meet Chris Evans again, wrote the fan adding colored and black and white images of the actor, who can be seen smiling at the camera. One of those fans was quick to point out that he was wearing his wedding band in the comments on Alesia's post. That's a sweet photo. Let me take a breath seeing he has a wedding band on his hand, commented X user Lorraine Horton under Alesia's post. Another X user Nicole posted a photo with the actor where his wedding ring was even more visible. The actor married the 'Warrior Nun' actress in a private ceremony at an estate in Cape Cod, Mass. on September 9 earlier this year. A source interviewed with PEOPLE and shared information on the wedding saying: Following the ceremony, a large tent and dance floor was set up at the house" and music could be heard late into the night. During the wedding weekend, many of the couple's famous friends were spotted nearby Boston to celebrate which were: Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey, Scarlett Johansson and her husband Colin Jost, Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky and Jeremy Runner. "They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her," an insider told PEOPLE adding that Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her. BTS member Jimin made a surprise appearance at fellow bandmate V's solo fanmeet held at Kyunghee University in Seoul. The event, which took place on October 14, turned into an unforgettable evening filled with music, games, and cherished moments between the two best friends. V, who recently made waves with his solo debut album Layover, organized his first solo fanmeet, and the night was made even more special with Jimin's unexpected arrival.(X/KnjMyLife) V, who recently made waves with his solo debut album Layover, organized his first solo fanmeet, and the night was made even more special with Jimin's unexpected arrival. The duo, often called besties, took the stage and charmed the audience with their camaraderie. They not only played games but also showcased their musical talents by performing their song, "Friends," much to the delight of the crowd. One lucky fan, dressed as Bart Simpson, had the chance to play ping pong with the dynamic duo, creating a memory that will surely be cherished forever. Fans on social media couldn't contain their excitement, with one X user exclaiming, "BART SIMPSON WON IN LIFE I CAN'T EVEN MAKE THIS UP LMFAO!" During the fanmeet, Jimin and V teased fans with the prospect of new music. Jimin playfully scolded V, hinting at a collaboration, stating, "if you say so then you really have to do it, now he just keeps talking about it, you really have to do it alright? A NEW VMIN SONG?!!" Also Read | 10 times BTS Jimin and V aka Taehyung's friendship made us yearn for our soulmate Jimin, who made his solo debut earlier this year with the album FACE, has been actively involved in various musical projects. Besides his music career, he has been recognized as the house ambassador for Tiffany & Co. V, who debuted solo with Layover on September 8, has been making headlines not just for his music but also for his endeavours in the fashion world. While there's no official announcement about a new 'VMIN' song, one thing is for sure: if these two actually decide to collaborate on a new song, it will definitely take over ARMY's hearts, much like V's first solo fan meet. During a recent episode of The Breakfast Club, journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy discussed her thoughts about Drake and his music. She explained that she was no longer a Drake fan, asserting that her opinion of him changed after the album Views. Sowmya said, I was a former Aubrey's Angel, I was day one when it wasn't cool to be a Drake fan. But he lost me somewhere after Views. It was almost like that friend from high school that we have nothing in common anymore, and I kind of don't want to hang out with them. I'll see them on social media, but let's never speak again. Drake responds to his critic However, Drake learned about Sowmya's criticism of him on an Instagram page, where he made a response to her critique. He wrote, Was this interview already on the schedule? Who is this American rapper Toosi, also left a comment under Drake's response, defending him. He wrote, People have this thing where they paint this definitive picture in their head that the artist you were 5 years ago that's who you always are. People change, things change. He can make the same kind of music but how is that going to resonate to your now mid 30 year old body? You're no longer in college dating a guy who doesn't really love you cuddling toes in a dorm room Samantha sorry to tell you. ALSO READ: What happened to Drake? Singer announces break from music as fans hail his new album For All the Dogs ALSO READ: Drake surprises heartbroken fan with $50,000 at Miami concert Sowmya claimed that she was a die-hard fan of Drake because early on, his vulnerability drew her in but after a few albums, he changed his style. She also said that she is still waiting on a definitive Drake album. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Contagion to conflict(s) over the past few years have caused severe disruptions in global supply chains for goods, rising cost of commodities and cost-of-living crisis around the world. While we awaited an abatement of the Russo-Ukraine conflict, we are now confronted with yet another war in West Asia. Will this now spiral into a further supply chain disruption and worsen the cost-of-living crisis in the region? For the common man living in other parts of the world, these conflicts may appear as far-away events discussed on various news channels and social media sites. However, such events may prove to be a warning of possible future flashpoints much closer to home that could cause deeper consequential disruptions. Map The South China Sea (SCS), a body of water over three million square kilometres in area, is ringed by several Southeast Asian nations, China and Taiwan. While it is a vital shipping route carrying trillions of dollars in cargo that acts as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, it is also rich in oil, gas deposits and thriving marine life that is a prime food source for a growing East-Asian population. It is a territory that is highly disputed and aggressively claimed by China as its own with numerous clashes occurring between Chinese and Southeast Asian vessels. The volatility of this region has been further exacerbated with the United States (US) and its allies conducting freedom of navigation exercises in these waters. For instance, in late August 2023, China issued a new map of its dominion that laid claims to most of the SCS as well as contested parts of India and Russia, prompting India to respond saying Chinas claims have no basis. This was followed by Malaysia, rejecting Chinas unilateral claims as uncalled-for and that it could possibly be misconstrued as provocative. China also lays territorial claims on Taiwan, and in recent years has increased its military exercises around the island as a means to assert its sovereignty. As a deterrent, President Joe Biden had recently endorsed US military support for Taiwan which saw a rebuke by the Chinese leadership. This only confirms the possible role of a third player, further raising the stakes of a broader conflict in the region. Asia-Pacific economic sphere is dominated by China through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the worlds largest trading bloc comprised of 15 Asia-Pacific countries established in 2022 as an economic alternative to the US-led Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). China is, by far, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) largest trading partner with over $ 447.3 billion in two-way trade with the 10-nation bloc. In the event of a possible conflict in the SCS region, ASEANs economic over-reliance on China could certainly become an impediment. Supply chains of base commodities and flow of trading dollars could be curtailed causing a further jolt to the already painful cost of living crisis in the region. Malaysia, in particular, is exposed to a trade deficit of over $22.8 billion from China. A large portion of Malaysias base commodities like food products and other essential goods are primarily sourced and imported from China. With this backdrop, Malaysia clearly needs a balanced foreign and trade policy that leverages other strategic neighbours. India, with its geographic proximity to Malaysia is definitely a prime partner to leverage with an existing trade balance at $4.77 billion in Malaysias favour. Indias growing economic and geopolitical stature could provide Malaysia with a strategic advantage as it is currently the fifth largest economy at around $3.5 trillion and set to rise becoming the worlds third largest at $5.5 trillion by 2028. It is also the fourth largest agriculture producing country at $397 billion. And, it plays a pivotal role over trade across the Indian Ocean, which stands at over $6.17 trillion. Malaysia has had a long-standing relationship with India, not just on the trade and economic front but also on the people-to people relationship sphere. There are deep cultural ties between the two countries that spans several centuries. Malaysia is also home to a very significant Indian diaspora that goes back several generations. There is an added uniqueness to this geopolitical relationship between Malaysia and India with the geographic position and proximity of the Straits of Melaka that acts as a gateway between the Indo-Pacific and the SCS regions. As one of the busiest trade channels, the Straits of Melaka needs to be secured from encumbrances should possible flashpoints occur in the SCS. Closer collaboration between these two neighbours to ensure that this strategic channel does not become a potential choke point in the event of a crisis in the region is indeed a necessity. Furthermore, Malaysias northern state of Kedah has a close proximity to the Andaman Nicobar Islands. The state is located on the cusp of the Andaman Sea. The intense economic development that is currently being driven by the Indian administration on these Islands and the economic expansion that is being set in place by the Kedah state leadership provides for greater opportunities to explore for cross-border collaboration. The Kedah economic blueprint includes expansion of palm oil cultivation technologies and the establishment of Rare Earth Elements (REE) processing plants. In addition, the state is looking to grow an aerospace hub, possible marine facilities around the Andaman Sea and expects to expand its capabilities in silicon wafer development technologies. Kedah is well positioned to explore the possibilities of a cross-border economic growth corridor with the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Collaborating with India would not only offer mutual economic prospects but also an opportunity to enact a security of supply principal coupled with a drive towards effective on-shoring of technology when Kedah begins processing its natural resources. In addition, Malaysias agricultural belt that stretches across its northern States from Kedah to Kelantan provides for numerous opportunities for Indian agro and food technology players to explore joint agricultural development opportunities. Beyond satisfying Malaysias domestics requirements, these prospects could also provide possibilities for re-exports to the rest of ASEAN and East Asia as well. Needless to say, an effort of this nature would help expand economic opportunities in the region while also addressing the immediate cost of living crisis experienced by all Malaysians alike. Clearly, enhanced Indo-Malaysian ties offers numerous strategic opportunities. These ties, based on mutually assured economic growth, could also present broader multilateral offerings acting as a gateway to ASEAN and East Asia. Greater dialogue, diplomacy and collaboration between these strategic neighbours are definitely the need of the hour to provide a geopolitical counterbalance at a time when the region is experiencing uncertainty from multiple State actors. This article is authored by Ravindran Devagunam, senior correspondent, Foreign Policy and Politics, Malaysia Gazette, Kuala Lumpur. 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! As social media and news sites exploded on the Hamas attack on Israel, with opinions from India spanning the entire spectrum, few even noticed that Afghanistan reeled under a severe earthquake, even as Pakistan instituted a violent deportation of Afghans from its country. Even more interesting was the reaction of the Chinese ambassador to this pushing back of refugees literally at gun point, and the announcement of a large package of aid from Beijing. All three issues are of immediate concern to us, and yet none seems to have registered either officially or otherwise. Afghan migrants Even as Afghanistan went into another downward spiral, after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Herat, Pakistani authorities were finalising further plans to streamline the deportation of Afghan refugees in the country. Pakistans caretaker government had announced on October 2, that it would deport all undocumented immigrants in a 'phased and orderly' manner if they did not move out voluntarily by November 1st. Despite the voluntary call, police action had already begun in removing Afghans, particularly from Sindh, around Karachi and in Islamabad. Lawyers point out that many have valid visas, but the police have confiscated their passports. Horrifying videos show men and boys all looped together with rope like a herd of animals, being led away by police. Pakistan media reports new details, including a task force created to examine fake identity cards issued to foreign nationals as well as their properties and businesses, set up illegally. The official position is that refugees were required to stay in 54 refugee camps, (some 44 of which were in Khyber Pakhtukwa) instead of which they spread all over the country. All this is being done by the Interior Ministry who proposes to confiscate Afghan businesses and properties, assisted by the Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). In Islamabad its worse. The state has given refugees a deadline of 48 hours to shift to camps, demolished two illegal settlements, and bulldozed another. The state claims that it is allowing persons with proper documents to stay, but are being e-tagged, in a database was compiled by CTD. All this is very efficient, except that these refugees were created by decades of Pakistans wars in Afghanistan since 1979. Actual numbers are not clear, given a generation of Afghans may have been born here. Around 1.3 million Afghans are registered refugees and 880,000 more have legal status to remain, according to the United Nations figures. But caretaker interior minister Sarfraz Bugti said a further 1.7 million Afghans were in Pakistan illegally. This massive operation predictably got a hugely negative reaction from the Taliban. The Afghan Embassy has charged the government with brutal attacks on Afghans including women and children and stated that some 1000 have been arrested. According to Afghanistans department for refugee affairs, some 23,000 Afghans have been expelled by Pakistan in the past 20 days. Zabiullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, called the operation 'unacceptable'. Meanwhile the UN High Commission for Refugees has appealed against the operation, calling it a fundamental human right to seek asylum, as have several human rights organisations. The United Arab Emirates has also appealed against this. More dangerously, it is strongly opposed by Pakhtun parliamentarians like Mohsin Dawar and Afrasiab Khattak who warn that this forced removal could backfire against the country. Islamabad, long accused of a racial bias against Pashtuns now charges the Afghans with assisting (at the very least) in terrorist activity. No refugees have been charged in such activities in any clear case in recent years, though that didnt prevent the counter-terrorism authorities from arresting some 250 earlier. Opposition has also come from an unexpected source. Chinas brand new ambassador to Afghanistan, Zhao Xing, said bluntly that Pakistans wrongful treatment of Afghan refugees is against human right and good neighbourliness. Zhao has only just been appointed to much acclaim from the Taliban, and has been quick to provide earthquake relief with $200,000 provided by the Red Cross Society of China to its counterpart in Afghanistan. The ambassador also handed over messages of condolences to acting deputy foreign minister Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai from top-level Chinese officials. Beijing is also encouraging Pakistan to mend fences with its neighbour. Pakistan foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jillani met his counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi on the sidelines of the third Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation, held at in Xizang city (Tibet), that was hosted by China. Following that meeting, the Pakistan government has issued directives marked to all departments that legitimate refugees, should only leave voluntarily, warning that Islamabad should not lose goodwill earned in 43 years. The State has also announced earthquake aid to Afghanistan, with this to be coordinated by the army led National Disaster Management Agency. More interestingly, Muttaqi also is reported to have discussed the opening of the Wakhan corridor with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at the Trans-Himalayan meeting. The Wakhan Corridor itself is about 350 km long and 1365 kilometres wide as a natural valley between the two mountain ranges, but is formidable to cross. Historically, the Wakhjir pass was a trading route between Badakhshan and Xinjiang used by merchants from Bajaur in the tribal regions of Pakistan. There are indications of an existing tarred road on the Chinese side which stops well short of the north Wakhjir pass, with a dirt track on the other side. Given formidable Chinese engineering capabilities, they might consider this as a alternative though limited route, rather than depend on Pakistan, which is now squarely seen as the enemy in Afghanistan. Far easier would be to use existing roads that connect China to Afghanistan via Tajikistan, where it already has a large military presence its own, and another for the Tajik military funded by it. It seems now China intends to take forward investment initiatives announced earlier like $10 billion investment by a Chinese company in lithium reserves, including as well as infrastructure development to link up with the northern borders, while an oil extraction deal had been signed in the beginning of this year for Amu Darya. With an ambassador now in position, matters already seem to be moving quickly. It is unclear what the Pakistan army for that is what the caretaker government is according to its own prime minister hopes to get out of this massive operation. Facing the worst terrorism crisis in its history with an 83% rise in August Islamabad seems to be in the do something mode. It may also be a tactic to punish the Taliban, in its apparent refusal to do anything much about the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and then interior minister Perez Khan Khattak blaming the Taliban for 14 of the 24 suicide attacks this year. Pakistans push back does come after two bomb blasts on September. 28, 2023, in Balochistan and KP which killed 57. Bugti also chose to call out Indias Research and Analysis Wing, so it does seem that the minister or rather the army- has his back against the wall. The Taliban plan to keep the refugees in camps in the Lalpor desert in the Nangarhar province which borders Pakistan, which in the end is likely to provide the TTP with as many recruits as it wants. This simple assessment is likely to also have been made in China, which explains its own independent push to engage with the Taliban, rather than rely on the dubious diplomacy of the Pakistanis. In sum, Islamabad has finally succeeded in alienating every one of its neighbours, a task that was beyond the capabilities of even the most dull civilian leader who has taken the reins so far. This article is authored by Tara Kartha, distinguished fellow, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. 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! Ive just been diagnosed with early stage of Parkinsons, why do I need palliative care? - Sahil, 65 years referred by a neurologist to the palliative care team. Healthcare (Representational Photo) World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD), marked on the second Saturday of October is an annual unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. This year the theme of WHPCD is Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care to focus on how each one of us can make palliative care more accessible to anyone with a serious illness. WHPCD mentions palliative and hospice as separate as there is an important distinction between the two terms. Both palliative and hospice care focus on relieving the pain and other symptoms including the emotional, social, and financial stresses as well spiritual concerns experienced by patients with any serious illness that could include for example neurological conditions- Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Dementia, Pulmonary diseases, chronic heart or kidney disease or cancer. The key difference is, however, when this care begins. Palliative care can begin as early as diagnosis and continue during curative treatment, so that whilst the treating physician focusses on the disease management, the palliative care team can address the impact of the disease on the patient and the care giver as well. Hospice care, on the other hand, is that part of palliative care that begins only once curative treatment stops, and the goals of care are focused on maximising the comfort of the patient and supporting the patients and their families at the end of their treatment journeys and also includes offering bereavement support to the families. Palliative care when started early in any serious illness can make a big difference to the patients and their family. As in the case of Sahil, who had just been diagnosed with Parkinsons, and took up the offer to meet with a palliative care team. The team explained to him how they would support him and his family, especially his symptoms beyond movement, whilst he continued to consult with his neurologist. Over the next few months, the counsellor addressed the fears he had as well as those of his family in terms of how their lives may change as the disease progresses. The palliative care physician and nurse explained how his pain, fatigue and disturbed sleep pattern could be addressed and the physiotherapist demonstrated exercises that could be done at home. The palliative care team formed a circle of compassion around Sahil to let him and his family know they were not alone. In India, the Lancet Commission estimates that only 4% of those who need palliative care actually receive this care highlighting a huge unmet need in communities. The WHPCD this year reminds us that we all need to play a role to demonstrate our compassion. This involves showing that we care by identifying those who have a serious illness in our communities, connecting them to services and offering to volunteer to raise awareness about palliative care. Together, we can strive to close the care gap, so that more people are confident that palliative care can make a difference to their lives and their experience of dealing with a serious illness. This article is authored by Rumana Hamied, managing trustee, Cipla Foundation. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Lucknow: A special court in Uttar Pradesh on Friday awarded 10 years of rigorous imprisonment each to 24 people, including 20 personnel of the state police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in connection with a 2010 case pertaining to the supply of arms and ammunition to Maoists and terrorists. HT Image According to Rampur additional district government counsel (criminal) Pratap Singh Maurya, the court of special judge (Essential Commodities Act) Vijay Kumar also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty on the accused who were found guilty on Thursday. Twenty-four people were convicted and sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by the court in the 2010 case. The accused were also fined 10,000 each, Maurya said. The supply of arms and ammunition to the Maoists and terrorists came to light after two CRPF constables were arrested, with several cartridges in their possession, by a special task force (STF) of the state police in Rampur on April 10, 2010. According to Maurya, the STF was acting on inputs that arms and ammunition were being supplied from a CRPF reserve in Rampur and various PAC units across the state to Maoists and terrorists in the state, Bihar and Jharkhand through a person in Prayagraj. The tip-off, he added, was received days after 76 CRPF personnel were killed in a deadly Maoist attack in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada on April 6 that year. During the course of investigation, a total of 25, including policemen, CRPF and PAC personnel, were arrested from across the state, including Rampur, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, by the STF. In July 2010, police filed its charge sheet against the 25 people 21 CRPF, PAC and police personnel and four civilians in connection with the case. However, one of the accused, Yasodha Nand, a retired armourer of the PAC, died during the course of trial. On Thursday, all the remaining 24 accused were convicted under 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant), 413 (habitually dealing in stolen property), 120B (criminal conspiracy) sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Arms Act in the case. Of the 20 personnel, 14 were still in service, till the time of conviction, while six retired in the past 13 years. The accused were identified as Vinod Paswan, Vinesh Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Amar Singh, Banwari Lal, Rajesh Shahi, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Amresh Kumar, Vinod Kumar Singh, Vansh Lal, Nathi Ram, Sushil Kumar Mishra, Jitendra Singh, Akhilesh Kumar, Ram Kripal Singh, Manish Rai, Rajai Pal Singh, Baburi, Om Prakash Singh, Rak Krishna Shukla and civilians Dilip Rai, Aakash alias Guddu, Murali Dhar Sharma and Shankar. According to Maurya, initially, Nand and two CRPF constables Vinod Paswan and Vinesh Kumar were arrested. Later, one Nathi Ram Saini was arrested from Moradabad on the basis of information collected from the arrested accused. Yashodha Nand had provided a diary with names of the accused people and details of bank accounts, after which the remaining arrests were made, he said. Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday linked with the Congress the recovery of 42 crore by the Income Tax department in Bengaluru on Friday. At a press conference, the politician alleged the accused contractor had labelled the previous BJP government in Karnataka as "40 percent commission government" and wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the behest of the Congress. 42 crores bundled in 23 boxes found at Bengaluru contractor's house The minister accused the Congress of treating Karnataka as its "ATM to fund elections in other states''. "It's disheartening to see that Karnataka has, in the hands of the chief minister and deputy chief minister, transformed into an ATM for the 'INDI looto yatra'." He was referring to the elections in five states -- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. We must remember the name of a person, Ambikapathy, the contractor who, on behalf of the Congress, had written to the prime minister in July-August last year labelling the erstwhile BJP government in Karnataka as 40 per cent commission government," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. He said 42 crore were recovered from the contractor's house. He said Ambikapathy and other contractors, acting on the behalf of Congress, had propagated a false corruption narrative against the BJP, which misled the people of Karnataka and resulted in the party's loss. "It is clear that this was a massive drama they had orchestrated and behind the drama was a singular objective corruption. Unfortunately, the voters in Karnataka were misled by this narrative and Congress grabbed power," he added. The Karnataka State Contractors Association had written to PM Modi alleging elements of the erstwhile government would demand a hefty cut for all public projects. Also read: 42 crore bundled in 23 boxes found at Bengaluru contractor's house in Income Tax raid The income tax department said on Friday raided the premises linked to the contractor in Bengaluru. "Congress believes in fake guarantees, lies and corruption. Corruption is embedded in the DNA of Congress. We saw this in Karnataka, and now they want to use the same political strategy in Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan," Chandrasekhar alleged. While the BJP and the JDS had alleged the cash was commission from contractors meant to fund the polls, the Congress called the raids politically motivated. The money was hidden in 20 cardboard boxes kept under a bed in the house of Ambikapathy's relative. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bengaluru The fire took place at the firecracker shop-cum-godown on October 7 at Attibele when crackers were being unloaded from a vehicle into the godown. (PTI) A first information report (FIR) has been lodged against St Johns Hospital and a doctor in Bengaluru for allegedly receiving money from the family of a victim of the Attibele fire accident for treatment, officials said on Friday. According to police officials, the deceased Venkateshs (23) kin alleged that despite the state governments assurance to bear the medical expenses of the injured in the fire accident, the hospital sought money from them. The state government has announced a compensation of 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased. Venkatesh, a resident of Garvebhavipalya, who was a photographer and an amateur body builder, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. He had come to the shop to purchase crackers for his friends birthday celebration when the incident took place, officials said. He had suffered severe burn injuries and was being treated at St Johns Hospital, while his friend had managed to escape the fire. The family members of Venkatesh on Thursday refused to accept the body, demanding action against the hospital and Dr Sagar, for allegedly not treating him properly and seeking money for treatment. I paid 40,000 on the first day of admitting my son to the hospital. They asked for 30,000 on the second day and 40,000 after that. Although Im poor, to save my only son, I have managed to pay the hospital, after going into debt, Ramanappa, the father of the deceased, said. They withdrew their demand after Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner Dayanand KA arrived at the hospital, and pacified the family members, police officials in the know of the developments said. Based on allegations of Venkateshs family members, an FIR was registered at Koramangala Police Station against St Johns Hospital and Dr Sagar under Section 384 (extortion) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and further investigation is underway, a police officer said. The fire took place at the firecracker shop-cum-godown on Saturday when crackers were being unloaded from a vehicle into the godown, police officers said, adding that the firecrackers had been transported from Sivakasi, fireworks hub of Tamil Nadu, ahead of Deepavali. The police have arrested three people in connection with the fire including V Ramaswamy Reddy, the licensee, Anil Reddy, the owner of the land where the godown was built at Attibele, and Ramaswamy Reddys son, Naveen Reddy, who has been hospitalised after suffering severe burns, is the third accused. The fire took place at the firecracker shop-cum-godown on October 7 when crackers were being unloaded from a vehicle into the godown, police officers said, adding that the firecrackers had been transported from Sivakasi, fireworks hub of Tamil Nadu, ahead of Deepavali. The police have arrested three people in connection with the fire including V Ramaswamy Reddy, the licensee, Anil Reddy, the owner of the land where the godown was built at Attibele, and Ramaswamy Reddys son, Naveen Reddy, who has been hospitalised after suffering severe burns, is the third accused. The case has also been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is awaiting a report from the fire department, based on which more sections are likely to be added to the case, officials privy to the developments, said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Karnataka Police filed an FIR against BJP worker Shakunthala for sharing an allegedly distorted photo of Kochi's Lulu Mall claiming that the mall authorities displayed a bigger Pakistan flag and all the other flags including India's were smaller. While the BJP leader tagged Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar and suggested that this happened in Bengaluru Lulu Mall, the misleading photo was from Kerala's Lulu Mall. Outrage on social media led to the resignation of the marketing manager of Lulu Mall who was reinstated after fact-checking sites reported that the viral photograph was misleading. Lulu Mall Kochi was at the centre of a controversy after it was alleged that the Pakistan flag they put up was bigger than the Indian flag. (Source-Twitter) The photograph showing a bigger Pakistan flag was shared by many social media users, including Shakunthala, while fact-checking reports claimed that all the flags were of the same size but the photo was taken from an angle that the Pakistan flag looked bigger than the rest. The BJP leader reacted to the FIR and said when the people of Karnataka are suffering from drought and electricity problems, the Congress government is wasting time filing cases against BJP workers without any reason. 'I hold a profound love for my country' Lulu Mall's marketing manager Athira Nampiathiri's post on LinkedIn intensified the debate as she said she was left without job "because of baseless falsehoods and social media sensationalism". " What transpired as a simple gesture of support for sportsmanship, using flags as decor, morphed into a nightmarish distortion that none of us could have fathomed. We are staunch, proud Indians, deeply committed to our companies with unparalleled devotion. However, the reckless chatter and unverified reports swirling on social media carry the potential to devastate one's integrity and livelihood," Athira wrote. "My loss is a loss but let no one get affected because of this hate," Athira wrote expecting that her post will also go as viral as the morphed image. The controversy started on Tuesday and Athira stepped down on Wednesday. On Friday, she made another post announcing that she was invited to rejoin the Lulu Group after the viral photo was established as fake. "Thank you, everyone, for your unwavering support. I am deeply honored by the unity we demonstrated in combating the spread of false information on social media. As a direct result of our collective efforts, I have been invited to rejoin at the earliest with Lulu Group," Athira posted. MA Yusuf Ali is the chairman and managing director of Lulu Group. Lulu Malls are present in Kochi, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Lucknow and Hyderabad. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail New Delhi: Security forces have freed a total area of almost 4,350 sq km in Chhattisgarh from Maoist control in the last two years, enabling the state government to take measures to encourage voter participation and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to set up 1,000 more polling booths for this years assembly elections, officials aware of the details said. Voting for the 90-member Chhattisgarh assembly is scheduled to be held in two phases, on Nov 7 and 17. (PTI) Security forces have also set up at least 22 new forward operating bases (FOBs) across the state in the last two years and efforts are underway to open more such camps ahead of the polls, the officials added. Voting for the 90-member assembly is scheduled to be held in two phases, on November 7 and 17. The results will be announced on December 3. According to a CRPF official, 22 areas across many districts, especially Sukma and Dantewada, were taken over by security forces from the Maoists between 2021 and 2022. This year, seven new FOBs or camps were opened in areas of Chhattisgarh, some of which were controlled by Maoists for almost two decades. The people in these areas did not come out to vote because of the Maoist threat. There were villages where not a single or few residents came out to vote, the official said, seeking anonymity. But with the opening of the camps in the remote areas of the state, the security forces, police and state administration are hopeful of voter participation and engaging in confidence building measures among the people. In many villages, even polling booths have been set up, the official added. The setting up of FOBs are important as it establishes the presence of security forces in sensitive areas of the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected state and helps resume normalcy in civilian activities. According to the official quoted above, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in February had set up a camp in Bedre area, in Sukma district, which it took over from the Maoists after 17 years. Bedre, the official said, is significant because it is located in one of the densest areas of Sukma district. Another area which was considered a bastion of the Maoists, Tondamarka, was also freed in February by the security forces and the state police. According to state government officials, while 23,677 polling booths were set up across the state during the 2018 polls, 24,109 booths will be opened for voters this election season. Security forces, along with officials from the state administration, are visiting remote villages and urging residents to cast their vote, the officials said. A second official said the Centre is planning to send additional security forces ahead of the polls. The additional security forces will secure the sensitive polling booths. Choppers will be used extensively for surveillance of the areas in the deep jungles. As the election campaign has started, additional central forces will be coming to the state. Senior officials from security forces will be visiting Chhattisgarh and also Telangana where elections will be held on November 30 as the state also has a LWE presence, the second official said. On April 26, 10 district reserve guard (DRG) personnel and a driver of Chhattisgarh police were killed in an IED explosion triggered by the Maoists. The deceased were returning in a vehicle after an anti-Maoist operation when the incident took place. On Friday, Union home minister Amit Shah vowed to completely eliminate LWE extremism in the next two years. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is considering Indias request to not allow Chinese Survey and Research Vessel Shin Yan 6 to undertake a joint military scientific research with the island nations National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) in Sri Lankas Exclusive Economic Zone between late October and November this year, people familiar with the matter said. 280 nautical miles east of Chennai in Bay of Bengal. President Wickremesinghe response to the issue, raised by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his meeting with the Sri Lankan head of state in Colombo on October 11, was non-committal, the people added, asking not to be named. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali Sabry was quoted by Sri Lankas The Island newspaper on October 9 saying that his country had given permission to the Chinese ship for docking at Colombo deep seaport in November . The same report quoted him as saying that Sri Lanka does not want to get involved with big power rivalry going on between China, India and the US. Interestingly, a US navy ship, USNS Brunswick docked in Colombo on Wednesday, and no dates have yet been announced for the visit of SHI YAN 6, the Chinese vessel. The Chinese vessel is currently maintaining position 1000 km east of the China-controlled Hambantota port in the Island nation for the past two weeks. Carrying nearly 2000 tonnes of diesel, the ship has enough supplies to last for two more. The ship entered the Indian Ocean Region on September 23 and is currently maintaining position on the ninety degree ridge of the Indian Ocean, which is south of the Bay of Bengal. Chinese surveillance vessel Shi Yan 6. In July, after a visit by the Sri Lankan President, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was necessary the two countries worked together, keeping in mind each others security interests. The final decision on the ship, HT learns, may be taken by Wickremesinghe during his visit to Beijing to attend the BRI summit on October 17-18 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over the past five years, Chinese ships have been active in the Indian Ocean Region with the PLA Navy grows into a proper blue water navy. The total number of vessels including warships, ballistic missile trackers, survey and research vessels recorded in 2019 were 29, grew to 39 in 2020, then 45 in 2021 and 43 in 2022. This year, till September 15, 28 Chinese ships have been recorded in the region. Even though Sri Lanka and China have dismissed New Delhis concerns and passed off the chips visit as having to do with routine marine research, Indias national security planners are convinced that the PLA is mapping the Indian Ocean bed to chart out new sea routes to the east and north coast of Africa as well as Indian Ocean Littoral States that bypass India altogether. This research is a precursor to Chinese strike forces patrolling the high seas in IOR as early as 2025, they believe. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Muslim organisation Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind on Saturday carried a protest march in Kolkata in support of Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza-based Hamas militants. The protest march was carried out in Kolkata.(ANI) Slogans of "Free Palestine" were also raised during the march, reported news agency ANI. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas for the October 7 attack in which its fighters killed 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and seized scores of hostages. Since then, Israel has been carrying out retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza. At least 1,900 Gazans, including more than 600 children, have been killed in waves of the missile attack by Israel. Israel has warned all those in the Gaza Strip to evacuate before an expected ground offensive. Tel Aviv has also moved its forces, tanks, and heavy weapons to the southern desert area around Gaza. On Saturday, Maulana Mahmood Madani, president of a Jamiat faction, issued an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mediate the conflict between Israel and Palestine, reported news agency PTI. He urged the prime minister to leverage his influence to advocate for enduring peace, rooted in principles of justice, and to safeguard the lives of innocent civilians. Madani also sought immediate intervention and concrete action from the international community, including the United Nations Security Council and the Arab League, for "cessation of war declared by Israel". Jamiat stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured 75 years of Israeli oppression and violence, resulting in their current dire circumstances, he said in a statement. They find themselves living as prisoners in their own homeland, unwaveringly striving for their homeland's freedom and the preservation of Masjid Al Aqsa. Madani added that the root cause of the conflict derives namely from "the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, according to PTI. He said that the issue must be resolved according to the parameters agreed upon by the United Nations. (With inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi high court on Friday affirmed the validity of the arrest and a city courts order remanding NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resource head Amit Chakraborty to seven days in police custody in a case under Indias stringent anti-terror law. HT Image The court said that the arrest of the two men was in accordance with the law since the grounds of arrest were conveyed to the them, and there appeared to be no procedural infirmity or violations of the provisions under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) or article 22(1) of the Constitution that mandates that arrested people have to be told why theyre being arrested. The two men were arrested on October 3 by Delhi police under UAPA and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) after 400 police officials raiding around 30 locations across Delhi, Nodia, Gurugram, Mumbai and Ghaziabad and questioned 46 people, including journalists, freelancers, writers and satirists, for eight hours. On Friday, a single-judge HC bench of justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that although UAPA did not ask the officer to inform the arrestee about the grounds of the arrest in writing, it would be advisable for the agencies to provide it in writing in the future after redacting sensitive material. It is held that the grounds of arrest need to be informed to the arrestee within 24 hours of such arrest, however furnishing of such grounds, in written, are not mandated by the UAPA. Keeping in view the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Pankaj Bansal (supra), and also considering the stringent provisions of UAPA, it would be advisable that the respondent , henceforth, provide grounds of arrest in writing, though after redacting what in the opinion of the respondent would constitute sensitive material. This too would obviate, as held by the Supreme Court, any such challenge to the arrest, as made in the present case, the court said. The bench also ruled that top courts verdict in M3M case (Pankaj Bansal v Union of India) -- wherein the apex court ruled on October 4 that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must furnish the reasons of arrest to the accused in writing, in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case -- cannot be said to be squarely applicable to a case arising under the provisions of UAPA. The court observed that the sensitivity of information gathered by investigating authorities under UAPA is of greater significance, with direct impact on issues related to national security. Clearly, PMLA is an enactment for maintaining the internal law and order in relation to financial crimes and may or may not have relation to threats to the stability, sovereignty and integrity of this country. In other words, the sensitivity of the information/intelligence being gathered by the investigating authorities under UAPA is of a greater significance having direct impact on the issues relating to national security, the court said. On August 17, Delhi Polices special cell registered a case under section 153A (promoting enmity) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and sections 16 (terrorist act),17 (raising funds for terrorist act), 18 (conspiracy), and 22C (offences by companies, societies or trusts) of UAPA. This came days after an investigation published in The New York Times alleged that the portal was part of a global network that received money for pushing Chinese propaganda. The American newspaper said that millionaire Neville Roy Singham funded NewsClick, among other outlets across the globe, to sprinkle its coverage with Chinese government talking points. The FIR alleged that Purkayastha allegedly conspired with a group named Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Secularism to sabotage the 2019 general elections and Chinese firms such as Xiaomi and Vivo illegally incorporated shell companies to infuse foreign funds to disrupt Indias sovereignty. NewsClick has denied the charges. Though his advocate Kapil Sibal, Purkayastha argued that although the law mandated the probe agency to supply the grounds at the time of arrest, they were not provided to his client. Sibal said that the allegations the FIR of receiving money for pro-China propaganda and conspiring with a group named PADS to sabotage the 2019 general elections were false. Not a penny has come from China, Sibal added. Chakraborty, appearing through advocate Rohit Sharma, told the court earlier this week that he was not responsible for the content published on the website and just performed administrative tasks. The Delhi Police, appearing through solicitor general Tushar Mehta, opposed the plea, contending that the arrests were legal as they were informed about the grounds of the arrest. Mehta said that the Delhi Police was not a party to the M3M verdict and was thus unaware of the ruling, adding that although the verdict was pronounced on October 3, it was uploaded on the top courts website on October 4. Judgment binds us from the day it comes to our knowledge, added the SG, defending the arrest. The news portal first ran into trouble in 2021 when the ED registered a case based on a FIR by the Delhi Polices Economic Offence Wing in 2020. The allegations pertained to overvaluing of shares, diverting funds, and violation of FDI regulations. NewsClick has repeatedly rejected all charges, saying that proceedings against it were a blatant attempt to muzzle the free press. The allegations in the FIR, apart from being ex facie untenable and bogus, have been made time and again, in investigations by three government agencies the Enforcement Directorate, the Economic Offences Wing, Delhi Police, and the income tax department. None of these investigations led to any charge sheets or complaints over the last three years. In fact, Prabir was granted interim protection in these investigations. The latest FIR has been registered only to circumvent this protection and carry out illegal arrests under the draconian UAPA, it said in a statement last week. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday affirmed that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) would fight for the immediate implementation of the Women's reservation bill, which was recently passed by the Parliament. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi(ANI/ X) Addressing the DMK's Women's rights conference in Chennai, the Congress leader claimed that it was former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, who brought the 33% reservation for women in panchayati raj governments, which spurred an entirely new phenomenon of women leadership at the grassroots level. "Now the women's quota bill has finally been passed in the parliament due to our relentless persistence and efforts; of all of us, not just the Congress. However, as we all know it is still a long way to come," she said. Gandhi also recalled the interventions by opposition parliamentarians on the actual implementation of the bill, whether it would be in one year, two or three years. "We have no idea. Though some men are happy, we are not, we women are not," she said. Gandhi asserted that "we are going to fight," for the implementation of women's reservation bill. The Congress leader further said that as women, there are many struggles to cross. Our women have made India proud in multiple fields, in spite of the shackles of tradition, patriarchy and culture that stood in their way. Today, Indian women shine in many spheres. Yet, we all know the struggle continues, and there are many more frontiers to cross, she said. Hitting out at the Narendra Modi-led central government, she said the last nine years have seen a sustained effort on the part of the Modi government to "turn our women purely into symbols to be counted and appreciated only in their restricted, traditional role in a patriarchal framework." "Vetri namathey, (victory is ours) nandri (thank you)," she said in Tamil. During a special session of Parliament last month, the Womens Reservation Bill or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 was passed by both houses of parliament with unanimity after it shifted its operation to the new parliament building on September 19. The bill, officially known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, seeks to provide 33% reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. However, the reservation will be implemented after the new Census and delimitation. The quota for women in the Lok Sabha and assemblies will continue for 15 years and Parliament can later extend the benefit period. While there is quota within quota for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) women, the opposition had demanded that the benefit be extended to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). India and Sri Lanka on Saturday launched a ferry service across the Palk Strait under a new roadmap for greater connectivity, nearly four decades after the link between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in Jaffna was disrupted by the civil war in the island nation. The ferry service is expected to boost travel and trade with Kankesanthurai, the Sri Lankan port located closest to ports on Indias west coast. (File Photo) The ferry service is expected to boost travel and trade with Kankesanthurai, the Sri Lankan port located closest to ports on Indias west coast. The service is part of the economic partnership vision, a roadmap for maritime, air and energy connectivity, that was finalised during Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghes visit to India in July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Wickremesinghe recalled the age-old cultural and trade links between the two countries and highlighted the importance of connectivity in video messages that were beamed at a ceremony in Nagapattinam. Describing the ferry as a new chapter in diplomatic and economic ties, Modi said connectivity is the central theme of the economic partnership vision as it enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts. He noted that direct flights between Delhi and Colombo had been launched in 2015 while direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019. Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector. India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fintech and energy...We are working on fintech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay, Modi said. We are connecting our energy grids to enhance energy security and reliability. Wickremesinghe said travel across the Palk Strait had helped develop trade and the cultures of both countries. The connectivity between our two countries was disrupted due to the war in the north. Now peace has returned and we can re-establish the sea connectivity, he said. During the civil war in Sri Lanka, Jaffna was a key stronghold of the former Tamil Tiger rebels. The port at Kankesanturai was closed by the Sri Lankan Navy after it was targeted by the rebels, and this disrupted the ferry service to India in the 1980s. The ferry service, established by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board and the Shipping Corporation of India, takes three to four hours to cover the distance of 110 km between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, depending on sea conditions. At the request of the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TMB), the external affairs ministry sanctioned 8 crore for upgrading Nagpattinam port, including dredging the channel and refurbishing the passenger terminal building and approach road. External affairs minister S Jaishankar said Sri Lanka has benefited from several policies of the Indian government, including the Neighbourhood First policy with the focus on connectivity and cooperation. This includes the ferry service, the Chennai-Jaffna flights, and housing projects, cultural centres and hospitals in Sri Lanka. In future, we are looking at grid connection, pipeline and economic corridor. And of course, support for all in Sri Lanka to live in equal dignity and equal rights, he said, in an apparent reference to Indias support for efforts to protect the rights of Sri Lankas Tamil minority. Modi added that several projects for housing, water, health and livelihood support have been completed in Sri Lankas Northern Province, which has a majority Tamil population. Besides upgrading Kankesanthurai harbour, India has helped restore railway lines connecting north and south Sri Lanka and rolled out an emergency ambulance service across the country, he said. Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Tamil Nadu public works minister EV Velu flagged off the ferry Cheriyapani from Nagapattinam with 50 passengers and 12 crew members. The vessel can carry a total of 150 people. Travellers can now easily go to northern and eastern Sri Lanka in about four hours, instead of flying to Colombo and then making a road trip of up to 10 hours. The ferry service will continue till October 23 this year as the onset of the northeast monsoon will make operations difficult. The service will resume during fair weather in January 2024. While a ferry service had been launched between Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo in May 2011, it was suspended about six months later because of lack of commercial viability and the 10 hours taken to complete the voyage of about 280 km. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The raging violence between Israeli forces and Hamas has cast a shadow on the upcoming COP28 climate summit where a consensus on reducing emissions by at least 43% in the next seven years to achieve the Paris Goal of keeping warming under 1.5C is a key mandate. The ongoing violence between Israeli forces and Hamas has raised security concerns for the upcoming COP28 event. (AP) Amid security concerns over the venue for the summit being closer to the conflict zone, in UAE, COP28 officials have said they are focused on delivering the mandate of the negotiations. The officials also rejected security concerns, saying that it will be one of the most attended COPs ever. But experts aware of discussions in the run-up to the summit, due to be held in November-December, said the crisis in Israel-Gaza has led to uncertainty over consensus-building efforts and has reduced the room for resources. Its unclear how things are going to unfold. The conflict risks delaying crucial global efforts to combat climate change, especially the support needed by developing countries to green their economies and manage climate impacts. At a time when unified efforts and resources are desperately needed for climate action, they are instead being diverted due to the war, risking further global environmental consequences, said an independent observer who did not wish to be named. The UAE COP28 team said it was focusing on delivering COP28 mandate, while mentioning that the country expects to see de-escalation in violence, a stance not taken yet by western countries that back Israel in its retaliation of the terror attacks launched by Hamas. We are engaging with partners; we are encouraging all parties to come together and that needs to be our focus. The UAE clearly believes that the international community will come together to de-escalate the situation, a senior UAE official said at a news briefing on Friday. President of UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also denounced the violence and the loss of lives, the official said. Our President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been very clear that he wants to see a de-escalation of tensions in Israel and we want to see a peaceful resolution of the horrible situation there. The UAE has been shocked at the loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives and believes civilians should be protected at all costs. Its very important that we de-escalate the situation very quickly and not allow it to spread to other regions, the official said. Violence in the region erupted last weekend as the armed Hamas group launched attacks on southern Israel that have so far killed over 1,300 people, mostly civilians. Hamas fighters took about 150 people hostage in the worst terror attack in nearly half a century. In retaliation, the Israeli military targeted the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave of Gaza, killing more than 2,000 people ahead of an expected ground invasion. Among key mandates of the UN climate negotiations this year are the Global Stocktake, and the operationalising of the Loss and Damage Fund. While political friction between rich and emerging economies was expected over the two issues, the geopolitical scenario emerging in West Asia may further strain the negotiations. Our goal is clear. We need to reduce emissions by at least 43% in the next seven years to keep 1.5 degree C warming within reach. For this to happen, everyone needs to be at the table and we need to make this the most inclusive COP yet, ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, COP28 director general from UAE,said last week. We recently held a special meeting of 50 industry leaders in Abu Dhabi from oil and gas, steel and cement sectors urging them to drive global decarbonization efforts. Success would require new technologies including CCS, green hydrogen, new infrastructure and new policies. Thats whywe know industry plays a critical role in following through with actions to reduce emissions. We have called on IOCs and NOCs (oil companies) specifically to step up and ally around net zero by or before 2050; zero out methane emissions and eliminate flaring by 2030. Around 20 oil companies have positively responded to our call. We ask that everyone comes to Dubai with solutions in hand, Suwaidi added. Another issue that might emerge as a sticking point is the oil and gas supply in the region amid the crisis. In September, the synthesis report of the first Global Stocktake said that current global efforts on climate crisis are falling short of meeting the Paris Agreement goals of keeping global warming under 2C (over pre-industrial levels) and pursuing efforts to keep it under 1.5C. Limiting global warming to 1.5C with limited or no overshoot implies a reduction of around 43, 60 and 84% in global GHG emissions below the 2019 level by 2030, 2035 and 2050, respectively, according to the latest assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This is a tall ask especially when global emissions continue to rise and a temporary breach of the 1.5C goal has already been recorded this year. HT reported on October 11 that the world was on course to breaching the 1.5C warming threshold, or come close to it, if only temporarily. After months of relentless dialogue on the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, it is disheartening to find ourselves back at square one. Developed nations appear to be using every tactic in the book to diminish the breadth and depth of the new Fund, aiming to sidestep their responsibilities. As the globe grapples with unparalleled climatic catastrophes, we cannot permit more delays or deceptive manoeuvre. The communities bearing the brunt of these disasters, through no fault of their own, deserve genuine commitment and action, not betrayal, said Harjeet Singh, Head, Global Political Strategy, Climate Action Network International in a statement ahead of the final meeting of the Transitional Committee on Loss and Damage being held in Egypt. The UAE underscored that the international community needs to work together to prevent the violence risking wider instability and spillover, including the involvement by other groups. The UAE reaffirmed that the international community must remain resolute in the face of these violent attempts to derail ongoing regional efforts aimed at dialogue, cooperation, and co-existence, and must not allow nihilistic destruction to overtake a region whose people have already suffered enough war and trauma, UAEs ministry of foreign affairs said last Sunday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Air India has extended the suspension of its scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv till October 18, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and militant group Hamas. Air India (Representative Photo) The full service carrier, which normally operates five weekly scheduled flights to Tel Aviv, had earlier suspended the services till October 14. An airline official on Saturday said the scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv have now been suspended till October 18. The carrier will operate chartered flights to bring back Indians depending on the requirements, the official added. Normally, Air India operates five weekly flights to Tel Aviv from the national capital. The service is on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Under Operation Ajay launched by the government to bring Indians who wish to come back from Israel, the airline so far has operated two flights. Following the unprecedented attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas militants, Israel has launched a massive counter offensive. The income tax (IT) department conducted raids and search operations at several places in Bengaluru on Thursday night, and recovered about 42 crore from a flat associated with R Ambikapathy, president of BBMP Contractors Association and vice-president of Karnataka State Contractors Association, officials privy to the developments said. Income tax department sleuths raided Ambikapathys brother Pradeeps residence in Atmananda Colony of Sultanpalya in Bengaluru, and found 23 boxes containing 500 denomination notes. (PTI) According to the officials, the I-T sleuths raided Ambikapathys brother Pradeeps residence in Atmananda Colony of Sultanpalya in the city, and found 23 boxes containing 500 denomination notes. The I-T sleuths have found documents on bank accounts and lockers as well, they said. The raids were also conducted at Ambikapathys wife and former corporator of ward number 95, Ashwathammas properties in Bengaluru. The couple are reportedly relatives of R Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy, former MLA of Pulikeshinagar in Bengaluru. Ambikapathy has been a prominent figure in the 40% commission campaign led by the Karnataka Contractors Association. The contractors claimed that 40% commission had to be paid for works done, leading to a huge political row. The Karnataka Congress had launched PayCM campaign in the state before the assembly polls. Ambikapathy was also one of the contractors who had been arrested in connection with a criminal defamation case filed against them by former minister Munirathna over the commission allegations, although they were subsequently released on bail. Former chief minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Friday questioned the Congress government in the state whether the money was collected for the upcoming elections. Who owns the money found in the contractors house during the I-T raid? On whose shoulders is this money of sin collected? These questions need answers, he said on X. Soon after 650 crore was released by BBMP to select contractors, 42 crore was found during IT raid. So, it is true that this collection being done for elections. What percentage is that? Who are the main people hiding behind this?...It is reported that the 23 boxes were going to the neighbouring Telangana. It is true that this money was collected for elections, he further said. Meanwhile, former minister and senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa alleged that the state Congress was transporting the money to the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Income Tax officers have found crores of rupees at Karnataka State Contractors Association vice presidents house. During the assembly elections, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had clearly said that if Congress is voted to power, the government would be used as an ATM for the AICC. The seizures made by the IT officials are an example of that. A probe must be conducted to find out what is the role of CM Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar and Kempanna in this, Eshwarappa added. Meanwhile, Karnataka State Contractors Association president D Kempanna alleged that the state government was clearing bill of only select contractors, and demanded that the government clear at least 50% of pending bills within 30 days, warning of a statewide protest. We have met the chief minister four times requesting him to release our funds, but it is not being done efficiently. The chief minister had said that the bills would be released based on seniority, but only a few select contractors are getting the funds. If we ask the officials, they claim they are following the orders, Kempanna alleged. However, Kempanna denied any commission allegations against the Congress government in the state. Responding to the IT raids on Ambikapathy in Bengaluru, Kempanna said the former had not taken up any contract works in the last eight years due to health issues, adding that he had several other businesses like agriculture and stone crushing. But the law will take its own course. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Once a staunch Modi critic, former JNU student leader Shehla Rashid praised the Indian Army, PM Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah for ensuring long-term peace and safety in Kashmir. The praise was in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict that entered the eighth day on Saturday -- turning into a major humanitarian crisis as hundreds and thousands of Gazans have started fleeing following Israel's evacuation order. "Looking at the events in the Middle East, today I realise how lucky we are as Indians. The Indian Army and security forces have sacrificed their everything for our safety. Credit where it's due @pmoindia @HMOIndia @manojsinha_ @adgpi @ChinarcorpsIA for bringing peace to Kashmir," Shehla Rashid tweeted. Read | 'Indian Muslims never supported violence': IAS officer on Israel-Palestine conflict Shehla Rashid on Saturday said she is lucky to be an Indian.(Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times) "Peace is impossible without security, as the Middle East crisis has shown. The Indian Army @ChinarcorpsIA along with @crpfindia and brave personnel of Jammu Kashmir Police @JmuKmrPolice have made tremendous sacrifices to ensure long-term peace and security in Kashmir," the former student leader tweeted. Shehla Rashid first came to the news in 2016 as she was branded as 'tukde tukde gang' along with Kanhaiya Kumar, now a Congress leader, and Umar Khalid. In 2019, Shehla Rashid was booked for her tweet accusing the armed forces of ransacking houses and creating an environment of fear in Kashmir. In August this year, Shehla Rashid withdrew her name from the list of petitioners against the scrapping of Article 370. "However inconvenient it may be to admit this, the human rights record in Kashmir has improved under the @narendramodi government and @OfficeOfLGJandK administration. By a purely utilitarian calculus, the govt's clear stance has helped save lives overall. That's my angle," Shehla Rashid said. Another prominent person who withdrew his name from the petition was Shah Faesal who in 2019 resigned from the government service to join politics and then floated his own party. Shehla Rashid's brief stint in politics was wit Shah Faesal's party. Three years later, Shah Faesal returned to government service as his resignation was never accepted, and both withdrew names from the Supreme Court petition this year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail Mahisha Dasara was celebrated at the town hall in Mysuru on Friday amid tight security. Mysuru police commissioner Ramesh Bhanoth clamped section 144 in the city to prevent any gatherings, processions for celebrating the festival. (HT Photo) Earlier, the Mahisha Dasara Samithi had planned to celebrate the festival at Chamundi hills by garlanding a Mahishasura statue. But Mysuru Kodagu MP Prathap Simha strongly opposed the move by organising a Chamundi Chalo programme on Friday. City police commissioner Ramesh Bhanoth clamped section 144 in the city to prevent any gatherings, processions for celebrating the festival. However, the commissioner gave permission to celebrate Mahisha Dasara at the town hall from 10 am to 12 pm, barring flexes and processions. The celebration took place against the backdrop of a citywide prohibition, as the BJP expressed strong opposition to the observance of Mahisha Dasara. A prominently displayed sign proclaimed, Mahisha Dasara for the identity of Mysore, emphasising the cultural significance of the event. Several speakers reinforced the importance of celebrating Mahisha Dasara as a Mahisha festival. The Dhamma Deeksha programme was also a key component, featuring the Pledge of Allegiance, garlanding of cut-outs and statues of Mahishasura, Buddha, Basava, and Mahisha, as well as a recitation of the Preamble of the Constitution of India. Distinguished individuals present at the event included Congress Rural District Committee president BJ Vijay Kumar and BJP leader Giridhar, along with leaders representing various organisations and castes. Addressing the crowd, Jnana Prakash Swamiji of Urilinga Peddi Math emphasised the significance of commemorating their ancestors through the Dhamma Deeksha programme. He called on the state government to establish a Buddhist Development Authority, which received unanimous agreement from the crowd. The Swamiji also stressed the importance of commemorating their slain emperor, saying, If you celebrate the slain, should we not commemorate our slain emperor? We dont need the festivals of manuvadis and their gods. All we need is a constitution. Through Ambedkar, we have built an India of the pen, not an India of the gun. Ours is Buddhism which has made a murderer a man. We are not arsonists; we are extinguishers. Another leader Bhaskar Prasad said next year Mahisha Dasara will be organised in Bengaluru as well. The Union government on Friday notified the appointment of three judges in the high courts of Madras, and Manipur, including a judicial officer who would become the first woman from a scheduled tribe to become a judge in the Manipur high court. The other two names cleared by the Centre are from Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, potentially boosting the social diversity and representation of marginalised sections in the higher judiciary. The notification for the appointment of Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, a judicial officer, for appointment as judges of the Manipur high court was pending since January 10 (PTI) (Representative Image) HT had on October 11 first reported that the Collegiums recommendations mentioned above have been cleared by the government and that their notifications were expected soon. Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment of the three new judges on platform X (formerly Twitter). The notification for the appointment of Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, a judicial officer, for appointment as judges of the Manipur high court was pending since January 10. Two advocates, N Senthilkumar and G Arul Murugan, were appointed as judges in the Madras high court. The Supreme Court collegium, comprising Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sanjiv Khanna, had recommended their names in July. In its resolution, the collegium had noted that Senthilkumar has a standing of over 28 years at the Bar and had the experience of appearing before the Madras high court as well as the sessions court, and had been practising in constitutional, criminal, service and civil cases. The candidate belongs to a Scheduled Caste. His appointment as a judge of the high court will enhance the representation on the Bench to marginalised communities, the resolution stated. About Murugan, the collegium pointed out that he has a standing of 24 years at the Bar and specialised in civil, criminal and writ cases. The candidate belongs to the OBC category. His appointment as a judge will facilitate greater representation to the OBCs in appointment to the higher judiciary, it added. This forms part of a batch of nine recommendations made by the Supreme Court collegium earlier this year but were yet to be processed by the Centre. The oldest recommendation was pending since January; the people quoted in the first instance said. According to data presented by the government in Lok Sabha in March, out of 575 high court judges appointed since 2018, 67 belong to the OBC category, 17 to the SC category, 9 to the ST category and 18 to minority communities. The development closely follows key Supreme Court hearings before a bench led by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul that has been monitoring the steps taken by the Centre in processing the collegiums proposals for appointing and transferring judges in constitutional courts. On September 26, the top court said that it would periodically take stock of the steps taken by the Centre in processing the collegiums recommendations, expressing its anguish at delays. That day, it flagged nine names recommended for appointment as judges in various high courts that were pending with the government for several months without any indication if they would be appointed of if the government had any objection to the proposals. The court is seized of a contempt plea filed by Advocate Association, Bengaluru, through advocate Amit Pai, highlighting several instances of pending appointments and unexplained holdover by the government. On October 9, the justice Kaul-led bench cautioned the government that the collegiums recommendations cannot remain in limbo. Instead of sitting on names indefinitely, the court said, the government must either notify the appointments or send the names back citing specific objections. 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 Recognising that the world faces a global polycrisis, 10 multilateral development banks (MDBs) have committed to work together to scale up their financial and lending capacity, collaborate on climate action, enhance country-level engagement, strengthen co-financing and step up their private sector engagement. The presidency set up an independent expert group, led by former US treasury secretary Lawrence Summers and veteran Indian policymakers NK Singh on the subject (Gujarat Information twitter) The commitment of the 10 MDBs came in the backdrop of a concerted effort under the Indian G20 presidency to push the agenda of reform and strengthening of the international financial institutions. The presidency set up an independent expert group, led by former US treasury secretary Lawrence Summers and veteran Indian policymakers NK Singh on the subject the group submitted a two-volume report, including the final one at the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting held in Marrakech on Thursday and Friday. Morocco is hosting the annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. On Friday, the heads of 10 MDBs, including the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Council of Europe Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank and World Bank Group, issued a statement where they recognised that the world faced a polycrisis, progress towards sustainable development goals had been painfully slow, climate emergency was intensifying, and a scaled-up effort was needed to eradicate poverty, accelerate inclusive socioeconomic development, and tackle transboundary challenges. Recognising that MDBs play a critical role in responding to global challenges, the leaders of the banks said they will explore ways to expand their lending capacity and believed that capital adequacy frameworks measures, with contributions from shareholders, could yield an additional lending headroom of $300-400 billion in the next decade. MDBs acknowledged that G20 leaders, in the New Delhi Declaration, had endorsed the need for better, bigger and more effective MDBs, welcomed the deliberations of the G20 Independent Expert Group and their reports, and committed to strengthen their financing capacity, increase the speed and agility of their operations, and improve the way they worked together as a system. In particular, they identified five areas of collaboration. The first is scaling up financial capacity, where MDBs said they will explore financial innovations to stretch their balance sheets, such as portfolio guarantees, hybrid capital and channelling of Special Drawing Rights through MDBs, while safeguarding their long term financial sustainability, robust credit ratings and preferred creditor status. The second is boosting joint action on climate, where MDBs said they would collaborate to implement a joint approach to align financing flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement. We are working to enhance our approaches to tracking and reporting climate outcomes, while continuing to jointly report our climate finance commitments. As we set ourselves for a successful COP28, we will pursue the launch of several activities and initiatives, including a joint MDB facility to support clients Long-Term Strategies (LTS), the heads of the MDBs said in the statement. The third area was enhancing country-level collaboration to ensure that their joint efforts are systemic, leverage development partnerships, catalyse private sector investment and deliver greater impact. The fourth is strengthening co-financing, by harmonising and mutually recognising each others policies and standards. And finally, MDBs committed to deepen their collaboration to boost private capital mobilisation. We reaffirm the critical role MDBs must play in upstream engagement to build investment-enabling economic and regulatory environments, develop project pipelines, and provide early-stage investments. We recognize the need to explore further avenues for strengthening mobilization of private capital. We reiterate our commitment to delivering on the transformation of the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) and to releasing new and more comprehensive statistics in early 2024. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prashant Jha Prashant Jha is the Washington DC-based US correspondent of Hindustan Times. He is also the editor of HT Premium. Jha has earlier served as editor-views and national political editor/bureau chief of the paper. He is the author of How the BJP Wins: Inside India's Greatest Election Machine and Battles of the New Republic: A Contemporary History of Nepal. ...view detail Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu will not be arrested till October 18 in an alleged corruption case involving a FiberNet project, the state government undertook before the Supreme Court on Friday. N Chandrababu Naidu (PTI) After a bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi asked the state to stay its hands until Naidus plea for anticipatory bail is effectively heard by it on October 17, the Andhra Pradesh government said it would request the trial court to defer the proceedings there till Wednesday next week. Appearing for Naidu, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra had earlier pointed out that his plea for a pre-arrest bail would be rendered infructuous if the TDP chief is arrested pursuant to a prisoner transit (PT) warrant allowed by the trial court for October 16 in the FiberNet case. The FiberNet case relates to an alleged tender manipulation in allotting a work order under Phase-1 of the AP FiberNet Project of 330 crore to a favoured company. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) alleged that irregularities took place from the allotting of the tender to the completion of the total project, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer. According to a statement from the chief ministers office, Naidu gave approval for the estimates of the project without any market survey done. He used his influence to revoke the blacklisting on M/s Terasoftware and got the contract awarded to the company by silencing the protests from other bidders, the statement said. On Thursday, a special court allowed CID to issue a PT warrant against Naidu in the AP FiberNet case. The special ACB court also directed CID to produce Naidu before it on October 16. However, the court noted that any order from the top court in the interregnum would be binding on it. Earlier this week, the Andhra Pradesh high court refused to protect Naidu from arrest in the alleged corruption case. Naidu has been in judicial custody since September 9 following his arrest in an alleged skill development scam case. The top court is currently seized of his petition to quash the case. Zaid Abdullah traveled a long road, marked by numerous signs pointing to a far-off destination, to reach the campus of University of Wisconsin-Stout. A native of Baghdad, Iraq, he has faint childhood memories of bombs falling during the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91. As a teenager and young adult, he lived through another U.S. incursion, Operation Iraqi Freedom, from 2003 to 2011. He learned English early on, qualified to work as an interpreter at age 17 for the U.S. Army and then as a construction contractor rebuilding barracks at the U.S. Embassy. As Abdullah interacted with American soldiers, including a captain who suggested he consider emigrating, and took to heart his fathers recommendation to explore Western cultures, he began to dream of a future in the U.S. He waited four years for a visa, but today he is living that dream. He is pursuing a masters degree in operations and supply management, one of 24 graduate studies programs at UW-Stout. I like the environment. I see the smiles everywhere. I have found open arms at Stout they have embraced me, he said. After taking a summer course in quality management, Abdullah has two courses this fall, project management and introduction to financial accounting. He is taking the courses virtually; the program is available online and on campus. He also continues to work full-time at the Fleet Farm Distribution center in Chippewa Falls, where he has worked since arriving in the U.S. in 2019. He chose that city initially to be near a friend from Iraq. I love Wisconsin. Im so excited to be here, said Abdullah, 34, citing the friendliness, stability, diversity and safety in the region. I feel stressed with no family around me and few friends, but at the same time I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hes adjusted to the cultural changes, moving from a city of nearly eight million to one of 15,000 and major climate differences. Hes even taken a Lambeau Field tour and become a Green Bay Packers fan. Excited for his future Abdullahs goal is to graduate in 2 years, find work at major companies or institutions then lead, assist and train new staff to be a leaders in their companies and communities. The M.S. operations and supply management program prepares graduates for advanced leadership roles in global business and technical environments. Zaid is a student I believe in. The first time we had a virtual meeting, I knew he was an intrinsically motivated person, said assistant professor Eli Aba, program director. He comes to our meetings prepared and is able to let me know of any school issues and if I am able to advise. He is a model student, and he is doing very well in the program. Abdullah, who speaks four languages, earned a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Technology in Baghdad. That led to his job with a contractor at the U.S. Army for two years. God has sent good people my way, he said. Ive learned how to think critically, communicate effectively and be a role model. Feed yourself with positivity. Abdullah is one of five children. His dad is an electrical engineer who finished his B.S. degree in Iraq and received additional telecommunications training in the U.S. His mother is a teacher. His siblings careers include computer science and math teacher, government health care associate, optometrist/owner of an optometry business and chemistry teacher. He has received financial support from UW-Stout with two scholarships totaling $3,000, one of them for transfer students. Prior to enrolling at UW-Stout, he added an associate degree in automation engineering technology from Chippewa Valley Technical College. A standout student, he served as the commencement speaker. Zaid is an extremely motivated student and consistently puts forth great effort, said Mark Husby, program director and instructor for CVTCs automation engineering technology program. He shows great enthusiasm for learning and embraces challenges with a positive attitude. He displays commitment to both personal and academic growth. At a recent event highlighting the transfer opportunities available between CVTC and UW-Stout and their collaborative relationship, Abdullah was one of three student participants invited to highlight his experiences on a featured panel. The transition to the master's program was really great after the graduate admissions office at UW-Stout reviewed and honored my home country diploma, he said. Abdullah plans to travel to Iraq in January to marry then return to Chippewa Falls with his wife and continue his studies at UW-Stout. He hopes to become a U.S. citizen and remain in the U.S. I have loyalty to Iraq and here, but I feel like this is my home country. Suggesting that the world was at an inflection point, NK Singh, the co-convener of the G20 independent expert group to strengthen and reform multilateral development banks (MDBs), has urged G20 countries and MDB shareholders to endorse the principles of MDBs working together and convey this mandate to their respective representatives on executive boards of MDBs. NK Singh said volume one of the groups report had highlighted the need to triple the annual lending levels to $390 billion per year by 2030 (ANI) Singh, who led the expert group along with former US treasury secretary Lawrence Summers, submitted volume two of the groups report which offered a road map on how to create bigger, bolder and better MDBs this week. He was speaking at a working dinner of the fourth G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting held in Marrakech, during the annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, on Thursday. He said that while volume one of the groups report had highlighted the need to triple the annual lending levels to $390 billion per year by 2030, the group was heartened to see a number of MDBs making credible progress. These included the African Development Banks pioneering efforts on hybrid capital and the use of special drawing rights for this purpose, the Asian Development Banks programme to add $100 billion to lending through expanded guarantees, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Banks agreement to provide $1 billion in guarantees to International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the harmonisation of lending procedures between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Bank and World Bank memorandum of understanding to enhance impact in Latin America, the World Bank Groups proposal to further $100 billion in lending headroom through balance sheet optimisation and its more granular proposals that could lead to a 25-50% increase in its lending, and the constitution of a private sector lab to enhance private sector participation. Singh then highlighted the key recommendations of volume two of the groups report. To build better banks, he said the group had recommended converting MDB models to co-create multi-year programmes, focusing support on priority sustainable development goals and global public good themes, subjecting country platforms to 75% respondent satisfaction, channelling 50% of additional lending through country and regional platforms, and co-creating investment opportunities with private sector, national development banks, and bilateral development financial institutions (DFIs). He also recommended that the external financing gap be broadly within an average of 3% of GDP, complementary global and regional priority programmes add an additional 20% to financing envelopes available to clients, and a tripling of the pipeline of bankable projects in tandem with Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF). Better banks, Singh said, also meant streamlining and simplifying business processes to at least halve the processing time, strengthening country systems, strengthening local capacity by allocating 25% of technical assistance and analytical work budget for this purpose, and ensuring that MDBs work better as a system by harmonising and mutually recognising their safeguards, procurement, audit, reporting requirements, monitoring and evaluation. Singh said that having bolder banks meant a mindset change from risk avoidance to managing risk in a more informed way which was consistent with preserving the AAA credit rating and enabling MDBs to play a useful counter-cyclical financing role during periods of market turmoil. He recommended that MDBs increase private capital mobilisation from $60 billion to $240 billion by 2030; make greater use of guarantees, accounting for 25% of MDBs portfolio by 2030; and that MIGA triple its annual guarantee and distribution activities by 2030. MDBs should reinforce the cascade principle by refraining from financing what should be done by the private sector, Singh added. And bigger MDBs, Singh said, required the establishment of a Global Challenges Funding Mechanism by one or more MDBs to leverage at least $20 billion per year by 2030. The GCFM would nest supported projects within broader MDB programs and could serve as an accelerator for delivery of GPGs, he added. Reiterating the recommendations of the group, Singh said that to him, a more optimum MDB would see processing time between concept note and first disbursement shrink from 25 months to 12 months, private capital mobilisation increase from a ratio of 0.6 to a dollar to 1.5-2 to a dollar, concessional funding tripled to $90 billion, non-concessional lending tripled to $300 billion a year, among several other steps. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday lodged a strong protest with EU Parliament Vice President Nicola Beer for EU's resolution on India's internal matters. In July, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Manipur violence and denounced "in the strongest terms nationalistic rhetoric deployed by leading members of the BJP party". Om Birla said every nation and Parliament is sovereign and internal issues of other countries should not be discussed by others. Birla invited Nicola Beer to witness the general elections scheduled next year. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla meets Nicola Beer, Vice President of the European Parliament, on the sidelines of the P20 Summit, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)(ANI) "Birla underlined India's sovereignty and protested against bringing a proposal in the European Parliament on India's internal issues," the Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a statement. EU in its resolution called on all sides to "exercise restraint and for political leaders to cease inflammatory statements in order to re-establish trust and play an impartial role to mediate the tensions." "Calls on the national and state government to start mediation efforts with all stakeholders for a just settlement upholding the rights of all communities," one of its resolutions said. India rejected EU resolutions and said the issue was totally internal. The ministry of external affairs strongly reacted to the resolution and said such interference in India's internal affairs is unacceptable and reflects a colonial mindset. "Indian authorities at all levels, including the judiciary, are seized of the situation in Manipur and are taking steps to maintain peace and harmony and law and order. The European Parliament would be well advised to utilise its time more productively on its internal issues," the ministry said. (With agency inputs) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail The second charter flight to repatriate Indian citizens stranded in Israel amid the ongoing war landed in New Delhi from Tel Aviv on Saturday morning under Operation Ajay. A total of 235 Indian nationals, including two infants, arrived on the second flight. Israel-Hamas war news: 2nd flight carrying 235 Indians takes off from Israel. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared pictures of the second repatriation of the stranded citizens on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said: #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. This comes a day after 212 Indians were flown out from Israel in the first repatriation exercise under Operation Ajay. The first flight took off from the Ben Gurion airport in Israel on Thursday evening and reached New Delhi on Friday morning. Reportedly, the passengers were chosen on a first come first serve basis. The government launched Operation Ajay on October 11 to bring back stranded citizens from Israel. This came after Air India and other airlines suspended all its commercial operations to and from Israel as the war began on October 7. Under this operation, special chartered flights will bring back the Indians. According to reports, the Indian Navy ships will also be deployed if the need arises. MEA sets up control room, issues helpline numbers The ministry of external affairs has set up a 24-hour control room in the national capital to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine. The phone numbers for the control room are: 1800118797 (toll free), +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905 and +919968291988, while the email ID is situationroom@mea.gov.in. The Indian embassys 24-hour emergency helpline can also be accessed at - +972-35226748 and +972-543278392, and the email ID cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. The Israel-Hamas war The escalating war between Israel and Hamas entered its eighth day on Saturday. According to the latest reports, at least 3,200 lives have been killed on both sides since Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Meanwhile, over a million people in the northern Gaza Strip have been ordered to evacuate to the south - creating panic among civilians. According to the UN, tens of thousands in Gaza are estimated to have fled south after Israel gave Palestinians 24 hours' notice to evacuate. Earlier, the UN said that more than 400,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced due to the hostilities. The Third flight carrying Indian nationals departed from Israel to New Delhi, under 'Operation Ajay', said the Indian embassy in Israel on Saturday. The passengers were mainly those who were staying and working in Israel. (X/ @indemtel) Taking to X, the Indian Embassy in Israel said, "The third flight of #OperationAjay has departed from Tel Aviv to Delhi. Embassy wishes everyone on board a safe journey." A second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv in Israel, under Operation Ajay, landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday morning. The evacuated Indian nationals were welcomed by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, at the airport. He welcomed Indian nationals with a handshake and folded hands. "Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Israel's Tel Aviv," posted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on X, on Friday-Saturday intervening night. The passengers were mainly those who were staying and working in Israel. They applauded the government of India for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to ANI, before the second flight flew from Tel Aviv, an Indian passenger Ashish Kumar said, "I am going to India. Here, I am a post-doctoral student, at Agriculture Research Organisation. The situation in central Israel is quite normal, not like the Gaza border, Beersheba and nearby regions". "I think this is a very good initiative of the Indian government. I had seen only European countries evacuating their citizens. So, I appreciate the government for this," he added. Wagesh Dwiwedi, another passenger also appreciated the initiative and recalled the tenure of former Minister Sushma Swaraj. "I work as a visiting scientist at ARO. The situation is tense here because of the bombarding, and it will get even more serious. So, that's why we are leaving. Everyone is scared at home. Operation Ajay is a very positive step and I really appreciate it. The government has been carrying out such missions since the time of Sushma Swaraj," he said. On Friday, the first flight under Operation Ajay carrying 212 Indian passengers landed in Delhi. Those who were evacuated after being stranded in Israel thanked the Indian government for bringing them back. Chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' were also seen by the passengers on the first flight, according to a video shared by a passenger. Earlier on Thursday, Indian Ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla said that the Indian Embassy in Israel is working to ensure the well-being of Indian nationals in war-torn Israel and informed that under "Operation Ajay" the embassy will help Indians who want to return to India. "Operation Ajay" was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday. The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. The MEA had set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan also visited the 24/7 control room set up in New Delhi as part of Operation Ajay. He said India continues to monitor the situation in Israel and provide necessary information and assistance. He further said the government is always committed to the safety of Indians abroad. As the second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv reached Delhi airport under 'Operation Ajay' on Saturday, the returning Indian citizens expressed their gratitude and thanked the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs. Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh received the Indian nationals evacuated from Israel under 'Operation Ajay' at New Delhi airport.(PTI) As the flight landed in New Delhi, the returning citizens unanimously raised slogans of 'Vande Mantram' to celebrate their return home. One of the Indian citizens who was stuck in Tel Aviv, Israel shared his delight as the Indian government brought back Indian citizens under Operation Ajay. "This is very nice and wonderful. We are very happy for this initiaive. Many thanks to the Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar, the government of India," he said. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, who welcomed the Indian citizens at the Delhi airport, told ANI that the Operation Ajay will continue, noting that this is the second phase and they are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back to India. "We will continue (the Operation Ajay). There are about 18,000 Indian citizens there. This is the second phase, and we are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back, so we are helping them," he stressed. He further told ANI that in the second phase, 235 passengers were repatriated from Israel, including infants. "We are repatriating about 235 passengers from Israel, mostly they are students, about 135 are students, out of these two citizens are infant...," he added. Another Indian citizen who came back from Israel thanked the Indian government for the evacuation and noted that the students over there were panicking and feared whether they would be able to come back or not. "This is a good initiative. I thank the government, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the External Affairs Minister and our embassy in Israel.... Many students were panicking and feared if they would come back or not," he added. Various state governments had sent their representatives to the Delhi airport to facilitate the movement of citizens from Delhi to their states. As many as 447 Indian nationals, who were stranded amid the raging Israel-Hamas war have been brought back to India under 'Operation Ajay'. "Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Israel's Tel Aviv," posted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on X, on Friday-Saturday intervening night. The passengers were mainly those who were staying and working in Israel. They applauded the government of India for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. The MEA has set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance. Parliamentary Speaker of Singapore, Seah Kian Peng said on Saturday that India and his home country have come together to address the issue of terrorism and highlighted that Prime Minister Modi's policies centred around people. Parliamentary Speaker of Singapore, Seah Kian Peng(File) "I think terrorism unfortunately is upon us and that's something on which we all align. I think certainly between India and Singapore, we are all aligned on that. The need for us to deal with that so we don't give any opportunity for terrorist attacks to take place. I think that's something all governments need to do. I think PM Modi's policies are always centred around people," he said. Moreover, the Singapore Deputy High Commissioner, Alice Cheng also expressed delight in Singapore being invited as a guest country in the G20 summit and claimed that the G20 forum is really useful in framing the world's future. She said, "You have beautiful artisans and wonderful cloth. In every state, you have fantastic fabric...Singapore is an invited guest of G20 and G20 President India. We are very happy to be able to attend the P20 Summit and it's a very useful platform for both developed and developing countries to exchange views on how to shape our world." The two-day P20 Summit in New Delhi concluded successfully on Saturday, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla thanking all the dignitaries for their contribution to the success of the event in India. On the first day of the summit itself, the joint declaration for the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) was adopted with consensus to engage in parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue in relevant fora as a catalyst for promoting international peace. The concluding part of the declaration mentioned, that the members reaffirmed their commitment to continue "joint work to make an effective and meaningful parliamentary contribution to the G20 process, as appreciated by the G20 Leaders." "I am confident the discussions that were held on SDGs, green energy, women-led development and digital public infrastructure and your valuable views and inputs will further strengthen the G20 process for human-centered development," Om Birla said in the valedictory session. "The discussions held over the past two days have clearly underlined the importance of the parliamentary dimension of the G20 and have also established how our Parliaments can work together to achieve the collective goals of One Earth, One Family and One Future," Birla said. The participating dignitaries thanked the Parliament of India for hosting the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit and for its warm hospitality. They also congratulate India on the inauguration of the new building of its Parliament this year, befitting its ancient traditions of people's participation in governance and decision-making. The P20 Summit is being hosted by India under the broader framework of its G20 Presidency. The event is an international forum for debate and deliberations. Prime Minister Modi on Friday inaugurated the P20 Summit and addressed dignitaries, saying it is the "mahakumbh" of parliamentary practices of the world. The theme of the Summit is Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future, which draws inspiration from the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is one Family). The death by suicide of a 23-year-old woman because of alleged postponements of competitive exams, has kicked up a political storm in poll-bound Telangana, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi dubbing the incident murder of "dreams, hopes and aspirations". He also took a scathing jibe at K Chandrasekhar Rao's BRS as he called the ruling party "BJP Rishtedar Samithi (BJP relative)". Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with party leader Rahul Gandhi. (Congress twitter) "BJP Rishtedar Samithi BRS and BJP together have ruined the state with their incompetence," he said. "The Congress government in Telangana will release a job calendar, reorganise TSPSC on the lines of UPSC in 1 month and fill 2 lakh vacant government posts within a year - this is a guarantee," he added. The woman died by suicide at her hostel in Hyderabad's Ashok Nagar earlier this week. A large number of students staged protests in the area and raised slogans against the state government, blaming it for her death. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged on X that she took the drastic step due to the repeated postponements in the State Public Service Commission Exams. "Shocked and deeply anguished by the suicide of a 23-year-old girl student in Telangana, who reportedly took the drastic step to end her life due to repeated postponements and irregularities in the State Public Service Commission Exams," Kharge said on X. "Thousands of young aspirants in Telangana are frustrated and enraged due to the rank apathy of the BRS government in conducting examinations. Youngsters of Telangana hold the corrupt, inept and inefficient BRS Govt accountable and will oust it from power in the state," he added. Gandhi, meanwhile, said it wasn't a suicide, it was the murder of the "dreams, hopes and aspirations" of the youth. Gandhi's sister and Congress leader, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, said the repeated postponement of examinations was very "unfortunate and shameful". BRS MLA Danam Nagender told ANI that the woman had been suffering from depression over the last 10 years. "The incident that happened yesterday is unfortunate. I saw the statement of the girl that she did it because of depression. I also saw the police's statement that she had been in depression for the last 10 days. Some people are short-tempered and make hasty decisions. We are very worried about it and on behalf of the BRS party, KTR and the CM will definitely serve them justice," he said. He, however, said KCR and KTR weren't responsible for everything happening in the state. He also accused the Opposition of politicising everything. "The BJP and the Congress make KCR or KTR responsible for everything...If someone makes a wrong and hasty decision and commits suicide, then how is the CM responsible for it... We are providing them with a lot of schemes and facilities... The BJP and the Congress find a topic and politicise it... We will do everything for the family," he added. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has sought a report from the Chief Secretary, DGP and secretary of state Public Service Commission within 48 hours on the incident. "In this particular case, it has come to the Governor's attention that Pravallika (the victim) had been preparing for the Group II examination, which had been postponed by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC)," the governor's statement read. On several occasions, Rahul Gandhi has called BRS "BJP's B-Team". In July, at a public meeting in Khammam, he said his party would defeat BRS in Telangana like it trumped BJP in Karnataka. "In Telangana, it is a fight between the Congress and the BJP's B team, BRS. Like we defeated the BJP in Karnataka, similarly, we'll defeat their B team in Telangana," he had said. Telangana will go to polls on November 30. With inputs PTI, ANI If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Congress list of candidates for Telangana is likely to be dominated by the land-owning, influential Reddy community that dominates business and politics in the state having a stamp of state party president Revanth Reddy, who joined the party in 2017, said two senior Congress leaders, who are part of Central Election Committee The Reddys in Telangana account for nearly 6% of the total four crore population (HT Archives) Many tickets are being given to the Reddys, a number that is higher than anticipated by any of us, said a Congress spokesperson who has knowledge of the ticket distribution. The Reddys in Telangana account for nearly 6% of the total four crore population and the decision to accord a higher number of seats is part of a decades-long trend that has helped the Congress consolidate power while handing them big majorities in election years. In the list released in late August, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, run by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, from the Velama community, has also acknowledged the might of Reddys and has given 40 tickets to them. As per party leaders, the Congress is looking to make public its list of 119 candidates after October 20 after the first leg of the bus yatra campaign starting next week. Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are expected to participate in the yatra. The bus yatra in Telangana will mimic a similar campaign in Karnataka that was undertaken when the state went to polls in May this year, said a senior Congress leader. The final announcement of candidates is slated after the first leg of the bus yatra to safeguard the Gandhis from the ire of discontented candidates whose names have been omitted from the list, said the spokesperson who is privy to the selection list. After Reddys, party leaders said, the Other Backward Castes would be the second biggest group to get about 20 tickets. About 10 seats have been reserved for the minorities in the old city with the women likely to get about 7-8 tickets, the same number given out by the ruling BRS as well. The Velamas community has been earmarked about 4-5 tickets and a handful to the Kammas, who could not be ignored being the arch rivals of the Reddys, may get tickets. The Congress leaders said those who have defected from the BRS such as Mynampally Hanumanth Rao, Vemula Veeresham, Tummala Nageshwara Rao, and Kumbham Anil Kumar Reddy are likely to get tickets, two Congress leaders said. Another hopeful aspirant from the Congress is Srikanth Bandaru eyeing the Gajwel constituency where he is hopeful about pipping Narasa Reddy to get a ticket. The leaders also pointed out that several veteran Congress and former ministers may not get tickets as their ratings in the internal surveys have not been good, with the party looking at a generational shift through ticket distribution. Former Congress minister in combined Andhra, Ponnala Lakshmiah, and former member of parliament, Ponnam Prabhakar, are among the senior leaders, who may not get party tickets. Ponnala Lakshmaiah lost the last election and though he is a representative of the backward castes and a former PCC president. A higher likelihood of winnability seems to be the one additional box that candidates need to tick after the qualifier caste box is checked to secure a ticket, said Susarla Nagesh, a veteran who has covered more than 10 state and parliamentary elections. The Congress is upbeat about winning Telangana in December polls even though it won just 19 seats in 2018 and 21 seats in 2014 - the year the Telangana state was formed. The BRS, then TRS, got 88 seats in 2018 and 63 in 2014. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal challenging the framing of preliminary questions of law by the Madhya Pradesh high court in a petition that questioned the Rajya Sabha election of Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia from the state in 2020. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Hindustan Times) A bench of justices Hrishikesh Roy and Sanjay Karol dismissed the appeal filed by Congress leader of opposition in Madhya Pradesh, Govind Singh, who challenged the framing of the preliminary issue by the high court on his petition against Scindias election. In his plea in the high court, Singh accused Scindia of not disclosing the details of an FIR against him in Bhopal in his nomination papers during 2020 polls. He moved the top court after the high court sought to decide whether a mere registration of an FIR constitutes a pending criminal case liable to be disclosed in the nomination papers of a candidate under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The top court said that the petitioner, represented by senior advocate Anoop George Chaudhary, failed to make out a case for interference. Scindia was represented in the top court by senior advocates NK Mody and Siddharth Bhatnagar along with law firm M/s Karanjawala & Co. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay an order of the Allahabad high court sentencing gangster Mukhtar Ansari to five years in jail under the Gangsters Act while issuing notice on his petition challenging the high court order passed in September last year that reversed his acquittal in a 23-year-old case. Ex-MLA Mukhtar Ansari (File Photo) A bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government on Ansaris petition and listed the matter after four weeks. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Ansari sought a stay of the high court order of September 23, 2022, pointing out that out of 25 persons, only the petitioner has been sentenced while the remaining have been acquitted. I was also acquitted by a special court (dealing with MP/MLA cases) in 2020. Nobody is convicted and I am now declared a gangster on zero evidence, Sibbal said. The state represented by additional advocate general Garima Prasad told the Court that Ansari, a former member of the UP legislative assembly, is a dreaded criminal having more than 50 criminal cases involving heinous offences registered against him. The present case against Ansari was registered at Lucknow in 1999 accusing him of having committed heinous offences of murder, extortion, kidnapping and abduction. The first information report alleged that Ansari along with gang member Abhay Singh got a jail superintendent killed in Lucknows Hazratganj area and used to commit crimes such as extortion and kidnapping in an organised manner to accumulate wealth. The high court in its order noted that the special court erred in acquitting Ansari. The special court had acquitted Ansari stating that the prosecution could not prove the offence against him beyond reasonable doubt. The high court while reversing the trial court decision pronounced a five-year sentence and a fine of Rs.50,000 to Ansari and stated, Acquittal or conviction is immaterial for invoking the provisions of Gangsters Act against a person, who is otherwise a member of a gang and commits offences which are defined under Section 2(b) of the Gangsters Act. Bloomer residents got to see new training facilities Monday used to help bring education to those in rural Chippewa County. Chippewa Valley Technical College and local metal fabrication business PMI jointly unveiled a newly renovated, state-of-the-art training facility, mobile welding lab and equipment to provide a collaborative space for students to learn manufacturing. The mobile lab now provides the ability to offer training at rural high schools and manufacturing facilities. The regional training center at PMI delivers on-site training to employees and is fostering outreach to underserved communities. The president of PMI, Christopher Conrad, said the labor shortage is a significant barrier to growth for manufacturers. We are being forced to turn down new work due to a lack of available labor resources, he said. Chippewa Valley Technical College president Sunem Beaton-Garcia said when employers struggle, the community struggles. Its the colleges mission to help train students for those careers, she said. These jobs are high-paying and in demand, and we need to do what we can to attract people to the field through skilled training and education, which will lead to successful, long-term careers, she said. Chippewa Valley Technical College dean of apprenticeships, engineering, manufacturing and IT Jeff Sullivan said the idea of working with community partners to provide skilled training to people from rural areas is nothing new, but typically, because of lab space and equipment, it needed to be done in Eau Claire. The grant money is opening new doors. We now have the ability to cut down on the barriers of transportation, space and equipment, Sullivan said. Well be able to serve employers in rural areas. The grant gives us space and access we havent had before to provide training. The new training space and mobile welding lab were made possible with a RESTORE grant that aims to address the local manufacturing workforce shortage. Chippewa Valley Technical College secured a $10 million Workforce Innovation Grant that emphasizes the critical need to address a manufacturing workforce shortage. The initiative aims to attract individuals to high-paying, in-demand careers through education and training. The event, hosted at PMI, featured speakers, including representatives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Department, the Department of Workforce and Development, PMI and Beaton-Garcia. The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Centres response to a petition seeking to divest the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) from the control of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Supreme Court of India (Representative Photo) A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud was hearing a petition filed by an association of lawyers of the Armed Forces Tribunal Chandigarh Bar Association (AFTCBA), who alleged that the MoD, which is fighting several cases before the tribunal, could try to hijack the functioning of the AFT. The association had challenged the transfer of judicial member Justice Dharam Chand Chaudhary from Chandigarh to the Kolkata bench of the tribunal. The order was issued last month by the AFT chairperson as he had initiated contempt proceedings against a senior government functionary in MoD over the non-execution of a December 2017 order of the tribunal directing payment of pension to retired Naib Subedars of the Indian Army. The bar association also claimed that before the transfer, the execution petitions heard by Justice Chaudhary were transferred to the AFT principal bench in Delhi. The bench also comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra refused to interfere with the transfer after going through a note submitted by AFT chairperson justice (retd) Rajendra Menon explaining the circumstances of the routine transfer. The bench, however, agreed to examine a larger issue of whether AFT could remain under the administrative control of MoD considering the overarching interest of MoD in matters before AFT or the reins of the tribunal should go into the hands of the Ministry of Law and Justice. AFT since its inception in 2009 has been under the defence ministrys administrative control. The AFT Bar Association had flagged this concern in its petition highlighting past Supreme Court decisions which talked about the independence of tribunals. Attorney General R Venkataramani appeared for MoD and rubbished the claims made by the petitioner calling it a collusive attempt that was an abuse of the process of law. The head of the institution must be trusted with what he is doing in the public interest or else it can open up a can of worms, the AG said. He further disclosed that the way execution and contempt petitions are being heard in the AFT, the ministry sensed some kind of a racket in the filing of disability pension claims. It is deeply disturbing as it is a racket for seeking disability pension. It has become a business, Venkataramani added. The note shared by the AFT chairperson attested that justice Chaudharys transfer had nothing to do with the cases being heard by him. The note further mentioned that the regional benches of Kolkata and Guwahati were not functioning due to the absence of a judicial member and since Chandigarh is the only bench having a surplus of judicial members, three to be precise, justice Chaudhary being the seniormost and experienced judicial member was temporarily shifted to Kolkata till the vacancy gets filled. The chairperson also denied the claim that the matters heard by justice Chaudhary had been transferred to the principal bench. The top court said that such decisions were within the administrative power of the chairperson and some free play must be given in the joints for the chairperson to perform his duties. We have no reason to doubt the chairperson. Looking into the circumstances he has disclosed, we need not go into what the AG has said, the bench noted. Advocate K Parmeshwar appearing for the AFT bar association argued, We fear the entire tribunal is hijacked by the MoD. There are several instances for saying so. Our petition also contains a prayer to divest the AFT from MoDs control. The bench replied, We would like to consider taking out the tribunal from the control of the Ministry (MoD) and directed the Centre to file its response on this aspect within a month. Perusing the report, the CJI said that the chairperson had explained that it was a temporary transfer. On Monday, the top court had observed that justice Chaudharys transfer merits deeper scrutiny and called for a report from the chairperson. The transfer order was passed on September 25. The Court had further directed justice Chaudhary not to assume charge at Kolkata and ordered that the execution petition in question heard by justice Chaudhary shall not be disposed of without permission from the top court. The Court gave the Union government three weeks to submit its reply. The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from the Centre on a petition raising legal and ethical challenges to the practice adopted by hospitals to conduct live broadcast of surgical procedures without obtaining informed consent from the patient and in the absence of any regulatory framework governing doctors performing it. The plea mentioned that the doctor performing surgery gets distracted by explaining the procedure to an audience (Representative Photo) A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud issued notice on a petition filed by doctor Rahil Chaudhary and two others highlighting how this practice has been discontinued in several foreign countries due to the potential risk it posed to patients. The plea mentioned that the doctor performing surgery gets distracted by explaining the procedure to an audience. The Court also issued notice to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to ascertain if there is any regulatory framework governing such cases. The need for this was highlighted by the petitioners who cited a 2015 incident that took place at AIIMS Delhi where a patient died while a live surgery broadcast was being performed by a doctor. Senior advocate Gopal Shankaranaraynan, appearing for the petitioners, said that the issue requires urgent consideration as many private hospitals are commercially exploiting the patients and using them as models to fulfil their ulterior motives. He said that surgeries are being performed live with several people watching and asking doctors conducting the procedure questions. There is also a sponsorship and advertising angle as many companies use these forums to promote their products in complete ignorance of the ethical standards laid down for surgery by the NMC, added Sankaranarayanan. Live surgery raises ethical concerns related to informed consent. Patients are seldom informed that the surgeons attention may be divided by interaction with the audience while conducting the surgery, potentially putting them at risk. In some cases, patients are offered fee waivers, inducing them to participate without adequate understanding or autonomy in decision-making. All they are told is that a foreign doctor will be performing the operation, Sankaranarayanan said to the Court. The petition said that the fundamental human rights of patients cannot be subject to the whims of a particular group as advertising, sponsorship, and professional showmanship overshadow the true purpose of these broadcasts. The bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said, It also serves as an educational tool. The petitioners, also comprising a lawyer and a public-spirited citizen, told the Court there is no concrete evidence supporting the educational effectiveness of live surgery broadcast. For the purpose of education, the petition said that prerecorded surgical videos offer better frame-by-frame analysis and do not divert the surgeons attention. The bench said it would leave the issue to be considered by the NMC and posted the next hearing after three weeks. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said those backing Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas in the war against Israel are actually supporting terrorism. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (ANI) Talking to reporters after visiting the Vindhyavasini temple at Vindhyachal in this Uttar Pradesh district, Sarma said, "No one should support Hamas." "Supporting Hamas is supporting terrorism. Those who are standing to march in its support should be dealt with strictly," he added. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reached the Ashtabhuja guesthouse here earlier in the day. Union minister Anupriya Patel and city MLA Ratnakar Mishra welcomed him. Armed Hamas terrorists based in the Gaza Strip launched an unprecedented attack on Israel by land, air and sea on October 7. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel, while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed at least 1,900 people in Gaza. Veteran Other Backward Classes (OBC) leader of the Telangana Congress and former minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah on Friday resigned from the party, weeks before the assembly elections in the state, alleging humiliation being meted out to him. Ponnala Lakshmaiah (Wikimedia Commons) I have sent my resignation letter to All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, explaining the reasons for my decision to quit the party. I cannot continue in the party which has no respect for weaker sections and seniors like me, who have served the party for over four decades, Lakshmaiah, a four-time MLA from Jangaon assembly constituency, who served as state irrigation minister from 2004 to 2009, told reporters. Soon after Lakshmaiah announced his resignation, the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders contacted him and invited him into the party. In all probability, he may join the BRS at the public meeting of party president and chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao at Jangaon on October 16, a BRS spokesman, refusing to be quoted, said. Lakshmaiah, who served as the Telangana PCC president in 2015, was apparently told that he wont get the party ticket this time. The Congress is likely to field District Congress Committee president Kommuru Pratap Reddy from Jangaon constituency this time. In his strongly-worded letter to Kharge, Lakshmaiah said he had reached a point where he felt that he could no longer thrive in such an unjust environment. He said the partys candidate selection process, which should ideally be driven by the principles of fairness and representation, had come under question. Allegations of irregularities further erode our partys integrity. Unfortunately, we rely on external consultants, often disregarding dedicated workers voices, he alleged. Lakshmaiah alleged that when a group of 50 BC leaders from Telangana went to Delhi to request prioritisation for the backward classes (BC), they were denied even a meeting with AICC leaders. He dubbed it as an embarrassment for a state that prides itself on self-respect. It is deeply unfortunate that senior leaders like me have had to wait for months to discuss party concerns and I have personally expressed the frustration at waiting for 10 days in Delhi to meet AICC general Secretary K C Venugopal, he added. The former minister regretted that he was unceremoniously removed from the position of the PCC president in 2015 and he had since raised his voice about these issues for nine years. The principles of social justice, which were once the bedrock of the Congress, are seemingly outdated now, with BCs, comprising more that 50% of our society, being treated with disrespected and disregarded, he added in his letter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail The term stew has its roots in the Old French estuve, a cooking technique in which ingredients simmer for a long time in a liquid. PREMIUM As texture and mouthfeel became integral elements of flavour, sauces evolved around the world, from the hearty chana masala to the delicately balanced bechamel. (Images: Adobe Stock) The word sauce draws from the Latin salsa, which in turn draws from sal, for salt. Salt, the fundamental flavouring, has been livening up bland starches, meats and vegetables for at least 5,000 years. Over time, souring agents, aromatic herbs and spices were added to the boiling, salty mixes. Stews, and later, sauces, were born. As cuisines evolved, flavour gained growing importance. Mouthfeel and consistency became vital, as part of this. And sauces turned into delicately balanced recipes designed to keep a dish from being too runny, too thick, or curdling. All sauce recipes, to this day, lean on one of three pillars: starches, plant purees, or fats. Lets begin with starches. Whether it is the chana madra of Pahadi cuisine or the vatha kuzhambu of Tamil cuisine, a slurry of rice flour and water comes in handy when one is looking to thicken a stew. At room temperature, the rice flour does not absorb much liquid. But once the temperature crosses 60 degrees Celsius, the starch molecules begin to unravel and absorb a lot of water in a process called gelatinisation. In French cuisine, a similar effect is achieved by combining wheat flour, butter and milk, in a mix now known as the bechamel sauce. In both cases, the initial cloudy slurry becomes a translucent gel, entrapping water molecules. The sauce thickens as it cools, as the starch molecules, no longer being moved about by heat energy, coalesce. Such starch-based thickening is perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive way to thicken a stew. Vegetable purees are a bit trickier. The use of raw produce is not advisable here, since plant fragments rarely blend smoothly, making for a grainy mouthfeel. Cooking softens the fibres, but even so the mix would need to be strained. For a simple vegetable puree, it is best to use vegetables high in the carbohydrate pectin. These include tomato, potato, carrot and cauliflower. Such vegetables, when heated or blended, release the soluble pectin into the stew, lending it a wonderful smoothness. Some purees, in addition to consistency, add aromatic magic. Think of the adrak-lasan (ginger-garlic) paste in Indian cuisine; the rehydrated chilli paste that is the Mexican mole; or the lemongrass-galangal-chilli paste used in traditional Thai curries. On to the third pillar, arguably the most delicious way to thicken a stew is to add fat. Of course, one cannot simply pour oil in. For one thing, it would separate from the liquid and pool on top. This is why one typically uses a blender, and a binding agent such as coconut. How does this work? Each fat molecule contains three chains of fatty acid, each chain 14 to 20 atoms long. This bulky molecule is what makes oil more viscous than water, which, of course, has a simple, three-atom formula of H2O. Put oil in a blender, and the whirring blades break down the droplets of fat to less than a thousandth of a millimetre each. Mix this into a sauce and it adds a richness to the consistency. But how well one can keep the oil dispersed over the next few hours, will depend on what else was in it. Heavy cream and butter, for instance, contain a little bit of casein and whey protein, which keep the peace between fat and water, acting as emulsifiers to keep the fat from breaking up. Pure ghee contains neither casein nor whey; it is almost 100% fat, and so it just pools on top. So, which of the three thickening groups is best? Pay close attention the next time you cook and youll see that, in most cases, it is actually rare to use just one. In chana masala, for instance, one would typically start with an onion-tomato-ginger-garlic paste, add some mashed, starchy chickpeas, top the dish off with some cream. This gives it its well-rounded mouthfeel... complemented by the creamy chewiness of hot, buttery naan. But we digress. The power of the right combination of foods? Thats a column for another time. (To reach Swetha Sivakumar with questions or feedback, email upgrademyfood@gmail.com) There are so many aspects of a citys identity that one doesnt notice until they are gone, or fading. PREMIUM Drawings of Delhis Chandni Chowk and Lodhi art district and (above right) the distinctive mill-era chawls of Mumbai. The woman in the kashti sari, worn looped like a sort of dhoti, as Kolis have worn it for centuries. The shared balcony running along the length of a chawl a place for slippers, tricycles, arguments and Diwali lanterns. Wooden eaves and metal girders, now being widely replaced by cold concrete. There are so many ways to take in such details: a guided tour, a heritage walk, a photography excursion. But nothing lends itself to intricate detail quite like sketching. Put pen to paper and a seemingly barren cul de sac comes alive, with the textures of drums of water, brooms, flower pots, brick exposed by fallen plaster. These are the kinds of details captured every Sunday by local chapters of Urban Sketchers, a US-based international sketching community, in Mumbai, Delhi and Pune. The groups pick a different pocket of their city each week, and sketches it using pen on paper (and sometimes watercolours too). The focus is structures and movement, says commercial artist Kishan Dev, 49, of the Mumbai chapter. Dev set up Urban Sketchers Mumbai, now in its tenth year, soon after moving to the city from Delhi. As an art student in the Capital, I would often go to the railway station and draw, he says. I noticed that other students were reluctant to sketch outdoors because they didnt want to draw too much attention to themselves, or explain what they were doing. In a new city, I wanted to meet other artists, and this international group seemed like a good way to achieve both goals. In a time of invasive local tourism, Urban Sketchers worldwide aims to craft its visits with a sense of respect for the spaces they enter. On each jaunt, a member of the group who is familiar with the area leads the trail. Typically, they conduct a recce before the walk, and explain their activity to people working and living in the area. (All walks, incidentally, are free.) Since I joined this group nine years ago, my equation with the city has evolved, says Aalok Joshi, 37, a dentist in Mumbai. Today, when everyone is just thinking about the future and jumping straight to 2050, I experience the past and present that I was born and grew up in. How did a retired businessman in his 60s end up rescuing ancient Sanskrit manuscripts, taking crumbling pages and preserving them in digital form? PREMIUM Over the next century, we will begin to lose the oldest manuscripts, says founder Sanjaya Singhal, a retired businessman. The palm-leaf pages have a long life, of up to 700 years, but many are already more than 500 years old. It is a story that began with a retirement plan. At 51, Sanjaya Singhal decided he would give his career another nine years, then step away from his electronic metering company, Secure. He would study Sanskrit so that he could read the Mahabharata in the original. Then, I wanted to pick an area of interest within the language, and do a PhD. The target was to complete my studies by 70, says Singhal, who is 68 and lives in Udaipur. Right on schedule, in 2017, Singhal began to study and translate shlokas. Along the way, he stumbled into the world of computational linguistics. With my technological background, I found this field fascinating. It could help preserve manuscripts that were crumbling across the country, he says. To better understand the potential for this, Singhal made his way to the World Sanskrit Conference, which was being held in Canada in 2018. Here, his mission was reaffirmed. Speaker after speaker discussed how precious manuscripts were crumbling and uncared-for. Singhal had found a new mission, an urgent one. Over the next century, we will begin to lose the oldest manuscripts, Singhal says. These ancient texts were usually inscribed on palm leaves, endowed with a remarkable longevity of up to 700 years. But many are already more than 500 years old. Not knowing where to begin, Singhal turned his focus to the Vaidika Samshodhana Mandala (VSM) research library in Pune, which he had frequented as a student. It houses 15,000 Vedic manuscripts. Singhal had met then VSM director Bhagyalata Pataskar at the World Sanskrit Conference in Vancouver. He crafted a proposal, laying out his plan for digitisation of the librarys archive. The library signed on. About 6,000 manuscripts had already been scanned and digitised and saved on two hard discs. Regrettably, one of these discs had become corrupted, Singhal says. We enlisted the services of a forensic lab, and retrieved about 40% of the data (equivalent to 2,500 manuscripts). The rest, despite their fragile state, would have to be scanned again. Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is an important Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Maharaja Agrasen, a legendary king and a revered figure in the Agarwal community. His birth anniversary, known as Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence. It usually falls on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (usually in September or October). It is an auspicious day for Maharaja Agrasen's descendants-Agrahari, Agrawal and Jain. This day is celebrated with full religious devotion by the Vaishya community. Devotees celebrate the occasion with various rituals, prayers, processions and community gatherings to pay tribute to the legendary king and to promote unity, harmony and social welfare, the values for which Maharaja Agrasen stood. Scroll down to learn more about this day. Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is an important Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Maharaja Agrasen.(Pinterest) When is Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti 2023? This year the auspicious occasion of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti will be celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm on Sunday, October 15. History of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti Maharaja Agrasen, the ruler of Agroha, is credited by the Agrahari and Agrawal communities as being their founder. The towns celebrate this day in a respectful manner as they uphold his ideals. The Suryavamsha Kshatriya Dynasty's Maharaja Agrasen was the son of King Vallabh of Pratapnagar, which is now in Bangladesh. He will be remembered more for his incredible compassion, which was evident even as a small child, than for his military prowess. Maharaja Agrasen was well-recognized for his commitment to equality and steadfast resistance to discrimination. He put up the innovative concept of "one brick and one rupee," in which each household in Agroha would donate one brick and one rupee to each new family relocating to the area. This generous deed made it possible for newcomers to build their homes and start their businesses. The Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is observed with fervent religion by the Agrahari and Agrawal communities. They offer prayers to the goddess Lakshmi in order to receive her blessings for harmony, peace, and prosperity. Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti's significance It is traditional to make pilgrimages to the temples honouring the "Kuldevi" (deity) of each family on this occasion. To emphasize the value of equality and brotherhood, the descendants of Maharaja Agrasen participate in a variety of social welfare programs, such as opening free medical clinics and distributing food. Numerous cultural events and programs are held to honour Maharaja Agrasen and carry on his legacy, with the life and teachings of the monarch serving as their focal point. In order to make Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti unique, devotees undertake special preparations. Maharaja Agrasen's birth anniversary is celebrated throughout the day at various locations throughout India with a colourful procession and a variety of cultural events. They respect Agrasen for his moral principles and make an effort to walk in his shoes. 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! Shardiya Navratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm across India. The nine-day festival of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine manifestations, collectively known as Navdurga. Over the course of the nine days of the festival, devotees honour each of the incarnations of the goddess. This year Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 15 and end on October 24 with Dussehra. Devotees from all over the country gather to seek the blessings of the Goddess. They reaffirm their faith and bask in the spirit of harmony, joy and spirituality. The period leading up to the journey of devotion and celebration in honour of the holy Goddess is a time of introspection, purification and rejuvenation. (Also read: Shardiya Navratri 2023: Know the history, significance and celebrations ) Each day of Shardiya Navratri is associated with a distinct colour, and the festival's essence is captured in the vivid and symbolic hues that devotees adorn themselves with.(Unsplash) Nine colours for each day of the Shardiya Navratri During the nine days of Shardiya Navratri, it is a tradition to wear different colours associated with each day of the festival. These colours have symbolic significance and are believed to represent the various manifestations and attributes of the Goddess. Here are the commonly followed colour schemes for each day: Navratri Day 1: Orange (Shailaputri) Shailaputri, known as the "daughter of the mountains", is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. She symbolises nature and purity and is the first incarnation of Goddess Durga. On this day, a person wearing orange is endowed with warm and vivacious traits. This colour exudes good vibes and makes the individual feel uplifted. Navratri Day 2: White ((Brahmacharini) The second day of Navratri is dedicated to the goddess Brahmacharini, which is a Sanskrit term meaning "one who practices austerity". She is the second incarnation of Goddess Durga and represents knowledge and wisdom. She wears all-white clothes and walks barefoot. The colour of the day is white, which represents peace and purity. It also represents knowledge, intelligence and enlightenment. Wearing white on this day invites the blessings of Brahmacharini for insight, serenity and devotion. Navratri Day 3: Red (Chandraghanta) Chandraghanta, which means "one who has a crescent moon on her forehead", is honoured on the third day of Navratri. She is the third incarnation of Goddess Durga and represents bravery and beauty. She is dressed in red and rides a tiger. Red is the most popular colour of chunri offered to the goddess and represents passion and love. Wearing this colour makes the devotee feel energetic and alive. Navratri Day 4: Royal Blue (Kushmanda) Kushmanda - whose name means 'one who created the universe' - is honoured on the fourth day of Navratri. She is the fourth incarnation of Goddess Durga and represents joy and creativity. She is dressed in royal blue and rides a lion. The colour of the day, royal blue, represents stability and strength. It also represents elegance, dignity and monarchy. Wearing royal blue on this day evokes Kushmanda's blessings for inspiration, prosperity and joy. Navratri Day 5: Yellow (Skandamata) Skandami, which means 'mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)', is honoured on the fifth day of Navratri. She is the fifth incarnation of Goddess Durga and represents compassion and motherhood. She is dressed in yellow and rides on a lion. The colour of the day is yellow, which represents joy and optimism. It also represents happiness, cheerfulness and brightness. On this day, wearing yellow brings Skandamata's benefits of joy, abundance and harmony. Navratri Day 6: Green (Katyayani) The word "Katyayan" is defined as "one born in the Katyayan lineage" and is honoured on the sixth day of Navratri. She is the sixth incarnation of Goddess Durga and represents bravery and triumph. She is dressed in green and rides on a lion. The colour of the day is green, which represents harmony and growth. It also represents harmony, fertility and nature. Wearing green on this day symbolises Katyayani's protection, courage and good health. Wear green on this day and let the Goddess bless you with tranquility. Navratri Day 7: Grey (Kalaratri) The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Kalaratri, also known as 'the death of time' or 'one who is the death of time'. She represents emancipation and destruction as the seventh incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is dressed in grey and rides a donkey. The colour of the day is grey, which represents subtlety and mystery. It also represents the vastness of the universe and the ability to overcome difficulties. The Kalaratri blessings of protection, detachment and transformation are invoked by wearing grey on this day. It is also an excellent colour for those who want to wear it during Navratri celebrations and use it to subtly express their sense of style. Navratri Day 8: Purple (Mahagauri) Mahaga, a Sanskrit word meaning 'one with a fair complexion', is honoured on the eighth day of Navratri. She is the eighth incarnation of Goddess Durga and represents elegance and beauty. She rides a bull and is dressed in purple. Purple is a colour often associated with wealth, opulence and aristocracy. It is said that Navdurga will grant you wealth and prosperity if you worship her while wearing purple. So don't hesitate to seek the goddess' favours by wearing a stunning purple outfit. Navratri Day 9: Peacock Green (Siddhidatri) The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Siddhidatri, also known as "the one who grants all siddhis (supernatural powers)". She is the ninth incarnation of Goddess Durga and represents completion and perfection. She is dressed in peacock green and rides a lion or a lotus. The colour of this day is peacock green which represents diversity and abundance. On this day of Navratri, stand out from the crowd by wearing this stunning shade of blue and green. It also stands for the splendour, majesty and beauty of nature. On this day, wearing peacock green evokes the blessings of Siddhidatri for completion, fulfilment and enlightenment. 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 utterly horrible images of Hamas Islamic jihadists flaunting Israeli infants and toddlers as war booty or hostages on social media has strengthened the right of the Jewish nation to defend itself against a hostile neighborhood and exterminate the threat posed to its existence. Bodies of victims of Hamas terrorsm at Kibbutz Kfar Aza in south Israel. However, the scale of massacre of innocents, women, teenagers, children, toddlers and infants by Iran and Qatar backed Sunni Jihadists on October 7, using medieval subjugation tactics such as rape, torture and utter humiliation, has led to many a questions on how does a rule based democratic society deal with asymmetric religiously brain washed barbaric force. How does a rule based society deal with those who follow no rules ? Is the answer to October 7, 2023 is that the state should also use asymmetric force to take on the non-state actor with the same rules of war engagement ? Or use the nation state right to defend itself by all means. Just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot strike in Pakistan and Occupied Kashmir as part of Indias right to defend itself against Rawalpindi sponsored jihadists, Israeli forces cannot behave like Hamas animals and match them in savagery. But they are well within their rights to take steps to eradicate the threat permanently from its doorsteps and neutralize their funders and handlers. Just as it is important for Israel to take on Hamas in Gaza and Shia Hezbollah in Lebanon, it is time that nation states like Iran, Qatar and Turkey are put in the docks for supporting these jihadist groups by imposing financial sanctions on them and also by isolating them. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should take action against these countries, who are playing geopolitics in the Middle-East to become leaders using political Islam. For example, Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas are funded by LNG rich Qatar and the Sunni Taliban had its political office in Doha before it captured Kabul on August 15, 2021. Iran has been using terror proxies to expand its Shia influence through violence and extremism throughout the Middle-East in a bid to counter the economic might of Saudi Arabia and UAE. Turkey, living in its Ottoman Empire past, still dreams to be a Middle-East superpower and uses political Islam to play games on both sides of the Asia-Europe divide. It is time that countries like Qatar, Iran and Turkey were shown the mirror by the international community to force them not to use terror proxies to settle their scores in the Middle-East. While Israeli land offensive against Hamas terrorists in Gaza is only a matter of time, the democratic world led by countries like US, India, France , Italy, UK and Germany must get together to form a comprehensive plan against terrorism which involves human and technical information sharing to override the radio silence of the enemy as well as early warning signs. Hamas has started a new cycle of violence and terror and the democratic world must be nimble enough to take the war to the enemy. Dark days are up ahead. 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 Shishir Gupta Author of Indian Mujahideen: The Enemy Within (2011, Hachette) and Himalayan Face-off: Chinese Assertion and Indian Riposte (2014, Hachette). Awarded K Subrahmanyam Prize for Strategic Studies in 2015 by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) and the 2011 Ben Gurion Prize by Israel. ...view detail Three Baltimore men who spent 36 years in prison were released Monday after authorities say they were falsely convicted of a 1983 murder. Alfred Chestnut, Ransom Watkins and Andrew Stewart were granted a writ of innocence after being convicted of first-degree murder of a middle school student, DeWitt Duckett. "That was hell," Chestnut said of his experience in jail. "That was miserable." Chestnut and Watkins were 16 at the time of their arrest and Stewart was 17. The men are now in their early fifties preparing to enter adulthood on the outside for the first time. At least two have never driven a car before. After Chestnut filed an information request this past spring, he discovered new evidence that was kept from his attorneys during trial. He reached out to Baltimore's Conviction Integrity Unit, which was reviewing old convictions. Chestnut has maintained his innocence since his arrest. The parole board denied his early release at least in part because he refused to admit responsibility for the shooting, the state's attorney said. He wasn't just seeking justice for himself, he told CNN. "Whatever I did for myself, I did for them too," Chestnut said of Watkins and Stewart. President Joe Biden should be hugely embarrassed by the ongoing Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) probe into the activities of his son, Hunter Biden. The latter has been accused of owning a gun while remaining a drug user and delaying tax returns. Simultaneously, the Republicans have launched an impeachment inquiry against the President on the allegation that his family members had been selling access to the White House. Clearly, the investigation against the Bidens has been politicised. PREMIUM A turf war between the CBI and ED is likely to erupt at some point. (Representative Image) I see in these cases shades of what happens closer home each time the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registers a case! Politics takes over what should be a professional activity. The agencies are often accused of undue aggression towards anyone in the Opposition and kid-glove treatment of delinquents from the ruling party. Not surprisingly, crucial investigations get derailed or unduly prolonged. As a result, corruption in high places flourishes. Several accused, who are in the crosshairs of the ruling party, languish in jail for years. Courts refuse to intervene because the prosecution pleads their release would prejudice ongoing investigations. Those incarcerated for long spells are not necessarily angels. But it is cruel to lock anyone up for long without a trial. Here, both investigators and courts are guilty of violating the principles of natural justice. Against this backdrop, it will be interesting to compare perceptions about the FBI and CBI. The FBI was established in July 1935 as the successor to the Division of Investigation, as an anti-corruption and anti-crime agency. The CBI was established in 1963 to probe dubious wartime purchases by government officials. In its early years, the FBI came under the spell of J Edgar Hoover, who headed it for an incredible term of 48 years. Among other things, he was accused of blackmailing leading lights in administration and public life. Since then, the FBI has become a powerful outfit that investigates both corruption in public administration and major crime that has interstate and international ramifications. Public and Opposition scrutiny of its investigations has increased. The United States (US) media is watchful to unearth fabrication of charges or undue favour shown to a person under probe. An FBI director is chosen by the President and ratified by the Senate. He has a term of 10 years and can be removed any time during his tenure by the President, without having to go to the Senate. In contrast, thanks to a procedure outlined by the Supreme Court of India (SC), the CBI director is now chosen by a committee of three persons that includes the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP). The CBI directors minimum tenure is two years, which is too short for a dynamic officer to make an impact. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has become a force to reckon with. The controversies it has kicked up are a matter of extreme concern to those who hold objectivity and fairness as values. The arrival of the ED has diminished the CBIs authority. A turf war between the two is likely to erupt at some point. Public debate on the handling of corruption by government agencies usually revolves around two issues. First is the functional autonomy available to the heads of these outfits. Thanks to the SC, we have a reasonably credible procedure for appointing the CBI director. The inclusion of the LoP in the selection panel is unexceptionable. But the non-cooperative posture taken by the LoP on a few occasions, smacks of a pre-determined effort to derail a laudable procedure laid down by the Court, with the intent to embarrass the government. This is particularly galling because once the CJI has endorsed a government choice, the third member of the panel should normally fall in line rather than raise trivial procedural issues. In sum, it is an erratic and unpredictable scene we see while analysing crime and the conduct of law enforcement agencies. The situation in many other democracies such as the US and the United Kingdom, is not very different. I do not see any change until politics becomes more value-based. RK Raghavan is a former CBI director and a former high commissioner of India to Cyprus. 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Check Customer Reviews and Ratings: Unlock the Secrets of Smart Shopping: Dive into Reviews to Discover the Hidden Gems and Avoid the Red Flags! Previous buyers spill the beans, helping you navigate the world of products. Watch out for patterns if they are raving about energy efficiency, but multiple voices warn of weak cooling, trust the signs and make an informed choice! Compare Prices and Discounts: There are a plethora of options to choose from and different deals and offers on all the products. Make sure to find the most features in a refrigerator and the highest of deals and discounts. So, you get the best at the lowest price. Evaluate Additional Features: When you find more choices that meet your requirements, it is time to look for additional features. One refrigerator might have more space than the other, and one might come with a solar connection at the same price. Always choose the one that brings you more features without costing more. Return and Warranty Policies: Online shopping offers the convenience of stress-free returns, but remember, your shopping success story begins with a close read of return and warranty policies. When the online world cannot provide a physical test run, the key to satisfaction lies in choosing the right safety net. So, before you click that 'buy' button, ensure those return and warranty terms meet your expectations! 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! The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth 59.44 crore belonging to Vaibhav Dipak Shah, Sagar Diamonds; RHC Global Exports, and their associates under provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with the alleged Power Bank App fraud case. The action was taken on the basis of FIRs registered by the Uttarakhand Police, Special Cell Delhi Police and the Karnataka Police. Enforcement Directorate (Representative Photo) The Enforcement Directorate said some Chinese nationals, in order to cheat the people of India, created several shell companies in India with the help of Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries. To lure the public with high returns on their investments, three software applications -- Power Bank App, Tesla Power Bank App, Ezplan -- were created on Google Play Store. In June 2021, Delhi Police Cyber Cell arrested several people for allegedly cheating masses of 150 crore using fake apps on the Play Store. These applications would block user accounts after securing payments from unsuspecting customers, TOI reported. ED had conducted raids linked to this case and revealed the accused and entities linked to this case sent huge funds abroad on the pretext of bogus imports. The agency had recovered assets worth 10.34 crore. It also seized bank accounts with a total balance of 14.81 crore. "In the case, one provisional attachment order was also issued on 06.02.2022 attaching a sum of Rs. 4.92 Crore. Three persons were arrested in the case and a Prosecution Complaint was filed against the accused persons on 25.04.2023 and the same is under trial before the Special Court, PMLA, New Delhi," ED said. With inputs from ANI Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Uggh! unlucky Friday the 13th! The Ominous Date: Fear of Friday the 13th(Friday the 13th) Friday the 13th has long been regarded as an ominous and superstitious day, prompting fear and apprehension. The origins of this superstition can be traced back to historical connections with Christianity, specifically concerning both Friday and the number 13. The association of Friday with misfortune stems from the belief that it was on a Friday that Jesus was crucified. This historical event has cast a shadow of general ill luck over the day, as explained by Michael Bailey, a history professor at Iowa State University who specializes in the study of superstitions. During the Middle Ages, this apprehension toward Friday was evident in various customs. For instance, weddings were typically avoided on Fridays, and embarking on journeys was considered ill-advised on this particular day. ALSO READ| Here's how to spend your Friday, the 13th: A movie marathon and an all-new series update you ought to look forward to! The historical context also adds to the negative connotations associated with Friday. Another reason for the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th is that Friday was considered an unlucky day during medieval times, often referred to as "hangman's day," says Stuart Vyse, a psychology professor at Connecticut College. These historical connections have contributed to the enduring fear and superstition associated with Friday the 13th. How many unfortunate days lie ahead in your future? Fortunately, Friday the 13th is a relatively infrequent occurrence. In most years, like 2023, we experience two instances of Friday the 13th, although, on occasion, there is only one in a given month. However, there are especially ill-fated years, such as 2026, in which three of these superstitious days fall. The untimely fear of Friday the 13th You might not be alone in experiencing this fear, as it could be a case of triskaidekaphobia, which is the fear of the number 13. Historically, the number 13 has been associated with bad luck, believed to be rooted in the notion that Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th person to attend the Last Supper. Interestingly, references to Friday the 13th only appear in the 19th century, as noted by Bailey and Vyse, making it unclear when precisely the association between Friday and the number 13 began. ALSO READ| 5 Halloween decor ideas that are Pinterest board-worthy As for the prevalence of the fear of Friday the 13th, if the number 13 itself doesn't invoke fear in you, but it does when it falls on a Friday, you may be more susceptible to a condition commonly referred to as paraskevidekatriaphobia, which specifically pertains to the fear of Friday the 13th. According to a recent survey conducted by YouGov.com, it appears that Americans between the ages of 25 and 34 may be the most concerned about this ominous date. Within this age group, nearly a quarter (23%) expressed a strong level of superstition. 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! As the conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group intensifies, experts and rights group accuse both sides of committing war crimes. A Palestinian man carries an injured a girl following an Israeli strike, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023, as fighting between Israel and the Hamas movement continues for the eighth consecutive day. (AFP) The confrontation, the deadliest in 50 years, began last week after the Hamas, which has governed the Palestinian territory of Gaza since 2007, launched an unprecedented multifront attack across its border with Israel, killing 1,300 people and taking some 150 hostage. Shooting civilians en masse, taking hostages, including women and children undeniably grave abuses of international law, for which theres no justification, Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director of Human Rights Watch, told the Associated Press. But Israels retaliation, in which it carried out thousands of air strikes, killing more than 2,000 people in six days, and besieging the Gaza Strip, also violates several international laws, including specifically the 1949 Geneva Conventions and additional protocols. Civilians are at grave risk between hostilities between Palestinian armed groups and Israel government forces, Meenakshi Ganguly, the deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Asia division, told HT on Saturday. The suffering need solace, sympathy and support but rights violations under humanitarian law should not be condoned under any circumstances, Ganguly said. In international relations, the rules of war a combination of international treaties, humanitarian law and common practices explicitly prohibit causing harm to civilians and non-combatants. The Geneva Conventions also prohibits attacks on installations and civilian infrastructure whose attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilian population. These laws came into focus after the Palestinian Red Crescent Society was given a deadline by Israel on Saturday to evacuate its Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City. The association said it cannot evacuate the hospital and will continue providing humanitarian aid. Israel has said it is directing it its attacks against the Hamas and its military sites, but civilian infrastructure, including at least 19 medical centres, 22,600 residential units and 90 education facilities have been destroyed. Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population or civilian objects, constitute a war crime. While only the Geneva Conventions have been signed by all 193 members of the United Nations, the rules of other international humanitarian law treaties, that have not been so widely accepted, fall under customary law i.e. a general practice accepted as law. Collective punishment Israel on Monday, two days after the Hamas attack, cut off electricity, food, water and fuel supplies to the territory of 2.3 million Palestinians and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Authorities say at least 2,200 people have been killed, including over 700 children, and nearly 10,000 wounded. An independent group of UN experts on Thursday decried this as collective punishment. They have lived under unlawful blockade for 16 years, and already gone through five major brutal wars, which remain unaccounted for, the group, said in a statement. This amounts to collective punishment. There is no justification for violence that indiscriminately targets innocent civilians, whether by Hamas or Israeli forces. This is absolutely prohibited under international law and amounts to a war crime, the group added. President Isaac Herzog statements on Friday indeed confirmed that Israel views the Hamas attack as the responsibility of all Gazans. It is an entire nation out there that is responsible, Herzog said at a press conference on Friday. It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not being aware, not involved. Its absolutely not true. They could have risen up. They could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup detat. On Friday, Israel ordered the 1.1 million of northern Gaza residents to move south within 24 hours that ended Saturday morning ahead of a possible ground offensive a deadline the United Nations called calamitous and impossible to adhere to without devastating humanitarian consequences. The International Committee of the Red Cross said the order to leave along with the siege are not compatible with international humanitarian law. The Gaza Strips exits are blockaded by either Israel or Egypt. White phosphorus The Human Rights Watch also on Thursday accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions in its operations in Gaza and Lebanon, saying it puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury. The Israeli military has denied the allegations, calling them unequivocally false. On Friday, Amnesty too said it was investigating the use of white phosphorus in Gaza. White phosphorous is a toxic, chemical substance that burns at 800 degrees Celsius when it comes in contact with air. Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), though Israel is not a signatory, prohibits its use against military targets among civilians because the substance causes serious burns and start fires. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should become a leading voice in calling for an end to the horrific violations of humanitarian law that amounts to war crimes, call for vital humanitarian assistance to those besieged in Gaza, and point out that opposing the Hamas assault does not require putting lives of Palestinian civilians at risk, Ganguly said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Australia has voted against including its First Nations people in the countrys constitution, projections show, rejecting a proposal to set up an Indigenous advisory body to Parliament. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese(AFP) With almost 20% of ballots counted in the electorate of 17.6 million people, the no campaign was clearly leading in Saturdays referendum, according to projections by Australian Broadcasting Corp. Changes to Australias constitution also require the support of at least four of the nations six states a so-called double-majority. As of Saturday night, the states of New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia are projected to have voted against the Voice to Parliament. The result will be a setback to reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Australians and a political blow to the center-left Labor government thats been in office less than 18 months. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had hoped the ballot would bring Australians together in a moment of unity, instead it has exposed division and raised allegations of racism. Albanese had initiated the referendum to give greater representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders under a proposal put forward by Indigenous elders in 2017. But polls ahead of the vote had shown widespread opposition to the Voice to Parliament, with Australians concerned it would divide the country by race and many left unclear on how the body would operate. The referendums failure will damage Albanese politically and hurt him personally, with the prime minister having regularly shown emotion while campaigning for the amendment. The result also adds to the long history of failed referendums in Australia since Federation in 1901, with just eight of now 45 efforts having succeeded. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON U.S. President Joe Biden stressed continued U.S. support for Israel as well as the need for humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in calls on Saturday with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the White House said. US President Joe Biden (AP) In his first call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas since Hamas' attack on Israel a week ago, Biden offered Abbas his full support for "urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian people, especially in Gaza." "President Biden detailed U.S. efforts to coordinate with partners to prevent the conflict from widening, and the two leaders discussed the need to preserve stability in the West Bank and the broader region," the White House said in a statement. The White House said Biden stressed unwavering U.S. support for Israel in his call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he has spoken regularly since the attack. Biden also updated the Israeli leader on U.S. military support and repeated his warning against any effort to broaden the conflict, it said. Biden also discussed U.S. coordination with the UN and regional countries on humanitarian aid for civilians. "President Biden reaffirmed his support for all efforts to protect civilians," the White House said. The calls came as Israel was preparing on Saturday to launch a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, after telling Palestinians living in the densely populated territory to flee south. Netanyahu told Biden that "unity and determination" were needed to achieve Israel's combat goals against Gaza's Hamas rulers, Netanyahu's office said, adding that he thanked the president for his support. Abbas' office said the Palestinian leader told Biden he completely rejects the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, as Israel retaliates for a deadly Hamas attack on its territory. (Reporting Emily Rose in Jerusalem and Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Chizu Nomiyama and Diane Craft) China's top diplomat Wang Yi said Saturday that Washington should "play a constructive and responsible role" in the Israel-Gaza conflict, during a phone call with his US counterpart Antony Blinken. Palestinians stand by the building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, (AP) "The United States should practically play a constructive and responsible role, pushing the issue back on track for a political settlement as soon as possible," Wang told Blinken, according to a readout published by the Chinese foreign ministry. "When dealing with international hot-spot issues, major countries must adhere to objectivity and fairness, maintain calmness and restraint, and take the lead in abiding by international law," said Wang. The Chinese foreign minister added that Beijing called for "the convening of an international peace meeting as soon as possible to promote the reaching of broad consensus". "The fundamental outlet for the Palestinian issue lies in implementing a 'two-state solution'," said Wang. Hamas militants who broke through the militarised security barrier around the Gaza Strip on October 7 killed more than 1,300 people in southern Israel, triggering a retaliatory Israeli bombardment that has killed at least 2,215 people in Gaza. China's official statements on the conflict have not specifically named Hamas in their condemnations of violence, leading to criticism from some Western officials who said they were too weak. France will mobilize up to 7,000 soldiers to increase security around the country after a teacher was fatally stabbed and three other people wounded in a school attack by a former student suspected of Islamic radicalization, the presidents office said Saturday. France School Stabbing: French Education and Youth Minister Gabriel Attal (L) stands in attention before flowers laid in front of the Gambetta high school in Arras.(AFP) Some schoolchildren, parents and personnel returned to the Gambetta-Carnot school in the northern city of Arras as it reopened Saturday morning to reconnect and seek support, after the attack Friday that rattled France in a context of global tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. Counterterrorism authorities are investigating the stabbing, and the suspected assailant and several others are in custody, prosecutors said. The suspect had been under recent surveillance by intelligence services for radicalization. Court documents viewed by The Associated Press show he is from the Ingushetia region in Russia's Caucasus Mountains, which neighbors Chechnya. Authorities had initially identified him as Chechen. The French government heightened the national threat alert, and President Emmanuel Macron ordered up to 7,000 soldiers deployed by Monday night and until further notice to bolster security and vigilance around France, his office said. The attack emergency threat posture allows the government to temporarily mobilize the military to protect public places among other measures. The attackers exact motive remains unclear, and he is reportedly refusing to speak to investigators. At the school Saturday morning, police stood guard as adults and children arrived. Classes were canceled, but the school reopened for those who wanted to come together or seek support. One mother said she came with her 17-year-old daughter in a show of defiance against extremism, and to overcome the fear of returning to a site where children were locked down for hours after the stabbing. Another mother came to seek guidance from counselors about how to support her two sons, who witnessed the attack in their schoolyard. As adults, we are managing with difficulty to take a step back, but for them, theyre children,'' said Emily Noge, arriving at the school with her sons and partner. They initially thought it was an exercise, so keeping things separate, to say that weve passed from an exercise to something dramatic, is very tricky for them. It's always the same moments that come back: The schoolyard, the chairs to protect themselves, the stabbings, the whys. Why us? Why Arras? Why the teachers? They were good teachers. They were there to protect us,''' she said. For many in France, the attack echoed the killing of another teacher, Samuel Paty, almost exactly three years ago near his Paris area school. He was beheaded by a radicalized Chechen later killed by police. The suspect in this week's attack had been under surveillance since the summer on suspicion of Islamic radicalization, French intelligence services told AP. He was detained Thursday for questioning based on the monitoring of his phone calls in recent days, but investigators found no sign that he was preparing an attack, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said. French intelligence suggested a link between the war in the Middle East and the suspects decision to attack, the minister said. He said authorities have detained 12 people near schools or places of worship since the Hamas attack on Israel, some of whom were armed and were preparing to act. France has heightened security at hundreds of Jewish sites around the country this week. The prosecutor said the alleged assailant was a former student there and repeatedly shouted Allahu akbar, or God is great, during the attack. Prosecutors are considering charges of terrorism-related murder and attempted murder against the suspect. The dead educator was Dominique Bernard, a French language teacher at the Gambetta-Carnot school, which enrols students ages 11-18. Another teacher and a security guard were in critical condition with wounds from the stabbing, police said. The counterterrorism prosecutor said a cleaning worker was also injured. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has accused Israel of committing war crimes, days after the terrorist group slaughtered 1300 people after a surprise raid. The letter was posted on the group's website. A picture taken from the Israeli city of Sderot shows rockets being fired towards Israel from the northern Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023. (AFP) Haniyeh was referring to Israel pounding Gaza with air strikes and blocking humanitarian aid from entering the region. He described what he called "Israeli atrocities" as war crimes. "Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes," he said. He also slammed Israel for "barbaric Israeli siege imposed" on the Palestinian territory. He claimed Israel has banned entry of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip. Israel has blocked humanitarian raids and is bombing premises linked to the terror group. The country has asked Palestinians to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip. It is expected that the country will launch a ground offensive against Hamas. On October 7, Hamas terrorists gunned down, stabbed and put afire 1300 people, including women and children, after launching raids from ground, air and water, into Israeli cities. Israel, vowing to wipe out Hamas from the face of the planet, launched an aerial bombing spree in which over 2200 people have died in Gaza so far. Around 1.1 million people live in the north of Gaza, one of the most densely populated regions in the world. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza as "a dangerous new low". "Even wars have rules," he said. He added that civilians must be protected and also never used as shields. Apart from seek-and-destroy missions, the Israeli military is also looking for nearly 150 people taken hostage by Hamas. Israel said bombardment was just the beginning of the campaign to crush Hamas. On Saturday, it announced it killed Ali Qadi, a company commander of the Hamas 'Nukhba' commando force" involved in the October 7 attack. With inputs from AFP SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A liberal-backed legal complaint alleges Wisconsins decades-old school choice program violates the state Constitution and has created a funding death spiral for public schools in the state. Attorneys representing several Wisconsin residents on Thursday filed the complaint directly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, seeking to bypass the lower courts. The states high court shifted to a 4-3 liberal majority earlier this year, which has led some Democratic groups to eye the court as the potential avenue to challenge several conservative policies, including school choice, abortion, voter ID and legislative maps. Brian Potts, an attorney representing the group, said in a statement the states revenue limit and funding mechanism for voucher school programs and charter schools violate the Wisconsin Constitutions Public-Purpose Requirement and Uniform Taxation Clause and ultimately drain state funds away from public schools and into private education institutions. This parasitic funding system is pushing public school districts into an ever-worsening financial crisis, which is leading to what can only be described as a funding death spiral for public education, Potts continued. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of several individuals, including Julie Underwood, former dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education; Charles Uphoff, a former member of the Oregon School Board; and Angela Rappl, a special-education liaison for families with children with special needs in the Milwaukee public schools system. The lawsuit has been funded by the liberal Minocqua Brewing Super PAC. The Supreme Court has not decided whether to take up the case. The complaint focuses on several state programs, including the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, the Racine Parental Choice Program, the Special Needs Scholarship Program and the Independent Charter School Program. The Milwaukee voucher program started in 1990-91 under former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson and is the oldest modern voucher program in the country. In the first year, the program enrolled 337 students. Enrollment has grown almost every year, with more than 29,000 students attending 130 private schools on vouchers in Milwaukee as of October, according to the state Department of Public Instruction. Racines voucher program started in the 2011-12 school year, followed by a statewide program in 2013-14, and another for students with disabilities in 2016. More than 42,000 students were enrolled in private schools using a voucher in the Milwaukee, Racine and statewide programs last fall, according to DPI. Growing cancer While the state Supreme Court in 1992 found Milwaukees voucher program to be constitutional, the complaint alleges circumstances have changed dramatically since 1992. What started out as a small experimental program in Milwaukee in the 1990s has been transformed by our Legislature into a large and growing cancer on Wisconsins public schools, the complaint continues. State Superintendent Jill Underly responded to the lawsuit in a statement Thursday, noting that public education is a constitutional right. And as a right guaranteed to our children, and as an opportunity for our state to put our money where our priorities should be, Wisconsin needs to fulfill its responsibility to effectively, equitably, and robustly fund our public education system, Underly continued. I welcome any opportunity to move Wisconsin in that direction. Needed choice The conservative law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty announced Friday plans to file a motion to intervene in the case seeking to oppose the effort. If successful, their efforts would destroy a popular program that serves thousands of Wisconsin families, WILL President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg said in a statement. The arguments that it makes would call into question Wisconsins entire education system, throwing us all into chaos. Megan Novak, director of the conservative Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin, said the lawsuit is simply trying to remove tens of thousands of Wisconsin students from the school that best fits their needs. Not only are choice and charter schools constitutional, but these schools give kids a chance and parents a needed choice, Novak continued. This lawsuit is an asinine political stunt, and the Court would be wise to dismiss these far-fetched claims and protect education freedom in Wisconsin. State budget Earlier this year, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed a massive bipartisan measure to increase state aid to local communities across Wisconsin. Part of the agreement included several boosts to education spending, including a more than $1 billion increase in revenue for K-12 schools, a $325-per-pupil increase to revenue limits for the next two fiscal years, and per-pupil aid increases for choice and independent charter schools that would give K-8 students a $1,101 increase and high school students a nearly $3,000 increase. Despite receiving widespread support and Evers signature, the education funding component received backlash from some public-school advocacy groups like the Wisconsin Public Education Network. Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement said Friday it would be "fully prepared" to join its Palestinian ally Hamas in the war against Israel when the time is right. The Iran backed Hezbollah is a sworn enemy of Israel, with which it has had a series of confrontations, including a full-scale war in 2006(REUTERS) Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem spoke as Hamas and Israel traded heavy fire for a seventh day, after hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the border from Gaza into Israel on Saturday and killed more than 1,300 people, most of them civilians. Israel has retaliated by bombarding Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 1,900 people, also mostly civilians and including more than 600 children, according to the Palestinian health ministry. "We, as Hezbollah, are contributing to the confrontation and will (continue) to contribute to it within our vision and plan," Qassem told a pro-Palestinian rally in Beirut's southern suburbs. "We are fully prepared, and when the time comes for action, we will take it," he said. The official, whose remarks coincided with a visit to Beirut by Iran's foreign minister, rebuffed calls for Hezbollah to stay out of the war. Outreach by "major countries, Arab countries, and envoys from the United Nations, directly and indirectly, asking us not to interfere in the battle, will not affect us", he said, adding: "Hezbollah knows its duties." Israel has traded fire with Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions in Lebanon in recent days. A Reuters journalist was killed and six others from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded in southern Lebanon on Friday when they were caught up in cross-border shelling. Israeli forces had said its troops were "responding with artillery fire towards Lebanese territory" after a blast damaged the border barrier. And early Saturday, the Israeli Air Force said on X, formerly Twitter, that its forces had "struck a Hezbollah terror target in southern Lebanon in response to the infiltration of unidentified aerial objects into Israel and fire" on an Israeli drone. "The IDF intercepted the infiltrating aerial object and the fire" on the drone, it added. In Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, more than 1,000 Hezbollah supporters rallied for Gaza, carrying Palestinian flags and banners that read: "May God protect you". "(Hassan) Nasrallah, strike Tel Aviv," they chanted, addressing the leader of the Shiite Muslim group. Najwa Ali, a Palestinian refugee born in Beirut 57 years ago, was among those taking part in the solidarity rally. "I have never seen Palestine, but when I go back one day, it will be with my head held high, without an Israeli soldier telling me where to go or what to do," she told AFP. On Monday, Hezbollah said Israeli strikes killed three of its members, while Palestinian fighters claimed a thwarted infiltration bid. On Tuesday, Israel said it hit Hezbollah observation posts, while Hamas's armed wing claimed rocket fire. On Wednesday, Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli position near the Lebanese village of Dhayra. Retaliatory Israeli fire wounded three people. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A senior military commander of Hamas who headed the Islamist group's aerial operations in Gaza City has been killed in Israeli airstrikes as the war between the two sides entered the eighth day on Saturday. Murad Abu Murad was killed over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre of Hamas from where the group carried out its "aerial activity", the military said. There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas. Rescuers recover a body from under the rubble in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. (REUTERS) Thousands of people Israelis, Palestinians and foreigners have been killed since Hamas militants attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip on last Saturday. Most were civilians, with horror stories emerging about the militants' rampage and the devastating military retaliation it provoked. Thousands of Palestinians began fleeing their homes and moving south after Israels military delivered sweeping evacuation orders for almost half of Gazas 2.3 million people earlier on Friday ahead of an expected ground offensive. The UN said it was told by the Israeli military that about 1.1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza should relocate to the enclaves south within the next 24 hours. Hamas urged people to stay put and defy the Israeli military order to evacuate homes. Hamas-Israel war: what we know on Day 8 Israel is focusing its main military activities on Gaza City in the north of the Gaza Strip, as it continues its war against Hamas. Gaza City is where the focus and the hub of Hamas activities are, said Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the Israeli Defense Forces. Thats where most of their commanders are. In an Arabic message, the Israel Defence Forces told residents of the northern Gaza Strip that they should move to the southern part of the enclave using evacuation corridors between 10 am and 4pm. If you care about yourself and your loved ones, go south as instructed, the military says. Rest assured that Hamas leaders have taken care of themselves and are taking cover from strikes in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government is prepared to use unprecedented force against Hamas, which killed 1,300 in last weekends assault. More than 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza in retaliatory airstrikes. Israeli forces on Saturday killed several "terrorists" trying to cross the border from Lebanon, a military spokesman said. The military "identified a terrorist cell which attempted to infiltrate from Lebanon into Israeli territory," the spokesman said, adding that a drone strike "targeted the terrorist cell and killed a number of the terrorists". A pro-Palestine rally in Times Square drew thousands of protesters, who then marched to the Israeli consulate. The event, which also drew a smaller counter-protest, drew a significant police presence and has so far been without major incident. Some videos posted to social media show clashes between opposing demonstrators being broken up by the police. President Joe Biden has said Hamas is worse than al-Qaeda, the terrorist group behind the 9/11 attacks, as he reaffirmed that the US stands with the Jewish state. At least 27 American citizens have died and 14 remain unaccounted for as a result of unfolding violence in Israel triggered after Hamas carried out unprecedented attacks in Southern Israel. Israeli airstrikes on convoys fleeing Gaza City killed 70 people, mostly women and children, the press office of Hamas said. Hamas said the cars were struck in three places as they headed south from Gaza City on Friday. A journalist has been killed and six others injured after an Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon on Friday. Reuters confirmed that its videographer Issam Abdallah was killed. Meanwhile, the BBC said its journalists were assaulted and held at gunpoint after they were stopped by Israeli police in Tel Aviv.\ Hamas has released footage of Israeli children whom they claim they held hostage during the deadly attack on Southern Israel, reported The Jerusalem Post. The Hamas group shared the video on their Telegram channel, with the caption, Hamas fighters, showing compassion for children in the midst of the Kibbutz 'Holit' battles on day one of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered 7,000 soldiers to be mobilised for increased security patrols, his office said on Saturday, a day after a teacher was stabbed to death in an Islamist attack. France was put on its highest security alert on Friday after a 20-year-old man fatally stabbed a teacher and gravely wounded two other people in an attack at a school in the city of Arras in northern France. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aniruddha Dhar Have 11 years' experience in print and digital media. Write on politics, defence and world affairs, and have a keen eye for human-interest stories. ...view detail The war between Israel and Hamas entered its eighth day on Saturday and is expected to escalate further. According to the latest reports, at least 3,200 people have been killed on both sides since Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Indian nationals evacuated from Israel under Operation Ajay arrive at Indira Gandhi International airport, in New Delhi.(PTI) The growing tensions have forced countries across the world to make efforts to bring back their citizens safely. Here is an overview of several countries carrying out repatriation from Israel. India The Indian government on Wednesday launched Operation Ajay to bring back its stranded citizens from war-torn Israel. So far, a total of 447 Indian nationals have been brought back to New Delhi in two batches via chartered flights - one from Tel Aviv and another from Ben Gurion. United States The US State Department has started offering charter flights to help Americans leave Israel from October 13. The US has been reacting strongly to the ongoing war as 22 of its citizens have been killed so far. United Kingdom The UK government sent the first flight to Tel Aviv to help its citizens leave Israel on October 12, said Britain's foreign office. More such flights are expected to be scheduled, reported Reuters. Canada Air Canada is operating two special flights on October 13 and 14 from Athens to bring Canadians and permanent residents back home from Israel. Reportedly, around 1,000 Canadians in Israel want to leave, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said. France On October 12, France sent a special Air France flight to Tel Aviv to bring back its citizens. The French government is organising additional repatriation flights. Germany German airline Condor is planning two special flights with a capacity of just under 500 passengers in total to evacuate German citizens from the Jordanian city of Aqaba near the Israeli border on October 15. Reportedly, 5,000 Germans have registered to leave Israel. Brazil Brazil has repatriated a total of 492 nationals so far from Israel, the Embassy of Brazil in Tel Aviv said. The government has scheduled two more flights on Sunday to bring back the remaining citizens. Argentina On October 12, the Argentinian foreign ministry said that it had started to evacuate its citizens. According to the ministry, the first batch of nationals reached Rome in a Hercules airplane. Australia The Australian government organised a special flight from Tel Aviv to London on Friday to bring back its citizens. Another flight is set to reach Israel on Sunday. South Korea A plane carrying 192 South Koreans from Tel Aviv arrived at Incheon Airport on October 11, after Korean Air sent an empty plane to bring them home, reported Reuters. Thailand Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on October 9 announced that the evacuations would begin immediately, adding the first group of 15 Thais, some of them injured, would arrive home on October 12 on a commercial airliner. According to the PM, a total of 24 Thais have been killed in the conflict. About 30,000 Thais are working in Israel, mostly in the agriculture sector, according to the kingdom's labour ministry. Ukraine Ukraine foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said that they will be sending the first evacuation flight to Romania on Saturday. According to him, more than 1,000 Ukrainian citizens requested assistance to leave Israel. About 200 Ukrainians had asked to be evacuated from the Gaza Strip, but it was too dangerous to do so for now, Nikolenko said as quoted by Reuters. Chile A total of 209 Chileans have been evacuated to Athens and Madrid from Israel on three Boeing 737 flights on October 12, the foreign ministry said. Colombia The first flight with 110 Colombians seeking to return to the country landed at Catam Air Base on Friday. Denmark The Danish government will be sending a C-130 Hercules cargo plane, which can carry around 120 passengers, for the evacuation of its citizens. The officials earlier had said that the repatriation would not happen before October 13. Iceland The Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 8 had said that a plane with 126 Icelanders, five Faroese, four Norwegians, and a group of 12 people from Germany, as well as the flight crew and representatives from the ministry, reached Keflavik in Iceland. Italy The Italian government has repatriated around 900 of its citizens between October 10 and 11. Mexico The latest flight bringing home Mexicans from war-hit Israel landed on Thursday. The Mexican army is carrying out humanitarian flights aimed at bringing home nationals, the government said. Reportedly, around 5,000 Mexican nationals are in Israel - out of which 300 have asked to leave the country. Poland Poland is set to send two C-130 Hercules planes to evacuate around 200 nationals from Tel Aviv in the coming days. The country's defence ministry had said that it would add more planes if necessary or liaise with Greece to ferry Polish citizens to the Mediterranean country. Spain Spain sent two military aircraft to Israel to evacuate 500 citizens on October 11. The flights landed at Torrejon de Ardoz military base on the outskirts of Madrid. (With inputs from Reuters) In the wake of Israel Hamas war in the Gaza strip which claimed loss of thousands of lives on both sides including civilians, an agreement has been reached under which Israel will allow foreigners to leave the war-torn Gaza, Times of Israel reported on Saturday. Israel-Hamas War: A Palestinian man inspects the damage to a building after Israeli strikes, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.(AFP) Egypt, Israel and the United States have agreed to allow foreigners residing in Gaza to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, under which Israel agreed to refrain from striking areas the foreigners would pass through on their way out of the Palestinian territory. The Israeli publication added that Qatar was involved in the negotiations and the participants received approval from the Palestinian terror groups, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Moreover, the agreement does not involve anything about the release of hostages being held by Hamas. A second official at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing point says they received "instructions" to reopen it on Saturday afternoon for foreigners coming from Gaza. The first official said negotiations were still underway to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the crossing point. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Israel has ordered a mass evacuation of Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip. Additionally, US State Secretary Antony Blinken during his visit to Qatar on Saturday said that they are working on setting humanitarian corridors to save the lives of civilians suffering due to the war. "As Israel pursues legitimate right to defend its people and to try to assure this never happens again. It is important that all of us look out for civilians, and we're working together to do exactly that. In particular, working on establishing safe areas in Gaza, working on establishing corridors so that humanitarian assistance can reach people who need it," he said. He added, "None of us wants to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it's in Israel, Gaza or anywhere else. And we're working together to do our best to protect them. At the same time, it's vitally important, that we work together to make sure that, to the best of our ability, this conflict does not spread to other places on other fronts. In addition, the United States and Saudi Arabia are working together very closely in a number of other critical areas where it's so important to try to bring greater peace, stability, and security. That includes Yemen as well as Sudan." Meanwhile, Israeli troops are mobilizing towards Gaza. Aerial patrolling is also being sent at the Gaza border. It was recently reported that Israeli soldiers, their tanks and munitions have been deployed near the Gaza border as they prepare for a full ground offensive against Hamas. The IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Israeli Defence Forces on Saturday said 1300 people have lost their lives and over 3000 have been injured in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel. The Israeli Air Force has said that the IDF continues the effort to move the residents of the Gaza Strip in order to protect them in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said a call was sent out to residents of Gaza using a variety of different means in an attempt to minimize the harm to non-combatants. IDF said Hamas terrorists are hiding in terror tunnels located under the houses in Gaza City and in civilian buildings. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Israel-Hamas War Highlights: The Israeli military on Saturday said it is seeing a "significant movement" of civilians in southern Palestine, a day after Israel warned them to evacuate before an expected ground offensive against Hamas in retaliation for its deadliest attack in Tel Aviv's history on October 7. A fireball erupts during Israeli bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023. (AFP) The army also said that its ground forces have made "localised" raids in Gaza in the last 24 hours "to cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry" and find missing persons. It also emphasised that they were not targeting Palestinian civilians and are trying to evacuate them. Israel has also moved its forces, tanks and heavy weapons to the southern desert area around Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that nearly a week of fierce bombardment on Gaza was just the beginning, without elaborating further. Hamas, on the other hand, has vowed to fight to the last drop of blood and has urged residents in Gaza to stay. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said that consultations were ongoing with regional governments on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as trapped Palestinians faced severe shortages of power, food and water. He also said that his administration was working like hell to rescue American hostages held by Palestine-based militant group Hamas. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas for the October 7 attack in which its fighters killed 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and seized scores of hostages. At least 1,900 Gazans, including more than 600 children, have been killed in waves of retaliatory missile strikes by Israel on Gaza. Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's national security adviser said that Israel received no concrete warning, including from Egypt, of the October 7 attack by Hamas from Gaza. The chief of Israel's Shin Bet domestic security service was summoned for an unusual 4 am briefing that day - 2.5 hours before the attack began - on new intelligence information, Tzachi Hanegbi said. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers walk past houses destroyed by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel.(AP) This did not warrant mobilisation, he said as per news agency Reuters. The comments come as Israels military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came after the United Nations said that it received a warning from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza, already critical, is now fast becoming untenable. The actions and rhetoric by Hamas militants and Israel in the past few days is "extremely alarming, unacceptable," Martin Griffiths said, adding, that civilians and civilian infrastructure must protected. This comes after a report claimed that Hamas may have planned their deadly attack in Israel more than a year in advance. Sky News reported quoting documents labelled Top Secret that were said to have been found on the bodies of fighters in the battle zone. As the front cover of the document bundle was dated October 2022, it could mean that plans were already well established at least 12 months in advance of the attacks, the report claimed. The documents, written in Arabic, are said to have been recovered by Israeli soldiers and emergency responders. They suggest Hamas militants planned to target civilian populations and take hostages, it said, adding, The plan, however, was not successful with militants reportedly pushed back by local security - and it's believed nobody inside the kibbutz was killed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Hamas militants seized about 120 hostages when they unleashed a surprise attack on Israel and gunned down more than 1,300 people, including civilians, on October 7, the Israeli army said. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers walk past houses destroyed by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel.(AP) Here is what we know about the hostages and the efforts being made to free them. Is there proof of life? After a week of uncertainty, the Israeli army said Hamas had taken at least 120 people captive, including civilians and soldiers, and estimates their total number could be 150, without being certain if they are alive or dead. The hostages include Israeli soldiers, women, children and the elderly, as well as foreign workers and people with dual nationality. Evidence of the kidnappings has come from images taken and published by Hamas both during and after the attack. The data from some of the Israelis' phones showed they were on Palestinian territory. Hamas, which threatened to kill the hostages in response to any unannounced Israeli strikes on civilian targets, said 22 of them have been killed in Israeli bombardment, although this cannot be verified. Over 2,200 people have been killed in Israel's strikes on Gaza since last week. How is Israel responding? Israel's government has tapped Gal Hirsch, a former general embroiled in a corruption scandal, to coordinate the hostage crisis, an appointment that was condemned by observers. An FBI negotiator is also on site, with several US citizens among those Hamas is holding. On the ground, Israeli forces have made forays into Gaza on Friday night "in search of evidence to locate the hostages", whether they are alive or dead. Israel's Sayeret Matkal elite commando unit is thought to be best placed to carry out any incursion to extract the hostages. They will face a hard task to locate them, however, as Hamas is known to operate with a system of decentralised cells. Gershon Baskin, a negotiator for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011, said "any Hamas fighter who hands over a hostage at the border must be guaranteed amnesty and passage to the West Bank". Are there any international efforts to free them? So far there has been no word of any international efforts to secure their release. In addition to likely mediation by Egypt -- the usual negotiator between Israel and Hamas -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the International Committee of the Red Cross claim to be holding talks with the militant group. "As a neutral intermediary we stand ready to conduct humanitarian visits; facilitate communication between hostages and family members; and to facilitate any eventual release," Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC's regional director for the Near and Middle East, said on Thursday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON United States President Joe Biden on Friday said his administration was working like hell to rescue American hostages held by Palestine-based militant group Hamas. US President Joe Biden during an event in Philadelphia.(AFP) "I am not gonna go into the detail of that, but we are working' like hell on it," Biden was quoted as saying in a CBS News interview clip. Follow Israel-Hamas war LIVE updates here. Israel claims that Hamas took 150 people hostage when it attacked the country from the Gaza border on October 7. According to the White House, at least 14 Americans are unaccounted for from the day of the attack. At least 1,300 people were killed in the worst attack on civilians in Israel's history. Over 1,900 Gazans, including more than 600 children, have been killed in waves of retaliatory missile strikes by Israel on Gaza. On Friday, Biden, at a separate event, said that he spoke with the families of Americans who have been taken hostage by Hamas militants. "They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children are," he said. "It's gut-wrenching. He added that the White House was working closely with Israel and other partners in the region to secure the release of the American citizens. "We are working around the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and our partners around the region," he said. "We're not going to stop until we bring them home." The US president said that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a priority, reported AFP. "We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas's appalling attacks, and they're suffering as a result as well," Biden said during a speech in Philadelphia. Further, Biden also reiterated his support for Israel and described Hamas militants as "pure evil." "We are making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks," he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail The Palestinian United Nations envoy appealed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday to do more to stop a "crime against humanity" by Israel, which has warned nearly half of the population of the Gaza Strip to relocate as it plans an assault. Supporters of Palestine protest in Times Square, New York on October 13, 2023. (AFP) "He has to do more. Whatever was done is not sufficient. We need all of us to do more to stop this crime against humanity," Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told reporters before a meeting of Arab Group ambassadors at the United Nations. Countries urged Israel on Friday to hold off attacking northern Gaza, where more than a million civilians largely defied Israel's order to evacuate before it goes after Hamas militants who slaughtered Israeli civilians last weekend. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan said on Friday that Israel's warning to residents in northern Gaza was "to temporarily move south ... to mitigate civilian harm." He was speaking at an event Israel hosted at the UN with families of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza in the attack. Guterres briefed the 15-member UN Security Council behind closed doors on Friday. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators march in New York on October 13.(Bloomberg) "The situation in Gaza has reached a dangerous new low," he told reporters on his way to the briefing, adding that he was in constant contact with the leaders across the region to try and "prevent further dangerous escalation in the West Bank or elsewhere in the region, especially in southern Lebanon." Guterres reminded the parties: "Even wars have rules ... Civilians must be protected and also never used as shields." RUSSIAN PROPOSAL During the meeting, Russia proposed a draft resolution for the Security Council that calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism, according to a draft text seen by Reuters. "Russia cannot accept the complete inaction and lack of any reaction on the part of the UNSC," Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said after the meeting, adding that Russia was also ready to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians. It was not immediately clear when or if Russia would put the draft resolution to a vote. The United States has traditionally shielded its ally Israel from any Security Council action. It holds a veto along with Britain, France, China or Russia. Palestinians evacuate a neighbourhood in Gaza City.(AFP) Brazil proposed its own draft resolution late on Friday, seen by Reuters, which is essentially a more detailed version of Russia's text. It specifically condemns "the terrorist attacks by Hamas" and "urges the Israeli authorities to immediately rescind its order" for civilians to evacuate northern Gaza. When asked about Russia's draft, British UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said: "For something that is as important as this, we've already seen how much human life has been destroyed, we need time for consultation, serious consultation." China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun said the council should "have a strong voice on this really alarming situation and also take meaningful action." 'EXTREMELY DANGEROUS' The United Nations said Israel's military informed it late on Thursday that 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza should move to the enclave's south within 24 hours, in what Palestinians fear could be a precursor to a ground offensive. "Moving more than one million people across a densely populated war zone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous - and in some cases, simply not possible," Guterres said. Erdan criticized the UN response, saying Israel should be praised for its advance warning to Gaza residents. He said the United Nations and the Security Council were "facing one of their most pivotal moments," adding: "Will they remain true to their founding values? Or will they empower genocidal terrorists? This shouldn't be a question." Hamas carried out its deadliest attack in Israel's history on Saturday, killing more than 1,300 people and taking scores of hostages to Gaza. Israel has responded with the most intensive air strikes of its 75-year conflict with the Palestinians. Gaza authorities said 1,799 people have been killed. "All hostages in Gaza must be released immediately. It is imperative that all parties - and those with influence over them - do everything possible to achieve these steps," Guterres said. The Arab Group ambassadors called for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid access to Gaza and a stop to any mass displacement of Palestinians. Mansour said there was no safe place in Gaza. "We need to stop this war immediately. We need to send convoys of food and medicine to help the people there and we need to stop this ethnic cleansing from taking place," he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Calls for a humanitarian corridor or an escape route for Palestinians from Gaza as a conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has escalated have drawn a blunt reaction from Arab neighbours. A Palestinian carrying a child runs following an Israeli strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 14.(AFP) Egypt, the only Arab state to share a border with Gaza, and Jordan, which is next to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, have both warned against Palestinians being forced off their land. It reflects deep Arab fears that Israel's latest war with Hamas in Gaza could spark a new wave of permanent displacement from land where Palestinians want to build a future state. "This is the cause of all causes, the cause of all Arabs," Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Thursday. "It is important that the (Palestinian) people remain steadfast and present on their land." For Palestinians, the idea of leaving or being driven out of land where they want to forge a state carries echoes of the "Nakba", or "catastrophe", when many Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes during the 1948 war that accompanied Israel's creation. Some 7,00,000 Palestinians, half the Arab population of what was British-ruled Palestine, were dispossessed and displaced, many spilling into neighbouring Arab states where they or many of their descendants remain. Many still live in refugee camps. Israel contests the assertion it drove Palestinians out, saying it was attacked by five Arab states after its creation. Since Israel launched its intense bombardment of Gaza after a devastating assault by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, hundreds of thousands of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, while still staying inside Gaza, a small, slither of land wedged between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. 'PREVENTING A SPILLOVER' The Israeli military on Friday warned civilians of Gaza City, more than 1 million people, to relocate south within 24 hours for their own safety, an announcement that was taken as a signal that Israel could be launching a land invasion soon. "Hold on to your homes. Hold on to your land," was the message broadcast from mosques in Gaza, as tens of thousands of people headed south. Others vowed to stay. "Death is better than leaving," said Mohammad, 20, outside a bombed Gaza building. People inspect the damage to their home after Israeli strikes in the Rafah camp on the southern Gaza Strip on October 14.(AFP) Jordan's King Abdullah warned "against any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from all Palestinian territories or cause their internal displacement, calling for preventing a spillover of the crisis into neighbouring countries and the exacerbation of the refugee issue." The head of the 22-member Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, urgently appealed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to condemn "this insane Israeli effort to transfer the population". The United States said this week it was talking to Israel and Egypt about the idea of safe passage for Gaza civilians. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: "Civilians need to be protected. We do not want to see a mass exodus of Gazans." Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, said the evacuation warning was "to temporarily move (people) south ... to mitigate civilian harm." "The UN should be praising Israel for these precautionary actions," Erdan told UN diplomats at a Israel-hosted event with families of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas. "For years, the U.N. has put its head in the sand in the face of Hamas's terror build-up in Gaza." The fate of Palestinian refugees is one of the thorniest issues in the moribund peace process. Palestinians and Arab states say a deal should include the right of those refugees and their descendants to return, something Israel has always rejected. Some Israeli statements have fuelled Arab apprehension. An Israeli military spokesman said on Tuesday he would advise Palestinians to "get out" through the Rafah crossing on Gaza's southern border with Egypt. Israel's military issued a clarification stating the crossing was at that time closed. The Rafah crossing is the main gateway for people in Gaza to the outside world. All the other exits lead to Israel. In Khan Younis in the south of Gaza, Mariam al-Farra, a 36-year-old mother of two, said people displaced inside the enclave were crammed together without water, power or internet links. "People are just saying we are all going to Sinai that we are going to be forcibly displaced," she said. "We have nothing to do with any of this. We just want to live in peace." COLD PEACE Since Islamist group Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Egypt has helped maintain a blockade of the strip, largely sealing off its border and imposing tight controls over the passage of goods and people through Rafah. Egypt faced an Islamist insurgency in northern Sinai that peaked after 2013 before security forces re-established control, and security sources and analysts say it wants to prevent infiltration by militants from Hamas - which shares an ideology with the Muslim Brotherhood, a group outlawed in Egypt. Egypt says the Rafah crossing is open and they are trying to secure the delivery of humanitarian relief into Gaza, although this has been hampered by Israeli bombardments close to the border. Cairo has also indicated that the resolution of the issue through any mass exodus of Palestinians is unacceptable. Opposition to new displacement of Palestinians runs deep in Egypt, where a peace treaty with Israel more than four decades ago secured an Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula but never led to reconciliation on a popular level. "Egyptian public opinion would overwhelmingly see this as a prelude to ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, basically expulsion, where it would be expected then that they just never would go back," said H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. The conflict around Gaza has also stirred long-standing fears in Jordan, home to a large population of Palestinian refugees and their descendants, that a wider conflagration would give the Israelis the opportunity to implement a transfer policy to expel Palestinians en masse from the West Bank. After an emergency Arab League meeting on Wednesday, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said all Arab states agreed to confront any attempt to displace Palestinians from their homeland. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Senate Republicans are calling for increased child care tax credits in a proposal released Friday that also includes an income tax cut Gov. Tony Evers rejected earlier this year. The proposal comes in response to the Democratic governors call for the GOP-controlled Legislature to convene in special session to consider over $1 billion on child care and workforce programs. Republicans said they would take that plan and amend it. Governor Evers has said that he would provide tax relief for the middle class in exchange for state-level investments in the child care industry, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said in a statement. We hope he keeps his word. Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback quickly dismissed the Republican effort. This is a completely unserious proposal from Republicans who are wholly out of touch with the challenges and needs of our state, she said. The dueling proposals seek to combat the ongoing child care crisis in Wisconsin. The cost of child care in Wisconsin can eat up as much as a third of a familys income and even surpass what families pay for college tuition, a Forward Analytics report found. The Republican amendment to Evers special session bill would allow a family of four with two children in child care to earn a tax credit of up to $5,200, offsetting nearly a quarter of their total average child care costs, LeMahieu said. The Republican proposal would also reduce the income tax rate from 5.3% to 4.4% for people in the states third tax bracket, a broad category covering individuals earning between $27,630 and $304,000 and married filers earning between $36,840 and $405,000. Evers vetoed the same proposed tax cut in July. The GOP amendment includes several other measures, including a new process for individuals in other states to receive reciprocal licenses, certificates, registrations or permits to work in Wisconsin. It would also reduce the examinations that substance abuse counselors, pharmacists, counselors and other medical professionals would have to complete to receive a license in Wisconsin. Democrats have consistently criticized efforts to deregulate Wisconsin industries. Cudaback called on spending more money to combat the child care crisis. We have billions of dollars in readily available state resources to make real, meaningful investments to finally address the pressing issues facing our state, including our generational workforce challenges and a looming child care crisis, she said. President Joe Biden has promised unconditional support for Israel as it gears up for a ground war in the Gaza Strip. But his administration is worried that the Israeli government isnt ready for the fallout from the massive invasion that could come at any hour. Israeli soldiers detain a man while on patrol near Kibbutz Beeri, the place where 270 revellers were killed by Hamas militants during the Supernova music festival on October 7. (AFP) People familiar with the Biden administrations stance say the White House fears that Israel doesnt have a plan for what comes next for Gaza after an invasion, and is pressing them to think beyond the immediate goal of eradicating Hamas. They asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. The people said Bidens team has also voiced anxiety about Israels demand that residents evacuate northern Gaza in 24 hours, a deadline that both the EU and UN say is unrealistic. Soon after Israel made the demand, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby acknowledged an evacuation in Gaza would be a tall order. The desire to support Israel versus the fear about what might come next underscores the delicate balancing act Biden faces. A punishing campaign in Gaza and no clear endpoint risks fanning Israels worst crisis in 50 years in to a regional conflagration the US and its allies would struggle to contain. For the time being, Biden and his team have sought to show unflinching support given the scale of the horror from last weekends attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw dozens taken hostage. Israeli officials have called the attack their 9/11 and some, such as President Isaac Herzog, have rejected the notion that Palestinian civilians could be innocent. They could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup detat, he said. More than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. Biden aides have steered clear of publicly questioning Israels strategy in the conflict against Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist group by the US and the EU. But theyve also been wary. On Friday afternoon, Biden said people shouldnt lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on mission through the region he visited four countries on Thursday as the US looks to keep the war from spreading and seek help winning the release of the hostages. While Blinken has urged some caution by Israel, his focus has been to ask other nations to do what they can to make sure the violence doesnt spread. They need a strategic plan for Gaza and its obvious that the plan that theyve been executing, essentially over the last several years hasnt worked, said Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and member of the House Armed Services Committee, who served four tours as a Marine in Iraq. Israel needs a long-term strategy for Gaza that will be more effective than whatever theyve been doing for the last 15 years, he said. The fluid situation on the ground underscores those risks. To Israels north, Hezbollah says its ready to act against Israel after its sponsor, Iran, warned that the continued blockade of Gaza could open up a new front in the conflict. Firing across the border has already picked up from both sides. US officials worry about the humanitarian toll on Gaza, where thousands of civilians crowded streets to flee in the wake of the evacuation order. Theyre also focused on the fate of the dozens of hostages and some 500 US citizens still in Gaza. The US is providing Israel with advice on how to recover the hostages, a senior defense official told reporters Thursday. Biden spoke with families of the missing Friday. Concern about collective punishment and civilian casualties will loom large as Israeli operations advance to destroy Hamas, said Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Still, she said, Id be surprised if the U.S. placed any restrictions on material support to Israel, given the horrific nature of Hamas attack. Israeli officials have said little about their plans for Gaza, beyond their determination to destroy Hamas. A former top Israeli military officer who remains in close touch with the army, speaking on condition of anonymity, said when the war ends, Israel may set up a temporary military regime and hand Gaza over to an international force, Bloomberg reported. Arab governments, like Israel, view Hamas as a threat and an Iranian proxy, even as they and their publics feel sympathy for the plight of the Palestinian people, said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. There may be an Arab role in helping legitimize some post-Hamas political order and even arriving at a post-Hamas political order that shouldnt be offensive to the Israelis, he said. Read more: Israel raids into Gaza as civilians flee after 1 million evacuation order Heavy Palestinian casualties also risk Israels fragile rapprochement with Arab governments across the region, especially the push for Saudi Arabia to normalize ties. Arab officials elsewhere also fear that images of dead civilians could prompt a public backlash, putting pressure on their governments to cool ties with Israel. A congressional aide said that discussions about Gazas future have also quietly begun on the Hill. Congressional leaders are acutely aware that the US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 with the aim of overthrowing the Taliban, but that US troops ended up remaining in the country for 20 years, the person said. It appears that the strategy is to support Israel in eliminating the terrorist enclave on its border and deter others, especially Hezbollah, from joining the fight, said Richard Fontaine, the chief executive of the Center for a New American Security. Beyond that - including the big question of who governs Gaza after Hamas - remains a work in progress. Irans foreign minister called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, warning that the war might expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle. It would make Israel suffer a huge earthquake", Hossein Amirabdollahian said. Lebanons Hezbollah group has taken all the scenarios of a war into consideration and Israel should stop its attacks on Gaza as soon as possible, he said as Tel Aviv considers Hezbollah its most serious immediate threat. Israel-Hamas War: A Palestinian firefighter extinguishes fire amid the rubble of a house after it was hit by Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.(Reuters) Israel estimates that the group has some 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles that can hit anywhere in Israel. It also has thousands of fighters who participated in Syrias 12-year conflict. Following This comes as the Israeli military said an Israeli drone strike along the border with Lebanon killed a cell that was trying to infiltrate into Israel. Hezbollah said its fighters fired several rockets at four Israel positions along the border. Hossein Amirabdollahian said that he met Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah who briefed him on the groups conditions in Lebanon. I know about the scenarios that Hezbollah has put in place. Any step the resistance (Hezbollah) will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity," he said, adding, I want to warn the war criminals and those who support this entity before it's too late to stop the crimes against civilians in Gaza, because it might be too late in few hours. Iranian foreign minister said that he will be contacting UN officials in the Middle East because there is still an opportunity to work on an initiative (to end the war) but it might be too late tomorrow. On Hezbollah, US president Joe Biden warned earlier that other players in the Middle East should not join the conflict as he ordered American warships to be sent to the region vowing full support for Israel. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail A senior Israeli official admitted "mistakes" in intelligence assessments ahead of a brutal Hamas attack last weekend which took the country and the world by surprise. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said, "It's my mistake, and it reflects the mistakes of all those making (intelligence) assessments" when he was asked about his recent remarks predicting no Hamas aggression. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers walk past a house damaged by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel.(AP) "We really believed that Hamas learned the lesson from" its last major war with Israel in 2021, Tzachi Hanegbi said. This comes as the Israeli military said that its forces were preparing to implement a wide range of operational offensive plans as expectations grew of an imminent invasion of the Gaza Strip. The military said its forces were deployed across the country, increasing operational readiness for the next stages of the war, with an emphasis on significant ground operations. Tzachi Hanegbi- Benjamin Netanyahu's national security adviser-said that Israel received no concrete warning, including from Egypt, of the October 7 attack by Hamas. The chief of Israel's Shin Bet domestic security service was summoned for an unusual 4 am briefing that day - 2.5 hours before the attack began - on new intelligence information, Tzachi Hanegbi said, adding, this did not warrant mobilisation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Israel-Hamas War Latest Updates: The Israel Defense Forces or IDF reportedly targeted Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in response to the infiltration of unidentified unmanned vehicles and the firing towards unoccupied IDF aircraft amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine-based Hamas militants in Gaza. The strike against the aircraft was successful. An IDF spokesperson said the launch at the aircraft was intercepted. Israelis take cover in a shelter as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from the Gaza strip, in Ashkelon, Israel, (AP) Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas as the army prepares for an expected ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Reports claimed that thousands of Palestinians fled to southern Gaza in search of refuge on Saturday after Israel warned them to evacuate before an expected ground offensive against Hamas in retaliation for the deadliest attack in Israel's history. Netanyahu warned that nearly a week of fierce bombardment was "just the beginning" as Israel seeks to retaliate against Hamas after their fighters killed more than 1,300 nearly a week ago. Follow Live Updates on Israel-Hamas war Israeli ground forces made "localised" raids into Gaza in the last 24 hours "to cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry" and try to find "missing persons", the army said. Hamas officials said 70 people, mostly women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on convoys fleeing Gaza City. Hamas media office said the cars were struck in three places as they headed south from Gaza City. It was not immediately clear who the target of the airstrikes was, or whether militants were among the passengers. Latest updates on Israel-Hamas war in Gaza: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has shifted its Gaza centre of operations and some staffers to the territorys south, but many of the world bodys 13,000 Gaza workers have chosen to remain in the north to continue helping people there, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday. The world body earlier warned of devastating humanitarian consequences after the Israeli military told the entire population of northern Gaza to leave. In a nationally televised address late on Friday, Netanyahu said, This is just the beginning We will end this war stronger than ever. We will destroy Hamas, he added, saying Israel has widespread international support for the operation. Israel faces a potential second front in the north after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon said it was "fully prepared" to join Hamas in the war when the time was right. There has been cross-border fire in recent days, sparking concern about regional stability and prompting the United States to send additional munitions and its largest aircraft carrier. US President Joe Biden has warned other regional powers not to get involved. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin assured Israel that we have your back as he and Americas top diplomat met on Friday with Israeli and Arab leaders. There was no indication the US was trying to prevent an expected Israeli ground offensive into Gaza that could worsen a humanitarian crisis for the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped in the blockaded territory. The visits to the Middle East by Austin and secretary of state Antony Blinken came as Israel escalated its war against Hamas militants in response to their shocking and brutal rampage last weekend. At least 1,900 Gazans most of them civilians and including more than 600 children -- have been killed in waves of missile strikes on the densely populated enclave, the Palestine health ministry said. Hamas, classified as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the US, took about 150 Israeli, foreign and dual national hostages back to Gaza in the initial attack, Israel has said. Relatives of Israelis abducted pleaded at the UN on Friday for the worlds help getting their loved ones home. Speaking by video from Israel, Yoni Asher told diplomats at an Israel-organised event that he hasnt slept or eaten since his wife and two small daughters vanished on Saturday while visiting his mother-in-law in the countrys south. Before the evacuation directives, 423,000 Gaza Strip residents had already fled their homes, according to the United Nations. The militant group said that 13 of them had been killed in Israeli air strikes. It has previously said four hostages died in bombardments. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon on Friday, killing a Reuters videographer and leaving six other journalists injured. An Associated Press photographer at the scene saw the body of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and the six who were wounded, some of whom were rushed to hospitals in ambulances. Images from the scene showed a charred car. Reuters said two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the shelling in the border area. Qatars Al-Jazeera TV, said two of its employees, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, also were among the wounded. Frances international news agency, Agence France-Presse, said two of its journalists also were among the wounded, but the agency did not release their names. (With inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Israeli businessman Idan Ofer and his wife quit their board posts at Harvard University, adding to a barrage of criticism over the schools response to the Hamas attacks on Israel. Israeli soldiers walk past houses destroyed by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel, (AP) Ofer and his wife Batia cited the lack of clear evidence of support from the universitys leadership for the people of Israel in stepping down from the Harvard Kennedy School Deans Executive Board. Our faith in the universitys leadership has been broken and we cannot in good faith continue to support Harvard and its committees, the Ofers said in a statement. Harvard President Claudine Gay, who took office in July, has struggled to placate some critics, who initially included former university president Larry Summers. Summers said he was sickened by Harvards initial silence after more than 30 student groups issued a statement blaming the violence solely on Israel. Gay released her third statement on the attacks late Thursday, condemning the barbaric atrocities committed by Hamas a group thats been designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union while defending freedom of expression. In a video message entitled Our Choices, Gay also rejected harassment or intimidation of individuals based on their beliefs. Earlier this week, investor and Harvard alumnus Bill Ackman called on the school to name the students in the groups that backed the statement. Some students have removed their support, saying they didnt read the statement before their organizations signed on. Summers later tempered his criticism after Gay spoke out more forcefully about the attacks. Jason Furman, a professor at Harvards Kennedy School and a former top economic advisor in the Obama Administration, told Bloomberg Television that while initially there was some faulty communications from Gay, shes now doing a great job of providing moral clarity, trying to bring people together. College campuses across the US have been roiled this week after the Hamas attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,300. Vigils, protests and counter-protests have taken place, including at Columbia University, as the death toll from Israels retaliatory offensive has already exceeded 1,500. The University of Pennsylvania, meanwhile, has fended off accusations of antisemitism leveled by donor and alumnus Marc Rowan, the chief executive officer of Apollo Global Management Inc., whos demanding two of its leaders resign. Ofer, principal owner of Quantum Pacific Group, is one of the richest Israelis, with a net worth of about $20 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He has interests ranging from shipping to energy to sports. His decision to leave his board post at the Kennedy School was reported earlier by the New York Post. A Reuters video journalist, Issam Abdallah, was killed and six other journalists injured in southern Lebanon on Friday when missiles fired from the direction of Israel struck them, news agency Reuters reported. In this photo provided by Reuters, Issam Abdallah, a videographer for the news agency, poses for a selfie while working in Maras, Turkey, in February 11, 2023. (Issam Abdallah/Reuters via AP) An Associated Press photographer at the scene saw the body of Reuters videographer Abdallah and the six, including from Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse, who were wounded some of whom were rushed to hospitals in ambulances. Images from the scene showed a charred car. A journalist's car burns at the site where an explosion killed Reuters visual journalist Issam Abdallah and injured colleagues from Reuters and other media, in Alma Al-Shaab near the border with Israel, southern Lebanon.(REUTERS) The group of journalists were working near Alma al-Shaab, close to the Israel border, where the Israeli military and Lebanese militia Hezbollah have been trading fire in border clashes, Reuters reported. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and a Hezbollah lawmaker blamed the incident on Israel. The Israel Defense Forces or IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israels UN envoy Gilad Erdan said in a briefing on Friday: "Obviously, we would never want to hit or kill or shoot any journalist that is doing its job. But you know, we are in a state of war, things might happen." He added that Israel will investigate the incident. Reuters said in a statement that Abdallah had been killed while providing a live video signal for broadcasters. The camera was pointed at a hillside when a loud explosion shook the camera, filling the air with smoke, and screams were heard. "We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," the news agency said in the statement. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issams family and colleagues," it added. Two other Reuters journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were also wounded in the incident and released from a hospital after receiving medical care. Nazeh said Reuters and the two other news organisations were filming missile fire coming from the direction of Israel when one struck Abdallah as he was sitting on a low stone wall near the rest of the group. Seconds later, another missile hit the car being used by the group, setting it aflame. While AP and Al Jazeera claimed that the shells were Israeli, Reuters said it could not establish whether the missiles had actually been fired by Israel. AFP said two of its journalists were wounded but the agency did not release their names. Qatari-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera said two of its journalists, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, were also wounded in the incident and had been clearly distinguishable as press. It blamed Israel for the incident, saying all those behind "this criminal act" should be held accountable. "The broadcast vehicle was bombed and completely burned despite the presence of our team close to/side by side with the rest of the international media crews in an agreed-upon location," Al Jazeera said in a statement. The village of Alma Al-Shaab has been the site of repeated clashes since war erupted further south between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian militia with close ties to Hezbollah. Shortly before Abdallah was killed, he posted on social media a photograph of himself wearing a helmet and a flak jacket with the word "press" visible on it. At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences to the family of the killed journalists. So many journalists are paying with their lives to bring truth to everybody, he said. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric earlier said that the world body hopes for an investigation into what happened. Journalists need to be protected and allowed to do their work, he said. Later Friday, dozens of Lebanon-based journalists and rights activists gathered outside the National Museum in Beirut to grieve over Abdallah's death and the injury of the journalists. The shelling occurred during an exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border between Israeli troops and members of Lebanons militant Hezbollah group. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since Saturdays attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aniruddha Dhar Have 11 years' experience in print and digital media. Write on politics, defence and world affairs, and have a keen eye for human-interest stories. ...view detail A senior military commander of Hamas who headed the Islamist group's aerial operations in Gaza City has been killed in Israeli air strikes, the military said Saturday. Smoke plumes billow during Israeli air strikes in Gaza City (AFP) Murad Abu Murad was killed over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre of Hamas from where the group carried out its "aerial activity", the military said. There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lebanon's foreign ministry said it will submit a formal complaint to the UN Security Council over what it called "Israel's deliberate killing" of Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese national and Reuters visuals journalist, state media reported on Saturday. In this photo provided by Reuters, Issam Abdallah, a videographer for the news agency, poses for a selfie while working in Maras, Turkey, in February 11, 2023. (Issam Abdallah/Reuters via AP) Abdallah was killed in southern Lebanon on Friday when missiles fired from the direction of Israel struck a group of journalists, a Reuters witness at the scene has said. The Louvre Museum in Paris is evacuating all visitors and staff and closing early on Saturday because it received a written threat. It said the move was linked to the government's decision to put France on high alert after a fatal school stabbing by a suspected extremist. French police officers keep watch outside of the Louvre museum, closed for security reasons, in Paris.(Reuters) The Louvre communication service said no one has been hurt and no incident has been reported. Paris police said verifications in the museum are underway. Alarms rang out through the vast museum in central Paris overlooking the Seine River when the evacuation was announced, and in the underground shopping center beneath its signature pyramid. Police cordoned off the monument from all sides, and the underground access, as tourists and other visitors streamed out. Videos posted online showed people leaving, some hurriedly and some stopping to take photos, others apparently confused about what was happening. The French government raised the threat alert level and is deploying 7,000 troops to increase security after Friday's school attack. French authorities say a former student suspected of Islamic radicalization killed a teacher and wounded three other people before being captured. The government is also concerned about fallout in France from the war between Israel and Hamas. The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, welcomes between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors per day. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Emmanuel Macron has urged Israel and Egypt to open a humanitarian corridor out of the besieged Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing for French nationals, his office said Saturday. French president Emmanuel Macron (AP) Paris had contacted all those concerned to try to ensure that French nationals could cross out of the southern Gaza Strip and into Egypt and that the crossing could also be used for "humanitarian operations" to Gaza, said the statement. Macron had held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, his office said. Egypt and Israel have agreed to let US citizens leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing for five hours on Saturday, according to a US official travelling with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a regional tour. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For the past several months, the race to the top of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce's Coolest Invention in Nebraska has been a close one. On Oct. 10 at the chamber's Manufacturing Summit, though, Columbus' Rocket Mobility took home the gold. The invention, tracked motorized wheelchairs designed for all-terrain and outdoor use, has become extremely popular in recent years and even more so in the months since their name was added to the list, 3D Designs Vice President Andy Havlovic said. "It opened a lot of publicity, a lot of different doorways. It was exciting to see everyone behind it, whether that's people in engineering, from the shop, actually producing the parts, get involved. It's something everyone was following so it was exciting for everyone to find out," Havlovic said. Their invention, a tracked motorized wheelchair designed for use in places other motorized mobility aids can't go, was up against household names like Costco rotisserie chickens, Rosenbauer fire trucks, chocolate melts and others. Even being on the list was a big deal, Rocket Mobility Vice President of Customer Relations Luke Heaton said. "I think it's a huge win just to be selected a possibility. They had companies all over the state nominated for it," Heaton said. "It was a privilege being in the top 16. There's really no losers once you reach that point, but we never would have dreamed we'd have won it." Five members of the Rocket Mobility and 3D Designs crew went to the summit for the announcement and some educational presentations. In addition to hosting the awards ceremony, it was a conference for manufacturers. Once the award was handed out, they had some seminars for those in attendance. "They had a really neat video montage beforehand. They went over all 16 contestants, showed each one in a random order. It was kind of neat because everybody got to see what everybody else was doing," Havlovic said. "They re-showed the bracket and finalists and how the bracket unfolded to get to us in the finals. Then there was a quick pause while they announced the winner and it was us." The recognition has been great, Havlovic said, and most of the Rocket Mobility people are still getting used to the idea of being the winner. At the conference, representatives from JP Morgan Chase even approached them to talk about some options for financing. The word has started to spread, and they intend to use it to get their machines to the people who want and need them, Havlovic said. "Obviously we're going to use (the award), we've been seeing a lot of publicity from people who've seen that now. It's a really neat marketing tool," Havlovic said. "All the other 15 manufacturers and producers, just to be in the contest, we got to meet a lot of them, see what they do, everybody for publicity, whether they got first or made it to the end, it's a great thing." This matchup was more than just a fun voting contest, Nebraska Chamber Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Mike Johnson said in an Oct. 10 press release announcing the winner. It was a showcase and hopefully an inspiration to future inventors. In addition to recognizing the skilled Nebraskans driving the manufacturing industry today, our goal is to illuminate these high-tech, problem-solving careers to the next generation," Johnson said. "We hope the products and manufacturers in this contest inspire the youth of Nebraska to check out careers in this field. Being a small business, and a relatively new one at that, and being able to climb the bracket is genuinely exciting as well, Havlovic said, not just for Rocket Mobility, but for other future qualifiers. "It's exciting I think for other small businesses. I thought that was cool. A lot of small businesses said 'you're not a big, wide-open, known, huge place,'" Havlovic said. "You don't have to be a big fish to have success. You get good ideas, a good team and the willpower to keep moving up and good things will happen." In Muslim communities across the world, worshippers gathered at mosques for their first Friday prayers since Hamas militants attacked Israel, igniting the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Some imams issued fiery calls of support for the Palestinians. Others bemoaned the loss of civilian lives on both sides and appealed for peace. Men pray during Friday prayers, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at the Islamic Center of East Lansing in East Lansing, Mich. In Muslim communities across the world, worshippers gathered at mosques for their first Friday prayers since Hamas militants attacked Israel, igniting the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)(AP) Imams in Europe plead for end to violence Prominent imams in France and Greece, in their sermons, decried the violence that has wracked Israel and the Gaza Strip, and appealed for peace. The imam of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Abdennour Tahraoui, bemoaned the tragic news emerging from a war that has generated thousands of dead and wounded on both sides. Civilians have been deliberately targeted, he said. "Its our duty to condemn these acts and to give witness to our solidarity toward all innocent victims. He also appealed for calm in France, which has the largest Muslim population in Western Europe. Its imperative to avoid provocations, or even clashes toward communities of different religions and beliefs, so that we can live in peace and harmony in France," Tahraoui said Sidi Mohammad Zakim, the imam of Athens' mosque, made similar appeals in his sermon. We dont want violence, we dont want war. We want peace and I wish to Allah for peace in the whole world, Sidi Mohammad Zaki told the AP after Friday prayers. Let each person believe what they want. This bloodshed has to end, because, what fault is it of a little child, either on one side or on the other?" Zaki added. "What fault is it of a woman? Of an elderly person? Why are they playing with these souls. Imams in US denounce attacks on Gaza, raise funds for humanitarian aid Across the U.S., Muslims walking into mosques for prayers heard sermons on the war unfolding in the Middle East and raised money for humanitarian aid in Gaza. In New Yorks Brooklyn borough, Imam Mohamed Elbar, urging calm, denounced Israels attacks and halting of supplies to the Gaza strip the latter he later described as a war crime. Images of the Palestinian flag and children amid destroyed buildings flashed on a large screen at the mosque. The children of Palestine deserve to live just as any of the children in any part of the world, Elbar said. Zein Ramawi, one of the mosque leaders who came to the U.S. four decades ago from the West Bank, said he worried about relatives back home. The only thing we can do is pray for them ask God to help our brothers in Palestine. In the Washington suburbs, Imam Farhan Siddiqi of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center delivered an impassioned sermon on the plight of Palestinians living under Israels bombardment. The Israeli military ordered the evacuation of northern Gaza on Friday. Evacuate to where? Siddiqi asked of the Israeli government. Where do you want them to go? You created an open-air prison. You control all the exits and you are telling them to leave? Near the end of the service, the community had raised more than $16,000 of its $20,000 fundraising goal to send humanitarian relief for Gaza. We will continue to respond, we will continue to grow, we will continue to be positive, and we will continue to contribute because that is the way of the Muslim, Siddiqi said. In Michigan, Imam Sohail Chaudhry of the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing first explained the Holy Lands significance to Muslims before weighing in on the latest conflict, condemning violence against all innocent people. The root cause of this problem is 50 years plus of oppression, illegal occupation, illegal settlements," Chaudhry said. You have to return the land of the Palestinian people to them; you have to return their human dignity back to them. He urged Muslims in America to speak against the oppression, even if it comes with consequences in the U.S., and to be patient, pray and not to lose hope. In Minneapolis, Jaylani Hussein told more than 100 young people gathered for the Muslim Student Associations Friday prayers at a Lutheran church that they have a unique role to play. We are the American Muslim population we have a responsibility to make sure that this country, and our tax dollars, are not used to wipe out our brothers and sisters, said Hussein, director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota chapter, who was invited to address the University of Minnesota students. First-year student Idhil Mohamed took to heart Husseins message to speak against the violence Israel is inflicting on Palestinians. Theyre just children. And it tells us in our religion: children should never be killed, she said. Home to U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, the first Muslim woman in the U.S. House, Minnesota has a large Muslim community with rapidly growing numbers of refugees from war-torn Somalia. In Sermon speaker urges egyptians to rally behind their homeland In a sermon broadcast on Egyptian television, Ayman Abou Omar stressed the importance of being aware of the value of the homeland and maintaining security. The dangers are great, the challenges grave, he said, urging Egyptians to unite behind their state, leadership and army. Without security, there is no state, he said. He prayed for Egyptians, their army and president, and asked God to help the Palestinians and aid them in preserving their land. Egypt, which made peace with Israel decades ago. has long served as a regional mediator. Clerics in Pakistan give emotional sermons in support of the Palestinians In the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, a cleric at the pro-Taliban Red Mosque pleaded with God to send special help to the Palestinians. Oh Allah destroy Israel! Break it apart into pieces, urged Abdul Aziz in an emotional sermon delivered to around 900 worshippers congregated for Friday prayers. The mosque has links to the Pakistani Taliban and is known for backing calls to help the Afghan Taliban across the border. In July 2007, government forces laid siege to the mosque in a military crackdown that killed at least 100 people. On Friday, the cleric asked God to help all those who wanted to join the jihad, or holy war, in the Palestinian territories. Oh Allah make it easy for them to reach there, and bless us with the death of a martyr, he declared, his voice reverberating through loudspeakers. Similar sermons were held at mosques throughout the country. And radical Islamist parties held anti-Israel rallies after Friday prayers. Pakistan has no diplomatic relations with Israel because of the issue of Palestinian statehood. In Indonesia, prayers for God's Protection and for the absent Islamic leaders in Indonesia appealed to all mosques in the worlds most populous Muslim-majority nation to pray for peace and safety for the Palestinian people. The chairperson of the Indonesian Mosque Council had urged all mosques to perform the Qunut Nazilahto prayer, one made for protection, to ask for Gods help so that the conflict in the Gaza Strip would end quickly. The appeal from the nation's former Vice President Jusuf Kalla is in line with most Indonesian Muslims, who stand with Palestinians. The prayer was held along with the Salat Al-Ghaib, or prayer for the absent. In a sermon at Abu Bakar Al Shidiq, one of the most conservative mosques in Jakarta, a cleric called for mobilizing our power and efforts to help the Muslims in Palestine. Prayer is a weapon for devout Muslims, he added, For those of us who have not been given the opportunity by God to take up arms to defend the honor and religion of our Muslims brothers, then we can take up our weapons by raising our hands asking God for His blessings." SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ukrainian officials reported intense combat, characterised by relentless assaults by Russian forces, as the ongoing attack on an eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka entered its fifth consecutive day on Saturday. Russia-Ukraine War: Smoke rises above the area of Avdiivka town in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict.(Reuters) The enemy has not stopped either assaulting or shelling positions" around Avdiivka, city head Vitalii Barabash said on Ukrainian television. Barabash also reported that Moscow was deploying additional forces to encircle the strategically important city in the eastern Donetsk region, situated just north of the Moscow-held regional capital, also called Donetsk. Around 1,600 civilians remain within the city, a stark contrast to its prewar population of about 31,000. Barabash's comments came after Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told a UN Security Council meeting on Friday that the intensified attacks in the east amounted to a new stage in Moscow's campaign in Ukraine. Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished, he said. But Ukrainian President Voloydymr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that Ukrainian forces were keeping Russian troops at bay and holding our ground. Further north, fighting along the northern stretch of Ukraine's eastern front has significantly worsened in recent days, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's land forces, wrote on Facebook Saturday. Syrskyi, who visited troops in the area, said that Russian forces had regrouped following losses and were mounting attacks around the village of Makiivka and pushing towards the city of Kupiansk, with the goal of encircling Kupiansk and reaching the Oskil River. Also on Saturday, a 60-year-old woman was killed in Russian shelling of the city of Beryslav in Ukraine's partly-occupied Kherson region. In Russia, the country's Defence Ministry said air defense systems shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea near the southern resort city Sochi on Saturday morning. Ukrainian officials have never acknowledged responsibility for attacks on Russian territory. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Saudi Arabia has suspended talks on potentially normalising ties with Israel, a source told AFP on Saturday, amid the war raging between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu (right) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left). Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7 which killed 1,300 people, sparking a retaliatory bombing campaign that has killed at least 2,215 in the Gaza Strip ahead of a potential Israeli ground invasion of the territory. "Saudi Arabia has decided to pause discussion on possible normalisation and has informed US officials," a source familiar with the discussions told AFP. The source spoke the same day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Riyadh with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the latest stop on a six-nation tour of the region. After that meeting, the Saudi foreign ministry called for "an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and its surroundings" and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. The Gulf kingdom, home to Islam's holiest sites, has never recognised Israel and did not join the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords that saw its Gulf neighbours Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Morocco establish formal ties with Israel. US President Joe Biden's administration had been pushing hard in recent months for Saudi Arabia to take the same step. 'No way' to normalise Under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, son of the ageing King Salman, Riyadh had laid out conditions for normalisation, including security guarantees from Washington and help developing a civilian nuclear programme. In an interview with Fox News last month, Prince Mohammed said "every day we get closer" to a deal, though he also insisted the Palestinian issue was "very important" for Riyadh. "We need to solve that part. We need to ease the life of the Palestinians," he said. The deal was seen as a long shot by many analysts even before the war began. "Normalisation between the kingdom and Israel is an American initiative and project that the kingdom has welcomed in case the US could deliver an agreement addressing the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians -- one that the Palestinians would accept," said Saudi analyst Hesham Alghannam. "In reality, Israel was not really ready to reach an agreement with the Palestinians that would give them the minimum of their needs." Joost Hiltermann, Middle East director of the International Crisis Group, said there was "no way that any Arab country can seriously engage with Israel about normalising relations when their publics see what is happening in Gaza". Saudi Arabia is putting U.S.-backed plans to normalise ties with Israel on ice, two sources familiar with Riyadh's thinking said, signalling a rapid rethinking of its foreign policy priorities as war escalates between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman(via REUTERS) The conflict has also pushed the kingdom to engage with Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took his first phone call from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as Riyadh tries to prevent a broader surge in violence across the region. The two sources told Reuters there would be a delay in the U.S.-backed talks on normalisation with Israel that was a key step for the kingdom to secure what Riyadh considers the real prize of a U.S. defence pact in exchange. Until Iran-backed Hamas sparked a war on Oct. 7 by launching a devastating attack on Israel, both Israeli and Saudi leaders had been saying they were moving steadily towards a deal that could have reshaped the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest sites, had until the latest conflict indicated it would not allow its pursuit of a U.S. defence pact be derailed even if Israel did not offer significant concessions to the Palestinians in the their bid for statehood, sources had previously said. But an approach that sidelined Palestinians would risk angering Arabs around the region, as Arab news outlets broadcast images of Palestinians killed in Israeli retaliatory airstrikes. Hamas fighters killed more than 1,300 Israelis in their Oct. 7 attack and more than 1,500 had been killed by Friday in Israel's ongoing strikes on Gaza in response. The first source familiar with Riyadh's thinking said talks could not be continued for now and the issue of Israeli concessions for the Palestinians would need to be a bigger priority when discussions resumed - a comment that indicates Riyadh has not abandoned the idea. The Saudi government did not respond to emailed requests for comment on this article. The Saudi rethink highlights challenges facing Washington's efforts to deepen Israels integration in a region where the Palestinian cause remains a major Arab concern. "Normalisation was already considered taboo (in the Arab world) ... this war only amplifies that," Saudi analyst Aziz Alghashian said. Washington wants to build on the Abraham Accords when Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, normalised ties. U.S. National Security advisor Jake Sullivan told a White House briefing this week that the normalisation effort was "not on hold" but said the focus was on other immediate challenges. The first source familiar with Saudi thinking said Washington had pressed Riyadh this week to condemn the Hamas attack but said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan pushed back. A U.S. source familiar with the issue confirmed this. The regional conflict has also prompted the Saudi crown prince and Iran's president to speak for the first time after a Chinese-brokered initiative prompted the Gulf rivals to re-establish diplomatic ties in April. A Saudi statement said the crown prince told Raisi "the kingdom is exerting maximum effort to engage with all international and regional parties to halt the ongoing escalation", underling Riyadh's move to contain the crisis. A senior Iranian official told Reuters the call, made by Raisi to the crown prince, aimed to support "Palestine and prevent the spread of war in the region". "The call was good and promising," the official said. A second Iranian official said the call lasted 45 minutes and had the blessing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. De-escalating tensions The Saudi government did not provide further details on the call but the statement said the crown prince stated the kingdom's "opposition to any form of civilian targeting and the loss of innocent lives" and expressed Riyadh's "unwavering stance in standing up for the Palestinian cause". Saudi Arabia has been seeking to ease tensions elsewhere in the Middle East, including seeking to end a conflict Yemen, where Riyadh has led a military coalition in a war against the Iran-aligned Houthis. Asked about Raisi's call with the crown prince, a senior U.S. State Department official said Washington was in "constant contact with Saudi leaders". U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held several calls with his Saudi counterpart. The official said Washington was asking partners with channels to Hamas, Hezbollah - a Lebanese armed group aligned with Tehran that fought a war with Israel in 2006 - or Iran "to get Hamas to stand down from its attacks, to release hostages, keep Hezbollah out (and) keep Iran out of the fray." The first source familiar with Saudi thinking said Gulf states, including those with Israeli ties, were worried Iran could be drawn into a conflict that would affect them. Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said the last week showed how the Saudi and Iranian visions for the region diverged. "The Saudis are still convinced the region, and Saudi Arabia itself, needs to shift toward regional cooperation and economic development. Iran seems to think the priority is to take the fight to the Israelis first," he said. The United States has recently announced a move that would benefit thousands of Indians, particularly those waiting for the US green card. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has said that it will provide employment authorisation cards to some non-immigrant categories, including people waiting for green cards, for five years. The employment-based green card backlog touched a record 18 lakh cases this year in US. The US immigration services have increased the maximum validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) to five years for initial and renewal EADs for certain non-citizens, who must apply for employment authorisation. These will include applicants seeking asylum or withholding of removal, change of status and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal, the federal agency said in a press release dated September 27. Why this step has been taken? The US has said that it is extending the validity of the work permit with an aim to reduce the backlog of new applications it receives including renewing the EADs. Increasing the maximum EAD validity period to 5 years is intended to significantly reduce the number of new Forms I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, we receive for renewal EADs over the next several years, contributing to our efforts to reduce associated processing times and backlogs, it said. Notably, the employment-based green card backlog touched a record 18 lakh cases this year in the United States. A Green Card, or a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that gives immigrants the right to live permanently in the US. The country issues over 10 lakh green cards annually, but only 7% of them can be allocated to one particular company. Who will the move benefit? The move will particularly benefit thousands of Indians who are in queue for an employment-based green card in the US. Notably, more than 10.5 lakh Indians are in the queue for an employment-based Green Card in the country, a study in September revealed. Of these 4 lakh of them may die before they get the permanent residency document in the US. Chinese applicants faced a 17-year wait, while the waiting period for Salvadorans, Hondurans, and Guatemalan applicants is much longer. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a recent video posted on his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy by claiming, without evidence, that individuals responsible for the recent attacks in Israel were infiltrating the United States through its southern border. Trump voiced his concerns about the open border policy, suggesting a potential security threat. FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)(AP) "The same people that raided Israel are pouring into our once beautiful USA through our totally open southern border at record numbers. Are they planning to attack within our country?" Trump questioned in the video. The same people that raided Israel are pouring into our once beautiful USA through our totally open southern border at record numbers. These are the same people, many of them, that did a number in Israel, a sneak attack, he added. The former President added, "Crooked Joe Biden and his boss Barack Hussein Obama did this to us. We cannot let this happen. They may be planning something very very bad...people are pouring in from the Middle East into our country, largely males, strong young males. What's going on over here? Are we going to be raided like Israel was raided?" However, these claims have been met with scepticism and fact-checking. Terrorism experts and immigration policy analysts have refuted Trump's assertions. David Bier of the Cato Institute emphasized that people crossing the border are primarily seeking economic opportunities and freedom, not planning attacks. Fact-checking website Politifact labelled Trump's claims as "pants on fire," showing a strong belief in their falsity. "Terrorism experts told us that there is no evidence that Hamas, a terrorist group in Gaza, has militants crossing the Mexico-U.S. border, much less in record numbers," the website said. The Department of Homeland Security stated that there is no specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States linked to the recent events in Israel. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection did report an increase in detentions of individuals on the FBI's terrorism watchlist crossing the southern border, the numbers remain relatively small. Trump in a separate video included remarks about his administration's role in maintaining Israel's safety. "I kept Israel safe, remember that. I kept Israel safe. Nobody else will, nobody else can and I know all of the players, they can't do it. But I kept Israel safe, and I will keep Israel safe," he said. He expressed solidarity with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite his earlier criticism. Trump's controversial statement implied a connection between the Israel attack and the legitimacy of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, a claim widely debunked by experts and dismissed in court. 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! It seems like Meghan Markle is deliberately not wearing her engagement ring to avoid another conflict with the royal family. Meghan's engagement ring features diamonds from Princess Diana's collection. As per Laura Taylor, an engagement ring specialist at Lorel Diamonds, Prince Williams is concerned about her mother's diamonds. This may just be why Meghan has ditched her ring and is probably keeping it safe to protect it from being stolen. FILE - Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives at the Invictus Games venue in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, April 15, 2022.(AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)(AP) In a recent interview, Laura said that Williams' concern is understandable, adding that Meghan has been seen without the ring on several occasions. But each time she wore it, Princess Diana's jewels were still intact on the ring, as per GB News. Laura further suggested that Meghan likely refrains from wearing the ring to avoid Prince William's potential wrath in case she loses it. ALSO READ: Meghan Markle thinks social media has devolved, feels frightened for her kids Meghan may be keeping the ring safe to avoid losing Dianas diamonds, knowing that if they were misplaced it would put an even bigger strain on the relationship between the two families, Laura added. She also noted how famous people are always a target for thieves, which is why Meghan may have kept the ring somewhere locked away for safekeeping. Considering the intense public focus on the ring lately, I believe that the absence of her engagement ring is now a deliberate choice, the expert declared. Recalling the harrowing burglary incident Kim Kardashian faced in Paris, Laura claimed that Meghan is making a sensible decision to not travel with it. If this is the case, we may see it reappear as we get into the holiday season and the family are at home more, she concluded. In addition to diamonds from Princess Diana's collection, Meghan's ring also boasts a stunning cushion cut centre ethically mined Botswana diamond, personally selected by Prince Harry. The centre diamond has a special connection with the couple's time together in Botswana. The ring is a custom design with the three diamonds set on a classic yellow gold band. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A report by NBC News revealed that Hamas terrorists had a sinister plot to target schools and youth centers in Israel and kill as many people as possible during their surprise attack last weekend. Retaliatory strikes on Gaza have left more than 1,000 Palestinians dead and Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the US and EU, is holding an unknown number of Israelis hostage. Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg(Khan Younis) The report was based on top secret documents that Israeli first responders found on the bodies of Hamas fighters. The documents, written in Arabic, showed the detailed plans of Hamas units to infiltrate and surround three Israeli kibbutzim near the Gaza border and capture hostages from among the civilians, especially women and children. The documents specifically marked the buildings that Hamas wanted to attack, such as the new Daat school, the Bnei Akiva youth center, and the old Daat school in the kibbutz of Kfar Saad. The documents also indicated the points of entry and the modes of transportation that the Hamas units would use. A journalist's car burns after it was hit by Israeli shelling in the Alma al-Shaab border village with Israel, south Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)(AP) The documents instructed the invaders to kills as many as possible and capture hostages. The villages of Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz, and Alumim were also featured in the documents. Israeli officials said that they are analyzing many similar plans that they recovered from the Hamas fighters. An IDF soldier said that he was shocked by the level of specificity and sophistication of the plans. He said that the plans showed that Hamas was targeting places where civilians gather, such as the dental office, the supermarket, the dining hall. He said that he had never seen this kind of detailed planning for a mass terrorist attack. The plans contradicted the claims of Hamas that they were not aiming to kill children in their attacks against Israel. The Palestinian militants released a disturbing video on Friday showing men in fatigues holding and playing with Israeli babies and children that they had abducted. Israel announced a complete siege of Gaza, cutting off any supplies to the enclave, until Hamas releases the hostages. ALSO READ| How a WhatsApp group became a lifeline amidst Hamas attack on Be'eri Kibbutz, Israel On Friday morning, Israel also warned up to 1.1 million Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate within 24 hours before a possible ground invasion to target Hamas terrorists. However, Hamas dismissed the warning and told its citizens to remain steadfast in your homes, and to stand firm in the face of this disgusting psychological war. The death toll from the conflict has reached 1,300 in Israel, including 27 Americans, and another 1,900 in Gaza. 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 annular solar eclipse or the Ring of Fire will be visible in most of North and South America for the first time since 2012 on Saturday, October 14. The celestial event will begin in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and end in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT. The solar eclipse can only be witnessed by those living in the western hemisphere. Countries falling along the narrow path that crosses from Oregon to Texas will get full visibility. An annular eclipse is viewed from a waterfront park in Yokohama, Japan, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. (AP) ALSO READ: Solar Eclipse 2023: Safe ways to watch solar eclipse Where to see the Ring of Fire in the United States? Sky watchers in Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas, as well as, parts of California, Idaho, Colorado and Arizona will get the opportunity to witness the rare eclipse. Meanwhile, in all other states including Alaska, a partial eclipse will be visible. Moreover, the rare solar eclipse will also pass over the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and parts of Belize, along with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Other countries in South America where the eclipse will be visible are - Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. However, a partial solar eclipse will also be visible in Argentina. The period of annularity, when the ring of fire effect is visible, will last around 5 minutes and at that time, the point of maximum coverage for people in Eugene, Oregon, will occur at 9:18 a.m. PDT, while in Alturas, California, it will be at 9:20 a.m. PDT. Subsequently, the ring of fire will be visible at 9:23 a.m. PDT in Battle Mountain, Nevada; at 10:28 a.m. MST in Richfield, Utah; and at 10:35 a.m. MST in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and 11:54 a.m. CDT in San Antonio. The eclipse will be livestreamed on NASA's official channels, including YouTube. Those watching the eclipse in person, are strictly advised to use glasses that adhere to the ISO 12312-2 international standard. As per NASA, viewing the solar eclipse with any object that does not have a "special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury." 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 US has declared that it will issue employment authorisation cards to some non-immigrant categories, including those who have been waiting for green cards, for five years. Over 10.5 lakh Indians in line for employment-based Green Card, 4 lakh may die before getting permanent residency (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)(AP) This will benefit thousands of Indians living in the US. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that it was extending the maximum validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) to 5 years for initial and renewal EADs for certain non-citizens who need to apply for employment authorisation. These include people who are seeking asylum or withholding of removal, adjustment of status under INA 245, and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal, the federal agency said. The agency said that by increasing the maximum EAD validity period to 5 years, it aims to reduce the number of new Forms I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, that it receives for renewal EADs in the next few years. This will help it to lower the processing times and backlogs, it said. The agency also said that the employment authorisation of the noncitizen depends on their underlying status, circumstances, and EAD filing category. For example, if someone received an EAD under the category based on a pending adjustment of status application for 5 years, and then their adjustment application is denied, their employment authorisation may end before the expiry date on their EAD, it said. A new study has revealed that more than 10.5 lakh Indians are in line for an employment-based Green Card and 4 lakh of them may die before they get the permanent residency document in the US. ALSO READ| US libraries are under threat from digital assault, can they be saved? A Green Card, or a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that gives immigrants the right to live permanently in the US. There are limits on how many green cards can be issued to people from certain countries. The study by David J Bier of the Cato Institute, an American libertarian think tank, said that the backlog of employment-based Green Cards reached a record high of 1.8 million cases this year. Out of these, 1.1 million cases are from India (63 per cent). Another nearly 250,000 cases are from China (14 per cent), it 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 Fall migration at the Crane Trust doesnt draw the huge flocks of people or birds to central Nebraska as the more famous spring event, but theres still plenty to see. The same cranes, geese, ducks, shorebirds and warblers that attracted thousands of visitors a few months ago as they headed north to their breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia are returning to Mexico and the southern United States for the winter. The thing with the fall migration is its not super glamorous. You cant just be in one spot and see a bunch of birds, said Bethany Ostrom, a wildlife biologist. Its a little bit harder to see the birds. If you know where to look, you can see a good variety of species. Just last weekend, one of the Crane Trusts neighbors spotted 200 to 300 sandhill cranes, the first group to come through this fall. Ostrom also has been seeing several species of sparrows and warblers, shorebirds and some ducks. Unlike the more condensed spring migration, which usually lasts from March to April, the fall version can stretch from late August to the end of November, which is what makes it harder to see the birds. Cranes are usually on the move from mid-October to mid-November. The visitor center at the Crane Trust near Wood River is open along with 10 miles of trails. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. On Saturday, the trust will celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with fun activities for the family from 1-3 p.m. Great birding places can be found in the woodlands along the river and in the swathes of prairie in the 10,000-acre prairie ecosystem managed by the Crane Trust. Since they began tracking the birds in 2016, Crane Trust staff members have spotted 250 species of birds on the property. In the fall alone, theyve counted more than 200. The list can be found at cranetrust.org/birdlist. It just goes to show grasslands, rivers and wetlands are safe havens for a huge diversity of birds, Ostrom said. The central Platte River Valley, where the trust is located, has the added benefit of being an intersection between birds of the eastern half of the United States and those of the west, allowing visitors to see both in one spot. Ostrom advises visitors to check out as many habitats on the Crane Trust property as possible to see the different birds in each. The grasslands may be a surprise because of the many birds it attracts. We have a lot of great trails and a lot of great staff that can point you in the right direction, she said. Some of the birds that can be found at the Crane Trust in the fall 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-01.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-02.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-03.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-04.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-05.JPEG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-06.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-07.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-08.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-09.JPG (copy) 101423-owh-new-fallbirding-10.JPG (copy) Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and Republican presidential candidate, criticized The Washington Post for its article on Taylor Swifts Eras Tour, which claimed that the pop star was adding billions to the U.S. economy. NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE - OCTOBER 13: Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the 2023 First in the Nation Leadership Summit on October 13, 2023 in Nashua, New Hampshire. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) The Presidential candidate accused the newspaper of hypocrisy and double standards, saying that it believed in "trickle-down economics, but only for when it comes to Taylor Swift." The Washington Post published an article on October 13, 2023, titled " So how much did Taylor Swift actually make from the Eras Tour?" The article estimated that Swifts record-breaking tour, which was also released as a concert film in theaters, would bring in as much as $4.1 billion in revenue. The article also argued that the tour had a positive impact on the U.S. economy, creating jobs and boosting consumer spending. Ramaswamy took to X (Formerly Twitter) to slam the article, saying that it was the most absurd thing he had ever read. He said that The Washington Post was the same paper that tells us trickle-down economics is a myth and that corporate profits dont benefit workers or consumers. He said that the paper was now telling us that Taylor Swifts tour is a boon for the economy because it trickles down to everyone else. The Republican entrepreneur said that he had nothing against Taylor Swift or her fans, but he questioned the logic and consistency of The new outlet. He said that the paper was trying to have it both ways and that it was either clueless or dishonest. He said that he believed in free markets and free speech, but he also believed in calling out BS when I see it. ALSO READ| US to extend Green Card validity to 5 years, benefitting 1.05 Million Indians Ramaswamy is known for his outspoken views on various social and political issues, such as environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) investing, which he opposes. He has also written a book called Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate Americas Social Justice Scam2, in which he criticizes corporations for engaging in social activism for profit and power. He announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election in February 2023. 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! Saudi Arabian Funds, BlockFis Founder, and a Star Witness: Recapping the Dramatic Second Week of the SBF Trial From FTX founder and CEO Sam Bankman-Frieds attempts to raise company funds from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to using the identities of Thai prostitutes in an attempt to unfreeze crypto accounts, the second week of Bankman-Frieds criminal trial proved damning for the disgraced king of crypto. FTX co-founder comes clean The week began with FTX co-founder Gary Wang finishing up his time on the witness stand after admitting he enacted special privileges within FTXs coding specifically for sister company Alameda Research. Testifying under a cooperation agreement with the U.S. government, Bankman-Frieds defense made it a point to imply Wang could be biased in his answers in hopes of receiving a reduced sentence throughout his cross-examination. However, the prosecution rebutted by noting Wang provided them with information before he even obtained a cooperation agreement. Former Alameda CEO gives compelling testimony Shortly after Wang concluded his cross-examination, former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison took the stand as the prosecutions star witness. In her testimony, she revealed that Bankman-Fried directed her to falsify a number of balance sheets to make FTX and Alameda more attractive to investors without revealing the theft of FTX customer funds. Similarly, Ellison and Bankman-Fried put together a number of spreadsheets that attempted to predict the chances of Alameda and FTXs collapse. Ellison claimed she felt she wasnt experienced when she became CEO of Alameda When Ellison tried to quit months before Alameda and FTX went under, Bankman-Fried stopped her, telling her she was too important to do so. Prostitutes, bribery, and Saudi Arabian royalty In an explosive piece of evidence, Ellison claimed Bankman-Fried resorted to generating fake accounts seemingly belonging to Thai prostitutes on OKX and Huobi in an attempt to gain control of their frozen accounts worth $1 billion. However, when the plan failed, Bankman-Fried resorted to bribing Chinese government officials. Ellison revealed Bankman-Fried then shouted at an FTX employee concerned about the bribery scheme to shut the fk up! In another twist, the fallen FTX founder attempted to raise funds from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, when his crypto empire found itself struggling in mid-2022. However, these attempts were unsuccessful, with FTX ultimately collapsing in November of 2022. Bankman-Fried worried about optics Equally significantly, Ellison painted Bankman-Fried as hyper focused on his image despite dressing sloppily. According to Ellison, Bankman-Fried believed his unkempt hair was very valuable and that it was an important part of FTXs narrative and image. Moreover, he attributed his unique hairstyle as being the reason he received higher bonuses during his prior employment at proprietary trading firm Jane Street Capital. Ellison then claimed Bankman-Fried utilized Twitter as a valuable way to cultivate customer customers and to help control the narrative around FTX. Additionally, the former Alameda CEO alleged that Bankman-Fried switched from driving a luxury vehicle to a Toyota Corolla in order for it to look better for his image. When a Bloomberg article came out criticizing the close ties between Alameda Research and FTX, Bankman-Fried became concerned and stated that the companies needed to be more careful about avoiding any bad PR. By Fall 2022, Bankman-Fried renamed several different related venture investing entities in an attempt to separate them from being associated with Alameda. Ellisons romantic relationship with Bankman-Fried was unequal Another fascinating component of Ellisons testimony came when she discussed her romantic relationship with the FTX founder. In an on-again, off-again relationship for a number of years, Ellison told jurors she shared her feelings of personal writings with her then-boyfriend. In them, Ellison discussed feelings of unhappiness with their relationship, including feelings about the intersection of our personal and professional relationship. Ellison claimed that the dynamic made her feel bad and like an unequal partner in their relationship. By mid-2022, the two had separated for the final time. The former Alameda CEO later revealed in her testimony that her new boyfriend, a former employee of FTX/Alameda, was present when the FBI raided her home as part of their investigation. At one point, the prosecution noted that Bankman-Fried had laughed, visibly shaken his head, and scoffed during Ellisons testimony. The defense rebuked this, claiming that the prosecution was attempting to paint him as a very dirty person. Ellison breaks down on the witness stand The former Alameda CEO wiped away tears as she recalled having an overwhelming feeling of relief when FTX finally collapsed. In a message to Bankman-Fried around Nov. 7, 2022, Ellison wrote she had an increasing dread of this day, claiming it had been weighing on her. It just feels great to get it all over with, she wrote. While she noted it was the worst week of her life, she was consoled that she didnt have to lie anymore and could start taking responsibility for her crimes. BlockFi founder testifies Zac Prince, the founder of digital asset lending company BlockFi, started and finished his testimony against Bankman-Fried Friday in Manhattan federal court. According to Prince, BlockFi began lending to FTX around towards the end of 2020 or first-half of 2021, with FTXs borrowing increasing over time. When FTX was unable to repay loans and filed for bankruptcy in early November 2022, BlockFi was forced to follow suit shortly after. Prince claimed BlockFi lost a little over $1 billion, consisting of $650 million in outstanding loans and $350 of customer funds on FTX itself. Had BlockFi known the truth about FTX and Alamedas funds, Prince said his company probably wouldnt have lent to them in the first place. Bankman-Fried shook his head throughout several moments of Princes testimony. His parents, Stanford Law school professors Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried, have attended every day of the trial. If convicted, Bankman-Fried could serve up to 110 years in federal prison. Independent Hotels: Guest Experiences Like No Other As big box hotels are becoming the norm, independent hotels offer the most memorable guest stays According to the legendary Coco Chanel, In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different. Unlike the familiar patterns of franchise hotels, independent hotels shine with their distinct threads of individuality and charm. These establishments rise above all others in their unique designs, echoing tales of history, local culture, and visionary themes. Every corner and every wall convey a story, making them a favored choice for travelers seeking more than just a bed for the night. One might walk into such a hotel and instantly notice the difference in architecture and interior design. There's no standard blueprint that these hotels follow. Instead, they're like crafted artworks with distinct styles and flair. From historic mansions converted into luxurious lodgings to innovative structures reflecting contemporary trends, these hotels are a treat for both the eyes and the soul. Beyond just the structure and decor, the atmosphere in these hotels stands out. Whether it's the relaxing ambiance of a country retreat, the energy of a city-center boutique hotel, or the laid-back vibe of a coastal inn, theres an unmistakable atmosphere that franchise hotels often can't replicate. This carefully designed ambiance ensures guests don't just stay; they experience. Now, stepping beyond the tangible, what truly elevates the stature of independent hotels is their ability to offer unique guest experiences. It's not uncommon for guests at such hotels to join a workshop on local crafts, partake in a beach yoga session, or be part of a music gig featuring local talents. For instance, a beachside independent hotel might organize turtle-hatching viewings, where guests can witness baby turtles' first journey to the sea. A mountain retreat might offer guided hikes to hidden waterfalls or sessions on stargazing. In urban locales, hotels might collaborate with local artists for exclusive gallery viewings or street art tours, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the city's art scene. These experiences, tailored with attention to detail, do more than just entertain. They educate, inspire, and often forge connections not just between the guests and the locale but also amongst the guests themselves. Such interactions often lead to stories that travelers cherish and share, turning them into brand ambassadors for the hotel. But it's not just about organized activities. The very characteristic of these hotels ensures that every interaction, every service, becomes personalized. The staff, unburdened by the stringent protocols of large chains, take a more organic approach. They arent just service providers; they become storytellers, guides, and sometimes, even friends. In a world inundated with uniform, static, and predictable experiences, independent hotels are a refreshing reminder of the beauty of diversity. For those weary of the predictable, these establishments offer a world brimming with surprises, authenticity, and memories waiting to be made. They are not just accommodations but experiences in themselves, beckoning travelers to dive in and discover. Whether youre looking to broaden your horizons, forge meaningful connections, or simply immerse yourself in the world of independent lodging, the INDIE Congress in San Francisco is where you need to be this October. About Andrew Benioff Mr. Benioff has 25+ years experience in real estate finance and transactional activities and 15 years experience in the operation and management of luxury hotels. He is the founder of the Independent Lodging Congress, the premier gathering of independent hoteliers, restaurateurs, designers, financiers, investors, tech start-ups and media companies focused on the independent and boutique hospitality sector. Mr. Benioff is also the Founder and Chairman of the Philadelphia Real Estate Council, a nonprofit organization of real estate executives focused on the mid-Atlantic region. Author of numerous articles, Mr. Benioff has discussed real estate finance in the pages of Scotsmans Guide, Hotel Business, Hotel Real Estate, and the Cornell Real Estate Review. He has appeared as a guest speaker for the real estate programs of Cornell University, Villanova University, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, and Temple University, and has served as a panelist and moderator at numerous national real estate conferences. 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. Homes for Bats on Halloween Bat houses are a great alternative for bats you need to evict from your home, but they do require some maintenance in the late fall or winter to clean out abandoned wasp nests and repair any leaks. MONTPELIER, Vt. The onset of fall sends Vermont's bats into motion, which makes it an important time for conservation-minded Vermonters to learn about, and help conserve, our nine native bat species. If you have noticed bats roosting in your attic, barn or office over the summer, fall and spring are the perfect times to safely evict these uninvited guests from your property. Bats migrate between winter and summer roosts during the fall and spring and do not have vulnerable young at these times. You can learn how to safely evict bats from your building at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's best management practices page You can also help bat conservation efforts by reporting large colonies of bats living in structures to the department's website. Locations with rare colonies of endangered little brown bats are eligible for free bat houses from Vermont Fish and Wildlife. Bat houses provide an alternative location for safely evicted bats to remain in your yard and continue eating huge quantities of insects that may be forest, agricultural or human pests. Variety is important, so placing several bat houses with variable solar exposure to help bats find the right temperature ranges throughout the summer helps bats raise their young successfully. Bat houses can be put up any time of year but do require some simple maintenance. Late fall or winter is the time to look up inside your bat house and make sure all the bats have left before cleaning out any abandoned wasp nests and planning any needed caulking or repainting. "Fall also means Halloween, and scary images of bats, but this presents an opportunity to bring positive attention to bats as well," said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Small Mammals Biologist Alyssa Bennett. "We celebrate 'Bat Week' in the days leading up to Halloween." Bat Week takes place Oct. 24-31 and aims to raise awareness about the vital ecological functions of bats and to dispel the many myths and misinformation about them. Pittsfield Street Improvement Project: Oct. 16 PITTSFIELD, Mass. Please be advised that the following road work is planned to take place starting Monday, Oct. 16: Monday, Oct. 16: Milling of Howe Road and Taylor Street Tuesday, Oct. 17: First course of paving on Rose Terrace & Howe Road Wednesday, Oct. 18: Milling of Hillcrest Avenue, Kenilworth Street and Barker Road (between Cadwell Road to Woodleigh Road) Thursday, Oct. 19: Top course of asphalt on Oakhill Road and Partridge Road Friday, Oct. 20: First course of paving Hillcrest Avenue, Barker Road and Kenilworth Street On-street parking is prohibited between the hours of 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. This work is subject to change based on weather conditions. Use caution when traveling on these roads. Goodman speaks to the council Countywide Digital Equity Project Studies Pittsfield First PITTSFIELD, Mass. A countywide project aims to bridge the "digital divide" between populations. Pittsfield is the first of 14 local communities to participate in the digital equity planning project through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. The focus is on digital equity, inclusion, and literacy with the hopeful outcome of equal access to technology that is essential for everyday life. "Digital equity is something we should all take seriously and take a step back and see what we can do to help out our community," Chief Information Officer Kevin Zawistowski said to the City Council on Tuesday. A grant was awarded from the MBI earlier this year and BRPC was contracted to help identify barriers that limit folks' access. Members of the city's Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, IT department, Department of Community Development, and the Berkshire Atheneum meet weekly to examine ways to bridge the digital divide. "So making sure we are reaching community populations, and I like to call them our primary population, of our community who has historically been at a disadvantage for resources, specifically here access to the internet," Chief Diversity Officer Michael Obasohan explained. He pointed out that the internet is no longer a luxury and is now a necessity, as people access many everyday services through the web for healthcare, bill payments, and important emergency notifications. Zawistowski said that a large part of the conversation is broadband but there are many other components. "We want to know what the barriers are to each community member," he said. "Is it security? Is it trust? Is it speed? Is it affordability? Whatever your barrier is preventing you from having equitable access to technology, let us know." BRPC's Senior Economic Development Planner Wylie Goodman presented data that has been collected through outreach, a statewide survey, and census data. Data collection focuses on target populations including seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents, low-income residents, people who have been incarcerated, people of color, and English language learners. The downtown, Crane Ave., Cheshire Rd., and Dalton Ave. areas reported higher numbers of households without internet, and downtown, Morningside, Westside, Merril Rd. and East St., and Crane Ave., Cheshire Rd., and Dalton Ave. areas reported a higher number of households with no computer. A study on the relationship between housing authority properties and community anchor institutions, or public buildings, found that most were concentrated in the center of the city. One of the grants that the city is potentially pursuing would provide free internet in all Pittsfield Housing Authority buildings. iciHaiti - Canal Crisis : The Haitian Government against a halt to the construction of the canal On October 12, 2023, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) received, in an extraordinary session, Roberto Alvarez, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, to address the latest developments around the Massacre River in the territory Haitian. Ambassador Leon Charles, Permanent Representative of Haiti to the OAS, firmly displayed the position of the Haitian Government by speaking out categorically against stopping the construction of the Massacre River canal, emphasizing that this only constituted the first irrigation point on the Haitian side compared to already twelve irrigation points on the Dominican side. However, Ambassador Charles encouraged the continuation of dialogue to find an understanding between the two parties. Let's rmember that the Massacre River has its source in the Central Cordillera at Pic de Gallo in the Dominican Republic under the name of "rio Dajabon" and flows into the Atlantic Ocean west of the Dominican town of Pepillo Salcedo. Its length is 55km, only 2km of which is entirely on Dominican territory, the area in which the irrigation canal is built. Another 9 km are adjoining and serve as a border between the 2 countries. Image thumbnail : River Massacre, Ambassador Leon Charles S/ TB/ iciHaiti Chinese Bitcoin Mines in the US Attract National Security Attention Source: Pexels Bitcoin mining operations in the United States, owned by Chinese entities, are currently under investigation for potential issues that could threaten national security, according to the New York Times (NYT). NYT: Chinese bitcoin mines in US spark national security concerns. The mining facilities are located next to a Microsoft data center supporting the Pentagon and near an Air Force nuclear missile base. Raven OSINT Crypto (@OsintRaven) October 13, 2023 The scrutiny began last year when a Chinese company began constructing a cryptocurrency mining facility in Cheyenne, Wyoming. National security experts at Microsoft raised these concerns and articulated them in a report from August 2022 submitted to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. One of the major concerns cited was the facilitys proximity to a Microsoft data center serving the Pentagon. Furthermore, it was located just about a mile from an Air Force base overseeing nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles. The team emphasized that the location could enable the Chinese to conduct comprehensive intelligence collection operations. Beyond intelligence concerns, these mining facilities, comprising large warehouses or containers housing specialized computers, place significant pressure on the local power infrastructure. Legal documents indicate that the Cheyenne mining operation is associated with five companies, all sharing the same office address on Park Avenue in Manhattan. One of these entities is registered in the Cayman Islands and, up until the previous year, was involved in the Chinese pork processing industry. However, Li Jiaming, the president of Bit Origin Ltd., the former pork processor turned Bitcoin miner, refuted any claims of security threats. Jiaming asserted that the site was selected because they had secured an agreement with the local utility company to provide power rather than seeking proximity to the Microsoft data center or the missile base. He also emphasized the importance of a reliable power supply for the success of their business, saying, Even though we are located near Microsoft, and a few miles from the base, without power, our operation wouldnt be viable. A Cause for Alarm The NYT has identified Chinese-owned or operated Bitcoin mining operations across at least 12 states, including Arkansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. Collectively, these mining facilities consume as much energy as 1.5 million households. While some US mining operations appear to be straightforward ventures, the ownership of others remains obscure. Several of these operations can be traced back to the Chinese government. In addition, after the ban on Bitcoin mining in China in May 2021 due to energy consumption and economic stability concerns, Bitmain boosted its equipment shipments to the United States. Despite appearing unrelated to the Chinese government, import records reveal that certain shipments were sent to the US via a subsidiary at a site affiliated with the Communist Party in southern China. Furthermore, NYT indicated that the companys equipment shipments to the US in the past five years have increased fifteenfold. Chinese Bitcoin mines in the United States have raised serious national security concerns. The potential for foreign influence and control over these mining facilities poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of the cryptocurrency network. The environmental impact and competition for renewable energy sources are also pressing issues. A recent publication from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has cautioned that China would likely contemplate engaging in assertive cyber actions in the event of an impending significant conflict with the United States. The report also noted that these actions would target critical infrastructure within the United States. Food, fashion and faith are coming together to help a ministry center in rural Kenya offer job training, farming assistance, academic and technical education and care for widows and orphans. A Taste of Kenya 2: Blessed Beyond Measure will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The event, the second in what organizers hope will be an annual celebration, is part of an effort to raise $180,000 by February 2024 to help Ministry Center participants in Kenya change their own circumstances through education and entrepreneurship. Africa Mission of Grace, a ministry of Africa Lighthouse Baptist Temple in Charlottesville, is presenting the event. Attendees will find an authentic Kenyan meal prepared by immigrants and refugees, a cultural fashion show and performances of African gospel music. The fundraising efforts will help the Ministry Center in Kenya complete a second floor for classrooms for nursing and food service training and a third floor offering dormitory space for visiting African church leaders and mission trip volunteers. Buying an additional acre of land and a tractor will help realize a dream of farming and raising livestock. A six-month sewing apprenticeship for widows who need jobs, a technical school for computer training and a Christian school for preschoolers through second-graders also will benefit. Also on the dream board is establishing a water bottling business that would provide employment for local villagers and earn enough for the ministries to sustain themselves. Pastor Peter Chege, who arrived in the U.S. in 2005 with $200 and a temporary work visa, has achieved American citizenship and watched other dreams come true. He started his own American dream by delivering pizzas, and he eventually worked his way to a life as a project manager at the University of Virginias Facilities Management and pastor of Africa Lighthouse Baptist Temple. But he hasnt forgotten where he came from or the lean years there when he ate tree leaves to survive. Since that time, God has really blessed me. We can be comfortable and stay here the rest of our lives, Chege said. Im a citizen; I call this my home. But my heart is in Kenya. How can I forget Kenya while everything is good here? What we are trying to do in this event is to get people to partner with us and come and learn about Kenya, Chege said. Attendees at Saturdays event will learn about previous efforts to drill a well that provides clean water for households and eliminates the need for women to spend hours each day lugging water home on foot. The Ministry Centers vocational education offerings are so popular with villagers that we already have people waiting for our next apprenticeship class in dressmaking, Chege said. The classes are building confidence along with job skills. Graduates are finding jobs, and some have started their own businesses, Chege said. The news has spread, and the need for the training has exploded, he said. People whod like to help can bring all kinds of skills to the effort to help Ministry Center, from fundraising in the U.S. to volunteering at the center on trips to Kenya. Some can give, some can go, but all can do something, he said. Nobodys perfect, but God is looking for people who will trust him. He looks for people who will be strong on his behalf. Theres no admission fee for Saturdays event, but donations and pledges will be accepted. Donations will be accepted online at https://lighthousebchurch.breezechms.com/give/online. For details, email AfricaMissionofGrace@gmail.com. Martin Scorsese makes nothing but gangster movies, glamourises violence, and thinks female characters are a waste of time. Or so a cabal of unthinking social media pundits keep telling us. Each time a new Scorsese film comes out and his historical thriller Killers of the Flower Moon is released this month the same old arguments resurface. He makes nothing but gangster movies? Oh please! Of his 26 features, only half a dozen could be described as gangster-ish. He glamourises violence and corruption? Only if you need your moral message spelt out in words of one syllable, just so you dont imagine Ray Liottas Henry Hill in Goodfellas (1990) or Leonardo DiCaprios Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) are worthy role models. And, of course, we get the old canard that his films are a boys club. The Irishman, Scorseses 2019 crime epic, was lambasted for its scarcity of female characters, with Anna Paquins dialogue limited to seven words. Paquin plays the daughter of the films protagonist, a contract killer (Robert De Niro), and essentially represents the films conscience in a sea of amorality. She knows what her father does for a living, and despises him for it. All this is evident in her face, but it seems some viewers wanted her to talk us through what we already knew. Challenged by a reporter in 2019 on a perceived lack of female characters in his work, a frustrated Scorsese replied: If the story doesnt call for it... its a waste of everybodys time. Which some internauts translated as Marty saying female characters were a waste of time. Scorsese thinks that female characters could detract from a story, declared The Mary Sue, a pop culture website so eager to be outraged they ignored the part where the filmmaker added, If the story calls for a female character lead, why not? Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ozark star Laura Linney appears in Thaddeus OSullivans forthcoming Irish drama The Miracle Club alongside Dame Maggie Smith. The film follows a group of working-class women in mid-century Dublin as they travel to the Catholic pilgrimage site at Lourdes, France. Appearing on The Graham Norton Show on Friday (13 October), Linney, 59, revealed that working with Downton Abbeys Smith, 88, was a huge draw for the role. She [Dame Maggie] was a big reason for me to do the movie, she said. She is a titan and every second I had with her I adored. They say dont meet your heroes, but I was lucky because she is extraordinary. It was a real privilege and a total joy. Asked how she was able to promote the film amid the ongoing Hollywood actors strike, Linney explained: Smaller production companies have been granted an interim agreement. We had hoped for good news today but there has been a big blow with talks breaking down. I hope it can resolve soon because it is heart-breaking for all of us. Laura Linney (left) and Dame Maggie Smith (PA Images) Smith plays a woman named Lily who still grieves the loss of her son, Declan, who drowned aged 19, while Linney plays an Irish-American who has returned home to bury her mother. Kathy Bates, Stephen Rea and Agnes OCasey also star. In her two-star review of the film for The Independent, Clarisse Loughrey writes: It isnt brave enough to directly critique organised religion, and the way its patriarchal systems have added to these womens burdens, but it does offer a moving celebration of intimate, individual faith. She adds: Smith can steep a few cutting words with a universe of feeling but is given sparse material to work with. Dawn French also appeared on The Graham Norton show on Friday to promote her new book, The T*** Files. She told the host: I suppose Im trying to start up an anti-perfection league. We carry a lot of shame, humiliation and guilt about our mistakes, and I thought, These mistakes are where I have learnt the most and where the fun is. So, if you can wrangle back some of that shame and shine a light on it, it dissipates. If you own your mistakes, its very empowering. The Miracle Club is in cinemas from 13 October 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 }} On her way to meet me, Paloma Faith receives a text message from her therapist. Are you going to be OK today? he asks her, concerned. Faith is relaying this snippet of her morning to me at the same time as she is patting away tears in her eyes with the corner of a white napkin. The answer, then, is no, not really. God, Ive never cried in an interview across my whole career, the actor and musician laughs, blinking up from beneath her signature blonde bangs. This interview is not like others, though. Its the first she has given since she split from her partner of 10 years the first since she became a single mum. Single mum: its a label her own mother wore but one she is still getting used to using herself. I am a woman in my forties with two children, who is not with their dad any more. Faith, who is 42, declares this statement slowly and carefully, as if she is sounding out the words for the billionth time but still finding them strange and foreign on her tongue. Im very much in the thick of adjusting to that fact. It takes a long time to recover because its not like when youre young, you cant cut your ties and run. Her usual heartbreak remedies hop on a plane and do something erratic are out the window. Id need to arrange babysitting, Faith laughs. But in all seriousness, her kids are the priority. On her middle finger is a chunky gold ring made up of three letters: M-U-M. Theres very little time left for me, really. I dont do much. I dont allow myself much time for enjoyment. It is ironic, then, that Faith is such good fun to be around. And that her new album is such good fun to listen to in spite of its subject matter. Glorification of Sadness is a divorce album without the divorce. People think Im married because they cannot believe that Id have children with someone Im not married to! she exclaims, a trace of Southern belle theatricality coursing through her cockney accent. Wikipedia claims she married French visual artist Leyman Lahcine in a 2017 ceremony. Ring or no ring, the breakup hit her hard. She wrote songs to capture her state of mind: weak; strong; vengeful; despairing; euphoric; and self-destructive on the dancefloor. All things she still feels today, some 18 months after the split hence the text from her therapist this morning. Paloma Faith navigates career and motherhood in new BBC documentary Like Adele before her, Faith is something of a patron saint when it comes to heartache. Take a gander at her back catalogue, chock-full of hits with titles like Cant Rely on You, Picking Up the Pieces, Loyal, and Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Big emotions have served her well; she has three double platinum albums, a stint on the judging panel of the talent show The Voice, a Brit award, telly credits, and film ones, too. Chronicling the end of her relationship on Glorification of Sadness, though, was different. Naturally, she has been thinking about what caused the split. People always ask, what did you do? What did he do? But it was a fundamental breakdown that we were both in control of saving or letting go. In the end, they chose to let go. Faith can trace the beginning of the end to December 2016, when she became a mother to the first of their two daughters. You either grow together, adapting to one another like expandable foam and filling the gaps where its empty or one person grows and the other stays the same, she says. And I think for me, becoming a mother was such a massively life-changing experience that for the first time in my life, I needed more than nothing and the expandable foam just wasnt there. Later, while gushing over her daughters, she tells me, Our relationship ended because we have those children. And I think that was worth it. A fair trade, I suggest. Yes, well hopefully they wont leave me! she laughs. Theyll probably tell me to f*** off someday. There are celebrities with no filter, and then there is Faith, whose transparency has somehow endured the decade or so she has spent in an industry that fosters the opposite. Her laugh is a wonderful thing or things, rather. There is the falsetto trill, the witchy cackle and the full-throated hoot. The latter has everyone within earshot at the members club where we meet craning their necks wanting in on the joke. Her vulnerability in person runs in contrast to the persona she has cultivated on stage. (The biggest misconception about her, she says, is that she is strong.) Any given performance, you will find Faith in full regalia towering heels, and a flamboyant outfit, which is not always but often topped off with a fabulous headpiece working the crowd with her wrist-curling gestures and confident east London charm. Glorification of Sadness chronicles Faiths split from long-term partner Leyman Lahcine (Yan Wasiuchnik) More than once, stepping into character has given Faith refuge in hard times. I have gone on stage while going through the most insane things that I have kept private, she says. Its like being unreachable on a plane. Whatevers going on off stage, I cant do anything about it now because Im providing a performance for these people. In a similar vein, when she had a miscarriage on the set of HBOs Pennyworth, a superhero spin-off about Batmans butler, Faith emerged from the loo and carried on as normal. I just told people I had a bad tummy, she says. Whats the difference? I tell the director; they send me home and Im sat there bored out of my mind, thinking about it. The process gives her perspective, Faith says, and allows her not to be consumed by any one event. I bet some people would call it a trauma response, like disassociating but the good thing is its always there waiting for you when you want to go back and deal with it. Its like a filing cabinet for trauma. 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 Faith would disassociate as a child, too. When her parents fought, which they did a lot, she would tune out and become absorbed in a film. They got divorced when she was two and the fallout has left a mark on Faith and dictated how she wants to handle her own separation. I think thats why my relationship with my kids dad is so good, she says. I remember my parents just hating each other and being witness to it, having to pass messages between them. We dont have that and I do think my children are really happy. Their school was surprised to even learn of the split, she says. Were both emotionally intelligent enough to know that its important. Its hard but we have to be on good terms, for our kids. I knew I would never just have one child and if I wasnt as old as I am, I would have more There are still teething issues. Faith is navigating the new worlds of dating and co-parenting. (She hates the latter and thinks it is a buzzword bandied about but not fulfilled by men who arent pulling their weight). Romantically, she has hit pause although not before she embarked on a few misjudged dates. You see, Faith is what you would call a serial dater self-professed. I go from one to the next and I continued that pattern pretty much after my relationship broke up, she says. I think there was a bit of panic initially, of not wanting to be lonely and so you dont necessarily attach to a good match. You just fill a vacancy without looking at their CV. It wasnt long, however, until Faith realised she couldnt do that any more, not now she has kids. And when she is ready to date, she will be uncompromising. In some ways, the breakup has left me broken but in other ways, Im so whole. I am financially stable. I own my own house. I have children. If I ever meet a man, Im not going to need anything from him other than us just enriching one anothers lives. That procreation impulse has been satisfied, she smiles, mostly. I knew I would never just have one child and if I wasnt as old as I am, I would have more. Forty-two isnt that old. I dont think I can, biologically. It feels like Im a bit past it but if I got pregnant, Id have it. What about adoption? I did look into it but its quite a difficult process in the UK and also there is some concern if youre in the public eye because its potentially not great for the child. Its hard but we have to be on good terms, for our kids: Faith and Lahcine in 2020 (Getty) Anyway, all these questions are for the future. Im at a place today at this moment, sitting in this chair with you where probably for the first time in my life, I am actually OK with being alone, she says. And Ive never been alone. Tomorrow, Faith jokes, she may feel differently. Beyond the logistical nightmare of a breakup that involves kids, Faith is in the process of redefining who she is. The centrepiece of the album is a sumptuous, vocal-backed anthem called Say My Name, which sees Faith asserting herself on repeat. My relationship was part of my identity and now Im looking in the mirror not knowing who I am any more, she says. My outline has gone fuzzy, and I need to remember who I am as an individual person not just from the perspective of a breakup but also as a mother. Its a strange thing when you become a childs mum because your identity shifts and occasionally, youll get glimpses of it back, but ultimately, youre their mother and thats paramount. I have one daughter who loves painting her nails and wearing pink and fairy wings, and Ive got one who finds that all disgusting Her own relationship with her mother is fantastic; theyre best friends. More than once, she recites pearls of wisdom her mum has given her over the years. Were not anti-men, were just disappointed! is one such gem. Faith attributes her tireless work ethic to her mum. I think its because my mum was a single parent and I felt any failure I had as a child would be judged as a reflection of her parenting, she says. So when I had learning difficulties, it always felt that people were concerned about my mums ability to parent, and I wanted to prove them wrong. Faith left school with all A*s and went on to earn her masters in theatre directing from Central Saint Martins. Years ago, my mum was like, Its enough! Im really proud! She laughs, But I think its just become a habit. Outside the home, she is nervous about how the media will handle the breakup, which she subtly hinted at in August, including putting #singlemum in the caption to one of her Instagram posts. I was scared to do it but I also felt it was important otherwise people would speculate and think I was being awful if they saw me with someone else, she says. Some publications can be a bit unhelpful. Having come up as a young woman in the Noughties, a period notoriously cruel to young women, Faith has reason to be suspicious. The coaches for The Voice in 2016: Ricky Wilson, Will.i.am, Faith and Boy George (Getty) Has she found the media landscape is kinder now than when she was in her twenties? I think theyve found ways around it but its still the same, she shrugs. Its like [she mentions a specific publication] will put a hideous picture of you up and say, Here she is, blooming and beautiful! but they know the picture is awful. Then they can say they didnt do anything bad while still putting a picture of you crying with six double chins. Theres that laugh again. It makes sense, then, that privacy has been so important to Faith ever since she gave birth in 2016. For a while, she chose not to reveal her daughters gender, a decision she made to protect her privacy not, as was reported, a big statement about raising her child gender-neutral. Cue the furore. It was always strange, Faith says now, that people were angrier about the idea of a mother raising her child gender-neutral than the idea of a mother violating her childs privacy. And one of my kids might still end up being trans, she says. Faith, like her mum before her, doesnt believe in gender-specific play. I have one daughter who loves painting her nails and wearing pink and fairy wings, and Ive got one who finds that all disgusting, she smiles. Shes kind of cynical in an old soul kind of way. Rishi Sunak should be ashamed of himself. I think a person who does what he did is not a leader Faith has always brought an unapologetic authenticity to her career, in her music and beyond. Growing up in a multicultural family (her stepdad is Chinese; her dad is Spanish), differences were something to be celebrated or curious about rather than demonised. What others see as political statements, she says, is her merely showing a bit of empathy. For me, its not about shouting about my opinion. Its just me going, What are you talking about? Thats wrong. Take Rishi Sunak, for example. Days earlier, at the Tory party conference, the prime minister came out with the transphobic declaration that a man is a man, and a woman is a woman, its just common sense. Ive spoken about how I feel responsible in my position to set a good example, and Rishi Sunak is so irresponsible, Faith says. Whatever his opinions are, which I do not agree with categorically, but if hes got those opinions, [voicing them like that] is irresponsible and inflammatory and its inciting violence. He should be ashamed of himself. I think a person who does what he did is not a leader. Recently one of Faiths stylists, a transgender woman, was late for a fitting. Everyones mind went to the worst-case scenario. There was no discussion as to whether she missed the bus or slept in; we all were worried she had been attacked because thats what were dealing with right now. Hate crimes against transgender people hit a record high in England and Wales last year, with the Home Office report stating that comments by politicians and media over the last year may have led to the increase. Actually, were doing more than men and I think thats not fair (Yan Wasiuchnik) There is a prevailing sense that Faith was always a bit ahead of the times in this way. In 2013, it became front-page news when a fan uncovered that Faith was not 23 as she had publicly claimed but was, in fact, 27. Faith pulled the stunt because she knew how older if you can even call 27 older women were treated in the industry. Today, the same act would likely be recognised as a feminist statement; back then, she was hung out to dry as a rotten liar. Somebody called me from my record company today actually and said, Well you know everyones woke now, and I said, Ive been woke my whole life. I dont know what youre talking about, she laughs. Read past interviews with Faith and youll find her described as kooky more times than you can count. Today, it jars as an anachronistic term once used to describe women who were outspoken and funny. It was irritating as hell, and misogynistic, she says. Zany was another. Faith feels that were part of a generation of generally quite unsatisfied women. She sees feminism as still in transition. People are under the illusion that its completed but actually the burden on women is tenfold because of feminism at the moment, she says. Youve got to be empowered, youve got to be good-looking, youve got to be young, youve got to earn your own money, youve got to raise your kids and go to work. Actually, were doing more than men and I think thats not fair. Faith on stage during the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle in May 2023 (Leon Neal/Getty) As is the case with any breakup, reflecting on it comes with a danger. Nostalgia is a killer, she huffs. You only remember the good and then you cant help but think maybe I should have sat in unhappiness for longer. Glorification of Sadness, with its encompassing and unsparing documentation of heartbreak, is a handy reminder not to be fooled if not for Faith herself, then for others going through the same loss. Suddenly, Faith has to run; her nanny has texted and she needs to get back to the kids, but not before she imparts a little hard-earned wisdom. Dont settle, she grins at me, a sparkle glinting from inside her mouth; its coming from a diamante glued to her incisor. Make sure you wait for the magic. Just as she is leaving, Faith turns back around. And have kids early! When you get to my age, youre old and tired! Glorification of Sadness is out via RCA Records on 16 February We all know someone. That person in the office or local cafe who always seems upbeat, no matter how grim the weather or horrifying the news. Are they just good at pretending putting on a happy face to mask how they really feel? Or could happiness be something they genuinely possess more of than the rest of us? In a recent interview, Chloe Madeley described her father, the irrepressible television presenter Richard, as having a talent for happiness; an innate propensity to see the world in a positive light. And, according to experts, there are those who really do have a biological advantage when it comes to contentment. Some people are just born happier than others, says Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. We know from studies that identical twins have similar happiness levels, suggesting a genetic component. Most of us have been thinking that this past summer was a really long, hot one. Then they say that this has been the hottest year on record, in terms of temperature. This climate change business has very important effects on our local plant life, but now that it has been cooling off Halloween decorations are already up we ought to remember that day length is what is really driving a lot of natural processes. Day length steadily has been decreasing, just as night length has been increasing, since the summer solstice. Have you noticed yet? Day length is of crucial importance to many biological systems involving plants and animals. For plants, day length is important in signaling a variety of responses, such as blooming and the ripening of fruits as well as slowing things down and getting ready for a physiologically quiet winter period. As far as blooming goes, though, what a spectacular time early autumn is! Heres one example of a naturally occurring species that is starting to bloom its heads off. Heads in the sense of a head (or capitulum) of flowers, because our Mystery Plant is a member of the sunflower family, or Asteraceae. The individual flowers of each species in the family are small, and arranged in variously sized heads. Within one of these bract-surrounded heads will be anywhere from 50 to 100 separate, tubular flowers, each bearing its own stamens and pistil. Because the heads are typically composed of a lot of small flowers, they are often referred to, as a group, as composites. Each head is surrounded by a series of tightly overlapping bracts, which eventually spread out, allowing the new flowers to spread out as well, awaiting busy visitors. After pollination, the ovary of each flower will develop into a hardened, one-seeded fruit, or achene, which is basically the same as an unshelled seed of a sunflower. There will be a tuft of bristly hairs at the tip of the achene. When the plants are in full bloom, they make a dramatic display of bright golden yellow, some of the most conspicuous wildflowers you can see. This is a variable species, though, and depending on where you find it, it can exhibit a range in degrees of size, hairiness, and branching. The stems are generally erect, and often branched from the base. It occurs widely, from Rhode Island to Texas, and in a good many different habitats mostly dryish, and either sandy or rocky. This plant is but one of a large group of yellow-flowered composites. In fact, there are hundreds of species of such plants across North America, and indeed elsewhere, and these plants are often similar in habit and other characteristics. As you might expect, such plants as a group in a given local area take special study when it comes to proper identification. Some people who are not patient enough to carefully learn their differences will throw up their hands and call them all DYCs meaning darn yellow composite. Or something similar. Answer: Maryland golden-aster, Chrysopsis mariana. 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 }} An allergy influencer who didnt use her adrenaline pen immediately after a severe reaction to peanuts shared what happened in a viral TikTok. South African influencer Shivaika Sewlal posted a two-minute video on 29 September that showed her face with significant swelling around her eyes and overlaid text that read, Me not realising that Im having a life-threatening allergic reaction... In the video, Sewlal explained to viewers that she was unsure whether or not she should go to the hospital, as she had facial swelling but felt completely fine, before acknowledging she couldnt see properly. Sewlal continued to film her eventual trip to the hospital, showing moments including when her swollen features seemingly caused the facial recognition technology in her apartment building not to recognise her. The influencer also recorded the voice of a doctor who asked if she had used her adrenaline pen, which is often administered to immediately treat extreme allergic reactions like Sewlals. After she received multiple injections and was placed on an IV drip, Sewlal reflected on the experience, calling it scary. The video has since received 22.2 million views, and over 18,900 comments, many of which balk at the fact that Sewlal deliberately did not use her adrenaline pen, often referred to by the trademark name EpiPen. One popular comment that received over 122,000 likes expressed shock, Why wouldnt you use your EpiPen? This is insane. Please never delay going to the hospital or using your EpiPen! one viewer wrote, while another added: As someone who carries an EpiPen, how is it that you questioned if you need it, there is no ambiguity there. Someone else claiming to be a nurse cautioned Sewlal, As a nurse, Im not gonna lie, Im panicking that you didnt use your EpiPen. Im glad all turned out well, but in the future, thats an immediate. Other viewers were cracking up over the doctors seemingly exasperated reaction to her not using her EpiPen. You must use it, hes like girl r u tryna die? one viewer commented, and another added, That why not? came from his most exhausted soul, man was baffled. Sewlal often documents in her videos what its like to live with severe allergies. She told Insider that shes experienced severe allergies since childhood and often has varying reactions to different foods, both intense and mild. With her account boasting 589,000 followers, Sewlal tries to use her platform to spread awareness about people who suffer from severe allergies like her. She began posting to TikTok in 2020 out of the desire to create an online community for people who also suffer from severe eczema, allergies, and asthma. The influencer also wanted to spread awareness about [her] conditions and show people the reality of what it's like to live with over 40 allergies, including sensitivity to all nuts and their oils, as well as eggs, and citric acid. Sewlal posted her viral video because she wanted her experience to serve as a cautionary tale. I was very confused and didnt realize it was a life-threatening reaction at the time because I didnt eat anything that I was allergic to, the influencer explained to the outlet. I only understood the severity of my situation after speaking to the doctor. She added: I want others to learn from my mistakes. Now, I know to use my EpiPen as soon as I start reacting. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Health Check email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that six Vuse Alto e-cigarettes do not meet the public health standard, and, thus, must stop being marketed in the US. Three mixed-berry and three menthol flavours were among those that have been banned. A statement from the agency issued 12 October says that marketing denial orders (MDOs) have been issued to the makers of the Vuse Alto e-cigarettes, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company. The move indicates the FDA may be cracking down on e-cigarette regulation in the US. The statement said the FDA had found that the risks associated with Vuse Alto e-cigaretteswhich can become addictive for childrenoutweigh the potential benefits, such as helping cigarette smokers quit. Matthew Farrelly, PhD, the FDAs director of the Center for Tobacco Products Office of Science, said in the statement that theres simply not enough evidence to claim the public are better off with access to the six Vuse Alto e-cigarettes. We review each application on its own merits, and its the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient science to support the product theyre seeking to market, Dr Farrelly said. If an application contained sufficient scientific evidence to meet the necessary public health standard, including a non-tobacco-flavored product, wed authorize the product. But such evidence was lacking in this case. The statement said that Vuse is the most commonly sold e-cigarette brand in the US and that Vuse Alto is the most popular sub-brand owned by the company. Though e-cigaretteswhich work by heating a liquid into an aerosol which users then inhaleare often marketed as healthy alternatives to cigarettes, theyve been associated with many major health issues in children and adults. They produce dangerous chemicals like acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde, some of which can cause cardiovascular disease and lung disease, per the American Lung Association (ALA). Acrolein, in particular, which is used to kill weeds, can cause acute lung injury, and it may lead to asthma or lung cancer. Research has also shown that two primary ingredients in e-cigarettesvegetable glycerin and propylene glycolare toxic to cells. E-cigarette use among young people has skyrocketed in recent years, according to a statement from the office of the Surgeon General. Even though theyre marketed as tools to help people quit smoking, its important to acknowledge how addictive e-cigarettes are themselves, experts say. Importantly, many e-cigarette products have more nicotinein extra-strength cartridgesthan traditional tobacco products. The Vuse Alto products which were targeted by the FDA this week are offered in three different nicotine strengths. R.J. Reynolds immediately challenged the FDAs decision to issue MDOs to six Vuse Alto products this week. The parent company of R.J. Reynolds, British American Tobacco, said in a statement that the agencys ruling flies in the face of proven science, and said it would challenge the ruling in court, per The New York Times. But for now, the products must be taken off store shelves; moving forward, it will be illegal to introduce any more of the six Vuse Alto products targeted by the FDA into interstate commerce. The FDA statement clarified that the agency has only authorised 23 tobacco-flavoured e-cigarettes (which can be found here); these are the only devices that can be lawfully sold and distributed in the US. Brian King, PhD, director of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products, said the agencys process is intended to keep the public safe from harmful devices. The Center for Tobacco Products continues to make meaningful progress in reviewing the unprecedented amount of premarket tobacco product applications that have been received, he explained. Were committed to completing review of these applications as soon as possible while ensuring that they undergo a rigorous scientific review in accordance with the law. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man from London whose British-Palestinian parents are in southern Gaza said they are trapped at the border with Egypt like caged hens waiting to die. Mo El-Deeb, 30, said his father, Talal El-Deeb, 66, went to visit family in Gaza a few weeks ago and his wife, Naila, 69, joined him within the last two weeks. Mr El-Deeb said his parents, who are British-Palestinian with British citizenship, are currently waiting in Rafah at the Egyptian border in southern Gaza and likened the situation to a ticking time bomb. He said he hopes his parents will be able to leave the area through the Rafah border crossing but said they are still waiting there, adding there is no real clarity. Theres obviously no water, no food, medicine they had with them has obviously run out, Mr El-Deeb, from Marylebone, central London, told the PA news agency. Whether its going to be death by airstrike or a ground invasion or their health, its a ticking time bomb essentially. Theyre essentially caged in the south. Mr El-Deeb said he is trying to limit the contact he has to his parents to conserve the battery on their phones. Theyre obviously trying to keep high spirits because Ive got four siblings here as well, but every time I speak to them I can literally hear just a non-stop barrage of bombing in the background, it just sounds so close. Theyre essentially like caged hens just waiting to die. Every time nighttime comes theres no electricity, its just carpet bombings. Every time my phone rings or I get a message, I kind of expect the worst. Any second your parents could be gone, and that's the life I've been living for the last couple of days Mo El-Deeb Mr El-Deeb said he has called the British Consulate around 50 times, speaking to over 30 people during the last week but said no one can answer my questions. Ive spoken to a number of people, the general advice is to keep an eye on the email advice they sent out, he said. He added that his parents are everyday ordinary people that have nothing to do with whats going on. Why are they being caged in like hens just waiting for whats coming? he said. Mr El-Deeb said he feels like a zombie with the ongoing situation in Israel, adding: I cant see people, I cant hear people, theres just numbness. Any second your parents could be gone, and thats the life Ive been living for the last couple of days. Its beyond words now. He added that his message for the UK government is to be proactive in getting the border open in Rafah as there are British citizens who are stuck and waiting an imminent death. They need to be proactive and they need to get over there, he said. Im sure theres a level of influence they could impose. These are their own citizens, thats my message. When asked about the couples situation, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) repeated its advice for British nationals in need of help to contact the organisation. They reiterated that they are working with the Egyptian authorities to help those of British and dual nationality to exit the region of Gaza via Rafah. 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 SNP MP who defected to the Tories has claimed she and her family have had to go into hiding as a result of threats of violence she has received. In her first interview with the media since news broke that Dr Lisa Cameron had left the SNP to join the Conservatives, the MP claimed she had to move out of her home after she was threatened with being bricked in the street. Dr Cameron told the The Times she had received a torrent of abuse in emails since news of her defection broke on Thursday. The MP left the SNP ahead of a selection meeting to pick the next candidate for the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow constituency. She has represented the area since the 2015 general election when the SNP won a total of 56 seats out of 59 in Scotland. Dr Cameron faced a challenge in her seat from SNP staffer Grant Costello, who was supported by both Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie and current and former East Kilbride MSPs Collette Stevenson and Linda Fabiani. The outcome of the selection was due to be announced on Thursday, hours after Dr Cameron revealed she would leave the party. The Times reported some of the threats she received included: I hope someone throws a brick at you in the street; I hope you burn; and Think your mental health is bad now wait until you see what abuse and nastiness youre going to have to put up with. Dr Cameron told the newspaper the threats were where the political discourse has got to in Scotland. She said: We have had a lot of personal threats. Aggression, violence and anger are coupled on to the debate about nationalism. The former NHS clinical psychologist said she felt isolated within the SNPs Westminster group and there was a lot of fear and intimidation. Dr Cameron was prescribed anti-depressants and underwent counselling as a result of the treatment she claims to have received during her time within the party. The straw that broke the camels back for Dr Cameron was when she defended the teenage victim of unwanted sexual advances from SNP MP Patrick Grady and said the treatment he received was irreconcilable with my values. On choosing the Conservatives, Dr Cameron said she felt her views would not be welcomed in the Labour Party. She is a member of the Free Church of Scotland. She has also changed her view on independence and said she no longer felt the government was being run competently. Aggression, violence and anger are coupled on to the debate about nationalism Dr Lisa Cameron Dr Camerons claims have been dismissed by senior SNP figures, including president Mike Russell. He told BBCs Good Morning Scotland on Friday that her claims were unsubstantiated. He said: What the SNP needs to do is focus on the big issues in Scotland, not what seems to be a rather odd tantrum from somebody who was going to lose their nomination. The defection was also downplayed by First Minister and SNP leader Humza Yousaf. He said constituents would be deeply let down by her actions and that she should do the honourable thing and stand down. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Caroline* first met her sister Joanna*s abuser when she was visiting her care home, where she was being treated for dementia. He helped them put a TV up on Joannas bedroom wall. He seemed, as Caroline puts it, quite pleasant. But her sisters reaction to the worker during another visit worried her. One day he walked past while we were sitting in the dining room and my sisters eyes narrowed and followed him all the way around the room, she said. She just put her head down and she said f****** b******. It was not until a year later that the true scale of Teo-Valentin Todorovitss crimes started to come to light after staff discovered a condom in Joannas room. Joanna is one of the first known victims of Todorovits, a monster rapist care worker jailed for 24 years for the rape, sexual assault and abuse of dementia patients across two care homes during a three-year campaign of abuse. Have you been impacted by this story? email rebecca.thomas@independent.co.uk The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to 12 charges including two of rape, one of voyeurism and several of sexual assault but only two victims were able to be identified by police, one of whom was Joanna. His shocking crimes, Caroline said, have left Joanna a shell of her former self. I just screamed: no, no, no Shes not here any more, Caroline told The Independent. Theres nothing there. She just sits and screams, balls her hands into claws and starts to tear at her body as if shes trying to get rid of something. The only thing I can do is I stroke her arms and her head. She will recognise my voice and calm down and that will happen for about two minutes. But that [screaming] could happen every 10 minutes. Joanna had been in the care home for a few months when Todorovits began working there in 2020. Not long after he arrived, Caroline received an anonymous phone call, warning that her sister was being abused by a member of staff. She rushed to the care home, where a manager told her that he had pushed her over. She found out little more. Nearly 12 months later, she received the dreaded phone call outlining more abuse. The call came after Joanna had been sent to hospital to be treated for a UTI. The manager said to me: Shes coming back from the hospital and shes fine and shes theres nothing physically wrong with her. And then I knew what she was going to tell me. I started screaming down the phone. I had suspected that something was being hidden and it just sort of came through and just screaming no, no, no down the phone. Then the following evening I had three police officers round my house. Todorovits had allegedly videoed Carolines sister, as well as taken pictures of her (Sourced) The condom was found in Joannas room in March 2021. The care home managers alerted the police to a potential safeguarding incident. However, according to Caroline, a mistake by police officers three of whom are now facing a misconduct investigation meant the care worker was able to flee the country before coming back to the UK to work at another care home, where he was able to abuse more vulnerable women. To this day, Caroline doesnt know the full extent of what happened to her sister. But she was told by officers that Todorovits had videoed her sister, as well as taken pictures and would even phone other people when he was assaulting her. I still go to bed, shut my eyes, and then they are suddenly pinned open and shes in my head. I couldnt protect her and Im not the only one. 24 years in prison As the judge sentenced Todorovits to 24 years in prison, Caroline said she felt elated. I cannot say in words how grateful I am to the whole [police] team that were there yesterday and my counsellor, she said. I do know that the [initial] police officers made a mistake, but the police very quickly put that right and they were very upfront about it to me. People make mistakes. A vision in an orange dress Joanne, who still lives with dementia, is now in a home much further away from her sister. The impact of whats happened, for me, comes after I leave [her] because when I do visit I do whatever she needs or wants or needs comfort for. You know, just try and calm her down. Once I leave, on the way home, I think about how she was beforehand, before any of this happened. She was quite happy. I was happy, because she was only 10 minutes away. But now everything has changed and sometimes visits, even for me as much as I love her are very hard, she says. Joanne, says Caroline, was a glamourous and warm-hearted woman. She was a character. I remember seeing this vision, walking towards me in an orange dress dressed with sort of shimmer in it in the material, all dolled up, four-inch high heels, not realising that I was looking at my sister, she said. The system needs to change Beyond the horrific abuse faced by her sister, Caroline has called for a change in the care system. She said the home where Joanne was assaulted was a cruel place which put her in a broom cupboard-like room. She had one blanket and a sheet and a bed that was about nine inches above the floor, she said. The whole system as we have it needs to be looked at seriously. It wont be because there is no money for anybody to do it. The local authority said it has launched a safeguarding adults review into the case. Police said in a statement after the sentencing: Following potential issues identified in the early stages of the investigation into Todorovitss actions, we subsequently took a decision to refer ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC]. At this stage, that investigation sits with the IOPC, with whom we remain in close contact. Since that time, a thorough police investigation has taken place, which identified the scale of Todorovitss offending and has ultimately brought him to justice and a significant sentence handed down. Indeed, the judge has seen fit to commend the officers involved in that investigation. *Caroline and Joannas names have been changed for legal reasons 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 Stormont powersharing institutions are essential for building the case for Northern Irelands place within the Union, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has told the DUP conference. The DUP leader also said a time is coming when his party must decide if ongoing negotiations with the Government are a basis for ending the trade border impasse caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. Addressing delegates in Belfast, Sir Jeffrey said the DUP had a proven track-record of saying yes and leading from the front. However, he also warned he would not be afraid to say no if discussions did not result in a deal which adequately dealt with trading concerns. The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest against the internal UK trade barriers created by the post-Brexit protocol. Powersharing is unable to function in Northern Ireland without the participation of the 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 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 earlier this month. The DUP conference is taking place against the backdrop of the continued negotiations between the DUP and the Government. Sir Jeffrey told delegates their conference is taking place when all eyes are upon us. He said: Not for the first time, London, other Northern Ireland political parties, and no doubt even those in Dublin, will be straining to hear what is said from our proceedings. Sir Jeffrey said the Government has to undo the harm caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. Our phased withdrawal from the Northern Ireland executive was designed to highlight to the UK Government and the EU that they needed to address unionist concerns about the protocol Sir Jeffrey Donaldson He said the Windsor Framework represented progress but did not sufficiently deal with some of the fundamental problems at the heart of our current difficulties over Brexit. He said: Upon careful reflection and consideration of the facts, and not the spin, we concluded that the framework did not meet our seven tests as set out in our 2022 assembly election manifesto. Our phased withdrawal from the Northern Ireland executive was designed to highlight to the UK Government and the EU that they needed to address unionist concerns about the protocol, which for too long had been ignored, and to spotlight the harm it was doing to Northern Irelands place in the Union. Our view on this has not changed. He added: Despite the misguided analysis of some, and the prejudiced commentary from others who have always cheer-led for the original protocol, we have remained focused on our aims and objectives, determined to secure further progress at this time. He said the DUP alone had led in securing changes to the protocol, adding his party recognised the need for a pragmatic approach to dealing with the customs arrangements for the movement of goods entering the EU from Northern Ireland. He told the conference: Unionists rightly and reasonably recognised that were they to pursue the creation of a hard customs border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, even though that is where the international border remains, such a demand would have struck at the heart of the delicate balances that comprise the Belfast Agreement. Yet the same is the case with imposing a border down the Irish Sea and disrupting our UK internal market for British goods. Let me again be clear to this conference, the imposition of a customs border on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and remaining within the UK internal market was unnecessary and unacceptable in 2019; it was unnecessary and unacceptable in 2021 and it is unnecessary and unacceptable now. There will come a point when we have to determine if the outcome of the discussions measures up to our objectives and manifesto commitments, and whether there is a sustainable basis for moving forward Sir Jeffrey Donaldson He said discussions with the UK Government over post-Brexit trading arrangements were making progress and added he was hopeful remaining concerns could be addressed as quickly as possible. He added: There will come a point when we have to determine if the outcome of the discussions measures up to our objectives and manifesto commitments, and whether there is a sustainable basis for moving forward. This party has a proven track-record of saying yes and leading from the front when its right to do so. Equally, we will not be afraid to say no if we conclude that what is on offer does not adequately deal with our fundamental concerns and is not in the best long-term interests of our place in the Union. This party will not be bullied or threatened by anyone, whomever they purport to represent. We will take our own counsel and our own decisions. He added: If we want to make the positive case for the Union, then having local institutions that succeed in delivering for everyone in Northern Ireland is an essential element in building our case. We must not allow republicans to perpetuate the myth that Northern Ireland is a failed and ungovernable political entity and therefore, in their view, a divisive border poll is required. We can and must make Northern Ireland work for all its people. He added: Our system of government is far from perfect and when it returns, we must collectively dedicate ourselves to ensuring even when it is difficult that decisions are taken that make a real difference to the lives of the people we represent. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A BBC journalist has been stopped and assaulted by the Israeli police, the corporation has said. Muhannad Tutunji, Haitham Abudiab, and the BBC Arabic team were making their way to a hotel in Tel Aviv on Thursday when they were dragged from their car by the police, according to BBC News. During the stop of their car, marked with red TV tape, the news website reported that the pair showed their press identification cards. Mr Tutunji said while filming the incident, his phone was taken and thrown to the floor. He also claims he was hit on the neck. On Friday, a BBC spokesperson said: One of our BBC News Arabic teams deployed in Tel Aviv, in a vehicle clearly marked as media, was stopped and assaulted last night by Israeli police. Journalists must be able to report on the conflict in Israel-Gaza freely. The BBC has contacted the Israeli police for comment. Over the last week, Palestinian militants Hamas have launched an incursion into Israel. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives on both sides and Israel has placed the 25-mile Gaza Strip under siege and subjecting it to a torrent of retaliatory air strikes. Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah has been killed and six journalists including reporters from Reuters and Al-Jazeera were injured following an Israeli shell in southern Lebanon on Friday according to the AP news agency. We are deeply saddened to tell you that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed, the Reuters news agency said in a statement. The shelling occurred during an exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border between Israeli troops and members of Lebanons militant Hezbollah group. In message to BBC staff, chief executive of BBC News and Current Affairs Deborah Turness thanked those on the ground for the extraordinary courage and care you have shown as we tell this shocking and complex story. She added: We have provided our global audiences with powerful coverage and first-hand testimony of the atrocities committed by Hamas, and the terrible suffering in Gaza. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of people have turned out for pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the UK, amid international concern over the situation in Israel and Gaza. A gathering in London attracted a crowd of thousands, with police warning in advance that anyone showing support for militant group Hamas could face arrest. More than 1,000 officers were deployed by the Metropolitan Police for Saturdays demonstration in the capital, with other rallies and protests held across the country. Thousands of people have turned out for the march in London (PA Wire) It comes as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians, as the death toll continues to grow amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. The renewed violence came after an attack last week by the Palestinian militant group left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. Protesters gathered outside the BBCs Broadcasting House in Portland Place ahead of the London march on Saturday afternoon, waving Palestine flags and carrying placards. Flares in the national colours of red, green and black were set off early on the route, while chants of Free, free Palestine could be heard as people made their way through the centre of the capital. Rallies were also being held in Manchester and Edinburgh and other parts of the UK. Crowds gathered to show their support for Palestinians (PA Wire) The Met said that certain areas of London would be covered by a Section 60AA power until 10pm, which requires a person to remove items such as masks that might be used to conceal their identity. Section 12 of the Public Order Act is also in force covering the demonstration route, which finishes in Whitehall. As marchers arrived in the thoroughfare and made their way to a stage outside Downing Street, chants of Rishi Sunak, shame on you and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free rang out among the crowd. Home Secretary Suella Braverman earlier this week urged police chiefs to consider whether that pro-Palestine slogan could be amount to an offence, while also suggesting that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate. The Met Police had warned anyone showing support for Hamas could be arrested (REUTERS) Ahead of the demonstration the BBCs headquarters in London was targeted and daubed in red paint. Police have not linked the incident to any particular protest group, but it comes after the broadcaster faced days of criticism from senior Conservatives and others for its editorial stance of not describing Hamas militants as terrorists. The UK Government has been steadfast in support of Israel, with ministers also calling on police to use the full force of the law against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community. The march proceeded to Downing Street, with chants of Rishi Sunak, shame on you (REUTERS) Amid concerns about the scale of the Israeli response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that the country has every right to defend itself from Hamas attacks but stressed that civilian safety must be paramount in our minds. Orly Goldschmidt, spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again, she told Times Radio. Overnight it emerged that an RAF flight had left Israel as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety. A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the air force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekends assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. 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 }} Watch as thousands of pro-Palestine supporters march through London to protest against Israel. Thousands of protesters are gathering in the English capital on Saturday to march from the headquarters of the BBC on Langham Street to Downing Street. The Metropolitan Police Service will deploy more than 1,000 officers to police the demonstration, in which people will be marching in solidarity with Palestine and demanding Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Palestinians have begun a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was doing everything we can to ensure the security of British citizens after the Defence Secretary said it seemed very likely that there are British hostages in Gaza. An RAF flight left Israel on Friday night, part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety amid the escalating conflict in the region. Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza in response to a terror attack committed by Hamas on 7 October which has so far claimed the lives of more than 1,300. Israeli military action in Gaza has so far killed at least 1,900 Palestinians. Follow The Independents liveblog here. 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 }} Tens of thousands of protesters descended on the streets of central London to march in solidarity with Palestinians trapped in Gaza as the Israeli army begins their ground assault in the Strip. More than 2,200 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave since members of Hamas, a militant organisation elected in Gaza in 2007, crossed into Israeli territory last weekend and killed more than 1,000 soldiers and civilians. The enclave has been under heavy Israeli bombardment since. Buildings have been razed and several hospitals have been hit. On Friday, more than one million Gazas in the northern region of the enclave were ordered to evacuate southward in what the United Nations said would have devastating humanitarian consequences. In London and across Europe, marches took place on Saturday to voice support for the Palestinian cause and solidarity with those stuck in Gaza. Protesters began congregating around the BBC building at Portland Place around 11am. By midday, the crowds stretched all the way down Oxford Street. The protest carried on into the afternoon and fireworks were let off in the crowd as supporters dispersed from Whitehall. Protesters congregated outside the BBC building just before midday on Saturday (The Independent ) Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the organiser of the event, told The Independent towards the end of the march that they believed 100,000 people had been in attendance. The police suggested the total was much lower, closer to 10,000, though they admitted it was subject to change. The protests began walking towards Whitehall just after midday, making their way through Oxford Street and past Trafalgar Square before massing in front of the Cenotaph. A minutes silence was observed outside Downing Street by for those killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict. A series of speeches were delivered by pro-Palestinian supporters, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Palestine ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot. It is a day of solidarity and it is a day of hope, the independent MP for Islington North told the crowd. (Getty Images) Frustration with the government response, as well as that of the opposition, to the conflict was a common theme among organisers and protesters. Mr Jamal, a British Palestinian, accused Rishi Sunak of giving the green light to war crimes, referring to the governments decision to send military vessels and surveillance aircrafts to assist the Israeli efforts. He suggested that home secretary Suella Braverman was contributing to the dehumanisation of Palestinians by questioning whether the display of the Palestinian flag could be considered illegal following the Hamas attacks on Israeli soil. He expressed particular anger with Sir Keir Starmer, who earlier this week said the Israeli government was within their right to defend herself. Here is the likely next prime minister of the UK, a member of the Labour Party for goodness sake, endorsing a state enacting war crimes against an entire population, he said. That is grotesque. What message does that deliver to the world about the UKs response to international law? What does that say to the Palestinian people about its humanity and how its respected. Many Palestinians with friends and family in Gaza attended the march. Ismail Patel, the chair of the Friends of Al-Aqsa, one of the organising bodies of the march, told The Independent through tears that he had lost contact with one of his friends in the Strip on Friday night, when the first Israeli soldiers stepped into the enclave. While I was having one conversation with a friend in Gaza, their phone died, he said. I dont know whats happened to them anymore. Now its becoming more and more difficult to be in touch with people in Gaza. His daughter, stood behind him, looked at the ground as her father welled up. Hassan Kamal, a British Palestinian from Jerusalem, said he has no idea what has happened to his family in Gaza and can no longer get in contact with them. Hassan Kamal, a British Palestinian from Jerusalem, with his daughter at the march in London (The Independent ) Though the march was largely peaceful, there were some brief episodes of violence around Piccadilly Circus. One man was arrested after he hit one of the volunteers helping with the march. The victim, who asked not to be named, said he got punched in the face out of nowhere. He had a bloody lip and nose but was otherwise unharmed. The assailant did not appear to belong to any group, though he was brandishing an English flag. The crowd responded by chanting: Shame on you. In a letter to senior police officers on Tuesday, Ms Braverman said she would encourage the authorities to consider whether chants such as: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free as a potential expression of violent desire to see Israel erased from the world. Her encouragement did not stop protesters on Saturday from signing the song, nor did it provoke the police to prevent it. Multiple placards suggested the home secretary was a racist in response. As the protesters left Portland Place, the famous From the River chant, issued from a megaphone on the steps outside the BBC building, was met with rapturous applause and support for the crowd. Pro-Palestine events were also held in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. In Glasgow, Bath Street, close to the Buchanan Street steps where the rally was held, had to be closed because of the large number of people attending. What could be the largest student apartment complex in Charlottesville passed its first major test earlier this week. City Council had already approved the demolition of a 96-year-old landmark house standing in the way of the Verve, a 12-story, 1,500-unit building abutting the University of Virginia. On Tuesday, the citys planning commission recommended rezoning the property for the new construction in a 5-1 vote. I think we need to make some space for 12-story buildings in the city if we want buildings that make financial sense, buildings that make structural sense, buildings that can provide affordable housing and decent living, said Commissioner Lyle Solla-Yates. And I cannot think of a better place than here. The 800,000-square-foot structure would face UVas Kerchof Hall on a 3.3-acre site where Emmet Street bends and becomes Jefferson Park Avenue. Currently home to nine residential buildings comprising 62 units including the Woodrow Apartments, the tract would contain as many as 550 residential units as well as some retail space and structured parking. My concern is the massing, said the lone opposing commissioner, Karim Habbab. The long wall of solid almost nothing and the 12 stories goes beyond anything we have in our draft zoning. A neighbor, Ann Benham, likened the look to a drive through New Yorks Bronx borough: a bleak and ugly landscape. They were not alone in complaining about the massing. Commissioner Rory Stolzenberg called one black and white wall swath of the Verve pretty awful, but he lauded the project for bolstering the supply of student housing in the city. The more you corral them in, the more they empty out of other places, said Stolzenberg. The willingness of students and their parents to pay premium rents is one factor that has been cited as a reason for Charlottesvilles relatively expensive housing market. The nonvoting, UVa-based member of the commission, William Palmer, provided some numbers of major on-Grounds student complexes to put Verves 1,500 beds into context: Alderman Road residences house 2,000. McCormick first-year dormitories house 1,600. Lambeth Road houses 800. And the halls on Brandon Avenue house 900 students. So this puts a lot of beds in one place, said Palmer. And while most commissioners seemed eager to see the Verve, some neighbors did not. This project is not of equal or higher quality than other student high-rises that have already been approved, said Ellen Contini-Morava, who like Benham has filed suit to stop a nearby development. Its huge scale, excessive height and unattractive appearance make it lower in quality. By contrast, Matthew Gillikin, co-chair of Livable Cville, welcomed the Verve. This is an exciting opportunity for the city, said Gillikin, whose group advocates for affordable housing. This is exactly where student housing should go. The developer is Subtext, a St. Louis-based firm that is the contract purchaser of the parcels. The land is a topographic bowl which, according to Neil Reardon, a partner at Minneapolis-based ESG Architecture & Design, helped the architects lessen the apparent heights of the building, particularly on its southern edge facing Montebello Circle. We wanted to concentrate the height at the north and west of the site, said Reardon, asserting that the shorter height of the Montebello-facing side would rise just 3 1/2 stories above the cars on that one-way street. City Council will have the ultimate say on the rezoning, and one city councilor attending the meeting expressed dismay that the Verve plans to provide just 400 parking spots, about one space for every four residents. Thats not even realistic, said Leah Puryear. As much as you want Charlottesville to be a walkable city, as much as people are concerned about the carbon footprint, we need to be realistic. Project attorney Valerie Long replied. The hope is that it will be very attractive to students who do not have a car or who do not want to have a car or cannot afford to have a car, said Long. They can live there and walk to their classes, can walk to the grocery, the hospital and lots of other places. When Puryear continued her parking complaint, fellow councilor and Mayor Lloyd Snook chimed in that his two sons attended UVa carless. So did the woman who is likely to replace Puryear on council: Democratic nominee Natalie Oschrin. Like Lloyds kids, I did not have a car during my four years at UVa, said Oschrin. Most people remember college as the best four years of their lives, and perhaps thats because its the only time they live in a truly walkable community. One transportation improvement the developer is offering is a raised bicycle lane. Another gift to the city is about $4.2 million for the affordable housing fund, about twice whats demanded under the current zoning ordinance. Besides the rezoning recommendation, which could convert the property from R-3 to Planned Unit Development, the commissioners took three other votes Tuesday, each of them unanimous, pushing the project toward approval. These were votes recommending the following: removing the already doomed Stone House property from the citys list of individual protected properties, removing some conditions on the long-ago vacated Woodrow Street and waiving adherence to the citys critical slopes ordinance. The fate of the approvals rests with City Council, which might consider the matter as soon as December. 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 Scottish Government has pledged 500,000 in humanitarian funding to the relief effort in Gaza. The cash will be given to the UNs Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) flash appeal, which is working to support those being displaced by escalating violence in Gaza. International development minister Christina McKelvie also reiterated the Scottish Governments call for a humanitarian corridor to allow aid to be delivered to civilians. She said: Our thoughts are with all the innocent people caught in the middle of escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government reiterates the call from the First Minister and the UN secretary-general for a humanitarian corridor to be established so that urgent assistance can be given to those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave. The call was made by First Minister Humza Yousaf earlier this week. Tamara Alrifai, the director of external relations and communications at the UNRWA, said: This generous contribution is an incredibly humane gesture towards tens of thousands of people who are in utter distress in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA is very grateful for the show of support by Scotland and will use every penny to help alleviate the suffering of civilian women, children and men in Gaza. Mr Yousaf has also been candid about his and his wife Nadia El-Naklas fears for her family in Gaza. Her mother Elizabeth and father Maged made the trip last week, ahead of the Hamas attack on Israel which sparked reprisals, to visit family, becoming trapped there. I genuinely do not know if I will see my in-laws again Humza Yousaf In a tearful interview with Sky News on Friday, the First Minister said: I do not know, I genuinely do not know if I will see my in-laws again. Nadia doesnt know shes going to see her mum and dad again. And all we can do is watch the news and look at all the rolling coverage. Mr Yousaf also revealed that his youngest daughter, Amal, four, asked him if granny would be back in time for Halloween, and that they had told her she was scared of the thunder. They told her that she would be back, but Mr Yousaf said: We honestly dont know if she will. The First Minister also told the BBC he felt that the response from the Israeli Government was going too far and punishing innocent people. His comments came after he and his wife endured a scare on Thursday after seeing the area where her family live being bombed through live media reports. Ms El-Nakla was able to reach her mother soon after to confirm they had not been hurt. In an emotional video posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday by her son-in-law, Elizabeth El-Nakla said: Where is humanity? Wheres peoples hearts in the world, to let this happen in this day and age? May God help us, goodbye. Meanwhile, rallies have been organised across the UK in solidarity with the Palestinian people, with thousands expected to march in London. In Scotland, smaller events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee have been organised. Ms McKelvie also announced 250,000 in humanitarian funding for Libya, through the Governments Humanitarian Emergency Fund, to support their response to flooding that killed more than 4,000 people in September. She added: Many thousands of people in Libya are also still dealing with the impact of major flooding following dam collapses in the aftermath of Storm Daniel and our thoughts are also with them and their families, as work to provide essential aid, such as food, clean water and shelter, continues in those areas worst affected. 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 RAF flight left Israel on Friday night, as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals out of the country amid the escalating conflict in the region. The RAF flight carried passengers from Israel to Cyprus last night. It is understood that the air force is assisting the Foreign Office due to the current limited availability of commercial flights. A Royal Air Force A400M made two flights from Tel Aviv to Cyprus, the first on Friday night and the second during the early hours of Saturday morning, according to FlightRadar24. A Foreign Office (FCDO) statement earlier said: A UK Government charter flight has now left Israel (October 13), with further flights expected to leave in the coming days while commercial options are limited. It comes as the UK Government had failed to organise repatriation flights from Israel due to problems obtaining insurance, an aviation source told the PA news agency. A UK-organised flight was initially planned to arrive at Gatwick Airport on Friday, but that was cancelled amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. An attempt to arrange a flight landing at the West Sussex airport at 5.40pm on Friday also failed. PA understands one of the reasons for the lack of flights is that Titan Airways, the contracted airline, was having difficulties arranging insurance. The airline was approached for comment. A spokeswoman for the FCDO said earlier: This is a fluid situation and we are currently working to ensure the flight can proceed as soon as possible. Other options include scheduled services to Heathrow and Luton airports by Israeli airline El Al and a repatriation flight to Heathrow for Australian nationals organised by the countrys government and operated by Qantas. Several airlines have suspended their flights between Israel and the UK, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Wizz Air. When the FCDO announced on Thursday it would organise flights, it said the first one would operate that day and they will be available to British nationals, including dual nationals, and dependants if travelling with a British national normally resident in the UK. Each ticket will cost 300, which reflects the costs of operating the flight, according to the FCDO. The children and other dependants of British diplomats will be given seats as we have a duty of care to our staff, it 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 }} Tens of thousands of people gathered for pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the UK amid growing international concern over the situation in Israel and Gaza. Marchers filled the streets of central London on Saturday as thousands also gathered in Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and other parts of the UK. Demonstrators carried flags and flares and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans as marchers heard calls for world leaders to condemn Israels actions. It comes as thousands of Palestinians attempted a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate before an expected ground invasion. The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians as the death toll continues to rise amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. The renewed violence came after an attack last week by Palestinian militant group Hamas left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. More than 1,000 officers were deployed by the Metropolitan Police before Saturdays demonstration in the capital, with police saying in advance that anyone showing support for Hamas may face arrest. Certain areas of London were covered by a Section 60AA power, which requires a person to remove items that might be used to conceal their identity, such as masks, until the early evening. Section 12 of the Public Order Act covered the route of the demonstration, which finished in Whitehall mid-afternoon. As marchers arrived in the thoroughfare and made their way to a stage outside Downing Street, chants of Rishi Sunak, shame on you and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free rang out among the crowd. Home Secretary Suella Braverman earlier this week urged police chiefs to consider whether that pro-Palestine slogan could amount to an offence, while also suggesting that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate. Jeremy Corbyn and the head of the Palestinian mission in London Husam Zomlot were among those addressing the crowd, with the former Labour leader urging politicians to condemn Israeli actions in Gaza. He said: As we wave the Palestinian flag, lets hear it for the people of the West Bank, for the people of Gaza, for the people of the refugee camps, and say very bluntly to our political leaders in this country: Do not condone war crimes, do not condone the starvation and the denial of medicine to desperate people in Gaza or anywhere else. If you believe in international law, if you believe in human rights, then you must condemn what is happening now in Gaza by the Israeli army. A minutes silence was observed for those killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Met confirmed that as of 5.30pm, seven people at the demonstration had been arrested for a number of alleged offences including one person on suspicion of causing criminal damage. There have been small pockets of disorder; flares, bottles and fireworks have been thrown at police, the force said in a post on social media. Before the demonstration, the BBCs headquarters in London was daubed in red paint as pro-Palestinian group of Palestine Action accused the broadcaster of having blood on its hands over its coverage. The BBC has also faced criticism in recent days from senior ministers for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas militants as terrorists. In Edinburgh, thousands of people staged an impromptu march to the Scottish Parliament, marching from The Mound, where the protest was held, and down Edinburghs Royal Mile before taking the knee in solidarity with Palestinians caught up in the conflict. The UK Government has been steadfast in its support of Israel, with ministers calling on police to use the full force of the law against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a statement on Saturday evening, told Israel Britain is with you. He said: What took place was an act of pure evil and Israel has every right to defend itself. We will do everything we can to support Israel in restoring the security it deserves. But 12 aid agencies, including Oxfam, Action Against Hunger and Action Aid, called on Mr Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to use the UKs influence to help bring an end to the violence. It comes as the Foreign Office confirmed two charter flights have left Israel carrying Britons. One flight was a commercial charter flight, while an RAF A400M transport plane was also used. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekends attack on Israel but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Foreign Secretary blamed Hamas squarely for the deaths of civilians. Hamas is the greatest threat to the Palestinian people. They hide in hospitals and schools, using woman and children as human shields. The death of any civilian is a tragedy. Palestinian or Israeli Hamas is the cause of this loss. 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 }} Hundreds of people have gathered for a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London, amid police warnings that anyone showing support for Hamas could face arrest. More than 1,000 officers have been deployed by the Metropolitan Police for the march, which saw supporters gather to express solidarity with Palestine as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. Protesters gathered outside the BBCs Broadcasting House in Portland Place ahead of the march this afternoon. Palestine flags and supportive placards were waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby. The BBCs headquarters in London was earlier targeted and daubed in red paint. The broadcaster has faced criticism from senior Conservatives in recent days for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas militants as terrorists. But the Metropolitan Police said the incident has so far not been linked to any protest group. The gathering comes as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians, as the death toll continues to grow amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. As the conflict deepens, an RAF flight left Israel on Friday night as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals to safety. A plane carried passengers to Cyprus, with the air force assisting the Foreign Office amid a limited availability of commercial flights. Three Britons are confirmed to have died during last weekends assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. The UK Government has been steadfast in support of Israel, with ministers also calling on police to use the full force of the law against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community. Waving a proscribed flag in support of Hamas or other proscribed organisations at the protest will be an offence. The Home Secretary also suggested this week that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate. Amid concerns about the scale of the Israeli response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that the country has every right to defend itself from Hamas attacks but stressed that civilian safety must be paramount in our minds. A Section 12 of the Public Order Act will be in force from midday covering the demonstration route, which starts at Portland Place and finishes in Whitehall. Orly Goldschmidt, spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy to the UK, earlier insisted that Israel was not targeting civilians, but admitted that innocent people would be casualties of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. There will be innocent people who will pay tragically with their life, but this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again, she told Times Radio. 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 }} Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty has sent a message of hope to families who are suffering in Israel and Palestine. The presenter from Co Down, whose father was shot dead by the Ulster Freedom Fighters during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, recalled his experience of growing up in a conflict zone was that the hurt and the pain on both sides was sadly the same. However, he said the people of Ireland are living our own miracle and he hoped for those suffering during the Israel-Hamas conflict your miracle comes soon. As he closed Friday nights episode on RTE, the Irish national broadcaster, Kielty said: Before we go, I would just like to say that so many of us here on the Late Late Show want to send our love to the family of Kim Damti and all the families whose lives this week have been ripped apart in Israel and Palestine. There are no words that will even touch the sides on the pain and the loss and the ongoing horror that has been felt by so many tonight. But as someone who grew up during a conflict where the rights and wrongs of politics were always writ large, one common truth was the hurt and the pain on both sides was sadly the same. In the midst of despair, miracles are hard to believe in but its worth remembering that we are currently living our own miracle on this island because we are living in peace Patrick Kielty We all shared something, but we just didnt realise it at the time and there were days when we thought it would never end. Kielty continued: Tonight, there are many parents and children in Israel and in Gaza who also think this will never end and are praying for a miracle to make it stop. In the midst of despair, miracles are hard to believe in but its worth remembering that we are currently living our own miracle on this island because we are living in peace. And for all those in Israel and Palestine tonight, it mightnt seem like it but there is always hope and we hope that your miracle comes soon. On Wednesday, 22-year-old Irish-Israeli citizen Ms Damti was confirmed dead after the Hamas attacks in Israel. She had been attending a music festival near the Gaza border on Saturday when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack. Palestinians are currently struggling to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military after power and water supplies to the region were stopped ahead of an expected land offensive. Kielty has presented documentaries about The Troubles, including the BBC programme My Dad, The Peace Deal And Me, about his fathers death at the hands of paramilitary gunmen. The comedian was 16 when Jack Kielty was shot dead. The programme coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and saw Kielty return to his home town of Dundrum to see if the historic peace deal has delivered on its pledge to create a new Northern Ireland. It was nominated for a Bafta for best single documentary and he was named UK documentary host of the year at the 2018 Grierson Awards. His film Patrick Kielty: 100 Years Of Union, which explored how the trauma of the past is shaping the future of Northern Ireland during its centenary year, also won an RTS award. 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 }} People who deviate from a designated route during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London on Saturday could face arrest, the Metropolitan Police has warned as the force readies more than 1,000 officers to police the march. Thousands of people are expected to march in solidarity with Palestine and demand Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Starting at Portland Place at 12pm, protesters will march through London before finishing in Whitehall at about 3pm. The Met warned on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday evening that a Section 12 has been authorised from midday on Saturday in the relevant area. Any person participating in or associated with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest must not deviate from the route below or they may be subject to arrest, the force said. It also warned that waving a proscribed flag in support of Hamas or other proscribed organisations at the protest will be an offence. Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism, told the BBC that several speeches made at pro-Palestinian rallies that have already taken place in the UK collected by BBC Verify might have glorified terrorism and appear to be in breach of terrorism legislation. Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor told a press briefing earlier on Friday: Its not unusual for London to host protests of that size almost every week we are hosting very large protests and I have got a very experienced command team working on this one because of all of the sensitivities and the context in which this protest is taking place. Protest liaison teams have been working with organisers to determine what will and will not be acceptable for the Met and how the events can be carried out safely. Whilst people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to incite violence, they do not have the right to incite hatred and they do not have the right to commit criminal offences and we will robustly police that situation Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor Mr Taylor said it is the Mets job to balance the right of lawful protest against what that protest is doing, as it is often individuals within a protest who breach lines of criminality rather than the protest itself. He added: Whilst people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to incite violence, they do not have the right to incite hatred and they do not have the right to commit criminal offences and we will robustly police that situation. Having and waving a Palestinian flag alone will not be an offence but it could form part of one if it is associated with words or actions inciting violence. Mr Taylor said this creates really tricky lines for policing and the Met has asked the Attorney General and Crown Prosecution Service for absolute clarity and guidance on the issue, with a written response expected before the protest. He also told of a massive increase in antisemitic crime and incidents since the Israel-Hamas conflict including an incident on Monday evening where Jewish individuals were confronted by members of a protest group, effectively playing up the issues in Israel and laughing about the number of deaths of Jewish citizens in Israel. Mr Taylor said the force has seen an increase in Islamophobic incidents as well, but nothing like the scale of the increase in antisemitism. The march on Saturday follows calls from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Israel to protect ordinary Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid and from the Archbishop of Canterbury for a Gaza humanitarian corridor. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The British government could be complicit in war crimes in Gaza if it does not do more to restrain Israel, a senior Conservative MP has warned. Crispin Blunt, a former chair of parliaments foreign affairs committee, has written to Rishi Sunak warning the UK is in legal peril on account of his apparent unqualified support to the policy of the government of Israel. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, which Mr Blunt co-chairs, has issued a notice of intention to prosecute UK officials and says there is clear evidence that Israel has committed war crimes. It comes after Israel told 1.2 million people living in the northern part of the Gaza Strip to immediately leave their homes in preparation for a military operation. Authorities in Gaza say 1,900 Palestinians, including 583 children, have been killed by Israeli strikes in the past week, with a full-scale ground invasion now anticipated. Israel has also blocked the entry of goods into Gaza and cut off electricity to the densely populated territory. Around 1,300 people were killed in Israel after Hamas militants last week breached a barrier erected around the Gaza Strip and returned with more than 100 hostages. Israel says it is defending itself and following international law. Mr Blunt is the second prominent Tory MP to raise the alarm over the issue after Alicia Kearns, the current chair of the foreign affairs committee, said the UK should be tough with our friends. International law cannot be switched on and off and there are laws around proportionality, she told the News Agents podcast, stressing that the country had a right to defend itself, but within international rules. Mr Sunak has said the UK fully supports Israel and on Thursday night announced he had sent RAF surveillance aircraft and Royal Navy vessels to the region. Downing Street has called on Israel to protect ordinary Palestinians, but senior members of the government, including defence secretary Grant Shapps, have backed Israels order for Palestinians to vacate the territory. The United Nations says the mass relocation of the population is impossible without devastating humanitarian consequences. Speaking on Sky News on Saturday morning, Mr Blunt said: If you know that a party is going to commit a war crime and this forcible transfer of people is a precise breach of one of the statutes that governs international law and all states in this area then you are making yourself complicit. And as international law has developed in this area, the fact of being complicit makes you equally guilty to the party carrying out the crime. Conservative MP Crispin Blunt has warned that the UK is in legal peril on account of its apparent unqualified support to the policy of the government of Israel (PA Archive) In his letter to Mr Sunak, Mr Blunt said the UK could prevent further legal action by issuing a public statement condemning Israeli breaches of international law, and urged the PM to ask each government official that has encouraged war crimes in Gaza to rescind their statements in public. The letter also says the government should immediately call for a ceasefire, and an end to the siege of the territory to allow humanitarian access. Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said on Friday that Israel was going too far with retaliatory strikes on Gaza and that people who have nothing to do with Hamas are paying an extraordinary price for Hamass attacks. Nobody has said that Israel does not have the right to protect itself from terror. All of us have said that, myself included, but collective punishment cannot be justified, he said Labour leader Keir Starmer defended Israels right to cut off the water and electricity supply to Gaza, telling LBC radio: I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation, obviously everything should be done within international law, but I dont want to step away from the core principles that Israel has the right to defend herself. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Israel's president Isaac Herzog said: We are working, operating militarily in terms according to rules of international law, period. Unequivocally. It is an entire nation out there that is responsible. Its not true, this rhetoric about civilians [being] not aware, not involved. Its absolutely not true. They could have risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup detat. But we are at war, we are defending our homes, we are protecting our homes, thats the truth, and when a nation protects its home it fights, and we will fight until we break their backbone. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said on Saturday: Israel has suffered a shockingly brutal terrorist attack and Hamas alone is responsible for this conflict. We support Israels right to defend itself and to take action against terrorism. Unlike Hamas, Israeli president Herzog has said their armed forces will operate in accordance with international law. Given that Hamas has embedded itself in the civilian population in Gaza it is important that Israel takes all possible measures to protect ordinary Palestinians and to facilitate humanitarian aid. 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 }} Thousands of protesters at a pro-Gaza demonstration have staged an impromptu march to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Chanting slogans such as Free, free Palestine! and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, demonstrators marched up The Mound and along Edinburghs famous Royal Mile as onlookers including tourists watched. Demonstrations were also held in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. Glasgows Bath Street had to be closed due to the number of people attending the demonstration at the Buchanan Street steps in the city centre. Glasgow City Council officials confirmed the street later reopened. Pictures published by The Herald showed Humza Yousafs parents Shaaista Bhutta and Muzaffar Yousaf attending the demonstration in the city. In Edinburgh, Palestinian woman Iman, who did not give her last name, said people in Gaza need a right to freedom and refugees need the right to return. She added: We want justice, we want peace and we want freedom. I thank Scotland for not raising the Israeli flag. I thank Scotland for standing in solidarity, unconditional solidarity with my people. I thank Scotland for its strength to find a safe haven for refugees. We need corridors for people to receive medical aid, food and water. Six activists with Israel flags attended the demonstration as a counter-protest but they were outnumbered by pro-Palestine activists. It comes as Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. The UN, human rights groups and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians, as the death toll continues to grow amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory. The renewed violence came after an attack last week by the militant group Hamas left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead. One activist who attended the protest and asked not to be named over fear of ramifications from the political party he is a member of told the PA news agency he was there because there were no mainstream political party voices backing Palestinian people. The Labour Party member hit out at the stance his party leaders had taken towards the escalation of the conflict after Hamas militants attacked Israeli civilians last Saturday. He said: Im here because there are voices in the mainstream of UK politics that are on Palestines side, not the UK Government and unfortunately not the opposition. Im happy that other people are here too because I want to show that there are people in the UK who care. I'm here because there are voices in the mainstream of UK politics that are on Palestine's side, not the UK Government and unfortunately not the opposition Pro-Palestine activist After speeches concluded at The Mound, protesters then made their way up towards the Royal Mile where they marched to the Scottish Parliament. Police on motorbikes directed traffic to facilitate the march. Upon arrival at the parliament building, some activists took the knee and held a minutes silence in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Thousands of activists took part in protests across the UK including London and Manchester. 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 MP who left the SNP to join the Tories has likened her former party to a cult. Lisa Cameron announced this week she would cross the floor, claiming there was a toxic culture within the SNP group at Westminster. In an interview with the Scottish Daily Mail, Dr Cameron said she regretted not leaving sooner than Thursday, when she was just hours away from hearing the outcome of a selection contest in her East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat against SNP staffer Grant Costello. Dr Cameron said her relationship with SNP colleagues resulted in a year of counselling sessions and the need for antidepressants. It does feel quite cult-like in the sense that, in order to have continued approval you have to think and act and speak and behave in a way that is expected Dr Lisa Cameron She has also claimed she had to leave her home due to threats following the defection. However, the new Tory MP said the decision which was welcomed by Prime Minster Rishi Sunak was not one she has taken lightly. But one of her former SNP colleagues, Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald, told the Scotsmans podcast The Steamie Dr Cameron had been on defection-watch since before the pandemic. Dr Cameron told the paper: It is almost like, with the SNP, you sort of get indoctrinated a bit, I feel in an unhealthy way, and your identity gets merged with the doctrine. Its like, Heres what you think about things. Theres not so much, from my experience, individual choice and decision-making or contribution. It almost becomes like a learned helplessness in a way, and it took a long time for me to rebuild my confidence to even speak about things. It does feel quite cult-like in the sense that, in order to have continued approval you have to think and act and speak and behave in a way that is expected constantly, and never to criticise. She also claimed there was a cult of personality within the SNP which meets for Humza Yousafs first conference as leader on Sunday that has left people feeling unable to question the leadership, and being forced to leave. Dr Cameron has said she was ostracised by the Westminster group after speaking up for the young staffer harassed by MP Patrick Grady, when the groups leadership asked colleagues to show Mr Grady support. Mr Grady has since failed SNP vetting to run for his Glasgow North seat at the next election. Dr Cameron blamed her difficult relationships with SNP colleagues for a year of counselling sessions she underwent and the need for antidepressants. However, SNP president Mike Russell said on Friday the defection was an odd tantrum, from someone who was going to lose their nomination. Mr Yousaf, speaking to the PA news agency on Thursday, said it was the least surprising news he had heard since becoming First Minister and he questioned Dr Camerons commitment to Scottish independence. Asked about his comments, the MP said while she believes in Scottish independence, she no longer trusts the SNP to run a Scottish Government outside the UK. A spokeswoman for the SNP said: Lisa Cameron has betrayed, not only the local SNP members that helped get her elected as an SNP MP, but the people of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow who rejected the Tories. She must now now do the right thing and step down to allow a by-election. Her constituents deserve to have the democratic opportunity to elect a hard working SNP MP who will put the interests of Scotland first. On a personal basis, we wish her well. 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 }} California has become the first US state to ban medical professionals from listing excited delirium as a cause of death, a move that has been hailed by human rights activists as a watershed moment. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on October 8 that prohibited coroners, medical examiners, physicians or physician assistants from listing excited delirium on a persons death certificate or in an autopsy report. The law is due to take effect in January. According to the bill, excited delirium means a term used to describe a persons state of agitation, excitability, paranoia, extreme aggression, physical violence, and apparent immunity to pain that is not listed in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ... or for which the court finds there is insufficient scientific evidence or diagnostic criteria to be recognized as a medical condition. The new bill also means law enforcement will not be allowed to use the term to describe a persons behaviour in any incident report, and testimony that refers to excited delirium wont be allowed in civil court. The term excited delirium has been used increasingly over the last 15 years to explain how a person experiencing severe agitation can die suddenly through no fault of the police. It was notably used as a defence in the murder trial of George Floyd. Lawyers for former police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murdering Mr Floyd, argued that the excited delirium was real, and that Chauvin acted reasonably when he pressed his knee to Floyds neck for about 9 1/2 minutes to restrain him, even as Floyd said he couldnt breathe and eventually became limp. Joanna Naples-Mitchell, a lawyer with the New York-based Physicians for Human Rights, who who co-authored a 2022 report on the use of the diagnosis, told the LA Times: This is a watershed moment in California and nationwide. In a wrongful death lawsuit, if excited delirium comes up, its a big hurdle for a family getting justice if their family member was actually killed by police. So, now it will be basically impossible for them to offer testimony on excited delirium in California. Though it is the first time the term has been banned in state legislature, several national medical associations have already discredited excited delirium as a medical diagnosis. It comes after The American College of Emergency Physicians formally withdrew its approval of a 2009 paper on excited delirium, on Thursday. The organisation called the paper outdated and said the term excited delirium should not be used by members who testify in civil or criminal cases. One man is dead after a shooting late Friday night off the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. A suspect has not been identified, and law enforcement authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or property owners in the area with surveillance equipment to reach out to the Charlottesville Police Department. At this time, CPD does not believe this to be a random act of violence, police said in a statement released Saturday. Officers said they responded to reports of gunfire at about 2:59 a.m. on the 200 block of East Market Street late Friday night, early Saturday morning. Thats a block removed from the Downtown Mall and near the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and Market Street Park. Officers located a male victim, identified as 48-year-old Daniel OBrien Hall of Charlottesville, on scene suffering from gunshot wounds, police said in the Saturday statement. Hall was transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center with life threatening injuries and succumbed to those injuries at the hospital. Detectives were called to the scene, but the early investigation did not result in the identification of any suspect, police said. Anyone with any information on the shooting is encouraged to contact the Charlottesville Police Department at (434) 970-3280 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000. The police department is also asking for businesses and residents near the scene of the shooting to check footage from private surveillance equipment with specific attention to the following areas: 100-500 block of East Market Street. 100-500 block of East Jefferson Street. 100-500 block of East High Street. 200 block of Third Street Northeast. 200 block of Fourth Street Northwest. Gun violence in Charlottesville has been atypically high this year, described by current and former law enforcement authorities as the worst in recent memory. Within city limits, there have been seven fatal shootings since Jan. 1, including shootings ruled as self-defense, according to police. But the rise in gun violence predates Jan. 1. Since September of last year, Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County have reported 18 firearm deaths and 28 gun-involved injuries, according to a running Daily Progress tally. Those numbers do not include suicides or accidental gunshots. 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 "ring of fire" eclipse is emerging and visible across the Americas, according to NASA. The space agency has launched a livestream as the partial eclipse of the sun begins. The moon has begun to cross in front of the sun, and the spectacle was visible in Eugene, Oregon shortly after 8am local time (4pmBST). Residents of the small, rural towns in the viewing area were concerned that tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the heavenly event would crowd their streets, according to the Associated Press. However, weather conditions have unfortunately dampened the hopes of many who hoped to view the eclipse; fog and clouds have obscured much of the visible sky across the west coast states. Ring of fire eclipses are especially fascinating to watch because the moon does not fully cover the sun; the edges of the star extend beyond the circumference of the moon, creating the "ring of fire" visible just beyond the edges of Earth's closest celestial neighbor. Rain forced the eclipse festival in Reedsport, near Oregon's Pacific coast, indoors. Rosa Solano, a city official, told the Associated Press they were "still hoping that we might get a glimpse of it." In Baker, Nevada, the town of 100 had clear skies and local shop owners were ready for visitors with eclipse-themed merchandise. Liz Woolsey, who runs an inn and a general store, made t-shirts and planned activities for visitors coming to see the spectacle. She said her rooms had been booked for more than a year in anticipation of the eclipse. Visitors also flocked to national parks, where the protected land meant there would be few intrusive lights and little encroaching smog to block the sky. Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah expected its busiest day of the year to be Saturday thanks to eclipse tourists. The eclipse is expected to last approximately three hours in any given viewing area. The actual "ring of fire" is expected to last for approximately three to five minutes, depending on location. The next ring of fire eclipse will occur in October of 2024 for the southern-most tip of South America, and another will occur in 2026, but will only be visible to the penguins and polar researchers in Antartica. Those hoping to stay in the states will have another chance to see the ring of fire eclipse in 2039, but only if they're willing to travel to Alaska. 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 }} Americans trying to escape Gaza were left waiting at Egypt's border after an apparent misunderstanding between Washington and Cairo. Israel was preparing its ground push into Gaza on Saturday and warned anyone in the northern portion of the strip to evacuate. The Biden administration advised Americans that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would be open to US citizens. There are approximately 500-600 Palestinian Americans in Gaza, according to the US State Department. The long-simmering conflict between Israel and Palestine boiled over when Hamas fighters crossed the Israeli border and butchered approximately 2,000 Israelis, many civilians and children. Israel responded with a bombing campaign in Gaza that has leveled apartment blocks and killed civilians and children. US officials said the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would be open from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday. However, Americans arriving at the crossing were stopped and turned away. Egyptian authorities have rejected the idea of using the Rafah crossing only for foreigners. The Egyptian position is clear, Alqahera News reported, quoting Egyptian officials. It is unclear exactly what happened, but reports from the gate suggest that Cairo had refused to allow US citizens passage. By 5pm local time, the crossing from Gaza into Egypt had remained closed. It is unclear if it ever opened to allow US citizens across. Lena Beseiso, 57, is an American from Salt Lake City who is visiting her family in Gaza. She told the New York Times that she had received messages from the US State Department on Saturday instructing Americans to leave Gaza through the Egyptian border, but she and scores of others were left waiting at the crossing. Gazans with foreign passports wait arrive the Rafah Border Gate and wait to cross into Egypt as Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continue on the eighth day in Rafah, Gaza on October 14, 2023 (Anadolu via Getty Images) Everyone here is frightened something goes wrong, Ms. Beseio told the Times. I have hope it will open. Well wait a little longer. Unfortunately for her, it does not appear that the crossing ever opened. It is unclear if the border will open tomorrow or if US citizens will have to find another means of leaving Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in Gaza have been driven from their homes ahead of the Israeli military advance. There is still no word from the US State Department explaining what happened. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spent the day traveling across the region in an attempt to de-escalate hostilities. He began his day in Saudi Arabia before traveling to Abu Dhabi to speak with the United Arab Emirates Shiekh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 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 }} Australia on Saturday was set to overwhelmingly reject a proposal to recognise Indigenous people in the constitution, in a major setback to the countrys efforts for reconciliation with its first peoples. The referendum decides whether to tackle the disadvantages faced by Indigenous people in the country by enshrining a new advocacy committee in the constitution. Australians are required to vote either Yes or No to whether they agree to alter the countrys 122-year-old constitution to create an Indigenous body called the Voice to Parliament which would provide advice to the government on Indigenous issues. In all but one state, polling closed on Saturday with the No vote dominating early counting. An early vote count suggests the states of New South Wales and Tasmania would reject the change of the constitution. This means creating the Indigenous body would need majorities in each of the four remaining states as well as a national majority. Advocates for the constitutional change have already conceded defeat in the referendum to create Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Associated Press reported. Indigenous Australians, who make up around 3.8 per cent of the countrys population, constitute the nations most disadvantaged ethnic minority. Reports have shown that they die eight years younger on average than the wider population, and suffer from diseases that have been eradicated from many wealthy countries. A majority supported the Voice earlier this year, but the No campaign gathered momentum over time. Of the nearly 18 million people enrolled to vote in the referendum, around six million have cast their ballots in early voting over the last three weeks. The Yes camp winning a majority would make life better for Indigenous people, Australias prime minister Anthony Albanese said. No takes us nowhere we are living in no right now, said Mr Albanese. Kindness costs nothing, he said in a speech on Friday. While many Indigenous people favour the change, some fear it could be a distraction from achieving practical outcomes. Major conservative parties are also campaigning for a No vote, saying the measure is divisive and would be ineffective. Polls closed in Queensland at 8am GMT (6pm local time) and is expected to close in Western Australia two hours later due to the region being in a different time zone. Opinion polls conducted in the months leading to the referendum suggest a strong majority of Australians oppose the proposal. Early counting of about 11 per cent of the votes found that the No campaign led Yes by 55.4 per cent to 44.6 per cent. The result of the polls is expected to be known late Saturday, unless the vote is close. 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 }} Former businessman Christopher Luxon is set to become New Zealands next prime minister as the countrys incumbent leader Chris Hipkins conceded deafeat. Mr Luxon said he would form a new government with its preferred coalition party ACT, Reuters reported. New Zealands National Party, which is currently in opposition had about 40 per cent of the votes, while the ACT party had 9 per cent, giving the coalition enough seats to form a government. The Labour party currently has a little over a quarter of the vote share about half the proportion it got under Ms Ardern in the last election. As the numbers stand, Labour is not in a position to form a government, Mr Hipkins said, adding that he called Mr Luxon to concede defeat. The election results signal a change among voters after six years of a liberal government in New Zealand that was led for most of the time by former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who stepped down in January saying she no longer had enough in the tank to do justice to the job. I want you to be proud of what we achieved over the last six years, Mr Hipkins, who served as education minister under Ms Ardern and later took over as the prime minister, said, acknowledging that the results were not what he wanted. Political commentators say the labour partys loss comes due to New Zealanders dissatisfaction over the countrys long lockdowns to curb Covid-19 spread and the rising cost of living. During the lead-up to the elections, Mr Hipkins had promised free dental care for people under 30 years of age, as well as the removal of sales taxes on fruit and vegetables. Meanwhile, Mr Luxons main campaign promises included tax cuts for middle-income earners and a crackdown on crime. He also promised to fix Wellingtons traffic with a new tunnel project. His National Party has also campaigned to bring the countrys high inflation under control as well as reduce the countrys debt. 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 }} Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah who was killed in Israeli shelling of southern Lebanon, was laid to rest in his hometown Saturday in a funeral procession attended by hundreds of people. Draped in a Lebanese flag, Abdallahs body was carried on a stretcher through the streets of his southern town of Khiam, from his familys home to the local cemetery. Dozens of journalists and Lebanese lawmakers attended the funeral. Abdallah was killed Friday evening near the village of Alma al-Shaab in south Lebanon when an Israeli shell landed on a gathering of international journalists covering exchange of fire along the border between Israeli troops and members of Lebanons militant Hezbollah group. Lebanons Foreign Ministry asked Beiruts mission to the United Nations to file a complaint against Israel over Fridays shelling calling it a flagrant violation and a crime against freedom of opinion and press. The statement was carried by the state-run National News Agency. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht told the Associated Press in Jerusalem Saturday: We are aware of the incident with the Reuters journalist and we are looking into it. Hecht did not confirm that the journalists had been hit by Israeli shells, but called the incident tragic, adding, were very sorry for his death. Reuters said in a statement that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the same shelling while Qatars Al-Jazeera TV, said its cameraman Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, got wounded as well. Frances international news agency, Agence France-Presse, said two of its journalists were also wounded: photographer Christina Assi, and video journalist Dylan Collins. AFP reported Saturday that photographer Christina Assi was in need of blood donations at the American University Medical Center in Beirut where she was hospitalized. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since Saturday's surprise attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel. Journalists from various countries have been flocking to Lebanon to monitor the situation as tensions have been escalating between Hezbollah and Israel. 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 Louvre in Paris has been evacuated after a bomb threat, amid heightened security fears in France. Thousands of visitors were seen leaving the art museum when the hugely popular attraction was closed early on Saturday because of a written warning. Parents were seen dragging their children towards the exits as alarms rang out through the vast building in central Paris overlooking the River Seine. The museum was sealed off by police following the incident (AP) The evacuation was announced at 11am, with tourists seen flooding out of the underground shopping centre beneath its iconic glass pyramid. A spokesperson for the museum said the response was linked to the governments decision to put France on high alert after a fatal school stabbing by a suspected extremist. The Louvre received a written message stating that there was a risk to the museum and its visitors, they said after announcing the closure on social media. We have decided ... to evacuate and close it for the day, while we carry out the necessary checks. The Louvre communication service added that no one had been hurt. Videos posted online showed people leaving, some hurriedly and others stopping to take photos. The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, is the worlds most-visited art gallery, welcoming between 30,000 and 40,000 people per day. The incident came after the French government raised the threat alert level and deployed 7,000 troops to increase security after Fridays school attack. French authorities say a former student suspected of Islamic radicalisation killed a teacher and wounded three other people before being captured. A woman comforts her children at the door of the Gambetta-Carnot public school on Saturday after the previous days killing in Arras (Getty) Dominique Bernard, 57, a French literature teacher, was stabbed to death in the courtyard of the Gambetta-Carnot secondary school in Arras. Three other members of staff were injured, two of them critically. The suspect, identified by prosecutors as Mohamed M, who has been arrested, was a former student of the Lycee Gambetta high school where the attack happened, a police source said. One of the attackers brothers was also detained nearby. Numerous witnesses heard the attacker shouting Allahu Akbar, according to prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard. The government is also concerned about the fallout in France from the war between Israel and Hamas. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russia has pounded Eastern Ukrainians Avdiivka for the fourth straight day, further destroying the city that is reportedly already ablaze. The fighting has been going on for four consecutive days...They have substantial reserves of personnel and equipment. Avdiivka is completely ablaze, Vitaliy Barabash, head of the citys military administration, told Ukrainian national TV. They shoot, using everything they have. The hospital is again under fire, as are administrative buildings and our volunteer centre, Mr Barabash said. Russian attacks on the city, known for its large coking plant, have gutted it, according to Reuters. In what is considered the biggest military offensive of the ongoing conflict in months, Russia has moved a large column of three battalions, including about 2,000 troops, dozens of armoured vehicles, as well as jets into the northern flank of Avdiivka. Officials say the attacks on Avdviivka were relentless and that the enemy was attacking from all sides. The region is a crucial gateway to the Donetsk territory which is the primary communication hub within the occupied territories. The enemy does not stop storming, they come from all directions, Vitaliy Barabash, the head of the citys military administration, said. Both Washington and Russias UN representative say the intensified battles in the east signified a new stage in the campaign. Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line. The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished, UNs Russia representative Vasily Nebenzia said. However, the US said it is confident Ukrainians would beat back Russian forces, although Russia does not seem ready to give up its campaign. All Russian attacks have resulted in significant losses for them, military analyst Serhiy Zgurets said. Russias own military has also suffered its worst combat losses since mid-February, according to Kyiv Post. Recommended The new offensive also suggests Russia could be unwilling to give up its campaign. On average, there are 50-60 instances of intense shelling with artillery and rockets targeting the town. As for military positions, they get hit at least 500-600 times a day, Mr Barabash added. 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 drones hit civilian targets and triggered a fire near Ukraines second-largest city of Kharkiv, officials said. The attacks came as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address Moscow was losing control of Black Sea. Russia launched overnight drone attacks today in Kharkiv with multiple explosions heard and a civilian site was hit, Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Synehubov. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the fire was being brought under control but did not confirm if there were any casualties. In his address, Mr Zelensky said Russia is gradually losing control of the Black Sea and retreating to the eastern part of the waters. I am confident that Ukraine will definitely win. Be confident in yourselves, he said. This comes a day after Vladimir Putins troops bombarded 118 Ukrainian towns and villages over the course of 24 hours, the most intense day of shelling this year, Kyiv said. Ukraine is trying to build up a new shipping lane without Russian approval to revive its vital seaborne exports. But Russia said it would consider any vessel a potential military target after it quit UN-brokered deal allowing Ukrainian goods to pass through. 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 }} Fears are growing over the safety of dozens of hostages being held in Gaza after attacks by Hamas over the weekend. Israels troops are battling to clear out Hamas gunmen more than two days after they carried out the deadly rampage that has left hundreds of people dead. Hostages, including members of the Israeli Defence Forces as well as civilians, some of whom were taken from a nearby music festival on Saturday, are currently being held in the heavily-militarised Gaza area. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, said it was an unprecedented [moment] in our history that we have so many Israeli nationals in the hands of a terrorist organisation. Below we look at everything we know about the hostage situation. What has happened? On Saturday, members of the al Qassam brigades crossed into Israel via land, sea and air, flooding into nearby civilian towns and engaging in violent clashes with the IDF. In a post on Telegram, a Brigades spokesperson said they had captured dozens of (Israeli) officers and soldiers in the first day of fighting. We bring good news to our (Palestinian) prisoners and our people that the al Qassam Brigades have dozens of captured (Israeli) officers and soldiers in their hands, the groups spokesman Abu Obaida said. They have been secured in safe places and resistance tunnels. Noa Argamani was filmed being seized from the festival on a motorbike (Telegram) Avinatan Or was filmed as he was kidnapped by Hamas alongside girlfeind Ms Argamani (Sourced) IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari later confirmed Hamas fighters had taken hostages from the border community of Beeri and the town of Okafim, 20 miles east of Gaza. He described these as the main focal points of the unfolding crisis. Local Channel 12 also reported that infiltrators had taken hostages in Netiv HaAsara. A second Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, said it was also holding more than 30 captives. The hostages are not only soldiers. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, the militarys international spokesperson reported later in the weekend that civilians, children and grandmothers were among those being held captive. An unknown number of civilians who had been attending a music festival near Kibbutz Reim, close to the Gaza border, are also believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas. One video shows a woman attending the festival being hoisted onto the back of a motorcycle and driven away by Hamas fighters. Other footage geolocated to inside Gaza showed a barefoot woman being pulled from the trunk of a jeep by a gunman. Her face is bleeding and her wrists appear to be tied behind her back. What does Hamas want and where are the hostages now? Understanding where those hostages have been taken is difficult. Miles of underground tunnels built by Hamas run beneath the enclave, many of which are unmapped. Other hostages might be kept overground with other fighters. They will not be immediately distinguishable from the Palestinian civilians and Hamas fighters around them. This difficulty is one of the main issues facing Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu when considering a possible military invasion. The risk of killing Israeli civilians remains incredibly high. What Hamas intentions are for the hostages is also unclear, though it is likely they have been taken to deter an Israeli invasion of the enclave. 26-year-old Briton Jake Marlowe is among those believed to have been taken (Jake Marlowe/Facebook) Who has been taken? There is no definitive list of who has been taken hostage by Hamas. The Israeli forces are being careful not to reveal exactly how many they believe to have been taken. An IDF spokesperson Lt Col Jonathan Conricus said last night: I can only say that we are talking about many many Israelis Women, children, infants, elderly and even disabled people. However, families have shared their concerns for missing loved ones who could either be held captive or killed following the attacks. Among those who have yet to be found is 26-year-old Briton Jake Marlowe, who had been providing security at the music festival near the enclave. Kim Damti, an Irish-Israeli woman, was last in contact with family on Saturday morning (Sourced) Another Briton, photographer Dan Darlington who was visiting from his home in Berlin, Germany, is also missing. Irish-Israeli citizen Kim Damti, 22, is another young woman among those who have yet to be found. Her mother last spoke to her at 6.30am local time on Saturday. She was last seen at a party in southern Israel the night before. Ms Damtis brother instructed his sister to take shelter but the family has not heard from her since. Shani Louk, a German tatto artist, was captured by Hamas (Sourced) The woman seen being taken away from the music festival on the back of a motorbike has been identified as Noa Argamani. Her boyfriend Avinatan Or was also filmed being apprehended and being made to walk with his hands behind his back. A German-Israeli national, Shani Louk, has been identified as another hostage. A video showed her unconscious at the festival being displayed by armed militants shouting Allahu Akbar. Mexicos foreign minister Alicia Barcena said on Sunday she believed two of their nationals, a man and a woman, had been taken hostage. At least three Brazilian nationals are also missing, according to Brazilian authorities. On Sunday evening, Israelis whose family members are either missing or have been taken hostage held a joint news conference. For many, they only found out their friends and relatives had been taken when they saw videos posted by Hamas on social media and through WhatsApp groups. One father and husband, Yoni Asher, said he found out about his family being kidnapped when he saw a video of a gunman seizing his wife and two small daughters. My two little girls, theyre only babies. Theyre not even five-years-old and three-years-old, Mr Asher said. Another father, Uri David, said he had been on the phone with his two daughters, Tair and Odaya, before they were suddenly cut off. I heard shooting, shouting in Arabic, I told them to lie on the ground and hold hands, Mr David said. I am asking for the whole world to see what I am going through. We have to bring the children home and as fast as possible. 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 }} As the Israeli army mounted its response to the massacre of hundreds of civilians by Hamas this weekend, it sent tanks and troops not only to the scene of the atrocities, but to its northern border with Lebanon. It was a recognition, borne from experience, that an all-out offensive against Gaza is unlikely to be contained there. To Israels north lies a much more formidable foe, and ally of Hamas, the Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah. Recent skirmishes on the border have heightened the possibility that Hezbollah could enter the fray and widen the conflict beyond Israels borders. The group is significantly better equipped than Hamas, with an arsenal of tens of thousands of sophisticated rockets, according to Michael Knights, a fellow at the Washington Institute and expert on Iran-backed militias. Israel says the Hamas attack involved about 1,500 commandos entering Israel: Israel has assessed that Hezbollah has a 45,000-strong regular army, he told The Independent. Hamas fired about 3,300 missiles and drones so far: Hezbollah has around 150,000 munitions ready to fire. The entry of Hezbollah into the conflict would mark a dramatic escalation in an already devastating war between Israel and Hamas, which has seen the death of more than 1,000 Israelis and 800 Palestinians as of Tuesday. Such an eventuality would ensure a regional war that would almost certainly cause massive civilian casualties in Lebanon and Israel, and potentially draw in other Iranian-backed groups throughout the region. At stake is the balance of power in a regional proxy war between rivals Israel and Iran. The Islamic Republic has spent years building a network of allied militant groups opposed to Israel, which it collectively calls the resistance. Those groups Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Houthi rebels in Yemen and various Shia militant groups in Iraq and Syria have been furnished with military training, financial support, missiles, and the ability to make their own missiles. The consequences of that alliance were demonstrated in 2006, when Hezbollah and Israel fought a 34-day war that led to the deaths of 1,200 people in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 157 Israelis, mostly soldiers. In that confrontation, which was sparked when Hezbollah fighters attacked an Israeli army convoy patrolling the border, killing three soldiers and taking two hostages, Israel pummelled civilian infrastructure across Lebanon, including in the capital, Beirut. Hezbollah fired more than 4,000 rockets into Israel, killing dozens of civilians. The 2006 war ended with a United Nations-brokered ceasefire in August of that year. In the aftermath, despite suffering significantly more casualties, Hezbollah claimed a strategic victory because it maintained its ability to continue firing rockets. Since then, Israel claims Hezbollah has drastically increased its stockpile of missiles, most of them unguided , which could wreak havoc across Israel. The group also gained valuable battlefield experience by sending thousands of its fighters to join Syrian government forces in that countrys civil war. (AFP via Getty Images) Anticipating that Hezbollah may be preparing for such a move, the US, Israels most staunch ally, sent an aircraft carrier strike force to the Eastern Mediterranean in what a defence official described as a deterrent signal to Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and any other proxy across the region who were weighing joining the conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, US president Joe Biden appeared to reinforce that signal. Although he did not mention Hezbollah by name, he issued a warning to any country, any organisation, anyone thinking of taking advantage of this situation. The question that now lingers over the residents of Lebanon and Israel is what precisely would initiate Hezbollahs entry into the conflict? The answer depends on a complex cat-and-mouse game played out with missiles and artillery in the restless border region. Despite intermittent skirmishes, both sides have gone to great lengths to avoid another widespread outbreak of hostilities in the intervening years. Firas Maksad, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC, told The Independent that an unwritten understanding has developed between the two sides, which determines which actions are permissible without sparking an escalation. In terms of the delicate rules of engagement between Israel and Hezbollah, I think its important to remember that the two parties have had a 40-year history of confronting each other across both sides of that border, which has also lent itself to a better understanding of each others intentions and objectives, he said. The big question here, in the coming days, is whether there is going to be room for misunderstanding and miscalculation. Tensions are definitely very high, Maksad added. And will Hezbollah flat out come to the rescue of Hamas, should Benjamin Netanyahu make good on his threat to commence a total ground invasion of Gaza? Maksad asked. My educated guess is that itll be very difficult for Hezbollah and Iran, their regional sponsor, to sit idly by and watch the Palestinian leg of the Iranian axis be dismantled. These established rules of engagement between Hezbollah and Israel have been tested in recent days. On Sunday, Hezbollah fired at three Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. Monday was the deadliest day on the Israel-Lebanese border since the 2006 war. Fighters from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which has a presence in Lebanon, attempted to infiltrate Israel, resulting in the death of two of its members and the killing of an Israeli officer. Hezbollah fired at two more Israel military posts near the border, and the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanons south also said a number of rockets were launched near the Lebanese city of Tyre. Hezbollah said three of its fighters were killed in Israeli shelling that came in response. An Israeli army Merkava tank blocks one of the entrances to the northern Israeli kibbutz of Misgav Am near the border with Lebanon on 10 October 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Hezbollah maintains tight control of the border region with Israel, making it almost impossible that the actions taken by Palestinian groups in Lebanon were carried out without its approval. As Israel stepped up its bombardment of Gaza on Tuesday, another barrage of rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel, and Hezbollah fired a guided missile at an Israeli military vehicle. Hezbollahs aim, according to Maksad, is to dissuade Israel from carrying out a full ground invasion of Gaza. I think we can expect more of that in the coming days, he said. I think [Hezbollah] will use third parties like Palestinian militant groups on Lebanese land to have them claim these operations, but with the understanding that theyre operating with Hezbollahs approval. They will find creative ways to try and harass and deter Israel from an all out operation, Maksad said. But this delicate game of deterrence carries with it risks of an explosion. Should Israel invade Gaza, as it has promised, and Hezbollah enters the war from the north, the US may also be dragged in. The messaging is that Israel, together with the United States, might retaliate not only against Hezbollah, but also against their ally, the Syrian regime in Damascus. The message is we are going to exact revenge from Irans Palestinian arm, and should Iran and Hezbollah try to come to the rescue, we will also then destroy your Syrian arm, Maksad said. Were seeing a game of attempted mutual deterrence. Its dangerous because while both sides are arguably trying to deter each other and dont want to see a full-scale regional conflict, that kind of posturing might lead to that regional conflict that all sides dont want to see. As Israeli forces continued to count the dead from the brutal killings by Hamas on Tuesday, it intensified its bombing of Gaza, reducing a large part of Gaza Citys Rimal neighborhood to rubble overnight. Israel has imposed a strict blockade of the territory by air, land and sea for 16 years, a measure that the UN has described as collective punishment of its 2.3 million inhabitants, and which has caused a completely collapsed economy, devastated infrastructure and a barely functioning social service system. Knights, meanwhile, believes the massacre of hundreds of civilians by Hamas may alter the previously set rules of engagement. Both sides are fairly careful and have well-understood parameters that have been exercised and tested hundreds of times in real life, he said. But one aspect has changed: Israels risk acceptance and emotional state. This could lead to over-reaction and escalation. I once had the privilege of writing the nations only column on government ethics. A Question of Ethics was like a "Dear Abby" for government ethics. Each column would break down ethics laws and apply them to a different question, like When Is a Tweet an Ethics Violation? or May Staffers Write for Money? By design, the column was not political. My editors discouraged partisanship, which was easy for me because I do not have any. I have never believed that either party has a monopoly on right answers. And, I have never felt compelled to weigh in on an election. Until now. With two children in Albemarle County Public Schools, I have followed closely this years race for the at-large seat on the school board. While candidates positions were my initial focus, what lured me out of retirement from ethics writing was unethical tactics to gain power over children. Indeed, candidates ethics violations are rarely about substantive positions. Theres nothing unethical, for example, about Meg Bryces focus on academic rigor and accountability, or Allison Spillmans focus on mental health and protecting transgender children. Rather, campaign ethics issues arise from the means a candidate uses to win like deceit to trick voters into voting for them. First, Spillman promoted a website full of smears that falsely depicted Bryce as an extreme activist. On its face, the site had no connection to Spillmans campaign and stated it was paid for by a parents group. But, in reality, Spillmans now-former campaign manager Chris Seaman had secretly helped build it on a domain named for Spillmans opponent: megscaliabryce.com. When his involvement was discovered, the site was taken down. Virginia law prohibits a candidates campaign from secret involvement in public communications about an election. Private citizens are free to spend money however they like to influence an election, but if they coordinate with a candidates campaign, that connection must be transparent. In the case of a website that a candidates campaign or its agent helps create, the website must disclose the connection with the campaign. Seamans website said: Not authorized by any candidate. While unethical, is this a legal problem too? That depends. If Seaman worked on the website while Spillmans campaign manager, that would be textbook coordination, and require disclosure. If he built it after leaving the campaign, it could still count as improper coordination if he used strategy or information learned while campaign manager. This is why federal law, for example, has a cooling-off period that restricts what a former staffer may do after leaving a campaign. When did Seaman build the site? What did Spillman know when she promoted it? And, why did they conceal Seamans involvement and take the site down once the scheme was discovered? After the website was taken down, Spillmans campaign continued spreading similar smears. Their mailers and TV ads paint Bryce as an extremist bent on whitewashing history by banning books. Close observers of the race find this perplexing, as both candidates have stated firm opposition to banning books and support of current district policy. Even members of Spillmans own party have called her smears meritless. And the trick the campaign uses to support them is one Ive never seen: cite ones own smears as proof of the smears. A Spillman campaign TV ad accusing Bryce of banning books cites as its source an article in The Daily Progress. The referenced article turns out to be a letter to the editor written by Spillmans former campaign manager, Seaman. The same ad cites The Daily Progress as its source for labeling Bryce radical right, again giving the impression a newspaper reported this about her. The cited article describes an event where Spillman herself called Bryce radical right. Dirty tricks may be business-as-usual in some political realms, but they take on greater concern in a school board race. If smears succeed in duping voters, they deprive children of what they deserve: a democratic election decided not by misinformation but by what is best for them. The tactics also raise questions of ethics. In school, children face consequences for cheating. Should deceit in a race about children be disqualifying? Is it unethical to try to destroy someones reputation to get elected? And, might a candidate who uses unethical means to win a board seat use similar means to pursue their ends on the board? Whats unusual about a school board election is that the people with most at stake children have no say. The heavy responsibility of voting on their behalf falls on adults, who are charged with making an informed decision based on facts, not deception. If children could vote, they could protect themselves from those who seek power over them through deceit. Since they cannot, it is up to the rest of us. 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 }} Israel has warned that a comprehensive attack on Gaza will soon be conducted by land, air and sea, as thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets across the UK calling for peace. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, told soldiers gathered at Gazas borders on Saturday that the next stage is coming, as his armed forced prepared for a bloody offensive that many fear could result in the death of hundreds of civilians. He spoke to troops in Beeri and Kfar Aza, a kibbutz where he has claimed Hamas militants slaughtered babies in the first hours of their unprecedented terror attack on southern Israel last Saturday. Mr Netanyahus remarks came as women and children were confirmed among 70 Palestinians killed, reportedly during an Israeli airstrike on the safe route through the Gaza Strip on Friday. Since the Hamas attack last Saturday: More than 2,200 have been killed in Gaza, including 724 children and 458 women, according to the Palestinian health ministry Thousands of Palestinians fled from the north of the besieged Gaza Strip to the south after an Israeli evacuation order A top Hamas commander was killed in rolling airstrikes conducted by the Israeli army The UN warned food and fresh water was rapidly running out, risking the lives of millions Prime minister Rishi Sunak was warned by a senior Tory MP that the UK could be legally complicit in Gaza war crimes Footage of at least a dozen bodies, some of whom lay on the street while others were in damaged vehicles, was verified on Saturday. The Palestinian civilians were fleeing southward following an order from the Israeli army to evacuate the northern regions of Gaza ahead of the expected ground offensive. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had repeatedly said they would not target civilians, though reports from the local emergency organisations suggested multiple aid workers travelling in ambulances had already been killed. Meanwhile, more than a million Gazans were in a race against time to evacuate northern areas of the enclave, a move that the United Nations said at the time was impossible and would have devastating humanitarian consequences. Gazans flee southwards after orders to evacuate from the Israeli army (AP) The Israeli military prepares for the ground attack at Baram kibbutz on Saturday (Anadolu via Getty Images) The enclave, about 42km (26 miles) long and only 12km (7.5 miles) wide, has been continually bombarded with retaliatory airstrikes since the attack last week. Navigating through the streets, blocked by the rubble of destroyed apartment buildings, has proven increasingly difficult for besieged Gazans. The latest death toll figures from the local health ministry, controlled by Hamas, report that more than 2,200 Palestinians have been killed and roughly 8,800 wounded. An evacuation southward through the enclave is perilous and the World Health Organisation said it was a death sentence for those already injured. The UN also said that more than 2 million people are at risk of dying of thirst after clean water started to run out in Gaza when the water plant stopped working. In the UK, Crispin Blunt, a former chair of parliaments foreign affairs committee, has written to Rishi Sunak warning the UK is in legal peril on account of his apparent unqualified support to the policy of the government of Israel. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, which Mr Blunt co-chairs, has issued a notice of intention to prosecute UK officials and says there is clear evidence that Israel has committed war crimes. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters marched through London and elsewhere including Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol and Glasgow. Among those demonstrating were countless Palestinians with friends and family trapped in the enclave. Many had lost contact following the announcement of the ground offensive as services into the region were cut off to prepare for the arrival of the Israeli troops. Ismail Patel, chair of the Friends of Al-Aqsa organisation, one of the main groups behind the march in London, told The Independent that it was becoming more and more difficult to be in touch with people in Gaza. While I was having one conversation with one friend in Gaza, their phone cut out, he said. I dont know whats happened to them anymore. Elsewhere, Israels military said on Saturday it had killed two Hamas commanders who were behind the cross-border deadly rampage last week. The military said it killed Murad Abu Murad, who was the head of the Hamas aerial system, and Ali Qadi, a top commander of a commando force. An Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Saturday (AP) Israeli officials, including Mr Netanyahu, have routinely compared Hamas to Isis while accusing the group of using Palestinian civilians as human shields, which is a war crime. Around 360,000 reservists have been called up by the IDF to launch the imminent offensive into Gaza A statement from the army said essential combat equipment had already been dispatched to positions near the enclave and that battalions and soldiers are strategically deployed across the country. In a televised speech on Saturday, Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas official, remained defiant. He said that all the massacres will not break the Palestinian people, urging Gazans again to remain in their homes. 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 }} Israel may be on the verge of a mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza in the wake of the bloody Hamas attack, a United Nations expert has warned. Israeli officials have already ordered an estimated 1.1 million people living in north Gaza to leave their homes and move south ahead of an expected ground invasion by their forces massed at the border. The IDF has since entered Gaza to carry out limited operations in search of more than 100 civilians and soldiers captured by Hamas during the brutal and unexpected 7 October attacks, which killed more than 1,300. Now Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian Territory, has warned that Palestinians may be facing another Nakba, or forced expulsion from their land. The Nakba or catastrophe in Arabic refers to the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the territory during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. There is a grave danger that what we are witnessing may be a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, and the 1967 Naksa, yet on a larger scale. The international community must do everything to stop this from happening again, said Ms Albanese in a statement on Saturday. And she added: Israel has already carried out mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians under the fog of war. Again, in the name of self-defence, Israel is seeking to justify what would amount to ethnic cleansing. At least 1,300 people were killed in the Hamas terror attacks on 7 October, including 260 people at a music festival near kibbutz Reim. Smoke and fire rise following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP) More than 2,000 people have been killed in Hamas-controlled Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes, the Palestinian health ministry said on Saturday. The Israeli Defense Force told The Independent that Ms Albaneses claims of ethnic cleansing are absurd. On October 7th, Hamas initiated a cruel and brutal terror attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, including women, children, and elderly. The claim that Israel is planning an ethnic cleansing is absurd and far from the reality on the ground. The IDF is targeting Hamas in a campaign against terrorism, and is targeting Hamas militants, capabilities, and military infrastructures, the IDF said in a statement. Following the Hamas attacks, Israel announced a complete siege on the enclave, with electricity, water and medical supplies now in desperately short supply. And on Saturday Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told troops in southern Israel that The next stage is coming Meanwhile, Director of Communications at UNRWA, Juliette Touma, says that 1 million people have already been displaced following the Israeli air strikes. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 (OHCHR) Ms Albanese, an Italian human rights lawyer and academic, in her statement, claimed that continued military operations by Israel have gone well beyond the limits of international law and urged the international community to mediate a ceasefire. The international community must stop these egregious violations of international law now, before tragic history is repeated. Time is of the essence. Palestinians and Israelis both deserve to live in peace, equality of rights, dignity and freedom, Ms Albanese said. And she added: The international community has the responsibility to prevent and protect populations from atrocity crimes. Accountability for international crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces and Hamas must also be immediately pursued. Special Rapporteurs are supposed to be independent experts who produce reports for UN member states. Ms Albanese became the first woman to hold the position upon her appointment in May 2022. The IDF did not respond to a request for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Israeli army is making preparations for a ground invasion of Gaza that will likely eclipse all previous offensives in scale, ferocity and civilian harm. Following the brutal massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis by Hamas this weekend, Israels army has moved masses of tanks and soldiers to the perimeter of the densely populated Gaza Strip, evacuated its own civilians from border areas and called up 300,000 reservist troops. All the places that Hamas hides in, operates from, we will turn them into ruins," Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said . The Israeli government announced a total siege on the 42-km long territory, vowing to cut off power, water, fuel and food to the more than two million people who live there. The sole remaining access from Egypt shut down Tuesday after Israeli airstrikes hit near the border crossing. Israeli officials have made clear that due to the severity of the Hamas attack, this incursion will strike deeper and harder than previous invasions of the territory. During a visit to the area near Gaza on Tuesday, Israels Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he has released all restraints for Israeli troops in the coming fight against Hamas. They will regret this moment Gaza will never return to what it was, Gallant added. Massive aerial bombardment Israel has already begun preparing the way for its ground invasion with heavy aerial bombardment of Gaza, destroying entire city blocks and killing hundreds in the process. As of Tuesday evening, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed and 5,339 others injured by the strikes, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. The ministry has accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting civilian neighborhoods, health facilities, and notably, medical and rescue crews, as well as ambulance vehicles. Israel army spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said that civilian buildings could be targeted if they are being used by Hamas. In buildings where people are living there could be a weapons store there could be a Hamas kingpin living there, he said Tuesday. The Associated Press reported that civilians in Gaza struggled to find any safe area on Wednesday as strikes demolished entire neighbourhoods, hospitals ran low on supplies and the territorys only power plant ran out of fuel. The bombardment has caused mass displacement within Gaza, according to the UN , with the total displacement now exceeding 263,934 people. Some 170,000 are seeking shelter in UN schools, it added. Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza (Anadolu/Getty) Prominent British-Palestinian plastic surgeon Ghassan Abu Sitta said Gazas largest hospital al-Shifa is already at capacity and they are being forced to improvise. He said he had to clean a teenage girl with 70 per cent surface burns using regular soap because the hospital is out of chlorhexidine, an antiseptic. Ive been in Gaza during the 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2021 [wars] and this is the worst, he told The Independents Bel Trew from Gaza City. The sheer number of wounded in the last 72 hours has completely overwhelmed the system. Al-Shiafa is at capacity, he added. Tunnels and urban fighting Vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Hamas will likely stick to the hit-and-run tactics is has deployed in previous assaults. The group has used underground tunnels to surprise and attempt to outmaneouvre Israeli forces. It will deploy suicide bombers and IEDs to slow Israels advances. The best clue for what Israels ground offensive will look like comes from its previous two incursions into the territory, in 2008/9 and 2014. The Israeli army will continue to use heavy bombardment to clear a path for its ground forces entering the strip in the coming days. In 2008, when Israel invaded the Strip to end Hamas rocket fire, Israeli intelligence had a list of more than 600 major Hamas targets. On the first day, it launched airstrikes against 100 targets in a matter of minutes . The airstrikes were followed by the incursion of three infantry brigade task forces and one armoured task force. The last time Israeli forces invaded Gaza, in 2014s Operation Protective Edge, they faced the most severe resistance in Shujaiya, a densely populated neighbourhood of Gaza City with some 90,000 residents. The Israeli army faced heavy urban fighting as Hamas fighters sprung up from tunnels and alleyways. In one battle, the Israeli army lost 13 soldiers in the space of eight hours. As Israeli leaders warn that they will go further into Gaza than they have before, it is likely this conflict will feature the same kind of urban battles. It is also likely that in the years since 2014, Hamas has been able to rebuild some of its capacity and, as evidenced by the brutal operation last weekend, improved its tactics. The 2014 operation lasted for two weeks and penetrated only a few miles into the strip. During that time more than 2,000 Palestinians were killed mostly civilians, as well as 66 Israeli soldiers, six Israeli civilians . Hostages Israels ground operation will no doubt be complicated by the more than 100 hostages taken during the Hamas attack and currently held by the group in unknown conditions among them women, children and the elderly . Israel has so far given no indication that it will negotiate with Hamas over their fate, and insisted the presence of captives in Gaza would not slow down their efforts. "We have an unprecedented number of hostages," Israeli Ambassador to the US, Gilad Erdan told CNN , estimating the number was between 100 and 150. "We expect the Red Cross, we expect all international organizations to focus on these hostages and how they are treated and that they receive treatment according to international law, but its not going to stop us, prevent us from doing what we need to do in order to secure the future of Israel. But if Israel receives specific information about the location of hostages in certain areas, it may be forced to hold back. Hamas, meanwhile, has threatened to kill hostages if Israel targeted civilians without prior warning. An already dire situation Amid the mass of unknowns about how the coming war will play out, one thing is certain: Civilians in Gaza will pay a heavy price. Hundreds have already been killed before the battle has even begun. In 2008, more than 1,400 Palestinians were killed in Israels 22-day invasion. The 2014 invasion saw the death of 2,000 civilians in Gaza over two weeks of heavy fighting and bombardment half that number of Palestinians have already died in just a few days and the ground invasion has yet to begin. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip was already dire before the latest outbreak of hostilities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement on Monday that he was deeply distressed by the announcement from Israel that it will impose a full siege. The humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely dire before these hostilities. Now, it will only deteriorate exponentially, he said. 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 modern state of Israel was founded in May 1948 in the aftermath of the Holocaust and Second World War but the conflict that has raged between Israelis and Palestinians since can be traced back much further. Historians and commentators offer differing opinions as to when this chapter of history begins. In her series Al Nakba (2008) on Al Jazeera, documentary maker Rawan Damen begins her story with Napoleon Bonaparte, who proposed a Jewish homeland in Palestine as long ago as 1799 in the wake of the siege of Acre during his war against the Ottoman Empire. Pre-1900 The French commander was ultimately defeated in that conquest but his attempt to establish a European stronghold in the Middle East was revived by the British 41 years on, when foreign secretary Lord Palmerston wrote to his ambassador in Istanbul, urging him to press the Sultan to open up Palestine to Jewish immigrants as a means of countering the considerable influence of Egyptian governor Mohammed Ali. While there were only around 3,000 Jews living in Palestine at that time, wealthy benefactors such as French aristocrat Baron Edmond de Rothschild began to sponsor others from Europe to join them and establish settlements, the most notable being Rishon Le Zion, founded in 1882. Austrian writer Nathan Birnbaum coined the term Zionism in 1885 as Jews, particularly from eastern Europe, continued to arrive in Palestine. Austro-Hungarian journalist Dr Theodor Herzls book The Jewish State appeared a decade later, envisioning the establishment of such an entity with the coming of the 20th century. According to Al Nakba, two rabbis were sent by Herzls friend Max Nordau to Palestine to investigate the feasibility of the prospect and reported back: The bride is beautiful but she is married to another man, although the authenticity of this exchange is contested. Birnbaum, Herzl and Nordau organised the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, in 1897 to discuss their dream of an independent Jewish nation and plans to lobby European powers for its realisation. By 1907, Britain was considering the need for a buffer state in the Middle East to bolster its dominance. British Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann, a biochemist, would arrive in Jerusalem at this time to establish a company engaged in buying up land near Jaffa. Within three years, about 10,000 dunums, an old land measurement equivalent to acres, had been acquired in the Marj Bin Amer region of northern Palestine, forcing out 60,000 local farmers to accommodate Jewish arrivals from Europe and Yemen. As a Jewish militia, Hashomer, was established to protect the growing number of settlements, Palestinian pharmacist Najib Nassar set up a newspaper, Al-Karmel, to warn against what he considered to be a colonising force. The First World War 1914 - 1918 The outbreak of the First World War prompted a Britain distrustful of Mohammedans to intensify its interest in developing an allied presence in Palestine, not least to strengthen its grasp on the Suez Canal. In January 1915, Liberal Party politician Herbert Samuel drafted his secret memo The Future of Palestine, which was circulated among the Cabinet and in which he backed annexation and the country gradually becoming an autonomous Jewish state under the protectorship of the British Empire. Samuels recommendations were discussed privately by diplomats Sir Mark Sykes and Francois Georges-Picot the following year, architects of the Sykes-Picot Agreement that demarcated British and French spheres of influence in the event of the collapse of Ottoman rule. Austro-Hungarian journalist Dr Theodor Herzl who wrote The Jewish State advocating a nation in Palestine (Getty) The Balfour Declaration 1917 The British governments Balfour Declaration followed on 9 November 1917, formally declaring support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine in a letter between David Lloyd Georges foreign secretary Arthur Balfour and Jewish community leader Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild, effectively assuming ownership over a land that many would argue it had no legal right to give away. Rothschild, Samuel, Sykes and Weizmann addressed a celebratory meeting in London a month later before, on 11 December 1917, General Edmund Allenby captured the holy city of Jerusalem. Following the Kaisers defeat and the Great Wars end, US president Woodrow Wilson commissioned a report into the non-Turkish regions of the fallen Ottoman Empire conducted by academic Dr Henry King and orientalist Charles Crane, who found that the almost 90 per cent non-Jewish population of Palestine were emphatically against the Zionist project. The authors warned of the intensity of feeling and argued that Jewish immigration should be limited in the greater interests of peace but were roundly ignored by the international community, their conclusions suppressed until 1922. At the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, lieutenant-colonel TE Lawrence (much-mythologised as Lawrence of Arabia) mediated the signing of an agreement between Weizmann, now leader of the Zionist delegation, and his Arab counterpart Prince Faisal bin Hussein, agreeing in principle the founding of a Jewish homeland in Palestine and an independent Arab nation in the Middle East. In 1922, the League of Nations recognised the British Mandate to rule Palestine under the jurisdiction of Samuel, now high commissioner, who was instrumental in enacting at least 100 legal initiatives to establish a Jewish presence, including recognising Hebrew as an official language and permitting a separate Jewish educational system and Jewish army. The Hebrew University and Histadrut, a labour union, were in place by 1925. As the decade progressed, mass protests began to erupt opposing Jewish immigration as the Palestinian movement tried in vain to counter and resist what its members considered a usurpation backed by the military and diplomatic muscle of imperial Britain. Black flags were raised by Palestinians when Balfour visited Jerusalem and almost 250 Jews and Arabs were killed and many more wounded in August 1929 at the Wailing Wall in a tragedy that became known as the Buraq Revolt. Three Muslim men were put to death by Samuels successor, Sir John Chancellor, for their part in the unrest, an act of brutality intended as a deterrent. Foreign secretary Arthur Balfour, right, formally declared British support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people (Getty) But the protests continued, reaching fever pitch in 1933, as more Jewish immigrants arrived to make a home for themselves, the influx accelerating from 4,000 in 1931 to 62,000 in 1935. That same year, Muslim revolutionary leader Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam was shot dead by British soldiers in the hills above Jenin. In 1936, the intensity of opposition to British colonial rule imposing the Balfour Declaration on a people who deplored it resulted in a six-month-long general strike, an impressive feat of organisation that nevertheless resulted in a backlash in which Palestinian homes were destroyed. The Second World War 1939 - 1945 The wider world would once more be plunged into war in 1939 in the fightback against Adolf Hitlers Nazi Germany, whose Third Reich would ultimately be found responsible for executing six million Jews in extermination camps, and concentration camps. Not long after the US entrance into the conflict, American-Zionist relations would be cemented with a 1942 conference at the Biltmore Hotel in New York. This occurred against a backdrop of several years activity by an armed Zionist paramilitary force known as Irgun, that had been attacking local Arab groups in Palestine. Irgun would become notorious for the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem on 22 July 1946, in which 91 people died, and the Deir Yassin Massacre on 9 April 1948, carried out in collaboration with another organisation, Lehi (or the Stern Gang), in which 107 were killed. That summer, Lehi would assassinate Folke Bernadotte, a Swedish diplomat dispatched by the United Nations to mediate the dispute. Following the Allied victories in Europe and the Pacific in 1945, world powers turned their attention towards ending the violence in Palestine. UN Partition Plan (or two-state solution) 1947 A two-state solution to the disputed territory almost came into being in 1947, when the UN General Assembly volunteered Resolution 181, which proposed carving a new state from Palestine west of the River Jordan: one housing Jews, the other Arabs. The resolution was adopted after a vote, allegedly as a result of diplomatic pressure from the US, but rejected by the Palestinians, who argued that Jewish residents owned no more than 5.5 per cent of the land at the time and so had no right to receive 56 per cent, in addition to the accompanying international legitimacy. Jewish jubilation met with Arab hostility and a civil war duly erupted. The first Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion officially proclaims the state of Israel in Tel Aviv in 1948 (AFP/Getty) The Arab-Israeli War and Nakba 1948 The state of Israel was nevertheless founded under prime minister David Ben-Gurion on 14 May 1948 with the end of the British Mandate, winning immediate recognition from the US and Soviet Union but prompting the outbreak of the bloody Arab-Israeli War, which saw 3,000 resistance fighters rise up against the new nation and forced 700,000 Palestinian people to flee the fighting, seeking refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza, often without citizenship being granted. The displacement of the Palestinian people on that date is still marked every year on Nakba Day, named for an Arabic word for catastrophe and on which Palestinians give speeches, hold rallies and brandish the keys to the homes they were forced to leave behind and still hope to return to. In December of 1948, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 194, recognising that Palestinian people who want to return to their homes and live in peace with their neighbours should be given the right to do so as soon as possible. Israel though rejected the notion as a threat to the exclusively Jewish nature of the new state. A year later, the chamber would establish the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to further support those displaced. In the interim between those two events, Israel had signed armistice agreements with its neighbours in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Six-Day War 1967 Jordan assumed administrative control of the West Bank in 1950 and Egypt would hold Gaza, an arrangement that would last until the Six-Day War of 1967, when Israeli forces conquered those territories. Prior to that, the violence continued sporadically. Notable massacres took place in the villages of Qalqilya, Kufr Qasim and Khan Yunis in 1956 and in as-Samu in 1966. The Palestinian Liberation Organisation was founded in Cairo in 1964, dedicated to fighting for the liberation of Palestine through armed revolution rather than dwelling on rights issues, a stance the PLO would not abandon until 1993 and which would see it labelled a terrorist organisation by both Israel and the US. It would be recognised as the sole representative of the Palestinian people by the Arab League in 1974. Israels military advance on the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights and Egyptian Sinai in 1967 sparked fresh bloodshed and saw the UN Security Council pass Resolution 242 ordering it to withdraw from territories it considered occupied. The council was ignored. Following the Yom Kippur War, the Security Council would pass another resolution, 338, calling for a ceasefire and again demanding Israel retreat from its 1967 incursions. Again, Israel refused. On 30 March 1976, Israeli land confiscations were met with uprisings, strikes and further violent reprisals in towns from the Sea of Galilee to the Negev, a date commemorated by Palestinians ever after as Land Day. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was befriended by Donald Trump (AP) An apparent breakthrough for peace in the Middle East occurred on 17 September 1978 when Israeli PM Menachem Begin met Egyptian president Anwar Sadat to sign the Camp David Accords at the Maryland retreat of president Jimmy Carter. One of the framework agreements clinched harmonious relations between their two nations and won the signatories the Nobel Peace Prize but the other, concerning the future of the disputed territories Palestine, would be condemned by the UN for being agreed without a Palestinian delegations involvement. The First Intifada and Oslo Accords 1987 - 1993 Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982 while the first Intifada in Palestinian territories would erupt protesting occupation at the decades end. However, further incremental steps towards peace did occur when the PLO accepted UN Resolutions 242 and 338, formally recognising the state of Israel. Talks stalled again in 1991 and 1992, with no resolution in sight. Then, in summer 1993, the Oslo I Accord was signed by Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin and PLO chairman Yasser Arafat, providing for the creation of a Palestinian interim self-government, the Palestinian National Authority, and the withdrawal of Israeli Defence Forces from zones still widely considered occupied. A second agreement, Oslo II, followed in 1995 and granted Palestinian autonomy in certain parts of the West Bank and Gaza but, again, did not offer statehood. The Second Intifada and Gaza wars 2002 - 2021 An uneasy truce held until a second Intifada saw Israel reoccupy West Bank cities in 2002, a destabilising event that would be worsened by the death of Arafat in 2004, a great blow to the Palestinian cause. Since that time, violence has returned, with Israel declaring war on Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 and launching repeated assaults on Hamas in Gaza, including Operation Cast Lead (2008), Operation Pillar of Defence (2012) and Operation Protective Edge (2014). Further violence blew up on Nakba Day in both 2017 and 2018, the latter severe enough to merit a UN war crimes investigation. The election of Donald Trump as US president further shook up the situation, with the former reality television star befriending Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as a gesture of recognition that the city is its capital before designating the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, in defiance of the broad international consensus that the region was illegally annexed. Mr Trump also cut US funding to the UNRWA and absurdly tasked his Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner, with developing a plan to bring peace to the Middle East, something the junior property developer was confident he could achieve without bias having read no fewer than 25 books on the subject. The tensions have subsequently erupted again, after Hamas sent fighters across the border and fired thousands of rockets at Israel in what it said was a new operation on Saturday. Israel has responded by saying the country is "at war" and fired at targets in Gaza in response. For the latest updates, follow the Independents live coverage 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 }} Some Gaza residents are refusing to leave their homes after Israel told 1.1 million people to evacuate by 4pm today ahead of a full-scale ground invasion. The UN called the order impossible to execute, warning it would lead to devastating humanitarian consequences. Mahmoud Shalabi, Director of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), is one of a number of Gazans who will stay put. A protester climbs a lamp post as people take part in a Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration near the Israeli Embassy (PA) Gunpowder is everywhere in the air, and were breathing it heavily, he told The Independent, speaking from his home in the war-torn region. His colleagues have already lost family members since hostilities broke out. Air strikes have escalated since a Hamas attack on Israel last Saturday which saw 1,300 festival goers and other civilians gunned down. Some 2,269 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory attacks, according to unofficial reports. Mr Shalabi described the non-stop violent bombardment throughout the night as he hid with family in their home: Air strikes, air raids, bombardment, you name it. Despite this, he insists he will not leave. I will not leave my home. My existence in this home in this piece of land right now, in these difficult times, is a form of public resistance and I will do my best to remain here. I am afraid we will not survive, but I hope I die in dignity. According to the Middle East Eye, around 60 per cent of the 2,269 Palestinians killed are women and children (Ahmed Zakot/SOPA Images/Shutterstock) A reported 70 Palestinian civilians were killed while evacuating overnight, while a refugee camp was bombed, and various medical centres have been hit by air strikes, according to sources on the ground. He said that the feeling among citizens is that nowhere is safe and that they will be permanently displaced in a second Nakba. Mr Shalabi who is Director of MAP and oversees foreign aid efforts in the region, says that hospitals are full of dead bodies, have run out of supplies and the most they can do for the increasing numbers of wounded people is to stop the loss of blood as queues for emergency care and operations pile up. People are carrying dead bodies in their cars because ambulances are being targeted, its a dire situation, he says. This comes after the Director of Al Shifa, the largest hospital in Gaza rejected Israels order to evacuate. He says there are no painkillers, no ATMs, and no bread - the World Health Organisation warned that the evacuation order amounted to a death sentence for vulnerable hospital patients including babies dependent on machines and medication. One senior UN official said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was unprecedented and indescribable as others called for a de-escalation of the conflict after water ran out only hours ago. Benjamin Anthony, a spokesman for the MirYam Institute said in an interview to Sky News that restoring Israels security would be the governments top priority over humanitarian aid as their country reeled from Hamas attacks over the last weekend. 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 }} Israel is at war after Hamas militants broke through the border from Gaza to inflict the deadliest attack the country has suffered in half a century. The surprise and highly sophisticated incursion, a major failure of much-vaunted Israeli intelligence, has claimed the lives of more than 700 civilians and soldiers living close to the Gaza border, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) still seeking to root out militants embedded in Israeli settlements two days later. In retaliation, Israel has launched relentless air strikes on Gaza and its tightly-packed civilian population among whom Israel says Hamas militants are hiding and has declared a complete siege of the enclave by cutting off supplies of electricity, food and fuel. The unprecedented attack has raised fears of the conflict spilling over, with all eyes on Hamass allies in Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and their backers in Iran, while the United States is sending military assistance to Israel. The incursion unfolded without warning at 6:30am on Saturday, nearly 50 years to the day since the outset of the brutal Yom Kippur war, with Hamas launching thousands of rockets into Israel and sending warning sirens blaring as far afield as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Announcing the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif said the group had targeted enemy positions, airports, and military fortifications with more than 5,000 missiles and shells. Footage released by Hamas suggests they used drones to blow up border observation posts and weapons systems, with one militant filmed flying into Israel on a motorised paraglide, in a possible ode to the night of the gliders incursion during the run-up to the first Intifada uprising in 1987. Minutes later, Hamas used explosives and other means to breach the border fence, with fighters pouring through in at least four locations on foot, in vehicles and on motorbikes reportedly near the northern Erez border crossing, Kerem Shalom in the south, and Nahal Oz and Beeri in the east. View more Multiple military outposts some lying several kilometres from the frontier were stormed, with soldiers reportedly killed and taken captive. Also directly in the path of the militants were thousands of partygoers attending the Supernova psytrance festival, a rave held in the Negev desert, not far from the Reim millitary base, which houses the IDFs Gaza Division and was among the three outposts targeted, alongside bases at Erez and Zikim. Revellers first saw the barrage of rockets fly overhead before militants armed with assault rifles and grenades, gunning down revellers as they tried to flee on foot and in cars, and taking at least one hostage back to Gaza on the back of a motorbike. Israeli rescuers say at least 260 bodies have been recovered from the site of the festival, with aerial footage showing the burnt-out remains of cars apparently abandoned as people attempted to escape. One woman said she had survived by playing dead in a car after the driver trying to help her escape was shot, while another told the BBC she had hidden under a tree for three hours while gunmen roamed the area shooting all in their sight. View more Elsewhere, militants rampaged through settlements near the border, opening fire as terrified Israeli residents hid in safe rooms commonly installed in their homes. The Independent was told of one family in the neighbourhood of Nirim forced to hide for nine hours with a 10-day old baby. Bodies were pictured lying in the streets in Sderot, and at the height of the incursion on Saturday the IDF said it was fighting to dislodge militants from 22 locations, which it later reduced to eight. By Sunday morning, Hamas said its fighters were still engaged in the towns of Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Kfar Azza, Beeri, Yatid, Kissufim and Ofakim, the latter of which sits some 15 miles from the border. Footage broadcast that afternoon showed a gun battle breaking out on the Route 4 highway between Ashdod and Gaza, as terrified motorists ducked for cover. By Sunday, Israel had announced the deaths of 600 people, with 100 taken hostage. Moments after the incursion began on Saturday, Israel said it was responding with hundreds of air strikes on Gaza, as news footage showed missiles raining down on high-rise buildings in the background of reporters live broadcasts. By Sunday, Israeli strikes had targeted old Gaza City, Khan Younis, and the southern city of Rafah, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. One man told the Associated Press that 19 members of his family including his wife were killed when an airstrike hit their home in Rafah. View more As well as housing blocks, Israeli air strikes have now so far hit a hospital, a mosque and the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp. Accusing Hamas militants of deliberately hiding among civilians, Mr Netanyahu on Saturday gave the trapped residents of the 2.3 million-strong enclave just 24 hours to evacuate, despite them being unable to do so due to Israeli and Eygyptian border controls. As the onslaught continued on Monday, Palestines health ministry said that 560 people in Gaza had been killed and some 2,900 wounded, as fears grew of a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe. 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 powerful post about the Israel-Palestine conflict warning the world is on the brink of watching genocide on telly has gone viral. The statement by a content creator, shared widely on Instagram and X, asks how many people have to die before someone urges restraint. It comes as the Israeli government gave Palestinians living in Gaza 24 hours to leave before an expected ground assault in the enclave. Maria Guardiola, the daughter of Manchester Citys Pep Guardiola is among those re-posting the poignant message by Eva, who usually posts about fashion on her whateveawears profile. Palestinians carry an injured man from the rubble of a collapsed building after an airstrike in Rafah, in the Gaza Strip (AP) Eva says she understands the difficulty of speaking out and saying the wrong thing but stresses the need to show Palestinian lives as equals - without inciting hatred against Jewish communities. So is this really what were going to do now? the post reads. Just sit back and watch a genocide happen on the telly? Then decades from now, when its in the history books, all look round at each other and ask, how did that happen? For the first time, I truly understand how mass atrocities have been able to occur throughout history - again, and again, and again, she continued. We never learn. What does the death count need to be before someone finally speaks against this madness and urges restraint, not more arms? 10,000? 100,000? A million? More? When have enough Palestinians died? We can express our complete condemnation for what the Israeli government are doing and also assert our unwavering belief in the equal value of Palestinian lives, without inciting hatred against Jewish communities. Evas post has been widely shared on social media (@whatevawears) Israels assault comes in response to a deadly terror attack by Hamas last weekend that left more than 1,200 people dead including children. Since then, air strikes by the Israel Defense Force have killed more than 1,900 Palestinians, authorities in Gaza say. Eva, who is based in London, also shared a post by Israeli human rights groups calling for an end to indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Hamas horrific crimes against innocent civilians - including children, women and the elderly - have shaken us all, the statement shared by The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, BTselem. Most of our teams include Israelis and Palestinians; therefore, some of us have relatives and colleagues in Gaza currently living under the ongoing assault of the Israeli military, it states. Even now - especially now - we must maintain our moral and humane position and refuse to give in to despair or the urge for vengeance. Majid Freeman, an activist for Free Palestine, is among those resharing Evas post on X, in a tweet that has been viewed more than 2.5 million times. 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 }} Israel is laying siege to Gaza after a deadly attack by Hamas left hundreds of people dead. The country is drawing on its huge military capabilities to hit back at the terrorists and say they have already killed around 1,500 militants following Saturdays incursion. We are going to go on the offense and attack the Hamas terrorist group and any other group that is in Gaza, Israeli Brigadier General Dan Goldfus said. We will have to change the reality from within Gaza to prevent this from happening again. An Israeli tank drives toward the southern border with the Gaza Strip (Getty Images) The surprise Hamas attack is by far the deadliest by militants in Israeli history, with Goldfus telling reporters on Tuesday the death toll had topped 1,000. In response, the military has mobilised 300,000 reservists, with speculation a ground invasion of Gaza is imminent. Below we look at the significant resources Israel can call on in its war on Hamas. How big is the Israeli military? Israeli soldiers scan an area while sirens sound as rockets from Gaza are launched towards Israel (REUTERS) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the national military. It has three branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy. Fixed-term military service has been compulsory in the country since the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. All citizens over 18 years of age, regardless of gender or ethnicity, are required to serve for at least 24 to 32 months. There are a few exceptions, such as religious women, married individuals, and those with disabilities. There are currently 173,000 active soldiers in the Israeli army, including 8,000 commanders. Soldiers and a civilian take cover as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets (AP) The military has also called up 300,000 reservists to prepare for its largest ever mobilisation, with special flights being organised to bring reservists from abroad to join its efforts. Israel is also drawing on its special forces from the Sayeret Matkal unit to fight against Hamas. It is believed that they will be aiming to neutralise high-ranking fighters within the terrorist organisation and rescue Israelis who have been taken hostage. In 2021, the Israeli military spend was $24.34 billion. What weapons does the Israeli army have? Soldiers with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) near Israels border with Lebanon (REUTERS) Israeli forces have already used 600 planes and 300 rocket launchers to strike the Gaza Strip. The ground troops are also drawing from Israels arsenal of 300 military tanks, with a further 2,000 available for use. Israels Merkava tank is similar to the German Leopard 2 battle tank that has been widely used in Ukraine. The tank has a thick front armour plate to provide maximum protection for its crew and is armed with a 120mm main gun. On Monday the Israeli Air Force said it had dropped around 2,000 munitions and more than 1,000 tonnes of bombs on Gaza aimed at over 10,000 targets in less than 24 hours. The air force is known for its Kfir fighter jets and also has a number of F-35 Lightning II jets obtained from the USA. The IDF is believed to have maintained a nuclear weapons capability since 1967, with an estimated 90 warheads according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NFI), although Israel does not officially confirm this. Fire and smoke rise from an explosion on a Palestinian apartment tower following an Israeli air strike in Gaza City (AP) What is the Iron Dome? The Iron Dome is an Israeli mobile air defence system and Israel is the only country in the world operating such a system on a national level. The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells whose trajectory would take them to a populated area. The missile defense system is one of Israels most important tools and has saved many civilian lives since it became operational in 2011. The IDF said the system had a 95.6% success rate during a missile raid fired by Islamic Jihad in May. There are 10 Iron Dome batteries across Israel and each one can carry 11 kilograms of explosives. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip (REUTERS) The USA contributed to the construction and maintenance of the Iron Dome, spending $1.6 billion on the system from 2011 to 2021. Each missile costs around $40,000, so intercepting thousands of incoming Hamas rockets can become costly. The IDF says the Iron Dome is a purely defensive system and has no attacking capabilities. Israel has now asked the US to assist in restocking the defence system after suffering large missile barrages during Hamas attacks. 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 }} Palestinian group Hamas has launched its largest-ever attack on Israel, with militants launching thousands of rockets and storming through the Gaza border in an unprecedented assault. In the deadliest assault Israel has suffered in generations, hundreds of soldiers and civilians living in settlements close to the border have been killed or abducted, after Hamas blew up observation posts and other fortifications and broke out of beseiged Gaza on motorbikes, speedboats and paragliders. Two days after the shock incursion, Israel is still engaged in gunfights with Hamas fighters lodged within eight locations on its territory, with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to root out every last militant and fire on all those hiding in Gaza one of the worlds most densely-populated regions. With Israel reporting at least 260 fatalities at a trance music festival in the Negev desert raided by Hamas militants armed with assault rifles and grenades, the groups actions have been widely condemned internationally, with the United States sending military assistance. Here, The Independent takes a brief look at the groups history and aims: What is Hamas? The Hamas movement was founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, shortly after the first of the intifada uprisings by Palestinians against Israel. An acronym for Islamic Resistance Movement, which also means zeal in Arabic, Hamas was created on the three pillars of religion, charity and the fight against Israel also establishing a military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, named after the militant Syrian preacher first active in the 1920s. A plume of smoke rises in the sky of Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on the third day since Hamas launched its attack on Israel (AFP via Getty Images) Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip since winning the most recent elections in 2006, held a year after Israels withdrawal from the enclave, since which time its borders and airspace have been strictly controlled by Israel and Egypt. While much of Gazas young population was born under Hamas rule, some older Palestinians who voted them in many in frustation with corruption in the rival Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) have expressed regret over years of fatal repression from Israel partly stoked by Hamas militance. What are Hamass aims? Unlike the PLO, which has been the internationally recognised Palestinian leadership since its acceptance of Israels right to exist peacefully in 1993 led to the Oslo Accords, Hamas does not recognise the state of Israel. Instead, Hamas advocates for a Palestinian state stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River based on its historical borders. However, since 2017, Hamas has said it accepts a Palestinian state shaped around the borders of 1967, which existed prior to the war in which Israel occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip after it was invaded in a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria, echoed nearly 50 years to the day later by Saturdays incursion. A Palestinian demonstrator throws rocks towards Israeli soldiers during clashes in the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Sunday (AFP via Getty Images) What has Hamas said about the new attack? Mohammed Deif, the shadowy leader of Hamas military wing, has said the assault named Operation Al-Aqsa Storm was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, the Israeli occupation, and a series of recent provocations including at Al-Aqsa mosque which have brought tensions to fever pitch. Weve decided to say enough is enough, said Mr Deif, announcing the launch of the attack on Saturday, adding: This is the day of the greatest battle end the last occupation on earth. Ismail Haniyeh, the exiled political leader of Hamas, said on Saturday that the group was engaged in these historic moments in a heroic operation to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Ismail Haniyeh said the incursion was a heroic operation as hundreds of Israeli civilians were killed (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) He claimed the assault would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem, adding: This was the morning of defeat and humiliation upon our enemy, its soldiers and its settlers. What happened reveals the greatness of our preparation. What happened today reveals the weakness of the enemy. How is Hamas received internationally? Hamas is considered a terrorist organisation by the United Kingdom, the European Union, Egypt, United States, Canada and Japan. However it has long been provided with funding and weapons by Iran, and has the support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which on Sunday exchanged rocket and artillery fire with Israel amid fears the conflict could spread. Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. 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 After hundreds of its citizens were killed in a sudden assault from Gaza, Israel has declared war on Hamas. The conflict is ongoing, and Israels prime minister has pledged mighty violence and threatened to reduce Gaza to rubble. Israel, long popular with tourists, is still accessible by air but hundreds of flights have been cancelled and cruise ship itineraries have been changed. Over the first 24 hours following the start of the attack, many flights were diverted or returned to their departure airport including a United Airlines flight from San Francisco that went on a 13-hour flight to nowhere. These are the key questions and answers. What does the Foreign Office say? The Foreign Office has strengthened its travel warning to read: The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories [OPTs]. This has the effect of requiring holiday companies with clients in Israel to be brought back as soon as possible, and prevents mainstream tour operators from sending out further groups until the advice against travel is withdrawn. The Foreign Office also says: If you are a British national in Israel or the OPTs, please register your presence which includes recording your up-to-date contact information. Your registration will allow us to share any updates to this travel advice. Anyone who is in Israel continues to be protected by their travel insurance until they leave by the swiftest safe means; conversely, standard travel insurance policies are not valid for people who choose to travel to Israel while the no-go warning is in force. What do the Israeli authorities say? The Israel Ministry of Tourism has issued a statement to The Independent about provisions for UK travellers to Israel: We are deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have taken place in Israel over the weekend. We offer our condolences to those who have been affected by the current situation. We are monitoring the situation and are committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting Israel are safe and informed. Israels Ministry of Tourism will provide all necessary assistance to those who need it and is operating a tourist hotline via WhatsApp for tourists to stay informed on the situation as it evolves. We appreciate the support of the UK and fellow nations in a difficult time for the Israeli nation. The Ministry of Tourism is operating a virtual office contactable by WhatsApp (+972 55 972 6931) or email (virtual@goisrael.gov.il). Travellers currently in Israel can dial 104 for information and advice in several languages or contact Home Front Command on WhatsApp or SMS on +972 52 910 4104. Are Israel flights continuing? Yes. Ben Gurion International Airport, south of Tel Aviv, remains open and operational as does Eilat Ramon airport, outside Eilat in the far south of Israel. These are the key policies of the main airlines from the UK to Israel. British Airways British Airways has suspended flights to and from Israel due to safety concerns, after a flight to Tel Aviv made a mid-air U-turn and flew back to Heathrow. EasyJet A spokesperson said: Due to the evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has taken the decision to temporarily pause operations to and from Tel Aviv on Monday 9 October. As a result two flights from London Luton and one from Manchester and their return flight today will no longer operate. Any customers affected by cancellations are eligible for a refund, voucher, or a free of charge transfer to a new flight. Due to the situation we understand that some customers travelling in the coming days may no longer wish to travel. Any passengers due to fly to Tel Aviv who would like to change their plans can contact our customer service team for assistance with their options. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected and the safety and security of our passengers and crew is always easyJets highest priority. El Al The carrier is telling passengers: El Al Airlines operates in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces. Our flights are operated as scheduled. Passengers who are booked but who no longer want to travel can cancel for a credit voucher. Those who are booked to travel up to 21 October and who want to return early can do so at no extra charge. A dedicated emergency line for those who wish to change the date of their flights due to the situation has been set up on +972 3 940 4040 for phones and +972 3 977 1111 for WhatsApp. Virgin Atlantic The airline says: Due to the ongoing situation in Israel, some of our flights to and from Tel Aviv may face delays or cancellations. We would advise anyone booked to travel to check their flight status on the website before travelling to the airport. Virgin Atlantic cancelled one daily round-trip on each of 7 Saturday to Tuesday 10 October, though the second service will be flying as planned on all those dates. On 17 October, the airline confirm they would be operating flight VS457 from Heathrow into Tel Aviv, and the return, flight VS458, from 20 October. Wizz Air A Wizz Air spokesperson said: Due to the situation in Israel, we have cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are in touch with the relevant authorities. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and all affected passengers will be contacted via email or text. What are the risks to passenger aircraft? Virgin Atlantic says: The safety and security of our customers and our people always comes first and our flying programme to Israel remains under constant review. The fact that Virgin Atlantic, as well as El Al and British Airways, are continuing to fly to and from Tel Aviv indicates these extremely professional airlines are confident their passengers and crew will be safe. But a flight operations organisation, Ops Group, has issued a warning about the risk of civilian aircraft being shot down following the attacks on Israel. The group warns: Lessons learned regarding civil operations in conflict zones over the last nine years since MH17 need to be applied. The risk of a passenger aircraft becoming a casualty of this war is high. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, a passenger flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over occupied eastern Ukraine in 2014 by a Buk anti-aircraft missile that belonged to the Russian army. All 298 passengers and crew died in the attack. Ops Group, a membership organisation for pilots and other aviation staff, added: The ultimate sentiment from MH17 still echoes: What were they doing flying over a war zone? We truly hope the same question doesnt need to be asked in Tel Aviv airspace this week. open image in gallery Going nowhere: Flightpath of United Airlines UA954 from San Francisco, which turned back halfway to Tel Aviv (Flightradar24) What if I have booked a package holiday to Israel? Travellers who have booked packages to Israel and are due to travel imminently can cancel without penalty for a full refund because of the no-go warning from the Foreign Office. This applies equally to customers of British Airways Holidays and easyJet Holidays. A spokesperson for Abta, the travel association, said: We are liaising closely with the Foreign Office and our members to offer help and advice to customers, both those currently on holiday in Israel and those that are due to travel there imminently. Anyone due to travel to Israel imminently should speak to their travel company for the latest advice and monitor updates from the Foreign Office. Are cruise ships to Israel affected? Yes. A cruise ship that was due to arrive at Haifa in Israel in the early hours of Sunday morning changed course to sail to Limassol instead. Celebrity Apex had just begun a Holy Land cruise from Athens to Israel and Egypt. The subsequent departure with the same ship, on 16 October, appears to have been changed so that the two days at Israeli ports will instead be spent at sea. A spokesperson for Celebrity said: Our global security team is closely watching the evolving situation in Israel. For the safety and security of our guests, were adjusting several itineraries in the area. Impacted guests will be notified directly. While the war continues, all cruise ships are likely to avoid Israel. 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 After Hamas attacks in southern Israel swiftly escalated and culminated in war, concerns over the safety of travel to Israel and countries in the surrounding region haven risen. Jordan, a popular winter sun destination for tourists, shares its northern border with both Israel and Syria, and travellers with trips booked may be questioning the wisdom of holidaying there amid the conflict. Heres the latest travel advice for Jordan, plus all the key questions and answers. What does the Foreign Office say? On Tuesday the Foreign Office (FCDO) strengthened its stance on travel to Jordan updating its guidance to read: The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 3km of Jordans border with Syria. Crossings from Jordan to Israel may also be closed at short notice as a result of the conflict in southern Israel close to the border with Gaza. The Foreign Office says the situation in Syria is fragile and security threats in the form of instability or terrorist activity could arise with little or no notice, advising against all travel to the country. What do the Jordan authorities say? The Jordan Tourism Board said in a statement: In light of the recent developments in Gaza, we want to emphasise that Jordan continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world. Our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all visitors remains unwavering. We want to reassure everyone that Jordans borders are open to tourists, and we are eager to share our extraordinary experiences with the world. We understand that tensions around the world can raise concerns, but we believe in the power of travel to foster understanding and build bridges between nations. As always, the Jordan Tourism Board is here to assist and support tourists in making the most of their visit. Jordans deputy Prime Minister and minister of foreign affairs, Ayman Al-Safadi, stressed the need to stop the dangerous escalation in Gaza and its surroundings and highlighted the ongoing Jordanian effort to launch immediate international action to stop the escalation, the necessity of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian laws. Al-Safadi said that the need to protect civilians, whose killings are condemned by international laws, fuelled Jordanian efforts to stop the escalation and end the war on Gaza, in order to avoid their repercussions on the entire region. Are Jordan flights continuing? Yes. Queen Alia International Airport, south of Amman remains operational as does King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordans southernmost point. The main airlines that fly from the UK to Jordan include British Airways, easyJet, Tui, Royal Jordanian and Wizz Air out of London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Luton. In 2021, Jordan and Israel reached a historic agreement to open up the Jordan-Israel air corridor and allow flights that previously flew around Israel to cross over into each countrys airspace, cutting flight times from the west. An international aviation group, OpsGroup warns: Lessons learned regarding civil operations in conflict zones over the last nine years since MH17 need to be applied. The risk of a passenger aircraft becoming a casualty of this war is high. What if I have booked a package holiday to Jordan? Travellers who have booked package holidays to Jordans new no go zone as advised by the FCDO can cancel without penalty for a full refund, although the main tourist spots are a fair distance from here anyway. Outside of the 3km radius between Jordans northern border and Syria, the conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so its best to contact them if youre looking to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund you if you want to cancel and you will not be able to claim on travel insurance due to safety concerns unless FCDO advice changes. CCTV captures the moment a Florida teacher was beaten unconscious by a 6ft 6inch, 270-pound student after she asked him to stop playing on his Nintendo Switch. High school teacher Joan Naydich was violently attacked by Brendan Depa, then 17, in February 2023. CCTV captures the autistic teen punching and kicking the tutor in the back and head as she lays on the ground unconscious. Eventually the 6-foot-6 teen, now 18, was pulled away and restrained by other staff. Depa, who reportedly threatened to kill Ms Naydich during his arrest, was charged as an adult and faces up to 30 years in prison for the first-degree felony charge of aggravated battery. The teenager was initially charged as a juvenile before being upgraded to an adult. The BBC's London headquarters have been covered in red paint as the controversy over their decision not to call Hamas "terrorists" continues to rage. The BBC came under fire this week for refusing to brand Hamas terrorists amid the conflict between the group and Israel. Footage filmed by The Independent captures red paint on the walls and floors of the vandalised Langham Street office. The Independent can confirm the incident happened in the early hours of Saturday 14 October. Palestine Action has since claimed responsibility for the incident ahead of planned protests in London and other cities across the UK. The director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called Sir Keir Starmer's recent comments on Israel's actions "grotesque". In an interview with The Independent, Ben Jamal, Director of UK-based Palestine Solidarity Campaign, critised the Labour leaders comments which endorsed the Israeli governments actions. During an LBC interview on Wednesday 11 October, Starmer was asked whether cutting off water and electricity supplies in the besieged region of Gaza was a proportionate response to the assault by Palestinian fighters in southern Israel. He responded: "I think that Israel does have that right, it is an ongoing situation, obviously everything should be done within international law but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has the right to defend herself." Mr Jamal spoke ahead of a pro-Palestine march in London protesting against Israel's military action. A pro-Palestine rally was held in New York on Friday, 13 October. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Times Square to stand in solidarity with Palestinians. Protesters could be heard chanting 'Free Palestine' and waving the country's flag. Some activists could be seen pausing to pray during the march. Israel has ordered more than one million Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion in retaliation for an attack by Hamas terrorist on 7 October. The state of Palestine claims the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as its territory. However, the entirety of that territory has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The Central Bank has confirmed that personal data it should not have released was used in a number of cases by lenders when they decided whether or not to lend people money. In an update on the data breach, which was first reported in August, the Central Bank confirmed it has established that in a small number of cases, the data was used by lenders when they made credit decisions. The breach has been notified to the Data Protection Commission, which is investigating. The breach happened when historical borrower data maintained in the Central Banks Central Credit Register (CCR) failed to be automatically deleted in line with time limits. It ended up being available for three months longer than it should between June 1 and August 7 this year. As a result, information relating to credit histories that was accurate but outside the timeframe for holding data was accessible. The glitch happened due to a technical error that affected the automated deletion process of historical records in the CCR, the bank added. The error was reported to the Central Bank when a member of the public complained. The Central Bank said in most cases where borrower histories were accessed, there was no consequence. Records of 20,872 borrowers, including evidence of repayment difficulties in May, June or July 2018, were accessed by either lenders or borrowers in the June-to-August period, the report says. These borrowers were associated with 31,013 enquiries by lenders. In the overwhelming number of cases, lenders have confirmed their credit decisions were not impacted by the excess data. However, in nine cases lenders have confirmed that the data they should not have seen was one of the factors which influenced their credit decisions. These enquiries related to personal loans and credit card products. In another 41 cases where a credit enquiry was made, lenders have not yet been able to confirm if there was any impact, the Central Bank said. There were 820 instance where borrowers accessed their own report during the additional three-month period. In its update, the Central Bank said a phased communication process is underway. It has written to those identified as being at highest risk of being impacted by the error. All borrowers associated with applications where lenders have confirmed that the excess data influenced their credit decisions have been contacted. The Central Bank said it has also engaged with the lenders to ensure that there is a contact point in place for impacted borrowers should they wish to discuss their previous application or re-apply for credit. It said lenders had confirmed the information previously received in error will not impact any new applications. A broader external review of the data management and data protection controls in place with respect to the operation of the CCR is also underway. Central Bank Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros said: The Central Bank of Ireland sincerely regrets, and apologises for, this error. While we have a range of controls in place in the operation of the CCR, it is clear they were insufficient to prevent this specific incident. Permanent TSB has launched an overhaul of its brand and business for the first time in 20 years after completing its acquisition of parts of Ulster Banks business in Ireland. The bank, which has rebranded as PTSB, announced the new brand and visual identity to staff at an event yesterday at Dublins RDS. Its overhaul will reposition the business as a full-service, customer-focused, personal and business bank. The rebrand included an initial 5m investment into customer research, the development of its new visual identity and a national advertising campaign. Further investment is now planned for PTSB locations, including its branches, over the next 18 months. The repositioning followed a comprehensive market review and assessment conducted over the past year and a half. This involved a customer research programme exploring what customers want and need from their banking partner in the era of fintech, social media, automation and digital banking. It also looked at customer attitudes towards the bank itself. Eamonn Crowley, chief executive of PTSB, said the last year had seen phenomenal change and growth at the bank with its increased scale changing its position in the Irish market. Our research has shown very clearly that customers want their bank to progress digitally, but not at the expense of human interaction, he said. With branches across the country, PTSB has always been committed to putting the customer at the heart of our operations and to valuing the human touch in the banking relationship with our customers. Investors who put hundreds of millions of euro into unregulated Solar 21 loan notes have backed two schemes of arrangement the ventures promotors say could allow them to recoup all of their money. The schemes, previously thrashed out in hearings at the High Court in Dublin, includes selling off elements of the originally planned venture to raise cash and restructuring other parts of the business. Management of Solar 21 have confirmed that over 99pc of investors have rowed in behind schemes, which will require final sign off by the High Court in November. The deal provides a process for around 3,000 investors who put money into two fund raising companies controlled by Solar 21 to recover cash and follows a decision not to proceed with development of the companys Melton EFW Project, a waste-to-energy plant in the UK. If the schemes projections are realised investors could potentially recoup 100pc of their original investments, Solar 21 said. That is not guaranteed but the recovery will be boosted by a 57m contribution from Solar 21 and another party, Green Zone Consulting. The CEO of Solar 21, Michael Bradley, said the schemes of arrangement present the best opportunity for investors to recoup the greatest potential return, including the possibility of reclaiming the entirety of their original investment. We fully recognise that this has been a worrying time for investors. We are now shifting our focus on delivering the projects within the Schemes and maximising the returns for our investors, he said. Dublin based Solar 21 has been in crisis since the renewable energy investment firm began delaying repayments to some investors in November 2021 after delays to the key UK plant. By then the company, founded by Achill brothers Michael and Andrew Bradley, had raised more than 300m (340m) worth of unregulated loan notes from Irish investors, including individuals who invested large portions of their pensions and small-business owners. The loan notes were sold through a nationwide network of independent regulated financial brokers. The standard investment for many of its all-Irish based investors was 100,000 with a potential return of 30pc after three years. The Cork-based tech firm, which was acquired by Zoom in a 250m deal earlier this year, is starting a beta integration trial with Zooms desktop tool The Cork tech firm Workvivo, which was acquired earlier this year in a 250m deal by the video-calling giant Zoom, has reported a loss before tax for 2022 of 10.8m, more than double the 4.9m loss of the year before. Accounts filed show that the company, co-founded by John Goulding and Joe Lennon and which specialises in employee communications and engagement, also more than doubled its annual recurring revenue (ARR) to over 13m. Key to this was more than 100pc growth in its software subscriptions, to almost 9m. The losses, the company says in the accounts, were in line with expectations and a result of substantial investment in the development of the company's platform and its sales and marketing engines. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Workvivo CEO John Goulding said that Workvivo, which employs 133 people as a distinct business unit of Zoom, has brought the momentum of 2022s growth into 2023. He said that both he and co-founder Joe Lennon remained committed to leading the company. Eric [Yuan, Zoom founder and CEO] asked me to continue what we've been doing and they're keeping us as a separate business unit, he said. We have our own product roadmap and we're also investing time and energy in integrating with Zoom. The plan is that we continue to offer Workvivo as a standalone product to non-Zoom organisations. The potential market opportunity still seems enormous. Were signed up. Workvivo counts Bupa, Morgan McKinley, Telus International and the US retailer, Dollar General, as customers. It has previously revealed that it counts giants such as Amazon, Ryanair, Liberty Mutual and Wynn Resorts as clients. Workvivos services are sometimes in competition with Microsoft Viva, Facebook Workspaces, and other employee portal services from tech giants. Its platform service provides access to common workplace tools, including HR, CRM and productivity tools. Workvivo raised 36m in two separate venture capital rounds, in 2020 and 2022. Prior to the Zoom acquisition announcement, its majority investor was Tiger Global. Local Irish VC firm Frontline is a previous investor, as was Zoom founder Eric Yuan and Enterprise Ireland. Mr Goulding said that he and Mr Lennon had not considered being acquired before Mr Yuan approached the company with an opportunistic offer. We were about to close on some significant investment when that happened, he said. At the time there had been a lot of layoffs and a lot of uncertainty, but we had continued to have record quarters of performance and lots of growth. So we had investment ready to go. But [Zoom] just felt like a massive opportunity. It didnt feel anything like a forced combination. And thankfully, that's like what we've seen. Workvivos platform is currently being integrated into Zoom as a desktop feature in beta trials, he said. The accounts show that prior to the Zoom acquisition, Mr Goulding owned 46pc of Workvivo, with Mr Lennon owning 19pc. During 2022, both Mr Goulding and Mr Lennon sold approximately 5pc of their shares. Workvivos main office remains in Cork, with other employment hubs in Dublin and London. Chris Bradley was killed in a road crash in Co Louth this morning. Irish country music star Declan Nerney says he is devastated by the tragic death of his drummer Chris Bradley, who was killed in a road crash in Co Louth this morning. Popular musician Chris, a married father in his 30s from Desertmartin, Co Derry, was returning home with two other band members, Bob Hunt and Jerome McBride, after performing with Declan Nerney at a dance in Toughers of Naas, Co Kildare, on Friday night. He was a passenger in the car that was involved in a collision with a tractor at approximately 2am on the M1 northbound between Junctions 12 and 14 at Mooremont, Co Louth. Mr Bradley was pronounced dead at the scene. Gardai said yesterday that two other male occupants of the car, in their 20s and 60s, were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening. This is the second tragedy in Declan Nerneys band. In 2015, his drummer Martin OConnor (36), from Roscommon, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in North Lauderdale, Florida, while on a working trip with the legendary entertainer. Chris Bradley with Declan Nerney. Speaking to the Sunday World yesterday, Declan said he was struggling to come to terms with the latest tragedy. I heard the news this morning, Im trying to come to terms with why that could happen again, he said. Im absolutely devastated. Chris was with me for around eight years and he was a lovely gosson. He was the life and soul of the party, no matter where he was. He was a delightful man to be around. He was also a great drummer, pure class. My heart goes out to Chriss poor family. He only got married five years ago and he has young children. Declan told how people working in bands and travelling the roads of Ireland face constant dangers. There have been numerous fatalities down through the years. The roads are very dangerous at the moment, as we know from all the deaths this year, but there are numerous minor accidents all the time. Gardai in Drogheda are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. The position of women in Ireland has come a long way since the foundation of the Irish State. The historic repeal of the 8th amendment, the election of two female presidents, and the first female TD and Minister took maternity leave in 2021. But its the latter that has most recently demonstrated how women are still feeling the effect of how Ireland first viewed the role of women in society when the constitution was enacted. The absence of a constitutional amendment that allows for senators and TDs to take maternity leave shows that when the Constitution was created, it wasnt envisaged that women would be politicians, or have a job at all. It is the status of women in Article 41.2 of the Irish constitution that states in particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved. The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home, it says. As well as this, there was also a marriage bar in place within the Civil Service, preventing women from working once they were married. This further solidified that in Ireland a womans place was at home. While in the 21st century, the idea of a marriage bar and a womans role being in the home sounds outdated, even in 1937, women had significant concerns. It is these concerns that are examined as part of a new RTE series The Records Show, a two-part documentary presented by Katie Hannon. In the show, Hannon explores some of the 50 million records at Irelands National Archives, digging out previously undisturbed documents that shine a light on the stories of an emerging state. Episode one includes a look at Mary Robinsons landmark visit to Somalia, the abandoned railways of Donegal and a life-changing house estate in Clonakilty. But it is the correspondence between The Womens Societies and Social Workers and the office of Eamon De Valera in 1936 that shows women were concerned about their lives in this new state. Written by sixteen women's organisations, they demanded a meeting with Eamon De Valera to discuss how the position of women within society had been eroded in the 15 years since independence. Under our own government the position of women in the State Service has gradually deteriorated from what it was under British rule, a quote from a letter written to De Valera by the womens group said. [For example] No woman may be retained after marriage in the Civil Service while in the case of the British Civil Service the Chancellor has discretionary powers in this respect and exercises it not infrequently, it continued. The group, which represented women from all parts of Irish society, including the Irish Countrywomen's Association and the Irish Women Workers Union, also emphasised how women had participated in politics in the years before 1936. Women have taken a large part in public life in Ireland within comparatively recent times. As the following facts show; Ireland was the first to elect a women MP in 1918 who was also made a Minister (Markiewicz), the letter said. While the group got the meeting they asked for, the response from President De Valera was that public opinion wouldnt allow for the status of women to change. The president pointed out that any inadequacy in the representation of women in the legislature and in public bodies was attributable to the state of public opinion, the document showed. The letters show the urgency the women had to speak with Mr De Valera, journalist and author Clodagh Finn said on the RTE programme. We talk about enshrining something into the Constitution. It's almost as if you make it holy, and it's even stronger than a rule. And it's stronger than something that would hold up in a legal court. This is like a moral obligation, Ms Finn said. "They understood that once you put that in, that it will shape and influence everything that happened after that on every level. And they were entirely right, because we're still talking about those articles. The Records Show airs Sunday at 6:30pm on RTE One & RTE Player. Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Dublin this afternoon in a show of solidarity with the people of Palestine. Chants of Free Palestine rang out outside the GPO on OConnell street as a wave of protesters made their way to the Israeli embassy. People from the Irish Palestinian community were joined by scores of Irish protesters, a week after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. Fighters from the the Palestinian militant group entered communities near the Gaza Strip, killing at least 1,300 people, taking scores of hostages. Since then more than 2,200 people have been killed in Gaza after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes. An Israeli ground offensive is also expected this weekend. Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Mona Rigarri (32), a PHD student from the West Bank , said the footage of over one million Palestinians now fleeing Gaza is devastating. She called for people to be pro human and against the slaughter of innocent civilians. Mona said: We want awareness around what is happening and we need your prayers. Dr Hassan Al Bayyari is a GP from Castleknock. He has lived in Dublin for over 40 years. He was joined by his son Dr Abdullah Al Bayyari, who is a doctor in a Galway hospital. The father and son have friends, who are Irish citizens, living in Gaza. We are hearing from them every day or two. They say the kids are very frightened from the explosions. They are telling them they are fireworks and lightening, said Dr Hassan. Richard Satchwell arrives at court in connection with murder of his wife Tina THE husband of Tina Satchwell (45), the woman at the centre of a major Garda missing person investigation for six years, was today charged with her murder. Richard Satchwell (57) appeared before a special sitting of Cashel District Court where it was heard he replied "guilty" when the charge was put to him. The charge came just 48 hours after Gardai discovered the skeletal remains of the Cork woman while excavating a hidden compartment in a concrete floor and walled-up area underneath the stairwell of her Youghal home. It was confirmed via dental records that the skeletal remains were those of Tina. Richard Satchwell of Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork appeared before Judge Miriam Walsh at the special court sitting in Tipperary this morning charged with the murder of his wife. The State has charged that on March 20 2017, at a location in Cork, he murdered his wife contrary to Common Law. Satchwell appeared in court wearing a black T-shirt and grey slacks. He remained silent during the brief court sitting. Members of Tina's family travelled from her hometown of Fermoy to attend the court hearing. A Garda liaison officer was appointed to the family last Tuesday. Det Garda David Kelleher of Cobh Garda Station gave the court evidence of the arrest, caution and charge of the defendant. He said that, when the charge was formally put to the defendant at Cobh Garda Station at 8pm on Friday night, Satchwell replied: "Guilty or not guilty - guilty". Satchwell, a delivery truck driver, was arrested at 12 noon last Thursday in Youghal and questioned at Cobh Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He had been previously arrested on Tuesday but was released without charge on Wednesday night. As the charge involved is murder, bail cannot be dealt with by the district court. Any bail application must now be dealt with by the High Court. Inspector Aidan Lonergan applied for a remand in custody. Judge Walsh remanded him in custody to appear again before Clonmel District Court by video-link on October 17 next. Defence solicitor Eddie Burke asked that his client be remanded in custody to Cork rather than Limerick Prison. He also applied for free legal aid and pointed out that his client was not employed. While the defendant has an address in Youghal he is originally from the East Midlands in the UK. The couple were 26 years married when Tina vanished without trace in March 2017. The charge followed a major four-day Garda operation which saw Tina's missing person investigation dramatically upgraded to a murder probe and a property in Youghal subjected to an intensive examination and excavation. The Garda search of the Youghal property remains ongoing though it is being slowly wound-down. Gardai used jack-hammers, drills, mini-diggers and a shrub clearance machine as part of their painstaking examination of the house since Tuesday which involved targeted excavations both inside and outside the property. It also involved the use of a specially trained Garda cadaver dog and breathing apparatus for officers laboriously inspecting drains and culverts. Tina's heartbroken family have paid an emotional tribute to her. Her older sister, Teresa, who is based in the UK, said she prayed that her sibling can now rest in peace and be reunited with their beloved mother. "RIP to my beautiful sister Tina - you can rest now, love. We found you love...I love and miss you." "You are now with mum - fly high my beautiful girl. Give mum a big huge hug - you will always be with me." Teresa said her sister was "adored" by her family and friends. She said she was "kind, considerate, funny, stylish, bubbly and independent." Special public vigils in memory of Tina will be staged in Youghal on Saturday afternoon and in her native Fermoy on Monday evening. An impromptu shrine of flowers, cards and candles has been erected outside the Youghal property where her remains were discovered on Wednesday night. Prayers for Tina and her family have been offered at Masses in Youghal and Fermoy. Tina vanished without trace on March 20 2017 from her home in Youghal. She was originally from Fermoy in north Cork but had travelled to the UK in her teens where she met her husband. The couple lived in Fermoy for many years before relocating to Youghal - a move Tina described as "a dream" given how she adored the seaside. Despite multiple searches, public appeals for information and dozens of hours of CCTV security camera footage being examined, no trace of Tina was found until this week. The last major targeted search in respect of her disappearance occurred in March 2018 when 60 Gardai and support officials conducted a painstaking examination of Mitchel's Wood outside Castlemartyr in east Cork. Nothing of significance was discovered in that major 12 day search. Until this week, the garda investigation included 400 different lines of inquiry, over 100 hours of CCTV footage and 170 statements. Searches conducted included the painstaking examination of Mitchel's Wood as well as offshore operations around Youghal Bay. Tina did not have a passport and there was no indication she had purchased tickets to travel overseas by either plane or ferry. Her keys and mobile phone were also left behind in her house when she vanished. She had also left behind her beloved dog 'Ruby' who she was inseparable from. As part of their six year hunt for Tina, Gardai searched CCTV footage from all Irish ports and airports, including those in Northern Ireland with the assistance of the PSNI, without any sighting of her being found. UK police also checked for Tina at their ports and airports - and at locations in England where she had previously lived or had friends. Gardai repeatedly insisted since 2017 they were convinced Tina never left Ireland. The horrific killings of two young people, allegations of garda beatings and families still seeking answers 52 years on Una Lynskey (19) was abducted and murdered in 1971, Weeks later, Martin Kerrigan (20) was killed. As gardai reopened the case this week, Martins family say they want justice Gardai appeal for information in 1971 murders of Una Lynskey and Martin Kerrigan Catherine Fegan Sat 14 Oct 2023 at 03:30 The knock on the door came shortly before 5am. Martin Marty Kerrigans family had been pacing the floor all night, waiting and hoping for him to come home. All they knew was that he had been dragged into a car by three local men and driven, in a revenge-filled rage, to an unknown location. Nina Mishchenko and her son Andriy (13) were forced to flee their home in Kyiv in late February 2022. They now live in Citywest Hotel in Dublin I have been studying marketing and business studies at college since last month. One of the things we have discussed in class is the concept of opportunity cost. In economic theory, this refers to the value of the best alternative that is forgone when a decision is made. In other words, it is the cost of choosing one option over another. Opportunity costs can be explicit or implicit. Explicit costs are paid directly, such as the money you spend on a cinema ticket. Implicit costs are ones that are not paid directly, but still occur. For example, the opportunity cost of going to college is the income you would have earned if you had worked instead. That applies to me. But the advantage of studying at college in Ireland is being able to improve my knowledge of business, economics and marketing in English and to get a better understanding of the Irish context. Of course, since I am from Ukraine, my class and our lecturer also talked about the war. During a war, opportunity costs can be especially important for decision-making. For example, EU countries must decide whether to allocate money to military spending, to humanitarian aid or to the economy as a whole. And how to find this balance? The EUs military and humanitarian assistance helps Ukraine defend its territory and sovereignty. However, it also demands additional resources, our lecturer said. For example, weapons and ammunition require costs for their production and transportation. The opportunity cost in helping Ukraine, of course, is the value of the best alternative that wasnt taken. But the alternative doing nothing would ultimately be Russia waging war on EU territory. Then its not just about financial losses, but about death and destruction. EU governments also face the dilemma outlined in the guns versus butter theory. This is the trade-off between military and civilian spending. It is often used to illustrate the difficult choice that governments face when allocating resources. If a government decides to increase military spending, it will have less money for civilian spending, such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. Conversely, if it decides to increase civilian spending, it will have less money for military spending. A compromise must be found. Each country must make a choice between two or more important things, but cannot have all of them at the same time. It is interesting that the lecturer apologised for starting the discussion of the Ukrainian war. He stopped to ask if I found it traumatising, for which I am very grateful. But in my opinion it is worth talking more and more about this opportunity cost of war in Ukraine for the EU and all countries of the world. And what the alternative would be for the EU if it reduces its help to Ukraine or provides it slowly: a bigger war. And nobody wants that. Donal Skehan: You see all these nursery makeovers and all this sort of shite and I didnt even know where my kids were going to be sleeping next year Three years and five rental properties after relocating from LA, the TV chef and his family have finally moved into their forever home. He talks about his grand vision for their charming cottage, the anxiety he felt on his return to Ireland and the heartfelt letter that secured him his dream house Donal Skehan in his new home in Howth. Picture: Nina Val Tanya Sweeney Sat 14 Oct 2023 at 03:30 As he flings open the front door to his house, the sunny demeanour and smile are pretty much business as usual, even if he jokingly admits that his hospitality is a shade off-brand this morning. Firstly, Donal Skehan worries that he might not have teabags or milk when he offers me tea. As someone in a mainly coffee-drinking household, he tells me his dad often has to bring over his own tea when he visits. Then, Skehan offers some Tunnocks Tea Cakes, a household favourite. What, no delicious homemade tray bake? I havent had the time! he says. Kim Sengupta: I was born in this house -- and they can bury me in front of it People mourn at the graveside of Eden Guez, who was killed as she attended a festival that was attacked by Hamas gunmen that left at least 260 people dead on Saturday, October 7. Photo: Violeta Santos Moura / Reuters A bunch of Harvard student groups issue a statement putting the blame for last Saturdays wanton massacre of civilians by Hamas entirely on Israel. Russias president Vladimir Putin blames the US, while Republican presidential hopefuls are accusing Iran. Meanwhile, Israels defence minister says its all about the human animals in Gaza; Hamas, the group of animals in question, blames the existence of Israel. When it comes to the deliberate slaughter of civilians, those who pull the trigger are always responsible. Yet collectively, these attempts to assign blame for the orgy of violence go to the heart of the problem facing Israels new war management cabinet, formed on Wednesday with Benny Gantz, an opposition leader and retired general: What comes after crushing Hamas? Organiser of Club Loosen now planning New Years Eve party The organiser of sober rave events in Dublin says there is a growing appetite for alcohol-free spaces and events in the city. In a society where the social scene often revolves around alcohol, finding night-time activities or social groups that dont involve alcohol can be a real challenge in Dublin. But fear not, because if you look closely enough, youll discover that you dont have to hide away your delightful dance moves or social skills just yet. Paul Walsh is the brains behind Club Loosen, a high-energy sober rave/party designed for those who want to enjoy themselves without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Mr Walsh said that he first thought of the concept during the pandemic, inspired by his experiences of partying sober in Berlin, particularly at the renowned nightclub, Berghain. In Berghain, there would be a few people there sober, but the majority would be, you know, under the influence [of drink or drugs], he said. Those days were mostly behind me at that stage, but I was noticing that I still really wanted to party. Walsh enjoyed the benefits of being able to have incredible nights, dancing to amazing techno, without the aftermath of a hangover or the financial cost of a night fuelled by alcohol. The idea for Club Loosen was born with a mission to provide an environment where people can have fun, positive experiences without the need for substances. Their most recent event, held in Smithfield on October 7, drew nearly 100 attendees, all of whom are asked not to arrive under the influence of drink or drugs. Mr Walsh is determined to reach, not only those who are already interested in sober events, but also those who may be hesitant to give it a try. For him, the real satisfaction comes from witnessing the energy and expression that flourish on the dance floor. It is possible to walk into a room without reaching for a substance. By engaging with the music and committing to dancing you will start to loosen up and the energy will start to build, he said. Looking ahead, Mr Walsh hinted at another exciting event a sober rave on New Years Eve. I guess its just celebrating the midnight moment, in a way that the party scene hasnt really been done before, he said. Historically, its a moment that most people are boozed up, and its a year where I suppose I would hope for it to be a moment of pure celebration and pure delight. LONDON The 20th annual installment of Frieze Londons biggest and most influential art fair has officially begun. Recently dubbed a graveyard of creativity for tasteless one percenters by one critic, Regents Park welcomed a mixture of flushed international art collectors, industry insiders and the citys style set. And while not every attendee is a dedicated patron of the arts (theres too much else to do, such as getting a 3D facial scan at skincare brand Barbara Sturms Anti-Inflammatory Lounge) Frieze has long held the reputation of platforming satirical, boundary-pushing art. In 2007, for example, an installation called Flea Market flogged original artworks along with a random collection of several artists own possessions including portrait painter Elizabeth Peytons used sofa with prices starting at 0. Similarly, one piece of performance art on show in 2009 offered visitors the chance to receive a personal walking lecture in string theory (a theoretical framework used in physics). But during the arguably most commercially successful period in art history where record-breaking auction sales regularly reach tens of millions of dollars, and collection is seen not as an eccentric lifelong passion but a savvy financial investment can modern art still surprise us? Frieze London seems to think so. Scroll down to see the strangest and most esoteric installations on display at this years art fair, which runs until Oct. 15. A grape soda fountain London artist Adam Farah-Saads first solo exhibition presented by Public Gallery featured a large reworked steel drinking fountain similar to those seen at childrens parks or playgrounds. This version would probably prove more popular with those under 18, too, since it exclusively pumps out KA Black Grape Soda instead of H2O. According to the gallery, Farah-Saads work explores the non-linear quality of memory, particularly in relation to adolescence. Surrounding his functioning grape soda sculpture was a wall mounted with a pull-up bar and a steel CD disc display featuring Mariah Careys 1997 album Butterfly. *** Not your childhood bouncy castle Tucked away in the bottom right corner of the tent is an imposing, all-white inflatable turret by London-based Mexican artist Debora Delmar. While it might be reminiscent of birthday party moonbounces, this castle titled Caballero Alto (2023) after the watchtower of Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City engages with colonial history. In the late 19th century, the fortified castle was the site of a bloody battle between Mexicans and Americans in which many soldiers on both sides lost their lives. *** A video of a bird in a cat cage, in a cat cage The sound of squawking first draws you to Thai artist Wantanee Siripattananuntakuls installations at Gallery VER. On the floor to the left of the booth is what looks like a small travel cage fit for a cat. The chirping, thankfully, is not coming from a real bird but instead a video of a parrot also in a cat cage. Siripattananuntakul considers Beuys, his female gray parrot, named after German artist Joseph Beuys, to be his artistic equal and creative partner. The layered cages in the piece Freeze TV (2016) are, according to Gallery VER, a reference to the limiting effect of the TV industry, whose subtle suggestions of social hierarchies and absolute truths trap watchers inside an invisible cage. *** (Un)Lucky Charms Gillian Wearing, one of the Young British Artists associated with disrupting the industry in the 1990s, presented a mildly disturbing larger-than-life charm bracelet. In My Charms (2021) a blinking eye, a dismembered ear and a floating hyper realistic replica of Wearings head become eerie pendants attached to a bronze chain. While suggestive and gruesome, the piece is ironically up-to-the-minute fashionable and strikingly reminiscent of emerging New York-based jewelry designer Haricot Vert. *** A desk fan and an open book Perhaps the most Friezesque installation in the entire fair is that of Indian artist Shilpa Gupta, named 100 Hand Drawn Maps of the United Kingdom, (2023). It does what it says on the tin: whereby a black notepad filled with basic geographical outlines lies on a table. Placed 20 inches away is a rotating electric fan causing the pages of the pad to flutter between drawings. The arbitrary gust of air dictating what version of the UK onlookers are greeted with is designed to reflect the equally subjective question of political borders and territory. ___ Photos: Ukraine smith turns guns, ammo into art COLUMBIA, MD - SEPTEMBER 9: Arctic Monkeys perform a sold out show at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Thursday (Pictured: Alex Turner) . (Josh Sisk/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) Arctic Monkeys are set to perform in Dublin again tonight, October 19, to mark the end of their World Tour. Tonights show follows two other performances this week on Sunday and Wednesday. In June, just a day before the sold-out gig in Marlay Park, the renowned rock band had to cancel their show, disappointing thousands of fans after frontman Alex Turner was diagnosed with acute laryngitis. Over 40,000 fans who were scheduled to attend the concert were offered refunds, and those who purchased tickets for the cancelled gig were sent a unique access code to grab tickets for the one scheduled for this month. Glastonbury: Main music begins as revellers continue to enjoy the sunshine The Sheffield rock band has reached the final stretch of their tour supporting the release of their seventh record, The Car, which was released in October 2022. Heres all you need to know ahead of the Dublin gigs: Are there any tickets left? There are limited seating tickets available for the gigs. There are also limited resale tickets available on Ticketmaster. When do doors open? All three gigs kick off at 6.30pm sharp. Who is the support act? One-man band Miles Kane will be the opening act, best known as a solo artist and the co-frontman of the Last Shadow Puppets, a side project where he shared lead responsibilities and writing with Alex Turner. He is behind hits including Come Closer and Troubled Son. Can under-16s go? Under-16s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. What's the setlist? Sculptures of Anything Goes Brianstorm Snap Out of It Don't Sit Down Cause Ive Moved Your Chair Teddy Picker Crying Lightning Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino Whyd You Only Call Me When Youre High? Arabella Hello You Knee Socks Pretty Visitors What should concert-goers be aware of? Its advised to allow plenty of time to travel to the venue, as traffic is expected. It is also encouraged to use public transport wherever possible. 3Arena has a maximum bag size limit in place of 40cm x 40cm x 20cm. Large rucksacks, luggage, or oversized bags are not permitted. Food and drink cannot be brought into the arena, but there will be food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, available to purchase inside. Bottles, cans, selfie sticks, laser pointers, large umbrellas, A3 size posters, or larger, and professional camera equipment are banned from the venue. How do I get to the 3Arena from the city centre? The Luas Green Line brings you directly to the venue, and there are extra trams on show nights to cater to the large number of people traveling to and from 3Arena. Dublin Bus offers a high-frequency and accessible service from all over Dublin to within a 20-minute walk of 3Arena. The 151 route operates every 10 minutes during rush hour and will leave you on Castleforbes Road, the closest stop to the venue, just a two-minute walk away. The last bus departs Castleforbes Road at 11.15pm Monday to Saturday. Wexford councillors are set to fly out to Savannah, Georgia, for St Patrick's Day celebrations once again in March 2024. Wexford County Council has once again agreed to send a sizeable delegation across the Atlantic to Savannah, Georgia, for St Patricks Day 2024 to continue to grow economic, social, educational and cultural links there. The Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council John Fleming will lead a delegation which includes the senior leadership of the council and the chairs of each Municipal District. In 2022, a similar trip cost in excess of 24,000. It had been a source of some discussion locally, with some councillors expressing the view that there was no need to send quite so many councillors and officials to Savannah. However, when the topic was raised on the agenda at the October meeting of Wexford County Council, there was no discussion and no dissenting voices and the trip was quickly approved. Among the listed goals for the trip are meeting with Georgia Southern University to prepare for an increased intake of students at their Wexford campus as well as discussing plans for further investment in student accommodation at the old Adoration Convent in Wexford town; to make a presentation on the value of mutual trade between Wexford and Savannah to the likes of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, World Trade Centre Savannah, Film Savannah and Visit Savannah; to celebrate the civic events for St Patricks Day at the citys 200th St Patricks Day parade and to review the port of Savannah and potentially pick up advice for the future development of Rosslare Europort. Arklow Library will launch a new photo exhibition celebrating Ukrainian culture on Thursday, October 19, at 6 p.m. There will be a presentation detailing how the exhibition came to fruition, followed by a chat with the participants, with attendees welcome to browse the beautiful collection of photographs. The project represents 12 women of different ages, backgrounds and places of origin back in Ukraine whose paths have crossed in Wicklow, where they were embraced by the community and live, work and study. The project's goals revolve around key elements such as being Ukrainian - the national attire, the incredible nature and landscapes of Wicklow and the celebration of deep culture intertwined with the hospitality of Ireland, an organiser said. Tea and coffee will be provided, so bring your friends and immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture through the lens of stunning photography. Don't miss out! To book your place, call 0402 39977 or email arklowlibrary@wicklowcoco.i Veteran British actor Sir Michael Caine has confirmed he has retired from acting after the release of his latest film. Sir Michael, 90, told the BBC: I keep saying Im going to retire. Well I am now. Ive figured, Ive had a picture where Ive played the lead and had incredible reviews What am I going to do that will beat this? The Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta-winning actor has an extensive filmography, including classic films ranging from Zulu and The Italian Job to more recently in Interstellar and The Dark Knight franchise, alongside Christian Bale. He has appeared in more than 160 films over a career that has spanned seven decades. Sir Michael Caine is seen with his star on the newly opened Avenue Of Stars, outside the actors church St Pauls, in Covent Garden, London (Ian West, PA) In his final film, The Great Escaper which was released on October 6, he plays real-life World War Two veteran Bernie Jordan who escaped from a care home to attend D-Day celebrations in France. The only parts Im liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Theyre not going to be the lead. You dont have leading men at 90, youre going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this. Sir Michael said he had turned the film down three times before accepting the role as he considered himself retired. He stars alongside Glenda Jackson, who died in June after the completion of the film. His announcement comes a month before Sir Michaels novel Deadly Game is scheduled for release. The novel follows the adventures of DCI Harry Taylor, a detective with no respect for red tape or political reputations. Sir Michael said in June: Its been my ambition for years to write a thriller. Its the genre I most love to read and Ive really got a buzz out of working on Deadly Game and teaming up with Hodder once again to publish it. I hope readers enjoy getting to know Harry Taylor as much as I did. Our fashion editor rounds up the latest style news and fashion trends Talk about synchronicity and fate, an exciting new bag collaboration launches today, with the back story beginning in the Dublin studios of John Rocha in the Noughties. Luxe accessories brand August Night and womenswear label Tissue have joined forces to create a limited edition of signature August Night crossbody bow print and large bow tote print bags in a colourful bespoke print cotton drill, and they go on sale today on the two brands respective websites priced at 300 and 330 each. It all started in the park during the pandemic, says Caoimhe Grant, creative director and founder of August Night, as we sit drinking coffee with her collaborator, Tissue co-founder Hannah Mullan. Both myself and Hannah are from Derry. We grew up near each other but didnt really know of each other, even though our mothers were friends and taught at the same school, says Grant. Fast forward years later and we both worked together in John Rocha for several years and got on brilliantly. Now we live just streets away from each other in Dublin and we decided to pool our talents into a collaboration and to create pieces that spoke to each of our capabilities. The print is a colourful contemporary oak leaf motif used on the large bow crossbody and the large bow tote, two popular designs from Grants signature collection. Since starting her business a few years ago, Grant has attracted a loyal fan base for her bags, easily recognisable with their signature bows, twists and knots in fabrics like satin, linen, velvet and floral jacquards. August Night x Tissue crossbody bow and tote bow bags in bespoke print. Picture: Kayleigh Carlin The distinctive hand-drawn oak leaf archive print in this collab is by Tissue designer and illustrator Grainne Finn. The oak leaf motif resonates strongly for Grant and Mullan because it is the symbol of their hometown. For their shoot, they went to the Lumen Christi library in Derry. It was originally a Christian Brothers school, St Columbs College, where Seamus Heaney attended and John Hume taught, and this is also this school where our mothers taught, says Grant. She studied at NCAD and worked as a womenswear designer at John Rocha and later for his daughter Simone. Mullan, on the other hand, studied history of art and French at Trinity College before attending the Grafton Academy. She interned with Sharon Wauchob and joined John Rocha in 2007 as a pattern cutter, which is where she became pals with Grant. Now busy mums with their own businesses to run, you can see how pleased the former workmates are about this collaboration, which Mullan says grew out of snatched conversations in the playground. Thats where we spent all of Covid, in the playground, every day, so there were a lot of very creative conversations, she says. August Night's 'Twist' tote in molten gold Both designers are busy with their individual brands. August Nights AW23 collection features bags in two new shades of satin dark rose and khaki and a seriously striking Twist tote in molten gold mirror fabric. Tissue is taking pre-orders on its Ash blouse and Sloe dress available in scarlet 100pc Irish linen (think Christmas) and also a very chic caramel fawn linen, but move fast because the deadline is next Saturday, October 21. augustnight.ie; tissue.ie Tissue's 'Sloe' Irish linen dress with seam pockets and front-opening plaquet, 275 Graphic knits Inspired by the rich tapestry of the Irish landscape, Linda Wilsons knitwear is certainly head-turning, and colour, pattern and texture are paramount to the label. Based in Limerick, Wilson worked for several years as a designer, both in-house and freelance, within the Irish knitwear industry before launching her own brand. Stunning pieces from Wilsons Interconnections range and jewellery by Vivien Walsh were used by stylist Cathy OConnor in her recent shoot. Caoilfhionn McDonnell wears Izzy sweater, 175, and Vintage Floral skirt, 200, lindawilsonknitwear.com. Picture: Andres Poveda OConnor records street style videos which she posts on her social media, celebrating women with great individual style. With my campaign Women Unbranded, I thought I would simply have to champion brands that already include the over-40 woman, says OConnor. However, when I researched the imagery offered by brands to boutiques, I learnt that the percentage of imagery offered using a 30-plus model was almost nil. Time to step up to the plate, and the shoot we did promotes ageless beauty, where the signs of age are visible but are diminished by the presence and vibrancy of women like Caoilfhionn McDonnell and also with Aoife Mac Cana. Jewellery by Vivien Walsh. Picture: Andres Poveda The Wilson skirt from the Interconnections collection has an elasticated waistband and was made from a blend of yarns including cashmere, merino lambswool, viscose and polyamide. People look at the flowers which have been left at the door of the Gambetta-Carnot public school where a teacher was fatally stabbed yesterday, on October 14, 2023 in Arras, France. (Photo by Samuel Aranda/Getty Images) Sam Bankman-Frieds confidant Caroline Ellison faced questions from a lawyer for the FTX founder at his fraud trial on Thursday about her decision to co-operate with prosecutors against her former boss and romantic partner. Ms Ellison, the former co-chief executive of Bankman-Frieds crypto hedge fund Alameda Research, has been on the stand since Tuesday detailing her role in a multi-billion-dollar fraud prosecutors say was orchestrated by Mr Bankman-Fried at his now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange. Donald Trump has attacked undocumented immigrants, accusing them of poisoning the blood of our country, associating them with drug and alcohol use and portraying them as dangerous threats to Americans. Jim Jordan is a leading candidate to be the next US Speaker of the House. Photo: Kevin Lamarque The Republican race for the US House speakership has become a bitter battle for the future of the party between Trumpist hardliners and the partys establishment. Conservative firebrand Jim Jordan, who has Donald Trumps endorsement, is being challenged by Austin Scott, a relative unknown from rural Georgia who defied the former president when he voted to certify the results of the 2020 election. Lucknow/UNI/IBNS: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday launched the fourth phase of Mission Shakti, focused on promoting women's safety, respect, and self-reliance, by flagging off a Women Empowerment Rally that traversed several locations in the capital before concluding at the 1090 Intersection. The rally aims to enhance public awareness regarding various government schemes for the welfare of women and daughters. Addressing the event, the CM highlighted the inception program held in the state in 2020, aimed at curbing crimes against women and ensuring their safety, respect, and self-reliance. "Initially centered around three core issues, this program evolved into what is now recognised as Mission Shakti. Over time, Mission Shakti gained prominence in the state, emerging as a leader in reducing crimes against women and getting criminals punished in the country," he said. He said that the result of the success of Mission Shakti is that the central government has also named the campaign for women's safety as Mission Shakti, underscoring the power of initiatives aimed at widespread societal awareness across the country. "The fourth phase of Mission Shakti embodies this objective, aiming to replicate its success and impact on a broader scale," he said. Yogi expressed concern that, despite the government's implementation of various programs, the target audience often needs to be made aware of them so that they can avail of their benefits. He said, "Awareness rallies have been initiated across all 75 state districts to address this issue. Additionally, morning rallies will be conducted in schools and colleges across each district. Individuals and entities demonstrating exemplary efforts in enhancing women's safety, respect, and self-reliance within their districts will be recognised and honored." The CM said that from October 15, the women-centric schemes of the central and state governments will receive focused promotion across cities, villages, and municipal bodies. He said, "This campaign aims to educate and inform individuals about government initiatives concerning the protection and well-being of women and daughters. The state government's efforts have changed the general perception of women's capabilities. Previously, people talked about less educated women's potential to contribute meaningfully. However, the government changed the perception." Yogi said, "Today, empowered as BC Sakhi (Banking Correspondence Sakhi), these women are bridging the banking gap in villages and providing crucial assistance during times of need. The government provided these dedicated individuals with six months of training and financial support. As a result, these women now earn between a minimum of Rs 25 thousand and a maximum of Rs 1.25 to Rs 1.5 lakh. This transformative effort deserves amplification and expansion." He said, "In 2019, the government initiated the Balini Milk Producer project, supporting a small group of five to seven women who had completed third- to fifth-grade education. Over the past three years, this venture has become a flourishing business, achieving an annual turnover of Rs 150 crore and a net profit of Rs 15 to 16 crore. The project has positively impacted the lives of 40,000 women." ... pic.twitter.com/psx18D44EX Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) October 14, 2023 The CM emphasised that with willpower and backing from the government and administration, women have the potential to achieve remarkable feats. He emphasised UP's status as the most populous state in India and stressed the need for special efforts directed towards the welfare of its vast female population. "The rally launch in the fourth phase of Mission Shakti underlines this commitment," he said. Yogi said that from October 15 on, extensive programs will be run across the state to raise awareness among women and address their concerns. "Along with this, stringent measures will be taken against those who endanger the safety and well-being of women and daughters. The government has given individuals time to rectify their behaviours, and now strict orders have been issued to ensure swift action, including submitting reports at the police station level," he said. He congratulated the people of the state on the launch of Mission Shakti's fourth phase. Before launching the fourth phase of Mission Shakti, the CM extended his best wishes to the state's people for the entire campaign through social media platform X (Yogi Adityanath). In his post, he announced the launch of the fourth phase of Mission Shakti, emphasising its dedication to women's respect, safety, and self-reliance. He extended his heartfelt wishes for the success of this entire campaign. In line with the announcement made by the leaders of the two countries in July 2023 during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India, the ferry service between Nagappatinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka commenced on Saturday (October 14, 2023). Speaking at the launch event virtually, Indian PM Narendra Modi said: "India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations and the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone in strengthening the relations." The Prime Minister recalled his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 when direct flights between Delhi and Colombo were launched. Later, the Prime Minister added, the landing of the first international flight in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka was also celebrated. He also informed that direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019, and now the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction. Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector, the Prime Minister emphasized as he underlined that India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fin-tech and energy. Noting that digital payments have become a mass movement and a way of life in India due to UPI, Modi informed that both governments are working on fin-tech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay. He also touched upon connecting the energy grids between the two nations to enhance energy security and reliability as energy security is crucial for the development journey of both India and Sri Lanka. Ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations. https://t.co/VH6O0Bc4sa Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2023 The high-speed ferry operated by the Shipping Corporation of India has a capacity of 150 persons. The distance of about 60 nm (110 Km) between Nagapattinam and KKS will be covered in approx. 3.5 hours depending on sea conditions. In order to commence the service, the Government of India supported the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board in upgrading facilities at the Nagapattinam port, read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. Similarly, the Government of Sri Lanka has created necessary infrastructure at the port of KKS. "The Government of Indias efforts to start the ferry service are in line with the Governments priority to enhance connectivity with neighbours and in the wider Indian Ocean Region. A direct passenger ferry between Sri Lanka and India will provide an efficient and cost-effective means of travel for the people of the two countries, boost tourism and trade links and strengthen people-to people ties. The ferry will also enhance economic activity around the two ports and invigorate local economies," read the statement. It may be recalled that direct air connectivity between Chennai and Jaffna, which was suspended during the Covid pandemic, was resumed in December 2022. Enhancing direct connectivity with the Northern Province of Sri Lanka complements Government of Indias other ongoing development initiatives in the region. Vessel Cheriyapani travelled with 50 passengers on its inaugural journey to Sri Lanka and will return back to India by evening with passengers from Sri Lanka. "The Governments of India and Sri Lanka will continue to work towards the commencement of ferry services between other ports, including the traditional route between Rameswaram- Talaimannar," read the MEA statement. The United Nations premier human rights body on Thursday extended the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Russia for a further year. The UN Human Rights Council also strongly urged Russian authorities to comply with all the States obligations under international human rights law. It also called for upholding fundamental freedoms, including those of thought, opinion and expression, and peaceful assembly, in particular by removing restrictions on diversity in ideas, criticism and dissent as well as associated rights to liberty and security of person, fair trial, and freedom from torture. The Special Rapporteur investigative role examining human rights inside Russia was agreed for the first time only last year, in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The vote came after Russias bid to rejoin the Council was rejected by the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. The decision on the extension was made in a resolution that was backed by 18 Council members and opposed by seven (Bolivia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Viet Nam). Twenty-two members abstained. Tweet URL Call for full engagement Through the resolution, the Human Rights Council also called on Russia to establish full and non-selective engagement with all UN human rights mechanisms, constructive communication and full cooperation with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. It also called for unhindered access to the mandate holder to visit the country and to meet freely with relevant stakeholders, including civil society and human rights defenders, as well as individuals in detention. The Council further urged Russian authorities to refrain from all forms of intimidation and reprisals against persons and associations for their cooperation with these bodies. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur The mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia was established by the Council in October 2022. The rapporteur is tasked with monitoring, assessing and reporting on the rights situation in the country. Last month the independent expert issued a report noting a significant deterioration in human rights across in Russia since it invasion of Ukraine in February last year, and described a systematic crackdown on civil society. The current mandate holder appointed by the Council to serve in an individual capacity, independent of any country or the UN Secretariat is Mariana Katzarova of Bulgaria. She was appointed on 4 April and assumed her functions on 1 May. Katzarova is not a UN staff member and does not draw a salary from the Organization. An Israeli artillery unit is stationed near the Israel-Gaza border, in southern Israel, Oct. 12, 2023.Photo Courtesy: Xinhua/UNI The Israel Defense Forces has said it has hit a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon after an apparent drone was intercepted on Friday. Israeli drones, artillery, and tanks struck targets in Lebanon on Friday after an apparent drone was intercepted, shots were fired at a number of military posts on the northern frontier and an explosion damaged the border security barrier, the Israel Defense Forces told The Times of Israel. The incident remained the latest skirmish recorded along the Lebanese border amid fears that the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terror group may open a second front amid the ongoing clash against Hamas. The Hamas invasion of the Gaza Strip last week has so far left 1,300 Israelis dead. It also came amid new warnings from Hezbollah and Iran that the fighting could escalate into a regional conflict, The Times of Israel reported. IDF posted on X: "Following the initial report, another unidentified UAV crossed into northern Israel. Additionally, an IDF UAV was fired upon. In response, the IDF struck a Hezbollah terrorist target in southern Lebanon." Following the initial report, another unidentified UAV crossed into northern Israel. Additionally, an IDF UAV was fired upon. In response, the IDF struck a Hezbollah terrorist target in southern Lebanon. Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 14, 2023 Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces on Friday warned civilians in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate the region as it seems it will intensify attacks on terrorist targets in the Gaza City region. Also Read: What is Hamas in the context of Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel According to reports, the IDF is planning to launch a ground invasion in response to Hamass deadly onslaught against southern communities. An IDF spokesperson told CNN the military is preparing to strike Hamas and prevent them from ever being able to attack us again. The order came as morning broke on the seventh day of the Israel-Gaza war, with the military pressing its widespread air offensive and a total siege on the Strip, which according to international aid organizations has left it on the edge of a humanitarian disaster, reported The Times of Israel. Humanitarians expressed deep concern on Friday for all civilians in the Gaza Strip following Israels order for the entire population there to leave the north, amid ongoing airstrikes and a deepening crisis. The development follows an announcement by UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, just before midnight Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, that UN representatives in Gaza had been told by Israeli military liaison officers everyone living north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within 24 hours. Some 1.1 million people would be expected to leave northern Gaza,Dujarric said, adding that the same order applied to all UN staff and those sheltered in UN facilities, including schools, health centres and clinics. The UN considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences and appeals for the order to be rescinded, he added. IDF says top Hamas commander involved in last week's attack killed. Photo Courtesy: IDF X page The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday said a top Hamas commander, who was involved in last week's attacks, was killed when fighter jets struck an operational headquarters used by the group over the past day, media reports said. The deceased commander was identified as Hamas Aerial System head Merad Abu Merad. Also Read: Armed Hamas members are seen playing with abducted Israeli children in IDF-released video During the strike IDF fighter jets killed Merad Abu Merad, who was the head of the Hamas Aerial System in Gaza City and was largely responsible for directing terrorists during the massacre on Saturday, the IDF was quoted as saying by CNN. The IDF told the American news channel that its fighter jets also conducted wide-scale strikes throughout the Gaza Strip on Friday against dozens of Hamas targets and Nukhba operatives, who were one of the leading forces that breached the border perimeter and led the infiltration into Israel last Saturday. In his X post, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Avichay Adraee said Murad Abu Murad played a major role in the attack on Israel last Saturday, which killed more than 1,300 people. The past 24hrs: The IDF conducted raids in Gazan territory to eliminate the threat of terrorist cells and infrastructure. Soldiers collected evidence that will aid inlocating hostages. The IAF continued striking Hamas terrorist targets and anti-tank missile launchers in pic.twitter.com/QEr9KCM7R7 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2023 Since this round of attacks between Hamas and Israel began on Saturday (October 7, 2023), Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip. So far, more than 1,500 Palestinians and more than 1,300 Israelis have been killed, Xinhua reported. Photo Courtesy: IDF X page The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday confirmed (October 14, 2023) that two top Hamas commanders, who were involved in the group's cross-border attack last week, have been killed. IDF identified the two slain commanders of the group as Merad Abu Merad and Ali Qadi. IDF posted on X: "Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel." Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate. Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 14, 2023 "We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate," read the X post. The IDF and ISA targeted a company commander of the Hamas "Nukhba" commando forces who led the Hamas terror attack against Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip Based on precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IDF aircraft killed Ali Qadi," #hamas #israel #israelatwar pic.twitter.com/Y6uWX6DqrW India Blooms (@indiablooms) October 14, 2023 According to the Israel Defense Forces, the 37-year-old was one of around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in 2011 in exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was captured by Hamas, reported BBC. Qadi was arrested in 2005 for the kidnap and murder of an Israeli man who was reported to have worked for the Shin Bet internal security agency. Also Read: Israel Defense Forces says top Hamas commander involved in last week's attack killed Since this round of attacks between Hamas and Israel began on Saturday (October 7, 2023), Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip. You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat. pic.twitter.com/myDsGnOzT1 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 14, 2023 So far, more than 1,500 Palestinians and more than 1,300 Israelis have been killed, Xinhua reported. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Authorities believe the killing of a teacher in France is probably linked to the ongoing war between Hamas members in Gaza and Israel. A Chechen-origin attacker, who has been arrested, stabbed to death a teacher at Gambetta High School in the northern city of Arras in France on Friday. According to reports, two others were injured in the incident. Witnesses say the attacker shouted "Allahu Akbar", or "God is greatest", during the attack, reported BBC. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the school and condemned the "barbarity of Islamist terrorism", reported the British media. He said police had averted another attempted attack in another part of France. The attacker, named as 20-year-old Russian national Mohamed Mogouchkov, is of Chechen origin and known to the security services for his involvement with Islamist extremism, according to police as reported by BBC. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin later said there was "probably a link between what's happening in the Middle East and this incident" in Arras, AFP news agency reported. France has upped its alert level to the highest position following a crunch security meeting chaired by Macron later Friday, the prime minister's office told AFP. According to reports, eight people have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. In addition to the attacker, several members of his family were arrested "for the purposes of the investigation", including one of his brothers and his sister, police sources told AFP. Image Credit: videograb Washington/Beijing: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the Israel-Hamas situation and sought Chinas help in preventing the conflict from spreading to other Middle Eastern nations, BBC reported. Wang told Blinken that Washington should adopt a positive and accountable role. He stated that in dealing with global hotspot issues, major nations should uphold objectivity and impartiality, exercise calmness and restraint, and set an example by adhering to international law. "When dealing with international hot-spot issues, major countries must adhere to objectivity and fairness, maintain calmness and restraint, and take the lead in abiding by international law," said Wang, according to the report. Wang also mentioned that Beijing has proposed convening an "international peace meeting" at the earliest opportunity. China's official statements on the conflict have refrained from explicitly naming Hamas in their condemnation of violence. Instead, it has urged an immediate ceasefire, denounced the indiscriminate use of force, and called for an end to the collective punishment of the people in Gaza. Riyadh: Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudia Arabia took his first phone call from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Reuters reported. Until October 7, when Iran-backed Hamas launched a massive surprise attack on Israel, leaders from both Israel and Saudi Arabia had been asserting that they were steadily progressing towards an agreement that could have brought about major changes in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, known as the birthplace of Islam and housing its two most sacred sites, had previously indicated that it would not let its pursuit of a US defence pact be derailed, even if Israel didn't offer substantial concessions to the Palestinians in their quest for statehood, as per earlier sources, said the Reuters report. However, an approach that marginalized the Palestinians could risk upsetting Arabs across the region. This concern arose as Arab media outlets broadcasted images of Palestinians who lost their lives in Israeli retaliatory airstrikes, according to the report. In the attack on October 7, Hamas operatives killed over 1,300 Israelis. As of Friday, more than 1,500 individuals had been killed in Israel's ongoing strikes on Gaza in response. According to the first source familiar with Riyadh's stance, discussions cannot presently proceed, and when talks resume, the issue of Israeli concessions for the Palestinians will need to hold greater prominence. This statement implies that Riyadh has not abandoned the concept. Image: UN News/Ziad Taleb Jeddah (Saudi Arabia): A high-level coalition of Islamic nations has summoned an "urgent extraordinary meeting" in Saudi Arabia to deliberate on the Israel-Gaza conflict, AFP reported. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) aims to tackle the "escalation of military actions" and the "endangerment of vulnerable civilians in Gaza". Saudi Arabia, currently presiding over the ongoing session of the Islamic Summit, has extended invitations to member nations for this gathering scheduled in Jeddah on Wednesday. "At the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia... the Organisation's Executive Committee is convening an urgent open-ended extraordinary meeting at the ministerial level, to address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region," the OIC said in a statement on its website. The OIC, a 57-member nation grouping across four continents, positions itself as the unified representation of the global Muslim community. This summoning of an emergency meeting aligns with Saudi Arabia's decision to halt discussions over the potential normalization of relations with Israel. The conflict initiated by a substantial assault from Hamas on October 7 resulted in 1,300 casualties, subsequently triggering a retaliatory bombing operation that has claimed the lives of at least 2,215 individuals in the Gaza Strip. There is the looming possibility of an Israeli ground incursion into the region. "Saudi Arabia has decided to pause discussion on possible normalisation and has informed US officials," a source familiar with the discussions told news agency AFP. Saudi Arabia, where Islam's most sacred sites are located, has historically refrained from acknowledging Israel and abstained from the 2020 Abraham Accords brokered by the US, which led Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco to formalize relations with Israel. The Biden administration had been pressing Saudi Arabia to follow suit. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler, had outlined conditions for normalization, including security assurances from the US and assistance in developing a civilian nuclear program. Since Hamas initiated its attack on Israel, Riyadh has expressed growing concern for the well-being of Palestinians in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip. Israel has launched a barrage of strikes and ordered evacuations in the northern region of the territory, prompting thousands to seek refuge. On Friday, Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the displacement of Palestinians within Gaza and assaults on unarmed civilians, marking its most forceful criticism of Israel since the conflict erupted. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Students of a college in Pakistan's Peshawar recently demonstrated in the city demanding the arrest of robbers suspected to be involved in the murder of a fellow student. The relatives of slain student Hassan Tariq also participated in the protest. Holding banners and placards, members of different student organisations took out the protest procession from the college and held demonstration for early arrest of the killers, reported Dawn News. 17-year-old Hassan Tariq, a student of Edwardes College, was recently shot dead by mobile snatchers on Mufti Mehmood Flyover. Police told Dawn News that Tariq was going home in an auto-rickshaw after attending classes when two motorcyclists intercepted the three-wheeler and asked him to hand them over his mobile phone. They shot him dead on resistance. The protesters blocked GT Road to traffic and chanted slogans against government and police, reported the Pakistani newspaper. They said that FIR was registered by East police station but police refused to include sections 302, 324 and 392 in it and registered the case under Section 395. The student, they said, was killed in the red zone where provincial assembly, Peshawar High Court, Corps Commander House, Governors House and other government offices were located. They said that people were not secure even in the sensitive area. They questioned the action of the police after they failed to get the CCTV footage of the incident. The police, however, claimed they have recovered CCTV footage of the incident and an investigation is currently underway. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Unknown gunmen on Saturday shot dead six labourers in Turbat city of Pakistan, media reports said. The incident reportedly left two other labourers injured. The deceased and injured labourers belonged to Punjab and were engaged in construction work under the employment of a local contractor in the Turbat area, reported The Express Tribune. The bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital. The attackers fled the spot after the incident. Police have launched an investigation following the attack. Navratri 2023: Navratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the nine forms of the goddess Durga. It is celebrated twice a year, once in the spring and once in the autumn. Sharad Navratri, also known as Dussehra, is the autumn Navratri and is considered to be the most important of the two. During Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Durga for nine days. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess. shardiya navratri 2023 | Photo: Freepik On the tenth day of Navratri, Dussehra is celebrated. Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana. Navratri is a time for celebration and devotion. Devotees fast, pray, and sing bhajans to the goddess Durga. They also participate in traditional dances and music. The festival of Navratri typically spans over eight or nine days, depending on various factors. India is a country of festivals, and many types of festivals keep us busy throughout the year. In this article we delve into Navratri 2023: 8 or 9, How Many Days Will Sharad Navratri Last? Learn about the significance, dates, and rituals of this vibrant festival. Differences between Durga Puja and Navratri Is Sharad Navratri 2023 last for 8 or 9 days? This year, Shardiya Navratri is starting on Sunday, 15th October and it will end one day before Dussehra 2023 i.e. on Monday, 23rd September. If seen on this basis, this year Sharadiya Navratri will last for 9 days. What is the Significance of Navratri? Navratri holds immense religious and cultural significance. It symbolises the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and is celebrated with devotion and fervor. The festival also marks the changing of seasons, from monsoon to autumn, signifying the victory of light over darkness. What is the duration of Sharad Navratri 2023? The duration of Navratri in 2023 is a topic of discussion among many devotees. Traditionally, Navratri is celebrated for nine nights and ten days. However, in some regions, it is celebrated for eight nights. The variation arises from regional and cultural differences. Eight Nights In some parts of India, including Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated for eight nights. This tradition is in honour of the Goddess Durga, who is believed to have fought demon Mahishasura for eight days and nights. The festival concludes with Dussehra, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Nine Nights In most other regions, Navratri lasts for nine nights. This extended celebration includes prayers, fasting, and vibrant dance performances like Garba and Dandiya. Devotees invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga during this time. Celebration of Navratri in different parts of India Navratri is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In Gujarat, Navratri is a time for Garba and Dandiya dancing. In West Bengal, Navratri is known as Durga Puja and is celebrated with elaborate pandals and processions. In North India, Navratri is also known as Ramlila and is celebrated with the staging of plays depicting the life of Lord Rama. Navratri celebration in Gujarat Gujarat is renowned for its grand Navratri celebrations that last for nine nights. People participate in the energetic Garba and Dandiya dances, wearing traditional attire. Navratri celebration in West Bengal In West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja. the festival of Navratri typically spans for ten days, with elaborate processions and idol immersions on the final day. Navratri celebration in Northern India In North India, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees fast visited temples, and organise cultural events during this period. When is Navratri 2023? Sharad Navratri 2023 will begin on October 15, 2023, and end on October 23, 2023. Why is Navratri celebrated for 9 days? Navratri is celebrated for 9 days to worship the nine forms of the goddess Durga. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess: Nine days of Shardiya Navratri 2023 Day 1 Pratipada October 15th Ghatasthapana and Maa Shailputri Puja Day 2 October 16 Maa Brahmacharini Puja Day 3 October 17 Maa Chandraghanta Puja Day 4 Chaturthi October 18 Maa Kushmanda Puja Day 5 Panchami October 19 Maa Skandamata Puja Day 6 Shashti October 20 Maa Katyayani Puja and Saraswati Avahan Day 7 Saptami October 21 Saptami and Maa Kalratri Puja Day 8 Ashtami October 22 Durgashtami, Maa Mahagauri Puja and Sandhi Puja Day 9 Navami October 23 Maha Navami Navratri rituals and culture Navratri is a time for celebration and devotion. Devotees fast, pray, and sing bhajans to the goddess Durga. They also participate in traditional dances and music. Some of the common rituals performed during Navratri include: - Many devotees fast for nine days during Navratri. Some people fast completely, while others eat only fruits and vegetables. - Devotees pray to the goddess Durga for her blessings. They also recite mantras and perform pujas. - Devotees sing bhajans in praise of the goddess Durga. - Traditional dances such as Garba and Dandiya are performed during Navratri. Navratri is also a time for feasting and socialising. Families and friends come together to celebrate the festival. Traditional dishes such as puris, halwa, and kheer are prepared and shared. Shardiya Navratri 2023 FAQ's How is Navratri 2023's duration determined? Navratri's duration in 2023 is determined by regional and cultural factors. In Gujarat, it lasts for eight nights, while in most other regions, it spans nine nights. What is the significance of Navratri? Navratri signifies the victory of good over evil and the changing of seasons from monsoon to autumn. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. How is Navratri celebrated in Gujarat? In Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with the energetic Garba and Dandiya dances, traditional attire, and elaborate decorations. Are there variations of Navratri celebrations in different regions? Yes, Navratri celebrations vary from region to region. For example, West Bengal celebrates it as Durga Puja, while Northern India has its unique customs. Can non-Hindus participate in Navratri? Navratri is a festival of unity and welcomes people of all backgrounds to participate in the celebrations. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events The nine days of worship of Goddess Durga, Shardiya Navratri is going to start on Sunday, 15 October 2023 and last till Monday, 23 October 2023. It is believed that during these nine days whoever worships Goddess Durga with true heart and devotion, will find peace, happiness and prosperity since the goddess takes away all their troubles. During Navratri, for the nine days, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Shardiya Navratri is the most auspicious and important festival among Hindus. Shardiya Navratri 2023 | Photo: Freepik According to the Hindu calendar, this festival starts in autumn from the Pratipada of Ashwin Shukla Paksha and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, especially in Maharashtra, Bengal and Gujarat. Navratri Significance Navratri has special significance in Hinduism and is celebrated twice a year. The beginning of the Hindu New Year is considered to be from Chaitra Navratri, while Shardiya Navratri is considered to be a symbol of victory of good over evil. During Navratri, devotees fast for the entire nine days to get Goddess Durga's blessings, and on the last day, they hold a puja and break their fast. On the first day, the Kalash is established which is also called Ghatasthapana. And Durga Utsav is celebrated in West Bengal for the last four days of Navratri i.e. from Shashti (Dedicated to Maa Katyayani who rides a lion and has four Durga'shands) to Navami. Garba dance during the nine-day festival is very famous in Gujarat. Why is Navratri celebrated? The festival of Navratri has a special significance. The festival of Navratri is celebrated four times a year - Magh Navratri (during winter- January), Chaitra or Vasanta (during spring March-April), Ashadha (during monsoons -August), and Sharadiya (during autumn). Shardiya Navratri symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood. There are two mythological stories related to it in the scriptures: According to the first one, Goddess Durga killed a demon named Mahishasura, who had sought a boon from Lord Brahma that no god, demon or person living on earth could kill him. After getting the boon Mahishasura started creating terror in the world. Then Goddess Durga was born to kill Mahishasura. There was a fierce battle between Goddess and demon for nine consecutive days that shook the Trilok earth, heaven and hell. According to legends, Mahishasura was very clever as during the fight he kept changing his forms to confuse the Goddess and but on the tenth day when the demon took the form of a buffalo, the Goddess Durga pierced his chest with her 'Trident' killing him instantly. According to another story, Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga for nine days before his battle with Ravana to save mother Sita from Lanka. Pleased with his devotion, she blessed him with victory. On the tenth day, Ram defeated Ravana and conquered Lanka. This day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra which will be celebrated on Tuesday, 24 October 2023. 9 forms of Navratri Devi | All about 9 incarnations of Goddess Durga 1. Goddess Shailputri Navratri begins with the worship of Goddess Shailputri who is also known as the Daughter of Mountain because in Sanskrit daughter means 'putri' and mountains means 'shail' (Shail+Putri = Shailputri). She rides on a white bull called Nandi and holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other. On this day devotees offer pure desi ghee or food made of it to Goddes Shailputri so that they get her blessing for a healthy life. Her favourite colour is white. 2. Goddess Brahmacharini On the second day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Brahmacharini--also known as the mother of devotion and penance--by offering her foods made of sugar to get her blessings. This form symbolises Goddess Parvati when she was engaged in deep meditation for many years to please Lord Shiv. She is adorned with white clothes with a chanting rosary (rudraksha mala) in her right hand and a kamandalu in her left hand. Her favourite colour is red. 3. Goddess Chandraghanta On the third day, devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta also known as the destroyer of demons. She has 10 hands and nine of them hold a trident, mace, bow, arrow, lotus, sword, bell, and a waterpot and one hand remains in Abhay Mudra that blesses her devotees. She has a crescent moon on her forehead, which this why she is called Chandraghanta. She rides on a tiger and her favourite colour is royal blue. It is believed that if devotees offer her kheer, she takes away all their pain. 4. Goddess Kushmanda On the fourth day, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda also known as Goddess of The Cosmic Egg. She is claimed to have created the world with her divine and radiant smile. She has eight hands and she rides on a lion. During this time, devotees offer her malpua which is considered to be her favourite food. Her favourite colour is yellow. 5. Goddess Skandamata Also known as Panchami or the Goddess of motherhood and children, Goddess Skandmata is worshipped by her devotees on the fifth day of Navratri. She has four arms two of them hold a lotus, and the other two held sacred kamandalu and a bell. She has three eyes and a bright complexion. Goddess carries Lord Kartikeya or Skanda on her lap that is why she is called Skandmata. Her favourite colour is green and her favourite food itemis bananas. 6. Goddess Katyayani On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship one of Goddess Shakti's forms 'Katyayani' or the warrior goddess. She has four hands that carry a sword, shield, lotus, and trident. She rides on a lion. Her favourite colour is grey. Devotees worship the goddess by offering her honey as prasad. 7. Goddess Kalaratri The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the most ferocious forms of Goddess Parvati, called Kalaratri, also known as Kali who sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. She rides on a donkey. She has four hands and carries a sword, a trident and a noose, and the fourth one is on Abhaya and Varada Mudra to bless devotees. Her favourite colour is orange and devotees offer jaggery as prasad get her blessings. 8. Goddess Mahagauri Asthami or the eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to the four-armed deity Devi Mahagauri who rides on a bull or a white elephant and carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands. Her favourite colour is peacock green. Devotees offer coconut to maa Mahagauri. 9. Goddess Siddhidatri Goddess Siddhidhatri is the last form of Goddess Durga who sits on a lotus. She has four hands and holds a mace, discus, book and lotus in her hands. Her favourite colour is pink. The ferocious goddess is pleased with sesame seeds for safety and security from unnatural events. 10 points on Navratri that you should know about 1. Navratri is the most important and auspicious festival of India which is celebrated by Hindus around the world and dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. 2. The word Navratri comes from the Sanskrit language - Nav' means ' Nine ' and ' Ratri ' means ' Night 3. Navratri comes four times a year - Magh Navratri, Chaitra or Vasanta Navratri, Ashadha Navratri, and Sharadiya Navratri out of them two - Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri festivals are celebrated with great pomp. 4. Navratri is a nine-day-long festival that is dedicated to the worship of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. 5. Ghatasthapana also known as Kalash establishment is one of the significant rituals during Navratri that marks the beginning of nine days of festivities. 6. Sharad Navratri begins on the first day of the lunar month Ashwin which falls on Sunday, October 15th this year, and ends on Monday, October 23rd. 7. Durga puja begins on the 6th day of Navratri till the tenth day. During the nine-day festival, devotees pray, take part in the Dandiya Raas and Garba, and offer prasad to please Goddess Durga. 8. The nine-day festival is dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Durga - Shailaputri /Pratipada, Brahmacharini/ Dwitya, Chandraghanta/ Tritya, Kushmanda/ Chaturthi, Skandamata/ Panchami, Katyayini/ Shashti, Kalaratri/ Saptami, Mahagauri/ Ashtami, Siddhidaatri/ Navami, Vijayadashami (Dussehra) 9. Devotees fast for nine days and avoid grains, onions, meat, and alcohol. 10. In many places, devotees do Kanya Poojan or Kanjak Poojan on Ashtami (the Eighth day of Navratri) while some do it on Navami. Sharad Navratri 2023 Dates, Know the colour for each day of the Navratri and All about 9 Forms of Goddess Durga: Navratri Days Date Festival Tithi Colour Day 1 Sunday, 15 October 2023 Maa Shailputri Puja Pratipada Orange Day 2 Monday, 16 October 2023 Maa Brahmacharini Puja Dwitiya White Day 3 Tuesday, 17 October 2023 Maa Chandraghanta Puja Tritiya Red Day 4 Wednesday, 18 October 2023 Maa Kushmanda Puja Chaturthi Royal Blue Day 5 Thursday, 19 October 2023 Maa Skandamata Puja Panchami Yellow Day 6 Friday, 20 October 2023 Maa Katyayini Puja Shashthi Green Day 7 Saturday, 21 October 2023 Maa Kaalratri Puja Saptami Grey Day 8 Sunday, 22 October 2023 Maa Maha Gauri Puja Ashtami Purple Day 9 Monday, 23 October 2023 Maha Navami Navami Peacock Green Day 10 Tuesday, 24 October 2023 Vijay Dasami Dashami NA Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available. One Seattle woman has made headlines in the oddball collector's community with her peculiar obsession with rubber ducks. The woman has gathered a mind-boggling collection of 5,631 rubber ducks, garnering interest and praise from both within and outside of the local community. What Did The Women Collected? Credit: GWR A woman from Seattle who now owns 5,631 rubber ducks said she initially had only seven of the toys in her collection before she decided to stop. Charlotte had previously gathered clip-on koalas, shells, stamps, and bottle caps, but nothing had truly taken hold until the rubber ducks appeared. Charlotte thought that having a collection of rubber ducks would be amusing and whimsical and would provide a great counterpoint to her rigorous research and teaching duties. After gathering 13 rubber ducks, Charlotte realized she had started to assemble a real collection and thought she should continue. When Did The Seattle Women Start Collecting The Rubber Duck? In 1996, the woman started her rubber duck collection as a way to spruce up her uninspiring bathroom. Where Did The Woman From? The woman, who is from Seattle, Washington, in the United States, holds the record for owning the most rubber ducks with over 5,631 (and counting!). How Did She Start Collecting The Rubber Duck? Credit: GWR Although they are technically toys, according to Charlotte, they also have historical significance. She discovers them at every imaginable kind of retailer. Rubber ducks or rubber ducks attached to devices may be found everywhere that sell infant toys, dog toys, basic decorations, or household items. According to Charlotte, several stores sell rubber ducks as souvenirs or rubber duck keychains with brands on them. There may occasionally even be a unique mould, such as a rubber duck holding regional products or fashioned after a notable statue or structure. Even when she is seeking a unique or limited-edition rubber duck, Charlotte spreads the news and informs people. She values her rubber ducks so highly that they have their own room in her house. Credit: GWR Where there isn't a door, there are tall bookcases with glass fronts all the way around. Charlotte claims that because each duck's most striking characteristic is different, it is challenging to organise them. She arranges them in accordance with their age, country, continent of origin, type of material, and theme. She adds that they should ideally be kept cool and away from light. The rubber ducks must be kept dry at all times and should never be allowed to get wet in order to prevent the growth of mould and mildew on the plastic. What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. The forum is organized by the European Economic & Social Committee (EESC), in cooperation with the European Training Foundation (ETF), the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop). The Kano State Government on Friday conducted a mass wedding of 3,600 men and women across the 44 local government areas of the state. The participants were joined together according to Islamic rites at the Central Mosque in the Emirs Palace, and had dignitaries such as the Governor of the State, Abba Kabir Yusuf and the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in attendance. Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Yusuf said the mass wedding is part of efforts by his government to promote the culture and tradition of the state as well as provide the couples with a memorable and cost-effective way to formalize their unions. READ ALSO: Kano Mass Wedding: Intending Couples Test Positive For HIV, Hepatitis B, Pregnancy He added that the celebrations would extend to Saturday with the flag off of wedding ceremonies and walima (traditional feast) which will hold at the Government House, Kano. The event reflects the deep-rooted values and unity of the people of Kano State and highlights the state governments dedication to preserving traditions while ensuring a bright future for its people, he stated. Recall that last week, the Hisbah Board revealed that the state government screened out intending couples for the mass wedding who tested positive for Hepatitis B, HIV, sickle cell and pregnancy. Speaking earlier, at the inspection, the Commander General of Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, applauded the state governments efforts in sponsoring the mass wedding. He said it was timely because the economic hardship had hindered so many people from getting married. See photos below: Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has accused men of the Nigerian Army in the State of being neck-deep in the illegal oil theft business. According to him, the personnel of the Nigerian Army in the State are frustrating the efforts of his administration to fight oil theft. Speaking to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Government House, Port Harcourt when he received him on Friday, Fubara alleged that, to cover up for their illegal oil theft business, men of the Nigerian Army in the state have plotted with some oil companies to frustrate the ongoing road construction in Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area by attacking the contractors. While affirming his government is doing all in its power to fight oil bunkering, he called for synergy to fight the compromised officers who are frustrating his administrations effort to tackle oil theft in the State. READ ALSO: Six Feared Dead As Transformer Explodes In Plateau Community One special problem that we have here is the issue of illegal oil bunkering. In some parts of the State, in Ahoada East and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, most of the bunkering activities, we believe, are subsisting because there is this cooperation between the Army and top oil companies. Im saying this because there is this road we are constructing somewhere in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, and each time the contractor approaches this particular company and pleads that they should allow them to go ahead with the job, the military will always come and attack our contractor, he said. Fubara who explained how he had tried to resolve the problem without success because of the interest the officers have in the illegal business, urged the Chief of Army Staff to call his men to order. Carrying out some assignments with any company does not give any person powers to decide how things should be done for the State. Look into the matter, the governor added. The 10th Senate, under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio has passed for the first reading of a bill that will provide a fine of N50,000 to parents who default in providing their children with primary and secondary school education. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the upper Chamber also recommended free meals for every child in the country. However, the bill proposed by Senator Orji Kalu titled: Compulsory free Universal Basic Education Act 2004, Section 2 states that every government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age. The act further states that Every parent shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his primary school education and junior secondary school education by endeavoring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools. READ MORE: FG Demarketing Polytechnic Education In Nigeria ASUP The Act further states that stakeholders in education in a local government area shall ensure that every parent or person who has the care and custody of a child performs the duty imposed on him under section 2(2) of this Act. On a second conviction, a fine of N2,000 or imprisonment for a term of one month or both; and on subsequent conviction, to a fine of N5,000 or imprisonment for a term of two months or to both. The Senate, however, in its amendment, proposed N50,000 fines, instead of the N5,000 previously stated in the Act. The amendment states: Section (4) (b) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N2,000 and inserting N20,000. Section (4) (c) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N5,000 and inserting N50,000. It added: Section 3(2) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N10,000 and inserting N100,000. It stated: A person who receives or obtains any fee contrary to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N10,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or to both. Every parent shall ensure that his child receives full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude by regular attendance at schools. However, the Senate proposes, N100,000 in replacement of the N10,000. The Senate proposed: Section 3(2) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N10,000 and inserting N100,000. Former Big Brother Naija housemate and Radio host, Tacha has taken to social media for to say she would rather market herself shamelessly on the internet than on a sugar daddys bed every night. Tacha made this statement after earlier questioning wine company Martell about their travel to Port Harcourt for an activation performance without her permission. READ ALSO: Delta State Police PRO Slams Tacha Over N9.2 Million Outfit To AMVCA She wrote; Martell whats good? You cant be having an activation in my city and Im not invited! O wrong nau. Marketing team, what are you marketing in ph city without PH Citys first daughter? A fan took to her comment section to cheer and urged her to get the bag as Port Harcourts First Daughter. PH first daughter unrivaled, get the bag baby . In response, Tacha simply wrote; Yes ohh!!! I rather market myself shameless online than to market myself shameless on somebodys fathers bed every Night The Lagos State Government, on Friday, announced the immediate closure of Mile 12 International and Owode Onirin markets. In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the markets were sealed for filth and various environmental infractions. Adesina revealed that the markets were closed in a joint operation carried out by enforcement officers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) on the directives of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. He said: Recent events at Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets have brought to light the pressing need for strict adherence to sanitation standards in our markets. The closure, though a difficult decision, is a necessary step to address the prevailing environmental challenges and to ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders. READ MORE: Lagos Govt Lists Markets To Be Demolished The closure of Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets will enable the stakeholders to assess the situation and improve public health and environmental sanity around those axes. Conditions in the markets have deteriorated to a point where immediate intervention became inevitable. However, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that the markets were closed for very severe unhygienic conditions and a litany of environmental infractions, adding that the closure was necessary, to protect the health of the public and to ensure it was properly cleaned up and sanitised. The LAWMA boss stated that the Lagos State Government would not relent in enforcing sanitation and environmental regulations, especially around business facilities, urging markets in the state to support the governments efforts, by complying with laws and regulations, aimed at making the city cleaner and liveable for all. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to allow career progression for civil servants in the FCT Administration. The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday said that in 2018, the National Assembly passed a Bill for the establishment of CSC for the FCT and was assented to by the then Vice President Yemi Osibanjo. He said that the civil servants in the FCTA had lost hope because Directors in the Administration could not get to the apex of their careers because there was no CSC. According to him, the law for the creation of the Commission had been signed but nobody wanted to implement it for different reasons. He explained that while some were afraid of what others would say, others felt the development would reduce their power and influence. The Minister said that he was not aware of the existence of the law until recently. So, I wrote a Memo to Mr President. I say, you have a renewed hope agenda; civil servants in FCT are suffering; they have lost hope. They are not committed to work. Why should I be working because at the end of the day, I cant get to the apex of my career. As such, we must implement that 2018 law as passed by the National Assembly. READ ALSO: IPOB: Presidency Is The One Holding Nnamdi Kanu, Not Supreme Court Ejimakor Alleges If there are challenges, of course there is no law that is perfect. You can only know the challenges when you start implementing. So, lets implement, whatever the challenges are, then we can begin to talk of how we can amend it. I can tell you authoritatively that Mr President has given the approval for the establishment of Civil Service Commission for the FCTA, he said. Wike explained that with this development, civil servants will go beyond directors to become Permanent Secretaries, adding, that is the essence of the renewed hope agenda. He called on the civil servants to thank Tinubu for this remarkable consideration after waiting for several years. The minister said that he accepted to work with Tinubu because of his capacity and the political will to do things that other people were afraid to do. Wike pointed out that one of the problems of the country was leadership, urging that people should not be afraid of doing the right thing. What is important is that the action is guided by law, conscience, and guided by the interest of Nigerians and not the interest of me, the FCT minister, or any other person, he said. President Bola Tinubu has removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), effectively giving the FCTA more control over its finances. The announcement was made today (Friday) by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during a press conference in Abuja. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the new order FCT Administration would have to utilize the territorys Internally Generated Revenue, IGR for the development of the nations capital. Wike confirmed this during the press conference, adding that the President has approved the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission to allow for staff career progression. He revealed that the President also approved the establishment of the Woman Affairs secretariat, which would be commissioned next week. READ MORE: FCT Minister, Wike Presents 10 Vehicles To Chiefs The city not growing as it should, you have projects littered up and down. Projects are awarded without financial backup, he said. Now the central bank cannot give us loans, even the IGR is spent as it comes, you cannot tangibly do anything with it. So I said to Mr. President, if you want FCT to carry out the infrastructural projects then the best is that we must pull out. Youll see from next year, it will be projects up on projects in FCT. What you saw in Port-Harcourt will be a small thing. So those crying of insecurity, no light, and no road will be a thing of the past. You will see the road and you will run. The minister expressed sadness, however, that the nonexistence of the CSC has made it impossible for directors in the FCTA to attain the position of Permanent Secretary For international students aspiring to pursue their education at world-renowned universities but facing financial constraints, theres excellent news: fully-funded scholarship opportunities are readily available at some of Canadas top-tier universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Canada stands as one of the most coveted global destinations for students from all corners of the world, as evidenced by the remarkable enrollment of over 621,656 international students within its universities. Several factors contribute to this impressive statistic, and one of the key drivers is the welcoming and accommodating immigration policies implemented by the Canadian Government. These policies make it easier for international students to study in Canada, offering them an inclusive and supportive environment in which to pursue their educational dreams. In addition to the diverse and high-quality education provided by Canadian universities, these scholarship opportunities further enhance the appeal of studying in this dynamic and culturally rich nation, making it an attractive prospect for those seeking a world-class education. Even though Canada is a preferred destination for numerous international students, pursuing education or scholarships in the country can be financially demanding. In the 2024 academic session, a report from Statistics Canada reveals that tuition fees for international undergraduate students escalated by a substantial 7.6%. The average annual tuition expenses for international undergraduates reached approximately $29,714 Canadian dollars. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada averaged around $10,000, further adding to the financial burden of international students. Fortunately, international students have a multitude of funding options available to support their educational pursuits in Canada. One such avenue is the generous fully funded scholarships provided by esteemed Canadian universities. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden on students but also allow them to wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to their academic endeavors, unburdened by concerns about funding their studies. With these scholarships, students can channel their energy and focus towards their educational and personal growth, making their Canadian academic experience even more enriching and rewarding. List of Top 5 Canadian Universities offering Lucrative Scholarships for International Students in 2024 More than 800 scholarships for international students are available at Canadian universities for the upcoming 2024 academic session. Here, weve listed a selection of our top recommendations: University of Toronto Established in 1827, the University of Toronto stands as Canadas premier academic institution, boasting a rich legacy of pushing the boundaries of whats achievable and effecting profound societal change through the innovation and unwavering determination of its faculty, students, alumni, and patrons. Renowned on the global stage, this university is among the foremost research-intensive establishments, uniting brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds and fields to collaborate on addressing the most urgent challenges facing our world. With a thriving international student community, the University of Toronto offers a spectrum of valuable scholarships and financial support opportunities. Among the noteworthy scholarships available, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships hold a special place. University of Saskatchewan Situated in Saskatoon, Canada, and established in 1907, this public research institution is distinguished for its status as one of the nations top-ranking universities. This highly regarded institution provides comprehensive academic programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, encompassing a wide spectrum of academic disciplines. Remarkably, the university extends a range of attractive scholarships spanning all its courses, thereby facilitating access to education for international students who might otherwise encounter challenges in financing their academic pursuits. In particular, there are numerous fully-funded scholarships available for students who meet the specified eligibility criteria. For masters degree programs at this university, scholarships are valued at $18,000 CAD per year, while doctoral (PhD) scholarships are set at $22,000 annually. These generous scholarship opportunities serve as an essential means of supporting and empowering international students, allowing them to pursue their educational aspirations at this distinguished Canadian institution. University of Waterloo The University of Waterloo, recognized as one of Canadas premier public research universities, holds a distinguished position among the nations academic institutions. It boasts a substantial offering of more than 140 international scholarships, accessible to students hailing from various corners of the globe. These scholarships at the university encompass two main categories: course-specific awards and country-specific grants, designed to cater to undergraduate, masters, and doctoral (PhD) students. These scholarships have the potential to provide substantial financial support, with some reaching values of up to $10,000 CAD. Importantly, many of these scholarships are automatically awarded to students upon their admission to the university, further simplifying the process and reducing the financial barriers for international students. A selection of these scholarships includes: Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships Frank and Janet Hill Scholarship for Women in Math University of Alberta This institution ranks within the top 5 Canadian universities and is globally recognized, securing a spot within the top 150 universities worldwide. It boasts an extensive academic portfolio that includes over 200 undergraduate programs and a remarkable 500-plus graduate programs, with 250 distinct specializations and an impressive 300 research areas to explore. The universitys commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its established reputation, draws students from a remarkable range of over 150 countries around the world. International students who meet the eligibility criteria are privileged with fully funded masters and doctoral (PhD) scholarships, underscoring the institutions dedication to making higher education accessible to aspiring scholars from diverse backgrounds. In a bid to enhance its appeal to international students, the university has recently revised its English proficiency requirements. This alteration now permits international students meeting specific criteria to apply for scholarships without the necessity of taking the IELTS test. The university allocates a substantial sum of over $34 million annually to fund scholarships and provide financial support to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, further bolstering its commitment to facilitating access to quality education for a diverse array of scholars. Some of the scholarships include: Admission-based scholarships (International Admission Scholarship, Regional Excellence Scholarship, Gold Standard Scholarship). Application-based scholarships (Presidents International Distinction Scholarship, International Leader Scholarship, May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship etc.). Transfer Scholarships. McGill University Situated in the vibrant city of Montreal, McGill University stands as one of Canadas most esteemed academic institutions, consistently drawing in a substantial number of international students hailing from over 150 countries annually. Remarkably, it also holds the distinction of having the highest proportion of PhD students among all Canadian research universities, underlining its commitment to advanced research and scholarly pursuits. McGill University offers an array of scholarships and student aid programs to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These initiatives aim to foster inclusivity and provide financial assistance to a diverse student body. Some of the available options include: Frugal Scholar Program Entrance Scholarships McGill Financial Aid Government Aid Work Study program Conclusion In conclusion, the top 5 Canadian universities mentioned above stand as beacons of educational excellence and inclusivity, extending their reach to international students by providing a wealth of lucrative scholarship opportunities. These institutions are renowned not only for their academic rigor but also for their commitment to making higher education accessible to deserving students worldwide. These top-tier Canadian universities combine academic distinction with a commitment to fostering a global community of scholars. Their generous scholarships in 2024 serve as an open door for talented international students to access quality education and embark on a transformative academic journey in Canada. An unidentified individual affiliated with the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) has reportedly been killed for allegedly stealing someones manhood in Nasarawa State. A man, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, told the Daily Post that the evangelist was beaten to death by a mob on Friday at Adeyi Junction in One Man Village, in the state. The eyewitnesses said the deceased was engaged in evangelistic activities within the vicinity when he was accused of stealing a mans manhood. READ ALSO: Gunmen Kidnap Four Nasarawa University Students. According to him, the mob had already lynched the evangelist before the arrival of law enforcement personnel, while the perpetrators of the heinous act fled the scene. A living faith church member was killed yesterday while preaching at One Man Village by Adeyi Junction, Nasarawa State. He was accused of collecting someones manhood. Pray they dont accuse you or any of your people wrowrongly. When contacted, the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, told Daily Post he has not been briefed on the incident. He simply said, I am not aware, sir. Vanguard Group, the Malvern-based investment giant that made low-fee investment funds popular for tens of millions of Americans, has concluded a pair of years-old disputes with former employees who said they had been improperly terminated. On Sept. 30, Vanguard and David Danon, a tax lawyer fired by the company 10 years ago, agreed to the dismissal of Danons wrongful-termination complaint in federal court in Philadelphia, indicating they had reached a settlement in mediation. But Danons legal efforts to get paid as a whistleblower by the federal Internal Revenue Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission continue. And on Oct. 9, a panel arbitrator for the securities industrys self-regulating Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) ordered Vanguard to remove claims of a defamatory nature in former broker Bill Capeces 2021 termination report, and pay $37,000 as a sanction to Capece, plus most of the $17,000 in hearing fees. Advertisement After reviewing claims by Vanguard managers, arbitrators said the company should strike its statement that Capece had violated the companys code of conduct in his handling of peers, management and clients from his potentially career-ending 2021 termination report. The whistleblower Danon alleged Vanguard terminated him from his $275,000 a year job in 2013 for his refusal to endorse what Danon called the companys illegal practices: building up a billion-dollar cash reserve that was neither taxed nor shared with investors, and mispricing services sold to its own mutual funds, to avoid income taxes. His allegations sparked discussion and debate among prominent tax scholars as to how much Vanguard could owe (the IRS typically doesnt disclose the results of its reviews and investigations), and riled some of Vanguards many fans. The company manages over $8 trillion for more than 50 million investors. Danons accusations challenged whether Vanguard, a private, for-profit company, really operated, or could legally operate, at cost, as the company formerly advertised. While we are limited in what we can say on legal proceedings, after 10 years, we are happy to have put this matter behind us and avoided the time and expense of continued litigation, a Vanguard spokesperson said in a statement. The two sides declined to comment on how much Vanguard paid to end the case. Danon has argued to federal agencies that Vanguard changed its financial and tax practices and paid significantly more taxes in response to his complaints to the agencies about the companys practices. In court proceedings, Vanguard had argued Danons claims about his firing were without merit. The company said he was properly terminated for refusing to do his job as ordered, and wasnt deserving of whistleblower protections. Philadelphia federal court Judge Darnell Jones dismissed Danons wrongful-firing complaint in 2016, finding that, whether or not Danon was right about tax law, a separate New York court decision had made the firing complaint moot. The appeals court allowed Danon to reinstate a part of his claim, and in early 2023 U.S. District Judge Berle Schiller told the two sides to try to work out a settlement in mediation before going to trial. In June lawyers for Vanguard and Danon told the judge they were working toward an agreement, then stopped filing required monthly reports. Vanguard confirmed the case was concluded but gave no details in a brief Sept. 30 federal court filing in Philadelphia. Has this ended with a whimper? asked Dan Wiener, a money manager and past publisher of the Independent Advisor for Vanguard Investors newsletter, after the filing, which was first reported in the industry newsletter Ignites. Public records show Danon has remained active in efforts to collect awards from both the SEC and the Internal Revenue Service. Danon filed a complaint against the IRS in U.S. Tax Court in 2018, calling on the agency to pay him a significant percentage of what he contends has been a larger federal tax payout following his disclosures to the agency. Although many case documents have been filed under seal, Vanguard had indeed filed an amended [tax] return after submission of [Danons] whistleblower claim, and additional tax collected by the government can properly be used to calculate a whistleblowers award, Judge Joel Gerber wrote as part of a 2020 order. He told the IRS to file reports on negotiations to settle Danons claim for compensation. It is one of the few documents that are public, among dozens of fully-redacted filings in the case. Gerber didnt disclose how much extra Vanguard may have paid after the IRS received his information. Court records show an updated report on discussions between the IRS and Danon about his demand for payment will be reviewed by the judge later this month. Separately, the Court of Federal Claims ruled earlier this year that it would not give Danon an order forcing the SEC to declare what it had done with the information he provided its agents in a series of meetings over several years, after the agency said it had not opened a formal inquiry. But the court also stressed that Danon has a simpler path: he could demand the SEC directly document what it did with his information. The SEC and Danons lawyers would not confirm what steps they have taken since the court issued its order in January. The broker In Capeces case, FINRA arbitrators denied the request for monetary damages and did not explicitly find that the company had defamed Capece, Vanguard noted in a statement this week to The Inquirer. But by imposing the $37,000 cash sanction and calling for Vanguard to clear Capeces record, FINRA took steps that are somewhat rare, said Nick Guiliano, a Philadelphia securities lawyer who reviewed the arbitrators finding at The Inquirers request. He said the award suggests a penalty for Vanguards initial reluctance to explain why it had terminated the broker, and its failure to make a convincing case. Its not many times that brokers prevail in cases to have their termination notice amended, when the former employer hires a corporate-law team to defend its actions, as Vanguard did, Guiliano added. The sanctions are an unusual aspect of the case, said Christopher Coss, of Coss & Momjian LLP in Bala Cynwyd, who represented Capece. Our position was that what was put on his license was false and defamatory. And thats the ruling the arbitrators issued that the language should be removed. We view it as a victory. Our client feels vindicated. He noted that Capece had been concerned hed never work again in the securities industry after Vanguards initial termination report. Instead he shifted to the employee-benefits industry, where he is making more money than he did at Vanguard, Coss said. Philadelphia police officers process a crime scene in July 2021 on South Street near Broad, where a Chevrolet Malibu stolen by Kareem Welton was abandoned after he fatally struck a pedestrian nearby. Read more A Point Breeze man who went on a drug-fueled crime spree in Philadelphia and Montgomery County in 2021, intentionally running over and killing a chef at a Center City steak house, pleaded guilty Friday to third-degree murder. Kareem Welton, 43, entered the plea in Norristown before Montgomery County Court Judge William Carpenter. In admitting his guilt, Welton also pleaded guilty to attempted murder for hitting a runner with one of two cars he stole, as well as aggravated assault and robbery of a vehicle during the violent joyride that spanned 30 miles from Center City to Trappe. Welton was scheduled to go to trial for first-degree murder in November, but that more serious charge was dropped as a condition of the plea. Carpenter deferred Weltons sentencing Friday, and it will likely take place in the coming weeks. However, prosecutors did not agree to negotiate the terms of Weltons sentence, leaving it up to Carpenter to make that decision. Advertisement READ MORE: Man arrested after stolen-car rampage leaves woman dead, others injured in Philly and Montgomery County Adriana Moreno-Sanchez, 31, was killed by Welton just after 2 a.m. on July 28, 2021. Moreno-Sanchez was walking home from her late-night shift at Steak 48 on 15th Street near South when the car Welton was driving hopped the curb and hit her, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. Welton then made a U-turn in the vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu he had stolen from one of his neighbors, drove back onto the sidewalk and hit Moreno-Sanchez a second time, the affidavit said. Welton briefly stopped after the second hit to steal Moreno-Sanchezs jacket as she lay injured. She was later pronounced dead at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Welton continued to drive, striking additional cars and people. Hours after the fatal hit-and-run, still wearing Moreno-Sanchezs jacket, Welton carjacked a woman outside of Jefferson Hospital and drove off in her Acura sedan, the affidavit said. Police notified surrounding counties that Welton had driven away from the city, toward Montgomery County, after striking a bicyclist in Manayunk. Eventually, Welton was spotted in Collegeville, and an officer there attempted to pull him over. A chase followed. As he was being pursued, Welton intentionally swerved into oncoming traffic to strike and critically injure a jogger, the affidavit said. The jogger suffered severe injuries to his spine, ribs, and legs, the affidavit said. READ MORE: From 2021: "A Point Breeze man accused of running over a Center City chef in July will be tried for murder" Police were finally able to take Welton into custody after he parked the stolen Acura at an Exxon station in Trappe and attempted to steal a bicycle from a man standing nearby, according to the affidavit. A toxicology screen later revealed that Welton had marijuana and PCP, a powerful hallucinogenic, in his system at the time of the assaults. Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford speaks during a news conference to provide an update after two Philadelphia police officers were shot, one fatally, at an airport parking garage. Read more Two Philadelphia Police officers were shot, one of them fatally, and an 18-year-old was also killed when the officers tried to stop a group of people from stealing a car at an airport parking garage Thursday night and at least one of the suspects started shooting, officials said Friday. The incident left Officer Richard Mendez, 50, dead from several gunshot wounds, and injured Officer Raul Ortiz, 60, Interim Commissioner John Stanford said at a news conference Friday evening. The teen who was shot Jesus Herman Madera Duran was driven by one of his associates to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was dropped onto the floor of a parking garage before the driver sped away, officials said. Duran, of Camden, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Hours later, in South Brunswick, N.J. about 60 miles from Philadelphia police recovered the Dodge Durango that the group had used to flee from the crime scene and the hospital, officials said. The vehicle, which had been reported stolen about a week ago, was burned out on the side of the road. Authorities were searching it for potential evidence. Advertisement Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said police were continuing to look for as many as three suspects who may have fled in the SUV. He did not describe them, or say where police thought they might be, but said investigators were using evidence including ballistics, videos, and forensics to try to pull the case together. Everything we can touch, theres people working to identify the individuals, Vanore said. Its just devastation The details provided a clearer view of a crime that happened late Thursday night and left many in the department and the city shaken. President Joe Biden mentioned it while visiting the city for an unrelated event, saying: They put their lives on the line to protect this community. We owe them our gratitude, and we pray for their families. Gov. Josh Shapiro added: I know words cannot express my anger and sadness nor any of yours, and I know we all join in collective prayer for our fallen police officer and for every single woman and man who puts on that uniform. The shooting marked the 10th time that a law enforcement officer has been shot in the city this year and the second time an officer has died after being shot while on duty. Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was killed in February while seeking to make a pedestrian stop following reports of carjackings and robberies near campus. Stanford also noted that Thursdays shooting came amid a string of recent hardships for the department: Three officers were wounded in Rhawnhurst while responding to a domestic violence call last week, he said, and two commanders died this week, one by suicide, the other due to a medical emergency. A visibly beleaguered Mayor Jim Kenney called Thursdays crime devastating, and he choked up when recalling time he spent with Mendezs family overnight. Its just devastation, Kenney said Friday morning, after speaking at the Philadelphia Fire Departments Firefighter of the Year award ceremony. You walk into a room with ... the police commissioner, and they didnt even know that their family member and husband had passed. That first reaction from them, [it] just stays with you. Its really bad. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 president John McNesby called Mendez a department standout who was widely admired by his colleagues. Department officials said Mendez, a 22-year veteran of the department, was married and had a daughter, and that Ortiz who has spent 20 years on the force was married with three children. Mendez, of Somerton, spent many years as a beat cop in the 25th District, patrolling some of the citys most violent neighborhoods in North Philadelphia. He had been reassigned to the Airport Unit in recent years widely considered a low-stress detail where cops could spend a few years winding down before retirement. I saw more tears last night than Ive ever seen in all my years here, McNesby said, speaking outside the lodges headquarters Friday. His union and a variety of donors were offering a reward of more than $180,000 for information that leads to the arrest of any suspects. Some details remain unclear Some key details about the case remained unclear Friday. Vanore said he wasnt sure who had fired the shots, for example, and he said Mendezs gun was missing. He also said the parking garage, at Philadelphia International Airports Terminal D, was not equipped with surveillance cameras. And he said that although authorities had recovered a tracking device from the stolen Durango, it was located on the side of I-95 in Northeast Philadelphia, miles from either the airport or where the SUV was ultimately found. At the airport, the department had warned in recent months of the growing threat of armed car thieves in parking lots. Police for months had been cracking down on a ring of thieves who had been boosting cars from rental lots. And so far this year, 112 cars have been stolen from the Philadelphia airport, a spike of 5,500% from the same time in 2019, when just two incidents of stolen cars were reported. About one-third of this years car thefts were reported as having been stolen from an airport garage. Stanford also noted that the frequency with which officers had been shot this year has come as the city continues to experience high levels of gun violence overall. While saying he did not want to engage in finger-pointing, he nonetheless attributed some of that criminal behavior to what he called a lack of accountability across the criminal justice system and in the courts. I think the brazen behavior, coming out of COVID and civil unrest and folks not being held accountable in this city, in terms of how they commit crimes and the response to that, I think has emboldened individuals, he said. Heather Redfern, the airports public affairs manager, said the Department of Homeland Security had increased its presence in public areas Friday, and that the Police Department had increased its patrols at the airport in recent months. The shooting occurred in a terminal where about 1,500 passengers and employees pass through between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. on a typical day, officials said, and there were 1,341 cars parked in Garage D between midnight Thursday and 8:30 a.m. Friday. How did the shooting unfold? As for Thursdays shooting, Stanford and Vanore gave this account of what happened: The incident began just after 11 p.m. in the Terminal D parking garage. Mendez and Ortiz, who were off duty but about to start their shift, heard glass shattering in the garage and decided to try to intervene in what they believed to be a possible car theft. Mendez was in full uniform, while Ortiz was in police pants and a sweatshirt. The officers saw three or four people attempting to break into the car, and when the officers tried to stop them, a confrontation followed and led to gunshots. Vanore said it was unclear who was shooting, or even how many people opened fire. Mendez was struck several times in the upper torso, while Ortiz was struck in the arm. Both were taken to area hospitals; Mendez was pronounced dead at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center at 11:34 p.m., while Ortiz was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in stable condition. The suspects then fled from the scene in the stolen Durango. And shortly thereafter, the driver of the Durango dropped Duran off at CHOP. He was pronounced dead shortly after 11:30 p.m. Police later discovered that Mendezs service weapon was missing from his holster, and Vanore said authorities still arent sure where it is. By Friday evening, police had released a partial video of the hospital drop-off in an attempt to solicit tips about who may have been inside. Detectives, meanwhile, were continuing to search for evidence connected to the crime scene, the car, and the suspects. Kenney said the city will fly all flags at half-mast for the next 30 days. Stanford said the case was a very heartbreaking incident, devastating incident, not only for the department, but for the city, especially given the seemingly senseless nature of the crime. To know that this is the type of behavior thats occurring, he said. The type of individuals that are out there on the street to take someones life over a vehicle that didnt belong to them. Staff writers Chris Brennan, Jesse Bunch, Ariana Perez-Castells, Nick Vadala, Juliana Feliciano Reyes, Dylan Purcell, and graphics editor John Duchneskie contributed to this article. Director Mark Polonia on the set of his new film, "Return to Splatter Farm," in Stony Fork, Pa. Read more STONY FORK, Pa. Everything about Mark Polonia screams everyday nice guy," except that hes planning to decapitate two people with a rusty scythe once he finishes his root beer. Polonia is 51, a father of two who lives in the Rockwellian town of Wellsboro in Tioga County. He works as a video production specialist at nearby Mansfield University but took the day off to behead some friends. He gets giddy when he talks about how cool that will look. No one in Pennsylvania has killed more people, more creatively. Weve never really gotten hassled, but occasionally cops will drive by and slow down and see its us and just move along, Polonia says. We did make the mistake of leaving a severed head by the side of the road once. Thats the way life goes for a prolific B-movie director. Polonia has offed people with sharks, ghosts, Bigfoot, and even some sort of shark-Frankenstein hybrid. On this humid summer afternoon in the middle of nowhere, hes going back to his roots, letting unhinged rural folks do all of the murdering on the set of Return to Splatter Farm, his 64th film. Hes killed himself more than a few times. His wife, Maria, died at least once. I think it was in Black Mass [not the one with Johnny Depp] or Army of Wolves, she says. I cant really remember. Advertisement Polonia was born in Johnstown and moved to rural Tioga County as a kid. He caught the movie bug when he was just 5, stuck inside on a rainy Saturday afternoon, watching Mothra vs. Godzilla. I saw that movie and I was, like, This is what I want to do. Me and my brother went to the library and get every book we could on script-writing and making movies, he said. Polonia made nearly all of his movies with his identical twin brother, John, and they made a name for themselves as the Polonia Brothers in the niche world of cheap horror. John died suddenly, in 2008, after a flu spiraled out of control. The latest film, Return to Splatter Farm, is the sequel to Splatter Farm, which the brothers made with a VHS camera in 1987 when they were 17. We were basically the same person," Polonia says of his late brother. ... We had the same bad taste. Polonia says his parents were supportive of their hobby. Sort of. I mean, they never told us we couldnt do it, he says. And we were doing some weird stuff, like blowing up heads in the backyard. If my kids did what I did, I would not be happy about it. Polonia said Splatter Farm was distributed all over the United States, back in the golden years of VHS when horror reigned supreme. Rotten Tomatoes described the movie as a sleazoid classic. Think of it like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a low-budget, cult legend, but even more on the cheap. No one sets out to make a cult film, Polonia says. Its up to others to make that call. Some Polonia Brothers films are still available in Americas dwindling video rental stores, and others can be watched on Amazon. Getting on Netflix would take the Polonia name to a new level. He released seven films in 2018 alone, according to the International Movie Database. He said Sharkenstein, from 2016, is one of his best-reviewed. Wow this movie sucks! I love it, one commenter wrote on the YouTube trailer for the film. Polonia, who writes most of his own feature-length films, says he isnt trying to make bad movies, either. People may laugh. They may cringe. But no one hates a Polonia Brothers movie. I guess if you break it into the most simplistic form, you have to ask the question Were you entertained? And if its yes, we won, Polonia says. His budgets, if you can call them that, are almost always under $10,000, and he says they are often self-financed. He has shied away from fund-raising, and has free rein to do what he wants. Polonia says he wouldnt know what to do with a $150 million budget. I mean, I wish I had that problem, he says. A dilapidated farmhouse off a steep dirt road in rural Stony Fork in Tioga County was the setting for Return to Splatter Farm. A family donated the house for a few days. This was the third day of five planned days of shooting, and Polonia says hes never gone over budget or schedule. Before lunch, he knocks off a handful of scenes that would take weeks to film in Hollywood, moving actress Danielle Donahue through various scenes of growing dread. Is it the camera or is this house crooked? he asks, looking through a small digital camera. "Theres not a straight angle in here. Polonia is easy-going at the helm, ready to listen to any suggestions anyone in the room offers up. When the shot calls for a night scene, the crew tapes black cardboard to the windows, and that looks just fine to him. Hes also the comic relief. The flies are not props. They came with the house, he says. Donahue, the heroine in peril in Return to Splatter Farm, has appeared on the Amazon series Beginnings and plays patient roles for West Virginia Universitys school of medicine. She died in Polonias Halloween Night. I was burned to death in a shower, she says. One of the crew members flew from New Jersey to Texas just to catch the Polonia Brothers night at the Alamo Drafthouse, a cinema in Austin. Polonia began inviting him to sets afterward, and hes killed him on film, too. Nico Bryant, a Germantown native who attends Mansfield University, was doing camera work on the set. He also died. I was a hobo who got my jugular ripped out, he said. Polonia says his movies often even out financially, but its never been about money. Directing is fun," he says. "Its fun to do this. If I died today, Id be happy with my career. Polonia didnt die that day, but likely will die again, he says, before his actual death. Chatsworth Elementary School in Burlington County, New Jersey. Read more A 58-year-old Philadelphia man has been charged with sexually assaulting students while working as a special education teacher in Burlington County. Vincent Root, who taught at Chatsworth Elementary School, was taken into custody Thursday morning at the Burlington County Prosecutors Office in Mount Holly and was being held pending a detention hearing. School district officials said Root has been placed on administrative leave and has been banned from school property, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said in a news release. The investigation began last month after a student came forward and accused Root of touching him inappropriately during previous school years, Bradshaw said. The investigation revealed that the victims, all of whom are male, were touched in classrooms inside the school building, Bradshaw said. The investigation further revealed that the abuse occurred over a multiyear period. Root was charged with seven counts of sexual assault and seven counts of endangering the welfare of a child. As Philadelphia Police Officer Raul Ortiz, 60, is discharged from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Saturday afternoon, fellow officers stand and salute him. Ortiz was shot in the arm at the Terminal D parking garage at the Philadelphia International Airport on Thursday night. His partner, Officer Richard Mendez, 50, was killed as they attempted to stop a group of people attempting to break into a car, police said. Read more The police officer wounded while attempting to stop a car theft inside a parking garage at Philadelphia International Airport was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon, as the search continues for those who shot him and killed his colleague, Richard Mendez. In a powder-blue Phillies jersey and with a cast on his arm, Raul Ortiz, a 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia police force, dabbed away tears as several dozen officers saluted and applauded their colleague while medical staff wheeled him out of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said that while seeing Ortiz released from the hospital is a happy day, the officers mind and heart are going to need some time to heal. After a bad situation like this, it has a lasting impact knowing that he lost a friend and colleague in the midst of this incident, Stanford told reporters outside the hospital. Ortiz, 60, was shot in the arm at the airports Terminal D parking garage Thursday night, and hospitalized in stable condition. Mendez, 50, died after being shot multiple times in the torso the 10th time a law enforcement officer has been shot in the city this year, and the second time an officer has died while on duty. Also killed during the confrontation was Jesus Herman Madera Duran, 18, who police said was dropped off at a hospital in the stolen SUV the shooting suspects used to flee the scene. Police said the shooting occurred just after 11 p.m., as Mendez and Ortiz arrived at the airport parking garage to begin their shifts. The two officers previously worked in the 25th District in North Philadelphia and were more recently assigned to the Airport Unit often viewed as a lower-stress detail for cops on their way to retirement. Advertisement In the garage, the officers heard breaking glass, police said, and saw three or four people attempting to break into a car. When the officers attempted to stop the group, an altercation ensued and shots were fired. The suspects fled the scene in a stolen Dodge Durango, dropping Duran off at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia before speeding away. Duran, of Camden, was pronounced dead around 11:30 p.m. The SUV, which was reported stolen about a week ago, was found hours after the airport shooting, burned out on the side of the road in South Brunswick, N.J. On Saturday, NBC10 reported that police had found and towed another vehicle of interest, a black Dodge Charger SRT, from the 3700 block of L Street in Kensington. Officials have said they are looking for as many as three suspects. The Police Department on Friday released a partial video of the hospital drop-off, seeking tips about who may have been inside the vehicle. Some details surrounding the shooting still remain unclear, including who fired the shots and why Mendezs gun was missing. Stanford said Saturday that having Ortiz out of the hospital and in better spirits will give investigators the chance to speak with him more about what transpired at the airport. He urged the public to come forward with any information they may have, regardless of how slight they think it is. Investigators at the local, state, and federal levels are working around the clock to find those responsible, Stanford said. If you kill a cop, were going to get you, he said. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 and other donors Saturday were offering a reward of $225,000 for information leading to the arrest of any of the suspects. In a statement, John McNesby, president of the police union, said he is thankful for Ortizs release, and hopeful the officer will make a full recovery. Like Officer Ortiz, were all mourning the loss and death of our colleague and friend, Officer Richard Mendez, McNesby said, who previously called Mendez a standout in the department. We pray and offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow Philadelphia police officers. Stanford noted that Mendezs death followed an already difficult time in the department. Three officers were wounded in Rhawnhurst Oct. 4 while responding to a domestic violence call, and two commanders died in recent days, one by suicide and the other due to a medical emergency. We still have three funerals to prepare ourselves for, he said. Mendez, a 22-year veteran of the force from Somerton, worked for many years as a beat cop in the 25th District, and was widely admired by his colleagues in the department. Officials said he was married and had a daughter. In a statement Saturday, City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada said she was deeply shaken by the shooting, and saddened by the loss of Mendez, whom she called her friend. Lozada, who represents the Kensington-based 7th District, said she and her staff worked closely with both men. These officers helped shape my philosophy on what community policing should look like; they worked with me hand in hand and built the foundation for what we are working to achieve, Lozada said, calling the shooting the product of a culture of disobedience for authority that is plaguing our city. As leaders, we need to look at this for what it is, and admit that the defiance of our laws and disrespect for authority taking place is not healthy behavior. Philadelphia police officers and patrol car inside Terminal D parking lot at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday morning October 13, 2023. Two officers were shot in the parking lot, one died. Read more More cars have been stolen from the Philadelphia International Airport this year than in the last five years combined. When thieves, apparently attempting to break into a car, allegedly shot two police officers one fatally Thursday night, it was the latest in a rash of car-related crimes at the airport. While violent crime is rare at the airport, vehicle thefts have increased dramatically since before the pandemic, in 2019, according to Philadelphia police data. So far this year, 112 cars have been stolen from the Philadelphia airport, a spike of 5,500% from the same time in 2019, when just two incidents of stolen cars were reported. About one-third of this years car thefts were reported as having been stolen from an airport garage. These figures include attempted thefts, but do not count car thefts when a gun was used, which are filed under a different crime classification. Advertisement Asked about the uptick in reports of car thefts, airport officials said security within the garages was the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Police Department, which has increased its airport patrols in recent months. The safety, security, and peace of mind of our guests and employees are our top priority, said Atif Saeed, CEO of the airport. We have a strong collaborative relationship with the Philadelphia Police Department and together we are working hard to ensure everyone traveling through and working at PHL is safe. Before Thursday nights fatal shooting of Officer Richard Mendez and 18-year-old Jesus Herman Madera Duran, there were no homicides at the airport this year, according to crime data. There were six armed robberies. Reports of thefts from vehicles at the airport also have risen since 2019, from 14 to 79 an increase of 464%. Friday afternoon, travelers expressed dismay about the shooting that occurred the night before. Sara Childress, who was in Philadelphia for a conference and was heading home to Alaska, had learned of the shooting while watching the news. Childress, who lives in a suburb of Anchorage, wondered: Is this a common occurrence? Is the airport safe? The shooting occurred in the garage of Terminal D, a terminal that sees 1,500 passengers and employees between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. on a typical weeknight, airport officials said. In June, police reported that rental car theft at the airport was rampant. Theyd logged 25 auto theft incidents since January from rental lots at Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Hertz, and other operators. Five were at gunpoint. Airports in other U.S. cities such as Dallas and Denver have dealt with similar issues and announced an increase in security patrols to combat car theft. READ MORE: Thieves have boosted dozens of rental cars from Philadelphia International Airport this year The spike in car thefts at the Philadelphia airport mirrors a citywide trend. Across Philadelphia this year, more than 18,000 vehicles have been reported stolen. Thats a rise of 130% compared with the same point last year. Car thefts in the city have been rising since the fall of 2020. Crime at the airport has also risen overall, with about 950 incidents reported so far this year an increase of 87% since 2019. Car thefts made up 12% of the reported offenses. Between 2014 and 2019, those cases made up 2% of all incidents reported at the airport. Vahan H. Gureghian (center) said in a statement: "I urge you to take a hard look at the direction [Penn] is headed and the externalities of its broken moral compass." Read more Charter-school magnate Vahan H. Gureghian announced Saturday that he has resigned as a trustee at the University of Pennsylvania, citing what he called the school leaderships broken moral compass. The founder and chief executive officer of CSMI Consulting Group, which manages the Chester and Atlantic Community Charter Schools, Gureghian said he could no longer serve as trustee because Penn leaders have refused to disavow their hosting of the controversial Palestine Writes Literature Festival in September. Just as at so many other elite academic institutions, the Penn community has been failed by an embrace of antisemitism, a failure to stand for justice, and complete negligence in the defense of our students well-being, Gureghian, a lawyer and entrepreneur, said in a statement. He added: I was shocked to read of the hate-filled rhetoric being espoused on our campus at an event fully supported by the University. Scott Bok, chair of Penns Board of Trustees, responded to Gureghians departure with a statement of his own. The University vehemently condemns the atrocious terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel and unequivocally rejects antisemitism in all forms, everywhere it exists, he said. We stand with our Jewish students, faculty, staff, and alumni and with Jewish people all over the world. Advertisement I regret that Mr. Gureghian has made the decision to step down from the Board of Trustees. I look forward to working with a future Trustee appointed by the Commonwealth when they are named. The Palestine Writes Literature Festival was held without disruption at Penn on Sept. 22-24, just before the Jewish holy days of Yom Kippur. It was billed as the only North American gathering of writers, artists, publishers, performers, and scholars to explore the richness and diversity of Palestinian culture. But critics said the festival featured speakers with a history of antisemitic remarks, and thousands of alumni and supporters complained before the event in an open online letter to Penn president Liz Magill. The fact that University of Pennsylvania academic departments are co-sponsoring the festival and its platforming of outright antisemitism without denunciation from the university is unacceptable, they said. Students, others at Penn, and officials at the American Jewish Committee also complained before the festival. Last week, after the attack on Israel by Hamas, Marc Rowan, chair of Whartons board of advisers, and others called on Penn supporters to cease donations until Magill and Bok resign. READ MORE: Penn donor calls for university leaders to resign over embrace of antisemitism Gureghian said in his statement that he had planned on resigning as a trustee earlier last week but hoped that Penn leadership would change his mind at Fridays trustees meeting. But I felt no such reassurance, he said. In response to the earlier complaints, Magill and other top administrators said in a statement: We unequivocally and emphatically condemn antisemitism as antithetical to our institutional values. As a university, we also fiercely support the free exchange of ideas as central to our educational mission. This includes the expression of views that are controversial and even those that are incompatible with our institutional values. Festival organizers and Palestinian and Arab student groups on the Penn campus had defended the event, calling it an unprecedented cultural festival and saying: We hope the university will continue to support all students, including the Palestinian and Arab community, by fostering an environment of understanding and respect that contributes to the vibrant and thriving academic and cultural life at Penn. READ MORE: Penn plans to review policies and training following controversy over Palestine Writes festival Gureghian, a longtime political player and major contributor in the Philadelphia region, was appointed a Penn trustee by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2009. He said on Saturday: It is time for universities across our nation to reassess the values they demonstrate to the young minds they are shaping. I hold great hope for the future of the University of Pennsylvania, but for that hope to be realized, I believe you must commit to stop harboring haters. Josh Kruger, left, then communications director of the Office of Homeless Services, in 2020. Read more The William Way LGBT Community Center has canceled a planned tribute event for slain Philadelphia journalist Josh Kruger, citing the allegations that have recently surfaced. The cancellation of the event a ticketed gathering slated for Oct. 29 for those who knew Kruger to gather, share stories, and reminisce came a day after The Inquirer published a story detailing assertions from the family of Robert Davis, 19, who is accused of fatally shooting Kruger in his Point Breeze home earlier this month. READ MORE: Family of man wanted for killing Josh Kruger says the 19-year-old and the journalist shared sex and drugs The family said Davis was 15 years old when he and Kruger began a relationship involving drugs, and that prior to the shooting, Davis told them Kruger threatened to post sexually explicit videos of the teen online. Advertisement With the allegations that have recently surfaced about Joshs murder and the complexities involved, we dont believe that we can create a safe space, either for Joshs friends and family, or for those who have rightful anger and concerns over allegations of child sexual abuse, the center posted on its event page Thursday. The William Way Center could not be reached for comment Friday. As more is revealed about the facts of the case, we hope that together we can figure out the right next steps to acknowledge and remember the many victims in this case individuals, families, and communities, the centers post said. Kruger, 39, was killed Oct. 2, when police said a man entered his home in the middle of the night and shot him seven times. Surveillance video and tips from Krugers family and friends led police to Davis, and a warrant for his arrest was issued a few days later. He remains at large. The Inquirer reported that sources said detectives were investigating explicit photos and messages in Krugers phone. The sources did not say whether the content was connected to Davis, but said the images and messages were being analyzed by the Special Victims Unit. Those details added troubling complexities to the killing of Kruger, which gained national attention and devastated many in the community. Kruger, who worked for the city from 2015 to 2020, overseeing the mayors social media platforms and acting as a spokesperson for the Office of Homeless Services, was outspoken about struggles he faced. News of his death left many in shock, and city and state officials shared statements commemorating his life and advocacy for the vulnerable. Kruger wrote for various outlets, including The Inquirer, and addressed topics in his writing and on social media that converged with his life experiences, including living as a gay man with HIV, addiction and harm reduction, and local politics. Personal Finance Compiled by business journalist Emer Walsh 1. Employ the budget rule. A one-size-fits-all policy is far too simplistic for all earners to live by, but the 50-30-20 rule provides a good guideline for allocating your monthly budget. The rule states that 50% of your take-home pay should be spent on necessary obligations such as rent or mortgage payments, energy bills, fuel and groceries. Around 30% should be spent on wants, and the remaining 20% should be saved. 2. Pay yourself first. And if you are employing the budgeting rule, pay yourself first. Instead of waiting to see what money you have left over at the end of the month to put in savings, put that 20% into your savings fund as soon as you get paid to make it harder to overspend unnecessarily. 3. Claim everything you are entitled to. Many Irish people do not know the full extent of what theyre entitled to and are missing out on tax refunds. Did you know if you work from home, you can claim money back for utility bills? And, if you contribute to a retirement fund, you can claim tax back on pension contributions? Spend some time researching what youre entitled to and make sure you claim for it in time. 4. Make the most of spare change. Loose cash here and there can go a long way. Revolut, for example, provides an option to round up your purchases to the nearest whole number, and stash the difference in a vault. Oftentimes those few cents can go unnoticed and its a great way to save an extra 50 or so if you have the willpower to let it be. 5. Think twice before renewing a contract. Its quick and easy to renew a contract, whether it be an insurance, energy or phone plan, but we all know you need to switch to get the best deal. Websites like Chill Insurance and Bonkers.ie are well worth visiting to compare prices across a number of providers and ensure youre getting the cheapest option available. Waste not, want not with a second lunchbox. Food Compiled by food & cost of living writer Caitriona Redmond 6. Look for the yellow stickers. A yellow barcode on supermarket produce generally means that a product has been reduced because it might be close to a sell-by or consume-by date. Its still fine to eat so long as you either do so straight away or freeze for another day. There are huge savings to be made, as much as 80% in some cases, so dont be afraid to go for a rummage. 7. Install anti food-waste apps. If youre a fan of a cafe quality lunch or meal but not the price tag, use the app TooGoodToGo to snag a bag of reduced goods nearby. The other must-have app for bargain hunters is Olio which allows users to share food from their own kitchens. Certain supermarkets also use this app to redistribute food for free that cannot otherwise be sold. 8. Invest in two lunchboxes. Keep the first for your actual lunch and the second full of healthy bites and snacks for you to dip into during the day. Just one full lunchbox doesnt quite hit the mark when trying to stay fuelled working outside the home for a day. This will save you from swinging by the corner shop last minute because you got a snack attack or an afternoon slump. Those savings all add up. 9. Use a reusable insulated cup. Aside from the environmental benefits, using this kind of mug will get you discounts at coffee shops up and down the country. Plus, if you start your day by making your own morning coffee instead of buying one out, thats an extra saving. 10. Keep a contingency fund of small notes (or about a tenner on a virtual bank card). If you are tempted to go to the shop to buy anything or get the takeaway, commit to using your contingency fund only. Its easier to overspend on takeout when its coming off your bank card or credit card. Take a look at your monthly subscriptions list. Subscriptions Compiled by digital editor Denise ODonoghue 11. Pay for a year upfront. There can be significant savings to be made by paying for yearly subscriptions upfront. For example, a Disney+ monthly subscription costs 8.99 while the annual subscription is 89.90 per year, meaning you can get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying upfront. Similarly, the introductory monthly digital subscription offer for the Irish Examiner is 10 for 10 weeks, then 10 a month thereafter. But, if you pay for a year upfront, its just 80 for one year, saving you 33% over a full-priced monthly subscription for unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber benefits. 12. Share where possible. Some subscriptions allow account sharing which can ease the cost for a group of people. An individual Spotify premium account costs 10.99 per month while the duo option allows two people to access the account for 14.99 per month and a family subscription costs 17.99 per month and can facilitate up to six accounts. Likewise, the standard Netflix subscription is 14.99 per month while the premium option costs 20.99. 13. Rotate or downgrade subscriptions. If you are signed up to a number of streaming platforms and are finding it hard to choose one or more to drop, consider rotating your subscriptions and subscribing to just one per month. You could enjoy Netflix for October before unsubscribing, signing up for Now in November, switching to Disney+ for December etc. This would give you access to your favourite shows on each and potentially highlight the ones you do not get the value for. Alternatively, you can downgrade your plan to save money Spotify still offers a free plan, for example. The downside is you can only shuffle music and will be listening to ads between songs. 14. Consider cancelling for a discount. Some subscriptions will offer you a discount on your current plan if you request to cancel your plan. I recently followed the steps to delete my Now plan and was offered a half-price rate for six months this is a technique also used by television providers. If you wish to save money it could be worth your while to look into cancelling or contacting the provider for a discount after your months or years of loyalty. 15. Join the library. While you can get the usual books and DVDs at your local branch, a library membership also gives you access to thousands of free eBooks and audiobooks on the Borrowbox app. For access, join your local public library, install the BorrowBox app on your device, select your library service, activate with your library membership (usually your account number and pin) and enjoy access to their collection. Get the best of clothing wear and tear by learning to sew. Fashion Compiled by fashion writer Paula Burns 16. Learn to sew. Having the know-how to stitch a rip in your favourite skirt or customise a shirt with vintage buttons will save you money and give you the freedom to create. Once you can sew the possibilities are endless. Why not transform a cute gingham tablecloth into a must-have midi skirt? 17. Buy pre-loved. Websites such as Depop and eBay are a treasure trove for the savvy shopper. Browse the virtual rails for some guilt-free shopping, knowing youre saving money and helping extend the life of clothing and shoes. 18. Rent instead of buy. The unspoken reality of wedding season is that we dont want to be seen in the same guna twice. In a bid to move from throwaway fashion and to save the pennies, renting is the new wave in occasion wear shopping. Fashion rental sites make sartorial dreams come true by allowing you to wear a covetable designer dress for a fraction of the price. Try Happy Days, Designer Room and Greens Are Good For You. 19. Browse charity shops. Since fast fashion has lost its shine, buying second-hand is now in vogue. Thanks to their growing popularity, you can shop from high-street labels to designer pieces at really low prices. To bag the best bits, find out when your local shop restocks. 20. Embrace the capsule wardrobe. Sometimes you have to spend money to save money. Curating a capsule wardrobe will, in the long-term, steer you away from buying things you wont wear. Choose staple pieces in neutral tones which will allow you to mix and match basics with more high-end pieces. Reusable products like a microfibre cloth can save you money in your skincare routine. Beauty Compiled by skincare columnist and founder of The Skin Nerd Jennifer Rock 21. Keep it simple. Your bank balance and your complexion will thank you for avoiding a 25-step regime. All that is non-negotiable is SPF and a good cleanser. Pair those with a vitamin A-based serum, and possibly a hyaluronic acid-based one too for optimal hydration, and youve mastered the basics. 22. Make use of multipurpose products... One of the smartest ways to save money on skincare is to invest in products that serve multiple purposes. For example, a facial serum that can be used around the eyes. Look for formulas labelled as ocular-tested, as this means they have been tested and proven safe to use around this delicate area. 23. ...and cost-effective products. My Skingredients Cleanse Off Mitt is a savvy buy at 6.50 as it allows you to pre-cleanse your skin thoroughly and naturally using only water. Just make sure to double cleanse. 24. Go for refills. Be sustainable and save money by using refillable beauty products which are often cheaper than their regular counterparts as they use less packaging. Big brands like Mugler, Lancome, Prada, Paco Rabanne and Dior all offer savings in this area. A 50ml bottle of Pradas Paradoxe Intense Parfum from The Perfume Shop costs 114, for example, with the 100ml refill costing just 124. With my own skincare brand Skingredients, there is up to 50% more formula in the slot-in refill tubes, meaning you get more product for less money. 25. Switch to a more cost-effective hairstyle. Colouring your hair and keeping it maintained doesnt come cheap but opting for a balayage hair dye will save you money in the long run. With a balayage technique, hair colourant is painted onto the hair and grows out more naturally, meaning that you can go longer between salon visits. Don't forget to bleed your radiators. Home Compiled by Home editor Eve Kelliher 26. Knowledge is power. To keep power bills as low as possible, take note of those appliances that use the most electricity and be smart about when and how often you use them. A good rule of thumb is, if it makes things hot, then it uses a lot of electricity. Were talking electric showers, kettles, and hair dryers. See seai.ie. 27. Window of opportunity. If your windows arent closing properly, your home is losing heat and youre losing money. A very simple repair job will slash your energy bills. 28. Bleed your radiators. This is not only a quick and easy fix, its something you can do yourself (and it can be strangely satisfying).Of course, regular maintenance of heating systems can also help prevent costly repairs and keep your home zipping along efficiently, ultimately saving money. 29. Take control. As well as using smart metering, when choosing new or replacing items, always consider investing in energy-efficient appliances and lighting as they are more cost-efficient to run, saving on utility bills in the long run. 30. On tap. A boiling water tap could cut your energy costs as well as providing instant boiling water and saving space in the kitchen. Ive put one of these on my wish list after speaking to architect and managing director of Optimise Design, Denise OConnor. The cost of boiling a full kettle (which typically holds 1.5 litres) is around 2.5 cents per boil. This would suggest that a Quooker could save users a significant sum, particularly those who regularly boil their kettle. Socialising Compiled by Weekend Assistant Editor Nicole Glennon 31. Embrace the house party. House parties may seem like something reserved for stingy college students, but with the cost of a pint or G&T in a pub or nightclub skyrocketing to eyewatering amounts in recent times, it might be time we all re-embraced them. If you dont fancy returning to the days of being squashed on the couch with strangers at 3am, why not suggest meeting for some drinks at home before heading out, or turn it into a bit of craic by having a game of Come Dine With Me where guests bring a dish or create a cocktail? 32. Avail of free admission. Dont miss out on opportunities to visit cultural landmarks, museums or art galleries free of cost, with events like Heritage Week, Open House, Culture Night and more. On the first Wednesday of every month, visitors can enjoy free admission to a number of OPW heritage sites, including the Ceide Fields Visitor Centre in Mayo, Athenry Castle in Galway, Farmleigh House and Estate in Dublin and more. 33. Be flexible with when (and where) you dine out. Granted, you can only be so flexible with when you eat out if you work a standard Monday to Friday, 9 - 5, but a little forward planning can pay dividends when it comes to knowing when restaurants offer early bird menus and other perks. One of Dublins newest steak houses, Hawksmoor, for example, offers 5 corkage on a Monday (its 25 every other day). Websites like earlytable.ie and firsttable.ie are also great for those open to eating earlier in the day, with some venues offering up to 50% of your meal if you choose to dine earlier than most. When we checked, Electric in Cork City were offering 30% off to customers who booked via earlytable for meals between 5 and 6:30pm even at the weekend. 34. Find other ways to get in on the action for big events. There is more than one way to skin a cat as the saying goes, and you dont need to get yourself in a difficult money situation to avoid FOMO with every big event. This year, for example, Electric Picnic offered a free ticket to volunteers who were willing to give up 24hrs of the weekend in exchange for their wristband. Tour de Picnic, the annual charity cycle and run to Electric Picnic, is another way to score a ticket to one of the countrys biggest events though you will need to raise a minimum amount for charity (this year it was 450). 35. Make the most of free events. Events like parkrun, a free timed 5K run/jog/walk every Saturday in towns across the country, offer a way to be a part of a community without the associated membership cost. Some influencers also organise free group activities which can be a great way to meet other people and pass the time without overspending. For example, Roz Purcell organises free, guided hill walks via The Hike Life. Going on hols? Pick up a bargain at the local markets. Pic: iStock. Travel Compiled by food & travel editor Jillian Bolger 36. Snack smart at the airport. WH Smiths meal deal is excellent value, offering a wide choice of sandwiches with a drink and choice of snack for 5.99. Available in Cork, Shannon and Dublin Airport, Boots also offers a similar meal deal in both terminals in Dublin Airport. 37. Swap out the spa. Dreaming of a holiday facial but dont have the funds to splurge on the hotels luxury spa? Travel long haul with a face mask to perk up skin and replace moisture from the drying air cabin. The big brands all offer premium versions but I swear by Garniers Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask, which costs about 4.50 in the supermarket (and is often discounted to 3). After a shower or relaxing bath just lounge on your bed, apply the serum-soaked sheet mask on your face and chill out in holiday mode for 15 indulgent minutes. 38. Follow a local food expert. Get on Instagram and X (Twitter) to see who is blogging about your holiday destination. Find a genuine food writer (as opposed to a local influencer who may be influenced by marketing spend) and see where they recommend great food that the locals enjoy. Skip the restaurant opposite the main tourist attraction and slip down a side street armed with some insider intelligence. 39. Find out when market day is. A weeks holiday can see you rack up a significant bill from dining out. Cap your restaurant spending by finding out what day is market day. Rock up with a shopping bag, and load up on a seasonal picnic of the regions best local produce. Spring and summer markets on the continent offer incredible soft fruits, with great cheese, charcuterie, baked goods and specialities. Hit the park or seafront and dine al fresco for a snip. 40. Supermarket chocolate is the best gift. Rather than overpay for the big airport brands in Duty Free, scope out local supermarkets for a unique haul for a few euro. Local biscuits and unusual sweet brands prove a novel hit back home and, in general, you can spend just 15% of the airport budget price for a similar amount of goodies. ...and ten extra ways to make money Compiled by Niamh Hennessy 1. Ask for a pay raise. This comes back to the mantra of if you dont ask, you dont get. If it has been a while since you chatted to your boss about your salary then get the ball rolling. According to HR experts, the best time to approach your boss about a raise is a Friday afternoon. Make sure to do your prep in advance and build a strong case for why you deserve a raise. 2. Rent what you have. Renting a room doesnt have to be a full-time commitment as there will be plenty of people looking for rooms for two or three nights during the week. A good place to start is the local university or colleges. And, if youre living in the house, remember you can rent the room tax-free. 3. Sell what you have. Block off a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and gather all the items you feel you could resell. Take the time to capture flattering pictures of your items and get them on websites like DoneDeal, Depop and Facebook Marketplace. 4. Dog walking. There are lots of apps where you can register to be a dog walker or sitter. You could even advertise your services on social media. 5. Become a mystery shopper. There are websites in Ireland where you can sign up to be that mystery shopper with the awkward questions. 6. Become an influencer. This wont be for everyone but in what is now a very crowded market theres always space for new faces. The best approach is to focus on where your expertise lies. Do you have a special interest in wine, for example, and you could start a wine Instagram? There is plenty of money to be made by going down this road but you have to be prepared for a lot of work to get it off the ground. 7. Do laundry. This side hustle could be especially useful for someone working from home or someone in the house during the day. Many people simply dont have time for laundry and posting a quick ad on social media could land you a few weekly customers. 8. Hobby to Jobby? Your hobby could be a great way to make some extra cash. Doing photography for an event or baking a cake for an occasion. You could also offer them as your gifts, saving you the cost of a present. 9. Car boot sale. These days you might think everything is online but car boot sales are still a thing and they take place all over the country each weekend. You might have to pay 10 or so for a pitch, but they are great ways of offloading some items for money. 10. Freelance or consult. Depending on the sector you work in there could be opportunities for some freelance work. Even an agency might be interested in hearing from you. LinkedIn is also a great place for seeing what is out there. Lauren ODonovan, from Carrigaline, Co Cork, edits the literary anthology Howl New Irish Writing along with Roisin Leggett Bohan and Ailbhe Ni Ghearbhuigh. She recently won the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry award. How did Howl New Irish Writing come about? I was in UCC doing the MA in Creative Writing at the start of covid. The MA usually has work experience which we were not able to do because of lockdown so I suggested that the class set up a small publishing house and publish a book. We called it the The Same Page Anthology and all of the proceeds went to the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork. That year, Danny Denton who was then editor of The Stinging Fly was teaching on the course and writer in residence was Eimear Ryan, who is editor of Banshee. They were so kind and supported us through the whole process. Roisin and I had been bitten badly by the publishing bug and we decided we would go on and publish Howl New Irish Writing. We are in our second year now. What is the mission of 'Howl New Irish Writing'? The mission is to publish Irish writing, but Irish writing is also global, with the diaspora and so many people claiming an Irish identity. Both Roisin and myself have lived abroad, and we felt there was an opportunity there to celebrate global Irish writing. What does your role involve? I wear many hats, which suits me as in my previous life, I worked in a digital agency in Vancouver. My background is in computer science. With Howl, as well as working with the writers, editing and all of that, we do everything that you would do in a small business, in terms of promotion, social media, the accounts, online sales. We do one open submission period during the year and we publish one anthology. I have the greatest admiration for anyone who is publishing two or three times a year. I would love to be in a position in terms of funding down the road to do commissions. Our biggest regret at the moment is that we are still unable to pay writers for their work. If we keep working hard and stay on track hopefully we will be in a position to do that sooner rather than later. The journal scene seems to be thriving in Ireland. How important a role do they play in the literary ecosystem? They are critical for established writers but they are the lifeblood of emerging writers. Nobody is publishing a journal, magazine, or anthology in Ireland for the money, they are doing it for the love of the art and to support other writers. It is such a strong community worldwide. The challenge for publications is to get funding as many cant make it past a few years. They are supporting writers but they need to be supported in order to be able to do that. What do you like most about what you do? The most exciting part is when the window for submissions closes and you get out the laptop to read them, every piece is so full of potential. We deal with the writers online mainly and I love then when we meet them at the launch. Often that is the first opportunity to put faces to the pieces. What do you like least? Definitely being able to choose so few submissions to print because the quality of the work is astounding. We have 56 writers included this year, we did our best to squeeze in as many as we could. Three desert island books? I would need three ships for all the books, I wouldnt even bring food. At the moment I am in the middle of reading How To Gut A Fish by Sheila Armstrong, so I would need to finish that. It is such a great collection of short stories. Also From Far Around They Saw Us Burn by Alice Jolly, which is an exceptional piece of writing. For the third, I might squeeze in a couple of poetry books, which are bit a slimmer and might add up to a novel. I am obsessed with Annemarie Ni Churreain, Victoria Kennefick, Jessica Traynor, and Molly Twomey. They have all had work out in the past year or two, they are so inspirational. The second edition of Howl New Irish Writing will be launched at Waterstones, Cork, on Tuesday, October 24, at 6.30pm. Comedians aplenty but laughs in short supply How many comedians does it take to make us laugh? More than three apparently. The show seemed to get off to a promising start as Brendan O'Carroll and Jason Byrne joined Kielty. Three well-established comedians and friends having the chats of a Friday night? It should make for enjoyable viewing but somehow it fell flat. It wasn't a comfortable laid-back conversation. Instead, after the two guests plugged their current projects, Kielty's questions stopped the natural flow as he stuck to his cue card. That was until O'Carroll's constant interruptions led to Kielty ripping the card up and pretending to walk away. Throughout the interview, which felt like it ran on a bit too long, O'Carroll and Byrne constantly spoke over each other and Kielty. No one got to finish a thought and it all came off as a bit unprofessional. Thankfully, Rozanna Purcell joined the group chat just in time. The author said that she had told her parents that being on with the comedians, she wouldn't be able to get a word in edgeways. But she was well able for them and things mostly got back on track. Awkward moments It is only Kielty's fourth show and understandably he is still finding his groove but on several occasions on Friday night, things came across as amateur. Before his first show, the Co Down man said he wanted the Late Late to feel "like coming into the parlour". He definitely achieved that but probably not in the way he had hoped. It seems they are set on starting the show with a group interview but they haven't quite figured out how to keep control of things when a lot of big personalities are vying for attention. Instead, there were people talking over each other and interrupting when another was answering a question. There were long meandering stories that didn't go anywhere. Rozanna Purcell gave a charming interview despite some interruptions from other guests. Picture: Michelle Daly It was O'Carroll who finally stopped Byrne when his rambling story seemed like it would never end as Kielty doesn't seem to be able to keep people on track. Of course, O'Carroll was just as guilty but the host didn't really try to rein things in. Pat Spillane was the final guest of the night and while it was a much more enjoyable interview, Spillane went off on a couple of tangents. On more than one occasion, you could see Kielty glancing to the side as he was likely being told to wind things up. He would lean forward and open his mouth but never actually said anything. Kielty, who at this point in his career should be confident in his abilities, ended up coming across as a nervous schoolchild afraid to interrupt the teacher. But this is his classroom and if he can't show some authority the kids are going to run riot. Countdown to the Toy Show starts now Sure, we are only halfway through October but it's never too early to look forward to the Late Late Toy Show. It is arguably one of the most important nights of the year when it comes to TV. Kielty announced that the show will air on November 24 meaning we have just six weeks to wait. It will be his first Toy Show so the pressure is definitely on for the Ballywalter actor. Many believe that how a host manages the wonderful chaos of the Toy Show is the thing that makes or breaks them. The time to apply for #LateLateToyShow tickets is here! Head to https://t.co/kBXPcPpH1b and fill out the form for your chance to join us on the night! pic.twitter.com/q3z4eoRjP8 The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) October 13, 2023 Kielty was being grilled about what he had in store for the iconic episode before he had his first show under his belt. Friday night saw him get more than a bit flustered on a few occasions so it will be interesting to see how he deals with a studio full of hyped-up children. If you want to get your hands on some tickets for the Toy Show, applications are now open. Poignant final moments It wasn't a perfect show by any means but it was the closing moments of the show that people will remember. A whiplash change of tone following Pat Spillane's antics, Kielty turned to face the camera and addressed the violence that has occurred over the past week in Palestine and Israel. He extended his condolences to the family of Irish-Israeli woman Kim Danti who died after Hamas militants attacked a music festival near the Gaza border last weekend. The ongoing situation obviously strikes a chord with Kielty who grew up in Co Down during the Troubles and whose father was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries. Clearly speaking from the heart, he offered a message of hope in a moment that left viewers very emotional, some even saying his words drew a tear. "Tonight there are many parents and children in Israel and in Gaza who also think that this will never end and are praying for a miracle to make it stop," he said. "In the midst of despair, miracles are hard to believe in but it's worth remembering that we are currently living our own miracle on our island because we are living in peace. "For all those in Israel and Palestine, it might not seem like it tonight but there is always hope and we hope that your miracle comes soon." Viewers praised Kielty for his words and his compassion. In this moment of vulnerability, we are given a glimpse of how good Kielty could be when given the chance. Perhaps we need to see this man just be himself rather than being thrown into gimmicky, cringey situations. Michael Caine is the Bermondsey boy who became one of Britains best loved actors. The acclaimed Hollywood star, who is retiring at the age of 90, has entertained decades of fans in movie classics ranging from Zulu, The Italian Job, Get Carter and Alfie, to more the recent Interstellar and the Dark Knight franchise. He was born Maurice Micklewhite in 1933 to a fish porter, who worked at Billingsgate market, and as a cleaner. Michael Caine, as spy Harry Palmer, in 1967 (PA) Caine is known for his pride in being a cockney, never losing his accent. He earned his famous catchphrase Not a lot of people know that after the actor Peter Sellers used it once to impersonate him. He attended Wilsons Grammar School, near Camberwell Green, and went on to serve in Germany and Korea on national service before returning to London to fulfil his dream of an acting career. His first brush with the stage came after he tripped and crashed through the door of a youth drama class while trying to get a better look at a girl he fancied, with the vicar then making him join due to a shortage of boys in the group. After several theatre roles he changed his name, creating a new identity inspired by the film The Caine Mutiny. His marriage to Patricia Haines in 1954, which produced a daughter Dominique, lasted just two and a half years. Michael Caine with Britt Ekland as they started work on Get Carter in 1970 (PA) Soon after that his father Maurice died. His mother gave him 25 from the insurance money so that he could go to Paris to get escape. He later admitted he was close to a nervous breakdown during his time there, when he did various odd-jobs. Caine returned still haunted by the conviction that his father, who was against his acting career, died knowing I was a bum but he was determined to succeed as an actor. His first film role came in 1956 in A Hill In Korea with George Baker and Stanley Baker, but his big break followed in 1964 with the part of Lieutenant Bromhead in Zulu. Sir Michael with fellow actors Bob Hoskins and Roger Moore in 2000 (Fiona Hanson/PA) The actor was reportedly disliked by studio executives and vomited with nerves on seeing the rushes. However, his celebrated performance was followed by a lead role in 1966s Alfie, which catapulted him to super-stardom playing a womanising cockney wastrel. Alfie also gave him his first Academy Award nomination and the New York Critics Prize for best actor. By the time he was 30, he was a millionaire, and has gone on to appear in more than 160 films over a career that has spanned seven decades including The Wilby Conspiracy, The Man Who Would Be King, The Eagle Has Landed, California Suite and Dressed To Kill. He married Shakira Bakshin, who was Miss Guyana in the 1967 Miss World contest, in Las Vegas in 1973, after spotting her in a Maxwell House coffee television advert and tracking her down. They have a daughter Natasha. Caine has credited Shakira with making him a reformed character, saying she calmed him down. Sir Michael Caine with his wife Shakira (William Conran/PA) He said in 2016: Without her I would have been dead long ago. I would have probably drunk myself to death. I was a bit of a piss artist when I was younger, I used to drink a bottle of vodka a day and I was smoking too, several packs a day. In 1983, he was awarded the Bafta for best actor for his role in Educating Rita, followed four years later by his first Oscar for best supporting actor for Hannah And Her Sisters. He moved back home to the UK in the 1980s after nine years in the US, saying: I always knew I was welcome in America but I never felt I belonged. Here I know I belong and I dont really care whether I am welcome or not. In 1992, he was awarded a CBE in the Queens Birthday Honours, before he received a knighthood in 2000. Sir Michael after receiving his knighthood from the late Queen (Fiona Hanson/PA) That same year he earned his second Oscar for best supporting actor for The Cider House Rules and was given a Fellowship by Bafta. His portrayal in Christopher Nolans critically acclaimed Batman trilogy of the beloved Alfred Pennyworth, the trusted butler and confidant to Christian Bales Bruce Wayne, earned him a new generation of fans. And he has become a familiar face in a number of Nolans other blockbuster cinematic projects, including sci-fi films Inception, Interstellar and Tenet. Colonel Chris Hadfield has a CV thats a marvel compared to those of us whove stayed on terra firma all our lives: Hes an astronaut who has space walked, been a fighter pilot with the Canadian Armed Forces, a test pilot, a musician, and a public speaker. Yet when he finished at the Canadian Space Agency in 2013, he wasnt in retirement mode. Having built up a considerable following on social media, it made sense that he would publish a memoir, An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earth (2013), where he could share all hed learned across his fascinating life. After that came a debut novel, The Apollo Murders (2021). The writing bug? Hadfield had caught it. His second novel, The Defector, is out this month. Though it might seem like a swerve, this step makes sense for Hadfield. As his memoir outlines, hes a hugely motivated person. Hes also a canny businessman. But when he sits down to chat with the Irish Examiner about his novel, there are no airs and graces. Instead, he radiates the quiet intensity one must need to endure the specific pressures of working in space. He also emanates excitement about his foray into fiction. That must come down in no small part to the fact that both The Apollo Murders and The Defector mine from his own life to tell high-stakes stories. While The Apollo Murders was a Cold War thriller set in space, The Defector is based on Hadfields test pilot days and takes place during the Yom Kippur War of 1973 (between Egypt, Syria, and Israel). Protagonist Kaz Zemeckis, a Nasa flight controller and former US navy test pilot, is on holiday in Israel when he notices something strange in the skies. That leads him to get involved in a game of spies that revolves around the mythical Foxbat MiG-25 plane. Fans of Top Gun will be enthralled by the books tense aerial combat and military lingo. When we meet in Dublin, 64-year-old Hadfield is neatly dressed in a black shirt, jeans, and a pair of black cowboy boots. His face, with its prominent moustache and twinkly eyes, is very familiar, in large part thanks to his Twitter fame. He first came to international prominence when he began sharing images of views including of Ireland from the International Space Station (ISS) during his time on it from 2012 to 2013. These were the early days of Twitter (now known as X), when accounts like Hadfields helped the world feel like a more intimate place. His positive, informative tweets have netted him over 2m followers. He spends some time every year in Ireland as his daughter and her family live in Dublin. But hes not quite anonymous not with that moustache, anyway. Walking around Ireland, lots of people recognise me, he says. I just treat it like Im at a perpetual family reunion and everybody is my second cousin. Its sort of like that everywhere. No matter where I am, I never feel alone. Chris Hadfield, whose second novel draws further on his real-life experience. Pic: Moya Nolan 'WHAT'S MY BEST WAY TO NOT SQUANDER THIS?' He worked hard as a public servant, yet his current workload could make the average person feel faint: I continue to try and do things well and for good reasons. So working on policy institutes, working on helping businesses succeed, in teaching, I run a big international technology incubator helping young businesses grow and succeed. And then writing books and making television series. It must help that his wife, Helene, is his collaborator. The pair met in Ontario while acting in a high school play, The Man Who Came to Dinner. (Hadfield was a terrible actor, and played the butler or something, but says Helene was a great actor.) The pair have three children, and Helene has gone on, says her proud husband, to have multiple careers. Shes been a computer programmer, professional chef, and an artist (shes currently completing her fifth degree). Hadfield says she is great to bounce plot ideas off because she watches all the programmes and reads constantly. When he was approached by his British publisher about writing fiction, he was open to it immediately: Ive always enjoyed writing. It was my easiest subject in school. He didnt study creative writing, however, because he needed to study engineering in order to become a combat fighter pilot, which would allow him to become a test pilot and then an astronaut. He had already learned some of the book worlds secrets working with Kate Fillion on the memoir (the pair have also written a childrens book, The Darkest Dark) but for The Apollo Murders he was on his own. I was like, I dont know how to write fiction. So I got online, he says, explaining that YouTube guides in particular helped him. But he also had some secondhand help from a writing legend: Probably the best book that I read is a book Stephen King wrote called On Writing its terrific. To me the most useful part of On Writing was when he put in his raw, unedited writing excerpts because it was so bad, laughs Hadfield. It was so rough and so unpolished, and that was really heartening. While working on the books, he would get up early, exercise, and then head to his writing room (which had a boring view, so he wasnt distracted) and aim towards getting 1,000 words down. While for The Apollo Murders he over-wrote by almost 100,000 words, he found the word count easier to stick to with The Defector. For Hadfield, fiction isnt an escape from his past but instead a way of bringing what hes learned to a new audience. I dreamed of [being an astronaut] when I was a kid, and then worked at it my whole life To have all of that depth of new human experience, [I thought] whats my best way to not squander this? How do I share it with people? he explains. And so writing the nonfiction books makes sense; giving talks, it makes a lot of sense. And then Ive done a Masterclass series that a lot of people have watched, literally millions, and Ive done a BBC television series and National Geographic television series. But then to write fiction is a new step in that it allows me to tell the story with a different nuance. He says writing is like singing a song: Its not just factual, it imparts more of an emotional understanding of what happened because you can flesh it out in different ways, and how a bunch of people would react to the same experience, not just my own. In fiction, he could invent characters, like Kaz Zemeckis, and put them into real-life situations which were familiar to him. I want it to be as true to reality as I can make it. But at the same time, its got to be a gripping story for people, says Hadfield. He likes writing in the alternative history fiction genre because it confines you to having real characters doing real things under a lot of real constraints. These are real things, and then I just found a way to weave a pretty intricate plot in amongst a whole bunch of lampposts of reality all the way through, and more than half of the characters are all real people. Chris Hadfield, in his daughter's Dublin home. Pic: Moya Nolan 'CULTURE TAKES A LONG TIME TO CHANGE' Part of The Defector showcases how there can be sexist opinions towards women astronauts. I come from a very skills-respected job we dont care really what your chromosomal range is. Can you do this job well? says Hadfield. And the most-experienced astronaut in American history is a woman, Peggy Whitson. He doesnt see a gender limit within the profession, but says culture takes a long time to change and people tend to believe what they were raised with. He has experienced this through his work. He and his family lived in Star City, Russia from 2001 to 2003 while he was director of operations for Nasa at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre. When we lived there, I would have said their attitude [towards] men and womens roles in society were about 1958 in the US, they were very male dominant, he says of Russian society. He partly based his The Defector character Svetlana on an early Russian astronaut. She was a test pilot but when she got to their first space station, they gave her an apron. Yet Hadfield doesnt want to go around finger-wagging. Just because my particular part of the world has changed its social mores, you cant suddenly say, well, everybody else is wrong, because weve moved into this new way of thinking. You have to recognise that there are differences in different places but the frustrations of the people are common, especially if youre subjugating a subset of your population, whether its for their sex or their skin colour or language or their immigrant status. The former astronaut has met politicians, celebrities, royals and dignitaries, but maintains everyones just people. In the 1980s Hadfield was a combat fighter pilot intercepting Soviets practicing launching cruise missiles in North America. Eight years later, he was helping to build their space station. So even today, with all the credible bad that Putin and his cronies are up to, the Russian people havent changed. Theyre just a bunch of people, says Hadfield. And theyve got bad leadership right now. But you know, thats not always of your choosing. He sees the ISS, with its mix of astronauts from across the world, as hope-giving. The Defector by Chris Hadfield 'AN AWFUL LOT IN COMMON' We can have presumptions about others, but Hadfield has found that if you suddenly end up in a place where youre with a bunch of people from that location, and you all have a common purpose, youre almost always going to discover that wow, we got an awful lot in common here. To be an astronaut or test pilot is to sign up for a life of service, and its this that Hadfield also tries to get across in his books. [People] say thank you for your service. What they dont recognise is that you have signed up to die, says Hadfield. Youve signed up to say: I believe in the value system that raised me and the society that I belong to, I believe in it so strongly that if someone says to me, We know this has a very high probability of killing you, but we need you to go do this thing today, that [I] will do it. And thats what a life of service is. The lows are incredibly low as a test pilot or astronaut Hadfield has lost several friends yet the highs can be very entertaining. On the ISS, for example, he got to chat to Neil Young. During their call, Young was sitting in the back of his wifi-enabled 1959 Lincoln Continental car. So he shows me all around the Lincoln and I show him around my spaceship. Which is just sort of surreal, Hadfield smiles. Young gave him tips about the creative process. Number one is he said, Ive never written a song. I just wrote songs down. And what he meant to say was, I didnt say today Ive got to write a song. What he did instead was oh, thats a cool idea. Let me write that down. And that seeking the process by which youre creating dont force it, says Hadfield. The other thing was dont judge what youre writing until you finish writing. Hes clearly taken the Canadian rock gods tips to heart, and says that hes working on novel number three already. I see myself very much writing for the next 20 years, says Hadfield, before heading off in the sunshine to spend the rest of his day with his family. Why not? The Defector , published by Quercus is out now Great-value breaks can be closer, or sometimes a little further, than you think and this week weve chosen eight alternative getaways to some of our favourite cities. Whether youre looking for winter sun or a bargain Christmas market getaway, we recommend swapping out the expensive with a new, more affordable destination. Instead of Copenhagen, try Gdansk Routes from Ireland to Poland are among the most connected and best value in Europe, which is why the country should be on everyones getaway shortlist. Krakow is the most popular choice for international visitors, but dont overlook gorgeous Gdansk on the Baltic coast for a winter break. From its Renaissance architecture and yacht-lined marina, to its ambient bars and concept restaurants, youll even find shades of Amsterdam and Copenhagen here. Stay right in the heart of the city with weekend rates from 75 per night at options like Scandic Hotel. Fly direct from Dublin, Cork or Belfast. ryanair.com Aurora borealis over Bergen City, Norway. Instead of Reykjavik, try Bergen If youre looking for a great Nordic escape without the price tag of a trip to Iceland consider a weekend away to Norways second city, Bergen. Thanks to a new direct route from Dublin aboard low-fares airline, Wideroe, Bergen can now be reached within a 90-minute scoot north. The historic town with vibrant maritime and mountain influences is stacked with attractions from its UNESCO old town, lively food and arts scene and its scenic funicular. And as a gateway to Norways fjord region, you could even work in an epic day cruise to your trip. Flights, which operate at a weekend-friendly Thursday and Sunday, cost from 250 return, and youll find many fine hotels in Bergen from 140 per night. Italian village Livigno in the twilight. Instead of St Moritz, try Livigno When the Swiss are heading somewhere else for their own ski breaks, you know its a good sign of a destination. Tucked into the Italian alps, the Lombardy resort of Livigno has been offering bargains for, well, centuries. An incentive to spur prosperity in the remote region has seen Livigno being a duty-free zone as far back as the 16th century. For the modern-day snow bunny, that means excellent value in everything from hotels to ski passes and gear rental to tax-free shopping everywhere from Emporio Armani to Lego. A three-hour transfer will get you here after flying from Milan, Zurich, or Bergamo but consider the scenic ride a build-up to your high-altitude adventure. Go DIY or book a week-long package with operators like Crystal Ski from 734pps. A vintage tram on the streets of Lisbon. Instead of Paris, try Lisbon With great accessibility, budget-friendly accommodation and guilt-free pastel de nata (at least on your pocket), you can see why the Portuguese capital has been billed as Europes best-value city. A three-course dinner with a bottle of house wine costs an average of 50 (for two) here, while youll find a huge range of affordable options from charming neighbourhood Airbnbs to boutique city-centre hotels. The only drawback? Perhaps those hilly streets, so choose your base wisely! Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and TAP all fly from Dublin meaning competitive fares. The Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. Instead of Rome, try Athens In terms of epic European breaks, its almost impossible to beat the wow factor of Athens. And while you may pay a little more to get to the Greek capital, youll bank those savings on the ground. Visitors can be wowed by blockbuster sites like the Acropolis, the Pantheon, and the original Olympic stadium while the lively restaurants which flank the streets of Plaka and Monastiraki serve the Greek food and wine of your dreams. Budget accommodation is abundant, but you may be tempted to splurge in Athens: Acropolis-view rooms at the likes of the five-star Grand Hyatt are available from just 140. Winter return fares from Dublin with Aegean start from 220. Riga, Latvia. Instead of Prague, try Riga After cracking down on its reputation as stag party central, Riga is emerging as an excellent option for a relaxing, bargain trip to the Baltics. And we do mean bargains. Weekend hotel rates are available from 50 a night in the Latvian capital this winter while youll find four-star spa hotels like the Wellton Centrum available from 100 per night the perfect sanctuary from the nippy Baltic Air. Out on the streets, marvel at Rigas fairytale architecture, attend the city opera and dont forget that Christmas market season starts off from early December. Fly there from Dublin with AirBaltic or Ryanair with flights from 190. ryanair.com Pulteney Bridge above the River Avon in Bath, England, United Kingdom. Instead of London, try Bath Could this be the UKs finest urban retreat? The magical city of Bath, famed for its Roman baths, has been drawing tourists for centuries and nowadays this bougie Somerset town seems to offer tourists more than ever. Theres the phenomenal architecture youll find at the likes of The Royal Crescent, an incredible food and arts scene and those historic baths, which today even offer a vibey rooftop hot tub, offer an excellent wellness touch to a break here. Get here via Bristol from Dublin, Belfast, and thanks to a new Aer Lingus service, from Cork too. The Air Decker service will take you straight from Bristol Airport to Bath in about 45 minutes. aerlingus.com Treviso, Italy at sunset. Instead of Venice, try Treviso While winter may be your best chance to experience Venice with diluted tourist numbers, if youre seeking a cheaper alternative in the Veneto region, think Treviso. The compact city, reachable with direct flights from Cork and Dublin, packs a cultural punch with its canal-flanked streets, rich history, and mouth-watering gastronomy where specialties include risotto alla trevigiana made with sauteed red chicory. And did someone say prosecco? Just north of the city lie the rolling hills which are home to the sparkling wine and make the perfect excuse for a winery tour. Youll find rooms at waterside properties like Le Camere Di Palazzo Bortolan from 105 per night. A company established to assist injured horse racing jockeys recorded a loss of 610,000 in 2022, following a surplus of 180,000 in 2021, its first year of existence as a company rather than a charity. The Jockeys Accident Fund (JAF) provides benefits to professional jockeys and apprentices injured during work and emergency costs to riders from other jurisdictions injured racing in Ireland. Its latest accounts show the company recorded a 351,000 increase in administrative expenses and a 333,000 negative adjustment in the fair value of financial assets in 2022. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) website states that income for the JAF is derived from owners and jockeys levies, a portion of jockeys and apprentices annual licence fees, stake percentages won by Qualified Riders, investment income and voluntary donations. The JAF funds research into jockeys health. It receives some funding from the IHRB, which is itself partially State-funded. The fund was originally founded in 1933 and was listed as a charity in 2014 when the Charities Regulator was established. However, it was removed from the Register of Charities in April 2021. The JAFs official registered address is at the headquarters of the IHRB, at the Curragh, in Co Kildare. It is one of at least five similar funds the Irish Jockeys Trust, the Jockeys Emergency Fund, the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Ltd, and the Qualified Riders Accident Fund, being the others listed or previously listed with the Charities Regulator. The IHRB is the regulatory body for horse racing in Ireland and is also funded by the sports administrative body Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). Some 76m in State funds was allocated to horseracing in last weeks budget. The IHRBs most recent accounts state that the board provides the personnel free of charge to administer the JAF, while the board paid a total of 159,000 in licensing income to the fund in 2020 and 2021. In a statement to the Irish Examiner, the IHRB explained that the JAF is a recipient of mandatory contributions from licence fees paid by jockeys and qualified riders and that the funds were transferred to the JAF by the IHRB under the Rules of Racing but added that the organisation was not decision maker in relation to how the funds are used. We receive money on behalf of the JAF and we transfer it to their account. The JAFs secretary for the 2022 accounts was Donal OShea, the IHRB chief financial officer. He is on voluntary leave from his role at the IHRB without prejudice to his position, pending an investigation into a financial matter. The financial situation at the IHRB is the subject of a review by Mazars. Asked by the Irish Examiner how it should contact the JAF, given it is registered to the IHRB, the spokesperson suggested that the query be directed to the JAF via post or email to the IHRB, which would then redirect the query. The Irish Examiner also put queries about the 610,000 to Horse Racing Ireland, whose board members on the JAF include both its own board member Caroline Corballis and the HRIs nominee, its head of risk and compliance, Claire Rudd. A HRI spokesperson replied that the queries are a matter for the IHRB and the boards of the individual entities. Horse Racing Ireland does not wish to comment on those matters, they said. When the Irish Examiner pointed out that both Ms Corballis and Ms Rudd are on the board of the JAF, the HRI spokesperson said that the JAF have reverted and confirmed that there is no comment at this time. An advanced paramedic who became addicted to the painkilling drug Oxycontin has avoided jail sentences for forging a prescription and driving under the influence of cocaine by cooperating completely in her rehabilitation. Judge Helen Boyle said at Cork Circuit Appeals Court where Martina OSullivan appealed against sentences of five months and nine months that the appellant was engaging in every way and cooperating fully with the services. Alison McCarthy barrister reminded Judge Boyle that the appeal had been adjourned previously as the judge felt that not enough time had elapsed since the offences. State solicitor Frank Nyhan confirmed this and said to Judge Boyle: On the last occasion you were satisfied with the progress but you felt it needed more time. Judge Boyle agreed to suspend the two sentences that had been imposed on the appellant at Cork District Court and Mallow District Court. Ms OSullivan had been sentenced to five months for several offences including repeatedly driving under the influence of cocaine and having no insurance. She was also sentenced to the longer term for forging a prescription and presenting it at a pharmacy in Mallow. Sergeant Pat Lyons said when the case first came up at Cork District Court, a motorist on the Cork-Mallow Road was so concerned about Martina OSullivan driving onto the wrong side of the road, and otherwise driving erratically, that he managed to overtake her and signal for her to stop. Judge Olann Kelleher said of this intervention: Members of the public have to be commended for stopping her before someone was killed on the Mallow Road, which is a dangerous road. People on the Mallow Road that day are lucky to be alive. Heroin possession Judge Kelleher imposed a jail term of five months on 44-year-old Martina OSullivan of 14 Upper St Josephs Road, Mallow, County Cork, on counts including dangerous driving, having no insurance, drug driving, and possession of Diamorphine (heroin) for her own use. The heroin possession was detected at Charlemont Terrace, Wellington Road, Cork, when Martina OSullivan was seen discarding items in her car. A bag of heroin was recovered. It had a street value of 280 and she admitted having it for her own personal use. When she was later tested for the presence of intoxicants in her blood, cocaine use was detected. The incident on Mallow Road occurred back on September 26, 2019, when a concerned motorist called gardai and notified them that he had managed to get another motorist to stop and pull in after she had been driving erratically. Sgt Lyons said: She appeared to be disoriented. She didnt know where she was. When she was blood-tested after this incident, traces of Benzodiazepine, opiates, and cocaine were discovered. She had been driving from Mallow to Cork and drove into the path of oncoming traffic. Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, said at the time Martina OSullivan had qualified as an advanced paramedic and she was based at Mallow Hospital for a period and had her own jeep for travelling to emergency situations. Oxycontin addiction On one occasion she was dealing with a man who fell under machinery on a farm and went into a diabetic coma. Mr Kelleher said that while Ms OSullivan was trying to treat the patient in this difficult situation he rolled over and she got crushed between him and the machine. She was seriously injured. She was put on medication she was put on Oxycontin. She might as well have been prescribed Diamorphine. She was on it for two years, Mr Kelleher said. He said she was later put on similar drugs and had to go cold turkey to come off the drugs. Mr Kelleher said she was incredibly sick. As an advanced paramedic, she knew where people went to get illicit tablets. Someone said: These will help you, Mr Kelleher said in relation to the accused getting on to illegal drugs. Before Oxycontin she had not got as much as a parking ticket. Since all of this she has stabilised from Oxycontin but she has a long road, Mr Kelleher said. Now on appeal, Judge Helen Boyle has acknowledged that the appellant succeeded in travelling that road. Gardai in Cork City have appealed for the public's assistance following the recovery of a body from the River Lee. A man entered the river on Lavitt's Quay in the early hours of Thursday, October 12. It happened between 1am and 1.30am east of the Shandon Bridge at the junction of Lavitt's Quay and Cornmarket Street. Later that day, the body of a man in his early 50s was removed from the river. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing. Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. They are keen to speak with anyone who may have been travelling along Lavitt's Quay or Pope's Quay and the surrounding area on Thursday between 1am and 1.30am. Anyone who has footage, including dash cam, is asked to make this available to gardai. Gardai can be contacted at Bridewell Garda Station Cork, 021 494 3330, Anglesea Street Garda Station at 021 452 2000 or at any Garda station. A vigil in Youghal has heard from her family that Tina Satchwell "put a smile on everyone's face" with her eternally positive outlook on life. Dozens of people of all ages gathered on Youghal's Mall Beach to honour the life of Tina, with candles lit in her honour, as well as spontaneous singing of hymns by some. Locals in Youghal had arranged their own vigil on Saturday to pay their respects to Tina ahead of another that will take place in her native Fermoy on Monday. 'One of our own' Those who came spoke of how Tina was one of their own, just as she was in her native Fermoy. They spoke of a woman with a radiant smile, and how Youghal as a community will always rally to support those they loved. "Youghal is a wonderful community who wanted to pay their respects to Tina," organiser Lisa Fitzgerald said. Canon Bill Bermingham, a Fermoy native like Tina Satchwell, told those gathered that they were doing so for Tina and her family, who have suffered so much in recent years. Mall Beach is a beautiful place to gather "because it reminds us of the beautiful place where we live, of the beautiful and peace-loving town", he said. However, what has happened to Tina and her family is "so dreadful", he added. "She was not given the respect for which we should always show to the dead," Canon Bermingham said. Canon Bill Bermingham reciting prayers at the vigil in memory of Tina Satchwell. Picture: Larry Cummins He read a brief message from Tina's family in Fermoy, who admitted there are "no words to describe the pain in our hearts right now". "Tina, who knew that the last time we met would be our last, we would have hugged you extra tight. She would put a smile on everyone's face. She loved positivity," the Dingivan family said. Everyone who knew and loved her will cherish the moments they spent with her, they added. "Fly high, our angel. She will always be in our hearts." Tina Satchwell. 'She would put a smile on everyone's face. She loved positivity.' Picture: Theresa Dingivan Facebook Canon Bermingham asked to spare a thought for Tina's neighbours on Grattan St in Youghal where she lived. Murder charge The husband of Tina Satchwell appeared in court on Saturday morning charged with her murder. Richard Satchwell, of Grattan St in Youghal, Co Cork, appeared at a special sitting of Cashel District Court before Judge Miriam Walsh. Arriving at the courthouse just before 10.20am, the 57-year-old, dressed in a black t-shirt and grey tracksuit pants, was flanked by a number of detectives as he entered the courtroom with his head bowed. A small crowd had gathered outside the court amid a heavy security presence by gardai but Mr Satchwells entrance passed without incident. He was charged with the murder of Ms Satchwell at their home at Grattan St in Youghal on March 20, 2017, contrary to common law. Judge Walsh remanded Mr Satchwell back to Clonmel District Court on October 17. When in Ireland, Charles Chuck Feeney loved nothing more than sitting down in the middle of the University of Limerick to watch the young students dashing past. Most, if not all, had no idea that the elderly gentleman sitting quietly among them, hiding in plain sight, was the elusive billionaire philanthropist responsible for founding the university and transforming Limerick. Mr Feeney, who died at 92 years in the US on Monday, would stay at the Castletroy Park Hotel, which he built himself. Hed get up at dawn and walk through the campus main thoroughfare, collecting litter. Hed return to his hotel with his pockets full of litter. Just a few months ago, the university named it the Feeney Way, in honour of his philosophy. Mr Feeney never wanted buildings named after him. He wasnt after the glory. But hes reported to have agreed to accept the honour of having the road named the Feeney Way on the understanding that he wasnt blamed for the litter on it. He had a mischievous sense of humour. And I think he loved the kind of excitement of wandering around and managing not to be recognised, UL founding president Ed Walsh recalled this week. Mr Feeney, whose Irish-American family were proud Fermanagh people, grew up in post-Depression era New Jersey, a working-class Irish community where no Catholics need apply. As a child, he sold Christmas cards and sandwiches. After serving in the Korean War in the early 1950s, Feeney won a scholarship to study at Cornell Ivy League university, unheard of for Irish-American Catholics at the time. His entrepreneurial talents blossomed and he made his fortune from Duty Free Shoppers which he set up in 1960 and eventually sold off in 1996. Chuck Feeney in 1997. File photo: Collins Mr Feeney was tough, ambitious, and hard-working but full of contradictions and paradoxes. He wore a $15 Casio watch. When the New York-based publisher Niall ODowd first met him in a diner, he nearly gave him a tip because he was dressed so shabbily. He was an avid reader but would rather walk three miles to the local library to read the free newspapers than buy one. At the same time, his company was making $300m a year in profit. When asked once if Leonardo di Caprio should play him in a movie about his life, Mr Feeney replied: No Danny de Vito. At some point in his mid-life, Mr Feeney grew uncomfortable with the astronomical wealth he was amassing. He made a secret decision, which wouldnt emerge for decades, to give it all away before he died. By the time his firm Atlantic Philanthropies was finally wound up in 2020, it had donated over $8bn (7.56bn) to education, health and peace initiatives in Ireland, South Africa, Vietnam, Australia and the US. He left his five children enough to survive and no more. He felt that leaving them vast amounts of money would only burden them. He really felt that inheriting vast amounts of money probably was more likely to assure them an unhappy life, Mr Walsh said. He grew up in a family where the ethos was centred around not only being hard-working and frugal but also looking after neighbours and others who werent as lucky as you were. So I think he just reverted to those values. Read More Influential Irish-American philanthropist Chuck Feeney dies aged 92 He was also advised that the most satisfying way of doing was to do it anonymously. And he took that to heart, he added. People who knew him before and after he was giving away his money, saw a different, happier gentleman emerging who enjoyed a good joke and who just seemed to be at peace with himself and a happy individual. And so people said he was quite transformed himself by the whole process. He said you get no satisfaction giving away your money when youre dead. Why not have some satisfaction in seeing good things happen with it while youre alive? I remember at one stage he said: Ive got a problem spending this money. I said: What is it, Chuck? He said: I started off with $3.5bn, but weve managed the fund so effectively that its growing faster than I can spend it. So he turned the $3.5bn into $8bn while giving it away, he said. To put that into perspective, thats $1m a day for the next 20 years. Feeney was great at making money but he loved giving it away more. His generosity to UL made Ed Walshs dream of university status come true. But while his contribution to universities around the world is well documented, Political influence Mr Walsh points to his lesser-known role in politics on the island of Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement. He was going up to the North and meeting with both sides, meeting with both the republicans and the unionists, and he ended up giving money both to Sinn Fein and the DUP. And I feel sure he was acting as an informal intermediary between Dublin and London and played a huge part behind the scenes in setting things up for the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Walsh said. (Left to right) Chuck Feeney, the President of Cornell University Frank Rhodes, and Ed Walsh in Ireland on 14 July 1988. Photo courtesy of Ed Walsh Every man and his wife is claiming credit for the Irish peace process now, according to Mr Feeneys long-time friend and founder of the Irish Voice newspaper in the US, Niall ODowd. He knows the people who actually did the work behind the scenes, and Feeney was definitely one of them. Appalled by the Enniskillen bombing of 1987, Mr Feeney came over to Ireland determined to help find a way to peace. He got the idea of creating wealth, making it prosperous and educating a new generation of young people who would be better informed than their predecessors, Mr Walsh said. Theres tens of thousands of people who probably dont even realise the man who they can thank for their education and their livelihoods. He saw the potential all those decades ago. Mr Feeney was more than happy to come on board after being approached by Mr ODowd to join a group of highly successful, wealthy Irish Americans, who used secret back channels of diplomacy and communication between the White House and Ireland to move the peace process forward. We wanted to try and influence the next president of the United States and try and bring them in as an important player in the peace process, Mr ODowd said. They were former politicians, big business people, trade union activists and Chuck was central to all of that, former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams recalled this week. What became known as the Connolly House Group persuaded president Bill Clinton to give Adams a visa to travel to the US if he was elected. (Left to right) Ed Walsh, Helga Feeney and Chuck Feeney in March 2010. Photo courtesy of Ed Walsh To keep president Clinton to his word, Mr Feeney organised a conference not long after the election and invited all the political leaders from Ireland, including Adams. It was putting it up to president Clinton, Mr Adams said. He got the visa. Part of the deal was that Sinn Fein wanted an office in Washington to enlist the support of the powerful Irish-American diaspora. They needed $1m to set it up but had no one they could ask. Mr ODowd knew Mr Feeney could help but had always valued his friendship for its own sake and made a point of never asking him for money. But this time, it was different. I said to Chuck, can you give me $1m? He immediately said: Yes I can, and so they got a guarantee for the office, he recalls. The $1m from Mr Feeneys Atlantic Philanthropies meant Sinn Fein could now argue, with some accuracy, that they had the support of a powerful lobby in the US. What Chuck did, he came forward voluntarily of his own volition and said he would fund the establishment of a Sinn Fein office in Washington and all that went with that, potentially the involvement of the White House and a progressive role in peacemaking and a Sinn Fein representative being there in the heart of Washington, Mr Adams said. Mr Feeney didnt just hand over money to anybody though. He never took anyones word for anything. He insisted on meeting Mr Adams himself, to get the measure of the man before he committed to working with him, Mr ODowd, who organised the meeting, said. The late Irish-American philanthropist Chuck Feeney. It took place in 1993 in a strangers living room in Northern Ireland. We hit it off right away, Mr Adams told the Irish Examiner. He was very unassuming. Very understated. And good craic. Mr ODowd knew the two men would have had a lot in common in terms of their work ethic, Catholic roots and a fierce determination to achieve things. He just had a presence when he was in these meetings,Mr ODowd said. He sort of sized people up in seconds, figured out what was going to happen. He was very smart in terms of his attention to detail. Mr Feeney didnt stop at helping Sinn Fein. He tried to bridge the divide between traditions by funding many loyalist groups to get them politically involved. He took risks for peace that very few people did. He often accompanied Mr ODowd into loyalist neighbourhoods. We had the wrong address, Mr ODowd said of one occasion. The guy says youse must be debt collectors and chased us down the street. And luckily for us, totally coincidentally, Gerry Adams happened to be driving by in his black armoured car and we just jumped in. One to one, Mr Adams found Mr Feeney was good craic. We all got on extremely well. He usually travelled on his own if he wasnt with a delegation. He would meet with you and would fish out of his pockets packets of custard creams from his hotel. He always brought me clippings of articles he thought may have been of interest. He was a ferocious reader. He was among the greatest humanitarians that I ever met. But he was also at the big anti-war protest against Iraq in London. He knew the value of friendship, decency, of helping people, of giving them a leg up. He understood that everybody deserves a chance. A great guy, Mr Adams said. (Left to right) Stephanie Walsh, Chuck Feeney and Ed Walsh (while still President of the University of Limerick) in September 1997. Photo courtesy of Ed Walsh Would peace have happened without Chuck Feeney? It wouldnt have happened when it happened. We would have kept battling on but it wouldnt have happened. The Peace Process certainly wouldnt have happened when it happened without him, he said firmly. On one of his many visits to Belfast, Mr Adams brought Mr Feeney to a voluntary Irish-language school on the Falls Road that the British government had refused to fund. If they had hoped for funding from Mr Feeney they were disappointed. He said to me he wasnt going to fund it because there was such a powerful spirit in the place. He felt the whole sense of positivity and momentum. He said itd be an awful sin to destroy that, Mr Adams said. He knew this was something special in the community between the kids, parents, and teachers. And he didnt want to let the Government off the hook, he said. Ed Walsh is 83 now. Hes met extraordinary people in his lifetime. But no one like Mr Feeney. I know Ive met no one who exuded goodness and made such an impact on making Ireland a better place. And of course, the University of Limerick a better place. So his legacy is enormous and long-lasting. (Left to right) Chuck Feeney and David Cronin. Mr Cronin said: It was an immense privilege to spend some time with Chuck, a humble hero, who transformed so many peoples lives. Photo: James Higgins Former CEO of UL Foundations David Cronin told the Irish Examiner that Feeneys philanthropy not only encourages us, but challenges us to give whilst we live. He gave away his entire fortune during his lifetime and his strategic, low-key, understated approach made his generosity even more special. It was an immense privilege to spend some time with Chuck, a humble hero, who transformed so many peoples lives. The last time Mr Cronin met Mr Feeney, he brought with him one of the Limerick Collison brothers, Patrick. The worlds youngest billionaire meeting one of the worlds oldest and former billionaires. When Bill Gates invited him to speak at his Giving Pledge event where, along with Ted Turner and Warren Buffet, they committed to donating a mere $1bn, Mr Feeney told them that they werent doing enough. He said that to understand philanthropy you have to give it all away. Then youll understand. Dont do a lap of honour giving away $1bn when you have $100bn. Very few have emerged unscathed from the department famously dubbed Angola more than 20 years ago. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is about to find this out. It was a threatened motion of no-confidence in his predecessor Simon Harris that precipitated a general election back in 2020, and now Donnelly at the helm of health must feel like he is looking into the abyss. With strike action by Section 39 workers looming next week; an inevitable trolley crisis later this year; staffing shortages across all sectors, and increased demand for services, Donnelly has another problem he simply has no money. Despite a record 22.5bn set aside for health next year, Donnellys has no funds for new drugs, no increase in the amount of money for new services in mental health, and no mention of the 20m needed to deliver the National Cancer Strategy in 2024. Disappointed, is how Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler explained the lack of an allocation for any new adult ADHD services next year. Her honesty was disarming and refreshing, but shows how persistent overspending has put her in the unenviable position of having to decide which groups of patients all of them vulnerable are most deserving of treatment and support. Conor Maxwell from Kildare during a protest by community sector and Section 39 health workers last year. They marched for better pay and respect of their roles. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins We have turned the focus now on youth mental health. Obviously, you always need more money, I would have liked to have secured more supports to continue the roll-out of the clinical programmes that were doing in relation to eating disorders, in relation to mental health intellectual disability, in relation to ADHD, in relation to self-harm, and suicidal ideation, but with what was available to me I decided to target the 75 Camhs teams we have the length and breadth of the country, she said. In the Dail, Sinn Fein spokesman on mental health Mark Ward said the ministers disappointment will provide cold comfort to those who need services. He is right, it means nothing to more than 100,000 children currently on waiting lists of some sort, neither does it mean anything to the 460 patients who found themselves lying on hospital trolleys yesterday morning. But at least Butler acknowledged her disappointment, a feeling which for many patients has turned to frustration, fury, and hopelessness. Her admission is also at odds with many of her senior collogues, including Donnelly and Tanaiste Micheal Martin, who this week continued to point to record spending in health. Donnelly told reporters: Healthcare has been heavily prioritised in the last three budgets, in this Government, there has been an 18% increase in core funding Across the health service the money, while on a scale never seen before, is so tight that we are now in the midst of recruitment freezes and eyewatering overruns, and thats before we even get into next year. HSE head Bernard Gloster has warned that around 2.5bn extra will be required to maintain an existing level of services next year, almost three times more than what has been provided in Budget 2024. Of the 800m additional allocation for core spending in health announced this week, just 100m will be available for new services or measures. While Donnelly will point to the 22,000 extra staff and additional beds brought on since this coalition took office, those figures mean nothing on the ground where the number of midwives has decreased by 6% in the lifetime of this Government. Neither does it take into account the 20% nursing vacancy rate at University Hospital Limerick or the 400 nursing posts currently not filled across our emergency departments alone. With a 1.1bn overspend projected this year, a hiring freeze was yesterday extended to include home help workers, junior doctors, health care assistants, and extra agency staff. So acute is the overspend in our health services that we have gone beyond the so-called pen-pushers and cost savings are now being sought from among the ranks of frontline workers, just as those hospital and community staff go onto the busy winter period. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said the recruitment freeze will send the healthcare service further into freefall and will have a direct impact on the ability of nurses, who fall outside the recruitment embargo, to deliver safe levels of care. How have we got to the point where our health service, creaking at the seams with almost 700,000 people waiting on first-time appointments, needs 22.5bn just to stand still? At a post-budget press briefing, Donnelly tried to explain. He put some of the increase in demand for health services, which also means extra spending, down to a post-covid surge. But he admitted that there are areas where productivity gains can be made. In other words, the HSE is not spending the billions of euro it receives each year in a cost-effective manner. What I want to see is a systematic review, its mainly in the acute sector, the mental health services, the community service, and the social inclusion services, theyre not over. He added: So in terms of productivity, we are looking at things like agency, over-time... generics, biosimilars, the big spending areas can we gain more for example, through centralisation and procurement? Were going to systematically through this to identify what can be done. Pressed on why these productivity measures have not been seriously looked at before now, Donnelly returned to the old chestnut: We were not thinking about productivity while we were in the throes of a pandemic, but now that covid has receded we are most definitely thinking about productivity. While a productivity task force is set up and begins its work, the crisis in our health service will carry on as normal. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, despite his billions, cannot spend his way out of the many issues he will be confronted with in the coming months. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA The latest figures released by the Department of Health last night stated that progress is being made on waiting list reduction. This progress still left 431,883 people waiting more than 10 weeks for outpatient services at the end of September. The press release hailed a 1% decrease in this figure compared to August. A total of 50,148 people exceeded the 12-week inpatient/day case target last month, but again the 1.9% decrease compared to the end of August was highlighted. This progress is even more remarkable given the challenging backdrop, in common with health services across Europe, of continuing significantly higher additions to waiting lists than projected, the department statement added. Remarkable alright. The figures often bandied about in relation to waiting lists, trolley counts, staffing shortages and budget overruns have become so astronomical it can be easy to forget that at the heart of our health service statistics are children, women, and men who need care. This time Donnelly, despite his billions, cannot spend his way out of the many issues he will be confronted with in the coming months. This Government has already had to face a number of confidence motions and in what could be seen as a statement of future intent, Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty this week told the Dail: When things in hospitals get bad this winter, and when they get worse again next winter, the Government should remember why it is happening. It is happening because of the Governments choices. That will be why it is happening. Ireland has taken one of the strongest stances when it comes to giving a voice to the suffering on both sides of the conflict. But the EUs lack of coherent messaging on Israel and Palestine risks fomenting acute division within the bloc. In the days after the heinous attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens including babies and civilians young and old the EUs response to support and give sympathy to Israeli citizens in their hours of need was crucial and understandable. But Brussels has failed to give a coherent message on where it stands with the protection and rights of Palestinian civilians including Palestinian children who like Israeli children have protected status under international humanitarian law. More than 1,800 Gazans and counting have died in Gaza since Hamas unleashed hell in the region. More than 500 of those were children. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, an organisation which exists with adherence to rule of law at its core, has not herself explicitly called for the application of international humanitarian law to prevent excessive loss of life in Gaza. However through the spokes service, the bloc supported Israels right to self-defence but that is should be in respect of international humanitarian law, sparing civilians lives. On a visit to Israel with the president of the European Parliament, Von der Leyen remarked to an Israeli officer that she was grateful that you said very clearly that Hamas are terrorists but that we have to care for the Palestinian people and humanitarian needs. But the most important is, that the world is very clear that it is Israel that has to be defended and Israel that has to be respected and protected,she said. This is despite the fact that Israel gave 24 hours notice to the 1.1m people of Northern Gaza to evacuate before the army releases an offensive likely to have devastating human consequences. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said the situation was extremely dire in Gaza before Hamass vicious terror attack, adding that Israels siege declaring a complete siege on Gaza no electricity, no food, no water, no gas its all closed will only deteriorate exponentially the lives of civilians there. During an emergency meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on Tuesday, Ireland voiced strong rebuke of Hungarian EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi who unilaterally and without authority announced the EU was suspending all EU aid to Palestine to the tune of 691m. Alberto Alemanno, Jean Monnet professor of EU law, said Varhelyis actions would have justified Von der Leyen to dismiss him, or at least instruct him to remedy the situation. The Hungarian commissioners statement escalated a situation that the EU was supposed to scale down. Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said the move was unacceptable and spoke about the need to ensure dependent Palestinians could rely on vital lifelines particularly during the days and weeks ahead. Palestinians inspect the damage of destroyed building after Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Hatem Ali Ireland wasnt alone. Luxembourg, Spain, and Belgium took similar stances. Croatia has also expressed concerns. Overall, access to emergency aid, as well as development aid to pay the salaries and support infrastructure including schools, hospitals etc to the Palestinian Authority is for now, secure as the majority of countries support it. However, some countries, Austria and Sweden, have announced suspension into their bilateral contributions to the Palestinians. And a view held by some EU and western diplomats is that the Palestinian Authority has been too quiet in not condemning Hamass terror. However, there is also some recognition that to do so is politically impossible due to the competing nature of the two groups within the Palestinian Territories. There are also few explicit calls for Israel to restrain its military offensive, despite the death toll growing and the outlook for Gazas vulnerable civilians growing ever more grave by the minute. European states relations with Israel are also more complex so some governments will find it hard to ever publicly confront Israel even it can see it is going too far. In Germany, chancellor Olaf Scholtz said the security of Israel is Germanys raison detre. French president Emmanuel Macron said the only response to terrorism is one that is... strong but fair implying that international law should be upheld. Taoiseach Leo Varadkars intervention expressed Israels right to defend themselves, but his assertion that they dont have the right to breach international humanitarian law was unique as a head of government. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: "Really concerned." To me, it amounts to collective punishment. Cutting off power, cutting off fuel supplies and water supplies, thats not the way a respectable democratic state should conduct itself. And Im really concerned about what Im seeing happening in Gaza at the moment, he said. Overall, the latest Hamas attacks have done considerable damage to the fate of Palestinians an effect Hamas knew clearly before it initiated it. Hamas has harmed the Palestinian cause said a senior EU source who admits the next few weeks for Gaza will be extremely grim, and there is little anyone can do to prevent it. They [Hamas] are hiding in the middle of the population and they knew what would follow after the attack," they told the Irish Examiner. However, if they [Israel] continue to bombard Gaza, and without water without food we may have to stop and well have to reconsider our position where for now there is full solidarity with Israel, we may have to soften the rhetoric, and Hamas knows this its part of their bloody calculation. JANEVILLE is not an estate with image problems. Populated by contemporary A-rated homes, the Carrigaline properties have been snapped up by appreciative buyers, ever since the phased development started back in 2017. At one stage, auctioneer Dan Howard, selling agent for the new builds, had 500 people on a waiting list. Its been a big success story for builder/developer Astra Construction, whose plan is to deliver c1,000 homes on the 100 acre site. It will make Janeville one of the largest new-build housing schemes outside of the Dublin region in the past 15 or so years. First time buyers are loving the energy-proofed, good-looking Janeville homes, especially where they qualify for a government grant to assist the purchase. For non-first-time-buyers, it means the competition is stiff. Their chances improve when one of those homes returns to market, as government grants apply only to new builds. No 3 The Park, Janeville has just returned to market, and as a five-bed, with a 625,000 guide price the likely buyer profile is families trading up. Kitchen at No 3 Terence OLeary of Murray Browne is the selling agent and he says the price is comparable to what people are paying for pipeline homes due in the next phase, which are still 12 months off. Rather than waiting 12 months, you can get a home thats ready-to-go, with carpets, curtains, fitted kitchen and lots of extras, Mr OLeary says. Those extras include a full size fridge and a full size freezer, and outside, two marble patios and a stylish, built-in water feature. No 3, a generous 206 sq m home, is spread over three floors, and is as fresh and crisp as a showhouse. To the front, overlooking a green, are two reception rooms, one of which is the good room, with bay window, feature insert gas fire and solid timber floor. The other is a family room or playroom or whatever you need it to be. The main downstairs accommodation is the kitchen/dining/living room, a stylish, shiny affair, with an L-shaped breakfast counter. A door near the dining area opens onto one of two large patios. The remaining two rooms before heading upstairs are a good-sized utility and a tasteful guest WC. The main bedroom, on the first floor, comes with en suite and a walk-in wardobe, fitted on both sides, with wall to ceiling mirrors. Two more double bedrooms on this floor share a Jack & Jill en suite. Overhead again are the kids rooms, well lit, with two velux windows apiece, and access to a top floor shower room. While indoors is ship-shape and Bristol fashion, out back is also a case of "no expense spared". With two marble slab patios to choose from and an impressive water feature, the prospect of outdoor entertaining never looked better. Mr OLeary has a steady stream of viewings for No 3, mainly traders-up, but also one or two first time buyers. He says Janeville is a great spot, it already has a creche and there are plans too for a retirement home so youll never have to leave he laughs. The development, near the Shannonpark Road roundabout, is on the right side of thriving Carrigaline for those commuting to Cork City centre or Ringaskiddy. The location will become even more significant when the M28 motorway is completed in 2030, linking the Port of Ringaskiddy with the Jack Lynch Tunnel and the M8 Cork-Dublin motorway. Janeville is also close to the coast - beaches such as Fountainstown and Myrtleville are within a 10 minute range. VERDICT: Next phase homes in Janeville are still some way off. If you went to get a head start, No 3 is looking good. Australians cast their votes on Saturday in the countrys first referendum in a generation as they decided whether to enshrine an Indigenous advocacy committee in the constitution. The Voice would be a committee comprised of and chosen by Indigenous Australians that would advise the Parliament and government on issues that affect the nations most disadvantaged ethnic minority. Opinion polls in recent months have indicated a strong majority of Australians opposing the proposal. Earlier in the year, a majority supported the Voice before the no campaign gathered intensity. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who visited every Australian state and mainland territory in the past week, has hit back at critics who said his proposal had created division in the Australian community. Ben Betts is dressed in a pink tutu and fairy wings as he is served a democracy sausage at a polling place in Redfern, Sydney (Rick Rycroft/AP) The No campaign has spoken about division while stoking it, said Mr Albanese, saying the real division is the difference in living standards between Indigenous people and the wider community. Opposition leader Peter Dutton described the Voice as another layer of democracy that would not provide practical outcomes. The proposal for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has bitterly divided Australias Indigenous minority, as well as the wider community. Indigenous activist Susanne Levy said the Voice would be a setback for Indigenous rights imposed by non-Indigenous Australians. Weve always had a voice. Youre just not listening, she said as she spent polling day at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, an Indigenous land rights protest in the heart of Australias capital, Canberra, since 1972. Indigenous activist Susanne Levy stands near a sign that opposes the referendum as Australians cast their final votes in Canberra (Rod McGuirk/AP) The collection of ramshackle shelters and tents in a park is across a street from the former Australian Parliament building which was used Saturday as a voting station. Yes campaigner Arnagretta Hunter was promoting the cause outside Old Parliament House just a stones throw from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy where signs advocating a No vote were on display. Ms Hunter said she had some sympathy for the Voices opponents because some of their questions had not been satisfactorily answered, but described as a significant step forward for the nation. She said: We cant listen where theres no voice. And to legislate that and enshrine that in the constitution is key. If the proposal passes, it will be the first successful constitutional amendment since 1977 and be the first to pass without bipartisan support of the major political parties. The Israeli military said on Saturday it had seen a "significant movement" south of Palestinian civilians, a day after ordering Gaza City residents to flee, as Israel's prime minister promised further retaliation for Hamas' rampage last week. US President Joe Biden said consultations were under way with regional governments on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as trapped Palestinians endured a power blackout and shortages of food and water amid fierce Israeli bombing. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas for the attack a week ago, in which its fighters killed 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and seized scores of hostages. Israel has since put the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities say 1,900 people have died. On Friday, more than one million residents of northern Gaza received a notice from Israel to flee south within 24 hours, a deadline that passed at 5am (2am Irish time). "We have seen a significant movement of Palestinian civilians towards the south," Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus told a video briefing early on Saturday. He did not mention the deadline and did not take questions. A journalist's car burns after it was hit by Israeli shelling in the Alma al-Shaab border village with Israel, south Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon, killing one and leaving six others injured. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) "Around the Gaza Strip, Israeli reserve soldiers in formation (are) getting ready for the next stage of operations. They are all around the Gaza Strip, in the south, in the centre and in the north, and they are preparing themselves for whatever target they get, whatever task." "The end state of this war is that we will dismantle Hamas and its military capability and fundamentally change the situation so that Hamas never again has the ability to inflict any damage on Israeli civilians or soldiers." Hamas vowed to fight to the last drop of blood and told residents to stay. An Israeli military spokesperson said on Friday tank-backed troops had mounted raids to hit Palestinian rocket crews and gather information on the location of hostages, the first official account of ground troops in Gaza since the crisis began. "We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a rare statement televised after the Jewish Sabbath began on Friday. "I emphasise that this is only the beginning." Tens of thousands of Palestinians were estimated to have headed south from northern Gaza after the Israeli order, according to the United Nations, which said more than 400,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced due to hostilities before the directive. Many others, however, said they would stay. "Death is better than leaving," said Mohammad, 20, outside a building smashed by an Israeli air strike near the centre of Gaza. Mosques broadcast the message, "Hold on to your homes. Hold on to your land." An Afghan boy hold the Palestine flag during a protest against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, to show solidarity with Palestinian people, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/ Siddiqullah Alizai) The United Nations and other organisations warned of a disaster if so many people were forced to flee, and said the siege should be lifted to let in aid. "We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, so that we can get fuel, food and water to everyone in need. Even wars have rules," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday. Biden, in a speech at a Philadelphia shipping terminal, said addressing the humanitarian crisis was a top priority. US teams in the region were working with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, other Arab governments and the UN, he said. "The overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks," Biden said. "And they're suffering as a result as well." UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it was impossible for Gazans to heed Israel's order to move south without "devastating humanitarian consequences", prompting a rebuke from Israel that the UN should condemn Hamas and support Israel's right to self-defence. "The noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening," UN aid chief Martin Griffiths wrote on social media. "How are 1.1 million people supposed to move across a densely populated war zone in less than 24 hours?" 'DISTANCE YOURSELVES FROM HAMAS' Mahmoud Abbas, president of Hamas rival Palestinian Authority, told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jordan the forced displacement would constitute a repeat of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from what is now Israel. Most Gazans are descendants of such refugees. Gaza is one of the most crowded places on earth, and for now there is no way out. In addition to Israel's blockade, Egypt has resisted calls to open its border with Gaza. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin met Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday. Austin said military aid was flowing into Israel but that this was the time for resolve and not revenge. "The path will be long, but ultimately I promise you we will win," Gallant said. Blinken met King Abdullah in Jordan on Friday as well as Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank but lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007. Israeli APCs head toward the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel on Friday, Oct.13, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Blinken later flew to Qatar, a US ally with influence among Islamist groups. In the West Bank, demonstrators supporting Gaza fought gun battles with Israeli security forces. Palestinian officials said 16 people were shot dead. There have also been fears of hostilities spreading, including to Israel's northern border with Lebanon, where clashes this week have already been the deadliest since 2006. Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed on Friday while working in southern Lebanon by missiles fired from the direction of Israel, according to another Reuters videographer on the scene. Six other journalists were injured. Lebanese Prime Minister Najob Mikati and a Hezbollah lawmaker blamed the incident on Israel. Israel's UN envoy said it would investigate what had happened in the area. "We always try to mitigate and avoid civilian casualties," said the envoy, Gilad Erdan. "Obviously, we would never want to hit or kill or shoot any journalist that is doing its job." Thousands of people are expected to march in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London as police warn that anyone showing support for Hamas or deviating from the route could face arrest. The Metropolitan Police Service will deploy more than 1,000 officers to police the demonstration, in which people will be marching in solidarity with Palestine and demanding Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Palestinians have begun a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israels military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion. British prime minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was doing everything we can to ensure the security of British citizens after the defence secretary said it seemed very likely that there are British hostages in Gaza. The UK government had struggled to arrange repatriation flights from Israel but a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said on Friday evening that a government chartered flight has left Israel with further flights expected to leave in the coming days. The FCDO did not confirm where the flight was due to land. Three Britons are confirmed to have lost their lives during the weekends assault on Israel, but reports have suggested at least 17 could be among the casualties. The war has claimed at least 2,800 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7, with Israel placing the 25-mile Gaza Strip under siege and subjecting it to a torrent of retaliatory air strikes. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby appealed for a Gaza humanitarian corridor (Jonathan Brady/PA) Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf called for an end to deaths in Gaza and for the international community to step up, amid the evacuation orders. Mr Yousaf said there was no justification for the death of innocent men, women and children. His in-laws are trapped in Gaza, and his wife Nadia El-Nakla has spoken of her torment at the prospect of her relatives living in a refugee camp with no food or water. The march on Saturday follows calls from Mr Sunak on Israel to protect ordinary Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid and from the Archbishop of Canterbury for a Gaza humanitarian corridor. Justin Welby said in a statement: I plead that the sins of Hamas are not borne by the citizens of Gaza, who themselves have faced such suffering over many decades. The price of evil cannot be paid by the innocent. Civilians cannot bear the costs of terrorists. A Section 12 will be in force from midday covering the demonstration route, which starts at Portland Place and finishes in Whitehall. Palestinians look through the rubble of buildings hit by an Israeli airstrike at Al Shati Refugee Camp (Hatem Moussa/ AP) Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told a press briefing on Friday: Whilst people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to incite violence, they do not have the right to incite hatred and they do not have the right to commit criminal offences and we will robustly police that situation. Waving a proscribed flag in support of Hamas or other proscribed organisations at the protest will be an offence. At the same briefing, Mr Taylor told of a massive increase in antisemitic crime and incidents since the Israel-Hamas conflict. He said the force has seen an increase in Islamophobic incidents as well, but nothing like the scale of the increase in antisemitism. Mr Sunak condemned the disgusting rise in antisemitism. Mr Sunak said intimidating behaviour and inciting violence or hatred will not be tolerated and will instead be met with the full force of the law. No 10 announced that 3 million in extra funding will be given to provide the Jewish community with additional protection, with strengthened security at schools and synagogues. RFA Argus has been sent to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel and humanitarian efforts (LPhot Rory Arnold/PA) A small number of schools in north London were closed due to safety fears. Contractors working at Ateres Beis Yaakov primary school in Hendon, which was closed on Friday, said they had been asked to raise the fence to make it harder for people to reach over. Gates were locked at Menorah High School and Torah Vodaas Primary School in Barnet on Friday, with no staff or pupils seen on site. Ukrainian officials have reported intense combat, characterised by relentless assaults by Russian forces, as the ongoing attack on the eastern city of Avdiivka entered its fifth consecutive day. City head Vitalii Barabash said the enemy has not stopped either assaulting or shelling positions around Avdiivka. Mr Barabash also reported that Moscow was deploying additional forces to encircle the strategically important city in the eastern Donetsk region, situated just north of the Moscow-held regional capital, also called Donetsk. Around 1,600 civilians remain within the city, a stark contrast to its pre-war population of about 31,000. Mr Barabashs comments came after Russias UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told a UN Security Council meeting on Friday that the intensified attacks in the east amounted to a new stage in Moscows campaign in Ukraine. Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line The so-called Ukrainian counter-offensive can therefore be considered finished, he said. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that Ukrainian forces were keeping Russian troops at bay and holding our ground. Further north, fighting along the northern stretch of Ukraines eastern front has significantly worsened in recent days, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraines land forces, wrote on Facebook on Saturday. The grave of a Ukrainian soldier (Alex Babenko/AP) Gen Syrskyi, who visited troops in the area, said that Russian forces had regrouped following losses and were mounting attacks around the village of Makiivka and pushing towards the city of Kupiansk, with the goal of encircling Kupiansk and reaching the Oskil River. Also on Saturday, a 60-year-old woman was killed in Russian shelling of the city of Beryslav in Ukraines partly occupied Kherson region. In Russia, the countrys Defence Ministry said air defence systems shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea near the southern resort city Sochi on Saturday morning. Ukrainian officials have never acknowledged responsibility for attacks on Russian territory. A Reuters videographer killed by Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon has been laid to rest in his home town in a funeral procession attended by hundreds of people. Draped in a Lebanese flag, Issam Abdallahs body was carried on a stretcher through the southern town of Khiam from his familys home to the local cemetery. Dozens of journalists and Lebanese legislators attended the funeral. Mr Abdallah was killed on Friday evening near the village of Alma al-Shaab in south Lebanon when an Israeli shell landed on a gathering of international journalists covering exchange of fire along the border between Israeli troops and members of Lebanons militant Hezbollah group. Issam Abdallah was killed when an Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon (AP) The Lebanese army said in a statement on Saturday that Israeli troops fired a shell the day before hitting a civilian car used by journalists, killing Mr Abdallah and wounding others. The army said that other areas in south Lebanon at the time were targeted by an Israeli helicopter gunship and artillery, including the outskirts of the villages of Marwaheen, Kfar Chouba, Aita al-Shaab and Odaisseh. Lebanons foreign ministry asked Beiruts mission to the United Nations to file a complaint against Israel over Fridays shelling, calling it a flagrant violation and a crime against freedom of opinion and press. The statement was carried by the state-run National News Agency. Israeli military spokesperson Lt Col Richard Hecht told The Associated Press in Jerusalem on Saturday: We are aware of the incident with the Reuters journalist and we are looking into it. Lt Col Hecht did not confirm that the journalists had been hit by Israeli shells, but called the incident tragic, adding: Were very sorry for his death. Relatives of Reuters Mr Abdallah mourn during his funeral procession in his hometown of Khiam, southern Lebanon (AP) Reuters said two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the same shelling, while Qatars Al-Jazeera TV said its cameraman Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, were also hurt. Frances international news agency, Agence France-Presse, said two of its journalists were injured. They were identified as photographer Christina Assi and video journalist Dylan Collins. AFP reported on Saturday that Ms Assi was in need of blood transfusions at the American University Medical Centre in Beirut. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since last Saturdays surprise attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel. Journalists from various countries have been flocking to Lebanon to monitor the situation. Thousands of Palestinians fled the north of the Gaza Strip on Saturday from the path of an expected Israeli ground assault, while Israel pounded the area with more air strikes and said it kept two roads open to let people escape. Israel has vowed to annihilate the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza in retaliation for a rampage by fighters, who stormed through Israeli towns a week ago, gunning civilians down and making off with scores of hostages. Some 1,300 people were killed in the worst attack on civilians in Israel's history. Israeli forces have since put the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3m Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities say more than 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 wounded. Israel had given the population of the northern half of the Gaza Strip, which includes the enclave's biggest settlement Gaza City, until Saturday morning to move south. Deadline expires As that deadline approached it said it would guarantee the safety of Palestinians fleeing on two main roads until 4pm local time (1pm here). The new deadline expired with no immediate announcement from either side of any change in the situation. Troops were massing around the Gaza Strip, "getting ready for the next stage of operations", military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said. Hamas has told people not to leave and says roads out are unsafe. It says dozens of people had been killed in strikes on cars and trucks carrying refugees on Friday, which Reuters could not independently verify. Israel says Hamas is preventing people from leaving to use them as human shields, which Hamas denies. In Gaza City's Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood, in the area Israel ordered evacuated, warplanes bombed a residential area during the night, hitting several houses, according to residents who took refuge at the nearby Al Quds hospital and planned to flee south in the morning. "We lived a night of horror. Israel punished us for not wanting to leave our home. Is there brutality worse than this?" a father of three said by telephone from the hospital, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals. "I was never going to leave, I prefer to die and not leave, but I cant see my wife and children die before my eyes." The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had received an Israeli order to evacuate the hospital by 4pm, but would not do so because it had a humanitarian duty to keep providing services to the sick and wounded. In Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, where Israeli planes struck a four-storey building overnight, neighbours rushed to rescue people. Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south on Friday after the Israeli army issued an unprecedented evacuation warning to a population of over 1m people in northern Gaza. Picture: Hatem Moussa/AP A Gaza journalist filmed an ambulance crew searching for survivors of a nighttime air strike. A paramedic could be seen walking into an alley lit by a headlamp when a huge flash from another strike burst in front of him. Medics raced into ambulances and sped off as planes roared above. One injured medic screamed: "My eyes! My eyes!" The attacks on Israel have plunged the nation into deep grief and galvanised it for war, with hundreds of thousands of reservists mobilised within days. Families of the kidnapped Israelis are terrified for their safety. Avichai Brodetz, a farmer from Kibbutz Kfar Aza whose wife and three children were taken captive to Gaza, set up a camp outside the Israeli army headquarters to focus attention on their plight. "The first thing that needs to happen is the release of the women and children," he told reporters. Hamas's armed wing said nine captives including four foreigners had been killed overnight due to Israeli air strikes. It has previously threatened to kill one hostage for every building Israel strikes without warning. Israel's attacks on Gaza failed to halt Hamas missile strikes deep into Israeli cities. Air raid sirens wailed in central Israel on Saturday and rockets smashed into a greenhouse in Ashkelon and wounded four people at a kibbutz. The only route out of Gaza not under Israeli control is a checkpoint with Egypt at Rafah. Egypt officially says its side is open, but traffic has been halted for days because of Israeli strikes. Egyptian security sources said the Egyptian side is being reinforced and Cairo has no intention of accepting a mass influx of refugees. A senior US State Department official said the US was working to open the crossing on Saturday to let some people out, and had been in touch with Palestinian-Americans who want to leave Gaza. Washington later said it had told its citizens to try to reach the crossing. Countries and aid agencies have sent supplies to Egypt but have so far been unable to bring them into Gaza. Israel says nothing can enter through Rafah without its co-ordination. The Gaza Strip is one of the most crowded areas in the world, and Israel's evacuation order for the northern half meant those fleeing south were forced to shelter with relatives and friends, in schools or hastily rented apartments. Israel says the order is a humanitarian gesture to protect residents from harm while it roots out Hamas fighters. The United Nations says so many people cannot be safely moved inside the besieged enclave without causing a humanitarian disaster. Clashes at border with Lebanon The violence in Gaza has been accompanied by the deadliest clashes at Israel's northern border with Lebanon since 2006, raising fears of war spreading to another front. Lebanon's armed Hezbollah movement, a close ally of Iran like Hamas, said it had fired at five Israeli outposts in the disputed Shebaa Farms area with guided missiles and mortar bombs. Reuters saw missiles fired at an Israeli army post and heard shelling from Israel and gunfire. Israel's Kan radio reported five border villages had been put under lockdown in response to a suspected incursion from Lebanon. On Friday, Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed in a missile strike on the Lebanese side of the border. Lebanon's army said the missile was launched by Israel. The Israeli military said it was investigating what happened. The US has firmly backed its ally Israel, but has called on it to protect civilians. US secretary of state Antony Blinken is on a lightning tour of the Middle East. At least fifty-six women and girls were killed and 43 detained by Myanmars junta between July and September, according to the Burmese Womens Union (BWU). It said it had documented that 56 women were killed from the beginning of July till the end of September by junta troops, but that the actual number could be higher. Thirty were killed in shelling, 13 were shot dead, six died in aerial bombings, three were burned to death, two were beaten to death, one was killed in a junta detention center, and one young woman was gang raped before being murdered, the BWU said in a report. Womens participation in the Spring Revolution is still gaining momentum To suppress the mental strength [of women], the terrorist regime conducts unjust arrests, imprisonments, rapes and killing of women on a wide range [and] purposefully, the BWU said. On August 27, a 20-year-old woman and her fatherwho was over 50 years of agewere killed by regime troops in Kyi Kan (north) Village in Sagaings Wetlet Township. The woman was gang raped before being killed, residents said. Her mother and sister-in-law were locked in a building during the crime. Fourteen women and 13 children were among the 29 people killed in a massacre at a displacement camp in Mung Lai Hkyet Village in Kachin States Waingmaw Township on Monday night. The BWU said that the deliberate arrest of women was among the regimes ongoing abuses. Women from all walks of life are targeted, including prominent women in politics, it said, noting that Daw Nyo Aye, chairperson of the Arakan Womens Network, was arrested by junta forces on August 15. Rohingya women were also arrested in September, it said. An average of 15 women per month are being arrested arbitrarily, the report said. The data is based on statements by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) and credible news reports, but the actual number could be much higher, the BWU said. Resistance forces also committed sexual and other forms of violence against women, the BWU report says. Sexual exploitation of women by a monk participating in the revolution has occurred in each of the three months, the report says. In August, eight members of a security force operating under the National Unity Government in Magway Regions Saw Township, were arrested and charged for raping a woman held in their custody in late April. In the same month, the anti-regime peoples authority in Magwe Region flogged two women for allegedly being abusive during a village meeting. As of the end of September, a total of 613 women have been killed and 4, 969 arrested by junta forces since the February 2021 coup, according to the AAPP. Intense fighting between junta and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) troops has been reported near Laiza and Momauk townships in Kachin State this week. On Friday, clashes broke out at Nam San Yang Village near the KIA headquarters in Laiza Town and in Aungja Village in Momauk Township and the Myanmar military launched airstrikes during the fighting, according to KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu. The military used artillery to shell areas around Nam San Yang, and they conducted air strikes, Naw Bu told The Irrawaddy. Fighting between ground troops was intense on Friday and the number of casualties on both sides is not yet known, he added. Clashes between junta and KIA troops broke out on the Bhamo-Myitkyina road and junta fighter jets also bombed areas near Aungja Village on Tuesday and Wednesday, the KIA said. Its troops attacked a military convoy near Lweje Town in Momauk Township on Wednesday. The convoy comprised five vehicles carrying arms and ammunition to Lweje, the KIA said. Naw Bu said fighting may become more intense in the future. Clashes have broken out in the two townships for the past three months. The juntas military bombarded Mung Lai Hkyet Villagelocated about two miles north of Laiza Townlate Monday night. At least 29 people, including 13 children, were killed in the attack and another 57 people were injured, the KIA said. The junta denied responsibility for the attack, saying on Wednesday that a KIA warehouse containing more than 100 tons of ammonium nitrate and weapons exploded. The KIA has dismissed the juntas claim as pure propaganda, saying it would never locate a gunpowder warehouse near civilians. According to an investigation by Amnesty International, the juntas military likely used one of its largest aerial-delivered bombs during Monday nights attack on the village, most of whose residents were internally displaced persons. The junta also used heavy artillery to shell areas near Mung Lai Hkyet Village on Thursday night, sources said. No casualties have been reported as people had fled the area after the massacre on Monday night. Local residents say the junta has been frequently using heavy artillery to shell areas around Laiza Town. Blood-soaked peace plea The regime cracked a joke on the Myanmar people on Wednesday when its Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, Myanmar is concerned about the ongoing violence in the Middle East and is closely monitoring the situation. The junta apparently wants to exploit the fighting between Israel and Hamas by posing as a powerful nation with influence over global issues. The regime then made itself a laughingstock by calling on relevant parties to exercise restraint and to resolve the issue peacefully having committed numerous massacres with indiscriminate air and artillery strikes against civilians since its 2021 coup. The latest junta atrocity came last Monday when its troops shelled a camp for internally displaced people, killing at least 29 people including 13 children, according to local reports. Meanwhile, the soaring death toll in Israel includes dozens of migrant workers from Southeast Asia. Myanmars neighbor Thailand has responded by ordering its air force to rescue Thai citizens stranded there. No such luck for Myanmar nationals stuck in Israel: the regime has told them to stay in their homes. The Myanmar embassy in Tel Aviv has reportedly offered some hope, saying it would arrange repatriation flights for its citizens upon request. Mockery of democracy The junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) has launched the first public trial of its new electronic voting machines, inviting civilians to join a mock election in Naypyitaw. The UEC had previously demonstrated the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) to junta boss Min Aung Hlaing, generals, soldiers, civil servants, and political parties. Locals from eight townships in the administrative capital began testing the machine on October 11. The mock vote will continue until the end of November, as part of the regimes repeatedly postponed plan to hold a so-called general election. However, most people in Myanmar have no interest or trust in the poll proposed by junta boss Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power following a 2020 general election that international observers said accurately reflected the will of voters. Whats worse, current UEC chairman former Major-General Thein So is the same man who managed to fiddle early votes for the militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) when he oversaw the 2010 general election. Though the regime has yet to appoint a date for the election, opposition forces at home and democracies including the US say any vote organized by the regime will be neither free nor fair. Myanmar and Russia Sign Nuclear Power Plant Deal The juntas technology minister is at Russian Energy Week trying to address the countrys power crisis. Read more: Myanmar Junta Seeks AI Tech from Russia to Pump More Oil Myanmar asks Russia to provide artificial intelligence technology to extract oil from wells that do not have much left in them. Read more: Two Myanmar Junta Generals at Center of Corruption Scandal Jailed for Life Moe Myint Tun and Yan Naung Soe were imprisoned and stripped of their military positions for treason and violating economic policy for personal gain, the regime said. Read more: The official end of the Atlantic hurricane season is November 30, and while the cyclone activity diminishes in late October into November, ten out of the nineteen hurricanes which have made a late-season landfall since 1950, have done so in Florida. Louisiana is next with six, according to a Weather Channel report. In November 2022, the east coast of Florida was impacted when Cat-1 Hurricane Nicole made landfall north Port Saint Lucie as a Category 1 storm. Before Nicole, the last time a hurricane made landfall in Florida was Hurricane Kate in 1985, which made landfall in Panama City Beach. This as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami is monitoring AL94, an area of low pressure located southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, which is moving westward or west-northwestward across Atlantic towards the Caribbean Sea. On Saturday afternoon, the NHC says that the system is becoming better organized and moving into an area where environmental conditions are becoming more conducive for further development and expects that a tropical depression or tropical storm is likely to form by early next week. Chances of development are now 70 percent over two days, and 90 percent over the next 7 days. Should the system become a named storm, it will called Tammy. 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. Hundreds of thousands of students in several central Vietnam localities stayed home on Friday due to long-lasting rains causing widespread flooding. The Thua Thien-Hue Department of Education and Training on Friday said rain and flood situations in the province have been complicated, with water levels in rivers and streams rising high. Around 276,000 students from kindergartens to high schools throughout the province have stayed home starting Friday afternoon. Over the last two days, rains have persisted at the province, mainly at the plains and coastal areas. They caused flooding in low-lying communes of Phong Dien and Quang Dien districts, resulting in traffic congestion and isolation. Similarly, several schools in Da Nang told parents to come pick up their kids early on Friday due to heavy rains. Certain streets like Le Duan, Hai Phong and Quang Trung were 0.3-0.5 m underwater, rendering travel difficult. Until Sunday morning, Da Nang would continue to see rain levels between 150-350 mm, according to the Central Vietnam Hydro-Meteorological Station. At around 1:30 p.m., an erosion at the Hai Van Pass section in Lien Chieu District sent rubbles down the road, congesting traffic and forcing local authorities to block off two ends of the pass. Nguyen Dang Huy, chairman of Lien Chieu District, said the erosion area was also eroded during the rainy season back in October 2022, as the amount of water coming down from the peaks was too high. The Deo Ca traffic infrastructure investment company, which manages the Hai Van Pass, said the company was deploying workers to use sand bags to redirect water flow, preventing it from reaching the eroded talus sections. Due to ongoing rains, workers would cover the talus with plastic sheets to prevent rainwater from further wetting it. The firm has also rerouted traffic on the pass. In Quang Tri, around 1,600 students in Hai Lang District stayed home from Friday morning to avoid heavy rains. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said heavy rains would persist in central Vietnam in the coming days. Late last month, hundreds of schools in Nghe An, Thanh Hoa and other localities also had to close down due to heavy rains and floods. ELKO Locals and visitors wearing protective solar glasses and using specialized telescopes broke out into cheers when the annular solar eclipse hit its peak, forming a burning ring in the sky Saturday morning. The solar eclipse brought Elkoans and travelers from out of state to watch the natural phenomenon with some watch parties beginning as early as 8 a.m. as the path of totality fell through most of Elko County and northeastern Nevada, including Humboldt, Lander, Eureka and White Pine counties. The path of totality crossed the United States starting on the central coast of Oregon. From Nevada, it continued through southern Utah, central New Mexico and down through the central and southern Texas. The solar eclipses peak time lasted about 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Throngs of tourists came to Elko many from out of state traveling to the area for the event that some feared might be obscured due to early morning cloud cover. Along Interstate 80 at the California Trail Interpretive Center, eclipse viewers crowded the entrance road and lined up outside, facing east. A computer monitor and a shadow box were among the many eclipse-viewing instruments lined up along the stone wall in the front area. Nevada Outdoor School hosted a watch party for families that included free solar glasses, refreshments and a solar craft. Young children sat on the steps, with a few children holding up eclipse viewing glasses made with paper plates. Some viewers crowded around the covered wagons or up on the hillside behind the California Trail Center. Photographers and astronomy enthusiasts were also out in full force with gear and equipment to view the eclipse and record the moment. Parks throughout Elko were filled with eclipse viewers, armed with telescopes, cameras and viewing glasses and sitting in lawn chairs, on picnic blankets, and in truck beds. At Johnny Appleseed Park, Tyler Nielsen from Ogden, Utah set up his Lunt LSHT60 solar telescope, made specifically for viewing the sun. Its on a tracking mount so that if the clouds do part, we can dial it directly to the sun, and then its connected to a camera that will take pictures of the sun, Nielsen said. Peter Elliott from Boise, Idaho, had an AstroMaster 90EQ with a solar filter and cardboard shade taped to the end. Dr. Hank Thurston, a former lecturer at Hillsdale College, moved to Elko from Michigan two days before the eclipse. He brought his six-inch Newtonian telescope. To get the best photo, regular cameras were modified to photograph the eclipse. Donald Stump, a wedding photographer from Ogden, Utah, had his camera aimed upwards with a large white paper shield attached to the front. You need to have a large sun shield for the lens itself or you wont be able to get the right exposure, he explained. At Peace Park, more eclipse viewers gathered in the parking lot and on the grassy hills. As the clouds parted, and the early stage of the eclipse became visible, the sun had a dark slice missing, resembling the Pac-Man character. It was a sight that many viewers were thankful they had the opportunity to see, especially as eclipse watchers woke up to partly cloudy skies Saturday morning. Shauna Robinson from Twin Falls, Idaho, was waiting for the clouds to part at the Main City Park. A homemade filter covered with cardboard and tape covered the lens of her camera. She hoped the skies would allow the eclipse to be visible after driving about 170 miles to see the event in Elko. We were really excited it was so close to Twin, and disappointed at the cloud cover, but were hopeful it will break so we can get some shots, she said. The next solar eclipse will be April 8, 2024. It will be a total solar eclipse rather than an annular ring of fire eclipse. The path will cross Mexico and enter the United States in Texas, heading north through the Midwest and into New England. - Below is a gallery of photographs of the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023. ELKO A registered sex offender is accused of a sexual assault of a woman that occurred about nine months ago. Ciro Heriberto Gonzalez-Huitron, 42, of Elko was arrested Wednesday on a felony warrant charging him with one count of sexual assault, a category A felony. According to court documents, police were dispatched to an Elko residence on a report of a woman trying to get into peoples homes who appeared to be intoxicated. Police followed footprints in the snow to a home where the resident said the woman was sitting on his kitchen floor. The officers found a woman who was crying and appeared to be very fearful. Police requested medical personnel to evaluate her, and the woman eventually agreed to be transported to Northeastern Nevada Regional Medical Center. An interview by police with the victim revealed she believed she had been sexually assaulted. During law enforcements investigation, they traced her footprints in the snow to an abandoned trailer where police found a piece of womens clothing and a pair of brown snow gloves. Detectives visited Gonzalez-Huitron, whose home was in vicinity of where the woman was found. They interviewed him and showed him the snow gloves which he said were his but stated later that he had not worn them for some time. Police also obtained video surveillance from the Star that showed Gonzalez-Huitron walking with the woman as she stumbled and appeared to nearly fall several times. Gonzalez-Huitron told police he was shoveling snow for multiple downtown businesses and that a girl came up to him and handed him $40 and asked him his name. He said the woman appeared cold and high as she began kissing him. They walked to the abandoned trailer, where they had intercourse. Afterward, Gonzalez-Huitron said he went back to work and left the woman in the trailer pacing around. A criminal complaint charging Gonzalez-Huitron with one count of sexual assault was filed by the Elko County District Attorneys office in Elko Justice Court on Oct. 10. According to Elko Daily Free Press files, he was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. In 2012, Gonzales-Huitron was convicted in Elko District Court of attempted statutory sexual seduction by a person over 21-years old. He also had prior arrests in 2010 for possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana, sale of a controlled substance and principal to sale, and unlawful possession not for sale of a controlled substance. Gonzalez-Huitron was also convicted of possession of a controlled substance for sale, sentenced to 19 to 48 months in prison and was paroled in 2013. In 2021, he was booked in Elko County Jail for failing to register as a sex offender. Gonzalez-Huitrons bail was $500,000. ELKO Elko Institute for Academic Achievement has achieved a five-star rating in the Nevada Department of Educations ratings for the 2022-2023 school year. The NDOE returned to a star rating system for the past school year after waiving the ratings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The charter school rose three stars from the last star ratings for the 2018-2019 school year, according to the state education department. A five-star rating demonstrates superior academic performance and growth. The stars are included in the accountability report cards the Nevada Department of Education recently released for all public and charter schools, and the charter school principal, Ashley Perkins, said that EIAA placed fifth among 250 middles schools statewide and 16th out of 450 elementary schools in Nevada. Student growth has been a major focus for us at EIAA. Our staff is dedicated to growing and refining their craft as professionals, Perkins said. A major piece of education is understanding student data and really focusing on connecting the dots between student achievement levels and expected outcomes. She said in an Oct. 12 email that this has allowed us to focus on our instruction and support student growth. It has been a long journey, and oftentimes challenging, but we will continue to reflect and readjust. We are proud of our students dedication and know our success comes with the support of our families. The report shows EIAAs English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency for its elementary school was 60.9%, up from 58.4% for the 2021-2022 school year, and math proficiency was 56.2%, down from 60% the prior year. The report also shows that the middle school scored 56.6% in ELA proficiency, down from 64.5% in the 2021-2022 school. Middle school math proficiency is 54.2% for the 2022-2023 school year, up from 53.2% the prior year. The at-a-glance report card puts the charter schools enrollment at 197, the student-teacher ratio at 22 to 1, and the chronic absenteeism rate at 29.8% for the 2022-2023 school year, which additionally shows that there were no bullying or cyber bullying incidents that resulted in suspension and no bullying or cyber bulling that resulted in expulsion. Chronically absent students include those who are absent for any reason regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused, and students who are absent 10% or more of their enrolled school days are considered chronically absent, according to the Nevada Department of Education. Although the enrollment was at 197 for the 2022-2023 school year, the charter school is remodeling the former Barrick Gold Corp. building into a school for children kindergarten through eighth grade, and the school already has 308 students for this school while awaiting the move to the new site. EIAA has classes at the leased Railroad Street location and at the Elko Boys and Girls Club facility, and plans to enroll 396 students for the 2024-2025 school year at the new location. We look forward to the challenges ahead as we expand enrollment and move into a facility that we can call our own, Perkins said. The state also reports that per-pupil expenditures for EIAA totaled $9,022 for the 2022-2023 school year. The EIAA report shows that the middle schools total index score is 94.4%, and a five-star state rating is for a score of 80 or above. The total index score for the 2021-2022 school year for the middle school was 93.8%. The total index score for the charter schools elementary performance is 86.1% for the 2022-2023 school year, and the five-star rating is for schools 84 and above, according to the complete EIAA report. The index score for the prior year was 78.3%. EIAA is a charter school with its own school board, and it receives federal funding, grants, and donations. There is no tuition cost. Reddit Email 28 Shares Al-Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza on Oct 10, 2023 [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor] (Middle East Monitor ) At the start of the colonial era, the imperial powers not only seized natural and human resources, but also sought to occupy time, space and minds. Those who were colonised learned to resist the daily oppression, though, and from the second half of the 20th century onwards, a snowball effect led to resistance becoming the norm rather than the exception. Todays situation in the occupied Palestinian territories follows a similar pattern. Gaza, the most densely populated place in the world, is hemmed in on three sides by a fortified fence, and on the other by a naval siege; 2,3 million people are squeezed into an area of just 365 square kilometres. This is the largest open-air prison in history. And just like any other prison, no matter how impregnable, prisoners will always try to escape. On 7 October, a daring and unique prison break grabbed the headlines, turning the news cycle upside down: This was not an Israeli attack on Palestinians in Gaza; it was an attack by Palestinians from Gaza against Israel. When people see aggression, they generally empathise with the oppressed. On this occasion, the oppressor is eager to play the victim. Playing the victim has been a winning ticket for Israel for decades, ensuring Western military, political and economic aid. Another despicable truth is that Western media, while acting as mouthpieces for governments which preach to the world about human rights and democratic values, have, more often than not, sided with the occupiers. Then all principles are turned upside down: the right to self-defence is obfuscated, and there are worthy and unworthy victims. Meanwhile, international law is not worth the paper it is written on. Israel has systematically expanded its occupation in defiance of international law and in violation of the agreements it has signed. It has continued its settler-colonialism with no respect for the 1967 borders (actually the 1949 Armistice Green Line) and the Oslo Accords. The occupation state has done this by killing Palestinian civilians daily through direct force of arms and obscuring the meaning of civilian and non-combatant, thus breaking one of the basic fundamental rules of war. Armed Jewish settlers are enabled to attack Palestinian civilians and their property. The UN has recognised Israels violation of international law, but no sanctions have followed. The video of an Israeli settler seizing his Palestinian neighbours house on the basis that, If I dont steal your home, someone else will steal it went viral. Footage of other illegal settlers attacking a church or burning Palestinian olive groves is common, and rarely, if ever, makes the news cycle. Israel has built an apartheid regime in which Palestinians are consigned to ghettos. Human rights seem to be for everyone except the Palestinians. This year alone, 257 Palestinians, including children, have been killed by Israeli forces. That was before last Saturday kick-started another Israeli bombardment of residential areas in Gaza. Gaza has been under blockade since 2007. The enclaves electricity and water supplies in fact, supplies of everything are under Israeli control, and the people are being brought to their knees by the shortages of the basic necessities. Israel has carried out four major military offensives against the Palestinians in Gaza since 2008. Thousands of civilians have been killed in these and other Israeli attacks. The occupation states indiscriminate and aggressive terrorism remains relentless. Palestinians are a people living under Israels brutal military occupation. They have a legitimate right to act in self-defence, but this is muddied by allegations of terrorism. Again, international law is ignored by Western politicians and media. Palestinians turn to resistance because they see that this is the only way for them to get their rights Mustafa Barghouti, a left-leaning Palestinian activist who serves as General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, told CNNs Farid Zakariya: So, of course, Palestinians turn to resistance because they see that this is the only way for them to get their rights. The question here is not about dehumanising Palestinians and calling them terrorists. It also about the question why the US supports Ukraine in fighting what they call occupation, while here they are supporting the occupier who continues to occupy us. While official buildings in Western capitals fly Israeli flags, Israel is bombing homes in Gaza and killing civilians. Western decision-makers, it seems, have no interest in long-term peace and stability. They cant or wont see beyond the current hostilities. This kind of approach is their Achilles heel; they fail to contextualise issues and want only to manipulate situations for their own interests. Locking people in a cage and then expecting them not to react or resist is ridiculous. It is time to tear down the watchtowers monitoring Gaza, and time to tear down the ivory towers policing the minds of freedom-loving people worldwide and work for a fairer and more just world. And Palestine would be a great place to begin. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Via Middle East Monitor ) Reddit 12 Email 484 Shares Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) I find peculiar the conviction of so many politicians in Europe and North America, not to mention Israel itself, that the Hamas attacks of October 7 and after justify the casual murder of thousands of Palestinian noncombatants in Gaza by the Israeli armed forces, including through aerial bombardment on densely populated neighborhoods, displacement of the infirm, and denying civilians water, food and electricity. It would be as though the US government responded to the Capitol Insurrection of January 6, 2021, by sending the Air Force to cut off and bombard residential neighborhoods in Texas because so many of the Oath Keepers involved in the attempted coup were from there. Actually, aside from arresting some of the participants, the US government did nothing to the White Supremacist cadres at all for trying to overthrow the US government (also a goal of al-Qaeda on 9/11, to which there was rather more pushback). That might be characterized as white privilege. The Palestinians in Gaza are bearing the brunt of a different phenomenon, the Colonial Revenge Genocide. Half of Gaza consists of children, most born after 2006 when Hamas came to power in the Strip through elections insisted upon by George W. Bush. Large numbers of these children are set to be killed, and several hundred already have been, by Israeli aerial, tank and artillery bombardment. Although the stated military objective is to destroy the Hamas guerrillas, that objective is being pursued with obvious reckless disregard for the welfare of civilian noncombatants. You know, when a child is struck by a bomb from above, it is frequently decapitated, inasmuch as its body is torn apart. Movies do people a disservice by showing bodies in the aftermath of a bombing as whole, if bloodied. Thats not what they look like. Parts, including heads, are strewn around. Hamas viciously attacked Israel and committed unspeakable war crimes, and it is legitimate for the Israeli armed forces to go after it in a determined way. It is not legitimate to ethnically cleanse civilians in Gaza or to blow them to smithereens in pursuit of ethno-national revenge. Anyone who thinks the latter is not happening doesnt have eyes in their head, and the reason for which Israel has cut off the internet in Gaza (not a legitimate move since it endangers noncombatants) is to ensure that no real-time record can emerge of the coming massacre. Gaza has been in a condition of Israeli coloniality since 1967 when Tel Aviv illegally seized it and militarily occupied it, and the Israeli elite has gone on to compound these actions by actively harming the civilian population for decades despite its duties to the people it occupied as laid out in the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute. No international body ever awarded Gaza to Israel. It was not even part of ancient Israel, not that that should be relevant. Article continues after bonus IC video Al Jazeera English: Fear and confusion in Gaza over Israels evacuation warning | Al Jazeera Newsfeed Such vendettas against civilian populations have been routinely pursued by colonial militaries in the wake of a forceful challenge to their control. We must be clear-eyed and recognize that such revolts have sometimes been characterized by the deployment of the most horrific terrorism against the settler population by the indigenous resistance. The main characteristic of the phenomenon, however, is the disproportionate response by the settlers and their colonial military, so that the number of indigenous people killed is orders of magnitude higher than the casualties among the settlers. Another frequent trope is the patriarchal justification of subsequent massacres by pointing to settler women and children killed. This rhetoric drove Londons repression of the first Indian Great Rebellion against British rule in 1857-1858. These slogans and raw emotions have typically been reinforced by racism, which is why rape of white settlers by brown or black indigenes has played such an outsized role in colonial revenge narratives. Racism calling people animals or insects or demons allows for a conscience-free killing field, since the extermination of dangerous animals or pests that have attacked women and children is perfectly natural and understandable. Colonial feelings of racial superiority have led to expressions of astonishment that the black or brown natives should rise up with such fierceness after all the benefits of civilization had been graciously bestowed on them by a wise metropole. In the early 1950s in Kenya, militant members of the Kikuyu tribe, joined by some others, hived away from the staid Kenya African Union and began attacking white settler farms. The Mau Mau forces killed some white settler families. From 1952 to 1960 32 white settlers were killed. The British colonial authorities in Kenya brought in troops to repress the Kenyan militants, killing between 11,000 and 25,000 mostly Kikuyu Kenyans, of which a little over 1,000 were hanged. A later Kenyan truth-finding commission found that the British killed, tortured or maimed 90,000 persons, and imprisoned 160,000 in subhuman conditions. The BBC quotes Oxfords David Anderson as saying, Everything that could happen did happen. Allegations about beatings and violence were widespread. Basically you could get away with murder. It was systematic. Needless to say, 11,000 people had not been involved in murdering the 32 white people, much less 25,000. They were killed in revenge for the deaths of the whites, because they were perceived as being of a common race with the perpetrators. I call it a genocide not because of the numbers of Kenyans the British killed (as many as 25,000) but because the Kikuyu activists were targeted in part for their ethnicity, which is the textbook definition of genocide. Article 6 of the Rome Statute: Genocide For the purpose of this Statute, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group One of the features of the colonial revenge genocide is that the number killed among the indigenous must be grotesquely disproportionate to those killed among the settlers. Another feature is that the settlers hold all members of an ethnicity responsible for the actions of the militants among them. By 1960 the British campaign against the militants had come to an end. By late 1963 the British had to withdraw from Kenya and recognize it as an independent country. The London authorities and later archivists actively covered up the atrocities that British troops committed and the truth only came out decades later because of a lawsuit. Likewise, regarding the National Front for Liberation (Front de liberation nationale or FLN) in French Algeria from 1954, L. Carl Browne and Salah Zaimeche write at Britannica, A decisive turn in the war took place in August 1955 when a widespread armed outbreak in Skikda, north of the Constantine region, led to the killing of nearly 100 Europeans and Muslim officials. Countermeasures by both the French army and settlers claimed the lives of somewhere between 1,200 (according to French sources) and 12,000 (according to Algerian sources) Algerians. Between 1954 and 1962, FLN attacks on French settlers left 5,000 to 6,000 dead. The French put in thousands of troops, of whom some 27,000 were killed by the guerrillas. French historians estimate that French forces and settlers (who staged their own uprising in 1961) killed 300,000 to 500,000 Algerians. The independent Algerian government puts Algerian lives lost at closer to 1.5 million, in a total population of 11 million. Again note the disproportion between the number of French killed and the number of Algerians. Although the orgy of mass violence in Algeria is not usually called a genocide, it certainly was by the contemporary definition of genocide in international law. You cant kill half a million or a million people if you are merely confronting guerrilla forces. You have to be demonstrating an intent to kill civilians or a reckless disregard for their lives, both of which are war crimes. The French massacred villages that provided help and cover to the FLN, in order to deprive FLN of that aid. There were lots of colonial revenge genocides. The Germans in Namibia carried out the Herero and Namaqua genocide in 1904-1908, blockading the populations from food and water and using machine guns against civilians in revenge for the killing of 100 German settlers. The Germans slaughtered between 24,000 and 100,000 Hereros and 10,000 Namaqua. The US State Department has forbidden its diplomats from calling for deescalation in Gaza and the Biden administration has rebuked Democrats who want to forestall the massacre, showing that the power elite in the United States now is embroiled in white supremacist revenge fantasies. This bloodthirstiness is not new Washington sacrificed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives in revenge for 9/11. It was no excuse that Iraqis had nothing to do with it, just as it is no excuse that most people in Gaza had nothing to do with October 7. Reddit Email 20 Shares By Robert M. Dover, University of Hull | Time is an ally of Russia in the Ukrainian conflict. Russia needs to reduce its rate of battlefield deaths and remain militarily active in Ukraine for as long as possible. A great aid to Vladimir Putin would be a disruption in the supply of weapons to Kyiv, and a diminishing commitment from European and US governments to support the war or to provide military equipment. A rival crisis to distract Ukraines allies, in the form of war in the Middle East, could provide just this. Hamass violent incursion into Israel from Gaza on Saturday October 7 has already distracted the United States diplomatically. The conflict could also divert military equipment to the Middle East rather than to Ukraine. How large the diversion of arms is depends upon whether Israel chooses to try to reoccupy Gaza or not. A war might also serve to further loosen the will of Ukraines allies to sustain their spending in Ukraine. It might do so because the implications of a wider Middle Eastern conflict, or China opportunistically attacking Taiwan, would outweigh the consequences of continued hostilities in Ukraine. Russias competing friendships The diplomatic picture for Russia towards the Israel-Hamas conflict is not clear cut. Russia has historically been friendly towards Israel. Israel has mirrored this by toning down any criticism it has made of the Ukrainian invasion. Russia has recently become friendlier towards Iran as it has sought to buy military equipment. But Iran is likely to be the source of the military equipment used by Hamas to overwhelm Israels Iron Dome air defence system and to invade the country, including the electronic interference equipment used to deactivate the border sensors and remote sentries. Iran is also the likely source of counterintelligence techniques that have enabled Hamas to avoid attention from the capable Israeli intelligence services. Russia has been active in selling intelligence techniques around the world and so Iranian counterintelligence is likely informed by Russian practices. Article continues after bonus IC video Putin concerned over catastrophic civilian deaths in Israel-Gaza war Russia has long operated multilevel diplomacy managing to maintain positive relationships with competing and even warring nations in the Middle East, and will continue to do so. It is unlikely to find disadvantage here. Putins plans revealed? Putin has a strong history of hiding in plain sight. He tells us what he intends to do, and we assume it is rhetorical bluster. But in reality Putin is telling us his plans and seeing how many of them he can complete. Missed by the majority of the worlds media was the annual Russian security conference (the Valdai International Discussion Club, known simply as the Valdai), at which Putin spoke on October 5. There he described his ambition being to create a new world order founded upon a civilisation-based approach. This would recognise local differences and communities of common interest. In this, Putin was softly echoing an Indian approach to society which emphasises the environment, meaning the physical environment, the people within it, and community as a supportive structure. It is also an echo of the ethos of Israeli kibbutz which emphasise equality, common identity, community loyalty and shared efforts. This is an explicit rejection of western individualism and a nod to those in the developing world that Russia is a kindred spirit. In the speech, Putin recast the previous 20 years as Russia seeking to positively engage in helping to solve global challenges, but that this engagement had been seen as obedience to western desires and norms. Putin further argued that the world required multiple sources of power and ways of seeing the world, rather than to all follow western patterns of economic exploitation and ideological domination. He cited China and India as plausible alternative sources of power and world views. In Putins civilisation-based approach, his invasion of Ukraine is not Russia trying to capture territory, but repelling the Euroatlantic control of Nato and the EU. Liberation from colonialism is at the heart of Putins Valdai speech a message that ordinary Ukrainians would dispute. Referring to the Middle East, Putin noted that Nato powers selectively engage with Arab nations. Protection is provided to those who are obedient, but not because of their values or traditions. It is here that we can infer that Putin is supportive of both Israeli and Palestinian claims, and that it is only westerners providing an overriding security guarantee to one side over the other that generates the conditions for continuous conflict between Israel and Palestine. How Russia benefits Russia is a beneficiary but not likely an author of the conflict and upheaval in Israel and Gaza. Putin does not need to have caused the uptick in tension but he will not be disappointed to see it further escalate over the coming weeks and months. Russia also benefits because of the distraction it places at the heart of the upcoming US presidential election and to a world order already placed on high alert because of Ukraine, because of China and Taiwan and Serbia and Kosovo. For Russias invasion of Ukraine, then, time remains on its side, despite all its military losses. A change in US president, an activist US Congress continuing to show disquiet about further funding to Ukraine, and the US needing to support Israel in the Middle East all will play decisively in how the Ukrainian conflict will end. If the war in Ukraine is still raging in 2025, it will be Russia with the upper hand. Robert M. Dover, Professor of Intelligence and National Security, University of Hull This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. ELKO Elko County School Districts Nevada Report Card for the 2022-2023 school year shows that the districts scores are lower than the average of all schools in the state on English Language Arts, although various schools in the district scored higher than the state average. In mathematics, elementary schools averaged slightly higher than the state, however. We are proud of the efforts our students and staff have put in that contributed to the many successes that are represented on the Nevada Report Card and will continue to focus on improving the student learning at each and every one of our schools, said ECSD Superintendent Clayton Anderson. Schools in the district also received star ratings from the Nevada Department of Education for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, and two of the schools Spring Creek High School and Wells High School received four out of five stars. A five-star rating demonstrates superior academic performance and growth. Star ratings for individual schools have returned for the first time since the 2018-2019 school year. ECSD staff will use the information star ratings provide as we continue data-based decisions, Anderson said. He said, however, that due to the length of time that has gone by between star ratings being used, we will use comparisons of star ratings cautiously. For most of our schools, the student body that contributed to current star ratings is now entirely different from the one that contributed to the 18-19 ratings. Anderson also said in an Oct. 12 email that due to substantial non-participation throughout Nevada on state testing in 2021, growth norms, which are a contributing factor to schools overall star ratings, became distorted, making statewide comparison very difficult. ECSDs English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency averaged 37% for elementary schools, compared with 40.7% statewide, and the districts elementary schools averaged 32.4% in math, compared with 31.1% statewide, according to the Nevada Report Card. For middle schools, ECSD schools averaged 33.2% in ELA proficiency, compared with 40.7% statewide, and middle schools in Elko County scored 20.6% in math, lower than the 31.1% for the average of 773 schools in the state. At the high school level, students in the Elko County School District averaged 38.7% in ELA proficiency, compared with 45.5% statewide, and their math proficiency was 16.9%, compared with 19.6% across Nevada. The school districts ELA proficiency rate for the 2021-2022 school year was 38.6% at the elementary level, 37.2% for middle schools and 39.7% for high schools, and the math proficiency for that school year was 32.6% for elementary schools, 18.2% for middle schools and 17.3% for high schools. ECSD uses the information found on the Nevada Report Card as one of many data sources to drive our school improvement efforts. We are glad to see certain district level improvements from the previous year, in areas such as chronic absenteeism and graduation rates, as well as the percentage of middle school students demonstrating proficiency in mathematics, Anderson said. We also recognize that there are areas that did not see improvement, and we will continue to focus our efforts in these areas, he said. The ECSD Strategic Plan highlights the importance of strengthening literacy and numeracy instruction, which will inevitably lead to improved proficiency rates as student understanding and learning increases. The Nevada Report Card for the 2022-2023 school year statewide shows a graduation rate of 81.72%. ECSDs graduation rate for the last school year was 80.43%, and the rate for the 2021-2022 school year was 82.48%, but certain high schools in the district had higher rates. The ECSD report card also shows that ECSD has a chronic absenteeism rate of 34.3%, slightly lower than the 34.9% statewide rate. That was an improvement over the 42% rate for the 2021-2022 school year. Chronically absent students include those who are absent for any reason regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused, and students who are absent 10% or more of their enrolled school days are considered chronically absent, according to the Nevada Department of Education. Additionally, the Nevada Report Card includes bullying figures. ECSD had 66 bullying and cyber bullying incidents resulting in suspension, but zero bullying and cyber bullying incidents that resulted in suspension. ECSD also averaged $13,007 in per-pupil expenditures for the 2022-2023 school year, more than the statewide average of $11,300 per pupil, according to the report cards. The total enrollment in the district was 10,161 students in 36 schools. There were 578 teachers, the report card shows. As examples of the Nevada Report Cards for high schools in the Elko County School District, Spring Creek High School, which scored four stars, posted that its ELA proficiency was 48.6% and math proficiency was 22.4%. The graduation rate was 90.96%, and chronic absenteeism was 37.2%, while there were 14 bullying and cyber bullying incidents that resulted in suspension. There were zero expulsions for bullying. The per pupil expenditure was $12,094, and total enrollment was 909 students. Four-star Wells High Schools report card shows an enrollment of 98 students, a graduation rate of 95%, and a chronic absenteeism rate of 36.2%. There were two bullying and cyber bullying incidents that resulted in suspension but zero incidents resulting in expulsion. The ELA score for Wells High was 40%, and the math proficiency score was 32%, while the per pupil expenditure was $20,978. No middle schools or elementary schools in the district received four stars for the 2022-2023 school year, but Grammar No. 2, Mountain View and Northside elementary schools in Elko received three stars. Report card ELA and math percentages and star ratings for schools in Elko County for the 2022-2023 school year include: Adobe Middle School, two stars, ELA, 35.2%, math, 20.4%. Carlin Elementary School, one star, ELA, 20%, math, 6.6%. Carlin High School, three stars, ELA, 23.5%; math, 5.5%. Carlin Junior High, two stars, ELA, 38.8%, math, 13.8%. Elko High School, three stars, ELA, 40.9%, math, 16.9%. Flag View Intermediate School, two stars, ELA, 36.5%, math, 31.1%. Grammar No. 2 Elementary School, three stars, ELA, 45.8%, math, 47.8%. Jackpot Elementary School, one star, ELA, 23.5%, math, 8.8%. Jackpot High School, three stars, ELA, 23.5%, math, 11.7%. Jackpot Junior High, one star, ELA, 23%, math, 15.3%. Liberty Peak Elementary School, two stars, ELA, 48.4%, math,38.4%. Mountain View Elementary School, three stars, ELA, 46.6%, math, 46.2%. Northside Elementary School, three stars, ELA, 54.8%, math, 43.5%. Owyhee Elementary School, one star, ELA, 8.5%, math, 5.3%. Owyhee High School, one star, ELA, 15.7%, math, 5.2%. Owyhee Junior High, one star, but no figures for ELA and math. Sage Elementary School, one star, ELA, 29.4%, math, 26.3%. Southside Elementary School, two stars, ELA, 27%, math, 26.5%. Spring Creek Elementary School, two stars, ELA, 41.4%, math, 41.4%. Spring Creek High School, four stars, ELA, 48.6%, math, 22.4%. Spring Creek Middle School, two stars, ELA, 33.7%, math, 23.7%. Wells Elementary School, two stars, ELA, 42.2%, math, 31.9%. Wells High School, four stars, ELA, 40%, math, 32%. Wells Junior High, two stars, ELA, 39.5%, math, 27%. West Wendover Elementary School, two stars, ELA, 27.8%, math, 28.3%. West Wendover High School, three stars, ELA, 19.4%, math, 6.9%. West Wendover Middle School, one star, ELA, 28.2%, math, 17.7%. The smallest schools in the county dont have star ratings, but as an example, Ruby Valley Elementary School with 11 students posted ELA of 58.3% and math, 66.6%. Adult education, Battle Born Academy Early Childhood, Early Childhood at Great Basin College, and the Northeastern Nevada Virtual Academy are also listed as ECSD schools. From spreading agricultural technology to setting up vocational workshops, some seemingly small projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have delivered great benefits for local people with the care and support of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Humble as it looks, a Chinese "magic" grass has managed to travel afar and has taken root in the exotic land of Papua New Guinea (PNG), enriching barren soil and empowering local farmers to overcome poverty. The wondrous grass, or Juncao, refers to the technology discovered by Chinese scientists to grow mushrooms using grass instead of timber as a substrate that is more economical and environmentally friendly. When working in east China's Fujian Province more than two decades ago, Xi introduced the Juncao technology to a visiting provincial governor from the PNG, who turned out to be quite interested. Xi soon dispatched the inventor of Juncao technology to the Pacific country to share this technology and provide on-the-ground training courses for local farmers. "After I became vice president, I have continued to promote Juncao technology when visiting the South Pacific, Africa, and South America," Xi said at a symposium on BRI development in 2021. He highlighted the role of BRI projects in improving people's wellbeing, saying "small yet great" projects could deliver direct impacts on people. "Projects on people's livelihood are crucial to rapidly boosting the sense of gain of people in BRI participating countries. They could produce immediate and evident results," the president said at the symposium. He demanded prioritizing these "small yet great" projects in international cooperation, stepping up overall planning in the future, and better leveraging funds for projects that answer to the public's demands and forge closer ties among people. Today, Juncao technology is being applied in more than 100 countries, creating hundreds of thousands of green jobs for local people. Luban Workshop, a Chinese vocational workshop program, is another "small yet great" project that Xi has supported. The first of such workshops was set up in Thailand in 2016. Two years later, Xi said China would set up 10 Luban Workshops in Africa to offer vocational training for young Africans. Since then, Xi has on many occasions spoken on supporting the development of Luban Workshops in BRI participating countries. While addressing the China-Central Asia Summit this May, Xi urged efforts to set up more Luban Workshops in Central Asian countries as part of the efforts to build up the region's development capabilities. The first Luban Workshop in Central Asia, launched last year in Tajikistan, has already brought tangible results. It has so far helped train over 300 talents and is expected to see over 50 students graduate this year. So far, China has helped establish 21 such workshops in 20 countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe, providing training facilities and programs to help foster local talent with the needed skills and capabilities. Other "small yet great" BRI projects have also prospered. In Liberia and Ethiopia, China has shared bamboo weaving crafts with local farmers to help them make furniture and increase their incomes. In Georgia, vegetable greenhouses have been promoted, helping local people to achieve vegetable self-sufficiency. These projects, designed based on local conditions, are evidence of how BRI cooperation has helped address the pressing needs of local people. The ultimate goal of the BRI is to explore new ways for countries from near and far to achieve common development and to open up a "path of happiness" that benefits the whole world, Xi said. 44 Shares Share My first job as a physician assistant was in a neuro-oncology department. I was young, newly certified, and eager to interact with patients. The physician who mentored me there made sure I had the opportunity to counsel patients, and provide guidance and comfort after a new diagnosis. These are situations where a clinician needs time and space to be empathetic. On one occasion, I spent nearly 45 minutes in the exam room with a young woman who was just diagnosed with glioblastoma, a terminal illness. While we talked a bit about the diagnosis itself and what the coming months would entail, most of my time in that room was spent sitting with her and her husband as the reality of the news sank in. I didnt look for my moment to move on to the next patient. I didnt let my thoughts drift to the many other tasks that awaited me outside of that room. I just stayed present, with my patient, in her time of need. Time with patients, time to be empathetic, time to connect with the human life in front of you. Unfortunately, that time has become a luxury for clinicians, and few can afford it. Its why I left the field. Why I left medicine My experience practicing medicine is not an uncommon one. Id walk to work every day with a sense of dread, knowing I wouldnt have time over the course of my 12-hour shift to accomplish everything I needed to. Before I even entered the hospital, the clock was working against me. As soon as I stepped into the building and logged into the EHR, I was met with a list of 15 patients experiencing acute issues. Each required my undivided attention. I saw it as my duty to give every patient the attention and comfort they needed and deserved, but a cascade of other tasks competed for my time. The amount of administrative work put on clinicians is already considerable; as the clinician shortage exacerbates and demand for care grows, time with patients is shrinking. Inevitably, remaining empathetic in the face of these stressors becomes a challenge. This is, unfortunately, the grim reality of the practice of medicine today. At the end of the day, there is no incentive for empathy. There are plenty of incentives for efficiency and throughput, but the only reward for providing empathetic care is extra time playing catch up at the end of the night. To do this job well requires attention and compassion. Those behaviors are at odds with the current model of care delivery, and technology has exacerbated the problem. New tools were introduced every few months over the course of my career, all of which were supposed to make my job easier. These technologies promised to reduce clicks, to streamline workflows, and ultimately allow us to focus on our patients. All the non-clinical work was supposed to go away or get easier, and it never did. So I hung up my stethoscope, hoping to use my clinical experience to make those technologies fulfill their promises before picking it up again. Recent advancements in AI have accelerated my timeline. The promise of AI A former colleague once challenged each of his med students to report one detail about a patients life outside of the hospital during their stay. It may seem trivial, but it was meant to reinforce the idea that patients are humans, with families and lived experiences and a hope for a future, not a set of medical codes. This worked in med school, but in practice within an overloaded system, where clinicians are burdened with technology systems that almost force an itemization of care it can be a difficult lesson to remember. EHRs have represented a path forward in many ways. But within hospitals and clinics, they are mostly viewed as a contributor to the thousands of clicks that dominate a clinicians day. The stress of the ever-present pager and the piling up of administrative tasks like phone calls and portal messages becomes a distraction, consistently pulling us away from face-to-face time with patients. Without these disruptions, clinicians could have the time and space to sit with a patient and really hear their story, and to work together to forge a path toward good health. Patients need to trust their clinician, and that trust is earned in moments like this. What is needed to create those moments is technology that can actually eliminate administrative tasks. Not simplify or streamline them, but take them completely off of clinicians plates. Technology that frees clinicians up to be clinicians who can put both medical expertise and empathy into their practice. This is what AI is introducing to health care. Recent advancements in AI, machine learning, and large language models are already proving they can make a real impact on the practice of medicine by automating many of the administrative tasks that dominate their day. Suddenly, every clinician has the ability to have an autonomous resident over their shoulder one that bears the brunt of their many distractions and empowers them to provide the type of care they were trained to provide. The promise of AI is an attainable one. I truly believe it will allow us to return to the reason why I got into medicine to be present and engaged with my patients, and to help them understand they have the support and counsel of clinicians who not only care, but have the capacity to care. The young woman who was diagnosed with glioblastoma early in my career eventually passed. But near the end of her journey, she wrote me a thank-you note for the care and compassion I provided to her. I still have that card, 12 years later, as a reminder of why being present is non-negotiable in health care. As clinicians, we exist at critical moments in the lives of the people we treat. We need time to honor that, fully. Thats what I long to return to when technology has finally fulfilled its promise to clinicians. And the nearest road to that future is being paved by AI. Matthew Troup is a physician assistant and health care executive. Tirlan shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a series of proposals to enhance the Co-ops governance structures and facilitate increased diversity. The series of progressive rule changes will empower the representative structure to operate to international best practice, with more gender-balance and younger representation. At the Special General Meeting (SGM) in Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny, Tirlan Chairperson John Murphy welcomed the hugely positive shareholder response to the recommendations from a sub-committee of the Board focused on positioning the Tirlan representative structure for the future. Shareholder approval for this set of progressive proposals marks a major step towards positioning the Co-op for the future. The world has changed significantly since the last review of our representative structure was undertaken over two decades ago. The changes to the composition of the representative structure, youth groups and investment in education through the Tirlan Governance Academy will all help to further strengthen and ensure the vibrancy of our Co-op. Id like to thank all of our shareholders and the committee who carried out such a comprehensive review. The series of recommendations was developed through an extensive consultation process with the Farmer Advisory Council of Tirlan, the Co-ops 11 regional committees and individual members. Tirlan CEO Jim Bergin commended shareholders for once again showing their foresight and courage to embrace the future. It is important that we have a balance of youth, gender and a diversity of thought across our representative structure to enable us to operate to international best practice across all forms of organisations. I truly believe that today is a watershed day on our journey towards becoming a Co-op of the future. The proposed changes were presented by a sub-committee of the Tirlan board, chaired by Vice-Chairperson Brendan Hayes, who highlighted the support and excellent engagement that the group had received from so many farmer shareholders during the detailed rounds of consultation as the proposed changes were developed. We believe these changes will ensure our Co-op is equipped to continue to deliver for our members. We recognise that in line with agriculture in general in both Ireland and internationally, we face challenges around diversity of age and gender. These new proposals will help us to encourage greater participation over the coming years. The key recommendations include: The formation of a Governance Academy to build knowledge, confidence and social connection at all levels of the membership structure, with minimum training requirements for Board and Council eligibility. This will offer a broad range of accredited courses to Tirlan Members; Creation of Young Farmer Groups to educate young people about the co-op structure, encourage greater involvement and build a strong succession pipeline; The formation of a Grain Advisory Group, as a forum for the business to exchange views with professional grain grower Members that supply Tirlan; Promoting greater gender diversity in the Co-op structures by creating new seats on Regional committees and Council that will be available to women joining the representative structure; Proposing maximum term limits on committees, Council and Board allowing new people more opportunities to participate while still retaining experienced members. Tirlan has also confirmed that a review of Board composition will commence shortly, with proposals to be put to Co-op Members for consideration by the end of 2024. Many visitors to Kilkenny and indeed locals will have fond memories of the Kilkenny Tourist Hostel, the red-doored Georgian building on Parliament Street that has provided accommodation to all-comers to the city for years. It offered dozens of beds at a good price, even in recent years when the price of hostel beds steadily crept up around Ireland due to demand and scarcity. It is now closed. The hostel was very popular with groups and backpackers because of its central location and affordable rates. It was always a busy spot, particularly during the summer months, with a great mix of visitors looking to come in and explore the Marble Citys sights staying right in the middle of the Medieval Mile. It was also a vibrant hub, where local businesses and events were promoted to those staying there. It is not the only local hostel to close this year, and cumulatively will be a loss. Perhaps now is the time for the powers-that-be to prepare a medium or long-term strategy to address how we can best house our new communities, including Ukrainian refugees and those seeking protection under IPAS. Of course, we have a duty to help and offer shelter to those fleeing conflict and persecution. However, we must also protect our interests, and this certainly includes not hurting the golden goose for our local economy tourism. If local hostels and hotels withdraw from accommodating tourists, and the city sees further losses of hospitality beds, it will pose a challenge for us going forward. Contracts are in place for 14 different locations in Kilkenny to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, while two locations are in use for IPAS applicants, with more likely to follow. Theres no avoiding our obligations under international law and agreements. How we go about meeting those obligations without damaging our hospitality offering needs careful thought. Striking a balance will be key. Tourism is our biggest employer here. If the tourists have nowhere to stay, or the few places left become eye-wateringly expensive due to scarcity, visitors will vote with their feet. President Vo Van Thuong (R) receives outgoing Nigerian Ambassador Hassan Adamu Mamani. (Photo: VNA) President Vo Van Thuong spoke highly of the results of the Nigeria-Vietnam cooperation over the past years, especially in socio-economic development. Expressing his delight at Nigerias socio-economic achievements, he congratulated the African country on the successful organisation of the recent election. He believed that with this result, the Nigerian people will continue reaping greater and more comprehensive achievements in the future. Vietnam pursues a foreign policy of independence and self-reliance for peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of external ties; being a friend, a trustworthy partner, an active and responsible member of the international community, he said, adding that Vietnam wishes to further develop its ties with Nigeria in all fields. He suggested both sides facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels, further step up collaboration between ministries, agencies and localities while maintaining conversations and cooperation in global and regional issues. The President wished that in any future position, the ambassador would always bear in mind Vietnam and its people, and work to enhance cooperation between the two nations. Mamani, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese authorities for supporting the embassys activities over the past years. The ambassador said Nigeria and Vietnam share economic and trade similarities, and hold potential to boost agricultural cooperation. The two countries have also been working together on multilateral issues at the United Nations. He expressed his belief that Nigeria will continue partnering with Vietnam to further improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation./. Seventy tourism companies from Ireland attended Flavours of Ireland 2023 in London last week including Hotel Kilkenny. Flavours is Tourism Irelands annual B2B tourism workshop, where tourism companies from Ireland meet and do business with top global inbound tour operators. Now in its 21st year, Flavours was held in Guildhall, in the City of London, and was attended by around 100 top global inbound tour operators whore mainly based in London and who deliver business from all over the world, including the United States, Mainland Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa. Flavours provides an excellent opportunity for the participating tourism providers from Kilkenny and Ireland to highlight and sell their tourism product and build valuable relationships with the global inbound buyers in attendance. The global operators are preparing to sign contracts for 2024 and beyond, so its a key time to influence the addition of new tourism products to their programmes that have the potential to deliver more regional and longer-stay business for Ireland. David Boyce, Tourism Irelands Head of Global Inbound, said: Tourism Ireland is delighted that so many tourism organisations from Ireland and so many leading global inbound tour operators took the time to join us at our annual Flavours of Ireland event. In 2019, these tour operators were responsible for delivering around 5 million bed-nights to the island of Ireland. As they prepare to sign contracts for 2024, we very much welcome the business and networking opportunities our workshop presented. Our aim is to increase awareness of Ireland among these influential global inbound tour operators and to help Ireland and our tourism partners secure a greater share of the huge worldwide tourism market. The UK Governments new laws to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles are an affront to justice, Emma Little-Pengelly has told the DUP conference in Belfast. The MLA also accused the Irish Government of breathtaking arrogance for what she said was a failure to investigate claims of Garda collusion. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act received royal assent last month despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government. Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences to those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The ICRIR will be headed by former lord chief justice Sir Declan Morgan. The new Act will also halt future civil cases and inquests. A number of Troubles victims have launched legal action against the new Act. Ms Little-Pengelly told delegates at the DUP conference in Belfast that it was right that the government had addressed the witch-hunt against soldiers who had served in Northern Ireland, but said the new laws were not the right way to achieve that end. She said: To remove any real possibility of justice from the many, many innocent victims of terrorism through this legislation is simply wrong. It is an affront to justice. She also accused Sinn Fein of hypocrisy in its approach to dealing with legacy. The MLA added: The Irish Government has also displayed breathtaking arrogance. It is fast out of the blocks to lambast the UK for its approach, yet victims are crying out for Dublin to investigate claims of Garda collusion. Leo Varadkar might have one eye on the polls. However, any desire to seduce would-be Sinn Fein voters should not trump the moral duty to victims and survivors on both sides of the border. Victims must be valued more than votes. Ms Little-Pengelly said her party would not allow the rewriting of history about the Troubles in Northern Ireland. She said: What we are seeing now are twisted, sleeked words to bend and spin the truth to justify the terrorist and besmirch the name and record of those who stepped up and stepped forward through duty and honour. We will not allow it to happen. We will not allow those who did evil to write the narrative of our past. We will defend the reputation of those who put their lives on the line in the defence of others. The HSE has issued a warning and advice to Irish holidaymakers after a number fell ill on their return from European hotspots. There has been a sharp rise in cases in cryptosporidiosis, a bug that produces gastroenteritis, and may cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting. The reports of illness are high among Irish holidaymakers coming home from some parts of Spain, particularly Salou in Catalonia. There has been a widespread increase in cryptosporidiosis in Europe in August and September that is most likely because of the extreme weather in European, especially in Mediterranean countries, over the summer, the HSE said as it issued fresh hygiene advice to those travelling abroad. "If you are travelling to an area where there may be outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease (including cryptosporidiosis), there are important measures you can take to protect yourself and your family, including good hand hygiene and taking precautions with water and food," a statement read. Wash your hands frequently using soap and clean water: 1. before eating and drinking 2. before and after preparing food, particularly raw meat 3. after using the toilet or changing nappies 4. after visiting food markets 5. after hand contact with items in public areas 6. after touching live animals. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol based sanitiser. Remember, hand sanitisers are only going to work as long as your hands are not visibly dirty. The HSE statement continued to list precautions you should take with water? 1. Check to see if the tap water is treated - smell it for the bleachy odour of chlorine 2. Ask your accommodation manager if they consider their tap water safe 3. If unsure, avoid drinking tap water where possible 4. Dont use ice in your drinks 5. If you are not happy to drink the water, don't brush your teeth with it - use bottled water instead 6. Do not enter swimming pools if you are unhappy with the hygiene arrangements. 7. If the beach or the sea do not look clean, do not swim in the water 8. Always shower after swimming in the pool or the sea 9. If you have diarrhoea, do not enter swimming pools for two days after your symptoms have settled 10. Dont let your baby swim in a pool wearing regular nappies, use swimming nappies The following drinks are generally safe: 1. Bottled or canned mineral water, fruit juice and fizzy drinks/sodas 2. Hot drinks 3. Beer and wine. What precautions should I take with food? 1. Ensure, where practicable, that food eaten is freshly cooked and piping hot 2. Avoid food about which you have doubts, for example, salads or cold meats from retail outlets with questionable hygiene 3. Avoid food offered by street vendors 4. Avoid lettuce and undercooked shellfish, and food exposed to flies fruit is safe if eaten peeled 5. Check out any restaurant before you order your meal if you are not happy with its cleanliness go somewhere else. "The most common symptom is watery diarrhoea, some people may also experience dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. "While others may not have symptoms at all. Symptoms usually last between 1 to 2 weeks. While it is a mild disease in healthy people, it can be worse in small children and elderly people, and can be very serious for people who are immunocompromised." Deirdre Mary McNee (nee Sutton) was born on June 6, 1971, along with her twin sister Sinead. She was the daughter of John and Bernie Sutton, Rossinan, Mullinavat and sister to Majella, Aileen, Valerie, and Sean. Deirdre (Dee) went to St Brigids primary school Mullinavat and then to Our Lady of Mercy Secondary school Waterford. As a young girl Dee loved baking and played camogie for Mullinavat - she and Sinead were known around the community as the Sutton Twins. Dee went to college in Dublin, then on to work in the Tower Hotel Waterford before moving to work, alongside Sinead, in the Burlington Hotel Dublin. There she rubbed shoulders with the greats from sport, film, and music. This was where the love of travel began. In 1997 she moved to Jersey, the Channel Islands, where she worked in hospitality for the summer months and spent the winters travelling the world. Over the years Dees travels took her to all corners of the world from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, The Caribbean and Europe, later even having the opportunity to work in Malaysia for a wonderful six months with HSBC. In 1998, before her last long tour, she met Billy McNee who she went on to marry in Australia in 2000. They set up home back in Jersey, where Dee continued her love for adventure and passion of travel with Billy. Dee started her long career with HSBC International Offshore in 2000, remaining there until her passing. She was known as the person who helped support colleagues in their development. A wonderful warm and friendly face of HSBC she was compassionate; a powerhouse in her profession, she will be sadly missed by everybody that she encountered. Dee was the light that lit up the room, her glance was the security that we all needed. Her heart was full of love and peace that fell like confetti. Heaven is glowing with her gorgeous smile. Dee will be sadly missed by her loving husband Billy, stepson Paul, her parents John and Bernie in Rossinan, Mullinavat, her twin sister Sinead Campbell (Edinburgh), sisters Majella, Aileen Hayes (Tramore) and Valarie (Ullapool, Scotland), brother Sean (New Zealand), aunts, uncles, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends near and far. Rest in peace our beautiful Deirdre (Dee) - SM As of 3:55 PM EDT, gold futures basis the most active December contract is trading dramatically higher, up $58.50 and fixed at $1941.40. Todays surge in gold pricing is the direct result of attraction by market participants to move a portion of their portfolio into a safe haven asset. This is the direct result of the current geopolitical conflict between Israel and Hamas which escalated tremendously today. According to Reuters News, "Investors are fleeing to safe havens as the risks of Middle East tensions grow," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA. "If the geopolitical situation gets gloomier, there is a good chance that gold prices could go to the $2,000 level this year. We have come from mid-$1,800s to mid-$1,900s, $2,000 is just a fraction of that." The Reuters article also cited the escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas saying, Israel said its infantry and tanks had carried out raids inside the Gaza Strip, its first announcement of a shift from an air war to ground operations to root out Hamas fighters a week after their deadly rampage in southern Israel. The conflict in the Middle East has taken center stage causing traders to shift their focus away from other financial influences. "The conflict and its implications have captured the world's attention and become the primary focus of media and public discourse, temporarily diverting attention from financial and economic matters." The managing director at SPI Asset Management, told MarketWatch, "The conflict and its implications have captured the world's attention and become the primary focus of media and public discourse, temporarily diverting attention from financial and economic matters." Israel today ordered an evacuation of approximately 1 million Palestinians in Gaza according to Stephen Innes, "If Israel moves into Gaza with their modern-day military might, when considering the presence of hostile actors in the region and the fundamental nature of the conflict being rooted in religious differences, we could be on the cusp of something significant." What began on Saturday as a brutal attack by the terrorist group Hamas killing hundreds of civilians including women and children led to Israel declaring war on the terrorist group Hamas. Since Saturday this conflict has intensified beyond anybodys comprehension and as such stands a high probability that it will escalate to a much deeper and more violent war. The National Review reported that A top official in Hezbollah said the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist organization is fully ready to help Hamas fight against Israel, hinting of its future involvement in the ongoing war. The involvement of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah would take this conflict to an unthinkable level. Lastly, a former Hamas leader has called on Muslims across the world to take to the streets in support of Palestinians in Gaza calling for a "Day of Jihad" today. This has led U.S. authorities to increase their attentiveness over possible threats in the United States. For those who would like more information simply use this link. Wishing you as always good trading, 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) - Lithium-iron-phosphate and sodium-ion batteries are both gaining traction in the battery materials market, said Wolfgang Bernhart, senior partner with Roland Berger. Bernhart spoke to Kitco mid-September at the Fastmarkets European Battery Raw Materials Conference 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He said sodium-ion batteries promise to reduce dependency on critical materials and to lower costs. Sodium-ion batteries use sodium ions rather than lithium ions. China dominates the segment, with 98% of announced capacity in the hands of Chinese companies. The sodium-ion supply chain outside of China has yet to be built up. Interview edited for clarity. Kitco Mining: It looks at this point it's all about lithium phosphate, is that correct, Wolfgang? Bernhart: Yes, lithium phosphates gained a lot of traction in the last couple of years I would say, and we do see an increasing share across the different applications, we see it in automotive, in the (inaudible) segment, in the (CD?) side, and we do see it in the stationary side where it will become the dominant technology. Kitco Mining: What are the technical issues with sodium-ion? Because weve heard a lot of promise around that. Bernhart: Sodium-ion is also gaining traction, its pushed by the Chinese companies, and we do see a lot of announcements in terms of capacity. Already more than 125 gigawatt-hours of capacity are announced globally, the bulk of it in China, roughly 120 GWh I would say, a little bit outside in the US, in India, maybe Europe. And the promise is basically two-fold: one, to reduce the dependency of critical materials. Secondly, related to that, we have lower costs, at the same time at a relatively good performance. What we see is having sodium-ion being introduced in the automotive sector first, the so-called layered oxides, thats basically a cathode material similar to what you see in NCM batteries. The transition metals are lithium-cobalt-manganese and some others, and the processes to produce those are similar to the cathode material manufacturer processes used for NCM materials. This is why we see those first, but they are higher from a cost perspective. At the same time, they provide a reasonably good performance in terms of energy density, so they're being introduced by Chinese companies in the lower end of the vehicle segments, typically in hybrid batteries so combining sodium-ion and LFP to get the best out of it. Its a different process, not yet clear what the standard process will be, probably similar as we have seen it with LFP where different production rules have been tested by different companies and now it's essentially one. And the same will probably happen on the sodium-ion side and that will have the potential to be significantly lower in terms of cost than LFP, obviously depending on the lithium prices mainly. Kitco Mining: LFP or sodium? Talk about China's dominance, or how much of a grip they have on both sectors. Bernhart: I would say today while it's possible to license LFP technology and first companies outside China are starting to produce LFP for example in the U.S. With sodium-ion its clearly dominated by Chinese companies. So all the major suppliers in the evolving supply chain are Chinese, as I said 98% of the announced capacity is Chinese. There are a couple of smaller players that might have potential, but its still to be built up in the supply chain outside China, to make this happen in the US or in Europe. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang (L) and USAID's Mission Director for Vietnam Aler Grubbs at the signing ceremony. (Photo: The MoIT) The MoU aims to contribute to strengthening Vietnam's digital trade ecosystem, bringing benefits to both nations businesses. It is also expected to improve capacity in building policy and legal frameworks on digital trade, meeting the development demand of digital commerce in Vietnam, thus facilitating the private sectors participation in digital trade activities through platforms, digital trade development tools, business associations and business support organisations. In his speech at the signing ceremony, USAID's Mission Director for Vietnam Aler Grubbs said during his recent visit, US President Joe Biden emphasised the USs commitment to supporting Vietnam to compete in a global digital economy. This new digital trade activity led by USAID and the MoIT is the first to be launched under the two countries newly upgraded partnership and will go a long way toward unleashing the potential of digital trade to form a key driver of the countrys continued growth, she stressed. For her part, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang affirmed that promoting digital trade activity is a specific measure to implement the Party's policy of "rapid and sustainable development based mainly on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation". Promoting digital transformation and digitalising trade activity will help expand new growth space, facilitate cross-border trade activities and help Vietnam maintain and improve its export competitiveness in the time to come, Thang said. The development of digital trade will also contribute to realising Vietnam's sustainable and inclusive development goals because digital transformation will contribute to consuming less resources and make it easier for businesses and people to access all development resources, she added. Under the MoU, the two sides will strengthen the application of digital trade platforms, including digital trade promotion ecosystems, ensuring network safety and security in accordance with Vietnamese laws. Notably, this activity is hoped to support the MoIT in introducing strategies and systems for market access, trade promotion, traceability, market connection. The MoIT said USAIDs Vietnam Digital Trade activity advances the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), under which Vietnam and the US partner to harness innovation and pursue high-standard rules of the road in the digital economy to drive continued growth. This activity was built on USAIDs successful partnership with Vietnam over the past two decades to facilitate increased trade and improve the business environment, contributing to building the strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and the US./. Financial help available for broadband for tens of thousands of NE households The three best performers of the Vietnam ESG Initiative 2023 announced. - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) The winning firms are HHP Global Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company, and Vietnam Star Aniseed Cassia Manufacturing and Exporting Joint Stock Company (VINASAMEX). They will receive technical assistance and in-depth advice to pilot, carry out, or expand their sustainable business initiatives. The Vietnam ESG Initiative 2023 is under the cooperation between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). Aiming to help enterprises adopt sustainable business practices, it is part of efforts to carry out Vietnams green growth strategy for 2021 - 2030 and the Prime Ministers Decision 167/QD-TTg on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in the private economic sector. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) Nguyen Duc Trung, Deputy Director of the MPIs Enterprise Development Agency, said that Vietnam ESG Initiative 2023, launched in March, attracted 144 entries from private companies, cooperatives, and business households. The 10 best performers were announced in June and then received intensive training. They presented their sustainable business, inclusive business, or circular economy models before the jury in September. The initiative, lasting until 2025, is expected to encourage sustainable practices among enterprises, thus helping enhance their competitiveness, create a basis for their long-term development, and support them to meet international standards and join global supply chains, he noted. Via the Vietnam ESG Initiative, the MPI and USAID will provide technical support for 300 enterprises, cooperatives, and business households. The initiative is part of USAIDs Improving Private Sector Competitiveness (IPSC) project, implemented from 2020 to 2025 with the aim of tackling policy and market problems that hamper small and growing enterprises, including those owned or run by women and people of vulnerable groups./. Key Financial Inc bought a new stake in Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 3,847 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $520,000. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Level Four Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Thomson Reuters in the 1st quarter valued at about $218,000. Avitas Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Avitas Wealth Management LLC now owns 19,779 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,669,000 after buying an additional 202 shares in the last quarter. Rempart Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 19.3% during the 1st quarter. Rempart Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,165 shares of the business services providers stock worth $281,000 after buying an additional 350 shares in the last quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Thomson Reuters during the 1st quarter worth approximately $640,000. Finally, Ridgewood Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Thomson Reuters during the 1st quarter worth approximately $79,000. 17.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from $135.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. StockNews.com raised shares of Thomson Reuters from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Thomson Reuters from $138.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Thomson Reuters presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $148.62. Thomson Reuters Price Performance Shares of Thomson Reuters stock traded up $0.15 during trading on Friday, hitting $126.65. The stock had a trading volume of 340,277 shares, compared to its average volume of 397,432. The firm has a market cap of $57.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.22, a P/E/G ratio of 3.22 and a beta of 0.59. Thomson Reuters Co. has a 12 month low of $98.79 and a 12 month high of $138.85. The businesss 50-day moving average is $127.42 and its 200 day moving average is $128.55. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The business services provider reported $0.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.66 billion. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 32.12% and a return on equity of 11.91%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current year. Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 17th were paid a $0.49 dividend. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.55%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 16th. This is a boost from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio is currently 42.15%. Thomson Reuters Profile (Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI). Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd (OTCMKTS:SHPMF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 16,000 shares, a decline of 51.2% from the September 15th total of 32,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Price Performance SHPMF remained flat at $1.47 during midday trading on Friday. Shanghai Pharmaceuticals has a 52-week low of $1.28 and a 52-week high of $2.08. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.59 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.81. Get Shanghai Pharmaceuticals alerts: About Shanghai Pharmaceuticals (Get Free Report) Read More Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co, Ltd. researches, develops, manufactures, distributes, and retails pharmaceutical and healthcare products in China and internationally. It operates through four segments: Production, Distribution, Retail, and Others. The company offers chemicals and biochemicals, Chinese medicines, healthcare products, and medical devices in various therapeutic areas, including anti-tumor, heart and cerebral vessels, psychoneural, anti-infection, auto-immunity, digestive tract and metabolism, and respiratory system. Receive News & Ratings for Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shanghai Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shilanski & Associates Inc. lifted its position in VanEck BDC Income ETF (NYSEARCA:BIZD Free Report) by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 199,124 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,066 shares during the quarter. VanEck BDC Income ETF makes up 1.2% of Shilanski & Associates Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Shilanski & Associates Inc. owned approximately 0.50% of VanEck BDC Income ETF worth $3,059,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of BIZD. Raymond James & Associates raised its holdings in shares of VanEck BDC Income ETF by 52.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 17,075 shares of the companys stock valued at $306,000 after buying an additional 5,858 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its stake in VanEck BDC Income ETF by 100.5% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 27,332 shares of the companys stock worth $490,000 after purchasing an additional 13,702 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in VanEck BDC Income ETF by 61.1% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 45,218 shares of the companys stock worth $810,000 after purchasing an additional 17,143 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its stake in VanEck BDC Income ETF by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 56,449 shares of the companys stock worth $1,012,000 after purchasing an additional 1,276 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in VanEck BDC Income ETF by 600.0% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 35,000 shares of the companys stock worth $627,000 after purchasing an additional 30,000 shares in the last quarter. Get VanEck BDC Income ETF alerts: VanEck BDC Income ETF Trading Down 0.1 % BIZD traded down $0.02 on Friday, hitting $15.23. 201,555 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 338,548. VanEck BDC Income ETF has a twelve month low of $13.53 and a twelve month high of $16.19. The company has a market cap of $642.25 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.91 and a beta of 1.21. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $15.64 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.13. About VanEck BDC Income ETF The VanEck BDC Income ETF (BIZD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in financials equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of US BDC companies whose principal business is to invest in, lend capital to, or provide services to privately held companies. BIZD was launched on Feb 12, 2013 and is managed by VanEck. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for VanEck BDC Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VanEck BDC Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shilanski & Associates Inc. grew its stake in American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Free Report) by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 25,934 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 612 shares during the quarter. American Water Works comprises about 1.5% of Shilanski & Associates Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 23rd biggest holding. Shilanski & Associates Inc.s holdings in American Water Works were worth $3,702,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in AWK. Avion Wealth purchased a new stake in shares of American Water Works in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Gradient Investments LLC purchased a new stake in American Water Works during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. TCTC Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in American Water Works during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new stake in American Water Works during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Fiduciary Alliance LLC purchased a new stake in American Water Works during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. 84.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get American Water Works alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets AWK has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of American Water Works from $140.00 to $139.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $169.00 price objective on shares of American Water Works in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Guggenheim lowered their price objective on shares of American Water Works from $147.00 to $126.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of American Water Works in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Finally, Mizuho started coverage on shares of American Water Works in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. They set a buy rating and a $134.00 price objective for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $148.00. American Water Works Trading Down 0.2 % NYSE AWK traded down $0.29 on Friday, hitting $118.04. 1,720,110 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,044,667. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.13. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $133.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $141.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.64, a P/E/G ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.60. American Water Works Company, Inc. has a 52-week low of $115.39 and a 52-week high of $162.59. American Water Works (NYSE:AWK Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The utilities provider reported $1.44 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.27 by $0.17. American Water Works had a return on equity of 10.31% and a net margin of 22.08%. The business had revenue of $1.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.01 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.20 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 17.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that American Water Works Company, Inc. will post 4.8 EPS for the current fiscal year. American Water Works Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 8th were paid a dividend of $0.7075 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 7th. This represents a $2.83 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.40%. American Water Workss payout ratio is 59.08%. American Water Works Company Profile (Free Report) American Water Works Company, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services to approximately 1,600 communities in 14 states serving approximately 3.4 million active customers. The company serves residential customers; commercial customers, including food and beverage providers, commercial property developers and proprietors, and energy suppliers; fire service and private fire customers; industrial customers, such as large-scale manufacturers, mining, and production operations; public authorities comprising government buildings and other public sector facilities, such as schools and universities; and other utilities and community water and wastewater systems. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American Water Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Water Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shilanski & Associates Inc. bought a new stake in CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor bought 12,488 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $88,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CX. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of CEMEX by 8.1% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 255,170 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,349,000 after acquiring an additional 19,051 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its holdings in CEMEX by 164.4% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 38,153 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $202,000 after buying an additional 23,725 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its holdings in CEMEX by 58.4% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 15,387 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $80,000 after buying an additional 5,676 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its holdings in CEMEX by 23.6% in the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 278,056 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,471,000 after buying an additional 53,124 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in CEMEX by 3.4% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 8,277,600 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $43,789,000 after buying an additional 270,749 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 31.81% of the companys stock. Get CEMEX alerts: CEMEX Stock Down 0.2 % Shares of CX stock traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $6.16. 4,145,191 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,896,413. CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. has a fifty-two week low of $3.20 and a fifty-two week high of $8.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.89. The company has a market capitalization of $8.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.28, a P/E/G ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.48. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $7.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.80. Analyst Ratings Changes CEMEX ( NYSE:CX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The construction company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $4.57 billion during the quarter. CEMEX had a net margin of 5.40% and a return on equity of 5.01%. Research analysts predict that CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current year. Several research firms recently commented on CX. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of CEMEX from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of CEMEX from $8.00 to $9.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of CEMEX in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of CEMEX from $9.00 to $12.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, CEMEX currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $8.52. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CX CEMEX Company Profile (Free Report) CEMEX, SAB. de C.V., together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, distributes, and sells cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, urbanization solutions, and other construction materials worldwide. The company also offers asphalt, concrete blocks, concrete block paving, rail sleepers, and flooring systems; architectural concrete products; and box culverts, bridges, drainage basins, barriers, and parking curbs. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CEMEX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CEMEX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Walter & Keenan Wealth Management LLC IN ADV lowered its holdings in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEARCA:VT Free Report) by 3.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 73,264 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,787 shares during the period. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF makes up 2.6% of Walter & Keenan Wealth Management LLC IN ADVs portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest position. Walter & Keenan Wealth Management LLC IN ADVs holdings in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF were worth $7,105,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 87.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,096,821 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $101,006,000 after acquiring an additional 512,225 shares in the last quarter. Bank Hapoalim BM raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 0.3% during the second quarter. Bank Hapoalim BM now owns 372,143 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $36,087,000 after acquiring an additional 1,120 shares in the last quarter. Paragon Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 101.4% during the second quarter. Paragon Advisors LLC now owns 30,507 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,958,000 after acquiring an additional 15,363 shares in the last quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 129.7% during the first quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 1,213 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $112,000 after acquiring an additional 685 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Greenspring Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF during the first quarter worth $379,000. Get Vanguard Total World Stock ETF alerts: Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:VT traded down $0.62 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $93.12. 2,544,595 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,729,642. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF has a 52-week low of $78.59 and a 52-week high of $100.72. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $95.56 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $95.13. The company has a market capitalization of $27.41 billion, a PE ratio of 14.20 and a beta of 0.94. About Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap Index, which covers both well-established and still-developing markets. The Fund invests in both foreign and the United States stocks. The fund offers three classes of shares: Investor Shares, Institutional Shares, and ETF Shares. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal chaired a meeting of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, dedicated to the issues of Sumy and Chernihiv regions, and noted that UAH 62.3 billion were allocated from the Fund for Elimination of the Consequences of Armed Aggression for various reconstruction programs . "In addition, UAH 62.3 billion were allocated from the Fund for Elimination of the Consequences of Armed Aggression for various restoration programs. Almost UAH 1.7 billion of them are allocated for Sumy region, some UAH 673 million for Chernihiv region," Shmyhal said on the Telegram channel on Saturday in the morning. The head of the Ukrainian government also said Chernihiv region is 99.5% prepared for heating, Sumy region is 99.1%. In addition, Indestructibility Points were created in the regions some 330 and 541, respectively. "We continue to insist on a clear priority of spending for the regions: security and defense, social benefits, medicine, education, critical infrastructure, rapid recovery," Shmyhal said. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 57F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Overcast. Low 43F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Ukraine, with the support of international reinsurance broker Marsh McLennan, launched a data platform on October 12 allowing insurers, investors and governments to analyse war risks in the country, according to the Marsh McLennan website. It is also noted that support was provided to the government of Ukraine in the development and testing of a platform to support the country's recovery and transformation. The data platform brings together detailed maps of war-related incidents in Ukraine (defined as individual events relating to Russian hostilities such as missile, drone, or shelling attacks) since the Russian invasion in February 2022. It contains detailed information about the frequency and type of attacks by location, time, with further insight into the types of assets targeted and damage level sustained. "Ukraine's data platform the first of its kind empowers the global insurance and investment community as well as governments with data to evaluate risks much more accurately to create greater confidence of investment," Marsh McLennan President and CEO John Doyle said. According to the announcement, the platform shows that 76% of communities in Ukraine had no war-related incidents in 2023 up to 1 October. The equivalent figure since the invasion began on 24 February 2022 is 66%. These figures, the broker stated, demonstrate the progress made by Ukraine over the past year. A further 9% of communities were low-incident communities in 2023, having experienced only one war-related incident. The analysis shows that hostilities have been concentrated on a focused set of Ukrainian communities: 9% of communities have been subject to intense shelling; 6% are communities away from the frontline that have been targeted by Russian attacks. It also shows that 101 once-occupied communities have been recovered from Russia by Ukraine since the invasion began. "Some 76% of communities in Ukraine have had no war related incidents this year. This demonstrates that much of Ukraine is open for investment now," according to Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov, who runs the platform. The launch of this platform follows Marsh McLennan announcement committing to work with the Ukrainian government to provide services on a pro-bono basis to create a platform for the country to consolidate and analyse data for a transparent assessment of war risks in Ukraine. The platform aggregates data received from the police, military, security services, rescue services, transport services, and government institutions, among other sources. Marsh McLennan, the world's leading risk, strategy and people professional services firm, helps clients in 130 countries navigate increasingly dynamic and complex environments through four market-leading firms. The company has about 85,000 employees. Its annual revenue exceeds $20 billion. Commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrsky, held a meeting with the commanders of units and subunits in the area of responsibility of the Liman operational-tactical group of troops and heard reports on the current situation, Military Media Center said. "In order to study the situation and make operational decisions, I worked in military units that are conducting defense in the zone of responsibility of Lyman operational-tactical group. I met with the commanders of units and units, heard reports on the current situation. Decisions were made on the spot regarding further actions and a number of problematic issues have been resolved," Military Media Center said, citing Syrsky on the Telegram channel. At the same time, the Commander of the AFU Ground Forces said in recent days the situation in Kupiansk and Lyman directions has worsened significantly. "The enemy, after the losses inflicted on him, recovered within two months and started active offensive operations in Makiyivka area, and then in Kupiansk direction. Heavy fighting continues," Syrsky said. He also said the key goal of the Russians is the defeat of the group, as well as the encirclement of Kupiansk in Kharkiv region and access to the Oskil River. Every day, the enemy conducts heavy fire from mortars and artillery at the positions of Ukrainian forces, and also carries out dozens of attacks by assault groups with the support of armored vehicles. However, the Ukrainian defenders are giving a worthy rebuff to the Russians, and they are suffering significant losses without achieving significant success. Syrsky also held a meeting with servicemen who perform combat missions and thanked them for "courage, perseverance, heroism, and exemplary performance of their military duty." Jurors delivered a verdict on Thursday, convicting a former Colorado police officer in connection with the 2019 Elijah McClain death, a Black man subjected to a neck hold, pinned to the ground and administered an overdose of the sedative ketamine by paramedics. Another officer was acquitted of all charges, according to the NY Post. A 12-person jury found Aurora police officer Randy Roedema was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault, while officer Jason Rosenblatt was acquitted. Roedema, visibly solemn after the verdict was read, faces a potential prison sentence of up to three years for the more severe homicide charge. In contrast, Rosenblatt, who was acquitted, embraced his supporters as he exited the courtroom. Elijah McClain's mother was in the front row during the verdict announcement on Elijah McClain death trial, with Attorney General Phil Weiser offering support. Sheneen McClain raised her right fist as she left the courtroom, expressing disappointment in the outcome and stating, "This is the divided states of America, and that's what happens." READ NEXT: Colorado: Former Police Officer Who Detained a Woman in SUV Hit by Train Receives No Jail Time Elijah McClain Death Elijah McClain's fatal encounter with the police occurred in August 2019 when he was stopped on his way home from a convenience store, ABC News noted. A passerby had called 911, describing McClain as "sketchy" due to his ski mask, but noted that no weapon was involved and no immediate danger. Police body camera footage captured McClain asserting his right to move freely. Despite this, one of the officers deemed him "suspicious" and placed him in a chokehold. Subsequently, all three officers physically moved McClain to the ground, restraining him. McClain could be heard in the body camera footage pleading with the officers, expressing difficulty breathing. "I'm so sorry. I have no gun; I don't do that stuff. I don't do fighting. Why are you taking me," McClain can also be heard saying in body camera footage. After Emergency Medical Technicians arrived, McClain was administered a 500-milligram dose of ketamine, as per department policy, to subdue him. Tragically, he suffered a heart attack in the ambulance. A later autopsy revealed his death was attributed to "complications of ketamine administration following forcible restraint." The Elijah McClain death garnered renewed attention after the murder of George Floyd, underscoring the broader issues of police violence and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement, per BBC. Moreover, several individuals, including a third officer named Nathan Woodyard and paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec, have faced charges during the Elijah McClain death trial. All three have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to be tried in two separate cases later this year. Elijah McClain Death Shakes Arrest Procedures in Many States The case of Elijah McClain's untimely demise has had far-reaching implications, sparking policy debates and reform efforts across the United States. The pseudoscientific diagnosis of "excited delirium," initially cited in explaining Elijah McClain death, came under scrutiny, The Guardian said. This term is not recognized by major medical associations. It has been used to justify police violence, especially against Black men. California, in response, became the first state to ban the term. In the wake of McClain's death, Colorado has imposed restrictions on using ketamine for sedation and introduced police accountability measures, including stricter use-of-force policies, increased disclosure of body-camera footage, and the establishment of a database tracking officer misconduct. Moreover, the state now exercises oversight over the Aurora police department following an investigation that uncovered patterns of biased policing and excessive use of force. READ MORE: IRS Contractor Who Leaked Trump's Tax Returns Pleads Guilty This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Minute-To-Minute Breakdown Leading Up To Elijah McClain's Deadly Stop - From NBC News Colombia is no stranger to serial killers, and one of its most infamous, Luis Alfredo Garavito, nicknamed "The Beast," has now passed away inside a hospital. As a serial killer, Luis Alfredo Garavito was mostly active in the 1990s. He has confessed to murdering over 190 children in his killing spree, all between the ages of 8 and 16 and were from low-income families. The National Penitentiary and Prison Institute in Colombia confirmed his death inside a local hospital in Valledupar, in northern Colombia, where he was imprisoned, according to the Associated Press. However, his cause of death was not immediately revealed. He was so infamous in Colombia that when his sentence was almost up and the possibility of him gaining his freedom seemingly becoming imminent, it caused much concern among Colombians. This forced then-President Ivan Duque to reject this scenario and promised the people of Colombia that he would have to "stay in prison" as long as he was president. "The Beast" remained in prison and continued to serve his sentence inside a Colombian prison until his recent death inside the Nuevo Santo Tomas Clinic. He was 66 years old. 'The Beast' Was Considered the Worst Serial Killer in Colombia Colombia has its fair share of infamous serial killers, including Pedro Alonso Lopez, also known as the "Monster of the Andes." However, Luis Alfredo Garavito, nicknamed "La Bestia" or "The Beast" in Colombia, is considered by many in the country as the worst of them all. According to Voz Media, Garavito lured, raped, and killed children across 13 departments all over Colombia. His rampage of rape and murder went on for seven years before finally getting captured in 1999 when he was caught trying to rape a minor. READ MORE: Is Argentina's Notorious Serial Killer Carlos Robledo Puch Still Alive? He was then linked to other crimes across Colombia before confessing to the murder of more than 190 children. He was also linked to cases of disappearances of minors in Pereira, Armenia, and Tunja. His killing spree reportedly encompassed 59 towns all over Colombia. After confessing, he apologized to the families of the victims during a court hearing, infamously saying, "I want to ask for forgiveness for everything I did and I am going to confess. Yes, I killed them and not only those, I killed others." Colombian Serial Killer, 'The Beast,' Was Diagnosed With Cancer While no official reason for the infamous serial killer's death was announced, El Pais noted that Garavito was diagnosed with cancer just a few months ago. However, it remains unclear if this was really the cause of his death. "The Beast" was sentenced to 1,800 years in prison for all of his crimes, meaning that after his sentencing, he actually spent the rest of his life behind bars. However, Colombia only allows a maximum of 40 years in prison to be served but the infamous serial killer did not live long enough to finish his sentence. READ MORE: Texas Serial Killer Raul Meza Jr. Confessed To Multiple Murders This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Luis Alfredo Garavito, the beast of Colombia - The Enigma Donald Trump's response to Hamas's attack on Israel has certainly raised eyebrows and his Republican opponents are now using his recent comments against him, questioning his already-divisive international relations record. Following the Hamas attack against Israel, Donald Trump declared Hezbollah "very smart" and slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the intelligence failure. This got many of his Republican opponents bristling and immediately slammed the former president over his comments. According to CBS News, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley all piled on Trump after he said Netanyahu "let us down" and demanded Israeli leaders to "step up their game." In New Hampshire, DeSantis told the crowd at his rally, "To go out and just take potshots at Netanyahu in a time of war right now, I don't see where that's very productive." Meanwhile, Chris Christie could not hide his disgust at the ex-POTUS, giving out the strongest rebuke of all, calling Trump a fool. "Only a fool would make those kinds of comments. Only a fool would give comments that give aid and comfort to Israel's adversary in this situation, and he always places it in the context of himself," he said in a recent interview. As for the man he allegedly wanted to be hanged on January 6, Mike Pence rebuked his former running mate by saying, "I found the former president's comments to be reckless and irresponsible. Leaders in this country should be sending no message other than America stands with Israel." He added, "To speak in a critical way about Prime Minister Netanyahu, to refer to the terrorist organization Hezbollah as 'very smart,' I think - was incomprehensible to me." Donald Trump Praised Terrorist Group, Hezbollah, After Slamming Israel During a campaign speech, Trump accused Israel of pulling out of the effort to kill Iranian hardliner Qassem Suleimani. He noted that Netanyahu "let him down: before calling Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant a "jerk." However, while he was attacking US allies, he was praising a group regarded as terrorists by the US government. READ MORE: Donald Trump Fraud Trial: Ex-POTUS Knew He Was Faking the Size of His Properties as Court Documents Show "You know, Hezbollah is very smart," praising the terrorist group before continuing his criticisms of Israel, saying Netanyahu was "not prepared" for last weekend's surprise assault by Hamas. The Times of Israel pointed out that Trump's comments were in stark contrast from President Joe Biden who had expressed his steadfast support of Israel while his main political rival continued antagonizing US allies and praising US opponents. Donald Trump's Reaction to Israel Attack Puts Foreign Policy in Question Even though he had been president before, experts note that when it comes to foreign policy, Donald Trump is one of the weakest, as he has become infamous for making US foreign relations all about himself, according to CNN. Trump tried to diffuse the situation by saying "there was no better friend or ally of Israel" than him before accusing Biden of weakness and incompetence and continuing to insist that the attack on Israel would not have happened if he were president. However, Trump does have a history of international bungling, from saluting a North Korean general with the rogue country then using it for propaganda purposes, to "acting like a petulant child" when dealing with then-German chancellor Angela Merkel and other allies should things not go his way. READ MORE: Trump Organization Convicted of 17 Felonies, Gets Maximum Punishment This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Trump attacks Israel's Netanyahu, praises 'very smart' Iran-backed Hezbollah A group of eight masked individuals attempted to carry out a robbery at a Walgreens in San Francisco. They arrived with a wagon-style cart and rushed into the store to steal merchandise. However, the police were already on the scene, conducting an organized retail theft operation, and apprehended six suspects. The group began filling bags and the wagon with stolen items before the officers intervened at approximately 6:30 PM on Wednesday at the Geneva Avenue store. Among the suspects arrested were a 16-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man, a 20-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, a 34-year-old woman, and a 54-year-old man, The San Francisco Standard reported. "Eight people run in with ski masks and a wagon, and they grab anything they can get their arms around," SFPD Chief Bill Scott described of the incident. He warned the two suspects who remain at large, saying, "The other two: you'd better watch over your shoulders 'cause we're coming for you." READ NEXT: California: Mob of Criminals Attacks Los Angeles Nordstrom San Francisco's Crime Fighting Efforts San Francisco's Mayor London Breed and Chief Scott held a news conference addressing various public safety concerns, including smash-and-grabs, drug dealing, and car theft, per KTVU. They updated the city's efforts to combat organized retail theft, emphasizing how new state funds are utilized. Mayor Breed highlighted that San Francisco has one of the lowest crime rates among major cities and one of the highest clearance rates for homicides. Chief Scott noted a decrease in burglaries and thefts compared to the previous year, with overall larceny burglaries down by about 10% and car break-ins down by approximately 7%. In September, San Francisco received $17 million from the state to combat organized retail theft. These funds are allocated to various initiatives, including paying overtime for police officers, funding investigations, and providing additional prosecutors for the District Attorney's Office. Some funds are also being used to support new police tactics, such as "blitz" operations targeting groups of thieves who overwhelm store security. San Francisco Street Vendors Arrested for Allegedly Selling Stolen Goods San Francisco prosecutors have filed charges against two individuals who were arrested for allegedly selling stolen goods in the Mission District. Veronica Lumbreras-Villanueva of Daly City and Deysi Ramirez of San Francisco are accused of "fencing," which involves selling merchandise stolen from various Bay Area retail stores, according to KRON 4. The San Francisco Police Department identified two illegal street vending booths where suspected stolen merchandise was being sold. Items at these booths were displayed with retail store tags, security tags, and other identifiable antitheft devices still attached. The police recovered from the duo stolen merchandise with an estimated value of $16,066. Fencing operations like this contribute to organized retail theft rings seeking to profit from criminal activities. Lumbreras-Villanueva and Ramirez pleaded not guilty to receiving stolen property and one count of conspiracy. They could each face more than three years in state prison if convicted. READ MORE: Michigan Teen Faces Trial as an Adult This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: San Francisco police arrest several people in operations - From KRON 4 Enemy destroys five-story building in Avdiyivka with airstrike; there may be victim under rubble Late on Friday evening, the occupiers carried out an airstrike on a five-story building in Avdiyivka (Donetsk region), the building was destroyed, a man is believed to be under the rubble, but it is still impossible to recover the body, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said on Saturday afternoon. "Avdiyivka. Late last night Russia carried out an airstrike on a five-story building. The building was destroyed. 'White angels' inspected the place of arrival. A man born in 1959 is believed to be under the rubble. It is still impossible to get the body," according to the Telegram channel. Police call on residents to evacuate, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said. In Allentown this week, as bloodshed begat more bloodshed in Israel and Gaza, prayers and a call to action in support of Israel were offered, contrasting with a vocal rally in support of Palestine. The rally Friday afternoon organized by the Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley drew an estimated 150 people to Allentowns Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Seventh and Hamilton streets, followed by a march to the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building where the Lehigh Valleys congresswoman has an office. Three days earlier, members of the Jewish faith gathered Tuesday evening at the Jewish Community Center to mourn those killed in last weekends deadly terror attacks on Israel and to back the brutal response. The backdrop, in the Middle East, saw Palestinians begin a mass exodus Friday from northern Gaza after Israels military told some 1 million people to evacuate toward the southern part of the besieged territory, an unprecedented order ahead of an expected ground invasion against the ruling Hamas militant group. Israel has bombarded Gaza round-the-clock since Hamas attack last Saturday, Oct. 6, in which its fighters massacred hundreds in southern Israel and snatched some 150 people to Gaza as hostages. In a deepening humanitarian crisis, Israel has stopped the water flow from its national water company into Gaza, additionally blocking electricity, food and fuel from entering the coastal enclave. Israel said Thursday it would allow no supplies into Gaza until Hamas frees the hostages. The week-old war has sent tensions soaring across the region. Israel has traded fire in recent days with Lebanons Hezbollah militant group, sparking fears of an ever wider conflict, though that frontier was calm Friday. A visit to Israel by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, along with shipments of weapons, offered a powerful green light for Israel to drive ahead with its retaliation. Defense Secretary Austin, who met with Israeli leaders Friday, reiterated the United States ironclad support for Israel, saying military assistance would flow in at the speed of war. An overflow crowd attends a Stand With Israel prayer vigil on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, Hammel Campus, in Allentown, following deadly attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists.Courtesy Carl Zebrowski | For lehighvalleylive.com In Tuesdays Stand With Israel prayer vigil hosted by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday evening at the JCCs Hammel Campus in Allentowns West End, an overflow crowd listened to prayers for strength and protection in what Rabbi Moshe Reem called this devastating time of war, shock and grief. Dr. Israel Zighelboim led calls for donations to an emergency campaign creation for those suffering in Israel. We all know why were here, the federations president, Robert Wax, told those gathered in the centers auditorium and watching from seating in the gymnasium or via live-stream on Facebook. The news from Israel is horrifying. The reports are shocking. The stories of innocent men, women and children being murdered, kidnapped and injured is too much to bear individually. We must shoulder the pain collectively as a community. Recorded messages of solidarity and support for Israel were aired from elected officials like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Lehigh Valleys U.S. Rep. Susan Wild and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman. Robert Wax, president of the board of directors of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, speaks during a Stand With Israel prayer vigil on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, Hammel Campus, in Allentown, following deadly attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists.Courtesy Carl Zebrowski | For lehighvalleylive.com Just as we came together as a community during the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago and during barbaric atrocities against our people beforehand and afterwards, we join now in solidarity with the State of Israel, Wax continued. We will mourn, we will continue to cry, we will pray. But we will also demonstrate resilience and we will overcome this terrible tragedy. That is our story, it is the story of our people. We have no other choice. While we cannot change what happened in Israel, we can help control what happens next, we can assist those who are struggling, we can help them as they relocate, as they rebuild. Its our time to respond to a call to action. A Justice for Palestine rally organized by the Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley is held Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Seventh and Hamilton streets in Allentown.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Fridays Justice for Palestine rally featured the waving of Palestinian flags, honking horns of passersby and the beating of drums to chants like, From the rivers to the sea, Palestine will be free; No justice, no peace; Free free Palestine, occupation is a crime; and Stop the killing, stop the hate. Many wore the Palestinian scarf called a kufiya, and held signs declaring, End apartheid; Palestinian lives matter and Decolonize now. A news helicopter circled overhead, as Allentown police kept watch. Mohamed Mosalem, a Muslim from Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, came with his family in a bid to convey a message to U.S. policymakers that Palestine has a right to defend itself. It is like very strange that U.S. will stand up with Ukraine against Russia and its basically the same case for Palestine, he said. They are being occupied and its the same case, so Im not understanding why the double-standard? This is basically supporting Israel in its war this is not a war it is basically genocide, they are trying to eliminate 2 million people. He equated the terror attacks last weekend to Palestinians defending their land. A Justice for Palestine rally organized by the Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley is held Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Seventh and Hamilton streets in Allentown.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Mark Rosenzweig, who is of Jewish faith and from Easton, also took part, clutching a Free Palestine sign, a kufiya around his neck tucked neatly into his coat. I feel I have to protest my governments support for what promises to be a massacre in Gaza and Im very disturbed by the role that the U.S. is playing, he said. And the whole world is watching this, and we are supporting an invasion that is systematically going to destroy the Gaza Strip and drive out the Palestinian people trapped there. They have no place to go, and theyre told to get out. I feel its a genocide about to be completed. As a Jew I feel another obligation to protest the country which pretends to stand for the entire Jewish people but has been engaged in the systematic construction of an apartheid state with the genocidal dynamic to it, Rosenzweig said of Israel. Mourners react beside the body of Mapal Adam, during her funeral in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. Adam was killed by Hamas militants on Saturday as they carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack that killed over 1,000 Israelis.AP Photo/Francisco Seco Relatives mourn people killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Israel's military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders Monday as it pounded the Gaza Strip.AP Photo/Fatima Shbair The site of a music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel is seen on Thursday. Oct. 12, 2023. At least 260 Israeli festivalgoers were killed during the attack by Hamas gunmen last Saturday.AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Yassin Mosque destroyed after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike at Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, early Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Israel's military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders Monday as it pounded the Gaza Strip.AP Photo/Adel Hana Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. As Israeli warplanes pummel Gaza to avenge the Hamas attack, Palestinians say the military's fury has largely unleashed its fury on civilians.AP Photo/Fatima Shbair U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make statements to the media inside The Kirya, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Defense, after their meeting in Tel Aviv, Thursday Oct. 12, 2023. President Joe Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show U.S. support after the unprecedented attack by Hamas militants.AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, pool Mourners react during the funeral of Danielle Waldmann and her partner Noam Shai in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Tivon, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. The couple was killed when Hamas militants went on a brutal rampage through southern Israel last Saturday, part of an unprecedented, multi-front attack on the country.AP Photo/Ariel Schalit The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Lehigh County officials have corrected errant instructions sent along with mail-in and absentee election ballots mailed to voters on Oct. 9, 2023. Specifically, the instructions direct voters to put your ballot in the white secrecy envelope that says Official Election Ballot and seal it. The secrecy envelope is actually yellow, not white. This error has been corrected for subsequent mailings. Officials announced the correction in a news release Friday, and confirm there are no errors or issues with the mail-in or absentee ballots themselves or the envelopes sent with the ballots the only error is in the instructions. After filling out their ballot, voters must place their ballot inside the yellow secrecy envelope labeled Official Election Ballot and seal it. They must then place the yellow secrecy envelope into the white mailing envelope. The voter declaration on the white mailing envelope must be signed and dated as of the date of signing. Ballots that are returned without the yellow secrecy envelope or are not signed and dated will not be counted. Voters who already returned their ballots without the yellow secrecy envelope may vote at the polls on Election Day via provisional ballot, according to the release. The 2023 Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Pennsylvania polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. All mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by county voter registration offices in Pennsylvania no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 7 but not received until after 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 will not be counted. The Lehigh County Office of Voter Registration is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the following exceptions: Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 23. The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. On demand, over-the-counter voting will be available starting Monday, Oct. 16, and continuing through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. During that time, voters may apply for a mail-in ballot, receive their ballot on the spot, and fill out and return their ballot. The Lehigh County Office of Voter Registration may be reached at 610-782-3194 with any questions. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Risk of dire consequences for Black Sea Fleet would highly likely outweigh gain from Russian attempt to blockade Ukrainian-bound trade British intelligence The risk of further military losses and the dire political consequences of Russian naval forces overtly attacking merchant shipping would highly likely outweigh any gain from attempting to enforce a blockade of Ukrainian-bound trade, a British Ministry of Defense said in the statement. "Since suffering a series of strikes in August and September, the Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) has highly likely doubled down on its defensive and reactive posture. It has relocated many of its prestige assets including cruise missile capable ships and submarines from Sevastopol to operating and basing areas further east, such as Novorossiysk," according to the statement published on the X social network. Intelligence said since July 2022, Ukraine has gained the initiative in the northwest Black Sea, forcing the powerful BSF to defend itself from uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) and missile attacks as well as special operations. However, it is indicated that with notable and embarrassing exceptions, however, the BSF has mostly continued to train, maintain and defend itself whilst launching cruise missiles into Ukraine. It can almost certainly continue to do so from the eastern Black Sea. "Despite the BSF's largely intact capabilities, there is only a realistic possibility of it using its conventional superiority in firepower to seize the initiative in the Western Black Sea," the intelligence said. A Philadelphia police officer was released from the hospital on Saturday after being wounded in an airport shooting that killed another officer, and police were still searching for the shooting suspects. A line of fellow officers saluted and applauded as Officer Raul Ortiz, 60, was wheeled out of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to a waiting SUV. Ortiz, a 20-year veteran of the force, was shot in the arm when he and Officer Richard Mendez confronted several people breaking into a vehicle in a parking garage at Philadelphia International Airport at about 11 p.m. Thursday. Fifty-year-old Mendez, who had been on the force for more than two decades, was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Authorities said the suspects fled in an SUV reported stolen a week ago that was later seen at a hospital dropping off 18-year-old Jesus Herman Madera Duran, who authorities say was believed to be involved in the confrontation with the officers. Duran had been shot in the chest, abdomen and left arm and was pronounced dead around 11:30 p.m. Thursday. It wasnt clear if any other suspects were wounded in the shooting, authorities said, or how many of them had fired weapons. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford noted that the shooting came only a week after three officers were shot and wounded while responding to a call and called the new shooting a numb, numb moment for us. The slain officers gun has not been located and it wasnt immediately known whether anyone fired it, Stanford said. Police released video showing at least one suspect as well as the vehicle used to drop off Madera Duran at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. A reward totaling $148,500 was offered for information leading to an arrest as the $30,000 posted by two local police unions was supplemented by money from other police groups, businesses and Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents. Thats in addition to $20,000 offered by the city for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. President Joe Biden, who was in Philadelphia on Friday, offered his condolences the families of the officers, saying They put their lives on the line to protect this community. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Saturdays annular solar eclipse will create a ring of fire in the sky for those in its path. For the rest of us, the moon will appear to take a bite out of the sun. At least, thats what it will look like where the weather cooperates. Viewing conditions will be poor for skywatchers in a large swath of the northeastern U.S., including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and along the Pacific Coast, according to AccuWeather. (Though if there is a break in the clouds, dont try to observe it without special eclipse glasses!) But all is not lost. There are several online avenues to observe the eclipse. It will last from noon to about 2:30 p.m. Eastern time, reaching maximum at 1:19 p.m. NASA will have a live eclipse broadcast on YouTube from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., including a Spanish-language broadcast and a live stream of sounding rockets launching during the eclipse. Space.com will have a live blog and YouTube stream. TimeAndDate.com will have an eclipse live stream with animations, maps and times. The website based in Norway tracks not only time and time zones but seasons, the sun and moon, and meteor showers. San Franciscos Exploratorium will have live coverage on YouTube from Valley of the Gods, Utah. There will be two alternate feeds without commentary: One from telescopes in Valley of the Gods and another from telescopes in Ely, Nevada. The online astronomy platform Slooh will have a virtual star party beginning at 11 a.m. on its social channels, where members can interact with experts. Those near the Lehigh Valley can still head to Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, which will have live events all day, including expert speakers and a public Q&A with local spacefaring billionaire Jared Isaacman, who is training for the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission. This is the last time an annular solar eclipse will be visible in the U.S. until 2039. But there will be another, total solar eclipse visible across the U.S. on April 8, 2024. The path of totality from Texas through the Great Lakes will be within a few hours drive of the Lehigh Valley. Even those who stay home will see about 90% of the sun eclipsed by the moon. Current weather radar Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. An unlicensed taxi driver who painted himself as a Mother Teresa type admitted sexually assaulting a vulnerable woman in his car. John Parkinson, 68, of Trumera, Mountrath admitted sexually assaulting the 22-year-old woman in Laois on March 23 last year. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was operating an unlicensed taxi when he picked up the woman. He said the woman wanted to go to a house but the defendant pulled over all of a sudden and sexually assaulted her. She told Gardai: He put his hand down below where I piss from. She asked him what he was doing, but he didnt answer, she told investigating gardai. I told him to stop but he didnt, Sgt Kirby said the woman told gardai. She said the man then put his hand on her hand and then her chest but she took his hand away. This lady felt uncomfortable when this was happening, said Sgt Kirby. This lady would be a vulnerable young woman, he stated. Sgt Kirby said the man had no previous convictions. Judge Andrew Cody said he recalled the defendant being before the court for operating an unlicensed taxi service. He told me that he was a bit like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, providing a service, Judge Cody recalled. Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client lived alone and was on a contributory pension. He said he would have been known in the area as someone who would provide a lift. He said the man would do it for the price of the diesel. He cannot explain why he did this, said Mr Meagher. Mr Meagher said some kind of urge came over him and he committed the offence which he estimated lasted for 20 seconds. He said the man apologised to the woman in the days after. When he saw her in the street he actually pulled up the car and apologised, Mr Meagher said. He described the incident as appalling and said there was no violence involved. He is beyond sorry. He is beyond ashamed for what happened, he said. Mr Meagher said his client had written a short letter of apology to the victim and had brought 1,000 to court. He said his client acknowledges that the sum doesnt represent adequate compensation. Judge Andrew Cody said he would require a victim impact statement in the case. Although the case was heard in-camera, Judge Cody said the reporting restrictions would only apply to the victim in the case meaning nothing can be reported that might identify her. He described the incident as a complete breach of trust and adjourned the case to November 23 for a victim impact statement. Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty has sent a message of hope to families who are suffering in Israel and Palestine. The presenter from Co Down, whose father was shot dead by the Ulster Freedom Fighters during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, recalled his experience of growing up in a conflict zone was that the hurt and the pain on both sides was sadly the same. However, he said the people of Ireland are living our own miracle and he hoped for those suffering during the Israel-Hamas conflict your miracle comes soon. We are currently living in our own miracle#LateLate pic.twitter.com/yOLyhVd8iM The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) October 14, 2023 As he closed Friday nights episode on RTE, the Irish national broadcaster, Kielty said: Before we go, I would just like to say that so many of us here on the Late Late Show want to send our love to the family of Kim Damti and all the families whose lives this week have been ripped apart in Israel and Palestine. There are no words that will even touch the sides on the pain and the loss and the ongoing horror that has been felt by so many tonight. But as someone who grew up during a conflict where the rights and wrongs of politics were always writ large, one common truth was the hurt and the pain on both sides was sadly the same. We all shared something, but we just didnt realise it at the time and there were days when we thought it would never end. Kielty continued: Tonight, there are many parents and children in Israel and in Gaza who also think this will never end and are praying for a miracle to make it stop. In the midst of despair, miracles are hard to believe in but its worth remembering that we are currently living our own miracle on this island because we are living in peace. And for all those in Israel and Palestine tonight, it mightnt seem like it but there is always hope and we hope that your miracle comes soon. On Wednesday, 22-year-old Irish-Israeli citizen Ms Damti was confirmed dead after the Hamas attacks in Israel. She had been attending a music festival near the Gaza border on Saturday when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack. Palestinians are currently struggling to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military after power and water supplies to the region were stopped ahead of an expected land offensive. Kielty has presented documentaries about The Troubles, including the BBC programme My Dad, The Peace Deal And Me, about his fathers death at the hands of paramilitary gunmen. The comedian was 16 when Jack Kielty was shot dead. The programme coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and saw Kielty return to his home town of Dundrum to see if the historic peace deal has delivered on its pledge to create a new Northern Ireland. It was nominated for a Bafta for best single documentary and he was named UK documentary host of the year at the 2018 Grierson Awards. His film Patrick Kielty: 100 Years Of Union, which explored how the trauma of the past is shaping the future of Northern Ireland during its centenary year, also won an RTS award. A teenage boy is 'constantly absconding' from State care, according to social care workers. The comments were made to Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court on Thursday, October 12 last. Defending barrister Aisling Murphy told the judge that the workers were 'concerned about his behaviour.' The juvenile defendant had been accused of assaulting a member of staff at the care home he currently resides in. When asked by Judge Zaidan how long he has been in State care, the boy told him: "For 11 years." He also said that he no longer attends school. When the judge asked him why he was put into State care in the first place, he said that his father died when he was young, and that his mother suffered from substance abuse issues at the time. "Do you have any skills at the moment?" the judge asked him, to which he responded: "No." However, when the boy said that he wanted to do a barber's course, the judge told him: "You should, it's a good profession, you'll never run out of work." Judge Zaidan then asked the boy: "If they (the State) got you a place in a barber's course, would you take it?" "Yes," the boy replied. The boy also told the judge that one issue he had with State care is that he alleged that the State care were stopping him from leaving the centre to visit his family and friends, who are in another county. This prompted Judge Zaidan to respond: "Well, you only have a short amount of time left in State care, so take up the course before you leave." Speaking directly to a social worker present in the courtroom, Judge Zaidan said: "He doesn't know how vulnerable he is... I don't want him to become another statistic." At this point, the social worker stood up and told the judge: "He doesn't want help from us. He is constantly throwing food and drinks at us, has assaulted staff and threatened staff. "A risk assessment was carried out on him and it was determined that he shouldn't be left alone in a car with a social worker." When the social worker claimed that he was taking cannabis and possibly other illegal drugs, the boy denied this, and said: "I'm willing to do a drug test." The judge told the boy: "We all want to help you, but you need to help us halfway." He adjourned the case to a date in November for hearing. At the end of the court session, Judge Zaidan told the boy: "Remember: life is full of rules that we all have to follow... it's for the smooth running of society as a whole." A LIMERICK woman has pleaded guilty, before the Special Criminal Court, to laundering over 100,000 in crime cash at her home. Sandra Hehir, aged 54, with an address at Assumpta Park, Island Road in the city appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court this Friday morning. Ms Hehir was arraigned on a single charge that on June 17, 2020 she handled, acquired and/or possessed cash to the value of 124,055, knowing or believing (or being reckless as to whether) the property in the said premises was the proceeds of criminal conduct. After the guilty plea was entered, Fiona Murphy SC, prosecuting, told the court that five other counts could be taken into consideration. The barrister said a nolle prosequi will be entered in due course on three other counts. Padraig Dwyer SC, defending Ms Hehir, asked the court for some time in order to produce references for his client on the next date. Mr Dwyer also informed the court that there are two co-accused who have also pleaded guilty to charges relating to the offences and that their cases have been listed for mention on October 23 next for the purpose of fixing a sentence hearing. "It would be in Ms Hehir's interest to be given a separate sentence date because of a potential undertaking she may be giving on family members," he added. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, presiding, sitting with Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley and Mr Justice James Faughnan, listed Ms Hehir's case for mention on October 31 next in order to fix a date for a sentence hearing. Ms Murphy said that there is no issue with Ms Hehir's case being dealt with separately. Ms Hehir was remanded on bail on the same terms and conditions. Vicky Hehir, aged 30, also known as Victoria O'Halloran, of Bruach na Sionna, Castleconnell, County Limerick and her husband Warren Hehir, aged 33, of the same address were arraigned on similar charges last July. Sandra Hehir's son, Warren Hehir pleaded guilty to a charge that on dates between August 8, 2019 and 17 June, 2020 he "possessed, used, converted, transferred or handled" cash to the value of 59,000, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct, in discharging sums due and owing in respect of works carried out on Kilmurry Court, Garryowen, Limerick between August 8, 2019 and June 17, 2020. He also admitted that on June 17, 2020 at The Path, Garryowen, he handled, acquired or possessed a Rolex watch knowing, believing or being reckless as to whether the watch was the proceeds of criminal conduct. Vicky Hehir pleaded guilty to one charge of money laundering in relation to the 59,000 for the works carried out at Kilmurry Court. French President Emmanuel Macron, flanked by French Education and Youth Minister Gabriel Attal and French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, talks to the press after a teacher was killed and two others severely wounded in a knife attack in Arras, northeastern France on October 13, 2023. LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP France will deploy 7,000 soldiers after a Chechen-origin man fatally stabbed a teacher and severely wounded three other adults at a school in the northeastern town of Arras, the Elysee presidential palace said Saturday, October 14. The attack on Friday was denounced by President Emmanuel Macron as an act of "Islamist terror" in Arras, which has large Jewish and Muslim populations. The deployment of the soldiers will be completed by Monday evening. Read more Teacher killed in knife attack at school in Arras. What we know so far France has raised its alert level to the highest position following a crunch security meeting chaired by Macron on Friday. The president said a separate "attempted attack" in another region had been foiled by security forces. "This school was struck by the barbarity of Islamist terrorism," Macron said after visiting the school, saying the victim had "probably saved many lives" with his courage in seeking to block the attacker. The suspected attacker, Mohammed Moguchkov, who is in his 20s, was arrested by police. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Who is Mohammed M., the man who carried out a knife attack at a school in Arras? Moguchkov is from Russia's mainly Muslim southern Caucasus region of Chechnya. He was already on a French national register known as "Fiche S" as a potential security threat, a police source told AFP, and under electronic and physical surveillance by France's domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI. Moguchkov cried the Arabic phrase "Allahu akbar!" (God is greatest), according to the preliminary elements of the investigation. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Stabbing attack in Arras: France's interior ministry on high alert for further attacks THERE are renewed calls on gardai to go after the top level people in the illicit drugs trade in Limerick. Sinn Fein TD, Maurice Quinlivan has highlighted the drug activity which is taking place along Canal Bank in the city, after hearing from concerned residents. Its not unusual to see people inject themselves or do crack cocaine publicly any more, unfortunately, he said. What we need is to have a garda response to go after the people that are dealing these illegal drugs, and I mean the top level people. We need to make sure the Criminal Assets Bureau takes their profits out of it and goes after them. Mr Quinlivan said that drug and alcohol services offer great services, but that they lack funding. We have some wonderful groups but because of the lack of resources, they can't do as much work as we would hope they could. Most of these groups had their funding cut in 2008 / 2009 which have never really been restored. We're playing a lot of catch up here, and I don't have to tell anybody this, but we have a massive problem with crack cocaine. "I'm on public record for saying this, crack cocaine was delivered into Limerick by an unscrupulous gang who deliberately did it to target some of the most vulnerable people, he said. FAMILY and friends of a 17-year-old Limerick girl who died from cancer are to hold a memorial walk in her honour for charity. Oscars Kids Ireland, which supported Ailish Cowhey before she passed away in April, is the chosen charity for the upcoming Ailish Angels Memorial Walk. Ailish, from Caherdavin in the city, was only 17 when she died from brain cancer. Battling the debilitating disease for 18 months, she was a member of Oscars Kids Ireland, which supported her through her illness. It was a complete shock to the family, because Ailish had no symptoms up to the night of her seizure, said her sister, Annie. Anyone who knew Ailish, knew she was a proud Oscars Kids member and those magic moments kept her going. Oscars Kids Ireland is a national childrens charity which provides services to children who have a terminal illness. They give children treats and day trips, such as ice cream vouchers and little gifts and, in the case of Ailish, an afternoon tea in Adare Manor with her family. Ashleigh Cowhey, Ailishs niece and best friend, says she hopes the walk will be special. We are all going to wear pink for the walk on October 23. It was Ailishs favourite colour - we all wore it to her funeral, too. We did ballet together for years. Ailish loved her fashion and beauty and more recently, loved buying designer brands, said Ashleigh, who is nine months older than Ailish. We went to playschool, primary school in Caherdavin Girls school and secondary school together, to the Crescent College Comprehensive. We did most things as a pair, Ashleigh said, adding that the pair couldnt understand why others thought it was weird that she was older than her aunt. Having teamed up with their former school Crescent College Comprehensive, Ashleigh came up with the idea to hold a memorial walk in aid of Oscars Kids. On October 23, sixth years from the school will team up by wearing pink and walking to remember Ailish. She was very kind and would always put you first. She loved Home Economics, and wanted to do Early Childhood Education after school. We would have been doing our Leaving Cert together. A special Instagram page has been set up in honour of Ailish and to notify people about the walk which is taking place later this month. As well as this, more than 10,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe page for the international paediatric cancer charity, Oscars Kids. Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko said sappers examined over 152,000 hectares and discovered over 707,000 explosive objects. "Over 707,000 explosive objects were discovered by sappers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system. The demining process continues. More than 152,000 hectares have already been surveyed. Our pyrotechnicians and explosion technicians are helped by modern equipment and specialized equipment that detects and destroys explosive objects remotely," Klymenko said on the Telegram channel in Saturday. Jana Woods | Dependability, often described as a highly valued attribute, is more than just a word. In a world where attributes like reliability, consistency and trustworthiness are often overshadowed by the allure of trendiness and innovation, the true worth of dependability shines through as an invaluable asset. In the workplace, a dependable person can be counted on to perform a task consistently and in a timely manner to deliver results.For over two decades, Facilities Manager Dude Luttrell has been the steadfast pillar the entire Lincoln University community could lean on, contributing to the success of the institution. On July 1, Mr. Luttrell retired from Lincoln University, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the institution's operational backbone for the past 23 years."Just about everybody at Lincoln has had my number. When they needed something, theyd call me, and Id get it done," shared Dude Luttrell in his approachable and easy-going tone. This simple statement encapsulated Luttrells reputation of being the reliable figure everyone could go to time and again.Starting as a locksmith in November 2001, he grew in his role through hard work and initiative. Eventually, he ascended to the role of facilities manager in 2015, overseeing a diverse range of responsibilities including building maintenance, groundskeeping, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and contract management. The role of a facilities manager goes far beyond maintenance tasks, however; it also encompasses strategic planning, operational efficiency and safety assurance to create an environment where an organization can thrive.Luttrell exemplified Lincoln Universitys core value of Better Together, collaborating efficiently across departments and leading his teams to achieve results. Under his leadership, special events were seamlessly executed. Beyond ensuring setup and logistics were in place, he assumed the responsibility of overseeing the construction of the Presidents' stages for Lincolns renowned homecomings and judging trailers for the Presidents Galas. Furthermore, he has played a significant role in preparing for graduations every year, allowing students to create special memories during their time here at Lincoln.Throughout his years at Lincoln, Luttrell has witnessed the institution evolve through various presidents and administration changes. Even the face of the campus has improved as he oversaw renovation projects on Bennett, Anthony and Tull Hall. Yet, he remained steadfast through each transition, attributing his commitment to the sense of purpose he derived from contributing to the students success.Luttrells secret to longevity and success was simple yet profound: the relationships he built with those he worked with. I like the atmosphere and the people who work here. . . Ive met a lot of great people at Lincoln, he shared.His comradery, initiative and reliability as a team member resonated in every interaction and created a positive impact on others. That sentiment has been reciprocated by anyone who knows Luttrell. Executive Director of University and Alumni Relations Misty Nunn recounted fondly that Luttrell has always been the person to turn to when something needed to be done. He was always eager to help pitch in, and if it wasnt his area of expertise, he would send you in the right direction for help, she said with a smile.As he looked back on his many years of service, Luttrell was optimistic about where the university is headed. Witnessing the progress and growth of the university causes him to believe that there are even better days ahead for Lincoln. He noted, "Since I started here in 2001, I've seen Lincoln change and improve in a lot of ways."These days, Luttrell is enjoying spending more time with his wife of 40 years, two sons and their families, including seven grandchildren. Together they spend their weekends venturing into the great outdoors, camping and going on ATV rides. He plans to embark on new adventures when his wife, Jeannie, also a fellow employee of Lincoln, retires in a few years. They plan to travel to to Jamaica. Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) now allows users to input prompts for AI-generated image creation. Up to four images can be generated, with the option to refine them, adds the Alphabet owned platform. The American tech giant recently introduced generative AI search within the Search Generative Experience (SGE), offering a convenient means to search and obtain results. In a more recent development, Google has disclosed its plans to incorporate generative AI technology into SGE for image creation. In a blog post, Google has unveiled that with the new SGE, users can now input prompts like "create an image of a capybara donning a chef's hat while preparing breakfast," and SGE will furnish up to four AI-generated images. By tapping on the image, users will receive a description of Google's generated content. Additionally, descriptions can be added to refine or enhance the image further. Google stated, Maybe you want to see the capybara chef making hash browns instead, or you want to add a light blue background with clouds. Thats an easy change!" To explore these capabilities, users can engage with the Search Generative Experience by opting into Search Labs. Once enabled, they might encounter the option to produce AI-generated images directly within Google Images. Google has responded to recent AI-generated image controversies by unveiling its commitment to incorporate metadata labeling and embedded watermarking in every AI-generated image. This labeling will clearly indicate that the image was created by AI. Google has revealed that the image generation feature is exclusively accessible in English within the United States, restricted to users aged 18 and above who have opted into the SGE experiment. Additionally, Google is preparing to introduce a new 'About this image' feature, designed to assist individuals in evaluating the context and authenticity of images. This feature will furnish information such as the initial indexing date of the image and similar images, its first appearance, and its online presence. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) India announced its strategic partnership with the leading management education provider, MDI Gurgaons School of Management of Financial Institutions (SoMFI), during the BFSI Connect 2023 event held on Saturday, October 7 2023. This collaboration opens doors for banking and finance professionals of India to access bespoke training programmes, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, and Management Development Programmes (MDP) under the esteemed banner of The London Institute of Banking & Finance. This will empower them to excel academically, and prepare for lucrative careers as international banking professionals, particularly in the rapidly growing fintech, banking, and finance sector. According to McKinsey's Global Banking Annual Review, approximately 80% of the projected $1.3 trillion increase in global banking revenue between 2021 and 2025 is expected to be concentrated in emerging parts of the world like India, Middle East, Singapore, China, UK, Latin America, and some parts of the United States. In light of the burgeoning growth, there is a pressing need to offer professional courses for early career professionals seeking to upskill for higher-level roles. LIBF India has taken a proactive approach to address this demand by launching specialised programmes tailored to mid-level professionals aiming to excel in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector. "Partnering with a leading education provider like MDI is not only a step-forward for LIBF India but will also act as a transformative opportunity for students and professionals in India. We commit to imparting best practices among students and professionals in the banking and finance domain, preparing them to excel in the ever-evolving global financial landscape" says Sumit Mehta, Director, LIBF India. BFSI Connect 2023 brought together senior professionals from the likes of American Express, Maruti Suzuki, HCLTech, HSBC, Axis Bank, IDBI who engaged in insightful discussions on various topics. It is a pleasure to be associated with LIBF, and we look forward to getting our students the international exposure and training experience from London, Singapore and Abu Dhabi." said Prof. Ajay K Jain, Dean - Accreditations, OPGDM and School of Management of Financial Institutions (SOMFI), MDI Gurgaon. About The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) - https://www.libf.ac.uk/ Rooted in the City of London, LIBF is an internationally-recognised professional body with a 140- year-old legacy providing outstanding education to support those working within the banking and finance sector worldwide. LIBFs focus is on lifelong learning, equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills and qualifications to achieve their career and life goals. About The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) India - https://libf.in/ LIBF India, represented by Indiaedge Education Pvt Ltd was conceived in 2023, with the sole purpose of imparting training to banking and finance professionals. LIBF India offers a range of professional and executive qualifications, certificates, and customised training solutions in risk management, trade finance, fintech and digital banking. For more information about The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) LIBF India contact ZEX PR WIRE (info@zexprwire.com) Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Citigroup Inc. has reduced staff by 2,000 in Q3, making the total job cuts for the year 7,000 and severance charges $650 million, as per a Bloomberg report. CFO Mark Mason shared this during an earnings call, stating that the earlier $450 million charges, disclosed in June, were for around 5,000 job cuts. He also highlighted that the recorded charges for the year don't include the recent reorganisation announced in the last month, which aims to refocus Citigroup on five key businesses. Citigroup has mentioned that the restructuring will result in additional job cuts, although a specific number hasn't been given yet, the report said. Despite these reductions, the overall staff count across the firm has stayed constant for the last four quarters at 240,000 employees. The bank has recruited technology personnel and other staff to aid in addressing consent orders received from regulators. In the third quarter, Citigroup's expenses increased by 6 percent to $13.5 billion, which was below analysts' expectations. The bank maintains its full-year expense projection at $54 billion, as indicated in an earnings presentation, it added. Impact across In June Bloomberg reported that Citi is also planning to trim 30 investment banking jobs and 20 corporate ones at its London unit to deal with adverse market conditions,. The company is aiming to reduce its cost base to deal with current market conditions. The group is also dismantling its global team that provides commentary and analysis on foreign-exchange markets, reported Bloomberg quoting sources. The recent round of shutting arms and cutting workforce has lead to departures in both London and New York as well as its Latin America corporate bond trading team, according to a Bloomberg's previous report. Future plans? Earlier sources had indicated that as Citigroup starts its reorganisation, support staff in compliance and risk management are among the most likely to lose their jobs, Reuters reported. They added that Citi managers are already convening discussions with employees about potential layoffs,; and one-on-one meetings about departures were also starting. This comes after the announcement for overhaul. The Reuters report added that CEO Jane Fraser, who called the reorganisation -- Citi's biggest in almost two decades -- will gain more direct control over its businesses in an effort to boost profits and the stock price. The bank is still dealing with a 2020 consent order by regulators demanding it fix several "longstanding deficiencies" in its internal controls. "Simplifying the organization will also advance the execution of Citi's transformation, the firm's top priority," the company said in a statement. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. NEW DELHI : The second stage of the highway development programme Bharatmala may be withdrawn in favour of a 20 trillion, 20-year project, two persons aware of the development said. According to them, the new strategy is to move to the more ambitious Vision 2047 plan that would involve building 50,000 km of highways including about 30,000-35,000 km of fenced-off expressways, involving an investment of more than 20 trillion. The government had finalized the more modest Bharatmala scheme in 2017, when the Cabinet approved the phase 1 programme. Phase 1 involved construction of 34,800 km of highways that would link several of the existing road infrastructure while providing better connectivity to various industrial corridors. Approval for phase 2 involving construction of just around 5,000 km of fenced-off highways with an investment of 3 trillion was expected this year as the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) had finalized a note for the cabinet for quick approval. The thinking within the ministry now is to withdraw the Bharatmala stage 2 plan and move a fresh cabinet note on the Vision 2047 plan which is in final stages of preparation with identification of new road alignments and completion of detailed project reports (DPR) for greenfield projects," said one of the two persons quoted above. The new Vision plan would also incorporate elements of Bharatmala 2 programme that also focuses on building a network of expressways across the country." A query sent to MoRTH remained unanswered at press time. MoRTH presented Vision 2047 to the council of ministers recently and hopes specific projects under it would be separately approved by the cabinet soon, before a go-ahead is given to its implementation. Though the total cost of all projects under the Vision plan is still being worked out, going by past record under Bharatmala, the investment may well exceed 20 trillion. We started building expressways on a large scale for the first time under Bharatmala programme. Later, a study suggested that building greenfield expressways would contribute substantially to reducing logistics cost in the country. So, under Vision 2047, we are looking at a network of greenfield access-controlled highways," MoRTH secretary Anurag Jain had told Mint in an interview earlier. The ministry is working on its Vision 2047 document with the hope that the finance ministry would continue to plough record allocations for the sector in the coming years to help it complete capital intensive and long-gestation projects. In the current year, MoRTH has been allocated a record 2.7 trillion, most of which would be used by state-run National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Efforts are also on by the ministry to attract private investment for greenfield roads by reviving the build own transfer or BoT model that once drove the sector. This is expected to relieve pressure on the Centre. Vision 2047 is likely to be much bigger than Bharatmala, with 30,000-35,000 km of access-controlled highways built before the 100th anniversary of Independence in 2047. In fact, the ministry expects to complete the work much earlierin the next 13-14 yearsif adequate funding is provided. The Vision programme is also likely to include the projects under Bharatmala. As of July 2023, 47 expressways with a combined length of just over 5,000 km were operational, and around 9,000 km more were under construction. Once Vision 2047 is approved, another set of 27-30 projects may be taken up to build 30,000 km of access-controlled or fenced-off highways running across the country, taking the total network of such roads to around 45,000 km. National Highways, with a total length of about 145,000 km, serve as the arterial network of the country. Overall, road projects exceeding 65,000 km in length, costing more than 11 trillion are in progress. Of this, work on more than 39,000 km length has been completed. Work on the remaining 26,000 km is in progress. Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district are going to be special as residents of 40 naxal-affected villages here will get a chance to vote for the first time in 40 years. Earlier, these naxal-affected villages were so dangerous that it was not possible to conduct polling in them safely. There are 40 highly Naxal-affected villages where polling booths will be established for voting after 40 years.120 polling stations are being reopened in these villages on Saturday. After the announcement of an election boycott by the Naxalite organisation, the Election Commission started the election process in this area with full vigilance. In the last five years, more than 60 security force camps have been established in these highly Naxal-affected areas. Also read: Elections in five states to be held next month After the establishment of the camps, the process of area dominance has been carried out continuously in these areas, and now, according to the police, these areas are so safe that the voting process can be conducted there. For this, the Election Commission has also started the process of training the polling parties. While speaking about the preparation by the security forces for the upcoming election in Bastar on November 7, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bastar Division, Sundarraj P, said that the security forces are trying their best to conduct the election process in a systematic manner. "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 everyone knows, voting is to be held in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections on November 7 in all seven districts of the Bastar division. All security arrangements and administration preparations are going on regarding the same arrangement. And we are trying our best to do all kinds of homework to conduct the entire election process in a systematic manner. And we have full hope that this time all the arrangements in the election process will go quite well," IGP Sundarraj said. He further added that efforts are being made to re-establish some polling stations that were closed or shifted due to the Naxal problem. "We will see a significant increase in security in 2023 as compared to the 2018 elections. In view of the same, there are some polling stations that may have been closed in the past due to the Naxal problem or were shifted to the nearest police station or camp. Efforts are being made to re-establish all those polling stations in those villages. About 120 polling stations have been identified, which again has to be done by the entire district administration and police for editing in the village due to a security camp being set up in the same village. And the final will be done in a few days," Sundarraj said. "Our endeavour will be to minimise the distance between the voter and the polling stations. So that the maximum number of voters can go to polling centres and cast their vote," Sundarraj added. While talking about the number of soldiers being deployed in the area, he said, "For security reasons, we cannot disclose the exact number of soldiers being deployed here. We already have special forces, DRG, STF, Cobra, other central military forces, CRPF, STF, ITBP, and all the security forces available with us. In addition to the local police force, we are allotted additional forces during elections. A detailed security plan has been prepared regarding poll security, and the district administration and local police administration are implementing it." "All types of election-related proceedings will be conducted in a very systematic manner. A conference is also organised for the voters in the area. From blockade to area dominance to patrolling arrangements, action is already being taken in the field. And in the coming time, we will edit this system more strongly. So that the election process can be conducted very well and systematically on November 7," he further added. 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. They are radically different from what has been the standard for almost the entire history of humans hurling things into orbit. They tantalize potential customersincluding governments, businesses and consumerswith the promise of fast, always-on internet access, anywhere on Earth, anytime. Thousands of this new kind of satellite are already operational, most of them powering the Starlink satellite network from Elon Musks SpaceX, which counts more than two million customers in 60 countries around the world, including Ukraine, where it has been critical to that countrys war with Russia, and Iran, where the network is helping citizens get around that countrys internet blockade. Starlink may soon have plenty of competition, as countries and companies race to build their own internet-delivering constellations of satellites using this technology. Efforts to build such networks, often in a public-private partnership, are currently under way in China, Europe, Taiwan, Canada and Germany. And last week Amazon launched the first two satellites of what the company has said will ultimately be thousands in a network that will go head-to-head with Musks offering. Most of these new satellites will be just a few hundred miles above Earths surface, where they can communicate with the ground much more quickly than the older generation of satellites in higher orbit. Because theyre constantly passing over the horizon, receivers and transmitters on the groundlike Starlinks pizza-size antennasmust constantly hop their connection to the next satellite to come into view, which adds to the technical challenge. Engineers are meeting that challenge. Better rockets have enabled cheaper and more frequent launches. New software makes the satellites reprogrammable and upgradable from the ground. And new kinds of antennas and digital innards for satellites are allowing space-based networks to deliver fast internet connectivity to pretty much anyplace on Earth a person can get an unobstructed view of the sky. Getting to this point has taken a long time, says Luigi Pozzebon, a grizzled veteran of the industry who has been designing satellites for more than 30 years. Pozzebon is now vice president of satellite systems at MDA Space, which is building satellites for Telesat Lightspeed, a forthcoming network that is receiving funding from the Canadian government. It will be launched by an Ottawa-based company called Telesat, and will be a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, like Starlinks, focused on providing internet access to enterprise customers, such as airlines, cruise-ship operators and telecommunications companies. Old-style satellites had analog antennas on them, which were purpose-built to relay a particular signal from the ground to elsewhere on Earth. You were stuck with whatever beam pattern you illuminated the Earth with, and however much power," says Pozzebon. Starting just over a decade ago, satellite makers began incorporating digital antennas that are steerable." An array of little antennas, controlled digitally, can aim a beam of precise direction, size and power, and turn it on and off incredibly quickly. Telesat announced in August that it had decided to switch providers for its Lightspeed network. The new manufacturer of its satellites, MDA, will use a design that will save Telesat $2 billion, as the new digital antennas on its satellites allow MDA to radically shrink the size of each satellite and cut in half the number of antennas, while tripling the number of communication beams each satellite can generate. Another form of communications that the newest satellites are beginning to incorporate are laser-based interconnects. This is, literally, satellites shooting each other with laser beamsalbeit for high-speed communication, not some Star Wars-style battle for the soul of the galaxy. Laser interlinks allow satellite constellations to communicate with each other extremely quickly, which means that data can be transmitted through the network in space, all the way around the world if need be, before the signal returns to the ground. This could allow much faster communication over long distances, and more reliable connectivity in the event that any one particular ground station is overloaded or not working. Starlink has already switched this on for some of its satellites, and many other companies have proposed it for their constellations. Another company launching next-generation satellitesalbeit into a much higher geostationary orbitis Intelsat, which was founded in 1964. The company has four such satellites in the works, the first of which will launch in 2025. By virtue of their altitude, they will cover wide swaths of the planet, says Chief Technology Officer Bruno Fromont. Intelsat recently signed a deal with Air Canada and Alaska Airlines to provide upgraded in-flight internet connectivity from these and other Intelsat satellites. Before, you had coverage from a satellite spanning the entire U.S., and youd share that bandwidth with thousands of airplanes," says Fromont. Now, you can dedicate one channel to every single plane, and thats going to change the customer experience." The high-bandwidth connection that the next generation of satellites provides is also a military advantage in battle, and a potential lifesaver when a catastrophe has knocked out the local internet infrastructure. Connecting ships at sea is also an optionpresently, most merchant ships have at best spotty or low-bandwidth connections. And then there are the unconnected billions of people all over the Earth who may soon have their first reliable internet access. Still, it must be said: For most people in the developed world, terrestrial internet is already pretty goodand with the expansion of fiber and 5G, getting better all the time. So one appropriate response to the promise of all this extra internet bandwidth from space is, essentially, how big a deal is this, really?" There are a few Elon Musk fans out there, but in general the economics of satellite internet are not as good as, say, 5G wireless on the ground," says Tim Farrar, president of TMF Associates, a satellite-communications consulting and research firm. In 2015, Space Exploration Technologies, as Musks rocket company is formally known, made a presentation to investors that projected Starlink would have 20 million subscribers by 2022. In September 2023, Starlink said that it had about a 10th that number. The company just announced plans to offer direct satellite connections to cellphones, clearly an attempt to expand its potential user base. Starlinks failure to garner the huge number of users it was hoping for doesnt bode well for the rest of the industry, no matter how advanced its technology, says Farrar. Indeed, rather than a bold new space race, todays build-out of space internet infrastructure might find a more accurate comparison in the boomand subsequent bustof terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure in the 1990s, he adds. One big difference between satellite networks and ground-based ones made out of fiber optic and coaxial cables is that satellites last at most around 15 years, and the new ones making up low-Earth orbit constellations can stop functioning in as little as five. Because of its huge lead in terms of launching satellites, securing customers, and driving down its costs for antennas and satellites, that might mean a future in which Starlink is the only satellite internet constellation breaking even, much less making a profit. If companies cant find the customers and revenue necessary to sustain their networks of communications satellites by continually launching new ones, it could mean a future in which some airlines and other companies have to tear out existing antennas and find new providers. This may not be a problem for consumers, since people are used to changing their phone every two to three years," says Farrar. But if youre an airline, youre not going to be very happy if you have to take your airplane out of service, and you cut a big hole in it and spent hundreds of thousands for the antenna and its installation," he adds. For more WSJ Technology analysis, reviews, advice and headlines, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Write to Christopher Mims at christopher.mims@wsj.com Bollywood superstar and host of the popular television game show Amitabh Bachchan has a request for the channel -- change his designation from host to marriage counselor! The remark made in jest came after a contestant on the show sought Bachchan's intervention in her husband's behaviour. Contestant Rachana Rustagi from New Delhi was on the latest episode of KBC and shared her some marital problems with the octegenerian. The homemaker made it to the hot seat after winning the fastest finger first challenge and won her way till the 160,000 lakh question, post which she quit after running out of all lifelines. During the course of the show, Rustagi, complained about her husband being a miser. She begins by telling Bachchan her husband is here on all expense paid trip due to KBC, but has never taken her out. To this Bachchan jested at the camera, "The channel needs to change the designation from anchor to marriage counselor. Everyone shares their marital problems on the show." Big B then advises the husband to start spending money on his wife to which the husband, Ravi, responded saying they have been on a Europe trip. Rachana however defended herself because the foreign trip was sponsored by a bank and the husband himself never spends on her. To this the actor then advised: "Prepare a card with 'I love you' with a heart and arrow and a rose, and write 'hello darling, I want to take you to Europe, you can spend on what you want, thank you so much, all my love.. Ravi'; and then take her on a trip." Among the questions Rustagi faced include the 1,000 one - Complete the phrase: Aage Huan, peeche _____. Answer: Khai. 10,000 - Which of these is found on the rose plant but not on the tulsi plant? Answer: Thorns. 40,000 - Which language is being spoken in this clip from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara? Answer: Spanish (Lifeline: Audience Poll). The 320,000 question which stumped Rachana was - Which of these names is that of a ruler of the Khalji dynasty? Answer: Jalaluddin. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Louise Gluck, a celebrated poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by her editor, Reuters reported citing US media reports. The Swedish Academy, responsible for Nobel Prize selection, praised Louise Gluck's poetry for its unreserved examination of family and childhood using a distinct and austere beauty. Her poems were typically concise, often spanning less than a single page. In drawing parallels with other writers, the Academy noted that Louise Gluck bore similarities to the 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson in her severity and unwillingness to accept simple tenets of faith." During her lifetime, Louise Gluck authored a total of 12 poetry collections along with numerous essay volumes. Hailing from New York, she achieved the distinction of being the 16th woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, considered the most prestigious accolade in the literary realm. Also Read: Milan Kundera, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' author, dies aged 94 Reuters reported that the cause of her death was not disclosed by Jonathan Galassi, Gluck's editor at Farrar, Straus & Giroux, who confirmed her death for media outlets. Initially, as an English professor at Yale University, Louise Gluck garnered significant recognition when her collection of poems titled "Firstborn" was published in 1968. She subsequently established herself as one of the most renowned poets and essayists in modern American literature. In 1993, Gluck received a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry compilation "The Wild Iris," with the eponymous poem delving into themes of suffering and richly weaving in natural imagery. Also Read: Rabindranath Tagore death anniversary: Top quotes and plays to remember the Bard of Bengal Though Louise Gluck incorporated her personal experiences into her poetry, she also delved into universal themes that struck a chord with readers both in the United States and around the world. Despite going through two divorces and battling anorexia during her youth, her work resonated with a broad audience. She held the position of Poet Laureate of the United States during 2003-04 and was honored with the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in 2016, Reuters noted. (With inputs from Reuters) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The occupiers fired at the market area in Kherson, two people were initially known to be wounded, Head of the city military administration Roman Mrochko said. "At about 15:00, Russian occupation forces struck Kherson from the temporarily occupied left bank! They hit the area of one of the markets. It is preliminary known that two were wounded. The information is being clarified," Mrochko said in Telegram channel. Mrochko later wrote: "According to updated information, there were no wounded at Dniprovsky market of Kherson, the enemy who attacked at 15.00. Witnesses explain this only by the fact that the working day was over and there were almost no buyers. Single sellers and owners remained at their stores." The administration's head Oleksandr Prokudin also said in the Telegram channel: "Recently, the occupiers were caught near a supermarket in Dniprovsky district. Fortunately, there were no casualties." The machine that saved Ryan Robbinss life is raising tough ethical questions about how drastically to intervene on behalf of the critically ill. After Covid-19 ravaged the 51-year-olds lungs in July 2021, doctors at a hospital in Phoenix used a machine known as an ECMO to keep him alive. His condition got worse. The next month, a doctor brought up how badly he was doing to prepare his wife for the possibility that continuing ECMO treatment might become futile. Melanie Robbins said she could sense her husband respond as she read and sang to him, and believed he would recover. I wouldnt listen," she said. ECMO, for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, siphons blood out of the body into a machine that takes over the work of the lungsadding oxygen and removing carbon dioxidebefore returning the blood to the body. Unlike mechanical ventilation that moves air through the lungs, and as a result can do more harm to the injured organ, ECMO takes the lungs out of the equation, allowing them to rest. It works via tubes inserted into veins and arteries at the groin or neck. While people on ventilators can go to long-term-care facilities or even home, patients on ECMO must stay in ICUs. Some ECMO patients are awake to talk with family and doctors or do rehabilitation exercises. Hospitals relied on the machines to keep severely ill Covid-19 patients alive during the pandemic, accelerating wider adoption that started with a rise in heart and lung transplants in the U.S. Sales of ECMO machines, which cost about $150,000, are projected to grow from $228 million in 2022 to $278 million in 2028, according to research company Insight Partners. The machines are meant as a bridge out of crisis, to recovery or a transplant. But some patients have lived on them for more than 600 days. And some patients deteriorate past a point where they could live without the machines. Doctors then have to make ethically and emotionally difficult decisions on when to withdraw ECMO support. In some cases, they work with family members and patients to select a date. What is so different with ECMO is that you can be living in a way you might find acceptable. And we say it has to end," said Dr. Daniela Lamas, a pulmonary and critical-care specialist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. That is wild. Who decides what kind of life has quality?" There is no national standard for ECMO use. Because ECMO patients can be awake, talking and walking, doctors said it can be harder to confront the reality of their prognosis without the machine. We definitely develop strong bonds," said Dr. Daniel Rowan, who works in the ICU at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. Being an ECMO patient can be grueling. The machines require the use of blood thinners to prevent clots, which can cause bleeding in the brain or elsewhere. Infections can form where tubes are attached to the body. Air bubbles can cause embolisms. Some patients arms and legs turn black and feet become necrotic because of a lack of blood flow. You dont want wards of people dying on ECMO machines," said Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. ECMO has been used in children for about 40 years, but its success in adults has really been established in the past decade. In a study of 370 ECMO patients published in August in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 70% of patients who survived to 30 days were alive five years later. Melanie Robbins, 51, was grateful when her husband Ryan was placed on ECMO two years ago at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center in Phoenix. A few weeks into his treatment, doctors wanted to wake him for physical therapy. But he developed an infection in the tubes on each side of his groin used to collect and return blood to his body. His kidneys began failing. On Aug. 18, doctors told Melanie to convey any last words to her husband. We were letting Melanie know we dont know how this is going to go and if he is going to survive off ECMO," said Celina Acevedo-Adams, a nurse practitioner at the hospital. It was pretty harsh. They are honest conversations." Doctors again raised his poor condition when he had been on ECMO for about 30 days. Melanie said she was prepared to say no if they suggested ending ECMO treatment. They kept going. Nobody gave up on him because I wouldnt give up," she said. For Ryans birthday on Aug. 31, staff signed a banner and gathered in his room for cake. Ryan remembers their voices. Soon, he began to improve and was alert enough to do physical therapy. After 46 days on ECMO, doctors disconnected the machine. He went home in December 2021. It is a long recovery, but I am blessed to no end," Ryan said. When he was discharged from a rehabilitation facility, staff had a wheelchair at the ready. Ryan walked out with only a cane. Write to Stephanie Armour at Stephanie.Armour@wsj.com Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently visited Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples in Uttarakhand, has praised the natural beauty and divine aura of these holy sites on the X platform. In a post on social media platform X on October 14, PM Modi recommended these holy sites as a must-visit place in Uttarakhand, he stressed that their natural splendor and spiritual essence would captivate anyone. He stated, I would say you must visit Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples in the Kumaon region of the state. The natural beauty and divinity will leave you spellbound." He also mentioned that while Uttarakhand boasts several renowned destinations worthy of exploration, including the sacred sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath, his return to Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples held a special place in his heart after many years. But, to return to Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples after many years has been special," he added. Parvati Kund, located in Pithoragarh, is an immensely revered Hindu shrine situated at an elevation of approximately 5,338 feet. Every year, it draws thousands of pilgrims. According to beliefs, this site is where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati engaged in meditation, making it ideal place for devotees to seek divine blessings. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! During his recent visit to Uttarakhand's Devbhoomi, Prime Minister Modi performed a puja and sought blessings at Parvati Kund in Pithoragarh. He also sought blessings from Adi-Kailash at his abode. He also paid a visit to Jageshwar Dham in Almora, where he performed prayers at the sacred pilgrimage site. At an altitude of roughly 6,200 feet, Jageshwar Dham is renowned for its spiritual importance and boasts around 224 stone temples. PM Modi was accompanied by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during his visit and also unveiled projects worth over 4,000 crore in Uttarakhand. (With inputs from ANI) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. India Meteorological Department forecast wet spells over Northwest India from October 14 to 17. During the next 4-5 days, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Meteorological Department stated that Southwest Monsoon is in the process of withdrawal and has already withdrawn from various regions. It has withdrawn from most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and has receded from some parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal. The entire Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha are now outside the monsoon's reach. Monsoon has also receded from some parts of North Interior Karnataka and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. A cyclonic circulation is present over south Tamil Nadu and its neighbouring regions. A Western Disturbance (WD), taking the form of a trough has formed in the middle tropospheric westerlies. Under its influence, an induced cyclonic circulation is expected to form over central Pakistan and its surroundings in the next 24 hours. There is possibility of merger of a fresh WD on October 15 which will be 1st intense WD of this season. It will influence northwest and central India during October 13 to 17. Hence, rainfall intensity and distribution will likely increase over northwest India during same period. Temperatures are also expected to fall by 2-4C from October 17 over the region. Weather forecast for the next 5 days are as follows: South India: Kerala and Mahe can anticipate light to moderate rainfall at some places, with isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during October 13 to 17. Tamil Nadu state can expect similar weather conditions on October 13, 16 and 17. South Interior Karnataka can expect this on October 16t and 17. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Northwest India: Jammu-Kashmir-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad to experience light to moderate rainfall at some places, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning. from October 14 to 16. Moreover, isolated heavy rainfall is expected over the Kashmir-Gilgit Region and Himachal Pradesh on October 16. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan can expect light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning on October 15 and 16. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Israel's right to self-defence in the face of Hamas' attacks of unprecedented brutality," and stressed the creation of an independent Palestine state with East Jerusalem" as its capital. As reported by ANI citing TASS, Russia proceeds from the postulate, a negotiated solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has no alternatives," said Putin while speaking at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit here on Friday. Also Read: Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates: Israel strike kills senior Hamas military commander Murad Abu Murad The negotiations' goal should be the implementation of the United Nations' two-state formula, which implies the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with Israel, which, of course, as we have seen, has come under an attack of unprecedented brutality. Of course, it has the right to defend itself. It has the right to ensure its peaceful existence," Putin said at the summit. He added that it is crucial to work to resolve this issue by peaceful means. "The way I see it, in a situation like this and in this particular place, there is simply no alternative [to two independent states]," he concluded, according to TASS. Also Read: Israel-Hamas War Latest: Death toll rises to 3,200; Million Palestinians to be evacuated from Gaza strip. 10 updates As reported by Al Jazeera, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes, Putin's visit to Kyrgyzstan became his inaugural foreign trip. The two-day trip included his participation in a CIS summit, a regional organisation comprised of former Soviet republics. Putin's international presence came amid discussions about Russia's diminishing influence in the region. Although he has seldom ventured outside of Russia since sending troops to Ukraine in early 2022, Putin is anticipated to make a journey to China for the upcoming third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing next week. It's important to mention that neither Kyrgyzstan nor China are signatories of the ICC and thus are not bound by its jurisdiction. In a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Putin restated Russia's position as a primary trading partner and the leading investor in Kyrgyzstan, underscoring their dedication to advancing their collaboration. Also Read: Israel-Hamas war news: Israel airstrikes on Gaza kills 13 Israeli, foreign hostages Putin commended the substantial increase in trade between Russia and Kyrgyzstan, though certain Western experts speculate that this upsurge could be linked to Russian companies circumventing sanctions. "I would like to thank the president for the invitation. We have good reasons [to be here], but even without reason, this visit is long overdue," Putin said. Last week, the central bank of Kyrgyzstan urged local banks to enhance controls to comply with Western sanctions against Moscow, Al Jazeera reported. In July, the United States imposed sanctions on four Kyrgyz companies for re-exporting electronic components and technology to Russia, as per the report. Also Read: Israel-Palestine War: 2nd flight under Operation Ajay carrying 235 Indian nationals lands in Delhi Putin is anticipated to participate in events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Russia's airbase near Kant, Kyrgyzstan. This airbase serves as a means for Moscow to extend its influence in the region. In March, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for both Putin and Russia's human rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, on charges related to the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. Russia, which does not acknowledge the authority of the ICC, dismissed the warrant as "unlawful." In earlier situations where diplomatic representation was needed, Russia had dispatched Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov instead of Putin to the BRICS summit in August, as reported by Al Jazeera. (With inputs from ANI) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Brian Mwenda, a Kenyan resident, posed as a legal practitioner, and his professionalism went unquestioned by judges until his recent arrest. As per a report by Facts East Africa, Mwenda managed to represent clients in 26 cases before Kenyan High Court Judges, Magistrates, and Court of Appeal Judges, achieving victory in all of them. As per the report, Mwenda had successfully portrayed himself as a legal professional for an extended period, and even judges did not question his competence until his recent arrest. Kenyan authorities have arrested a fake lawyer, Brian Mwenda, who has falsely been presenting himself as an Advocate of the high court of Kenya. He argued 26 cases before High Court Judges, Magistrates, and Court of Appeal Judges. He won all the 26 cases before his arrest," Facts East Africa wrote on X. A username Nungua Burnaboy replied, So he won 26 cases against Lawyers who went to the law school but hes rather being punished?. Those lawyers should rather be punished for letting one who hasnt attended a law school win cases against them." Another user Mfecane asserted, "Give the man an honorary law degree." "M sure he is going to argue himself out of the arrest," replied user TheTraderInYou. Another user @_KAKUS: We've so many intelligent people at home who can easily perform at a chosen field without stress. Sadly, those people didn't get the opportunity to go to school to acquire a certificate and this man right here is a perfect example." "He's uncredentialed, but at 26-0 in major league play, he's no fake," wrote The Virginia Project. At the time of writing this news, the post has amassed over 25,000 likes, 14.4k reposts, and 3,586 comments. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanturai to strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations. As passenger ferry service from India's Nagapattinam to Sri Lanka flagged off on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that we are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. PM Modi said, We are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. The launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanturai is an important milestone in strengthening our relations." Modi further stressed that the ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations. Mentioning poet Subramania Bharati's Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, PM Modi said, Great poet Subramania Bharati, in his song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, had spoken of a bridge connecting our two countries (India and Sri Lanka). This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections." PM Modi noted that this ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections. During the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe, we jointly adopted a vision document for our economic partnership. Connectivity is the central theme of this partnership. It is for bringing our countries closer... It enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. It creates opportunities for the youth of both countries." PM Modi further recalled that in 2015, a direct flight between Delhi and Colombo was launched. Later, the first international flight landed in pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka... The ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction." Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, This is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka...The connectivity between the two countries was disrupted due to the war in the north and now peace has returned and we can reestablish the connectivity, I discussed this with PM Modi and I must thank him and the Indian shipping corporation for the role they have played in reestablishing this connectivity" According to a press release issued by the High Commission of India, Colombo, The discussions on strengthening connectivity and resumption of ferry services between the two countries were held virtually by the India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee on July 14 this year." Also Read: Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka Ferry service to commence tomorrow. Check ticket prices, inaugural offers, and more The India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee was formed as a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Passenger Transportation by Sea. The productive discussions focused on the resumption of ferry services between the two countries connecting mutually agreed points. Both sides agreed that the resumption of ferry services would boost regional trade and tourism and promote stronger people-to-people ties, the release stated. Also Read: India-Canada row: 'We support India,' says Sri Lankan envoy Milinda Moragoda on Canada's allegations Earlier on Thursday, officials from the Nagapattinam Shipping Harbour Department announced on Thursday that they are introducing a special fare of 2,800, which includes 2,375 and an 18% tax, as a promotional offer for passengers travelling on the ferry on October 14th (for a single day). This rate represents a 75% reduction from the regular price. The passenger transportation ship was originally set to resume its operations on October 10, 2023, following a four-decade hiatus. However, due to administrative complications, the departure was pushed to October 12, and subsequently delayed further to October 14, as reported by ANI. (With inputs from agenices) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Retaliatory air strikes have killed nearly 2,000 Palestinians over the past week and the death toll appears likely to rise in light of water and power cuts across the Gaza Strip. Speculative reports suggest that Israel will soon launch a ground assault across the 40 km long stretch prompting alarm about the fate of blockaded civilians in one of the world's most densely populated regions. Israel has called for more than one million Gaza residents to move south using social media platforms and leaflets dropped from planes to highlight the risks. Officials also claimed that hundreds of thousands" of Palestinians had already relocated after heeding the warning. Many view the instructions as the precursor to an imminent Israeli ground assault. Israel has also expanded its mobilisation of reservists to 360,000 this week with thousands rushing back home in response to the call. When will Israel's land offensive take place? Most reports quoting analysts agree that such an operation will take place in a matter of hours or days. While there is no clear timeline in place Israel has already amassed forces, tanks and other heavy armour around Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also said he has ordered a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip. Earlier on Friday, Israeli Defence Force had called for the evacuation of all civilians of Gaza City from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection". The IDF told UN officials around midnight on Friday that the entire Palestinian population north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within 24 hours. They had been asked to travel via evacuation corridors between 10 am to 4 pm (local time) on Saturday. Analysts meanwhile suggest that any invasion will ultimately cover the whole Gaza Strip and will be both seaborne and airborne. Can Gaza residents evacuate successfully? Palestinians have been left scrambling to flee northern Gaza after the ultimatum was issued. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with possessions crowded a main road heading away from Gaza City on Friday as Israeli airstrikes continued. UN officials said that hundreds of thousands of people had already fled the war-torn region even as Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. But for countless others it remains an impossible situation. The Gaza Strip has a population of around 2 million people spread over 365 square kilometers. It is bound by the Mediterranean Sea on the east, Israel on the east and north and Egypt to the southwest. Evacuation efforts therefore have to be channeled through the heavily-guarded Rafah crossing into Egypt. This route incidentally has been closed for days amid Israeli air strikes. Reports anonymously quoting Egyptian officials also said that authorities had erected temporary" blast walls on their side of the crossing amid fears of a mass exodus of Palestinians. The route will however be reopened on Saturday to allow foreigners residing in Gaza to enter Egypt. However Palestinians residing in Gaza remain confined to the area. Many in Gaza have also been left frantically looking for ways to evacuate. We need a number for drivers from Gaza to the south, it is necessary #help," read a post on social media. We need a bus number, office, or any means of transport," posted another. The World Health Organisation meanwhile warned that it would be impossible" to evacuate vulnerable hospital patients from the north of Gaza calling it a death sentence" for many. UN officials further stressed the need to protect those who cannot relocate particularly pregnant women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities". (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. New Zealand Election: New Zealand is set to get a center-right government after the Chris Hipkins-led Labour Party conceded defeat on Saturday. The outgoing Prime Minister has spent just nine months at the top job after taking over from Jacinda Ardern in January. With most of the votes tallied, conservative former businessman Christopher Luxon's National Party and its coalition partner ACT are projected to win 62 seats. Earlier this evening I called Christopher Luxon to congratulate him on Nationals results. As it stands, Labour is not in a position to form another government," Hipkins told supporters in Wellington. The election campaign had been dominated by an increasingly difficult economic situation and a spike in the cost of living. Luxon said on Saturday that New Zealanders had "reached for hope and voted for change". ALSO READ: Google Doodle celebrates New Zealand general elections 2023 With 97% of votes tallied, National had 39% while Labour trailed on 27%. As the result stands, National can form a government with the support of its ally the libertarian ACT Party, on 9%. However, they may yet need the backing of the nationalist New Zealand First Party, on 6%, to reach a majority in parliament. Both parties had tried to woo voters with promises to ease surging petrol prices, fix chronic housing shortages, and halt the skyrocketing prices of staple foods. Ardern led the Labour Party to the first outright majority since New Zealand switched to a proportional representation system in 1996 during the previous polls. Support for the party appears to have declined steadily since collapsing from 50% in 2020 to one of its heaviest defeats. Forecasts point to 34 seats in New Zealand's 120-seat parliament. The election also sees the return of New Zealand First and its leader 78-year-old Winston Peters. The nationalist New Zealand First had been ousted from parliament at the last election in 2020 but is currently above the 5% threshold required to return to parliament. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The Gaza Strip is a densely populated Palestinian enclave on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea that is controlled by Hamas, a militant group that the U.S. and the European Union consider a terrorist organization. Israel began bombing Gaza after a Hamas attack that left more than 1,300 Israelis dead. Since Israel began its bombing campaign in Gaza, more than 1,500 Palestinians have died and another 6,600 have been injured, according to Gaza officials. Gaza is about twice the size of Washington, D.C., and with more than two million residents it has about three times the population of the U.S. capital. What is happening in Gaza right now? Early on Friday, Israel said 1.1 million civilians who live in northern Gaza should evacuate to the southern part of the strip. The United Nations, which has long-running relief efforts in Gaza, said it would be impossible to pull off the movement without devastating humanitarian consequences." The area to be evacuated includes Gaza City, where Hamas has long had a big presence. The Israel Defense Forces said it told civilians, You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made." Where is the Gaza Strip? Gaza is surrounded on two sides by Israel and borders the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt. Many Palestinians and foreigners in Gaza have been trying to enter Egypt, but Egyptian authorities have largely sealed the border, complicating potential evacuation efforts. Who controls the Gaza Strip? Hamas, an Arab acronym for Islamic Resistance Movement, has controlled Gaza since 2007. Hamas has fought four wars with Israel since taking power in Gaza, all of which have ended inconclusively. Hamas was founded in 1987 as part of a series of protests and riots over the Israeli military occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. What is the history of the Gaza Strip? Gaza was part of a vast area of the Middle East controlled by Britain from the 1920s until the creation of modern Israel in 1948. Egypt occupied Gaza following the creation of Israel and held the territory for two decades until Israel seized control as part of the Six Day War in 1967 in which Israel fought against Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Israeli troops controlled the area and many Palestinians worked in Israel in the years following the 1967 war. At the time, it was fairly easy for Palestinians to cross the border. In the ensuing years, thousands of Israeli settlers moved into the Gaza Strip, living in enclaves protected by the Israeli army. The first Intifada, or uprising, exploded in 1987 as Palestinians protested against the Israeli occupation. In 2005, Israel withdrew its soldiers and forced the settlers to leave. Two years later, Hamas militants grabbed control of the area from the more moderate Palestinian Authority. Gaza has been largely sealed off from the rest of the world since then, with Israel controlling many aspects of daily life such as the availability of water and electricity. With the border sealed, how has Hamas managed to amass so many weapons? A network of tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border has been used for years to smuggle in everything from guns to livestock and electronic equipment. Thousands of rockets have also been built in Gaza using supplies brought in through the tunnels. Through the years, Israel has unsuccessfully tried to put an end to the flow of military supplies coming into Gaza by way of the tunnels. What is the population of Gaza? The population of the Gaza Strip has increased from about 343,000 in 1970 to 2.1 million this year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau International Database. About 40% of the population is under the age of 15, according to the Census Bureau data. This article may be periodically updated. Write to Eric Sylvers at eric.sylvers@wsj.com Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is reportedly ranking first in DxOMark's display test. Popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything has recently tested its durability, highlighting the bright screen, easily removable aluminum buttons, and rear magnetic charging. Consecutively, it sustained burn damage but performed well in the bend test, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max. YouTuber Jack, widely recognized as JerryRigEverything, recently conducted a durability test on the Pixel 8 Pro. During this test, he subjected the smartphone to seven years' worth of simulated damage. According to his findings, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts the brightest display ever produced by Google, and it is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The power and volume buttons of the smartphone from Google are constructed from recycled aluminum, can be readily detached with the assistance of a knife. Notably, the side panels of the Pixel 8 Pro exhibited visible damage in the form of knife-induced scratches. Subsequently, the YouTuber proceeded to compare the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro in terms of their rear magnetic charging capabilities. Additionally, he placed an infrared thermometer alongside the LED flashlight on the Google smartphone, which is capable of measuring the temperature of objects within a 2-inch radius but is not designed for use on humans. Moreover, during the fire test, the smartphone acquired a lasting burn mark after being exposed to the flame for 17 seconds. Notably, despite screen damage, the smartphone's fingerprint scanner continued to function as usual. In the bend test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max experienced complete failure, while the Pixel 8 Pro exhibited robust structural strength, remaining free of any cracks or fractures. In terms of specifications, the Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a 6.7-inch Quad-HD display (1,344x2,992 pixels) featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. It also includes a 5,050mAh battery with 30W wired charging support. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 13. Heydar Aliyev has set the right direction for Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry development, Tor-Ivar Pedersen, former President of Equinor in Azerbaijan, said at the "Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan's new oil strategy" conference, Trend reports. "In June 1996, President Heydar Aliyev took another bold step in progressing the oil and gas sector of the country, and a group of leading companies was invited to sign PSA, followed by discovery of large quantities of gas on the Caspian. Over the next 10 years of Heydar Aliyev's presidency, the launch of production from the Chirag field has been one of the most successful steps. This was followed by signing of gas agreements with Georgia and Turkiye, and the construction of the South Caucasus pipeline. This right direction was set during the time of Heydar Aliyev's presidency and has been further expanded to this day. I trust that the oldest oil producing country in the world will have the technology and competence to overcome new challenges, and this will allow Azerbaijan to stay in the forefront amongst oil producing countries," he said. Mastering BGMI and ensuring your success demands a deep understanding of optimal landing locations for superior loot. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, your choice of landing spot can be the deciding factor in your performance in this battle royale game . A report from HT Tech indicates the three top-tier loot destinations to grant you a competitive edge. Sosnovka Military Base, Erangel Erangel stands as one of the original maps in BGMI, enjoying a renowned status even beyond the gaming community. Reportedly, numerous locations on this map offer the promise of valuable loot, but expect intense competition. Players from all walks will converge for these resources. For a moment of respite, consider touching down at Sosnovka Military Base. This location is a treasure trove of loot, and its expansive area allows you some space to equip yourself. Additionally, you have an increased chance of acquiring Level 3 gear in this area. Campo Militar, Miramar As per the report from the publication, certain individuals argue that the loot quality at Campo Militar has diminished over time due to updates, and they are somewhat correct. The high-level loot is not as abundant as it once was, but there is still valuable equipment available for a couple of squads if they reach it first. The challenge lies in the fact that Campo Militar is situated in the far northeast corner of the map, making it a competitive destination. Cosmodrome, Vikendi Vikendi is not the largest map in BGMI, but it offers diversity. The only drawback is there are not many places with top-tier loot. However, you can count on the Cosmodrome for Level 3 gear in Vikendi. There are many buildings to explore and gather supplies from. Some of these buildings are tall, which is useful for defending yourself in tough situations. If you need to escape, there are underground tunnels that can help you get away from an enemy. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Thats what 22-year-old Inbar Shem Tov whispered in a video sent to her father while hiding in a dumpster from Hamas attackers. Around her you can see other young women, clinging to their phones, sending WhatsApp messages. That video was one of the last things she would send before she was killed. Anne Frank had a diary to document the fear she experienced hiding from Nazis. Inbar Shem Tov had a smartphone. That video is one of countless clips circulating on the internet this week showing whats happening in Israel. Videos and photos of women being dragged away by Hamas militants, strollers covered in blood, bullet holes in the sides of houses, streets and buildings in Gaza in ruins. Youve been able to see it all on Instagram, TikTok, X and more. High-quality cameras. Incredibly fast cellular connectivity. One-tap-to-upload social-media platforms. Smartphones have enabled people to bear witness to unimaginable images of human suffering and warin real time. It isnt a new story. I wrote about something similar in June 2020 after the killing of George Floyd. Every time the iPhone or Samsungs Galaxy S gets better zoom capabilities or video recording, the world gets nearer to an in-person view of humanitys extremes. And its only getting more real. Apple just introduced 3-D spatial video, which brings sci-fi-like holograms of our life to its Vision Pro headset. Be in the moment. All over again," Apple touts on its website. Technology is a tool. It can be used for good. It can be used for evil. An iPhone 13 Pro Max allowed 21-year-old Vladimir Grinevetskiy to figure out who was shooting at him and his friends as they were hiding behind a trailer at the music festival that was attacked by Hamas militants on Saturday. I used my phone and zoomed in to see if it was a terrorist or our army. When I understood that it was a terrorist, I screamed to everyone around us that we should run away because they are going to come and kill us," Grinevetskiy told me. I spoke with one 20-year-old Israeli EMT who said she used her Samsung Galaxy A13 to provide medical assistance to the wounded while locked down during the attacks. Hamas militants also used phones, taking video of those they had kidnapped and sharing it on Telegram and other social-media platforms. Grinevetskiy has recognized some of his friends in photos posted on the Hamas Telegram channels. For most of us outside of Israel right now, the smartphone is the tool that keeps us updated about the war. And yet, for the past week, it has felt like a tool I dont have much control over. Ive been glued to my social feeds. The algorithms show me more and more graphic images from both sides of the Gaza border. This past week, many Jewish organizations advised parents to monitor and limit their childrens use of social media to limit exposure to violent and disturbing posts. As adults, its important not to hide from whats happening, but we should have control over what we see. (See some tips here from my colleagues.) It doesnt matter if you scroll for five seconds or five hours, the result is the same: an overpowering sense of helplessness. What can I do that will have an impact on the other side of the screen? The greatest use of our smartphones right now is connecting with others. And I mean genuinely checking in, actually using your phone as a phone, not commenting on a public Instagram thread where everyone is YELLING AT EACH OTHER IN CAPITAL LETTERS. Groups are banding together on private social networksWhatsApp, iMessage, Messengerto talk and share news, advice and ways to donate to relief efforts. In the past 24 hours, Ive had new chains pop up with parents at my sons school and friends at work. While the notifications have been overwhelming, the sense of community has been healing. Grinevetskiy sent me the videos he recorded as he fled last Saturdays music festival attack, where more than 250 people were discovered dead. You can hear the rapid gunfire and the screaming. You can see the smoke from the car fires and young people crouching and hiding. Unlike the black-and-white photos of the past centurys wars, we now have a crystal clear, ultra-high-definition window into the horrors. And everything is not bseder. Write to Joanna Stern at joanna.stern@wsj.com Sam Clipperton and Think About It (5g So You Think x Tiare, by Flying Spur) are a formidable partnership and they kept their nine strong winning streak going in the $20million Everest at Randwick on Saturday when holding off I Wish I Win to score an outstanding victory in a blistering 1:07.64 seconds, just a tick outside the race and course record held by Yes Yes Yes. Prepared perfectly by Joe Pride, Think About won a pair of G1 sprints during the Brisbane Winter Carnival and resumed with a win in the Group II Premiere Stakes two weeks ago. Drawn ideally in gate five, Think About It enjoyed the run of the race settling just off the pace and when Sam Clipperton asked for an effort, Think About It worked through his gears and steamed to victory with I Wish I Win closing late for second beaten half a length. Think About It with a blistering performance in the $20m Everest this morning under a masterful Sam Clipperton ride! pic.twitter.com/7I6RhzWAxT At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 14, 2023 I dont think Ill feel pressure anymore in any race after that, said Pride, who also saddled third place-getter Private Eye. You feel like Edmund Hiliary, once you climb Mount Everest, what do you do after that? Id love to climb it again but its not going to feel as hard next time. (It has been) the slowest week of my life. I thought it would rush by and it has been a really slow week that felt like when youre in a dream and youre running, it felt like that all week. It was a week I promised myself I was going to try to enjoy, and I cant say I did, but Ill enjoy this. Think About it kept his winning sequence of nine wins on the trot going and now boasts the overall record of 11 wins from 12 starts with prizemoney of $10.9million. I had such a nice run in the race and travelled so well. This stuff doesnt happen, it just went too perfect. I guess thats what very good horses do, maybe even champions, they eliminate the opposition, said Sam Clipperton. Im just so privileged to be in a position of riding this horse. I cant believe it. I was visualising this since he won The Premiere, I just thought hes got too many gears they wont beat him. I couldnt say that out loud but thats what I felt and hes just proven me right. A $70,000 Inglis Premier purchase for Proven Thoroughbreds / Joe Pride Racing from the Newgate Farm draft, Think About It was bred by Lightning Thoroughbreds and foaled and raised at Newgate. He is the best of three winners from Tiare, a winning half-sister by Flying Spur to Group II winning sprinter Keen Array. His grand-dam is by Zabeel and the family features two Group I winners in Hong Kong in The Duke and Sky Field, so there is plenty of quality on the page and So You Think has produced Group I winners from daughters of both Flying Spur and Zabeel. Tiare was sold through the Newgate Consignment at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $150,000 to Tasmania based Grenville Stud. She sadly died earlier this year and her final foal is a yearling colt by Wootton Bassett (GB). The first prize purse of $7million will propel So You Think to the top of the Australian Sires List by earnings and he will take a power of catching from here. Murder suspect on the run after shooting at and injuring Georgia deputy, authorities say Georgia authorities are searching for a man accused of murder who fired at and injured a deputy before running off into the woods in DeKalb County BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Azerbaijan ranks with countries with a high average income level thanks to successful strategic course of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said, Trend reports. The non-oil and gas economy over the past period has grown by $4 billion, to $41 billion. Added value has grown by 4.7 times in the non-oil and gas industry, up to 19 times in tourism, up to 23 times in information and communications, up to five times in transport sector. In 2022, exports of non-oil and gas products increased by 12 times compared to 2002 and for the first time since independence exceeded $3 billion, he noted. A conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic, is taking place in Baku today under the co-chairmanship of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev. The conference is dedicated to the activities of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. 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 draft Waterways Ireland byelaws have been branded a stealth tax on recreational boaters by one local waterway user. The leader of the newly formed Shannon Lakes & River Group, Liam Finnegan believes Waterways Ireland are overstepping the mark with some of the proposals in the byelaws: We totally object to it, he told the Leader. Mr Finnegan was one of a group of concerned boaters who recently addressed the Dail Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Shannon Lakes & River Group member feels that the approach by Waterways Ireland to the new byelaws ignores the concerns of many who use the waterways: It was never a consultation phase. They were public meetings. It was a box ticking exercise. They just threw out these proposals and that was it. One of the main objections of the group is the proposed imposition of a flat 200 charge each year: It will bring in around 1.8m per year. It's a stealth tax put on people. Mr Finnegan says the charge is unacceptable to the membership of The Shannon Lakes & River Group: It's a hell of a lot for a blanket charge to be brought in from zero to 200. It's an incredible charge. It is a 32 county body, but they are not bringing it in in Northern Ireland. It is not being imposed on fishing boats, who probably use the water more than pleasure boats. Waterways Ireland say 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 say they 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. Waterways Ireland say they will consider all new feedback received, to best address the views of all stakeholders and ultimately, update byelaws describing the existing ones as 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. 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). The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement confirming the successful elimination of Merad Abu Merad, a commander responsible for leading Hamas air operations. Along with Merad, the IDF also reported the targeted killing of Ali Qadi, a commanding officer in the elite Nukhba unit of Hamas. Hamas has yet to confirmed the deaths of Merad and Qadi, but the group has not made any official statements regarding the deaths of any of its members who have participated in fighting. The estimated number of Hamas terrorists is potentially in the hundreds. According to the IDF, Merad headed Hamas air division. This likely means Merad commanded Hamas drone operations. The group has claimed to possess various types of drones, including surveillance and loitering drones. Merad was not the only target of the attack, as Qadi, a commander in the special Nukhba fighting unit, was also killed. Social media posts suggested that Qadi may have been killed on Friday morning, with several Telegram accounts run by Palestinian news outlets reporting that Qadis wife and children were killed in an Israeli airstrike. While it is probable that Qadi was killed in the same attack, his name was possibly not revealed for operational security reasons. Apart from Merad and Qadi, airstrikes in the last eight days of fighting have killed terrorists on Israels northern border with Lebanon and in the Gaza Strip. On Oct. 8, the Popular Resistance Committees, an Iran-backed terrorist organization, announced the death of Abu Hillal during an IDF airstrike in Rafah. On Tuesday, an official from the group informed Reuters that senior Hamas members Jawad Abu Shammala and Zakaria Abu Maamar were killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis, located in the southern region of the Gaza Strip. On Oct. 12, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a loose affiliate of Fatah, published a statement acknowledging the death of senior member Sami al-Abd al-Hassani by an IDF airstrike in the al-Shati camp. Lastly, on Oct. 14, Hamas issued a statement mourning the death of three members from its branch in Lebanon. This statement is particularly notable. Its the first time in recent years that Hamas admitted that it dispatched its members to infiltrate Israel from Lebanon. Also noteworthy are the announcements by Hezbollah acknowledging the deaths of four members in recent days. In one instance, the group did not say how or when the fighter died. Israel is expected to continue eradicating prominent members of Hamas and other Palestinian extremist groups during its ongoing military campaign. These targets are diverse, ranging from ordinary fighters to commanders, leaders and engineers involved in the development and manufacturing of rockets, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The IDF is also likely pursuing well-known Hamas leaders such as Yahya Sinwar, Muhammed Deif, and Marwan Issa. However, these objectives are highly ambitious since these leaders are entrenched and inherently difficult to locate. Addendum: The deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas members were added to the article. Joe Truzman is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian militant groups and Hezbollah. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Private sector support is an important element of Azerbaijan's economic policy, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said, Trend reports. He made the remark during the conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic. "The Entrepreneurship Development Fund allocated a preferential loan for 43,000 investment projects in the amount of 2.8 billion manat ($1.6 billion) from 2003 through 2022. Thanks to these projects, more than 178,000 new jobs have been created, the share of regions is more than 80 percent. In general, the share of regions out of the total number of preferential loans is 75 percent," he said. A conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic, is taking place in Baku today under the co-chairmanship of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev. The conference is dedicated to the activities of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. An 18-year-old male was shot multiple times to his upper extremities on Saturday afternoon in Fall River, police said. The police responded to Locust Street at around 12:30 p.m. after a report was made about a male being shot, police said. A North Andover man who ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Massachusetts was convicted on Friday of violating the Federal Election Campaign Act and making false statements, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced. Abhijit Das, 50, aka Beej, was convicted of one count of accepting excessive campaign contributions, one count of conduit contributions, one count of conversion of campaign funds, and two counts of making a false statement, Levys office said in a statement. Das was previously indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2021. Das ran during the 2018 election for Massachusetts 3rd Congressional District. During his run, he inflated his fundraising numbers with a scheme in December 2017 to solicit personal loans from friends and close associates in excess of the $2,700 legal limit, Levys office said. On Dec. 17, Das emailed a contributor asking for a friends support for his campaign by helping him reach a $450,000 fundraising goal by the end of the year. A member of Das campaign was advised by the candidate to aggregate the loans into one batch and execute a main transfer in the campaign account, Levys office described. Das also had three different people contribute about $125,000 to his campaign, categorizing the contributions as personal loans to go to a family member and circumvent Federal Election Commission reporting requirements and contribution limits, Levys office said. Das falsely claimed that the funds from the contributions were his own personal funds. Between January and May 2018, Das withdrew about $314,500 in funds from his campaign account and used $267,000 of it to pay debts for his hotel business relating to vendors, the hotels yacht and real estate taxes all unrelated to his campaign. He sought to hide his conversion of campaign money by telling bank tellers to report the withdrawals as separate transactions, rather than direct transfers, Levys office said. Das also turned in false information in quarterly reports to the FEC by overstating how much cash-on-hand his campaign had in its bank account, Levy said. An example Levys office provides is in June 2018, Das reported that his campaign total cash-on-hand was around $440,000 when he actually had less than $5,000 in the campaigns bank account. Das was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on 10 counts of wire fraud, alleging he diverted over $5 million in escrow funds from his clients accounts for personal expenses. He pleaded not guilty and has been on release pending trial in that particular case. Read more: Boston Council candidates face off on housing issues Each of the charges provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Protecting our elections through campaign finance laws is crucial in defending transparency and accountability in our government and a well-functioning democracy, Levy said in the statement. Mr. Das illegally solicited and accepted donations, used the money for a different purpose and hid his actions. He lied to the government and to the voters. He abused the campaign finance process and thought he could get away with it. Todays speedy verdict by the jury after two weeks of evidence should send a resounding message that the light of justice will always find its way to political candidates who break the law. Das sentencing was scheduled by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns for Jan. 17, 2024. CHICOPEE State Police identified the man who died in a motorcycle crash on an I-391 exit near Chicopee Monday morning. Ariel Bobe, 50, of Springfield, died after his motorcycle struck the back of a tractor-trailer unit around 1:55 a.m., Trooper Brandon Doherty wrote in an email. State troopers were assisted by Chicopee Fire and EMS, the State Polices crash reconstruction unit, crime scene services section and the commercial vehicle enforcement section. Detectives from the State Police detective unit for Hampden County also assisted first responders, Doherty said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. HOLYOKE Armed with clipboards and measuring tape, data sheets and pencils, students Barbara Ann Santiago, Hailey Prive, Courtney Matroni and Veronica Kozak began collecting data on trees at the intersection of Hampden and Walnut streets. They were among 28 students from Holyoke Community College and Smith College investigating the health outcomes of trees in 94 locations around Holyoke. Their initial measurements and observations will form the first pieces of information for a long-term urban forestry research project. The study part of a collaboration between Smith, HCC, and the Holyoke Department of Conservation and Sustainability will help organizers to better understand tree health and help them make informed decisions around selecting tree species and deciding where to plant them, said Jess Gersony, professor of biology at Smith College. For about a year, Gersony and Sage Franetovich, professor of biology at Holyoke Community College, have been having conversations on how to support the work of Yoni Glogower, director of the Holyoke Office of Conservation and Sustainability, and the citys effort to increase its number of trees through its Urban Forest Equity project. The trees that are the subject of the study were planted around the city of Holyoke with $120,000 in grant funding from the Greening the Gateway Cities Program, said Glogower. Last year, the city received grant funding to plan for the creation and restoration of tree pits locations where trees are planted before the Department of Public Works planted new trees. The funding focused on creating new tree pits in areas where there was scarce canopy cover and lots of impervious surfaces. Partnering with HCC and Smith College for this long-term study will better inform the discussion around urban forestry, prioritize community engagement and foster student collaboration in a meaningful way, Glogower said. Since last year, Gersonys and Franetovichs students have done research labs diving deep into topics such as tree traits and volunteered to participate in an urban tree inventory for the city. Prior to collecting the data, Fridays group of HCC students had to prepare with labs and lectures. In addition, students read the vision and mission of the citys urban forest equity plan, Matroni said. Students said they were curious to find out what tree species were planted, what animal species were invasive, learning how to identify local plants and how trees were developing in the urban ecosystem one year after they were planted, they said. Students measured the trees diameter at breast height (4.5 feet above the ground), the length and width of the pits. While HCC students believed the trees were planted in good faith, looking at the initial data Friday, they were not sure the most sustainable approach was taken when considering the placement of tree pits relative to the trees health. The idea to plant trees in urban areas is great, but the execution may have to be reconsidered, Kozak said. According to Santiago, data collected revealed some tree species were smaller than others. The spots where the trees are planted also known as pits, appeared small, leading Santiago to believe the trees may not grow to full maturity. The trees are confined in small places, and they are also abutting streets, so it is not as easy to establish roots, Santiago said. We can see how some of the trees grow straight up instead of growing out and branching out. Understanding tree health is just not important for the mission of sustaining more canopy cover but it is also important to understand the conditions that help trees thrive to full maturity, Santiago said. Additionally, students said collecting data on trees that have died is useful to the urban forestry study because dead trees can become ecosystems and habitats for other species and plants. As violent conflict continues to play out in Israel, disputes over the Hamas attack are playing out on Massachusetts college and university campuses. Administrations at many schools have come out in support of Israel over the past week, while different student groups have released statements in support of both Israel and Palestinians. The result has been friction, outrage and even an effort to publicly label some students as anti-Semites. On Saturday, Hamas, the militant group which governs Gaza, launched a surprise attack in Israel, killing hundreds, mostly civilians. The attacks sparked violent retaliation from Israel and led to more than 3,000 deaths on both sides. On Friday, Israel ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate, one day after ordering the evacuation of 1.1 million people from northern Gaza within 24 hours. At Harvard University in Cambridge, the Harvard College Palestine Solidarity Committee as well as more than 30 other student groups released a statement in support of Palestinians, which many reading it saw as supportive of Hamas. We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence, PSC wrote in the statement on Saturday, Oct 7. Todays events did not occur in a vacuum. For the last two decades, millions of Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to live in an open-air prison. The backlash was immediate, with advocacy groups, alumni, politicians, students and faculty and other members of the Harvard community railing against PSC for the statement. On Monday, university President Claudine Gay formally denounced it in a statement posted to Harvards website. Let there be no doubt that I condemn the terrorist atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Such inhumanity is abhorrent, whatever ones individual views of the origins of longstanding conflicts in the region, Gay wrote. While our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student groupnot even 30 student groupsspeaks for Harvard University or its leadership. We will all be well served in such a difficult moment by rhetoric that aims to illuminate and not inflame. In response to the backlash, several groups, including Amnesty International at Harvard, Harvard College Act on a Dream, Harvard Undergraduate Nepali Student Association, Harvard Islamic Society and Harvard Undergraduate Ghungroo, withdrew their support for the statement, according to a report by the campuss student newspaper, the Harvard Crimson. Act on a Dream told the student newspaper its original support had been a result of a miscommunication; the Nepali Student Organization wrote on Instagram that while it wanted to call attention to injustices against Palestinians, the group regretted that the statement had been interpreted as tacit support for the recent violent attacks in Israel. Gay said Thursday that while she did not agree with the student groups who released the statement, the university would not sanction them in any way due to the universitys commitment to free expression, according to the Crimson. The situation at Harvard escalated Thursday when trucks drove through Harvard Square emblazoned with the names and photos of students who were members of groups that had signed on to the PSCs statement. The trucks, sent by the conservative activism group Accuracy in Media, labeled the students shown on the mounted LED screens as Harvards leading anti-Semites, according to a report by WBUR. Adam Guillette, president of Accuracy in Media, told the radio station he found the student groups statement morally reprehensible. Despite the controversy of the statement, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups on campus surrounded the truck for much of the time that it was present on Thursday in an effort to send it away, WBUR reported. Harvard Hillel wrote in a post to its website that while it was against the original statement by PSC, it did not support the doxxing efforts both by Accuracy in Media and by others online. We will continue to reject the PSCs statement in the strongest terms and demand accountability for those who signed it, the organization wrote. But under no circumstances should that accountability extend to public intimidation of individuals. Such intimidation is counterproductive to the education that needs to take place on our campus at this difficult time. The Crimson reported that the Harvard University Police Department had stepped up its presence on campus in response to the billboard trucks visit. Other campuses A similar conflict has played out at Tufts University, where an email sent out by the group Students for Justice in Palestine on Monday drew even more ire when it said the attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians had shown the creativity necessary to take back stolen land, according to a screenshot shared by the Anti-Defamation League of New England on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. A spokesperson for the university told Boston.com that Tufts strongly disagreed with, and denounced the email, by SJP. Rabbi Naftali Brawer of Tufts Hillel, a Jewish campus group, also denounced the message from Students for Justice in Palestine. There is nothing that can justify the atrocities perpetuated by Hamas on innocent victims, Brawer wrote on Tufts Hillels Facebook page. The idea that a group of students would not only justify but glorify such stomach-turning, heinous acts is morally reprehensible an deeply concerning. Other colleges and universities in Massachusetts have also seen discord between people on both sides. At Boston University, professor emeritus Israel Shaked sent an email to dozens of faculty members denouncing a statement released by Interim President Kenneth Freeman in support of Israel, saying that it did not go far enough in describing the violence there, according to the Boston Globe. One should wonder whether the office of the President of Boston University would dare describing the 9/11 tragedy as a conflict and expressing sorrow for the victims on ALL sides, Shaked wrote, according to the newspaper. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. Sean Murphy, who was arrested in 2019 in connection with his mothers death in Plainville, was found not guilty by reason of insanity following a jury-waived trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrisseys office announced Friday. Murphy, then 21 and now 25, was living with his parents at their Landau Street home when his mother, Carlyn Murphy, 51, was found dead at around 10: 14 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, Morrisseys office said. Carlyn was found by police with apparent stab wounds. Murphy was found in Foxborough by police and arrested that night. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Wrentham District Court. He was also indicted by a grand jury on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, on a murder charge. Since then, he has been held in custody, primarily at the Bridgewater State Hospital, Morrisseys office said. Mr. Murphy underwent a mental health evaluation by request of defense and found to be not criminally responsible for his actions on the night of the murder, Morrissey said in a statement. Assistant District Attorney Carolyn Hely sought a second opinion, and the second examiner confirmed the lack of criminal responsibility. Murphy allowed a jury-waived trial that was heard by Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone on Thursday, Oct. 12. The court entered a verdict of not guilty by reason of lack of criminal history, ordering he be sent back to Bridgewater State Hospital. Cases involving family members and mental health issues present particular complexities our society has provisions for dealing with criminal acts that result from mental illness, Morrissey said in the statement. I thank Assistant District Attorney Carolyn Hely and Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Bishop for their work seeing this case through to this sad, but apparently just result. Two died in a wrong-way crash on Saturday morning, Massachusetts State police said. Officers responded to calls at around 1:30 a.m. after reports of a wrong-way operator driving south on Route north onto Route 95 north. After state troopers responded to the scene, another call reported the wrong-way vehicle crashed into another vehicle at Route 95 north in Lexington. The wrong-way operator, who was driving a 2019 Toyota Prius heading southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 95 at exit 49, when a 2001 Toyota RAV4 crashed head on to the opposing vehicle around exit 49B, police said. The northbound vehicle rolled onto the driver side and was engulfed in flames, police said. While both drivers were removed from their vehicles by firefighters, the operators were dead on scene. The roadway was reopened and cleared at around 7 a.m. following the crash, police said. The names of the drivers have not been released. An investigation into the crash is underway, including why the southbound vehicle was driving the wrong way, police said. Dear Annie: A few weeks back, I had to cancel plans to visit my friend and attend a musical festival in Wisconsin. My employers basically told me that if I went, there wouldnt be a job for me when I came back. (They were mad I was out for a few weeks because I just had a shoulder replacement.) While I only needed a couple days off for the festival, my job was in jeopardy. I was devastated for a very long time, especially since my best friend Janice surprised me with the festival tickets and airfare. No one hurt, cried or felt more guilty over this than me. Before my shoulder replacement, Janice told me she wanted to visit sometime at the end of the summer. I responded very enthusiastically because itd give me time to heal and we could do things! As I was being operated on, Janice texted my daughter, Savannah, that she was coming to help out. Savannah and my son both agreed I would not want this but would check with me. This was one of the first things I had to deal with post-surgery. I immediately said NO. A visit would disturb my healing. I live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. Savannah was already there to help and was sleeping on the floor. I refused to have Janice do the same, and I wouldnt be able to relax with company. Id feel as if Id need to entertain, and Id get zero rest. Savannah relayed that to her. I, too, texted Janice the exact same thing that night. THEN, knowing her plans were to leave the day after my surgery, I texted her at 5 the next morning and, in a very detailed manner, reiterated how detrimental it would be for me to have a visitor, especially one staying for many nights. I didnt hear back and was relieved to know she would honor my wishes/boundaries. She texted me that she left anyway and was in Ohio. I asked why she still left after my text, and she said, Im more persistent than you and Savannah are stubborn. This was NOT about stubbornness! She then made me feel guilty about needing to cancel the festival trip and said she had no idea how she would explain what went wrong THIS time. This time?!?! I wasnt even aware of her plans. Why are my wishes my fault? I wasnt rude. I conveyed what I needed nicely and asked for her to honor that, all BEFORE she left! I was angry and, ONCE AGAIN, explained my wishes and was VERY firm telling her not to come. The next day, she texted that she was in a hotel half a mile down the road. I was both livid and creeped out. This is emotional manipulation. All I want is to heal in peace, which I have been unable to do. This entire scenario has me so worked up I cant rest. My heart is racing, and I cant sleep at night. Her persistence is exhausting, not just with this but with other things that have occurred in the past. Her refusing to take no for an answer has me truly reconsidering this friendship. Am I overreacting? For now, Ive blocked her, but Im still nervous about her showing up. She was STILL down the road a day later, and Im STILL creeped out. Furied Friend Dear Furied: You are certainly not overreacting. A true friend would have, as you noted, honored your wishes and boundaries despite their own persistence. It was selfish of her to so blatantly disregard your requests and make you uncomfortable when your health and well-being shouldve been the top priority. While Im sure her intentions were meant to be good ones, her response to these two situations was highly inappropriate and raises undeniable red flags. How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner? is out now! Annie Lanes second anthology featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell has joined a multi-state coalition of state attorneys general calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling rolling back access to mifepristone, one of two drugs thats used to safely terminate early pregnancies and treat miscarriages. The brief filed with the high court by Campbell and 23 other state attorneys general argues that the August ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threatens dangerous consequences to reproductive health care outcomes, particularly for low-income and underserved communities. If the Supreme Court were to let the appellate courts ruling take effect, it would reverse the actions the federal government through the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has taken since 2016 to make medical abortion more available, Politico reported in August. That includes rules allowing online ordering, mail delivery and pharmacy dispensing of the drugs. And it also would roll back access from the current 10 weeks of pregnancy to seven weeks, and reinstate a requirement that only physicians can prescribe the pills, Politico reported. In a statement on Friday, Campbell said its critical that patients be able to access evidence-based reproductive care, including FDA-approved mifepristone, adding that she was proud to join this multi-state coalition in supporting the FDAs independent, scientific decisions permitting appropriate access to mifepristone, which plays a crucial role in advancing bodily autonomy and the right to choose for all. In their brief, Campbell and her colleagues urged the Supreme Court to grant petitions by the FDA and drug manufacturer Danco Laboratories LLC, to bring the case before the high court, and then reverse the lower courts ruling which ignores decades of high-quality evidence and clinical research that shows mifepristone is safe and effective. If the lower courts ruling is allowed to stand, it would disrupt access to the most common method of abortion, which would impact both pregnant people and the health care system, the coalition said in its statement. Among other things, the ruling could lead many individuals to undergo procedural abortion, delay abortion procedures later in pregnancy, drive up risks and costs, and deprive many individuals of access to reproductive health care altogether, Campbell and her colleagues said in their statement, adding that the ruling, if allowed to stand, would create widespread confusion among providers, distributers, and pharmacies, and radically destabilize the regulatory process for drug approvals, stifling scientific innovation and imperiling the development and availability of thousands of drugs nationwide. In addition to Massachusetts, state attorneys general in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, also joined in the legal action. The filing by Campbell, and her fellow state attorneys general, came just a day after state legislators in 49 states similarly filed a brief asking the high court to preserve access to mifepristone, States Newsroom reported. The amicus brief, also called a friend of the court brief, was organized by State Innovation Exchanges Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council and assembled over the past week, Jennifer Driver, the groups senior director of reproductive rights, told States Newsroom. Driver said State Innovation Exchange, also known as SiX, provides tools and resources for state legislators to advocate for progressive public policies after being elected to office. Driver said SiX did ask Republican legislators to sign on as well, but didnt manage to garner any bipartisan support, States Newsroom reported. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. We resolutely reject and strongly condemn the Resolution 2517 (2023) and the Recommendation 2260 (2023) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) dated 12 October, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "This institution on another occasion fails to display unbiased approach in relation to Azerbaijan. Instead of welcoming the measures carried out by Azerbaijan to eradicate the major threat to its security and territorial integrity emanating from Armenias separatist regime and illegal Armenian armed forces in its territory, the PACE continues to demonstrate an approach based on groundless rumors and insidious policy of certain countries in our region aimed at denigrating Azerbaijan. These papers while clearly contradicting core decisions and documents of the Council of Europe, which reaffirm commitments to the norms and principles of international law, especially on respect to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member States within their internationally recognized borders, embolden Armenian aggression and revanchism against Azerbaijan. Distorted presentation of the events leading to the local 24-hours counter-terrorism measures, and disregard of Azerbaijans respect to humanitarian law and necessary precautions to avoid any violation of the human rights of the local civilian residents of Armenian origin, that were positively assessed by two UN missions to the region and the UNHCR in Armenia confirming the absence of any use of violence by Azerbaijan, demonstrates long-lasting predisposition against Azerbaijan within the PACE. Moreover, the PACEs baseless claims on movement through the Lachin road for the last ten months, and misinterpretation of related decisions of the International Court of Justice, while disregarding its Order of July 6, 2023 that unanimously rejected Armenias claims on the operation of the Lachin border checkpoint, is unacceptable. Furthermore, the failure to shed the light on the fate of close to 4000 missing Azerbaijanis, landmine threat that raised the toll of victims to 333 since 44-days War, and extent of the devastation registered in the formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories is deeply concerning. Slanderous and outrageous arguments about the voluntary relocation of Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, while turning a blind eye for almost 30 years of violation of human rights of Azerbaijani IDPs, and the ethnic Azerbaijani refugees forcibly expelled from Armenia is an open breach of related human rights obligations by this institution. The PACE while defending the rights of ethnic Armenians from non-existent threats, ignores appeals of restoring rights and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. The PACE has to cease unreasonable and biased steps against Azerbaijan that undermine the prospects of peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia. At the same time, short-sighted attempts to use the Council of Europe mechanisms against Azerbaijan are completely counterproductive, and they cant undermine Azerbaijans determination to continue acting on securing lasting peace in the region and furthering the reintegration plans regarding the local Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan," the statement said. La 25e seance parlementaire de 2023 va signer le retour des elus, ministres, PPS et autres au Parlement pour la derniere serie de seance pour lannee avant la periode festives. Une seance qui va commercer avec lelection du Deputy Chairperson of Committees, des discours du Premier Minsitres sur les anciens deputes disparus, la PNQ, les questions parlementaires, la premiere lecture du The Fisheries Bill et debut des debats sur le The Private Recruitment Agencies Bill. 1. Election of the Deputy Chairperson of Committees 2. Announcements 3. Papers 4. Questions 5. Motion The Honourable Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity That all the business on todays Order Paper be exempted from the provisions of paragraph (2) of Standing Order 10. 6. Statements by Ministers 7. Public Bills (a) FIRST READING *The Fisheries Bill (No. XIII of 2023: The Honourable Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping) (b) SECOND READING * The Private Recruitment Agencies Bill (No. XII of 2023: The Honourable Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training) (c) COMMITTEE STAGE * The Private Recruitment Agencies Bill (No. XII of 2023: The Honourable Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training) (d) THIRD READING * The Private Recruitment Agencies Bill (No. XII of 2023: The Honourable Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training) WHO joins the wider United Nations in appealing to Israel to immediately rescind orders for the evacuation of over 1 million people living north of Wadi Gaza. A mass evacuation would be disastrousfor patients, health workers and other civilians left behind or caught in the mass movement. With ongoing airstrikes and closed borders, civilians have no safe place to go. Almost half of the population of Gaza is under 18 years of age. With dwindling supplies of safe food, clean water, health services, and without adequate shelter, children and adults, including the elderly, will all be at heightened risk of disease. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has informed WHO that it is impossible to evacuate vulnerable hospital patients without endangering their lives. Vulnerable patients include those who are critically injured or dependent on life support. Moving them amid hostilities puts their lives at immediate risk. The two Ministry of Health hospitals in the North of Gaza that continue to be operational, have greatly exceeded their combined 760-bed capacity with severe overcrowding. Of the thousands of patients with injuries and other conditions receiving care in hospitals, there are hundreds that are severely wounded and over 100 who require critical care. These are the sickest of the sick. Many thousands more, also with wounds or other health needs, cannot access any kind of care. The compressed timeframe, complex transport logistics, damaged roads, and, above all, lack of supportive care during transport all add to the difficulty of moving them. Furthermore, the four Ministry of Health hospitals in the south of Gaza are already at or beyond capacity, and lack the critical care capacity and supplies needed to treat additional patients. The lack of medical supplies is already endangering patients and hampering health workers. Supplies which WHO had pre-positioned in Gaza have mostly been consumed. On 9 October, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who agreed to a WHO request to facilitate the delivery of health and other humanitarian supplies from WHO to Gaza via the Rafah crossing. WHO has prepared medical supplies in its logistics hub in Dubai and is ready to deliver them to Areesh, Egyptjust 20 minutes from Rafahas soon as landing permit is received. The supplies would be enough to care for more than 300,000 patients with a range of wounds and diseases. WHO asks for the immediate establishment of a humanitarian corridor for their onward, safe delivery to health care facilities in Gaza, including via Rafah. WHO reiterates its plea for humanitarian access for life-saving supplies and the delivery of fuel, water, and food; for protection under international humanitarian law for civilians, health workers and health infrastructure; and ultimately, for an end to hostilities and violence. THE GARDA commissioner has defended plans to increase the age limit for new recruits from 35 to 50. Drew Harris made his comments at a graduation ceremony in Templemore this Friday morning. The maximum age for new garda recruits was 26 until 2004 when it was increased to 35. The proposed increase to 50 must be formally approved by the Cabinet before being implemented. Responding to reporters' questions Commissioner Harris says the decision was made following a Workplace Relations Commission finding, in 2020, that an upper age limit of 35 was not proportionate and was discriminatory. "In effect, we have taken notice of what the WRC has said and we have taken that very seriously and we have looked very closely at what the optimum age should be and we decided on 50," he said. He added that 50 was selected to ensure that An Garda Siochana gets a return on the investment it makes in training new recruits. "They will have to go through their training and their probation and we want, then, to get a return on that investment around being able to go out on patrol and conduct all their duties effectively and really work with the rest of us in terms of protecting the people of Ireland." When asked about the potential for older recruits to be sick and unable to work physically, he commented: "The application process and the training is rigorous and it isn't for the faint-hearted." After todays passing out ceremony for 126 new recruits, another class will enter the Garda Training College on Monday. AN IRISH celebrity who is accused of the defilement of 16-year-old girl over a decade ago has told his trial that the complainant never went to his home. The 40-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of 17 at locations in Dublin on dates between August and December 2010. Giving evidence this Friday, the man told defence counsel, Morgan Shelley Bl, that he met the woman on July 14, 2010, at an Eminem concert during the Oxegen music festival. He said the complainant noticed him, then beckoned him over as, I think she recognised me. He said they had a brief chat, then he put his number in her phone. He claimed he noticed she was holding a plastic cup which contained alcohol at the 17+ festival. He claimed their first meeting after the festival was for lunch and that she had told him by text before this that she was 18. The man said he was at work on December 14, 2010 and that he went out for drinks with a colleague afterwards. He then took a taxi home around midnight. When asked by Mr Shelley, the man said he doesn't recall arranging tickets for the complainant for the Deadmaus concert on December 14, 2010, but that it's not impossible. He said she was not at his house on that date or on any other occasion. She was not in that house to the best of my recollection ever, he said. The man said the complainant contacted him in late January 2011, suggesting they meet up. He said he believed they met on January 24, 2011. He said she told him it had recently been her birthday. I said '19 is a no mans land age, neither here or there'. She said 'I'm not 19, Im 17'. That was a little bit of a surprise or shock. I said, 'You told me you were 18'. She said, 'No I was sweet 16'. It was what it was, it was a bit of a shock. He said he'd gotten braces in the days before the lunch occurred. I got them back on to get the pearly whites. She slagged me and said I 'looked goofy and younger with the braces'. The defendant said they went to his workplace after the meal. He denied using the fire escape stairs and said it did not happen that he and the woman were in the stairwell together. He said there was no sexual interaction between him and the complainant on this date. He also denied any sexual interaction between himself and the complainant before this date. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has previously heard that the complainant initially told the man she was 18 when they first met. In her evidence, she said she told him her actual age before they engaged in sexual activity. It is the State's case that the man put his penis in the complainant's mouth on three occasions, once in his workplace and twice in his home. The complainant was 16 at the time, while the man was then 27. He has denied any wrongdoing. This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy Privacy Policy , and our Terms of Use BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Combat shooting exercises are being conducted in the special units (commando units) of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan in accordance with the training plan for the current year, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said, Trend reports. The units performing the tasks of target practice destroyed the air targets with high accuracy using an anti-aircraft missile system. The commando units successfully completed all the tasks set during the exercises. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. A conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic, has taken place in Baku today under the co-chairmanship of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev, Trend reports. The event organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan was also attended by ministers, heads of organizations and committees, and MPs. "The Azerbaijani people, realizing that the political course of national leader Heydar Aliyev is the only correct one, supported Ilham Aliyev in the elections of October 15, 2003 as a worthy president who will continue this policy, and elected him as the new president, thereby beginning a new stage in the development of Azerbaijan, Asadov said during his opening speech at the event. The prime minister noted that over the past 20 years, President Ilham Aliyev has rapidly developed Azerbaijan, transforming it into a powerful nation that has become a respected regional leader, securing a worthy place in the global community, and successfully addressing its challenges through its economic and military strength. As Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev pointed out , with complete confidence, it can be said that The past 20 years have been extremely important in terms of achieving the strategic goals facing our country, the significance of the events that have taken place, and most importantly, the results achieved. They represent a new stage and the brightest page in centuries-old history of Azerbaijan's national statehood, he stressed. "The period of President Ilham Aliyev's leadership has entered our millennia-long history as a golden one, which included an unprecedented rise, progress, and a series of victories of the Azerbaijani people, divided for centuries and subjected to severe hardships," the official added. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from occupation was the dream of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and one of the main goals of President Ilham Aliyev. The recognition of our country's territorial integrity by the world community proved that international law is on the side of Azerbaijan. When the 2020 second Karabakh war began, President Ilham Aliyev said making an appeal to the people of Azerbaijan that international law is on our side and the whole world recognizes Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan, and this was the beginning of the path to the great victory, he said. Other speakers also told about the work carried out under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The event was finalized with show of the documentary film titled Economic achievements of the last 20 years. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Azerbaijan is holding a solemn ceremony is being held at the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan in connection with the 20th anniversary of the election of the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev as President of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. At the beginning of the event, a minute of silence was held to honor the bright memory of the heroic soldiers of Azerbaijan who became martyrs for the independence and territorial integrity of the country, and the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev spoke about the reforms carried out in the Prosecutor's office during the 20 years of President Ilham Aliyev's rule. INGHAM COUNTY, MI - A 15-year-old is being charged as an adult after a man was fatally shot while canvassing in Lansing earlier this month. Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane announced this week Lamar Kemp, of Lansing, faces open murder and felony firearm charges in the Oct. 8 shooting death of Theodore Ted Lawson. Lawson, 63, who served as the the Ingham County Democratic Party, was reportedly found lying on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound. He died from injuries. MIDLAND, MI A happy atmosphere. Thats what the community should expect when they are welcomed into Andy & Nathans U.S. Coney & Cone, according to co-owner Nathan Widmer. The restaurant, located at 601 S. Saginaw Road in Midland, opened in January of this year. Nathan Widmer owns the business with his father, Andy Widmer, and they both said they are passionate about serving smiles and good food to the community. We hope when they come in and theyre frowny and having a rough start to the week and hungry, they get some good food and they leave happy, Nathan Widmer said. Thats the most important part. Our slogan is Food that makes you happy, so thats what we strive for. Once the family gutted the space and built it back up to what it is today, Andy and Nathan Widmer decided what kinds of food they wanted to serve the community. Andy Widmer said the most popular items include the Coney dogs, ice cream, Dole soft serve, burgers and the garlic bread cheese curds. The burgers are made from fresh ground beef, and Andy Widmer makes the Coney sauce from scratch, just like most of their menu items. They also offer salads, sandwiches, chicken tenders, chicken noodle soup and a variety of side dishes. Each item on the menu is below $10, and they have a buy one, get one coney dog special on Tuesdays. Its been absolutely awesome. Its better than I ever imagined so far, Andy Widmer said. I would like to thank Midland for the tremendous support theyve given us. Its beyond my wildest dreams. This isnt the first business Andy Widmer has owned. He is a co-owner of another business with his wife called Great Gifts, Arts, Antiques & Handmades, located at 600 Cambridge St., suite 2, in Midland. Andy & Nathans U.S. Coney & Cone is open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant offers online ordering as well. Check out its website here or its Facebook here to see the menu and up-to-date information. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com. ANN ARBOR, MI - Baby sharks, mermaids, pirates and more filled the first floor of C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital Spirit of Children Halloween Party. The event on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Ann Arbor hospitals Jones Family Center connects child patients with various Halloween costumes, as well as arts and crafts, games and a photo shoot. The collaboration between the hospital and Spirt of Children, the nonprofit portion of the Spirit Halloween franchise, is part of the hospitals efforts to normalize the care experience for children, officials said. We know if kids werent with us here in the hospital theyd be doing fun things to celebrate Halloween, whether that be with their families, schools or within their communities, said Lindsay Heering, the hospitals administrative director of child and family life. We want to make sure that were bringing that whole experience to the hospital. Spirit of Children donates all the costumes to child patients and siblings, as well as funds to local pediatric hospitals, officials said. The nonprofit has donated more than $804,000 to Mott Child & Family Life since 2010, officials said. We are thankful to Spirit of Children for helping kids at C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital enjoy a childhood Halloween experience while going through such a difficult time, said Luanne Thomas Ewald, chief operating officer of Mott and Von Voigtlander Womens Hospital. Oliver Ankney, who dressed as Baby Shark on Friday, was born in the NICU a little more than a year ago, said his father Patrick. For last years party, he was dressed as candy corn. Were just grateful to be back here after a year, Patrick said. Heerings favorite costume, she said, are the cozy ghost and pumpkin outfits for babies in attendance. Were just making sure (all patients) have those special memories as a kid and a chance to be a kid, she said. To escape from all the things theyre facing. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. Read more from The Ann Arbor News: Lennon & Elvis? Obama & JFK? See 10 famous people whove visited the University of Michigan Record $1.8B in research produced by University of Michigan in 2023 Take a virtual tour of the $11.5M renovated University of Michigan presidents home ANN ARBOR, MI - Roughly 100 to 150 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at the University of Michigan President Santa Onos house on Friday, Oct. 13 to protest his Oct. 10 statement on the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas. The march started at 3 p.m. and ended around 5:30 p.m. It was organized by Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, or SAFE, a Palestinian solidarity group at UM. The group announced the protest via their Instagram on Thursday. Violence is never the answer, Ono said in the statement emailed to the UM community. Yet today our campus communities are reeling in the wake of the horrific attack by Hamas terrorists on Israeli citizens and the immense loss of civilian lives. Ono continued that he began reaching out to leaders of major universities in Israel to express concern for students, faculty and staff, saying, I also reaffirmed our steadfast commitment to our work with these universities. The protest began at the Presidents House on University Avenue. Protestors chanted, When Palestine is under attack, stand up, fight back, and Gaza Gaza dont you cry, Palestine will never die, and Justice is our demand, no peace on stolen land. Were here because President Ono is actively participating in the erasure of the Palestinian identity and reducing rightful resistance to oppression to acts of terrorism, said Zaynab Elkolaly, an organizer for SAFE. Furthermore, in his email, he focuses solely on the merits of the university institutions and their systems and completely neglected the loss of innocent human life Were talking about the loss of Palestinian human life over decades and decades of oppression. The crowd moved completely into the street by 4 p.m, marching down State Street, through the UM Diag, eventually circling back to the Presidents House. As the protest continued, Ono released another statement. By the time marchers circled back to the Presidents House, Zaynab Elkolaly an organizer read the statement to the crowd, which elicited boos. Earlier this week I shared a message condemning violence as we heard the initial reports of the horrific attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel and the loss of so many civilian lives, Ono said in the statement. As the fighting continues, the death toll is mounting among Israelis and Palestinians. To be clear, I stand by my earlier message that unequivocally condemns the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Speaking with moral clarity against any act of terrorism is not, and should not, be controversial at the University of Michigan. Salma Hamamy, who is Palestinian and co-president of SAFE, addressed Onos most recent statement. When your rights are being taken away at every single possible level from the moment you are born to the moment you are about to pass away, you have the right to fight back, Hamamy said. For people who tell us that we dont have the right to fight back, I believe that they dont view us as human because human beings deserve their rights. Demonstrators dispersed around 5:30 p.m. Hamamy told MLive/The Ann Arbor News that the large turnout at the demonstration gave her hope. It pushes us to keep going forward, Hamamy said. And Ive just been feeling terrible this whole past week because Ive been wanting to do more for Palestine. It takes a toll on our conscience if were not actively doing work for Palestine. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. Read more from The Ann Arbor News Milestone $631M housing project breaks ground at University of Michigan The cost of living in Ann Arbor is higher than many Big 10 peers, federal data shows How does a University of Michigan student afford to live in Ann Arbor? They have 42 roommates. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The motto at a family owned restaurant on Grand Rapids Southeast Side says it all. Only the good chicken makes it in! Thats served Wing Heaven well as it brings in customers with its chicken wings and Soul Food Wednesdays menu. Maraja and Ronald James opened the restaurant in 2018 serving up Black cuisine at 2020 Eastern Ave. SE. A family enterprise, their daughters, Johnae Welch and Jai Mitchell, work as operations managers. Were happy to serve our community, Welch said. The interior is decorated with pictures of Black icons including Maya Angelou, N.W.A, and Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, along with a display of artwork from the familys children. When you come into our place its very Afro-centric, Welch said. We try to boost our community up as best as we can, while also welcoming others in with our cuisines. The restaurant features Soul Food Wednesday under the direction of Welchs grandmother, Frankie Welch, who previously owned Lolos Cafe on 44th St. SE at Kalamazoo Ave. Soul Food Wednesday menu items change each week but this weeks menu featured turkey chops, baked or fried whole wings, fried fish, fried or smothered pork chops and meatloaf; with sides of mac n cheese, turnip greens, dressing, lima beans and yams. A turkey chops meal (including two sides) for $17.99, all other meals (including two sides) are $14.99. Side items, sold separately, are $3.99. We integrated a part of our culture into our menu, Johnae Welch said about Soul Food Wednesday. My grandma is the primary cook with that, so she absolutely loves to bring her Southern cuisine here. Welch said she wants Wing Heaven to provide a meeting ground for various cultures to come together over food. When our customers come in and they dont know too much about our (Black) community itself, or our food itself, come on in and ask questions. Wed be happy to serve you soul food or anything from our menu that you may have questions about, she said. Wing Heavens specialty is, of course, the chicken wings. Traditional or boneless chicken wings (6 for $9.49, 10 for $12.99, 15 for $16.49, 20 for $23.49); Whole chicken wings (4 for $7.99, 6 for $11.49, 8 for $14.99, 12 for $18.49); Chicken strips (3 for $7.99, 6 for $11.49); and chicken gizzards (1/2 pound for $7.49, one pound for $9.49). Meals include fries and medium drink for $2 extra. The 23 signature wing sauces are homemade by Frankie Welch: Honey Heaven (most popular) Scorching Hot Medium Mild BBQ Honey BBQ Hot BBQ Mango Habanero Dry Lemon Pepper Wet Lemon Pepper Caribbean Jerk Caribbean BBQ Sweet & Sour Sweet Raspberry Pepper Teriyaki Sweet Chili Bourbon Spicy Garlic Garlic Parmesan Honey Lemon Honey Mustard Buffalo Ranch While Welch was talking with MLive on Thursday, regular customer Edward Price came through the door to place an order just before noon. Price said he orders from Wing Heaven about four times a week. The food is delicious, Price said. The best wings in Grand Rapids. Customers looking for additional options can also choose from fish, burgers and subs. The restaurant serves plenty of side items. In addition, one typical side item is made into a full meal. It is called Mountain Fries. Mountain Fries features one pound of French fries with a choice of meat, cheese and vegetables for $13.99. We also offer Kool-Aid, which is a big staple in the African American community, she said. The menu is filled with more options. Wings Heaven is take-out only and operates Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. 10 p.m.; closed on Sunday. For more information, check out their website, Facebook or call (616) 570-0245. More on MLive: Caribbean Bite brings tropical, mouthwatering flavors to downtown Grand Rapids This Grand Rapids bar serves own brand of champagne as part of inclusive bubbly experience 10 great places to get a mouthwatering burger in Grand Rapids BERRIEN COUNTY, MI -- Shazam the horse was rescued 27 years ago. He hit his stride as a member of Berrien County sheriffs Mounted Division, helping police in rescue operations, riding in parades and entertaining children at various events. Shazam was laid to rest on Sept. 20, after 18 years of service. Shannon Utt was 12 when she and her family adopted Shazam and she began training him. She talked about the connection they shared and said his story was one of triumph, going from a bad situation to a life of service. He was tied on a post and had wounds all over his face because he could only walk a little teeny circle, Utt said. He was less than 2 years old at the time. When animal control officers removed him from his former home, one of the rescue team members named him Shazam, she said. After training for years together, Shazam qualified to be a police horse and Utt was approved to be a reserve officer. Utt rode Shazam at parades, in police operations and at a variety of events over the years. As a police horse, Shazam was great at being around people, she said. The horse and Utt also traveled to compete in rodeos and other contests, she said. He loved to go places, said Utt, a veterinarian technician. Shannon Utt's son, Colton Smith smiles for a photo with the family's horse, Shazam. The blue ribbon is for winning the walk trot pleasure class, Utt said. (Courtesy | Shannon Utt) Shazam often led the unit in community parades, the sheriffs office said while announcing the death this week. He seemed to love his job, the department said, and he was a gentle ambassador for adults and children at the events he worked. He also helped provide a larger police presence during beach patrol and events, Utt said, and helped the department cover more ground during search and rescue operations. We can go in areas where ATVs cannot, Utt said. He was an exceptional horse, the department said. Shazam was 29 when he died. Utt said he was recently diagnosed with a heart condition that caused his death. He made a lasting impression on her and others, Utt said. Hes a once-in-a-lifetime horse, she said. Residents may have seen Shazam as he worked the entire week of fair this August as one of his last assignments for the sheriffs office. Want more Kalamazoo news? Our 3@3 newsletter rounds up Kalamazoos top stories every weekday at 3 p.m. Enter your email to get our free newsletter: Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Also on MLive: Forever missed: 2 children killed in house fire grieved by community Oshtemo Township trustee resigns, board quickly appoints replacement New $9.3M public safety station opens in Kalamazoo U.S. 131 closed for 6 hours due to suicidal subject Police negotiators talk man off ledge of 8-story downtown Kalamazoo building Tribe asks Michigan school district to stop using Chieftains logo Ever since relocating to Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons have been intentional about their efforts to be involved in the community and their philanthropic efforts as a whole under owner Tom Gores. That trend continued this week with a recent initiative at their practice facility. This franchise hosted Move For Hunger, a national non-profit organization that fights hunger and food waste, on Thursday for the Most Cereal Boxes Toppled in a Domino Fashion with Topple Hunger. The Topple Hunger event shattered the current record of 6,391 cereal boxes by more than double, toppling 12,952 boxes at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center and broke a Guinness World Record. The Detroit Pistons were thrilled to host this unique challenge at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center designed to fight issues around hunger and support local Michigan food banks, Pistons Vice President of Community & Social Responsibility, Erika Swilley, said. Though were excited about breaking the Guinness World Record, more importantly, this challenge served to break barriers around food insecurity in our community. The purpose of the event was to generate awareness about significant food insecurity and food waste in the United States. Helping the Pistons and Move For Hunger in pulling the event off, WK Kellogg Co & Kroger donated the boxes of cereal, and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan donated a gallon of milk for every cereal box donated. Hellmanns, Lineage Foundation for Good, University Moving & Storage, and the Pistons have also joined the Move For Hunger initiative as sponsors. We brought together some of the worlds leading brands that are working to fight hunger and food waste to break a Guinness World Record, Move For Hungers Executive Director, Adam Lowy, said. It takes great partners working together to tackle these issues, and we hope this event will shine a spotlight on the need while providing thousands of meals for struggling families. Following the event, the cereal was delivered to local Michigan food banks, including Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners Food Bank. This event supported Move For Hungers efforts by providing 500,000 meals to communities in need. ESCANABA, MI Michigans federally protected gray wolves are under closer watch by state wildlife regulators than ever before. More than 1,200 wildlife cameras are strapped to trees across the Upper Peninsula, along backwoods roads and two-track trails. State wildlife biologists are using the gear to watch for and capture images of Michigans top canine predator 24/7 all year round. The goal is to get a more precise population count of wolves, a widely disputed figure between state regulators and U.P. hunters in recent years. Wolves remain protected as an endangered species under federal law but are not included on Michigans endangered or threatened list. Current state estimates for the number of wolves in the U.P. is 631. There are no established wolf packs in the Lower Peninsula. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts across Upper Michigan by-and-large disagree with state wolf number estimates in recent years. They argued state officials vastly undercounted the number of wolves in the environment. Related: Michigans gray wolf population stable for last decade, state says Brian Roell, wildlife biologist for the state Department of Natural Resources, explained the new wolf population survey method to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Thursday, Oct. 12, during its meeting in Escanaba. He said state wildlife officials are trying to get better, more irrefutable proof of the U.P.s wolf numbers. What I like to say is this is the minimum that we can prove that are there. You know, were missing stuff, but were not missing thousands when we do the survey, Roell said. Trail cam image of a wild wolf in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. (Image provided by Nancy Warren) The wildlife scientist said the new trail camera effort also allows wildlife scientists to monitor other animals that use these deep-woods trails: moose, deer, bear, bobcat, turkeys, and more. Roell said its important for state wildlife officials to gather improved data if they are to make decisions about any possible future wolf hunting season, should the currently protected species be delisted again. Killing wolves for anything other than attacking a human currently is illegal because the species remains protected by the federal Endangered Species Act. Related: Hunting still an option in Michigans updated gray wolf plan if species de-listed again Roell said it would be at least nine to 12 months of research and consultation with Indigenous tribes before a state wolf hunting season could be organized, and its unknown whether wolves may be federally delisted again. Five months, five years we really dont know at this point. Possibly in February 2024, they may give us some more indicators on when the wolf might be delisted. But right now, we just dont know that, Roell said. Several U.P. residents told the state-level commissioners of their concerns about the out of control wolf population and their desire to legally hunt wolves as soon as possible after any future federal protections are dropped. Its widely argued within up-north hunting groups that wolves are responsible for a reduced deer herd and fewer other small game. A taxidermy gray wolf at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge temporary visitor center in Michigans Upper Peninsula, May 17, 2022. (Garret Ellison | MLive) When the opportunity comes and the wolves are delisted, we should be able to start something immediately. To go through that laundry list, all of our animals up here are going to have a problem before that, said Jack Thomas of Newberry, a member of the Hiawatha Sportsmans Club. Wolf advocate Nancy Warren also spoke to commissioners about overall animosity toward wolves on U.P.-based social media sites that feature private trail camera photos of wolves. She encouraged state scientists to make calculations of wolf numbers and decisions about the species based on sound science rather than misinformation, exaggeration, and bar-room biology. Last year the state updated its wolf management plan, which included required steps to develop a hunting season if the species came back to state control. Overall goals of the Michigans wolf plan are to maintain a viable wolf population, facilitate benefits of the species, and minimize conflicts with both livestock and pets. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. The disruption of transport chains in various regions against the backdrop of geopolitical realities that have begun to change rapidly in recent years, as well as the emerging energy and economic crisis have proved how far-sighted the policy of infrastructure construction pursued by President Ilham Aliyev and his foreign policy strategy is, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the conference titled "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood", Trend reports. He noted that today Azerbaijan is the country with the largest civil air fleet in the region and the largest sea cargo fleet in the Caspian Sea. "In general, eight international airports have been built and reconstructed in Azerbaijan during the leadership of the head of state. The number of international airports in the country will reach nine after the commissioning of the Lachin International Airport, said Asadov. President Ilham Aliyev is consistently working to strengthen the status of Azerbaijan as a country of green energy on a global scale. The scale of potential in this area has already been determined, large investments are being attracted, and an agreement has been signed with the EU as an export market, he said. A conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic, is taking place in Baku today under the co-chairmanship of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev. The conference is dedicated to the activities of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. 14.10.2023 LISTEN Selina Boateng, the renowned Gospel musician, has emphasized the need for musicians to establish a strong and influential presence on social media platforms in order to effectively market their songs in the contemporary music industry. In a conversation with Akua Sonto, who was standing in as the host for the mid-morning show on Accra FM, Selina Boateng elaborated on the challenges musicians face in today's digital age. She stressed that musicians must be highly influential, particularly on social media, to propel their songs. The "Alpha & Omega" hitmaker compared the current method of promoting and selling music to the more straightforward approaches of the past. She said, Currently, everything is digital and so one will have to go on social media for stuff. So, for some of us who are not loud, this is to our disadvantage. But previously, whether you are loud or not, patrons know where to get our songs to buy. One will just walk to a CD shop and say I need Selina Boatengs latest song on the market to buy and its sold to him or her and that was easy for us." But this time, the musician will have to go for a media interview and ask his or her fans to go to Boomplay and stream the music. So, the process has now become very long, she expressed. Despite the challenges, Selina Boateng acknowledged the positive aspects of this digital era of music promotion and expressed her intention to leverage these opportunities to promote her songs. Applicants in Ghana (except holders of official passports) seeking a France visa can visit the newly opened VFS Global France Visa Application Centre in Accra located on the Ground floor, One Airport Square, Airport City. Earlier, visa applications were directly submitted to the Embassy of France in Accra for processing. Commenting on the launch of the new Centre, Mr. Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head Sub Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said: We are pleased to expand our France visa services presence across Sub-Saharan Africa with the launch of this new Visa Application Centre in the city of Accra. The opening of this new Centre will efficiently cater to the growing travel needs from Ghana by offering visa applicants a hassle-free and seamless experience as their first step to travel to the country of France. Applicants need to complete their application online at https://france-visas.gouv.fr before booking an appointment. Once completed, applicants can proceed to book an appointment through the website (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gha/en/fra/) to visit the Centre for visa application processing. VFS Global has been a trusted partner for the Government of France for visa processing services since 2004. The company services visa processing requirements on behalf of the Client Government across 25 countries through an extensive network of 77 Visa Application Centres. Key features of the new centre: Access to the Premium Lounge facility for a more personalised service experience at the Centre Prime Time service to submit applications beyond the normal processing hours Completion of the visa application with the help of our expert staff using Form filling services Optional Courier Service facility for delivery of doorstep at your doorstep Wide selection of other optional value-added services like photocopy, and photograph services to enhance the overall experience of applicants Dedicated contact centre and email support to answer queries 13.10.2023 LISTEN The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed its commitment to assisting the Electoral Commission (EC) in resolving network breakdown issues that were encountered during the recent limited voter registration exercise in the upcoming 2024 general elections. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC Director of Elections and IT, emphasized the importance of addressing these network challenges, which the party believes could pose a significant threat to Ghana's democracy if they reoccur during the 2024 elections. In a recent Facebook post, Dr. Boamah stated, "We shall, with patriotic zeal, assist the EC to troubleshoot the problem(s) for immediate remedy." Dr. Boamah further revealed that the party is actively investigating the root causes of the recurrent network breakdowns within the EC's system. Moreover, were pursuing the root cause(s) of the regularly irregular breakdown of the ECs network system, he noted. Dr. Boamah also pointed out that the EC did not meet its initial target for the limited voter registration exercise. He noted that the decision to restrict registration to only the district offices of the EC had a significant impact on the registration numbers, with the EC falling short of its original goal of registering over 1.3 million Ghanaians. He stated, It is a notorious fact that the EC failed woefully to meet its own originally set target of registering over 1.3 million Ghanaians because of the decision to restrict registration to only the District Offices of the EC. Again, data from the registration exercise proved that the Guarantor system remains a vital identifier for many Ghanaians; thus cannot be scrapped anytime soon by any new Constitutional Instrument, he added. Dr. Boamah commended the NDC leadership at the national, regional, and branch levels, as well as former President John Dramani Mahama, for their contributions to the recently concluded limited voter registration exercise. Similarly, cheers to our many Registration Agents who stood firm against the intimidation of the ruling NPP government during the period. Your rewards will be both in heaven and on earth. Youve all been amazingly impressive! You have proven that even when the EC refuses to listen to our legitimate concerns and constructive criticisms youll rise to the occasion and deliver on your mandate in order to chase the incompetent NPP government to the bush, he stated. Dr. Boamah encouraged party officers to maintain their hard work, vigilance, and dedication to the party's goals, emphasizing the need to avoid complacency in the upcoming 2024 elections. A potential referendum on immigration has sent a seismic wave through the French political sphere as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to shake up rules that would pave the way for a popular vote on the historically divisive issue. France's minority government has been hard-pressed to find support for its bill to speed up the process of legalising some undocumented foreigners, while also making it easier to deport others. The legislation, already repeatedly postponed, will be presented to the Senate on 6 November before arriving in the National Assembly in January. Leftwing lawmakers, including from Macron's own Renaissance group in parliament, have banded together to demand that future immigration policy prioritises illegal workers in frontline sectors suffering labour shortages such as the construction, hospitality and service industries. Parties on the right and far right, however, have rejected this and are insisting that migration issues be put to a referendum. With his bill to reduce illegal immigration at an impasse, Macron recently sent a letter to his political peers and rivals unveiling plans to simplify rules surrounding referendums including on the prickly issue of immigration. It was a move that solicited a hardening of rhetoric from the political extremes. Stoking divisions Immigration has been the source of political entanglement in France for more than three decades, says Patrick Simon, a demographer and specialist in discrimination at the National Institute of Demographic Studies (INED). What's different now is that this referendum idea is fueling more opposition, Simon told RFI. A few years ago we had a discussion on national identity, and even though it was not a 'referendum', it fueled a lot of a very negative opinions about immigrants and minorities in France. The French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), a consultative assembly, has also warned that staging a referendum on immigration would only stoke divisions over an already delicate subject. One of the most effective ways of reducing tensions is to avoid creating them in the first place, CESE president Thierry Beaudet wrote in an open letter addressed to Macron. Those opposed to a referendum worry that without clear information about the singular issues at stake, the most vocal anti-immigration voices will ring the loudest. It's a trick that will foster the more radical positions and make it harder to have a more stable discussion on the pros and cons of immigration and how it can be translated into policy, Simon argues. Legislative roadblock Macron's bid to widen the number of issues that can be put to a referendum or preferendum, as they're being called is something he hopes will help his minority government pass legislation without resorting to the infamous article 49.3 of the French constitution that allows unpopular laws to be forced through parliament without a vote. While supporters hail the idea as a legitimate tool for direct democracy, its detractors accuse Macron of political theatre, arguing that preferendums risk causing unnecessary damage instead of giving more power to the population. On the issue of immigration, a popular vote will never be able to encompass the multitude of dimensions needed for developing meaningful policy, argues Camille Le Coz, a senior policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute Europe. I fail to see what the question would be to begin with, she says. While I think it's a good idea to consult the broader public on this issue in all of its complexity we need to move away from this idea of a black-and-white, 'yes' or 'no' referendum. The asylum system, labour, migration and border management: all of these issues cannot be summed up with just one question. Referendum results are also notoriously tricky to foretell with Brexit the most obvious example of a curveball. The last referendum in France, held back in May 2005, ended in a shock rejection of the European Constitution. Constitutional hurdle Because the French constitution limits referendum issues to economic issues and institutional reforms, amendments will have to be made before Macron's plan to simplify referendum rules can reach fruition. Adopted by war hero Charles de Gaulle in 1958, France's constitution has been revised two dozen times over the years. The most recent change to modernise state institutions happened back in 2008. Last week during a speech celebrating the constitution's 65th anniversary, Macron said that preserving the charter did not mean freezing it", as he opened the path for more potential amendments. Any changes, however, will require support from three-fifths of a joint session of both houses of parliament. Given those obstacles, Le Coz says it's going to take some time before immigration can ever become the subject of a direct vote and that Macron's project is intentionally hypothetical. That's his political strategy because he knows it's going to take a very long time, she says. It's a way to divert attention and gain time. Listen to a conversation about the immigration referendum on episode 101 of RFI's Spotlight on France podcast. Staff, excluding Managers of mining firm, Future Global Resources Bogoso Prestea Limited have been on a sit-down strike for some days now. The action by the senior and junior staff of the company is to drum home their demands which the company had earlier in September agreed to honour. Information gathered by this reporter suggests that handlers of the company have not made any attempt to address the concerns and probably appeal to them to rescind their decision. A memo sighted by MordernGhana News, and signed by various Union groups in the company; Bogoso Gold Enterprise Base Union (BGEBEU) and Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) on Thursday October 12, 2023, the senior and junior staff have given the company a seven-day ultimatum to honour their demands or they will escalate their sit-down strike into another form. They are asking Future Global Resources to pay in full all Tier 1 (SSNIT) arrears, Tier 2 (OPS) arrears, January-July and September 2023 welfare arrears. They also demand the 2nd tranche of the severance to be paid to all affected employees. The memo further stated that "finally, we wish to also remind Management of the impending final tranche payment of the severance on or before 31st October 2023." Currently, the operations of FGR have been halted since the processing plant has been down for some weeks now, due to the present state of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), which may break loose if they receive more waste from production. Some sources in the company say the situation of the TS Facilities could be dealt with if monies were being released by the owners to raise it or fix other technical faults around them. The genesis of the woes of the once vibrant gold mine and innocent senior and junior staff workers started after Future Global Resources (FGR) 'bought' the company from Golden Star Resources Bogoso/Prestea Limited (GSR) in 2020. Things were expected to be best after the sale. However, the expectations of the Chiefs and people within the operational areas of the mine in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality were dashed, upon hearing the new owners have not invested a penny into the operations of the mining firm. The company allegedly owes almost all its sub-contractors, though there has been production since FGR took over. The indebtedness has pushed some of the contractors away. The negative development in the company has recently compelled the six divisional Chiefs, on whose lands FGR operates, to petition the Lands and Natural Resources Minister and other institutions which play parts in the management of Ghanas natural resources, to urgently intervene and put back the company to its proper status. The petition highlighted pertinent difficulties the company faces as a result of little or no investment by FGR and its mother company Blue International Holdings. The Chiefs pointed out how workers have to buy their own PPE and the dangerous environment, in which the senior and junior staff work. The petition, which was checked by this reporter revealed got to the Minister for Lands and Natural Sources more than four months ago, has not been met with any response. Apparently, not showing concern about the issues Chiefs and people in the six divisional areas, as well as general workers of dying Future Global Resources Bogoso/Prestea mine have raised. The request by the Chiefs among others is for the MLNR to call on FGR to declare their planned financial investment in the mine and the country, which should include its planned corporate social responsibility for the catchment communities. Also, the Divisional Chiefs plead with the ministry to engage new investors to either partner FGR or take over the operations of the Bogoso Prestea mineral asset for the benefit of the country and our communities. Residents of Bogoso, Prestea and adjoining communities which directly and indirectly benefit from the existence of the mining firm dread the day the company will officially cease operating, as the current situation is even being felt already in the area. Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has revealed his departure from the party and his subsequent support for the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) John Dramani Mahama. Speaking at a joint press conference held together with Brigadier General (Rtd) Joseph Nunoo-Mensah and other retired military capos, during which they addressed perceived corruption among public officials, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe disclosed that his decision to leave the NPP was due to his ties with Mr John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe explained the family connection, stating, "My sister Joyce Tamakloe married E.A Mahama, so John and Ibrahim are my nephews." He emphasized the importance of supporting one's family, quoting an Akan proverb, "Adzi pa wo fie a oye." He added, "I was a member of NPP until Mahama came on the scene." Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe's departure from the NPP was notable, particularly in the lead-up to the 2016 elections. At that time, he was highly critical of the NPP's presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, and expressed skepticism about Akufo-Addo's chances of winning the election. He granted interviews to various media outlets, where he publicly voiced his concerns about the NPP and its candidate during the 2016 election campaign. The 2016 elections, however, saw Ghanaians voting in favor of President Akufo-Addo, which was a development that did not align with Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe's beliefs. This outcome, it appears, left him dissatisfied, as he now hopes for John Mahama's return to power. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's links to Hamas are under growing scrutiny following the group's deadly assault on Israel. Erdogan has positioned himself as a mediator in securing the release of Israeli civilians, but his connections to the Palestinian militant group are now casting a shadow over ongoing Turkish-Israeli rapprochement efforts. On Monday, thousands of people gathered outside one of Istanbul's most important mosques to chant in support of Hamas while condemning Israel. Much of Erdogan's support base is religious and anti-Israel, but last Saturday's Hamas attack is putting the Turkish leader in a difficult position. For more than a year Erdogan has been engaged in repairing relations with Israel. In a groundbreaking event last month, the Turkish leader met for the first time with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Erdogan is now performing an increasingly difficult balancing act, trying to keep the Israeli rapprochement alive while resisting his supporters' anger towards Israel. Erdogan's "initial reaction and his second reaction have been pretty mild given his previous reactions to such things", according to Soli Ozel, professor of international relations at Istanbul Kadir Has University. "But on the other hand all his base appears to be gung-ho about what has happened, at least the initial thing. And he himself seems to be hardening his talk." Israel could be performing a similar balancing act. The Israeli embassy in Turkey released a video thanking Turkish citizens who expressed solidarity with the Israeli people through social media. For now, Israel is focusing on the positive: Israel and Turkey have shared interests in regional hot spots like the Caucasus, where both are concerned about Iran's influence. Hamas operatives in Turkey But Erdogan's relations with Hamas are expected to come under growing scrutiny. In July, Erdogan held talks with Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. The two men have met many times over the years. At the same time, Israel claims that many senior Hamas members reside in Turkey. "The fact that Hamas operatives are operating in Turkey is alarming from the Israeli perspective," says Gallia Lindenstrauss, an analyst at Tel Aviv's Institute for National Security Studies. "Turkey, I hope, will re-evaluate the Hamas situation soon, in the future," commented Mesut Casin of Istanbul's Yeditepe University, a Turkish presidential adviser and long-time proponent of improving Israel's ties with Turkey. Erdogan argues that having close ties with Hamas allows him to play a mediating role as well as counter Iran's influence on the group. A Turkish official quoted by the Reuters news agency claims Ankara is working to win the release of more than a hundred Israelis held hostage by Hamas. Presidential advisor Casin says Turkey is calling for Israeli restraint while expressing support for Netanyahu's demand to hold perpetrators of the Hamas attack to account. "I am supporting Mr Netanyahu on this point. They have to catch and punish this criminal action according to their sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-defence rights," Casin says. "After this, if they kill children and civilian people, this turns into a kind of ethnic cleansing and other criminal actions," he continues. "How can we explain to the public? I hope Netanyahu and Israeli people will take care and listen to our advice." However, Israeli forces are stepping up their attacks on Gaza and appear to be preparing a ground assault. "The Israeli war is going to be horrendous," warns Ozel. "We have not yet seen the pictures from Gaza about the deaths of men, women, elderly people and children that we have seen already coming out of Israel." "This will put a lot of pressure on Erdogan, and that's why I think the language seems to be toughening up compared to the first day." With the increase in protests against Israel many supported by opposition parties the pressure on Erdogan to harden his stance against Tel Aviv can only grow. Lusaka, October 13, 2023The management of Namibias New Era newspaper should immediately rescind the suspension of the papers managing editor Johnathan Beukes and allow the state-owned media outlet to operate independently, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On September 29, Christof Maletsky, CEO of state-owned New Era Publication Corporation, which publishes the daily newspaper, suspended Beukes until October 31 over an editorial critical of the judiciary, three journalists who saw the suspension letter told CPJ, on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisals. In the suspension letter, Maletsky raised issues regarding non-compliance with New Eras mandate and the overall professional conduct of the newspaper, according to the journalists. Maletsky barred Beukes from making public statements about his suspension and from entering New Eras offices in Windhoek, the capital, those sources said. Johnathan Beukes suspension raises serious questions about the editorial independence of New Era, a taxpayer-funded publication, said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, Angela Quintal, in New York. Beukes must be allowed to resume work immediately, and New Eras management should allow the publications editors and journalists to exercise their editorial judgment and to keep the public informed without interference or censorship. On October 2, the newspaper published a front-page apology to the judiciary, saying it had published stories and an editorial that fell way below the standards that we had set ourselves. It referred to an editorial that painted a picture of a non-transparent commission with regards to the selection of a judge for the Fishrot corruption trial. The Fishrot case involves an international scandal over alleged corruption in the countrys fishing quota system that has ensnared former government ministers. On September 29, New Era published an editorial, which CPJ reviewed, alleging the judiciary lacked transparency in its public communications over the appointment of judges and questioning why it never responded to demands for transparency in its decisions. John Nakuta, Namibias Media Ombudsman, whose office is mandated with hearing complaints against the media, said that he would review the content of the editorial but not the suspension decision, following a referral from the local press freedom organization Editors Forum of Namibia, The Namibian newspaper reported. On October 9, the Namibian Media Professionals Union led a peaceful protest at the New Era offices, calling for Beukes suspension to be lifted. Maletsky told CPJ via messaging app that the matter was an internal process that should be allowed to run its course. Kinshasa, October 13, 2023Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo should immediately withdraw a criminal defamation complaint and arrest warrant for reporter Anicet Moleka, lift the illegal ban on his radio station, and desist from harassing the media for critical reporting ahead of Decembers elections, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On October 6, the mayor of the northwestern Congolese city of Lisala, Desi Koyo, issued an order, reviewed by CPJ, indefinitely suspending broadcasts by Radio Top Lisala. The order said that the station had defied the mayors August reporting ban on Moleka for using insolent, immoral and defamatory language on the current affairs program Tic Tac which undermined the dignity of Mongala Province authorities. It called on the police and governments intelligence agency to enforce the ban on Moleka. Under Congolese law, provincial authorities do not have the legal authority to ban journalists from reporting or to shut down media outlets. According to the DRCs press law, introduced in March, it is the responsibility of the regulatory Superior Council of Audiovisual and Communication to issue such sanctions against media outlets and journalists for professional misconduct. Mayor Koyo told CPJ that he laid a complaint of criminal defamationfor which the penalty is up to five years in jailagainst the journalist with Lisala prosecutors office on September 30 and it issued the arrest warrant the same day. Koyo accused Moleka and Radio Top Lisala of making slanderous remarks against provincial authorities in their weekly broadcasts. He described the ban as a precautionary measure that we have taken to maintain peace in the province ahead of the presidential and parliamentary polls on December 20. Moleka denied insulting local authorities and told CPJ that he had denounced the arbitrary arrest of local people and slow implementation in the province of President Felix Tshisikedis flagship national program to combat poverty and inequality. The stations general director Ernest Ngasa also refuted the allegation of defamation and told CPJ that he would never allow authorities to be insulted on Radio Top Lisala. CPJ was unable to independently review Molekas broadcasts as they were not archived. Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congos Mongala Province should withdraw the arrest warrant and criminal defamation charges against reporter Anicet Mokela, allow Radio Top Lisala to broadcast freely, and ensure it is not subject to further censorship, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator in New York. Politicians and government officials should desist from arbitrary bans and harassment of media outlets simply because they want to burnish their records ahead of Decembers election. Journalists have a critical role to play in a democracy by holding public officials to account. CPJ called on authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to withdraw a criminal defamation complaint and arrest warrant for reporter Anicet Moleka. (Photo courtesy of Jonas Mboli) On December 20, Tshisikedi is expected to run for a second term against opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who claimed victory in the 2018 vote, and Nobel winning gynecologist Denis Mukwege. Mayor Koyo told CPJ that he issued an order on August 4 banning Moleka from reporting and sent it to the director of Radio Top Lisala, but the journalist defied the ban by appearing on Radio Top Lisala on September 30. Ngasa said that provincial interior minister Nestor Magbado called him on October 1 and threatened to close Radio Top Lisala if he continued to allow Moleka to report. Magbado confirmed to CPJ that he made the call and local authorities shut down the station for defying the mayors August ban on Moleka. Separately, Jonas Mboli, program director of privately owned Radio Liberte Lisala told CPJ that Mayor Koyo visited the station on September 27 and threatened to ban it for allowing members of the public to make derogatory comments about provincial authorities during a live phone-in show earlier that day. Mboli said he received a text, reviewed by CPJ, from the mayor the following day announcing the closure of the radio station in the coming days. Koyo confirmed to CPJ that he sent the text in response to the stations stupidity. CPJ reviewed the live broadcast in which listeners called in to criticize the provincial governor for the lack of development in Mongala Province. Radio Liberte Lisala was still broadcasting at the time of publication, according to Mboli and the stations director Erick Ngunde. Radio Liberte Lisala was shut down ahead of Congos 2018 elections on the orders of the mayor of Lisala at that time. The station is owned by Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was an opposition politician in 2018 but has since joined the ruling coalition. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, a seasoned Ghanaian human rights activist and journalist, has been selected among 30 African renowned human rights activists for an intensive training session on regional and international human rights systems and mechanisms taking place from October 1315, 2023, at the Palace Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania. Dubbed: African Human Rights Training of Trainers on the Participation in and Engagement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights is a 3-day capacity building workshop which seeks to build the capacity of the selected participants including offering them the opportunity to participate and engage with the regional human rights mechanisms in Africa. The training is being organized by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) with support from the African Commission for Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner and the Open Society Foundations including other partners. According to the Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), Hannah Forster, the objective is to consolidate closer collaboration among NGOs, CSOs, Journalists, and Human Rights Defenders with the African Commission of Human and Peoples Rights to promote and protect Human Rights in Africa. Wemakor is one of the only two Ghanaians among 30 participants selected from 23 countries across the African continent to benefit from this program. The beneficiaries, according to the Training and Advocacy Support Manager of the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), Salome Boucif, were carefully selected out of a pool of over 2,000 applications received for entries. Wemakor's participation in this program reflects his dedication to the promotion of human rights and justice, as well as his commitment to influencing society through his profession. The knowledge and experience he will gain from this training will add significant value to his work and enhance his contributions to the field of human rights. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, who is also the founder and executive director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a vibrant NGO, is a distinct voice in the realm of human rights advocacy in Africa. His various accomplishments and contributions are fuelled by a deep-seated passion for justice and an unwavering dedication to upholding the rights of the marginalized and vulnerable in society. This unique selection speaks to his mastery of journalism, advocacy, and his strategic position within the human rights discourse. The training course will feature in-depth discussions on regional human rights issues and concerns, exploring the International Human Rights System, the African Human Rights System among others. These are crucial platforms for global efforts towards upholding human rights and mitigating violations. Participants will be exposed to intensive sessions on the wide range of mechanisms and policies engineered to address human rights issues and promote justice. The primary intended benefits from the training are to strengthen human rights reporting, bolster the capacities of human rights advocates, and build a strong network of dedicated individuals who are proficient in addressing these issues strategically through journalism and advocacy. The Human Rights Reporters Ghanas boss selection for this high-profile training course is also a reflection on Ghana's continually improving human rights landscape. It speaks to the work being done by dedicated professionals like Wemakor in raising awareness and affecting change within the human rights framework, demonstrating the recognition of their efforts on regional and international platforms. While in Tanzania, Wemakor is also expected to participate in the NGOs Forum which will be held from 16th-18th October as well as the Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) from 20th to 24th October 2023. The NGOs Forum offers a platform for networking and sharing updates on the human rights situations in Africa by the African and international NGOs community with a view to identifying responses as well as adopting strategies towards the promotion and protection of human rights on the continent. According to the organizers, participation in the Ordinary Sessions of ACHPR will also give participants a practical taste of the work of the Commission. Participants in the forum will comprise human rights organizations from Africa and beyond, numbering over a hundred Resource persons for the Forum are eminent activists and experts dealing with human rights issues in Africa. The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) will also organize the 42nd African Human Rights Book Fair, which will run simultaneously with the Forum. The Book Fair enables NGOs to network and initiate or renew the exchange of materials and information, as well as to publish their activities. Participants in the forum will actively participate in the Book Fair by displaying publications or documentaries of their organizations. As we reflect on this notable achievement, it is critical to remember the broader context of human rights work. The defence of human rights remains an ongoing battle due to persistent violations. It is essential to educate individuals, communities, and governments about the importance of upholding human rights and the mechanisms available to protect and promote these rights. Joseph Wemakor's selection for this training opportunity is a step forward for both the individual and the broader human rights activism landscape in Africa. With news like this, there is renewed confidence in the field's future, a testament to the hard work of tireless advocates like Wemakor. In conclusion, the human rights landscape needs more passionate voices like Joseph Kobla Wemakor. With his selection for this unique opportunity, it is clear that he has the influence, professionalism, and dedication required to continue serving as a powerful advocate for human rights. This exceptional chance is anticipated to give him an extraordinary insight into the Commission's work and further equip him with crucial knowledge about regional and international human rights systems and mechanisms, thereby enhancing his contributions and influence in this area, which is of utmost significance to society as a whole. Source: Joshua Elikplim Adjei BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus said he had very productive meeting with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. Tatar made the remark at today's press briefing in Baku. We exchanged views on the development of relations in the fields of tourism, education, culture, economics and other areas, he noted. Besides, he emphasized that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is closely following the processes taking place in Azerbaijan. During the Karabakh war, our prayers were with Azerbaijan. Thank God that Azerbaijan liberated Karabakh, Tatar added. He arrived in Azerbaijan on a visit on October 12. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has co-organised with the World Health Organization (WHO) a regional conference to deliberate on financing the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring health security in the African Region. With over 50 African countries in attendance, the overall objective of the two-day conference was to redesign health financing mechanisms that also work for the vulnerable as well as steer markets towards the public good since financial hardship is worsening in the world and the African Region. Speaking on behalf of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the Minister of Health Mr Kwaku Agyemang Manu, said the Regional Conference would provide the platform for sharing lessons learnt from experiences, disseminating good practices, and contributing to capacity and institutional development relative to health financing. The conference also provided the opportunity to share experiences, successes, challenges and innovative ideas towards ensuring sustainable financing for health on the continent. He said although Ghanas National Health Insurance Scheme had improved the quality of life in terms of maternal and child health in the past 20 years, it was still battling with exploring strategies to decrease costs for medical care while expanding social insurance to cover the poor. We need reforms to improve the health security of the region, contribute significantly and impact positively towards preparedness and response to public health emergencies and contribute to global health security agenda, he said. Mr Agyemang Manu charged the participants to leave the Regional Conference more committed to delivering essential quality health care to everyone everywhere in the continent. The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, in an interview with the media, said the conference would allow countries to learn from each other how they were tackling inequities in their health systems. Speaking on the theme Overcoming Financial Barriers and Providing Financial Risk Protection, Dr Okoe Boye said he was happy that over 50 African countries for the first time were participating in a conference that was discussing how to finance health. He said that although Ghana was one of the shining examples of how the state had stepped in to help people access healthcare, the conference would help the National Health Insurance Authority to listen to what other African countries were doing to better the delivery of healthcare. Touching on the role of the World Health Organization in the conference, Dr Okoe Boye said the international body had seen the effort of Ghana to contribute to global health security coupled with the fact that the 20th anniversary of NHIS coincided with the 75th anniversary of World Health Organization (WHO). that is why you see the World Health Organization acting as a co-organiser for this conference together with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), he said. With the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Okoe Boye noted that there would be guidance on the priority setting of the benefit package using Health Technology Assessment (HTA), which plays a crucial role in the assessment of new healthcare technologies, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or diagnostic tests, ensuring a systematic and objective way of making decisions concerning pricing, reimbursement and the adoption of new intervention by comparing costs, effectiveness and impact on patients outcome. He said that WHO would provide support for the alignment of the Essential Health Services package of the Ministry of Health to the National Health Insurance Scheme Benefit Package to generate evidence on the gap and propose mechanisms and interventions to bridge it. He said there was a capacity-building initiative by the WHO with a memorandum of understanding with the School of Public Health, University of Ghana to develop a cadre of skilled health economists who could contribute to evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation in the health sector, both at the national and regional levels. To date, 37 staff of the Ministry of Health have been trained, with 20 per cent from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). The World Health Organization intends to support the migration of ICD 10 to 11, which will improve the accuracy and specificity of disease classification to guide the claims processing mandate of the NHIA, he disclosed. Meanwhile, Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo, Country Representative for WHO Ghana, said that the conference would also help countries to explore newer opportunities and ways to work together to advance the agenda of Primary Health Care (PHC) reforms in the region. We should move towards systems where people have access to services without paying unreasonable amounts of money, he said. Commenting on the current situation of health financing, Professor Kasolo said that the level of financing for health remained inadequate when compared to the resource requirements. Insurance coverage is low in sub-Saharan Africa, at an average of only 8 per cent compared to 100 per cent in developed economies. Only four countries in sub-Saharan Africa have so far attained insurance coverage for more than 20 per cent of their populations, he disclosed. He further mentioned that people paying for health care through out-of-pocket spending was not only inefficient but also an inequitable way of paying for health care services. The proportion of the population incurring catastrophic health payments and impoverishment due to out-of-pocket payments remains high, he said. Limited options for financing health care for the elderly he said, was another challenge in the African Region as the number of older people was growing fast. He added that ageing had been noted as a predisposing risk factor for financial hardship, especially among the poorest parts of the population. the prevalence of catastrophic spending and impoverishment is reported to be higher in households with non-communicable diseases, he said. He underscored that equity in access remained a challenge as there were differentials in access to health care as the population in higher income groups were more likely to access health care than those in lower income categories. This puts the latter group at high risk for financial burden as health insurance coverage remains very low and mainly among the rich, he said. He said the conference would ensure the strengthening of institutional capacity in generating evidence through priority setting to design, implement and monitor health financing reforms for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) consistent with national sustainable development strategies. He said the conference would also prioritize addressing the key drivers of out-of-pocket spending especially among the poor and vulnerable. He, however, said that the conference would offer the opportunity to address and agree to scale up coverage of social protection mechanisms for people and work comprehensively and inclusively since the government cannot take on all the interventions needed to make progress towards universal health coverage. We must continue to take every opportunity to advocate for an increase in investment in health and translate government commitment to health into a reality, he said. GNA 14.10.2023 LISTEN More than 10 communities and towns in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region have been submerged following the Volta Lake spillage. A preliminary investigation estimates that approximately 80 houses in Akate, Akrusu, Agajajete, Fatain, Akokomba, Djogbe, Ayisu, Odenkyenease, and others have been destroyed by the ongoing spillage by the Volta River Authority at Akosombo. Mr. Samuel Akor, Upper Manya Krobo District National Disaster Management Organisation Director, told the Ghana News Agency that the water levels within the Upper Manya Krobo area kept increasing daily, displacing more than 100 residents in the area. He claimed that the water had washed away fish farms, crops, livestock, and other businesses, as well as fish cages that some people and businesses had erected on the river and cassava and maize farms that were located along the rivers banks. According to the residents, since fishing is their primary source of income, if the current situation persists, the community will experience severe economic difficulties and livelihood challenges. We have held a meeting to ascertain the situation and find appropriate measures for the affected people in the area, he said, adding, we will meet the churches tomorrow to give their premises to the displaced residents and find another way to help curb the situation. Mr. Akor urged residents along the riverbanks to be extra careful. At Akuse, also in the Eastern Region, Mr. Samuel Kwesi Tettey, Director of Education for the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, ordered the closure of Amedeka D/A Basic School for the week. This is because most schoolchildren come from the islands across the Volta River, which is currently dangerous to cross due to the spillage. The National Disaster Management Organisation operations officer for the Asuogyaman District Assembly, Mr. George Mireku Asiamah, said the spillage had affected communities such as Dzidzorkope, Mamakope, Ahenbrom and others. He said the residents had lost their properties running into thousands of Ghana cedis. On September 15, the Volta River Authority issued a statement, saying that it had noticed a steady increase in the Akosombo and Kpong dams water levels inflow patterns. According to the authority, it had properly informed its important stakeholders of this development in accordance with the emergency prepareness plan and standard operating procedures. If the situation worsens, the reservoir level as of right now suggests that we might need to start controlled spilling in the next few days, it said. Therefore, VRA wants to warn people living near the Volta River, such as Atimpoku, Dzidzorkope, Adome, Mamakope, Lorlonyo, and Sechi, among others, and downstream of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, to be cautious and take the required safety precautions. The VRA emphasised that to ensure a timely response to any emergency that might develop, it would continue to monitor the situation and cooperate with stakeholders and the public, specifically those around the river. GNA 14.10.2023 LISTEN Private Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has revealed that corruption is Ghana's greatest worry. According to Martin Kpebu, politicians ought to be closely monitored. The private legal practitioner insists that public officials should be held responsible for corrupt acts. Speaking on Citi Big Issue, Martin Kpebu said similar to Madam Cecilia Dapaah, all politicians should have their homes searched. Martin Kpebu contends that other politicians are sitting on millions of cash in their homes. Look Socrates said it, there is no honest politician, it is a reality. We dont have the right mindset for fighting corruption, Martin Kpebu stated. Lets search the officers at the Jubilee House, lets search the Ministers, lets search themthe monies are in their homes. If we dont do this we are not fighting corruption. If we dont search all the ministers forget it we are just playing, he added. A group calling itself 'The Intellectuals,' in the Assin Central Constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has cautioned party members against the peddling of falsehood about one Mr Eric Kwadwo Baidoo, an aspiring Parliamentary Candidate. They said this would allow peace to prevail in the Constituency. The group said its attention was drawn to some reports that Mr Baidoo was working against Mr Kennedy Agyapong, also an aspiring Presidential candidate of the Party. At a press conference to debunk the allegations, Mr Frederick Essuman, the leader of the group supporting the candidature of Mr Baidoo, said the aspiring candidate was currently part of Mr Agyapong's campaign team and supported him with some cash donations. He said Mr Baidoo donated an amount of GH50,000 for the filing of Mr Agyapong's forms and another GH50,000 towards his campaign. Mr Essuman stated that the cordial relationship that existed between Mr Baidoo and the Presidential aspirant should not be undermined by rumour mongers in the Party, who were setting him against Mr Agyapong. He also appealed to the leadership of the party to stamp their authority on the current internal wrangling and petty squabbles and unite the party to support Mr Agyapong in his presidential slot. He pleaded with the delegates to vote massively for Mr Baidoo to become the next MP for the people of the Assin Central Constituency to drive development in the Area. GNA The Ministry of Information has issued a statement on the assault of Citi FM reporter Ms. Akosua Otchere. The reporter sought medical attention on Friday, October 13, after she was attacked by some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) while covering the vetting of parliamentary aspirants from the Odododiodio constituency. This was after some aggrieved persons took the law into their hands and engaged in acts of vandalism. In its release on the attack, the Ministry of Information has condemned the actions of the NDC hooligans. The release signed by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah stressed that journalism is not a crime and such acts must not be entertained. The Ministry of Information has noted with concern a report of assault of a Citi FM reporter, Ms Akosua Otchere, while covering an event on Friday, 13th October 2023. The Ministry condemns in no uncertain terms the subjecting of Journalists or Media houses to any form of harassment, intimidation, or attack simply for doing their work. Journalism is not a crime, parts of the release from the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information has urged Citi FM to formally report the incident to both the Ghana Police Service and the NMC for appropriate action to be taken against the perpetrators. Central Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $10.84 and last traded at $11.01, with a volume of 101820 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $11.17. Central Japan Railway Price Performance The company has a fifty day moving average of $12.44 and a 200-day moving average of $12.39. The firm has a market cap of $22.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.52 and a beta of 0.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22, a current ratio of 4.42 and a quick ratio of 4.35. Get Central Japan Railway alerts: Central Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Central Japan Railway had a return on equity of 6.98% and a net margin of 17.60%. The business had revenue of $2.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.90 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Central Japan Railway will post 1.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Central Japan Railway Central Japan Railway Company engages in the railway and related businesses in Japan. The company operates through Transportation, Merchandise and Other, Real Estate, and Other segments. It primarily operates Tokaido Shinkansen, a transportation artery that links metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, as well as a network of 12 conventional lines centered on the Nagoya and Shizuoka areas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Central Japan Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Central Japan Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China National Building Material Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CBUMY Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a drop of 66.7% from the September 15th total of 300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.0 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of China National Building Material from a conviction-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 28th. Get China National Building Material alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on China National Building Material China National Building Material Price Performance About China National Building Material OTCMKTS:CBUMY remained flat at $25.02 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $26.61 and a 200-day moving average price of $31.51. China National Building Material has a 52-week low of $24.83 and a 52-week high of $47.86. (Get Free Report) China National Building Material Company Limited, an investment holding company, engages in building material, new materials, and engineering technical services businesses. The company operates in five segments: Cement, Concrete, New materials, Engineering services, and Others. It produces and sells cement, concrete, and glass fiber, as well as composite and lightweight building materials. See Also Receive News & Ratings for China National Building Material Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China National Building Material and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fibra Terrafina (OTCMKTS:CBAOF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 632,100 shares, an increase of 78.3% from the September 15th total of 354,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 451.5 days. Fibra Terrafina Price Performance Fibra Terrafina stock traded down $0.05 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $1.61. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,488 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,765. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $1.84 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $1.85. Fibra Terrafina has a 1-year low of $1.25 and a 1-year high of $2.23. Get Fibra Terrafina alerts: Fibra Terrafina Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also Terrafina (BMV:TERRA13) is a Mexican real estate investment trust formed primarily to acquire, develop, lease and manage industrial real estate properties in Mexico. Terrafina's portfolio consists of attractive, strategically located warehouses and other light manufacturing properties throughout the Central, Bajio and Northern regions of Mexico. Receive News & Ratings for Fibra Terrafina Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fibra Terrafina and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AlphaMark Advisors LLC grew its position in The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM Free Report) by 15.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,265 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 170 shares during the period. AlphaMark Advisors LLCs holdings in Boston Beer were worth $390,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Virtu Financial LLC boosted its stake in Boston Beer by 27.6% in the second quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 1,591 shares of the companys stock valued at $491,000 after acquiring an additional 344 shares in the last quarter. Financial Counselors Inc. grew its stake in Boston Beer by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Financial Counselors Inc. now owns 6,081 shares of the companys stock worth $1,876,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in Boston Beer by 104.1% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 551 shares of the companys stock valued at $170,000 after buying an additional 281 shares in the last quarter. Camelot Portfolios LLC purchased a new stake in Boston Beer in the second quarter valued at about $333,000. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. purchased a new stake in Boston Beer in the second quarter valued at about $702,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.10% of the companys stock. Get Boston Beer alerts: Boston Beer Price Performance NYSE:SAM traded up $9.35 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $349.24. The company had a trading volume of 117,881 shares, compared to its average volume of 130,453. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. has a 1-year low of $296.27 and a 1-year high of $422.75. The firm has a market cap of $4.27 billion, a PE ratio of 66.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.02. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $367.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $337.52. Insiders Place Their Bets Boston Beer ( NYSE:SAM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported $4.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.45 by $1.27. The firm had revenue of $603.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $590.03 million. Boston Beer had a net margin of 3.06% and a return on equity of 7.94%. The businesss revenue was down 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $4.31 EPS. On average, analysts expect that The Boston Beer Company, Inc. will post 7.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, insider Samuel A. Calagione III sold 12,901 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $361.76, for a total transaction of $4,667,065.76. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 82,050 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,682,408. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Boston Beer news, insider John C. Geist sold 3,524 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $353.00, for a total transaction of $1,243,972.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,573 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,967,269. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Samuel A. Calagione III sold 12,901 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $361.76, for a total transaction of $4,667,065.76. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 82,050 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $29,682,408. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 23.30% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SAM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Boston Beer from $311.00 to $328.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $350.00 to $370.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday. Wedbush lifted their price objective on shares of Boston Beer from $350.00 to $370.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Evercore ISI cut their target price on Boston Beer from $330.00 to $320.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on Boston Beer from $297.00 to $276.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boston Beer has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $328.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on Boston Beer About Boston Beer (Free Report) The Boston Beer Company, Inc engages in the production and sale of alcohol beverages primarily in the United States. The company's flagship beer is Samuel Adams Boston Lager. It offers various beers, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages, and hard seltzers under the Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Angel City, Coney Island, and Havana Lager brand names. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SAM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boston Beer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Beer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Get Free Report) and Kingspan Group (OTCMKTS:KGSPY Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings. Insider & Institutional Ownership 94.7% of Builders FirstSource shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.9% of Builders FirstSource shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Builders FirstSource alerts: Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings for Builders FirstSource and Kingspan Group, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Builders FirstSource 0 4 10 0 2.71 Kingspan Group 2 6 1 0 1.89 Profitability Builders FirstSource presently has a consensus target price of $147.77, suggesting a potential upside of 27.09%. Given Builders FirstSources stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Builders FirstSource is more favorable than Kingspan Group. This table compares Builders FirstSource and Kingspan Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Builders FirstSource 10.04% 45.73% 20.24% Kingspan Group N/A N/A N/A Valuation and Earnings This table compares Builders FirstSource and Kingspan Groups revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Builders FirstSource $18.53 billion 0.78 $2.75 billion $12.91 9.01 Kingspan Group N/A N/A N/A $0.57 125.03 Builders FirstSource has higher revenue and earnings than Kingspan Group. Builders FirstSource is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Kingspan Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Builders FirstSource beats Kingspan Group on 10 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Builders FirstSource (Get Free Report) Builders FirstSource, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and supplies building materials, manufactured components, and construction services to professional homebuilders, sub-contractors, remodelers, and consumers in the United States. It offers lumber and lumber sheet goods comprising dimensional lumber, plywood, and oriented strand board products that are used in on-site house framing; manufactured products, such as wood floor and roof trusses, steel roof trusses, wall panels, stairs, and engineered wood products; and windows, and interior and exterior door units, as well as interior trims and custom products comprising intricate mouldings, stair parts, and columns under the Synboard brand name. The company also provides specialty building products and services, including vinyl, composite and wood siding, exterior trims, metal studs, cement, roofing, insulation, wallboards, ceilings, cabinets, and hardware products; products turn-key framing, shell construction, design assistance, and professional installation services. In addition, it offers software products, such as drafting, estimating, quoting, and virtual home design services, which provide software solutions to retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and homebuilders. The company was formerly known as BSL Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Builders FirstSource, Inc. in October 1999. Builders FirstSource, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Irving, Texas. About Kingspan Group (Get Free Report) Kingspan Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insulation and building envelope solutions in Western and Southern Europe, Central and Northern Europe, the Americas, and internationally. It operates through six segments: Insulated Panels, Insulation, Light + Air, Water + Energy, Data + Flooring, and Roofing + Waterproofing. The Insulated Panels segment manufactures insulated panels, structural framing, and metal facades. The Insulation segment produces rigid insulation boards, technical insulation, and engineered timber systems. The Light + Air segment offers daylighting, smoke management, ventilation systems, and service activities. The Water + Energy segment provides energy and water solutions, and related services. The Data + Flooring segment manufactures data center storage solutions, as well as raised access floors. The Roofing + Waterproofing segment produces roofing and waterproofing solutions for renovation and new construction of buildings. Kingspan Group plc was founded in 1965 and is based in Kingscourt, Ireland. Receive News & Ratings for Builders FirstSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Builders FirstSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. The First Cultural Forum of the Turkic World has adopted Shusha Declaration, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan told Trend. The declaration conveyed the forum participants' gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his support of the First Cultural Forum of the Turkic World, their welcoming the "Great Return" to Shusha, the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2023, extensive restoration and construction work, and the revival of the cultural environment in Azerbaijan's liberated territories. Besides, the declaration conveyed the participants' call on relevant international organizations to take a firm stance on the scale of destruction of historical and cultural monuments, which are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Turkic world, demand for a response to serious violations of international humanitarian law, such as smuggling and the illegal trade of cultural valuables over the 30-year period of Armenian occupation in the Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions of Azerbaijan. Moreover, given the positive outcome achieved during the First Cultural Forum of the Turkic World, the participants welcomed the creation of a network of leaders in the Turkic world for heritage, which will serve as a platform for joint activities and the exchange of best practices in the study, restoration, preservation, and promotion of Turkic historical and cultural heritage, and highly appreciated the establishment of a program for cultural routes in the Turkic world. The event participants also noted that the Cultural Forum of the Turkic World, convened at the initiative of Azerbaijan, has been successful as an important universal platform that brings together representatives of all stakeholders, and proposed holding the forum every two years. The First Cultural Forum of the Turkic World on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev, organized by the Ministry of Culture, started in Shusha on October 13. The event has finalized with taking a group photo of the participants to commemorate the occasion. Private Capital Advisors Inc. decreased its stake in CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI Free Report) by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 43,518 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 1,825 shares during the period. CACI International makes up 2.4% of Private Capital Advisors Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest holding. Private Capital Advisors Inc. owned approximately 0.19% of CACI International worth $14,833,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of CACI. Natixis Advisors L.P. lifted its position in shares of CACI International by 9.5% in the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 17,513 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $5,188,000 after acquiring an additional 1,526 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in CACI International by 30.3% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 604,767 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $179,180,000 after purchasing an additional 140,710 shares during the period. Dubuque Bank & Trust Co. acquired a new stake in CACI International during the second quarter worth $211,000. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC increased its holdings in CACI International by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 346,615 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $102,695,000 after buying an additional 9,335 shares during the period. Finally, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of CACI International by 6.1% in the 1st quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 133,880 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $39,666,000 after buying an additional 7,643 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.30% of the companys stock. Get CACI International alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of CACI International from $330.00 to $380.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 11th. Bank of America raised their target price on CACI International from $365.00 to $385.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of CACI International in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on CACI International from $315.00 to $360.00 in a report on Thursday, June 22nd. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on shares of CACI International from $350.00 to $400.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 14th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, CACI International currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $374.09. CACI International Price Performance NYSE CACI traded up $1.62 on Friday, hitting $338.11. 71,125 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 149,647. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The company has a market cap of $7.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.55, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.99. CACI International Inc has a 1-year low of $248.16 and a 1-year high of $359.33. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $325.92 and a two-hundred day moving average of $321.81. CACI International (NYSE:CACI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The information technology services provider reported $5.30 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.85 by $0.45. CACI International had a net margin of 5.74% and a return on equity of 13.87%. The business had revenue of $1.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.73 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $4.54 earnings per share. CACI Internationals revenue was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that CACI International Inc will post 19.97 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Gregory G. Johnson sold 125 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $319.82, for a total value of $39,977.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,998 shares in the company, valued at $1,918,280.36. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock. CACI International Profile (Free Report) CACI International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides expertise and technology to enterprise and mission customers in support of national security missions and government modernization/transformation in the intelligence, defense, and federal civilian sectors. It operates through two segments: Domestic Operations and International Operations. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CACI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CACI International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CACI International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cellnex Telecom, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CLLNY Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 65,600 shares, an increase of 74.0% from the September 15th total of 37,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 129,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Barclays lowered shares of Cellnex Telecom from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $49.00. Get Cellnex Telecom alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Cellnex Telecom Cellnex Telecom Stock Performance Cellnex Telecom Company Profile OTCMKTS:CLLNY traded down $0.22 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $15.48. The stock had a trading volume of 102,295 shares, compared to its average volume of 73,828. Cellnex Telecom has a 1-year low of $13.91 and a 1-year high of $22.00. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $18.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $19.59. (Get Free Report) Cellnex Telecom SA engages in the operation of wireless telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructures. Its business activities include rental of sites for telecom operators, broadcast infrastructure activity, and other network services. It operates through the following segments: Telecom Infrastructure Services, Broadcasting Infrastructure and Other Network Services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cellnex Telecom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cellnex Telecom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Life Insurance Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CILJF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 2,641,000 shares, a decline of 39.0% from the September 15th total of 4,333,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 17,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 150.9 days. China Life Insurance Price Performance China Life Insurance stock traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $1.58. The company had a trading volume of 38,491 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,961. China Life Insurance has a 1 year low of $1.06 and a 1 year high of $1.99. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $1.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $1.66. Get China Life Insurance alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of China Life Insurance from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. About China Life Insurance (Get Free Report) China Life Insurance Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a life insurance company in the People's Republic of China. The company operates in four segments: Life Insurance Business, Health Insurance Business, Accident Insurance Business, and Other Businesses. It offers critical illness protection, annuity, children/female/pension, security, life, medical, and accident protection insurance products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Life Insurance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Life Insurance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Shenhua Energy Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CSUAY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 2,800 shares, a drop of 72.8% from the September 15th total of 10,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 30,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. China Shenhua Energy Trading Down 3.3 % Shares of CSUAY traded down $0.42 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $12.38. The companys stock had a trading volume of 7,934 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,951. The company has a current ratio of 2.43, a quick ratio of 2.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. China Shenhua Energy has a one year low of $10.45 and a one year high of $14.47. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $12.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $12.52. Get China Shenhua Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of China Shenhua Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, August 27th. About China Shenhua Energy (Get Free Report) China Shenhua Energy Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of coal and power; railway, port, and shipping transportation; and coal-to-olefins businesses in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through six segments: Coal, Power Generation, Railway, Port, Shipping, and Coal Chemical. Read More Receive News & Ratings for China Shenhua Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Shenhua Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Clarity Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Free Report) by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 94,385 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 3,344 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF makes up approximately 1.7% of Clarity Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th largest holding. Clarity Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $3,734,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of EEM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 125,500.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 144,937,968 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,493,149,000 after purchasing an additional 144,822,572 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 96,952.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 53,678,016 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,123,502,000 after purchasing an additional 53,622,708 shares during the last quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 39,739.1% in the 1st quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 22,246,553 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $877,849,000 after acquiring an additional 22,190,712 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 779.9% in the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 8,239,022 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $325,111,000 after acquiring an additional 7,302,610 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 16,816.5% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 6,821,065 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $269,159,000 after acquiring an additional 6,780,743 shares in the last quarter. 76.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Price Performance Shares of EEM traded down $0.14 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $37.86. The stock had a trading volume of 26,188,011 shares, compared to its average volume of 31,222,480. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $38.74 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $39.35. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a fifty-two week low of $33.49 and a fifty-two week high of $42.53. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Profile iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index). See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E (OTCMKTS:CIBEY Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 11,800 shares, a drop of 89.7% from the September 15th total of 115,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 116,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E Stock Performance Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E stock traded down $0.01 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $1.21. The companys stock had a trading volume of 40,767 shares, compared to its average volume of 97,385. Commercial International Bank has a fifty-two week low of $1.08 and a fifty-two week high of $1.80. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $1.27. Get Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E alerts: Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Commercial International Bank (Egypt) SAE provides retail, corporate, and investment banking services in Egypt. The company operates in following segments: Corporate Banking, Investment, Retail Banking, and Others. It offers current and saving accounts, easy accounts, time deposits, and certificates of deposit; and personal/overdraft/mortgage, educational, solar, travel, car finance, and unsecured personal loans, as well as revolving overdraft salary upfront services. Receive News & Ratings for Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The transportation company reported $2.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.95 by $0.08, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The company had revenue of $15.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.55 billion. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 5.36% and a return on equity of 59.56%. The businesss revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.51 EPS. Delta Air Lines Stock Performance NYSE DAL opened at $34.11 on Friday. Delta Air Lines has a 52-week low of $30.72 and a 52-week high of $49.81. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $40.14 and a 200 day simple moving average of $39.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24, a quick ratio of 0.41 and a current ratio of 0.46. The company has a market capitalization of $21.95 billion, a PE ratio of 7.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.19 and a beta of 1.32. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Delta Air Lines Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, October 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.17%. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8.62%. Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other Delta Air Lines news, EVP Peter W. Carter sold 17,944 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total transaction of $807,480.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 166,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,478,640. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . In other news, EVP Steven M. Sear sold 12,129 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.52, for a total value of $552,112.08. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 85,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,901,428.16. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, EVP Peter W. Carter sold 17,944 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total transaction of $807,480.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 166,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,478,640. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 40,479 shares of company stock worth $1,839,353. Insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DAL. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Delta Air Lines during the 1st quarter valued at $217,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 41.8% during the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 25,838 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,022,000 after acquiring an additional 7,616 shares during the last quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. bought a new stake in shares of Delta Air Lines during the 1st quarter valued at about $243,000. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 20.7% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 9,918 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $392,000 after acquiring an additional 1,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 29,508 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,168,000 after acquiring an additional 891 shares during the last quarter. 71.29% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth DAL has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Delta Air Lines from $70.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $47.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. TheStreet raised shares of Delta Air Lines from a c rating to a b rating in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $55.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $60.00 to $44.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. One investment analyst has 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $54.35. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Company Profile (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. Featured Articles 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. EFG Asset Management North America Corp. grew its position in shares of Hyatt Hotels Co. (NYSE:H Free Report) by 14.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 42,140 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,261 shares during the quarter. Hyatt Hotels comprises 1.0% of EFG Asset Management North America Corp.s portfolio, making the stock its 27th biggest position. EFG Asset Management North America Corp.s holdings in Hyatt Hotels were worth $4,827,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. First Manhattan CO. LLC. purchased a new stake in shares of Hyatt Hotels during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in shares of Hyatt Hotels during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its stake in Hyatt Hotels by 80.4% during the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 276 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares in the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp grew its stake in Hyatt Hotels by 335.2% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 383 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Hyatt Hotels during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $43,000. 46.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Hyatt Hotels alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Hyatt Hotels In other Hyatt Hotels news, Director Susan D. Kronick sold 1,508 shares of Hyatt Hotels stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.99, for a total transaction of $176,420.92. Following the sale, the director now owns 39,527 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,624,263.73. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Susan D. Kronick sold 1,508 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.99, for a total value of $176,420.92. Following the sale, the director now owns 39,527 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,624,263.73. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Richard C. Tuttle acquired 1,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 21st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $104.49 per share, for a total transaction of $130,612.50. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 35,877 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,748,787.73. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 22.15% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hyatt Hotels Stock Performance NYSE:H traded down $2.55 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $105.10. 928,875 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 843,827. Hyatt Hotels Co. has a twelve month low of $82.83 and a twelve month high of $127.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 19.78 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $109.68 and a 200 day moving average price of $112.74. Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by ($0.01). Hyatt Hotels had a net margin of 6.88% and a return on equity of 13.30%. The company had revenue of $1.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.65 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.46 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Hyatt Hotels Co. will post 2.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hyatt Hotels Cuts Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 25th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 24th. Hyatt Hotelss payout ratio is currently 14.63%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on H shares. 22nd Century Group restated a reiterates rating on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Hyatt Hotels from $149.00 to $146.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating and set a $122.00 price objective on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a research note on Friday, June 30th. TheStreet lowered Hyatt Hotels from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Hyatt Hotels from $136.00 to $132.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $128.56. Get Our Latest Research Report on Hyatt Hotels Hyatt Hotels Company Profile (Free Report) Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates as a hospitality company in the United States and internationally. It operates through Owned and Leased Hotels, Americas Management and Franchising, ASPAC Management and Franchising, EAME/SW Asia Management and Franchising, and Apple Leisure Group segments. The company manages, franchises, licenses, owns, and leases portfolio of properties, consisting of full-service hotels and resorts, select service hotels, resorts, and other properties, including timeshare, fractional, residential, vacation, and condominium units. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding H? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hyatt Hotels Co. (NYSE:H Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hyatt Hotels Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyatt Hotels and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II (NYSEAMERICAN:VKI Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 17,400 shares, a decline of 19.1% from the September 15th total of 21,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 107,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in VKI. US Bancorp DE increased its position in Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II by 88.5% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,194 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares in the last quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC bought a new stake in Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II in the 1st quarter valued at about $73,000. Nomura Holdings Inc. bought a new stake in Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II in the 1st quarter valued at about $89,000. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. bought a new stake in Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II in the 2nd quarter valued at about $90,000. Finally, Creative Planning bought a new stake in Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II in the 2nd quarter valued at about $105,000. 20.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II alerts: Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II Stock Up 0.4 % VKI traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $7.51. 110,057 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 88,998. Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II has a 1-year low of $7.32 and a 1-year high of $9.17. Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II Dividend Announcement About Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 16th will be paid a $0.0309 dividend. This represents a $0.37 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.94%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 13th. (Get Free Report) Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, Invesco Canada Ltd., Invesco Hong Kong Limited, and INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. decreased its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 75,042 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,665 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF comprises about 0.9% of Traynor Capital Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest holding. Traynor Capital Management Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $7,478,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Pachira Investments Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 1,269.2% during the second quarter. Pachira Investments Inc. now owns 105,348 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $10,498,000 after purchasing an additional 97,654 shares during the last quarter. Alaska Wealth Advisors lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 0.3% in the second quarter. Alaska Wealth Advisors now owns 180,719 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $18,009,000 after acquiring an additional 572 shares during the last quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 84.8% in the second quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. now owns 602,075 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $59,997,000 after acquiring an additional 276,270 shares during the last quarter. Lion Street Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 59.4% in the second quarter. Lion Street Advisors LLC now owns 6,099 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $690,000 after acquiring an additional 2,273 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alaska Permanent Capital Management lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 7.2% in the second quarter. Alaska Permanent Capital Management now owns 462,333 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $46,071,000 after acquiring an additional 31,178 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Trading Down 1.2 % NYSEARCA IJR traded down $1.07 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $91.22. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,137,702 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,923,403. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $97.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $97.16. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 52 week low of $89.24 and a 52 week high of $108.24. The stock has a market cap of $63.72 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. About iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Details added: first version posted on 14:39 BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. An agreement on the creation of an Azerbaijani-Uzbek investment company has been approved, Trend reports. The corresponding decree was signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The decree approved "Agreement between the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan on the establishment of an Azerbaijani-Uzbek Investment Company as limited liability company in the Republic of Uzbekistan", which was signed in Azerbaijan's Shusha city on July 18, 2023. The decree comes into force from the date of its signing. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan amounted to $105.9 million from January through August 2023, of which $29.8 million accounted for Uzbek imports from Azerbaijan, and $76 million - exports to Azerbaijan from Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the two countries plan to create a joint investment fund and increase trade turnover to $1 billion over the next few years. As of today, five projects totaling $700 million, including the development of logistics and transportation infrastructure, are also being implemented between the countries. Resource Planning Group cut its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 3.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 132,482 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,850 shares during the quarter. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF makes up approximately 10.5% of Resource Planning Groups holdings, making the stock its biggest holding. Resource Planning Groups holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $12,953,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of AGG. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management boosted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 145.5% during the 1st quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 6,590 shares of the companys stock valued at $705,000 after acquiring an additional 3,906 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 36.2% in the first quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 52,003 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,570,000 after purchasing an additional 13,829 shares during the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the first quarter worth about $44,000. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the first quarter valued at about $241,000. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 14,640 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,568,000 after buying an additional 292 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.21% of the companys stock. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF stock traded up $0.40 on Friday, reaching $93.64. The stock had a trading volume of 7,516,133 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,512,225. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $95.16 and a 200 day moving average price of $97.33. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $92.37 and a 1 year high of $101.15. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE:HEQ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 6,300 shares, a growth of 96.9% from the September 15th total of 3,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 47,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of NYSE:HEQ traded down $0.05 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $9.49. 29,490 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 36,159. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund has a 12-month low of $9.40 and a 12-month high of $12.97. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $10.14 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $10.60. Get John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Shaker Financial Services LLC raised its stake in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 523.9% in the second quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 135,827 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,464,000 after buying an additional 114,055 shares during the period. Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund in the second quarter valued at $781,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 96.4% in the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 69,186 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $805,000 after buying an additional 33,965 shares during the period. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. bought a new stake in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund in the second quarter valued at $212,000. Finally, Silverlake Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund during the 4th quarter valued at $141,000. About John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. The fund is co-managed by Wellington Management Company LLP. It invests in the public equity markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Financial Inc increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 2.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 7,062 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the period. Key Financial Incs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $452,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Lion Street Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 26.7% during the 2nd quarter. Lion Street Advisors LLC now owns 15,342 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $896,000 after buying an additional 3,232 shares in the last quarter. Talbot Financial LLC lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 12.1% during the 2nd quarter. Talbot Financial LLC now owns 74,685 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,776,000 after buying an additional 8,078 shares in the last quarter. Kendall Capital Management lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Kendall Capital Management now owns 45,109 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,885,000 after buying an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 51,715 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,307,000 after buying an additional 1,291 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northstar Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 12.4% during the 2nd quarter. Northstar Asset Management LLC now owns 4,348 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $278,000 after buying an additional 479 shares in the last quarter. 74.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance Bristol-Myers Squibb stock traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $56.47. 12,824,870 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,078,024. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52 week low of $55.69 and a 52 week high of $81.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.39. The firm has a market cap of $117.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.02, a P/E/G ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.43. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $59.74 and its 200 day simple moving average is $63.79. Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results 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 business 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 business posted $1.93 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.04%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.64%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total transaction of $44,754.48. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,584 shares in the company, valued at $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total transaction of $44,754.48. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,584 shares in the company, valued at $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $1,101,642.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,706,915. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently weighed in on BMY. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $78.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $57.00 to $56.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Bank of America dropped their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Finally, HSBC initiated coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, July 14th. They set a reduce rating and a $56.00 price objective on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $69.29. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Financial Inc increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 11.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 689 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 68 shares during the period. Key Financial Incs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $323,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Silicon Valley Capital Partners bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Bogart Wealth LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 193.3% during the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 88 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Laffer Tengler Investments bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $640.00 to $673.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Berenberg Bank lifted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $375.00 to $500.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. 22nd Century Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and twenty have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $540.09. Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 591 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $466.62, for a total value of $275,772.42. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 101,028,219 shares of the companys stock, valued at $47,141,787,549.78. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 591 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $466.62, for a total value of $275,772.42. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 101,028,219 shares in the company, valued at $47,141,787,549.78. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Alonzo Weems sold 1,148 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $590.98, for a total transaction of $678,445.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 7,760 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,586,004.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 908,246 shares of company stock valued at $21,078,990,577 over the last three months. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance LLY traded down $1.30 on Friday, reaching $609.20. The company had a trading volume of 3,972,073 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,042,894. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $556.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $470.55. The company has a market cap of $578.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 84.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.13. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $309.20 and a 52-week high of $629.97. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.58 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.01% and a return on equity of 65.00%. Eli Lilly and Companys quarterly revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.25 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.83 EPS for the current year. 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. Featured Articles 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. Morling Financial Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 10.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 683 shares of the companys stock after selling 78 shares during the quarter. Morling Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $320,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Towerpoint Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Towerpoint Wealth LLC now owns 4,239 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,988,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. Pacific Sage Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% in the second quarter. Pacific Sage Partners LLC now owns 1,591 shares of the companys stock valued at $746,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Oxler Private Wealth LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Oxler Private Wealth LLC now owns 6,050 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,078,000 after purchasing an additional 24 shares in the last quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 774 shares of the companys stock worth $266,000 after purchasing an additional 24 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IFG Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. IFG Advisors LLC now owns 654 shares of the companys stock valued at $307,000 after purchasing an additional 24 shares in the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes LLY has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $590.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. 22nd Century Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price 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. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and twenty have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $540.09. Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, EVP Alonzo Weems sold 1,148 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $590.98, for a total value of $678,445.04. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 7,760 shares in the company, valued at $4,586,004.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 908,246 shares of company stock valued at $21,078,990,577. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.2 % NYSE LLY traded down $1.30 on Friday, hitting $609.20. 3,972,073 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,042,894. The companys 50 day moving average price is $556.31 and its 200-day moving average price is $470.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $578.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 84.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $309.20 and a twelve month high of $629.97. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced 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. The firm had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.58 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 65.00% and a net margin of 22.01%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.25 EPS. Analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. 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. Featured Stories 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. Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 5,870,000 shares, a decline of 19.5% from the September 15th total of 7,290,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,650,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.2 days. Nordic American Tankers Stock Up 1.5 % Shares of Nordic American Tankers stock traded up $0.06 on Friday, reaching $4.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,336,030 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,897,861. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. Nordic American Tankers has a 52 week low of $2.81 and a 52 week high of $4.65. The company has a market capitalization of $870.68 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.32 and a beta of 0.15. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $4.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.82. Get Nordic American Tankers alerts: Nordic American Tankers (NYSE:NAT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 28th. The shipping company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.13. The company had revenue of $67.80 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $65.15 million. Nordic American Tankers had a return on equity of 22.16% and a net margin of 43.81%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.02) earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Nordic American Tankers will post 0.6 earnings per share for the current year. Nordic American Tankers Cuts Dividend Institutional Trading of Nordic American Tankers The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 14th were given a dividend of $0.13 per share. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 12.47%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 13th. Nordic American Tankerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 91.23%. A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. ProShare Advisors LLC increased its position in Nordic American Tankers by 10.5% during the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 26,707 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $98,000 after acquiring an additional 2,546 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC increased its position in Nordic American Tankers by 40.1% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 10,412 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 2,979 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its position in Nordic American Tankers by 29.1% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 13,308 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 2,999 shares in the last quarter. MML Investors Services LLC increased its position in Nordic American Tankers by 9.1% in the second quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 37,555 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $138,000 after buying an additional 3,139 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its position in Nordic American Tankers by 3.2% in the second quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 108,482 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $398,000 after buying an additional 3,358 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 42.98% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have commented on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Nordic American Tankers in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. B. Riley lifted their target price on Nordic American Tankers from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 29th. Read Our Latest Report on NAT Nordic American Tankers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nordic American Tankers Limited, a tanker company, acquires and charters double-hull tankers in Bermuda and internationally. It operates a fleet of 19 Suezmax crude oil tankers. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nordic American Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nordic American Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sebold Capital Management Inc. cut its position in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDA Free Report) by 9.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 29,230 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 3,218 shares during the period. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF comprises about 1.2% of Sebold Capital Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Sebold Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF were worth $1,475,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of FNDA. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 20.4% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 14,737 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $788,000 after buying an additional 2,500 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its position in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 42.1% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 6,748 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $361,000 after buying an additional 1,998 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its position in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 38.9% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 5,946 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $318,000 after buying an additional 1,666 shares during the last quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management raised its position in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 67.6% in the 1st quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 14,113 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $754,000 after buying an additional 5,691 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,364,000. Get Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF alerts: Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF Stock Performance Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF stock traded down $0.53 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $47.07. The stock had a trading volume of 236,597 shares, compared to its average volume of 244,963. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $49.78 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.33. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF has a 1-year low of $43.59 and a 1-year high of $53.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.99 and a beta of 1.19. About Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF The Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF (FNDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell RAFI Small Company US index. The fund tracks a fundamentally selected and weighted Russell index of small firms based on adjusted sales, retained operation cash flow, and dividends plus buybacks. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FNDA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest in September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 1,620,000 shares, a decrease of 22.5% from the September 15th total of 2,090,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 501,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.2 days. Insider Activity at Broadridge Financial Solutions In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Director Leslie A. Brun sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.20, for a total value of $362,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 72,430 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,124,316. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Director Leslie A. Brun sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.20, for a total value of $362,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 72,430 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,124,316. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Robert Schifellite sold 26,109 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.27, for a total transaction of $4,680,560.43. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 48,082 shares in the company, valued at $8,619,660.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 191,035 shares of company stock valued at $34,423,247. Corporate insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Institutional Trading of Broadridge Financial Solutions Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BR. Walter Public Investments Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 1.3% in the second quarter. Walter Public Investments Inc. now owns 86,064 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $14,255,000 after purchasing an additional 1,112 shares during the period. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions during the first quarter worth about $207,000. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ grew its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.6% during the first quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 21,851 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,203,000 after buying an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Ethic Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 52.7% during the first quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 5,511 shares of the business services providers stock worth $808,000 after buying an additional 1,901 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wendell David Associates Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.7% during the first quarter. Wendell David Associates Inc. now owns 105,444 shares of the business services providers stock worth $15,455,000 after buying an additional 697 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.36% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on BR shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $178.00 to $192.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $190.00 price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Thursday, September 28th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, DA Davidson increased their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $160.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $173.67. Get Our Latest Research Report on Broadridge Financial Solutions Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Performance Broadridge Financial Solutions stock traded down $3.54 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $177.68. 715,655 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 546,655. Broadridge Financial Solutions has a 12-month low of $131.35 and a 12-month high of $189.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.58. The stock has a market cap of $20.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.59 and a beta of 0.98. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $182.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is $164.68. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The business services provider reported $3.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping 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 company had revenue of $1.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.65 EPS. Broadridge Financial Solutionss revenue for the quarter was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Broadridge Financial Solutions will post 7.63 EPS for the current year. Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $0.80 dividend. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This is a boost from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 60.49%. 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. Recommended Stories 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. Chubu Electric Power Company, Incorporated (OTCMKTS:CHUEF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 467,800 shares, a growth of 126.9% from the September 15th total of 206,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Chubu Electric Power Stock Performance Chubu Electric Power stock remained flat at $12.12 during mid-day trading on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $12.48 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.64. Chubu Electric Power has a 1-year low of $8.08 and a 1-year high of $12.88. Get Chubu Electric Power alerts: About Chubu Electric Power (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Chubu Electric Power Company, Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and retail of electricity in Japan and internationally. The company operates through three segments: JERA, Power Grid, and Miraiz. It generates electricity through geothermal, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, and solar sources. Receive News & Ratings for Chubu Electric Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chubu Electric Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SoftBank Group Corp. (OTCMKTS:SFTBF Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 3,400,100 shares, a drop of 20.1% from the September 15th total of 4,253,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 5,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 680.0 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently bought a new position in SoftBank Group stock. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in SoftBank Group Corp. (OTCMKTS:SFTBF Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 3,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $117,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 25.02% of the companys stock. Get SoftBank Group alerts: SoftBank Group Stock Performance Shares of SFTBF remained flat at $42.77 during mid-day trading on Friday. The stock had a trading volume of 3 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,344. The companys fifty day moving average price is $44.09 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $43.16. SoftBank Group has a one year low of $36.00 and a one year high of $52.00. SoftBank Group Company Profile SoftBank Group Corp. provides telecommunication services in Japan and internationally. It operates through Investment Business of Holding Companies, SoftBank Vision Funds, SoftBank, Arm, and Other segments. The company offers mobile communications and solutions to enterprise customers, and broadband services to retail customers; and sells mobile devices and software tools, as well as related services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for SoftBank Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SoftBank Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. On October 18th, an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Trend reports. The meeting will discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the recent situation in the region. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on the morning of October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. The attacks by Hamas militants killed more than 1,300 and injured nearly 3,300 Israelis. The IDF declared a state of readiness for war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. The Israeli Army's operation against Hamas goes by the codename "Swords of Iron". Swiss Re AG (OTCMKTS:SSREY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 14,000 shares, a decline of 39.7% from the September 15th total of 23,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 73,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Berenberg Bank raised shares of Swiss Re from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Swiss Re has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $76.25. Get Swiss Re alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on SSREY Swiss Re Stock Performance About Swiss Re Shares of SSREY stock traded up $0.44 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $27.12. The company had a trading volume of 19,855 shares, compared to its average volume of 37,859. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $25.10 and a 200-day moving average price of $25.29. Swiss Re has a one year low of $17.89 and a one year high of $27.29. (Get Free Report) Swiss Re AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides wholesale reinsurance, insurance, other insurance-based forms of risk transfer, and other insurance-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Property & Casualty Reinsurance, Life & Health Reinsurance, and Corporate Solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Swiss Re Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Swiss Re and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report) by 5.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,396 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 496 shares during the period. Traynor Capital Management Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $681,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 8.5% in the second quarter. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC now owns 27,656 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,005,000 after purchasing an additional 2,159 shares during the period. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 29.4% during the 1st quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 5,441 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $389,000 after acquiring an additional 1,236 shares during the period. Graypoint LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter. Graypoint LLC now owns 19,972 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,448,000 after acquiring an additional 846 shares during the period. D.B. Root & Company LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $281,000. Finally, Prosperity Planning Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Prosperity Planning Inc. now owns 207,627 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $15,053,000 after acquiring an additional 6,271 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.78% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Price Performance Shares of EFA stock traded down $0.64 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $68.43. 19,900,296 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 16,894,045. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $70.28 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $71.83. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a 1-year low of $55.95 and a 1-year high of $74.74. About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. you are here: BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 15. Exactly 20 years ago, on October 15, 2003, the Azerbaijani people chose Ilham Aliyev as the President of the country, entrusting him with their future. Today's Azerbaijan, which has become a symbol of stability and development, has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, serving as the best confirmation of the accuracy of this historical choice. 20 years ago, President Ilham Aliyev foresaw geopolitical trends and understood the direction in which the country should move. He knew where strategic priorities should be set: Azerbaijan had to build a robust economy, establish a professional and well-equipped army, and take its rightful place on the global stage. This was the only path for the nation to achieve regional leadership and become a prominent player in global politics. As early as 2004, the first State Regional Development Program was initiated by President Ilham Aliyev. Later, President Ilham Aliyev himself would refer to this State Program as one of the initial substantial political decisions. These regional development programs not only laid the foundation for the growth of the national economy but, for the first time in the history of Azerbaijan, they also addressed the infrastructure development imbalance between Baku and other regions of the country. President Ilham Aliyev's state policy was aimed at addressing new challenges and tasks facing the country. President Ilham Aliyev immediately outlined the path for the Azerbaijani nation the transformation and evolution of the country into a developed, modern state, with the consistent implementation of political, economic, and social reforms. In order to put these measures into action, President Ilham Aliyev approved a Long-Term Strategy for Managing Oil and Gas Revenues in 2004. This strategy was designed to channel income from the oil sector toward the growth and advancement of the non-oil sector. Subsequent years represented an era of continuous growth. Azerbaijan witnessed the creation of more than 2 million jobs, the establishment of numerous new industries, the revitalization of dormant traditional sectors and agricultural domains. Poverty was successfully combated, and a multifaceted system of social assistance for vulnerable demographic groups was introduced. The position of the country on the global markets was strengthened: Azerbaijan effectively reshaped the energy landscape of Europe by implementing the Southern Gas Corridor project. This remarkably ambitious project outpaced its era; numerous skeptics and purported well-wishers of Azerbaijan cast doubts on the possibility of constructing and putting the Southern Gas Corridor into operation, yet Azerbaijan has proved them wrong. Subsequently, when Europe confronted a crisis, these very critics in Baku have lined up to initiate discussions regarding the purchase of Azerbaijani gas for their customers. The oil strategy and the concept of managing oil and gas revenues transformed the country's economy. In 2003-2022, Azerbaijan's GDP increased from $7.3 billion to $78.7 billion, and state budget expenditures rose from $705.8 million to $21.5 billion. The country's strategic foreign currency reserves expanded by over 47-fold, from $1.4 billion to $66.1 billion. In 2003, the average wage was a mere $45, but by 2022, it had surged to nearly $500. These figures are truly unprecedented. Guided by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan bolstered its foreign policy standing. A notable milestone to recall is that in 2011, Azerbaijan secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council with 155 votes, effectively discharging its responsibilities alongside major world powers for a two-year term. This achievement served as a substantial affirmation of global acknowledgment of our nation's influence and its leader's prominence on the international stage. In 2019, Azerbaijan unanimously assumed the leadership of the second-largest global organization, the Non-Aligned Movement. President Ilham Aliyev's efforts were instrumental in revitalizing and reasserting the importance of the Non-Aligned Movement within the global landscape. Azerbaijan's pivotal role in this revival earned such recognition that the organization extended the country's chairmanship for an additional year. A pivotal aspect of the state leader's policy was the extensive modernization of the Azerbaijani Army. President Ilham Aliyev himself stressed that military development was an inherent priority, given Azerbaijan's long-standing opposition to Armenian occupiers. Significant strides were taken in this realm. The country's military budget has surged more than 15 times since 2003, facilitating the provision of the Army with cutting-edge technology and weaponry. Additionally, Azerbaijan initiated the development of a defense industry from the ground up, erecting over 20 military plants and enterprises. Today, they manufacture a diverse array of over 1,200 military products. The combat capabilities of the Azerbaijani Army have significantly improved, along with the professionalism of its military personnel. The system of support and social assistance for the military and their families has been strengthened. The Azerbaijani Army has firmly established itself as one of the world's top 100 most powerful armies and stands out as a clear regional leader. The military modernization marked the culminating stage in achieving the core mission that has indelibly etched President Ilham Aliyev's name in the annals of Azerbaijani history - the restoration of the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Victory in the second Karabakh war in 2020 was a logical consequence of the successful implementation of economic, foreign policy, and defense strategies by the head of state. Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan stands as the only one among post-Soviet states to have fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty across its entire territory. Azerbaijan is one of the few countries worldwide that has been able to bring military perpetrators to justice for their crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. President Ilham Aliyev has definitively resolved the long-standing issue that has caused suffering and tragedy for multiple generations of Azerbaijanis. Currently, thousands of these individuals and their descendants are making their way back to the newly liberated regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. An official state program known as the "Great Return" for the years 2022-2026 has been put into action, encompassing the restoration of numerous settlements. Plans for 52 of these settlements have already been developed, with President Ilham Aliyev personally overseeing the revitalization of 29 towns and villages. Additionally, just a year and a half after the war's conclusion, on July 19, 2022, former internally displaced persons began returning to these reclaimed territories. Over this period, 679 families, totaling more than 2,700 individuals, have already come back to their ancestral lands. It is anticipated that by the year-end, around 1,400 families, or over 5,000 people, will come back to their native lands. Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur are in the midst of a remarkable transformation, emerging from the devastation of the past. Rapid progress is evident, with the construction of airports in Fuzuli and Zangilan, and the Lachin airport, the completion of which is well underway. Extensive road networks covering hundreds of kilometers have been established, and railway projects such as Barda-Aghdam and Goradiz-Aghbend are actively advancing, greatly accelerating the regional economic recovery. Furthermore, 12 new power stations have been commissioned in the region, and essential infrastructure has been successfully restored. In summary, Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur are making strides toward a return to development. They now have a promising future, brimming with success and achievements, just like the rest of the country. The fifth era of the Azerbaijani Republic's statehood stands as the most triumphant. It's possible that only future generations will be able to truly grasp the historical importance of President Ilham Aliyev's accomplishments. Throughout Azerbaijani nation's history, there hasn't been another leader who managed to restore the country's unity, craft and execute a comprehensive, long-term development plan, and serve as the pivotal figure in uniting the nation, guiding millions of fellow citizens towards victory. President Ilham Aliyev is the nation's leader, an individual of profound historical importance, a statesman of global stature, and the commander-in-chief of a triumphant military that freed the country from occupation. He is the president responsible for building a highly advanced Army, reinstating the state's territorial integrity, showcasing the resilience of the Azerbaijani people to the world, enhancing the nation's reputation, and bolstering the self-esteem of Azerbaijani society. 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 Saurabh Sharma is a freelance journalist who writes on books and gender. Deepali Singh is a Mumbai-based freelance journalist who writes on movies, shows, music, art, and food. Twitter: @DeepaliSingh05 BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. In accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Fuzuli continue, Trend reports. Another group of citizens was sent from the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in the Garadagh district of Baku on October 14. At this stage, another 28 families (117 people) moved to the city of Fuzuli. The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Fuzuli, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Fuzuli residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care, expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Fuzuli has been provided for 258 families - 928 people. Shinie Antony is a writer and editor based in Bangalore. Her books include The Girl Who Couldn't Love, Barefoot and Pregnant, Planet Polygamous, and the anthologies Why We Dont Talk, An Unsuitable Woman, Boo. Winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Asia Prize for her story A Dogs Death in 2002, she is the co-founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival and director of the Bengaluru Poetry Festival. LACHIN, Azerbaijan, October 14. Lachin district was occupied by Armenia on May 18, 1992, however, the 2020 second Karabakh war forced the country to sign the surrender document, Trend reports. The district was returned to Azerbaijan under a trilateral statement signed following Azerbaijan's victory in the second Karabakh war, on December 1, 2020. Afterwards, the reconstruction work has kicked off in the city of Lachin. All the infrastructure, including water supply, sewage systems, power lines, and roads, as well as all the internal roads of Lachin city, were reconstructed to ensure a comfortable living environment for its residents. Lachin, which had been devastated during nearly 30-year occupation, is now revived. The city is rapidly taking on a modern appearance. The beautiful design and landscapes of the new houses are pleasing to the eye. This ancient Azerbaijani land, which suffered from occupation for many years, seems to be celebrating the return of its residents, welcoming them, and dazzling them with the beauty of nature. In accordance with the state program of "Great Return", 247 families (956 people) have been provided with permanent residence in Lachin city. All the necessary conditions for living in houses, which they once inhabited and which were restored or rebuilt upon the President's order, have been created for the families who returned to their native lands. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. The de-mining efforts on Azerbaijani territories, which have been one of the most challenging issues, are being carried out systematically, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev said, Trend reports. Nuriyev made the remark at a conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic. Nearly 100,000 hectares have already been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance, he noted. "The Armenian military formations that remained in Karabakh after the second Karabakh war [before being expelled from there later] have once again mined a significant portion of the area along the perimeter, and this is one of the issues awaiting resolution," the official also said. "Undoubtedly, the potential of the Azerbaijani state allows us to quickly restore all our territories, transform these lands into a paradise, and bring life back to them, as President Ilham Aliyev has emphasized," Nuriyev added. A conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic, is taking place in Baku today under the co-chairmanship of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev. The conference is dedicated to the activities of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to the media during a NATO Defence Ministers' meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium October 12, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo US law enforcement on alert, thousands rally for Palestinian cause in New York City White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby joins White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S. October 12, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. A total of 2,715 former internally displaced persons (679 families) returned to Lachin and Fuzuli cities, the villages of Aghali (Zangilan district), Talish (Tartar district) and Zabukh (Lachin district) within just a year and a half after the 2020 second Karabakh war, starting from July 19, 2022, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev said, Trend reports. Nuriyev made the remark at a conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic. Nuriyev noted that all activities related to the restoration of the liberated territories are carried out in accordance with the "I State Program for the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan" for 2022-2026, approved by the decree of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. "Conceptual decisions have already been made for 52 out of the 100 settlements envisaged in the program, and the head of state has laid the foundations for 29 settlements. In total, from 2021 to 2023, the head of state initiated the start of 105 projects, of which 63 construction facilities of various purposes have been commissioned," he added. A conference organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to "20 years of unequaled service to the Motherland, people and statehood" topic, is taking place in Baku today under the co-chairmanship of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Nuriyev. The conference is dedicated to the activities of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. UN will repatriate 9 South African peacekeepers in Congo accused of sexual assault View Photo LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) The United Nations said it will repatriate nine peacekeepers from a South African contingent in eastern Congo who were accused of sexual assault and other abuse. The U.N. decided to immediately repatriate the peacekeepers and a senior officer of the South African army due to the seriousness of the allegations against them, the organization said in a statement on Friday. The senior officer allegedly tried to hinder a probe into the allegations and threatened other peacekeepers. Two other indicted senior officers will also be replaced, the U.N. said. More than 12,000 U.N. peacekeepers are deployed in eastern Congo, where more than 100 armed groups are active. The U.N. said its preliminary assessment found that the nine peacekeepers were fraternizing after curfew hours in prohibited bars where prostitution takes place. The soldiers were also alleged to have assaulted staff of the peacekeeping mission and the military police who were trying to arrest them, the statement added. South African authorities have indicated their full cooperation, in particular through the deployment of a national investigator, the U.N. said, promising that victims would be assisted and that the peacekeeping mission would remain committed to upholding U.N. standards. Such accusations of sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers are not new in various parts of the world, from Congo to Haiti where peacekeepers are deployed. The victims in many instances are children. The abuses are particularly rampant in Congo, which accounted for one-third of the nearly 2,000 sexual abuse and exploitation complaints made against the U.N. worldwide in 2017. The U.N. has also been accused of not doing enough in handling such allegations. Last year, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the organization has not succeeded in all respects, but neither have we stood still in handling the sexual abuse crisis. By CHINEDU ASADU Associated Press A delegation led by Minister of Education, Science and Culture of the Republic of Suriname Henry Ori, which was on a visit to Azerbaijan, visited Baku Higher Oil School of SOCAR (BHOS). First, the foreign delegation visited the university campus and met with students and teachers during classes. Rector of Baku Higher Oil School Elmar Gasimov informed the guests in detail about the modern learning conditions and research environment created at BHOS. Elmar Gasimov expressed special gratitude to Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan Emin Amrullayev for providing the opportunity to hold this meeting. During the meeting, the prospects for cooperation between Baku Higher Oil School and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname were discussed. Elmar Gasimov said that the educational process at Baku Higher Oil School, a fully English-language higher education institution, is integrated with industrial practice. The rector emphasized that 4 out of 5 specialties with the highest passing scores in the country are BHOS specialties. Then, at a meeting with the participation of delegations from both sides, Elmar Gasimov put forward a proposal to create an opportunity for Surinamese students to study at Baku Higher Oil School. Minister of Education, Science and Culture of the Republic of Suriname Henry Ori praised highly the conditions and educational environment created at BHOS. The minister emphasized that they intend to cooperate with Baku Higher Oil School in several areas. He noted that Baku Higher Oil School could play an important role in the development of the oil and gas industry in Suriname, which is a new industry for this country. Henry Ori also emphasized that Baku Higher Oil School will support the creation of the specialty Oil and Gas Engineer at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. At the end of the meeting, Rector of Baku Higher Oil School Elmar Gasimov presented the Guest of Honor memorial plaque to Minister of Education, Science and Culture of the Republic of Suriname Henry Ori. MEXICO CITY (AP) Five men were killed in a fight between inmates at a prison in Mexicos Gulf coast state of Tabasco, authorities said Friday. Four of the five inmates killed in the riot late Thursday were on trial or serving sentences for rape, homicide or other violent crimes, the state police department said. Police said control of the prison had been regained, and that nobody else had been injured or escaped. About 16 prisoners were detained in relation with the killings. The police department blamed a fight between groups from different cell blocks. But photos and videos apparently made by inmates and posted on social media suggested the dead men may have been killed in retaliation for extorting money from fellow inmates. If confirmed, it would not be the first time that prisons in Mexico have erupted in violence for similar reasons. Inmates who are apparently connected to gangs with members on the outside routinely try to demand protection payments from prisoners. The gangs threaten prisoners or their families with violence to enforce payment demands. In 2022, 56 inmates were injured in a mass brawl at the Apodaca prison, just outside the northern city of Monterrey, which involved complaints that some prisoners were trying to extort money from others. It is part of a broader problem in Mexico in which people still on trial are often held in the same prisons with convicted inmates. Moreover, the poor supervision of many Mexican prisons often allow inmates to essentially control parts of the facilities. Flight to Florida returns to Panama over a suspected bomb that turns out to be an adult diaper PANAMA CITY (AP) Airport security at Panama Citys Tocumen International Airport on Friday searched a Copa airline flight bound for Tampa, Florida, for a suspected bomb, only to find an adult diaper. The plane had returned to the Panama City airport earlier Friday following reports of a possible bomb. The Boeing 737-800 landed around 11 a.m. local time and moved to an isolated stretch of the tarmac, where 144 passengers were taken off the plane, Panamas Civil Aeronautics Authority said on the social media platform X. An anti-explosives team inspected the aircraft. Jose Castro, the head of the airports security team, said a suspicious object in one of the planes bathrooms was found to be an adult diaper. We had it on a secure runway where police special explosives canine units and special forces examined the object, and found it to be an adult diaper, ruling out any risk, Castro said. Structure fire in the Phoenix Lake area or Tuolumne County View Photo Update at 3:40 p.m.: Air and ground resources have knocked down a house fire on Paseo De Los Portales, off Phoenix Lake Road, in the Phoenix Lake area of Tuolumne County. The flames ignited in the garage of the single-story home in the 21800 block of Paseo De Los Portales Road and El Venada Trail, off Phoenix Lake Road. No residents were home at the time. Firefighters freed one dog from the house, but another remains missing, according to CAL Fire. Crews will remain on the scene mopping up for the next hour. Original post at 2:45 p.m.: Tuolumne County, CA Air and ground resources are working on a house fire in the Phoenix Lake area of Tuolumne County. The flames broke out in a home in the 21800 block of Paseo De Los Portales Road and El Venada Trail, off Phoenix Lake Road. No residents were home at the time. Firefighters were able to free one dog from the house, but another is missing, according to CAL Fire. There is no threat to other structures, and no flames have spread to nearby vegetation. An update will be provided as soon as new information comes into the newsroom. CalFire Defensible Space View Photo Sonora, CA Homeowners in six California counties will soon begin receiving home retrofits with ignition-resistant materials for Californias most vulnerable populations as part of the California Wildfire Mitigation Program. The pilot home hardening initiative provides funding for defensible space and ignition-resistant retrofits to harden around 2,500 homes in six counties over the next three years. One of those counties is Tuolumne. It was recently awarded $931,200 in funds to begin the first phase of program development for defensible space and home hardening costs in the Ponderosa Hills area. That breaks down to $838,000 from FEMA and $93,200 from the state. The California Governors Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and CAL FIRE have teamed up to create a joint powers agreement to administer a home hardening program, which has never been done on a community scale. Typically, home hardening has been done by individual homeowners, not entire communities. This is an important step forward, said Acting State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. The home hardening initiative pilot will help California create a model for hardened communities that others can learn from and replicate. The programs purpose is to aid communities that have been identified as vulnerable to wildfire, including impacts from future climate risk, and have populations that have a greater risk of wildfire. The first site work is expected to begin sometime in the fall of 2023. Lack of water worsens misery in besieged Gaza as Israeli airstrikes continue View Photo DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) As Israel pounds the Gaza Strip with airstrikes, Laila Abu Samhadaneh, 65, is anxious about water. The besieged Gaza Strips 2.3 million people dont have access to clean, running water after Israel cut off water and electricity to the enclave as it intensifies its air attacks in response to a bloody Hamas attack last week. The chokehold has seen taps run dry across the territory. When water does trickle from pipes, the meager flow lasts no more than 30 minutes each day and is so contaminated with sewage and seawater that its undrinkable, residents said. I dont know what were going to do tomorrow, Abu Samhadaneh said from her three-room home in the southern town of Rafah, which turned into a de facto shelter after Israel demanded everyone in Gaza evacuate south. She said she rations just a few liters among dozens of friends and relatives each day. Were going crazy. The deprivation has plunged Gazas population deeper into misery as Israels bombardment intensifies one week after Hamas fighters surged across Israels separation fence, killing 1,300 Israelis and abducting dozens. Israels retaliatory strikes have crushed hundreds of buildings in Gaza and killed more than 2,200 Palestinians. Even as terrified families flee their homes squeezing into United Nations shelters or the bloody and chaotic halls of Gazas biggest hospital in fear for their safety the desperate search for water remains a constant. U.N. agencies and aid groups are beseeching Israel to permit emergency deliveries of fuel and other supplies into the Gaza Strip. There really cant be a justification for this kind of targeting of civilians, said Miriam Marmur, a spokesperson for Gisha, an Israeli human rights group. The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency called the water crisis a matter of life or death. If fuel and water dont arrive soon, the agencys commissioner general Philippe Lazzarini said, people will start dying of severe dehydration. In normal times, the coastal enclave which has struggled under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 relies on Israel for one-third of all available drinking water, the territorys water authority says. Its other water sources include desalination plants in the Mediterranean Sea and a subterranean aquifer, drained and damaged from years of overuse. When Israel severed electricity to Gaza, the desalination plants all shut down. So did the wastewater treatment stations. That has left the entire territory without running water. People buy dwindling jugs from municipal sanitation stations, scour for bottles in supermarkets or drink whatever fetid liquid may dribble out of their pipes. Quenching thirst has become more difficult in the past day, even for those with means to shell out for bottled water. It took 35-year-old Noor Swirki two hours on Saturday to find a box of six bottles she will try to stretch throughout the coming days. She took her first shower in a week Saturday, using a cup of polluted tap water and splashing it over her husband and two children before rubbing the remaining moisture on her skin. We are here without anything, even the most basic thing, she said, shouting over the persistent noise of crying children in the U.N. shelter in southern Khan Younis, where she sought refuge after an airstrike demolished her Gaza City apartment. Were worried about our safety in the bombing and now theres this other issue of survival. She and six other Palestinians interviewed across Gaza said they drink no more than half a liter of water a day. They said they urinate once a day or every other day. The World Health Organization says that 50 to 100 liters per day per person are needed to ensure proper hydration and sanitation. The U.S. National Academies of Science and Medicine say men need to drink about 3.7 liters (125 ounces) and women need about 2.7 liters (91 ounces) per day to be adequately hydrated. Its like were in the stone ages, said 28-year-old Khalil Abu Yahia in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Drinking dirty water and poor sanitation due to lack of water can lead to terrible diseases, experts say, including cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. For the past week, the water along Gazas coast tastes like salt, residents say. Drinking salt water can lead to even more dehydration. It tastes bad, it smells bad, said 25-year-old Mohammed Bashir about the tap water in western Gaza City, which is mixed with untreated wastewater and seawater. But we have no choice. My kids are crying because theyre thirsty. Among the dozens of Palestinians with shrapnel wounds in their legs and arms from airstrikes that Dr. Husom Safiyah treated Saturday in northern Gaza, there were 15 children, including infants, with bacterial dysentery caused by the water shortage, he said. The situation is disastrous, and it will become even more so after two or three days, said Safiyah, a physician with MedGlobal, an organization that sends medical teams to disaster regions. He spoke as explosions thundered outside and medics around him rushed to handle the latest influx of victims. He said he had to go and help them. An airstrike near the Jabaliya refugee camp had just killed at least 27 people, mostly women and children, according to Hamas authorities, and dozens were wounded. When asked how he would clean their wounds, he said that he would use what little tap water they had, even if it was mixed with sewage. We have no alternative, he said. ___ DeBre reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Jonathan Poet in Philadelphia contributed to this report. By ISABEL DEBRE and WAFAA SHURAFA Associated Press Schumer says hes leading a bipartisan group of senators to Israel to show unwavering US support View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) Ahead of a trip to Israel this weekend, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says an upcoming administration request for wartime funding could include aid for both Israel and Ukraine. Schumer the first Jewish Senate majority leader and the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the U.S. is leading a bipartisan delegation of senators to Israel this weekend to express support for the country amid its week-old war against Hamas. He told The Associated Press in an interview that he wants to make clear that the United States stands with Israel and also show bipartisan support. To have a bipartisan delegation, led by the majority leader saying strongly and unequivocally were with Israel is going to make a big difference to Israelis, Schumer said. Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah and Democratic Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Mark Kelly of Arizona will also be on the trip. Schumer also plans to discuss with high-level officials what kind of support Israel needs for both military and humanitarian operations. Those conversations will inform the White House request to Congress and what the Senate does after he returns, Schumer said, and how quickly he moves to try and pass new spending. While negotiations are ongoing, Schumer said, he expects any package should include aid for Israel and Ukraine, along with possible aid for Taiwan as it faces threats from Beijing and money for the U.S. border. I think the general view is that Israel and Ukraine will be part of it, he said of an eventual White House request for foreign aid. Other possibilities are something for Taiwan, and something on border, but the border stuff has to be bipartisan. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has also indicated that he wants war aid for the two countries tied together, along with aid for Taiwan. Schumers trip, and early talks about a spending bill, comes as the politics of an impending foreign aid package are increasingly complicated. There has been growing Republican opposition to additional aid for Ukraines lengthy war and defense against Russia, and vocal criticism from some Republicans that the U.S. should focus more on its own problems. Added border money would be an incentive for some conservatives who have balked at spending more money for Ukraine, though aid to Israel after the brutal siege by Hamas over the weekend is expected to have much broader support. In addition, House Republicans are embroiled in a messy fight over who will replace ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and are not able to move any legislation until that is resolved. Theres so many crises going on, I hope they can straighten themselves out over there, Schumer said of the House. Administration officials have been speaking with lawmakers about the contours of a supplemental aid package as it continues to determine Israels needs. White House aides were meeting with a bipartisan group of House members Friday afternoon and also briefing senators remotely. Schumer said that his trip to Israel is deeply important to him not only because of his standing as the top Jewish U.S. elected official but also because of his own heritage. His great-grandmother and several of her children were killed by Nazis in Europe. This has deep resonance to people, Schumer said. Because we have not seen anything as vicious and nasty as this since the Nazis. Schumer is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and senior opposition figure Benny Gantz, who is part of a newly formed wartime cabinet in Israel. Two other high-ranking officials, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have visited in recent days. Schumer just this week returned from a trip to China, where he pressured officials to condemn the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas. He had just arrived there last weekend when Hamas carried out the series of surprise attacks on Saturday morning. More violence is expected in the region. The Israeli military directed some 1 million civilians to evacuate northern Gaza for their own safety and protection, ahead of a feared Israeli ground offensive. Gazas Hamas rulers responded by calling on Palestinians to remain steadfast in your homes and to stand firm against Israel. ___ Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim, Kevin Freking and Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report. By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press Mississippi sheriff aims to avoid liability from federal lawsuit over torture of Black men View Photo JACKSON, Miss. (AP) The Mississippi sheriff who leads the department where former deputies pleaded guilty to a long list of state and federal charges for the torture of two Black men has asked a federal court to dismiss a civil lawsuit against him. Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker were abused in a case of extrajudicial violence that even the sheriff theyre suing called the worst case of police brutality he had ever seen. But Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Baileys attorney argues Jenkins and Parkers $400 million lawsuit against Bailey should be dismissed because the sheriff is entitled to qualified immunity, a legal concept that often shields police officers from civil penalties for alleged abuses. Court records show that attorney Jase Dare asked to dismiss the lawsuit on Oct. 6, just one day after a settlement conference was filed with the court. A settlement conference is scheduled when the parties in a lawsuit try to settle a case before trial. On Friday, Jenkins and Parkers attorneys, Malik Shabazz and Trent Walker, called Dares motion meritless. We believe that the totality of the evidence shows the brutality of the Goon Squad was a longstanding problem. The brutality was not just limited to these five deputies, and its something that has existed during the entirety of Bryan Baileys tenure as sheriff, Walker said. In January, five white former Rankin County deputies and a police officer from a nearby department burst into a house without a warrant after someone phoned one of the deputies and complained that two Black men were staying with a white woman. The officers handcuffed and assaulted Jenkins and Parker with stun guns, a sex toy and other objects. The officers also used racial slurs over a 90-minute period that ended with former deputy Hunter Elward shooting Jenkins in the mouth during a mock execution. Then, the officers devised a cover-up that included planting drugs and a gun, leading to false charges that stood against the victims for months. Prosecutors say some of the officers nicknamed themselves the Goon Squad because of their willingness to use excessive force and cover up attacks. In March, an Associated Press investigation linked some of the deputies to at least four violent encounters with Black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries. One of those men was Pierre Woods, who was shot and killed by Rankin County deputies in 2019. A family member sued Bailey over Woods death. Court records show a settlement agreement for an undisclosed amount has been reached through the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals mediation program. The settlement still must be approved by a chancery court. At least two of the deputies who shot at Woods, Elward and Brett McAlpin, went on to participate in the illegal raid in January. For months, Bailey said little about the episode. After the officers pleaded guilty to civil rights charges in August, Bailey promised to change the department. In his motion, Dare said Jenkins and Parker do not allege that Bailey personally participated in the events but failed to train the deputies adequately. He said internal department policies show the deputies underwent training that complies with the law. He also said none of the allegations are enough to overcome qualified immunity and hold Bailey liable for the illegal actions of his deputies. The law enforcement officers include former deputies McAlpin, Elward, Christian Dedmon, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke, and a former Richland police Officer Joshua Hartfield, who was off-duty during the assault. They agreed to sentences recommended by prosecutors ranging from five to 30 years, although the judge isnt bound by that. They are scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14. ___ Michael Goldberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow him at @mikergoldberg. By MICHAEL GOLDBERG Associated Press/Report for America Environmentalists warn of intent to sue over snail species living near Nevada lithium mine View Photo RENO, Nev. (AP) In an ongoing legal battle with the Biden administration over a Nevada lithium mine, environmentalists are poised to return to court with a new approach accusing U.S. wildlife officials of dragging their feet on a year-old petition seeking endangered species status for a tiny snail that lives nearby. The Western Watersheds Project said in its formal notice of intent to sue that the governments failure to list the Kings River pyrg as a threatened or endangered species could push it to the brink of extinction. It says the only place the snail is known to exist is in 13 shallow springs near where Lithium Americas is building its Thacker Pass Mine near the Oregon line. President Joe Biden has made ramped-up domestic production of lithium a key part of his blueprint for a greener future. Worldwide demand for the critical element in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries is projected to increase six-fold by 2030 compared with 2020. Past lawsuits filed by conservationists and tribes have taken aim largely unsuccessfully at the Interior Departments Bureau of Land Management, which they accused of cutting regulatory corners to expedite approval of the mine itself in 2021. The new approach targets the departments Fish and Wildlife Service, charged with ensuring protection of fish and wildlife habitat surrounding the mine site 200 miles (321 kilometers) northeast of Reno. Western Watersheds Project says groundwater pumping associated with the mines 370-foot-deep (113-meter) open pit will reduce or eliminate flows to the springs that support the snails. In the formal 90-day notice of intent to sue sent to Interior Secretary Deborah Haaland last month, they say her agencys failure to make a 12-month finding on the listing petition filed in September 2022 is a violation of the Endangered Species Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service isnt supposed to sit on its hands while species are in imminent danger of extinction, but the fact that it hasnt met the deadlines on the pyrg raises questions about why they might be delaying, Adam Bronstein, the projects Nevada director, said in a statement. It would be absolutely unacceptable if the Biden Administration is waiting until its too late to save the species so as not to interrupt the construction of a lithium mine, he said. Interior Department spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz said in an email Thursday the department had no comment on the groups intent to sue. Western Watersheds Project said time is of the essence because the snails were imperiled even before any new mining was contemplated due to livestock grazing, round-building and, increasingly, the anticipated impacts of climate change. The species has no regulatory protection whatsoever because it is not an endangered species, or even a Bureau of Land Management-listed Sensitive species, and has no state law protections, the notice said. Conservationists and tribal lawyers claimed a partial victory last year when U.S. District Judge Miranda Du concluded the bureau failed to fully comply with new interpretations of the 1872 Mining Law. But she stopped short of blocking the project, allowing construction to begin as the bureau shored up plans for disposal of waste rock. The opponents appealed, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Dus ruling in July. The tiny snails shell is less than 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) tall. By comparison, a U.S. nickel coin is 1.95 millimeters thick. Theyve managed to survive in isolated springs, which are remnants of extensive waterways that have covered what is now dry land only to recede many times over the last 2 million years, the listing petition said. The project says three of the springs are within a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) buffer zone, the bureau established in its review of potential impacts of a 10-foot (3-meter) drawdown of the groundwater table, and the rest are less than 4 miles (4.8 kilometers) away. As drought frequency increases with climate change, the Kings River pyrg will be at high risk of extinction, the letter to Haaland said. It notes that the Nevada Department of Wildlife considers the pyrg extremely vulnerable to climate change. Lithium Americas had no comment on the notice of intent to sue the Fish and Wildlife Service, spokesman Tim Crowley said. The company said when the listing petition was filed last year that its done extensive work to design a project that avoids impacts to the springs. The Bureau of Land Management said earlier its environmental review of the project that it didnt detect any of the snails within the direct footprint of the project or any area likely to be adversely affected by the project. By SCOTT SONNER Associated Press Israels military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of an expected Israel ground offensive. The directive came Friday on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gazas people out through the southern border with Egypt. Currently: 1. People are struggling to flee from northern Gaza while also grappling with a growing water crisis after Israel stopped the flow of resources to the Gaza Strip 2. No decision on a ground offensive has been announced, although Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border 3. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing one and wounding six 4. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives since Hamas launched an incursion on Oct. 7 5. United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has assured Israel: We have your back Heres whats happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war: US DEFENSE SECRETARY SAYS 2ND CARRIER IS PART OF EFFORT TO PREVENT WIDENING OF WAR WASHINGTON The Biden administration is sending the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the additional carrier was being sent as part of our effort to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamass attack on Israel. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers. The Eisenhower deployed from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Friday. Having two carriers in the region can provide a host of options. They can disperse and serve as primary command and control operations centers, to cover a wide swath of area. They can conduct information warfare. They can launch and recover E2-Hawkeye surveillance planes that provide early warnings on missile launches, conduct surveillance and manage the airspace. Both ships carry F-18 fighter jets that could fly intercepts or strike targets. They also have significant capabilities for humanitarian work, including an onboard hospital with medics, surgeons and doctors, and they sail with helicopters that can be used to airlift critical supplies in or victims out. US TO SEND A SECOND CARRIER STRIKE GROUP TO SUPPORT ISRAEL WASHINGTON The Biden administration is sending the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, two defense officials told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the move ahead of its announcement. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers. The Eisenhower deployed from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Friday. Having two carriers in the region can provide a host of options. They can disperse and serve as primary command and control operations centers, to cover a wide swath of area. They can conduct information warfare. They can launch and recover E2-Hawkeye surveillance planes that provide early warnings on missile launches, conduct surveillance and manage the airspace. Both ships carry F-18 fighter jets that could fly intercepts or strike targets. They also have significant capabilities for humanitarian work, including an onboard hospital with medics, surgeons and doctors, and they sail with helicopters that can be used to airlift critical supplies in or victims out. By Tara Copp HAMAS SAYS THREE KILLED AFTER CROSSING BORDER BETWEEN LEBANON AND ISRAEL BEIRUT Hamas announced early Sunday that three of its members from Lebanon had been killed after crossing the border from Lebanon into Israel and clashing with Israeli forces. The group said in a statement that its militants had inflicted losses before being targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Since the outbreak of the latest Hamas-Israel war on Oct. 7, there have been sporadic border clashes between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, and with Palestinian armed groups in Lebanon including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. MONITOR SAYS ISRAEL ATTACKS AIRPORT IN NORTHERN SYRIA BEIRUT A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say Israels military has attacked the international airport of the northern city of Aleppo, putting it out of service. Al-Watan daily said the Saturday night strike hit the runway of Aleppo airport putting it out of service just hours after it was fixed following a similar Israeli strike on Thursday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that the strike also hit the runway at Aleppo airport. The attack on Aleppo airport came shortly after a rocket was reportedly fired from Syria into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. On Thursday, Israeli struck the runways in Aleppo and Damascus International Airport. Aleppo was fixed within a day before it was again targeted Saturday. There was no immediate comment from Israels military, which rarely confirms such strikes. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION SENDS SUPPLIES FOR GAZA A planeload of World Health Organization supplies has landed at Egypts el-Arish airport and is destined for Gaza when humanitarian access across the border is possible, the U.N. said Saturday. The cache includes enough basic essentials for 300,000 people and enough trauma medicines and materials for 1,200 wounded, the U.N. said in a release. It called for opening the Rafah border crossing immediately to humanitarian deliveries. The critically injured, the sick and the vulnerable cannot wait, the world body said. ISRAEL SAYS IT IS STRIKING MILITARY TARGETS IN SYRIA TEL AVIV, Israel The Israeli military says it is striking targets in Syria after air raid sirens went off in two villages in northern Israel and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. In a statement, the military did not say what set off the sirens. It said it was firing artillery to strike back. The incident is the latest in a continued flare-up along Israels northern border with Lebanon and Syria after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli communities set off a war with Israel. FAMILIES OF ISRAELI HOSTAGES SAY SOME OF THEIR LOVED ONES NEED MEDICINE TEL AVIV, Israel The relatives of Israelis taken captive by Hamas are demanding Saturday that the militant group allow in medicine to hostages who require it, saying their loved ones are suffering. Every day without her medication is torture. Shes being tortured, said Yifat Zailer, who said her kidnapped 63-year-old aunt has Parkinsons disease. She was taken along with several other family members, Zailer said. In its assault on southern Israeli communities, Hamas militants captured dozens of Israelis and some foreign or dual nationals, including children, women and the elderly, dragging them into the Gaza Strip. Israeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday Israel had so far identified 126 captives. Their fate becomes more complicated as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza. GERMANY TO START EVACUATING CITIZENS FROM ISRAEL BERLIN The German army will start evacuating its citizens from Israel with military airplanes. German news agency dpa reported that two A400M military transports were on their way from Germany to Israel on Saturday evening and further flights were planned, according to the German defense ministry. In recent days, the German government helped with the evacuation of around 2,800 German citizens and their family members from Israel following Hamas attack on the country a week ago. So far, they were predominantly flown out by civilian airplanes or brought across the border to Jordan by buses. German carrier Lufthansa stopped its scheduled flights from Israel at the beginning of the week, but it deployed a limited number of evacuation flights which ended on Saturday. More than 100,000 residents of Israel hold dual German and Israeli citizenship. HEZBOLLAH FIGHTER DIES DURING EXCHANGE WITH ISRAELI TROOPS BEIRUT Lebanons militant Hezbollah group says one of its fighters was killed during an exchange of fire with Israeli troops on Saturday. Hezbollahs Al-Manar TV identified the dead fighter as Ali Youssef Alaaeddine. It gave no other details, saying his death happened during the Zionist aggression on south Lebanon today. Alaaeddine is the fourth Hezbollah fighter killed since tensions increased along the Lebanon-Israel border following the deadly attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel Oct. 7. The war has since claimed at least 3,200 lives. ERDOGANS SON JOINS PRO-PALESTINIAN MARCH IN ISTANBUL ISTANBUL The son of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in a large pro-Palestinian march in Istanbul on Saturday. Bilal Erdogan was accompanied by former Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and former speaker of Turkish parliament Mustafa Sentop. Let us make clear our side, we should at least let our feelings be heard, Erdogan told The Associated Press. The crowd of over 1,000 people carried Palestinian and Turkish flags while chanting slogans criticizing Israel and the United States. Speaking to the AP, Sentop said, Everyone with a conscience, regardless of race or religion, are displaying their sentiments toward this genocide. JAPANESE CHARTER FLIGHT WITH EVACUEES LEAVES ISRAEL TOKYO Japans Foreign Ministry says a Japanese government-arranged charter flight carrying eight Japanese nationals in Israel departed from Tel Aviv and was expected to arrive in Dubai on Sunday. Fifty-one other Japanese nationals were separately evacuated by South Koreas military aircraft, along with 163 South Koreans and six Singaporeans. About 1,250 Japanese nationals were in Israel as of October 2022, according to government data. LEBANESE STATE MEDIA SAYS ISRAELI SHELLING HAS KILLED 2 IN CHEBAA BEIRUT Lebanons state news agency says Israeli shelling of a Lebanese border village killed a man and his wife. The shelling occurred during an exchange of fire along Lebanons border with Syrias Israeli-occupied Golan Heights between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops. National News Agency said Khalil Hachem and his wife, Rabad Akoum, were killed in the shelling of the Lebanese border village of Chebaa. Hezbollah said its fighters struck several Israeli military positions in the disputed Chebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba hills in the afternoon. It added that hours later, Hezbollah gunmen fired rockets and shells toward an Israeli position in the area inflicting damage. ISRAELI MILITARY ANNOUNCES IT IS PREPARED FOR COORDINATED OFFENSIVE JERUSALEM The Israeli military says it has prepared a coordinated offensive in the Gaza Strip involving air, ground and naval forces. In a statement on its website Saturday night, the army said it is preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans. Israel has ordered roughly half of Gazas population to evacuate their homes ahead of an expected ground offensive in response to a brutal cross-border Hamas attack. Israel has not said when the offensive will begin. HAMAS OFFICIAL SAYS PALESTINIANS WILL NOT MIGRATE TO EGYPT BEIRUT A top official with the militant Hamas group says the people of Gaza will not migrate from the strip to Egypt. In a televised speech Saturday, Ismail Haniyeh said that all the massacres will not break the Palestinian people. There will be no migration from Gaza to Egypt, he said, adding that our decision is to stay in our land. Haniyeh said Israel suffered a strategic strike and that last weeks attacks by Hamas that have killed more than 3,200 are an indication the end of Israels occupation is near. Haniyeh said the aim of Hamas is to liberate the land and set Palestinian prisoners free, and that the blockade in Gaza be lifted. HEAD OF GAZAS LARGEST HOSPITAL SAYS 35,000 PEOPLE ARE SHELTERING IN HOSPITAL COMPLEX GAZA CITY, Gaza Medical officials say an estimated 35,000 have crammed into the grounds of Gaza Citys main hospital, seeking refugee ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive. Mohammad Abu Selim, general director of Shifa Hospital, confirmed that massive crowds had thronged the building and the courtyard outside. Shifa is the largest hospital in the entire Gaza Strip. People think this is the only safe space after their homes were destroyed and they were forced to flee, said Dr. Medhat Abbas, a Health Ministry official. Gaza City is a frightening scene of devastation. The Israeli military has ordered roughly half of Gazas population, including all of Gaza City, to evacuate as it prepares to send in ground forces. Israel has been bombing Gaza into rubble for the past week, killing more than 2,200 and counting in response to a cross-border Hamas attack. By The Associated Press In first call with Palestinian president Abbas, Biden discusses support for humanitarian aid to Gaza View Photo RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) President Joe Biden on Saturday spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the leaders to allow humanitarian aid to the region and affirmed his support for efforts to protect civilians. The weekend calls in Washington came ahead of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins announcement that the U.S. was moving up a second carrier strike group in support of Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken intensified diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding. The broad U.S. efforts reflect the international concern about the number of civilians at risk and the potential ramifications of a prolonged war as Israel told Gaza residents to move south and Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. The Biden administration has not publicly urged Israel to restrain its response after the Hamas attack a week ago, but has emphasized the countrys commitment to following the rules of war. Addressing a Human Rights Campaign dinner Saturday in Washington, Biden linked the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to different versions of hate that he said must be stopped. A week ago we saw hate manifest another way in the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Biden said, citing the 1,300 lives lost in Israel as well as children, grandparents alike kidnapped, held hostage by Hamas. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza innocent Palestinian families and the vast majority that have nothing to do with Hamas theyre being used as human shields, he said. We have to reject hate in every form. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing humanitarian crisis. He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive. Austin as well on Saturday spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, stressing the importance of safeguarding civilians. Austin offered updates on U.S. efforts to boost air defense capabilities and munitions for Israeli forces that he noted were aimed at stemming escalation of war, according to a readout of the call. Austin said the Biden administration was sending the additional carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers. In a statement announcing the deployment, Austin said sending the second carrier was part of our effort to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamass attack on Israel. While Biden has spoken to Netanyahu multiple times since the Hamas attack, Saturdays call was his first to Abbas, who runs the Palestinian Authority which controls the West Bank. According to a readout of the call, Abbas briefed the president on efforts to bring aid to Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. Biden reiterated to Abbas that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian peoples right to dignity and self-determination, according to the readout. Biden spoke with Netanyahu to reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Israel, according to the readout. He briefed the Israeli leader on regional efforts to ensure civilian access to food, water and medical care. The number of U.S. citizens killed rose to 29, U.S. officials said Satutday, and 15 were unaccounted for, as well as one lawful permanent resident. Blinken, in his visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, also cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns. An Israeli ground assault would worsen the plight of civilians in Gaza who are without power, fresh water or access to aid. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. Israel has advised all Palestinian civilians to flee south to avoid Israels continued offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City. Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his countrys help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinkens spokesman declined to characterize Wangs response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the regions stability. In Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant groups unprecedented attack against Israel. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Blinken said. None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else, Blinken said. The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians. Its a disturbing situation, he said. Its a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and its important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone. A U.S official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israels military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. The U.S. worked out an agreement involving to allow Americans and other foreigners in Gaza to cross the Rafah border into Egypt, but the crossing remained blocked Saturday, with no sign that those gathered would be allowed through. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv. Prince Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end. We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence, he said. Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price. While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words Light in the Darkness. Blinken returned to Saudi Arabia ahead of an expected stop in Egypt on Sunday. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. ___ Baldor reported from aboard a U.S. military aircraft. Associated Press writers Tara Copp, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. By MATTHEW LEE and LOLITA C. BALDOR Associated Press FUZULI, Azerbaijan, October 14. The return of former IDPs to the restored city of Fuzuli continues following the order of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the press service of the State Committee on Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons told Trend. The press service said that today, keys to apartments were handed over to 28 more families (117 people) who went to Fuzuli from the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in the Garadagh district of Baku. The keys presentation ceremony involved personnel of the special representative office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh economic region (except Shusha district) and the State Committee on Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. Thus, 258 families - 928 people in total - were permanently settled in Fuzuli. The relocation of families to Fuzuli will continue in the coming days. The city was liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war. MERIDEN Leonardo Suzio was running a bakery, and a retail storefront by the time he started the L. Suzio Construction Co. The family patriarch who emigrated from Italy to the U.S. in 1887 at the age of 20 had initially moved to Bridgeport before settling in Meriden. Leonardo Suzio would go on to create one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the city. Today, the Suzio York Hill Trap Rock Co., an offshoot of the L. Suzio Construction Company, is operated by its fourth generation of owners. The fourth generation never had any intention of not being in the company, said Deborah Patterson, exhibit curator of the Meriden Historical Sociey. They do a lot of sweat equity, its in the DNA. The Suzio Story: Enterprise, Family, Philanthropy and Service is on display at the Meriden Museum and History Center at 41 W. Main St. for the remainder of October. The museum is open to the general public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, and by appointment on Wednesdays. The exhibit, which celebrates 125 years of enterprise, family, philanthropy and service, captures the remarkable story of the 21-year-old Italian immigrant, who grew the L. Suzio York Hill Company into one of the most successful and enduring family-owned businesses in Connecticut. The exhibition features memorabilia, personal artifacts and photographs from L. Suzio York Hill Meriden headquarters on Westfield Road. Lesley Carabetta, and Patterson retrieved the items from the headquarters, which they described as a museum in its own right. There is also a 60-minute video depicting much of the company history and scenes of Meriden in days gone by. What weve done over the last few years is feature a display based on an anniversary, Carabetta said. This year, when we have this kind exhibit, it kind of writes itself. Suzio started working for John S. Lane, who became the founder of the John S. Lane Construction Co. and later often his chief competition in bidding on state projects. Suzio worked as a straw boss there for a while, then spent a brief stint working for himself before joining Sanderson and Porter Contractors, where he worked on the trolley lines installed between Meriden, Southington, and Lake Compounce before the turn of the last century, according to a 1945 Meriden Record article about the companys history. Sanderson and Porter wanted to move Suzio to their operations in Indiana, but he refused, declaring that Meriden was to remain his home. So that year, 1898, he founded the L. Suzio Construction Co., builders of high-grade roads. The company operated with a portable stone crusher that moved from site to site, then moved to a stone plant on Mount Carmel in Hamden, a move that paid off quickly with the following national boom in the automobile industry and related push for paved roads. The 1945 article reads, Mr. Suzio, sensing the great expansion that was to follow, went into the road building and stone quarry business in a big way. Later, the company developed quarries in Cheshire and Woodbury, Connecticut, one in Southwick, Massachusetts, and the quarry in Meriden, the one currently operated, according to a history on the company website. The display features scale models of cement mixers, trucks, and pictures reflecting the companys and Meriden history. It also displays a dynamite detonator most of the public have probably only seen on Road Runner cartoons. Family memorabilia and collections are also on display as well as a special tribute case dedicated to Cheryl Suzio, who became the chairwoman and vice chairwoman of the Environmental Safety and Health Divisions and the Safety and Health Committee with the National Stone Sand and Gravel Association. Cheryl Suzio died several years ago at the age of 66. Back in the early 20th Century, Leonardo Suzio bid on and won numerous state and local contracts for road building. Some of those included laying a concrete road bed on the state road Broad Street between Meriden and Berlin; the concrete work for Griswold and Britannia streets in 1916; and the laying of Paddock Avenue in 1933, which was paid for partially by funding from the National Industrial Recovery Act. After Suzios death and his elder sons stroke, former Meriden Mayor Henry Altobello took over as president and treasurer of the L. Suzio Asphalt Co., and the L. Suzio Concrete Co. Altobello became a leader in the crushed stone and concrete materials industry. Rising through the ranks, he became the companys president and later chairman of the board. Altobellos business acumen led to his appointment to a Presidential Commission which drafted safety regulations for the U.S. mining industry. He resigned those titles in 1958 and was succeeded by Leonardo Suzio, son of the founder. The familys philanthropic endeavors are also on display and range from healthcare to the arts and include the Goodspeed Opera House and the Olde Church Acoustic Music Series in Meriden. Third-generation leader Len Suzio attended the exhibit opening, but the Suzio family has always shunned the spotlight. They didnt brag on themselves, Patterson said. They did things quietly behind the scenes. For more information on the museum display visit the Meriden Museum and History Center site at https://meridenhistoricalsociety.org/. For more information on The L. Suzio York Hill Company, visit https://www.suzioyorkhill.com or contact Ric or Len Suzio at 203-237-8421. mgodin@record-journal.com203-317-2255Twitter: @Cconnbiz Yves here. Most readers likely know well that the only residents who will be located hard by nasty places to live like near toxic manufacturing or garbage dumps will be poor. Its the opposite of NIMBY. And they will be disproportionately from minority groups, but let us not kid ourselves that this is primarily a racial issue. Its a poverty issue with blacks disproportionately represented among the poor. So the insistent framing that this abuse is race-based is an overstatement, but the descriptive information is very useful. By Reynard Loki, a co-founder of the Observatory, where he is the environment and animal rightseditor. He is also a writing fellow at the Independent Media Institute, where he serves as the editor and chief correspondent for Earth | Food | Life. He previously served as the environment, food, and animal rights editor at AlterNet and as a reporter for Justmeans/3BL Media covering sustainability and corporate social responsibility. He was named one of FilterBuys Top 50 Health and Environmental Journalists to Follow in 2016. His work has been published by Yes! Magazine, Salon, Truthout, BillMoyers.com, Asia Times, Pressenza, and EcoWatch, among others. He volunteers with New York City Pigeon Rescue Central. Produced by Earth | Food | Life, a project of the Independent Media Institute The Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted how systemic racism disproportionately places danger and harm on low-income and minority populations. One harsh reality of this systemic racism is the existence of sacrifice zones: Communities located near pollution hot spots that have been permanently impaired by intensive and concentrated industrial activity, such as factories, chemical plants, power plants, oil and gas refineries, landfills, and factory farms. As noted by the Climate Reality Project, an environmental nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., These areas are called sacrifice zones because the health and safety of people in these communities [are] being effectively sacrificed for the economic gains and prosperity of others. Designated by corporations and policymakers, these areas are a product of environmental racism: the systemic social, economic, and political structuresincluding weak laws, lack of enforcement, corporate negligence, and limited access to health carethat place disproportionate environmental health burdens on specific communities based on race and ethnicity. Because people of color and low-income groups in the United States are most likely to live in sacrifice zones, they breathe polluted air, drink contaminated water, and are exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals and particulate matter. More than 50 percent of residents who live near hazardous waste are people of color, with Black Americans 75 percent more likely to live near these sites. Considering these facts, it is no surprise that communities of color have a higher chance of dying from environmental causes than white people. Thirty-nine percent of the people living near coal-fired power plants are people of color, so whats absolutely true is that there are a disproportionate number of people of color living next to these plants, then-senior director of the environmental and climate justice program at the NAACP,Jacqueline Patterson, told Yale Environment 360 in June 2013. Speaking after the release of an NAACP report on the disproportionate effects of coal-fired plants on minorities, Patterson further added that [s]eventy-eight percent of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant. We also discovered that Latino communities, as well as Indigenous communities and low-income communities, are more likely to live next to coal-fired plants. Entrenched Inequity Sacrifice zones are a consequence of an extractive development model supported by self-serving government officials who want to create job and income opportunities provided by polluting industries rather than avoiding irreversible damage caused by these industries to communities of color. Sacrifice zones are the result of many deeply rooted inequities in our society. One of these inequities takes the form of unwise (or biased) land use decisions, dictated by local or state officials, intent on attracting big industries to the town, county, or state, in an effort to create jobs and raise tax revenues, wrote Steve Lerner in his 2012 book Sacrifice Zones: The Front Lines of Toxic Chemical Exposure in the United States. When decisions are made about where to locate heavily polluting industries, they often end up sited in low-income communities of color where people are so busy trying to survive that they have little time to protest the building of a plant next door. Those who make the land use decisions that govern sacrifice zones typically designate these areas as residential/industrial areas, a particularly pernicious type of zoning ordinance. In these areas, industrial facilities and residential homes are built side by side, and few localities have adequate buffer zone regulations to provide breathing room between heavy industries and residential areas, Lerner continued. The polluting environment results in an increased prevalence of health problems among residents living near heavy industries. The health impact of this patently unwise zoning formula is predictable: [R]esidents along the fenceline with heavy industry often experience elevated rates of respiratory disease, cancer, reproductive disorders, birth defects, learning disabilities, psychiatric disorders, eye problems, headaches, nosebleeds, skin rashes, and early death. In effect, the health of these Americans is sacrificed, or, more precisely, their health is not protected to the same degree as citizens who can afford to live in exclusively residential neighborhoods, stated the book. The Center for Health, Environment & Justice, a nonprofit environmental activism group based in Falls Church, Virginia, asserted that [d]ue to redlining, low property values, and other social factors, these communities have historically consisted of [low-income] and/or minority populations. The group pointed out that federal air policies regulate facility emissions one stack at a time and one chemical at a time. Impacted communities, however, are exposed to the cumulative impact of multiple pollutants released over an extended period of time from a cluster of facilities. Executive Action President Joe Biden has made environmental justice a priority in his administration, issuing an executive order on how to tackle climate change on January 20, 2021, his first day in office. In the order, Biden directed the federal government to advance environmental justice where agencies failed to meet that commitment in the past. On January 27, 2021, Biden signed another executive order that created a White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council to address the environmental impacts of systemic racism specifically. We must deliver environmental justice in communities all across America, the order said. To secure an equitable economic future, the United States must ensure that environmental and economic justice are key considerations in how we govern. A separate executive order directed federal agencies to prioritize racial equity in their work, which incorporates racial and environmental justice across the federal government. However, without congressional action on the legislative front, another president could reverse these orders. Bidens $2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan includes provisions that address longstanding racial inequities, including $20 billion to reconnect communities of color to economic opportunity. In addition, the proposal provides for funds to replace lead water pipes that have harmed communities of color in cities like Flint, Michigan, and to clean up environmental hazards that have harmed Hispanic and tribal communities. Launched in January 2021, Bidens Justice40 Initiative encompasses 146 programs within the Department of Energy (DOE)far more than any other federal department. Together, these programs instruct the DOE to make decisions and fund renewable and fossil fuel projects with the consideration of how they will affect historically disadvantaged communities. We at the Department of Energy historically have done a terrible job, honestly, said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm at Greentown Labs, a Houston incubator for startups, in March 2023. Only 1 percent of funding has gone to small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses. She added, We have had these structural inequalities, inequities in the past, and were trying to remedy that through embedding sort of structural equity into these programs. Well create good jobs for millions of Americans and well do it all to withstand the devastating effects of climate change and promote environmental justice, Biden said in his 2022 State of the Union address. Progress at the federal level has been slow, even though the executive branch has been aware of the systemic issues for decades. In a 2004 report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that the solution to unequal protection lies in the realm of environmental justice for all Americans. No community, rich or poor, [B]lack or white, should be allowed to become a sacrifice zone, while quoting Robert D. Bullard, who was then a professor at Clark Atlanta University. On April 21, 2023, President Biden signed an executive order directing all federal agencies to work toward environmental justice for all and improve the lives of communities across the nation that have been most impacted by climate change and toxic pollution. The order established a new White House Office of Environmental Justice to coordinate revitalized efforts across the government meant to achieve environmental justice. For far too long, communities across our country have faced persistent environmental injustice through toxic pollution, underinvestment in infrastructure and critical services, and other disproportionate environmental harms often due to a legacy of racial discrimination including redlining. These communities with environmental justice concerns face even greater burdens due to climate change, the April 21 order stated. Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), praised the order. NRPA commends the Biden administration for its action that prioritizes a renewed commitment to the climate, ensuring healthy communities and environmental resilience for all, Stratton said in a press statement. We are thrilled to learn of the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice at the White House, to help coordinate efforts toward protecting vulnerable communities impacted by environmental injustice. We must ensure all people benefit from spaces that are not only resilient and regenerative but also transformative at the community level. Criticism of Federal Regulation In an opinion piece published by the Houston Chronicle on April 2, 2023, Robert D. Bullard, the founding director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, criticized federal regulators for paying lip service to impacted communities of color. He wrote: Communities of color and low-income communities have long felt the adverse impacts of the fossil fuel industry and the climate crisis it caused, but most of those communities didnt have a seat at the environmental justice roundtable, referring to a March 2023 meeting of stakeholders organized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to better incorporate environmental justice and equity considerations into its decisions. Bullard pointed out that FERCan independent federal agency within the Department of Energy that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, gas, and oil, as well as natural gas terminals and hydropower projectshas approved roughly 20 new or expanded gas export terminals slated to come online in communities across the Gulf Coast within the next decade. These projects will only worsen the already heavily polluted, hazardous, and unhealthy region known as Cancer Alley (named for the regions elevated cancer rates) for the minority groups living in these fenceline communities. Using data processing software and Environmental Protection Agency modeling tool, ProPublica mapped the spread of cancer-causing chemicals from various sources throughout the U.S. between 2014 and 2018. It found that areas where a majority of the residents were people of color experienced 40 percent more cancer-causing industrial air pollution on average than tracts where the residents are mostly white. The commission [FERC] offers little more than pleasantries with regard to justice and equity as it races to approve more polluting facilities in Black, Indigenous, Latino, and other communities of color across the country. Nothing has changed. Our communities are still being sacrificed, wroteBullard. According to him, if FERCs actions were truly fair and equitable, then the farce of holding an environmental justice roundtable wouldnt be needed, and the commission would not be approving export gas projects if it were actually serious about mitigating the negative ecological impacts suffered by the BIPOC communities as a result of these projects. Calls for Legislation On April 6, 2021, the Hip Hop Caucus, a nonprofit advocacy group that tackles issues relating to health care, education, and environmental and social justice, launched a public petition urging Congress to pass legislation that protects communities of color from the health risks posed by environmental degradation. The petition is cosponsored by several other advocacy groups, including Progress America, Friends of the Earth Action, Coalition on Human Needs, Evergreen Action, and Progressive Reform Network. Corporate polluters demand human sacrifices, wrote Mike Phelan, a spokesman for Progress America, in an email about the petition sent on April 3, 2021. They each have a choice between profits and pollutionand every time, they choose profits. In her 2014 book This Changes Everything, Naomi Klein wrote about sacrifice zones, stating that running an economy on energy sources that release poisons as an unavoidable part of their extraction and refining has always required sacrifice zoneswhole subsets of humanity categorized as less than fully human, which made their poisoning in the name of progress somehow acceptable. Natural Disasters Increase Racial Inequality Natural disasters like earthquakes and those tied to climate change, like wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, actually increase racial inequality. A 2018 study by sociologists Junia Howell of the University of Pittsburgh and James R. Elliott of Rice University in Houston, Texas, found that white Americans who experience disaster accumulate significantly more wealth than any other group after experiencing a natural disaster. If youre white, over time, youre actually going to accumulate more than if you never had that disaster in the first place. But for [B]lack people, for Latinos, for Asiansits not true, said Howell to LAist. Ironically, while people of color are more likely to experience the negative impacts of climate change, they support and participate in climate action more than white people. Environmental Racism: Clear and Present Danger In 2018, scientists at the EPAs National Center for Environmental Assessment released a study in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) called Disparities in Distribution of Particulate Matter Emission Sources by Race and Poverty Status. The report confirmed that environmental racism presents a clear and present danger to people of color across the United States, as they are much more likely to live near polluters. The study found that poor communities (those living below the poverty line) have a 35 percent higher burden from particulate matter emissions than the overall U.S. population. The health burden carried by nonwhites was 28 percent higher than the overall population, while African Americans had a 54 percent higher burden. The researchers cited economic inequality and historic racism as significant factors that determined the location of facilities emitting particulate pollution. Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are inhaled can become embedded deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Such particle pollution exposure can cause a number of health impacts, including aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, irregular heartbeat, and heart attacks. For people with heart or lung disease, inhaling these particles can even lead to premature death. Referring to the study published in the AJPH, then-director of the Environmental Justice Program at the Sierra Club, Leslie Fields said, This report illustrates how people of color and people with limited means have been grossly taken advantage of by polluters who dont care about the misery they cause, according to a statement issued by the environmental nonprofit in 2018. The disadvantages that come with those health issues, like missing school, create a cycle of poverty and lack of access to opportunity that spans generations and shapes every part of the experience of being a person of color or low-income person in the United States. Examining the study in an article for Colorlines, Ayana Byrd wrote that environmental racism has been called the new Jim Crow and continues to target Black, Latinx, Native, Asian, and other communities of color, subjecting them to generations of poor health outcomes. While executive actions from the White House can help to tackle environmental racism and bring the issue into the national conversation, eliminating the existence of sacrifice zones beyond a presidential term requires strong legislation from local, state, and federal lawmakers. State Department: At least 22 American citizens KILLED (so far) in Israel-Hamas conflict The Department of State has disclosed that as of Oct. 12, at least 22 American citizens were killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Among the first identified American victims was 32-year-old Hayim Katsman, who had been residing in Israel. Hayim recently received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington's Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, with his research focusing on the interrelations of religion and politics in Israel and Palestine. According to Hannah Katsman, Hayim's mother, she learned that her son was killed when Hamas militants forcibly entered his apartment. Hayim and a female neighbor sought refuge in a closet, but the militants found them. The neighbor was released, but Hayim was tragically shot and found dead in his apartment. Another American victim was a 24-year-old Lotan Abir from Utah, who had been living in Israel for nine months. Abir and a group of friends were attending a rave near the border with Gaza on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked. Unfortunately, Abir was killed, while his friends managed to survive. U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) expressed his condolences to Abir's family and all those affected by the tragedy. "The horrific, inhumane and depraved terrorist acts perpetrated by Hamas against Israelis have touched everyone around the world. Today, news of the loss of one of our own from Utah further tears at our collective heart. I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lotan Abir -- may he rest in peace," Romney stated. In another tragic incident, Deborah and Shlomi Mathias, an American couple living in Israel, lost both their lives. Their son Rotem, a dual Israeli-American citizen, survived the attack. Rotem recounted the horrifying moments when Hamas militants stormed their kibbutz in southern Israel on Oct. 7. The boy said he tried to barricade the doors of their home with whatever he could find, but it proved futile. The militants opened fire on their house while his parents protected him from the gunfire. "The last thing my dad said is he lost his arm, and then my mom died on top of me." The exact number of Americans who are missing or may have been taken hostage remains unclear. Blinken: Recent Hamas attack the worst on Israel since 1973 During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" on Oct. 8, Secretary of State Antony Blinken strongly condemned the Hamas-led attack on Israel. "This is the worst attack on Israel since the Yom Kippur War in 1973, but there is a big difference. That was a conventional war between countries, between armies. This is a massive terrorist attack on Israeli civilians," Blinken said. The Yom Kippur War, which began with a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria in October 1973, killed over 2,500 Israelis, along with thousands of Egyptian and Syrian casualties. Similarly, the Hamas militant group caught Israel and its allies off-guard with a surprise attack on Oct. 7, one day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. However, the recent attack is much worse than the 1973 war. Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel while dozens of heavily armed gunmen breached a barrier along Israel's southern border. Israel promptly responded with retaliatory airstrikes on targets in Gaza. Blinken assured the public that they were doing their best to monitor the situation. "We have reports that several Americans were killed. We're working overtime to verify that. At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans, and there again, we're working to verify those reports," Blinken told CNN. Visit Terrorism.news for more updates on the ongoing conflict between the Hamas militant group and Israel. Watch this video discussing the surprising large-scale attack of the Hamas militant group on Israel. More related stories: Ana Toledo: Government TARGETED INDIVIDUALS list now includes INNOCENT Americans on Terrorist Screening Database. Five illegal migrants on FBIs terrorist watchlist ARRESTED shortly after Title 42 expired. What state harassment and institutional terror in woke America looks like. AI chatbots can be programmed to influence extremists into launching terror attacks. Pinkerton: Bringing the war on terror home to target Americans for disinformation. Sources include: Breitbart.com ABCNews.go.com Politico.com Brighteon.com Biden White House walks back claim he saw pictures of terrorists beheading children, admits he has not seen pictures or confirmed such reports The Biden White House on Wednesday night walked back inflammatory claims from the president that he saw "confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children," admitting to the media that "US officials and the president have not seen pictures or confirmed such reports independently." (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) "The president based his comments about the alleged atrocities on the claims from Netanyahu's spokesman and media reports from Israel, according to the White House," The Washington Post reported. "In response to questions from The Post, an Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson declined to comment on the state of victim's bodies." Biden spread the hoax to the entire world on live television only to have a spokesperson walk it back hours later with a few lines to the media. The story is being used as atrocity propaganda to justify Israel's indiscriminate bombing of Gaza's young population. Business Insider reported Wednesday that the Israeli Defense Forces said they won't back up their claim that Hamas decapitated babies in Israel because it is "disrespectful for the dead." From Business Insider: A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces told Insider that the military won't seek further evidence for its claim that Hamas decapitated babies in Israel. He said it would be "disrespectful for the dead" to do so. The spokesperson, Major Nir Dinar, was responding to widespread criticism that the IDF had spread a sickening claim about its enemies without demonstrating that it was true. On Tuesday, Dinar told Insider that babies' bodies had been found at the Kfar Aza kibbutz, and that some had been decapitated. [...] "We're not going to investigate the condition of bodies and even if we did we won't comment publicly about the condition of our civilians's bodies. And babies," [Dinar said]. In a phone call, he said he would not "give away numbers" of the number of babies. "The war crimes that Hamas committed are obvious to the world and are seen in the world and I don't need to provide any proof of that and I'm not going to," Dinar said. "It's disrespectful for the dead." The original claim was reportedly traced down to "settler extremist" David Ben Zion, Deputy Commander of Unit 71, who "incited riots" to "wipe out" a Palestinian village. Ben Zion told i24NEWS that Hamas militants "cut head of children, cut head of women." "They chopped heads of children and women," says David Ben Zion, Deputy Commandee of Unit 71 to our @Nicole_Zedek, while reporting from the massacre in Kfar Aza in southern Israel pic.twitter.com/IHSB0ywMbF i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) October 10, 2023 We have identified a key source of the dubious claim that Palestinian militants beheaded Israeli babies He is David Ben Zion, an Israeli soldier & extremist settler leader who incited violent riots by calling to "wipe out" Palestinians earlier this year https://t.co/eIjZCxNYV9 The Grayzone (@TheGrayzoneNews) October 11, 2023 David Ben Zion "happens to be an extremist settler leader who incited violent riots against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank earlier this year," The Grayzone reports: Hours after his interview with i24, still in the village of Kfar Aza, a uniformed Ben Zion could be seen repeatedly grinning ear-to-ear in a video posted to his Facebook an odd disposition for a supposed witness to the methodical butchering of babies. This is David Ben Zion, a fanatical settler extremist, smiling and looking cheerful hours after he told Israeli state-sponsored i24 that the IDF discovered babies beheaded by Hamas in Kfar Aza. My report with @MaxBlumenthalhttps://t.co/syUd4LCJlupic.twitter.com/zwByPzb3xW Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) October 11, 2023 [...] David Ben Zion, is a leader of the Shomron Regional Council of 35 illegal West Bank settlements who called this year for the Palestinian village of Huwara to be "wiped out." "Enough talk about building and strengthening the settlements," Ben David said in a Twitter post on February 26, 2023. The deterrence that was lost must return now, there's no room for mercy." Ben David was quoted in Israeli media proclaiming soon after, "The village of Huwara should be wiped out, this place is a nest of terror and the punishment should be for everyone," a clear call for the collective punishment of Palestinians. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this explicit (and answered) call to violence was 'liked' by @bezalelsmpic.twitter.com/5LAVZHykh7 Judah Ari Gross (@JudahAriGross) February 26, 2023 Ben David's tweet was 'liked' on Twitter by Israel's-then Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a move which prompted 22 legal scholars to call on the Attorney General to open an investigation into the official for "inducing war crimes." When Smotrich later echoed Ben David, calling to "wipe out" Huwara the following month, the US Department of State condemned his rhetoric as "dangerous." The village of Huwara was at the time the target of violent rioting by settlers operating under Ben David's watch. Following the settler assault on the town, which resulted in the torching of scores of homes and vehicles, as well as injuries to locals, Hamas characterized the attack as a "declaration of war." But Ben David's call for collective punishment in Huwara was far from his only genocidal imprecation against Palestinians. Indeed, he has used his social media accounts to repeatedly call for war crimes as well as the "deportation of the [Palestinian] masses." "The Palestinian people... [are] an enemy," Ben David wrote in 2016. "We can't change their barbaric DNA." Read their full report. We're witnessing a repeat of the lies and disinformation which scammed America into the war in Iraq two decades ago with most of the exact same political actors involved! ?WARNING TO AMERICA! MUST SHARE! ? Don't let Benjamin Netanyahu lie us into another war! pic.twitter.com/opjucZ8LUT Adam Green - Know More News (@Know_More_News) October 12, 2023 Biden was one of the top politicians who lied us into the Iraq war. https://t.co/Y5d5QQAW7z pic.twitter.com/uCa5QYnOcB Adam Green - Know More News (@Know_More_News) October 12, 2023 Read more at: InformationLiberation.com Secretary of State Antony Blinken: Drug trafficking, immigration are crisis MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES of the U.S. and Mexico Drug trafficking and immigration crisis are issues that must be handled through cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico , according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken and other Biden administration officials met on Oct. 5 to discuss shared security, health and public safety issues at the 2023 U.S.-Mexico High-Level Security Dialogue. During an Oct. 3 event at the Baker Institute at Rice University in Houston, Texas, Blinken said the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico is "arguably the most important we have in terms of the practical impact." He added that Mexico is now America's "largest trading partner in the world" as of several weeks ago. Blinken said that close ties have a positive impact in "many good ways," but he also said that it comes with some challenges, particularly about the importation of illicit drugs and mass illegal immigration to the United States. (Related: Blinken meets with Xi in Beijing as China puts onus on US to stabilize deteriorating relations.) "We have a mutual responsibility to work together to deal with these challenges. It can'tit's not a one-way street; it's a two-way street," said Blinken. Many Americans are dying from fentanyl overdose Amid the current drug crisis in the U.S., both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns over the number of Americans dying from fatal overdoses of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that can be 50 times more potent than heroin and at least a hundred times more potent than morphine. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 70,601 people die yearly from fentanyl-related overdoses. According to Blinken, overdosing via fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged between 18 and 49. The participants at the U.S. and Mexican delegations in Mexico City also discussed what to do about the current influx of illegal immigrants in the United States. On Oct. 4, Blinken was joined by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Attorney General Merrick Garland, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall and their Mexican counterparts. Other senior U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols and Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Todd D. Robinson, participated in the discussions. Early in October, Mexican top officials defended the countrys counter-narcotic efforts, pointing to significant seizures of fentanyl in recent months. But despite Blinken's claims that the U.S. and Mexico must work together, Lopez Obrador has often said that American politicians shouldn't use Mexico as a "scapegoat for the record number of overdoses" in America. Lopez Obrador has also commented that it is the job of American lawmakers to address the "problem of social decay" in the United States. U.S. still struggling with border crisis According to figures released in September, Border Patrol has made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border throughout August. Those figures have gone up by 37 percent from July but still below the more than 220,000 in December of last year. On Oct. 2, Lopez Obrador said America could soon see more than 10,000 illegal immigrants per day arrive at its border with Mexico. He warned that many illegal immigrants are reaching Mexico's northern border partly because they have been crossing from Guatemala into Mexico every day for the past week. According to Blinken, the U.S. is cooperating with Mexico now more than ever, and both countries want to address the mass illegal immigration crisis. Go to Opioids.news for more updates on how the U.S. is battling drug trafficking in the country. Watch the video below to learn how migrants have "negatively impacted everything" in the United States. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: DRUG CITY: San Francisco hits grim record of 3 OVERDOSE DEATHS each day due to FENTANYL. Newsom deploys 50% more California National Guardsmen along U.S.-Mexico border to combat drug trafficking, but won't halt illegal immigration. NYC Mayor Adams: Illegal immigration under Biden has become a NATIONAL CRISIS. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com NIDA.NIH.gov NYTimes.com Brighteon.com Former CIA director under fire for suggesting that an anti-abortion senator should be removed from the human race Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has used his authority to hold the confirmations of numerous military officers nominated for leadership positions in protest against the military's abortion policy. Tuberville is protesting the Department of Defense's (DoD) policy of covering the expenses of troops' out-of-state travel for abortion procedures. His actions have effectively disrupted the committee's customary process of swiftly confirming nominations through unanimous votes. (Related: Abortions in Illinois surge 54% as neighboring states enact pro-life legislation.) This situation has also brought former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Michael Hayden into the spotlight, primarily due to his troubling and inflammatory comments. Hayden shocked many with his response when asked about Senator Tuberville's potential removal from the committee. He suggested that Tuberville should be "removed" from the human race, a comment that has been met with severe condemnation and criticism. Hayden has a history of making contentious statements on social media. For instance, he publicly referred to Tuberville as an "idiot" and accused him of being a racist. Hayden was also among a group of retired military and State Department officials who signed an open letter in August, condemning Tuberville's protest as "reckless" and detrimental to national security. The letter stated that risking military planning and preparedness for political purposes was unacceptable. Additionally, Hayden was one of 51 former intelligence officials who attempted to discredit a 2022 report by the New York Post regarding Hunter Biden's infamous laptop by falsely asserting that the emails were Russian disinformation. These incidents involving Hayden have raised questions about the emotional stability, judgment and professionalism of individuals in leadership positions within the intelligence community and the military. In a more serious and accountable environment, such behavior could have significant consequences. Pentagon's abortion policy stays Meanwhile, the DoD has no plans to stop covering the travel costs of female troops who seek abortions across state lines, "despite protests from a Republican senator who has blocked hundreds of military promotions" over the issue, said Army Secretary Christine Wormuth back in July. She was referring to Tuberville, who has held up the promotions of more than 250 military officers for months to force an end to the policy. "I see this, and I think [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin] does as well, as taking care of our soldiers. And it's the right thing to do, and I don't think we're going to change it," Wormuth told NBC News' Courtney Kube at the time. (Related: NBC's Kristen Welker lied repeatedly about Democrats' extreme abortion position.) Since the Supreme Court removed the constitutional right to abortion last year, more than 40 percent of female service members stationed in the U.S. have no access, or severely restricted access, to abortion services, according to the Rand Corporation think tank. Wormuth said the policy also was important to ensure that the Army could retain female troops who might leave the military if they could not get access to abortion services. "I see this as a retention issue," she said. The policy also ensures women in the military have access to in vitro fertilization since it is not necessarily available in the areas where troops are posted. According to Wormuth, she had not seen data on how many female troops had traveled across state lines for abortion services or the amount of DoD funds spent on it so far. Read more stories related to abortion at Abortions.news. Watch this video about Sen. Tommy Tuberville's battle against the woke military. This video is from the AnatomyoftheChurchandState channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: ABORTION WELFARE: Getting an abortion in California is now "free," thanks to Gavin Newsom. Demonic Hollywood casts Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon in new AppleTV+ show portraying pro-lifers as villains. NYC public hospitals launch "Virtual Express Care" to facilitate ABORTION via telehealth. Sources include: Revolver.news NBCNews.com Brighteon.com 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. Defense officials warn: Iran could use Israel-Palestine chaos as an opportunity to attack American forces all over the Middle East The Department of Defense has warned that the ongoing escalated conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip could be used as an "opportunity" by Iran to strike American targets all over the Middle East. Pentagon officials are specifically worried that militant groups backed by Iran or Iranian forces stationed in the Persian Gulf, could take advantage of the heightened instability in the region to attack the United States or partner forces operating in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. (Related: Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah ready to "join the battle" in Gaza, warns Hamas leader.) "That presents an opportunity," said one Pentagon official who spoke with Politico on condition of anonymity. U.S. military forces stationed in Iraq and Syria are reportedly "aware of malign actors who may seek to capitalize on conflicts and instability in the region," said Maj. Geoffrey Carmichael, the director of public affairs for the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition to counter Islamic State remnants in Iraq and Syria. "We will not let nefarious actors pull us into engagements that detract from our mission," added Carmichael. He did not mention Iran by name, but he did add: "Make no mistake, we reserve our inherent right to self-defense whenever faced with threats that place our forces in harm's way." The U.S. has about 2,500 troops in Iraq who are not assigned to combat missions but remain in the country advising the Iraqi military. The U.S. has an additional 900 troops in Syria working with local armed groups to counter ISIS. Alleged Iranian involvement unfounded Since the beginning of the conflict, American security leaders and mainstream media outlets have claimed that Iran is somehow involved. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iranian security officials supposedly "helped plan Hamas's Saturday [Oct. 7] surprise attack on Israel and gave the green light for the assault at a meeting in Beirut [in Lebanon]." But later reports from U.S. officials note that the Pentagon does not have any specific evidence linking Tehran to the initial attacks led by Hamas. Nevertheless, this did not stop government officials from blaming Iran due to its prior links to Hamas. "Make no mistake, there's a degree of complicity here just because Iran's been supporting Hamas now for many, many years [with] weapons, tools capabilities, training," said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. "So, clearly, Iran there's complicity here. But in terms of the specific series of attacks we have seen we just don't have direct evidence." Reports from Reuters and the New York Times suggest that the U.S. has collected multiple pieces of intelligence showing that key Iranian leaders did not know that Hamas was planning a large-scale attack and were actually caught by surprise. Despite no clear link, one U.S. intelligence official who spoke with Reuters on condition of anonymity suggested that the closest concrete intelligence the Pentagon has suggests that Iran may have been aware that Hamas was planning to take some kind of smaller and limited action against Israel. U.S. intelligence agencies are also allegedly still intent on digging up any kind of information to suggest a concrete link between Iran and recent hostilities. "We will be looking at additional intelligence in the coming weeks to inform our thinking on this issue, including whether there were at least some within [Iran's] system that either had a clearer sense of what was coming or even contributed to aspects of the planning," said the official. Watch this clip of Sen. Lindsey Graham threatening to "blow up" Iranian oil supplies if Tehran is drawn into the conflict with Israel. This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: WSJ says Iran helped Hamas plot attack on Israel "over several weeks;" Israel eager to start BOMBING Iran. Iran leader Khamenei uses X to hail Hamas terror attack that killed 1,000+ But Alex Jones still BANNED. Warmongers start push for U.S. involvement in Iran following Hamas attack. WSJ: Iran helped Hamas plan its surprise attack on Israel, shortly after Biden handed them $6 billion. Sources include: Politico.com TimesOfIsrael.com PBS.org Reuters.com Brighteon.com Report: Israel received WARNING from Egypt 3 days before attack but ignored it Israel received an official warning from Egypt three days before the deadly cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, according to a prominent American politician. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said it remains unclear at what level the warning was given. He shared this information following an intelligence briefing to senior members of Congress. While Israel was taken off guard by the surprise attack, McCaul's comments suggest that Egypt had indeed provided a warning in advance. In the attack, over 1,500 Hamas fighters breached the Gaza border fence, resulting in the tragic deaths of more than 1,200 Israeli civilians at locations such as a music festival and kibbutzim near the border. Israel's military response on the ground was delayed for several hours. Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had dismissed reports of a warning from Cairo, referring to them as "fake news." This contradiction followed initial reports of an Egyptian warning. An unnamed Egyptian official revealed that Egypt had repeatedly communicated with the Israelis about a looming significant event but suggested that Israeli authorities had focused more on the West Bank and underestimated the threat from Gaza. The official told the Associated Press that Cairo had repeatedly warned the Israelis "something big" was being planned from Gaza. "We have warned them an explosion of the situation is coming, and very soon, and it would be big. But they underestimated such warnings," said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Attack may have been planned for a year, says McCaul McCaul further indicated that the attack may have been planned for up to a year without detection by Israel or its allies. The failure to anticipate the attack is attributed to multiple factors, including an absence of electronic signals due to Hamas' avoidance of electronic surveillance. Additionally, there was a structural issue related to Israel's overreliance on technological defense systems. Alex Younger, a former head of MI6, compared the failure to anticipate the attack to the lack of foresight leading up to the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing a need for improved interpretation of data. Younger, who served as chief of the U.K.'s foreign intelligence agency between 2014 and 2020, blamed the "institutional complacency" in Israel. Interviewed on BBC Radio 4's "Today Podcast," Younger said Israel may have assumed Hamas was not interested in a new conflict. "It is my assumption though I'm not on the inside that there would be data breaking through that could have been interpreted differently and certainly would be with hindsight," he said. The former British spy chief also warned of Hamas' strategic intentions, suggesting they may be setting a trap for Israel and aiming to provoke a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza, which could lead to significant civilian casualties and contribute to the cycle of violence. "You cannot kill all the terrorists without creating more terrorists," he said. The ongoing Israeli retaliatory strikes on Gaza have resulted in casualties and displacements, with numerous Palestinian lives affected by the conflict. (Related: Israel WEAPONIZES food, water and electricity against 2+ million civilians in Gaza in retribution for Hamas terror attacks.) Follow WWIII.news to read more stories related to the developing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Watch Kash Patel and Steve Bannon talking about the failure of Israel's intelligence amid the Hamas terror attack. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: PROXY WAR: Biden's $235M funding of Palestine in 2021 contributed to Hamas' violent attacks on Israel. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas is ISIS, vows MILITARY ACTION against Gaza Strip. The Israel Guys: Israel's precision strikes took out terrorists in Gaza Strip Brighteon.TV. Sources include: MarketWatch.com TheGuardian.com BBC.com Brighteon.com Israel refusing to allow HUMANITARIAN AID to reach the 2 million civilians trapped in Gaza The Israeli government is refusing to allow any kind of humanitarian aid to reach the more than two million civilians trapped inside the besieged and blockaded Gaza Strip unless Palestinian militants agree to release approximately 100 Israeli hostages International aid groups are warning about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza after Israel instituted its total blockade of the region, preventing humanitarian aid such as food, water, fuel and electricity to reach the people in Gaza. Israeli government officials have tied the potential flow of aid to the freeing of hostages. (Related: Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be almost impossible to rescue, warns counterterrorism expert.) Hamas militants have admitted to taking around 150 hostages from Israeli territory back to the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities have identified at least 97 of them as Israeli. Israeli Minister of Energy Israel Katz on Thursday said the country will continue depriving the Gaza Strip of electricity, water, food and fuel until all of the hostages are released. "No electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home," said Katz. "Israel has denied even the Red Cross access to Gaza to provide emergency humanitarian aid to 2.5 million Palestinians trapped inside," commented Rick Wiles of "TruNews," who lamented the fact that the Gazans are trapped "with no food, no water, no electricity nor an escape route to get away from the Israeli bombing campaign." Without relief, Gaza hospitals could turn into "morgues" The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that Israel's ongoing blockade of electricity and fuel in the Gaza Strip could turn the region's hospitals into "morgues." "As Gaza loses power, hospitals lose power, putting newborns in incubators and elderly patients on oxygen at risk," warned ICRC Regional Director for the Near and Middle East Fabrizio Carboni. "Without electricity, hospitals risk turning into morgues." Carboni noted that newborn incubators, kidney dialysis machines, X-rays and other medical equipment are all dependent on power that Israel's blockade has throttled. "The human misery caused by this escalation is abhorrent, and I implore the sides to reduce the suffering of civilians," Carboni said. Hospitals in Gaza have been overwhelmed by the constant stream of wounded, and all are also running dangerously low on medical supplies. ICRC and United Nations estimates suggest these hospitals only have a few days' worth of fuel left before their power cuts off. The situation has been made worse by Israel's deliberate targeting of health infrastructure. At least 14 health facilities have been damaged in strikes. "The situation is very critical," said Dr. Mohammad Abu Selmia, director of Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital. "We've never seen days in Gaza like what we see now." At least 1,500 Palestinians, including 500 children, have so far been killed in Gaza by Israeli air and artillery strikes, with over 6,000 more injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. If Israel continues to refuse to listen to relief groups who are calling for the protection of Palestinian civilians who continue to bear the brunt of the bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas, the number of civilian casualties in Gaza is likely to keep increasing. The situation could be further complicated by an Israeli ground offensive in Gaza. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht noted that Israel Defense Forces "are preparing for a ground maneuver" should political leaders order one. A ground offensive in Gaza, where the population of two million is densely packed into a sliver of land only around 25 miles long, would likely bring even higher casualties not just from brutal urban fighting but also from the inevitable civilian casualties caused by an Israeli offensive. Watch this episode of "TruNews" as host Rick Wiles discusses Israel's siege of Gaza. This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel WEAPONIZES food, water and electricity against 2+ million civilians in Gaza in retribution for Hamas terror attacks. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio calls for OPEN GENOCIDE against all Palestinian women, men and children "they have to be eradicated." Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas is ISIS, vows MILITARY ACTION against Gaza Strip. 9 UN workers killed as Gaza Strip suffers from unrelenting Israeli airstrikes. Henry Gruver: "When Israel sends troops into Gaza, it will be a sign the Middle East war has started." Sources include: Brighteon.com PBS.org 1 Reuters.com TheHill.com PBS.org 2 Israeli intelligence suddenly knows exactly where Hamas is Its interesting how last week Israel had no idea what Hamas was up to, and yet this week they know every mosque, school and hospital that Hamas is hiding in. (Article republished from CaitlinJohnst.one) When you live under an empire of lies youll be asked to believe a lot of very stupid things. The dumbest thing were being asked to believe this week is that Israels intelligence services are simultaneously so incompetent that Saturdays Hamas attack took them completely by surprise, but also so competent that all the buildings theyre destroying with their relentless bombing campaign on Gaza are directed solely at Hamas. The phrase Hamas targets has been all over the news media the last few days in reference to the ongoing attacks on Gaza, which have as of this writing killed over 1,500 Palestinians, a third of them children. Israel conducts large-scale strikes on Hamas targets, reads a CNN headline. Israel conducts large-scale strike on Hamas targets, reads the title of a segment for ABC News. Israel says it dropped 6,000 bombs so far against Hamas targets, reads a report by The Washington Post. Gosh, Israel must have really great visibility into Gaza to know that each of those 6,000 bombs was aimed Hamas targets and not just civilian buildings. Where was this 20/20 vision when Hamas was preparing for an attack using motorized paragliders, drones and motorboats in an enclosed strip of land the size of Philadelphia? How did Israeli intelligence fail to detect preparations for this attack even after Egyptian intelligence warned them that it was coming? How did they fail so spectacularly that even Hamas was reportedly surprised by the scale of their operations success? Is it really reasonable to believe they were blind as moles to Hamas activity last week but have the eye of the eagle this week? President Biden made some noises on Wednesday about how important it is that Israel operate by the rules of war, which sounded like empty cover-your-ass narrative fluff even before we heard US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan dismiss any notion of red lines that Israel must not cross in Gaza. Not even mainstream empire apologists are buying it. Politicos Andrew Ward, in an article sponsored by Lockheed Martin in which he writes that Israels ferocious counterattack is easy to understand given the severity of the Hamas attack, writes that The Biden administration wants Israel to abide by the laws of war as it responds to Hamas barbaric attack, but Jerusalem doesnt appear to be listening. A flood of reports challenges Israels claims that its exercising caution, Ward writes. Mosques, hospitals and schools have been hit with airstrikes, as have healthcare facilities and ambulances. Gazans, many of whom dont support Hamas or its tactics, have nowhere to flee as the strip is under siege, ads Ward. Shrapnel has flown into seven hospitals and 10 U.N. emergency shelters. The situation has gotten so bad that the Red Cross said hospitals, already low on electricity, water and supplies, risk turning into morgues. Of course Israel isnt abiding by the rules of war. Theyre not even pretending to. Human Rights Watch has just issued a statement decrying Israels unlawfully indiscriminate use of white phosphorus in Gaza and in Lebanon, and an Israeli security official told the Israeli press that the IDFs plan is to turn Gaza into a city of tents with no buildings. This is all publicly available information, yet the western press has the gall to use the phrase Hamas targets when describing Israels bombing campaign in Gaza? Im sorry, but thats demented. The only reason to do something like that would be to administer propaganda. The claim that Israel is targeting Hamas when it destroys buildings in Gaza is further undermined by the fact that Hamas would be taking shelter underground during this bombing campaign. As journalist Sharmine Narwani explained on Twitter, Hamas cadres live underground in Gaza, which they have learned to do after countless Israeli bombing campaigns. The ONLY people being massacred in Gaza by Israeli terror planes right now are Palestinian civilians and Israeli POWs. In reality, both the claims that Israeli intelligence was taken by surprise by the Hamas attack and that Israel is solely targeting Hamas with its Gaza strikes are highly suspect and worthy of intense scrutiny. Israel has never been averse to killing Palestinian civilians, and theres no reason to feel confident Israeli intelligence didnt let the attack through in order to justify longstanding agendas like the elimination of Gaza as a Palestinian territory. Both claims can be false, but from where Im sitting it looks highly unlikely that theyre both true. If you want to support Israels bombing campaign in Gaza then go ahead, and if you want to uncritically accept the official narrative about Saturdays attack then you do you. But dont piss on my leg and tell me its raining. Read more at: CaitlinJohnst.one Are you seriously asking me about Palestinian civilians?: Ex-Israeli PM Naftali Bennett erupts with anger during live interview Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett erupted with anger on Thursday after being asked by a Sky News reporter how Israel can justify cutting off power to hospitals and turning off life support to "babies in incubators" in Gaza. (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) "What about those Palestinians in hospital who are on life support and babies in incubators whose life support and incubators will have to be turned off because the Israelis have cut off the power to Gaza?" reporter Kamali Melbourne asked. "Are you seriously keep on asking me about Palestinian civilians?" Bennett raged. "What is wrong with you?" "We're fighting Nazis!" Bennett claimed. "I'm not going to feed electricity or water to my enemies!" ?? Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett loses it when asked about killing children in Gaza: "Are you seriously asking me about Palestinian civilians? What is wrong with you? We're fighting Nazis" Goes on to justify targeting the innocent by pointing to the firebombing of Dresden. pic.twitter.com/MfXQVgbJrz Keith Woods (@KeithWoodsYT) October 12, 2023 Bennett said that "if anyone else wants" to provide aid to Gaza then "that's fine -- we're not responsible for them." Israel to Egypt: If you bring supplies into Gaza we will bomb the trucks. They want all these innocent civilians including little children to starve. Truly evil. pic.twitter.com/47suPJaDtz Dr. Anastasia Maria Loupis (@DrLoupis) October 10, 2023 "You listen to me right now," Bennett shouted. "I've heard you enough ... Shame on you! Shame on you mister! ... I was a Prime Minister!" Bennett went on to justify targeting innocent Gazans by pointing to the firebombing of Dresden. "When the UK, when Great Britain was fighting the Nazis in WW2 no one asked what was going on in Dresden!" Bennett said. "It was the Nazis targeting London and you targeting Dresden!" The jewish peoples response to the #?????_??????_#massacre will make Dresden and #Hiroshima look like a joke. In 2000 years when this response will be even mentioned people will shit their pants from #fear and #awepic.twitter.com/uupSngT5DX Rabbi Jacob Y. Herzog ??????? ????? ??????? ?????? (@RabbiHerzog) October 12, 2023 Israeli officials have spent the past week demonizing Palestinians as "human animals" and pushing atrocity propaganda to justify the relentless carpet bombing of civilians in Gaza. Bennett was undoubtedly shocked to have a reporter ask him real questions about the war crimes Israel is committing out in the open for the entire world to see. Read more at: InformationLiberation.com THOUGHT POLICE: European regulator gives Elon Musk 24 hours to address MISINFORMATION about Israel-Palestine conflict on X A European regulator on Tuesday, Oct. 10, issued Elon Musk a strict warning about the spread of illegal content and so-called "misinformation" on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) about the Israel-Palestine war. Musk was also told that failure to comply with European regulations concerning the illegal content could result in fines worth at least six percent of a company's annual revenue. In the letter addressed to Musk, Thierry Breton, the European commissioner for the internal market, said his office has "indications" that groups are spreading misinformation and "violent and terrorist" content on X. He gave Musk 24 hours to respond. The letter, which Breton also posted on X, comes after several researchers, news organizations and other groups have recorded a rise of misleading, false and questionable content on the social media app, in turn prompting confusion about the current conflict between Israel and Palestine. Breton also included a hashtag referring to the Digital Services Act (DSA), the newly enacted legislation by the European Commission that requires platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users in the European Union (EU) to "monitor for and take down illegal content," as well as specify their protocols for doing so. In the letter, Breton also reminded Musk that the DSA "sets very precise obligations regarding content moderation," and that X must be very transparent on what content is permitted under Musk's terms and "consistently and diligently enforce" his own policies. According to Breton, the recent "changes in public interest policies" have confused many European users. He seemed to be alluding to a change that X recently made to its public interest policy that influences whether the company decides to "leave certain posts available for everyone to see despite the messages violating policy rules." According to the letter, several public media and civil society organizations "widely report instances of fake and manipulated images and facts circulating" on the social media platform in the EU, including repurposed old images of unrelated armed conflicts or military footage that was taken from video games. "This appears to be manifestly false or misleading information," warned Breton. He added that Musk should make sure that X's systems are effective and that the billionaire must "report on the crisis measures taken" to Breton's team. Breton also warned that he expects Musk's X to contact the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol, and that the latter responds "promptly to their requests." "I remind you that following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed," Breton concluded. EU sends X a legally binding request for information On Friday, Oct. 13, the European Commission submitted a formal, legally binding request for information from X over its poor handling of hate speech, misinformation and violent terrorist content related to the Israel-Palestine war. This is the first step in what could become the EU's inaugural investigation under the DSA, in this case, to determine if X complies with the strict new rules meant to keep users safe online and stop the spread of harmful content. X has until Oct. 18 to respond to questions related to how its crisis response protocol is functioning. According to the formal request, responses to other questions must be submitted by Oct. 31. The commission said its next steps, which could include the opening of formal proceedings and penalties, would be determined by X's replies. X CEO Linda Yaccarino said earlier that the social media website has removed hundreds of accounts linked to Hamas and taken down or labeled tens of thousands of posts since the militant group's attack on Israel. Kolina Koltai, a researcher at the investigative collective Bellingcat, said that while X's actions are better than nothing, it is not enough to resolve the misinformation problem on X. Koltai, who previously worked at Twitter on Community Notes, also warned that there is still "an overwhelming amount of misinformation" on X. From what researchers have seen, the moderation efforts from X are "only addressing a drop in the bucket." Go to WWIII.news for more news related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine war. Watch the video below for more updates about the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be almost impossible to rescue, warns counterterrorism expert. 2A WORKS! Gun Owners of America says horrific situation in Israel shows why Americans were afforded the right to "weapons of war" for SELF-DEFENSE. Under Musk, Twitter has stopped enforcing covid "misinformation" policy. Sources include: CNBC.com Twitter.com APNews.com Brighteon.com Sam Bankman-Fried tried to recoup losses by opening fake accounts using IDs of Thai prostitutes Former billionaire and cryptocurrency magnate Sam Bankman-Fried directed his former girlfriend Caroline Ellison to hide the billions of dollars in customer deposits and investor funds he siphoned from his company through a variety of elaborate schemes This is according to Ellison's testimony before a federal court in downtown Manhattan. Ellison, who at the time of the alleged events was serving as the CEO of Bankman-Fried's personal hedge fund Alameda Research, was brought in as the star witness of the prosecution in the trial against Bankman-Fried. (Related: Sam Bankman-Fried directed executives to COMMIT FRAUD for him, including donating over $10 MILLION to Biden.) Ellison testified that Bankman-Fried directed her to lie to lenders and falsify the books of his cryptocurrency trading platform FTX to cover up how billions in customer deposits and investor funds were being siphoned off to Alameda Research. In her testimony, Ellison noted that her company Alameda "was in a risky situation," but Bankman-Fried did not want to work to bring the hedge fund out of financial ruin because doing so could "make FTX look very bad." "People would be concerned about keeping their money on FTX," she added, which is why she said that Bankman-Fried told her to "come up with some alternative ways to present the information in the balance sheet." Bankman-Fried received seven different sets of balance sheets and Ellison testified that he settled on the one that hid borrowing from FTX into other categories to make the balance sheet appear cleaner. "Yes, I did consider it to be dishonest," she said. "It falsely stated the amounts of our accurate assets and liabilities. It hid the fact we were borrowing billions of dollars from FTX customers." Bankman-Fried bribed Chinese officials $150 million to access frozen funds Falsifying FTX's and Alameda Research's financial statements did not improve the financial situation of either company and the tactics Bankman-Fried directed his executives to use to cover up losses ended up involving bribing Chinese government officials to unlock funds frozen on a Chinese exchange on Alameda Research's trading accounts. According to Ellison, she and other executives "used various strategies to move funds out of our frozen accounts," starting with attempting to negotiate with Chinese government officials through lawyers, which proved unsuccessful. Next, Ellison said the FTX and Alameda team attempted to access the funds illicitly by setting up fictitious exchange accounts using the IDs of women she believed to be "Thai prostitutes." When this tactic didn't work, Ellison said they resorted to just outright bribing Chinese officials with cryptocurrency. The payments to Chinese officials amounted to around $150 million. Ellison described how, at one point, an employee whose father was a Chinese government official objected to the plan during a meeting with Bankman-Fried. In response, he allegedly became increasingly irritated and eventually told the employee to "Shut the f--- up." Ellison confirmed in an internal memo in Alameda titled "State of Alameda" that the payment was executed by November 2021, with the payment hidden as a $150 million loss "from the thing," and the loss placed under a section outlining "notable/idiosyncratic" financial events. Learn more about Sam Bankman-Fried's crimes at CryptoCult.news. Watch this clip from ABC discussing how Sam Bankman-Fried's parents, Joe Bankman and Barbara Fried, have also been accused of taking millions in stolen funds from customers. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Star witness Caroline Ellison says disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried instructed her to COMMIT CRIMES and MISLEAD LENDERS. Parents of Sam Bankman-Fried EXPOSED for involvement in Democrat dark money, "illegal" election tactics. Sam Bankman-Fried's father complained about being paid only $200K a year when he expected an annual salary of $1M from FTX. Former colleague's inside story: Disgraced Sam Bankman-Fried intended to build a vaccine factory in the Bahamas. Biden's Justice Department drops campaign finance charge against Democratic megadonor Sam Bankman-Fried (who illegally paid off Democrats). Sources include: ZeroHedge.com TheMessenger.com Brighteon.com Trudeau PUNISHES Canadian detective for investigating link between mRNA COVID vaccines and infant deaths In a story that few know about due to heavy censorship in the establishment media, a prominent Canadian detective is under attack by the regime of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau simply because she was in the process of investigation a link between Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines" and a massive increase in infant deaths. Constable Helen Grus, a 20-year veteran detective with the sexual assault and child abuse unit of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), has been taken to court by Trudeau who wants her punished for looking into whether or not the babies who died suddenly during the "pandemic" came from parents who had been jabbed for the Fauci Flu. It all started when Grus contacted the father of a deceased infant who died on Jan. 30, 2022, to ask him about the mother's COVID injection status. This set off a firestorm of controversy that resulted in Grus being sued by the Trudeau regime, which aggressively pushed COVID jabs after the launch of Operation Warp Speed here in the United States. "The investigation by Ottawa Police into potential links between mRNA vaccines and Sudden Infant Deaths in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers was halted due to Grus's suspension and subsequent charges," explains The American Conservative editor Christopher Brunet in a guest post for The Dossier. "Formally, Grus is charged with 'discreditable conduct' under section 2(1) of Ontario's Police Services Act, plus, the prosecution has served her with a notice of increased penalty, which allows the OPS to seek her dismissal, demote her, or ask for a forfeiture of pay or vacation." (Related: The Canadian government under Trudeau has budgeted millions of dollars for the continuation of so-called "vaccine passports" well into 2026.) Ottawa Police Sergeant Marc-Andre Guy orders all Ottawa Police SIDS investigators: Don't mention the COVID vaccines again At the time of Grus's firing, Ottawa Police Sergeant Marc-Andre Guy issued an order to all law enforcement officers on the force who were assigned to investigate cases of sudden infant death syndrome, also known as SIDS, to stop mentioning or trying to link COVID injections to infant deaths. Guy was apparently threatened by the Trudeau regime, or is perhaps directly aligned with its coverup operation that seeks to withhold the truth from the public about what COVID injections are doing not only to the people who receive them, but also to their offspring. Interestingly, before Grus's suspension was even made public, CBC Ottawa, which is basically state-run media at this point, published a story based on anonymous leaks from within the Ottawa Police Service that initiated a trial by jury against Grus. "Detective tried to uncover vaccine status of dead children's parents, sources say," reads the biting CBC Ottawa headline on the story, which attempts to make Grus look like a deranged nutcase. "Before publishing the story, CBC gave the OPS a 24-hour deadline to respond, thus commandeering the direction and timeline of the internal investigation," Brunet explains about the timeline of events. Another ding on Grus's record in the eyes of the Trudeau regime is the fact that she allegedly held anti-mask and anti-vaccine views in the workplace. Grus was one of fewer than 10 Ottawa police officers who was placed on unpaid leave for refusing to get mandatorily jabbed for COVID. According to the Ottawa Police Service, Grus's suspension is simply "related to an ongoing conduct investigation by the professional standards unit," even though prior to all this she had near-perfect performance reviews stating that she regularly "meets and exceeds expectations" and "exceeds all expectations." Trudeau, like many other government figureheads, is corrupt to the core. Learn more at Tyranny.news. Sources for this article include: Dossier.today NaturalNews.com A team of paleontologists in Argentina found 8 million-year-old tracks on a fossilized substrate made by "terror birds," ancient ostrich-like creatures that are taller than humans. Terror Birds in Argentina In collaboration with a colleague from LA TE Andes SA, a group of paleontologists from Universidad Nacional de La Pampa discovered the first Phorusrhacidae footprints ever discovered in good condition in Argentina. The team's paper details the location of the prints' discovery, their state, and the lessons they have drawn from them. First known and well-preserved terror bird footprints found in Argentina https://t.co/qQHwzjQMUS Dr Sally C. Reynolds #FossilStoriesWhiteSandsNP (@SallyR_ISLHE) October 13, 2023 During the Cenozoic, a family of ostrich-like birds known as the Phorusrhacidae-commonly known as "terror birds," lived in South America; there is also evidence that some species may have also existed in North America and Africa. They had long legs and powerful beaks, and they were flightless birds. They caught their prey by pursuing it and either beak-chopping it or claw-slicing it. Tracks From Ancient Ostrich-Like Birds The birds were 1-2 meters tall, according to fossil discoveries. In addition, they possessed small bodies; the largest birds may weigh up to 70 kg. The research team discovered the first specimen of Phorusrhacidae footprints that had been preserved in this new project. A medium-sized Phorusrhacidae, most likely belonging to the Mesembriornithinae subfamily, formed the prints. They were discovered by the researchers in a narrow waterway near to shore at a coastal outcrop on the San Matas Gulf. According to testing of the fossil substrate, the traces were created some 8 million years ago. The scientists discovered that they displayed cross-cutting-related wave ripples and wrinkle traces. Mud cracks may be seen at the tracks' edges. According to the experts, the traces were formed when the bird flew through a mudflat away from the coast. The scientists estimate that it was running at a rate of 2.74 m/s and had a hip height of 0.81 m. The thickness of the traces revealed that the bird weighed an average of 55 kg. Also Read: Ancient Tree Rings Reveal Earth's Largest-Ever Solar Storm More Catastrophic Than Carrington Event 8 Million Years Ago Around 8 million years ago, Argentina's plains were the home of energetic, towering figures-feathery creatures that stood taller than man. With formidable hooked beaks as colossal as a horse's head, these were the dread-inducing terror birds, the apex predators of their era. Among the exclusive clan of carnivorous flightless birds, they embodied the raw might and savagery reminiscent of their dinosaur ancestors. They birds reigned supreme in South America, holding dominion over a realm teeming with early herbivorous mammals and relatively diminutive carnivores. Throughout Earth's prehistory, various avian lineages assumed the roles of flightless herbivores. Modern ratites like emus, ostriches, and cassowaries represent one such lineage, while numerous waterfowl families thrived as robust terrestrial browsers across the globe. Intriguingly, terror birds share a genetic kinship with the modern seriema, a relative of parrots, falcons, and passerines, bridging their evolutionary connections. Recent genetic evidence underscores these relationships, illuminating the intricate tapestry of Earth's evolutionary history. Related Article: Oldest Footprints Found Fossilized in New Mexico were 23,000 Years Old, Says 75,000 Pollen Grains in Study BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussed possible technical assistance projects, the Governor of the CBA, Taleh Kazimov said, Trend reports. "During the 2023 annual meetings we were pleased to meet with Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department and Tobias Adrian, Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department of the IMF, and discussed the current status of cooperation, future actions between the Central Bank and the IMF, as well as the possible technical assistance projects," Kazimov said on X (Twitter). Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Taleh Kazimov, held a number of meetings on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Morocco. Bosky Khanna By Express News Service BENGALURU: While the state government is planning to dig tunnels 14-15 metres underground as part of the ambitious 195-Km-long tunnel road network for Bengaluru, experts are shocked at such a plan being considered without understanding the citys subterranean features. The experts, requesting anonymity, have questioned the state governments decision to go ahead with the project, while questioning whether they are ready with a report with complete details of the underground features of the city. The state government is planning to call for tenders for the project in the next 38 days. According to a scientist from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), who is familiar with how the state government is going about the project, the latter is impressed by the success of tunnel roads in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, geologists that The New Indian Express spoke to have pointed out that there is a marked difference between the subterranean features and crustal characteristics of that city and Bengaluru. Geologists from IISc said the rocky terrain of South India, including Bengaluru, is very complex. In some places there are Dolerite rocks, some other places, granite. Some places have loose soil while elsewhere its clay. They cited the incident of the road caving in near Brigade Road where Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Metro works were simultaneously progressing some days ago. The road had caved in, leaving a motorist injured. Digging tunnels for Metro takes a very long time, besides the blades of the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have to be changed at regular intervals. Not many know that in some places the earth is filled with construction debris as was the case in Lakkasandra. There is a need for a proper recce before even considering such a project. The city is not ready for tunnel roads, said a geologist from IISc. Considering the hard subterranean features, the geologists have asked the state government to consider comparing how much time it had taken for the TBMs to bore the Metro tunnels, and calculate how much more time it would take for the same to drill 195 Km under Bengaluru. Besides, they also pointed to the damages that have occurred during the execution of the TenderSure footpath works while trying to shift utilities. A senior official from the Mines and Geology Department said the state government has never undertaken an underground truth-finding study of the terrain, rock and soil. The only sample-based studies that are conducted are when projects like flyovers and underpasses are constructed. A thorough assessment of the overall carrying capacity and soil and rock strength of Bengaluru has never been undertaken. Although Bengaluru is not in the seismic zone, the impact of deep excavations for foundations for high-rise buildings, Metro tunnels and pillars is already being felt in pockets of Bengaluru where roads are either caving in or sinking, besides water seepage being reported. According to the urban development department, the BBMP will be executing the tunnel road project. But a senior BBMP official, privy to the project plans, admitted to TNIE that there are no underground maps of the water and sewage pipelines for immediate implementation. The company which will be awarded with the tender for preparing the detailed project report and to implement the project will have to undertake underground studies, and then act accordingly, the official said, adding that it would be a difficult proposition. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BENGALURU: While the state government is planning to dig tunnels 14-15 metres underground as part of the ambitious 195-Km-long tunnel road network for Bengaluru, experts are shocked at such a plan being considered without understanding the citys subterranean features. The experts, requesting anonymity, have questioned the state governments decision to go ahead with the project, while questioning whether they are ready with a report with complete details of the underground features of the city. The state government is planning to call for tenders for the project in the next 38 days. According to a scientist from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), who is familiar with how the state government is going about the project, the latter is impressed by the success of tunnel roads in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, geologists that The New Indian Express spoke to have pointed out that there is a marked difference between the subterranean features and crustal characteristics of that city and Bengaluru.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Geologists from IISc said the rocky terrain of South India, including Bengaluru, is very complex. In some places there are Dolerite rocks, some other places, granite. Some places have loose soil while elsewhere its clay. They cited the incident of the road caving in near Brigade Road where Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Metro works were simultaneously progressing some days ago. The road had caved in, leaving a motorist injured. Digging tunnels for Metro takes a very long time, besides the blades of the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have to be changed at regular intervals. Not many know that in some places the earth is filled with construction debris as was the case in Lakkasandra. There is a need for a proper recce before even considering such a project. The city is not ready for tunnel roads, said a geologist from IISc. Considering the hard subterranean features, the geologists have asked the state government to consider comparing how much time it had taken for the TBMs to bore the Metro tunnels, and calculate how much more time it would take for the same to drill 195 Km under Bengaluru. Besides, they also pointed to the damages that have occurred during the execution of the TenderSure footpath works while trying to shift utilities. A senior official from the Mines and Geology Department said the state government has never undertaken an underground truth-finding study of the terrain, rock and soil. The only sample-based studies that are conducted are when projects like flyovers and underpasses are constructed. A thorough assessment of the overall carrying capacity and soil and rock strength of Bengaluru has never been undertaken. Although Bengaluru is not in the seismic zone, the impact of deep excavations for foundations for high-rise buildings, Metro tunnels and pillars is already being felt in pockets of Bengaluru where roads are either caving in or sinking, besides water seepage being reported. According to the urban development department, the BBMP will be executing the tunnel road project. But a senior BBMP official, privy to the project plans, admitted to TNIE that there are no underground maps of the water and sewage pipelines for immediate implementation. The company which will be awarded with the tender for preparing the detailed project report and to implement the project will have to undertake underground studies, and then act accordingly, the official said, adding that it would be a difficult proposition. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service Sony House Pictures of Germany is expected to roll out a six part English series The Book of Longings, based on the bestseller book of the same name by Sue Monk Kidd.The Book of Longings has been translated in 17 languages, and will be third of Kidds work to be adapted after The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair. Story House Productions co-founder Andreas Gutzeuit will serve as the show runner.The Book of Longings is set in 20 AD in Galulee and follows daughter of a Jewish scribe, Ana, who is saved from a marriage by a stranger, who she comes to know as Jesus. This is a story where two people realize what is wrong, what is right, how love can save people and thats the heart of it. And theyve experienced exactly that. Were telling a Jewish story before this becomes one of Christianity. Casting will be authentic: Its not going to be one of those old sandal flics with white American stars. That would just not be timely, not in the 21st century, Gutzeit said to Variety.The shooting is said to take place in Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Southern Spain. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Sony House Pictures of Germany is expected to roll out a six part English series The Book of Longings, based on the bestseller book of the same name by Sue Monk Kidd.The Book of Longings has been translated in 17 languages, and will be third of Kidds work to be adapted after The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair. Story House Productions co-founder Andreas Gutzeuit will serve as the show runner.The Book of Longings is set in 20 AD in Galulee and follows daughter of a Jewish scribe, Ana, who is saved from a marriage by a stranger, who she comes to know as Jesus. This is a story where two people realize what is wrong, what is right, how love can save people and thats the heart of it. And theyve experienced exactly that. Were telling a Jewish story before this becomes one of Christianity. Casting will be authentic: Its not going to be one of those old sandal flics with white American stars. That would just not be timely, not in the 21st century, Gutzeit said to Variety.The shooting is said to take place in Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Southern Spain. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsAppgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); By Online Desk Air India, SpiceJet to operate flights to Tel Aviv on Saturday Air India and SpiceJet will operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday to bring back Indians amid escalating tensions due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to officials. These chartered flights will be operated under Operation Ajay, which the government has launched to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back from Israel. READ FULL STORY HERE Tributes pouring in for journalist killed in Lebanon Tributes are pouring in for Issam Abdallah, a video journalist for the Reuters news agency who was killed on Friday in southern Lebanon, amid escalating violence along the countrys border with Israel, reports BBC. Abdallah, who was working near the Israel-Lebanon border, was killed in a cross fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. Six other journalists including from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded in the Israeli air strike. "The teams were filming missile fire coming from the direction of Israel when one struck Abdallah as he was sitting on a low stone wall near the rest of the group, Reuters reported citing injured journalist Maher Nazeh. Abdallah's funeral will be held later today in south-east Lebanon. Earlier today, Israel defence forces Spokesperson Richard Hecht said, the Israeli army was "deeply regretful for the incident." Israel, Egypt agree to let US citizens leave Gaza Saturday: US Egypt and Israel have agreed to let US citizens leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing on Saturday as Israel carries out strikes against Hamas, a US official said. The two US partners agreed to keep the sole crossing from Gaza to Egypt open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (0900-1400 GMT), said a US official accompanying Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a regional tour. The official said that the United States did not yet have confirmation that the agreement was being implemented, "but the intention was to have it open." READ FULL STORY HERE Irans foreign minister calls on Israel to stop attack on Gaza Irans foreign minister on Saturday called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, warning that the war might expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle, and that would make Israel suffer a huge earthquake. Hossein Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut that Lebanons Hezbollah group has taken all the scenarios of a war into consideration and Israel should stop its attacks on Gaza as soon as possible. READ FULL STORY HERE Gaza death toll rises to 2,215 including 724 children: ministry Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since Hamas's attack on southern Israel one week ago have killed at least 2,215 people, including 724 children, the Palestinian territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry said Saturday. Some 458 women were among those killed, the ministry said. It added that 8,714 people have also been wounded, after an earlier statement said at least 324 people were killed in the past 24 hours alone. Israel strikes kill at least 324 in Gaza in past 24 hours: ministry According to the health ministry in Gaza, more than 320 Palestinians, including women and children have been killed in the past 24 hours in the Israeli air strikes. The ministry also informed that 1000 others have been wounded in the air strikes. WHO plane with medical supplies for Gaza lands in Egypt In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, World Health Organization chief Tedros Aldhanom Ghebreyesus stated that an aircraft with medical supplies to support the urgent health needs in Gaza has landed in Egypt's Al Arish- close to the Rafah crossing. He added that the supplies are ready to be deployed to Gaza as soon as humanitarian access through the crossing is established. A plane with @WHO medical supplies to support the urgent health needs in Gaza has landed in Al Arish, #Egypt - close to the Rafah crossing. Were ready to deploy the supplies as soon as humanitarian access through the crossing is established. We continue our plea to Israel to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 14, 2023 More than 1,300 buildings destroyed in Gaza: UN More than 1,300 buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, the United Nations said Saturday, after nearly a week of fierce bombardment by Israeli forces. The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said "5,540 housing units" in those buildings were destroyed and nearly 3,750 more homes were so badly damaged they were uninhabitable. Gaza evacuation a war crime, says former Norwegian diplomat Egeland Jan Egeland, former Norwegian diplomat who has previously facilitated talks between the Palestine and Israel, told BBC radio 4 that Israel's evacuation order for Gaza is a forced one, and considered a war crime under the Geneva Convention. He also added that the scale of the crisis in gaza has not yet been fully grasped by the West. "The UK, US and EU have rightfully said we're with Israel in fighting terror," Egeland adds. " I hope they haven't given a green light to smash a million children," reported BBC quoting Egeland. IDF asks civilians to head south before 4 pm local time Israel military told the civilians from northern Gaza to head south by 4 pm local time (6.30 pm IST). In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Israel defence Force spokesman Avichay Adraee asked Gazans to use two specific routes to head south. The statement says people can use the two routes between 10 am and 4 pm local time (6.30 pm IST) without any harm. Civilians from gaza has been advised to move south from Beit Hanoun to Khan Yunis, ahead of a potential ground offensive by the Israeli army. Israel strike kills senior Hamas military commander: army A senior military commander of Hamas who headed the Islamist group's aerial operations in Gaza City has been killed in Israeli air strikes, the military said Saturday. Murad Abu Murad was killed over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre of Hamas from where the group carried out its "aerial activity", the military said. There was no immediate confirmationfrom Hamas. Israel army recovers bodies of missing people from Gaza in ground raid Reports from media say Israel military recovered bodies of missing israelis during ground raid in Gaza. According to reports by Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post, the Israel Defence Forces are bringing back the bodies to Israeli territory. Infantry and armoured units took part in the raid during which a Hamas cell which fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli territory was "taken out", the Jerusalem Post reported. International aid groups warn humanitarian crisis after Israel blocked entry of supplies More than a million people in the northern Gaza Strip have been ordered to evacuate to the south as the latest Israel-Hamas war entered its seventh day Friday and Israel appeared to be preparing a ground offensive. Hamas urged residents to stay put. The orders sent panic through civilians and aid workers already struggling under Israeli airstrikes and a blockade of the Hamas-ruled area. International aid groups warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis after Israel prevented the entry of supplies from Egypt to Gazas 2.3 million people. Operation Ajay continues to bring citizens home In the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, India had launched 'Operation Ajay' to facilitate the return of those Indians who wished to come back home. The first flight bringing 212 Indian nationals back from Israel successfully landed at Delhi Airport on Friday among which 21 (including 14 male students and two female students) were from Tamil Nadu. A second flight carrying 235 Indian citizens arrives in New Delhi #OperationAjay continues to bring citizens home. 2nd flight carrying 235 citizens arrives in New Delhi. MoS @RanjanRajkuma11 received the citizens at the airport. pic.twitter.com/W3ItmHgwf3 Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 14, 2023 Reuters journalist dead, AFP reporters among 6 wounded in south Lebanon A Reuters journalist was killed Friday and six others from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded while working in southern Lebanon, the three news organisations said. A group of journalists from different media outlets was near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught up in cross-border shelling, one of the two wounded AFP correspondents said. A Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border. AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre for treatment. Two other Reuters reporters, "Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care," Reuters said, adding it was "urgently seeking more information". Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming "Israeli bombing on their vehicle". They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya. Palestinians flee northern Gaza after Israel orders 1 million to evacuate as ground attack looms Thousands of Palestinians fled to southern Gaza in search of refuge Friday after Israel warned them to evacuate before an expected ground offensive against Hamas in retaliation for the deadliest attack in Israel's history. Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if youll make it, if youre going to live, said Nebal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City, as she broke into heaving sobs. The mass exodus comes after Israels military told over 1.1 million people to evacuate towards the southern part of the besieged territory, ahead of a feared Israeli ground offensive. Many Palestinians in Gaza still struggled with indecision, not knowing whether to leave or stay. However, the Palestinian militant group Hamas urged residents to "remain steadfast in your homes and to stand firm" against Israel. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the order would have "devastating humanitarian consequences." Nearly 1,800 Gazans again most of them civilians and including over 580 children have been killed in waves of missile strikes on the densely populated enclave, the health ministry said. At least 423,000 people nearly one in five Gazans have been forced from their homes by Israeli airstrikes, the UN said on Thursday. Suffering in Gaza has been rising dramatically with Palestinians desperate for food, fuel and medicine and the territorys only power plant shut down for lack of fuel. The morgue at Gazas biggest hospital overflowed as bodies came in faster than relatives could claim them. The current conflict has already claimed thousands of lives on both sides. The immediate trigger was Hamas firing thousands of rockets and sending fighters --- through land, air and sea --- into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip during a major Jewish holiday (Simchat Torah) on October 7 in a deadly, surprise offensive branded "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Israel has been responding to Saturday's attack with a massive bombardment of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush and destroy Hamas. The conflict is expected to continue to escalate. Follow for latest developments Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Air India, SpiceJet to operate flights to Tel Aviv on Saturday Air India and SpiceJet will operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday to bring back Indians amid escalating tensions due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to officials. These chartered flights will be operated under Operation Ajay, which the government has launched to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back from Israel.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); READ FULL STORY HERE Tributes pouring in for journalist killed in Lebanon Tributes are pouring in for Issam Abdallah, a video journalist for the Reuters news agency who was killed on Friday in southern Lebanon, amid escalating violence along the countrys border with Israel, reports BBC. Abdallah, who was working near the Israel-Lebanon border, was killed in a cross fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. Six other journalists including from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded in the Israeli air strike. "The teams were filming missile fire coming from the direction of Israel when one struck Abdallah as he was sitting on a low stone wall near the rest of the group, Reuters reported citing injured journalist Maher Nazeh. Abdallah's funeral will be held later today in south-east Lebanon. Earlier today, Israel defence forces Spokesperson Richard Hecht said, the Israeli army was "deeply regretful for the incident." Israel, Egypt agree to let US citizens leave Gaza Saturday: US Egypt and Israel have agreed to let US citizens leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing on Saturday as Israel carries out strikes against Hamas, a US official said. The two US partners agreed to keep the sole crossing from Gaza to Egypt open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (0900-1400 GMT), said a US official accompanying Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a regional tour. The official said that the United States did not yet have confirmation that the agreement was being implemented, "but the intention was to have it open." READ FULL STORY HERE Irans foreign minister calls on Israel to stop attack on Gaza Irans foreign minister on Saturday called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, warning that the war might expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle, and that would make Israel suffer a huge earthquake. Hossein Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut that Lebanons Hezbollah group has taken all the scenarios of a war into consideration and Israel should stop its attacks on Gaza as soon as possible. READ FULL STORY HERE Gaza death toll rises to 2,215 including 724 children: ministry Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since Hamas's attack on southern Israel one week ago have killed at least 2,215 people, including 724 children, the Palestinian territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry said Saturday. Some 458 women were among those killed, the ministry said. It added that 8,714 people have also been wounded, after an earlier statement said at least 324 people were killed in the past 24 hours alone. Israel strikes kill at least 324 in Gaza in past 24 hours: ministry According to the health ministry in Gaza, more than 320 Palestinians, including women and children have been killed in the past 24 hours in the Israeli air strikes. The ministry also informed that 1000 others have been wounded in the air strikes. WHO plane with medical supplies for Gaza lands in Egypt In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, World Health Organization chief Tedros Aldhanom Ghebreyesus stated that an aircraft with medical supplies to support the urgent health needs in Gaza has landed in Egypt's Al Arish- close to the Rafah crossing. He added that the supplies are ready to be deployed to Gaza as soon as humanitarian access through the crossing is established. A plane with @WHO medical supplies to support the urgent health needs in Gaza has landed in Al Arish, #Egypt - close to the Rafah crossing. Were ready to deploy the supplies as soon as humanitarian access through the crossing is established. We continue our plea to Israel to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 14, 2023 More than 1,300 buildings destroyed in Gaza: UN More than 1,300 buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, the United Nations said Saturday, after nearly a week of fierce bombardment by Israeli forces. The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said "5,540 housing units" in those buildings were destroyed and nearly 3,750 more homes were so badly damaged they were uninhabitable. Gaza evacuation a war crime, says former Norwegian diplomat Egeland Jan Egeland, former Norwegian diplomat who has previously facilitated talks between the Palestine and Israel, told BBC radio 4 that Israel's evacuation order for Gaza is a forced one, and considered a war crime under the Geneva Convention. He also added that the scale of the crisis in gaza has not yet been fully grasped by the West. "The UK, US and EU have rightfully said we're with Israel in fighting terror," Egeland adds. " I hope they haven't given a green light to smash a million children," reported BBC quoting Egeland. IDF asks civilians to head south before 4 pm local time Israel military told the civilians from northern Gaza to head south by 4 pm local time (6.30 pm IST). In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Israel defence Force spokesman Avichay Adraee asked Gazans to use two specific routes to head south. The statement says people can use the two routes between 10 am and 4 pm local time (6.30 pm IST) without any harm. Civilians from gaza has been advised to move south from Beit Hanoun to Khan Yunis, ahead of a potential ground offensive by the Israeli army. Israel strike kills senior Hamas military commander: army A senior military commander of Hamas who headed the Islamist group's aerial operations in Gaza City has been killed in Israeli air strikes, the military said Saturday. Murad Abu Murad was killed over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre of Hamas from where the group carried out its "aerial activity", the military said. There was no immediate confirmationfrom Hamas. Israel army recovers bodies of missing people from Gaza in ground raid Reports from media say Israel military recovered bodies of missing israelis during ground raid in Gaza. According to reports by Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post, the Israel Defence Forces are bringing back the bodies to Israeli territory. Infantry and armoured units took part in the raid during which a Hamas cell which fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli territory was "taken out", the Jerusalem Post reported. International aid groups warn humanitarian crisis after Israel blocked entry of supplies More than a million people in the northern Gaza Strip have been ordered to evacuate to the south as the latest Israel-Hamas war entered its seventh day Friday and Israel appeared to be preparing a ground offensive. Hamas urged residents to stay put. The orders sent panic through civilians and aid workers already struggling under Israeli airstrikes and a blockade of the Hamas-ruled area. International aid groups warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis after Israel prevented the entry of supplies from Egypt to Gazas 2.3 million people. Operation Ajay continues to bring citizens home In the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, India had launched 'Operation Ajay' to facilitate the return of those Indians who wished to come back home. The first flight bringing 212 Indian nationals back from Israel successfully landed at Delhi Airport on Friday among which 21 (including 14 male students and two female students) were from Tamil Nadu. A second flight carrying 235 Indian citizens arrives in New Delhi #OperationAjay continues to bring citizens home. 2nd flight carrying 235 citizens arrives in New Delhi. MoS @RanjanRajkuma11 received the citizens at the airport. pic.twitter.com/W3ItmHgwf3 Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 14, 2023 Reuters journalist dead, AFP reporters among 6 wounded in south Lebanon A Reuters journalist was killed Friday and six others from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded while working in southern Lebanon, the three news organisations said. A group of journalists from different media outlets was near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught up in cross-border shelling, one of the two wounded AFP correspondents said. A Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border. AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre for treatment. Two other Reuters reporters, "Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care," Reuters said, adding it was "urgently seeking more information". Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming "Israeli bombing on their vehicle". They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya. Palestinians flee northern Gaza after Israel orders 1 million to evacuate as ground attack looms Thousands of Palestinians fled to southern Gaza in search of refuge Friday after Israel warned them to evacuate before an expected ground offensive against Hamas in retaliation for the deadliest attack in Israel's history. Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if youll make it, if youre going to live, said Nebal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City, as she broke into heaving sobs. The mass exodus comes after Israels military told over 1.1 million people to evacuate towards the southern part of the besieged territory, ahead of a feared Israeli ground offensive. Many Palestinians in Gaza still struggled with indecision, not knowing whether to leave or stay. However, the Palestinian militant group Hamas urged residents to "remain steadfast in your homes and to stand firm" against Israel. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the order would have "devastating humanitarian consequences." Nearly 1,800 Gazans again most of them civilians and including over 580 children have been killed in waves of missile strikes on the densely populated enclave, the health ministry said. At least 423,000 people nearly one in five Gazans have been forced from their homes by Israeli airstrikes, the UN said on Thursday. Suffering in Gaza has been rising dramatically with Palestinians desperate for food, fuel and medicine and the territorys only power plant shut down for lack of fuel. The morgue at Gazas biggest hospital overflowed as bodies came in faster than relatives could claim them. The current conflict has already claimed thousands of lives on both sides. The immediate trigger was Hamas firing thousands of rockets and sending fighters --- through land, air and sea --- into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip during a major Jewish holiday (Simchat Torah) on October 7 in a deadly, surprise offensive branded "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Israel has been responding to Saturday's attack with a massive bombardment of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush and destroy Hamas. The conflict is expected to continue to escalate. Follow for latest developments Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: Air India and SpiceJet will operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday to bring back Indians amid escalating tensions due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to officials. These chartered flights will be operated under Operation Ajay, which the government has launched to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back from Israel. The officials in the know said Air India will be operating a flight from the national capital to Tel Aviv while SpiceJet will operate a flight from Amritsar to Tel Aviv. Both flights are expected to return and land at the Delhi airport on Sunday morning, they added. One of the officials said Air India is scheduled to operate another flight to Tel Aviv on Sunday. On Saturday morning, an Air India flight AI 140 returned to the national capital with 235 Indians from Israel. On Friday morning, more than 200 people had come from Tel Aviv in an Air India flight, which was also the first under Operation Ajay. #WATCH | Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Israel, arrived in Delhi; received by MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh#OperationAjay pic.twitter.com/qdlpj1aRf7 ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023 Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Saturday received the Indians who came from Israel at the airport. "Received the second batch of Indians from Israel. Heartening to note that they are very appreciative of GoI's swift response #OperationAjay and @MEAIndia for smooth coordination," he said in a post on social media platform X. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Air India and SpiceJet will operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday to bring back Indians amid escalating tensions due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to officials. These chartered flights will be operated under Operation Ajay, which the government has launched to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back from Israel. The officials in the know said Air India will be operating a flight from the national capital to Tel Aviv while SpiceJet will operate a flight from Amritsar to Tel Aviv.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Both flights are expected to return and land at the Delhi airport on Sunday morning, they added. One of the officials said Air India is scheduled to operate another flight to Tel Aviv on Sunday. On Saturday morning, an Air India flight AI 140 returned to the national capital with 235 Indians from Israel. On Friday morning, more than 200 people had come from Tel Aviv in an Air India flight, which was also the first under Operation Ajay. #WATCH | Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Israel, arrived in Delhi; received by MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh#OperationAjay pic.twitter.com/qdlpj1aRf7 ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023 Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Saturday received the Indians who came from Israel at the airport. "Received the second batch of Indians from Israel. Heartening to note that they are very appreciative of GoI's swift response #OperationAjay and @MEAIndia for smooth coordination," he said in a post on social media platform X. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Cithara Paul By Express News Service KOCHI: The venue was The WEEKs annual conference. That time, Tamil Nadu politics was going through lots of churning due to the illness of the then-chief minister J Jayalalitha. Correspondents from other states asked the Tamil Nadu correspondent how is she able to cope with the high-voltage drama that was happening there. Sachi Sir, who overheard this conversation, commented: These are the moments when a journalist comes alive... Moments where one feels proud of being a journalist. That was Sachidananda Murthy. News always excited him. It was a case of more the merrier for him. He loved being in the midst of chaos and excelled in it. Being a reporter-turned-editor, he always had his ears close to the ground. He knew things better than most beat correspondents. Whether it is politics, finance, or defence, he had sources all over. Naturally, he was someone no reporter could bluff to. I have personally witnessed many journalists at the receiving end of Sachi Sirs sharp wit and sarcasm. But there was no bad blood as all knew he meant only good. He was a great mentor, always willing to guide. Sachi Sir was also the life of office parties. He loved his drinks and would be happy to see if others too shared the same love. It was in those moments that the shaayar in him would come out. He would hum old Bollywood melodies with abandon. And he always had good listeners. Even when his health was failing him and he had great difficulty in walking, his passion for life and journalism was awe-inspiring. As juniors, one could only hope and aspire that we, too, had the same energy and drive as he did. You will be dearly missed, Sachi Sir. Veteran scribe no more Journalist KS Sachidananda Murthy, 68, died at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Friday. Murthy, popularly known as Sachi, had worked as the Resident Editor of The Week magazine of the Malayala Manorama group. Before joining The Week as a correspondent, he had worked with Indian Express in Bengaluru. He was with the Malayala Manorama Group till his retirement in 2022. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOCHI: The venue was The WEEKs annual conference. That time, Tamil Nadu politics was going through lots of churning due to the illness of the then-chief minister J Jayalalitha. Correspondents from other states asked the Tamil Nadu correspondent how is she able to cope with the high-voltage drama that was happening there. Sachi Sir, who overheard this conversation, commented: These are the moments when a journalist comes alive... Moments where one feels proud of being a journalist. That was Sachidananda Murthy. News always excited him. It was a case of more the merrier for him. He loved being in the midst of chaos and excelled in it. Being a reporter-turned-editor, he always had his ears close to the ground. He knew things better than most beat correspondents. Whether it is politics, finance, or defence, he had sources all over. Naturally, he was someone no reporter could bluff to. I have personally witnessed many journalists at the receiving end of Sachi Sirs sharp wit and sarcasm. But there was no bad blood as all knew he meant only good. He was a great mentor, always willing to guide.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sachi Sir was also the life of office parties. He loved his drinks and would be happy to see if others too shared the same love. It was in those moments that the shaayar in him would come out. He would hum old Bollywood melodies with abandon. And he always had good listeners. Even when his health was failing him and he had great difficulty in walking, his passion for life and journalism was awe-inspiring. As juniors, one could only hope and aspire that we, too, had the same energy and drive as he did. You will be dearly missed, Sachi Sir. Veteran scribe no more Journalist KS Sachidananda Murthy, 68, died at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Friday. Murthy, popularly known as Sachi, had worked as the Resident Editor of The Week magazine of the Malayala Manorama group. Before joining The Week as a correspondent, he had worked with Indian Express in Bengaluru. He was with the Malayala Manorama Group till his retirement in 2022. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The deceptive breach executed by the Palestine-based Islamist group Hamas has shaken not just Israel, but has also forced the Indian Army to study their tactic. Sources said the entire campaign launched by Hamas is being analysed for the lessons to fine-tune the Armys Standard Operating Procedures. The security establishment of Israel was caught off guard by the breach. The subsequent attacks were planned on the Jewish Sabbath, a religious holiday. The Hamas encroached into the Israeli territory with quick mobilization, including motorised hang gliders to land closer to the important points and then secure control of communication and surveillance. They cut the communication among the Israeli ground forces. The Hamas guerrillas then moved in its men on bikes supported by bulldozers to penetrate the gaps in the security walls. Defence analyst Lt Gen VK Chaturvedi (Retd) said the use of hand gliders for missions is part of our training. This particular case needs to be studied from the point of causing confusion after surveillance devices were overwhelmed by the armed Hamas. The attack also shows how seven basic technology can be improvised and used innovatively. He said the ponderables include: In what way such state-of-the-art sensors, radars and equipment were hoodwinked. India has its strength in the form of boots on the ground which Israel may be lacking. Man behind the equipment is equally important, Lt Gen Chaturvedi told this paper. As an operation, the Hamas definitely surprised the Israeli troops who seemed relaxed due to festivities. Also, the enemies mobilization was quick in gaining control effectively, creating confusion and adopting an innovative approach, he said. We may draw multiple lessons, but one thing is clear that Hamas will be punished for their brutality, said Lt Gen Chaturvedi. Tactical edge Lt Gen Chaturvedi (Retd) says the ponderables include: In what way the ultra modern sensors, radars and equipment could be hoodwinked on a festival day. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The deceptive breach executed by the Palestine-based Islamist group Hamas has shaken not just Israel, but has also forced the Indian Army to study their tactic. Sources said the entire campaign launched by Hamas is being analysed for the lessons to fine-tune the Armys Standard Operating Procedures. The security establishment of Israel was caught off guard by the breach. The subsequent attacks were planned on the Jewish Sabbath, a religious holiday. The Hamas encroached into the Israeli territory with quick mobilization, including motorised hang gliders to land closer to the important points and then secure control of communication and surveillance. They cut the communication among the Israeli ground forces. The Hamas guerrillas then moved in its men on bikes supported by bulldozers to penetrate the gaps in the security walls. Defence analyst Lt Gen VK Chaturvedi (Retd) said the use of hand gliders for missions is part of our training. This particular case needs to be studied from the point of causing confusion after surveillance devices were overwhelmed by the armed Hamas. The attack also shows how seven basic technology can be improvised and used innovatively.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said the ponderables include: In what way such state-of-the-art sensors, radars and equipment were hoodwinked. India has its strength in the form of boots on the ground which Israel may be lacking. Man behind the equipment is equally important, Lt Gen Chaturvedi told this paper. As an operation, the Hamas definitely surprised the Israeli troops who seemed relaxed due to festivities. Also, the enemies mobilization was quick in gaining control effectively, creating confusion and adopting an innovative approach, he said. We may draw multiple lessons, but one thing is clear that Hamas will be punished for their brutality, said Lt Gen Chaturvedi. Tactical edge Lt Gen Chaturvedi (Retd) says the ponderables include: In what way the ultra modern sensors, radars and equipment could be hoodwinked on a festival day. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: In a significant decision, the Bihar cabinet on Friday gave approval to the reservation in promotions for government employees which was on hold owing to a stay by the Supreme Court. Cabinet secretariat principal secretary S Siddharth said the state government has created a formula for bringing reservations in 83 per cent posts in every cadre and beneficiaries among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be studied and if their count comes out to be less than 17 and 1 per cent, the state will take a decision over it. Reservation in promotion will be effective from 2016. In case, the top court gives a verdict against the reservation, promoted employees from the reserved category will be demoted but the state government will not recover the pay difference and extra allowances paid to them during the period, Siddharth said. Nearly, five lakh government servants will benefit from the decision of the Bihar government. Recently, the Bihar government released the data of the caste census which it conducted in the state. The census, the first of its kind since Independence, claimed that 84 per cent of the state population comprised backward castes including extremely backward, other backward castes, SCs and STs. In other decisions, the state announced that employees posted at higher posts but not awarded the pay scale at par with their posts will get the benefit of the pay scale commensurate with their posts. The cabinet approved uniform admission and other fees at the graduation and post-graduation levels at all government dental hospitals in the state. Regional Eye Institute at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) will be expanded. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PATNA: In a significant decision, the Bihar cabinet on Friday gave approval to the reservation in promotions for government employees which was on hold owing to a stay by the Supreme Court. Cabinet secretariat principal secretary S Siddharth said the state government has created a formula for bringing reservations in 83 per cent posts in every cadre and beneficiaries among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be studied and if their count comes out to be less than 17 and 1 per cent, the state will take a decision over it. Reservation in promotion will be effective from 2016. In case, the top court gives a verdict against the reservation, promoted employees from the reserved category will be demoted but the state government will not recover the pay difference and extra allowances paid to them during the period, Siddharth said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Nearly, five lakh government servants will benefit from the decision of the Bihar government. Recently, the Bihar government released the data of the caste census which it conducted in the state. The census, the first of its kind since Independence, claimed that 84 per cent of the state population comprised backward castes including extremely backward, other backward castes, SCs and STs. In other decisions, the state announced that employees posted at higher posts but not awarded the pay scale at par with their posts will get the benefit of the pay scale commensurate with their posts. The cabinet approved uniform admission and other fees at the graduation and post-graduation levels at all government dental hospitals in the state. Regional Eye Institute at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) will be expanded. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Retired judicial officer Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman judge of Manipur High Court. Her name was recommended for appointment as a judge by the Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on January 10 this year. The Centre on Friday notified her appointment and that of two other judges. While Kabui, a Naga, belongs to ST community, the two others are from SC and OBC communities. In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui to be judge of the Manipur High Court with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office, the notification issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Justice (Appointments Division), read. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on Monday. Kabui was also the Manipur High Courts first woman Registrar and Registrar General. She joined service as a Grade III officer of Manipur Judicial Service in 1995 and retired as the Registrar General of the High Court in March this year. She did not take phone calls but a family friend told this newspaper that she was happy over her appointment. Her phone has been busy ever since the news broke. Her friends and relatives are calling her to congratulate her, the family friend said. Kabui pursued her school, college and law (LLB) education in Manipur capital Imphal where she was born. Her husband is an Indian Police Service officer who is serving as an Inspector General in Manipur Police. The couple has three children. Kabuis appointment is significant, for it not only broke gender barriers but also opened the doors to communities that have been historically underrepresented in the upper echelons of judiciary. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp GUWAHATI: Retired judicial officer Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman judge of Manipur High Court. Her name was recommended for appointment as a judge by the Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on January 10 this year. The Centre on Friday notified her appointment and that of two other judges. While Kabui, a Naga, belongs to ST community, the two others are from SC and OBC communities.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui to be judge of the Manipur High Court with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office, the notification issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Justice (Appointments Division), read. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on Monday. Kabui was also the Manipur High Courts first woman Registrar and Registrar General. She joined service as a Grade III officer of Manipur Judicial Service in 1995 and retired as the Registrar General of the High Court in March this year. She did not take phone calls but a family friend told this newspaper that she was happy over her appointment. Her phone has been busy ever since the news broke. Her friends and relatives are calling her to congratulate her, the family friend said. Kabui pursued her school, college and law (LLB) education in Manipur capital Imphal where she was born. Her husband is an Indian Police Service officer who is serving as an Inspector General in Manipur Police. The couple has three children. Kabuis appointment is significant, for it not only broke gender barriers but also opened the doors to communities that have been historically underrepresented in the upper echelons of judiciary. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Preetha Nair By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Dismissing BJPs jibes over Congresss stand on the West Asia conflict, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari asserted that it was previous Congress governments that initiated and formalised full diplomatic relations with Israel since 1988. Speaking to this newspaper, the Lok Sabha MP said the initial contact with Israel was established during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis tenure in 1988-89. And the process was formalised on the 26th of January 1992, he added. Israel came into existence in 1948. India did not establish diplomatic relations with the country until 1992 though it had recognized Israel in 1950. Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, the BJP has been attacking Congress over the partys Working Committee resolution extending support for the rights of the Palestinian people without mentioning Hamass attack on Israel. The raging war has killed scores of civilians and displaced thousands on both sides. Referring to the ruling BJPs jibes, Tewari said that the Congress can take the credit on the full diplomatic relations with Israel, while sticking to the commitment of a two state solution. I saw the critical comments of a minister of this government. It is either complete ignorance or then worse, blindsided arrogance. Though the process was started by Rajiv Gandhi in 1988, full diplomatic relations with Israel was established in January 1992, while remaining steadfast on our commitment to the two state solution. We are the people who actually not only opened up the channel with Israel, but also formalised and restored full diplomatic relations, he said. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee adhered to Indias principled position of supporting the Palestinian cause, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Dismissing BJPs jibes over Congresss stand on the West Asia conflict, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari asserted that it was previous Congress governments that initiated and formalised full diplomatic relations with Israel since 1988. Speaking to this newspaper, the Lok Sabha MP said the initial contact with Israel was established during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis tenure in 1988-89. And the process was formalised on the 26th of January 1992, he added. Israel came into existence in 1948. India did not establish diplomatic relations with the country until 1992 though it had recognized Israel in 1950. Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, the BJP has been attacking Congress over the partys Working Committee resolution extending support for the rights of the Palestinian people without mentioning Hamass attack on Israel. The raging war has killed scores of civilians and displaced thousands on both sides.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Referring to the ruling BJPs jibes, Tewari said that the Congress can take the credit on the full diplomatic relations with Israel, while sticking to the commitment of a two state solution. I saw the critical comments of a minister of this government. It is either complete ignorance or then worse, blindsided arrogance. Though the process was started by Rajiv Gandhi in 1988, full diplomatic relations with Israel was established in January 1992, while remaining steadfast on our commitment to the two state solution. We are the people who actually not only opened up the channel with Israel, but also formalised and restored full diplomatic relations, he said. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee adhered to Indias principled position of supporting the Palestinian cause, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service Indicating its ground offensive against Hamas militants was about to take off, Israel on Friday ordered more than 11 lakh civilians living in northern Gaza to move to the south within 24 hours. Later in the day, Israeli forces said they had carried out localised raids in multiple areas in Gaza. Hours after the order, thousands of scared Palestinians began moving to the south with their possessions by whatever means possible cars, trucks or donkey carts. Others hesitated to leave, fearing nowhere was safe. Gaza continues to be sealed off from food, water and medical supplies and is under a total power blackout. The UN sharply criticised the evacuation order, which covers Gaza City, the biggest urban centre in the Gaza Strip. It said the human displacement would be calamitous and urged Israel to reverse the order. It also warned that such an evacuation would lead to Gazas entire population cramming into roughly the southern half of the 40-km-long strip. The US, which promised unwavering support to Israel in its operation against Hamas, also shared its concerns. Its a million people, and its a very urban, dense environment. Its already a combat zone, US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said. Hamas, which has in the past been accused of using civilians as human shields, asked the Gaza residents to stay put, saying the Israeli order was a ploy to divide Gaza. Hold onto your land, it urged the people. As per Israeli officials, the aim of the looming ground offensive is dismantling Hamas terror infrastructure, much of which is buried underground. Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israel last Saturday with its fighters crossing the border and killing some 1,300 Israelis. Army raided multiple areas in Gaza: Israel The Israeli Army said its forces made multiple raids into Gaza since Thursday night ahead of the planned ground offensive. The raids were to destroy weapons and search for evidence about the missing hostages held by Hamas 13 hostages killed in israeli attack: hamas Hamas claimed on Friday that Israels heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip has killed 13 hostages, including foreigners. It did not give the nationality of the foreigners. There was no confirmation from Israel Israeli diplomat stabbed in beijing An employee of the Israeli Embassy in Beijing was attacked with knife on Friday and later hospitalised. It wasnt immediately clear what sparked the attack | P12 Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Indicating its ground offensive against Hamas militants was about to take off, Israel on Friday ordered more than 11 lakh civilians living in northern Gaza to move to the south within 24 hours. Later in the day, Israeli forces said they had carried out localised raids in multiple areas in Gaza. Hours after the order, thousands of scared Palestinians began moving to the south with their possessions by whatever means possible cars, trucks or donkey carts. Others hesitated to leave, fearing nowhere was safe. Gaza continues to be sealed off from food, water and medical supplies and is under a total power blackout. The UN sharply criticised the evacuation order, which covers Gaza City, the biggest urban centre in the Gaza Strip. It said the human displacement would be calamitous and urged Israel to reverse the order. It also warned that such an evacuation would lead to Gazas entire population cramming into roughly the southern half of the 40-km-long strip.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The US, which promised unwavering support to Israel in its operation against Hamas, also shared its concerns. Its a million people, and its a very urban, dense environment. Its already a combat zone, US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said. Hamas, which has in the past been accused of using civilians as human shields, asked the Gaza residents to stay put, saying the Israeli order was a ploy to divide Gaza. Hold onto your land, it urged the people. As per Israeli officials, the aim of the looming ground offensive is dismantling Hamas terror infrastructure, much of which is buried underground. Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israel last Saturday with its fighters crossing the border and killing some 1,300 Israelis. Army raided multiple areas in Gaza: Israel The Israeli Army said its forces made multiple raids into Gaza since Thursday night ahead of the planned ground offensive. The raids were to destroy weapons and search for evidence about the missing hostages held by Hamas 13 hostages killed in israeli attack: hamas Hamas claimed on Friday that Israels heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip has killed 13 hostages, including foreigners. It did not give the nationality of the foreigners. There was no confirmation from Israel Israeli diplomat stabbed in beijing An employee of the Israeli Embassy in Beijing was attacked with knife on Friday and later hospitalised. It wasnt immediately clear what sparked the attack | P12 Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday defined Indias relationship with Sri Lanka based on the deep history of culture, commerce and civilisation again embarking to a new height. Flagging off ferry services between Indias Naggapattinam and Sri Lankas Kankesanthurai virtually from here, PM Modi said that a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between these two countries will get a shape through the ferry service. Ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations. https://t.co/VH6O0Bc4sa Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2023 Describing the services as an important milestone", he quoted various references from Tamil Literature like Pattnappalai and Manimekalai that describe the trade link persisting between the two countries since ancient times through sea routes. "Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer, Modi remarked, adding that trade, tourism and people-to-people ties get cemented. Modi also touched upon the great poet Subramania Bharti's song 'Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai', which mentions a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. He said the ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections. Speaking on the partnership with Sri Lanka, the PM said that the partnership aimed at expediting progress and development as one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship. Indias vision is to take development to everyone, leaving none behind, he added. Modi stated that the projects implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have touched the lives of the people. Several projects related to housing, water, health, and livelihood support have been completed in the Northern Province, he said and expressed delight in extending support for the upgradation of the Kankesanthurai Harbour. He said, "Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector. Be it the restoration of railway lines connecting north and south, the construction of the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, the rollout of emergency ambulance service all across Sri Lanka, or the multi-speciality hospital at Dick Oya, we are working with a vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'". Citing G20s theme, the PM highlighted that India puts the Neighbourhood First policy for sharing prosperity and peace. He also assured the people of both countries that another ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar will soon resume. Recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, he said the landing of the first international flight in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka was also celebrated. He also noted that direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019, and now the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction. "India remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen our bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of our people," the prime minister said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday defined Indias relationship with Sri Lanka based on the deep history of culture, commerce and civilisation again embarking to a new height. Flagging off ferry services between Indias Naggapattinam and Sri Lankas Kankesanthurai virtually from here, PM Modi said that a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between these two countries will get a shape through the ferry service. Ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations. https://t.co/VH6O0Bc4sagoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2023 Describing the services as an important milestone", he quoted various references from Tamil Literature like Pattnappalai and Manimekalai that describe the trade link persisting between the two countries since ancient times through sea routes. "Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer, Modi remarked, adding that trade, tourism and people-to-people ties get cemented. Modi also touched upon the great poet Subramania Bharti's song 'Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai', which mentions a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. He said the ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections. Speaking on the partnership with Sri Lanka, the PM said that the partnership aimed at expediting progress and development as one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship. Indias vision is to take development to everyone, leaving none behind, he added. Modi stated that the projects implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have touched the lives of the people. Several projects related to housing, water, health, and livelihood support have been completed in the Northern Province, he said and expressed delight in extending support for the upgradation of the Kankesanthurai Harbour. He said, "Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector. Be it the restoration of railway lines connecting north and south, the construction of the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, the rollout of emergency ambulance service all across Sri Lanka, or the multi-speciality hospital at Dick Oya, we are working with a vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'". Citing G20s theme, the PM highlighted that India puts the Neighbourhood First policy for sharing prosperity and peace. He also assured the people of both countries that another ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar will soon resume. Recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, he said the landing of the first international flight in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka was also celebrated. He also noted that direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019, and now the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction. "India remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen our bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of our people," the prime minister said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: In yet another jolt of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected his petition challenging the summons issued against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a land scam case. Notably, ED has summoned Soren as many as five times, but he skipped every time citing one or another excuse. During the hearing held in a hybrid mode in the division bench of Chief Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra and Justice Ananda Sen, senior advocates P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and advocate Piyush Chitresh presented their side on behalf of CM Soren, whereas ASG Additional Solicitor General SV Raju argued on behalf of the ED. During the hearing in the High Court, the ED said that the CM had already violated the summons as he did not appear on any summons issued by it. In such a situation, there is no justification for him to challenge the summons; therefore, he cannot be given relief, said EDs counsel. Appearing on behalf of CM Soren, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that no case is registered against the CM. In such a situation, it is not appropriate for the ED to summon him. The ED countered that the applicant has challenged Sections 50 and 60 of the PMLA Act, which has been decided by the Supreme Court in the case of Vijay Madan Lal Chaudhary, under which, the agency has the right to issue summons and record statements. The High Court added that it cannot give any order in this matter. Incidentally, Soren moved to Jharkhand High Court after the Supreme Court refused to entertain his petition directing him to approach the Jharkhand High Court instead of coming directly to the apex court. ED is probing two major cases of money laundering in Jharkhand. The first case is related to illegal mining in Sahibganj in which the CM was questioned on November 17 last year. The second case is related to an alleged land scam in the state capital for which Soren has been issued summons twice by the ED. 13 people, including IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan and two businessmen, Amit Agarwal of Kolkata and Bishnu Agarwal, who owns shopping malls in Ranchi, have already been arrested in connection with the alleged land scam. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp RANCHI: In yet another jolt of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected his petition challenging the summons issued against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a land scam case. Notably, ED has summoned Soren as many as five times, but he skipped every time citing one or another excuse. During the hearing held in a hybrid mode in the division bench of Chief Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra and Justice Ananda Sen, senior advocates P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and advocate Piyush Chitresh presented their side on behalf of CM Soren, whereas ASG Additional Solicitor General SV Raju argued on behalf of the ED.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); During the hearing in the High Court, the ED said that the CM had already violated the summons as he did not appear on any summons issued by it. In such a situation, there is no justification for him to challenge the summons; therefore, he cannot be given relief, said EDs counsel. Appearing on behalf of CM Soren, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that no case is registered against the CM. In such a situation, it is not appropriate for the ED to summon him. The ED countered that the applicant has challenged Sections 50 and 60 of the PMLA Act, which has been decided by the Supreme Court in the case of Vijay Madan Lal Chaudhary, under which, the agency has the right to issue summons and record statements. The High Court added that it cannot give any order in this matter. Incidentally, Soren moved to Jharkhand High Court after the Supreme Court refused to entertain his petition directing him to approach the Jharkhand High Court instead of coming directly to the apex court. ED is probing two major cases of money laundering in Jharkhand. The first case is related to illegal mining in Sahibganj in which the CM was questioned on November 17 last year. The second case is related to an alleged land scam in the state capital for which Soren has been issued summons twice by the ED. 13 people, including IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan and two businessmen, Amit Agarwal of Kolkata and Bishnu Agarwal, who owns shopping malls in Ranchi, have already been arrested in connection with the alleged land scam. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Jaison Wilson By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its dissatisfaction over the delay by Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar in deciding the disqualification proceedings against rebel MLAs of the erstwhile Shiv Sena party Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and 15 others saying that the proceedings should come to an end before the next elections. The top court was considering a plea filed by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) faction seeking directions to the Speaker to quickly decide on the disqualification pleas pending against the MLAs. A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud came heavily down on the act by the Speaker on the anti-defection proceedings, remarking, Somebody has to advise the Speaker that he cannot defeat orders of the Supreme Court. The bench, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said the Speaker has not complied with the top courts order last month to prepare a time schedule to complete the disqualification proceedings against the rebel MLAs. Narwekar was given one week to spell out a timeline to be submitted before it. What kind of time schedule is he prescribing? The idea of the schedule cannot be to delay the hearing. Else their apprehension is correct, CJI said. The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Maharashtra Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf to advise the Speaker in this regard. The court warned that it will set a timeline, if no proper timeline is prescribed for concluding the proceedings by Monday. Earlier, on September 18, the top court had rapped the speaker. While this court is cognizant to the need for comity with the Speaker, we also expect the dignity of this courts judgment to be maintained, the CJI-bench had said, asking the Speaker to apprise the court of the timeline. He (Speaker) has to decide the matter. He cant do this. What does the speaker do after the May 11 judgment by our court? It appears that nothing has happened. Speaker cant say now that I will have to hear it in due course. Hes a tribunal under the 10th schedule. Tribunals are amenable to the jurisdiction of the court. What is the speaker proposing to do? He has to sit down and decide the questions now. We didnt set down a three-month retirement. Now, we have way past four months and we are in the stage of issuing notices, earlier the top court had remarked. Also in top court Einsteins equation, Darwins theory wrong, mustnt be taught in school, says PIL; junked The Supreme Court on Friday junked a plea challenging Charles Darwins Theory of Evolution and Einsteins mass-energy equivalence (E=MC) equation. The public interest litigation stated that these theories were incorrect and had caused harm to thousands of people, and thus should not be taught in educational institutions. Then you improve your theory... what is the Supreme Court supposed to do? You say you studied something in school, you were a science student. Now you say that those theories are wrong. If you believe they were wrong, the SC has nothing to do. What is the violation of your fundamental right under Article 32?, the bench said, adding, We cannot compel anyone to unlearn. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its dissatisfaction over the delay by Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar in deciding the disqualification proceedings against rebel MLAs of the erstwhile Shiv Sena party Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and 15 others saying that the proceedings should come to an end before the next elections. The top court was considering a plea filed by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) faction seeking directions to the Speaker to quickly decide on the disqualification pleas pending against the MLAs. A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud came heavily down on the act by the Speaker on the anti-defection proceedings, remarking, Somebody has to advise the Speaker that he cannot defeat orders of the Supreme Court. The bench, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said the Speaker has not complied with the top courts order last month to prepare a time schedule to complete the disqualification proceedings against the rebel MLAs. Narwekar was given one week to spell out a timeline to be submitted before it.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); What kind of time schedule is he prescribing? The idea of the schedule cannot be to delay the hearing. Else their apprehension is correct, CJI said. The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Maharashtra Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf to advise the Speaker in this regard. The court warned that it will set a timeline, if no proper timeline is prescribed for concluding the proceedings by Monday. Earlier, on September 18, the top court had rapped the speaker. While this court is cognizant to the need for comity with the Speaker, we also expect the dignity of this courts judgment to be maintained, the CJI-bench had said, asking the Speaker to apprise the court of the timeline. He (Speaker) has to decide the matter. He cant do this. What does the speaker do after the May 11 judgment by our court? It appears that nothing has happened. Speaker cant say now that I will have to hear it in due course. Hes a tribunal under the 10th schedule. Tribunals are amenable to the jurisdiction of the court. What is the speaker proposing to do? He has to sit down and decide the questions now. We didnt set down a three-month retirement. Now, we have way past four months and we are in the stage of issuing notices, earlier the top court had remarked. Also in top court Einsteins equation, Darwins theory wrong, mustnt be taught in school, says PIL; junked The Supreme Court on Friday junked a plea challenging Charles Darwins Theory of Evolution and Einsteins mass-energy equivalence (E=MC) equation. The public interest litigation stated that these theories were incorrect and had caused harm to thousands of people, and thus should not be taught in educational institutions. Then you improve your theory... what is the Supreme Court supposed to do? You say you studied something in school, you were a science student. Now you say that those theories are wrong. If you believe they were wrong, the SC has nothing to do. What is the violation of your fundamental right under Article 32?, the bench said, adding, We cannot compel anyone to unlearn. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Friday criticised the Maharashtra government over the issues related to the 19533 girls missing in the state as well as the security of women. This is the second time within a week that Pawar has criticised the home department, which is under the purview of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, regarding this matter. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Pawar claimed that between January 1 and May 31 of this year, a total of 19,553 women were reported as "missing" from the state. The government is not serious about the law and order situation in the state, he alleged. Pawar also slammed the government over the contractual hiring of personnel in Mumbai police. He said the state has taken the decision to conduct government recruitments on contract. Earlier this week, the Maharashtra government issued an order to hire 3,000 personnel from its own security corporation who will work under the Mumbai police. On one hand a huge numbers of girls are missing while on the other hand, the state government has decided to hire the 11,203 police on contractual basis. The contract period will be for 11 months and after that what will happen with these youths, no one knows. Once the youth are hired as police, then what about their training and other facilities. We oppose this move. Those hired on contract should subsume government service, said Pawar. He also expressed his concerns over the recent deaths in state-run hospitals and emphasised the need for permanent recruitment in the health department rather than relying on contractual hiring. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Friday criticised the Maharashtra government over the issues related to the 19533 girls missing in the state as well as the security of women. This is the second time within a week that Pawar has criticised the home department, which is under the purview of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, regarding this matter. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Pawar claimed that between January 1 and May 31 of this year, a total of 19,553 women were reported as "missing" from the state. The government is not serious about the law and order situation in the state, he alleged. Pawar also slammed the government over the contractual hiring of personnel in Mumbai police. He said the state has taken the decision to conduct government recruitments on contract.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Earlier this week, the Maharashtra government issued an order to hire 3,000 personnel from its own security corporation who will work under the Mumbai police. On one hand a huge numbers of girls are missing while on the other hand, the state government has decided to hire the 11,203 police on contractual basis. The contract period will be for 11 months and after that what will happen with these youths, no one knows. Once the youth are hired as police, then what about their training and other facilities. We oppose this move. Those hired on contract should subsume government service, said Pawar. He also expressed his concerns over the recent deaths in state-run hospitals and emphasised the need for permanent recruitment in the health department rather than relying on contractual hiring. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Pranab Mondal By Express News Service KOLKATA: Embarrassing the party before next years Lok Sabha elections, BJPs West Bengal hierarchy witnessed unprecedented discontent among the party workers who staged a demonstration in front of the Salt Lake and Kolkata party headquarters on two consecutive days from Wednesday throwing stones on the photos of their state leaders. Alleging that the state leadership is ignoring the partys old-timers and giving more priority to the turncoats, the irked workers were seen stamping on the photos and banners of state leaders like Bengal chief Sukanta Majumdar, state president Amitava Chakrabarty, general secretary (organisation) and central leader Amit Malaviya and others lying scattered on road in front of the party offices. Embarrassed with the infight, Majumdar said all dissident workers would be identified and stern action would be taken against them which may include expulsion from the party. The discontent within the party which was displayed publicly is said to be a significant issue that may cause damage to the partys electoral performance in the next years general elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his previous Kolkata visit, had announced that the BJP would secure victory in 35 Lok Sabha seats out of 42 in Bengal. But the way our party workers expressed their discontent against the state leadership does not reflect the spirit of the party to meet the goal set by Shah, admitted a senior BJP leader. An army of dissident BJP workers from districts like North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, Hooghly and Howrah on Thursday afternoon assembled in front of the BJPs Murli Dhar Sen Lane headquarters under the banner of prescheduled save BJP programme. On the previous day, a section of BJP workers broke open the lock of the partys Salt Lake office and barged in. No state BJP leadership was present inside the office and the agitating workers shouted slogans saying, We wont party to sell itself to others. The state BJP leadership has pathetically failed to lead the party properly to fight against the ruling TMC. TMC leaders are being given space in BJP with priority. A number of TMC leaders, including the LoP Suvendu Adhikari, had defected from their mother organisation and joined the BJP before the 2021 Assembly elections after the saffron camp performed impressively in the 2019 LS polls by bagging 18 out of 42 seats in the state. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: Embarrassing the party before next years Lok Sabha elections, BJPs West Bengal hierarchy witnessed unprecedented discontent among the party workers who staged a demonstration in front of the Salt Lake and Kolkata party headquarters on two consecutive days from Wednesday throwing stones on the photos of their state leaders. Alleging that the state leadership is ignoring the partys old-timers and giving more priority to the turncoats, the irked workers were seen stamping on the photos and banners of state leaders like Bengal chief Sukanta Majumdar, state president Amitava Chakrabarty, general secretary (organisation) and central leader Amit Malaviya and others lying scattered on road in front of the party offices. Embarrassed with the infight, Majumdar said all dissident workers would be identified and stern action would be taken against them which may include expulsion from the party. The discontent within the party which was displayed publicly is said to be a significant issue that may cause damage to the partys electoral performance in the next years general elections.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his previous Kolkata visit, had announced that the BJP would secure victory in 35 Lok Sabha seats out of 42 in Bengal. But the way our party workers expressed their discontent against the state leadership does not reflect the spirit of the party to meet the goal set by Shah, admitted a senior BJP leader. An army of dissident BJP workers from districts like North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, Hooghly and Howrah on Thursday afternoon assembled in front of the BJPs Murli Dhar Sen Lane headquarters under the banner of prescheduled save BJP programme. On the previous day, a section of BJP workers broke open the lock of the partys Salt Lake office and barged in. No state BJP leadership was present inside the office and the agitating workers shouted slogans saying, We wont party to sell itself to others. The state BJP leadership has pathetically failed to lead the party properly to fight against the ruling TMC. TMC leaders are being given space in BJP with priority. A number of TMC leaders, including the LoP Suvendu Adhikari, had defected from their mother organisation and joined the BJP before the 2021 Assembly elections after the saffron camp performed impressively in the 2019 LS polls by bagging 18 out of 42 seats in the state. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Online Desk The second charter flight to repatriate Indian citizens stranded in Israel amid the ongoing war landed in New Delhi on Saturday morning under 'Operation Ajay', the Ministry of External Affairs said. A total of 235 Indian Nationals, including two infants, arrived on the second flight. #OperationAjay continues to bring citizens home. 2nd flight carrying 235 citizens arrives in New Delhi. MoS @RanjanRajkuma11 received the citizens at the airport. pic.twitter.com/W3ItmHgwf3 October 14, 2023 On Friday, 212 Indians were flown out from Israel in the first repatriation exercise under Operation Ajay. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared pictures of the second repatriation of the stranded citizens on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said: #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/avrMHAJrT4 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 13, 2023 The government launched Operation Ajay on October 11 to bring back stranded citizens from Israel. This came after Air India and other airlines suspended all its commercial operations to and from Israel as the war began on October 7. Under this operation, specially chartered flights will bring back the Indians. MEA sets up control room, issues helpline numbers The ministry of External Affairs has set up a 24-hour control room in Delhi to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine. The phone numbers for the control room are 1800118797 (toll-free), +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905 and +919968291988, while the email ID is situationroom@mea.gov.in. The Indian embassys 24-hour emergency helpline can also be accessed at - +972-35226748 and +972-543278392, and the email ID cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp The second charter flight to repatriate Indian citizens stranded in Israel amid the ongoing war landed in New Delhi on Saturday morning under 'Operation Ajay', the Ministry of External Affairs said. A total of 235 Indian Nationals, including two infants, arrived on the second flight. #OperationAjay continues to bring citizens home. 2nd flight carrying 235 citizens arrives in New Delhi. MoS @RanjanRajkuma11 received the citizens at the airport. pic.twitter.com/W3ItmHgwf3googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 14, 2023 On Friday, 212 Indians were flown out from Israel in the first repatriation exercise under Operation Ajay. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared pictures of the second repatriation of the stranded citizens on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said: #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/avrMHAJrT4 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 13, 2023 The government launched Operation Ajay on October 11 to bring back stranded citizens from Israel. This came after Air India and other airlines suspended all its commercial operations to and from Israel as the war began on October 7. Under this operation, specially chartered flights will bring back the Indians. MEA sets up control room, issues helpline numbers The ministry of External Affairs has set up a 24-hour control room in Delhi to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine. The phone numbers for the control room are 1800118797 (toll-free), +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905 and +919968291988, while the email ID is situationroom@mea.gov.in. The Indian embassys 24-hour emergency helpline can also be accessed at - +972-35226748 and +972-543278392, and the email ID cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI CHANDIGARH: In a joint operation with central agencies, the Punjab Police thwarted a possible terrorist attack in the border state by busting a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-backed module and arresting two operatives, a top official said on Saturday. Police also recovered from their possession two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as many hand grenades, 30 bore pistol with two magazines and 24 cartridges, eight detonators, one timer switch and four batteries. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the terror module is being handled by Firdaus Ahmed Bhat, an active Lashkar-e-Taiba member. Great success by #PunjabPolice in war against #Terrorism 2 operatives of LeT have been arrested by SSOC, Amritsar with the support of central agency. @PunjabPoliceInd striving to make #Punjab secure & safe as per vision of CM @BhagwantMann pic.twitter.com/DI2f3qKk1R DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) October 14, 2023 Those arrested have been identified as Uzair Ul Haq of Rahpora Khudwani in Jammu and Kashmir and Raj Mohammad Andleeb of Kherwan, also in J&K. Police chief Yadav said the operation was launched following intelligence that the Punjab border is being used by the LeT for smuggling a huge consignment of arms and explosives and their two members are expected to retrieve the cache in the area of Kathu Nangal. Police's state special operation cell (SSOC) wing of Amritsar and central agencies launched the operation and apprehended the two persons with the weapon consignment, Yadav said. He said preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were recruited in a terror organisation by Firdaus Ahmed Bhat and the militant outfit was planning to use them to target prominent personalities and places of strategic importance in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab to disturb the peace and harmony of the country. The DGP said both the arrested persons were in constant touch with Bhat via various social media platforms. On Thursday, Bhat sent them to Amritsar to collect the consignment of weapons and bring them to the Kashmir valley, according to the police officer. Assistant Inspector General, SSOC Amritsar, Sukhminder Singh Mann said it was also revealed that Uzair Ul Haq, a kin of Firdaus Ahmed Bhat, was earlier arrested in two cases pertaining to stone pelting in the Kulgam district. Raj Mohammad Andleeb has no previous criminal record, he added. Further investigations are being carried out to unearth the entire terror network of LeT, he said, adding efforts are also being made to detect the source of consignment. A case under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosives Act and sections 109, 115 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered in Amritsar. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp CHANDIGARH: In a joint operation with central agencies, the Punjab Police thwarted a possible terrorist attack in the border state by busting a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-backed module and arresting two operatives, a top official said on Saturday. Police also recovered from their possession two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as many hand grenades, 30 bore pistol with two magazines and 24 cartridges, eight detonators, one timer switch and four batteries. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the terror module is being handled by Firdaus Ahmed Bhat, an active Lashkar-e-Taiba member.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Great success by #PunjabPolice in war against #Terrorism 2 operatives of LeT have been arrested by SSOC, Amritsar with the support of central agency. @PunjabPoliceInd striving to make #Punjab secure & safe as per vision of CM @BhagwantMann pic.twitter.com/DI2f3qKk1R DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) October 14, 2023 Those arrested have been identified as Uzair Ul Haq of Rahpora Khudwani in Jammu and Kashmir and Raj Mohammad Andleeb of Kherwan, also in J&K. Police chief Yadav said the operation was launched following intelligence that the Punjab border is being used by the LeT for smuggling a huge consignment of arms and explosives and their two members are expected to retrieve the cache in the area of Kathu Nangal. Police's state special operation cell (SSOC) wing of Amritsar and central agencies launched the operation and apprehended the two persons with the weapon consignment, Yadav said. He said preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were recruited in a terror organisation by Firdaus Ahmed Bhat and the militant outfit was planning to use them to target prominent personalities and places of strategic importance in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab to disturb the peace and harmony of the country. The DGP said both the arrested persons were in constant touch with Bhat via various social media platforms. On Thursday, Bhat sent them to Amritsar to collect the consignment of weapons and bring them to the Kashmir valley, according to the police officer. Assistant Inspector General, SSOC Amritsar, Sukhminder Singh Mann said it was also revealed that Uzair Ul Haq, a kin of Firdaus Ahmed Bhat, was earlier arrested in two cases pertaining to stone pelting in the Kulgam district. Raj Mohammad Andleeb has no previous criminal record, he added. Further investigations are being carried out to unearth the entire terror network of LeT, he said, adding efforts are also being made to detect the source of consignment. A case under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosives Act and sections 109, 115 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered in Amritsar. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NAGPUR: A 24-year-old man has been arrested for setting ablaze a paint shop in Nagpur city after its owner sacked him over behavioural issues, an official said on Saturday. The incident took place in the Itwari area under the jurisdiction of the Tehsil police station in the early hours of Tuesday, less than 48 hours after accused Raunak Paliwal was shown the door apparently due to negligent behaviour. Initially, nobody had an inkling that Paliwal, who worked at the shop for about six months, would be involved in the arson, which caused a loss of nearly Rs 45 lakh to owner Burhan Daud Ajiz Daud (29). As the police were probing the matter, the owner of a neighbouring establishment handed over the footage of a CCTV camera to the paint shop owner. The footage turned out to be the clinching evidence, the official. The footage showed Paliwal pouring petrol into the shop through a gap in the shutter before setting the place on fire and fleeing on a two-wheeler. Based on a complaint by the owner's family and the CCTV footage, the police on Saturday arrested Paliwal. In custody, the accused said that he set the shop afire to take revenge for his sacking. A case has been registered against Paliwal under Indian Penal Code Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house, etc.), said the official, adding that he has been remanded in police custody for three days. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NAGPUR: A 24-year-old man has been arrested for setting ablaze a paint shop in Nagpur city after its owner sacked him over behavioural issues, an official said on Saturday. The incident took place in the Itwari area under the jurisdiction of the Tehsil police station in the early hours of Tuesday, less than 48 hours after accused Raunak Paliwal was shown the door apparently due to negligent behaviour. Initially, nobody had an inkling that Paliwal, who worked at the shop for about six months, would be involved in the arson, which caused a loss of nearly Rs 45 lakh to owner Burhan Daud Ajiz Daud (29).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As the police were probing the matter, the owner of a neighbouring establishment handed over the footage of a CCTV camera to the paint shop owner. The footage turned out to be the clinching evidence, the official. The footage showed Paliwal pouring petrol into the shop through a gap in the shutter before setting the place on fire and fleeing on a two-wheeler. Based on a complaint by the owner's family and the CCTV footage, the police on Saturday arrested Paliwal. In custody, the accused said that he set the shop afire to take revenge for his sacking. A case has been registered against Paliwal under Indian Penal Code Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house, etc.), said the official, adding that he has been remanded in police custody for three days. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: A special court of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh on Friday awarded a 10-year jail term along with a fine of Rs 10,000 each to 24 police personnel, including two personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 22 cops, in a case of an arms supply to Maoists in Chhattisgarh in 2010. As many as 76 CRPF personnel died and eight Maoists were killed in Dantewada in Chhattisgarh in April 2010. The court of Special Judge (EC Act) Vijay Kumar had declared the accused guilty on Thursday. Of the 22 personnel, most belonged to the UP Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). The main accused died during the trial that lasted over a decade. Rampur additional district government counsel (criminal) (ADC) Pratap Singh Maurya said, All the convicts were taken into custody on Thursday after the court found them guilty. Maurya said the incident happened in 2010 when the superintendent of UP Special Task Force (STF), posted in Lucknow, received inputs about the supply of cartridges, arms and ammunition to Maoists and terrorists of Chhattisgarh from Rampur through a person who was based in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). On April 29, 2010, the STF arrested three persons Yashonandan, a retired sub-inspector of PAC, Vinod Paswan and Vinesh Kumar from Rampur. Vinod and Vinesh were posted as havildars with CRPFs Rampur centre. The STF had recovered a cache of cartridges along with Insas rifles and cash. In all, ammunition in 12 sacks was found. After the FIR, all three were sent to judicial custody. On another tip-off given by Yashonandan, another person named Nathiram Saini was arrested from Moradabad, said Maurya. The UP STF ended up arresting and booking 23 cops. According to Maurya, Yashonandan had provided a diary with the names of the accused and details of their respective bank accounts. Maurya said most of the 23 personnel arrested later were posted with armouries in various districts across UP. They were accused of supplying ammunition to Maoists in an attack on a CRPF contingent in Dantewada in Chhattisgarh in April 2010, said Maurya. All accused were found guilty by the Rampur court under Sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent), 413 (habitually dealing in stolen property), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code (IPC). As per the ADC, Yashonandan was made the main accused in the chargesheet following the probe into the case. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp LUCKNOW: A special court of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh on Friday awarded a 10-year jail term along with a fine of Rs 10,000 each to 24 police personnel, including two personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 22 cops, in a case of an arms supply to Maoists in Chhattisgarh in 2010. As many as 76 CRPF personnel died and eight Maoists were killed in Dantewada in Chhattisgarh in April 2010. The court of Special Judge (EC Act) Vijay Kumar had declared the accused guilty on Thursday. Of the 22 personnel, most belonged to the UP Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). The main accused died during the trial that lasted over a decade. Rampur additional district government counsel (criminal) (ADC) Pratap Singh Maurya said, All the convicts were taken into custody on Thursday after the court found them guilty. Maurya said the incident happened in 2010 when the superintendent of UP Special Task Force (STF), posted in Lucknow, received inputs about the supply of cartridges, arms and ammunition to Maoists and terrorists of Chhattisgarh from Rampur through a person who was based in Allahabad (now Prayagraj).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On April 29, 2010, the STF arrested three persons Yashonandan, a retired sub-inspector of PAC, Vinod Paswan and Vinesh Kumar from Rampur. Vinod and Vinesh were posted as havildars with CRPFs Rampur centre. The STF had recovered a cache of cartridges along with Insas rifles and cash. In all, ammunition in 12 sacks was found. After the FIR, all three were sent to judicial custody. On another tip-off given by Yashonandan, another person named Nathiram Saini was arrested from Moradabad, said Maurya. The UP STF ended up arresting and booking 23 cops. According to Maurya, Yashonandan had provided a diary with the names of the accused and details of their respective bank accounts. Maurya said most of the 23 personnel arrested later were posted with armouries in various districts across UP. They were accused of supplying ammunition to Maoists in an attack on a CRPF contingent in Dantewada in Chhattisgarh in April 2010, said Maurya. All accused were found guilty by the Rampur court under Sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent), 413 (habitually dealing in stolen property), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code (IPC). As per the ADC, Yashonandan was made the main accused in the chargesheet following the probe into the case. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden has said that Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel and killed over 1,000 people, is worse than al-Qaeda, the terrorist group behind the 9/11 attacks, as he reaffirmed that the US stands with the Jewish state. At least 27 American citizens have died and 14 remain unaccounted for as a result of unfolding violence in Israel triggered after Hamas carried out unprecedented attacks in Southern Israel last Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response launched multiple attacks targeting Hamas' key infrastructure. So far, over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip in the biggest escalation in decades between the two sides. "The more we learn about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans," Biden said in Philadelphia. "These guys make -- they make al-Qaeda look pure. They're pure evil. Like I said from the beginning, the United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel. The United States stands with Israel," he said on Friday. Biden said his administration is making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks. He also said it is his priority to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel yesterday, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is there today," he said. READ MORE | After Blinken, Defense Secretary Austin reaffirms US support for Israel in its war with Hamas Biden said at his direction, his teams are working in the region, including communicating directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations, and the United Nations to surge support and humanitarian consequences for Hamas attacks to help Israel. "We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and their suffering as a result, as well. This morning, I spoke with the family members of all those Americans who are still unaccounted for, on a Zoom call, for about an hour and 10-15 minutes," he said. "They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and children are. You know, it's gut-wrenching. I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible - everything possible to return every missing American to their families," he said. Biden said his administration is working round the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and US partners around the region. "We're not going to stop till we bring them home," the president asserted. During a press gaggle, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said the US continues its significant engagement as it stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel and would make sure that they have every level of support in the days and weeks ahead. The United States continues to aggressively work with Egypt and Israel to navigate the possibility and create the conditions for the possibility of corridors for both safe passage for civilians who want to leave Gaza and flee the danger and also for humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian assistance that is critically needed to replenish stockpiles within Gaza, the senior US official said. "Both of these things are critically important. We continue to talk to our Egyptian and Israeli allies about the importance of those things also with the UN," Dalton said. "Hamas continues to engage in tactics like using tunnels under residential buildings to conduct their operations, holing up in hospitals and mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organisation with no regard for human life, with no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and we've got to continue to call it out," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented assault. READ MORE | 'India stands firmly with Israel': PM Modi tells Netanyahu in telephonic conversation Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden has said that Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel and killed over 1,000 people, is worse than al-Qaeda, the terrorist group behind the 9/11 attacks, as he reaffirmed that the US stands with the Jewish state. At least 27 American citizens have died and 14 remain unaccounted for as a result of unfolding violence in Israel triggered after Hamas carried out unprecedented attacks in Southern Israel last Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response launched multiple attacks targeting Hamas' key infrastructure. So far, over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip in the biggest escalation in decades between the two sides.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The more we learn about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans," Biden said in Philadelphia. "These guys make -- they make al-Qaeda look pure. They're pure evil. Like I said from the beginning, the United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel. The United States stands with Israel," he said on Friday. Biden said his administration is making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks. He also said it is his priority to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel yesterday, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is there today," he said. READ MORE | After Blinken, Defense Secretary Austin reaffirms US support for Israel in its war with Hamas Biden said at his direction, his teams are working in the region, including communicating directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations, and the United Nations to surge support and humanitarian consequences for Hamas attacks to help Israel. "We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and their suffering as a result, as well. This morning, I spoke with the family members of all those Americans who are still unaccounted for, on a Zoom call, for about an hour and 10-15 minutes," he said. "They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and children are. You know, it's gut-wrenching. I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible - everything possible to return every missing American to their families," he said. Biden said his administration is working round the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and US partners around the region. "We're not going to stop till we bring them home," the president asserted. During a press gaggle, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said the US continues its significant engagement as it stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel and would make sure that they have every level of support in the days and weeks ahead. The United States continues to aggressively work with Egypt and Israel to navigate the possibility and create the conditions for the possibility of corridors for both safe passage for civilians who want to leave Gaza and flee the danger and also for humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian assistance that is critically needed to replenish stockpiles within Gaza, the senior US official said. "Both of these things are critically important. We continue to talk to our Egyptian and Israeli allies about the importance of those things also with the UN," Dalton said. "Hamas continues to engage in tactics like using tunnels under residential buildings to conduct their operations, holing up in hospitals and mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organisation with no regard for human life, with no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and we've got to continue to call it out," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented assault. READ MORE | 'India stands firmly with Israel': PM Modi tells Netanyahu in telephonic conversation Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Over 160 countries from across the globe will take part in the UN World Tourism Organisation Summit that begins in Samarkand on Monday. "We are extremely proud to be hosting the 25th UNWTO Summit in Samarkand. India too is taking part in this historic event and we are hoping to discuss issues on tourism and investment in this sector which will bring the world closer to each other. India and Uzbekistan have long established historical ties with each other and we are sure that both nations will stand to benefit from this event," a spokesperson of the Embassy of Uzbekistan told The New Indian Express. India and Uzbekistan have direct flight connections and are hoping that the conclusion of the summit will see a further bolstering of ties. India is a country that most people in Uzbekistan are familiar with. However, as of now, tourists from China have the most footfalls in Uzbekistan. "There will be an investment forum held during the summit (which begins on 16th and concludes on 20th of October). We hope that Uzbekistan would attract more investments. We are also looking at partnerships in the education sector. Tourism not just takes us back to history but is a major source of income for many people across the world. It encourages the world to come together without any bias. There is a saying in our country that every guest should be treated like a father is treated in the family. We would like the delegates attending the event to go back with that feeling," the spokesperson added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Over 160 countries from across the globe will take part in the UN World Tourism Organisation Summit that begins in Samarkand on Monday. "We are extremely proud to be hosting the 25th UNWTO Summit in Samarkand. India too is taking part in this historic event and we are hoping to discuss issues on tourism and investment in this sector which will bring the world closer to each other. India and Uzbekistan have long established historical ties with each other and we are sure that both nations will stand to benefit from this event," a spokesperson of the Embassy of Uzbekistan told The New Indian Express. India and Uzbekistan have direct flight connections and are hoping that the conclusion of the summit will see a further bolstering of ties. India is a country that most people in Uzbekistan are familiar with. However, as of now, tourists from China have the most footfalls in Uzbekistan.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "There will be an investment forum held during the summit (which begins on 16th and concludes on 20th of October). We hope that Uzbekistan would attract more investments. We are also looking at partnerships in the education sector. Tourism not just takes us back to history but is a major source of income for many people across the world. It encourages the world to come together without any bias. There is a saying in our country that every guest should be treated like a father is treated in the family. We would like the delegates attending the event to go back with that feeling," the spokesperson added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the state administration to ensure the safe return of 35 Odia workers reportedly held captive by a private company in Laos.The chief ministers office (CMO) maintained as per the direction of the chief minister, labour commissioner N Thirumala Naik has taken up the matter with the Indian embassy at Laos. The Embassy authorities have informed they are in touch with the labourers and all necessary steps will be taken for their safe return to India. A report was published in The New Indian Express on Friday stating at least 35 workers from Kendrapara district have been held captive by their employer in Attapeu province of Laos. The matter came to the light when the workers sent videos to their families narrating their plight. Belonging to Jaynagar panchayat under Rajkanika block of the district, the workers said they were engaged in a wood processing unit in Laos. The workers alleged they are being physically and mentally tortured by their employer. On Thursday, family members of the workers had met officials of Labour department and requested them to take steps for their safe return.They said each of the youths had paid Rs 1.50 lakh for transportation expenses and the agent had promised them a salary of Rs 70,000 per month.Kendrapara district labour officer Ashok Murmu had said, We have informed the higher authorities of the Labour department of the matter. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the state administration to ensure the safe return of 35 Odia workers reportedly held captive by a private company in Laos.The chief ministers office (CMO) maintained as per the direction of the chief minister, labour commissioner N Thirumala Naik has taken up the matter with the Indian embassy at Laos. The Embassy authorities have informed they are in touch with the labourers and all necessary steps will be taken for their safe return to India. A report was published in The New Indian Express on Friday stating at least 35 workers from Kendrapara district have been held captive by their employer in Attapeu province of Laos. The matter came to the light when the workers sent videos to their families narrating their plight. Belonging to Jaynagar panchayat under Rajkanika block of the district, the workers said they were engaged in a wood processing unit in Laos. The workers alleged they are being physically and mentally tortured by their employer. On Thursday, family members of the workers had met officials of Labour department and requested them to take steps for their safe return.They said each of the youths had paid Rs 1.50 lakh for transportation expenses and the agent had promised them a salary of Rs 70,000 per month.Kendrapara district labour officer Ashok Murmu had said, We have informed the higher authorities of the Labour department of the matter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in the spotlight for sometime now. It began with protests by his country's own citizens over the reforms he was trying to bring about in Israel a few months back. The terror attacks by Hamas on October 7 have made things worse for him. The government led by the 73-year-old, known as Bibi, was caught unawares when hundreds of Hamas gunmen were able to cross the heavily fortified border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, and thousands of rockets rained from Gaza into Israel. Shockingly, Israel's domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, world-renowned external spy agency Mossad and the Israeli military's own intelligence assets did not see this coming. "We are in a war for the house and it must end in one thing: complete victory, crushing and eliminating Hamas," said Netanyahu on Friday reaffirming his resolve to continue the offensive on Gaza. However, despite the rhetoric, a poll conducted by Israeli research institutes indicates that Netanyahus popularity has dropped since Hamass devastating attack last weekend, while that of Benny Gantz, a former general whos now part of Israels war cabinet, has surged. The survey, published by Maariv newspaper on Friday and carried out by Lazar Research in partnership with Panel4All, showed opposition parties would win a crushing majority against Netanyahus coalition if elections were held now. Of the roughly 600 people surveyed, 48 per cent said Gantz was their preferred prime minister, while 29 per cent chose Netanyahu. Netanyahu, the longest serving Israeli Prime Minister, has repeatedly formulated his policies around the idea that Israel can resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict and proceed to normalize relations with Arab countries without engaging with the Palestinians. However, the present conflict suggests otherwise. Many countries like China, Qatar and Iran are opposing Israel. There have been pro-Palestine protests held in many parts of the world. In what is being viewed as a stray incident, an Israeli diplomat was stabbed in Beijing raising concerns over the security of Israelis living across the world. Israel has warned one million Palestinians living in Gaza to flee. Their basic supplies like water and electricity have been cut. This move has been criticised in many parts of the world, and is likely to escalate tensions further. On Saturday, Irans foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian urged Israel to stop attacks on Gaza warning that otherwise it would expand to other parts of Middle East if Hezbollah joined it. "Israel would suffer an earthquake," he warned. Whether this would have any bearing on Netanyahus offensive, time will tell. Elected for his sixth term on December 29th 2022, Netanyahu is a far-right leader who is also on trial for corruption. Netanyahu was born in Jaffa in 1949. His mother Tzila Segal was an Israeli-born Jew and father Benzion Netanyahu was from Poland. He was raised in Jerusalem and had his high school education in the US. In 1967, Netanyahu joined the Israeli army and soon became an elite commando who served as captain during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. In 1982, Netanyahu was appointed deputy chief of mission at the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC. In 1984, he was appointed Israels ambassador to the United Nations. His political career began when he was appointed as deputy foreign minister in 1988 in the cabinet of then Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir. He became the chairman of the Likud party in 1993, which he lost to Ariel Sharon and regained in 2005. He served as the PM of Israel from 1996 to 1999 and a record 12-year tenure from 2009 to 2021. ALSO READ: Israel-Hamas war LIVE | Gaza death toll rises to 2,215 including 724 children: ministry Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in the spotlight for sometime now. It began with protests by his country's own citizens over the reforms he was trying to bring about in Israel a few months back. The terror attacks by Hamas on October 7 have made things worse for him. The government led by the 73-year-old, known as Bibi, was caught unawares when hundreds of Hamas gunmen were able to cross the heavily fortified border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, and thousands of rockets rained from Gaza into Israel. Shockingly, Israel's domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, world-renowned external spy agency Mossad and the Israeli military's own intelligence assets did not see this coming.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We are in a war for the house and it must end in one thing: complete victory, crushing and eliminating Hamas," said Netanyahu on Friday reaffirming his resolve to continue the offensive on Gaza. However, despite the rhetoric, a poll conducted by Israeli research institutes indicates that Netanyahus popularity has dropped since Hamass devastating attack last weekend, while that of Benny Gantz, a former general whos now part of Israels war cabinet, has surged. The survey, published by Maariv newspaper on Friday and carried out by Lazar Research in partnership with Panel4All, showed opposition parties would win a crushing majority against Netanyahus coalition if elections were held now. Of the roughly 600 people surveyed, 48 per cent said Gantz was their preferred prime minister, while 29 per cent chose Netanyahu. Netanyahu, the longest serving Israeli Prime Minister, has repeatedly formulated his policies around the idea that Israel can resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict and proceed to normalize relations with Arab countries without engaging with the Palestinians. However, the present conflict suggests otherwise. Many countries like China, Qatar and Iran are opposing Israel. There have been pro-Palestine protests held in many parts of the world. In what is being viewed as a stray incident, an Israeli diplomat was stabbed in Beijing raising concerns over the security of Israelis living across the world. Israel has warned one million Palestinians living in Gaza to flee. Their basic supplies like water and electricity have been cut. This move has been criticised in many parts of the world, and is likely to escalate tensions further. On Saturday, Irans foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian urged Israel to stop attacks on Gaza warning that otherwise it would expand to other parts of Middle East if Hezbollah joined it. "Israel would suffer an earthquake," he warned. Whether this would have any bearing on Netanyahus offensive, time will tell. Elected for his sixth term on December 29th 2022, Netanyahu is a far-right leader who is also on trial for corruption. Netanyahu was born in Jaffa in 1949. His mother Tzila Segal was an Israeli-born Jew and father Benzion Netanyahu was from Poland. He was raised in Jerusalem and had his high school education in the US. In 1967, Netanyahu joined the Israeli army and soon became an elite commando who served as captain during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. In 1982, Netanyahu was appointed deputy chief of mission at the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC. In 1984, he was appointed Israels ambassador to the United Nations. His political career began when he was appointed as deputy foreign minister in 1988 in the cabinet of then Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir. He became the chairman of the Likud party in 1993, which he lost to Ariel Sharon and regained in 2005. He served as the PM of Israel from 1996 to 1999 and a record 12-year tenure from 2009 to 2021. ALSO READ: Israel-Hamas war LIVE | Gaza death toll rises to 2,215 including 724 children: ministry Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Associated Press JERUSALEM: In Israel's call for the evacuation of half of Gaza's population, many Palestinians fear a repeat of the most traumatic event in their tortured history, their mass exodus from what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding its creation. Palestinians refer to it as the Nakba, or "catastrophe." An estimated 700,000 Palestinians, a majority of the prewar population, fled or were expelled from what is now Israel in the months before and during the war, in which Jewish fighters fended off an attack by several Arab states. The Palestinians packed their belongings, piling into cars, trucks and donkey carts. Many locked their doors and took their keys with them, expecting to return when the war ended. Seventy-five years later, they have not been allowed back. Emptied towns were renamed, villages were demolished, homes reclaimed by forests in Israeli nature reserves. Israel refused to allow the Palestinians to return, because it would threaten the Jewish majority within the country's borders. So the refugees and their descendants, who now number nearly 6 million, settled in camps in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Those camps eventually grew into built-up neighbourhoods. ALSO READ | 'I just really, really want to live': The impossible choice facing Palestinians in Gaza In Gaza, the vast majority of the population are Palestinian refugees, many of whose relatives fled from the same areas that Hamas attacked last weekend. The Palestinians insist they have the right to return, something Israel still adamantly rejects. Their fate was among the thorniest issues in the peace process, which ground to a halt more than a decade ago. Now, Palestinians fear the most painful moment from their history is repeating itself. "You look at those pictures of people without cars, on donkeys, hungry and barefoot, getting out any way they can to go to the south," said political analyst Talal Awkal, who has decided to stay in Gaza City because he doesn't think the south will be any safer. "It is a catastrophe for Palestinians, it is a Nakba," he said. "They are displacing an entire population from its homeland." Israel has vowed to crush Hamas after its bloody October 7 incursion. Militants killed over 1,300 Israelis, many in brutal fashion, and captured around 150 -- including soldiers and civilians, young and old. Israel has launched blistering waves of airstrikes on Gaza in response that have already killed over 1,500 Palestinians, and the war appears set to escalate further. ALSO READ | Bibi's popularity takes a beating in Israel amid war against Hamas On Friday, Israel called on all Palestinians living in northern Gaza, including Gaza City, to head south. The evacuation orders apply to more than a million people, about half the population of the narrow, 40-kilometer (25-mile) coastal strip. With Israel having sealed Gaza's borders, the only direction to flee is south, toward Egypt. But Israel is still carrying out airstrikes across the Gaza, and Egypt has rushed to secure its border against any mass influx of Palestinians. It too, fears another Nakba. Israeli officials say the evacuation is aimed at sparing civilians and denying Hamas the ability to use them as human shields. "The camouflage of the terrorists is the civil population," Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Friday. "We need to separate them. So those who want to save their life, please go south." The military has said those who leave can return when hostilities end, but many Palestinians are deeply suspicious. Israel's far-right government has empowered extremists who support the idea of deporting Palestinians, and in the wake of the Hamas attack some have openly called for mass expulsion. Some are West Bank settlers still angry over Israel's unilateral pullout from Gaza in 2005. "Right now, one goal: Nakba! A Nakba that will overshadow the Nakba of 48. Nakba in Gaza and Nakba to anyone who dares to join! Ariel Kallner, a member of parliament from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud, wrote on social media after the Hamas attack. ALSO READ | Iran's foreign minister warns Israel from Beirut it could suffer 'a huge earthquake' Hamas, meanwhile, has told people to remain in their homes, dismissing the Israeli orders as a ploy. President Mahmoud Abbas, who heads the internationally-recognized Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, also rejected the evacuation orders, saying they would lead to a "new Nakba". Abbas, 87, is a refugee from Safed, in what is now northern Israel. He wore a key-shaped lapel pin when he addressed the United Nations last month, noting the 75th anniversary of the Nakba. Palestinians have heard their relatives' stories, and have been raised on the idea that the only hope for their decades-long struggle for self-determination is steadfastness on the land. But many in Gaza may be too frightened, exhausted and desperate to make a stand. For nearly a week, they have been seeking safety under a barrage of Israeli airstrikes that have demolished entire city blocks, sometimes hitting without warning. There's a territory-wide electricity blackout and dwindling supplies of food, fuel and medicine. ALSO READ | Israel's order on relocating Gaza residents 'extremely dangerous': UN chief Guterres The south isn't safe, but if Israel launches a ground offensive in the north, as seems increasingly likely, it might be their best hope for survival, even if they never return. "The experience that happened with our families in 1948 taught us that if you leave, you will not return," said Khader Dibs, who lives in the crowded Shuafat refugee camp on the outskirts of Jerusalem. "The Palestinian people are dying and the Gaza Strip is being wiped out." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JERUSALEM: In Israel's call for the evacuation of half of Gaza's population, many Palestinians fear a repeat of the most traumatic event in their tortured history, their mass exodus from what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding its creation. Palestinians refer to it as the Nakba, or "catastrophe." An estimated 700,000 Palestinians, a majority of the prewar population, fled or were expelled from what is now Israel in the months before and during the war, in which Jewish fighters fended off an attack by several Arab states. The Palestinians packed their belongings, piling into cars, trucks and donkey carts. Many locked their doors and took their keys with them, expecting to return when the war ended.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Seventy-five years later, they have not been allowed back. Emptied towns were renamed, villages were demolished, homes reclaimed by forests in Israeli nature reserves. Israel refused to allow the Palestinians to return, because it would threaten the Jewish majority within the country's borders. So the refugees and their descendants, who now number nearly 6 million, settled in camps in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Those camps eventually grew into built-up neighbourhoods. ALSO READ | 'I just really, really want to live': The impossible choice facing Palestinians in Gaza In Gaza, the vast majority of the population are Palestinian refugees, many of whose relatives fled from the same areas that Hamas attacked last weekend. The Palestinians insist they have the right to return, something Israel still adamantly rejects. Their fate was among the thorniest issues in the peace process, which ground to a halt more than a decade ago. Now, Palestinians fear the most painful moment from their history is repeating itself. "You look at those pictures of people without cars, on donkeys, hungry and barefoot, getting out any way they can to go to the south," said political analyst Talal Awkal, who has decided to stay in Gaza City because he doesn't think the south will be any safer. "It is a catastrophe for Palestinians, it is a Nakba," he said. "They are displacing an entire population from its homeland." Israel has vowed to crush Hamas after its bloody October 7 incursion. Militants killed over 1,300 Israelis, many in brutal fashion, and captured around 150 -- including soldiers and civilians, young and old. Israel has launched blistering waves of airstrikes on Gaza in response that have already killed over 1,500 Palestinians, and the war appears set to escalate further. ALSO READ | Bibi's popularity takes a beating in Israel amid war against Hamas On Friday, Israel called on all Palestinians living in northern Gaza, including Gaza City, to head south. The evacuation orders apply to more than a million people, about half the population of the narrow, 40-kilometer (25-mile) coastal strip. With Israel having sealed Gaza's borders, the only direction to flee is south, toward Egypt. But Israel is still carrying out airstrikes across the Gaza, and Egypt has rushed to secure its border against any mass influx of Palestinians. It too, fears another Nakba. Israeli officials say the evacuation is aimed at sparing civilians and denying Hamas the ability to use them as human shields. "The camouflage of the terrorists is the civil population," Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Friday. "We need to separate them. So those who want to save their life, please go south." The military has said those who leave can return when hostilities end, but many Palestinians are deeply suspicious. Israel's far-right government has empowered extremists who support the idea of deporting Palestinians, and in the wake of the Hamas attack some have openly called for mass expulsion. Some are West Bank settlers still angry over Israel's unilateral pullout from Gaza in 2005. "Right now, one goal: Nakba! A Nakba that will overshadow the Nakba of 48. Nakba in Gaza and Nakba to anyone who dares to join! Ariel Kallner, a member of parliament from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud, wrote on social media after the Hamas attack. ALSO READ | Iran's foreign minister warns Israel from Beirut it could suffer 'a huge earthquake' Hamas, meanwhile, has told people to remain in their homes, dismissing the Israeli orders as a ploy. President Mahmoud Abbas, who heads the internationally-recognized Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, also rejected the evacuation orders, saying they would lead to a "new Nakba". Abbas, 87, is a refugee from Safed, in what is now northern Israel. He wore a key-shaped lapel pin when he addressed the United Nations last month, noting the 75th anniversary of the Nakba. Palestinians have heard their relatives' stories, and have been raised on the idea that the only hope for their decades-long struggle for self-determination is steadfastness on the land. But many in Gaza may be too frightened, exhausted and desperate to make a stand. For nearly a week, they have been seeking safety under a barrage of Israeli airstrikes that have demolished entire city blocks, sometimes hitting without warning. There's a territory-wide electricity blackout and dwindling supplies of food, fuel and medicine. ALSO READ | Israel's order on relocating Gaza residents 'extremely dangerous': UN chief Guterres The south isn't safe, but if Israel launches a ground offensive in the north, as seems increasingly likely, it might be their best hope for survival, even if they never return. "The experience that happened with our families in 1948 taught us that if you leave, you will not return," said Khader Dibs, who lives in the crowded Shuafat refugee camp on the outskirts of Jerusalem. "The Palestinian people are dying and the Gaza Strip is being wiped out." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Associated Press LONDON: Ada Sagi was getting ready to travel to London to celebrate her 75th birthday with family when Hamas militants attacked her kibbutz and took her hostage. The trip was supposed to be a joyous occasion after a year of trauma. Her husband died of cancer last year, she had struggled with allergies and was recovering from hip replacement surgery. But the grandmother of six was getting through it, even though it was hard. They had a very, very, very strong bond of 54 years, her son Noam, a psychotherapist in London, told The Associated Press. And my mum, this is her main thing now, really, just getting her life back after dealing with the loss of my dad. Ada Sagi was born in Tel Aviv in 1948, the daughter of Holocaust survivors from Poland. She moved to a kibbutz at the age of 18, not for religious reasons but because she was attracted by the ideals of equality and humanity on which the communal settlements were built. ALSO READ | In Israel's call for mass evacuation, Palestinians hear echoes of 'Nakba' their original exodus A mother of three, Ada decided to learn Arabic so she could make friends with her neighbors and build a better future for her children. She later taught the language to other Israelis as a way to improve communication with the Palestinians who live near Kibbutz Nir Oz, on the southeastern border of the Gaza Strip. That was, for many years, her mission, Noam said. While he hopes his mothers language skills will help her negotiate with the hostage takers, he is calling on the international community for assistance. The only hope I have now is almost like for humanity to do something and for me to see my mother again and for my son to see his grandmother again, he said. I think we need humanity to actually flex its muscle here, and by telling her story that is all Im trying to do. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp LONDON: Ada Sagi was getting ready to travel to London to celebrate her 75th birthday with family when Hamas militants attacked her kibbutz and took her hostage. The trip was supposed to be a joyous occasion after a year of trauma. Her husband died of cancer last year, she had struggled with allergies and was recovering from hip replacement surgery. But the grandmother of six was getting through it, even though it was hard. They had a very, very, very strong bond of 54 years, her son Noam, a psychotherapist in London, told The Associated Press. And my mum, this is her main thing now, really, just getting her life back after dealing with the loss of my dad.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Ada Sagi was born in Tel Aviv in 1948, the daughter of Holocaust survivors from Poland. She moved to a kibbutz at the age of 18, not for religious reasons but because she was attracted by the ideals of equality and humanity on which the communal settlements were built. ALSO READ | In Israel's call for mass evacuation, Palestinians hear echoes of 'Nakba' their original exodus A mother of three, Ada decided to learn Arabic so she could make friends with her neighbors and build a better future for her children. She later taught the language to other Israelis as a way to improve communication with the Palestinians who live near Kibbutz Nir Oz, on the southeastern border of the Gaza Strip. That was, for many years, her mission, Noam said. While he hopes his mothers language skills will help her negotiate with the hostage takers, he is calling on the international community for assistance. The only hope I have now is almost like for humanity to do something and for me to see my mother again and for my son to see his grandmother again, he said. I think we need humanity to actually flex its muscle here, and by telling her story that is all Im trying to do. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP BEIRUT: A Reuters journalist was killed Friday and six others from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded while working in southern Lebanon, the three news organisations said. A group of journalists from different media outlets was near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught up in cross-border shelling, one of the two wounded AFP correspondents said. A Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border. "We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," Reuters said in a statement, adding he "was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon". AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre for treatment. ALSO READ: As airstrikes devastate Gaza, Israel says it's preparing for possible ground assault Two other Reuters reporters, "Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care," Reuters said, adding it was "urgently seeking more information". Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming "Israeli bombing on their vehicle". They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya. "We are deeply concerned that a group of journalists who were clearly identified have been killed and injured while doing their job," said AFP's global news director Phil Chetwynd. "We send our deepest condolences to our friends at Reuters for the loss of Issam and we are all pulling for our injured colleagues in hospital." 'Must be halted' AFP correspondents had reported shelling targeting the villages of Dhayra, Alma al-Shaab and Adaysseh, with smoke billowing from the area. The Israeli army had said in a statement not long before the journalists were hit: "A short while ago, a blast occurred on the border fence in Hanita (Western Galilee)," referring to a point in Israel just across the border from Alma al-Shaab. "Light damage was caused to the wall. In response, IDF (army) forces are currently responding with artillery fire towards Lebanese territory." Iran-backed Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah said it retaliated by firing at several positions in Israel. An Israeli spokesperson said later on X, formerly Twitter, that a remote-operated army aircraft was striking Hezbollah targets. WATCH HERE: The army also said that an "unidentified target crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanese territory and was successfully intercepted by air defence fighters". The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said it had "actively engaged with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate the situation". The UN demarcation line was drawn when Israeli troops withdrew from south Lebanon in 2000 after a 22-year-long occupation of the area. Lebanon and Israel are still technically at war, and UN peacekeepers have been deployed in Lebanon since 1978. "The potential for this escalation to spiral out of control is clear, and it must be halted," the force warned in a statement. ALSO READ| Israel-Hamas war: Five Palestinian journalists killed; two photographers missing 'Directly targeted' In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah fought a bloody conflict that left more than 1,200 dead in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 160 in Israel, mostly soldiers. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Israeli forces had "directly targeted journalists as part of their ongoing attacks on Lebanese territory". UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences" to the family of Reuters journalist Abdallah and other journalists killed in the line of duty. "I want to say how much this demonstrates the enormous risk of spillover of this conflict, namely in relation to Lebanon," Guterres said of the Israel-Hamas conflict. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said on X: "Our hearts are with the families of the journalists who lost their lives and those who suffered injuries in Lebanon. Journalists do critical work to better inform the public, often in dangerous conditions." The Israel-Lebanon border has seen a series of flare-ups since a bloody attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on October 7. Hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the border from Gaza into Israel on Saturday, killing more than 1,300 people, most of them civilians, and seizing about 150 hostages. Israel has retaliated by bombarding Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, killing some 1,900 people, and warned 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south. READ HERE: Israel pounds Gaza after Hamas threatens hostages, mobilizes 300,000 reservists as war enters fourth day Israel retakes Gaza border areas as war death toll mounts Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BEIRUT: A Reuters journalist was killed Friday and six others from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded while working in southern Lebanon, the three news organisations said. A group of journalists from different media outlets was near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught up in cross-border shelling, one of the two wounded AFP correspondents said. A Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," Reuters said in a statement, adding he "was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon". AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre for treatment. ALSO READ: As airstrikes devastate Gaza, Israel says it's preparing for possible ground assault Two other Reuters reporters, "Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care," Reuters said, adding it was "urgently seeking more information". Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming "Israeli bombing on their vehicle". They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya. "We are deeply concerned that a group of journalists who were clearly identified have been killed and injured while doing their job," said AFP's global news director Phil Chetwynd. "We send our deepest condolences to our friends at Reuters for the loss of Issam and we are all pulling for our injured colleagues in hospital." 'Must be halted' AFP correspondents had reported shelling targeting the villages of Dhayra, Alma al-Shaab and Adaysseh, with smoke billowing from the area. The Israeli army had said in a statement not long before the journalists were hit: "A short while ago, a blast occurred on the border fence in Hanita (Western Galilee)," referring to a point in Israel just across the border from Alma al-Shaab. "Light damage was caused to the wall. In response, IDF (army) forces are currently responding with artillery fire towards Lebanese territory." Iran-backed Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah said it retaliated by firing at several positions in Israel. An Israeli spokesperson said later on X, formerly Twitter, that a remote-operated army aircraft was striking Hezbollah targets. WATCH HERE: The army also said that an "unidentified target crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanese territory and was successfully intercepted by air defence fighters". The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said it had "actively engaged with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate the situation". The UN demarcation line was drawn when Israeli troops withdrew from south Lebanon in 2000 after a 22-year-long occupation of the area. Lebanon and Israel are still technically at war, and UN peacekeepers have been deployed in Lebanon since 1978. "The potential for this escalation to spiral out of control is clear, and it must be halted," the force warned in a statement. ALSO READ| Israel-Hamas war: Five Palestinian journalists killed; two photographers missing 'Directly targeted' In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah fought a bloody conflict that left more than 1,200 dead in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 160 in Israel, mostly soldiers. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Israeli forces had "directly targeted journalists as part of their ongoing attacks on Lebanese territory". UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences" to the family of Reuters journalist Abdallah and other journalists killed in the line of duty. "I want to say how much this demonstrates the enormous risk of spillover of this conflict, namely in relation to Lebanon," Guterres said of the Israel-Hamas conflict. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said on X: "Our hearts are with the families of the journalists who lost their lives and those who suffered injuries in Lebanon. Journalists do critical work to better inform the public, often in dangerous conditions." The Israel-Lebanon border has seen a series of flare-ups since a bloody attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on October 7. Hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the border from Gaza into Israel on Saturday, killing more than 1,300 people, most of them civilians, and seizing about 150 hostages. Israel has retaliated by bombarding Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, killing some 1,900 people, and warned 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south. READ HERE: Israel pounds Gaza after Hamas threatens hostages, mobilizes 300,000 reservists as war enters fourth day Israel retakes Gaza border areas as war death toll mounts Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP SHEBAA: Two Lebanese civilians were killed in Israeli shelling of the southern village of Shebaa on Saturday, its mayor told AFP, the latest casualties of cross-border tensions over Israel's war with Hamas. Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in Lebanon have exchanged cross-border fire with the Israeli army since a shock October 7 attack by Hamas killed more than 1,300 people in Israel. The Palestinian gunmen also seized an estimated 150 hostages while Israel's retaliatory air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 2,200 people in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. "A man and his wife have been killed in their home by Israeli shelling," mayor Mohammad Saab told AFP, adding they were both in their forties. An AFP correspondent near Shebaa earlier reported heavy shelling in the area. Israel has traded fire with Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions in Lebanon on a near-daily basis since Sunday, although the tit-for-tat attacks had so far remained limited. Earlier Saturday, Hezbollah said it shelled Israeli positions in the contested Shebaa Farms district of the border "with guided missiles and mortar shells" and later said it had again launched strikes in the same area. The Israeli military said it retaliated by "striking the origin of the launches," after earlier saying they had killed several "terrorists" trying to cross the border. ALSO READ: Hezbollah fires missiles into Israel; Tel Aviv carries out retaliatory strikes in Lebanon Lebanon said on Saturday that Israel was behind cross-border fire that killed a Reuters journalist and wounded six others the previous day. Israel's military said it was looking into the circumstances of the deadly strike, which also wounded journalists from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera. Commenting on the Friday attack, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which acts as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel, said that Israel struck a position near the village of Alma al-Shaab, where the group of journalists were located. Its peacekeepers also reported "gunfire and explosions afterwards". "Based on what UNIFIL was able to observe, at this stage we cannot say with certainty how a group of journalists who were covering the events were hit," the statement said. On Monday, Hezbollah said Israeli strikes had killed three of its members, after Palestinian militants tried to infiltrate into Israel from Lebanon. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp SHEBAA: Two Lebanese civilians were killed in Israeli shelling of the southern village of Shebaa on Saturday, its mayor told AFP, the latest casualties of cross-border tensions over Israel's war with Hamas. Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in Lebanon have exchanged cross-border fire with the Israeli army since a shock October 7 attack by Hamas killed more than 1,300 people in Israel. The Palestinian gunmen also seized an estimated 150 hostages while Israel's retaliatory air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 2,200 people in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "A man and his wife have been killed in their home by Israeli shelling," mayor Mohammad Saab told AFP, adding they were both in their forties. An AFP correspondent near Shebaa earlier reported heavy shelling in the area. Israel has traded fire with Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions in Lebanon on a near-daily basis since Sunday, although the tit-for-tat attacks had so far remained limited. Earlier Saturday, Hezbollah said it shelled Israeli positions in the contested Shebaa Farms district of the border "with guided missiles and mortar shells" and later said it had again launched strikes in the same area. The Israeli military said it retaliated by "striking the origin of the launches," after earlier saying they had killed several "terrorists" trying to cross the border. ALSO READ: Hezbollah fires missiles into Israel; Tel Aviv carries out retaliatory strikes in Lebanon Lebanon said on Saturday that Israel was behind cross-border fire that killed a Reuters journalist and wounded six others the previous day. Israel's military said it was looking into the circumstances of the deadly strike, which also wounded journalists from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera. Commenting on the Friday attack, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which acts as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel, said that Israel struck a position near the village of Alma al-Shaab, where the group of journalists were located. Its peacekeepers also reported "gunfire and explosions afterwards". "Based on what UNIFIL was able to observe, at this stage we cannot say with certainty how a group of journalists who were covering the events were hit," the statement said. On Monday, Hezbollah said Israeli strikes had killed three of its members, after Palestinian militants tried to infiltrate into Israel from Lebanon. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP GAZA STRIP: Israeli forces were Sunday readying for a looming Gaza ground invasion aimed at destroying Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group that unleashed the bloodiest attack in the country's history. In the eight days since Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,300 Israelis in their surprise onslaught, Israel has responded with a devastating bombing campaign that has claimed over 2,300 lives in Gaza. Entire Gaza city blocks lie in ruins and hospitals are overflowing with thousands of wounded in the besieged territory, but there were fears of worse to come. A bereaved and infuriated Israel has massed forces outside the long-blockaded enclave of 2.4 million people ahead of what the army has said will be a land, air and sea attack involving a "significant ground operation". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wearing a flak jacket, visited front line troops Saturday. "Are you ready for what is coming?" he said. "More is coming." Special forces have made forays into Gaza and recovered the bodies of some of the up to 150 hostages feared taken by Hamas, the army said. Israel has said it has identified 120 captives, while Hamas has claimed 22 have died in Israeli air strikes. A ground invasion threatens to bring the kind of gruelling house-to-house fighting that devastated Iraq's Mosul and Fallujah in years past, further complicated by Hamas' vast tunnel network. Israel has warned 1.1 million Palestinian civilians to leave northern Gaza and a steady stream of families in overloaded cars, trucks and donkey carts have since headed south. Israel has accused Hamas of blocking them from fleeing in order to use them as "human shields". READ MORE | Far from Israel, Jews grieve and pray for peace in first Shabbat services since Hamas attack Catastrophic situation Alarm has grown about a wider humanitarian crisis in Gaza where Israel has cut off water, food and power, vowing to maintain the complete siege until all hostages are freed. Fear and chaos reigned in the 40-kilometre (25-mile) long strip that is one of the world's most densely populated areas, with no place for large numbers of internally displaced people to flee to. "The situation is catastrophic," said Jumaa Nasser, who travelled from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza with his wife, mother and seven children. "We've had no food or sleep. We don't know what to do. I've given my fate up to God." China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi charged that Israel's actions in Gaza have gone "beyond the scope of self-defence" and said it must "cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza". Egypt to the south controls the only other crossing with Gaza but has so far refused to open it for Palestinian or foreign refugees unless aid convoys are allowed to enter, according to unnamed intelligence sources cited in media reports. Anger has flared in much of the Muslim world and beyond, with pro-Palestinian protesters burning Israeli and American flags. Militant groups allied with Israel's arch-foe Iran have a strong presence in neighbouring Lebanon and Syria, heightening the risk of a multi-front war for Israel. The past week has seen repeated clashes on Israel's northern border with Lebanon where the Iran-back Hezbollah movement has tried to send small groups of militants across the border. The United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region in an effort to "deter hostile actions against Israel", Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said. Grief and fury The mood in Israel has swung between collective grief, fury and a strong desire to punish Hamas which Netanyahu has likened to the Islamic State group. Public outrage has been fuelled by images virally shared on social media of Israeli youths and families shot, stabbed and burnt in the Hamas attack. The army said Sunday a strike had killed Billal Al Kedra, the Hamas commander "responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre" where residents were killed in their homes and others were under siege for nine hours before soldiers came to their rescue. The army has called up 300,000 reserve units and sought to quickly refresh their skills in training courses, while convoys of trucks have rushed tanks to the south. Planeloads of Israelis have returned from around the world to join the latest of the many wars in Israel's 75-year history. More ominously, an underground parking lot in the coastal city of Haifa has been converted into a trauma hospital. Over the past week, Israel has levelled more than 5,500 buildings in Gaza while Hamas has fired thousands of rockets at Israel, most intercepted by missile defence systems. Gaza's electricity outage threatens to cripple the enclave's life-support systems, from seawater desalination plants to food refrigeration and baby incubators in hospitals. ALSO READ | US sends second aircraft carrier ' to deter hostile actions against Israel' US President Joe Biden told Netanyahu in a call Saturday that the United States was working with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan and others "to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care". The White House said Biden also spoke with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and pledged "full support" to the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, "particularly in Gaza". READ MORE | Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Families flee northern Gaza before Israel's invasion Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp GAZA STRIP: Israeli forces were Sunday readying for a looming Gaza ground invasion aimed at destroying Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group that unleashed the bloodiest attack in the country's history. In the eight days since Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,300 Israelis in their surprise onslaught, Israel has responded with a devastating bombing campaign that has claimed over 2,300 lives in Gaza. Entire Gaza city blocks lie in ruins and hospitals are overflowing with thousands of wounded in the besieged territory, but there were fears of worse to come.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A bereaved and infuriated Israel has massed forces outside the long-blockaded enclave of 2.4 million people ahead of what the army has said will be a land, air and sea attack involving a "significant ground operation". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wearing a flak jacket, visited front line troops Saturday. "Are you ready for what is coming?" he said. "More is coming." Special forces have made forays into Gaza and recovered the bodies of some of the up to 150 hostages feared taken by Hamas, the army said. Israel has said it has identified 120 captives, while Hamas has claimed 22 have died in Israeli air strikes. A ground invasion threatens to bring the kind of gruelling house-to-house fighting that devastated Iraq's Mosul and Fallujah in years past, further complicated by Hamas' vast tunnel network. Israel has warned 1.1 million Palestinian civilians to leave northern Gaza and a steady stream of families in overloaded cars, trucks and donkey carts have since headed south. Israel has accused Hamas of blocking them from fleeing in order to use them as "human shields". READ MORE | Far from Israel, Jews grieve and pray for peace in first Shabbat services since Hamas attack Catastrophic situation Alarm has grown about a wider humanitarian crisis in Gaza where Israel has cut off water, food and power, vowing to maintain the complete siege until all hostages are freed. Fear and chaos reigned in the 40-kilometre (25-mile) long strip that is one of the world's most densely populated areas, with no place for large numbers of internally displaced people to flee to. "The situation is catastrophic," said Jumaa Nasser, who travelled from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza with his wife, mother and seven children. "We've had no food or sleep. We don't know what to do. I've given my fate up to God." China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi charged that Israel's actions in Gaza have gone "beyond the scope of self-defence" and said it must "cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza". Egypt to the south controls the only other crossing with Gaza but has so far refused to open it for Palestinian or foreign refugees unless aid convoys are allowed to enter, according to unnamed intelligence sources cited in media reports. Anger has flared in much of the Muslim world and beyond, with pro-Palestinian protesters burning Israeli and American flags. Militant groups allied with Israel's arch-foe Iran have a strong presence in neighbouring Lebanon and Syria, heightening the risk of a multi-front war for Israel. The past week has seen repeated clashes on Israel's northern border with Lebanon where the Iran-back Hezbollah movement has tried to send small groups of militants across the border. The United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region in an effort to "deter hostile actions against Israel", Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said. Grief and fury The mood in Israel has swung between collective grief, fury and a strong desire to punish Hamas which Netanyahu has likened to the Islamic State group. Public outrage has been fuelled by images virally shared on social media of Israeli youths and families shot, stabbed and burnt in the Hamas attack. The army said Sunday a strike had killed Billal Al Kedra, the Hamas commander "responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre" where residents were killed in their homes and others were under siege for nine hours before soldiers came to their rescue. The army has called up 300,000 reserve units and sought to quickly refresh their skills in training courses, while convoys of trucks have rushed tanks to the south. Planeloads of Israelis have returned from around the world to join the latest of the many wars in Israel's 75-year history. More ominously, an underground parking lot in the coastal city of Haifa has been converted into a trauma hospital. Over the past week, Israel has levelled more than 5,500 buildings in Gaza while Hamas has fired thousands of rockets at Israel, most intercepted by missile defence systems. Gaza's electricity outage threatens to cripple the enclave's life-support systems, from seawater desalination plants to food refrigeration and baby incubators in hospitals. ALSO READ | US sends second aircraft carrier ' to deter hostile actions against Israel' US President Joe Biden told Netanyahu in a call Saturday that the United States was working with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan and others "to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care". The White House said Biden also spoke with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and pledged "full support" to the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, "particularly in Gaza". READ MORE | Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Families flee northern Gaza before Israel's invasion Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp New Delhi, Oct 13 T he University of Delhi has invited applications from candidates to its Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), the administration informed on Friday. The registrar of Delhi University said that as envisaged in the National Education Policy 2020, ITEP is a four-year degree programme exemplifying the process of developing a multidisciplinary approach to Teacher Education in higher education. The programme is of four-year duration with credits distributed across eight semesters of study. It is a dual-major bachelor's degree programme, with one major in education and the other in a disciplinary/interdisciplinary branch of knowledge, the registrar added. According to the Delhi University administration, this year, the programme is being offered in two premier women colleges, Mata Sundari College, and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College. The colleges are further offering stage-specific specialisations in BA BEd (Middle) and BA BEd (Secondary). Women candidates who are interested in taking admission in ITEP must have appeared in the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) 2023 conducted by NTA, the Delhi University administration added. The registrar said that for applying to the University, the candidate must register themselves at http://itep.uod.ac.in using her NCET 2023 Application Number. Last date for registration is October 20. DU invites applications for admission to ITEP 2023 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, October 13 R eferring to the recent enactment of 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Friday noted that women's empowerment is a reflection of the development of any country and now India has moved from women empowerment to women-led development. Om Birla was addressing a session at the Ninth G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) at YashoBhoomi in New Delhi which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today. "Now women's participation has been ensured in the policy-making and decision-making process from Panchayat to Parliament," said Birla. He expressed hope that women-led development will be the vehicle of great change in the 21st-century world. "Nari Shakti Vandan Bill" was passed on the very first day of the special session in the Parliament of India, through which now one-third of seats will be reserved for women in the Lok Sabha and in the Legislative Assemblies. Speaking on this occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underlined that the unanimous adoption of The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration at the recently concluded G20 Summit under the chairmanship of India reflects the global vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the commitment of the participating countries on global issues. India's G-20 presidency has been inclusive, aspirational, action-oriented, decisive and people-centric, noted Birla. The P-20 summit reflects India's commitment to democratic values, international cooperation and joint parliamentary efforts to address issues of global importance and contemporary challenges, added Birla. Mentioning the theme of the Summit, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future, Birla said that the theme is rooted in the cultural ethos of Bharat which has been pursuing inclusive development incorporating the interests and priorities of the world at large since ancient times. Bharat has always considered the world to be one family on the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which speaks of our commitment to unity, cooperation and a shared future, highlighted Birla. Speaking on the subjects which will be deliberated during the Summit, Birla informed that during the two-day Summit, the delegates will brainstorm on the following four subjects: Agenda 2030 for SDGs: Showcasing Achievements, Accelerating Progress; Sustainable Energy Transition-Gateway to Green Future; Mainstreaming Gender Equality- From Women's Development to Women-led Development; and Transformation in Peoples' Lives through Public Digital Platforms. Further mentioning the agenda of the Summit, Birla noted that the objective of the Sustainable Development Goals is to create a better world through holistic human development and India has already prepared a policy framework for the achievement of these goals and this has been extensively discussed in the Parliament of India. He further noted that sustainable energy transition is the biggest need of today's time from the perspective of climate change and India is taking several initiatives in the field of sustainable energy transition, giving priority to green growth and green future. Speaking on transforming people's lives through public digital platforms, Birla noted that through these platforms we have been successful in bringing a change in the life of the last person in the society. The use of digital technology developed a new model of inclusivity, transparency and good governance, added Birla. He further mentioned that digital interventions like DBT, and UPI have paved the way for the all-round development of the country and inclusive governance. The use of technology has also made Parliament accessible to the public, he noted. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the dignitaries to the G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit on behalf of 140 crore citizens of India. The Summit is a 'Maha Kumbh' of all Parliamentary practices from across the globe, the Prime Minister remarked. Underlining that all the delegates present today hold the experience of the Parliamentary framework from different countries, PM Modi expressed great satisfaction with today's event. Referring to the interconnected nature of the world, the Prime Minister said that a world full of conflict and confrontation is in no one's interest. "A divided world cannot provide solutions to major challenges facing humanity. This is a time for growth and well-being of all and we have to overcome the global trust crisis and move forward with human-centric thinking. We have to look at the world in the spirit of One Earth, One Family, One Future," he highlighted. The Prime Minister emphasized that the P20 Summit is taking place on the land which is not only known as the mother of democracy but is also the largest democracy in the world. "As representatives of different Parliaments from around the world, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of debates and deliberations as he mentioned accurate examples of such debates from history," he added. The Prime Minister touched upon the constant evolution of and strengthening of the parliamentary traditions of India with time. He informed that 17 General elections and more than 300 state assembly elections have taken place in India since Independence. People's participation is consistently increasing in this largest electoral exercise, the PM pointed out. He said the 2019 General election where his party was elected to power was the biggest electoral exercise of human history as 600 million voters participated in that. At that time, he said, there were 910 million registered voters, more than the population of entire Europe. 70 per cent turnout among such a large electorate shows the deep faith of Indians in their parliamentary practices. The 2019 election witnessed record participation of women, he noted. Referring to the expanding canvas of political participation, the Prime Minister said that more than 600 political parties participated in the last General Election 10 million government employees worked in the conduct of the elections and 1 million polling stations were erected for voting. The Prime Minister informed the delegates about the recent decision to reserve 33 per cent of seats in the Parliament and the state assemblies for women. He also told them that out of more than 3 million elected representatives in the local self-government institutions, almost 50 per cent are women. "India today is promoting women's participation in every sector. The recent decision taken by our Parliament will further enrich our parliamentary tradition", PM Modi added. The Prime Minister highlighted the unwavering faith of the citizens in the parliamentary traditions of India and credited its diversity and vibrancy. Underlining the importance of wider participation in global decision-making, the Prime Minister said that it was behind the proposal to include the African Union in G-20 which was accepted by all the members. The Prime Minister expressed happiness over the Pan Africa participation in the forum of P20. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister underlined that there can be no better medium than public participation to deal with the world's challenges. Governments are formed by a majority, but the country is run by consensus. Our parliaments and this P20 forum can also strengthen this sentiment, the Prime Minister said and expressed confidence that the efforts to improve this world through debate and deliberations will definitely be successful. President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Parliament of India. He also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful leadership of the G-20 Summit. Referring to India's status as the world's largest democracy, Pacheco said that the success of the P20 Summit was a foregone conclusion owing to the centrality and relevance of the Parliament of India to Indian Democracy. Underlining the foundational value of world peace, Pacheco said that parliamentarians must defend peace in all parts of the world. He added that without peace the world won't be able to achieve other goals like sustainable development. Pacheco observed that as parliamentarians understand consensus-building based on dialogue and discussion, their role must be increased in solving global issues. He appreciated the work of IPU and P20 in this direction. Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Kim Jin-pyo on the sidelines of the Parliament 20 Summit. Birla informed that the year 2023 is important for both India and Korea as it marks the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He further informed that India and the Republic of Korea have a multidimensional strategic partnership. Our relations have strengthened in various fields such as politics, trade, investment, defence, culture, science and technology and people-to-people contacts. Buddhism has played an important role in strengthening relations between the two countries through frequent visits of Buddhist monks and the exchange of knowledge and ideas, underlined Birla. He stressed deepening parliamentary cooperation between India and the Republic of Korea. Presiding Officers of Parliaments of G20 nations and of the invited nations, President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco and other dignitaries also graced the occasion. India moved from women empowerment to women-led development: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Oct 13 W ith Navratri just around the corner, it's the perfect time to explore stories of strength, resilience, and female empowerment. In line with the festival's spirit, heres a list of six must-binge web series and audio series featuring powerful female protagonists, that not only entertain but also empower, embodying the essence of Navratri. From gripping crime dramas to heartwarming tales of ambition and self-discovery, these narratives resonate with the festival's ethos. Immerse yourself in the journeys of remarkable women and celebrate their strength as you mark Navratri with these must-watch series that inspire and captivate. 'Delhi Crime Season 1 and 2' 'Delhi Crime' season one delves into the harrowing events of the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi and places a strong female protagonist, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, at its heart. Shefali Shah brilliantly portrays a character embodying calm, composure, and unwavering rationality, challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated profession. Addressed as 'Madam-Sir' by a fellow female officer, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi shatters gender barriers. The second season takes viewers on a new crime saga, further showcasing her exceptional skills in solving complex cases in the heart of Delhi. This series is a powerful and essential watch on this Navratri. It is streaming on Netflix. 'Aarya Season 1 and 2' 'Aarya' features a compelling narrative with a powerful female lead, Aarya Sareen, portrayed by Sushmita Sen. Set in the world of organised crime, Aarya transforms from a loving wife and mother into a confident decision-maker after her husband's mysterious death, uncovering his illegal activities. Sushmita Sen's performance anchors Aarya's character as a symbol of strength and determination. The series follows Aarya's journey for justice and the protection of her children, making it a perfect fit for Navratri's celebration of empowerment. It is streaming on Disney+Hotstar. 'Four More Shots Please Season 3' 'Four More Shots Please' season three follows four inseparable friends on a journey of emotional farewells, baggage, and complex relationships. It highlights a strong female protagonist in Damini, Akanksha, Siddhi, and Umang. As they seek closure and navigate their tumultuous lives, their stories resonate with the challenges and aspirations of modern women. The workplace encounter between Damini and Akanksha adds poignant nuances to the narrative. Siddhi's inner turmoil leads to a fiery reunion, unravelling the intricate layers of their friendship. Stream this engaging series on Prime Video for a fresh perspective on friendship, love, and self-discovery during Navratri. 'Aranyak' Raveena Tandon shines as Kasturi Dogra, a local police officer thrust into a high-profile investigation amidst the mystique of the Himalayas. Her character epitomises strength, independence, and relatable vulnerability. In this gripping series, she navigates a spectrum of emotions. As the show gears up for its second season, anticipate more mysteries in the enchanting Himalayan backdrop, illuminated by Raveena Tandon's exceptional performance. It is available on Netflix. 'Girls Hostel 2' The series portrays daily life in a typical girls' hostel, addressing common issues like water shortages and cramped rooms. Strong female protagonists, including Jo (Srishti Shrivastava), Zahira (Parul Gulati), Richa (Ahsaas Channa), and Mili (Simran Natekar), take centre stage as they stage a daring protest, thrusting their world into the realm of politics. But the political drama doesn't end there. As the hostel gears up for presidential elections, a fierce rivalry erupts, transforming the premises into a battleground of ambition and power struggles. It is a delightful, humorous, and empowering series that celebrates the strength and resilience of young women as they navigate the complexities of college life. It is streaming on SonyLIV. 'Love After Rebirth' 'Love After Rebirth', an audio series follows Aryaa Sinha, a resilient Army officer betrayed and brutally murdered. Through reincarnation, she seeks justice and her son's protection, aided by her devoted husband, Dr Sivaay Maheshwari. The series is a thrilling journey where love, redemption, and vengeance intertwine. Will it lead to reconciliation or a heart-wrenching climax? It is streaming on Pocket FM. 'Delhi Crime', 'Aarya', 'Aranyak', & other binge-worthy series this Navratri Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, Oct 13 A ctor Satyajeet Dubey, who has been receiving a lot of positive response for his work in the recently released second season of the streaming show Mumbai Diaries, has expressed gratitude towards his director and the show's creator Nikkhil Advani. Talking to IANS, the actor said that earlier he used to over-intellectualise his process as an actor - a common occurrence - with actors but over the years, he has realised that its all about finding and projecting truth between the action and the cut. Elaborating on the same, the actor told IANS: We actors tend to over-intellectualise the process. I also used to do it earlier quite a lot. But just being in the moment between the action and the cut, what you are doing in that moment is that you're trying to create a few moments of truth. He also spoke about how working with Nikkhil is like working in a live theatre. He said: I have done a lot of theatre and I would like to say that when you are on Nikkhil sirs set, its like a live theatre going on, the stakes are really high and its technical. Thanks to him, I have become technically more sharp as an actor because an actor is not just about his or her craft, theres also a lot of technicality that comes into play and he has honed the technical side of me. Mumbai Diaries 2 is streaming on Prime Video. Satyajeet Dubey says Nikkhil Advani has made him a technically sound actor Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, Oct 13 Y ogrishi Swami Ramdev is set to grace the stage of 'India's Got Talent' season 10, and will be seen teaching contestant Anuska Chatterjee a few yoga asanas. The talent reality show is raising the bar with its spectacular display of talent across various genres. The contestants have innovated and elevated their acts to impress the judges and the entire nation, and Sundays episode will see them bring in the festive season in the Navratri Special. As part of the celebration, Swami Ramdev will be gracing the sets of the show to make this a joyous occasion. Furthermore, the contestants, along with the judges, will seek blessings from Durga Maa and perform garba, making for a delightful evening filled with music, cheer, and phenomenal acts that will leave you awestruck. With her unparalleled talent and extraordinary contortionist skills, Anushka Chatterjee from Kolkata leaves everyone mesmerised with her performance to the popular song 'Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka' . With her expressive dance moves and fluid transitions, she portrays the lighting of a diya, signifying its birth and the difficulties it faces while spreading light and hope around it. Left in awe with Anuskas flexibility, Swami Ramdev said: "Anuska's body, mind, and soul are illuminated with the eternal flame of life, radiating its brilliance everywhere. In her form, we can see the power and wisdom of nature along with the supreme divine power that dwells in everything." "It's a complete expression of life that we witness here: full expression, perfect equilibrium, complete rejuvenation, complete divine transformation, and, ultimately, a connection with divinity. The integrated yoga practice through integrated dance is truly extraordinary," he added. Judge Kirron Kher further compliments Anuska, saying, What a marvel! It's as if God has sent Anuska as a one-piece creation. You put in so much hard work, and you perform so well. Your act was truly wonderful and very moving. You embodied the eternal flame, the diya that people light continuously in their temples, and at their homes." "Everyone keeps this eternal flame burning, and the performance you gave on it was outstanding. Your greatest beauty is that you express so many emotions perfectly on your face, even while performing the most challenging acts," she added. Anuska expresses her passion for yoga and her wish to learn a few yoga asanas from Swami Ramdev. Making Anuskas wish come true, Swami Ramdev joins Anuska on stage to teach her a few asanas. 'Indias Got Talent' airs on Sony. Swami Ramdev teaches Yoga asanas to 'IGT' contestant Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Lithuania can share experience in the field of renewable energy with Kazakhstan, in connection with which negotiations are underway, Egidijus Navikas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Kazakhstan, told Trend. "Energy cooperation between Lithuania and Kazakhstan has not been developed deeper, mostly because of the geographical situation. Lithuanian companies do not participate in Kazakhstan's energy projects. However, Lithuania welcomes and supports EU-Kazakhstan cooperation in the field of energy, notably the increase of Kazakh exports to European countries," he said. As the ambassador noted, Lithuania is known for its achievements in renewable energy. "The country's government has set ambitious targets to reduce environmental pollution. Lithuanian business has already gained recognition for the production of renewable energy components. There are ongoing talks with Kazakh counterparts about transferring experience in this field, but it is still at an early stage," he said. Speaking about participation in renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan, the ambassador added that Lithuania currently does not participate in such projects in the country. By the end of 2022, there will be 130 renewable energy facilities operating in Kazakhstan with an installed capacity of 2,400 MW (46 WPPs: 958 MW; 44 SPPs: 1148 MW; 37 HPPs: 280 MW; and 3 BioPPs: 1.77 MW). At the end of 2022, the volume of renewable energy production amounted to 5.11 billion kWh (wind farm: 2.4 billion kWh; solar power plant: 1.76 billion kWh; hydroelectric power station: 934 million kWh), or 4.53 percent of the total volume of electrical energy production. In 2023, this figure will reach 5 percent. Last year, 12 renewable energy facilities were commissioned with a total capacity of 385 MW and a total investment of 180 billion tenge (about $374 million). In 2023, 15 facilities with a total capacity of 276 MW will be commissioned. Mumbai, Oct 13 B ollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is known for Gangs of Wasseypur, Talaash, Sacred Games and Raman Raghav 2.0, has started shooting for his next project titled, Section 108. The teaser of the film has been released recently, and features Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the role of a lawyer. The actor shared a video from the sets on his social media. He wrote, "And the story begins #section108". The video shows him getting off his vanity van all set to dive into the charged moment of action and sketch up a compelling performance. Of late, Nawaz has been on a roll with an array of releases like Tiku Weds Sheru, Afwaah, and Haddi. In addition to working in Hindi cinema, the actor is ready to make waves in the Telugu industry with his debut film, Saindhav. The Pan India film will feature him in a grey-shaded character and will be released in cinemas worldwide on January 13, 2024. On the work front, Nawazuddin has an interesting lineup of films which includes films like Saindhav, Noorani Chehra and Adbhut. Nawazuddin Siddiqui starts shooting for 'Section 108' Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 14. Russia intends to supply 1.2 million tons of fuel to Kyrgyzstan by the end of the year, Trend reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin made this announcement following negotiations with Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek. According to Putin, Russia exported a similar amount of fuel to Kyrgyzstan last year. He emphasized that these supplies are offered under preferential terms, exempt from export customs duties, providing a direct economic benefit to the republic and economic operators. Putin also stressed that one of the most critical sectors of Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation is in the field of energy. Russia serves as the primary provider of petroleum products to Kyrgyzstan, meeting the gasoline and diesel requirements of Kyrgyz consumers. During the negotiations in Bishkek, Presidents Sadyr Japarov and Vladimir Putin agreed to increase the annual trade turnover between the two countries to $5 billion. Last year, trade turnover reached nearly $3.5 billion, marking a 37 percent year-on-year increase. 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. A groundbreaking, easy-to-use 3D printable finger prosthesis created by a recent University of Houston graduate could offer amputees a low-cost solution to restore finger functionality. David Edquilang first designed Lunet, which doesn't need metal fasteners, adhesives or special tools to assemble, as an undergraduate student at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. While standard prostheses can cost thousands of dollars, Edquilang aims to make his design open access on the internet, instead of selling it. "Not every good idea needs to be turned into a business. Sometimes, the best ideas just need to be put out there ," said Edquilang, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design last year. "Medical insurance will often not cover the cost of a finger prosthesis, since it is not considered vital enough compared to an arm or leg. Making Lunet available online for free will allow it to help the greatest number of people." Edquilang's mentor at UH was Associate Professor Jeff Feng, co-director of UH's Industrial Design program. Through a partnership with Harris Health System, Feng learned of a patient who had her fingers amputated due to frostbite. Inspired by working on an upper limb prosthesis Edquilang previously developed with student Niell Gorman, working closely with Professor Feng, Edquilang created prosthetic fingers that returned mobility to the patient, allowing her to pick up objects again. "It feels great knowing you have the capability to positively impact people's lives and give them help they otherwise wouldn't be able to get," said Edquilang. Months later, Edquilang was laser focused to make an even better product. Over the course of two weeks, under Feng's advisory, he designed and tested 60 prototypes before reaching a final design that was more durable, easier to configure and assemble, and had improved functionality. His "breakthrough" came from a literal break in his design. He intentionally broke one of his prototypes to see where its structural weak point was. It buckled at the distal knuckle, the joint that connects the bones at the fingertips, so he added a linkage that replaced the previously rigid distal knuckle, and an award-winning version of Lunet was born. Lunet wins Luminary award The prosthetic design garnered Edquilang a 2023 Red Dot: Luminary award, the highest level of recognition accorded at the Red Dot Award: Design Concept. He and Feng took home the coveted accolade at Red Dot's ceremony last month in Singapore. The winning design was chosen from a list of Best of the Best winners in various categories by Red Dot. Last year, Hyundai Motor Company won the Luminary award. "Good results come from dedication. Extraordinary results come from experimentation. Incredible results come from a combination of both," he said upon winning the award. Lunet also won a 2023 Red Dot: Best of the Best award; two 2023 DNA Paris Design Awards in the Medical and Scientifics category and the Design for People category; won Gold for the 2023 Spark Design Award; was named a 2023 IDEA finalist; is currently a U.S. National Runner Up for the 2023 James Dyson Award and is continuing to compete in the international round of the Dyson award competition. "David's recent success in winning the most prestigious design awards across the world is the best manifestation of the unparalleled education and training students experience in our Industrial Design program," Feng said. "Built upon a belief that every student is a creative individual, the program pedagogy focuses on methods of cultivating innovative minds, which is enforced with rigorous professional training." Lunet's geometry inspired its name Lunet is made up of two common types of 3D printed plastics: polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane. Each finger is made up of four parts held together by plastic pins. Edquilang describes arcs and circular orbits as the foundation for the motion of the finger mechanism. The geometric basis of the design evoked the idea that the prosthesis orbits around the user's joints like a moon, or lunet, hence the name. Another element of Lunet's uniqueness is that it is nearly impossible to break; other finger prosthetics can be complicated and require many parts. The problem with higher mechanical complexity is that these designs are less durable. The more parts you have, the more points of failure. You need to make prosthetic fingers robust and as strong as possible, so it doesn't break under normal use, yet you want the design to be simple. This was one of the greatest challenges in making Lunet." David Edquilang He encourages other design students not to be afraid to experiment and fail because that is often how one can learn to improve the most. "Where the world has an abundance of problems, designers have an abundance of talent, and we should not be selfish with it," Edquilang said. A new technique used to control severe bleeding in injured patients has been found to increase the risk of death, according to new research from the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, which was led by University of Alabama at Birmingham trauma surgeon and professor Jan Jansen, Ph.D. Jansen was a surgeon and researcher in Aberdeen before moving to the United States in 2017. The world's first clinical trial of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta, also known as REBOA, found that patients treated with REBOA were more likely to die than those who did not undergo REBOA. REBOA was being considered for greater use in the United Kingdom's National Health Service, and the University of Aberdeen research team had been funded to determine whether it was beneficial or not. REBOA can be used to control bleeding from serious injuries -; such as those seen in car crash victims or people who have fallen from a height -; and involves temporarily stopping the blood flow to the lower part of the body until patients can be taken to an operating room. Life-threatening bleeding in the abdomen or chest usually requires an operation to stop it, and people with such injuries can sometimes bleed to death in the emergency department before they can reach an operating room. REBOA is a technique whereby a small balloon is introduced through the femoral artery in the groin and then inflated inside the aorta. Although first attempted in 1954, the procedure has been refined and developed over the past decade, and dedicated REBOA devices are now offered by several companies. The aim is to limit blood loss and redirect the remaining blood to the brain and heart. The technique is intended to "buy time," alongside other life-saving interventions, until the patient can be taken to an operating room, where the bleeding can be stopped for good. The study published in JAMA on Thursday, Oct. 12, took place in 16 major trauma centers in the U.K., where 90 adult trauma patients took part, and were randomly selected to receive standard care or standard care and REBOA. Unexpectedly, the trial showed that the use of REBOA increased the risk of death, rather than reduced it. In the standard care group, 42 percent of patients died within 90 days of their injury, compared to 54 percent of participants in the standard care plus REBOA group. Jansen was the co-chief investigator of the study. He explains that, with bleeding being the most common cause of preventable death after injury, it was hoped that using REBOA in the emergency department would reduce the risk of bleeding to death. But the study found the opposite. This may be because REBOA is a challenging and complex procedure to perform, especially in patients who are at imminent risk of dying. The trial clearly did not show the expected benefits but is incredibly important because it will prompt clinicians and trauma centers to reevaluate whether they should be using REBOA in emergency departments." Jan Jansen, Ph.D., UAB trauma surgeon and professor Jansen says the surprising findings are a clear example of why randomized clinical trials are so important. "Studies like this, although difficult to execute, evaluate whether an intervention truly makes a difference in the real-life setting," Jansen said. "Decisions on whether to implement new treatments must be based on high-quality evidence." Fecal microbe transplants from healthy donors can treat patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. However, after tens of thousands transplants, little was known about which donor strains provide long-term engraftment, and which engraft early after the transplant. Most failures of fecal microbe transplantation occur in the first four weeks. Recurrent C. difficile infections occur after suppressive antibiotic treatments that knock out almost all of the normal gut flora. Patients suffer watery diarrhea, painful abdominal cramps, a feeling of sickness, fevers and weight loss. In 2021, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, gave precise quantification of 150 bacterial strains belonging to 42 bacterial species that showed frequent engraftment after fecal microbial transplants. Importantly, they also tested for engraftment soon after transplant -; 36 hours to four weeks -; as well as later after transplantation, eight weeks to five years. Now microbiome experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have taken that 2021 study, and a similar study for children who had C. difficile infections, a step further. UAB researchers Hyunmin Koo, Ph.D., and Casey D. Morrow, Ph.D., focused on the commensal microbe Bacteroides vulgatus, one of the most common species found in healthy guts. Using DNA sequences from the two studies and powerful bioinformatics analysis, Koo and Morrow searched for genes, out of a total of 4,911 protein-encoding genes in the B. vulgatus strains, that were unique to the three B. vulgatus donors in the two studies that showed early colonization, as opposed to seven other B. vulgatus strains in the studies that did not show early colonization. "Analysis of the common genes between the three donors revealed that only 19 were in common out of 4,911 genes encoding known and hypothetical proteins," Morrow and Koo write in the Scientific Reports study. "The result from our analysis supports the screening of donor B. vulgatus for this gene consortium to enhance colonization following a fecal microbe transplant." Morrow and Koo identified two of the 19 genes. One is a putative chitobiase that the UAB researchers found was located next to genes encoding SusD, SusC, putative anti-sigma factor and RNA polymerase ECF-type sigma factor. Others previously have identified these genes as components of a commensal colonization factor complex in Bacteroides fragilis and B. vulgatus. This complex promotes a specific interaction with the host that facilitates stable, resilient colonization in mice. Our results, then, provide support that the commensal colonization factor complex might also function in humans to enhance the colonization of B. vulgatus." Casey D. Morrow, Ph.D., Researcher, UAB The other identified gene encodes a unique fimbrillin family protein. Fimbrillins are protein polymers, previously identified in Bacteroides, that can form the hair-like structures that protrude from the surfaces of microbes and serve as anchors for microbial adhesion with host cells. "Based on their known functions, the identification of both the chitobiase -; and subsequently a complete commensal colonization factor complex -; and fimbrillin proteins supports the involvement of these proteins in B. vulgatus colonization," Morrow said. The other 17 genes are hypothetical proteins with no identified function as yet. Interestingly, genes that mapped near the hypothetical proteins involved activities in DNA mobilization and transposition, meaning the ability to move genes into, around or out of the bacterial genome. Morrow and Koo acknowledge a weakness in their study. When they analyzed the 42-paired fecal microbe samples from the Human Microbiome Project data set, they found that none had the complete set of the 19 genes that were found in the three early engraftment B. vulgatus strains. Twenty-six of the samples had both the putative chitobiase and the fimbrillin genes, and another 11 had only the fimbrillin gene. There was a varied presence of the other 17 hypothetical genes in the 42 samples. "Since none of the Human Microbiome Project pairs had the full 19 genes, we do not know whether any of the pairs would have an early colonizing phenotype in fecal microbe transplants," Morrow said. "Based on our analysis, we would assume that the commensal colonization factor complex and fimbrillin genes would suffice; but to resolve this issue, additional fecal microbe transplants for recurrent C. difficile in humans using early analysis times post-transplant would need to be done." The UAB researchers say a further application of their study could be screening following chemotherapy or transplants, which are known to involve medications that can disrupt normal microbial gut flora. "The capacity to rapidly restore the B. vulgatus community in these patients would be important to reduce the risk of infection by pathogens or antibiotic-resistant microbe pathogens that could impact overall health," Morrow said. Support for the Scientific Reports study, "Identification of donor Bacteroides vulgatus genes encoding proteins that correlate with early colonization following fecal transplant of patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile," came from the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine at UAB. Morrow is a professor emeritus in the UAB Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, and Koo is a bioinformatician in the UAB Department of Genetics. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, a ribbon-cutting ceremony signified the official opening of Kentucky Children's Richmond Road, the new home of four pediatric specialty clinics. This facility will offer a continuum of care to infants, children and adolescents with complex medical and behavioral needs. The mission of Kentucky Children's Hospital has always been to provide the most advanced, comprehensive care to our patients and their families without them having to travel far from home. Having access to a full range of specialized medical and developmental care in one location, reduces the travel burden on families, and allows us to offer a continuity of care not found elsewhere in the Commonwealth." Scottie B. Day, M.D., physician-in-chief for Kentucky Children's Hospital The four clinics include: Complex Care Clinic, which provides medical and developmental follow-up care for infants and young children up to age 5 with medical complexity. Developmental Pediatrics Clinic, which offers screening, diagnostic and therapeutic services for children with complex developmental-behavioral conditions such as autism. NICU Graduate Clinic, a clinical site for babies and young children with special medical needs. The clinic not only serves babies who were cared for in the KCH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) but also children born prematurely who are at risk for developmental problems. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic, where patients over the age of 5 with complex care needs can go to improve their functional abilities and strength. The 25,000 square-foot, newly renovated facility, housed in the former Shriners Hospital location, is a shared space with Easterseals Bluegrass, a nonprofit organization that provides services and care to adults and children with special needs. Funding for the facility renovation and expansion of services was made possible in part by a donation from the local community partners of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The generosity of the donors is enshrined in a custom multimedia art installation produced by Raush studio of Cincinnati. Children with complex medical and behavior needs may not feel comfortable or have their needs met in a traditional clinic space; Kentucky Children's Richmond Road was designed with this unique patient population in mind. Carefully considered features were included to not just alleviate the stress of appointments and treatment for patients, but to also reduce the physical and logistical obstacles for parents and caregivers. Amenities include: A quiet waiting room with soothing features for patients with complex sensory needs who need a calming environment in which to wait prior to their appointment. An observation area where parents and caregivers can watch providers interact with and assess their children without interruption. Assessment areas for providers to observe, diagnose and treat patients with developmental delays, autism and medication management associated with behavioral changes. Comfortable, private areas for one-on-one treatment, discussion and interaction between the provider and the patient. Family restroom with adult-sized changing tables to serve the needs of patient families. Kentucky Children's Richmond Road will welcome patients starting Oct. 16. International law supports women's right to breastfeed in the public. However, women report having been subjected to negative responses and judgmental looks when breastfeeding outside the home. This is according to a new study from Lund University in Sweden, based on surveys answered by women living in Sweden, Ireland and Australia. The researchers behind the study say that societies everywhere need to give clearer, explicit support for breastfeeding in public - and that society needs to welcome breastfeeding, regardless of the setting. Women and children lack access to public spaces. This affects opportunities to breastfeed when children need it, which in turn has a negative effect on both women and children." Charlotta Dykes, doctoral student and pediatric nurse She illustrates that point with one of many similar statements from women in their study: "Just how hungry is my child, will they be okay until I get home? Is there a better spot close by? Can I easily turn to face the other direction?" Along with researchers Christina Rubertsson and Pernilla Ny, Charlotta Dykes has gathered data from Swedish women who are breastfeeding or have previously breastfed. The women answered the following question, among others, "What do you think is important in order to encourage breastfeeding in society?" They then ranked the factors that made public breastfeeding possible in order of importance. The research is based on an international collaboration with researchers in Ireland and Australia, who have also conducted the survey in their countries. In total, over 10,000 women with experience of breastfeeding completed a digital questionnaire. "Our results provide insight into breastfeeding in public, describe what women experience, and reveal attitudes in society. In all three countries, women felt that the most important thing to encourage breastfeeding in society was to see other women breastfeed" said Christine Rubertsson, professor of reproductive, perinatal, and sexual health at Lund University and midwife at Skane University Hospital. Having a society that expresses clear support for breastfeeding in public is important. The places to which other have access should also be available to those who are breastfeeding. This is supported by several Swedish and international laws. Pernilla Ny lists examples that can be applied to the rights of mothers to breastfeed in public: The UN Convention on Human Rights. Gender quality is also regulated in the Global Goals, and the Discrimination Act clearly states that society should be equally accessible to everyone, regardless of sex. "However, in our study we see many of examples to the contrary: how women who breastfeed their children in public face limited accessibility. This demonstrates a societal problem on many levels: women who want to breastfeed their children outside the home are restricted and cannot base their actions on their child's needs. As such, it is not merely the woman, child, and family who are affected, but everyone, to some extent," said the researcher and midwife Pernilla Ny. Providing more breastfeeding rooms is not something researchers consider as a universal solution. While some women and children prefer a calm room that offers privacy and thus as a complement, such rooms may have their place. However, allowing for breastfeeding wherever needed is the best option for mothers and infants. "It is telling that the breastfeeding rooms that do exist are often hidden away near the toilets. This flies in the face of what our results show - that breastfeeding needs to be made a lot more visible," concludes Charlotta Dykes. University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers conducted a statewide survey of all patients on breathing machines in hospitals and long-term care facilities and found that a significant percentage of them harbored two pathogens known to be life-threatening in those with compromised immune systems. One pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii, was identified in nearly 31 percent of all patients on ventilators to assist with their breathing; Candida auris was identified in nearly 7 percent of patients on ventilators, according to the study which was published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. They conducted the study with colleagues at the Maryland Department of Health and presented their findings at this week's Infectious Disease Society of America annual meeting in Boston. We found patients in long-term care facilities, like skilled nursing homes, were more likely to be colonized with these pathogens than those getting treated in hospitals. We were the first in the nation to get a statewide survey of all ventilated patients, and I think it points to the stringency of the infection control programs in place in the state of Maryland and the excellent collaboration between the University of Maryland and the State Health Department." Anthony Harris, MD, MPH, study leader, Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health at UMSOM and infectious disease specialist at University of Maryland Medical Center Both A. baumannii and C. auris have been highlighted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as emerging pathogens that present a global health threat. C. auris is a fungus that spreads within and among local healthcare facilities--usually in those hospitalized and on breathing machines (ventilators). Older people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to this infection, which resists treatment with common anti-fungal medications. A. baumannii, a bacteria, also poses a threat to these same types of patients and has become very resistant through the years to treatment with most antibiotics. To conduct the study, Dr. Harris and his colleagues obtained culture swabs from all 482 patients receiving mechanical ventilation in Maryland healthcare facilities between March and June of this year. All eligible healthcare facilities, 51 in total, participated in the survey. They identified A. baumannii from at least one patient in one-third of the acute care hospitals and from 94 percent of the long-term care facilities. They identified C. auris in nearly 5 percent of hospitalized patients and in 9 percent of patients in long-term care facilities. "Testing positive, however, does not mean that patients have symptoms or active infections that are potentially life-threatening," said study co-author J. Kristie Johnson, PhD, Professor of Pathology at UMSOM whose lab did the A. baumannii testing for the study. "But knowing which patients are colonized with these pathogens can help contain their spread to other patients." Over the course of 2022, state and local health departments around the country reported 2,377 clinical cases, according to the CDC, nearly five times the number infections in 2019, which was less than 500 cases. Maryland alone had 46 cases in 2022. While these infections don't normally pose much of health risk to hospital workers, they pose a significant risk of death in patients with weakened immune systems. Often the infections can be spread from patient to patient by health care workers carrying the germs on their hands, equipment or clothing. "There is a need for more health care facilities nationwide to be aware of the extent of the problem through surveillance testing," Dr. Harris said. Certain measures can be implemented to help reduce spread of these pathogens including more stringent use of disposable gloves and gowns between patients and the use of chlorhexidine bathing of the critically ill to disinfect their skin. "Emerging pathogens that are resistant to available therapeutics present a growing challenge in our country, especially with a projected increased growth in our aging population entering long term care facilities," said UMSOM Dean Mark Gladwin, MD, who is also Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, UM Baltimore, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor at UMSOM. "Nearly half of patients who contract C. auris infections die within 90 days, according to the CDC, and this pathogen is now found in nearly 50 states. This is why it is critical for these surveillance studies to be conducted nationwide, not just in Maryland." UMSOM faculty members Lisa Pineles, MA, Lyndsay O'Hara, PhD, Leigh Smith, MD, and Indira French, MS, were co-authors on this study. The study was funded by a grant from the CDC (1U54CK000450-01). DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 14. Daler Juma, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, and Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, held discussions about the operation of the Sangtuda-1 hydroelectric power plant (HPP) during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow, Trend reports. The agenda included talks on bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with a special focus on ensuring mutual commitments for the reliable operation of the Sangtuda-1 hydropower station. Tajikistan's minister also participated in the Russian Energy Week forum. In his address, Juma emphasized the substantial potential for green energy production and the keen interest in exporting environmentally friendly electricity to neighboring countries. He further underscored the importance of nurturing mutually beneficial cooperation among countries and addressed regional concerns related to energy market development. Juma emphasized the need to bolster regional energy security, reshape the electricity production landscape, and kickstart the utilization of new capacities through renewable energy sources, notably solar and wind. The minister also drew attention to Tajikistan's promising water and energy prospects, particularly in implementing small hydropower projects with private sector involvement. Notably, he highlighted that over 95 percent of the country's electricity is produced using hydropower, making it an environmentally friendly energy source. Sangtuda HPP-1 is a collaborative Russian-Tajik enterprise established in 2005. This hydroelectric power plant boasts a capacity of 670 MW and is situated on the Vakhsh river in Tajikistan's Khatlon region. The Russian Energy Week forum was held from October 11th to 13th in Moscow, providing a platform for discussions on the current trends in modern fuel and energy developments. The event drew the participation of industry leaders and energy companies. The University of Kentucky has been selected as the nationwide coordination center for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative. Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., will lead the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Racial Equity Initiative as principal investigator. The project is supported by a $3.4 million, five-year NIDA grant. The UK Racial Equity Initiative Coordinating Center will be a national resource for researchers receiving funding to address health disparities related to substance abuse. The center will provide training for scientists across the U.S. consistent with best practices for conducting research with racial and ethnic minority populations and with the NIDA mission. The coordinating center will also promote synergy and linkages among projects funded by NIDA, coordinate collaborations and house shared resources for funded projects. "There is lasting generational trauma and mistrust of research due to the ways research entities, for centuries, mishandled studies among marginalized communities and it creates unique challenges when conducting community-engaged research," said Stevens-Watkins. "Studies show drug overdose deaths among racially and ethnically marginalized populations have increased at alarming rates in recent years, so building relationships between scientists and members of communities and effectively addressing the most pressing needs is of great importance and urgency." The UK center will draw upon the expertise of a team of researchers at UK, Northeastern University and Morehouse School of Medicine who have focused their careers on improving health outcomes for marginalized populations by filling gaps in research. In our experience, we have seen the greatest impact when studies are designed to be culturally relevant and community based. This can change historically unequal power dynamics, as well as improve the relevance of the research and enhance recruitment, among other benefits. It is also important that, as researchers, we not forget our multiple privileged identities and how these affect our ability to develop meaningful relationships with those who do not benefit from our privileges." Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D. The UK Racial Equity Initiative Coordinating Center will help ensure projects funded by NIDA elevate voices of People of Color and Indigenous Americans by using the Racial Healing of Communities of Color framework, which acknowledges the generational and present-day trauma from racism affecting the relationship between scientists and marginalized communities. Collectivism is the grounding component of the framework with resilience and social justice in the center. As principal investigator, Stevens-Watkins will bring experience gained from prior projects focused on improving health outcomes for Black Americans and other marginalized communities, for which she has, over the last decade, secured more than $11 million in grant and contract awards as a principal investigator. Stevens-Watkins, in her role as UK associate vice president for research, diversity and inclusion, also has experience leading the UNITE (UNited In True Equity) Research Priority Area at UK. It is a $10 million investment over five years focused on growing equity research at UK and the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and students. The network of scholars comprising the center will use their established expertise to provide assistance and consultations in four overarching areas, including: networking and training; community engagement; data collection and analysis; and communication and dissemination. The personnel include: Principal Investigator Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., UK associate vice president for Research, Diversity and Inclusion Dean, UK College of Education Professor, Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Networking and Training Lead: Candice Hargons, Ph.D., associate professor, UK College of Education Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology William Stoops, Ph.D., professor, UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science, Psychiatry and Psychology Carrie Oser, Ph.D., DiSilvestro endowed professor, UK College of Arts and Sciences Department of Sociology Community Engagement Lead: Rhonda Holliday, Ph.D., professor, Morehouse School of Medicine, Preventative Health & Community Medicine Rakale Quarells, Ph.D., associate professor, Morehouse School of Medicine, Preventative Health & Community Medicine Data Collection and Analysis Lead: Reuben Adatorwovor, Ph.D., assistant professor, UK College of Public Health Department of Biostatistics Rachel Vickers-Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor, UK College of Public Health Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Baron Wolf, Ph.D., UK assistant vice president for Research and director of Research Analytics Alex Dixon, senior decision support analyst, UK Office of the Vice President for Research Communication and Dissemination Lead: Diane Francis, Ph.D., associate professor, Northeastern University College of Arts, Media and Design and Bouve College of Health Sciences Juan Canedo, Ph.D., assistant professor, UK College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine AstraZeneca announced today eight winners of the 2023 R&D Postdoctoral Challenge and agreed to fund their postdoctoral positions at one of the Companys strategic R&D centers in either Cambridge, UK, Gaithersburg or Boston, US or Gothenburg, Sweden. The R&D Postdoctoral Challenge stands out among traditional industry postdoctoral initiatives which usually offer pre-defined projects. The unique program from AstraZeneca, now running for a second year, enables early-career scientists from anywhere in the world to submit and potentially pursue their own novel research proposals within the Company. With the support of highly skilled and multidisciplinary research teams, the winners will pursue their unique research projects to ultimately accelerate drug discovery for some of the worlds most complex rare and chronic diseases. By encouraging diverse thinking and global collaboration, AstraZeneca pushes the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. After being short-listed from nearly 100 applicants, eight finalists presented their research proposals in a live event at AstraZenecas Discovery Centre (DISC), located in Cambridge, UK. After presenting to a judging panel comprising AstraZeneca and external life science leaders, the winners were selected based on scientific merit and potential to create a real impact for patients. I was captivated by the pitches and seeing the novel approaches that each and every one of the finalists presented on stage. But even more than that, I was inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for their focus area of science, and their commitment to research that will improve outcomes for patients. Dr Jenni Nordborg, Director, International Affairs, Lif Dr Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, said: Scientific progress depends on our ability to foster a community that encourages new ideas and fresh perspectives from the next generation of leading scientists. We are thrilled to welcome the eight winners to AstraZeneca; this unique program demonstrates our commitment to supporting early talent and science led innovation. Dr Seng Cheng, Senior Vice President, Research and Product Development, Alexion, said: The winners are all united by their willingness to step away from the norm and pursue a program that is completely changing the traditional postdoc scheme. They bring the passion and enthusiasm to innovate, as well a collective ambition to accelerate drug discovery. With fully funded AstraZeneca postdoctoral research positions, the winners gain access to the Companys expertise, compounds, novel tools and technologies, as well as mentoring support to turn their innovative ideas into solutions that could benefit patients around the world. As part of AstraZenecas Early Talent programs, the R&D Postdoctoral Challenge supports the commitment to early career scientists by nurturing talent and providing opportunities to work within a diverse and inclusive environment that enables science to thrive. At its conference in Bilbao, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) urged the European Union to launch a European action plan stepping up cooperation between national health systems. The main goal: to provide better diagnoses, treatment and care to patients with rare diseases. Image Credit: European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) A European strategy to give people with rare diseases the care they need in the EU Member State where the best treatment is available. This was the EESC's plea to the European Union and its Member States at the conference held in Bilbao on 10-11 October 2023. The Committee urges the EU to launch a European action plan to step up European cooperation between health systems to fight rare diseases and give patients access to the most advanced knowledge and treatment wherever they are in the European Union. What rare diseases are Rare diseases are conditions that are usually chronic and sometimes disabling or life-threatening. There are currently over 7 000 rare diseases affecting 8% of the EU population, approximately 36 million people. Around 80% of them are genetic, of which 70% begin in childhood. Up to 95% of these diseases have no specific treatment or cure. Examples include: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sickle cell and hemophilia. The complexity of these diseases and the scarcity of data and knowledge make it difficult for patients, family members and healthcare professionals to receive a timely diagnosis, appropriate health and social care and any available treatment. A European mission The European Union has supported policy developments and research in the field of rare diseases extensively for more than 25 years, but it needs a European strategy to fight rare diseases as no Member State can succeed alone. The 24 European Reference Networks (ERNs), established in 2017 with the support of the European Commission, are an important milestone in European cooperation between healthcare systems and bring together some of the best professionals and researchers in the EU across almost all areas of medicine and healthcare. This makes it easier to share experience in diagnosis, provide treatments and generate knowledge and research for European patients with rare diseases. The EESC has been supporting a comprehensive EU approach that takes into account all the needs of people living with rare diseases since 2009. In 2022, the Committee issued an opinion which reiterates this request and calls for EU solutions to mitigate the everyday impact of rare diseases in both personal and professional life. The detailed conclusions of the conference will be published on the EESC website soon. High-level speakers Organized by the EESC's Section for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society, the conference was the only health event promoted by the EU Spanish Presidency. It brought together 50 speakers, 45 EESC members, the European Commission's Director General for Health and Food Safety, 3 Members of the European Parliament and around 550 participants from all over Europe. The fact is that "rare diseases" are not rare at all they affect the lives of 36 million people across Europe. It is a pan-European challenge that requires a pan-European solution. The EESC has put forward a set of recommendations to the EU institutions outlining ways to improve the lives of people affected by rare diseases. We need a new strategy and a new European Solidarity Fund to support the financial burden faced by these patients. The time for action is now." Oliver Ropke, EESC President We need a European action plan to strengthen European cooperation between health systems and allow patients with rare diseases to be treated in the most suitable EU Member State. The European Economic and Social Committee has been calling for a comprehensive European approach. No single Member State can make it alone. Patients with rare diseases deserve the best care, no matter where it is available in Europe." Baiba Miltovica, President, EESC's Section for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society A strong European Health Union is a Union that protects and cares for every citizen. In this case, it is a Union that provides EU solutions to support patients living with a rare disease and their families. The EU has proposed measures spanning different policy areas and providing a comprehensive approach to rare diseases. In the European Health Union we are building, we have a duty to support people living with rare diseases and their families. Our efforts will continue to make a difference to all those in need." Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety At the 2023 Grand Challenges Annual Meeting, Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced new investments to advance access to mRNA research and vaccine manufacturing technology that will support low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) capacity to develop high-quality, lifesaving vaccines at scale. Image Credit: Univercells The move builds on lessons the foundation has learned from more than 20 years of working with vaccine manufacturers in LMICs and the opportunity to leverage recent scientific advances to develop low-cost, high-quality health tools that reach more people around the world. mRNA technology is considered a potential game-changer for a range of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, malaria, and Lassa fever, which disproportionately affect people in LMICs. This new technology can significantly lower the costs of mRNA research and manufacturing and enable expanded accesshelping to close critical gaps. Putting innovative mRNA technology in the hands of researchers and manufacturers in Africa and around the world will help ensure more people benefit from next-generation vaccines, said Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigerias coordinating minister of health and social welfare and a global expert on vaccines. This collaboration is an encouraging step that will increase access to critical health technologies and help African countries develop vaccines that meet the needs of their people. The foundation announced a total of US$40 million in funding to advance access to Quantoom Biosciences low-cost, mRNA research and manufacturing platform, which was developed with an early-research Grand Challenges grant made to its parent company, Univercells. The Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) and Biovac, research institutes with vaccine manufacturing experience based in Senegal and South Africa, respectively, will receive US$5 million each to acquire the technology and will be able to use it to develop locally relevant vaccines. To further advance the technology and lower costs for commercialization, the foundation also will provide US$20 million to Quantoom Biosciences, ensuring LMICs can benefit from the next-generation mRNA health tools. The Gates Foundation will grant another US$10 million to other LMIC vaccine manufacturers to be named. This new funding builds on the foundations previous US$55 million investment in mRNA manufacturing technology. Expanding our capacity to discover and manufacture affordable mRNA vaccines in Africa is an important and necessary step towards vaccine self-reliance in the region. We welcome this new funding, which will promote the development of lifesaving technologies on the continent while also contributing to global health security by expanding the supply and access to vaccinesallowing us to achieve greater health equity worldwide. Dr. Amadou Sall, CEO, IPD mRNA vaccines have simpler research and manufacturing processes than traditional vaccines, so expanding access to this next-generation technology can help countries like Senegal and South Africa gain autonomy to discover and develop low-cost, high-quality vaccines for diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis that are consistent with their health priorities. Innovation can be transformative, but only if it reaches the people who need it most, said Morena Makhoana, CEO of Biovac. This collaboration will help close critical gaps in access to promising mRNA vaccines against diseases that disproportionately affect the worlds poorest. It will also assist us in our mission to establish end-to-end vaccine manufacturing capability at scale in Africa for global supply." Quantooms modular mRNA technology addresses common bottlenecks in current mRNA research and manufacturing technologies, making it simpler and cheaper to use. For example, the cost to produce a vaccine could drop by more than 50% with Quantooms platform compared to traditional mRNA technology. It could also significantly reduce the need for deeply trained experts, which continues to be a barrier to vaccine production in Africa and elsewhere, while maintaining or even increasing the quality of the product. Expanding the availability of affordable, high-quality vaccines that meet the needs of local communities is one of the best ways to improve global health outcomes and reduce preventable deaths, said Trevor Mundel, president of the foundations Global Health Division. By lowering barriers to access for low- and middle-income countries, we can help ensure more people around the world benefit from lifesaving health innovation. The development of new vaccines is costly, resource intensive, and concentrated in high-income countries, said Jose Castillo, CEO of Quantoom Biosciences. Were thrilled to partner with IPD and Biovac to scale our technology in Senegal and South Africa and help increase access to novel mRNA vaccinesone of medicines most promising new tools. The additional funding for Quantoom builds on an initial grant made in 2016 to Univercells in response to a Grand Challenges call for new interventions for vaccine manufacturing. The Univercells proposal focused on developing modular engineering principles that would facilitate decentralized, small-footprint manufacturing of vaccines. IPD plans to start manufacturing essential measles and rubella vaccines using Univercells original vaccine manufacturing technology, expanding the regions capacity to deliver routine immunization campaigns. Following a meeting presided over by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and attended by Education Minister Kuber Dindor along with senior officials, the Gujarat state government has announced modifications in class 10 and 12 board exams starting from the academic session 202324. The changes have been made in the Gujarat Class 10, and 12 examination patterns keeping in mind the National Education Policy 2020. One of the key modifications announced by the Gujarat board included a hike of 10 per cent in objective questions from 20 to 30 per cent. The share of descriptive questions on the other hand has declined from 30 to 20 per cent. Moreover, in order to improve their performance, Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) class 12 science students can appear in either one or all of the supplementary exams (JuneJuly). Among these, the best of the two will be considered, by the state government. In addition to that, class 10 students were allowed to take supplementary exams in two subjects previously. However, the limit is now set to three subjects. Similarly, class 12 general stream students can now appear in compartment exams for two subjects rather than one. In the Class 12 science stream, a total of 50 per cent of the MCQs have been retained. However, changes have been announced for the rest of the 50 per cent descriptive questions. Additionally, starting this year, students will not be provided with internal choices. Rather, they will be given choices and general options along with the question paper. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has released the Class 12 and Class 10 board exam dates for 2024. As per the Gujarat Board exam schedule 2024, the Class 12 science stream and Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSC) will be administered from March 11 to March 26, 2024. Students can visit the official website of the board at gseb.org and download the GSEB SSC timetable 2024 and GSEB HSC timetable 2024. Earlier, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had also announced important changes for commerce stream students in the Class 12 Board Exam 202324. As per an official notification, the board has announced the discontinuation of printed tables in the answer book for the subject of accounting. It is informed that the Board Examination, 2024 CBSE, based on feedback received from stakeholders, has decided to do away with the Answer Books, wherein tables were provided in the subject of Accountancy. From Examinations 2024, normal lines of answer books as provided in other subjects in Class XII will also be provided in Accountancy subjects also, the official notice read. The Chartered Accountant (CA) exams scheduled for November 2023 in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have been postponed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ICAI CA exam for November 2023 has been rescheduled as a consequence of legislative assembly elections in a number of states. The CA exams scheduled for November 7 and 17 in select specified exam centres in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh will now take place on November 19 as informed by ICAI. Aside from the tests on November 7 and November 17, the ICAI further stated that no other exam dates will be altered. The official notification informing about the revision in the exam date read, In partial modification of the Institutes Important Announcement No. 13-CA (EXAM)/NOVEMBER DECEMBER/2023 dated 5 July 2023, it is announced for general information that in view of the Legislative Assembly Election in the state or chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the chartered Accountant Examinations, November 2023, as per details given below, stands postponed and the said examinations shall now be held on 19th November 2023 (Sunday) at the same venues) and at the same timing(s). The ICAI also stated that the CA exam admit cards, exam time, and venue issued for the November 7 and November 17 tests will remain unaffected and valid. The examinations will now be held on November 19 between 2 pm and 5 pm with papers 3 and 4 for the foundation course held between 2 pm and 4 pm, and the final elective test given between 2 pm and 6 pm. According to the announcement, the ICAI CA final, group I, paper 4 (Corporate and Economic Laws) scheduled for November 7 in Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon has been rescheduled until November 19. Originally set for November 17, the Intermediate group II paper 8 (Financial Management and Economics for Finance) will now also be conducted on November 19. Now the ICAI has rescheduled this exam for only those students who were appearing from Chhattisgarhs Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh and Durg, and MPs Bhopal, Burhanpur, Chhindwara, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Katni, Khandwa, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam, Rewa, Sagar, Satna and Ujjain considering the elections. The ICAI has rescheduled the CA examination exclusively for students hailing from select regions. This includes Bilaspur, Durg, Raigarh, and Raipur in Chhattisgarh as well as Bhopal, Burhanpur, Chhindwara, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Katni, Khandwa, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. Becoming an IPS officer in India is an arduous journey, with millions of aspirants vying for a limited number of coveted positions. In this challenging pursuit, retired IPS officer Manjari Jaruhars story stands out as a testament to unwavering determination and resilience. Her memoir, titled Madam Sir, chronicles her remarkable journey, from early struggles to becoming the first lady IPS officer in Bihar and the fifth in all of India. Hailing from a prestigious family in Bihar, where several members have held illustrious positions as IAS and IPS officers, Manjari faced unique obstacles in her path to success. Despite her familys esteemed background, they did not actively support her academic pursuits, harbouring the belief that she should embrace the role of a homemaker. However, Manjaris thirst for knowledge and her relentless spirit pushed her to pursue her educational goals. At the tender age of 19, Manjari was married to an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer. Her early years of marriage were marred by numerous challenges, compounded by a lack of support from her husband and in-laws. Eventually, the strain on their relationship led to separation. Despite societal expectations to remarry, Manjari had her sights set on a different path. Armed with an honours degree in English from Patna Womens College and a post-graduate degree from Delhi University, she embarked on her civil service examination preparation journey in 1976. Her dedication paid off when she successfully cracked the examination, earning the distinction of becoming the first lady IPS officer from Bihar and the fifth in all of India. Her accomplishment was a resounding testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to her dream. Manjaris initial posting as a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in the Criminal Investigation Department was a desk job, far from the field posting she aspired to. However, her determination led her to seek help from a senior officer, who was her close friends father and was approaching retirement. He played a pivotal role in facilitating her transition to a field posting, which was her cherished goal. In due course, Manjaris journey took another significant turn when she tied the knot with Rakesh Jaruhar, an IPS officer. Together, they embarked on a new chapter in their lives, sharing the remarkable journey of serving the nation in the Indian Police Service. In an attempt to aware and motivate voters to exercise their franchise in the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections on November 17, a snack hub in the states Indore city has announced to offer free snacks to all early morning voters. According to news agency PTI, shops in 56 Dukan, which is a famous food hub in Indore will be offering free morning snacks like jalebi and poha to voters who cast their ballot before 9 am. This unique offer is likely to boost the polling percentage in the city as many voters in Indore could be tempted to avail of the offer and get free snacks. Indore occupies the top position in the country as far as cleanliness is concerned. Now we want our city to be at the top in voting as well. For this, we have decided to offer free poha and jalebi to those who cast their vote early, Gunjan Sharma, president of the 56 Dukan Traders Association, said In order to avail the free snacks offer, the voters will have to cast their votes before or till 9 am on November 17 and will have to show the indelible ink mark to avail of the offer. Not just that, those who vote after 9 am will be given a discount of 10 per cent on poha and jalebi throughout the day, said Sharma. Notably, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has given the status of Clean Street Food Hub to 56 Dukan, which is famous for serving delicious jalebi and poha. Poha is a savoury dish made from flattened rice, while jalebi is a deep-fried delicacy soaked in sugar syrup. Poha-jalebi is Indores favourite breakfast combo. Elections to the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will be held on November 17, while the counting of votes will take place on December 3. In the 2018 assembly elections, five seats in Indores urban area with 14.72 lakh registered voters had recorded a turnout of 67 per cent. The number of voters has now risen to 15.55 lakh (with PTI inputs) Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has written to the chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana expressing concern over the rise in stubble fires in their states and asked them to take remedial measures to protect the national capital from increased air pollution during winter season. In his letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Saxena said it is extremely worrisome that the incidents of stubble burning between September 15 and October 11 have reached 1,063 300 more than the figure for the corresponding period last year. Saxena had written to Mann last year as well when Delhi was choking under pollution caused by smoke from across its borders. Between October 24, 2022 and November 2, 2022, there had been an increase of 19 per cent in the incidents of parali burning in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year. You would also recall that last year, of the 5 states that affect Delhis air quality, Punjab had remained the only non-performing outlier, said the LG. Praising the Haryana government for the measures it took to contain stubble fires last year, the Delhi LG told Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that the incidents were on the rise this year. It is extremely worrisome that the incidents of crop residue burning in Haryana from September 15 to October 11 this year have reached 340, which is 257 more than the figure of 83 in the corresponding period during 2022, Saxena said. The paddy stubble (parali) left in the fields after harvest is set on fire by the farmers in many states primarily Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh leading to a smoke cover shrouding Delhi in winter when the temperatures plummet. The Delhi LG asked both the chief ministers to expedite remedial measures to prevent stubble burning and save Delhi from choking. I am sure that you are seized of the matter and urge you to galvanise all available resources and make the farmers willing partners in defeating this deadly menace and help the capital as indeed the entire NCR breath easy, he wrote in the letters. On its part, stakeholders in Delhi are taking all steps to ensure that local causes of air pollution like vehicular emissions and dust from the roads and footpaths are fully addressed, he informed the two CMs. Saxena pointed out that Delhi as the national capital houses the Parliament building, Supreme Court and diplomatic missions from across the globe, besides its 2 crore inhabitants. It hosts lakhs of visitors, tourists and envoys coming to India for summits and conferences who are exposed to debilitating air pollution for no fault of theirs. This inter alia also has a bearing on the nations international image and standing, he said. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday asserted the opposition INDIA alliance would fight for the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill passed recently by the Parliament. Hitting out at the Centre, she said the last nine years has seen a sustained effort on the part of the Narendra Modi government to "turn our women purely into symbols to be counted and appreciated only in their restricted, traditional role in a patriarchal framework." Addressing the ruling DMK's Women's rights conference here, she said her husband, the late Rajiv Gandhi brought the historic 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati raj, the local self-governments which spurred an entirely new phenomenon of women leadership at the grassroots level. It was a vital stepping stone towards the reservation on a similar one thirds of seats in the legislative bodies which the Congress pioneered in Parliament and outside. Now, the Women's Reservation Bill has finally been passed due to "our relentless persistence and efforts; of all of us, not just the Congress." However, "as we all know, it is still a long way to come." She recalled the interventions made in the Parliament by opposition MPs on the actual implementation of the Bill, whether it would be in one year, two or three years. "We have no idea," she said and added though "some of you men are happy, but we are not; we women are not." She asserted the INDIA alliance would fight for the implementation of Women's Reservation Act. "We are going to fight for it till we eventually get that whether you men like it or not." The Women's Reservation Bill introduced by the UPA-II was passed by the Rajya Sabha but a lack of consensus prevented it from being passed in the Lok Sabha. The Tamil Nadu government under late Chief Ministers CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi laid the foundation for incredible changes in status and opportunities for women, she said. "Today Tamil Nadu stands as a beacon of women's equality and women's development." Decades ago, in 1973, the five-time Chief Minister Karnanidhi brought the provision of reservation for women in police department. Today, a fourth of the police force in Tamil Nadu are women. Another important initiative of Karunanidhi was reservation for women in government positions. As a result, the participation of women in government services exceeds 30 per cent and recently Chief Minister M K Stalin has increased it to 40 per cent, Gandhi said. She lauded the state governments initiatives like the mid-day meals for students, the promotion of women empowerment which includes education. Many of such women empowerment initiatives and programmes have not been reflected at the national level. Instead of mitigating problems faced by women, the last nine years has seen a sustained effort on the part of the Narendra Modi government to "turn our women purely into symbols to be counted and appreciated only in their restricted, traditional role in a patriarchal framework," she alleged. Further she said, "I am confident that we, the like-minded parties of the INDIA alliance can and will take urgent steps needed to make women's equality a reality. It is my fervent hope that we the INDIA alliance will see to it that the bill will be implemented as soon as possible; we will all work together to see to it that it happens." She reinforced that this is the alliance's goal and when the constituents of the combine fought together, they shall emerge victorious. "This is our goal,this will be the INDIA alliance goal and this is what we women must fight for, if we fight all together, we shall be victorious." "Vetri namathey, (victory is ours) nandri (thank you)," she said in Tamil. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 14. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is currently exploring the possibility of providing a three-year senior unsecured sovereign loan of up to $10 million to Joint Stock Commercial Bank with Foreign Capital Hamkorbank under Uzbekistan Green Economy Financing Facility II, Trend reports. The approval date is scheduled for October 27, 2023. The GEFF II Loan I will contribute towards building a green economy in Uzbekistan by facilitating the expansion of energy efficiency investments in a gender-responsive way. The primary objectives of the project are the successful implementation of previous green financing operations and the scaling up of Hamkorbank's green activities. Hamkorbank will benefit from comprehensive technical assistance (TC) to strengthen its internal capacity for financing green projects. The proceeds of the loan will be lent to eligible sub-borrowers implementing qualifying sub-projects in line with the technical and financial eligibility criteria in accordance with the standard requirements set in the policy statement for GEFF II Uzbekistan. Hamkorbank, founded in 1991, is a leading privately owned bank in Uzbekistan. In 2022, the bank ranked 10th largest among 31 banks, with a market share of 3 percent of total assets. Meanwhile, following the reengagement with Uzbekistan in late 2017, the EBRD approved a 5-year country strategy in 2018. According to the head of the EBRD office in Uzbekistan, Andi Aranitasi, those priorities included the enhancement of competitiveness by strengthening the role of the private sectors role in the economy, as well as the promotion of green energy and resource solutions across sectors. Forty years after it was disrupted due to civil war in Sri Lanka, ferry services between India and the island republic resumed on Saturday, a move Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral ties. Welcoming the resumption of ferry services, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said it will help improve the connectivity, trade and cultural links between the two countries The service between Tamil Nadus Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai near Jaffna in the northern province of Sri Lanka aims to revive the ancient maritime connection between the two neighbours. The high-speed ferry operated by the Shipping Corporation of India SCI has a capacity of 150 passengers and would cover a distance of about 60 nm (110 Km) between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in about 3.5 hours depending on the sea conditions. In its inaugural journey, the vessel named Cheriyapani traveled with 50 passengers to Sri Lanka and will return to India by evening with passengers from the island nation. The passengers on the maiden voyage expressed joy over sailing to Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Modi said ferry service between India and the Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between the two countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the milestone event as a big step for people to people contacts between India and Sri Lanka. In a video message, Modi said the service brings alive all historical and cultural connections. Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer, he said. The prime minister said India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations and the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone in strengthening the relations. Underlining the shared history of culture, commerce and civilisation between India and Sri Lanka, he pointed out that Nagapattinam and nearby towns have been known for sea trade with many countries, including Sri Lanka, and the historical port of Poompuhar finds a mention as a hub in ancient Tamil literature. He also spoke about Sangam age literature like Pattinappalai and Manimekalai which describe the movement of boats and ships between the two countries. Modi also touched upon the great poet Subramania Bhartis song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, which mentions a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. He said the ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections. During the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe, a vision document was jointly adopted for an economic partnership with the central theme of connectivity, the PM said. He emphasised connectivity enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, while also creating new opportunities for the youth of both countries. Modi also recalled his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 when direct flights between Delhi and Colombo were launched. Wickremesignhe said the ferry service is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. For thousands of years, people have traversed the Palk Strait to travel from the Indian subcontinent to this island and from Sri Lanka back to the Indian subcontinent. This is how our cultures have developed. This is how our trade developed, Wickremesinghe said in a recorded video message at the inauguration of the ferry service. Stating that the connectivity between our two countries was disrupted due to the war in the north, the President said, now peace has returned and we can re-establish the sea connectivity and then thanked Modi, the Indian Shipping Corporation for the role they have played in re-establishing this connectivity. The initiative aims to revive the historical maritime connections dating to the early 1900s. The Indo-Ceylon Express that was operated between Chennai and Colombo via Thoothukudi, ceased its operations in 1982 due to the civil war in Sri Lanka. In order to commence the service, the Government of India supported the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board in upgrading facilities at the Nagapattinam port. Similarly, the Sri Lankan government created necessary infrastructure at the port of Kankesanthurai, an official release said. Indias efforts to start the ferry service are in line with the governments priority to enhance connectivity with neighbours and in the wider Indian Ocean Region. A direct passenger ferry between Sri Lanka and India will provide an efficient and cost-effective means of travel for the people of the two countries, boost tourism and trade links and strengthen people-to people ties, the release said. The milestone event was flagged off jointly by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Both the countries will continue to work towards commencement of ferry services between other ports, including the traditional route between Rameswaram- Talaimannar, it said. State Ministers E V Velu and S Raghupathy, too, virtually flagged off the first ferry service. Jaishankar described the milestone event as a big step for people to people contacts between India and Sri Lanka. It is an affirmation of people centric policies of the Modi government that have helped those in Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lankas northern province, he said. The government, Jaishankar said, followed neighbourhood first policy, and had a far sighted approach for proximate nations with a focus on connectivity, cooperation and contact. Thats exactly what we are seeking to do through this ferry service, he said. On the future plans, he said that India was looking at grid connection, pipeline and economic corridor and of course support for all in Sri Lanka to live in equal dignity and equal rights. Sonowal said the Centres current initiative with the support of Tamil Nadu government, will bring back the glory of the sea link between the two countries. TN Minister Velu said the all-weather passenger shipping service would improve service between the two countries. The decision of the Supreme Court on gay rights will be historic in every sense of the word. The community demands that marriage be recognised as a fundamental right, resting on the argument that various civil rights emanate from the institution of marriage. The key contention of the LGBTQ community is that basic civil rights like having a joint bank account, inheritance upon the demise of the partner or powers to sign basic medical forms for each other cannot be exercised unless the legal definition of marriage abandons its heterosexual assumptions. Lets tackle the demand of recognising marriage as a fundamental right in India and its feasibility. If marriage were to be recognised as a fundamental right, it will open a Pandoras Box where personal laws shall be in direct conflict. This paves the way for dozens of petitions lining up before the Supreme Court. It shall also throw challenges for the various tribal and indigenous customs prevalent which are protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. No religious, tribal, or customary law recognises same sex partnership or gay marriages. Recognition of same sex marriage as a fundamental right shall set the stage for a complete overhaul of the definition of marriage. The question is not on the morality or the righteousness of the issue but rather on whether we are legally, constitutionally, and socially prepared for this overhaul. The jury is still out on that. During the hearings, there was another suggestion that was debated upon whether the ambit of personal laws should be completely put aside and only the domain of secular laws like the Special Marriages Act, 1954, should be changed or altered. The suggestion was that the definition under the Special Marriages Act should be made gender-neutral. But even this path is a treacherous one. India, unlike most democratic countries, does not have a Uniform Civil Code. Even if the troublesome aspect of personal laws is put aside for a moment and the Special Marriages Act abandons the gendered definition of marriage, the problem is far from over. The limited rationalisation under the Special Marriages Act shall only augment the complexities under the present system. The so called civil or secular law is not so secular in nature. A lot of tentacles of the secular or civil statute are entwined in the religious customs and definitions, especially pertaining to inheritance. Marriage as an institution is not completely civil or secular in India under any circumstances due to the absence of a Uniform Civil Code and the patchy framework of personal laws. Even the limited rationalisation of laws shall require legislative intervention. Allied statutes and laws on inheritance, divorce, maintenance, and adoption shall need a complete overhaul. The Supreme Court also orally suggested that the petitioners should consider the idea of sitting with the government in a special committee and formulating a solution or a middle path. At one point during the hearing, the court seemed to be conscious of the fact that the changes require legislative expertise and effort. While the judiciary can decide on constitutionality of the issues and suggest stop-gap arrangements or mechanisms, judiciary cannot create or amend statutes. The suggestion that every state should be heard in this matter came from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The idea of a committee shall entirely shift the ball to the court of the government and Parliament to legislate on this matter. Its open to the Supreme Court to set out broad guidelines and principles while the committee decides on the matter if at all that route or path is taken. To conclude, the spirit of reform must be reiterated. The LGBTQ communitys fight for equality, dignity and reform cannot be put aside in any scenario. The community must have greater civil rights and should be able to enjoy partnerships socially and legally. The question is about how that shall be achieved. One cannot sit in the hope that the government will take any drastic measures on the same. Across the world, its the judiciary through its pronouncements that has furthered the cause of the LGBTQ community. Even in India, the Supreme Court corrected its historical errors, reversing its own judgments and decriminalising homosexuality. In the pursuit of greater civil rights, perhaps, once again, a nudge is needed from the Supreme Court. The task is far from being simplistic and is not about playing to the gallery. It a serious reformative move that must be done with fine judicial acumen and tact. A 24-year-old man has been arrested for setting ablaze a paint shop in Nagpur city after its owner sacked him over behavioural issues, an official said on Saturday. The incident took place in the Itwari area under the jurisdiction of the Tehsil police station in the early hours of Tuesday, less than 48 hours after accused Raunak Paliwal was shown the door apparently due to negligent behaviour. Initially, nobody had an inkling that Paliwal, who worked at the shop for about six months, would be involved in the arson, which caused a loss of nearly Rs 45 lakh to owner Burhan Daud Ajiz Daud (29). As the police were probing the matter, the owner of a neighbouring establishment handed over the footage of a CCTV camera to the paint shop owner. The footage turned out to be the clinching evidence, the official. The footage showed Paliwal pouring petrol into the shop through a gap in the shutter before setting the place on fire and fleeing on a two-wheeler. Based on a complaint by the owners family and the CCTV footage, the police on Saturday arrested Paliwal. In custody, the accused said that he set the shop afire to take revenge for his sacking. A case has been registered against Paliwal under Indian Penal Code Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc.), said the official, adding that he has been remanded in police custody for three days. Prime Minister Narendra while reiterating the nations hope for its dream to host the Olympics in 2036, said that India hopes to get continuous cooperation from the IOC. Sports is for all, he said, adding that Sports does not just generate champions, it promotes peace. The prime minister said that sports is a way to connect the world. I will reiterate the IOC motto: Faster, higher, stronger together. Concluding his address, PM Modi thanked IOC President Thomas Bach and declared the session open. Athiya Shetty and Rana Daggubati, graced the runway to display the latest collections of designer duo Shivan & Narresh on the third day of the 2023 Lakme Fashion Week organized by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Shivan & Narreshs fresh resort-wear collection takes its inspiration from the Suomi Series, which was born during the designers recent trip to Finland. Their immersive exploration of Suomi culture led to the creation of five distinctive prints. Athiya Shetty opened the show for Shivan & Narresh, while Rana Daggubati had the role of closing it. Shetty donned a stylish ensemble, featuring a bustier top paired with a high-waisted skirt, whereas Daggubati, the showstopper, rocked a printed jumper, a mesh see-through shirt, and black baggy pants designed by the duo. Both stars completed their looks with Birkenstock sandals, the trendy footwear thats been making waves across the internet, making their outfits perfect for your next tropical getaway. Athiya Shettys runway attire showcased a striking black bralette top, delicate spaghetti straps, a snug bust fit, an alluring open-back design, and a stylish cropped hem. Complementing the top, she paired it with a high-waisted skirt in shades of mauve and lavender ombre. This skirt was elegantly affixed to the top and featured a gathered silhouette, a side slit, an asymmetric hem, and an airy, flowing design. To complete the look, statement gold earrings, parted open hair locks, vibrant fuchsia lips, and a radiant, dewy makeup application added the perfect finishing touches. Rana opted for a rather distinctive look, featuring a black transparent mesh shirt with an open front. To complement the top, he wore black high-waisted loose-fitting pants equipped with convenient side pockets. To round off his ensemble, Rana sported a rugged beard, tinted sunglasses, a swept-back hairstyle, and slip-on sandals, providing the perfect finishing touches to his overall appearance. Daggubati mentioned, This is a chill outfit, perfect for a South Indian. We couldnt agree more, Rana! Sukesh Chandrasekhar, a conman who is lodged in Delhis Tihar Jail in a Rs 200 crore extortion case, has written another letter to Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez ahead of the nine-day-long Navratri festival and said he would fast for her well-being and to ward off all the negativity around them. Calling the Roy actor his tigress, the conman expressed his admiration for Fernandez and praised her appearance in the Doha show. Baby firstly you were looking super hot and pretty at the Doha Show. Baby, there is no one prettier than you, my Bomma, the alleged conman said in his letter as per India Today. Sukesh also expressed his intentions to fast for the entire nine days of Navratri for the well-being and happiness of the actor, who he was allegedly in a relationship with before his arrest. Baby as Navratri is commencing from tomorrow, I am, for the first time in my life, gonna fast all the 9 days for your well-being and mainly to ward away all the negativity around us, he added in his letter. Sukesh, who is currently imprisoned in a Rs 200 crore extortion case, further added that with Ma Shakthis divine intervention, everything will only be in our favour and the truth will prevail. We will be with each other very soon, come what may, and live together forever my Baby girl. He also talked about his intentions to arrange a special pooja for Jacqueline at Vaishno Devi Temple and Mahakaleshwar Temple on the ninth day of Navratri. Baby no cage in this world can stop me from loving you and protecting you and standing up for you. Baby, I know how much you love me, at the same time you know my baby, I live for you, I would kill for you, I would die for you, the letter shared by IT read. Conman Chandrashekhar is currently lodged in Delhis Mandoli jail in connection to the Rs 200 crore extortion case. He was rumoured to be in a relationship with the Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez. However, Jacqueline denied any romantic relationship with Sukesh but she is also an accused in the case and has also been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) multiple times. The eagerly awaited release of Thalapathy Vijays Leo has stirred considerable excitement among fans, but as the clock ticks down to its premiere on October 19, an unforeseen hurdle looms. The Tamil Nadu government issued an order containing certain conditions, notably the prohibition of early morning screenings. Talks are currently underway between distribution companies and theatre owners to finalize the terms of their agreement, with only five days left until the films scheduled release. Reports reveal that Chennai-based distribution firm Karpaka Vinayaka Company and local theatre owners are locked in a deadlock over profit-sharing arrangements. The distribution company is purportedly advocating for a share ranging from 70% to 75% of the first weeks collections, while theatre owners assert that they cannot concede more than 60%. Consequently, the parties have yet to ink a definitive agreement, and negotiations are ongoing. Resolution of the matter is anticipated shortly, prior to the commencement of advance bookings in the state capital. In an effort to ensure the films smooth screening, the Chennai police have assembled specialized teams. They have issued stern warnings of punitive measures against those who contravene the governments stipulations regarding the films exhibition. Leo is scheduled to begin its first screening at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until 1:30 a.m., marking a substantial viewing window. Theatre owners have additionally been directed to implement robust security provisions and make adequate parking space accessible to cinephiles. Police authorities have cautioned theatre operators against unreasonably inflating ticket prices. Leo is an action thriller featuring a star-studded ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Gautham Menon, Mysskin, and Priya Anand in pivotal roles. The film is helmed by director Lokesh Kanagaraj, with the script co-authored by Rathna Kumar and Deeraj Vaidy alongside Kanagaraj. Renowned music composer Anirudh Ravichander scored the films soundtrack, while Manoj Paramahamsa and Philomin Raj have lent their talents to the cinematography and editing, respectively. With such high expectations and financial stakes riding on its release, Leo is undeniably a cinematic spectacle that has fans and industry insiders eagerly watching the outcome of these negotiations. Bollywoods power couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt arrived at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai ahead of the inauguration of the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, October 14. Both actors looked stunning as they twinned in royal blue outfits for the event. Alia looked gorgeous in a royal blue salwar and kameez which she paired with a matching net dupatta. The outfit was embellished with mirrorwork all over, enhancing Alias radiance. She tied her hair in a neat bun and wore statement earrings and a bindi to complete her look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Ranbir Kapoor looked dapper in a royal blue traditional jacket which he wore over an all-white kurta pajama set. The couple posed for the paparazzi outside the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre ahead of the event. Their fans couldnt stop gushing over their latest appearance. One person wrote, Alia is looking so beautiful . Another added, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan in their young ages. One person added, Theyre looking so gorgeous. Another fan wrote, Alia is looking very cute. Fans even touted them as the best jodi. For the unversed, the IOC session of International Olympic Committee members is a forum where important decisions about the future of the Olympic Games are taken. India is hosting the IOC session for the second time, after nearly 40 years. The first session in India was held in Delhi in 1983 for the 86th meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be flying to Mumbai to inaugurate the session later on Saturday. Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia is currently shooting for her upcoming film Jigra. Besides playing the lead, Alia is also jointly producing the film with Karan Johar. On the other hand, Ranbir is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Animal. The film will feature Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in prominent roles. Sonal Chauhan made her impressive debut in Bollywood with the film Jannat, directed by Kunal Deshmukh. She failed to make a major headway in the industry thereafter but earned recognition in South cinema. Sonal often sets social media on fire with her sensual pictures. She proved this right with her recent set of pictures, for which she posed in a hotel in Texas, USA. The Jannat actress flaunted her toned body in a glitter spaghetti strap sequin dress. She opted for glowy makeup and a shade of red lipstick. She accessorised her look with studs and left her hair open, which added to the hotness quotient. How was your Sunday, she wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonal Chauhan (@sonalchauhan) Sonal Chauhans colleagues from the industry and fans appreciated her outfit in the comments. Actress Bhoomika Chawla dropped a heart emoticon, while a fan wrote, Each and every part of your figure is perfect. Sonal treated fans to another set of pictures in the same outfit and looked stunning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonal Chauhan (@sonalchauhan) Sonal last acted in the film Adipurush, directed by Om Raut, which received immense backlash from the critics and the audience. Viewers criticised the movie for derogatory dialogue and poor graphics. It is a modern adaptation of the Ramayana. Sonal played the role of Mandodari in this movie, backed by RKB Creative, Retrophiles, and T-Series Films. Kriti Sanon, Saif Ali Khan, Prabhas, and others have also acted in this movie. Sonal Chauhan also starred in the Telugu film titled The Ghost, directed by Praveen Sattaru, last year. It failed to entertain the audience as well. The Ghost revolves around an ex-Interpol officer, who is at loggerheads with the global underworld and goes missing in action. He remerges years later for his beloved family. Will he be able to protect his family or not form the core theme of The Ghost? Sonal essayed the role of Priya in this film, starring Gul Panag, Ravi Varma, and others. As of now, Sonal is looking forward to her other film Loosey, directed by Sean R Jones. Ever since Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi made their engagement official, fans have grown desperate to know when the celebrity couple will finally tie the knot. Well, it appears the big day is scheduled to take place on November 1. A report by Pinkvilla claims Varun and Lavanya are planning to host a lavish wedding ceremony in Tuscany, Italy. The couple has seemingly scouted a romantic yet picturesque venue to exchange their wedding vows. If the report is to be believed, the pre-wedding festivities including mehendi, sangeet, and other ceremonies will be organized in the last week of October as per traditional rituals. The ceremony is likely to be a private affair between friends and family members with the guest list consisting of about 50-60 people. It is also claimed Varun Tej recently went on a bachelors trip in Ibiza. The preparation for D-Day has reportedly begun in full swing and the families of Varun and Lavanya are heavily involved in brainstorming decor and outfit details for the event. Earlier this year, rumours of the couples engagement created a significant buzz on social media after Varun fathers Naga Babu revealed in a statement his son will soon tick the marriage bracket off his bucket list. Although Varun has always kept his romantic life away from the limelight, fans have long known he was dating Lavanya Tripathi. The rumours turned out to be true when the couple officially announced their engagement on Instagram in a series of happy photographs from the close-knit ceremony. Found my Lav, said Varun, while Lavanya revealed the duo have been in a relationship since 2016. Check out the photos here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varun Tej Konidela (@varunkonidela7) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lavanya tripathi (@itsmelavanya) Earlier this year, Varuns father reportedly claimed his son is ready to introduce his bride to the media. If rumour mills are believed to be true, it was Varun Tej who proposed to Lavanya on the special occasion of her birthday last year. He seemed to have purchased a radiating diamond ring before flying from Hyderabad to Bangalore to pop the big question. It is quite important to note neither Varun Tej nor Lavanya Tripathi or their families have officially confirmed the date of their wedding. The couple has shared the screen space in two films namely Antariksham and Mister. After seven days of the Hamas rocket attacks on Southern Israel and Israels response using air force, navy and artillery offensive onto Gaza, the casualties on both sides are still mounting. Around 1300 Israelis have been killed and 2800 have been injured. In the Israeli counter bombardment, 1500 Palestinians including 200 children have been killed and nearly 5800 have been injured. The casualties on the first day amongst Israelis have been colossal and equivalent to the total number of casualties suffered by the country in two wars; namely, the Sinai War of 1956 and the Six Day War of 1966 and there have been half of the casualties suffered in the entire Yom Kippur War of 1973. Israel has warned 1.1 million civilians in northern Gaza to move to the south within 24 hours, which as per the United Nations, is an impossible task. The impending ground offensive by Israel to crush Hamas leadership and cadres is likely to be multi-dimensional and a very complex operation. The amount of force and strength being used by Israel has to be carefully calibrated to ensure the safety of Israeli prisoners who may be spread in multiple locations, as well as the collateral damage caused to the civilians in Gaza including children and women. A total siege of the Gaza Strip has been imposed by Israel and electricity, water and food supplies have been cut off. 4,00,00 Palestinians have been rendered internally displaced and another 1.1 million are on the move. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned Palestinians to vacate Gaza, there is no place they can go to unless a safe corridor is ensured into Egypt or mass evacuation from the sea can be undertaken. The question is whether any country would be willing and capable of absorbing such huge numbers of refugees. Relentless air attacks as per the Palestinian spokesperson have killed 13 hostages including some foreigners. The casualties on the Palestinian side are going to increase manifold in the coming days. A large number of foreigners, mainly tourists from other countries have been killed or wounded in the ongoing clashes. US President Joe Biden has confirmed that 11 US citizens have been killed and some have been taken as prisoners. Thailand has had 18 killed, 14 injured and 11 taken as prisoners. Eight French, seven Argentinians, four Russians, two Ukrainians and two British citizens have been confirmed as killed. South Korea and some other countries have been able to evacuate their citizens safely. There are 18,000 Indians residing in Israel and the Indian government has made arrangements under Operation Ajay to bring home the willing ones. Prior to the launch of the Israeli ground offensive, its ramifications and the end state in Gaza has to be clearly spelled out by the Israeli political and military leadership. The US has promised $8 billion aid to Israel in the form of sophisticated weapons and command and control equipment. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reaffirmed never-ending support during his meeting with PM Netanyahu in the Middle East. The EU foreign ministers have decided to continue the financial aid to the Palestinians but are likely to change the methods of delivery to ensure that this money does not go into the hands of Hamas and is not used to further perpetrate violence in the region. Hamas has been declared a banned terrorist group by Israel and the European Union. Israelis have been continuously firing retaliatory artillery rounds toward Lebanon since day two of the conflict and have also engaged Damascus and Aleppo in Syria. The conflict has every chance of spreading in the region. The ground operation has to be very clearly and painstakingly planned to ensure minimum casualties to the attacking troops and collateral damage to civilians. The urban warfare eats up troops and the operations as witnessed in Grozny, Belarus and Ukraine are slow, difficult and relentless. Hamas has been threatening the execution of hostages if Israel continues to bombard the civilian areas of Gaza without warning. All options have been gone into and Israel has to strengthen its posturing in the North in reply to activation of the Green Line by Hezbollah. Israel feels that Hamas has broken the rules of peace and has to pay the consequences. Once the ground operations are launched and the Hamas leadership and cadres are taken out, the future status of the Gaza Strip has to be carefully chalked out and implemented. Will Israel allow Jewish settlement in Gaza as was prevalent prior to 2005? Will the Gaza Strip be patrolled and dominated by check posts like the West Bank? The ground offensive will be resisted by civilians and Hamas cadres by ground, air and sea counter-offensives. It may take months, if not years, to clear all the urban neighbourhoods in the Gaza Strip. The number of casualties by the attacker in urban warfare is generally much larger than the other operational areas. Is Israel, as a nation, prepared to take more casualties? It is unfortunately an asymmetrical war and the answers have to be searched by out-of-the-box solutions. It seems Phase 1 of the ground operations has already started and it was aimed to clear all opposition around the Gaza Strip in Israeli territory. Phase 2 is likely to be launched into Gaza onto the known Hamas localities which are below the ground in the tunnels after creating safe launch pads in the Gaza Strip. The operations have to be small team operations based on hard intelligence. Some amount of collateral damage is bound to take place but any large-scale destruction and killings of innocent civilians are likely to have adverse effects and will turn the international opinion against the Israelis. A graduated response with minimum required force is likely to achieve better results. Phase 3 may be launched to create a buffer zone but that will further accentuate the problem of the density of population in Gaza which already is the third highest in the world. Alongside these three phases, simultaneous special operations to get the hostages released may be carried out. After the military operations, Israel has three options to deal with Gaza for long-term peace. Option 1 is to follow its time-tested policy of land for peace and in the two-nation theory, let a Palestinian state come up in Gaza and the West Bank. This is the most unlikely option acceptable to Israel. Option 2 will be to resettle Jews in Gaza Strip as was the case before 2005. Option 3 is to create a buffer zone and resettle some of the suspected population elsewhere. It may be recalled that Israel, in pursuit of peace, came up with a land for peace theory in the late 70s and signed the Camp David Peace Agreement with Egypt in 1978-79 under the stewardship of the US government. Egypt recognised Israel and in a goodwill gesture, Israel returned the huge landmass of the Sinai Peninsula. In 1993, under the Norwegian and US stewardship, the then Israeli PM Menachem Begin signed the Oslo Peace Accord with Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) chief Yasser Arafat and Israel recognised PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. Yasser Arafat promised to renounce terrorism and recognised Israels right to exist. The next year, in 1994, Israelis signed a peace treaty with Jordanian King Hussain and returned the occupied areas along the Jordan River to Jordan. Israelis also offered to return more than 85 per cent of the land mass in Golan Heights to Syria in 1998 but the ailing Hafez al-Assad did not trust the Israelis. Assad later regretted his decision at the time of his death in 2000. The best and only lasting situation is the two-nation solution wherein the Palestinians should be given a separate nation consisting of the West Bank and Gaza. Otherwise, the basic issue will remain unresolved and violence will erupt again after a few years. The present Israeli government and the majority of the Jewish population are opposed to the two-nation solution and are postponing a problem for their grandchildren to solve. The author was Head of the Mission and Force Commander of UN Peacekeeping Mission (UNDOF) between Israel and Syria at Golan Heights from 2012 to 2014. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday hit out at Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, alleging that he is behaving like someone who gives refuge to a murderer to encourage the latter to commit more such crimes. His comment came a day after the Supreme Court rapped Narwekar over the delay in taking a decision on the disqualification pleas of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs. The speaker is working like someone giving refugee to a murderer to encourage him to commit more such crimes. Doesnt he know the law? Raut said while speaking to reporters. The Sena (UBT) MP said the apex had never taken a stand that it took on Friday, a reference to its strictures against the speaker. He accused the speaker, the chief minister (Eknath Shinde) and his government of maligning the image of Maharashtra. The delay in deciding the disqualification petitions against CM Shinde and Shiv Sena MLAs loyal to him Friday came under strict scrutiny by the Supreme Court which came down hard on the assembly speaker, saying the proceedings cannot be a charade and he cannot defeat its orders. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing speaker Rahul Narwekar, to apprise it about the timeline for deciding the petitions on Tuesday, saying it will pass a peremptory order if it is not satisfied. The idea of laying down the time schedule was not to indefinitely delay the hearing on the disqualification proceedings, the court said. The death by suicide of a student, who was preparing for the state public service exam, has turned into a political slugfest in Telangana. The body of 23-year-old Pravallika was found late on Friday (October 13) at her hostel room in Hyderabads Ashoknagar. The death has led to a flash protest with her friends saying Pravallika had gone into depression because the examination for the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) was repeatedly being cancelled or rescheduled. The Group-1 exam was cancelled twice after a paper leak while the Group-2 test was recently rescheduled due to the assembly elections. According to police, a note purportedly written by the student asks her parents to forgive her. The reason for her death is not mentioned. Police said Pravallika was upset that her boyfriend had chosen another woman and, hence, took the extreme step. But, opposition parties are saying the state government is trying to divert the issue. Dr K Laxman, national president of the BJP OBC Morcha, reached the spot at night and blamed the BRS government for the students death as it had failed to conduct the exams. Congress leader Kota Neelima, too, joined the protest and said the BRS government had failed students who came from different parts of Telangana to study in Hyderabad. The issue snowballed the next day when state Congress president Revanth Reddy and BRS MLC K Kavitha engaged in a war of words on X, formerly Twitter. Commenting on a post that Kavitha wrote, Revanth said: Kavitha, you are making colourful videos about Bathukamma celebrations; cant you hear the cry of the soul of Pravallika who committed suicide because of the irregularities in TSPSC exam? In your eyes, womens rights are just political agendas. Replying to him, Kavitha accused the state party chief of denigrating Bathukamma festival. If a girl child commits suicide, is it your policy to turn it into a political issue? It is sad that Pravallika committed suicide. No parent should face this situation. It is the Congress that is playing with the lives of the unemployed. Isnt it a fact that your party made all-out efforts to block the issuance of any exam notification in Telangana? Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, called Pravallikas death a murder of the dreams of Telangana youth and promised to fill two lakh government job vacancies in one year. Bhuvanagari Congress MP Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said Pravallikas family should get justice and an ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore should be announced for her family. Its a shame that the youth are dying for jobs in Telangana, the MP said. In a heartwarming and slightly comical turn of events, a long-lost library book has found its way back to the New York Public Library after an astounding 90 years. The return of this book has not only brought a touch of nostalgia but also a surprising late fee that has raised eyebrows. According to a report by the New York Post, a copy of Joseph Conrads 1925 book Youth and Two Other Stories, which had been borrowed from the Larchmont Public Library in 1933, made its way back to the library in New York after an astonishing 90 years. This remarkable turn of events was brought to the publics attention by Joanie Morgan of Virginia, who came across the book among her stepfathers possessions. After discovering it, she sent it back to the library at the end of September, Larchmont librarian Caroline Cunningham told the outlet. Interestingly, the library received a mere $5 in late fees for this extraordinary return. As per the New York Post, this marked one of the lengthiest check-outs in the history of the Larchmont Library, which had been operating since its inception in 1926. Larchmont librarian Caroline Cunningham noted that the individual who borrowed the book was a resident of the village at the time, and the revelation was indeed surprising. Regarding the conversation with Joanie Morgan, she recalled, At first I thought, are you calling the right library because we get a lot of phone calls from Virginia because theres a Larchmont library in Virginia." The person who originally checked out the book, Jimmie Ellis, resided in the village with his first wife and two children. He passed away in 1978. Their house was about two blocks from Larchmont Public Library. And since Jimmie, a writer and avid reader himself, no doubt encouraged his boys to read, they most likely borrowed books from Larchmont Public regularly," as per Joanie Morgans letter sent to the library, quoted New York Post. As for the librarys decision to impose such a modest late fee, their Facebook post clarified that patrons are charged 20 cents for each day a book remains overdue, but the maximum fine is capped at $5. The post also mentioned that when a library book has not been returned after 30 days, it is considered lost, and the patron is billed for the books original price. However, when the book is eventually returned, it reverts to the maximum fine of five dollars. The return of Youth and Two Other Stories after 90 years is a delightful tale of rediscovery and a reminder that even the smallest acts, like returning a library book, can bring joy, nostalgia, and a few chuckles along the way. It also highlights the dedication of library staff who continue to treasure and preserve knowledge for generations to come. Setting up a lunar base is challenging due to the moons harsh environment, with no atmosphere, water, and extreme temperature changes. Lunar dust is a major problem, damaging suits, clogging machinery, interfering with instruments, and hindering mobility. Building roads on the moon, you might wonder why its necessary, Prof Jens Gunster, co-author of a report from the Federal Institute of Materials Research and Testing in Berlin, said in an interview, adding: But, its quite a pressing need, even from the early stages. Lunar terrain is highly unstable, theres no atmosphere, and gravity is weak, causing dust to infiltrate everywhere. Nobody wants their spacecraft covered in dust from another. The dust has posed problems in past missions, like the damage to the Surveyor 3 spacecraft caused by dust from the Apollo 12 landing. NASA places a high priority on addressing this issue, especially as they work towards creating a lasting lunar settlement. The cost of transporting construction materials to the moon is prohibitive, necessitating innovative solutions to this challenge. According to DailyMail, this technological advancement holds significant value. Moondust poses problems for moon rovers, leading to malfunctions and shutdowns. This issue stems from the absence of lunar gravity, allowing fine dust particles to stay suspended. Finding an affordable solution would be a major benefit for NASA. In a recent study, scientists explored using lasers to convert lunar soil into a solid substance. Their experiments demonstrated that lunar dust could be successfully melted into a solid form. The most effective results were obtained using a 45-millimetre diameter laser, which created hollow triangular shapes measuring approximately 250 millimetres in size. Researchers suggest connecting these pieces to create durable surfaces for lunar roads and landing pads. On the Moon, a 2.37 square metre lens, transported from Earth, could harness sunlight to produce the material efficiently without the need for a laser, using relatively small equipment. The results have been published in the journal Scientific Reports. Researchers at Aalen University in Germany used a lunar soil substitute from the European Space Agency to conduct experiments. They applied a carbon dioxide laser to liquefy a clay substitute, investigating how solar radiation could transform lunar dust into a solid material. The experiments were carried out on Earth, and the researchers suggest that their results demonstrate the potential for applying the technology on the Moon. They emphasised the need for additional refinement of the process. Australians have roundly rejected greater rights for Indigenous citizens, scuppering plans to amend the countrys 122-year-old constitution after a divisive and racially-tinged referendum campaign. With two-thirds of polling places reporting, 55 percent of voters had voted no to acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the countrys constitution for the first time. The reforms would also have created a consultative body a Voice to Parliament to weigh in on laws that affect Indigenous communities and help address profound social and economic inequality. Despite support from the countrys centre-left government, the yes campaign had trailed in opinion polls for months, and a defeat was widely expected. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the defeat early in the evening, telling public broadcaster ABC Australians have not voted for a change to the constitution. Despite pre-referendum polls pointing to a defeat, Indigenous Australians expressed anger and anguish that the white majority had rejected calls for a reckoning with the countrys bloody colonial past. This is a difficult result, this is a very hard result, said Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin. We did everything we could and we will come back from this, he said. More than 230 years since the first British penal ships anchored in Sydney, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese proposed the reforms as a step towards racial reconciliation. But instead, it has sparked a deeply rancorous and racially-tinged debate that exposed a gulf between First Nations people and the white majority. Polls have consistently shown that voters most of whom are white rank Indigenous issues far down their list of political priorities. In the days before the vote, media attention has focused as much on events in the Middle East as the political debate at home. The opposition campaign had deftly channelled fears about the role and effectiveness of the Voice assembly, encouraging people to vote no if they are uncertain. The debate was accompanied by reams of online misinformation: suggesting the Voice would lead to land seizures, a South African-style system of apartheid or was part of some United Nations plot. Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo expressed fury at the conduct of the No campaign, which was backed by conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton. They have lied to the Australian people. This dishonesty should not be forgotten in our democracy by the Australian people, he said. There should be repercussions for that sort of behaviour in our democracy. They should not get away with this. Racism accusation Dee Duchesne, 60, a volunteer for the no campaign, said she was fighting to keep an extra layer of bureaucracy out of our constitution. She said she had been called racist while handing out leaflets near a Sydney polling station during early voting. Im not, she said. Voting is compulsory for Australias 17.6 million voters. The referendum could only pass with support from a majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in at least four of the countrys six states. It appeared to garner neither. The ballot paper asks: A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration? US President Joe Biden said Friday that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a priority. We cant lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamass appalling attacks, and theyre suffering as a result as well, Biden said during a speech in Philadelphia. The US president reiterated his staunch support for Israel following Saturdays attack by Hamas militants, which he described as pure evil. Were making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks, Biden said. Its also a priority for me to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he said. At my direction our teams are working in the region, including communicating directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations and the United Nations to surge support. Biden said he spoke earlier Friday with the families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas militants. Theyre going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children are, he said. Its gut wrenching. We are working around the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and our partners around the region, he said. Were not going to stop until we bring them home. Republicans nominated conservative hardliner Jim Jordan as their candidate for speaker of the US House of Representatives on Friday, as the lower chamber of Congress entered its 10th day of a leadership vacuum that has paralyzed Washington. The party has been in disarray since right-wing rebels forced out Kevin McCarthy, leaving the Republican-controlled House unable to address mounting crises including a looming government shutdown and US ally Israel on a war footing. Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise was initially seen as the best hope for a new standard-bearer who could heal the partys bitter divides, and he beat Jordan to the nomination in a secret ballot earlier this week. But the 59-year-old Ohioan, backed by former president Donald Trump, gets a second chance now that Scalise dropped out, after it became clear he lacked the 217 votes necessary to prevail in the full House. Republicans preferred Jordan, a darling of the right but a divisive figure in more mainstream circles, over Georgia congressman Austin Scott in the Republicans second internal nomination vote of the week. I highly respect Jim Jordan. He is an asset to the Republican Party, Scott said in a social media post following the vote. Our conference has spoken, and now we must unite behind Jordan so we can get Congress back to work. Unlike McCarthy and Scalise, Jordan has the trust of the partys most conservative faction, having spent years as a fringe rabble-rouser before getting the chairmanship of the powerful Judiciary Committee. Crucially, he also has many admirers in the influential right-wing cable news ecosphere, most notably Fox News star Sean Hannity, who said lawmakers would be crazy to vote against Jordan. Natural born principled leader He is a natural born principled leader who will lead house Republicans to unite vs the radical left on the house and senate, Hannity posted on social media. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a colleague of Jordan in the hard right Freedom Caucus, said it was yet to be seen if he could win a vote in the full House but repeated her full-throated endorsement. Jordan is disliked by moderates wary of his hardline outlook, and who remember his leading role in the downfall of a previous Republican speaker, John Boehner, and in the longest US government shutdown in history, in 2018. He beat Scott by 124 votes to 81, meaning he will need to find support from another 90-plus Republicans to win the vote in the full House. He called a validation vote immediately after his nomination to ask members if they would vote for him on the floor. Only 152 of his colleagues said yes. We have a lot of members who just feel like they will let perfect be the enemy of the good, said center-right congressman Dusty Johnson. That is not how any functional government, or any functional marriage, or any functional business works. With several Democrats and Republicans already out of town, the House adjourned for the weekend without voting giving Jordan precious extra hours to boost his support. The most extreme members of the Republican caucus have hijacked their party and paralyzed Congress, said Seth Magaziner, a Democratic congressman from Rhode Island. Without a speaker, we cannot protect our national security. France is on high alert after a man stabbed a teacher to death at a school in the northeastern town of Arras, which is home to large Jewish and Muslim populations. With President Emmanuel Macron calling it an act of Islamist terror, the country announced it will deploy 7,000 soldiers under the highest warning levels amid fears that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could lead to violent incidents in foreign capitals. As a result, the famous Louvre museum in Paris evacuated its visitors and closed following a security threat on Saturday. According to French authorities, a man in his twenties killed French teacher Dominique Bernard and severely wounded three others at the school he used to attend on Friday (October 13). The perpetrator, identified as Mohammed Moguchkov, was arrested while police claimed that he cried the Arabic phrase Allahu akbar (God is greatest) during the attack. A police source told news agency AFP he is among 10 people being held in custody, including several members of his family. Authorities have suggested a probable link to the ongoing violence in the Middle East. In Paris, a spokeswoman for the Louvre, the largest museum in the world, told AFP it received a written message stating that there is a risk to the museum and its visitors. The Elysee presidential palace said the deployment of soldiers from Operation Sentinelle will be completed by the evening of October 16. Sentinelle is a French military operation involving the deployment of soldiers, police and gendarmes set up in the aftermath of the January 2015 attacks to protect parts of the country deemed sensitive from terrorism. This school was struck by the barbarity of Islamist terrorism, Macron said after visiting the school, adding that the victim probably saved many lives with his courage in blocking the attacker. He said another attempted attack in a region near Paris was foiled by security forces. The interior ministry said the president was referring to the arrest of a radicalised man leaving a prayer hall in the Yvelines region bordering Paris for carrying a prohibited weapon. Interior minister Gerald Darmanin later said there is probably a link between whats happening in the Middle East and this incident in Arras. The country upped its threat level to the highest after Macron held a crunch security meeting on Friday (October 13) after the Arras attack, while the national anti-terrorist prosecutor announced that it has opened an investigation. French authorities further said Moguchkov is Russian, born in the predominantly Muslim North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia. He was already on a French national register as a potential security threat, a police source told AFP, and under electronic and physical surveillance by Frances domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI. Terrorism has struck Bernard was stabbed in the throat and chest. Among those wounded were a school security guard, who was stabbed multiple times and is fighting for his life, and a teacher in a less serious condition. A cleaner was also hurt, as per anti-terror prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard. No pupils at the school were hurt. School pupils throughout France will observe a minutes silence on October 16. The attack came almost three years to the day after the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty near his school in a Paris suburb on October 16, 2020. Police said Moguchkovs 17-year-old brother was detained close to another school. Panic in school The pupils and teachers were confined to the school premises before being allowed out in the afternoon. Martin Dousseau, a philosophy teacher who witnessed the attack, described a moment of panic during break-time when schoolchildren found themselves face-to-face with the armed man. He attacked canteen staff. I wanted to go down to intervene, he turned to me, chased me and asked me if I was a history and geography teacher, Dousseau said. We barricaded ourselves in, then the police arrived and immobilised him. On Saturday, the school was open for students to talk about the previous days tragedy. Im feeling sadness and anger, said Victoire, a 17-year-old final-year student taught by Bernard. He was always there for us, he was really an extraordinary person. France has suffered a series of attacks by Islamist extremists since 2015, including the suicide and gun attacks in November 2015 claimed by the IS on targets in Paris where 130 people were killed. There has been a relative lull in recent years, though officials have warned that the threat remains. Stepped-up protection In an address to the nation on October 12, Macron said 582 religious and cultural facilities in France were receiving stepped-up police protection after the attack by Hamas on Israel. Speaking in Arras, he reaffirmed his message from that address for the French to stand shoulder to shoulder and stay united. On the same day as the presidents address to the nation, Darmanin banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations in France until further notice, on grounds they are likely to generate disturbances to public order. In defiance of his order, hundreds gathered in Paris and other French cities on the same day shouting pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli slogans. Police in Paris used tear gas to disperse protesters and said they arrested 10 out of around 3,000 people present. Louvre to reimburse tickets The Louvre Museum evacuated all visitors and staff and closed early in the day after it received a written threat. It said the move was linked to the governments decision to put France on high alert, while promising it will reimburse ticket costs for those who booked for a viewing on Saturday. The Louvre communication service said no one has been hurt and no incident has been reported. Paris police said verifications in the museum are underway, and the area was cordoned off as tourists and other visitors streamed out of the museum. The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, welcomes between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors per day. (With agency inputs) Thousands of people Israelis, Palestinians and foreigners have been killed since Hamas militants attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip nearly a week ago. Most were civilians, with horror stories emerging about the militants rampage and the devastating military retaliation it provoked. Israel has vowed to crush Hamas and looks poised to send ground troops into the enclave, as calls mount for a humanitarian corridor to be opened and offers to broker peace come in. This is what we know about the war so far: How did it start? Hundreds of Hamas gunmen attacked Israel from Gaza at dawn on Saturday, on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. The Iran-backed Islamists said they fired around 5,000 rockets into Israel, 50 years and one day after the start of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The offensive, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, saw them breach security fences surrounding the heavily fortified enclave using explosives and bulldozers. They then streamed into Israel on motorbikes, pickup trucks, motorised gliders and speed boats, targeting nearby communities in the south. At a music festival near Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza, hundreds of young Israelis and foreigners were gunned down at close range. Those who managed to escape were shot at in the desert scrub or as they tried to flee in their cars. Some hid under bloodied bodies until the military arrived hours later. Israel said about 270 were killed in total. More than 100 civilians, including children, were killed at the Kfar Aza kibbutz, according to Israeli forces. Many died when their homes were set on fire, they added. But Hamas disputed the account, calling it a fake and false Israeli narrative. How has Israel reacted? Israel declared war on Hamas on Sunday and has since fired thousands of munitions at Gaza targets, flattening entire neighbourhoods and sending frightened residents fleeing for safety. On Friday, the army said it had conducted localised raids inside the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours to complete the effort to cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry. During these operations, there was also an effort to locate missing persons, it added. The Israeli military called on residents of the northern Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, to evacuate their homes and head south for their safety. Thousands heeded the call, packing their belongings into suitcases and bags, and leaving on foot or in any vehicle they could. The United Nations and others asked for the order to be rescinded, as the 1.1 million people affected nearly half of Gazas entire population of 2.4 million had nowhere to go. UN humanitarian agency OCHA, citing Palestinian authorities, said more than 2,500 homes have been destroyed or made uninhabitable by the bombing. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is sheltering more than 60 percent of the 423,000 people displaced in recent days in the Gaza Strip, which has been blockaded since 2006. Israels Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday ordered a complete siege of Gaza, meaning no electricity, no food, no water, no gas. The UN criticised that as a possible violation of international law. Israels military has called up around 300,000 reservists and massed tens of thousands of troops and heavy armour near Gaza, for a campaign it has dubbed Swords of Iron. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formed an emergency unity government for the duration of the war, and said Friday that initial bombardments were just the beginning. His office has denied claims from human rights groups that Israeli forces are using the incendiary weapon white phosphorus. What is the death toll? Israel says Hamas gunmen have killed more than 1,300 people in Israel. Most were civilians. Nearly 1,900 Gazans again most of them civilians and including over 610 children have been killed in retaliatory air strikes, authorities in Gaza said. What about the hostages? Israel estimates Hamas has taken more than 150 people hostage Israelis, foreigners and dual nationals. Hamas has threatened to kill them one by one if civilian targets are bombed without advance warning. On Friday, it said at least 13 hostages, including foreigners, were killed in Israeli bombardments in the previous 24 hours. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was in contact with Hamas and Israel to try to facilitate the release of the hostages. Hamas has ruled out negotiating a prisoner swap with Israel while the military operation continues. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on a visit to Jerusalem, said Hamas was using Gaza residents as a shield. On Friday, US President Joe Biden vowed to do everything in our power to free Americans taken by Hamas. Is the conflict limited to Gaza? No. There have been days of back-and-forth shelling with the Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah on Israels northern border with Lebanon. The Reuters news agency said one of its video journalists was killed on Friday in the border area of southern Lebanon. Several other journalists were wounded. The Israeli army said earlier it was firing in the border area. Israel on Tuesday exchanged fire with militants in Syria, where Iran backs the government, after the army said munitions were fired towards the occupied Golan Heights. On Thursday, Israeli strikes knocked out of service Syrias two main airports at Damascus and Aleppo. Israels ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, said the strike on Damascus airport was intended to stop weapons deliveries from Iran. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli fire killed at least nine Palestinians during rallies of solidarity with Gazans, taking the death toll to 44 since last Saturday. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation accused Israel of seeking to forcibly displace the Palestinian people and seeking to shift the humanitarian crisis to neighbouring countries. What has Hamas said? Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh vowed to press ahead with the battle to liberate our land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons. There were about 5,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, including 160 children and more than 1,000 who were detained without charge, according to a July UN report. Hamas has called on resistance fighters in the West Bank as well as in Arab and Islamic nations to join the battle. It has also rejected Israels call for Gazans to evacuate the north of the enclave. How has the world reacted? The United States has led Western support for Israel, with President Biden vowing rock solid and unwavering backing for Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered the message in person on Thursday, with Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin adding further weight Friday. Washington has sent additional military support to Israel, including missiles for its Iron Dome interceptor system, and is deploying hostage experts. Biden urged Israel to exercise restraint and follow the rules of war in its response, while NATO said it had to do so with proportionality. The UK is sending maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft to the eastern Mediterranean to track threats to regional stability such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups, London said. Tensions mounted with angry protests against Israel in Arab nations after Friday prayers. Iran has celebrated the Hamas assault, but has repeatedly denied allegations it had a role in it. Saudi Arabia, pressed by Washington for months to conclude a normalisation agreement with Israel, denounced the displacement of Palestinians and attacks on defenceless civilians. Whats happening in Gaza? Fuel, food and water are running low in Gaza because of the Israeli strikes and siege, prompting calls for immediate humanitarian aid to be sent. The first shipment arrived in Egypts Sinai on Thursday from Jordan but it was not immediately clear when it would get into Gaza. Calls are mounting from the United Nations, aid agencies and governments to avoid a humanitarian disaster, by providing safe spaces for Gazans. Israeli forces on Saturday launched a wide-scale strike on terror targets belonging to the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip. IDF battalions and soldiers are deployed throughout the country and are ready to elevate their readiness for the upcoming stages of the war, with a strong emphasis on significant ground operations, the IDF said. Israel-Palestine war: Countries are rushing to evacuate their nationals as thousands of foreigners find themselves stuck in Israel and across the Palestinian territories amid an all-out war between Israel Defence Forces and the militant group Hamas. India, the United States of America, Canada and several other countries launched operations to repatriate their citizens as air strikes in the war-hit region continued to kill thousands on both sides. Israel-Hamas War LIVE: Southern Lebanon Launches Rocket Attack on Israeli Sites; IDF Fires Back According to the latest reports, at least 3,200 people have been killed on both sides since Hamas launched the bloodiest assault on Israel since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Heres a full overview of the repatriation process being carried out by several countries: Indias Operation Ajay India was one of the first countries to proactively evacuate their citizens and tourists amid the Israel-Palestine war. The Indian government on Wednesday launched Operation Ajay and so far managed to bring back a total of 447 Indian nationals in two batches via chartered flights one from Tel Aviv and another from Ben Gurion. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has announced two special flights on Saturday to further facilitate more Indians wanting to leave the country amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. The first flight is expected to leave at 5:00 pm local time and can carry 230 passengers. The second flight is scheduled at 11:00 pm local time and can carry 330 passengers. United States of America As 22 US citizens have already been killed in Israel amid the war, The US State Department has started offering charter flights to help Americans leave Israel from October 13. The first US flight evacuating American citizens out of war-torn Israel landed in Greece on Friday, a State Department official confirmed. Canada Canada launched an operation to evacuate their citizens on October 12 amid Israel-Palestine war. The first two Canadian Armed Forces evacuation flights left Israel Thursday airlifting an estimated 281 Canadian citizens and their families. The first flight carrying 128 passengers left Tel Aviv Thursday afternoon, and landed safely in Athens, while the second carrying 153 passengers, is expected to land safely later this evening, according to senior government officials. United Kingdom The first flight carrying British nationals left Israel on Friday night after several failed attempts to evacuate its citizens amid the escalating conflict in the region. The first RAF flight carried passengers from Israel to Cyprus last night. More such flights are expected to be scheduled. Australia The Australian government organised a special flight from Tel Aviv to London on Friday to bring back its citizens amid the war. Another flight is set to reach Israel on Sunday. Germany German airline Condor is planning two special flights with a capacity of just under 500 passengers in total to evacuate German citizens from the Jordanian city of Aqaba near the Israeli border on October 15. Ukraine Ukraines foreign ministry said that they will be sending the first evacuation flight to Romania on Saturday. About 200 Ukrainians had asked to be evacuated from the Gaza Strip, but it was too dangerous to do so for now, Nikolenko said as quoted by Reuters. Italy Italy arranged for seven flights on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of efforts to repatriate about 900 Italian citizens from Israel, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. It has successfully repatriated around 900 of its citizens between October 10 and 11. Mexico The Mexican Army is carrying out humanitarian flights aimed at bringing home nationals, the government said. The latest flight bringing home Mexicans from war-hit Israel landed on Thursday. The Hamas attack on key US ally Israel has caused emotions to run high in a place better known for the steely exercise of power the White House. President Joe Biden has given several strongly worded speeches pledging support for Israel since Saturdays assault by the Palestinian militant group, and at one point pounded on a lectern to make his point. Emotion got the better of a senior White House official who choked up on live television as he discussed the attacks. Bidens national security advisor admitted the crisis was personal for us. The unusually open displays reflect deep anger in the White House over the attacks, which killed more than 1,200 people, as well as its long-standing ties with Israel. In contrast, the White Houses reaction to the fate of people in Gaza after more than 1,800 people were killed in a week of Israeli strikes has been more muted. Pain The 80-year-old Biden has long been a stalwart supporter of Israel and described this week how he had known Bibi Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for half his lifetime. Ties had cooled until recently due to a row between the two leaders over the Israeli governments judicial reforms. But that disagreement has been forgotten. You OK kiddo? Biden broke off to ask of one emotional participant during a roundtable for US Jewish Community leaders at the White House on Wednesday. Introducing the event was Douglas Emhoff, the Jewish husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has led a series of outreach events amid fears of rising anti-Semitism in the United States in recent years. One moment in particular showed the feelings animating Biden, who has said that he and his team are working constantly on the crisis. The president brought his fist down hard on the podium as he described how he had taken all his children to the Dachau Nazi concentration camp to understand the horrors of the Holocaust. I wanted them to see, he said, raising his voice so it echoed round the cavernous Indian Treaty room at the White House. Behind the scenes, White House officials spoke of the difficulty of seeing brutal images from the Hamas attacks. The tension is compounded by the fact that Americans are among around 150 people taken hostage, while the administration is also on guard in case the conflict turns into a regional confrontation. On Friday, Biden spoke with the families of 14 Americans who have been missing since the Hamas attack. The White House did not release any details about the call, but Biden told CBSs 60 Minutes that the families have to know that the president of the United States of America cares deeply about whats happened to them, deeply. And were going to do everything in our power to get them home if we can find them. Human cost The White Houses often raucous press briefings have been more somber since the attacks, with stern faces animated by occasional flashes of emotion. Normally known for his calm demeanor, Bidens National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday that it had been a deeply emotional time for all of us. I hear the pain of my counterparts when I talk to them, Sullivan, 46, said at the famed blue podium. This is not just about policy or strategy this is personal for us. The strain also showed when National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had to pause to recollect himself while talking on CNN at the start of the week. Sorry, excuse me, the former navy rear admiral said, his voice catching with emotion. Its very difficult to look at these images the human cost. But the White House is now having to steel itself for a crisis that could upend the Middle East as Israel gears up for an expected ground invasion of Gaza. Left-wing lawmakers from Bidens Democratic Party on Friday urged him to work to avoid a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and to insist international law is followed as Israel pushes on with its fierce bombardment. We cant lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamass appalling attacks, and theyre suffering as a result as well, Biden said Friday. Did the United States believe Israel was violating the laws of war? The question was asked of Kirby at a White House briefing. Its always on the presidents mind the protection of civilian life, he replied. The second batch of Indian passengers arrived from Israel to New Delhi on Saturday morning under Operation Ajay. 235 Indian citizens were part of the second batch of evacuees who arrived from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The passengers applauded the government for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for arranging the evacuation of Indian nationals from strife-torn Israel. The passengers were mainly those who are staying and working in Israel. #WATCH | MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh receives the Indian nationals evacuated from Israel.Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Israel, arrived in Delhi today. pic.twitter.com/u1ort7HwCf ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023 I am going to India. I am a postdoctoral student, Agriculture Research Organisation. The situation in central Israel is quite normal, not like the Gaza border, Beersheba and nearby regions, one Indian national said before boarding the evacuation flight. I think this is a very good initiative of the Indian government. I had seen only European countries evacuating their citizens. So, I appreciate the government for this, he said while speaking to ANI. The Union minister of state of external affairs ministry Rajkumar Ranjan Singh greeted the latest batch of evacuees at the Delhi International Airport. We are facilitating about 235 passengers from Israel. We will continue Operation Ajay. There are about 18,000 Indian citizens there. This is the second phase, so we are helping them, Singh was quoted as saying by ANI. Indians stranded in Israel while interacting with Union minister Singh also thanked external affairs minister S Jaishankar. This is very nice and wonderful. We are very happy. Many thanks to the minister of external affairs Dr Jaishankar and the government of India, one evacuee said. One student said that some of them were panicking when the conflict between Israel and Hamas started. This is a good initiative. I thank the government, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the external affairs minister and our embassy in Israel. Many students were panicking and feared if they would come back or not, a student evacuated from Israel told ANI. Another student told the news outlet that her parents were worried about her safety but are now at ease due to the governments initiative. A Reuters journalist was killed Friday and six others from AFP, Reuters and Al Jazeera were wounded while working in southern Lebanon, the three news organisations said. A group of journalists from different media outlets was near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught up in cross-border shelling, one of the two wounded AFP correspondents said. A Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border. We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed, Reuters said in a statement, adding he was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon. AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre for treatment. Two other Reuters reporters, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care, Reuters said, adding it was urgently seeking more information. Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming Israeli bombing on their vehicle. They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya. We are deeply concerned that a group of journalists who were clearly identified have been killed and injured while doing their job, said AFPs global news director Phil Chetwynd. We send our deepest condolences to our friends at Reuters for the loss of Issam and we are all pulling for our injured colleagues in hospital. Must be halted AFP correspondents had reported shelling targeting the villages of Dhayra, Alma al-Shaab and Adaysseh, with smoke billowing from the area. The Israeli army had said in a statement not long before the journalists were hit: A short while ago, a blast occurred on the border fence in Hanita (Western Galilee), referring to a point in Israel just across the border from Alma al-Shaab. Light damage was caused to the wall. In response, IDF (army) forces are currently responding with artillery fire towards Lebanese territory. Iran-backed Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah said it retaliated by firing at several positions in Israel. An Israeli spokesperson said later on X, formerly Twitter, that a remote-operated army aircraft was striking Hezbollah targets. The army also said that an unidentified target crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanese territory and was successfully intercepted by air defence fighters. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said it had actively engaged with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate the situation. The UN demarcation line was drawn when Israeli troops withdrew from south Lebanon in 2000 after a 22-year-long occupation of the area. Lebanon and Israel are still technically at war, and UN peacekeepers have been deployed in Lebanon since 1978. The potential for this escalation to spiral out of control is clear, and it must be halted, the force warned in a statement. Directly targeted In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah fought a bloody conflict which left more than 1,200 dead in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 160 in Israel, mostly soldiers. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Israeli forces had directly targeted journalists as part of their ongoing attacks on Lebanese territory. UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Reuters journalist Abdallah and other journalists killed in the line of duty. I want to say how much this demonstrates the enormous risk of spillover of this conflict, namely in relation to Lebanon, Guterres said of the Israel-Hamas conflict. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said on X: Our hearts are with the families of the journalists who lost their lives and those who suffered injuries in Lebanon. Journalists do critical work to better inform the public, often in dangerous conditions. The Israel-Lebanon border has seen a series of flare-ups since a bloody attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on October 7. Hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the border from Gaza into Israel on Saturday, killing more than 1,300 people, most of them civilians, and seizing about 150 hostages. Israel has retaliated by bombarding Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, killing some 1,900 people, and warned 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south. Saudi Arabia is putting US-backed plans to normalise ties with Israel on the backburner, news agency Reuters reported citing people familiar with the developments. The people said that this indicates that Saudi Arabian leaders are rethinking their foreign priorities as war escalates between Israel and terrorist group Hamas. Saudi Arabia has been forced to engage with Iran due to the conflict. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their first phone call in order to prevent the violence from escalating across the region. The people mentioned above also said that there will be a delay in the US-backed talks on normalisation with Israel which was one of the key steps for the kingdom to secure the Saudi Arabia-US defence pact. Hamas, backed by Iran, launched a devastating attack on Israel last week. Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,300 Israelis in their Oct. 7 attack and more than 1,500 had been killed by Friday in Israels ongoing strikes on Gaza in response. Saudi Arabias recognition of Israel is important because it is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest sites. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia indicated until the latest conflict that it would not allow its pursuit of a US defence pact be derailed even if Israel did not offer significant concessions to the Palestinians in their bid for statehood. The people familiar with the developments also said that talks cannot continue for the time being and told the news outlet that the issue of Israeli concessions for the Palestinians would need to be a bigger priority when discussions resumed. This indicates that Saudi Arabia has not abandoned its pursuit of both deals. People familiar with the developments told Reuters that Washington urged Saudi Arabia to condemn Hamas but Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan pushed back. The Israel-Hamas conflict forced Iran and Saudi Arabian heads of state to talk for the first time. The Iranian government officials said it was a promising phone call. (It was aimed to support) Palestine and prevent the spread of war in the region, the Iranian official told Reuters. In the weeks leading up to the massive attack on southern Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas from Gaza, the US intelligence community issued two assessments warning of a likely escalation in violence. In the intelligence updates, dated September 28 and October 5, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) highlighted Hamas was preparing to escalate rocket attacks across the border, CNN reported citing sources. As per the report, a wire issued by the CIA on October 5 issued a general warning to the Biden administration of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas. On October 6, one day before the attack, US officials received reports from Israel signaling unusual Hamas activity, suggesting an imminent attack. However, these assessments by the US intelligence service did not offer specific details about the scale and brutality of the operation that Hamas executed on October 7, leaving over a thousand Israelis dead. Unclear If US Intelligence Shared with Israel Although these reports were not new to many officials, they have raised concerns about whether both the US and Israel were sufficiently attuned to the looming risks, CNN reported. Moreover, it is uncertain if any of these US assessments were shared with Israel, which provides much of the intelligence that the US bases its reports on, CNN stated. Middle Eastern allies, including Arab countries in the region, had repeatedly warned US and Israeli officials that Palestinian anger had reached a dangerous level. Despite these warnings, the attack took them by surprise. CIA Director Bill Burns had also expressed concerns about increased violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the past. While US officials insist that they were tracking the situation strategically, the lack of specific tactical warnings has led some to question the effectiveness of intelligence sharing. US officials emphasise that much of their intelligence on the region is provided by Israel, as reported by CNN. Hamas Concealed Planning The failure to predict the magnitude of the attack may be attributed to a lack of imagination and Hamass adept use of counterintelligence measures. Hamas concealed its planning by avoiding digital communications that could be tracked by Israel and holding in-person planning meetings. Israel also failed to recognize key indicators, such as Hamas training exercises conducted at multiple sites near the Israeli border. In retrospect, both US and Israeli officials acknowledge that they underestimated the threat posed by Hamas, and had been lured into complacency by Israeli policies. It is possible that the scale of the Hamas operation exceeded the groups own expectations. Yet those strategic warnings did nothing to help US or Israeli officials predict the events of October 7, when more than 1,000 Hamas fighters poured across the border into Israel in an operation that would leave more than a thousand Israelis dead. For most US and Israeli officials who were tracking the intelligence, the expectation was that there would likely be just another round of small-scale violence by Hamas perhaps some rocket fire that Israels Iron Dome would intercept, one source familiar with the intelligence explained. If we had known or if we know of a pending attack against an ally, we would clearly inform that ally, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said on Friday, CNN reported. (With ANI Inputs) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday backed Israel and said it has the right to self-defence in the face of Hamas terrorist attacks but called for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital for durable peace. Russia believes that the conflict can only be resolved through negotiations aiming to create an independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel has been subjected to an attack of unprecedented brutality and of course has the right to defend itself. Nevertheless, the conflict must be resolved by peaceful means, Vladimir Putin said. Israel has the right to ensure its peaceful existence. The way I see it, in a situation like this and in this particular place, there is simply no alternative to two independent states, Putin was quoted as saying by Russias state-run TASS news agency. Putin made the comments in Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek where he met leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) a regional organisation of former Soviet republics. This is his first foreign trip following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Putin, however, warned Israel regarding the ground invasion of Gaza. He said a siege of Gaza will lead to a large number of casualties. In my view it is unacceptable. More than 2 million people live there. Far from all of them support Hamas by the way, far from all. But all of them have to suffer, including women and children. Of course its hard for anyone to agree with this, Putin was quoted as saying by Reuters. He warned Israel against using cruel methods against Palestinians living in Gaza. Putin pointed out that there were calls even in the US for a blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on a par with the siege of Leningrad during World War Two, Reuters reported. Putin is expected to travel to Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum. Putin is able to visit Beijing and Bishkek because Kyrgyzstan and China are not members of the ICC. The civilian casualties will be absolutely unacceptable. Now the main thing is to stop the bloodshed, he further added. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday released a video where a Hamas gunman can be seen firing indiscriminately at portable toilets inside Israels Nova music festival that was at the face of a deadly attack a week ago. In the attack by the Palestine-based terror group Hamas, 260 festival goers were gunned down and several others were taken hostage. The video, which was apparently recorded by a Hamas militant, has gained public attention on social media. In the clip, the Hamas gunmen can be seen firing at the bathrooms in the festival that was held in the fields outside Kibbutz Reim, located very close to the Gaza border. Sharing the disturbing video on X (formally Twitter), the IDF said, WATCH Hamas terrorists indiscriminately shoot at bathrooms during the Nova Music Festival. This just shows you that Hamas does not care whothey just kill. WATCH Hamas terrorists indiscriminately shoot at bathrooms during the Nova Music Festival.This just shows you that Hamas does not care whothey just kill. pic.twitter.com/Ve0u9HRLWT Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2023 The gunman can be seen aiming at every toilet to not miss any chance of killing the people attending the festival. He managed to shoot at every toilet to ensure killing of all those who were trying to hide inside. The Tribe of Nova festival, held in the semi-wooded fields outside Kibbutz Reim, just a few miles from Gaza, was one of the first Hamas targets. For the unversed, the Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel on October 7. The attack killed more than 1,300 people in Israel, with subsequent Israeli airstrikes killing more than 2,215 people in Gaza in the past week. Israel said that roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. Since the day of attack, Israel has hammered the Gaza Strip with airstrikes as it prepares for a possible ground assault. Israel has also cut off food, fuel and medicine from Gazas 2.3 million people, leading aid groups to warn of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Israeli communities near the festival also came under attack, with Hamas gunmen kidnapping people soldiers, civilians, the elderly and young children and killing scores of others. Israel and Hamas have had repeated conflicts in past years, often sparked by tensions around a Jerusalem holy site. This time, the context has become potentially more explosive. Both sides talk of shattering with violence a years long Israeli-Palestinian deadlock left by the moribund peace process. (with inputs from agencies) BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. The head of the Hamas Air Force was killed in Gaza, Trend reports. The foreign media outlets refer to the Israel Defense Forces, saying the attack eliminated Murad Abu Murad, one of the "leaders" of Hamas. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on the morning of October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. The attacks by Hamas militants killed more than 1,300 and injured nearly 3,300 Israelis. The IDF declared a state of readiness for war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. The Israeli Army's operation against Hamas goes by the codename "Swords of Iron". Building roads on the moon will not be like building roads on Earth. Since the moon has no atmosphere and lower gravity compared to our planet, dust is a big problem. It gets everywhere, "erodes space suits, clogs machinery, interferes with scientific instruments and makes moving around difficult," reports the Guardian . NASA and other space agencies dreaming of a lunar base have been ruminating on how to address the problem, which would only be exacerbated by astronauts riding around on lunar rovers. Now, Jens Gunster of Berlin's Federal Institute of Materials Research and Testing thinks he has a solution: melt the moon dust into something akin to a paved surface. It's too expensive to transport materials to the moon, so "you need to use what's there and that's simply loose dust," Gunster tells the Guardian. In a study published Thursday in Scientific Reports, he and colleagues suggest using a lens to melt moon dust into "tiles" that can be interlocked to form hard, smooth surfaces. The team experimented with melting EAC-1A, a fine-grain material developed by the European Space Agency as a replacement for lunar soil, using a carbon dioxide laser beam to simulate focused solar radiation, per the Guardian. At 1,200 degrees Celsius, "the dust compacted and turned into a black, glassy structure capable of supporting structures," per E+T Magazine. The researchers ultimately chose a design of triangular "tiles," about 10 inches across. It took about an hour to create a single shape, meaning it would take about 100 days to create a landing area of 32 feet square, per the Guardian. "It sounds like forever," but it's hardly inconceivable, says Gunster, noting the same approach could be done on the moon using a 25-square-feet rollable lens of polymer foil to concentrate the sun's rays. He adds a vibrating feature is probably a good idea because, well, dust. "When you accumulate dust on the lens it will sooner or later not function anymore," he tells the Guardian. The process of creating the tiles still needs to be tested in low gravity, says study co-author Juan-Carlos Gines-Palomares, an engineer at Berlin's Technical University, who also suggests testing the tiles' performance "under a rocket thrust," per Nature. (Read more moon stories.) An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon on Friday, killing a Reuters videographer and leaving six other journalists injured. An AP photographer at the scene saw the body of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and the six who were wounded, some of whom were rushed to hospitals in ambulances. Images from the scene showed a charred car. "We are deeply saddened to tell you that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," the Reuters news agency said in a statement. The agency added that Abdallah was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon that was providing a live signal, per the AP . Reuters said that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the shelling in the border area. Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV said two of its employees, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, also were among the wounded. France's international news agency, Agence France-Presse, said two of its journalists also were among the wounded, but the agency did not release their names. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in a statement condemned Israel's shelling that struck the journalists "during its aggression on southern Lebanon." The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since Saturday's attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called the deaths "another example of the daily dangers journalists face in covering conflict throughout the world" and said the world body hopes for an investigation into what happened. "Journalists need to be protected and allowed to do their work," he said at a briefing at UN headquarters. Later Friday, dozens of Lebanon-based journalists and rights activists gathered outside the National Museum in Beirut to grieve over Abdallah's death and the injury of the journalists. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam's family and colleagues," Reuters said. (Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.) Ukrainian officials reported intense combat, characterized by relentless assaults by Russian forces, as the ongoing attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka entered its fifth consecutive day on Saturday. "The enemy has not stopped either assaulting or shelling positions" around Avdiivka, city head Vitalii Barabash said on Ukrainian television, per the AP . Barabash also reported that Moscow was deploying additional forces to encircle the strategically important city in the eastern Donetsk region, situated just north of the Moscow-held regional capital, also called Donetsk. Around 1,600 civilians remain within the city, a stark contrast to its prewar population of about 31,000. Barabash's comments came after Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told a UN Security Council meeting on Friday that the intensified attacks in the east amounted to a new stage in Moscow's campaign in Ukraine. "Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line ... The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished," he said. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this week that Ukrainian forces were keeping Russian troops at bay and "holding our ground." Further north, fighting along the northern stretch of Ukraine's eastern front has "significantly worsened" in recent days, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's land forces, wrote on Facebook on Saturday. Syrskyi, who visited troops in the area, said that Russian forces had regrouped following losses and were mounting attacks around the village of Makiivka and pushing toward the city of Kupiansk, with the goal of encircling Kupiansk and reaching the Oskil River. Also on Saturday, a 60-year-old woman was killed in Russian shelling of the city of Beryslav in Ukraine's partly occupied Kherson region. In Russia, the country's Defense Ministry said air defense systems shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea near the southern resort city of Sochi on Saturday morning. Ukrainian officials have never acknowledged responsibility for attacks on Russian territory. (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.) After visiting Israeli troops massed at the border for an invasion of Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, "We're all ready." A video posted on Facebook shows the prime minister appearing to encourage soldiers at the Be'eri kibbutz, the Washington Post reports. "We'll call the Gaza border the strip of resurrection," Netanyahu, wearing a a flack jacket, says in the clip. A caption reads: "With our fighters on the Gaza border, on the front lines," Netanyahu wrote in a caption accompanying the video. "We're all ready." Shortly before that, Israel's military announced it is prepared for what it described as a coordinated air, ground, and naval offensive in the Gaza Strip. A spokesman said Gaza City would be struck "very soon," per the AP. "Gaza City is where the focus and the hub of Hamas activities are, that is where most of the commanders are, most of their infrastructure and their ability to continue to operate," a spokesman said. He said troops are "in formation" surrounding the Gaza Strip for the assault, per NPR. (The military said it killed two top Hamas commanders.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Israeli fighter jets struck the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces said, Trend reports. As a result, several targets were hit and dozens of Hamas militants were killed. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on the morning of October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. The attacks by Hamas militants killed more than 1,300 and injured nearly 3,300 Israelis. The IDF declared a state of readiness for war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. The Israeli Army's operation against Hamas goes by the codename "Swords of Iron". With an invasion of Gaza imminent, Secretary of State Antony Blinken went to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Saturday to build international support for ensuring the Israel-Hamas war doesn't spread. Blinken also placed a call to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the New York Times reports. Blinken met with Mohammed bin Zayed, leader of the UAE, which previously agreed in the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel. On Saturday evening, the diplomat visited the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, a new building that houses a church, synagogue, and mosque. Blinken signed a triangular tile there, inscribing it with, "Light in the darkness." Blinken met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh earlier in the day. In both countries, Blinken addressed helping civilians trapped in Gaza get out, as well as the expanding humanitarian crisis overall, per the AP. "As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and we're working together to do exactly that," he said in Riyadh. In his phone call, he asked that China use its influence in the Middle East to contain the fighting; his spokesman would not discuss Wang's response but said the US and China both want stability in the region. Late in the day, the Israeli army reported that two rockets had been launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, per the Times. And Hezbollah said one of its fighters was killed by Israeli forces on Lebanon's southern border. A White House statement said President Biden cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday in a phone call against expanding the fighting, per the Washington Post. Biden stressed his "support for all efforts to protect civilians," the statement said. (Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.) Col. Kent Park, center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord commander, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new community park on Lewis Main Sept. 21. He was joined by Col. Brandon Sokora, center left, JBLM deputy commander; Charles Markham, far left, director of JBLMs Directorate of Public Works; Command Sgt. Maj. Kenne Hanson, second from right, JBLM command sergeant major; and community mayors from across the installation. Photo by Pamela Sleezer BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Israel requested the US to provide it with additional Hellfire missiles, Trend reports. The foreign media outlets claim Israel is expecting to receive more Hellfire missiles from the US, along with more medical supplies. Israel currently continues to fight Hamas militants. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on the morning of October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. The attacks by Hamas militants killed more than 1,300 and injured nearly 3,300 Israelis. The IDF declared a state of readiness for war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. The Israeli Army's operation against Hamas goes by the codename "Swords of Iron". Agencies | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A telephone call was held yesterday between Bahrain's Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Palestinian President, His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas. During the call, His Royal Highness extended the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain to HE Abbas. The Deputy King emphasised that supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people supports security and peace. His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of providing humanitarian relief, food, water, electricity, and medical aid into the Gaza Strip, and upholding the protection of civilians under international humanitarian laws. His Royal Highness emphasised the Kingdom of Bahrain's firm position, highlighting the importance of a just solution to the Palestinian issue through promoting and supporting comprehensive peace efforts. This should lead towards a two-state solution in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, and peace and adherence to the Initiative are the only ways to help ensure the Palestinian people's rights to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Agencies | Marrakesh The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa emphasised the vital role played by the World Bank in addressing diverse economic challenges to promote further development and growth for the global economy. He commended the World Banks new vision, which aims to reduce poverty worldwide and enhance efforts for shared prosperity, social development, and environmental aspirations. The minister made these remarks during his statement at the 108th meeting of the Development Committee on behalf of the Arab Group and the Maldives, representing the Kingdom of Bahrain. The meeting took place during the annual gathering of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Marrakesh, Morocco. Shaikh Salman highlighted the World Bank Groups contribution in finding solutions for food and energy sectors, digital capabilities, environmental preservation, and global economic recovery. He also welcomed the increased financing capacity of the World Bank Group to support development needs and sustainable development goals. The minister emphasised the significance of innovative solutions that optimise resource utilisation, foster human capital development, stimulate private sector investments, and provide suitable financing and regulatory frameworks for growth. He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, multilateral development banks, international organisations, and civil society to tackle various challenges, including climate change. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Palestine Support Society is organising a public protest today (Oct. 14) at 3.30 pm in Al Sayah in Busaiteen. This stand comes in response to the call of the Holy Qur'an, said the society. "As we watch and follow the crimes of the Zionist occupation in Gaza, which was targeted with its internationally prohibited missiles and weapons; defenceless civilians, including women, children, and the elderly; and their residential areas, homes, hospitals, schools, and markets, which have claimed hundreds of martyrs up to this moment in violation of all international norms, charters, and laws, as well as human conscience and morals, which were violated with hypocritical and double-standard American Western support," stated the Palestine Support Society. "This stand is nothing but an expression of the state of Bahraini popular anger that rejects these crimes and rejects any normalisation or rapprochement with an occupying, usurping entity that does not respect human rights and has no covenants, charters, or human morals." The Palestine Support Society calls on Bahraini citizens, residents, institutions, and associations to participate in the stand and to make their voices heard to everyone by supporting the Palestinian people in their defence of the nations sanctities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. About 300 Turkish citizens with dual citizenship are still in the Gaza Strip, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Semih Shukri, Trend reports. Hakan Fidan noted that Turkiye is closely cooperating with the authorities of Egypt and Israel on the evacuation of citizens of their country. According to him, 30 of them have already been evacuated. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on the morning of October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. The attacks by Hamas militants killed more than 1,300 and injured nearly 3,300 Israelis. The IDF declared a state of readiness for war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. The Israeli Army's operation against Hamas goes by the codename "Swords of Iron". 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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 Bosun Tijani, the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, has announced the launch of a programme to empower Nigerians with technology skills. Tijani, in a social media post on Friday, said the federal government intends to train three million technical talents (3MTT) by 2025 with the initiative. Tijani said the programme would create a pipeline of technical talent across Nigeria to help the ministry achieve its aim of making the country a net exporter of talent. According to the minister, the 3MTT would also contribute to the growth of the digital economy, and create employment for an unspecified number of trainers. In the first phase of the programme, Tijani said, 30,000 tech talents across Nigeria will be trained in the next three months. He noted that the scheme is not limited to the youths, as persons above 45 years can also apply. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneer group of organisations and individuals in our National Digital Transformation journey and Im looking forward to receiving your applications at this link here https://3mtt.nitda.gov.ng, Tijani wrote. In a statement on the website of the programme, the ministry said interested organisations that want to provide trainers are required to download the document via this portal. The federal government said participants will learn software development, UI/UX design, data analysis and visualisation, quality assurance, product management, data science, animation, AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, game development, cloud computing and dev ops. The training is hybrid, meaning that it combines online and in-person components. While the majority of the training can be done remotely, there are aspects that will require in-person training, the ministry said in the statement. The government said financial support, covering the cost of training, will be provided for the first phase. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has told President Bola Tinubu that releasing leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will make him a national hero. To this end, factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, urged all Igbo groups to put an end to acrimonious actions and offensive media wars against the Federal Government. He stressed that Igbo leaders need to rally together and take the necessary steps towards resolving the current situation. According to Isiguzoro: President Tinubu has the opportunity to become a national hero by seizing this moment and releasing Nnamdi Kanu. Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo people will forever be indebted to him if he resists all pressures and demonstrates compassion and forgiveness. As Nigerians, we should collectively forgive Nnamdi Kanu for his past actions and work towards a united and prosperous nation. The Nigerian government arrested Kanu in June 2021 in Kenya and was subjected to extraordinary rendition. Upon his return to Nigeria, he was locked up by the Department of State Services, DSS, while he continued his trial at the law court. Despite the courts discharging him, the Nigerian government has refused to set him free. The United Nations expressed deep concern on Friday for all civilians in the Gaza Strip after Israels order for the entire population there to leave the north, amid ongoing airstrikes and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The UN representatives in Gaza on Thursday were informed by their liaison officers in the Israeli military that everyone living north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within 24 hours. UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric said that some 1.1 million people would be expected to leave northern Gaza, adding that the same order applied to all UN staff and those sheltered in UN facilities, including schools, health centres and clinics. The UN considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences and appeals for the order to be rescinded. Echoing that message, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) joined the call for Israel to rescind the relocation order, which amounted to a death sentence for many, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, said. Jasarevic told journalists in Geneva, in line with the assessment of health authorities there, that it would be impossible to evacuate vulnerable hospital patients from the north of Gaza. The UN also reiterated its calls for the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza following Hamass deadly Saturday attack on Israel, and for the protection of civilians and urgent aid access to the sealed-off enclave, as UN chief Antonio Guterres and his envoys continued their diplomatic efforts. UN humanitarians joined their voices to these calls on Friday, urging the parties to save civilian lives. UN relief chief Martin Griffiths, tweeted that the noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening, asking how such a huge number of people could possibly move across a densely populated warzone in just 24 hours. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), warned that the relocation order will only lead to unprecedented levels of misery and further push people in Gaza into the abyss. He said that over 423,000 people across the enclave have already been displaced, of whom more than 270,000 have taken refuge in UNRWA shelters. UNRWA tweeted on Friday that Gaza was fast becoming a hell hole and is on the brink of collapse. There is no exception, all parties must uphold the laws of war. Briefing newsmen in Geneva, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson James Elder regretted that the humanitarian situation had now reached lethal lows. He highlighted that the Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated places on the planet and people, including hundreds of thousands of children, are finding themselves with nowhere safe to go. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated already, resulting in total military warfare in the Gaza Strip since the past one week. According to a report from humanitarian bodies, the ongoing war had already claimed over 2,300 lives on both sides. The board of trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the resignation of Samuel Anyanwu as the partys national secretary. Anyanwu is the PDP governorship candidate for the November 11 election in Imo state. In April, Anyanwu was elected as the partys governorship candidate in Imo after he scored 802 votes in the primary election. After his election as the PDP candidate, some members of the party called for the resignation of Anyanwu as the national secretary. On Friday, the national leadership of PDP in a statement said Anyanwu remains the partys national secretary and governorship candidate in Imo. The party dismissed the claim that it had removed Anyanwu from the national working committee (NWC). THE BoT LETTER However, in a letter dated October 12 and addressed to Iliya Damagun, acting PDP national chairman, the BoT said it is against the provisions of the partys constitution for Anyanwu to occupy two positions. The letter was signed by Adolphus Wabara, acting BoT chairman. The BoT said Anyanwu should have resigned his position as the national secretary after he was elected as governorship candidate. Nonetheless, the BOT, as the conscience of the party, has the constitutional authority to call to order any member of the party acting in a way contrary to the guiding principles of our party and this is one of them, the statement reads. It is therefore against the background of the above that the Board wishes to put it on record and state categorically that the NWC should do the right thing by ensuring that the Imo state gubernatorial candidate resigns from office immediately and focus on the election which is less than 30 days away. The Governorship candidate of PDP in Lagos State, Dr Abdulazeez Adediran (a.k.a. Jandor), says he has filed an appeal to challenge the judgment of Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal which upheld the re-election of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, the Head of Media and Communication of Jandorforgovernor Campaign Organization. The statement was copied to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday. Adediran said he filed a 34-ground appeal dated Oct. 13, to express dissatisfaction with the verdict of the tribunal. He claimed that miscarriage of laws characterised the judgment, and prayed the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment. He said that the tribunal erred in law and reached a wrong conclusion when it dismissed his petition challenging the qualification of Sanwo-Olu for the March 18 governorship election. He said that his petition was premised on the provision of Section 177(c) and 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution. By this action, I reaffirm my commitment to birth a breath of fresh air in governance in Lagos State by ensuring that the provisions of the constitution and the electoral laws as regards election of a truly qualified governor, is upheld, he said. (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has said the appeal by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is lacking in merit, substance and good faith. Tinubu who said Obis appeal which was based on allegations dismissed at the election petition tribunal, argued that the presidential election was peacefully conducted all over the country, and the results of elections were carefully and accurately recorded in the various forms of EC8As. This was contained in a response by his lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, to the appeal filed by Obi challenging the decision of the tribunal. He said, The entire petition was nothing but a jamboree of sorts, which was prosecuted more in the media than in the courtroom and the lower court, being a court of law and not of sentiments, dutifully threw away their petition after a painstaking consideration of same. if considered from every angle, is lacking in merit, substance, and good faith. Be it noted that, unlike previous election petitions over which this honourable court has presided (in time past) and made far-reaching pronouncements on diverse issues, including but not limited to ballot box snatching, vote buying, voters intimidation, interference by the military, thuggery, ballot stuffing, violence, disenfranchisement, non-recording of votes in form EC8A, which is the building block or the base of the pyramid, and such other electoral vices, this appeal arising from a dismissed petition, the main grouse of which is that, while the presidential election was peacefully conducted all over the country, and results of elections carefully and accurately recorded in the various form EC8As, some unidentified and unspecified results, even in the appellants brief were not uploaded electronically to the IREV portal. He noted that Obi failed to prove his allegations of non-compliance and corrupt practices as required by law. Tinubu said, Instructively, however, the lower court, appreciating that it is not a court of final instance, proceeded to determine the petition on its merit, while itemising several monumental failures of the petitioners to provide any evidence in support of their much-touted case. While affirming the election and declaration of the 2nd respondent at the referenced presidential election, the lower court also found that the appellants did not prove any of their allegations on the requisite standards of proof. In his reply on the 25 percent requirement in the FCT, Tinubu told the apex court that Obi was on a fishing expedition. He said, The other very remote contention is that the 2nd respondent did not score 25 percent of the votes recorded at the Federal Capital Territory. With much respect to the appellants, the petition is more of a fishing expedition; much more of evocation of thunder without dews. Tinubu, however, said the tribunal judgment was in order, adding that, It is against the well-considered judgment of the lower court that the appellants have brought this appeal. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged troops of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to go after economic saboteurs and ensure they are completely stamped out. Lagbaja gave the charge in Port Harcourt, while addressing troops during his maiden working tour to the Division Area of Responsibility (AoR). The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. The COAS reiterated that the main focus of the Federal Government was economic recovery, security and infrastructural development. He said the nation would not experience meaningful economic recovery without having a firm grip of the oil industry, adding that the services of troops were critical to securing the nations oil industry. He, however, urged them to be loyal, disciplined and committed to their constitutional responsibilities, adding that their loyalty was first to the constitution and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Lagbaja also admonished troops not to violate the codes of conduct guiding the execution of their operations to ensure the safety and security of the society. He emphasised his desire to continually receive positive feedback about troops of the Division throughout the period of Exercise STILL WATERS III. During the visit, the COAS inaugurated landmark projects as well as critical operational platforms needed to rejig amphibious operations in the Niger Delta region. He said the set of 10 Gunboats procured was the first, adding that efforts were ongoing to acquire more platforms that would improve the operational capability of the army in the riverine domain. The COAS also emphasised the importance of inter agency collaboration. We brought you here together with the personnel of other security agencies, so that you can work together in a multi agency environment, essentially to consolidate on existing inter-agency cooperation. You must work together, you must work as comrades, he said. Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, appreciated the COAS for his strategic, moral and financial support to the Division. Abdussalam said Exercise STILL WATERS III would provide an opportunity for commanders and operatives to carry out effective operational planning, logistics preparation and conduct of Military Operations Other than War as well as tactical amphibious operations. The GOC added that the exercise would also focus on the conduct of civil-military activities geared towards winning the hearts and minds of the local populace. Highlights of the visit were the flag off of Exercise STILL WATERS III in Rivers and a courtesy call on Gov. Siminalayi Fubara. He also inaugurated 10 Gunboats, re-modelled 6 Division Headquarters Complex reception, twin Regimental Sergeant Majors quarters, Ordnance tailoring factory, remodelled Corpers Lodge and new office complex to accommodate the Headquarters 26 Support Engineer Regiment among others. South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, has shown his support for Palestine in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, an Islamic Resistance Movement. He also offered his condolences to the people of Israel and Palestine. Ramaphosa is the latest prominent politician to have shown support for Palestinians in the wake of the conflict in the region, following the attacks by the terror group, Hamas, in Israel last weekend. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, resulting in total military warfare in the Gaza Strip since the past seven days. According to a report from humanitarian bodies, the war had already claimed over 2,300 lives on both sides. Reacting to the development, Ramaphosa, in a video post via his official X account on Saturday, titled: We pledge solidarity with the people of Palestine, said: As you can see, this is the national executive committee. All of us standing here pledging our solidarity to the people of Palestine. We stand here because we are deeply concerned about the atrocities that are unfolding in the Middle East. We offered our condolences to the people of Israel as we are passing our condolences to the people of Palestine. And as the African national congress we have also pledged our solidarity with them [Palestine] and we have always insisted that the only solution in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine is a two state solution. VIDEO There is lots to catch up on this week from anniversary celebrations to interviews with marine activists, and exciting new releases. See what you missed in our special weekly round-up Making the Judgement Call To kick off the week, our Editor-in-chief Suzanne Wong takes a closer look at subjectivity in the realm of awards, and the role it may play in the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve. Is it possible to remain objective when deciding who deserves an award? And does objectivity even exist? Read on to find out more. Fifty Fathoms by the Sea Next, WorldTempus was in Cannes with Blancpain to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms as well as the launch of its newest iteration, the Act 3. Ocean conservation was also a big topic that weekend and Suzanne Wong had the pleasure of chatting with award-winning marine photographer and activist Laurent Ballesta about his work. Interview with Laurent Lecamp Speaking of fascinating people to talk to, next up is an interview with Montblancs Managing Director for the watches category, Laurent Lecamp. Our Editorial Director Sophie Furley has a sit-down with him and gets all the details about the brands piece for Only Watch and its incredible oxygen-free packaging (yes, you heard that right!). Find out more here. 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen CARBO Montblanc Tank, the Embodiment of Style Is 2023 the year of the Tank? It certainly appears to be! It feels like pieces of the famous collection are everywhere you look. So, what makes these timepieces so special? WorldTempuss Marie de Pimodan delves into the new platinum Tank Cintree and gives us her take. Neo Constant Escapement Next up, Sophie Furley takes a closer look at Girard-Perregauxs latest release: the Neo Constant Escapement. This piece has the rare ability to supply a constant force to the regulating organ. Click here for more details. Forming Connections With Complicity for Only Watch We cant quite believe that Only Watch is a mere three weeks away, and can hardly contain our excitement. So, in the spirit of Vorfreude ist die schonste Freude (German for anticipation is the greatest joy), here is one of the highlights that will be presented at the auction: Czapeks Complicity. Complicity Only Watch Czapek The COSC at 50 Our business correspondent Christophe Roulet dives into the famous COSC (Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres) - the rigorous tests timepieces go through to obtain the celebrated label of high craftmanship - and discusses why its criteria may be debatable in todays market. Other news In other news from around the watchmaking world, Eberhard & Co. will take part in Watches and Wonders for the first time this upcoming year, Richard Mille has opened a brand-new boutique in St. Martin in Singapore and the countdown for the fourth Millennium Watch Book is officially on. New Releases Last but not least, for our new releases of the week, we have the BA111OD Chapter 7, the Breguet Marine Tourbillon 5577, the Glashutte Senator Chronometer Tourbillon, the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League, the Kross Studio KS 05 Titanium Meteorite, the Leica ZM 11, the Louis Vuitton LVRR-01 Chronographe a Sonnerie and the Zenith Chronomaster Sport. If youre looking to snag early Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day, dont plan a trip to Walmart. The big-box retailer will be closing all of its stores on the holiday for the fourth straight year, John Furner recently announced. Walmart will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. Thanksgiving is a special day, and we want our store associates to have the chance to spend it with their families and loved ones, Walmarts social media post read. Thanksgiving is a special day, and we want our store associates to have the chance to spend it with their families and loved ones. Hear from John Furner about how we're closing Walmart stores on Thanksgiving again this year. pic.twitter.com/fNIONuTn3b Walmart Inc. (@WalmartInc) October 9, 2023 Walmart had been one of many big-box stores to stay open on Thanksgiving Day, but that changed in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company now joins other well-known brands like Target, Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot and Trader Joes in closing on the holiday, foregoing the chance to begin the in-person Black Friday frenzy early. A large part of the reason is the explosion of online and mobile shopping, especially during November when just about everyone has early Black Friday sales. That includes Walmart, which has turned November into a month-long Black Friday of sorts, with its Deals For Days promotion over a three-week period. There are currently 62 Walmart locations in New Jersey and 4,616 locations nationwide. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Lululemon leaves Montclair, relocates to major N.J. mall Highly-anticipated Whole Foods store finally sets opening date after 7 years of waiting Bojangles takes another step toward opening in N.J. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBurchNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tip National fitness center chain Planet Fitness has announced an opening date for its next New Jersey gym. The new 20,300-square-foot location will open at 235 Ridgedale Ave. in Cedar Knolls this December, although an exact date has yet to be announced.. Cedar Knolls new Planet Fitness will feature cardio machines, strength equipment, a 30-Minute Express Circuit, rowing machines, locker rooms, massage loungers, massage chairs and tanning booths. The gym will join businesses like Walmart, McDonalds and One Dollar Zone in the Cedar Knolls Plaza shopping center. We look forward to giving the community an affordable, accessible, and judgement free atmosphere with top-of-the-line cardio and strength equipment in addition to our Black Card Spa amenities, Brandyn Lorenz, VP of real estate at Grand Fitness, a franchise division of Planet Fitness, said. We cant wait to welcome everyone to our Planet Fitness family and help make the Cedar Knolls community happier and healthier. Planet Fitness operates more than 70 locations in New Jersey and 2,472 locations worldwide. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Lululemon leaves Montclair, relocates to major N.J. mall Highly-anticipated Whole Foods store finally sets opening date after 7 years of waiting Bojangles takes another step toward opening in N.J. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBurchNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tip New Jersey had 23 towns post gains in typical home values of at least 10% as prices continued to rise across the state, according to the latest data from Zillow. Just 19 of the 547 New Jersey ZIP codes included in Zillows data for August showed declines in home values. The $1 million club for home prices grew again in August with now 37 towns posting six figure typical home values. Deal, a small Jersey Shore community once again topped the list at $3.37 million, up 3.68% since August 2022. Editors note: A version of this story originally ran in 2014 but the mystery remains. Patrick Andriani had been looking for the remains of his grandfather, Leonardo, for about 20 years when the court documents came in the mail. The cover page read: NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AUTHORITY, a public body corporate and politic. Plaintiff, v. ANY LIVING, LINEAL DESCENDANTS, et al., Defendants. We didnt really understand what it was, says Andriani, a marketing executive from New Jersey now living in Arizona, as he flips through the thick stack of paper years later. But as we started to read through it, I said, Oh, I think this has to do with my grandfather. " That was 2002. The Turnpike Authority was looking to build a new interchange in Secaucus Exit 15X to give motorists access to the Secaucus Junction train station. As the site was prepared for the work, human remains were discovered. What followed would end up being one of the largest disinterments of bodies in U.S. history. Thousands of remains were extracted from the Meadowlands during a 10-month period in 2003. All told, more than 4,000 people were reburied in Hackensack and memorialized at a ceremony in late October 2004. Two decades later, a question lingers: Are there more bodies, forgotten and without families, buried just beyond the New Jersey Turnpikes shoulder? LAUREL HILL juts out of a swamp, dark and craggy, between the Hackensack River and the Turnpike. The igneous rock outcropping likely came from the same geologic event that created the Palisades to its east. In the low-lying basin of the Meadowlands, its the tallest structure thats not a capped landfill or a radio tower. Its also been called Fraternity Rock because of its reputation as a place that college kids would climb to drink beer and paint graffiti on its face. But its probably still better known by its old name: Snake Hill. Today, Laurel Hill is home to a well-manicured county park, with ball fields, a boat ramp and idyllic views of the Meadowlands. But Snake Hill has a history. At times, its been home to a poor farm, an almshouse, a tuberculosis hospital, an insane asylum and a penitentiary. More recently, a juvenile detention center sat at its base. It was also home to the Hudson County Burial Grounds, where the dead from those facilities and surrounding towns were buried, sometimes one atop the other. Its where Leonardo Andriani came to rest. A family photo of Leonardo Andriani, who was buried at the Hudson County Burial Grounds for decades before his remains were unearthed during a construction project on the New Jersey Turnpike. LEONARDO ANDRIANI was born in Italy in 1896. He served in the Italian navy during World War I and, struggling to find work, left his family to come to America to earn a living. He lived his whole life by himself, his grandson says. His family was back in Italy. He was a longshoreman in Hoboken you can imagine what that was like. Patrick Andrianis late father, Gennaro, was raised in Italy and only met his father when Leonardo made two return trips to his European home. The last time, in 1948, Leonardo told his son he was headed back to the United States and would send for him once he got settled. He gets back and we dont know what happened to him, Patrick Andriani says. He gets sick. The death certificate says he had a heart attack. The family story is that Leonardo was found wandering the streets of Hoboken, disoriented. He was taken to the mental hospital on Snake Hill, then called the lunatic asylum, on Dec. 21, 1948. He died on Christmas Eve. Patrick Andriani says the stigma of mental illness made his grandfathers death at the asylum a sensitive subject in the family. Still, he wanted to know what happened. He knew Leonardo ended up at a place called the Hudson County Burial Grounds, but he never got a straight answer on where, exactly, that was. He visited county offices and wrote letters to four governors as he and his father took up the quest off and on over the years. Every administration, Id reach out to them, and every time, Id get a different answer, he says. One time, theyd say, It doesnt exist. Another time, theyd say, You have to get an attorney. That went on for a long time. But Patrick Andriani had created a heck of a paper trail. Archeologist sift through the soil they dug up at the old Hudson County hospital complex at Laurel Hill in Secaucus in July 2003. (Star-Ledger file photo)SL WHEN HUDSON COUNTY broke off from Bergen County in 1840, it got Snake Hill in the split and wore it like an albatross. The only thing here at the time was the poor farm, says Dan McDonough, Secaucus town historian, who has researched Snake Hills history extensively. Hudson County decided it needed to expand. It wanted to turn this liability into an asset. So they built a nicer almshouse, and then they built a penitentiary, and then they built a tuberculosis hospital, a smallpox hospital, a contagious disease hospital.At its peak, Snake Hill was home to a complex of dozens of buildings across more than 200 acres. Historic maps show at least three cemeteries. As many as 9,781 people were laid to rest there between 1880 and 1962, according to a burial ledger unearthed during the legal proceedings. Anybody could die out here, McDonough says. You could have been the most wealthy person in the area, and you got brought out here with some disease or something, and you got buried here. Its not as if records of the dead werent kept, but things in Hudson County have a habit of disappearing when a need arises. At least 434 bodies were disinterred during the 20th century, according to McDonoughs research, including 78 that were relocated during the original construction of the Turnpike in the 1950s. In the 1970s, John Marinan, the morgue custodian at nearby Meadowview Hospital, was indicted along with several associates in a scheme to pocket the proceeds of a $40,000 contract to relocate the dead at Snake Hill, allegedly using inmates and Hudson County road crews to do the work instead of hiring legitimate contractors. He died while awaiting sentencing for a conviction in another burial scheme, and the Snake Hill case fell apart, according to The Jersey Journal. Its now believed the workers simply removed the grave markers among them No. 6,408 Leonardo Andrianis grave and left the bodies where they lay. Artifacts are labeled and set on a table as archeologists dig up human remains at the old Hudson County hospital complex at Laurel Hill in Secaucus during an excavation in 2003. (Star-Ledger file photo)SL WHEN THE TURNPIKE AUTHORITY discovered the bodies years later, it was required by law to remove them and put them elsewhere, a process known as disinterment and reinterment. It was also required to make an effort to find the deads next of kin. Because Patrick Andriani and his father had been so thorough in their quest, the Andrianis were the first family the authority turned up. They became the living, lineal descendants, et al. The defendants. When they appeared in court and learned the agency planned to place the bodies in a mass grave, the Andrianis were horrified. The chancery judge, Thomas Olivieri, sided with them. What still strikes me, even after 10 years, is how these graves ended up with no indication whatsoever that there were people buried under the ground, Olivieri says. If you were to walk along the side of the road and see the grass and debris, you just wouldnt know there were people under there. He ordered the bodies be catalogued and identified to the extent it was possible. The Louis Berger Group, a cultural resource management firm, was hired for the project, still considered among the largest of its kind ever performed. Gerry Scharfenberger, a professor of archaeology at Monmouth University, was one of the principal investigators. It was almost like a Hollywood story, the way it all unfolded, he says. It was a real detective story. The Turnpike Authority initially estimated there were between 600 and 900 graves in the interchanges path. By the time they were finished excavating the area of potential effect the chunk of meadow where the interchange would sit they removed 4,571 bodies and more than 100,000 artifacts. We were able to identify a little over 900 of them, which is remarkable given that there was no way to identify them from the surface, Scharfenberger says. For one body, though, they had some clues: Leonardo Andriani was 6-foot-2, with a gold tooth and a limp in his gait. The archaeologists found a body that fit the description and matched its prominent jaw with a family photo. They brought Patrick Andriani to the site for a belated introduction.It was a weird, otherworldly, surreal experience, Andriani says. Because they bring me in and theres this medical table, and they just have all his remains laid out. It sounds morbid, but I finally got to see him. THE EXCAVATION turned up graves right next to the Turnpike, and Olivieri, concerned about the structural integrity of the highway and the safety of the archaeologists, ruled in July 2003 that they would not dig beneath its embankments. The Andrianis and a handful of other families who came forward to claim relatives had them reburied at private ceremonies. The remainder of the 4,571 were reinterred at Maple Grove Park Cemetery in Hackensack, where the names of the dead span several stone slabs of a memorial. Aside from them and the roughly 430 removed a century earlier, the rest of those 9,781 remain unaccounted. These days, construction is subject to regulations requiring assessments of disturbed land, but the Meadowlands is a very different place from the cedar swamps of the 19th century. Beyond the park, beyond the Turnpike, it remains a wild place with a high water table and a reputation for swallowing secrets. , the archaeologist, wouldnt speculate. Were pretty confident that we got everything out of the footprint of what was going to be disturbed by the construction, he says. We couldnt go outside that footprint, so you really cant tell what else is out there. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. All aboard! Its time to grab your bathing suits and tickets before the cruise ships depart. With 2024 coming sooner than we realize, it is time to start thinking about your next excursion. If you want to take our advice, you should book a themed cruise, and we know you wont regret it. From emo cruises to motorcycle rallies on a boat, there is a cruise for just about everyone. Are you ready to sail the seas on the themed cruise of your dreams? Themed cruises of 2024 Rock Legends Cruise XI (Feb. 22-26, 2024) Board ship in Miami Presented by the Native American Heritage Association, get ready to board the Royal Caribbeans Independence of the Seas to rock and roll the days away on the Rock Legends Cruise XI. Sail to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic while listening to live performances several rock legends, including Sammy Hagar & The Circle, Billy F Gibbons, Bret Michaels and Rick Springfield. Dont forget to participate in the rock n roll memorabilia auctions, signed guitar raffle and band photo opportunities. Tickets are available for purchase here. Star Trek: The Cruise VII (Feb. 22-29, 2024) Board ship at Port Canaveral Live long and prosper as you sail on Star Trek: The Cruise VII. The cruise ship will sail to the tropical ports of Aruba and Curacao. To the delight of the Star Trek fandom, there will be a lineup crew members and federation advisors, such as Sonequa Martin-Green, Levar Burton, Walter Koenig, Wil Wheaton, Denise Crosby, Anthony Rapp and Nana Visitor. Join in as the these sci-fi legends offer dramatic performances, comedy shows, Q&As, screenings, interactive games and other events and activities that you will not want to miss. Tickets are selling out quickly, and you dont want to miss out on a trip around this galaxy. You can purchase tickets here. Emos Not Dead Cruise (Feb. 26, 2024 -March 1, 2024) Board ship at Port of Miami Calling all Emo fans: It is time to board the Emos Not Dead Cruise for the vacation of your dreams. Hosted by the Norwegian Pearl cruise line, the cruise is coming back for a second year with social media personality and musician Matt Cutshall. Spend four days and nights with pop-punk legends, including Yellowcard, Sleeping With Sirens and Mayday Parade. The cruise will begin in Miami and make its way to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Its not a phase; this could be the cruise of the year. Tickets are entirely sold out, but here is information how to join the waitlist. Cleveland Browns Fan Cruise (March 11-16, 2024) Board ship in Miami Are you a hardcore Cleveland Browns fan? Then, this looks like it could be the trip of a lifetime for you. This is the the first-ever, five-night Cleveland Browns Fan Cruise. The only rule is that the energy fans bring to FirstEnergy Stadium they must bring to the cruise ship, which is departing from Miami and heading to Nassau, Bahamas and Falmouth, Jamaica. There will be nearly a dozen Browns legends on board, including Josh Cribbs, Ben Davis, Hanford Dixon, John Hughes and Reggie Langhorne. Make sure to grab your jerseys because its game time and vacation time. You can purchase your tickets here. The Broadway Cruise 2 (March 13-18, 2024) Board ship in Miami Say goodbye to the Big Apple and hello to open seas. Join some of Broadways biggest stars as you sail to Key West and Grand Cayman on The Broadway Cruise 2. Some of the stars joining the ship are Christian Borle, Kerry Butler, Reeve Carney, Matt Doyle, Norm Lewis, Cheyenne Jackson and Eva Noblezada. There will be five ticketed shows, sing-alongs for all passengers, several panels and workshops. If you want to buy tickets, you can find them here. The Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise (April 10-13, 2024) Board ship in Miami In 1986, Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle teamed up to record their No. 1 hit, On My Own. Now, they are reuniting for a three-night Micheal McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise full of musical performances. The cruise, hosted by Grammy Award winner Marcus Miller, will be full of performances from jazz artists, including George Wallace, Alonzo Bodden and Lisa Fischer. Cruise from Miami to Nassau on an unforgettable journey. You can purchase your tickets here. Golden Fans at Sea (Sept. 14-23, 2024) Board ship in Barcelona, Spain Crying is for plain women. Pretty Women go shopping and go on cruises. Join hundreds of Golden Girls fans on the Golden Fans at Sea cruise all dressed up as Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia. The cruise will stop in cities all around Europe, including Barcelona, Nice, Ajaccio, Cagliari, Valletta, Sicily, Naples and Rome. On top of that, highlights on the ship will include a costume party, trivia, celebrity panels and parody shows. Tickets and pricing are available here. Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise (Nov. 5-9, 2024 and Nov. 17-21, 2024) Board ship in Miami Pack your bags, and get ready for a winter wonderland at sea. Hallmark fans from all over will get together for a cruise of a lifetime the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise featuring Hallmark Channel movie stars. There will be several activities, including panels, Q&As, photo ops, the world premiere of a Hallmark Channel holiday movie, a sail away ceremony, tree lighting, Hallmark wine tasting, Christmas music sing alongs and cookie decorating. Although tickets are sold out, Hallmark fans can sign up for the waitlist here. RELATED STORIES ABOUT LIVE EVENTS: Is Harryween 2023 going to happen? Taylor Swift tour 2023: Full schedule, dates, where to buy tickets Cirque du Soleil holiday show 2023: Dates, schedule, how to buy tickets 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction: Date, nominees, ticket info 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. Police have connected a car blaze on Route 32 in South Brunswick early Friday morning to the fatal shooting of a Philadelphia officer in a parking garage at the Philadelphia International Airport on Thursday night. A Philadelphia police officer was fatally shot and two other officers were injured just after 11:15 p.m. Thursday, the South Brunswick Police Department said in a press release. The suspects fled in a vehicle, authorities said. Later, at around 1 a.m. Friday, South Brunswick officers responded to a vehicle on fire off Route 32, officials said. An investigation conducted by the South Brunswick Fire Marshals Office and detectives connected the case to the officers murder, authorities said. There is no local safety concern, but anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Rick Delucia at 732-329-4646. Philadelphia Police Interim Commissioner John M. Stanford announced that there is a $150,000 reward for information. Tips can be made at 215-686-TIPS. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. Authorities are investigating the death of an 82-year-old man who was found dead on an Essex County sidewalk with severe burn wounds. At about 9 p.m. on Friday, Millburn police received a report of an injured man on the 100 block of East Willow Street in Millburn, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said Saturday. Shigeru Takeuchi, 82, of Union, was found unresponsive on the sidewalk, officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene about 30 minutes after police discovered him. While an autopsy to determine the cause of his death is pending, a source disclosed that he was found with severe burn wounds. Officials said an investigation by the county prosecutors Homicide / Major Crimes Task Force is ongoing and no arrests have been made as of Saturday afternoon. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutors Office confidential tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A 100-year-old woman died following injuries she sustained from an apartment fire Friday morning in Bergen County. Police were called shortly after 8 a.m. to a fire at the apartment on Rennie Place in Lodi, according to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. First responders located Judy Reifel, who was unconscious and in critical condition, authorities said. Virginia Fasulo was still shaking when she strode toward the gymnasiums center at Lodi High School. She had just won a prestigious national education award the Milken Educator Award. The award, hailed as the Oscars of teaching, was a complete surprise to Fasulo, a science teacher in the Bergen County district. It comes with an unrestricted $25,000 prize. The days I miss Miami most are the ones I find myself craving Nicaraguan food and wishing I was in my hometown where all I have to do to get my hands on some of my favorite dishes is hop on over to the citys most Nicaraguan neighborhood, Little Managua. Sadly for this Nica, theres no Little Managua in New Jersey but thankfully there is a Little Lima in Paterson and as a longtime lover of Peruvian cuisine and culture, I couldnt have been more excited to make my way there and explore its colorful, lively streets like an honorary peruana a special title given to me by my tour guide, Deputy Mayor Maria del Pilar Rivas. As far as tour guides go, Maria del Pilar is the best there is: The 63-year-old Paterson resident and entrepreneur was the driving force behind the area of Mill, Market, Main, and Cianci streets official designation in 2016 as Peru Square. She says some people still call the area thats lined with Peruvian bakeries, bodegas, restaurants, hair salons and travel agencies Little Lima but that many, especially locals, now refer to the neighborhood by its real name. Either way, she says, For thousands and thousands of Peruvians in New Jersey, this is home. And thats been the case for many, many decades now. In the early 1950s, a large wave of working-class Peruvians immigrated to the Silk City to do factory jobs. And in the 80s, political turmoil in the South American country pushed thousands more to move here. Since then, and for a variety of reasons including economic and civil unrest, Peruvians have continued moving to the U.S., with nearly 30,000 settling in Paterson, a city of about 150,000 residents, where many business owners told me those who came before them, abrieron el camino, paved the way. I met Maria del Pilar Wednesday morning at our first stop, Los Inmortales, a Peruvian mini-mart, cafe and bakery on Market Street that she says has long been a staple in the community. Right away, I noticed the storefronts bright red walls and its large white signage, an obvious ode to la rojiblanca the red and white Peruvian flag thats found practically everywhere on this street. Inside the shop, more flags as decoration on a back wall, on futbol jerseys for sale, and on hundreds of food products lining its shelves. On one wall, countless jars of aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper paste) and achiote (annatto paste), both essential seasonings in Peruvian cuisine, sit alongside bottles and bottles of Peruvian spices, sauces and canned goods. Looking at the variety of ingredients and at the brands of some of the products, all I can think of is my time in Lima years ago. Its almost like going into a small market or bodega [in Peru], right? Maria del Pilar says. I mean, just look at all the products ...we have everything here that we need to cook many of our traditional dishes like a lomo saltado or a papa a la huancaina. And at our next stop, Peruvian Market, a grocery store and deli on Cianci Street, she tells me, theres an even greater variety of products because the shops a bit bigger and has a larger selection of pre-cooked and frozen foods. Deputy Mayor Maria del Pilar Rivas says mini-marts and bodegas in Paterson's Peru Square have all the ingredients needed to cook traditional Peruvian dishes. Here, she's touring the aisles at Peruvian Market, a grocery store and deli, in Cianci Street in Paterson on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media There, we find manager Erich Martinez stocking the fridges in preparation for the weekend. Thats when people shop for the week ahead so thats when were the busiest, he says. He offers me a cafecito and a pastry but I politely tell him Im saving my appetite for lunch at a nearby restaurant and he doesnt blame me. Oh, youll love it there, he says before seeing us off. We visit a string of other longstanding businesses including a butcher shop, a hair salon and a travel agency (with a large stuffed animal llama in the display case), and chat with about a dozen people along the way. I quickly realize this is a place Ill soon return to. Everyones just so warm, so friendly, so ready to share stories about their lives, about what it was like hace anos cuando vinimos a este pais, long ago when they first came to this country, colorful tales of the immigrant experience, of working hard to try to give their children many now professionals in their 30s and 40s a better life. And succeeding. At Somos Tu Peru, over a hot coffee and a delicious lomo (stir-fried beef) sandwich and with folkloric Peruvian music playing faintly, Maria del Pilar tells me her own story. She left her hometown of Piura as a young girl and like many immigrants headed to Lima, Perus capital, before crossing the Rio Grande. In 1978, at age 18, she made it to Paterson. And the rest is history! she says. This is the city where my sons were born, where I raised them as a single mom, where Ive had my businesses, first a bridal shop and later a bakery and a party supply, she tells me. This is the city I love so much and that Im always so proud of and so proud to represent because of what it is and what it means for our Peruvian community. Max Herman, a New Jersey City University professor whos an expert in urban sociology, says areas like Peru Square have a certain vibrance and pull to them he attributes to people like Maria del Pilar, and the many others, who pour into them. These ethnic enclaves, he explains, usually thrive because theyre entrepreneurial and money tends to circulate throughout and within them. And what that does is create an opportunity for people not just to live amongst their own people, but to work amongst their own people and form whats largely a self-contained community, he says. Still, several of the Peru Square business owners I spoke with told me theyre thrilled to see new faces at their shops and restaurants and want to see even more of them. We welcome everyone, Jorge De La Cruz, owner of Tanas Food Market, told me. He says since 2002, when he and his wife Gladys bought the meat market, Argentinians shop here, Colombians shop here, people from Ecuador ... Latinos from all countries and non-Latinos, too. It makes us so happy when people of other nationalities and backgrounds are interested in learning about our [Peruvian] foods, customs and culture, he said. Were proud of our roots and our heritage and want to share it with others. Carlos Vera, owner of Panchitos Restaurant and head of the Peru Square Business Association, echoed that sentiment. All of these shops, these restaurants and bakeries, you see here, its not all just for us, he told me in Spanish. Its for everyone in New Jersey and beyond to come, experience and enjoy. 26 1 / 26 Peru Square in Paterson 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. Former Soldier Indicted for Attempting to Pass National Defense Information to Peoples Republic of China A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington was arrested today on an indictment charging him with two federal felonies: attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, will appear in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California later today and will be brought to the Western District of Washington for further court proceedings. Individuals entrusted with national defense information have a continuing duty to protect that information beyond their government service and certainly beyond our borders, said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen. The National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who violate that duty. Joseph Daniel Schmidt was once a trusted guardian of our nations secrets and swore an oath to defend and protect U.S. national security, said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBIs Counterintelligence Division. As alleged by the government, Schmidt betrayed his promise and potentially placed our nation at risk in his attempts to pass national defense information to Chinese security services. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American people and U.S. national security." 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, said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington. I commend the FBI for their diligent work to end his alleged efforts to betray our country. According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. 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. 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. 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. Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until this week when he scheduled to fly to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport. Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg for the Western District of Washington and Deputy Chief Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This story has been published on: 2023-10-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Artificial intelligence, which was tasked with creating a robot that could walk, showed how AI and humans differ in their thinking. The robot turned out to be small, elastic, and deformed, but able to do what the scientists asked. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated by scientists from Northwestern University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Vermont in the United States in the results of a study, which were published in the Proceedings of the National. Scientists also published a video with the robot (to watch it, scroll to the end). During the research, the AI was given a clear task, which is to design a robot that can walk. The AI spent only 26 seconds to complete the task, creating a whole evolutionary line of robots. The first model it developed looked like a rectangular block the size of a soap bar. This model was able to move, but not walk yet, so the AI essentially remodeled it until it ended up being a somewhat cartoonish robot with legs that was still able to walk. "We told AI that we wanted a robot that could walk on the ground. Then we just pushed a button," said Sam Kriegman, an associate professor at Northwestern University and lead author of the study. ADVERTISIMENT The current model was elastic, shaped like an irregular rectangle or a drop, and had a purple color. It turned out that it needed air to walk. Kriegman believes that the walking robot "does not look like any animal that has ever walked on earth," although it is worth noting a certain resemblance to a rhinoceros. Describing how AI remodeled the robot in 26 seconds until it made a "working" one, the researchers said it was "instant evolution." "Robot evolution used to require weeks of trials and errors on a supercomputer. It also took billions and billions of years before animals could run, swim, or fly around our world,," Kriegman said. ADVERTISIMENT Such a long evolution is explained by the fact that nature learns from its mistakes, but it has to make these mistakes because it is not able to look into the future to know whether a particular evolutionary model will work or not. AI is able to calculate everything in advance instead. "We have found a way to remove this veil," the scientist said. According to Gizmodo, the scientists printed the model proposed by AI on a 3D printer to check whether it would work in the real world. The video published by the scientists shows how the researchers pump air into the robot, which expands and begins to move its legs. Yes, the robot is slow, but the fact that it was created in just 26 seconds of evolution is important to scientists. What surprised the scientists the most was the robot's "design" approach, which they could not understand at first. In particular, it was the holes on the body, which at first seemed random to scientists, but when they removed them, it turned out that the robot lost the ability to move. ADVERTISIMENT The researchers also say that the strange shape and texture of the AI-designed robot was unlike anything previously created by human engineers. They believe that the AI-designed robot may force future designers to question their assumptions about what shapes are actually the most efficient for a desired task. "When people design robots, we want them to look like familiar objects, but artificial intelligence can create new possibilities and new ways forward that people didn't even realize... I think that some people see a useless gadget when they look at this robot, while I see the birth of an entirely new organism," Kriegman said. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA shared possible scenarios in which AI could destroy humanity. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest news Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican serving as a senior advisor to Chris Christies presidential campaign, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends throughout. Here, they discuss the weeks events with editorial page editor Tom Moran. Q. As Israelis begin to bury the 1,200 people massacred by Hamas militants, a newly formed national unity government is preparing an invasion of Gaza. Whats your best understanding of what Hamas hoped to achieve with this horrifying brutality? And is Iran culpable as well? Mike: Hamas has already achieved part of what it set out to do. Its stated mission is to kill Jews. They did that in savage and indiscriminate fashion. Secondly, they hoped to shake Israeli faith in its safety and security. Finally, they want to rally support in the Muslim world, which they hope to do by provoking a violent response from Israel. On Iran, yes they are culpable. They are an evil enemy with a stated mission of the destruction of Israel and United States. Julie: I dont know what Hamas tried to achieve, other than revenge, terror and trying to scuttle a Saudi-Israeli peace deal. They certainly set the Palestinian cause back decades. But I do know this, as a European-born Jew: My people have had to live with the very real consequences of anti-Semitism for millennia. My grandmother remembered pogroms when she was a young girl. The Holocaust, which happened nearly a century ago, is forever recent in the minds of many Jews. Killing Jewish babies, women, and old people has been a feature, not a bug, in the course of human history. And for many of us, what happened in Israel was not confined just to yet another Israeli-Palestinian altercation. It brought to the fore the very real and nagging fear that, regardless of the platitudes we tell ourselves about how things have changed, we are never really safe none of us, from the newborn baby to the bedridden senior. Never Again should not be just a slogan. It needs to be a call to action. Q. Israel has cut off water and food, along with electricity, to the 2.2 million people living in Gaza, who are already short of medical supplies. We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly, said Defensive Minister Yoav Gallant. What the risk that Israel will overreact and cede the moral high ground? Mike: Israel must be clear this is a war with Hamas, not all Palestinian people, just as George W Bush made clear six days after September 11 that America did not blame Muslims, but the terrorists who committed the acts. This is easier said than done when a country wants both vengeance and protection. When you are in charge of a country, the moral high ground is less important than keeping your citizens safe, so Israel will not hold back. Israel has morality and justice on its side after the evil Hamas unleashed on its people. I don't understand why any American politician would be encouraging Israel to squander that comparative advantage. https://t.co/Pp7Jg1IfIN via @politico Tom Malinowski (@Malinowski) October 12, 2023 Julie: This is not a black and white issue. Pity the people of Gaza, whose leaders have consigned so many of them to death because of what they did several days ago. I am not diminishing how poorly Palestinians have been treated in the West Bank and in Gaza for many decades, both by Israel and by their own governments. But what do you consider an overreaction to over a thousand murdered civilians and to the kidnapping and rape of young women and Holocaust survivors? More relevantly, how do the Israelis ensure that something like this never happens again so that Never Again, as I said earlier, is not merely a slogan? They have bombed and invaded Gaza before and yet Hamas is still able to launch rockets and infiltrate the border to do something this barbaric. It is imperative, from the Israeli governments point of view, that this ends, once and for all. Mike: I believe Israel will respond as never before. Q. Federal prosecutors added a charge to the indictment of Sen. Robert Menendez Thursday, saying he acted as a foreign agent on behalf of the military dictatorship in Egypt while serving as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. Should the Senate revisit its approvals of arms sales to Egypt, or other measures, as human rights groups have suggested? Is the committees work under Menendez tainted? Mike: Every deal done with Egypt with Menendezs fingerprints must be scrutinized and revisited. If the allegations are true, there is no way he was clearheaded about any of these deals, solely looking at them in the United States best interest, when he and his wife are alleged to have been personally profiting with gold bars, cash, and a car. Julie: Yes, everything that Sen. Menendez did with respect to Egypt in the past several years should be scrutinized. But on a larger note, Egyptian military aid should be directly tied to how helpful Egypt now wants to be with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Egyptians have long cooperated with Israeli intelligence while conveniently using the Palestinians plight to generate massive anti-Israel sentiment at home. Will Egypt allow civilians to enter the Sinai Peninsula from Gaza and will it set up refugee camps there, knowing that these camps could be generational and that there is a strong Muslim Brotherhood sentiment among its prospective occupants? Or will it continue making Gaza an Israeli problem, even while paying lip service to how awful conditions are for the people who remain there? Q. In New Jersey, a Superior Court judge issued a mixed decision in the lawsuit seeking to force racial integration in public schools, leaving a final outcome uncertain. My question is political: Why is a self-proclaimed progressive like Gov. Phil Murphy fighting civil rights groups on this, when even the state concedes our schools are among the nations most segregated? Mike: New Jerseys public schools are consistently ranked #1 or #2 in the country, so messing with them in any way ensures a backlash from parents and maybe the teachers union. But the gap between the best schools and the worst is awful and needs to be fixed. The Murphy Administration has fought the type of charter school expansion and reforms that we saw under Christie, which improved our poorest performing districts without hurting the best ones, likely because his top political supporter is the NJEA. Julie: I have no idea why Governor Murphy is fighting this. It is good policy and good politics. It just underscores the belief that he cares about people only long enough to use them to get elected and then turns on them when they no longer serve a purpose. Perpetuating a system that harms the Black and brown voters who got him to Drumthwacket is not a good look for someone who has national aspirations and who wants his wife to run for Senate on what is essentially the Murphy Administration record. Judge's ruling on lawsuit targeting segregation in N.J. schools frustrates plaintiffs, activists https://t.co/lxokwlh5H8 via @snietomunoz New Jersey Monitor (@NJMonitor) October 10, 2023 Q. Finally, a month before the states legislative elections, Democrats in several districts are hammering the issue of abortion rights. Is that going to work? Do voters feel that right is threatened in New Jersey? Mike: Voters in New Jersey do not believe the laws are in jeopardy of changing in any way. Murphy ran solely on national progressive social issue messaging two years ago, talking less about education and economic issues, and he went from winning by 15 points to winning by 3. Democrats risk making the same mistake in believing that just because someone agrees with you on an issue, that they also agree with you on its importance. Julie: You have State Senator Ed Durr down in South Jersey, who tells women that women do have a choice. They can keep their legs closed. If Republicans get control of the Legislature, which is possible, guys like Durr would be in charge. And if they get the governors mansion in two years, which is also possible, you can say goodbye to abortion rights in New Jersey. As for the importance of abortion on the minds of voters, I used to discount it, too. Then election after election proved me wrong. We will see if New Jersey bucks that trend. Matt Gaetz is the Democratic Partys secret weapon. Who could forget his comments right before the midterms when he said women protesting for abortion rights were all fat and ugly. pic.twitter.com/jIhRMUA0x0 Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 12, 2023 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Glad the party is moving forward https://t.co/EwJkArX0Rv Mike DuHaime (@MikeDuHaime) October 11, 2023 A note to readers: Mike and Julie are deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players discussed in this column. DuHaime, the founder of MAD Global, has worked for Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and President George W. Bush, and Gov. Christie. Roginsky, a principal of Comprehensive Communications Group, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg, and Phil Murphy. We will disclose specific connections only when readers might otherwise be misled. A jury has found two men guilty in what authorities have called the coordinated attack killing of Jose Figueroa in Paterson, the Passaic County Prosecutors Office announced Friday afternoon. Jaquan Thomas, 33, and Ismael Leon, 21, both of Paterson, were found guilty for their involvement in the alleged gang-related shooting on May 1, 2021. Thomas planned for his gang to patrol the area of Redwood and Totowa avenues and to shoot at people they believed to be members of a rival gang, the office said. Prosecutors also alleged that Thomas instructed Leon to wait in the area of Albion and Totowa avenues to shoot people fleeing gunfire from Redwood Avenue. After shots rang out, Figueroa, of Newark, was found lying in the street with gunshot wounds, the office said. Figueroa was rushed to St. Josephs University Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said. Thomas was taken into custody in Delaware on Sept. 28 of 2021 by the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and waved extradition to New Jersey. Five people were arrested in connection with Figueroas murder including Chelsee Ramirez of Paterson, Leon, a 17-year-old male from Paterson who was not identified because he was a minor at the time of his arrest, and Jenna Peselli of Newton. Thomas was found guilty of first-degree murder and weapons charges while Leon was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter and weapons charges. Sentencing for both men is scheduled for Dec. 15. Thomas faces 30 years to life at sentencing for murder while Leon faces 10-30 years for manslaughter. Both face an additional five to 10 years for second-degree weapons offenses. Thomas and Leon must serve 85% of the sentences for murder and manslaughter before becoming eligible for parole. The status of the cases against the other three defendants was not immediately clear. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt can be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com A Florida gun dealer that sold banned high-capacity magazines online to New Jersey customers must pay the state a $150,000 fine plus attorneys fees, a state appeals court ruled. State authorities sued 22Mods4All and another Florida-based company in 2019, alleging they violated New Jerseys Consumer Fraud Act by allowing New Jersey-based customers to buy 30-round magazines. A judge in 2021 found the company liable and that ruling was upheld by a panel of appellate judges on Thursday. Gov. Phil Murphy sent a memo Friday to top officials and agencies in his administration asking them to make sure New Jerseys government adheres to federal sanctions against Hamas and any affiliates after the groups attack on Israel last weekend, NJ Advance Media has learned. In the memo sent to members of his cabinet, as well as to state government departments, authorities, boards, and councils Murphy said he was sickened to awake to images of the attacks by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. Watertown, NY (13601) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High around 55F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. The puppeteers of Night Shade have always sought to break out of the two dimensions of their form of shadow puppetry. Theyve also created plenty of shows touching on scary tales and imagery, but in their most recent stories, they reach beyond the grave. In White Knives, part of a show they debuted last year, they introduced the characters Necromancer Nadia and Dead Mike. The couple were in a punk band together, and after Mike died, Nadia was able to resurrect him. Now theyre back in a story that Night Shade is doing in collaboration with New Orleans Poose the Puppet at Puppet Scream, a pre-Halloween show with special guests each night Oct. 20-22 at Mudlark Public Theatre. Night Shade is a project of Sarah Frechette and Jason Thibodeaux, who is originally from New Orleans. Night Shade started in Brooklyn, and worked out of Portland, Oregon, for several years, but now travels frequently. The group makes annual trips to perform at the New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival. Poose the Puppet is the work of Benjamin Martin, who relocated from North Carolina to New Orleans in 2021. In shows and events, Poose typically leads audiences on experiential journeys meant to help them explore and find their purpoose. That can include exercises in mindfulness or fantastic stories. Frechette and Thibodeaux met Martin at the Giant Puppet Festival in 2021. They decided to collaborate and did their first Halloween show last year, titled In the Deadly Nightshade, No One Can Hear You Scream Your Purpoose. They also took that show on tour to Atlanta and North Carolina. This years Puppet Scream show is new and a continuation of the story of Nadia and Dead Mike. They met in the punk scene in Miami, where Mike is in a band. Nadia has a gift for finding beauty in difficult or distasteful things. They fall in love, and form a band together, though Nadia does it mostly because she loves Mike. After he dies in a fentanyl-related incident, Necromancer Nadia, whose parents are morticians, resurrects him. Now, the only way he communicates with the living world is through song, usually improvised. The first song, and also the name of their band, is White Knives. In the new show, Nadia and Dead Mike work on new songs with the help of Poose, who in this show is focused on exorcising demons. The show is also a preview of their next installment, which will be at the Giant Puppet Festival in April. Night Shade and Poose will convert a room into an art installation to create an environment for that show, Martin says. The show also will be designed around zines, titled Exquisite Corpse, which Nadia makes to explore creativity and the development of ideas and puppetry, Thibodeaux says. The Puppet Scream will have different guests each night. Choose Hellth performs Friday, Oct. 20. Matthew Hellths project combines techno music, puppetry and psychedelic visuals. Musicians My Cousin Christina and Michael Myerz perform on Saturday, Oct. 21. Atlantas Michael Schwartz is the offbeat rapper Michael Myerz, who has released more than 30 albums incorporating genres from punk and metal to electronica and noise pop. Clowning and performance group Break Fast Puppets join on Sunday, Oct. 22. Puppet Scream shows are at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22. Tickets are $20 in advance via TicketLeap and $15-20 sliding scale admission is available at the door. Last month, this space marked the centennial of Notre Dame Seminary, which celebrated 100 years of educating young men for the Catholic priesthood and religious life. Next weekend, Catholics in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi will mark the 100th anniversary of St. Augustine Seminary, which for most of the 20th century educated Black men for the priesthood. The seminary, originally named Sacred Heart College, was established by the religious order known as the Society of Divine Word Missionaries. It had its roots in a seminary originally established in Greenville, Mississippi. Up until then, no diocese or religious order in the U.S. would train Black priests. St. Augustine relocated to Bay St. Louis from Greenville in 1923. Its first priests were ordained in 1934 and in the years that followed it educated many of the nations Black priests, since most seminaries remained closed to Black students through the mid-20th century. St. Augustine itself integrated in the mid-1960s before closing its seminary program in 1967. It remained a high school seminary and novitiate house until 1982. Notable alumni include two Auxiliary Bishops of New Orleans, Harold Perry and Dominic Carmon. The Oct. 28-29 centennial events will include a Mass and procession as well as food and live music. Tours of the grounds, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will be available. Bulgaria has introduced a tax of about 20% of the price of Russian gas transit through its territory. This step may cause a dispute with Moscow and will significantly increase the price of natural gas for Hungary and Serbia. ADVERTISIMENT According to Bloomberg, the tax is 20 Bulgarian levs ($10.76) per megawatt-hour of gas of Russian origin. This is about 20% of the price of benchmark European gas traded in the regional center of Amsterdam. Although Bulgaria does not import gas from Russia for its own needs, it is an important route for the severely reduced pipeline flows that Russia is sending to Europe after large-scale cuts in 2022. Almost half of Russia's pipeline gas comes to Bulgaria from Turkey via the TurkStream line for onward delivery to Hungary, Serbia, and other parts of Southern Europe. The move adds new uncertainty to an already nervous market. Gas prices in Europe have risen in recent days as threats to gas flows increase around the world, including the war between Israel and Hamas, potential strikes on key export plants in Australia, and infrastructure vulnerability following a recent leak in a pipeline in the Baltic Sea where sabotage is suspected. ADVERTISIMENT Russia's Gazprom stopped supplying Bulgaria's domestic market last year after the country refused to pay for fuel in rubles and switched to alternative suppliers, including Turkey. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukraine has revised the rules for setting up payments for gas transportation. The new calculation principle will allow Ukrainians to pay less for gas distribution, but not all of them. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The terrorist state of Russia is still trying to draw Belarus into a direct military confrontation with Ukraine. The enemy special services - the Russian FSB and the Belarusian KGB - are actively working on this issue. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the involvement of the Belarusian army in a ground operation in the war against Ukraine is a strategic task of the Kremlin. This was stated by a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov, on Radio NV. According to him, Russian special services have made many attempts to involve the Belarusian army in a full-fledged ground operation against Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. So far, the occupiers have failed. At the same time, Yusov noted that the Russians will continue to try to fully involve Belarus in the war against Ukraine. The Russians may organize various provocations to achieve this goal. Yusov emphasized that the Russian Federation has exact information about all critical infrastructure facilities in Belarus. At the same time, Minsk understands what Moscow's goals are too and knows that direct participation in the war against Ukraine is not in their interests. ADVERTISIMENT The DIU representative explained that the Russians can imitate the penetration of "saboteurs" into the territory of Belarus, use UAVs to target infrastructure facilities, and carry out other provocations. As a reminder, an explosion occurred in Belarus near Minsk late on October 5. Belarusian security forces said that a "terrorist attack" had allegedly been committed at the Ozerishche station, which resulted in the explosion of the railroad. Earlier, self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko hinted that his country already has a secret weapon. He threatened that Belarus could inflict "unacceptable losses on the enemy." As reported by OBOZ.UA, the United States has repeatedly stated that it is closely monitoring the situation with the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. Washington monitors reports and statements on this issue and ensures that Russia complies with its non-proliferation obligations. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 37 generous volunteers across North Devon recently joined team members at Bideford Bay and Ruda Holiday Parks to take part in the Marine Conservation Societys annual Great British Beach Clean. Held between September, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Great British Beach Clean and saw a record number of Parkdean Resorts volunteers coming together to collect a record weight of litter. Across North Devon 14 bags of litter were collected, weighing in at a total of 26.5kg, or more than 58lbs. This data will help further the Marine Conservation Societys conservation work, and will also be included in the International Coastal Clean-up. Owned by Parkdean Resorts, the UKs leading holiday park operator, Bideford Bay and Ruda Holiday Parks were two of 59 Parkdean parks across England, Scotland and Wales to take part in beach clean events, where volunteers came together to pick up litter found along the coast. A total of 620kg of litter was collected by 392 volunteers during the 59 collections, beating last years record of 422kg of litter collected by 265 volunteers from 36 parks. Jane Bates, Head of Sustainability and Procurement, Parkdean Resorts, said: Creating safe spaces for nature and having a lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve are both fundamental to our business, so were proud to participate in the Great British Beach Clean every year. With a record number of parks and volunteers involved, this is something that really matters to our teams, and were delighted to have had such an amazing turnout from dedicated volunteers, and to be able to contribute to the Marine Conservation Societys valuable work. Clare Trotman, Beachwatch Officer at the Marine Conservation Society, said: We are so grateful for Parkdean Resorts support in organising so many events as part of this years Great British Beach Clean. By holding dozens of beach cleans around the UK, they have helped to make this years event even more successful. Without our volunteers heading down to the beach to collect and record litter, we wouldnt be able to do the work we do. Their hard work allows us to campaign for a healthier, better protected ocean. Famous Ukrainian actor Nazar Zadniprovskyi has named the conditions under which, in his opinion, foreign actors can be allowed to work in Ukrainian cinema. The actor says that if his colleagues want to work in Ukraine, they must know the language and history of our country. ADVERTISIMENT The actor spoke about this in an interview with OBOZ.UA. The actor added that foreigners should apply for Ukrainian citizenship, and then they will be happy to work in films. "Let them decide for themselves what to do with those who want to work here. My opinion is that if they want to film, they should do it in Ukrainian. Let them learn the language and the history of Ukraine, apply for Ukrainian citizenship, and then they will get invited. There is no place for enemies!" Zadniprovskyi says. When asked whether he feels that our actors have spread their wings because Russians no longer come here, he replied: "It's hard for me to judge. I act in my proven works with artists who have long known their worth. If you ask me, as an actor who follows the production in general, I will say that film production has flourished since 2014. When a good part of the Moskovites left, Ukrainian actors were given normal roles, not just 'eating what's served.' Not a single Russian actor has played here since 2022." ADVERTISIMENT The actor also shared whether he had ever played on the set with Ukrainian actors whom he did not get along with. "I've never had such a thing, God was merciful! I am mostly invited to play comedy roles. Thus, where can you go without good humor and a good atmosphere on set? If it is a long 'soap opera', the main thing is to play your part and earn your money, but when you try to make a comedy (and I think it's the most difficult genre in cinema), you have to work very well because our audience is already spoiled," Nazar Zadniprovskyi says. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Zadniprovskyi shared the real reason why Ukrainian actress Halyna Bezruk decided to live and work in Russia. ADVERTISIMENT Read the full interview with Nazar Zadniprovskyi on OBOZ.UA on Sunday, October 15. Google has taken the extraordinary step to block reviewers from being able to download popular chip testing benchmarks directly through its Play Store, surprising reviewers of its latest Pixel 8 series smartphones. Incredibly, the company has extended this block to include all new customers of its Pixel 8 phones following the launch, in attempt to suppress the widespread distribution of results. 4 Reviews In a highly unusual move, it has been revealed that Google has blocked reviewers of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro from installing popular benchmarks including Geekbench and 3D Mark. Geekbench is a popular benchmark that assesses CPU performance in smartphone silicon, while 3DMark is a benchmark that assesses the GPU performance of a chip. Running benchmarks like these is a typical part of the review process and the review to help formulate their overall assessment of a device based on both objective data and qualitative analysis based on real world usage. Google's narrative about the Tensor G3 has been to emphasize that it has been designed with efficiency and AI in mind rather than outright performance -- making it clear it is acutely aware of its relative performance shortcomings. While blocking access to the tests via the Google Play Store will have affected the ability for some reviewers to run the benchmarks, others with a little more technical knowledge have been able to by-pass this limitation using a method known as side-loading. Consequently, Geekbench, 3DMark and other benchmark results for the Tensor G3 SoC powering the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have surfaced regardless. These results have not been flattering. In the first Geekbench 6 result to surface during the embargo period, the Tensor G3 as fitted to the Pixel 8 Pro achieved a single-core score of 1760 while it reached a score of 4442 in the multi-core test. This compares unfavorably with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (soon to be superseded by the even faster and more efficient SD8G3), which produces a single-core score of 2003 and 5427 in the multi-core test. The marked discrepancy is despite the fact that both chips use very similar Arm-based CPU architectures. In fact, the Tensor G3 actually enjoys the benefit of an additional mid-core (9 cores total versus 8 cores) and a better overall mid-core architecture. In addition to 2x Cortex-A715 cores, Qualcomm actually opted for a couple of slightly older Cortex-A710 cores for 32-bit backwards compatibility -- the Tensor G3 exclusively uses four of the newer Cortex-A715 cores. The performance disparity can be explained by Google's partnership with Samsung, which gave it the opportunity to develop more customized chips, but has also locked them into using Samsung's problematic 4 nm node technology. Not only does Samsung's 4 nm node produce much less efficient chips, it also can't match the transistor density of TSMC's superior N4P node used to fabricate the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Similar performance shortcomings, are apparent in the first 3D Mark Wild Life Stress results testing the Tensor G3's Arm Mali-G715 GPU which also surfaced during the embargo period, despite Google's best efforts to block them. Efficiency tests have also recently been conducted showing the Tensor G3 well down the list of the most efficient performers, and more comparable to older chips like the Snapdragon 888. It is not unusual during the launch phase of any major smartphone for tech-focused segments of social media to light up with benchmarks results, even during the embargo period suggesting that Googles highly unusual tactics have been effective at least to an extent. Tactics that Google appears determined to continue, it seems. In a perhaps even more extraordinary move, Google extended the block to new owners of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, preventing them from installing benchmarks as well. As mentioned earlier, this will not stop users from sideloading the apps, but it will undoubtedly help mitigate against the wider spread of information regarding the performance and efficiency question marks hanging over Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. While Pixel fans will rightly argue, smartphones dont necessarily need to have the most outright performance to be serviceable. However, the performance of the Tensor G3 puts it more in line with smartphones priced at the mid-range segment of the market not the high-end market dominated by Apple and Samsung that sell similarly priced flagship phones with chips that are faster, more efficient, and even possess faster hardware-based AI/ML acceleration. Of course, Googles strengths remain its leadership in software-based AI features, its excellent cameras and high-end design and build quality, which Google is clearly doing its utmost to keep users focused on. However, blocking reviewers and ordinary users from downloading and installing popular benchmarking apps is suggestive of a company not prepared to stand by the marketing claims it has made about the Tensor G3. Otherwise, it wouldn't be trying to impede reviewers and users from being able to test those claims themselves. Purchase the Google Pixel 8 Pro 128GB bundled for a limited time with a Pixel Watch 2 for just $999 from Amazon. HAMMOND A Gary man was sentenced to 70 months in prison on Friday for owning an firearm as a felon, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. Dwight Culver, 30, will serve 70 months (or a little over five years) in prison followed by two years of supervised release, according to Culver's sentencing memorandum. He appeared alongside his attorney Mark Gruenhagen in Judge Phillip P. Simon's courtroom at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana in Hammond. Culver's sentence was part of a plea deal, which stipulated that he'd plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and relinquish his guns. Records indicate that Culver was previously convicted of criminal recklessness and possession of marijuana. The sentencing memorandum states April 6, 2022, Culver was driving on Mount Street in Gary when police pulled him over. Culver purportedly told them he had a handgun in his car. The gun had previously been reported stolen, according to court records. Culver initially told police it was his, but then he said it was his girlfriend's. Records show that a recorded jail call captured Culver tell an unidentified woman that he was incarcerated for that thing you got me. Culver was also allegedly attempting to sell long guns at the Lake County Gun Show in October 2021. The Lake County Sherriff's Department arrested Culver as part of Operation Scarecrow, according to court records. The Cabinet of Ministers has calculated the draft budget for 2024 based on estimates that the war will continue at the same intensity as now for at least the entire next year. Most of the money will be spent on defense. ADVERTISIMENT Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said this to G7 finance ministers at a meeting in Morocco, the ministry's press service reports. "The draft budget for 2024 was prepared based on the assumption that the war at the current intensity will last throughout 2024. It provides for the accumulation of maximum resources in the security and defense sector, as well as the creation of conditions for the development of the domestic defense industry," he said. Concessional financing and grants from the G7 countries have become key to balancing Ukraine's state budget and financing critical expenditures. Since February 24, 2022, the G7 has provided almost $33 billion. This is more than half of all external financing for this period. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine has attracted $64.9 billion in external financing to the state budget. The largest donors are the EU, the US, the IMF, Canada, Japan, the World Bank, the UK, and Germany. ADVERTISIMENT Serhii Marchenko also emphasized the contribution of Japan, which holds the G7 presidency in 2023, in keeping the Ukrainian issue on the agenda of international events and in improving the coordination of financial assistance to Ukraine. During the discussion of Ukraine's budgetary needs for 2024, the Minister of Finance spoke about the main indicators envisaged in the draft state budget. As a reminder, Ukraine expects to receive more than $42 billion in 2023. As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, according to economists, Ukraine has to go through three stages of recovery. The first stage has already begun and will last until 2025. Only verified information is available on the Oboz.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! MUNSTER People who were concerned when they saw fighter jets flying over the Region on Friday should fret not, because Chicago officials said it was practice for Sunday's Bears game. "The City of Chicago has not received any actionable threats related to the terrorist attack in Israel. This afternoon there were a number of reports of fighter jets along the lakefront and downtown. The jets were practicing for their flyover on Sunday at the start to the Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field on Sunday, October 15," according to a statement from the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. The jet spotting came the same day Illinois Gov. Jay Pritzker warned in a news release that Illinois would be on "heightened alert" for threats related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While there are currently no credible threats here in Illinois, my administration is operating with heightened vigilance and working closely with IEMA-OHS and the Illinois State Police to keep people safe," Pritzker said in the release. "Here in Illinois, we reject those who use violence to instill terror and fear and are committed to ensuring our religious institutions and schools remain safe. The Starke County Economic Development Foundation is honoring a longtime board member and economic development advocate. Carla Musial, the branch manager of DeMotte State Bank in Knox, won the 2023 Robert E. Hamilton Award, which is named after the banker who established the Starke County Economic Development Foundation in 1985. The award is given to someone who has contributed significantly to economic development in Starke County. Musial served on the Starke County Economic Development Foundation board of directors from 1998 until last year. I had been on the board for several years. Mat Swanson, who was the treasurer at that time, was getting ready to retire. SCEDF Board President Bill Sonnemaker approached me and asked if I would consider being the treasurer, Musial said. I said give me a few days to think about it. I rarely missed a meeting, but I had to that month for another appointment. He called me the next day and said, 'Congrats, you were voted in last night.'" Musial worked in the banking industry for 46 years after starting at Farmers Bank & Trust. She put in 26 years at DeMotte State Bank and 20 at KeyBank. Due to her banking background, she served as treasurer of the Starke County Economic Development Foundation and the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning, which provides vocational training for high school students and adults. Bill said, oh, by the way, the treasurer of SCEDF is automatically the treasurer of SCILL, which is how I became the treasurer of that organization, Musial recalled. She remains the treasurer of SCILL, though she retired from the SCEDF board at the end of last year. She also served on the Knox Winamac Community Health Board and as the treasurer of New Hope Baptist Church. Musial previously served as treasurer of the Heart Association, Harvest Festival and Salvation Army. I have enjoyed working with the community over the years, Musial said. There is no place I would rather live. Mark Goddard, the actor best known for playing Maj. Don West on the fanciful and popular 1960s science-fiction series Lost in Space, died on Tuesday at a hospice center in Hingham, Mass. He was 87. His son John said the cause was pulmonary fibrosis. Major West was the pilot of a spaceship carrying a family of five, a stowaway and a robot in the far distant future the year 1997. On their way to help colonize a planet in the Alpha Centauri system, their ship went seriously off course, leaving the cast marooned on a different, inhospitable one, though luckily the atmosphere was suitable for human life. That set the stage for encounters with giant spiders, rock monsters, frog people, cyborg armies, space hippies, alien prisons, intergalactic beauty pageants and titanium shortages. The show created by Irwin Allen, a producer later known for popular disaster films like The Towering Inferno ran for three seasons (1965-68) on CBS. Major West was theoretically the romantic lead, a handsome single man in a uniform, and the first season hinted at a budding romantic relationship between him and the familys oldest child, Judy (Marta Kristen). But that subplot soon faded into the background. New Yorks attorney general said on Friday that she would not bring charges against three Catskill police officers involved in the death of a 30-year-old man who caught fire after one of the officers shot him with a stun gun while he was covered with hand sanitizer. The man, Jason Jones, died on Dec. 15, 2021, six weeks after suffering serious burns on his head and chest. He had doused himself with the hand sanitizer in the Catskill police stations lobby when the police officer deployed a Taser on him. Attorney General Letitia James said in a news release that her Office of Special Investigation had concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to prove at trial that the officers involved had committed a crime. To charge the officers with reckless manslaughter, the release said, a prosecutor would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers were aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk and chose to ignore it. Kevin A. Luibrand, a lawyer for Mr. Joness family, said the family had been informed of the attorney generals decision in a lengthy debriefing on Friday. Mr. Joness adoptive mother, Pamela Jones, 78, died on Tuesday, Mr. Luibrand said, adding that she had been distraught over the length of time it took to complete the investigation. (He declined to discuss Ms. Joness cause of death.) President Bidens experience certainly should have prepared him for this moment of crisis in Israel and Palestine. He began his national political career with a run for the Senate in 1972 that turned on his pledge to fight the Nixon administrations escalation of the Vietnam War. He opposed that war less on moral grounds than on pragmatic ones: that the war was futile and needlessly drained American resources and power. Almost 50 years later, as his first major foreign policy act as president, he made a bold, difficult decision to end Americas longest war, in Afghanistan. He had inherited the plan from his predecessor Donald Trump and had qualms about the withdrawal agreement, which called for the U.S. to withdraw all troops in exchange for the Taliban pledging to keep the country from becoming a haven for terrorists. But Biden had been skeptical about the first of the post-9/11 forever wars for a very long time, as early as 2002, when he made his first visit to Kabul as a senator. We cannot continue the cycle of extending or expanding our military presence in Afghanistan, hoping to create ideal conditions for the withdrawal and expecting a different result, Biden said in April 2021. This track record as a leader over an extraordinary and volatile stretch of human history, coupled with his unstinting support for the Jewish state, would make Biden the ideal messenger, should he choose to be, for the counsel Israel needs in the aftermath of Hamass brutal and lawless assault: A full-scale ground invasion of Gaza would almost certainly be a colossal mistake and a trap. Hundreds of worshipers filed into Friday prayer at a gold-domed mosque in Tempe, Ariz., with the violence in Israel and Gaza on their minds and sleeves. They wore Free Palestine" T-shirts and black-and-white kaffiyeh scarves, and scrolled through updates on the war as they waited for the sermon to begin. Omar Tawil, the imam of the Islamic Community Center of Tempe, delivered an impassioned message that condemned the killings and displacements of Palestinian civilians as Israel expanded its war against Hamas. He urged worshipers to respond with prayer, protest and support for victims. You should be angry, Mr. Tawil said. What have the children of Gaza done? What have the civilians done? If the attack by Hamas united the diverse, sometimes divided communities of American Jews in horror and grief, the escalating airstrikes and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip stirred common strains of anger, sorrow and grievance at Muslim prayer services across the country on Friday. Since the Hamas attack in Israel, prominent Jewish alumni have increased pressure on university officials to speak out on the war. Tempers have been particularly high at the University of Pennsylvania, where the campus was already up in arms over a recent Palestinian literary conference, with Jewish groups objecting to some of the speakers. This week, influential alumni, angry about the conference and what they said was an inadequate university response, called for the resignation of the schools president, Liz Magill, and the universitys chairman, Scott L. Bok. The effort is led by Marc Rowan, the chief executive of Apollo Global Management and chair of the universitys Wharton School board. An alumnus, he has donated more than $50 million to the school. But he has called on donors to cut off funds. Among those joining his call is Dick Wolf, producer of the television franchise Law & Order. An alumnus, Mr. Wolf endowed the Wolf Humanities Center at Penn, where the conference was held. Frightened Palestinians, heeding Israels warnings to abandon their homes in northern Gaza, raced on Friday to flee to the south of the blockaded coastal strip, as aid groups warned that the evacuation of more than a million civilians would have devastating consequences. There was a palpable sense of crisis in Gaza on Friday, as a buildup of Israeli soldiers near Gaza fueled concerns that Israel was preparing to invade the Hamas-held territory. Many Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza were reluctant to leave their homes for the south, which has even fewer resources, across routes that have already been damaged by a week of Israeli strikes. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said on Friday that airstrikes had killed at least 70 Palestinians and wounded 200 others who were attempting to flee northern Gaza by car on a main highway. And an ongoing siege pushed Gazas medical system to the brink of collapse. Aid groups warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe and said that the Israeli order to evacuate was illegal under international law. The United Nations also warned that moving more than a million people across Gaza would lead to devastating consequences, saying that its priority was negotiating with Israel to allow the opening of a humanitarian channel for deliveries of essential aid, including water. It is clear to us that the clock is ticking, said Stephane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesman. Israels retaliatory airstrikes since Saturday, when Hamass incursion into Israel killed more than 1,300 people, have wiped out entire neighborhoods. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Friday that at least 1,900 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza, and more than 7,600 injured since the war began. On a recent afternoon at the State Fair of Texas, in Dallas, Tori Valdez and Jordan Johnson moved through the crowd to join nearly two dozen customers lined up at the Eat Crispies concession booth. Nearby, gleeful screams emanated from a ride shaped like a double helix, and a child reached into a shoulder holster of baby-pink cotton candy for a bite of fluff. The couple reached the front of the booth, which Michelle Le, a concessionaire and entrepreneur, has operated since 2011. They exchanged tickets for an order of deep-fried pho, a version of the Vietnamese soup in which noodles and thinly sliced beef were tightly swaddled in a stiff tortilla carapace like an egg roll. Within a minute, the whole thing was gone. Ms. Valdez called it a 10 of 10, as she wiped her hands with a napkin. They took Vietnamese food and made it Texas, Mr. Johnson said. Behind them, the line only grew so long that an out-of-towner might not have guessed that scandal was afoot. Thirty-three years after the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in red lipstick and other cosmetics by linking it to cancer, California has become the first state to ban the chemical in food. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed a law this month that outlawed the red dye and three other chemicals. Red No. 3 is used in Halloween treats and other foods, including private-label candy, cookies and frostings sold at national chains such as Walmart and Target. The California law increases public pressure on the F.D.A. to examine similar questions surrounding artificial colors and other ingredients. But the agency itself is in a state of flux after the infant formula scandal raised concerns about food oversight. Dr. Robert Califf, the F.D.A. commissioner, has begun a reorganization of its beleaguered food division, marked by the departure of two top officials and the appointment of a deputy commissioner with significant experience in food safety. Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat who represents a district near Los Angeles, said the federal agencys inaction along with loopholes in food safety regulations had contributed to the state lawmakers reasoning in supporting the measure. Ukrainian border guards as part of Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to liberate Zaporizhzhia. The other day, they shot down seven enemy drones at once, managing to destroy two of them without detonation. ADVERTISIMENT Border guards used both anti-drone rifles and small arms to neutralize the enemy UAVs that tried to attack the positions of Ukrainian soldiers. Details and photos of the destroyed drones were published by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. "Border guards eliminated 7 enemy drones that attacked the positions of the soldiers in the Zaporizhzhia direction using anti-drone rifles and small arms," the statement said. Border guards also clarified that five enemy UAVs were destroyed, and two were shot down without detonation. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, it was reported that the Ukrainian military destroyed an enemy Tor air defense system worth $25 million. It was also reported that a Ukrainian drone destroyed an enemy FPV crew in the Kherson region; the moment was captured on camera. On October 13, the Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated 970 Russian occupants and "demilitarized" 88 units of enemy equipment and weapons. ADVERTISIMENT A trail of darkness swept across the Western Hemisphere on Saturday, starting at the Oregon coast and then venturing to the Southwest region as it cut through Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Texas and other states. It was an annular solar eclipse that millions of people across the United States and Latin American countries experienced as a ring of fire in their local skies. The path of annularity, or the path where the moon was most centered over the sun, was about 130 miles wide. People traveled from great distances to reach this shadowy strip, soaking up the four to five minutes of the darkest phase for those who got closer to its center. You see a picture, and it just doesnt do it justice, said Matthew Neal, who drove to Richfield, Utah, from San Diego with his wife, Jennifer Neal, to chase the eclipse. Millions more people experienced a partial solar eclipse, with considerable dimming of the sun occurring in major cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston, Mexico City and Bogota, even though they were far outside the path of annularity in some cases. Naim Jawad still remembers the Israeli warplanes in the sky that forced his family to leave their West Bank home. He was 5 years old. We ran away from death, he said. Now hes 61, a retired captain in the Correction Department of New York City, watching with anguish as another generation endures a new war, this time in Gaza, where about half the population is under 18. Mr. Jawads family arrived in New York after a brief stint in Jordan, joining a close-knit Arab American community in southwest Brooklyn. He has lived there ever since, raising seven children of his own and serving as vice president of the board of Beit El-Maqdis, a Sunset Park mosque. Lines of cars double-parked outside the mosque as worshipers arrived for the Friday prayer the most important service of the week for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war began last Saturday. Congregants flocked in, seeking a place to pray for loved ones back home and a place to find support. He would be an interesting and exciting candidate who could motivate voters. He could win the presidency, and many Americans would breathe a sigh of relief and have hope for the future. Mary Ellen Ramirez Hoffman Estates, Ill. To the Editor: If Caroline Kennedy joined the presidential race, she would receive my support. Unlike the current Kennedy who is vying for the presidency (Robert F. Kennedy Jr.), she is not mired in controversy and conspiracy theories. She served as the U.S. ambassador to Japan during President Barack Obamas administration and is now the ambassador to Australia, showcasing her experience in diplomacy and politics. She has spent her life devoted to politics, educational reform and charitable work. She has continued her fathers legacy with class. Ms. Kennedy has never been driven by the spotlight, which proves that she would not be interested in boasting about accomplishments or putting personal interests ahead of the needs of the country. We have yet to elect a woman as president in this country. If we were to find Camelot again, Caroline Kennedy would be our leader. I was thinking about all this research when I saw the new Netflix movie Fair Play. It felt at times as if the writer and director, Chloe Domont, must have had a stack of dog-eared copies of Harvard Business Review in her desk drawer. In an interview with Leah Greenblatt for The Times, Domont said that she was inspired to make the film by her experience moving up the ladder in Hollywood and discovering 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. Fair Play is about what happens when a woman declines to follow the expected script when it comes to work and life: She puts her career above her relationship, loses her soul in the process and is punished for her gender deviation. While there are no children involved in the story, theres definitely an implication among the characters that an ambitious woman is not wife material. (Some spoilers ahead, but Im doing my best to leave enough mystery for those who havent seen it.) The movie tells the story of Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich), who are co-workers at a financial firm with a brutal culture. They get engaged early on in the film, but their relationship is a secret; they have been carrying on behind everybodys back at the office. Emily pointedly takes her engagement ring off before she leaves their shared apartment. At first, Emily and Luke have the same job title. They both expect that Luke will get promoted, and she is truly excited for him. They proceed as if thats the natural order of things and talk about their plans. Instead, Emily who is clearly more skilled and better liked by management is promoted and becomes Lukes boss. Luke can barely pretend to be happy for her; her other male co-workers suck up to her to her face and deride her behind her back. Luke becomes cold and distant and begins to undermine her. Emilys response is cringe-worthy: As Amy Nicholson explains in her review of the film for The Times, Theres nothing she can say, or do, to make her fiance smile, and her disastrously obnoxious attempts to relieve the pressure just make things worse. I was in my familys living room on the first floor when my younger brother entered one night this week. It was very dark, and electricity had been cut off for over 20 hours. My brother could not see me. I was just as black as the armchair I was sitting in. He took his place on a couch, and then the flash of an explosion a couple of kilometers away lit up the room. Oh, you are here? My brother sounded surprised. It had been a long day for all of us, especially parents. We have to be responsible not only for our own lives during Israels military attacks but also for the safety of children and the old around us. Its been five days since I last had a shower. Its been four days since I last left my house for the shop or the barbers. Nearly all the women and girls in my neighborhood have left for schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which during escalation time turn into shelters. I try to see if we could find a room in a school nearby. One of the workers there advised me against it. There are three times more people than the school can accommodate, he said. I decide to remain at our house, where my parents, two siblings and I live on different floors. The next day at 10 a.m., we find my two sisters, Sondos and Saja, at our door with their husbands. Sondos is with her three small children the oldest is 6 and Saja is with little Zeina, whom she gave birth to two months ago. For the last two years, the debate over the American commitment to Ukraine has turned, in part, on whether we are endangering our ability to contain China in the Pacific if we pour too many resources into a trench war against Russia. From the hawkish perspective, the argument has been that any such trade-off is overstated or nonexistent because Russia and China are allies, and when we weaken Russia we weaken both, because the kinds of military equipment necessary to defend Taiwan differ from the kinds were sending to Ukraine, because surely America has the resources to fight authoritarianism on two fronts. The Middle East has not factored substantially into this debate. But with the massacres in Israel and the unfolding Israeli assault on Gaza, we have a new front of engagement for American power, a new demand for U.S. resources, a new stress point for our stressed imperium and new risks of a wider war. With this new challenge, the Ukraine hawks answer is the same: The False Choice Between Ukraine and Israel runs the headline of a Wall Street Journal editorial. And the Journal editors are correct in the narrow sense that the United States should not simply cut off Ukraine tomorrow and redirect that aid to Israel, as Senator Josh Hawley recently suggested. Our interest in restraining Russian ambitions does not dissolve the instant a Middle Eastern ally goes to war. But in a larger sense, of course there are real strategic choices here, potential trade-offs in hardware shipped and dollars delivered; indeed, The Journal concedes as much when it urges the United States to embrace a generational effort to produce more ammo and expand its arsenal. (Whether such an effort is likely to emerge from the current chaos on Capitol Hill I leave to the reader to judge.) Israel stands on the verge of invading Gaza in response to the terrorist attacks by Hamas that many, including Israels leaders, have compared to Sept. 11 not just because of the scale and savagery but also because the terrorists sought to destroy the tranquillity of daily life. They killed the very young and the very old, the strong and the weak, civilians and soldiers; they took some 150 hostages, including children, and survivors said the attackers raped women all to send a message that no Israeli was safe. Israel has a responsibility to its citizens to hold accountable the perpetrators of this violence, but as Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this week, How Israel does this matters. Israel cannot win this war just by killing all the terrorists. It is determined to break the power of Hamas, and in that effort it deserves the support of the United States and the rest of the world. But it can succeed only by upholding the rules and norms of behavior that Hamas so wantonly ignores. What Israel is fighting to defend is a society that values human life and the rule of law. To do that, the means and the ends of its military response must be consistent. Israels goal is to destroy Hamas; in doing that, it should not lose sight of its commitment to safeguard those who have not taken up arms. In Israel today, the dynamic is almost exactly the opposite. Hamas, whose authoritarian, theocratic ideology could not be farther from the A.N.C.s, has committed an unspeakable horror that may damage the Palestinian cause for decades to come. Yet when Palestinians resist their oppression in ethical ways by calling for boycotts, sanctions and the application of international law the United States and its allies work to ensure that those efforts fail, which convinces many Palestinians that ethical resistance doesnt work, which empowers Hamas. The savagery Hamas committed on Oct. 7 has made reversing this monstrous cycle much harder. It could take a generation. It will require a shared commitment to ending Palestinian oppression in ways that respect the infinite value of every human life. It will require Palestinians to forcefully oppose attacks on Jewish civilians, and Jews to support Palestinians when they resist oppression in humane ways even though Palestinians and Jews who take such steps will risk making themselves pariahs among their own people. It will require new forms of political community, in Israel-Palestine and around the world, built around a democratic vision powerful enough to transcend tribal divides. The effort may fail. It has failed before. The alternative is to descend, flags waving, into hell. As Jewish Israelis bury their dead and recite psalms for their captured, few want to hear at this moment that millions of Palestinians lack basic human rights. Neither do many Jews abroad. I understand; this attack has awakened the deepest traumas of our badly scarred people. But the truth remains: The denial of Palestinian freedom sits at the heart of this conflict, which began long before Hamass creation in the late 1980s. Most of Gazas residents arent from Gaza. Theyre the descendants of refugees who were expelled, or fled in fear, during Israels war of independence in 1948. They live in what Human Rights Watch has called an open-air prison, penned in by an Israeli state that with help from Egypt rations everything that goes in and out, from tomatoes to the travel documents children need to get lifesaving medical care. From this overcrowded cage, which the United Nations in 2017 declared unlivable for many residents in part because it lacks electricity and clean water, many Palestinians in Gaza can see the land that their parents and grandparents called home, though most may never set foot in it. How? By taking the election completely away from the people and giving it to the House of Representatives. This may sound far-fetched, but it is alarmingly plausible at a moment when the major-party candidates are relatively unpopular. No Labels (which is also the No Candidate party at the moment) seems to think that a contingent election is an entirely viable path to the White House which is true, since it is virtually impossible to imagine any third-party candidate winning the old-fashioned way. But the group seems willfully oblivious to the chaos and destabilization that contingent elections provoked in the past and undoubtedly would again, especially in such a tense and polarized political climate. It is, as the best-selling author James Michener put it in a 1969 book on the topic, a time bomb lodged near the heart of the nation. The bomb goes off if an independent candidate like Mr. Kennedy manages to pick up a few electoral votes and prevents either of the two main candidates from winning an outright majority of electors (at least 270 out of 538). In that case, the American people no longer have a say in the biggest election in the land. Instead, under the 12th Amendment, the top three electoral vote getters advance to a second round, in which the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the president. But and rarely in the history of democracy has a but been asked to do so much in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote. Those votes in the past were decided by what a majority of a states delegation wanted, although the House can set different rules if it chooses. If the delegation is evenly divided, the state gets no vote. The point is, it doesnt matter which party has more members in the House as a whole; all that matters is the happenstance of which party controls more state delegations. And right now Republicans control 26 state delegations and Democrats 22. One vote per state, with the presidency in the balance. Stop for a moment and consider the absurdity of this. North Dakota, whose single representative in Congress represents about 779,000 people, would have as much say in choosing the nations leader as Californias 52 House members, who together represent almost 40 million people. The two Dakotas combined (fewer than 1.7 million people, about the population of Phoenix) would wield twice as much power as Texas, with 30 million people. This is about as far from the principle of majority rule as you can get. The irony is that many founders expected this to be the standard way America would choose its presidents. As the plan took shape during the constitutional convention in 1787, Virginias George Mason predicted that the House would end up deciding 19 out of 20 elections. This wasnt a bug in the system but a natural consequence of the lack of knowledge held by 18th-century Americans of politicians outside their home state. As a result, the thinking went, votes would be spread among a wide range of candidates, leaving most with some electors but none with a majority. Maybe you experienced Saturdays annular eclipse and just cant get enough. Maybe the weather or some other cause has left you with astronomical FOMO. The good news is that another eclipse is coming soon a total solar eclipse, without a ring of fire. While todays eclipse covered almost the entire Western Hemisphere, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will cross three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada. Some are calling it the Great North American Eclipse. The annular eclipse and the Great American Eclipse of August 2017 both moved through the United States from northwest to southeast. Aprils event is going to go the other way. Making landfall in Mazatlan, Mexico, it will enter Texas and proceed through about a dozen other states before reaching Canadas eastern provinces. And New Yorkers, this one is for you, though youll have to travel to cities like Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester to experience total darkness in the daytime. Some places in the path will have repeat experiences from other events. The April eclipse will pass through Carbondale, Ill., which was near the center of the path of the 2017 eclipse. And San Antonio and neighboring regions of Texas used todays annular eclipse as a practice run for the crowds they expect next year for the total eclipse. The offensive of the Russian occupation forces on Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, widely publicized by Russian propagandists, failed. Analysts have not been able to find evidence of the claimed "victories," while the occupiers themselves complain about losses and "meat assaults." ADVERTISIMENT The Kremlin is extremely uninterested in the truth about the situation near Avdiivka coming out, so the so-called "military commanders" have been ordered not to discuss it publicly or to voice the "manuals" issued by Moscow. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). ISW analysts stated that the Russian military, which continued offensive operations near Avdiivka, Donetsk region, on October 13, failed. Against the backdrop of Russian propagandists' reports of attacks to the north and south of Avdiivka, experts geolocated the footage that appeared online on October 12 and 13 and noted a certain advance of the occupiers to the south of Krasnohorivka (located 5 km north of Avdiivka), as well as to the southeast of Pervomaiske (a settlement 11 km southwest of Avdiivka). However, even the Russian "military commanders" themselves did not agree on the alleged seizure of the Avdiivka Coke Plant by the occupiers, while ISW analysts found no evidence of Russian troops' control over the plant's territory. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the Ukrainian military claims that it continues to repel Russian attacks near Avdiivka. According to one of the Russian "military bloggers," the Defense Forces are using minefields to slow down the enemy. Meanwhile, the occupiers from the so-called "LPR" complain about Russian artillery. One of the invaders said that the cannon barrels are badly worn, which significantly reduces the accuracy of Russian artillery. The ISW noted that such complaints have been repeatedly heard from Russian sources. At the same time, the occupier from the "LPR" suggested that Russian troops have a chance to "squeeze the perimeter" by trying to capture less fortified positions near Avdiivka. However, he fears that if this is done, the Russian command will only intensify "meat attacks." "He expressed concern that Russian generals will misinterpret these limited gains and try to accelerate their offensive efforts toward Avdiivka. The 'volunteer' noted that such a misinterpretation could lead to Russian troops 'pounding on concrete' fortifications until they run out of steam," ISW writes. ADVERTISIMENT Meanwhile, the Kremlin has decided to silence numerous "military commanders" and "military bloggers". The Russian command is not only limiting information about the situation near Avdiivka in its reports but also trying to control any narratives that emerge in the Russian information space around this topic. One of the Russian "military officials" justified this "secrecy" by the alleged unwillingness of the Russian military to allow unnecessary "noise" around the situation near Avdiivka. Another admitted that on October 13, representatives of the Russian military leadership demanded that "military bloggers" not discuss the details of the fighting in the Avdiivka direction. ADVERTISIMENT Meanwhile, there are disputes and searches for those who lie about the real situation at the front. "The Russian military command is probably trying to adapt to previous major offensives, during which it lost control over the perception of Russia's actions in the Russian information space. Some military bloggers are following (and will likely continue to follow) the narrative line imposed by the Ministry of Defense, but this attempt at centralized control may provoke a negative reaction from some military bloggers," ISW believes. The Kremlin is officially trying to present its offensive operations near Avdiivka and local actions in other areas as "Russian troops intercepting the operational initiative" in Ukraine. Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said on October 13 that Ukrainian counteroffensive operations were "formally completed" as Russian troops had moved "to active combat operations along almost the entire front line." ADVERTISIMENT However, ISW analysts, unlike Nebenzia, see no grounds for claims that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is over. It is ongoing and, according to experts, will continue in the winter, albeit probably with less intensity. Earlier, the ISW explained why the occupiers began talking about "freezing" the front line in Ukraine. In particular, a traitor to Ukraine, Oleksandr Khodakovskyi, a former SSU officer who now commands the occupiers' Vostok battalion, called for Russian troops to "freeze" the front line. He explained this initiative by the need to replace the exhausted mobilized personnel with fresh forces - contract soldiers - and then launch a new offensive. This statement is in line with previous analysts' findings that the invaders need a pause to refresh their forces and resume fighting later. ADVERTISIMENT Ryuzo Yanagimachi, whose long career as a pioneer in fertility research culminated in 1997 with the successful cloning of multiple generations of mice a leap ahead of the announcement of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep, just months earlier died on Sept. 27 in Honolulu. He was 95. His niece Keiko Kindstrom said his death, at a nursing facility, was caused by complications of a fall. Dr. Yanagimachi was already nearing retirement in 1998 when he and his team at the University of Hawaii announced in the journal Nature that, a year before, they had successfully cloned not just one mouse but dozens, across multiple generations. Dolly, the result of work by Ian Wilmut of Scotland, still dominated the news, but in many ways it was Dr. Yanagimachis work that was the real breakthrough. (Dr. Wilmut died in September.) When an illustrator and a poet went searching for queer stories in the history and mythology of Greco-Roman antiquity, they found nothing less than an army of boyfriends. Specifically, in the fourth century B.C., an elite troop composed only of pairs of gay lovers battled its way across ancient Greece. This battalion of boyfriends is just one set in the romantic cast of queer characters in 300,000 Kisses: Tales of Queer Love From the Ancient World, an illustrated compendium, released this week, by the Irish poet Sean Hewitt and the English artist and designer Luke Edward Hall. Mr. Hall illustrated the stories in portraits with yearning gazes, strong jaws and androgynous poses, while Mr. Hewitt composed effervescent, often moving poems from older translations (many of which had skirted the homoerotic elements), with occasional winks and gestures to contemporary gay sensibilities. Together, the pair revived a parades worth of ancient queer lovers, mourners, seducers and icons. Here are seven in whose personalities, desires or entanglements you just may find echoes with 21st-century queer life. In 1983, Arthur Miller faced a herculean task: staging his 1949 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Death of a Salesman, in Chinese, with an all-Chinese cast and crew, in Beijing. But questions kept popping up: Would this drama about the American dream translate for a Chinese audience? Would concepts like traveling salesman or life insurance make sense to a people who had little exposure to either? Rehearsals became exercises in cross-cultural exchange. At one point, Miller instructed his cast to abandon the wigs he didnt need them to impersonate Americans. The way to make this play most American is to make it most Chinese, he told them, according to his 1984 book about the undertaking, Salesman in Beijing. He added, One of my main motives in coming here is to try to show that there is only one humanity. National Park Service rangers scoured the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in recent weeks, bolt cutters in hand, and took aim at their targets. Hanging from fences were love locks, etched with the names or initials of partners who, perhaps, had seen the vast, everlasting expanse of mudstone beyond the precipice and believed that their love, too, would be as endless. Except the padlocks these visitors had placed were not emblems of passion but simply man-made litter, officials said. Love is strong, the Grand Canyon National Park said on Facebook this week. But it is not as strong as our bolt cutters. By Friday, rangers had removed dozens of love locks from fences at the Grand Canyon, one of the countrys most beloved national parks and, since around 2006, a magnet for romantic gestures involving the locks. Follow our live updates for the House speaker vote. Representative Jim Jordan and his allies have begun a right-wing pressure campaign against Republicans opposed to electing him speaker, working to unleash the rage of the partys base voters against any lawmaker standing in the way of his election. Even after Mr. Jordan, the hard-right Ohio Republican, won his partys nomination for the post on Friday, he remained far short of the 217 votes he needed to win the gavel, with scores of his colleagues refusing to back him. In efforts to close the gap, lawmakers and activists close to him have taken to social media and the airwaves to blast the Republicans they believe are blocking his path to victory and encourage voters to browbeat them into supporting Mr. Jordan. It is an extraordinary instance of Republican-on-Republican fighting that underscores the divisions that have wrought chaos inside the party, paralyzing the House of Representatives in the process. Several of Mr. Jordans supporters have posted the phone numbers of mainstream G.O.P. lawmakers they count as holdouts, encouraging followers to flood the Capitol switchboard with calls demanding they back Mr. Jordan or face the wrath of conservative voters as they gear up for primary season. Thousands of federal firefighters could face substantial pay cuts in the coming weeks, potentially hampering the countrys ability to respond to wildfires as they have grown more severe. Federal wild-land firefighters received a temporary boost to their paychecks last year, which was meant to help strained agencies offer more competitive wages to recruit and retain workers. But funding for the pay raises is set to run dry next month, and federal officials have warned that more firefighters will leave for higher-paying jobs if their salaries are slashed. In 2021, President Biden raised the minimum wage for wild-land firefighters to $15 an hour from $13. Congress then agreed to increase firefighter pay by either 50 percent of a workers base salary or $20,000 a year, whichever was lower. The typical base salary for an entry-level wild-land firefighter is about $34,000 without the supplement, according to Agriculture Department data. Many also rely on overtime pay to boost their incomes. There is a rule at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in southern Israel, that a management professor shared this week. When rockets are fired from Gaza, and you need to find shelter, people in Tel Aviv have a few minutes, said the professor, Hila Riemer. Here, we have one. Ben-Gurion University, one of Israels top research institutions, is that close to Gaza 25 miles away. When the unprecedented bloodshed exploded out of Gaza last weekend and Hamas gunmen slaughtered more than 1,300 Israelis, the entire country was shaken to its core and this university was immediately sucked into the conflict. Now the issue has surfaced again in Saskatchewan. Following the lead of Mr. Higgs, Premier Scott Moe recalled his provinces legislature early this week to introduce a bill that, if passed, will mandate parents consent for a number of things including allowing pupils teachers and school employees to use the pupils new gender-related preferred name or gender identity at school for anyone under 16. The debate for and against the policy mirrors the earlier discussion in New Brunswick, so I wont go over it again this week, but I will look instead at another significant step taken by Mr. Moe. Thousands of troops were being deployed to guard sensitive locations across France, and the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles were evacuated in separate security alerts, as the country remained on edge on Saturday after the killing of a schoolteacher in a stabbing attack that the authorities described as an act of Islamist terrorism. France has been under its highest terrorist threat level since Friday, when the teacher, Dominique Bernard, was killed at a school in Arras, in northern France. A suspect was quickly arrested at the scene: Officials said he was a former student of Mr. Bernards, and had already been under surveillance as a potential Islamist extremist. On Saturday morning, the Louvre, the worlds most visited art museum, ushered visitors out and closed its doors in response to a written message that there was a risk, said Coralie James, a spokeswoman for the museum. In the current national context, she added, the museum had decided to shut for the day, while we carry out the necessary checks. And on the outskirts of Paris, another treasure of French heritage, the Palace of Versailles built for King Louis XIV was also evacuated, the police said on Saturday afternoon. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, they said a suspicious package had been found. Clearly anxious, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine went in person this week to see NATO defense ministers in Brussels, worried that the war between Israel and Hamas will divert attention and needed weapons from Ukraines long and bloody struggle against the Russian invasion. American and NATO officials moved to reassure Mr. Zelensky, pledging another $2 billion in immediate military aid. But even before the war in the Mideast began last week, there was a strong sense in Europe, watching Washington, that the world had reached peak Ukraine that support for Kyivs fight against Russias invasion would never again be as high as it was a few months ago. The new run for the White House by former President Donald J. Trump is shaking confidence that Washington will continue large-scale support for Ukraine. But the concern, Europeans say, is larger than Mr. Trump and extends to much of his Republican Party, which has made cutting support for Ukraine a litmus test of conservative credibility. Even in Europe, Ukraine is an increasingly divisive issue. Voters in Slovakia handed a victory to Robert Fico, a former prime minister sympathetic to Russia. A vicious election campaign in Poland, one of Ukraines staunchest allies, has emphasized strains with Kyiv. A far right opposed to aiding Ukraines war effort has surged in Germany, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz is struggling to win voters over to his call for a stronger military. On the morning of October 14, Russian terrorists attacked Beryslav, Kherson region. One resident died as a result of the enemy shelling. ADVERTISIMENT One of the Russian shells hit the territory of a private house. This was reported by the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Prokudin on Telegram (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the photo). According to him, Russian terrorists attacked Beryslav at about 6 a.m. As a result of the shelling, a 60-year-old woman was trapped under the rubble. The victim's injuries were incompatible with life. Doctors reported her death. The Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office clarified that the Russian occupiers attacked Beryslav with guided aerial bombs. Prosecutors and police investigators are conducting priority investigative actions and documenting the consequences of Russia's armed aggression. A pre-trial investigation into the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder was launched under the procedural supervision of the Beryslav District Prosecutor's Office of Kherson Region (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, two employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine were injured in the city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, due to Russian shelling. They were extinguishing a fire when the enemy struck the location again. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, Russian troops opened fire on the village of Chornobaivka, Kherson region, at night and during the day on October 12. At least two residents were killed and another was injured. As OBOZ.UA previously reported: - On October 11, Russian troops used a drone to attack a funeral car at a cemetery in the Kherson region. Three employees of the funeral service who were near the special vehicle were injured. - On the morning of October 9, the enemy attacked a library in Kherson. A 55-year-old resident was wounded. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! American citizens said they were stranded at Gazas border with Egypt on Saturday afternoon despite a U.S. official saying earlier that an agreement had been reached to allow them safe passage from the blockaded enclave. The official said that both Israel and Egypt had agreed to allow Americans to go through the Rafah crossing from Gaza between noon and 5 p.m. local time. But as of 4 p.m., the crossing remained closed, according to two families. This is absolutely nerve-racking, said Lena Beseiso, 57, who was waiting on the Gaza side of the border with her husband, two of her daughters and a 10-year-old grandson, in a text message. Im so worried now more than ever before. There was no immediate comment from the State Department. The official who earlier had spoken of the agreement said it had been unclear whether Hamas, which controls Gaza, would allow the safe passage. There also had been no confirmation from Egyptian authorities that they would open the crossing. In southern Gazas main city, Khan Younis, throngs of people displaced from the north stood in the streets on Saturday outside schools, hospitals and the homes of friends who took them in, waiting with their empty bottles for the water truck to come by. When it passed, they surged forward, each one desperate to fill up a bottle or two to quench the thirst of the families they fled with. The hardest thing today is finding water to drink, said Jihad Abu Hasaan, 54, a father of three who left his home in Gaza City in the north on Friday. We hope that there is a humanitarian pause so that people can at least go search for water, he added. Mr. Hasaan, the Gazan director of Premiere Urgence Internationale, a French charity, spoke from a training center in Khan Younis where his family was sheltering with some 5,000 people. A fast-growing humanitarian crisis has erupted in southern Gaza, which is being inundated by hundreds of thousands of displaced people who fled northern Gaza in the past day alone, according to the UNRWA, the U.N. agency that aids Palestinians. In total, nearly half of Gazas population of more than two million has been displaced over the past week, the agency said on Saturday. As Israeli troops massed near the border with Gaza on Saturday, readying tanks and ammunition in dusty staging grounds, fears of an imminent ground invasion created an exodus from northern Gaza amid a dire scarcity in the territory of water and other essentials. The United Nations said that nearly one million Gazans had fled their homes. In Israel, the military said Saturday it would continue to expand operations to include an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli soldiers readying for attack, and video of the Saturday afternoon encounter showed Mr. Netanyahu asking soldiers, Are you ready for what comes next? Across the border, there were scenes of residents fleeing in cars, in horse-drawn carriages and on foot. Evacuees fleeing the anticipated invasion of northern Gaza struggled to find food, water and shelter in the south. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations agency dedicated to Palestinians, said an electricity blackout and a lack of drinking water had become a matter of life or death. Displaced families crammed into schools and hospitals while others crowded into the houses of friends and family. And as the United States, Egypt and Israel discussed terms for a safe passage of U.S. citizens out of the territory, the vast majority of the more than two million residents in Gaza, nearly half of them under 18, were trapped, some sleeping in cars, on chairs and on the ground, even as Israeli airstrikes continued. The Senate will vote early next week on a bipartisan resolution condemning Hamass strikes on Israel and pledging to support the Jewish states war effort, said Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, who is spending the weekend meeting with Israeli officials to discuss the contours of a future assistance package. Im very hopeful we can pass that by unanimous consent, Mr. Schumer, Democrat of New York, said of the resolution. When it comes to putting an actual aid package for Israel on the Senate floor, Mr. Schumer said he wanted to consult first with Israeli officials, but I think the sooner, the better. Over the weekend, Mr. Schumer and four other senators Democrats Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Republicans Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah are expected to meet with a raft of senior Israeli administration officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Benny Gantz, who joined with Mr. Netanyahu to form a unity government earlier this week. The group is also expected to meet with Israelis and Americans who lost loved ones during Hamass bloody attack on civilian settlements and military bases last weekend, which killed an estimated 1,300 Israelis. Mr. Schumer said he was shaken, angry and disturbed by the events, and as Congresss first Jewish majority leader, felt a passion and an obligation to make the trip. CA Wants to Hike Awareness of OCal Cannabis Seal Wed., Nov. 1, 2023 The California Department of Food and Agriculture plans to hire a firm for an education and outreach campaign to create awareness of the OCal seal on commercial cannabis products. Chasing Abbey, the sensational band hailing from Tullamore in Offaly, is set to take their homecoming celebration to new heights as they plan to host a massive free meet and greet event at the Bridge Centre Shopping Centre on October 14 at 2pm. This grand event, open to fans of all ages, will give Chasing Abbey enthusiasts a chance to personally meet the trio and enjoy a live performance by the group. Chasing Abbey, comprising members Ro, Bee, and Teddy C, have been making hughe waves in the Irish music scene. Their latest track, "Oh my Johnny," has achieved remarkable success, spending an incredible two months straight on the Irish Homegrown charts and now ranking at number 6 on the Official Charts. This monumental achievement has solidified their position as the highest-selling Irish artists in the country, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. As Chasing Abbey prepares to embark on a nationwide tour of Ireland, they are dedicated to giving back to their home community in Tullamore. The Bridge Centre Shopping Centre event is a testament to their commitment to the people who have supported them from the beginning. By hosting this free event, Chasing Abbey aims to create an inclusive atmosphere where fans of all ages can come together to celebrate their success. The event at the Bridge Centre Shopping Centre will kick off on October 14, at 2pm offering attendees the unique opportunity to meet Ro, Bee, and Teddy C in person. Fans can expect not only a chance to interact with the talented musicians but also to enjoy a live performance featuring some of Chasing Abbey's hit songs, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Chasing Abbey has always been deeply connected to their roots in Tullamore, and this event is their way of expressing gratitude to their hometown and their ever-supportive fanbase. Their dedication to the local community and their young fans demonstrates their commitment to both their music and their people. The free meet and greet event promises to be a day of music, memories, and celebration, as well as prizes on the day as Chasing Abbey continues their remarkable journey in the music industry. Event Details: Date: October 14, 2023 Time: 2pm Location: Bridge Centre Shopping Centre, Tullamore, Offaly Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to meet Chasing Abbey and enjoy their live performance. For more information and updates, please visit www.chasingabbey.ie RTE is an organisation in freefall. The events of the last year, and even this week, bear that out with fears it could be insolvent before next March without funding intervention. The Late Late Show has always been a microcosm of the broadcaster; for so long an indelible institution and a constant in an ever-changing social and media landscape. The Late Late is iconic despite all the criticism. If you asked someone to name ten of th emost uniquely Irish things, the Late Late would be one of them. The All-Ireland, Guinness, Tayto, the Rose of Tralee; there are some things that are just symbols of Irishness. The Late Late was creating watercooler moments before watercooler moments were a thing. It trended in workplaces, pubs and outside Mass long before Facebook or Twitter or X or whatever it's called these days were feeding us our topics of conversation. In the week Kevin Bakhurst was back before the Oireachtas and RTE appears still to be teetering on the brink of relative extinction. They're looking to Government, aka the taxpaper, to save them. It's Oliver Twist asking Mr Bumble for more gruel if Oliver was giving cheek at the same time of reaching out his bowl with that longing look on his face. RTE seems unrepentant for creating its own financial mess as it goes looking for handouts. The months of turmoil over the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal, the talk of barter accounts and apparent reckless spending of taxpayers money have soured public opinion and shown up the organisation as an utter failure, not just in corporate governance. Maybe somebody should tell the people in charge that's the atmosphere their freefalling through before they appear before the Oireachtas again, cap in hand. For a long time viewers have complained about the same old faces and show repeats while they fork out 160 on a TV licence. Oh, and let's not mention the RTE Player that doesn't work properly, or the effective partnership of RTE and the GAA to put so many games from our national sport behind a paywall. Dee Forbes long-called for a new, beefed up licence fee; more money for Champions League trips and Bruce Springsteen concerts for RTE bigwigs and their commercial chums; that's the public image and the attitude that has rightly surrounded the broadcaster this year. Now let's get back to the Late Late. Unfortunately for Patrick Kielty, the world's longest-running chat show is still a microcosm of RTE, but in its current creaking guise, that's far from a good thing. Kielty is a great broadcaster, personality and figurehead for the show, but he's got both hands tied behind his back, or so it seems. The first few weeks of his tenure as host have been tumultuous. Apparently a senior producer has left the show and there are various forces at play behind the scenes. The tensions and differing opinions on the direction of the show are all a bit cosmetic because so little has changed. How much control is Kielty being given in the production of a show that is still getting half a million viewers a week? It's a cliche at this stage but the idea that the sofa is filled each week via a round-up in the RTE canteen has never been more accurate. The country music special was a carbon copy of ones that have gone before. The same faces, same stories, tired old gags and cowboy hats. And that's coming from a fan of country music. I'm not going to take a chip off every guest that's appeared in the new series so far because that wouldn't be fair, but standing back and looking at the format, it's probably disimproved. They've brought in a bizarre version of a Graham Norton sofa whereby three different guests appear together for the first part of the show. One week saw Nina Carberry, Carl Frampton and Joe Wicks side by side. It would appear the only thing they have in common is physical exercise, one being an online trainer, the others a jockey and a boxer. The lack of chemistry made for an awkward bumbling opening to the show, and that's no reflection on those individuals at all. That format can work where guests interact and, for want of a better word, partake in a bit of 'banter'. That's not what's been happening on the Late Late. Guests are interviewed individually and just so happen to be sitting on the stage at the same time. Mary McAleese appeared alongside Tommy, Hector and Laurita Blewitt a few weeks ago and that was equally flat. All great guests, but why they fit together, I don't know. The choices for that group interview seem totally random. It's as if the show is scrambling for guests and then shoehorning them into this 'new' format. Joe Wicks seems to have been a complete afterthought and was invited on because he happened to be in Ireland that week - hardly inspiring criteria. I grew up watching the Late Late and it's had good weeks and bad weeks for years, but it's now unwatchable almost every week. I've watched the first few episodes of the Kielty era and wondered when it's going to show his personal stamp on it. Back in the day, his own chat show was daring and rambunctious, funny and impactful, all the things the Late Late is crying out for. One of these days I'm just going to stop watching. I'm a Man United fan and watching the Late Late is very much like watching them in recent years. They've been off the boil for a decade and yet there I am every week watching and raging at the telly willing things to change. I don't know anyone younger than me that watches the Late Late with any sort of regularity, bar the Toy Show. The whole show is stale and the change of presenter hasn't rejuvenated it. In the headline of this piece I say 'bring back Tubridy' and in a way I'm being facetious because the show wasn't fantastic with Tubs in the hotseat. In 15 years, he was able to put somewhat of a stamp on it and he earned a following for that. Patrick Kielty should be able to do the same and I believe he can, but he's hamstrung by the fact the organisation producing the show is falling down around him. The old shoe factory in Edenderry is being renovated to accommodate at least 45 Ukrainian refugees, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has confirmed. Work is already well underway at the large building on St Mary's Road between the Grand Canal harbour and Edenderry Business Park. It's understood up to 50 Ukrainians, including families, women, children and grandparents, will move in early in the New Year. The Department told the Offaly Express that its officials are "in ongoing contact with the provider in relation to this property for the purposes of accommodating Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war." They also confirmed the expected capacity of the property would be in the region of 50 people. In Edenderry, Fine Gael councillor Noel Cribbin told the Offaly Express he will welcome the new arrivals to the town "with open arms." Cllr Cribbin said: "There are 45 Ukrainians coming, probably after Christmas; families, women, kids, grandparents, and I certainly welcome them as they are coming from a very dangerous situation with their country, cities and homes under siege from Russia. "As chairperson this year in the Edenderry Municipal District, I welcome them to Edenderry with open arms and I wish them a happy and peaceful time in Edenderry." Ireland is now accommodating over 97,350 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This compares with over 8,575 at the end of February 2022, Department figures reveal. This includes over 73,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 24,355 International Protection applicants currently in IPAS accommodation. "Both UCTAT and IPPS are operating in the context of a severe accommodation shortage," a Department spokesperson said. "As a result it is necessary for the Government to place Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection Applicants in accommodation as and when it becomes available. This helps ensure accommodation is available for all those who seek it." The Offaly Express has also contacted the housing section at Offaly County Council for comment on this story. Russian occupiers continue to terrorize residents in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In particular, they have begun blackmailing parents, threatening to take their children away from them if underage Ukrainians do not take Russian citizenship by the end of October. ADVERTISIMENT The invaders threaten to place children without Russian passports in shelters and foster homes. This was reported by the National Resistance Center. They are blackmailing parents of minors that they will take away their children and hand them over to the occupation "guardianship authorities" if these children refuse Russian passports. "Parents of children forced to attend enemy schools were given 'time to think' until the end of October. Either the child becomes a citizen of Russia, or the data about them will be transferred to the occupation 'guardianship authorities'. After that, the child may be forcibly taken away from his or her parents and placed in an orphanage and then in a foster family," the Center noted. The Center recalled that child abduction is one of the signs of genocide. They added that they are closely monitoring the situation in the TOT and recording the names of all those involved in the crime. ADVERTISIMENT "The Resistance Movement participants have already eliminated many occupiers who were engaged in the implementation of genocidal policies on Ukrainian soil. We have all the lists and all the names at our disposal. The reckoning will be inevitable," the NRC assured. Earlier, the Center said that the Russian occupiers have engaged Russian "Cossacks" to guard schools in southern Ukraine. They often behave inappropriately. "The 'guards', who are mostly drunk on duty, harassed children because of their hairstyles and clothes, used physical force, and insulted them. There have even been cases of sexual harassment of schoolchildren. ADVERTISIMENT 'Bigg Boss Kannada Elimination': Who Will Be Evicted From Sudeep's Show This Week? Bengaluru oi-Prakash KL The stage is set for the first elimination on Kiccha Sudeep's 'Bigg Boss Kannada - 10'. There are eight contestants in the danger zone, this week. Karthik Mahesh, Snake Shyam, Drone Prathap, Karthik, Tanisha, Michael, Siri, Varthur Santosh, and Neetu are in the danger zone this week. One among them is expected to be out of Sudeep-hosted show, this weekend. Who will be eliminated?' 'Bigg Boss Kannada 10' Contestant List: Check Complete Profiles With PICS The reality has always been known for surprise elimination. However, Drone Prathap has garnered people's sympathy in the first week for the way he was treated by some of the inmates in the house. He is getting massive support from fans. Hence, he is unlikely to be out of the house, this week."Waiting for belt treatment @KicchaSudeep yest they gave words that they wont target #DronePrathap again, but definitely want #sudeep sir to address it again n make them to realize that was the worst n wrong thing to do n make sure won't happen again. #BBK10 #Bigbosskannada," a user said. Another user stated, "I really hope @DronePrathaap #DronePrathap wins Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 #BBK10. He's the most eligible and deserving soul. I have always been kind towards him cuz I can clearly see what trauma he's been through which so many of our Kannadigas failed to. #DronePrathap #BBK10" The third user said, "#DronePrathap the kindest and most innocent soul I've ever come across. His good heart is his strength. Lots of power, positivity, love and blessings to @DronePrathaap #BBK10 @ColorsKannada @KicchaSudeep @banijaygroup @JioCinema." Fourth netizen added, "Speaking up against bullying and individual personal targeting or trolling to which #DronePrathap is being subjected to from other housemates isn't blind support for #Prathap as an individual or giving clean chit to his scam filled life outside #BBK10 house." Behind The Headlines: Ponnala Lakhsmaiah Resignation Bombshell Amid Telangana Congress Seat Suspense Hyderabad oi-Kannaiah The Congress is taken aback by the news of Ponnala Lakshmaiah, the former PCC chief and BC leader, leaving the party. Ponnala sent his resignation letter to the party president Kharge notifying him of this decision on Friday. It appears that Ponnala was displeased with the Janagama seat being neglected and was given a significant offer from BRS. As per reports, KTR, the minister, will be visiting Ponnala's house to persuade him to join the party. Ponnala Lakshmaiah's unexpected departure comes at a crucial time when the party is focusing on its campaign to secure Telangana. The politician, Ponnala, had been a significant figure in the party from its inception, serving as a minister in the YSR Cabinet for two consecutive terms. Even after the change in leadership, Ponnala continued as a minister under Roshaiah and Kiran Kumar Reddy. Additionally, he played a key role as the first PCC chief of Telangana after the state's partition. Currently, the Congress leadership is finalising the seat allocations, set to be announced soon. However, Ponnala's discontentment arose from the decision to assign him the Janagama seat, which he had represented for a considerable period of time. In his letter to Kharge, Ponnala expressed his disappointment over the lack of priority given to those who have dedicated themselves to the party. He alleged that newcomers in the district were being awarded seats if they provided lands and villas. Ponnala clarified that he felt humiliated within the party. It appears that his decision is linked to the ongoing campaign to allocate the Janagama seat to Kommuri Pratap Reddy. In his letter, Ponnala elaborated on the recent happenings within the party and expressed his heartfelt decision to depart. PCC chief Revanth's response to the letter was filled with anger as he voiced his apprehension about the core party objective of social justice being sidelined. The letter also contained sensational allegations of the party being involved in questionable activities of seats being sold. Pre Poll Survey Telangana: ABP-CVoter Opinion Poll Predicts Neck-And-Neck Fight Between BRS, Congress Recently, there have been indications that Ponnala will be joining the BRS party. Reports suggest that Minister KTR will personally visit Ponnala's residence to extend an invitation to join the party. Along with the invitation as the BC leader, there is now curiosity about whether Ponnala will be offered the Janagama seat or if alternative arrangements will be made. Additionally, a meeting was conducted within the BRS party to discuss the Janagama seat. As the campaigning unfolds, the senior leader's exit has become a major topic of discussion and bigger worries for the Congress that other leaders may follow Ponnala Lakhsmaiah's example. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 11:51 [IST] Indore's Early Voters Rewarded With Free Poha And Jalebi As M.P. Assembly Polls Approach India oi-PTI The proprietors of shops located in '56 Dukan', a famous food hub in Indore city of Madhya Pradesh, have decided to offer free snacks comprising poha and jalebi to those casting votes early in the upcoming assembly elections, a move aimed at boosting the voter turnout. Elections to the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will be held in a single phase on 17th November. The shopkeepers have announced that anybody who casts a vote in the early hours of polls will get free poha and jalebi after showing the indelible ink mark on the finger. Talking to PTI about it, Gunjan Sharma, the president of 56 Dukan Traders' Association, said on Saturday, "Indore occupies the top position in the country as far as cleanliness is concerned. We want our city to top in terms of voting as well. For this, we have decided to offer free poha and jalebi to those who cast their vote." "The offer will remain operational only till 9 am on November 17, the day of voting. After this, every voter will be given a special discount of 10 per cent on the bill of poha-jalebi throughout that day," Sharma said. Madhya Pradesh Election Prediction: Will Cong End BJP's Rule? Check Lok Poll Survey Report Poha is a popular snack made from flattened rice, while jalebi is a deep-fried delicacy soaked in sugar syrup. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has given the status of 'Clean Street Food Hub" to 56 Dukan as the outlets here met the set criteria. During the 2018 state assembly elections, there were a total of 14.72 lakh voters on five seats in Indore's urban area where 67 per cent voter turnout was recorded. In the current assembly elections, a total of 15.55 lakh voters are registered in these five assembly seats. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 17:19 [IST] Mexican Politician Ana Lilia Rivera Ties Rakhi To PM Modi; He Delivers Strong Message Against Terrorism India oi-Stuti Tripathi During the P20 Summit, Mexican politician Ana Lilia Rivera tied a rakhi on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hand, signifying a bond of friendship and protection. The touching moment took place on the sidelines of the G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit in New Delhi, where leaders from around the world gathered to discuss their commitment to combat terrorism and violent extremism. In a heartwarming gesture, Ana Lilia Rivera, the President of the Mexican Senate, donned traditional Indian attire and tied a yellow rakhi around Prime Minister Modi's wrist. This exchange of cultural symbols was a manifestation of goodwill and shared values, with diplomats and officials in attendance as witnesses. The event, held on Friday, 13th October, brought together parliamentary speakers from G20 member countries and invitees. As India, the host of the recent G20 meeting, it organized the session under the theme of 'Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future,' emphasizing unity and cooperation on global issues. Ana Lilia Rivera, President of the Mexican Senate, tied Rakhi to PM Modi at the P20 Summit in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/zHErf7LAxh BJP (@BJP4India) October 13, 2023 During the Parliamentary 20 Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message against terrorism, emphasizing the need for the world to unite and unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms. He stressed that a divided world cannot effectively address the challenges facing humanity. His remarks were made against the backdrop of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with India expressing solidarity with Israel following a recent attack by Hamas. "Wherever terrorism occurs, regardless of the reason or form, it is an affront to humanity. In such circumstances, we must remain unwavering in our stance against terrorism," the Prime Minister stated. He addressed an audience comprising parliamentary speakers and leaders from around the world. "The world today is grappling with crises arising from conflicts and confrontations, and no one benefits from this. A divided world cannot provide solutions to the challenges facing humanity," PM Modi emphasized. This statement reinforces India's commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting global unity to address pressing issues. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 5:43 [IST] Ukrainian soldiers continue to effectively destroy the occupiers' manpower and equipment. Thus, the operators of the FPV drones of the 103rd Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces managed to destroy a rare enemy Tor surface-to-air missile system in the rear. ADVERTISIMENT A video of the destruction of the occupiers' equipment was posted on the Telegram channel of journalist Yuriy Butusov. The cost of such an anti-aircraft missile system is about $25 million. It should be noted that "Tor" is an all-weather tactical air defense missile system designed to protect important administrative, economic, and military facilities. Its function is to cover the first echelons of ground troops from attacks by anti-radar and cruise missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, air bombs, airplanes and helicopters. This system can operate both in manual mode with the participation of operators and in fully automatic mode, controlling the airspace and ensuring the downing of all air targets that are not identified as "their own." ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue offensive actions in the Bakhmut direction. Thus, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had partial success near the village of Andriivka. For their part, Russian terrorists are trying to advance to regain lost ground. As a reminder, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have advanced up to 400 meters in various parts of the southern flank of Bakhmut. The soldiers need to consolidate the gains they have made, and then the details of their successful advance can be announced. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 'Operation Ajay': Second Flight With 235 Indians From Israel Arrives In Delhi India oi-Prakash KL The second batch of Indian nationals from war-torn Israel arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday morning. Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh welcomed the evacuated Indian nationals at the airport. Upon arrival, people warmly hugged and embraced their families and relatives. A total of 447 Indian nationals, previously stranded amidst the intense Israel-Hamas conflict, were successfully repatriated to India through the efforts of 'Operation Ajay'. "Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Israel's Tel Aviv," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on X, on Friday-Saturday intervening night. Most of the passengers were individuals residing and employed in Israel. They expressed their gratitude towards the Indian government for undertaking this initiative and extended their thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. #WATCH | Various state governments have sent their representatives to Delhi airport as the second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Israel, arrived here today. pic.twitter.com/kuhAMjZWHg ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023 Before boarding the flight from Tel Aviv, an Indian passenger Ashish Kumar told ANI: "I am going to India. Here, I am a post-doctoral student, at Agriculture Research Organisation. The situation in central Israel is quite normal, not like the Gaza border, Beersheba and nearby regions". "I think this is a very good initiative of the Indian government. I had seen only European countries evacuating their citizens. So, I appreciate the government for this," he added. Another passenger named Wagesh Dwiwedi appreciated the initiative and recalled the tenure of former Minister Sushma Swaraj. "I work as a visiting scientist at ARO. The situation is tense here because of the bombarding, and it will get even more serious. So, that's why we are leaving. Everyone is scared at home. Operation Ajay is a very positive step and I really appreciate it," he added. On Friday, India airlifted 212 Indian passengers from Israel. Those who were evacuated after being stranded in Israel thanked the Indian government for bringing them back. Chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' were also seen by the passengers on the first flight, according to a video shared by a passenger. Indian Ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla had earlier said that the Indian Embassy in Israel is working to ensure the well-being of Indian nationals. Hamas launched the operation Al-Aqsa Storm' by firing thousands of rockets into Israel on Saturday. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters infiltrated Israel by land, sea and air. 'Operation Ajay' was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday. The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. 'Love You All, Miss You All': Suicide Note Of Meera Vijay Antony Found 'Stuck' In Her Textbook Drowning And Dying With Your Thoughts: Vijay Antony In Heart Wrenching Post On Daughter's Death Agniveer Amritpal Singh Committed suicide, Military Honours Not Extended To His Funeral As Per Rules: Army Suicide Of Female Job Aspirant In Telangana Sparks Opposition Criticism Of BRS Government's Exam Postponement India oi-PTI A 23-year-old woman who was preparing for competitive exams allegedly died by suicide at her hostel in Ashok Nagar here, sparking protests by government job aspirants against the BRS dispensation, police said on Saturday, 14th October. As soon as news of the woman's death broke on Friday night, a large number of students staged protests in the area and raised slogans against the state government. The agitators also tried to prevent the police from shifting the woman's body to the hospital. TV visuals showed the police dispersing the crowds, though officials denied resorting to lathi charge. A police official told reporters that in the suicide note that was recovered, the woman, Pravallika, had tendered an apology to her parents for being unable to do anything for them. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) M Venkateshwarlu told reporters at a press conference that after verifying the chat history of Pravallika's cell phone, they found that she was in love with a person and that he is engaged to be married to another woman. "As per the chat record and after verifying CCTV footage, (we find that) she committed suicide as the boy cheated her and is getting married to another woman. It (suicide) has nothing to do with any other issue," the official claimed. He further said that based on the outcome of the forensic analysis of the cell phone, the police may slap penal sections relevant to abetting suicide against the man. Venkateshwarlu said Pravallika had been preparing to take government exams to secure a job but that her suicide had nothing to do with the exams. The victim's friends at the hostel said she took the extreme step owing to personal reasons, he said. Expressing deep sorrow over Pravallika's alleged suicide, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Saturday sought a report from the Chief Secretary, DGP and Secretary of the State Public Service Commission within 48 hours. According to the police, the woman, who hails from Warangal, killed herself on Friday night due to personal issues. However, the protestors claimed that she had ended her life dejected over not being able to get a job and the postponement of the Group-2 exam by the Telangana State Public Service Commission again. Opposition parties in the state held the K Chandrasekhar Rao-headed government responsible for the death of the young woman. BJP MP K Laxman claimed on social media platform X that he demanded that the woman's suicide letter be made public but was "arrested". "She was diligently preparing for government examinations for many months. But due to repeated cancellations and postponements of exams by the BRS government, she took the extreme step," he said. The BJP MP sought justice for the woman and also others affected by the "sheer negligence" of the state government. Congress leader M Anil Kumar Yadav, who also joined the protestors, claimed that the woman ended her life upset over the cancellation of the TSPSC exam twice. He sought a judicial inquiry into the incident and financial assistance for her family. Telangana Congress president A Revanth Reddy expressed anguish over the woman's death and alleged that the BRS government has failed to conduct recruitment exams properly. Reddy urged the people to help make a success of the 'rasta roko' (road blockade) proposed to be organised today by the Congress and other parties, seeking abolition of the incumbent Public Service Commission members and the appointment of members afresh. The BRS government had earlier too come under fire from the opposition parties over the question paper leak of recruitment exams conducted by the Telangana State Public Service Commission. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 19:34 [IST] Aaj Tak Journalist Allegedly Dies Of Suicide Amid Claims Of Mental Struggle And Harassment, Probe On Russian-American Journalist Detained in Russia for Failing to Register as a Foreign Agent 2 Hamas Commanders Who Led Attack Killed As Israel-Palestine Conflict Enters Day 8 International oi-Prakash KL Israel on Saturday claimed that it killed two Hamas commanders who were behind the cross-border deadly rampage into Israel a week ago. The military said it killed Merad Abu Merad, who was the head of the Hamas aerial system, and Ali Qadi, a company commander of a commando force. Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces said it had killed a senior member of the Hamas terror group in an overnight airstrike in the Gaza Strip. The IDF reported that the strike targeted a headquarters overseeing the aerial activities of the terror group, resulting in the demise of Murad Abu Murad, the head of Hamas's aerial operations, according to The Times Of Israel. Top Developments in the War Iran's foreign minister on Saturday has urged Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, warning that the war might expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle, and that would make Israel suffer "a huge earthquake." "I know about the scenarios that Hezbollah has put in place," Amirabdollahian said. "Any step the resistance (Hezbollah) will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity," he added. Qatar on Saturday said that it categorically rejects any attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip. A statement from the Qatari foreign ministry said that the state of Qatar "call on lifting the siege of Gaza Strip, and provide full protection for the Palestinian civilians according to the international and humanitarian laws". According to the United Nations, over 423,000 people have fled their residences in Gaza even before Israel's directive to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip. A video journalist from Reuters was killed and six others were injured in southern Lebanon on Friday when missiles fired from the direction of Israel struck them. These Guys Make Al-Qaeda Look Pure: US Prez Biden On Hamas' Attacks On Israel A group of journalists, which included representatives from Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse, were operating in the vicinity of Alma al-Shaab, near the Israel border. This area has seen exchanges of fire in border clashes between the Israeli military and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, alongside a Hezbollah lawmaker, attributed the incident to Israel. Palestinians scrambled to flee northern Gaza after Israel's military urged about 1 million people to leave for the territory's south ahead of an expected ground invasion following the surprise attack a week ago by the ruling Hamas militant group - despite warnings from the UN that evacuating nearly half of Gaza's population would be calamitous. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with their possessions crowded a main road southward from Gaza City as Israeli airstrikes hammered the territory on Friday. Hamas' media office said warplanes struck cars fleeing south, killing more than 70 people. Israel's ultimatum that over one million people in northern Gaza should relocate within 24 hours is "extremely dangerous" and "simply not possible", UN chief Antonio Guterres has said, asserting that "even wars have rules." Israel's military said early on Saturday it had struck a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon in response to the "infiltration of unidentified aerial objects into Israel" and fire on an Israeli drone. Israel All Set For A 'Lethal' Attack From 'Land, Sea and Air' On Gaza In Ongoing War With Hamas Israel-Palestine War: IDF Plan To 'Expand The Attack' On Gaza; Know More About What UN, Netanyahu Are Upto International oi-Stuti Tripathi In an online statement, as reported by CBS news, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have declared their intentions to "expand the attack" on the Gaza Strip. The military has already mobilized numerous reservists and is in the process of implementing various offensive operational plans, including coordinated attacks from air, sea, and land, as outlined in the statement. The IDF has confirmed that its battalions and soldiers are deployed nationwide and are prepared to escalate readiness for the next phases of the ongoing conflict, with a particular emphasis on a significant ground operation. This development follows a week of retaliatory airstrikes in response to a terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also indicated the possibility of advancing to the next stage in recent interactions with infantrymen. WHAT THE UN SAID? The United Nations issued a dire warning today, stating that over 2 million people in Gaza are facing a critical water shortage as supplies run dangerously low. In the midst of this escalating crisis, the Israeli military reported the elimination of two senior Hamas commanders who were responsible for orchestrating an attack on southern Israel that took place the previous Saturday. Tragically, the death toll in Gaza continues to climb, with officials reporting that more than 2,200 individuals have lost their lives. In the last 24 hours alone, 324 Palestinians have been killed. WHAT DID THE ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER SAY? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, declaring that Israel's intense bombardment of Gaza represents only the initial phase of their response to the ongoing Hamas offensive, which has claimed the lives of 1,300 people. With a substantial Israeli military presence amassed along the Gaza border, Netanyahu assured the public that the current situation was just the beginning, although he refrained from providing specific details about future actions. "Our adversaries have just begun to bear the consequences. I cannot disclose the specifics of what lies ahead, but I can assure you that this is just the outset." Netanyahu was quoted saying as per Economic Times. IS EGYPT STOPPING PALESTINIANS FROM TAKING SHELTER? Recent reports reveal that the Egyptian government is currently delaying the opening of the Rafah crossing, which is crucial for allowing Palestinians seeking refuge to enter Egypt from the Gaza Strip, as per a report in CBS news. The U.S. State Department had been in touch with approximately 500-600 U.S.-Palestinian dual nationals who expressed interest in leaving the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing airstrikes and anticipation of a ground offensive. A senior State Department official, accompanying Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Saudi Arabia, stated that the U.S. has been working with Egypt, Israel, and Qatar to facilitate a five-hour opening of the Rafah border crossing to enable civilians to escape the heavily-bombarded Gaza territory. However, the official noted that it remains uncertain if Hamas would permit individuals to reach Rafah from inside Gaza. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:12 [IST] Gaza Strip: 100,000s Flee Homes As Israel Warns Of Ground Invasion International -Sathish Raman In an unprecedented move, the Israeli military has ordered all Palestinians living in northern Gaza and Gaza City to evacuate their homes within 24 hours. The order, which affects over 1.1 million people, has sparked panic and confusion among residents, many of whom are unsure of where to go or how to leave the area safely. A Stark Choice For Naji Jamal, a 34-year-old health clinic worker living in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, the decision of whether to evacuate or stay put is a difficult one. On the one hand, he fears for the safety of his family and the possibility of being caught in the crossfire of a ground invasion. On the other hand, he is reluctant to leave his home and belongings behind, and he worries that he will not be able to find a safe place to stay in southern Gaza. There is no safe haven, there is no place that is not being shelled and besieged, there is no place to go," Jamal said. "Its an existential question, but there is no answer. Israel-Hamas War: Reuters Journalist Killed, Civilians Flee Gaza - Top 10 Developments A Mass Exodus As the deadline for evacuation approaches, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are fleeing their homes in northern Gaza and Gaza City. Many are heading south, towards the relative safety of the southern part of the territory. However, the journey is fraught with danger, as Israeli airstrikes continue to pound the area. Aid groups have appealed to the international community to stop what they denounce as a possible war crime of forcible population transfer. In understaffed and poorly supplied hospitals, Palestinian doctors say they have no choice but to stay put. There is no way to evacuate Shifa, Gazas biggest hospital, its general director Mohammad Abu Selim said. Even though the hospital was in chaos its electricity dwindling under an Israeli siege, its beds overwhelmed, its morgue overflowing Abu Selim said there was simply no other safe place in Gaza to put 600 patients, many of them in serious condition from the attacks. To ask us to evacuate is ridiculous, its impossible, Abu Selim said. Caught in the Crossfire Despite the Israeli militarys claims that its airstrikes target militant infrastructure and not civilians, many Palestinians have been killed or injured in the attacks. Israeli airstrikes on evacuating vehicles have killed at least 70 people, according to the Hamas press office. I dont trust them," said Ali Abdul Bari, a 37-year-old resident of Gaza City, referring to the Israeli military. But I will always do whatever I can to keep my family safe. Baris apartment on the northwest edge of Gaza City was flattened in a huge airstrike late Thursday. Dazed and weary from nights spent awake, he arrived in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, after the evacuation order, but couldnt fit all his family members in the car. He promised his aunt and uncle that he would return for them Saturday. Bari said the decision was simple for him. I am responsible for my parents, my brothers and my sisters, he said. These Guys Make Al-Qaeda Look Pure: US Prez Biden On Hamas' Attacks On Israel A Refusal to Leave Despite the danger, some Palestinians are refusing to leave their homes. They watched the convoys pass, remembering previous tides of Palestinian refugees who fled other wars only to never be able to return home. Some Palestinians point back to what they call the Nakba, or catastrophe, of Israels creation in 1948, when some 700,000 fled or were driven from their homes in what is now Israel. Gazas Hamas rulers have also urged people not to flee, describing Israels order as psychological warfare to break their solidarity. This is the Nakba, all of our traumas, all over again, said activist Yasser Hasouneh, in Gaza City. We will not be intimidated. A Lack of Options For many Palestinians, the decision of whether to evacuate or stay put is not simply a matter of fear or defiance. For some, it is a matter of practicality. Jamal, in the Jabaliya camp, simply doesnt have a car. The thought of piling his infant son, ailing mother and 30 other family members onto a horse cart and sending them through a war zone makes him shudder. He said he was resigned to whatever God had in store for him. This way we will be together and can read the Quran and pray, he said. The Israeli militarys order to evacuate northern Gaza and Gaza City has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are fleeing their Trump Says He Stands With Israel, Netanyahu After GOP Rivals Denounce Him Former President Donald Trump said Friday that he stood with Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as his GOP rivals continued to pointedly denounce his lashing out at Netanyahu days after Hamas deadly attacks. International -Sathish Raman Former President Donald Trump expressed his support for Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday, October 14. Trump's statement came in the wake of criticism from his GOP rivals, who denounced his recent remarks about Netanyahu. Trump's Controversial Comments Earlier this week, at a rally in Florida, Trump criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of letting the United States down before the US killed a top Iranian general. He also criticized Israel's intelligence agencies and referred to Hezbollah, a group that Israel fears may launch a large-scale attack, as "very smart." GOP Rivals Condemn Trump's Remarks Trump's comments drew widespread condemnation from the White House and his GOP rivals. Former Vice President Mike Pence called Trump's remarks "reckless and irresponsible," while Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations, said that the country needs a president who knows the difference between good and evil. Israel-Hamas War: Reuters Journalist Killed, Civilians Flee Gaza - Top 10 Developments Trump's Defense Trump's team appeared to be on damage control, sending out statements highlighting his past support for Israel. Trump himself wrote on his Truth Social network, "There was no better friend or ally of Israel than President Donald J. Trump." He also praised the Israeli soldiers fighting Hamas in response to the recent attacks. Continued Criticism from GOP Rivals Despite Trump's defense, his GOP rivals continued to criticize him. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie called Trump a "fool" and said that the episode should show everyone how self-consumed he is. Former President Donald Trump's recent comments about Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from his GOP rivals. While Trump has defended his remarks and highlighted his past support for Israel, his rivals have accused him of being reckless and irresponsible. This episode highlights the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges Trump faces as he seeks to remain the party's front-runner. 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. The United Nations has described Gaza as a 'hellhole on the brink of collapse' as the IDF warns residents ahead of an attack Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have taken to the streets around the world to condemn Israel's attacks on Gaza. Eurasia Review 23 Oct 2023 When Russian invaders withdrew in early spring of 2022 from Borodianka, a suburb of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, a piece of street.. Ukrainian developers have created a new kamikaze drone that can hit targets at a distance of 700 km. The UAV also carries 50 kg of explosives. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the drone is difficult to detect and shoot down by enemy air defense systems. This was stated by a representative of a Ukrainian drone manufacturer in an interview with TSN. The manufacturer noted that the new Ukrainian drone can fly to the Russian city of Pskov and hit the intended targets there. The developers made sure that the UAV was difficult to destroy. According to a representative of the manufacturing company, the drone does not have a landing gear, so it is launched through a special installation. At the same time, this had a positive impact on the drone's aerodynamics. "It is not so easy to shoot down or even detect. It doesn't have a landing gear, so it has to be launched through a special installation, but this has had a great impact on the aerodynamics and has made it much better at diving," a representative of the developer said. ADVERTISIMENT He also added that the Ukrainian drone is better than the Iranian Shahed in all respects. This is because Ukraine has access to global technology and is actively using it. As a reminder, Ukraine has created the Hunter Killer 20 combat drone, which is not afraid of enemy electronic warfare and can reach Moscow. These drones are already being used to destroy the occupiers by the Special Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Ukrainians have created mini Bayraktars and other stealth drones. They are already working for our victory over the enemy. Only verified information is available on our Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Israeli forces directed Palestinians to flee south from Gaza City ahead of an anticipated ground operation against the Islamist group Hamas. Meanwhile, China and Russia have weighed in on the conflict. Oneindia 18 Oct 2023 US President Joe Biden arrived in Tel Aviv in war-torn Israel on Wednesday. His visit is being reported to be a high-stakes trip.. Eurasia Review 24 Oct 2023 Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is in a bind. He is caught between public support for the Palestinians, and for.. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have taken to the streets of central London against the backdrop of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. ViewI can attest to how hard it is to drop your kid off at college for the first time. I did it six weeks ago, and it was brutal... Newsy 02 Oct 2023 South Africa is very different from Israel and Palestine, but perhaps its lessons can still help. London: Mental health problems and mental disorders are common in the working population and 15 per cent of adults of working age experience mental health disorders -- with depression, anxiety and substance abuse being the most common, according to a significant paper on the workplace as a major determinant of health published in The Lancet. Workers with mental health disorders are at increased risk of sickness absence, unemployment, permanent exit from employment, and lower lifetime income, which, in turn, can exacerbate mental disorders. Mental disorders incur substantial costs for workers, employers and the whole of society. Carried by Ireland-based University College Cork (UCC) researchers for the Lancet series on work and health, the paper that came out on Thursday illustrates that major progress in population health can be made by an increased focus on improving peoples work environments. Workplaces have huge potential to influence mental health by promoting the positive aspects of work and providing safe, non-discriminatory support for those showing signs of mental health problems, said Birgit Greiner from UCC School of Public Health. Greiner and Professor Ella Arensman co-authored the article with academics from universities in Europe, Japan and Australia. The report outlined recommendations for decision-makers to support healthy and safe work for diverse populations. Governments need to ensure that the workplace is an integral part of their mental health strategies. Policymakers at local, national and international levels need to regulate and control working environments -- evidence suggests an increased risk of mental health problems and mental disorders in adverse conditions, says the paper. Policymakers should also develop and improve policies on mentally healthy work, with a particular focus on the work environments of low-wage or marginalised workers. They need to develop guidance on how to create and maintain mentally healthy work at all levels of an organisation which includes promoting training programmes. Governments should improve support and workplace conditions to enable individuals with mental health problems and disorders to be part of the workforce, the study stressed. Organisations now need to take a second step and augment these programmes with proactive initiatives to improve work organisations and working conditions. This is not just a moral imperative but necessary for employers to meet legal and ethical mandates on psychologically safe work environments, said Professor Arensman. Thousands of Palestinians fled to southern Gaza in search of refuge on Saturday after Israel warned them to evacuate before an expected ground offensive against Hamas in retaliation for the deadliest attack in Israel's history. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that nearly a week of fierce bombardment was "just the beginning" as Israel seeks to retaliate against Hamas after their fighters killed more than 1,300 nearly a week ago. Israeli ground forces made "localised" raids into Gaza in the last 24 hours "to cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry" and try to find "missing persons", the army said. Most of those killed when militant fighters burst through the heavily militarised border into Israel last Saturday were civilians, in an attack compared to 9/11 in the United States. At least 1,900 Gazans -- most of them civilians and including more than 600 children -- have been killed in waves of missile strikes on the densely populated enclave, the health ministry said. Hamas, classified as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States, took about 150 Israeli, foreign and dual national hostages back to Gaza in the initial attack, Israel has said. The militant group said Friday that 13 of them had been killed in Israeli air strikes. It has previously said four hostages died in bombardments. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, visiting Israel on Friday, said Hamas was using residents as a "shield" in Gaza, where Israel has cut off water, fuel and food supplies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as having reached "a dangerous new low". "We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza," he added. US President Joe Biden said addressing the humanitarian crisis was a "priority". Tensions rose across the Middle East and beyond, with angry protests in support of the Palestinians, while Israel faced the threat of a separate confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon. A view shows the ruins of Palestinian houses hit by Israeli strikes at al-Shati (Beach) refugee camp, in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters A Reuters video journalist was killed in south Lebanon, the international news agency said. Two other Reuters reporters were injured, as were two from AFP and two from Al Jazeera. Israeli forces had said its troops were "responding with artillery fire towards Lebanese territory" after a blast damaged the border barrier. In the occupied West Bank, at least 16 Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces during protests supporting Gaza, the health ministry said. Thousands also demonstrated on Friday in Beirut, Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Bahrain in support of the Palestinians. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza. But Netanyahu's spokeswoman Tal Heinrich told AFP: "Everything that happens in Gaza is Hamas's responsibility." 'Impossible' In Gaza, UN officials said the Israeli military, whose troops are massing at the border, had told them the evacuation should be carried out "within the next 24 hours". It later admitted it would take more time, however, and did not confirm it had set the deadline. But the world body described the immediate movement of some 1.1 million people -- nearly half of the 2.4 million in the Gaza Strip -- as "impossible". "Forcing population transfers constitutes a crime against humanity, and collective punishment is prohibited under international humanitarian law," said Paula Gaviria Betancur, a UN expert on displacement. She said it was "inconceivable" that so many Gazans would be able to cross an active war zone without "devastating humanitarian consequences". The UN and others have urgently appealed for the mass evacuation order to be rescinded. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the dead and wounded from the relentless bombardment, and the health system was "at a breaking point", the World Health Organization said. In Jordan, after a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, King Abdullah II called for "humanitarian corridors" to be opened urgently. Egypt -- which runs the Rafah crossing to the south of Gaza -- faces a dilemma of accepting refugees with the possibility that Israel may never let them return, weakening Palestinian aspirations for statehood. "Where to go?" asked Umm Hossam, 29, who was among the thousands fleeing. "How long will the strikes and death last? We have no homes left, every area of Gaza is under threat," she added, her face streaked with tears. How long will the strikes and death last? We have no homes left, every area of Gaza is under threat Umm Hossam from Palestine Air strikes AFP correspondents in Gaza said the Israeli military on Friday dropped flyers warning residents to flee "immediately" south of Wadi Gaza, with a map pointing south across a line in the centre of the 40 kilometre-long (25 mile-long) territory. The army said it "will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians". "Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City inside tunnels underneath houses and inside buildings populated with innocent civilians." AFP correspondents said there were "heavy strikes" in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, including on Al-Shati refugee camp and Gaza City, primarily targeting residential buildings. The Hamas media office also reported Israeli air raids on Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south. The Israeli military said its "fighter jets struck 750 military targets in the northern Gaza Strip overnight" including "residences of senior terrorist operatives used as military command centres". Netanyahu, who was in security talks at military headquarters on Friday, has vowed to "crush" Hamas, and has likened it to the Islamic State group. But in Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the unjustifiable "horrific" attacks on Israel could equally not justify "the limitless destruction of Gaza". Israel also denied claims from rights groups that it has used the incendiary weapon white phosphorus, which can cause serious burns if it hits people. Smoke billows following Israeli strikes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza, October 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters/Mohammed Salem A 'crime' Hamas has said Palestinians rejected the evacuation request, yet thousands of Gazans were on the move in search of safety, carrying plastic bags of belongings, suitcases on their shoulders and children in their arms. Some walked while others drove, with belongings strapped to their trucks, cars and carts pulled by donkeys. More than 423,000 people have already fled their homes, according to the UN, which said the evacuation order could turn what is "already a tragedy into a calamitous situation". Gaza has been under a land, air and sea blockade since 2006 and Israel has vowed not to turn back on water, food and power supplies until all hostages are freed. Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said Israel's evacuation order is a "forced transfer" that constitutes "a crime". Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said it will be "tantamount to a second Nakba" or "catastrophe", referring to the 760,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes during the 1948 war that accompanied Israel's creation. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Israel risked waging an "unacceptable" siege in Gaza comparable to the Nazi blockade of Leningrad during World War II. "We understand what that entails. In my opinion, this is unacceptable. More than two million people live there," he told journalists on a visit to Kyrgyzstan. An Israeli tank fires near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, October 12, 2023. Photo: Reuters/Ronen Zvulun Military build-up Israel has called up 300,000 reservists while forces, tanks and heavy weapons have been moved to the southern desert area around Gaza, an AFP correspondent reported. But any ground offensive is complicated by the presence of hostages, whom Hamas has threatened to kill if bombardments are carried out without warning. Israeli soldiers have swept the southern towns and kibbutz farming communities since Saturday. They said they found the bodies of 1,500 militants, as well as large numbers of civilians killed by Hamas fighters. Yossi Landau has 33 years' volunteer experience with Zaka, which recovers the bodies of people who suffered unnatural deaths. He said that he found a dead woman with her stomach "ripped open, a baby was there, still connected with the cord, and stabbed" in Beeri, just outside Gaza. They were among more than 100 people killed in Beeri, while around 270 were gunned down or burned in their cars at the nearby Supernova music festival. Hamas has denied that its fighters killed infants. Hezbollah threat Israel faces a potential second front in the north after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon said it was "fully prepared" to join Hamas in the war when the time was right. There has been cross-border fire in recent days, sparking concern about regional stability and prompting the United States to send additional munitions and its largest aircraft carrier. President Biden has warned other regional powers not to get involved. Israel's arch foe Iran has long financially and militarily backed Hamas and praised its attack, but insists it was not involved. The U.S. Armed Forces are preparing a Marine Rapid Reaction Unit for possible deployment to Israel. US troops may involve more than 2,000 soldiers in the operation. ADVERTISIMENT The purpose of deployment concerns evacuation operations and humanitarian assistance. This was reported by CNN. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is preparing for a possible operation in Israel. The U.S. military may be ordered to move closer to Israel to strengthen the position of U.S. forces. The unit, which is currently on board the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, consists of more than 2,000 marines. In recent days, representatives of the US Department of Defense have repeatedly stated that the Pentagon will be able to quickly deploy additional forces and equipment to the region as needed. According to a senior U.S. Defense Department official, the U.S. Army remains capable and ready to deploy forces to Israel dynamically and quickly. It is worth noting that the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Bataan are currently part of the amphibious assault group that was deployed in July in response to the intensification of Iranian aggression in the Gulf of Oman and adjacent waters. ADVERTISIMENT In recent days, the ship was near Kuwait as part of a planned exercise but left early as a result of the Hamas-Israel conflict. As a reminder, after a week of deadly air strikes on the Gaza Strip, Israel promises that "this is only the beginning." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas has just begun to pay the price for its atrocities and will be destroyed, no matter how long it takes. On the morning of October 7, Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel: thousands of missiles flew into the country and groups of terrorists broke through the border, killing and kidnapping civilians. As reported by OBOZ.UA: On October 9, the Israeli Defense Forces regained control of the border areas that had been seized by Hamas militants since the beginning of the invasion on October 7 and moved to a new phase of the operation. 300,000 reservists were mobilized in the country to conduct it. ADVERTISIMENT On October 10, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the IDF was launching a full-scale offensive against the Gaza Strip as sporadic clashes with Hamas terrorists in the south of the country continued for four days. On October 13, the IDF launched an invasion of the Gaza Strip as part of "local raids". Infantry and tanks of the Israel Defense Forces are clearing the territory of terrorists. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A Gazan father holds his daughter, murdered by Israeli colonial forces, as he carries her out of the rubble of a building. October 9, 2023 (Image by Belal Khaled) Details DMCA A Gazan father holds his daughter, murdered by Israeli colonial forces, as he carries her out of the rubble of a building. October 9, Some basic facts View web version I'm writing to you on the seventh day of the Al Aqsa Flood, the Gaza uprising. At this moment, the Palestinian Ministry of Health is reporting that Israeli forces have murdered 1,799 Gazans and injured 7,388 more. 583 of the martyrs are children. Furthermore, Israeli airstrikes have internally displaced 340,000 Gazans. The Civil Service in Gaza reported this morning that 90% of the bombings enacted by Israeli forces have targeted inhabited homes, many without any warning at all. Other targets of Israeli airstrikes have included shelters, schools, hospitals, medical aid workers, and journalists. For days now, Gazans have been denied access to their own resources in the midst of a genocidal siege imposed by Israeli politicians: they have had no access to electricity, and there is no food, water, or aid entering the besieged Gaza Strip. For days, we have watched the news with horror. I have found myself, many times now, desperately trying to translate and describe the scenes unfolding on my screen only to be left thinking, "This is beyond words." Today alone, Israeli forces targeted and bombed a convoy of Gazans traveling on an allegedly "safe" path from the north of Gaza to the south, per directives by Israeli forces themselves, killing approximately 70 people and injuring another 200. This command, which called on more than 1.1 million Palestinians to leave their communities and homes despite bombed roads and a denial of access to fuel for cars, provoked mass panic and confusion. How do you decide whether or not to leave your home after days of deadly terror from the sky which you can neither predict nor escape? How do you decide whether or not to trust a military that exists for the purpose and as a result of the displacement and brutalization of your people? Around the same time, colonial forces fired white phosphorus into eastern Gaza's al Durrah Children's Hospital, forcing it to be evacuated. Just two days ago, Israeli forces targeted medical workers providing emergency aid to Palestinians targeted by airstrikes, giving them permission to enter an area before striking it again with them inside. As Israeli authorities continue to make statements about the lack of "civilians" in Gaza, their desire to wipe Gazans out, and efforts to cut Gaza off from the rest of the world, we watch leaders in the imperial West continue to nod their heads and sign off on genocide. It is important to let you know that these horrific crimes against the Gazan people are not the only news. Palestinian resistance forces taking part in Al Aqsa Flood continue, both in the north and south, and Israeli forces have not been able to regain control over many areas, including Sderot and Asqalan (Ashkelon). Despite Israeli colonial violence from the state and its settlers carrying out assassinations in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and targeting Palestinian citizens of Israel for arrest, Palestinians rose in solidarity with Gaza today in cities all over Palestine from Jenin to Tulkarem to Hebron. Jordanians drove from Amman to amass at the border, leaving their cars behind, crossing closed roads, and confronting state forces to stand with Gaza and the uprising. In Iraq huge crowds declared their support for Palestinians and Gazans resisting colonialism. Even in Gaza, young men took to the streets in the evening, rejecting fear and Israeli attempts to incite panic, and declaring their intention to stay in Gaza and their support for Al Aqsa Flood. These messages of courage and strength at a time when so many of us feel so much hopelessness and desperation, and we must follow their lead in pursuing liberation, and above all, justice. Just as this didn't begin on October 7, this is not over, not by a long shot. Gazans need a ceasefire, but equally importantly, they need the status quo to change. They need an end to the 16 year long Israel-imposed siege that has kept them trapped without access to their own resources or the ability to determine their futures. Over the days, we have seen increasing efforts to demonize, silence, and murder Palestinian Gazans. As a result of these efforts, day by day, live content from Gaza has dwindled before our eyes. Our friends and allies cannot lose hope. As we are less able to access our partners in Gaza, we must step up our efforts to speak about them publicly and loudly reaching out to our elected officials repeatedly, organizing public demonstrations, correcting misinformation online and continuing to post accurate updates when we have access to them. GSC released a guide on propaganda corrections the other day, and we will continue to work on this effort over the coming days. We need your support now across all of Palestine today, perhaps more than we have in a long time. This is an emergency, and we need all hands on deck. Until liberation and return, Lara Kilani "Hamas apparently knew how to get around Israel's Iron Dome defenses. They probably learned this from Iran. Iran almost certainly got the information from Russia. And who gave it to Russea? Sure looks like it was Donald Trump, at the request of Putin" - Tom Hartmann I always respected Hartmann. I have to guess he ate a bad mushroom or something. All commentary on the the carpet-bombing of the Gaza Strip makes a point of condemning the recent Hamas incursion as a War Crime. But this falls a bit short of today's reality. In this age of total surveillance (the prevailing economic logic now), war is a crime at which we can no longer feign surprise. After decades of subjecting a couple of million already-traumatized people to relentless collective punishment, eventually there may come an insanely violent response. And reading Sy Hersh, it's even harder to believe this one could have been a surprise. We can't feign surprise that our taxes go to the Israeli state to the tune of nearly four billion a year, which boomerangs into the coffers of the weapons manufacturers like a paddleball toy. Yet if you want to see some quick evasive action, ask any politician of any party about that. The old joke says Israel won't accept statehood because then they would only get two senators. Netanyahu's response to the attack he failed utterly to prevent is certainly unsurprising. He has explained his thinking recently with this explicit equation: "Today, anti-Semitism is anti-Zionism. Those who oppose the Jewish people oppose the Jewish state." (Lex Friedman interview with Netanyahu, "Israel, Palestine, Power, Corruption, Hate, and Peace") Using Bibi-logic, then, Hamas is Palestine, and anti-Hamas is anti-Palestinian, so killing anything that moves in Gaza is a legitimate and righteous thing to do. And if he says this genocide exemplifies his religion, as Netanyahu's equation certainly implies, that would make him antisemitic, himself, if I understood the parts of the Bible our respective traditions seem to share. Some American politicians have jumped on this bandwagon too, which is complicating for more than one religious institution. Now that yet another massacre of thousands of noncombatants is in full swing, with the enthusiastic encouragement of what used to call itself "The Free World," including footage of Blinken greeting Bibi like an old pal, and footage of Biden mumbling that if there was no Israel the U.S. would have to invent it, a question looms in my fevered brain: Who's next? There are massacres lined up around the world waiting to happen. Many are already running, but have fallen out of the "news cycle." The Americans seem to be kind of busy just now. There is no Legislative Branch, it just canceled itself out. The Executive is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wall Street, and the War Economy is booming. SCOTUS? I can't even say its name. Barrel-bottom candidates and their bot-driven media organs squabble over fractional "approval" rating percentage points, at which the public jeers. In this Attention Age, attention gets power, and power gets attention. So every stunt has to out-do the last one. No proposal to repeal human rights, legalize genocide, crush all dissent, or deregulate toxic waste is too over-the-top. Now I suppose the talented Zalensky will have to gin up something really horrendous to get back in the spotlight (and the money). And now we're flooding all the zones with uranium munitions that leave the earth, like too many newborn babies in Fallujah, "incompatible with life." Will Israel nuke Iran? Will Pakistan and India nuke each other? Or maybe North Korea will nuke, I don't know, itself? It won't matter. The minute a mushroom cloud appears we will end. We don't have to end. All we have to do is stop. The American administration could stop it all, in an hour, with a keystroke or two. But they're intoxicated with all the money and power that comes from a game for which they make the rules. American values are hostage to principles of domination and enslavement on which we built this empire centuries ago. Our present predicament is the logical outcome. Why give up a good thing? (Just kidding.) (One has to insert these disclaimers these days, where our shriveled sense of humor used to be.) All in all, I have to conclude that Hartmann isn't an isolated case of AI-induced journalistic dementia. It looks now as if humanity is collectively, suicidal. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Details of the recent Ukrainian-Iraqi talks have appeared in the Middle Eastern media. According to almasryalyoum.com, on September 27, a YouTube video appeared, which claims that Ukrainian president Zelenskyy has been trying to recruit certain Iraqi prisoners into the armed forces of Ukraine. According to the video, the prisoners in question are convicted terrorists and ISIS fighters. The author of the video is Hassan Fadel, who introduced himself as a former employee of the Foreign Ministry of Iraq, working there as a secretary from 2019 to 2023 before leaving the country. "My name is Hassan Fadel and I am a former employee of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq. I worked as a secretary there from 2019 to 2023. I discovered this note in April of this year when Ukrainian diplomats gave it to my colleagues. I am deeply outraged by the contents of this note and would like to make it public, because 'the fighters experienced in fighting Russians' mentioned in it are former ISIS fighters detained in prison facilities around Iraq. I resigned from the Ministry and left Iraq with my family, so I don't know what our response was. Still, I don't want to see these people free, especially armed. ISIS are murderers and terrorists, and they should stay imprisoned for the rest of their lives. Many countries support Ukraine right now and allow it to break international laws. Still, aiding terrorists is too much and shouldn't be allowed. I am also appalled by the American involvement in this. General McFarlane mentioned in the note is the commander of American Joint Task Force in Iraq. It is simply shocking how easily the issues of the movement of Iraqi prisoners, especially terrorists, can be resolved without the participation of representatives of our country." In mid-April 2023, a meeting was held in Baghdad between representatives of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry headed by Fuad Hussein and a Ukrainian delegation headed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. After the meeting, the politicians spoke to the press, making a number of statements about the development of cooperation between the countries and the desire to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. The picture of the letter as shown in the video Another meeting was held in May of 2023 in Saudi Arabia during the Summit on the Settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict, organized by Ukraine. President Zelenskyy personally communicated there with the Prime Minister of Iraq Al Sudani. Photo: meeting between Zelenskyy and Al Sudani in Saudi Arabia It is unknown how many ISIS fighters are still detained. In the last five years, many of them were executed or died of natural causes. According to the circumstantial evidence and the research data, their number can be assumed to be a few thousands. In March of this year, American general Michael Kurilla, who visited prisons housing the detained terrorists, stated that between those detained in Syria and Iraq it is a veritable 'ISIS army in detention.' If freed, this group would pose a great threat regionally and beyond. General McFarlane, mentioned in the Hassan Fadil's video, is the US Army major general, who was heading Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve from September 2022 to August 2023. CJTF-OIR is an international military coalition tasked with fighting ISIS and led by the United States. Photo: Major General Matthew McFarlane No official declarations regarding such operation were made by either Ukraine or Iraq. On September 25th, British newspaper The Sun posted a video showing one of the AFU fighters wearing ISIS patches. Shots from The Sun YouTube channel Daniil 'Mujahid' Lyashuk volunteered to fight for Ukraine. He adhered to far-right ideology, and converted to Islam, while also embracing ISIS ideology. He joined Ukraine's Tornado battalion that attacked the civilians of Donbas, where he was known as cruel, and tortured the residents, including rape. He boasted on his Telegram account that he was trained by the SAS of the British military. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). A Hillsboro woman died in a two-car, head-on crash Friday night in Aloha, the Washington County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Saturday. Balbina Andrade, 63, was a passenger in the crash at Southeast Cornelius Pass Road and Southwest Augusta Drive, according to the news release. Washington County sheriffs deputes responded about 7:30 p.m., after 911 callers reported that a white Tesla Model S and a blue Honda Civic had crashed. One the of the Civic passengers was unconscious and two people were trapped, the release said. A passenger in the Civic, Andrade died at the scene despite rescue efforts by Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and deputies, according to the Sheriffs Office. Witnesses and evidence indicated the Hondas driver had pulled out onto Cornelius Pass Road in front of the Tesla, which had the right of way, according to Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team investigators. The Tesla driver tried to avoid the Honda, but did not have enough time to prevent the crash. Speed and impairment were not factors in the crash, investigators said. The road was closed for more than four hours during the investigation. The Oregonian/OregonLive.com As her oldest sister stepped toward the front passenger wheel of the running Nissan Altima to face its driver and passenger, Delilah Delores-Gonzalez lifted her phone and hit record. Fewer than 33 seconds of that footage, captured in the early hours of Aug. 26, show the moments the drivers life intersected irrevocably with Delores-Gonzalezs older sister, 22-year-old Naomi Gonzalez. Now Naomi Gonzalez is facing a lifetime of side effects from catastrophic injuries that include a shattered pelvis. The driver, 18-year-old Sonia Velasquez-Anicua, may spend decades behind bars. Ryan Martin, 47, of southwest Washington was the man killed Wednesday in downtown Portland in what authorities allege was a road rage confrontation that escalated into a shooting at rush hour. Portland police said in a statement Friday that the medical examiner determined Martin died of a gunshot but released no other information. Geoffrey Edward Hammond, 46, a Portland financier, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Multnomah County Circuit Court to second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon in Martins death and the wounding of another man at the scene. Police and prosecutors said Hammond and Martin flipped each other off as Martin drove his truck around Hammonds Mercedes at Southwest 10th Avenue and Alder Street about 4:30 p.m. Hammond shot Martin in the chest after Martin parked his truck, walked over to Hammonds car and tapped on the window, according to a probable cause affidavit. Hammond shot at a second man who held up his cellphone to record the scene and wounded him in the legs, the affidavit said. Police have asked anyone with information about the shooting to reference case No. 23-267039 and contact Detective Ryan Foote at ryan.foote@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-0781, or Detective Travis Law at travis.law@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503)823-0395. A significant overhaul of the federal financial aid system coming this year could result in more financial aid for Oregon college students but theyre going to have to wait a bit longer than usual to apply for it. A simplified version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, shorthanded as FAFSA, is set to roll out sometime in December, at least two months after its typical Oct. 1 launch. The federal changes could mean that students who fill out a FAFSA will receive notification of financial aid packages from colleges and universities later than usual. They are also delaying this years version of an Oregon-specific financial aid form. The precise timing is murky, as state and university officials wait to see how well the new federal form rolls out. This is the biggest change to federal financial aid in at least 20 years, said Elijah Herr, financial aid director at Portland State University. Its massive. The simplified FAFSA will include about 36 questions instead of the 108 on previous versions and will more easily connect to data from students and parents income tax returns, requiring less manual input. Federal officials have touted the new form as a big improvement for ease of use. Were hopeful that the application that is being designed by the feds is indeed simpler and better and easier for the applicants to process and complete, said Juan Baez Arevalo, director of Oregons Office of Student Access and Completion. Students fill out the FAFSA to determine how large a federal Pell Grant, if any, they qualify for and to help their state and colleges they apply to figure out how much financial aid to offer. Oregon students applying for the Oregon Promise or Oregon Opportunity grants, for example, need to fill out the federal form or a state equivalent called the Oregon Student Aid Application, shorthanded as ORSAA. The ORSAA, intended to help calculate aid for undocumented students or students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status, is delayed until the FAFSA opens as well. Exactly when in December the forms will open is unclear. The federal government has not yet announced the specific date, Baez Arevalo said. As students wait for the aid applications to become available, Baez Arevalo is encouraging them to get a head start on other grants and scholarships. Students and parents can also get a head start on creating a Federal Student Aid Identification, which they will need to access the official form. When the FAFSA and ORSAA open in December, students should complete them as soon as possible, the Oregon Office for Student Aid says. Applying early ensures that students can access the most financial aid opportunities available to them, the offices website says. More Oregonians could qualify The government used to use the FAFSA to generate something called an Expected Family Contribution for students, using information like family income and assets. The state also used that number as part of its calculation of how much need-based aid a student would receive through the Oregon Opportunity Grant and has sometimes limited Oregon Promise grants to students below a particular contribution threshold. The Expected Family Contribution calculation is no more. The form will now generate a Student Aid Index, which is calculated slightly differently, no longer taking into account whether another child in the family is in college for example, and giving greater weight to child support and the worth of family farms or small businesses. Early analysis of the new formula suggests that more Oregon students will qualify for a Pell Grant under the new need calculation, Baez Arevalo said, and more students will qualify for the maximum Pell grant than in years past. More Oregonians are likely to be eligible for the states Oregon Opportunity Grant as well, he said. Unlike the expected family contribution, which bottomed out at $0, the new formula can generate a negative score up to -1,500, allowing for more distinction of the neediest students. Students can use this federal tool to estimate their financial aid: https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/ Colleges, universities have to adjust Changes to the FAFSA demand very complicated IT transformations for college and other organizations that receive and use those forms, financial aid experts say. Herr, at Portland state, said changes to the form required alterations in the myriad of databases that interact with it, from the Department of Treasury and Department of Defense databases down to the universitys FAFSA receiving software. Theres the first sort of issue the FAFSA being available for students to be able to use and submit it and then theres the downstream effects, everybodys system being able to take that system, consume it and then apply it appropriately, he said. The new tax information sharing also requires more sensitive security protocols among the institutions that use the FAFSA, Herr said. Portland State was first notified of the changes about a year ago, Herr said, and has been working with its information systems provider to get up to speed. PSU hasnt been able to fully kick the tires, he said, but is likely in a better position to adapt to the new form than colleges with fewer resources. Weve been kind of taking it as a slow on-ramp, he said. I know theres a lot of schools who just didnt have the time and resources to do it They may be scrambling. Thats not us. The new FAFSA requires students and parents to fill out separate parts of the financial aid form authorizing their own tax information to flow into the application, Herr said. Thats restricted information, which isnt supposed to be shared by third parties, meaning universities cant tell students about their parents tax information and vice-versa. That could complicate the ways that financial aid advisers interact when students call in to ask about problems or why they didnt receive a Pell grant. Were going to have to do some negotiating and figuring out how were going to be able to talk about that without violating tax protection laws, he said. That will be difficult for students and parents. Potential delays Most years, Portland State would start to send financial aid awards to many prospective students by Jan. 1. That is not going to happen this year, Herr said. He doesnt know yet when award packages will go out to students who submit their FAFSAs in December. The university will probably delay its internal scholarship platform, which usually opens in November, as well. Its going to depend on when the FAFSA shows up and how many records we can load and how quickly we can turn around the testing, Herr said. Baez Arevalo said its yet to be determined whether Oregon students can expect similar delays to their award packages at colleges and universities around the state. That is a crystal ball that we dont have yet, Baez Arevalo said. How effective the federal rollout is will determine how quickly and effectively our system and the institutions will be able to see and receive the information. Deadlines for Oregon student aid for 2024-25: OSAC Scholarships: Oregon has one application for students to apply for several scholarships totaling $10 million. That application opens on Nov. 1 Oregon Promise: Students generally must apply during their senior year of high school and deadlines depend on graduation dates. Students who graduate from Oct. 1 to Feb. 29 will need to complete an Oregon Promise application and fill out the FAFSA or ORSAA by Feb. 1, 2024, and must enroll in community college by spring 2024 to be eligible. Students who plan to graduate in spring 2024 and enroll in community college in fall 2024 have until June 1 to complete the application process. Oregon Opportunity Grant: Students need only apply for the FAFSA or ORSAA to earn this need-based grant. State officials suggest applying as soon as possible once that portal opens. 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 risks are enormous, the task is arduous and the side effects are severe. But everyone agrees it has to be done, that doing nothing would be far worse. So with that, the Idaho Department of Agriculture began applying the product Natrix, a copper-based pesticide, to a 6-mile section of the Snake River near Twin Falls on Tuesday. If successful, the 10-day operation will eradicate the invasive quagga mussels discovered near Centennial Waterfront Park just two weeks ago. The chemical will choke out the bivalves but also kill fish, including a small population of white sturgeon there. Aquatic plants and insects also will die but it is not expected to harm birds or mammals. The pesticide is expected to quickly dilute and not cause negative impacts downstream of the treatment area. The quagga threat Idaho and other states have long worked to keep quagga mussels out of their waters. The European species is prolific and has the potential for almost unthinkable impacts to native species and habitats as well as infrastructure like dams and drinking water and irrigation systems. They cling to and quickly cover hard surfaces from river rocks to human infrastructure like concrete and pipes in a sharp and jagged, barnacle-like armor. Chanel Tewalt, director of the Department of Agriculture, said states and the federal government spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year dealing with quagga mussel impacts in the Great Lakes. That area is not well known for hydropower or irrigation, so take what that impact is and add in the complexity of hydropower generation and irrigation and that gives you a sense of how significant this could be in Idaho and the West, Tewalt said. Paul Arrington, executive director of the Idaho Water Users Association, said allowing the mussels to establish and spread would be a scary development. For a water manager, this is among the worst things that can happen. These mussels, if they are not stopped, get into everything and clog everything. Everything from irrigation infrastructure, dams, hatcheries and drinking water systems are vulnerable. Brian Brooks of the Idaho Wildlife Federation worries about the states famous fisheries. Quagga mussels often travel by hitching a ride on vessels, everything from inflatable paddle boards to massive ocean liners. He notes Silver Creek, where huge trout fin in spring-fed, crystal-clear water that flows lazily across the northern edge of the Snake River Plateau is just a little more than 60 miles away. It attracts thousands of anglers annually. A quagga mussel clinging to a float tube or pair of waders could easily make the hop. Drive another hour and half north and you are in the Sawtooth Mountains where destinations like Red Fish, Alturus and Pettit lakes attract paddle boarders, kayakers and motor boaters. Each of them drain into the Salmon River, home to the Columbia Rivers best salmon and steelhead habitat and where Endangered Species Act-protected wild fish still spawn. The whole Salmon River drainage is in jeopardy, he said, if the mussels become established. Their super power is filter feeding. They take out of the water micro nutrients that are the basis of the food system for insects and up the trophic cascade for fish. The mussels could also move with the current of the Snake River and without the help of humans and the myriad vessels. They remove dissolved oxygen, reduce algae growth and make water gin clear. That will fundamentally alter fish populations as we know them, said Brooks. If we want to retain our world-class fisheries in Idaho, we should absolutely be aggressive. Not easy Tewalt said the operation is difficult because of the complexity of the middle Snake River. It sits in a deep gorge with limited access. The department had to airlift boats into some sections of the treatment area that spans the 6 miles from Shoshone Falls to Auger Falls. Tewalt said the river is complex. Some of it is characterized by shallow and rocky riffles. But there are also deep pools and back eddys. In places, basalt formations split the river into multiple channels. Getting the chemical distributed throughout the complex system will be key. But it is not as complicated as it could be. Unlike the lower Snake River or Hells Canyon, the area is free of high profile threatened species like salmon and steelhead and lacks the heavy boat traffic those fish attract. The work will be followed by months of monitoring. Tewalt said follow-up treatment may be necessary. She commended the cooperation between state, federal and local governments that made it possible for her agency to move quickly. The quagga mussel larva that launches this effort were confirmed on Sept. 18. Within 90 minutes, she said Gov. Brad Little was involved and a natural resource cabinet meeting was convened. The pace of this is unprecedented and the scope of the project is unprecedented, she said. This has been an example of how government is supposed to work, added Arrington. Everybody who needs to be involved has been involved. Next steps Tewalt said the sole focus right now is the eradication project and follow-up monitoring. Brooks said the wildlife federation will be advocating for a review of the states boat monitoring program with an eye toward expanding it. Like many states, Idaho funds boat check stations at or near points of entry into the state and near popular boating areas. All vehicles with watercraft are required to stop at the check stations where inspectors look for quagga and zebra mussels. There is a station along U.S. 12 at Kooskia. A station near Lewiston was discontinued several years ago. Washington has a station near Red Wolf Crossing Bridge at Clarkston. Brooks said if the program needed to be expanded, everyone who benefits from keeping quagga mussels out of the state should chip in. He worries legislators who are sometimes hostile to the Idaho Fish and Game Department, may seek to pull from that budget or tack on a surcharge to fish and game licenses while not asking other water users to contribute. My organization will champion reassessing our invasive species check stations but that is going to require funding and we just need to make sure the funding is equitable among stakeholders who benefit from keeping quagga mussels out, not just anglers. Its ratepayers, water users, anyone who can be damaged. Arrington said its worth looking at and added that even without an expansion of the program, those who own boats should make sure they are doing what they can to help. He has toured many inspection stations and said it is common to see people with watercraft fail to stop. What I hope comes from this is the people of Idaho wakeup to the reality of what this is and maybe be more mindful of boat check stations. (c)2023 the Lewiston Tribune (Lewiston, Idaho) Visit the Lewiston Tribune (Lewiston, Idaho) at www.lmtribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Little is known about the life of George Salisbury, other than that he was born into slavery in Chariton County, Missouri, and that on New Years Day, 1865 (four months before the end of the Civil War), he was freed by his enslaver, Louis Salisbury, who may also have been his father. As a free man, George married, had 14 children, and moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Thats where his grandson, Donald, was born, on June 6, 1928. Though six decades had passed since his grandfathers emancipation, Donald, who later in life became known as Father Paschal Salisbury, faced a great deal of discrimination in his lifetime. But he persevered and grew up to break racial barriers in the Catholic Church, becoming a priest at the age of 39. Paschal Salisbury died in Portland on Aug. 18. He was 95 years old. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Salisbury, Paschal Salisbury spent his childhood in Kansas. In 1946, he graduated from Liberty Memorial High School and soon enlisted in the Army, which was segregated at the time. He was Protestant, but while serving in the military, he started listening to The Catholic Hour, a popular nighttime weekly radio program hosted by Bishop Fulton Sheen. For Salisbury, the show sparked an interest in the Catholic faith that would go on to shape his entire life. But he was unfamiliar with the fundamentals of the religion. He later told The Catholic Missourian an anecdote about the time: I sent away for a rosary and when I got it, I didnt know how to pray it. He finished his stint in the Army, and shortly after President Harry S. Truman signed the executive order banning racial segregation in the military, he joined the air force. He was stationed at Williams Air Force Base, a jet pilot school in Maricopa County, Arizona, and was eventually promoted to staff sergeant. Salisbury, who was a talented musician, played the organ during Protestant services at the bases chapel. He was eager to find more time to practice the organ so a friend suggested he do so on the bases Catholic chapel, which was open late at night. He got to know the priest there and soon found himself playing the organ during Mass. Explaining the forces that led Salisbury to Catholicism, his friend, Father Joseph Sergott, said: One influence was Father Fulton Sheen, who he listened to on the radio. But his experience playing the organ for Mass went deep within. He became Catholic. He was proud of his Catholic faith and eager to live it. Upon leaving the air force, Salisbury moved to California. He studied business at the University of San Francisco, and in 1957, graduated second in his class. But even with a fine education, Salisbury struggled to find work. No jobs were open to him because of his race, said Sergott. He was stunned to find that San Francisco was still quite racist. Deep down, he dreamed of becoming a priest. But his endeavors to join the priesthood were rejected. He felt God was calling him to be a priest. He was openly discouraged from following what he felt in his heart, said Sergott. Back in the day, people were not comfortable with the idea of a Black priest. They told him, You dont really want to do that. Theres plenty of other things for you to do. Basically, it was a no because he was Black. But this unassuming, quiet man didnt give up. He fought and fought until he realized his dream of becoming a priest, Sergott said. He continued searching and eventually those doors opened. In 1961, he applied to the Western Province of the Dominicans and was accepted into its novitiate. Six years later, he was ordained, becoming the first African American priest of the Dominican Order in the United States. As a priest, Salisbury shined in roles that involved one-on-one interaction working as a hospital chaplain and hearing confessions.To be the most effective chaplain he could be, he sought clinical pastoral education and trained at hospitals in Washington, D.C., New York, and California. In his 56 years of priesthood, Salisbury ministered at many hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City, where he worked for 13 years. As a hospital chaplain, he sat by the bedside of many people who were on their deathbed. He was the one who anointed them, heard their confession, gave them the Holy Eucharist, reassured them, Sergott said. Probably the last thing they saw on Earth was the smiling face of Father Paschal, in total reassurance that they would be OK on the other side. His compassionate nature made him an ideal confessor. He was gentle and kind, Sergott said. When people had sins and struggles, they felt comfortable going to him with their troubles.Salisbury retired in 2008 and moved to Portland to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In his retirement, he grew tomato plants on his balcony. He continued to celebrate Mass and hear confessions until his health prevented him from doing so. He was beloved, Sergott said. He made a difference in a lot of lives. The Senate Conduct Committee is set to review complaints next week alleging that Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, created a hostile work environment when he refused to grant two Republican senators excused absences for religious services during last springs Republican walkout. An independent investigation commissioned by the Legislature found that Wagner did not violate Senate rules by denying the two senators excused absences. I did not conclude that Senate President Wagner denigrated or showed hostility to members of a protected class, (religion), based on my findings, investigator Sarah Ryan of law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. wrote in the report, which was made public in advance of the conduct committees Oct. 20 meeting. Sen. Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek, alleged that Wagner discriminated against him by refusing to allow him an excused absence to observe the Seventh Day Adventist sabbath on Saturdays and to take time off to care for his disabled daughter. Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, also alleged that Wagner improperly denied his request for an excused absence to attend church services and created a hostile work environment by denying his right to protest during the Republican walkout. Findley did not respond to Ryans findings when presented with a draft of the investigative report in September, the report says. A representative for Hayden told Ryan they disagreed with the findings. Connor Radnovich, a spokesperson for Wagner, praised the investigations findings Friday. The investigators conclusion that President Wagner did not discriminate while applying senate rules is supported by the facts, Radnovich said. The Senate Committee on Conduct could decide whether to take action on the two senators complaints when they review the allegations at its Oct. 20. meeting. Steve Elzinga, a lawyer for Hayden, said in a submitted response that how the committee decides to handle Haydens complaint will demonstrate whether Senate rules are sufficient to hold power accountable, or if other remedies are required. Senator Hayden knew when he filed his Rule 27 complaint that a majority of the conduct committee whose members all serve at the pleasure of the Senate President would almost certainly decline to publicly acknowledge that the Senate President violated Rule 27, Elzinga wrote in a Thursday letter to the conduct committee. The letter calls Wagners denials a textbook example of religious discrimination and retaliation. Oregons secretary of state ruled that Hayden and Findleys unexcused absences disqualify them for reelection under Measure 113, which disqualifies lawmakers with more than 10 unexcused absences from serving their next term. They and other lawmakers are challenging that decision in court. Hayden and Findley made multiple allegations of discrimination, but Ryan found that most couldnt be considered under Senate Rule 27. Haydens request for time off to care for his family didnt violate the rule because only legislative employees, not senators, are entitled to legally protected leave, Ryan wrote. Denying Findley time off to protest did not violate senate rules, Ryan found, because engaging in free speech is not protected under those rules. Instead, Ryan spent the bulk of the investigations considering only whether the senators claims of religious discrimination held merit. Republican senators began boycotting floor sessions on May 3 in large part over concerns with House Bill 2002. which, as written at the time, would have codified the right of minors to receive an abortion without parental consent. Their walkout the longest in state history lasted six weeks. The investigation found that Wagner excused all absence requests for the first several months of the 2023 session for everything from weather to illness, including a prior request from Hayden for a faith-based church event. But on May 5, Wagner announced that any requests for unexcused absences would only be granted in extraordinary circumstances, the report said, as Wagner tried to reconvene the quorum necessary for floor sessions to continue. That same day, Wagner denied a request from Hayden to be absent May 6 due to his duties as an elder of his church. On May 6, Wagner then denied Findleys request to be excused for church services May 7, the report found. From May 5 until June 15, Wagner denied nearly all requests for unexcused absences, except in several extraordinary circumstances. President Wagner did not question the sincerity of Senator Haydens or Senator Findleys religious beliefs (nor anyone elses), Ryan wrote. I find that both Senator Haydens and Senator Findleys religious beliefs are genuine and sincere. 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. Azerbaijan can launch an invasion of Armenia within weeks. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned a small group of lawmakers last week that the State Department is monitoring the possibility of such a development. ADVERTISIMENT Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has previously called on Armenia to open a "corridor" along its southern border linking mainland Azerbaijan with the exclave bordering Turkey and Iran. Aliyev threatened to resolve the issue "by force." Nevertheless, Blinken expressed confidence in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In its statement, the State Department declined to comment on this information, but emphasized the agency's commitment to "Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and to resolving the conflict through "direct negotiations." Azerbaijan's military invasion of the region last month prompted more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh to flee. Local leaders surrendered under Russian mediation and agreed to dissolve their unrecognized state that existed three decades ago. Since then, Azerbaijani forces have detained more than a dozen former leaders. ADVERTISIMENT It is worth noting that Politico was one of the first to write about Russia's preparations for a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. As you know, the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will cease to exist on January 1, 2024. The relevant decree was signed by its "president" Samvel Shahramanyan. This surrender was the result of the September anti-terrorist operation conducted by Azerbaijan. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, on September 28, Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, a former "state minister" of unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh, was taken into custody in Azerbaijan. On the same day, the "ex-minister of foreign affairs" of the so-called Artsakh, David Babayan, announced his decision to surrender to the Azerbaijani authorities voluntarily. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! About 200 people gathered Friday afternoon in downtown Portland to rally and march in support of Palestine after Israel declared war following a surprise incursion last Saturday by the armed Palestinian group Hamas that killed at least 1,300 Israelis. Gaza officials have reported that Israel airstrikes in the days since the attack have killed about 1,800 people in the territory, including people trying to leave northern Gaza. Several people demonstrating in front of Portland City Hall traced the roots of this weeks violence to the ongoing conflict that began in 1948, when about 700,000 Palestinians were displaced in the region that became the state of Israel. Since 1948, the Palestinians have not had a day of peace, said 15-year-old Palestinian-American Ayah Al Hashim of Portland. This is not conflict, this is not a war this is genocide. Many of the demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and carried signs bearing messages including: ceasefire, negotiate peace, let Gaza live and when people are occupied, resistance is justified during the hour-and-a-half gathering. Rally attendees marched in the street in a mile-long loop in downtown, at times chanting free, free Palestine and Netanyahu, what do you say? How many kids have you killed today? Benjamin Netanyahu is Israels prime minister. Among the crowd was Martine Lopez, 22, who said he returned to Portland from the West Bank a month ago after teaching English in the Palestinian territory for several months. He said he was inspired to learn more about Palestine from his former boarding school roommate, who was Palestinian. He saw Palestinians forced into sections of Gaza where he said they cant grow their own food, including olive trees they use for oil and soap and that have deep cultural importance. Many of Gazas olive trees, including ones that have stood for centuries, have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, Lopez said. The world has not been listening for a long time, and now the media, the U.S. and western powers have basically tried to demonize the Palestinian people, Lopez said. To see this happening to them it saddens me that our world is still turning a blind eye. Ruba Jordan, 26, of Portland criticized the U.S. governments support of Israels government and armies. We just want to be free, for our kids to have futures, Jordan said. We just want to live like everyone else. One of the events speakers denounced locally elected leaders including Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley for their public support of Israel, prompting boos of agreement from the crowd. The demonstration was peaceful. Some of the demonstrators yelled at a small group of people following the crowd, one of whom was filming the marchers with a cellphone. Before the march, Jared Essig, 40, of Wilsonville stood next to his car handing out flyers condemning Hamas and any demonstration that supported the militant group. Essig, who is Jewish, said he understood Israels goal to eradicate Hamas but doesnt support Israels airstrikes in Gaza. I dont believe military strikes and destroying buildings in Gaza will accomplish that goal, Essig said. I wish elected leaders would take that to heart. -- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalinagaitan_ Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. First came the darkening skies, then the crescent-shaped shadows on the ground, and finally an eruption of cheers by crowds that gathered Saturday along the narrow path of a rare ring of fire eclipse of the sun. It was a spectacular show for millions of people across the Americas as the moon moved into place and the ring formed. There were hoots, hollers and yelps for those with an unfettered view in Albuquerque, where the celestial event coincided with an international balloon fiesta that typically draws tens of thousands of spectators and hundreds of hot air balloon pilots from around the world. They got a double treat, with balloons lifting off during a mass ascension shortly after dawn and then the eclipse just hours later. Some pilots used their propane burners to shoot flames upward in unison as the spectacle unfolded. Its very exciting to be here and have the convergence of our love of flying with something very natural like an eclipse, said Allan Hahn of Aurora, Colorado, whose balloon named Heaven Bound Too was one of 72 selected for a special glow performance as skies darkened. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesnt completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. Saturdays path: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the U.S., with a sliver of California, Arizona and Colorado. Next: Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere gets a partial eclipse. Viewing all depends on clear skies part of the U.S. path could see clouds. NASA and other groups livestreamed it. In Mexico, hundreds of people filed into the planetarium in the Caribbean resort city of Cancun to watch the eclipse. Some people peered through box projectors, while others looked through telescopes and special glasses. Excited children whistled, as some adults raised their arms towards the sky as if to welcome the eclipse. It is the third one that I have seen, but I come because of the energy it gives you. It is something that nature brings us and that we must watch, said Pilar Caceres, 77, a retired elementary school teacher who watched the eclipse through a piece of cardboard that reflected the shadow on the ground. Caceres wondered how the Maya civilization would observe the celestial event, because they were fearful of the phenomenon despite being great astronomers. We were told now that some Maya people thought that eclipses were a curse because they burned their eyes and made them blind, she said. The Maya who called eclipses broken sun may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes, said archeologist Arturo Montero of Tepeyac University in Mexico City. The moon passes between earth and the sun during a rare "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.AP Photo/Rick Bowmer People watch the moon passes between earth and the sun during a rare "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.AP Photo/Rick Bowmer People watch the moon passes between earth and the sun during a rare "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.AP Photo/Rick Bowmer Brightley Isaac, looks up towards the sky during the "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun at Texas-Rio Grande Valley campus on Saturday Oct. 13, 2023 in Edinburg, Texas.Delcia Lopez /The Monitor via AP In the U.S., the event brought eclipse watchers to remote corners of the country to try to get the best view possible. At Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah, enthusiasts hit the trails before sunrise to stake out their preferred spots among the red rock hoodoos. With the ring of fire in full form, cheers echoed through the canyons of the park. I just think its one of those things that unites us all, said John Edwards, a cancer drug developer who traveled alone across the country to try to watch the eclipse from Bryce Canyon. Kirby James and Caroline McGuire from Toronto didnt realize they would be in a prime spot to watch the eclipse when they planned their trip to southern Utah. Their luck led to what McGuire called an epic, epic at the national park. Nothing that you can read could prepare you for how it feels, said Kirby James, 63, a co-founder of a software company. Its the moment, especially when the ring of fire came on, you realized you were having a lifetime experience. For the small towns and cities along the path, there was a mix of excitement, worries about the weather and concerns theyd be overwhelmed by visitors flocking to see the annular solar eclipse. In Eugene, Oregon, oohs and ahs combined with groans of disappointment as the eclipse was intermittently visible, the suns light poking through the cloud cover from behind the moon only at times. Koren Marsh and her parents drove five hours from Seattle to be within the path of the eclipse. Making the trip to see the ring of fire was part of the celebrations for her 16th birthday, and she still appreciated getting glimpses between the clouds. It was worth it to me because I like science, she said. Viewers on the East Coast saw much less of the event, if anything. Much of the northeastern part of the region was socked in by clouds and rain. In southern Colombia, the Tatacoa desert played host to astronomers helping a group of visually impaired people experience the eclipse through raised maps and temperature changes as the moon blots out the sun. The dance between the sun and moon made for a perfect golden ring while the sky went dark over the desert. Colombia Science Minister Yesenia Olaya said moments like this should inspire people to promote science among children, so they see it as a life project. Juan Pablo Esguerra, 13, had been waiting months to make the trip to the desert with his father to witness the eclipse. I like the astronomy because its a spectacular experience, he said. This is the best that Ive seen in my life. Brazils Pedra da Boca state park, known for its rocky outcrops for climbing and rappelling, also was expecting crowds. The entire eclipse from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until its back to normal is 2 1/2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion lasts from three to five minutes, depending on location. Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the U.S. in the opposite direction. That one will begin in Mexico and go from Texas to New England before ending in eastern Canada. The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica gets one in 2026. It will be 2039 before another ring of fire is visible in the U.S., and Alaska will be the only state in its direct path. ____ Claire Rush reported from Eugene, Oregon. AP reporters Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine; Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brady McCombs in Garfield County, Utah; Astrid Suarez in Bogota, Colombia; Maria Verza in Cancun, Mexico; Ivan Valencia from Tatacoa Desert, Colombia; and Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo, Brazil, contributed to this report. Weather Channel producer Trish Ragsdale was standing in a field converted into the EclipseFest watch party early Saturday, wearing her I believe necklace and predicting skies would clear for a few minutes to see the 2023 annular solar eclipse cross over southern Oregons Klamath County. A cloudless view would grant thousands of visitors, from Crater Lake National Park southeast to Klamath Falls, the chance to put on special protective glasses and slowly watch the moon, too far away to completely block out the sun, create a ring of fire in the sky. Ragsdale and others at EclipseFest near tiny Fort Klamath were rewarded with a partial ring, but 38 miles south in Klamath Falls, eclipse chasers alongside U.S. 97 stood in awe of a full ring shining in the path of maximum totality. Juliette Griffin and Ruben Aguiar of Olympia, Washington, who met eight years ago at an astronomy club, were silent in the middle of a field outside their motel around 9 a.m., as the sunlight dimmed and the air cooled a bit, they watched what Aguiar later described as a giant rock blocking the heat. It was phenomenal, said Aguiar. We saw the change in shadows as the moon crossed the sun. We stood there until the tiniest sliver of moon crossed out of the suns path. We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to view this cosmic event. Nearby, Abhinav Chikhalkar and Madhulika Dolke also caught the full ring. They put a plastic cup and the protective film from eclipse glasses over Chikhalkars Canon camera to capture the progression of the eclipse, transforming from an orange-golden curve to a brilliant complete circle. The Portland residents and software systems engineers for Intel first headed to Eugene, but they kept driving Friday after research predicted Eugene would be cloudy. With science and determination pushing them along, they set up their tripod Saturday morning outside their Klamath Falls motel. Such celestial events make me realize how complex and unpredictable this universe is, Dolke said. You have to be at the right place, at the right time to witness a solar eclipse and the clouds need to co-operate. It was phenomenal, it every time is. Viewing was hit and miss around Crater Lake. Connor Iriye, 29, and Jeremiah Lopez, 21, of San Jose drove north Thursday and reached rainy Klamath Falls on Friday. By Saturday morning, they were at Crater Lake, where they watched the eclipse through clouds. Iriye said he was still excited to see the natural phenomenon. Lopez held a drum circle and performed a Brujeria ritual using candles, salt and chiles. READ MORE: Annular solar eclipse crowds cheer as ring of fire crosses from Oregon to Brazil An annular eclipse seen from Crater Lake Lodge the morning of Sat., Oct. 14, 2023. Heavy cloud cover thinned just in time to expose the moon blocking approximately 89% of the sun, creating the so-called ring of fire, to the delight of those who witnessed it. The cloud cover never thinned entirely, eliminating the need for eclipse glasses or solar filters for cameras.Dave Killen / The Oregonian A crowd gathered at Crater Lake Lodge in Crater Lake National Park to view an annular eclipse the morning of Sat., Oct. 14, 2023. Heavy cloud cover thinned just in time to expose the moon blocking approximately 89% of the sun, creating the so-called ring of fire, to the delight of those who witnessed it. The cloud cover never thinned entirely, eliminating the need for eclipse glasses or solar filters for cameras.Dave Killen / The Oregonian At Crater Lake Lodge, a crowd of a few dozen braved the cold to gather outside in the morning, with only partially cloudy skies an improvement over complete cloud cover and snowfall the day before offering hope that the eclipse would be visible. Optimism was palpable as bundled-up people sipped coffee and enjoyed the view of Crater Lake. As the beginning of the eclipse grew near, however, dense clouds rolled in to the east, and enthusiasm began to dwindle. Talk in the crowd turned to plans for next years total solar eclipse that will cut through the country from New England to Texas. Just after 9 a.m., it was impossible to tell where the sun was in the sky, and the odds of being able to see anything at totality seemed impossibly slim. But then, with perhaps five minutes to spare, the largest and densest of the eastern clouds passed by, and, while not entirely unobscured, the moon and the sun became visible. Cheers went up in the crowd outside of the lodge, and for the next 10 minutes or so, the eclipse passed in and out of visibility as the clouds continue to roll past. What seemed to be the peak of totality was entirely visible, through wispy clouds that stubbornly stayed in place. Although the path of the eclipse was to be visible across Oregon, especially within a 90-mile-wide band through the southwest corner of the state, the Klamath Basin was expected to have the best chance of clear skies when the eclipse began, just after 8 a.m. Saturday. Crowd estimates throughout Klamath County ranged from 15,000 to 70,000. Crater Lake Lodge, chain hotels and one-of-a-kind motels had been booked for months. Neon no vacancy signs shown bright in motel office windows, especially in Fort Klamath, which has a year-round population of 21 people. Despite meteorologists predictions, reservations made months ago, and traveling far from home, many eclipse chasers were foiled by clouds. Heidi McLean and Shannon Sirola, who own the Aspen Inn in Fort Klamath, had all of their 13 rooms reserved by January. This is also the start of duck hunting season, said McLean. Two duck hunters asked if we could move the eclipse. Their view Saturday morning was completely obscured by clouds. They didnt even put on the glasses. It was disappointing, but Mother Nature will have her way, McLean said. Weather Channel producer Ragsdale said on-air meteorologist Jen Carfagno knew there was a risk of clouds in the Northwest, but her crew wanted to see it first before passing off to Weather Channel crews in the southeastward moving path of totality: Ely, Nevada, Albuquerque, San Antonio and Corpus Christi. The Atlanta-based producer, who covered the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse in Madras, said it was also important to be in a festival atmosphere. Theres something really cool about people coming together for this and its an emotional experience to watch this happen, said Ragsdale. EclipseFest producer Sara Irvine planned post-eclipse daytime activities and a 6:30 p.m. concert by 1990s pop-rock band Smash Mouth, singing its hit, Walkin on the Sun. Innkeepers Robin Hurt and Jim Van Grinsven, who have welcomed guests to the 1940s cabins at Jos Motel & Campground in Fort Klamath for 20 years, said they cant think of an event that drew a larger crowd. We are all waiting to see what the sky looks like, said Hart on Friday. Its more fun if its not a sure thing. Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072 jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman Dave Killen, The Oregonian/OregonLive photographer, contributed to this report. More on the annular solar eclipse Where, how, and when to see the 2023 annular solar eclipse Solar eclipse will bring ring of fire to Oregon skies this year There are few wine country drives more beautiful than the one that takes you along Hilltop Lane and onto the gravel road leading to Winters Hill Estate. Thats where you will gaze upon seemingly endless hills and swales lined with Oregon white oaks, maples and Douglas Firs. When you arrive at the winerys outdoor tasting room, take a moment to just take in that panoramic view. To Montana, I will say that the sky is just as big above Winters Hill, with world-class grapes acting as a delicious tiebreaker. Winters Hill is best known for: Pinot noir. Were in the heart of pinot noir country, and weve been focused on it from the very beginning, Russell Gladhart, co-owner and winemaker at Winters Hill, said. Must try current release: 2021 Winters Hill Estate Chardonnay ($44 13.4% ABV). While Winters Hill is known for pinot noir, in 2018, they grafted over some of their pinot gris to chardonnay. 2021 represents what Gladhart describes as Winters Hills first real vintage for the white wine. The first sip tells you that Gladharts made the right decision. Fermented in large French oak puncheons, this nicely balanced chardonnay presents aromas and flavors of Bosc pears, nectarines, toasted filberts, wet slate and a touch of butterscotch. The wines texture is rich, and its acidity is lively. The 2021 Winters Hill Estate Chardonnay makes a terrific partner for a grilled cheese sandwich made with gruyere and cheddar. HERE IS OREGON: HereisOregon.com | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok Innovation: Winters Hill recently created a new wine club option called Pinot & Company. The innovation is the packaging. Pinot & Company subscribers will receive their wines in 1.5-liter eco-packs that weigh half as much as traditional glass wine bottles. The winery offers four high-quality estate wines in eco-pouch form pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay and a Rose of pinot noir for $49 each. The pouches ship on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis. Winters Hill also offers restaurants and wine bars a three-liter option for glass pours. The eco-pouches hold the equivalent of two bottles of wine and tip the scales at 3.45 pounds. Two traditional glass wine bottles could weigh from six to nine pounds. The wine inside the eco-pouches will stay fresh for up to four weeks after opening and can be recycled like plastic containers. In addition to the new eco-pouches, Winters Hill Estate will further reduce its carbon footprint by participating in the new refillable glass wine bottle program offered by Revino in Newberg. Revino will deliver their bottles to Winters Hill to be filled with standard bottling equipment. Once empty, the bottle can be returned to Winters Hill or any of Revinos partner locations, which include all Oregon BottleDrop facilities. Revino then collects the bottles for cleaning, inspection and testing before starting the process all over again. History: Lena and John Winter, Russell Gladharts grandparents, purchased the hilltop property that is home to Winters Hill Estate in 1961. In 1990, the Winters daughter Emily and her husband Peter Gladhart, Russells parents, planted 21 acres of own-rooted pinot noir and pinot gris vines. Russell was 18-years old when those first vines were planted. After several years of selling fruit to other wineries, the Gladharts hired a winemaker to make the first Winters Hill wines in 1998. In 2004, Russell Gladhart and his wife Delphine became partners in the family business. Each had studied in France and had winemaking experience at wineries in France, New Zealand and Oregon. In fact, the couple first met in 2001 while working at Lemelson Vineyards in Carlton. Delphine Gladhart made the wines at Winters Hill for 10 years, handing over winemaking to her husband in 2014. Delphine Gladhart is now an analyst and site supervisor for ETS Laboratories in Newberg. Today, in addition to 15 acres of oak woodland, the Gladhart familys estate vineyard is approximately 25 acres of pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc and chardonnay. What we dont know: The door that appears on every Winters Hill label and cork is the original door to the house that John and Lena Winter built in Chicago, Illinois. Last book read: Pastoral Song: A Farmers Journey, by James Rebanks. Biggest inspiration: This view of the vineyard, the forest and the mountains in the Oregon Coast Range. I feel pretty lucky that I get to come to work here, Gladhart said. Where to buy: Barbur World Foods and Taborly Wines in Portland. To try a Winters Hill wine by the glass, check out Flying Fish and Jacqueline, both located in Portland. Gladhart recommends trying his pinot gris with Jacquelines oysters. By reservation, 6451 Hilltop Lane, Dayton, wintershillwine.com or 503-864-4592. -- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine Members of the US Republican Party elected Congressman Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House of Representatives. Earlier, Kevin McCarthy was removed from this position. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Bloomberg on Friday, October 13. The party held a secret ballot, which resulted in Jordan defeating Austin Scott. At the same time, only 152 Republicans said they would support his candidacy during the election. 55 said they would not. Jordan's candidacy is to be submitted to the full House of Representatives for consideration. To become the legitimately elected speaker, a Republican needs to win at least 217 votes, which is a majority. Jordan is a far-right and conservative Republican, as well as a close ally of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. He was one of the initiators of the investigation into the activities of the family of the current US President Joe Biden when he was vice president. In addition, Jim Jordan opposes funding military aid to Ukraine to help it fight Russia's invasion. In particular, he voted against additional appropriations for Ukraine for 2022 and against additional aid for 2023. ADVERTISIMENT Moreover, he supported amendments prohibiting any military aid to Kyiv and repealing the Lend-Lease law. In September 2022, Jordan called Russia an aggressor and noted that the United States should support Ukraine, but "the American taxpayer is not obligated to keep giving, giving, and giving." "The most pressing issue for Americans is not Ukraine. It's the situation on the border, and it's crime in the streets," he said. According to the article, the Republicans for Ukraine Initiative, which promotes support for Ukraine among GOP voters, gave Jordan the lowest grade (F). As reported by OBOZ.UA, on October 3, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy was dismissed from his post early. The speaker's resignation was initiated because of his agreements with the White House to prevent a "shutdown" in the United States. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A senior Russian diplomat, Nikolai Kobrinets, was found dead in a hotel in Turkey. The 61-year-old head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Pan-European Cooperation had arrived in Turkey to participate in a summit of ambassadors from different countries but did not show up for the scheduled morning meeting, after which his colleagues raised the alarm. ADVERTISIMENT Russian media and official statements have already claimed that Kobrinets died of a heart attack, but Turkish police have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of the high-ranking diplomat. This was reported by The Sun. It noted that the death of senior Russian diplomat Nikolai Kobrinets, who was found dead in the hotel room in Istanbul where he had checked in the day before, was the subject of an investigation by Turkish police. The diplomat arrived in Turkey to participate in the Ambassadors Summit, but the day after he checked into the hotel, on October 12, he did not show up for a morning meeting with his colleagues. They were worried and started looking for Kobrinets. ADVERTISIMENT They found him in bed in his hotel room with no signs of life. There were no signs of violence, so he probably died as a result of a heart attack, as already announced in the obituary published by the Russian Foreign Ministry. However, Turkish law enforcement officials are checking other, much less natural causes of the high-ranking diplomat's death. "According to initial reports, he died of a heart attack, but the investigation is ongoing. The police are investigating, and his body was taken to the morgue of the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bahcelievler Yenibosna. An autopsy is to be performed, while the police are checking his hotel room for fingerprints and studying the CCTV footage," the publication said. ADVERTISIMENT The newspaper emphasizes that the case of the Russian diplomat was another link in a long chain of suspicious deaths of Russian officials and businessmen. "Security experts have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of running a 'mafia' state, using assassinations as a tool to defeat enemies and keep allies in line. In August, the leader of Wagner's group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, became one of the latest to join the list of high-profile deaths... Dozens of prominent figures have died since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine last February. Many of them died amidst mysterious and sudden circumstances, including 'suicides' and falls from windows. The Sun Online has counted at least 40 suspicious deaths since January last year," the newspaper writes. Among the deaths that The Sun considers suspicious are not only Prigozhin but also Russian oligarch Sergei Grishin, who died of "sepsis" after criticizing Putin, as well as Russian inventor of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine Andrei Botikov. He was found in his apartment strangled with a belt. ADVERTISIMENT Kobrinets, who died in a Turkish hotel room, worked in the Russian Foreign Ministry system in various positions in the central office and abroad for many years. For example, he served as Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the European Union in 2006-2011, as Deputy Director of the Department for Pan-European Cooperation in 2011-2012, and as Deputy Director of the Department for International Cooperation of the Russian Government until 2019. The last position Kobrinets held in 2019 was the head of the Department for Pan-European Cooperation at the Russian Foreign Ministry. As a reminder, on October 5, the Russian dictator voiced an extravagant version of the crash of a private jet with the leadership of the Wagner PMC on board. According to Putin, the investigation allegedly found that the cause of the crash was a grenade explosion on board the plane. Prigozhin and Utkin, the dictator said, blew themselves and other passengers, as well as crew members, up under the influence of drugs. ADVERTISIMENT Photo: (Photo : Mario Tama / Getty Images) Amid rising concerns over the use of controversial ingredients in popular candies, Skittles finds itself in the eye of a storm in California. While rumors of a so-called skittles ban gain momentum, a closer look at the new legislation reveals a different narrative. Origin of the 'Skittles Ban' Rumors The landscape of candy manufacturing in California might be on the brink of change. Democratic Assembly member Jesse Gabriel from Woodland Hills introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 418, targeting specific chemicals deemed harmful in processed foods. An early version of this bill listed titanium dioxide, an ingredient present in Skittles. This initially led many to believe that Skittles, a beloved candy across America, would face a ban in California. However, titanium dioxide was later exempted from the proposed list, leaving Skittles unaffected. Yet, the buzz about the "Skittles ban" persisted, overshadowing the primary focus: the prohibition of certain ingredients, including the contentious Red Dye No. 3. Red Dye No. 3 has been under scrutiny for years, with many claiming it poses health risks. As California seeks to eliminate the use of potentially harmful substances in processed foods, Red Dye No. 3 has found itself front and center in this legislative effort. The dye is present in a myriad of products, thereby implicating several brands that might have to reevaluate their recipes to align with California's evolving food safety norms. While Skittles does not contain Red Dye No. 3, other popular products might not be as fortunate. Brands containing this dye and the three other targeted ingredients might have to reformulate their products or face the daunting decision of pulling them off California's shelves. Industry's Reaction to the Proposed Ban Diving into this controversial issue, I reached out to Mars, the parent company of Skittles. Mars promptly directed the inquiry to the National Confectioners Association, a significant representative body in the candy industry, of which Mars is a prominent member. The association presented a strong stance against AB418, emphasizing candy's historical safety and the rigorous safety standards adhered to by U.S. confectionery companies. The statement from the association highlighted that candies have been enjoyed safely for centuries. They emphasized that AB418, especially the focus on Red Dye No. 3, does not have significant evidence to justify the ban. The association also ensured that all their products, including Skittles, comply with the FDA's strict safety standards. Read Also: Texas High School's Hairstyle Policy Sparks Controversy: Black Student's Dreadlocks Lead to Alternative Education Placement The Way Forward for Skittles, Others Assembly member Jesse Gabriel clarified his position, stating that his overarching goal is not to implement a sweeping Skittles ban or anything of the sort, but to enhance the safety of popular snacks and candies for consumers. He further explained that his objective is to encourage companies to make minor adjustments to their recipes to exclude potentially harmful chemicals. He noted that in regions like the EU and the UK, many brands, such as Skittles, have already made changes to their ingredients, and he hopes for similar proactive modifications in the U.S. Despite the ongoing "Skittles ban" rumors, Skittles remains unaffected by the current version of AB418. However, many other products, especially those containing Red Dye No. 3, might face challenges. Fortunately, with the proposed legislation not taking effect until 2027, companies have ample time to reevaluate and adapt their recipes. In the aftermath of this controversy, it's clear that while Skittles has escaped the brunt of California's legislation, the broader implications of the Red Dye No. 3 controversy will continue to shape the candy industry's future in the state. Related Article: Ebony Alert: California's Bold Response to the Crisis of Missing Black Youths Photo: (Photo : Paul Garaizar on Unsplash) In a community known for its tranquility and peace, the city of Bismarck, North Dakota, witnessed an incident that left its residents shocked and alarmed. On what seemed like a quiet night, a family faced an unexpected intrusion that would undoubtedly haunt them for years to come. Local law enforcement detailed a bizarre situation: an obviously inebriated man, shockingly naked, decided to invade a home, leaving chaos in his wake, especially in a child's bedroom. Homeowners Confront Shocking Sight in Daughter's Bedroom This peculiar occurrence unfolded on West Bowen Avenue, a residential area not accustomed to such disturbances. In the wee hours just before 3 a.m. on Friday, Bismarck Police Department's emergency lines rang with an urgent call. Sources like KX News, upon obtaining details from the arrest affidavit, revealed that officers arriving on the scene were met with an unusual sight. The homeowner, showing commendable courage and a keen instinct to safeguard his loved ones, had taken control of the situation by keeping the erratic intruder at bay using his firearm. Providing their account of that night, the homeowners described their sudden awakening. Piercing through the silent night were loud, disruptive noises from their home's ground floor. Understandably panicked but determined to ensure his family's safety, the male homeowner made the swift decision to arm himself. Simultaneously, he signaled his wife to alert the authorities, ensuring that law enforcement was informed and en route. The situation inside was beyond anything the homeowners could have anticipated. The intruder, later identified as Alvin Ducheneaux, seemed to be on a reckless spree, tossing toys around and scattering clothes haphazardly in their daughter's bedroom. The homeowners were relieved, albeit in a small way, that their daughter wasn't present in the room during this unsettling episode. When confronted about his bizarre actions, Ducheneaux, in his intoxicated haze, tried to justify his presence by claiming he was searching for some clothes. Read Also: Viral Video Shows Mom and Daughter Fight Off an Intruder in Their California Restaurant Legal Repercussions Await for Ducheneaux Upon inspecting the scene and gathering information, officers concluded that Ducheneaux had exploited an unlocked back door to gain entry after the family's bedtime. The aftermath of his intrusion wasn't just limited to the emotional turmoil he induced. There were tangible damages too. A broken shoe rack stood as evidence of his drunken antics, and the homeowners estimated $200 in damage to their daughter's room due to his reckless behavior. Joining the dots and considering Ducheneaux's severe intoxication, the homeowners considered the possibility that this entire event might be a case of mistaken identity. They theorized that Ducheneaux might have believed he was entering another house, possibly a neighboring residence. Facing the repercussions of his actions, Ducheneaux is now confronted with a slew of charges: burglary, night (Class B felony), criminal mischief, willful damage (Class B misdemeanor), disorderly conduct, and offensive condition (Class B misdemeanor). Ducheneaux's current circumstances see him confined within the county jail, awaiting his fate as his bail is pegged at $5,000. As the city of Bismarck processes this jarring incident, it serves as a sobering reminder of the unforeseen challenges homeowners can confront. Ducheneaux's scheduled court appearance is set for November. If convicted of the felony charge, the weight of the law could see him incarcerated for a duration of up to ten years. Related Article: Alligator Invades Louisiana Home via Doggy Door, Startles Residents Photo: (Photo : Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash) In an alarming event that unfolded on the scenic Upham Beach Park in St. Pete Beach, Florida, two young girls were found unattended. More distressingly, one of them, a 3-year-old toddler, was discovered wandering the surf, immersed up to her waist, all alone. The person responsible for them, Patricia Anne Bronson, a 41-year-old practicing attorney from Tampa, is now in the legal spotlight, facing serious felony child neglect charges related to the incident. Bronson's Connection The Tampa Bay Times provided a detailed account of what transpired. They reported that Bronson had allegedly left both the toddler and her 7-year-old sister on the beach, with no adult supervision, for what is believed to have been a period extending up to 45 minutes on that fateful Saturday. Concerned beachgoers, taken aback by the sight of these young children left to their own devices, took the initiative to alert local police authorities. When officers arrived and engaged the older of the two siblings, they were quickly directed towards the water, where they found the younger girl. Subsequent to the discovery, Bronson, who is well-established in Tampa's legal circles, is said to have admitted to law enforcement officials that she had indeed been in charge of the girls' care. Her explanation was that she had dropped the children off at the beach and then decided to leave temporarily to park her vehicle. However, a lingering mystery surrounds her relationship with the children. While police records clearly list her as the children's "caregiver," it's yet to be determined if she's directly related to them or if she might have been watching them on behalf of a relative or perhaps a friend. Read Also: Indiana Mom Charged With Neglect Over Filthy House in Anderson Bail and Pending Court Appearance After the incident, the legal machinery moved swiftly. Bronson was arrested, and formal charges were pressed against her. She faced two counts of neglect of a child without causing major bodily harm. However, upon her arrival at the Pinellas County Jail, her legal woes deepened. Jail personnel, during a routine check, found a small vape pen on her, leading to an additional contraband charge being levied against her. This entire episode has sparked a wave of concerns in the community. Many are grappling with trying to understand how a professional, especially someone from the legal fraternity who is well-versed in the law, could allegedly overlook the grave responsibilities associated with childcare. After the initial procedures, Bronson was eventually released from jail custody but had to post a $15,000 bail to secure her release. A subsequent appearance in court awaits her, where she will address the charges leveled against her. When the Tampa Bay Times attempted to get her perspective on the events, Bronson refrained from making any comments. This incident serves as a cautionary tale and underscores the significance of vigilant adult supervision, particularly in locations like beaches, which, with their inherent dangers like unpredictable waves and currents, are not safe for children to be left unattended. The hope is that such unsettling incidents serve as a wake-up call and reinforce the cardinal principles of child safety in public spaces. Related Article: No Child Neglect Charges Filed Against Parents of J.J. Rodriguez in Spencer Dog Mauling Incident Palestinian militants received millions of dollars through a crypto exchange registered in Moscow. This money was used to finance the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7. ADVERTISIMENT Thus, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group received more than $93 million through digital wallets on the eve of the terrorist attack on Israel. Hamas also used a similar financing scheme. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal. The publication, citing data from the Elliptic analytical company, said that the terrorist attack on Israel was partially financed through the popular Moscow-based Garantex crypto exchange. According to the analysts, more than $93 million were transferred to digital wallets controlled by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group on the eve of the invasion of Israel. According to researchers, Hamas used a similar financing scheme. ADVERTISIMENT Despite the sanctions imposed on the Garantex crypto exchange by the US Treasury, the platform is thriving. For example, in June of this year, more than $865 million were transferred through Garantex. This is three times more than immediately after the sanctions were imposed in April 2022. The US Treasury Department emphasizes that it is looking for ways to deprive Garantex of cross-border transfers. At the same time, representatives of the crypto exchange, whom WSJ journalists contacted for comment, deny the accusations against them and declare "zero tolerance for money laundering." Founded in 2019, the crypto exchange was initially registered in Estonia. When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Garantex moved its IT infrastructure to Russia and became the main channel for withdrawing funds from the aggressor state. ADVERTISIMENT The crypto exchange is located in the pretentious Moscow City business center: the Garantex office is located in the Federation Tower, which is considered "the most expensive skyscraper in Russia." As a reminder, on October 14, the eighth day of the war in Israel, the IDF announced the elimination of the head of the Hamas Air Force. According to the Israeli army, he was directly involved in the organization of the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7. A high-ranking terrorist was eliminated in one of Hamas' headquarters, which was hit by an air strike at night. Meanwhile, the evacuation of civilians continues in the Gaza Strip. The United States is making diplomatic efforts to form a coalition against Hamas in the Middle East, to prevent third parties from intervening in the conflict, and to try to secure the release of hostages taken by terrorists. ADVERTISIMENT Meanwhile, Israeli military forces discovered the remains of people who were considered missing during a raid into the Gaza Strip, as well as the belongings of hostages abducted by militants. The IDF expects the findings to help locate civilian prisoners taken by Hamas to the Gaza Strip. In total, about 120 hostages have been identified. Photo: (Photo : Jason Leung on Unsplash) In a chilling episode that has reverberated throughout the education community, Joan Naydich, a dedicated educator from Florida, was brutally assaulted by her student, Brendan Depa. The incident, captured in a video that quickly went viral, has not only raised questions about school safety but has also ignited a debate about the consequences young offenders should face. The harrowing video shows 17-year-old Brendan Depa violently attacking Naydich, a respected paraprofessional at Matanzas High School. He is seen throwing her to the ground and, in the moments that followed, striking her multiple times. Shockingly, this aggressive outburst reportedly stemmed from teachers instructing Depa to stop playing a video game on his Nintendo Switch. Depa's Troubling Past The gravity of the situation becomes clearer when considering Depa's history. Now 18, this isn't his first brush with the law. He had been arrested on battery charges three times prior to this incident. Despite his youth, he now faces a first-degree felony charge of aggravated battery, which can lead to a staggering 30-year prison sentence. Although the initial charges against him were against a juvenile, authorities later decided to upgrade the case to adult court given the severity of the assault. Still, Judge Terrence Perkins has flexibility in this case. He can choose to sentence Depa as a youth, which could potentially see the teen receiving a sentence as lenient as probation. The complicating factor is Depa's diagnosis of autism, which many believe will play a significant role in the judge's ultimate decision. Local media has also highlighted another troubling aspect of Depa's behavior. Flagler Live, a local news outlet, reported that Depa was embroiled in a jailhouse brawl just a month ago. Additionally, during his arrest following the assault on Naydich, he allegedly issued a chilling threat against her life. Initial reports had suggested that Naydich had personally confiscated Depa's Nintendo Switch, leading to the confrontation. However, in later interviews, Naydich firmly refuted these claims. Read Also: Former Texas Teacher Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Sexual Assault For Getting Pregnant By 13-Year-Old Student, Might Get 30 Years Jail Time Ongoing Violence at Matanzas High School Recovering from her traumatic ordeal, Naydich turned to the online community for support, creating a GoFundMe page that has since amassed over $100,000. In a heartfelt message on the platform, she said, "I'm hopeful that the awareness of this incident being spread far and wide will prevent anyone else from ever dealing with the trauma, physical healing, and disruption of everyday life this has caused." But Matanzas High School's troubles don't end there. Alarmingly, this educational institution has been a hotspot for violent incidents recently. Just in the past week, an extensive brawl erupted in one of the school's hallways, leading to the arrest of 11 students. Those who stepped in to diffuse the situation, including school administrators and deputies, faced physical pushback. Reflecting on the spiraling discipline issues, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly lamented, "The lack of respect demonstrated by these students is simply shameful." Adding to the list of recent violent incidents, another report emerged of a 16-year-old female student who, in a fit of rage, bit a teacher who had tried to intervene in her altercation with another student. The series of events at Matanzas High School underscores the pressing need to address student violence and create safer learning environments for both educators and pupils. Related Article: Celebrated Florida Teacher of the Year Arrested for Child Abuse After Allegedly Slapping a Student Photo: (Photo : Joe Raedle / Getty Images) As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, recent reports suggest a potential 'tripledemic' with Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases on the rise, intensifying health concerns as winter nears. This intersection of respiratory illnesses poses a unique challenge to health systems worldwide. Experts are urging communities to stay vigilant, prioritize vaccinations, and adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of these diseases as hospitals prepare for a possibly overwhelming season. 'Tripledemic' Forewarned: Understanding the Threat The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has spotlighted an increasing trend in nationwide flu cases. While currently modest in scale, these numbers may see a significant uptick in the coming weeks. According to Alicia Budd, the head of the CDC's domestic influenza surveillance team, these patterns are somewhat standard for flu seasons, which usually witness a substantial rise around December, peaking by February. Notably, the present data doesn't mirror last year's early flu surge when younger demographics were particularly affected. Most reports this year point towards influenza type A, with the H1N1 strain taking the lead. However, a glance back at the previous year underscores the vulnerability of children and teenagers. The 2022-23 season marked a surge in flu-related pediatric medical visits and hospitalizations when compared to preceding years. Digging Deeper: Analyzing Last Year's Health Impact Elaborating on the repercussions of the last flu season, a recent CDC report paints a concerning picture, highlighting children as being "disproportionately impacted" by the flu. Danielle Iuliano, a contributor to this report and a senior research epidemiologist at the CDC, emphasizes the severity, noting that a large chunk of these cases belonged to flu type A. The dominant subtype here was H3N2, with a smaller fraction, roughly 20%, identified as H1N1. Iuliano's analysis throws light on the pressing need for pediatric vaccinations. Not only do these vaccines act as a bulwark against severe illness and hospitalizations, but they also drastically mitigate the chances of extreme health outcomes. Read Also: Best Protein Boosts for Pregnant Moms: Top 5 Powders You Can Trust Facing the Imminent: Measures Against Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 As winter looms, the specter of the 'tripledemic' becomes increasingly palpable, with the flu, COVID-19, and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) predicted to dominate health concerns. Early signals indicate the onset of these viruses, albeit at relatively subdued levels. Data insights from WastewaterSCAN, which assesses virus presence in sewage across 36 states, corroborate this apprehension. Marlene Wolfe, a pivotal figure with WastewaterSCAN and an assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University, observes a noticeable increase in both RSV and flu detections. Although a spike in COVID-19 cases was evident during the late summer, current levels remain alarmingly higher than mid-summer figures. To brace against this impending triple threat, medical experts vehemently recommend adopting preventive measures as we head into the cold and flu season. These include adhering to mask protocols in specific scenarios, ensuring regular COVID-19 vaccination updates, and considering the newly launched RSV vaccine, especially tailored for pregnant women and the elderly. Echoing the urgency, the Cleveland Clinic is set to advocate for the use of masks by all visitors attending to hospitalized patients. Dr. Kristin Englund, a distinguished infectious disease physician at the clinic, underscores the imperative of this precaution. She articulates the overarching objective succinctly, emphasizing that patients' recovery trajectories shouldn't be derailed by new infections. Navigating the anticipated 'tripledemic' of Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 requires both robust healthcare responses and individual preventive actions. As winter approaches, widespread vaccination and adherence to public health guidelines become crucial. The collective efforts of communities will be paramount in mitigating the impact and safeguarding the vulnerable. Related Article: FDA Approves Pfizer's Abrysvo RSV Vaccine To Safeguard Pregnant Mothers, Babies Photo: (Photo : Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images) In the unfolding saga of the Morgan State University shooting, Baltimore police have successfully arrested a 17-year-old suspect. However, the search for another individual, Jovan Williams, intensifies as he remains evasive. Surveillance Sheds Light on the Morgan State University Shooting State-of-the-art surveillance video was instrumental in capturing the pivotal moments of the Morgan State University shooting. This alarming incident, which transpired during the notable homecoming week, is unfortunately part of a broader, distressing narrative of gun violence in the country. The year 2023 has seen 543 such incidents, with college communities, in particular, reeling from the frequency of these tragic events. The rapid arrest of the 17-year-old in Washington, D.C., speaks to the commitment of the police to resolving the Morgan State University shooting case. While details surrounding this young suspect are closely guarded, the urgency to locate Jovan Williams, 18, grows with each passing day. Labeled as armed and dangerous, his continued freedom raises community safety concerns. Working in a cohesive manner, Baltimore Police, Washington, D.C. police, and federal agencies are pooling resources and intelligence to solve the Morgan State University shooting. Commissioner Richard Worley's pledge to apprehend Williams underscores the department's dedication to justice. The Baltimore Police Department has diligently pursued the investigation, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to apprehending one suspect, as shared by Commissioner Richard Worley in the statement. He emphasized their commitment to ensuring Williams' arrest. Although the recent apprehension cannot erase the ordeal experienced that day, Worley aspires it to offer some solace and justice to the victims, the Morgan community, and the city at large. Relief at 17-Year-Old Suspect Arrested, Anxious Wait for Williams' Capture The arrest of the 17-year-old in connection with the Morgan State University shooting provides a brief respite, but the scars run deep. Commissioner Worley, echoing the sentiments of many, views the recent arrest as a symbol of justice in the making for the victims and the broader Morgan community. Morgan State University's President, David Wilson, while relieved at the arrest of the 17-year-old, underscores the broader concern of ensuring that all involved in the Morgan State University shooting are held accountable. This path, he believes, is the only way to true healing and justice for the university and its community. It's heartening to note that the injured individuals, including four students from the university, are on a steady path to recovery. Their injuries, though not life-threatening, are poignant reminders of the vulnerabilities campuses face. Read Also: Arizona Father Stages Bold Dress-Down Protest at School Board Meeting Over New Dress Code Public's Role in Unraveling the Morgan State University Shooting Incident Baltimore police, tapping into the collective power of the community, released images and video footage related to the Morgan State University shooting. The incident took place during a prominent homecoming week celebration. Records from the Gun Violence Archive highlight that this was one of a staggering 543 mass shootings in the U.S. this year involving a minimum of four victims. Moreover, it's one of the 17 campus shootings in areas like North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Michigan this year. They hope that vigilant citizens might recognize any suspicious activity or individuals and help them in their quest to apprehend all involved, especially Jovan Williams. During a press conference, Commissioner Worley hinted at the possibility that the shooting might have originated from a feud between two smaller factions, tragically involving innocent bystanders. As the search for Williams and any other suspects intensifies, the police encourage citizens to remain alert and cooperative. Related Article: Bracing for a Potential 'Tripledemic': Flu, RSV, COVID-19 Cases on the Rise 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 a remarkable achievement, Stanbic Bank Ghana has secured an outstanding rating of 98%, solidifying its position as the second-best bank for customer service excellence in Ghana, as per the 2022 Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana Customer Satisfaction Index. Dr Joyce Esther Dadzie, Head of Client Experience at Stanbic Bank, graciously acknowledged this recognition, emphasizing the bank's unwavering dedication to enhancing the value of its partnerships. She stated, At Stanbic Bank, our core belief centers around elevating the value of our partnerships. Our commitment extends to serving our clients and customers, ensuring they consistently enjoy top-tier banking services when they choose us. Our focus is not solely on profit generation; rather, we aim to demonstrate to our customers that, with Stanbic Bank, their financial aspirations can become a reality. Our devotion to making dreams a possibility drives us to surpass expectations, consistently delivering the exceptional services our clients have come to expect. She added, As a bank, we possess a profound understanding of the intricacies of the Ghanaian banking landscape. That's why we partnered with and embraced Salesforce as the primary tool for client relationships, allowing us to leverage engagements and interactions to our mutual advantage. This marked a significant step towards transforming the Bank into a client-centered platform business that offers a spectrum of personalized, instantly accessible solutions, services, and opportunities, all enabled by cutting-edge digital technologies and delivered in the manner preferred by our clients. Dr. Dazie attributed the bank's success to its strategic use of technology in meeting customer needs, stating, Our substantial investment in technology and the utilization of our data capabilities to forge deeper, more enduring relationships with our clients have enabled us to form stronger connections with our customers and fulfill their banking requirements. The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has streamlined our ability to provide tailored and targeted financial services to our customers. Our team of seasoned banking experts works tirelessly around the clock to meticulously tailor our products and services to meet the unique demands of each of our esteemed customers. Kudos to them for ensuring that customer satisfaction remains our top priority. Earlier this year, Stanbic Bank Ghana was recognized as the highest-rated Ghanaian bank for overall service quality for both personal and business customers in the 5th Ghana Customer Service Index (GCSI), a survey conducted by The Institute of Customer Service Professionals (ICSP). The bank also earned a place among the top three Ghanaian banks with the most loyal customer base in the banking sector, according to research firm Global InfoAnalytics. 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 Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has petitioned the Chief Justice to remove a Justice of the High Court, Justice Edward Twum, from all cases involving the OSP, including that of a former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. At yesterdays hearing, Justice Twum said he received a letter written by the OSP to the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo, requesting that he recused himself from the case. In view of the petition, Justice Twum adjourned the case, pending the decision of the Chief Justice on the matter. The content of the petition by the OSP to the Chief Justice was, however, not revealed in court. The court, presided over by Justice Twum, was expected to take the plea of Ms Dapaah in a case in which the OSP had accused her of failing to declare her assets during her time as a minier. Aside from that, a second attempt by the OSP to freeze the assets and accounts of Ms Dapaah was also expected to be heard by the same court yesterday. Dapaahs response However, lawyers for Ms Dapaah threw scorn on the petition by the OSP to the Chief Justice, describing it as a desperate attempt by the anti-graft agency to frustrate its own ill-fitted case against the former minister. Nevertheless, the inevitable cannot be avoided and there shall be a day of reckoning, lead counsel for Ms Dapaah, Victoria Barth, said. Counsel further said it was regrettable that the OSP had taken such a route without even deeming it necessary to notify the legal team of Ms Dapaah. It is regrettable that this petition should come so late in the day when no prior indication or complaint has been made regarding your lordships capacity, competence or integrity in dealing with this matter, counsel added. Freezing motion Justice Twum is the judge presiding over all the cases filed against the former minister by the OSP. On August 31, Justice Twum dismissed a motion by the OSP seeking to continue to freeze the accounts of Ms Dapaah. It was the considered view of the court that the OSP could not provide any legal basis to continue to seize the accounts. He held that the OSP was in doubt about the true ownership of the alleged tainted property found in Ms Dapaahs house and also failed to convince the court that the alleged tainted property was used in connection with a crime. If he (OSP) is unsure as to ownership, how did he reach the conclusion that the property is tainted? the presiding judge queried. Last Wednesday, Justice Twum granted an application for abridgment of time filed by Ms Dapaah for the fresh motion by the OSP to freeze her accounts earlier than the expected date. The application by the OSP was expected to be heard on October 18, but the court decided to hear it earlier (October 12, 2023) after it upheld the application for abridgment of time filed by Ms Dapaah. In a ruling, Justice Twum held that Ms Dapaah would suffer greater hardship if the application was not heard earlier. Justice Twum said pursuant to a ruling by the court on August 31 dismissing a first freezing application, the OSP released Ms Dapaahs funds to her on September 5 but seized them again on the same day. The OSP, the court said, then filed an application for another freezing order on September 11, served Ms Dapaah on September 20, with a return date for hearing on October 18. It was the considered view of the court that the long period for the application to be determined would be inimical to Ms Dapaah and cause greater hardship for her as she would be disadvantaged, not knowing her fate regarding her bank accounts. In the interest of fairness, justice and expeditious trial, the court grants the application for abridgment of time, Justice Twum held. Background The OSP commenced investigation on Ms Dapaah for corruption and corruption-related offences following the revelation that she was keeping more than $1 million in her house. That was after police prosecutors had arraigned two househelps of Ms Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, at an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing money and items worth millions of Ghana cedis from the couple's residence at Abelemkpe in Accra. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ministers of the gospel, especially those of the Methodist Church, Ghana, have been cautioned to desist from the wholesale adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sermons to preach to their congregations. The Bishop of the Northern Accra Diocese (NAD) of the Methodist Church Ghana, Rt Rev. Prof. Joseph M.Y. Edusa-Eyison, who gave the caution, said it was unethical and unchristian for Ministers of the gospel to adopt AI sermons to preach. He, therefore, cautioned reverend ministers who were culpable to desist from such practice. Sermon He said a sermon must be truth preached through a personality with originality and independence of thought, affirming the fact that the best theologian was the one who combined the mind and heart with rationality and emotions in preaching and in general life. According to the Bishop, God created man in his own image, breathed life into man to make him a human being and commanded him to have dominion over all that was in the universe and that there was no room for machines to take over the control of the world over man. Bishop Edusa-Eyison, an accomplished and renowned Church Historian and Liturgist, made the remarks at the first lecture to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Northern Accra Diocese (NAD) of the Methodist Church Ghana which was carved out of the Accra Diocese in December 2018. Lecture The lecture, which was on the theme; Artificial Intelligence in Global Understanding of Christianity was delivered by the Superintendent Minister of the Accra North Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana, Very Rev. Emmanuel Aryee. It was held at the Kwesi-Dickson Memorial (KDM) Methodist Church, Adjiringanor, in the Airport East Circuit, Accra. Very Rev. Aryee said in spite of the huge advantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for mankind, it also had its downside which could be of negative consequences if not properly handled as it was estimated that by the year 2050, AI would have advanced to the stage where it could out do man in service delivery and several aspects of life. He said with the advent of aeroplanes without pilots, cars without drivers, drones and robotic ingenuity all over the place, including technological advances in health care, man must begin to be aware and prepared for all eventualities. Very Rev. Aryee was of the view however that, in all those developments, man would be in control as machines or AI for now had no emotions and human feelings which were critical in the life and nature of humans. The Chairman for the lecture, Very Rev. Dr Abedu Quarshie, Lecturer at the Trinity Theological Seminary, Accra, advised reverend ministers and other public speakers to be always conscious of the reality that technology had developed in such a way that whatever you say gets to the entire world immediately. He expressed appreciation to the Northern Accra Diocesan authorities, the Anniversary Planning Committee and Very Rev. Emmanuel Aryee for the programme which he described as very educative and insightful. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The founder of the defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Accra High Court for stealing over GH90 million of the banks money. Essien, thus, becomes the first banking executive to serve a jail term following the massive banking sector clean-up in 2017 that led to the collapse of seven indigenous banks, including Capital Bank. Clad in a brown kaftan, and wearing a nose mask, Essien stood, looked at the judge in a solemn manner as his marching orders to prison were read to him on Thursday (Oct 12, 2023). Sheer greed In a ruling, the court, presided over by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, held that Essien exploited Capital Bank to his advantage and dissipated the funds of the bank without taking into consideration the depositors of the bank. The convict demonstrated sheer greed in his desire to own another bank besides Capital Bank Ltd and left no stone unturned through subterfuge and deceit with pure criminal intent to set up Sovereign Bank Ltd. Being in a position of trust, he was expected to have demonstrated a sense of responsibility and true fidelity. He had no cause, whatsoever, to steal such gargantuan sums of money, the presiding judge held. Justice Kyei Baffour, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, said he also decided to impose the sentence on Essien due to the hardship people encountered during the collapse of Capital Bank, a situation which continued to leave many people in destitute and suffering. I cannot fail to take into account the trail of pain and tears that had been occasioned by the criminal conduct of the convict (Essien). Countless number of innocent citizens lost their jobs and are still job hunting. The nation had to spend huge sums of money to bail the creditors and depositors, Justice Kyei Baffour ruled. On December 13, 2022, Essien pleaded guilty to 16 counts of stealing and money laundering when he admitted to dissipating over GH90 million of liquidity support extended to Capital Bank by the Bank of Ghana (BoG). He was accordingly convicted by the court, but avoided a custodial sentence when he reached an agreement with the Attorney-General (A-G) to repay the GH90 million to the state as reparation and restitution. The agreement was pursuant to Section 35 of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), which allows accused persons standing trial for causing economic loss to the state to admit the offence and pay the money to possibly avoid prison. Essien paid GH30 million in December last year, and per the agreement as adopted by the court was supposed to pay the remaining GH60 million in three GH20 million, installments, with the first payment on or before April 28, 2023; second payment on or before August 31, 2023, and the last tranche on or before December 15, 2023. Justice Kyei Baffour, after giving the green light for the agreement to be effective, ruled that Essien risked going to jail if he failed to abide by the terms as stipulated by Section 35 of Act 459. It can therefore be said that Essien sent himself to prison when he failed to meet the deadlines to pay the money per the agreed terms, forcing the A-G to file an application under the same Section 35 of Act 459 for the court to impose the custodial sentence on him. As of Thursday (Oct 12, 2023) when he was jailed, Essien had paid only GH7 million out of a possible GH40 million, missing the instalment payments for April 28 and August 31 this year per the agreement. In total, Essien had paid GH37 million of GH90 million, with an amount of GH53 million remaining to be paid. Custodial sentence Making a case for imposition of custodial sentence, a Senior State Attorney, Joshua Sackey, argued that in spite of several opportunities granted Essien by the court to pay the money, he had failed to abide by the terms of the agreement. The court should, therefore, pass custodial sentence on the convict (Essien) since his conduct is a clear violation of Section 35(7) of Act 459, the Senior State Attorney submitted. In response, counsel for Essien, Baffour Gyaewu Ashie, opposed the application, with a case that his client had demonstrated clear intention to pay the money. According to counsel, it was based on Essiens willingness to pay the money that was why he immediately paid GH30 million in December last year. Counsel further added that Essien was making all efforts to pay the money but circumstances beyond his control had made it extremely difficult for him to pay. He said the convict had initiated steps to sell a water treatment plant at Prampram valued at $10 million, only to later realise that a different entity had won a judgment debt in relation to that property. The convict is not working, his passport had been seized, making it very difficult for him to raise the money in and outside Ghana, counsel added. He pleaded with the court to give his client up to six months to raise the money and pay the outstanding amount. Ample time Ruling on the A-Gs application to impose custodial sentence on the convict, Justice Kyei Baffour held that Essien had been given enough grace period to meet his obligations, but he had squandered the opportunity, citing numerous excuses. For instance, the court said after he failed to meet the April 28 deadline and the A-G filed the application to impose custodial sentence in May, this year, the court accepted a plea by Essien to be allowed to sell some properties, including the one at Prampram, to offset the debt. Justice Kyei Baffour held that evidence on record showed that Essien knew that the property at Prampram was a subject of litigation, yet he went ahead and told the court that he was trying to sell it to meet his obligation. It was the view of the court that Essien was not ready to pay the money and, therefore, it was imperative for him to serve the jail term as stipulated by Section 35 of Act 459. The ample time afforded the convict (Essien) has only showed that he is not in any position to pay the monies. In fact, the court in its unusual overindulgence of the Convict/Respondent failed to sit on the 27th of July, 2023 hoping that the two months vacation that followed being August and September, the convict , if he had the means to pay the monies, would have received monies to pay the Republic, Justice Kyei Baffour added. Sentence After granting the A-Gs application for a custodial sentence and listening to a plea of mitigation from Essiens lawyer, Justice Kyei Baffour imposed various jail terms on the 16 counts of stealing, conspiracy to steal and money laundering which Essien pleaded guilty to. The highest jail term was 15 years with the lowest being a year. The court held that Essien will serve all the sentences concurrently, meaning as he served the highest term of 15 years, he will also be serving the other jail terms. However, Justice Kyei Baffour said Essien would be able to regain his freedom if he paid the GH53 million outstanding amount. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Not an excuse, but an explanation. That was one result of a passionate demonstration by Palestinian-Americans from all around the midstate on the state Capitol steps Friday night, as through signs, chants and no-holds-barred speeches, they sought to tell the other side of this weeks violence in Israel and the occupied Gaza Strip. Pennsylvanias only hope to see the rare annular solar eclipse, known as a ring of fire eclipse, will exist only online. With a forecast of 100% chance of rain on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, there is little to no chance in the Northeast to see the solar event that has not been seen in 11 years. In Pennsylvania, residents would have been able to see just a partial, crescent-shaped eclipse. The full ring-of-fire effect will only be visible in West Coast states. The National Weather Service in State College says there is a 100% chance of rain today. The weather service is calling for a high temperature of around 47 degrees and said we could receive up to 1 inch of rain. That 100% probability of rain extends into the evening on Saturday. The ring-of-fire solar eclipse, called an annular eclipse, is caused when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. The moon does not totally block out the sun so viewers see just a skinny ring of the sun around the moon - creating the ring of fire effect. People in eight states from Oregon to Texas will be able to see the full eclipse - weather permitting. The eclipse will start just after 9 a.m. in Oregon in the Pacific Time Zone, which is just after noon here. It will be over by 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. According to the Associated Press, From Oregon, the eclipse will head downward across Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas, encompassing slivers of Idaho, California, Arizona and Colorado, before exiting into the Gulf of Mexico at Corpus Christi. It will take less than an hour for the flaming halo to traverse the U.S. From there, the ring of fire will cross Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and, finally, Brazil before its grand finale over the Atlantic. NASA will provide coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m. today on NASA Television, the agencys website, and the NASA app. NASA also will stream the broadcast live on its Facebook, X, and YouTube social media accounts. NASAs coverage will be hosted from broadcast locations along the path of annularity in Kerrville, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. NASAs 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. In any event, a solar eclipse should never be viewed without proper eye protection. If you already purchased eclipse glasses, hang on to them. (They were on sale on Amazon for Prime Day this week and may still be available). A total solar eclipse is coming on April 8, 2024. It will hit parts of 13 U.S. states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Cities in its path include Dallas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis; Cleveland and Buffalo, New York. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Saturday for protecting civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel as he intensified his diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing humanitarian crisis. He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive. His efforts reflect the international concern about the number of civilians at risk and the potential ramifications of a prolonged war as Israel told Gaza residents to move south and Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. The Biden administration from President Joe Biden to his Pentagon chief and top diplomat during their recent Mideast stops has not publicly urged Israel to restrain its response after the Hamas attack a week ago, but has emphasized the countrys commitment to following the rules of war. In visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, Blinken cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns. An Israeli ground assault would worsen the plight of civilians in Gaza who are without power, fresh water or access to aid. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. Israel has advised all Palestinian civilians to flee south to avoid Israels continued offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City. Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his countrys help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinkens spokesman declined to characterize Wangs response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the regions stability. In Riyadh, Blinken and Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant groups unprecedented attack against Israel. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and were working together to do exactly that, Blinken said. None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether its in Israel, whether its in Gaza, whether its anywhere else, Blinken said. The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians. Its a disturbing situation, he said. Its a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and its important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone. A U.S official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israels military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. In a sign of some small potential progress, a senior U.S. official traveling with Blinken said an agreement in principle had been worked out between Egypt, Israel and Qatar to allow Palestinian Americans and other dual citizens in Gaza to cross the border into Egypt during a five-hour window on Saturday. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. Also, it was not immediately clear whether Hamas would allow convoys of foreigners to reach the crossing unimpeded. The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv. Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end. We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence, he said. Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price. While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words Light in the Darkness. Blinken planned to return to Saudi Arabia and then stop in Egypt on Sunday. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. Are you wondering how you can offer your support amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, but want to avoid scammers? The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office released some tips on how to know when charitable organizations or solicitors are legitimate. Pennsylvanians are free to support any organization their hearts desire, but I want to offer some guidance on how you can make sure that support reaches the intended recipients, rather than scammers who exploit opportunity and prey on our collective generosity, Attorney General Michelle Henry said. The first piece of advice from the AGs office is to ask questions about your donation. Where will it go specifically? Charities should always be able to provide this information to you. You can also verify who you are speaking with and ask for an Employee Identification Number (EIN), which charities in the Unites States will provide. Checking registries with the Pennsylvania Department of State and IRS will allow you to see if the organization is registered and if your donations are tax deductible. Although some charitable organizations will be registered, the AGs office also recommends looking up the organization on a third-party non-profit site like Give.org, CharityWatch.org or CharityNavigator.org. New charitable organizations also raise red flags because they may only exist because of a current crisis, the press release says. Finally, be cautious when it comes to the form of payment. The AGs office advises to always make donations on a credit card, never by cash, debit card or cryptocurrency, such as BitCoin. Scammers will frequently create urgency to pressure you into giving them money, but it is best to remain calm and be sure you have researched the organization before donating. READ MORE: Statewide grand jury continues probe of 1986 disappearance of Pa. toddler Biden awards $7B for clean hydrogen hubs in Pa., other states to help replace fossil fuels Editors note: This story has been updated to include a statement from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. A Lebanon man who pulled up to a peaceful Palestinian rally in Harrisburg, shouted racial slurs and pointed a gun at attendees has been arrested, according to police. Richard Kevin Blandy, 56, faces a felony count of ethnic intimidation and misdemeanor charges of making terroristic threats and simple assault by physical menace for the incident, which occurred at around 6:30 p.m. It was fear. It was a terrorist event. Like, we were fearful that someone was going to get shot in that moment, said Omar Mousa, one of the event organizers. The announcement of charges filed against Blandy, who lives in South Lebanon Township, follows a day of urging by Muslim civil rights advocates for firm action to be taken in response to the incident. Mousa organized Fridays peaceful rally at the Capitol to protest the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza strip, which has displaced 338,000 Palestinians and cut off electricity and water. No one at Fridays rally spoke directly of Hamas, the organization that heads up the government in Gaza, and whose military wings led last Saturdays brazen massacre; nor did they condone the violence, much of it committed against Israeli civilians. Instead, protesters called for an end to 75 years of Zionist settler colonial rule and the genocide and ethnic cleansing and spoke out in defense of the 2.2 million people in the Gaza Strip living in an open air prison... fighting for their lives, and running for their lives, Mousa said. As attendees were leaving the rally, Blandy approached a group of the organizers in his vehicle on Third Street in front of the Capitol building, according to police. He yelled racial slurs and pointed a gun at them, before driving awaycommitting several traffic violations in the process, police said. Capitol Police tried to chase him on foot, but were unable to catch up to him. Police used the vehicles license plate number to identify Blandyand his Lebanon County address. The South Lebanon Township Police Department arrested Blandy at around 7:30 p.m. and recovered the firearm he brought with him, Capitol Police said. We call on the attorney generals office, local police and federal officials to bring the individual allegedly responsible to full justice. No American should face such hate, this is a frightening scenario that we cannot tolerate, Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of the Philadelphia Council on American-Islamic Relations, said. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro thanked law enforcement for their quick apprehension of Blandy. Our Commonwealth and country were founded on the ideals of peaceful protest and respect for each others differences, Shapiros spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, said. Hate and intimidation targeting Muslim Pennsylvanians is unacceptable and we will hold anyone who targets our neighbors accountable under the law. District Judge Gregory Johnson arraigned Blandy Saturday morning, and released him on $50,000 bail. Blandy is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before District Judge James Lenker October 30. READ MORE Man pleads guilty to murder in 2021 hit-and-run spree that killed Pa. steakhouse chef Man charged with human trafficking after women, teen found in Pa. motel: reports Cumberland County men charged with attempted homicide in 2021 shooting: police A 27-year-old Huntingdon County man was sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison after he pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter stemming from a 2021 incident with a crossbow that left another man dead. Authorities say Alec Paul Rhoads, of Liberty Township, was handed a crossbow to look at before it fired, hitting 53-year-old Daren Lingenfelter in the neck, killing him, according to the Altoona Mirror. Rhoads was initially charged with criminal homicide, third-degree murder, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person, but those charges were dismissed, the story says. Rhoads paid a fine of $1,500 for a DNA fee and to reimburse the Greensburg crime lab. Rhoads involuntary manslaughter sentence a minimum of 15 months and a maximum of five years will run concurrent to his previous sentence six to 12 years for firearm charges in Huntingdon County, the Altoona Mirror says. He was not allowed to own a firearm because of a 2017 guilty plea for a drug charge. The charges Rhoads faced were initially dropped in July 2022 after a DNA report excluded him as a suspect, the story says. However, charges were refiled against Rhoads in June 2023 after prosecutors say the DNA collected from the crossbow could not exclude Rhoads because there was never enough DNA to make a profile. Rhoads Bedford County public defender and prosecutors told the Altoona Mirror they agreed to a no contest plea during an August 2023 plea hearing when they both recognized the evidentiary issues of the case. READ MORE: Penn State Health holds a Halloween party for patients and their families Pennsylvania historic hotel among U.S.s most haunted The Editorial Board of PennLive and The Patriot-News has begun a series of meetings with candidates for the major races in the Nov. 7 general election by focusing on candidates for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The first discussion exposed a disturbing issue that is a serious threat not only to the judiciary but to American democracy. Voters will elect either Judge Dan McCaffery or Judge Carolyn Carluccio to the commonwealths Supreme Court in the general election, but both candidates say they are being subjected to smear campaigns that distort facts and propagate lies. And neither candidate approves of whats being done in support of their campaigns. Superior Court Judge Daniel McCaffery and Judge Carolyn Carluccio. Submitted photos Both Judges McCaffery and Carluccio were clearly pained to talk about attacks on their character and misrepresentation of their views during the campaign. They used the meeting with PennLives Editorial board to denounce such tactics, and stressed they have no control over independent PACS that are willing to sink into the gutter to malign their opponents. Such despicable tactics are exactly why too many qualified and capable people run from politics like the plague. They dont want to subject themselves and their families to defamation and slander from PACs that face no accountability for their actions. FILE - Shown is the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania chamber at the Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Primary elections are scheduled for May 16, 2023 for Democratic and Republican voters to determine their parties nominees in the general election for offices including the state Supreme Court. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)AP This issue doesnt just affect the race for Pennsylvanias Supreme Court. Its become a staple of modern-day elections. In too many elections, a PAC with or without their candidates approval -- will spend thousands, if not millions of dollars on slick mailers or TV ads to malign decent people who run for public office. The people running these PACS believe voters are gullible and ill-informed, willing to accept as fact anything hurled at them, including outright lies. Thats why its vitally important for voters to prove them wrong. PennLive and The Patriot-News are providing accurate, fact-based information on candidates for public office, and we urge voters to reject negative campaign ads that distort the truth. We urge voters to seek out trustworthy sources of information and not be duped by con artists bent on deception. Carolyn Carluccio is running for Justice of the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania.Carluccio Campaign But candidates also have a responsibility. We urge all candidates to do as Judges McCaffery and Carluccio have done condemn such smear campaigns, treat their opponents with respect and run on their own qualifications and records of service. As youll see from the video of their meeting with the Editorial Board, both candidates for Pennsylvanias Supreme Court have stellar credentials and admirable records of public service. Both candidates rightly want to uphold judicial independence and protect the integrity of the commonwealths Supreme Court. And both should be applauded for using PennLives Editorial Board meeting to speak respectfully to and about each other. Judges McCaffery and Carluccio are laudable examples of how candidates for high public office should behave. However, some of the PACs that claim to support them are not. We urge voters to reject their tactics and seek out the truth. Democracy depends on an informed citizenry, not on voters duped by distortion and misinformation. If you want to make up your mind about which candidate deserves your vote this election, watch the videos of the Supreme Court candidates and the upcoming Editorial Board meetings on our Facebook page. Ignore the PAC negativity and focus on the fact-based stories of candidates our reporters have interviewed and researched. Pa. Superior Court Judge Daniel McCaffery heads into the inauguration ceremony at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Jan. 17, 2023. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com To run for office, candidates like Judges Carluccio and McCaffery shouldnt have to suffer the added stress of character assassination and outright lies about their platforms and political views. We urge our readers to join us for our next campaign discussions. Candidates in several major races have been invited to participate in the meetings that will be streamed to PennLives Facebook page. And candidates who care about informing the voters and engaging with our readers have accepted our invitation to meet over the next two weeks. Here is the schedule for the next Editorial Board meetings before the Nov. 7 election: Noon, Monday, Oct. 16 Candidates for Dauphin County Commissioner Noon, Thursday, Oct. 19 Candidates for Cumberland County Commissioner 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 Candidates for Superior Court We welcome readers to send questions for the candidates to PennLives Editorial Board at letters@pennlive.com. ## By Mark S. Singel President Biden looked into the cameras and delivered a straightforward, non-equivocal message to America and the world: Let me be crystal clear we stand with Israel. The horrific rampage inflicted by Hamas on innocent civilians in Israeli towns bordering Gaza sent even the most hardened war observers reeling. The death count continues to rise. Atrocities like murdering children, rapes, and the positioning of hostages as human shields make this invasion the worst example of inhuman behavior we have seen in modern times. Sometimes leadership demands the backbone to stand firm in the face of pure evil and Biden spoke for all Americans with strength. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken took it a step further. He flew to Israel to convey our support directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu and outlined the array of actions that had already been deployed. His remarks were passionate and effective as he led the U.S. effort to enlist our allies in the Middle East against Hamas. Contrast that level of leadership to the cynicism and pettiness that continues to emanate from some politicians. There are opponents who would rather criticize and look for personal political gain than show some allegiance to Israels cause. The Republican Party has allowed itself to be commandeered by its loudest faction. The MAGA wing is a tiny percentage of the voting population but they exercise outsized influence at all levels. The cult demands that no support for Biden shall be forthcoming whether he is shouldering the agony of two hot wars or not. This is a far cry from the nearly universal support that President Geroge W. Bush received when we were attacked on September 1, 2001. In other news this week, NASA has recovered pieces of an asteroid that contains carbon and water, two essential ingredients for the development of life. NASA spokesman Daniel Glavin was ecstatic: This stuff is an astrobiologists dream. While most of the rocks are still being prepared for further analysis, the information already yielded by the Bennu asteroid is striking. The fact is that humanity is capable of gathering information from millions of miles in space. Landing on a tiny asteroid, drilling into its surface for geological samples and returning that precious package to earth is a remarkable feat in itself. The analysis that follows is likely to be even more impressive. Scientists believe that carbon and water may have been distributed throughout the universe as asteroids pollinated other planets with essential ingredients for life. Science is on the cusp of answering questions about the origin of the universe itself and the development of life on earth and, perhaps, thousands of other planets. Yet, the developments in the Middle East show that we are just as capable of disturbing, monstrous behavior. The contrast between NASAs aspirations and the Hamas atrocities is as stark as it can be. We are capable of reaching into deep space for important answers but we suffer from failures that threaten world destruction. Another study in head-scratching behavior comes from the Republicans in the United States House of Representatives who are struggling to reestablish some kind of order after the ouster of its own Speaker. As the world holds its breath over the powder keg that is the Middle East, a handful of charlatans in the Republican caucus are tying our Democracy in knots. Aid to Israel (or Ukraine, for that matter) will have to wait until the tantrums of a dozen or so far right agitators subside enough for the House to get back to work. Real challenges like world peace should be at the forefront for our leaders today. Instead, those who aspire to lead the loyal opposition are tip-toeing through a series of issues that show how far from reality they are. As Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) scrambled to appease the vocal right, he became increasingly out of step with the moderates in his caucus. One caucus member asked Scalise for just one thing to secure his vote: Please admit that the 2020 Presidential election was not stolen. Scalise could not bring himself to mouth the words. The big lie is alive and well. Leaders and voters continue to lavish attention on renegades in the U.S. House whose only purpose seems to be destruction of reasonable discourse and a government that has operated by consensus for 230 years. We are saddled with small politicians who cant get out of their own way even as science beckons to reach for new heights of understanding. We face enemies at home and abroad and the contrast between true leaders and charlatans is stunning. Mark S. Singel is a former Lieutenant Governor and Active Gov. of Pennsylvania. From my perspective, the current debate around continuing to provide military aid to Ukraine is about my family, my childhood home, my lifelong friends, my language, and my culture. It is about my family in Central PA being able to reunite with my Ukrainian family and my nieces having a chance at a happy childhood without bombs and killings. These thoughts haunt me as I read headlines about future assistance to Ukraine in limbo. This is not the right time to debate what is too much and who is giving more as Putins butchers erase whole towns and villages, kill civilians for speaking Ukrainian language, and kidnap Ukrainian children. The current political climate in the U.S. is marred by constant disagreement, but Ukraine fighting for its freedom is something everyone should see as a just cause. Because this is not about politics, this is about doing what is right. This is about standing for what America has always believed in freedom and the right to live. As a constituent in Pennsylvanias 10th congressional district, I strongly urge Rep. Scott Perry to be on the right side of history and send a strong signal to Vladimir Putin that the U.S. stands with Ukraine. I urge you to oppose any candidate for the next Speaker that does not pledge unflinching support for Ukrainians as they fight to stop Russias attempted genocide. Second, I urge you to pass a significant package so that U.S. assistance to Ukraine can continue uninterrupted through 2024. Valeria Beussink, Carlisle, Pa. The RCMP logo is seen on a podium ahead of a news conference, in St. John's on Saturday, June 24, 2023. The RCMP says it's aware of social media posts threatening the Jewish community in Canada, calling it a time for "increased vigilance." THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Write: letters@pentictonherald.ca (letters may not exceed 400 words and must be accompanied with a phone number and address for verification purposes - this information will not be published). The Herald will not publish anonymous submissions. Hamza Nasir is the 2023 GUKPT Leeds High Roller Champion (47,790) October 14, 2023 Matthew Pitt Senior Editor The Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) is currently in Leeds for the eighth leg of the 2023 season, and while the Main Event was edging closer to crowning its champion, Hamza Nasir was busy taking down the 1,350 High Roller for a 47,790 payday. According to The Hendon Mob Database, this impressive victory is Nasir's fifth cash of 2023 career and the first time he has emerged victoriously from the battle.; what a way to break his duck. The 2023 GUKPT Leeds High Roller drew in 121 entrants, who created a 156,820 prize pool. Anyone finishing in the top 13 places banked at least 3,000 for their efforts, with the top five finishers locking in a five-figure haul. Konstantinos Patsourakis was the first entrant to bust inside the money places. The 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event finalist Dean Hutchison finished in 12th, with the eliminations of Alan Carr and Lin Chen leaving only nine players in contention for the title of champion. 2023 GUKPT Leeds High Roller Final Table Results Rank Player Prize 1 Hamza Nasir 47,790 2 Paul Patouilliart 31,050 3 Stuart Rutter 20,230 4 Ian Fieldhouse 13,800 5 Michael Kane 10,035 6 Aleks Golubevs 7,060 7 Brandon Sheils 5,330 8 Robbie Bull 4,550 9 Matt Eardley 4,075 Matt Eardley, winner of the 2019 GUKPT Blackpool Main Event, fell in ninth place when his pocket kings ran into the superior kings in the hands of Stuart Rutter. Scotland's Robbie Bull bowed out in eighth. Bull lost most of his stack when his pocket nines couldn't hold against the ace-king of Brandon Sheils, and he never recovered. GUKPT High Roller events have been kind to Bull recently. He finished third in a 3,000 event in Luton for 11,090, and finished second in a 2,000 event, also in Luton, for 23,040. Seventh place went to Sheils, who crashed out at the hands of Nasir. Six of Sheils' last nine cashes have also been final table appearances, with two of those cashes being outright victories. Alex Todd Goes Wire-to-Wire to Win Record-Breaking 2023 Goliath Main Event (178,860) The final four-figure prize, 7,060, went to the grinder that is Aleks Golubevs, who made a move for his last 12 big blinds with ace-seven, and couldn't get there against Nasir's pocket tens. Another Scotsman, Michael Kane, was only meant to blow the bloody doors off but he fell in fifth. Kane was all in for five big blinds with pocket deuces, and found himself flipping against France's Paul Patouilliart's ace-jack. The Frenchman flopped Broadway, while the river gifted Kane a set to rub some salt into his wounds. Fourth place came with a 13,080 payout, resulting in a new career-best haul for Ian Fieldhouse, besting the 4,200 he won for a fifth-place finish in a 60 Grand Prix event at Dusk Till Dawn in March 2013. The GUKPT Leeds High Roller progressed to the heads-up stage when Stuart Rutter busted in third for 20,230. Rutter got the job done in the Luton Main Event in September, a result that earned him 62,368, but his luck was not in this time around. Heads-up play last less than five minutes, ending with Nasir helping himself to Patouilliart's short stack. Patouilliart, who hails from Marseille, France, scooped 31,050 for his bridesmaid finish, surpassing the $34,845 he banked for a deep run in the 2019 WSOP Main Event. Qualify for future live GUKPT tournaments exclusively online at Grosvenor Poker GUKPT Leeds Main Event Reaches Day 2 Some 346 players bought into the 1,000 GUKPT Leeds Main Event but only 97 of those punched their Day 2 tickets. Tuan Le (186,000) is the man to catch going into the penultimate day's play. Le has plenty of work ahead of him because there are some supremely talented players hot on his heels. Ravi Sheth (175,500), and Kevin Allen (162,000) sit back down with top three stacks, while the likes of Chris Johnson (143,000), Jack Hardcastle (140,300), Michael Rosaman (140,200), and Brett Angell (116,000) have six figure stacks at their disposal. Sharelines The 2023 GUKPT Leeds High Roller has crowned its champion, and Hazma Nasir is that man. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print CNN reporter Manu Raju didnt allow Rep. Kevin McCarthy to blame Democrats for Republican dysfunction. In fact, Raju corrected McCarthy, telling him, That you guys cant govern. Watch: Raju: What does this do to your swing district Republicans? McCarthy: That all the Democrats voted to try to bring chaos? Raju: That you guys cant govern. pic.twitter.com/3arhXv0Otq Acyn (@Acyn) October 13, 2023 Raju: What does this do to your swing district Republicans? McCarthy: That all the Democrats voted to try to bring chaos? Raju: That you guys cant govern. As the clip goes on, McCarthy tries it again and Raju points out that Republicans cant even pass aid to Israel. This is reality, and this is how the media should be handling Republican attempts to deflect blame for their own dysfunction. For far too long, the media has chosen to blame Democrats for the actions of Republicans, as if Democrats are being paid to run some kind of Congressional nursery school instead of being paid to do the work of The People. Heres David Gregory doing that old school style of journalism where everything is the fault of Democrats: How long are Democrats going to stand by in the world of identity politics, and zero-sum politics, and not be part of any solution? David Gregory blames DEMOCRATS as the Republicans fail to fill the Speaker office they forced Kevin McCarthy out of: How long are Democrats going to stand by in the world of identity politics, and zero-sum politics, and not be part of any solution? pic.twitter.com/vWVocOAJPZ Ari Drennen (@AriDrennen) October 13, 2023 Democrats are not in charge, which is why they cant control the House to put it in order. Democrats just saved Republicans on the government funding cliff that the GOP drove the House to for no reason. But Democrats are not in Congress to save Kevin McCarthy or the Republican caucus from themselves. David Gregory was doing that old DC knee jerk of blaming Democrats for Republicans, but his criticism is empty and pathetic, because Democrats JUST saved Republicans a week plus ago. Democrats arent playing a zero sum game. The people playing the zero sum game are in the Republican Party, which is trying to impeach President Biden over fiction and still denies that January 6th was a terrorist attack as Director Wray said it was and many of whom still claim Trump won the 2020 election. The American public is sick and tired of the both sides he said she said style of reporting that got us where we are today, and does much to enable those willing to exploit it and those who face no consequences within their own caucus and back home for lying. By and large, those people are in the Republican Party. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In response to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) potentially forcing a speaker vote on the House floor, anti-Jordan votes threatened to not show up and let Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) win the election. This is how toxic things have become on the Republican side of the House: What happens when Jordan forces us to the floor to try to pressure us and all of a sudden we dont show up and Hakeem Jeffries is speaker cause he wanted to be a bully ? one upset House Republican just texted me. Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) October 13, 2023 What happens if five or more anti-Jordan voters were busy at home washing their hair when the vote for speaker was held? Democrats would outnumber Republicans and Jeffries would be elected. It is not likely that Republicans wouldnt show up, but the fact that they are floating the idea demonstrates how toxic the situation has become in the Republican caucus. There are some House Republicans who dont want to be pushed into voting for Jordan, and if they are pushed, they could lash out in ways that Republicans arent prepared for. Things have gotten even uglier for House Republicans and the warning is clear that there is a faction who does want Jim Jordan to be Speaker of the House. Birds in North America will no longer be named after people. The American Ornithological Society announced the move Wednesday. Next year, the organization will begin to rename around 80 species found in the U.S. and Canada. The organizations president says some English bird names have associations with the past that continue to be exclusionary and harmful. Rather than review each bird named after a person individually, all such birds will be renamed. Birds that will be renamed include those currently called Wilsons warbler and Wilsons snipe. Both are named after 19th century naturalist Alexander Wilson. Audubons shearwater, a seabird named for John James Audubon, also will get a new name. Read moreOrnithological society to rename dozens of birds and stop naming them after people The focus in the 1980s was to serve as a repository for books, said Mary Jo Dawson, director of the Aiken-Bamberg-Barnwell-Edgefield regional library system. Dawson said that Nancy Carson will still have its material collection but that service space would be re-organized. Read moreNancy Carson Library to get $1.12M update COPE William Workman IV expected to be the next mayor of South Carolinas smallest municipality. Instead, he learned the tiny town of Cope will likely cease to exist. Workman, a town councilmember and the only candidate for mayor, had just finished taking visiting journalists on a tour of the 1-square-mile town in Orangeburg County. That's when Mayor Janet Joye stopped her car in the street to speak with him, delivering the bad news. About Boom & Balance Few states in the nation have seen more population growth than South Carolina due to people relocating from other states. That growth has brought benefits but also challenges, such as crowded schools and roads and a loss of green space. The ongoing and award-winning Post and Courier series Boom & Balance explores how rapid population growth and development are reshaping towns and cities across South Carolina. Secretary of State Mark Hammond told Joye that very morning the towns withered population had crossed a threshold triggering a state population law declaring the certificate of incorporation will be forfeited and void. Its done, Workman said, walking back from the mayors car. Were dissolved. Cope lost more than half its inhabitants between 2010 and 2020. With just 37 residents, it is poised to be the first S.C. town in more than three decades to be forced to surrender its incorporation because the population dropped below 50. It surely wont be the last. Across South Carolina, there are dozens of towns that dont have enough residents to fill a movie theater, or, in some cases, a school bus. Among the states 271 towns and cities, dozens have less than 300 residents; the 14 smallest have fewer than 100. Business and Tourism Reporter Megan Fernandes is a Business and Tourism Reporter for the Post and Courier. She is an award-winning reporter, who has worked in the newspaper industry from coast-to-coast. Cedar Fair has owned the 400-acre park straddling the SC-NC border between Fort Mill and Charlotte since 2006 Read moreCarowinds parent to merge with theme park rival Six Flags One of North Charleston's oldest multinational industrial employers is shutting down the Lowcountry automotive research and development center it established decades ago. Diesel-engine powerhouse Cummins Inc. notified the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce this week that it will permanently close its 72-worker testing location at 4500 Leeds Ave., near Interstate 526, by July 31. It did not cite a specific reason. The company's two local manufacturing plants, which employed nearly 1,000 workers as of a year ago, are not affected. "After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close the Cummins Charleston Technical Center and relocate some of its operations," a company spokesperson said in written statement. "We are making every effort to ensure this is a smooth transition and the well-being of our employees remains our top priority. We want to emphasize this decision was made with great care, considering a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors crucial to Cummins' long-term success." According to information the company provided to the state, the gradual shutdown "will commence immediately," starting with up to 30 job reductions by Dec. 15. Some of the workers who will lose their jobs can apply for openings at the company's other locations in North Charleston or outside the region. The Leeds Avenue site is one of at least three U.S. research and development-focused technical centers within Columbus, Ind.-based Cummins. The other two are in the company's home state. Cummins has occupied at least part of the sprawling complex at 4500 Leeds from the day it decided to set up shop in the Charleston area 50 years ago with plans to create 1,000 jobs. The Fortune 500 company bought the then-800,000-square-foot former defense plant on 170 acres in early 1973 for $8 million to assemble and test diesel engines. Cummins began to spread some of its local operations around in 2010 by moving its turbocharger manufacturing unit to Palmetto Commerce Park off Ladson Road. Last year, it relocated some of the work from inside that plant up the street to a new $27 million factory. More new houses are headed to a Berkeley County mega-development that's projected to have more residents than the city of Spartanburg. Starlight Homes, a division of Ashton Woods Homes, recently paid $5.4 million for 27 acres in the former Wildcat Tract that is now part of the expansive Cane Bay Plantation development off U.S. Highway 176. The seller was HIC Wildcat TH LLC of Miami, which bought the property 21 months ago for $5.07 million. A Starlight representative did not immediately respond for the number of housing units it is planning for the site. The Starlight property abuts a 45-acre corner parcel that Charleston developer Eddie Buck bought for $13 million last November through Buck Investments Limited Co. The undeveloped commercial tract sits at the future juncture of Fairwinds Drive at Highway 176. Starlight's website shows it has one subdivision in Cane Bay called Pender Woods. The company also is developing homes in Watson Hill in North Charleston off S.C. Highway 61 in Dorchester County, where it also purchased 40 lots for $3.13 million from New York-based Brookfield Holdings LLC. About 10,000 homes are permitted for the 4,500-acre Cane Bay tract off U.S. Highway 176. The neighboring 2,000-acre Wildcat Tract was bought by Cane Bay developer Gramling Brothers Real Estate & Development in 2016 and will have 5,700 homes at build-out. BLUFFTON Frustrated with a lack of movement at the state level, town officials have joined a trio of municipalities in adopting a hate crime ordinance. Officials hope the local ordinance will encourage state legislative action that for years has stalled when it reached the Senate floor. The inaction leaves South Carolina and Wyoming as the only states with no hate crime laws. "And as far as we know, there does not appear to be any progress on getting that done," Bluffton Town Manager Stephen Steese said when introducing the proposed ordinance to council members last month. The ordinance passed unanimously Oct. 10. Under the Bluffton ordinance, a hate crime can be charged when an act is committed with the intent to intimidate a person or persons in whole or in part because of their actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or national origin. A conviction of the separate offense of hate intimidation can be punished with a penalty of up to $500 and/or by imprisonment of no more than 30 days. Sentences will run consecutively, meaning one after the other, unless the court specifies on the record good cause why they should run concurrently. Steese pulled from pieces of hate crime ordinances in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville to help create Bluffton's hate intimidation offense. In researching the three municipalities with ordinances already in place, Bluffton officials found that Charleston, which adopted its ordinance in 2018, has found one person guilty and has two more pending charges as of September. Columbia passed its ordinance in 2019. Four people have been found guilty of violating the law in conjunction with other charges. Greenville, which adopted its ordinance in 2020, did not respond to Bluffton's inquiry in time to be included in the report. A hate crime cannot be charged on its own, but would be added when a contributing cause to a crime is biased against a protected class. About 500 Muslim men, women and children gathered inside the Central Mosque of Charleston for their first Friday midday prayer since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Palestinian war. They filed into the windowless brick building at King and Romney streets around 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13 as the imam began his call to prayer. Attendees sat in rows on the red-carpeted floor, quietly listening as he delivered his sermon in a mix of Arabic and English. The imam touched only briefly on the most recent eruption of the decades-old conflict, which has claimed the lives of at least 4,500 people the vast majority of them civilians, women and children, authorities said. Hamas militants stormed from the Gaza Strip early Oct. 7 into bordering Israeli communities in what many have labeled a surprise and unprecedented massacre. Hamas designated by the U.S. and other nations as a terrorist organization has ruled the Palestinian enclave since 2007. Its fighters attacked more than 20 towns and villages, killing at least 1,300 Israelis and kidnapping some 150 more, according to the country's military. U.S. President Joe Biden called it the "deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust." Charleston residents have shown up in droves to support Israel. Around 200 people, including U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Mayor John Tecklenburg, gathered Oct. 12 for a rally outside City Hall. Graham, an Upstate Republican, called for "the absolute destruction of Hamas as we know it" and pledged financial and military aid to Israel. Israel formally declared war against Hamas on Oct. 8. Its army launched a round-the-clock assault on Gaza, bombarding the densely populated, impoverished Palestinian territory with airstrikes. Its government on Oct. 9 sealed off the 140-square-mile strip from food, fuel and other supplies. When the Moms for Liberty candidates took over the Berkeley County School Board last year, one of the first things they did was fire the general counsel, who, they argued correctly, failed to demonstrate a commitment to transparency that the public deserves. Will their counterparts in Charleston soon regret having not done the same? On Thursday, the Charleston County School Board held a do-over meeting after S.C. Solicitor General Bob Cook warned that they had almost certainly violated the states open meetings law when they put Superintendent Eric Gallien on suspension while they investigated what appears to be a trumped-up complaint against him. The amazing thing wasnt that attorney Alice Paylor had advised the board that it was perfectly fine to tell the public merely that it was discussing an employment matter in executive session rather than stating the specific purpose of the discussion, as state law requires. Although the S.C. Supreme Court has repeatedly admonished governments that they have to give the public some idea what's being discussed what type of matter (hiring, firing, discipline, suspension, etc.) if not which employee government lawyers keep telling governing boards they need to be vague. What was amazing was that the board actually revoted, in order to, as Chairwoman Pam McKinney explained, ensure that we are in full compliance with FOIA. The second opinion A few hours after that 5-4 vote, we learned that the Freedom of Information Act might not be the only part of South Carolina law about which the board's attorney is unfamiliar. A week earlier, after Rep. Leon Stavrinakis called a meeting of Charleston County House members to look into the suspension, she had contacted the attorney general's office requesting an opinion of her own, this one as to whether the legislators had the authority to respond to or receive testimony on actions taken by the District. If youre ever tempted to eat at a restaurant with a C health rating on the door, you should probably resist. Although a C grade sometimes means average like it does in school, at least in South Carolina it also can mean anything and everything below that all the way down to deadly. (An A restaurant scored between 88 and 100 on its most recent inspection, a B 78-87 and a C anything below 78.) Worse, that C grade can mean the restaurant has been a slimy, infested, dangerous mess for weeks, months, years even. Because, as The Post and Couriers Hannah Wade reports, the last thing South Carolinas restaurant inspectors want to do is close a nasty kitchen. And that raises a disturbing question about how much we can trust the state's whole food-safety program. At least 250 S.C. restaurants have been downgraded and fined multiple times over the past decade including 29 in Charleston County and an eye-popping 57 in Horry County. During roughly the same period, around 4,400 people were sickened after eating at restaurants and convenience stores in our state. More than 500 of them were hospitalized. Despite all those poisonings and repeat violators, only three food-service establishments in the entire state have had their operating permits suspended since 2019 and all three subsequently reopened. A DHEC official told Ms. Wade the suspensions were likely due to failure to pay their annual inspection fees, not because of health code violations. In neighboring North Carolina, by contrast, restaurants that score 70 or lower as at least 40 S.C. restaurants have done since 2019 automatically have their permit revoked. Right about the time we learned of yet another illegal early release of a violent inmate that S.C. Rep. Todd Rutherford had engineered, the lawyer-legislator who has turned himself into the poster child for removing the legislative chokehold on our judiciary assured Columbias State newspaper theres nothing wrong with the system. Show me the judge that has been indicted, Mr. Rutherford said. Show me the judge (who) has been taking bribes. So this is what weve come to? South Carolina's standard for judges is simply never been indicted? Fortunately, the vast majority of our judges meet a much higher standard. But theyre not perfect. More to the point since perfection is an unrealistic goal for any human endeavor theyre losing public confidence. Sometimes because of things they do consider those magistrates who are paid to do a full day's work but refuse to or those judges who bond out repeat violent offenders in cases where the law says they shouldnt or, of course, all those secret, early releases of prisoners in violation of victims-rights and open-court laws. More often, though, it's because of the things Mr. Rutherford and his colleagues in the Legislature do. Fortunately, too, a growing number of legislators is coming to recognize this, after most of the states prosecutors and sheriffs joined our effort to change how the Legislature selects judges. Sen. Wes Climer has vowed to block the Legislature from holding any more judicial elections until lawmakers reform the process to, among other things, remove drug traffickers attorneys from the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. FLORENCE The guilty plea of a mass shooter who killed two Florence law enforcement officers brings a still-grieving community closer to closure. But the secretive nature of the proceeding leaves the general public with questions about what transpired in the courtroom. Five years after he ambushed police at his home, 79-year-old Fred Hopkins pleaded guilty Oct. 12 to charges stemming from the 2018 shooting that killed two officers and left five others wounded. He did so in an Aiken courtroom more than 100 miles from where the shootings took place. Victims and their families were in attendance, but the public was given no notice that Hopkins' plea was to take place. The judge had placed a gag order on the case in March, closed pre-trial hearings and sealed court files, leaving the public in the dark for months about a high-profile prosecution that had drawn national attention. Hopkins accepted the quietly arranged deal after years of resisting such overtures and railing about the injustices of the legal system. Just three months earlier, Hopkins had written The Post and Courier to complain that the justice system was riven with corruption, depriving him of adequate opportunities to meet with his attorneys and obtain a speedy trial. The agreement, which takes the death penalty off the table, had been in the works for months, according to 12th District Solicitor Ed Clements and Hopkins' defense attorney, Boyd Young. At one point, it almost went before a judge before Hopkins backed out at the last minute. Finally, a deal was struck. Once finished, it went forward in a matter of days, they said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke at the New York Stands With Israel rally on October 10. I have posted video below, with Hebrew subtitles. The transcript of his remarks is posted here. Mayor Adams not only stands with Israel, he identifies with the Jewish people: Im here today to say not only am I the chief executive of this city, but Im your brother. Im your brother. Your fight is my fight. Whatever his failings as a municipal leader, his is the voice of decency when decency is at a premium. Former CIA Director Leon Panetta was a prominent member of the Dirty 51 the former intelligence officials who signed the lying public statement (letter) asserting that the New York Posts 2020 reporting on the emails found on the hard drive of Hunter Bidens laptop ha[d] all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation. If you need a refresher, review Natasha Bertrands October 19, 2020 Politico story on the letter. Politico posted the letter here. (Bertrand now works as a National Security Reporter for CNN.) The letter an information operation, but it was a Biden campaign information operation assisted by the campaigns press adjunct. Appearing on Fox News Special Report yesterday to discuss the Hamas/Israel war, Bret Baier asked Panetta if he stands by the letter (video below). Of course he does. The man has no shame. Hes still dirty after all these years. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-14 13:39:39 Press Information Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited +91 7580990088 email www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com Published by Parmeet Singh 7580990088 e-mail https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/ # 966 Words +91 7580990088Parmeet Singh7580990088 The world of the food blanchers market is a complex and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by consumer demands and technological advancements. In this report, we delve into the depths of this market to provide a profound and comprehensive analysis, catering to a diverse audience that includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our primary goal is to empower industry stakeholders with invaluable insights to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment. We aim to illuminate the current status of the food blanchers market while projecting its future trends.Scope and PurposeOur report is a comprehensive guide designed to equip industry stakeholders with actionable information. It covers various aspects of the food blanchers market, including market dynamics, competition, growth avenues, challenges, and regional variations. This information goes beyond mere descriptions; it is intended to help stakeholders make critical decisions that can shape their strategies and endeavors in the market.Request for Sample Report:Promising Comprehensive AnalysisTo fulfill our promises, we commit to providing a comprehensive analysis that leaves no stone unturned. We pledge to unravel the factors propelling the market's growth, dissecting shifts in consumer preferences and technological breakthroughs that are driving the demand for food blanchers products. Simultaneously, we acknowledge that challenges and obstacles are part of any industry landscape, and we vow to illuminate these hurdles, be it economic uncertainties or the intense competition that often characterizes such markets.Some of the major companies in the Food Blanchers market are as follows: Cabinplant, DTS, Ezma, GEM Equipment of Oregon, Lyco Manufacturing, Turatti GroupGuiding the Path ForwardOur report extends an invitation to its readers to explore its contents and sets the stage for uncovering the competitive landscape. It introduces the major players in the food blanchers market and their strategies, offering insights into what makes them thrive. This insight-rich analysis is meant to guide others on their path forward whether it's to navigate the competition more effectively or to find inspiration in successful strategies.Anticipation of InsightsRecognizing that the market is not monolithic but rather a composition of various segments, the report pledges to provide a nuanced understanding of these segments. It promises to detail their sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends. This targeted knowledge assists stakeholders in carving out specialized strategies and ensuring optimal resource allocation.Balancing Forces and Strategic ImplicationsBy elucidating both the driving forces and potential obstacles, the report paints a holistic picture of the market dynamics. It enables industry stakeholders to navigate the competitive landscape with a deeper understanding of the forces at play. Manufacturers can align their innovation efforts with consumer preferences and regulatory trends, thereby enhancing their market position. Investors and decision-makers can be better prepared to address economic uncertainties and supply chain vulnerabilities. Overall, this section equips readers with insights to make strategic decisions that account for both growth opportunities and challenges in the food blanchers market.Exploring the Competitive LandscapeThe section dedicated to the competitive landscape of the food blanchers market offers an intricate exploration of the market's key players, their strategies, and their impact on the industry. This segment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics, the role of major companies, and the strategies they employ to thrive.Segment CharacteristicsThe report initiates the analysis by outlining the unique characteristics that define each segment. Whether these segments are categorized based on product types, customer demographics, use cases, or other distinguishing factors, the report provides a clear picture of how these segments are defined and differentiated.Market SizeUnderstanding the size of each market segment is crucial for gauging its significance within the overall market landscape. The report likely provides quantitative data to illustrate the market share and contribution of "Type" and "Application" segments to the entire food blanchers market. This information helps stakeholders appreciate the relative importance of each segment.Growth PotentialBeyond current market size, the report delves into the growth potential of these segments. It explores factors such as emerging trends, consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and regulatory influences that could drive the future expansion of these segments. This forward-looking perspective aids stakeholders in identifying where the market's growth opportunities lie.Key TrendsThe analysis likely captures the key trends specific to each segment. Whether it's changing consumer preferences, evolving technology adoption, or shifting regulatory landscapes, the report provides insights into the forces shaping the behavior of "Type" and " Application." These trends inform stakeholders about the directions these segments might take in the coming years.Strategic InsightsThe segment analysis extends beyond descriptive data to offer strategic insights. By understanding the characteristics, potential, and trends of "Type" and "Application," industry participants can make informed decisions. Manufacturers can tailor their product development strategies to meet the demands of these segments, and marketers can create targeted campaigns to reach specific customer groups.Market Segmentation:Type: Hot Ironing Machine, Peeler, OtherApplication: Vegetables, Pasta, Rice, Dry Beans, OthersExploring Regional DynamicsThe section dedicated to the regional analysis of the food blanchers market provides a comprehensive exploration of how the market fares across different geographical areas. This analysis recognizes that markets are not homogenous and that regional variations can significantly impact market dynamics. The report delves into the intricacies of each region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa to provide stakeholders with valuable insights.Closing ThoughtsIn essence, the conclusion encapsulates the report's journey. It emphasizes the report's role as a strategic tool, a navigator, and a decision-making companion in the complex world of the food blanchers market. This report is more than just a document; it is a valuable resource that empowers industry stakeholders to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving market environment. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-14 19:23:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 586 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Firm Encourages Shareholders to Contact its AttorneysSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 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/HEContact An Attorney Now: HE@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Hawaiian 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.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-14 01:16:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 993 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 13, 2023 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Shift4 Payments, Inc. ("Shift4" or the "Company") (NYSE:FOUR) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and docketed under 23-cv-03969, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Shift4 securities between June 5, 2020 and April 18, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Shift4 securities during the Class Period, you have until October 19, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]Shift4 provides software and payment processing solutions in the United States. The Company provides, among other products and services, integrated and mobile point-of-sale ("POS") solutions. Shift4 conducted its initial public offering and began operating as a publicly traded company on or about June 5, 2020.In Shift4's third quarter ("Q3") of 2022, the Company completed its so-called "mass strategic buyout program" as part of a purported strategic initiative to insource its sales distribution network.According to Shift4, because the Company is not a "member bank" as defined in certain payment network rules, the Company is not eligible for primary membership in certain payment networks and is therefore unable to directly access them. Accordingly, Shift4's payment networks require the Company to be sponsored by a member bank as a service provider, which the Company has accomplished through a sponsorship agreement with its sponsor bank. To cover overdraft obligations at the sponsor bank, prior to December 2022, Shift4 had funds deposited in a sponsor bank merchant settlement account to facilitate gross card transaction deposits for those customers the Company bills on a monthly, as opposed to a daily, basis.The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Shift4 had inadequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (ii) as a result, Shift4 failed to properly account for customer acquisition costs, thereby artificially inflating its net cash provided by operating activities; (iii) accordingly, Shift4 would likely be forced to restate one or more of its previously issued financial statements; (iv) Shift4 employed accounting maneuvers in connection with, among other things, its mass strategic buyout program and sponsor bank merchant settlement account, that were designed to present an inaccurate picture of, inter alia, the Company's performance, its underlying business quality, and its earnings power; (v) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to negatively impact Shift4's reputation and business; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On October 21, 2022, Shift4 disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that the Company's Q3 2021, full year ("FY") 2021, first quarter ("Q1") 2022, and second quarter ("Q2") 2022 financial statements should no longer be relied upon and would need to be restated because of a material weakness in the Company's financial controls, which had caused it to incorrectly treat "customer acquisition costs" as cash used in investing activities rather than cash used in operating activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.On this news, Shift4's stock price fell $1.21 per share, or 2.67%, to close at $44.16 per share on October 24, 2022.On November 8, 2022, Shift4 filed restated financial statements with the SEC to properly account for its historical customer acquisition costs. As a result of the restatements, Shift4 negatively revised its net cash provided by operating activities to $8 million (down from its originally reported $26.7 million), $4 million (down from its originally reported $23.4 million), and $3 million (down from its originally reported $29.2 million) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively; negatively revised its net cash used in operating activities to $7.1 million (up from its originally reported $1.7 million) and net cash provided by operating activities to $30.8 million (down from its originally reported $37.1 million) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively; negatively revised its originally reported $5 million of net cash provided by operating activities to $7.7 million of net cash usedin operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021, as well as negatively revised net cash provided by operating activities to $70.8 million (down from its originally reported $85 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2022; and negatively revised its net cash provided by operating activities to $6.3 million (down from its originally reported $25.6 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.On April 19, 2023, Blue Orca Capital published a report addressing Shift4 (the "Blue Orca Report"). The Blue Orca Report alleged, among other things, 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." The Blue Orca Report further alleged that in 2022, "Shift4 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]." For examp The Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said Friday it has launched a cutting-edge online platform designed to ease regulatory compliance and oversight functions in the oil and gas sector. At the launching of the app in Abuja, the agency said the online platform will also enable operators in the sector to meet regulatory requirements in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. According to the commission, the app HostComply is to streamline reporting of environmental, social and governance (ESG) management for operators, host communities, and regulators, a cardinal requirement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. In a statement released on Friday, the NUPRC said the launching of the app is in a groundbreaking partnership entered into with industry experts and in line with its statutory mandate as the regulator of the upstream oil and gas sector. It said given the friction often experienced between operators in the petroleum sector and their host communities, HostComply was strategically developed to offer comfort to the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) by providing stakeholders with a robust technological tool to interface and engage with the settlors (operators) and manage projects in their respective host communities professionally in conformity with ESG global best practices. The digital solution revolutionalises HCDT management and ESG reporting, is fully transparent and eliminates human interference, the commission said. It explained that Chapter 3, Section 235(1) of the PIA (2021) requires that the settlor incorporates host communities development trust for the benefit of the host communities for which it is responsible. Section 235(4) states: The settlor shall, for the purpose of setting up the trust, in consultation with the host communities, appoint and authorise a board of trustees (the Board of Trustees), which shall apply to be registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission as a corporate body under the Companies and Allied Matters Act in the manner provided under this Chapter, it added. The commission noted that HostComply offers numerous advantages to the operating companies (settlors) and the host communities, including streamlining reporting and monitoring obligations, building trust and credibility, and providing a centralized system for managing community development and ESG reporting data. Also, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and building trust with communities, investors, and other stakeholders, to ramp up oil production and revenue for the settlors and the federal government, providing business analytics that will help settlers, regulators and other stakeholders identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement in their community development and ESG reports. The portal will enable the settlor to upload the incorporated HCDT registered, upload the 3 per cent operating expenditure (Opex) by assets for verification by the Regulator; track, analyze, and report on the use of funds for community development initiatives and foresee failure points by leveraging the data insights and mitigates against them. For the HCDT, the commission said, the portal provides a consistent and predictable administrative environment for interfacing with the settlors and the regulator, allows the HCDT to upload and showcase projects to be executed by the communities, provides easy proof of 3 per cent Opex to be paid by settlors as verified by the regulator, as well as provides an opportunity to measure and monitor distributional equity amongst the communities. It further explained that HostComply allows the regulator to detect and identify non-compliant situations through IT forensics and compliance Intelligence tools, real-time monitoring of the progress of projects being executed by the HCDT, issue demand notices on the payment of the 3 per cent Opex contribution by the settlors and verify the 3 per cent Opex contribution and its distribution. For civil society organisations and the public, it said the portal allows It allows an open common framework for information gathering to monitor accountability and probity in the management of 3 per cent OPEX at the community level, as well as public education, enlightenment, mobilisation, monitoring, oversight, whistle-blowing, observation and feedback. The commission, however, urged stakeholders to fully utilise the portal to ensure regulatory compliance with the provisions of the law; it said NUPRC indicated that failure of compliance has serious implications and attracts sanctions, which include revocation of licence or lease. Pursuant to the following sections of the PIA, 2021, and for the avoidance of doubt, the licence or lease of a settlor may be revoked if it fails to comply with the host communities obligations under Section 96(n) of the Act. On the failure to incorporate host communities development trust, Section 238 says, Unless as otherwise provided for in this Act, failure by any holder of a licence or lease governed by this Act to comply with its obligations under this Chapter, after having been informed of such failure in writing by the Commission as the case may be, may be grounds for revocation of the applicable licence or lease. When fully deployed, it said the portal will have other capabilities, including enabling approvals of the constitution, winding up and dissolution of the Trust and fund; verification of account details of the Trust, annual audited report of the 3 per cent Opex computation and Contribution to the fund. It is also a platform for the review of all reports generated by the trust; enables the annual registration of the fund managers with the commission and allows for the monitoring of the management of the reserve fund, interface for submission of complaints and petitions, reporting of fraud, breaches, and malpractices, and an administrative module which will act as a performance evaluation and analytics dashboard for each user group and general overview, management of access rights and permissions as well as review of audit trails. The NUPRC said it is committed to fostering stronger relationships between operators, host communities and regulators and enhancing the dividends of petroleum resources for the prosperity of all stakeholders. HostComply represents a significant step forward in achieving this vision and a revolutionary solution that will transform the way critical stakeholders handle Trust Management and ESG Reporting, it said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Movie Title: Love in a Showroom Release Date: 15 September, 2023 Directors: Tolu Awobiyi Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes Cast: Nancy Isime, Brodda Shaggi, Mawuli Gavor, Mc Lively, Ebenezer Eno, Timilehin Ojeola, Omobola Akinde, and Kalu George. Romantic comedies have been steadily gaining ground in the Nigerian film industry, and judging by the lasting impact they leave, its safe to say that many of us secretly enjoy them. Theres something irresistibly heartwarming about witnessing two people fall in love, conquer internal and external obstacles, and ultimately live happily ever after, leaving us all asking, God, when? One recurring criticism of Nollywood films has been their heavy investment in A-list actors, extravagant sets, and costumes, often at the expense of developing an original and captivating storyline. Director Tolu Awobiyi has taken this criticism to heart, presenting a modern, localised, and comically interpreted version of Romeo and Juliet, minus the tragic ending, in Love in A Showroom. READ ALSO: Love in A Showroom narrates the story of two star-crossed lovers who find themselves trapped in a building. Here, they must break down the social class barriers that separate them while simultaneously battling armed robbers for survival. With a modest cast, including Broda Shaggi, Nancy Isime, MC Lively, and others, A Love in A Showroom stands out among Nollywood films for its simplicity in storytelling. The film prioritises narrative through dialogues, underscoring that a cinematic masterpiece can be created without a massive budget. Unfortunately, the film falls short in terms of consistency and realism in the actions performed by the characters. Additionally, it is a hidden gem that has suffered from little to no publicity. Plot The story begins with a delivery man named Femi delivering goods to a showroom. A stomach ache suddenly strikes him and requests to use the restroom. After entering the bathroom, he unexpectedly falls asleep. Simultaneously, a showroom staff member named Sharon stays behind, planning a surprise proposal for her boss and intending to sleep over. She also falls asleep but is awakened by the sound of movement from Femi, who is disoriented in his new surroundings. After meeting and discussing their predicaments, Femi and Sharon sit down to make sense of their situation. While conversing, Femi realises that Sharon is a fellow student at his primary school. This surprises her as she did not expect to encounter someone considered most likely to succeed back then working as a delivery man. As they share details of their lives, their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the sound of the showroom door opening. Initially assuming its the security guard returning, they are shocked to discover thieves attempting to rob the store. Femi devises a plan and successfully incapacitates the robbers. Sharon immediately proceeds to set up the surprise proposal for her boss. Despite initially intending to go their separate ways, Femi and Sharon are compelled to acknowledge and act upon the romantic feelings that have developed between them. The Good Love in A Showroom provides a refreshing departure from the conventional approach to Nollywood films. It employs a single setting to tell the couples story, allowing the writer to focus on revealing character motivations, advancing the plot, and establishing viewer connections through meaningful dialogues. The choice of a furniture showroom as the backdrop for romantic events is both ingenious and novel. The casting is also noteworthy. Broda Shaggi convincingly portrays a character that strikes a balance between vivid and sophisticated, dispelling any notions of him being a one-trick pony actor. Nancy Isime shines brightly as the leading lady, reminiscent of her role in Kambilli: The Whole 30 Yards. Moreover, Love in A Showroom addresses the theme of class, showcasing how Femi and Sharon, hailing from opposite ends of the economic spectrum, find love in each others arms, defying societal prejudices and preconceived notions about their relationship. The Bad Mr Awobiyis direction of this romantic comedy also needs a dragged-out plot. Frankly, Love in A Showroom could have been condensed into a shorter film. Some scenes, like those involving the gatekeeper or restroom scenes, felt like attempts to fill time rather than contributing meaningfully to the story. The ending of Love in A Showroom raises eyebrows, not because the characters end up together, but due to Femis aggressive encounter with a particular food seller named Kafayat. There is no logical explanation for why he must flaunt his new relationship status to her. Additionally, the ease with which the thieves are knocked out feels unrealistic. The writer missed an opportunity to raise the stakes for survival. Final Verdict 8/10. Love in A Showroom boasts charming moments that will make you root for the blossoming relationship between the two main characters. Love in A Showroom is now available for streaming on Prime Video. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Clement Jimbo, a member of the House of Representatives from Abak/Etim Ekpa/Ika federal constituency of Akwa Ibom State, sat down with PREMIUM TIMESs Bakare Majeed to discuss his journey in the House, the alleged impeachment move against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, lawmakers salaries and allowances and other issues. PT: Lets start with your journey to the House, how you survived the dominant PDP in Akwa-Ibom and the Obidient wave. Mr Jimbo: There was nothing from the Obidient family that we were afraid of. PDP yesPDP put up a very formidable fight. Of course, being an organised party in Akwa Ibom State, I must give it to them (PDP). I wouldnt know about the national level, but PDP in Akwa Ibom State is an organised party. And having been on ground since 1999, obviously, they have been in the system and mastered the system. They have some seasoned technocrats and followers that can be saddled with sensitive responsibilities and they would deliver intellectually. To outsmart such a party was a herculean task. That was made possible because of a couple of changes that were brought into the system. Number one was the 2022 Electoral Act and the signing of the Not Too Young To Run law which equally opened up the system for young people to ventilate. Then the Electoral Act buttressed the entire thing. What PDP failed to realise was that things have changed. The dynamics have changed. They were still relying on ways of doing things in the past. PT: Like what? Mr Jimbo: Of course rigging. What else? PDP in Akwa Ibom State has always rigged the election. I am on record now. If you check the record, the result that used to come before the introduction of BVAS, you would know that something used to happen. For example, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and even 2019 election results across the board, then compare it to 2023, you will ask yourself, where are all these votes? Instead of the votes to increase, they are reducing because of the use of the BVAS for accreditation. Obviously, all those ghost votes they normally used are nowhere to be found. BVAS came and eradicated all of them. PT: But your party, the APC, equally faced the same accusation of rigging Mr Jimbo: Is it this 2023? PT: Yes Mr Jimbo: 2023 is difficult. Unless somebody is able to prove it. In my polling unit, for instance, they used the BVAS for accreditation and after the accreditation, then the ballot paper is given to you for thumb printing. In the past, the unused ballotsthat is where rigging used to come in, where the unused ballots would be more than the used ballots. So what do they do? They carry it away, stay in a particular place and thumbprint all the unused ballots for a particular political party. Because BVAS does the accreditation, even if you want to use the unused ballots to your advantage, how will you effect the changes in the BVAS machine? That was the thing. That was what gave me the victory in my supplementary election. During my supplementary election, they wanted to implement their mago mago but I got informed and I had to wait for them at the INEC office. When they brought their results, I said let us check what is recorded in the BVAS. In a particular polling unit, BVAS recorded 240 accreditation but the result sheet showed over 800 votes. I said how? How did you perform the miracle? What does the Electoral Act say? Anywhere the result is more than what is recorded in the BVAS, cancel that polling unit. And three of those polling units were cancelled and I still maintained my victory. PT: Lets talk about fuel subsidy removal. Nigerians are looking up to lawmakers to address the issue of palliative. Is there any plan to compel the executive to provide palliatives? Mr Jimbo: How are we going to do that? Are we going to arrest the executive? We are lawmakers, and that is what Nigerians elected us to do. Apart from lawmaking, you also do oversight, you oversee the executive. If you observe, when we were inaugurated on 13 June, one of the first assignments that the executive passed to us was the supplementary budget for subsidy removal, N500 billion, and we did not waste time in approving the request. PT: But the public seems to not trust the sharing of the money Mr Jimbo: That is left for Nigerians. Are you saying that we ought not to have approved what the executive brought? This was a clear indication that the 10th Assembly is for the people. The executive meant well they said look, the removal of fuel subsidy budgetary provision was not made in the budget 2023. Of course, because the last administration did not deem it necessary to budget it because it already said that by June there would be no subsidy. The president, who coming into power and on the first day removing petroleum subsidy, ought to make provision for palliative and he brought that to the National Assembly and we did not waste time because this is a clear indication that this is going to the people. And we approved. It is left for the executive to toe the same pattern of the legislature by implementing it for the people to benefit. But of course you must appreciate the challenges of the executive. PT: Like what? Mr Jimbo: Which register are they going to use? Are we still going to rely on the old register? No. it would be counterproductive. PT: But some people would say the register was compiled by a government of the APC. You are a member of the party, are you saying the APC government failed in that regard? Mr Jimbo: No, I wont say so. Like now, this is the 10th Assembly. In the ninth Assembly, some members won their elections and returned, some members did not even contest, and some members have come in as a result of the election into the 10th Assembly. It is left for the clerk of the House via communication with INEC to prune down the list and update it. PT: So you are saying the register is not updated? Mr Jimbo: The register that the previous administration used, there was nothing wrong to the best of my knowledge. But dont forget that the register was computed with the intention of the poorest of the poorest. And the last administration began to reel out interventions, it would be erroneous for you to conclude that that same register has not removed some people from the state of being the poorest of the poor. They dont have any business in that list again. New people need to come in in order to make up the list. So that process of pruning down this list is probably what the executive is doing. When they implement this palliative, it should get to the right people. I dont need it. Many people in my community do not need it, but many people that would need itand there are many people on the list that have no business being in that list because by virtue of benefitting from the previous interventions, they have exited the category of being poorest or the poor. New people need to come in, that is where the challenge is. We must appreciate it. The government is just three months. The ministers have just been inaugurated and these are the people that would help to harmonise this list. Lets give them time. PT: Is it proper for the National Assembly to be getting N70 billion at this very time? Mr Jimbo: First, members of the National Assembly are Nigerians. They buy from the same market, PT: Some would say they (lawmakers) have more money. Mr Jimbo: Members of the National Assembly buy from the same market. The removal of subsidy, the impact, we equally feel it. Let me be very clearI won an election into the National Assembly and I was inaugurated, this office was allocated to me but I was asked to pay N15,000 in order to get access to it. PT: Why? Mr Jimbo: That was the same question that I asked, and I said I am not going to pay. When I insisted, the following day, this office was opened. Gaining access to the office, I was strongly advised to change all the keys. I am going to be very practical, from when I was inaugurated on the 13 June till date, not even one stationery has been allocated to me or any member of the National Assembly to the best of my knowledge. The computer you saw on the desk was bought by me with my personal money. The printer was bought by me. Not one has been given to anybody. But are we working? Yes we are. This office that you see glittering, was painted and renovated by me, not by the National Assembly. PT: But the question is why? Mr Jimbo: If we had come into the National Assembly after inauguration and not been working, the same Nigerians would tell us you are not doing your work. We literally had to make sacrifices to give ourselves the necessary environment that we can stay and work. Up till this moment, our legislative aides, no one has been paid a dime, but we are working. It is the sacrifice of the lawmakers. How do these people come to work every day? They pay for their transportation to work and feed themselves every day. Over three months have elapsed. Who is sustaining them? That is the challenge. That is where the media should play a role. The budget of the National Assembly that everyone talks about. The National Assembly is taking a fat budget. Who is sitting on the budget? Who is sitting on it? Clearly, it is not Clement Jimbo that is sitting here. PT: Then who? Because you are in a better position to ask the Speaker of the House or the clerk of the National Assembly. Mr Jimbo: Of course it is going to be a collaborative effort. If you as the media do the asking, no question would come out and answers would come out. PT: Have you asked the leadership why aides are not getting their money? Mr Jimbo: We are on recess now. Of course it is a process. It is a bureaucracy. I am not saying it wont come. Of course it would come. Before the money comes to them (aide) the lawmakers in charge of them are drained. None of the aides have gotten a dime in the past three months from the National Assembly. Because there are documentations that ought to be done. But of course those documentations ought to have been concluded by now. PT: Have you been getting your own allowances? Mr Jimbo: Of course. PT: The N9 million plus allowance? Mr Jimbo: It is not normal N9 million. It is not. My salary is about N600,000. And for constituency offices and maintenance of other things, is N8.5 million. If you put everything together. It is about N9 million and nothing more. PT: But Nigerians believe that with the reality of things, N9 million is outrageous. Mr Jimbo: Let me make something very clear, the last budget of the National Assembly was reviewed 12 years ago. The last time the salary of the National Assembly was reviewed was 12years ago. From the last time it was reviewed, no kobo has been added to the budget of the National Assembly. PT: But the 2023 budget of the National Assembly is more than the previous years. Mr Jimbo: I am giving you facts. You can confirm it from the Clerk or any of them. The last time the budget of the National Assembly budget was reviewed upward was 12 years ago. 12 years ago, what was the exchange rate of naira/dollar? Let me clearly tell you the difference between the National Assembly and the executive. The ministers that were appointed some few days ago, before they got into their offices, they had their vehicles. They have their security. They have their drivers. PT: Perhaps they inherited those from predecessors? Mr Jimbo: Yes, they did. PT: Why are you guys not getting from your predecessors? Mr Jimbo: What was provided for in the 9th Assembly, it was a loan. The vehicle is given to you as a loan. And it is deducted from your salary for the number of years you are going to be here, which is four years. That money would be deducted. So which vehicle are you inheriting? It does not make sense, even the furniture allowance, it is deducted. The House allowance that is given to me and others as accommodation allowance is N3.9 million for four years. PT: But the N3.9 million is per annum. Mr Jimbo: No, it is for four years. Meaning that it is less than a million naira you are expected to use as an accommodation (This is not true. According to RAMFAC, every member is entitled to N3.94 million annually as accommodation allowance). And which accommodation in this entire Abuja makes sense and I would understand because 12 years ago, that was a lot of money, not 12 years after and it is still static. Nothing has changed. PT: If it is dire as you have painted it, why do you guys still spend millions to come here? Mr Jimbo: Some of the members that come here are not poor. For example, in 2019, I ran for presidency. Clement Jimbo seated here, under the Social Democratic Party. I was not a poor man. From 2019 till date, I was active in politics and I have never held any position until this election. I am a quantity surveyor. So in the private sector, I was doing well. So many lawmakers you see still living their lives, they were not poor. Sometimes, you can enter a lawmakers office and you will see furniture, screen, rug, and others, but it is not from the National Assembly. That is why some of them after four years, they would go away with those things. Because they provided those things for themselves. They would not allow the office they occupy to diminish them because that is their level. PT: Perhaps we can blame the National Assembly because of the lack of transparency in the operation of its finances? Mr Jimbo: You know where the problem is? The problem is not with the speaker and it is not with the senate president. Incidentally, how many years can they stay? Four years, eight years? It is with the bureaucrats. FOI should be utilised by the media. That is where the fourth estate of the realm should put the society in check. By virtue of your position as a journalist in the National Assembly, you are obviously going to spend more time here than me. PT: But, yes we understand the part of bureaucracy. But the National Assembly has made the budget public in the past. However, you can introduce a bill that makes it mandatory for the National Assembly to publish its annual budget. Would you sponsor such a bill? Mr Jimbo: I absolutely agree with you but it is going to take collaborative effort. There are agencies of government that their budgets have not been made public. E.g CBN. We should not just zero it all on the National Assembly and paint it as though it is the only guilty party or the black sheep. The budget of the National Assembly as compared to the nation is less than 0.007 per cent. I have been here and there is no official vehicle. But the executive, any of them that is appointed, there must be official vehicle. The new CBN Governor has just been appointed and the deputy governors, their official cars are waiting for them, security details. That is where the media equally has a job to do. Let Nigerians not see their lawmakers as the institution that is swallowing what belongs to them. I can tell you for free, no. PT: Do you know why there is so much attention on you guys? Constitutionally the National Assembly has the power to oversight those agencies, like CBN that you mentioned. We have seen action in setting up of committees to investigate agencies but often no reports, no indictment. Mr Jimbo: I agree with you. In the 10th Assembly, where I am a member, the ad hoc committee investigating racketeering, at least to the best of my knowledge as a member of that committee I have done my best and right now we are waiting for us to interface with ministries so that we can conclude our report and submit it to the House. Those agencies that have been found culpable, we will let Nigerians know via presentation of our resolution in the House. PT: Would there be recommendations for sanction? Jimbo: Yes. I can tell you for free that one of them is the use of waivers. Obviously that has been abused. PT: I am talking about sanction, indictment? Mr Jimbo: We are yet to conclude our investigation. But I can tell you that where there is clear infraction, where infraction has been pronounced, we are going to make strong recommendations. Everything about the committee is well covered. If we present our report and if it does not reflect what even the media have been telling the public, of course the entire image of the 10th Assembly would be called into question. And Clement Jimbo would not, with all due respect to the National Assembly, allow my name to be taken through the mud. PT: Talking about that committee, PREMIUM TIMES revealed how the committee used the investigation to extort the agencies. If in the end, this committee submits a report that does not reflect what truly happened, will you challenge the outcome? Mr Jimbo: Except the report is going to be prepared in oblivion, because as members of the committee, the draft of the report, we are going to collectively sit and do the draft of the reportwe are going to collectively sit and then go through the report and our input would also be there. And that is what would form the final copy, the clean copy that would be presented to the Assembly, to the Speaker upon resumption. What would be presented to maybe the Speaker during plenary would be a reflection of what we have all agreed and I can tell you that from the investigation, the findings and testimonies that we have gathered so far our report would reflect all that. PT: Let me jump to the issue of rubber stamp real quick. So far, has your perception about the tag of rubber stamp on the National Assembly changed? Mr Jimbo: I dont think so, mainly for these reasons. When the government toppled in our backyard here in Niger Republic, the body language of the executive tilted towards taking a military action to restore that government, and the National Assembly was very clear in saying no. We have our internal problem, allow Niger. Lets fix our problems. So, does that look like a rubber stamp Assembly to you? I know where you are coming from. Let us look at the composition of the leadership of the 10th Assembly, the role that the executive played. I saw it clearly as leadership. By and large that Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. By that singular responsibility, a whole lot rests on him to deliver and navigate. And as a good chief executive, it is incumbent on you to pick those materials and personnel that would help you achieve your vision, which is the renewed hope agenda in this case. It was not wrong for the executive to say of all the aspirants, this is who they want to deliver. It was not wrong at all. PT: And you dont feel like there would be divided loyalty? Mr Jimbo: No, there is no divided loyalty. You see, this is how the National Assembly works. For example, I will use the House of Representatives as an example, especially that 10th Assembly. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, if I am not mistaken, that we have eight different political parties coming to form that National Assembly (In the 9th Assembly, more political parties had members in the House). It has never happened. If you look at the crop of persons that are representing their different constituencies, they are not regular politicians. That is where the Obidient syndrome came in. Because so many of the candidates that never stood a chance, but because of the wave of what was happening, became elected. These people, coming into the 10th Assembly are coming with a different mindset that things must be done differently. And number one of them is Clement Jimbo. We are fed up with the status quo, let things change. If you look at so many ad hoc committees that have been put forward by the House, I have attended two meetings. Ad Hoc committee on ITF, this committee has recovered almost three billions naira into the coffer of the government from agencies and departments of government that failed to remit the ITF contributions. That is a singular fact that the members and the chairman of the committee are saying no, things must be done differently. Are you saying that these committees did not exist five, seven years ago? And these recoveries date back 10 years ago. What were they doing? Didnt we have an Assembly? Didnt we have committees saddled with the responsibility to look into these infractions? We had. That is to tell you this assembly is set to do things differently. Let us resume plenary, let these ad hoc committee begin to submit their reports, you will be amazed that the National Assembly their perception would change. We are indeed for the people. And we will continue to do what is right for the people. PT: Lets talk about the rumour of impeachment move against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Mr Jimbo: There is no truth to it. In fact it was yesterday that I saw the report that some northern senators were plotting to impeach the senate president. There was no name. There is no lets say we have pinpoint what would equally happen. Of course for there to be a rumour when the CIC when his body language was tilting towards military action in Niger, the body language of the 10th Assembly was like look, that would be an impeachment office. It was discussed openly. It would be an impeachable offence without clearing it from the National Assembly. That the10th Senate is beginning to rumour an impeachment, there is no substance to it. The senate president has done creditably well. What would be his offence? PT: Have you spoken with him about it? Mr Jimbo: Why would I do that? There is no credible intelligence to it. He has done credibly well so far. During the confirmation of ministers, did you follow through? This man sat on that seat for hours to screen ministers because Nigerians were waiting to have ministers. So that they can kick start so many things in the country. In the National Assembly, once you sit in the hallowed chamber, you are not permitted to chew or drink. If you sit there for five hours, be prepared to sit there for five hours. If you sit there for eight hours, and the assignment requires eight hours, you have to be there for eight hours. That is the level of sacrifice. Sometimes you feel like urinating, you feel like easing yourself, but for the sake of national assignment, you constrain yourself to the national assignment. That is one sacrifice that Nigerians should be grateful for. And Akpabio looking at his record, a man who has been a governor before, a senator, a minister and now the senate president. And coming from the South, the South-South, a region that had never tested that position for years, and looking at the composition of the government where the president is a Muslim, the vice president is a Muslim, and the third in command being someone from another faith is a good composition. That is the credibility that Akpabio brings. PT: Is there solidarity support from the South? Mr Jimbo: Let me state it that if the northern senators begin to nurse or contemplate impeaching the senate president, the South would not take it kindly. The South would not be happy. That is the truth. The last person that was there before Akpabio came in, Ahmad Lawan, stayed there for four years and the South never contemplated impeachment. What would be his (Akpabio) offence? What would you say is his offence? Has he embezzled money? What is the ground for contemplating an impeachment? That is why I did not want to dwell on it. It is flimsy. There is no substance to it. PT: But the South is dominated by opposition parties, where is the solidarity going to come from? Mr Jimbo: In the Senate, it is not the political party, you are a senator. And you are from the South, that is what stands out. What affects one affects all. PT: You think there is that solidarity? Mr Jimbo: Of course, there is. Whether we like it or not, Nigeria is divided into three geopolitical zones, three from the South and three from the North. And you want to show solidarity with the north to the detriment of your brother from the south? That would be injustice. Thank you Mr Jimbo. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Patrick Giwa, a former Clerk of the House of Representatives, has said no reports of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of both chambers of the National Assembly have ever been acted on for a staggering 25 years. It means that all the reports by the committees which are pivotal to the oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly over the Nigerian government have been ignored since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999. Mr Giwa, who is also the pioneer clerk of PAC, made this revelation during the inaugural meeting of the 10th Houses PAC in Abuja. The Public Accounts Committee of both the Senate and the House of Representatives are crucial committees established by the standing orders of both chambers of the National Assembly. The committees are established to scrutinise the federal governments accounts as they seek to hold government institutions accountable for the use of public funds. They study public audits, invite ministers, permanent secretaries or other ministry officials for questioning, and report on their findings subsequent to a government budget audit. But in a startling revelation, Mr Giwa said despite drafting over 200 reports and presenting more than 2,000 recommendations during his tenure with PAC, none of them was ever taken into consideration by the National Assembly. I am telling fellow Nigerians that the PAC report has never been considered in the past 25 years. They check out reports every year but they are not considered. Members of PAC do so much work. The committee is always committed to doing the work but at the end of the day, they are not considered. Mr Giwas account of his experiences as the pioneer clerk of the committee highlights the frustration of PAC members who diligently carry out their responsibilities only to see their efforts ignored year after year. Support for auditor-generals office He advocated greater support for the Office of the Auditor General, emphasising the importance of enabling them to carry out their mandate effectively. On the challenges faced by auditors when investigating government accounts, he revealed that some agencies even resort to physical attacks to deter auditors. Mr Giwa noted that it had taken years of effort by PAC to improve the welfare and working conditions of the Auditor Generals office. Reactions Responding to these revelations, the incumbent PAC chairman, Bamidele Salami, assured that the committee would make it a priority to address this long-standing issue. According to him, This time, we would work harder, smarter, and in a manner that will ensure we recover quite a whole lot of ground. There are lots of expectations from the leadership of the House and from Nigerians, Mr Salami said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Giwas disclosure shed light on a long-standing issue that has gone unaddressed for far too long. Mr Bamidele, however, assured that the PAC of the 10th House is determined to rectify this matter as they take up their responsibilities. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Police Force has appealed to Nigerians to recommend responsible individuals for recruitment into the force and not bad people terrorising communities. Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had in a statement on Friday announced the commencement of the recruitment process for individuals into the rank of police constables in the General Duty and Specialist Cadres. Mr Adejobi, an assistant commissioner of police, said the Police Recruitment Board would open the application portal for six weeks from 15 October to 26 November. Not bad types Following enquiries from Nigerians, the police spokesperson in Gombe State, Mahid Muazu, in a post via his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, spoke about the recruitment. Mr Muazu, an assistant superintendent of police, asked residents to send only best individuals for the police job. Yes, we are recruiting but we are begging you to send us the best of your candidates to apply not the bad types terrorising your communities, we are already putting in combined efforts to sanitise the system, he said in response to the enquiries. Similarly, the police spokesperson in Delta State, Bright Edafe, also spoke about the recruitment. Ladies and gentlemen (for) those sending me direct messages on police recruitment. Its out now, please slide into the website, apply and hope to be employed if you are qualified so you can contribute your own quota, Mr Edafe, a deputy superintendent of police, wrote on his X handle. Please, we want only responsible people, he stressed. Connecting the dots Cases of police brutality against residents have been on the increase in Nigeria lately, with police authorities saying a few bad eggs were responsible for the incidents. Mr Muazus we are already putting in combined efforts to sanitise the system comment somewhat highlights the concerns over the increasing violation of police codes in Nigeria. On Saturday, the force spokesperson, Mr Adejobi, reiterated that any armed police operative who extorts a Nigerian is an armed robber. In October 2020, Nigerian youths protested against police brutality across the country and called for the disbandment of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS) of the police. Despite SARS disbandment, the cases of police brutality have persisted across the country. Six officers, for instance, were caught in a viral video, in April, using a machete to hit two unidentified people in Imo State. The police in the state would later begin an orderly room trial of the officers. Last month, four police officers were arrested for allegedly assaulting a traveller in Rivers State. Days after, a young man accused some officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State of allegedly kidnapping, locking him up in a police cell and forcing him to pay a sum of money before being released. The police in the state subsequently arrested the officers who allegedly carried out the act. In April, a police officer filmed slapping a motorist in the Emouha Area of the state, was demoted. The Emouha incident occurred a few days after Ubi Ebri, another officer, allegedly shot dead a young man in the neighbouring Delta State for reportedly refusing to give a N100 bribe. PREMIUM TIMES reported how youths in Delta State protested with the victims corpse along major roads in Asaba. Mr Ebri, the officer, was immediately arrested, dismissed from service and later arraigned. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has assented to the 2023 supplementary budget of N58.1 billion. This is contained in a statement issued by his press secretary, Bature Tofa, in Kano, the state capital, on Saturday. Mr Yusuf assured the people of the state that his administration would adhere strictly to the principles of fiscal discipline as the money appropriated would be judiciously utilised in an accountable and transparent manner. This supplementary budget was meant to take care of the infrastructure development that was not captured by the 2023 budget to meet the aspirations of the people of Kano state, the governor said. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of the commissioner, planning and budget for the speedy process of the budget document to the state assembly. Earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore, who led the principal officers of the assembly and its appropriation committee, presented the bill for the assent of the governor at Africa House, Kano Government House. Mr Yusuf also craved for continued support and harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government. The Kano State House of Assembly had on Monday passed the supplementary budget of N58 billion, based on the request of the governor sent to them on 25 September. Though the lawmakers did not release the details of the budget, they said 92 per cent of the supplementary appropriation would be expended on capital expenditures while eight per cent would be for recurrent expenditures. The withholding of the details of the supplementary budget is a break with the tradition of the disclosure of the breakdowns of the states budgets under previous administrations. Abdullahi Ganduje had signed a budget of N268 billion for 2023 before leaving office in May. With the supplementary budget of N58 billion, the 2023 budget of the state now stands at N326 billion. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General (CG) of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), has ordered the immediate deployment of undercover agents to schools and host communities to enhance security in schools nationwide. The CG gave the directive on Friday in Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, at the closing ceremony of a five- day capacity building on Safe School Response. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 200 NSCDC officials and other representatives of relevant bodies from the seven states in the North-west attended the five-day programme. The capacity building was organised by the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC). Mr Audi said that the Corps would partner with the Ministry of Education in each state and Local Education Authorities for the successful implementation of the directive. According to him, the capacity building is to strengthen the resilience of relevant stakeholders including vigilante groups, retired security personnel, host communities and serving personnel of NSCDC. He explained that the programme was to imbue in them all strategies and knowledge on how to provide protection for schools and host communities from violence and attacks. Mr Audi who was represented by the Assistant Commandant General, Training and Capacity Building, David Abi, said that the NSSRCC was a critical component of the implementation strategy of the National Plan on Safe Schools. He said that the plan was developed by government to mobilise synergy among security agencies and relevant stakeholders towards schools protection. The CG acknowledged the rising cases of attacks and violence on schools in Nigeria and its attendant negative impacts, including increasing the rate of out of school children in the country. The strategic plan is based on the whole-of-society approach with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as the lead agency. The Corps is also hosting the headquarters of the Centre, saddled with the responsibility of coordinating safety and security response for schools and host communities in collaboration with all security agencies and other relevant stakeholders. The Centre is the first of its kind in Africa; available records indicate that no other country has this kind of facility with the sole responsibility of providing safety and security prevention and protection measures for schools and host communities. He said in view of the recurring attacks and violence in schools in the country, the task ahead of the centre was enormous. It requires effective synergy and collaboration from all stakeholders including the Federal, State and Local Governments. It is also pertinent to state that the Standard Operating Procedure of the Centre provides for creation of state coordinating centres and local government response centres for effective and seamless operation. It is for this singular fact the I respectfully present on behalf of the centre, the request for the kind consideration for allocation of an existing structure within each of the state capitals in the North-West to serve as the safe school coordination centres, he said. The CG told the participants that the task ahead of them was enormous. Be reminded that aside being ambassadors of the centre, you are equally the foot soldiers who are in direct contact with the members of schools and host communities, he said. He charged them to ensure that the knowledge gained from this training was put into effective practice in the discharge of their duties. Furthermore, members of the vigilante groups and private guards company must be ready to collaborate and work in harmony with security agencies to facilitate effective protection of our schools. Also, the General Officer Commanding (GOC)1 Division Nigerian Army, Valentine Okoro, a major-general, said that the national plan for safe schools was a programme developed by government to mobilise synergy among security agencies. The GOC, represented by Henry Yanet, Commander 51 Signals, said already, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, had directed enjoined army units and formation to work with other security agencies in protecting the civil populace. In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, reiterated the state governments commitment to partnering with all security agencies to enhance public safety. The governor was represented by the Administrator, Kaduna Capital Territory Authority, Samuel Aruwan.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The federal government on Friday said it is targeting 2 million barrels per day (bdp) of crude oil production by the end of the year. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), disclosed this in a meeting with energy reporters in Abuja. Last month, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC said Nigerias crude oil production climbed to 1,269 million barrels per day in August 2023 from 1,171 million in July 2023. Nigerias August crude production was 98,000 barrels higher than its July production figure as it continues to recover from a heavily disrupted crude sector plagued by oil theft and pipeline vandalism. In recent years, Nigeria has recorded a surge in pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft incidents in its oil-producing region, a development that worsened the nations revenue challenge. To curb crude theft, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) launched an application in August last year to monitor the incidence of theft and vandalism. The NNPCL also awarded a multibillion naira pipeline surveillance procurement to a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Government Ekpemupolo. On Friday, Mr Lokpobiri said the government is working tirelessly to ramp up crude oil production (and condensate) to 2 million bpd by December. Our target is to see how we can get to 2 million barrels per day and beyond by the end of the year, the minister said. We are underperforming because of insecurity, and we are gradually tackling those problems. My sole agenda is to increase production. Once we increase production, we will get more revenue for the country. You know Nigeria is still more dependent on oil. For us to solve our problems and begin to earn enough forex. Though the non-oil sector also supports the economy, a substantial part of our forex comes from oil. So my ambition is to see how I can lead the sector to increase production to get more revenue to deal with the fund and strategic rationale projects in the country. The minister said Nigeria is steadily increasing production to between 1.3 and 1.4 million barrels. I get the reports from relevant authorities. Today, were doing about 1.4 million barrels of crude. So we are steadily increasing, but our target is to see how we can get to 2 million barrels and beyond by the end of the year, he said. Mr Lokpobiri noted that this can only be possible if all concerned stakeholders put their hands on deck to ensure it happens. He said: I have had cause to interact with some of the stakeholders in the sector and that engagement with them is already yielding results. Thats why you are seeing a steady rise in production, but we still have a long way to go. We have identified where the problem is and where we are getting the shortfall and are already engaging them. Within the next few weeks, we can tell you how far we have gone in that direction. What I can assure you is that I have had the privilege of engaging all the stakeholders, beginning with the international oil companies (IOCs) to the independent producers, local producers, those in the midstream and downstream, as well as those in the local refinery were are just trying to get their problems one after the other and once we identified their problem we are willing and already to provide a solution, he said. Long term solution The minister said some of the solutions might not be immediate, but once identified, he will provide a good framework to address those problems. I want to assure you, weve just been here for a few weeks. Ive been here for less than two months. I assure you that by the end of the year, there will be a visible difference in performance and productivity. We will increase production and also ensure how we can rekindle the confidence of the industry to become more competitive in all countries in Africa and all countries in the world, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to go after economic saboteurs and ensure they are completely stamped out. Mr Lagbaja, a lieutenant-general, gave the charge in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital while addressing troops during his maiden working tour to the Division Area of Responsibility (AoR). The Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, a brigadier-general, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. The COAS reiterated that the main focus of the federal government was economic recovery, security and infrastructural development. He said the nation would not experience meaningful economic recovery without having a firm grip on the oil industry, adding that the services of troops were critical to securing the nations oil industry. He, however, urged them to be loyal, disciplined and committed to their constitutional responsibilities, adding that their loyalty was first to the constitution and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mr Lagbaja also admonished troops not to violate the codes of conduct guiding the execution of their operations to ensure the safety and security of the society. He emphasised his desire to continually receive positive feedback about troops of the Division throughout Exercise STILL WATERS III. New gunboats, other projects During the visit, the COAS inaugurated landmark projects and critical operational platforms to rejig amphibious operations in the Niger Delta region. He said the set of 10 gunboats procured was the first, adding that efforts were ongoing to acquire more platforms to improve the armys operational capability in the riverine domain. The COAS also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration. We brought you here with the personnel of other security agencies so that you can work together in a multi-agency environment, essentially to consolidate existing inter-agency cooperation. You must work together and as comrades, he said. STILL WATERS III exercise Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Jamal Abdussalam, appreciated the COAS for his strategic, moral and financial support to the division. Mr Abdussalam, a major-general, said Exercise STILL WATERS III would allow commanders and operatives to carry out effective operational planning, logistics preparation and conduct of Military Operations Other than War (MOOW) and tactical amphibious operations. The GOC added that the exercise would also focus on civil-military activities geared towards winning the hearts and minds of the local populace. Highlights of the visit were the inauguration of Exercise STILL WATERS III in Rivers and a courtesy call on Gov. Siminalayi Fubara. He also inaugurated 10 Gunboats, re-modelled 6 Division Headquarters Complex reception, twin Regimental Sergeant Majors quarters, Ordnance tailoring factory, remodelled Corpers Lodge and new office complex to accommodate the Headquarters 26 Support Engineer Regiment. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved the employment of 158 community nursing graduates of the Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu, the state capital. This is contained in a statement by Mr Bunis Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Saturday. According to Mr Mohammed, the nurses comprised of two sets of the colleges graduates. He said the governor had also approved the payment of N10,000 monthly allowances to 393 students from the state undergoing National Diploma and Basic Midwifery programmes at the college. READ ALSO: The spokesperson said 67 of the benefitting students were entitled to 11 months arrears of the allowance, while 326 new students of the college would soon start receiving the allowance. Governor Buni urged the newly employed health personnel to be dedicated to serve the people better. He charged them to key into the reform programme of the state government to provide efficient, accessible and affordable medical services to the people. The governor also called on the students to study hard to justify the governments investment in them, Mr Mohammed said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued six kidnapped victims while one bandit was killed in Kaduna State. The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Musa Yahaya, a lieutenant-general, who confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna, north-west Nigeria, said that the victims were rescued on Friday. Mr Yahaya said that the ongoing clearance operation by the troops of the division had continued to yield positive results. He said, The troops acted on credible and timely intelligence on the kidnap of 6 persons at Hayin Tsando general area of Maraban Jos, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state. The gallant troops quickly mobilised, embarked on a search and rescue operation. The troops made contact with the bandits and criminal elements and a heavy fire fight ensued. READ ALSO: During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, captured two AK 47 rifles and neutralized one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds. The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander operation Whirl Punch Maj.- Gen. Valentine Okoro, has commended the troops for their resilience. Mr Yahaya also charged them to continue the aggressive tempo until all criminal elements in the divisions Area of Responsibility are completely eradicated. He also appealed to all paramedics to be on lookout for persons with gunshot wounds, report to the Nigerian Army and other sister security services for prompt action. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The wife of Ebonyi State governor, Marymaudline Nwifuru, has urged inmates of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Abakaliki, not to give up on life irrespective of the situation they found themselves in. Mrs Nwifuru gave the advice on Friday when she visited the Abakaliki Custodial Centre to donate food items and relief materials. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that she also visited and donated food items to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities and Red Cross Society and a motherless home in Abakaliki. The governors wife said her visit was part of her social responsibility and to know the status of their conditions as well as to add value to their lives. She encouraged the inmates to be of good conduct to promote their freedom, calling on them to put their trust in God, who has not given up on them. READ ALSO: I will speak with my husband to pardon some inmates whose cases are minor. On my part as the mother of the state, I will always endeavour to keep in touch with you and visit you from time to time, she pledged. She commended the management of the motherless home, led by the chairman, Simon Nweze, for the proper care of children at the home. She also assured the association of the physically challenged of continuous support. Earlier, the Assistant Controller of Corrections in charge of Abakaliki Custodian Centre, Mr Benedict Oyoko, pleaded with the need to decongest the centre. Mr Oyoko prayed to God to reward the governors wife for rendering assistance to the needy, especially the inmates. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra is killing the South-east economy, says the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. Mr Kalu said this on Friday in Abuja when executive members of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASMEs) visited him. The NASMEs executives were led by the president of the association, Abdulrashid Yerima. Mr Kalu said that the South-east loses between N10 billion and N13 billion in the transportation sector alone, every day the people of the region observe the sit-at-home day. When they sit at home in the South-east, the South-west, South-south, North-west, North-east and North-central are not sitting at home, he said. The deputy speaker said that when SMEs in the South-east suffer, the whole country suffers, stressing that when the South-east suffers, Nigeria suffers. Prices of goods and services will suffer if there is insecurity in the land, he noted. In a response to the NASME president appeal for the enactment of laws that would support the growth of SMEs in Nigeria, Mr Kalu said the National Assembly would address the concerns raised by the delegation. We must seek the growth of SMEs, there must be laws to support it. We must examine existing laws that are not SMEs-friendly. That way, we can address some of the economic challenges facing the country via SMEs, the deputy speaker said. He said recent data indicated that SMEs accounted for 48 per cent of national GDPs in emerging economies, just as the World Bank had declared that SMEs play a pivotal role in job creation. We believe in SMEs because without them major corporations cannot exist. We must support and promote the growth of SMEs, he stressed. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it seeks to make Nigeria part of a global vision of achieving international product standards. Director, Human Resources, SON, Timothy Abner, said this in Lagos during a walk to commemorate the World Standard Day on Saturday. Mr Abner said that the theme, Shared Vision for a Better World, was very clear because it was a vision that was shared with the rest of the world for better standards in the whole world. The world is sharing a vision to make sure that the same standard exists wherever you are. We have had a lot of goods moving from one country to another and of course; we have the international standards to be able to ensure that such goods are accepted wherever they go. In Nigeria, we want to key into this vision by making sure that we have standards for everything, he said. Fight against substandard products Speaking, Yahaya Buka, Director of Standard Development, said SON was determined to fight sub-standard products with many negative things, such as lack of value. Mr Buka said that SON was carrying all stakeholders along in this fight so that they would understand the advantages of the standard. He said when standards are implemented, it is for the benefit of all. Also, Manji Lawal, Director Inspectorate and Compliance department, said that standard was very important in life, disclosing that without standard, we cannot determine the quality of any product. Mr Lawal said the compliance and inspectorate department carries out inspection of products, mostly imported, and then ensures that they comply with the requirements of the standards. He said that standard in every aspect of life was important because, without standard, there would be no basis for judging the quality of the product. Foluso Bolaji, Director of Public Relations, said that the whole world was adopting one standard so that if you move goods from Nigeria to any part of the world, it will be the same. Mrs Bolaji said that the advantage of these was that Nigerians could embrace standards so that when they subscribe to federal organisations for mandatory assessment programmes, they could export their products in line with the presidents theme on a home-grown economy. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nasarawa State Ministry of Agriculture is in collaboration with other relevant institutions to generate a database for dry season farmers that will enhance proper intervention in the sector. Emmanuel Alanana, Programme Manager of the States Agricultural Development Programme (NADP), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital, in North-central Nigeria. Mr Alanana said this was in line with the recent directive by the governor to the ministry and relevant agencies to harness the potential for dry season farming in the state. He added that they were working with the respective farmers associations to register more dry season farmers in the state. Mr Alanana said, We have just met with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and discussed the need for more farmers to embrace dry season farming. As from next week, we would commence registration of more dry season farmers for us to have a database that would make for better planning and intervention, he said. He said that the state had huge potential for dry season farming, adding that its yields were higher than those of the rain-fed season, if given the attention it usually required. Mr Alanana said that the state had been committed to the course of all-year-round farming geared toward food sufficiency, hence the annual provision of farm inputs, especially to the dry season farmers. Last year, the state government provided about 6,000 bags of assorted fertilisers to dry season farmers at subsidised rate, alongside improved seeds and other chemicals. More of such should be expected this year given the commitment of the governor to boost agricultural production in the state, Mr Alanana added. The programme manager said that apart from the attention to dry season farming, the state government has been collaborating with the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in the value chain development programme for rice and cassava. He said that the programme had greatly impacted the lives of small -holder farmers, thereby boosting their productions. Kogi dry season farming The Kogi State commissioner for Agriculture, Timothy Ojoma, responding to the issue of dry season farming, said that the state government was adequately prepared for the commencement of the 2023/2024 dry season farming activities. Mr Ojoma said communities in the Local Government Areas whose ecology supports dry season farming had been identified and sensitisation activities had commenced to enable them perform optimally in food production in the state. Already, the Kogi Agricultural Development Project is in the forefront to actualise this project for optimal results, he said. Post-harvest losses On post-harvest losses, Mr Alanana of the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme said that the solution lay in agricultural mechanisation. He said that given its capital-intensive nature, the government alone could not handle it, hence the need for sustainable partnerships with local and international organisations. Mr Alanana said that the state recently received a grant from the Japanese Embassy for mini-harvesters and power tillers, and sought for more of such interventions. The programme manager said that farmers in the state were also being linked with companies where they could get some of the mechanised farming inputs at cheaper rates. The Kogi State commissioner, Mr Ojoma, recommended training to tackle post-harvest losses, especially of easily perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables and fish. He said such losses could be reduced through the training of the farmers. According to him, because of the effects of such losses on the psyche and finances of farmers, adequate training on post-harvest handling was usually carried out by the government in collaboration with the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Ilorin, Kwara. Mr Ojoma further said that storage and processing facilities such as coolers, smoking kilns were procured and distributed to farmers in the state to prevent them from experiencing losses. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources, Abdulaziz Yari, has assured that the two chambers of the National Assembly will pass legislative policies that will encourage the federal government to partner with the world on the objectives of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Mr Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, gave the assurance in a statement explaining what the Nigerian delegation discussed at the ninth G20 Parliamentary Summit held in New Delhi, India. Apart from Mr Yari, others on the delegation of Nigeria are the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibirin, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen. At the summit titled Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future, the Nigerian delegation participated in four high-level sessions on Accelerating SDGs, Sustainable Energy Transition, Women-led Development, and Transformation in Peoples Lives through Public Digital Platforms. Mr Yari, in the statement issued by his media office on Saturday, emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government to meet the demands of the SDGs. Summits like these are important because they allow us to see what other nations are doing in regard to collaborations between the executive and the legislative branches. We are here with the Speaker and the Deputy Senate President, who are our presiding officers, and all of us are learning a lot about how to bring a parliamentary dimension to global governance, raise awareness for the issues that matter, and build the necessary political support for Nigerias international commitments. I am excited about partnering with the world to get things done in Nigeria, and I am grateful to the leadership of both chambers for this opportunity to strengthen our legislative relationships and parliamentary knowledge, Mr Yari said. G20 Summit G20 means the group of 20. The group plays a key role in all major international economic issues. Collectively, G20 members represent 85 per cent of global economic output, two-thirds of the worlds population and 75 per cent of international trade. The forum initially focused on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has expanded its agenda to include trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, the environment and anti-corruption. The G20 facilitates dialogue among relevant parties through engagement groups, comprising non-governmental participants of the international community who draft recommendations to the G20 leaders on their areas of interest and contribute to the policy-making process. The involvement of the parliamentary community in G20 discussions began with a series of informal Parliamentary Speakers Consultations, launched first by Canada in 2010 and followed by South Korea in 2011, Saudi Arabia in 2012 and Mexico in 2013. Starting at the Fifth G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit held in Argentina in 2018, the IPU has contributed to a more structured process. G20 Speakers Summit also known as P20 aims to bring a parliamentary dimension to global governance, raise awareness, build political support for international commitments, and ensure that these are effectively translated into national realities. The summit also seeks to promote inter-parliamentary cooperation, enhance engagement between governments, parliaments and other stakeholders in the implementation of various G20 outcomes, and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has urged the Generating Companies (GenCos) and the Distribution Companies (DisCos) to improve on their performance in order to improve electricity. The minister made this call while meeting with the management teams of GenCos and DisCos in Abuja, according to a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the minister, in Abuja on Saturday. The statement quoted the minister as saying that the meeting was aimed at finding a lasting solution to the challenges in the power sector that had affected the growth and development of the countrys economy. Mr Adelabu said that meeting with all the players in generating, transmitting and distribution value chain would be adopted as a regular one in order to constantly review developments in the power sector. He described the gathering as the most authentic way of getting valuable information on the challenges faced by the operators as opposed to speculations. We called this meeting to learn from you and the only way to salvage a bad situation is to understand the real issues on ground. You will agree with me that power is the most important issue you need in order to re-energise the economy in terms of achieving the desired economic growth and industrial development. He referenced President Bola Tinubus inaugural speech where he referred to power as a major driver of economic growth and industrial development. Mr Adelabu urged the operators to synergise for the success of the power industry, adding that the work at hand cannot be carried out by one person. Power is one of the most important things we need to energise the economy in terms of achieving the desired economic growth and Industrial development. The president has identified the power sector as a major driver of economic growth, therefore no excuse will be entertained for non performance, he said. The minister solicited the support of the relevant bodies in order to forge a practical solution beyond theory. According to him, the cooperation of the managing directors of the generating and distribution companies across the country will make an impact in the sector. He said, There wont be anything as fulfilling as making impact in the power sector within two to three years, delivering and sustaining electricity supply to the end users. They include schools, households, small businesses and industries. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has constituted a committee to address issues with Nigerias inactive crude oil blocks. Kelechi Ofoegbu, the Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning, NUPRC, said this at a consultation forum on Friday in Abuja. The committee, he said, would adopt holistic measures to reverse the trend of the 23 failed oil blocks being managed by oil companies under the Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. Mr Ofoegbu spoke to journalists at the end of the 4th Phase of its Consultation Forum with relevant operators on regulations development as mandated by Section 216 (4)(g) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Recall that the latest Oil and Gas Industry Report for 2021 released by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) revealed that 23 oil blocks managed by both international and local oil companies under crude oil PSC with NNPC Ltd either failed to produce crude or were inactive. PSC is an arrangement or contract where the contracted oil company undertakes to fund operations to explore, develop and produce petroleum within a concession area, under an Oil Prospecting Licence and for an agreed number of years. How to tackle unproductive oil blocks Mr Ofoegbu said, The percentage is correct but there are reasons behind that and also well known to us and also to the operators. The committee, which includes the NNPC Ltd will look at it holistically and come out with measures that would reverse that trend. So there are measures such as tackling crude theft, attracting further investments and all of that. Production goals Speaking on the sectors overarching mandate, he said from the initial production of 1.2 million barrels per day of crude, the aim was to exit 2023 with two million barrels per day. According to him, the mid to short term goal is to do four million barrels per day. We are going to rely on the production from every available acreage, he said. Consultation forum He said section 216 of PIA requires that prior to bringing into existence, any regulations we should seek the opinions of, consult and engage with the stakeholders. READ ALSO: NUPRC announces successful bidders for gas flare commercialisation programme He said in complying with that provision, the NUPRC had been convening meeting with relevant individuals and bodies. He said the forum was the fourth edition with them. We looked at the draft Assignment Regulations, Assignment Regulations. Vocation Regulations, Development Contract Regulations. Today we are looking at the Commercial Regulations. The aim of the consultation is basically to have support for what we are proposing and to also enrich the document and the process and ensure the outcome will stand the test of time, he said. According to him, the finalised draft would be sent to the Ministry of Justice for ratification and approval. He said the aim was to improve commercial efficiency, reduce cost of production and promote profitability and ease of doing business. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Any armed police operative who extorts Nigerian is an armed robber, the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterated on Saturday. Mr Adejobi said this in a post on X. He was responding to a comment by an X user, Harry (@harrizone98) who reminded him of a similar comment he made last year regarding police extortion. Yes, this still stands, Mr Adejobi said to Harry. Any armed policeman or security operative who forcefully extorts an innocent Nigerian is as good as an armed robber. Extortion is never part of any agencys mandate, either armed or not. We condemn such, and even the IGP has made it clear. The IGP has warned officers not to drop his name to extort or dupe Nigerians and not to take any gift to him. We made an official statement to this effect, Mr Adejobi said. The force spokesperson, in tweet, June last year, had said that the police may be compelled to treat as armed robbers, their operatives who are fond of taking innocent Nigerians to ATM, Banks or hidden arenas to forcefully extort them. Continuing, he had said: By simple definition and interpretation of law, anyone who possesses firearms or offensive weapons and takes ones property with element of force or violence is simply armed robbery, nothing more. We detest and condemn this development or action which is in total contravention of our rules and regulations, and ethics as a responsible institution. Mr Adejobi has been telling Nigerians lately to resist any officer who demands money as a condition for bail, but his message appeared to have irked some Nigerians on X who feel that the police authorities should do more to expose and sanction corrupt officers. My comment was clear enough. Must we continue to pay these erring policemen? Are we going to continue this way? Mr Adejobi said in his latest comment on police extortion. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has commiserated with residents of the Kabong community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, over losses resulting from its facilitys malfunction. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that at least six persons died with others injured as a result of the faulty cable lines resulting in sparks in the area. The incident which started at about 3 a.m., also razed houses and shops in the community. JED in a statement by its Head, Corporation Communications, Friday Elijah, on Saturday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, North-central Nigeria, described the incident as unfortunate. We express our deepest sympathies to families who have encountered losses as a result of this incident, he said. According to the JED official, the incident occurred at about 3 a.m., as a result of issues surrounding its high-tension wires in the area. Preliminary report Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was a result of a high-tension line snap onto the low-tension lines which resulted in a voltage supply outside limits. The source feeder tripped off and inter-tripped the transmission end source from Makeri Transmission Station. We will continue to be monitoring the situation closely and communicate the facts of this regrettable incident, he said. He said that an evaluation of the root causes would be conducted and appropriate measures put in place to forestall future occurrences. A resident of Kabong, Mr Dung Bature, confirmed the incident and said that 10 persons have been reported killed as a result of the incident while the injured were taken to the hospital. He added that some shops around Sacred Heart Catholic Church were also gutted by fire among other damage. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday advised the over 1,500 couples who were joined together during a mass wedding in the state on Friday, not to indulge in the practice of checking their spouses phones. This would help to avert marriage break-up, Mr Kwankwaso said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Kwankwaso spoke at the reception organised for the couples by the Kano State Government at the Open Theatre in Kano Government House on Saturday. Earlier on Friday, Mr Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf, stood in as trustees for the new couples in a mass wedding that held simultaneously across the 44 local government areas of the state. About 1,800 couples were scheduled to be joined together at the wedding, but over 200 could not make it on health grounds. Speaking at the reception organised for the couples on Saturday, Mr Kwankwaso, who is the NNPP National leader, said that searching of spouses phone by a partner is one of the major causes of marriage breakups, hence the need for couples not to indulge in it. You have been advised by all and sundry. I believe you have been advised a thousand times. Ulamas, parents, relatives and even business people have advised you on how to live peacefully with one another. But, I have one single (piece of) advice for you; that is checking spouses phones. Dont peep (into) your spouses phones as that is the major cause of marriage breakup these days, he said. Mr Kwankwaso lauded the political commitment demonstrated by Governor Yusuf for making the wedding a reality. He also commended the administration for committing over N700 million to sponsor over 600 students to various universities outside the country. We have made the right choice by electing Governor Abba Yusuf as our governor. He is a good leader who had continued with our legacies. One of such of legacies is this mass wedding. Apart from this, he is delivering mass-oriented projects. We call on the good people of Kano state to support his administration, he said. How government funded mass wedding Earlier, the governor explained that the state government took full responsibility of the marriage, including payment of dowries, provision of furniture, wedding foodstuff and N20,000 grant for the brides to start up small-scale businesses at the comfort of their matrimonial houses. He, therefore, urged the couples to live peacefully in accordance with the teachings of Islam. How couples were selected Mr Yusuf said the beneficiaries of the mass wedding were selected from across the 44 local government areas and the 484 wards of the state. According to him, not less than 30 couples were selected from each of the 44 local government areas of the state. Welcoming guests earlier, the Commander General, Kano Hisbah Board, Aminu Daurawa, said no fewer than 1,500 couples tied the knot on Friday. However, Mr Daurawa disclosed that out of the 1,800 couples originally scheduled for the wedding, the joining of 264 had been suspended as they tested positive with some ailments and were undergoing medical treatment. He said after they finish taking their medications, the remaining 264 couples would have their wedding at a date to be announced later. The Islamic cleric pointed out that the wedding scheme had followed due and transparent process, commending the state government for the kind gesture. While praying for the couples to have long-lasting marital bliss, Mr Daurawa admonished them to fear God in dealing with one another. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The governments of Ghana and South Africa have reached a visa waiver agreement to allow citizens of both countries to travel visa-free. This was made known by Ghanas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in a post made on the social networking platform, X, where it said both countries have entered into an agreement on a visa waiver regime for holders of ordinary passports. Travellers may transit through, depart from and stay in the territory of both countries for a cumulative period of up to 90 days without recourse to work. According to the post, the agreement takes effect from 1 November. South Africa also reached a similar agreement with Kenya in January. South Africa is Africas second largest economy, after Nigeria. However, the two African giants have no such visa waiver agreement. There is also no indication that such an agreement is in the works between both countries. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print When renewed hostilities broke out on 7 September, the first reaction of President Joe Biden was not how to bring the conflict, which is eight decades old, to an end, but how to further prolong it. He assured Israel of rock solid support and military supplies. An old man like him ought to have learnt the good lessons of one of his predecessors, President Bill Clinton, for whom the eruption of fresh conflicts between the two sides, meant that there was little or no time to resolve the conflict. The human slaughter going on in Israel and Palestine are horrendous. In the first five days of the conflict, over 2,500 human beings were slaughtered. That is 500 per day. The Israelis tried to find their feet, with many taking shelter in bunkers, while the Palestinians, whose food, fuel, water and electricity supplies have been cut off, had a huge supply of bombs from the skies. Such a time of mass suffering and sorrow calls for empathy and the demands of all to work for peace. Tragically, this is the time chosen by some political and religious leaders to take sides in the conflict and pour petrol in the raging fires. The Bible proclaims in Mathew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. It is a declaration that anybody who wants to be Christ-like must work for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, whenever they occur. The peacemaker is the one working to reconcile human beings with others and with God. It is an emphasis that He who we serve is The God of peace (Romans 15:33). While men like Pope Francis mourned the many killed and prayed for their families, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) took a similar line for peace, men of God like Dr Enoch Adeboye, who leads the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) took sides, praying for one of the sides in the conflict to triumph. Adeboye, with a PhD in Mathematics, said he and his followers are praying for the victory of their Beloved Brothers in Israel. What gibberish is this? Who are his beloved brothers in Israel; the 73.6 per cent who are Jewish, the 18.1 per cent who are Muslims, the 1.9 per cent who are Christians or the 1.6 per cent who are Druze? Who told him that Israelites are Christians or that Israel is a Christian state? Adeboye prayed that: The Almighty God, the only one of Israel will give you absolute victory and give you permanent peace from now Can there be permanent peace anywhere? In all these, I am ashamed that Adeboye did not consider the Palestinians or rather, does not think they and their children are human beings. With thousands dying and many more injured, Adeboye said: We are praying we will get very, very good results very soon What good results can he be praying for? The annihilation of the Palestinians? Can the mass slaughter of human beings over land and politics bring good results? Adeboye needs to ask for forgiveness and pray for peace for all humans impacted by this unnecessary conflict, be they Israelis or Palestinians. One of the men stoking the fires is American Republican politician, David Bog, whose mainly false claims that Five times Palestinians rejected Israels olive branch time to rethink? have gone viral. He purports to be a researcher but his main book, Standing With Israel, has been found to be quite unreliable. He should also realise that as the General Overseer of the RCCG, his words carry weight, therefore he needs to weigh them before uttering them. These are times that call for statesmen who can work for a quick ceasefire, bring both sides to the table and fashion out a programme to end the 80-year conflict. Tragically, what we find mainly are leaders whose primary objectives are taking sides and stocking the fires. When renewed hostilities broke out on 7 September, the first reaction of President Joe Biden was not how to bring the conflict, which is eight decades old, to an end, but how to further prolong it. He assured Israel of rock solid support and military supplies. An old man like him ought to have learnt the good lessons of one of his predecessors, President Bill Clinton, for whom the eruption of fresh conflicts between the two sides, meant that there was little or no time to resolve the conflict. That was why he convened the 2000 Camp David Peace negotiations. One of the men stoking the fires is American Republican politician, David Bog, whose mainly false claims that Five times Palestinians rejected Israels olive branch time to rethink? have gone viral. He purports to be a researcher but his main book, Standing With Israel, has been found to be quite unreliable. In a review of the book in the Journal of Church and State, Nikolas K. Gvosdev wrote that the book: suffers from the fact that its author wants to make definitive statements on a variety of issues while ignoring inconvenient details. In the said video, Bog claims that Israel has offered the Palestinians a state of their own five times and that five times the Palestinians turned it down. He claims the first time was in 1936, when Arabs rebelled against the British colonialists who had seized the areas from the Ottoman Empire. If the areas were colonised by the British, and there was no Jewish state, how could the Jews have been in a position to offer the Palestinians a state of their own? It is not surprising that Iran supports Hamas. Can this be a justification for Britain, which created the problems in the Middle East, to support Israel? Children, women, the elderly are dying in this conflict; the immediate task of humanity is to stop the slaughter. The second instance, he claims, was in 1947, when the United Nations suggested a two-state solution. In other words, such an offer came either from the UN or the British colonial masters, and certainly not from Israel. Anyone conversant with the history of the Middle East knows that at that time, Jewish immigrants who came from Europe and were trying to set up a Jewish state, were involved in armed conflicts against their Palestinian neigbours and the British colonialists. One of the most infamous acts of this group was the 22 July, 1946 bombing of the King David Hotel, in which 91 died, including 25 Britons, 41 Arabs and 17 Jews. The bombing was by the Irgun terror group led by Menachem Begin, who became the Prime Minister of Israel from 1977 to 1983. At the time of the bombing, the hotels southern wing housed the headquarters of the British Colonial administration. The bombing was part of the attempt by the Jewish group to force the British out. So how could Israel have offered the Palestinians a state and how could the latter have declined the offer? He said that after the 1967 war, the Arab states ruled out negotiations with Israel. How is this tantamount to an offer and rejection of statehood by Palestinians. Bog claims the fourth time was the Camp David Accord. Anyone can google this. There was no agreement at Camp David, so there could have been neither an offer nor rejection of statehood. The only Bog claim that is correct is that in 2008, Israel offered the Palestinians statehood, but their leader Mahmoud Abass declined on the basis that he should be given the chance to study the map produced by Israel before accepting the offer. This to me was a sensible demand. It is not surprising that Iran supports Hamas. Can this be a justification for Britain, which created the problems in the Middle East, to support Israel? Children, women, the elderly are dying in this conflict; the immediate task of humanity is to stop the slaughter. 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 On a Thursday morning, a dark-skinned young lady, Torkwase Andrew, 16, was scooping water from a well; nearby stood a tall man spraying herbicide on his maize farm. They represent the first sight the reporter sees when he arrives in Mbazemba Adaka, a village not far from the Benue State capital, Makurdi. Mbazemba is a village whose livelihood is predominantly farming. The governments presence is felt in the area with electric poles and cables spread in the community. Accessing potable water in the community has been a great challenge for the people, with a major source of water for the past years being stream and well water, which has been affected by climate change and drought. Janet Aonduwase, 45, a mother of three, has had a tough time coping with getting water and catering for her children, who are still teens and primary school pupils. It has been a tough time for us in this community for the past years. Getting water for my childrens needs has been the most difficult task I have coped with in my over 15 years of marriage. My children now attend the government school in my village. It is common for a child to rough their clothes before they return from school. The little water I always look for needs to be sufficient to keep them neat. Janets most profound concern has been the quality of water she and her family have been drinking in the past few years. She explained that sudden illnesses have been something she has been dealing with. She further narrated that her little children have had bad times. READ ALSO: The water we use in this community is what I cant be proud and speak about, In this community, I fetch water from the stream, and most times, especially during the dry season, I and my household use it for everything you can think of. Sometimes you see my children, who appear to be healthy, start stooling, which is most often connected to the bad water we use. The situation worsens when the dry season sets in. She explained that lack of water has often cost her children classes as there was no water to take their baths or make meals. The 2018 dry season was the worst we have experienced. The well we usually fetch got dried, and the only hope was the stream, which eventually got dried, On a fateful day when my children ought to go to school, they stopped because we had no water to make food or bathe them to go to school. For Ternege Adom, 65, a father of two who has tried his best to dig a well for his children, the effect of climate change keeps affecting the well as it dries up when the rains stop coming. It has been a challenge for me as the head of the house. Im in pain whenever I see my wife struggling to get water for her daily use. I have not been able to do enough, which is not the case. I spent over N50,000 to dig the well I have, but unfortunately, as soon as the rains stop coming, we still look for where to get water. He emphasized the need for a better government presence in the community through the execution of projects. The Phantom Earth Dam For Jude Iorpu, 22, since he was born, there has been a conversation about the presence of a publicised earth dam in the community, but unfortunately, he has seen just the site but not the dam. When I was younger, my father always mentioned the name dam to my ears, but unfortunately, the one in our community is just abstract. The dam would have helped us satisfy the need for water, but unfortunately, that is not the case. I have only heard of clean and potable water in the class. I wish the dam is constructed for us in the shortest time. He explains how, most times, he has to contend with searching for water, which sometimes contributes to his lateness to school. When the dry season sets in, I wake up from sleep as early as 4 a.m. to look for water from the stream. Sometimes, if you are unlucky, you wont see the water. This would have been a situation that the earth dam would have solved. Andrew Orseer, 47, who is a farmer in the community, hinted at the agricultural benefit of the earth dam; he mentioned the practice of irrigational farming to top the list. What I do as a farmer is wet season planting, We have fertile land that, if well utilised, can help us generate a lot of income. Currently, I have planted rice and maize. If we have an earth dam here during the dry season, I can comfortably plant vegetables, which will, in turn, help me generate money. Mbazemba, like other communities in the Northern part of Nigeria, has experienced a temperature rise that has led to drought, which has led to the loss of some of the crops planted by Andrew. I have done most of my planting close to the proposed site of the dam in the past months. In April, I planted maize, but unfortunately, we expected rain, but it didnt, which led to the loss of most of the plants. If the dam were functional, I would have used the water to wet the crops, which would have cut my loss, but today, we are still here, and nothing has been done. I hope the project commences anytime soon. Project According to the 2022 approved budget of the Benue State government, N50 million was approved for the construction of an earth dam and water treatment plant at Mabazemba Adaka, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. When UDEME first visited the community in June, it was discovered that the project had yet to start. In an interaction with Mr Orseer, he explained that contractors and government officials had not visited the site. On a second visit in August 2023, the proposed site of the earth, which has been dug for several years, was covered with grasses. Government fails to respond In July 2023, UDEME, in a bid to get the details of the contractors and the amount released for the project, sent a Freedom of Information (FOI) Letter to the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment in Makurdi. A response was not provided. During a visit to the local government headquarters in Makurdi to interact with the authorities on the challenges of the people of Mbazamba, the Director-General, of Services and Administration (DGSA), who is in charge of the local government administration, was not available. The spokesperson for the state governor, Tersoo Kula, was not available for comments as he said he was on an assignment with the governor. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Medical and health workers are avoiding being posted to primary health centres located in areas witnessing terrorist activities in Katsina State. This has made life difficult for residents of such communities as they lack access to health care. From leaders of medical and health workers unions and government officials, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that primary health centres in security-wise vulnerable areas are suffering from a lack of adequate staff. In the North-west region, terror gangs, locally called bandits, regularly attack rural communities and engage in widespread kidnapping for ransom. Thousands of people have either been killed, abducted, or displaced in the region. In Katsina State, areas like Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kurfi, Dutsin Ma, Kankara, Faskari, Funtua, Sabuwa, Dandume, Bakori are some of the worse hit local government areas in terms of terrorists activities. 83 health workers abducted Medical and health workers, like other residents of the state, continue to bear the brunt of banditry as a total number of 83 of them were kidnapped while 16 were killed while on duty. The situation has become dicey especially in the frontline local government areas because our members (health workers) feel unsafe working in those areas, Bala Mohammed-Sulaiman, the state medical and health workers union chairman, said. So far, 83 of our members were abducted out of which 65 of them were released after payment of ransom. Some of them had to sell their farmlands, houses and through contributions from unions and other sources. Sixteen of our members were killed by the terrorists so far. Some had injuries. Even yesterday, one of our members was killed in Dandume Local Government Area. He is not even part of these statistics, Mr Mohammed-Sulaiman said. The health workers leader said a member of the union has been in captivity for four years. We dont know whether he is alive or not. Mr Mohammed-Sulaiman said medical and health workers who are indigenes of such areas with security issues are asked to stay in their immediate communities to help their people. This, he said, is done to bridge lapses in staffing of the health centres. He said in some of the health centres where 30 staff members are supposed to work, one hardly finds more than four workers due to the security situation. Residents speak PREMIUM TIMES spoke to residents of some of the affected communities, who all spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of risk of becoming targets of terrorist attacks, and said the situation was taking a toll on their lives. We have two health workers who come from Batsari town. Once its 3 m., they leave our community and return to Batsari because the road is not safe, a resident of the Dan Tsuntsu community said. Last year, terrorists burnt down a health care centre in Shimfida, a community in Jibia area. Another one was burnt down in the Batsari area. Ever since this hospital was burnt down by bandits, we have been left with no option. Weve tried in our capacity to see that weve even a temporary health centre with no success, a youth leader in Shimfida said. A resident of Mabai in the Kankara area told PREMIUM TIMES that not only health workers but others including teachers are running away from their communities. I dont blame them because its even risky for one to even ply the road from Kankara to our communities. Major communities here especially Kakumi, Mabai, and Ruwan Godiya are all seen as no-go areas for teachers and health workers. It has not been easy as our people are now forced to go to Kankara or other areas to access health care but even at that at great risk because the roads are not safe too, the anonymous Mabai resident said. Government reacts Officials of the health ministry in the state refused to speak over the issue when a PREMIUM TIMES reporter visited the State Secretariat on Friday. The Information and Culture Commissioner, Salisu Bala, said the incumbent administration would continue to prioritise the healthcare sector. Well restore the health care sector of the state by Gods grace, because were working towards achieving that. As you know, the state government has taken measures to protect the people of the state from terrorists. Weve seen how the state government recently created the community watch corps to complement the efforts of conventional security agents in the vulnerable areas, he said in a DW Hausa interview. Mr Bala-Zango expressed confidence that medical and health workers who are avoiding their duty posts would return in a limited period of time. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed the flag-off of its Bayelsa Governorship Campaign earlier scheduled for today, 14 October, in Yenagoa. The partys National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He said that a new date would be communicated to the public in due course. An Abuja High Court recently disqualified Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate, from contesting the 11 November governorship race. Justice Donatus Okorowo, while delivering the judgment, held that Mr Sylva had been sworn in twice and ruled Bayelsa for five years as governor. He said that the 1999 constitution would be breached if Mr Sylva was allowed to contest again. READ ALSO: Justice Okorowo specifically held that Mr Sylva was not qualified to run because if he won and was sworn in, he would spend more than eight years in office as governor. Citing Marwa Vs Nyako, the judge added that the Supreme Court had ruled that nobody could expand the Nigerian constitution or its scope. The APC has, however, said that the former minister of state for petroleum remains its governorship candidate for the election. Our party and its candidate have duly instructed the legal team to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court diligently and expeditiously, the APC spokesperson had said while reacting to the judgment. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ( Read 2017 Times) On October 13th, i the Central Public Senior Secondary School, located in New Bhupalpura, was declared the top-ranking school in the "Education World" school ranking. This achievement places the school first in Udaipur, second in Rajasthan, and eighth in all of India. The Central Public Senior Secondary School, commonly referred to as "C.P.S.," secured the first position in the category of schools providing co-education and residential facilities. This remarkable achievement is the result of nearly 35 years of relentless dedication by the school's director, Mrs. Alka Sharma. This accomplishment is a moment of great pride for the C.P.S. family, including the school's management, parents, and students, who have worked tirelessly over the years. The news also mentions that Mrs. Alka Sharma, the director of C.P.S., was honored for her substantial efforts. In addition to this recognition, a grand event celebrated Mrs. Alka Sharma, Chairperson of C.P.S., at a prestigious ceremony. This event is considered a significant occasion in the education field, recognizing the contributions of educators, renowned figures in the education sector, principals, and teachers. Schools like C.P.S. go beyond imparting regular education and teach students additional skills, and this accolade attests to their commitment to maintaining high standards in the field of education. Source : Dr. Dalton recognized for his legacy and contributions to business growth, civic engagement and community uplift HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. David Dalton, an award-winning pharmacist and biopharmaceutical entrepreneur, was recently recognized as one of twelve 'BANNERED HEROES' at a celebration for Pennsylvania's African American Veterans hosted by The State Museum of Pennsylvania and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. In partnership with the State Museum of Pennsylvania, BANNERED HEROES is sponsored by the Beta Pi Boule Chapter (Harrisburg, PA) of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boule), of which Dr. Dalton is a member. Founded in 1904, the Boule is the oldest African-American Greek organization. Notable members include W.E.B. DuBois, Charles R. Drew, James Weldon Johnson, Ralph Bunche, Andrew J. Young, Colin Powell, James E. Clyburn, John Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Barak Obama, Kenneth Chenault and Wes Moore, among others. The Boule is committed to elevating Black communities by striving to eliminate barriers to civic, social, political, educational and economic well-being. Born in West Virginia, Dalton lived in Dillsburg, PA for more than thirty years. He received a BS in Pharmacy from West Virginia University in 1971 and was honored as one of the top ten graduates within the last century. Dalton became a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1974. From 1971 to 1976, he served in the US Air Force and is the first Black pharmaceutical executive in the chain drug industry. He is in the 'Four Halls of Fame' and also received the U.S. Senatorial Medal of Freedom. Dr. Dalton is an inductee of three Halls of Fame, is a recipient of the Senatorial Medal of Freedom, and has been recognized by several presidents of the United States. "An unwavering beacon of service, Dr. David Dalton stands as a testament to the power of dedication and community spirit," said Tyorne Powell, President, Beta Pi Boule Chapter. "With a heart as vast as his legacy, he has tirelessly uplifted others for decades, embodying the true essence of a veteran and community businessman. His record of service illuminates our path towards a brighter future." In addition to his 45 years of experience in the pharmaceutical world, Dr. Dalton served for more than 18 years as Vice President of Rite Aid, a chain of retail drug stores, and then founded and served as Chairman, President, CEO of several successful pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-related companies: Mednet, ManagedcareRx, Sivault Systems. Dr. Dalton is the owner and CEO of UNIVEC, Inc. and is presently Chairman, President, and CEO of Wellness Teladoc, Pharmacy Services Inc, and Health Resources Inc. Dr. Dalton is one of the original members and directors of the National Council of Prescription Drug Programs and founder of the National Minority Health Association in 1988. Notably, the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare named Dr. Dalton as one of the "Top 100 Healthcare Leaders" in 2019 and "Top 100 Healthcare Visionaries" in 2021. Among the 40 companies he has founded, Health Resources, Inc. is the first African-American pharmaceutical and benefits management company, working with more than 50,000 retail pharmacies to fill prescriptions. Dr. Dalton's recognition as a BANNERED HERO is historic and unique because the exhibition the first of its kind will remain in The Pennsylvania State Museum through Veteran's Day. Dr. Dalton is also one of the 18 veterans to have a banner hanging in Pennsylvania's Soldiers Grove, located behind the capitol. About Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 15, 1904, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is the oldest Black Greek-letter graduate-level fraternity in existence. Its founders were six extraordinary Black American men who supported the vision of establishing a fraternity for men of achievement as articulated by its primary founder, Henry McKee Minton. Minton envisioned a fraternity in which Black men of distinction would be invited to become members of a close fraternal union for their mutual benefit and to seek to enhance their underserved communities. Sigma Pi Phi remains true to its original purposes of enhancing the professional and interpersonal lives of its members and contributing to the enhancement of underserved communities. Importantly, the Fraternity has systematically embraced programs and activities that support historically Black colleges and universities, national civil rights organizations and causes, and local scholarship programs for youth, particularly for young Black males. The Fraternity contributed to the establishment of the Museum of African American History and Culture and continues to support organizations committed to enhancing community health as well as social, economic and educational opportunities. Contact: Rachael Doff, SVP/Chief of Staff, JHB Holdings [email protected] About John Hope Bryant Holdings, LLC (JHBH) John Hope Bryant Holdings, LLC (JHBH) is the global umbrella holding company for all the business, thought leadership, advisory and philanthropic undertakings of American entrepreneur John Hope Bryant. JHBH and John Hope Bryant are committed to maximizing untapped human capital at scale, and building business and community enterprises that are in equal part committed to 'doing well', and to 'doing good', too. Press Contact: Per/Se Media Group (404) 885-6678 SOURCE Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity The ongoing Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip has entered a critical phase as Tel Aviv continues untold crimes against humanity toward 2.3 million Palestinians in the strip. Pro-Palestine demonstrations in the West; Egypt and Turkey reject all Israeli attempts to displace Palestinians in Gaza; Hamas leader Haniyeh vows Palestinians will not leave Gaza. Related Israel's war on Gaza continues unabated with no relief in sight for Palestinian civilians: Day 8 as it happened In Photos: Support for Palestinians surges in western capitals amid escalating Israeli crimes against Gaza We are not subhuman Summary The Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC) and the Palestinian Health Ministry rejected an Israeli ultimatum to the hospitals in the north of the strip to evacuate Israel said 14 additional Israeli soldiers killed since last Saturday, bringing the number of soldiers killed to 279 The U.N. Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) is calling on Israeli authorities to protect all civilians sheltering at the agencys premises across the Gaza Strip In a televised speech, Ismail Haniyeh, the chair of the political bureau of Hamas, defiantly said: "We want the occupation to leave our sacred land and we want to have our own state and we want our captives freed" Exchange of fire continued on the Israel-Lebanon border between Israel and Hezbollah Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Cairo for talks that focused on the conflict. Both officials understand the necessity of immediate cessation of escalation, said Ahmed Abu Zaid, spokesman for the Egyptian foreign ministry Informed Egyptian sources have confirmed that Egyptian authorities refused to permit the passage of foreign residents in Gaza through the Rafah crossing, except within an agreement that encompasses the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip, Al Qahera News TV reported 2,268 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,000 wounded since the start of Israeli attacks on Gaza and the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry announced Families of Israeli captives including young children, gathered at the Defense Ministry to demand the Israeli government provide answers and act to bring about the captives' immediate release The Interior Ministry in Gaza said "at least 20 people were killed and more than 80 injured in a new massacre committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the Al-Fakhoura district in the Jabalya refugee camp in north Gaza" UNICEF has called for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, stressing hundreds of thousands fleeing the conflict have run out of food, water, and electricity with a shortage of medicine and no safe access to hospitals Saudi Arabia calls an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries Tens of thousands of people on Saturday chanted Free Free Palestine! as they took to the streets in Central London in the UK and other Western capitals to demonstrate against the Israeli onslaught on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip ---------- 22:00 Nibal Farsakh, spokeswoman for the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC), said that the medical staff at Al-Shifa and Al-Quds Hospitals in northern Gaza will not leave their workplaces, rejecting the Israeli occupation armys ultimatum to the hospitals in the north of the strip to evacuate. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza also rejected the Israeli ultimatum, stating "this is an impossible task." 21:00 The British government could be complicit in war crimes in Gaza if it does not do more to "restrain" Israel, a senior Conservative MP has warned, according to the UK Independent newspaper. Crispin Blunt, a former chair of parliament's foreign affairs committee, has written to Rishi Sunak warning the UK is in "legal peril" on account of his "apparent unqualified support to the policy of the Government of Israel," according to Independent. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, which Mr Blunt co-chairs, has issued a notice of intention to prosecute UK officials and says there is "clear evidence that Israel has committed war crimes," it added. 20:40 The Israeli army released the names of 14 additional Israeli soldiers killed since last Saturday, bringing the number of soldiers killed to 279. 20:30 The Israeli army has "determined the need for a ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip, which would require entering the heart of Gaza and reaching Hamas representatives," Haaretz said on Saturday. 20:00 The U.N. Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) is calling on Israeli authorities to protect all civilians sheltering at the agencys premises across the Gaza Strip including those in northern Gaza and Gaza City, AP said. UNRWA said that despite the order to evacuate more than 1 million people from the northern parts of the Gaza Strip and Gaza City to the south, many people particularly pregnant women, children, older people, and people with disabilities will not be able to flee the area. They have no choice and must be protected at all times, UNRWA said. UNRWA added its shelters in Gaza and northern Gaza are not safe anymore. This is unprecedented. 19:00 In a televised speech, Haniyeh, the chair of the political bureau of Hamas, said: "We want the occupation to leave our sacred land and we want to have our own state and we want our captives freed." "I say to my brothers in Egypt that our decision is to remain in our land and your decision is also ours," in reference to Cairo's rejection of any forced displacement of the Palestinians in Gaza to Egypt. 18:50 More than 14 Palestinians are killed every hour by the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, according to a report by the More than 14 Palestinians are killed every hour by the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, according to a report by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor on Saturday 18:45 The Hamas organization in the occupied West Bank has called for the broadest participation from Palestinians in the demonstrations set for tonight after the Al Esha (Evening) Prayers from all mosques and marches on all points of contact, checkpoints, and confrontation with the Israeli army surrounding Palestinian towns and cities in the occupied territory. The Palestinian population living in the occupied West Bank is estimated at 2.9 million. More than 54 Palestinians were killed and nearly 1,000 injured in clashes with the Israeli army since the outbreak of Al-Aqsa Flood operation by Hamas. 18:40 Israeli shells Hezbollah posts in south Lebanon. #_ #_## pic.twitter.com/GFCoSZmWH5 (@AlArabiya) October 14, 2023 18:35 Russias embassy in Israel said Saturday in a statement: According to the Israeli side, as of 13:00 on 14 October, the number of Russian dead citizens who also had Israeli citizenship increased to 16 people. The updated lists of missing persons provided by the Israeli side include eight Russian citizens. At least one Russian citizen is being held hostage in the Gaza Strip, Russian state news agency RIA reported. 18:20 Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan said Turkey rejects the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza to Egypt, stressing full support to Cairo in this regard. In a press conference with Egypts Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, Fidan thanked the Egyptian authorities for coordinating the reception of three Turkish planes loaded with humanitarian aid in Arish City to be delivered to Gaza. 17:55 2,268 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,000 wounded due to Israeli attacks on Gaza and the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry announced. 17:50: Hussein Al-Sheikh, the secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee says Israels call on residents of north Gaza to leave ahead of an expected ground offense is a war crime. In a statement, Al-Sheikh said that the Palestinian leadership rejects by all means the Israeli attempts to displace the citizens of Gaza Strip; considers this a war crime added to the series of Israeli war crimes and calls on the international community to intervene to stop this genocidal war in the Gaza Strip. 17:40 According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 28 medical staff have been killed in Gaza since the start of the conflict last Saturday. It also said two hospitals in Gaza (Beit Hanoun and Al-Dura Hospital for Children) are out of service, and 15 other medical centres have been damaged. 17:00 US Joe Biden tweets that the US is working with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and the UN to surge support to ease the humanitarian consequences of Hamass attack ... and create conditions needed to resume the flow of assistance. The U.S. is working with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and with the UN to surge support to ease the humanitarian consequences of Hamass attack, create conditions needed to resume the flow of assistance, and advocate for the upholding of the law of war. President Biden (@POTUS) October 14, 2023 18:20 Israel slammed Croatia's president for saying Israel lost its sympathy over the response in Gaza to the Hamas attacks, and deeming the Croatian Foreign Ministry's decision to display the Israeli flag outside its building as "idiotic," Haaretz said. With all my sympathy for Israel, which unfortunately they lost within 15 minutes there is no place for other flags in Croatia, except in strictly regulated situations, said Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. I condemned [Hamas] murders, I even expressed disgust and abhorrence, but the right to defense does not include the right to revenge and the killing of civilians, he added. 17:30 Tens of Israeli protesters on Saturday called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ouster as families of those captured by Hamas say they are desperate for answers. An Israeli man whose wife and three children were kidnapped by Hamas to Gaza says he intends to stay outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv until they are freed. "I am not a political being and I will disappear as soon as they are freed." Families of captives including young children, gathered to demand the Israeli government provide answers and act to bring about the captives' immediate release. Distraught parents cried out and one woman said that no parent should be in her situation not knowing where her children are and what is being done to them. 17:00 Semafor.com reported on Saturday that MSNBC has quietly taken three of its Muslim broadcasters out of the anchors chair since Hamass attack on Israel last Saturday amid Americas wave of sympathy for Israeli terror victims. The network did not air a scheduled Thursday night episode of The Mehdi Hasan Show on the streaming platform Peacock, add the website. MSNBC also reversed a plan for Ayman Mohyeldin to fill in this week on the network for host Joy Reids 7 p.m. show on Thursday and Friday, according to Semafor. Mohyeldin is an Egyptian-American journalist and veteran NBC News correspondent who covered the conflict from Gaza for two years. 16:30 Khaled Mashaal, the former leader of Hamas, said from abroad that "the operation against Israel was planned solely by the Al Qassam Brigades". "The events didn't start on 7 October; you should read before that, and even better, read since the occupation of our land, the killing, and displacement of our people." Regarding the timing of the operation, he said, "The operation is linked to the escalating crimes of the occupation and its violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem." He emphasized that the Al Qassam Brigades' rules in combat are derived from the teachings of the true religion, stating, "You have heard the directives of the Al-Qassam Brigades' leader, saying: 'Do not kill a child, a woman, or an elder.'" While acknowledging that there may be some mistakes in war, he asserted that there is absolutely no deliberate intent to kill civilians. He further added, "If the Qassam Brigades possessed precision and advanced technology weapons, there would definitely be no mistakes. On the other hand, the occupation, backed by all of America and the West's resources, deliberately kills and carries out genocide against civilians." 16:05 The Interior Ministry in Gaza says "at least 20 people were killed and more than 80 injured in a new massacre committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the Al-Fakhoura district in the Jabalya refugee camp in north Gaza." 15:40 The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance, or OCHA, confirmed to the Associated Press that this week was the deadliest in the West Bank since the U.N. started recording in 2005. In the week since Hamas launched its attack on Israel last Saturday, 54 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the West Bank with 14 killed on Friday alone. 15:35 Hezbollah's TV station has reported an intense exchange of fire along Lebanon's border with Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border with Syria's Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Al-Manar TV reported that Hezbollah fighters pounded Israeli positions in the Chebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba hills area on Saturday. 15:30 Informed Egyptian sources have confirmed that Egyptian authorities refused to permit the passage of foreign residents in Gaza through the Rafah crossing, except within an agreement that encompasses the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip, Al Qahera News TV reported. Witnesses reported that foreign nationals waited for several hours at the crossing without any response from the Egyptian authorities. # # pic.twitter.com/vibkLgImtv (@AlArabiya) October 14, 2023 15:20 The Ambassador of Spain to Egypt Alvaro Iranzo highlighted the urgency of recalling that the only road to a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis is the one leading to the two-state solution, as defined by the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. In a speech at an event hosted by the embassy in Cairo, Iranzo said Self-defense should be exercised according to international law. We reject collective punishment and call for immediate humanitarian relief for the population of Gaza." "We deeply value Egypt's contribution to stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa," Iranzo stressed. 15:00 Thousands of Palestinians continued to flee the north of the Gaza Strip on Saturday from the path of an expected Israeli ground assault, while Israel pounded the area with more air strikes. In total, Israel killed 2,215 Palestinians in the coastal enclave. In Gaza City's Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood, part of the area Israel has ordered evacuated, warplanes bombed a residential area during the night, hitting several houses, according to residents who posted appeals on social media platforms. Hundreds of residents of the area took refuge at the nearby Quds hospital and planned to join those fleeing to the south in the morning. "We lived a night of horror. Israel punished us for not wanting to leave our home. Is there brutality worse than this?", a father of three told Reuters by telephone from the hospital, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals. "I was never going to leave, I prefer to die and not leave, but I cant see my wife and children die before my eyes. We are helpless." In Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli planes struck a four-story building, killing and wounding several people. Neighbours rushed to rescue people trapped in the rubble. "This is a genocide, not a war, it's genocide. And it's an attempt to displace the people of the Gaza Strip, but this will not happen," said neighbour Mohammad Sadeq. "Martyrs are stuck under the rubble and until now neither us nor the medics nor civil defense were able to take them out." 14:55 Israeli Airforce announced that one of its F-16 was damaged in the ongoing attack on Gaza. 14:35 UNICEF has called for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, stressing hundreds of thousands fleeing the conflict have run out of food, water, and electricity with a shortage of medicine and no safe access to hospitals. The announcement comes after Israel issued a warning to some 1 million Palestinians to head toward the south of the Palestinian enclave ahead of an imminent ground invasion. The situation is catastrophic, with unrelenting bombing and a massive increase in the displacement of children and families. There are no safe places, said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. 14:29 Hamas says Israeli air strikes have killed nine of the Israeli war prisoners in the past 24 hours. The armed wing of Hamas has said in a statement that nine captives, including four foreigners, were killed due to Israeli air strikes on Gaza. 14:25 Tens of thousands of people on Saturday chanted Free Free Palestine! as they took to the streets in Central London in the UK to demonstrate against the Israeli onslaught on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Londons Metropolitan Police deployed more than 1,000 officers in central London ahead of the march of Palestine supporters gathered in front of the BBC building waving Palestinian flags and chanting Free Free Palestine! Now in front 10 Downing Street, tens of thousands protest Israeli massacres against the Palestinian people in occupied Gaza, West Bank and everywhere. First speech was for Palestine pic.twitter.com/SuiDfOWo0n Husam Zomlot (@hzomlot) October 14, 2023 14:20 Saudi Arabia calls an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries. The OIC says in a statement that the meeting will address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region. The meeting will take place on Wednesday in Jeddah. 14:15 The Palestinian Red Crescent Society received an order from Israeli forces on Saturday with a new deadline to evacuate its Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City by 1300 GMT (4pm local time), according to a statement. 14:00 A plane carrying 78 cubic metres of health supplies from the WHOIs logistics hub in Dubai has landed at Al-Arish airport. The supplies will be delivered to Gaza as soon as humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing is established. An initial deadline was given for 0300 GMT (6am local time) but was later extended. But the association said they cannot evacuate the hospital, and it is obliged under a humanitarian mandate to continue providing services to the sick and wounded, the statement added. A plane carrying 78 cubic metres of health supplies from @WHOs logistics hub in Dubai has landed in Al-Arish airport in #Egypt. The supplies will be delivered to #Gaza as soon as humanitarian access through the #Rafah crossing is established.https://t.co/wJHOEUUJJH pic.twitter.com/9Ll62EUL4P WHO Egypt (@WHOEgypt) October 14, 2023 13:50 The Israeli army arrested 280 Palestinians across the West Bank, among them two senior members of Hamas in Nablus, Israeli media reports. Some 54 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank since 7 October, Palestinian health ministry figures say. 13:30 Chief diplomats of Egypt and Germany held talks Saturday on the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, an Egyptian official said. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Cairo for talks that focused on the conflict. Both officials understand the necessity of immediate cessation of escalation, said Ahmed Abu Zaid, spokesman for the Egyptian foreign ministry. 13:22 Lebanon's foreign ministry said it will submit a formal complaint to the UN Security Council over what it called "Israel's deliberate killing" of Issam Abdullah, a Lebanese national and Reuters visuals journalist, state media reported on Saturday. 13:05 A substantial relief and aid convoy, organized by the National Alliance for Civil Development Work (NACDW), a coalition of NGOs in Egypt, was dispatched on Saturday to the Gaza Strip, as reported by Al-Qahera News channel. The convoy comprises 106 vehicles loaded with approximately 1,000 tons of essential supplies, 40,000 blankets, 50,000 clothing items, and 300,000 medicine boxes, according to the channel's report. 12:53 The Israeli occupation army said it had struck militants attempting to cross the Israel border from Lebanon. It was not clear which group the alleged militants belonged to. On Friday, Hezbollah said its fighters fired several rockets at four Israeli positions along the border and the Israeli army said it had attacked Hezbollah targets with drone strikes. 12:50 Egypt and Israel have agreed to let US citizens leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing on Saturday as Israel carries out strikes against Hamas, a US official told AFP. The two US partners agreed to keep the sole crossing from Gaza to Egypt open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (0900-1400 GMT), said a US official accompanying Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a regional tour. The official said that the United States did not yet have confirmation that the agreement was being implemented, "but the intention was to have it open." The official speaking to AFP said that 500-600 US citizens in the Gaza Strip had reached out for information on leaving the hemmed-in territory. The official did not know if other foreign nationals were able to leave. 12:45 Qatar said on Saturday that it categorically rejects any attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian residents from the Gaza Strip. A statement from the Qatari foreign ministry said that the state of Qatar "call on lifting the siege of Gaza Strip, and provide full protection for the Palestinian civilians according to the international and humanitarian laws". 12:20 In Riyadh, the Saudi Foreign Minister discusses the developments in Gaza with his American counterpart, and the Kingdom rejects Israeli calls for the displacement of Palestinians from northern Gaza. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a meeting with his Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said work must be done to protect civilians, establish safe areas, and deliver aid to Gaza, The Saudi minister stressed the need for a collective effort to stop the cycle of violence. #### pic.twitter.com/Fme8RYTJtW (@AlHadath) October 14, 2023 11:35 Israel's occupation army said on Saturday it killed two Hamas commanders who were behind the cross-border rampage into Israel a week ago. The army said it killed Merad Abu Merad, who was the head of the Hamas aerial system, and Ali Qadi, a company commander of a commando force. 11:07 Jordan's King Abdullah left for a European tour to garner support from the region's leaders for an end to the Israeli "war on Gaza", Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told state media. On Sunday, King Abdullah spoke to regional and international leaders in a bid to de-escalate the rising tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. He reiterated the need for collective action to prevent the conflict from escalating. 11:00 The Israeli militarys spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel is going to attack with great force. the Palestinians in Gaza. We are preparing the forces, going over plans, prepared in all arenas, south, north, and center, he said. There are still citizens who have not yet evacuated. Anyone who chooses not to evacuate puts himself and his family in danger. We will attack with great force in the areas that have been evacuated, he added. 10:59 The Israeli army announced that it had designated two routes for Gaza City residents to leave the city, via Salah al-Din and al-Bahr Streets, towards the south of the Gaza Strip for limited hours. The evacuation order comes only a day after Israeli forces bombed a convoy of Palestinians fleeing to the south of the Palestinian enclave, killing more than 70 people, most of them women and children. The death toll of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza has risen to 2,215 Palestinians with 8,714 injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry. 10:20 The Israeli army stated that it has not yet been able to pinpoint the whereabouts of the Israeli war prisoners. Sky News Arabia reported an Israeli army spokesman as saying that none of the Israelis who were taken captive by the Palestinians have been located. This announcement follows the statement by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, which reported the loss of 17 captives during the relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army said the number of prisoners in the hands of the movement is at least 120. 10:15 According to media reports, Egypt has closed the Rafah crossing, dividing Egypt from Gaza, with a "temporary" cement wall, as an alternative to the gate that was bombed by Israel. This step is aimed at preventing overcrowding and mass displacement, particularly in response to Israel's evacuation order amid ongoing Gaza attacks. Egypt has stressed that allowing a refugee exodus to its territory would jeopardize the Palestinian statehood dream. While the Egyptian side of the crossing remains open, the Palestinian side is non-operational due to recent Israeli airstrikes. With all crossings with Israel sealed and maritime and airspace controlled by Israel, the Rafah crossing is the only viable option to facilitate the evacuation of people from the enclave. 10:00 Tens of thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza continued their exodus for a second consecutive day, ahead of an evacuation deadline as Israel extended its aerial bombardment. 9:45 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says resistance groups in the region are fully ready to respond to any move by Israel. The minister spoke in Beirut at the end of a tour that took him to Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, home to tens of thousands of Iran-backed fighters. Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut Saturday that he met Hezbollahs leadership, adding that the resistance (Hezbollah) is in excellent condition and in full readiness to respond to criminal acts by the Zionist entity. He added that the resistance will decide if the war will expand or new fronts are to be open. We will do all we can to stop the Zionist crimes in Gaza," Amirabdollahian said. 9:00 The Israeli army warned the Gazan population that they should move to the southern part of the enclave using evacuation corridors between 10am and 4pm according to Israeli media. This new timeframe appears to be an extension of the initial warning that concluded at 5am on Saturday. If you care about yourself and your loved ones, go south as instructed, the occupation army said. Search Keywords: Short link: MIAMI, Oct. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the sunlit heart of Miami, the city pulsated with a unique vibrancy as it played host to the 6th annual Business and Legal Summit. Organized by Amr Alian, founder of Synergy Consultants & CPAs, the event brought together a medley of some of the brightest minds in business, law, and artificial intelligence, in the dental field. Eric White from Dykema was among the illustrious speakers, along with leaders from the cutting-edge intersection of AI and dentistry: the CEOs of Pearl and Chief Clinical Officer of Overjet. These AI powerhouses have pioneered advancements in diagnosing dental treatments using sophisticated artificial intelligence. Ardalan Safi (left) and Mayor Suarez (right) taking the stage at The 6th annual Business and Legal Summit Mayor Suarez (right) and Amr Alain (left) on stage at The 6th annual Business and Legal Summit Amr Alian, founder of Synergy Consultants & CPAs moderated a panel of the industry leaders that included CFO of Oakpoint Dental Group with over 150 dental locations and the CEO of Guardian Dental, which acquired over 200 practices over the past 4 years. With such successful dentists and business moguls in attendance, the event solidified its reputation as an essential gathering for professionals eyeing growth in Miami with the attendance of Private Equity and Family offices for investment opportunities. Mayor Suarez and Amr Alian took the stage to discuss various economic and investment topics, while the Mayor shed the light on Miami's unparalleled allure for businesses. "Miami isn't just a city; it's a promise. A promise of growth, innovation, and support for all businesses. Our policies, our community, our ethosthey all converge to create an ecosystem where businesses can thrive," he emphasized. He added, "Miami's doors are open for businesses. With low unemployment, no homelessness, and a city that fervently backs entrepreneurs, we are truly the future of business growth." Amr Alian of Synergy Consultants & CPAs expanded on Miami's fiscal appeal. "It's not just about the sun-kissed beaches or the vibrant nightlife. It's about the tangible tax benefits that Miami offers, making it a fiscal paradise for businesses to root themselves and flourish," he noted. For Ardi Safi & Amir Moghaddam, Co-founders of DDS Marketing, one of the prominent marketing platform for dentists, where they believe Miami's appeal was evident in the success stories of the many dental professionals who have chosen the city as their base. "Time and again, we've seen dental practices soar here. The combination of a friendly business environment and significant tax advantages makes Miami a no-brainer for the dental industry," Safi remarked. Amir Moghaddam resonated with these views, adding, "This summit was our tribute to a city that has been a cornerstone for businesses like ours. By facilitating dialogues between leaders like Mayor Suarez, Eric White, and the pioneering CEOs of AI-driven dental solutions, we wanted to underscore the limitless potential Miami offers." The 6th annual Business and Legal Summit will undoubtedly be etched in history as a monumental convergence of minds, celebrating the dynamism and promise of Miami. MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected], (323) 897-8513 SOURCE DDS Marketing GLENDALE, Ariz., Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Sunburst Plaza in Glendale, Arizona on October 28th. "We are thrilled to open our store at Sunburst Plaza," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Glendale community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication." The new Daiso store at Sunburst Plaza encompasses 12,960 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Arizona based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 106 units in 7 states with more states opening in 2024". On both Saturday, October 28th and Sunday, October 29th, the first 100 customers to shop at the Sunburst Plaza location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a free goodie bag and a plushie. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community. Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Sunburst Plaza Daiso is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. About Daiso: Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in La Mirada, CA. SOURCE Daiso USA BOGOTA, Colombia, Oct. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that the Board of Directors, during its meeting held on October 13, 2023, appointed Luis Felipe Rivera as the Vice President of Science, Technology, and Innovation, effective from October 23, 2023. Dr. Rivera holds a degree in Systems Engineering from Universidad Industrial de Santander, a specialization in Administration from Universidad ICESI, and is currently pursuing an MBA at Universidad Adolfo Ibanez in Miami. He possesses over 20 years of professional experience across various sectors of the economy, with expertise in the structuring and management of ICT areas, processes, operations, information security, technological innovation, digital transformation, and the implementation of mission-critical and support technology solutions, among other areas. Since 2018, he has been serving as the Director of Information Technology for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and will cease to serve as such before joining Ecopetrol S.A. ----------------------------------------- Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice. This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For more information, please contact: Head of Capital Markets (a) Daniel Hurtado Mendoza Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] SOURCE ECOPETROL S.A. DUBLIN, Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Long Read Sequencing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Technology (Nanopore Sequencing), By Workflow, By Application, By End-Use, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global long read sequencing market size is expected to reach USD 3.78 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 30.92% As sequencing methods continue to play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical advancements, the expanding knowledge of long read sequencing adds cumulative market value. The adoption of these technologies for structural variant analysis is poised to be a driving force throughout the forecast period. Ongoing research endeavors are expected to provide manufacturers with a slight advantage as they delve into the development of advanced long read sequencing methods, opening up a plethora of opportunities in the market. Additionally, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, key industry players are collaborating with public health laboratories and researchers worldwide to facilitate rapid sequencing of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Companies are actively engaged in devising workflows for characterizing a wide array of pathogens within samples. Notably, Oxford Nanopore Technologies recently introduced LamPORE, a scalable, cost-effective, and swift assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2. The rising prevalence of genetic disorders, coupled with increased R&D investments by leading manufacturers in long-read sequencing technology, is poised to propel the industry forward. Long read sequencing is particularly valuable for studying genetic disorders with well-known or strongly suspected disease loci. Moreover, these technologies hold the potential to partially overcome the limitations of clinical disease research relying on next-generation sequencing. Their distinct advantage lies in the use of longer reads from a single DNA molecule. Another driving factor for market expansion is the growing acceptance of modern methods in medical diagnosis. The portability and real-time capabilities of long-read sequencing technology further contribute to its increasing demand. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in creating precise reference maps of chromosome centromeres. Many biotech firms are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies that combine innovative approaches to library preparation with genomic analysis tools. Numerous studies highlight the utility of long-read sequencing technology in identifying novel harmful mutations in human disorders with unidentified genetic origins. This presents a wealth of potential for researchers to leverage whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology in advancing medical genetics. Key Highlights from the Long Read Sequencing Market Report: Single Molecule Real Time Sequencing (SMRT) technology claimed dominance in the market in 2021, gaining traction across diverse applications since its initial commercial launch. In 2022, the consumables segment took the lead based on products, driven significantly by the escalating demand for reagents and kits. The cancer segment emerged as the dominant application category in 2022, with increasing adoption of long read sequencing in the realm of cancer biology. Sequencing remained the dominant segment in 2022 when categorized by workflow, reflecting the growing demand for sequencing services driven by expanded genomics research. In 2022, academic research accounted for a substantial share of the market concerning end-users, driven by the presence of numerous biotechnology institutes engaged in exploring genomics methodologies. North America asserted its dominance in the global market in 2022, attributed to the well-established fields of proteomics, genomics, oncology, and diagnostic screening in the region. asserted its dominance in the global market in 2022, attributed to the well-established fields of proteomics, genomics, oncology, and diagnostic screening in the region. The continuous efforts of key players to enhance their product offerings also contribute to the growth of the North American market. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth throughout the forecast period, fueled by the increasing penetration of key players in Asian countries and rising investments in this field by key industry participants. Company Profiles Pacific Biosciences of California , Inc. , Inc. Oxford Nanopore Technologies Limited Quantapore, Inc. Element Biosciences BGI Genomics Eurofins Genomics Stratos Genomics, Inc. MicrobesNG NextOmics New England Biolabs Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope Chapter 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Market Snapshot 2.2. Segment Snapshot 2.3. Competitive Landscape Snapshot Chapter 3. Market Variables, Trends, & Scope 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook 3.1.1. Parent Market Outlook 3.1.2. Related/Ancillary Market Outlook 3.2. Market Dynamics 3.2.1. Market Driver Analysis 3.2.1.1. Advantages Offered By Long Read Sequencing Techniques 3.2.1.2. Increasing Applications In Clinical Sequencing And Analysis 3.2.1.3. Advancements In Data Analysis Platforms 3.2.2. Market Restraint Analysis 3.2.2.1. High Error Rates Of Long Read Technologies 3.2.2.2. Technological Challenges Associated With Long Read Techniques 3.3. Industry Analysis Tools 3.3.1. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.3.2. PESTEL Analysis 3.3.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis Chapter 4. Product Business Analysis 4.1. Long Read Sequencing Market: Product Movement Analysis 4.2. Instruments 4.3. Consumables 4.4. Services Chapter 5. Technology Business Analysis 5.1. Long Read Sequencing Market: Technology Movement Analysis 5.2. Single Molecule Real Time Sequencing 5.3. Nanopore Sequencing Chapter 6. Workflow Business Analysis 6.1. Long Read Sequencing Market: Workflow Movement Analysis 6.2. Pre-sequencing 6.3. Sequencing 6.4. Data Analysis Chapter 7. Application Business Analysis 7.1. Long Read Sequencing Market: Application Movement Analysis 7.2. Whole Genome Sequencing 7.3. Targeted Sequencing 7.4. Metagenomics 7.5. RNA Sequencing 7.6. Epigenetics Chapter 8. End-Use Business Analysis 8.1. Long Read Sequencing Market: End-use Movement Analysis 8.2. Academic & Research Institutes 8.3. Hospitals & Clinics 8.4. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Chapter 9. Regional Business Analysis 9.1. Long Read Sequencing Market Share By Region, 2022 & 2030 Chapter 10. Competitive Landscape 10.1. Company Categorization 10.2. Strategy Mapping 10.3. Company Market Share Analysis, 2022 10.4. Company Profiles/Listing For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j71ea6 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 YANTAI, China, Oct. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15, 2023, InfiRay, the leading brand in the thermal imaging camera industry, officially releases its new and upgraded productsInfiRay C200+ series thermal cameras in Yantai, China. The C200+ series covers three upgraded models: C200 SE+, C200+, and C200 Pro+. All of them have undergone leapfrog upgrades in terms of thermal sensitivity, infrared images, startup time, display screen, image zooming-in, and body material, catering to more industrial temperature measurement applications. It is known that Tianshu C200+ series thermal cameras inherit the original 256192 infrared resolution, and improve their thermal sensitivity NETD to 40mK, which is only available in high-end thermal cameras. This means the products can distinguish a temperature difference of 0.04C. Based on the newly developed CPU, the series features a shorter startup duration as low as 6s and a smoother operation response. According to InfiRay, for full productivity, Tianshu C200+ series thermal cameras are equipped with intelligent professional features such as a new 500nit sunlight screen, automatic range, 2/4 digital zoom, built-in video taking, and Wi-Fi screen projection, bringing users a smoother work experience with clearer images and more powerful performance. In addition, Tianshu C200+ series thermal cameras have newly upgraded body materialTPU, with IP54 waterproof grade, 2-meter drop protection, and 15-hour long battery life, ideal for temperature measurement in more harsh environments. It is said that InfiRay concentrates on developing infrared thermal imaging technologies and manufacturing relevant products, with completely independent intellectual property rights. The company is committed to providing global customers with professional and competitive infrared thermal imaging products and solutions. The main products include IRFPA detectors, thermal imaging modules, and terminal products. Compared to conventional thermal cameras, the self-developed Tianshu C200+ series thermal cameras released this time have made great progress in ease of use and professionalism. "As a leader in thermal imaging, InfiRay will continue to invest in R&D, upgrading, and iteration of thermal imaging cameras, bolstering the development in fields such as electrical maintenance, HVAC leak detection, equipment inspection, automotive maintenance, process production, and product R&D," said the company head. SOURCE IRay Technology Co., Ltd NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The passenger vehicle telematics market is estimated to grow by USD 24.78 billion from 2022 to 2027, growing at a CAGR of 18.05%. The passenger vehicle telematics market is fragmented owing to the presence of many global and regional companies. A few prominent companies that offer passenger vehicle telematics market are Agero Inc., Airbiquity Inc., AT and T Inc., Bridgestone Corp., Bynx Ltd., Continental AG, Danaher Corp., Delphi Technologies Plc, DXC Technology Co., Fleet Complete, OCTO Telematics S.p.A, Robert Bosch GmbH, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Telenav Inc., Trimble Inc., Valeo SA, Verizon Communications Inc., Visteon Corp., Vodafone Group Plc, and Garmin Ltd. For details on companies and their offerings Buy report! Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Passenger Vehicle Telematics Market 2023-2027 Company Offering: Agero Inc: The company offers passenger vehicle telematic solutions to improve the accident management process to minimize the costs and reduce stress for the customers. The company offers passenger vehicle telematic solutions to improve the accident management process to minimize the costs and reduce stress for the customers. The report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Download FREE Sample before buying By Geography, the market is classified as APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa. APAC will have the largest share of the market. APAC accounts for 45% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. There is an increasing demand for automotive telematics from emerging markets such as India, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. which is signficantly contributing to the growth of the market in APAC. Some of the main telematic services that fuel the revenue growth of the market include fleet management and vehicle tracking services. Furthermore, there is an increasing adoption of telematics offerings in their commercial portfolios by OEMs in APAC in order to ensure product differentiation. Hence, such factors are expected to drive the market growth in APAC during the forecast period. Download FREE sample report to get more insights on the market share of various regions and contribution of the segments. Impactful driver- Push for embedded telematics systems in BRIC nations by OEMs Push for embedded telematics systems in BRIC nations by OEMs Key Trend - Adoption of video telematics to precisely track driver behavior - Adoption of video telematics to precisely track driver behavior Major Challenges - High cost associated with telematics services Market Segmentation The market share growth by the smartphone integration segment is significant during the forecast period. There is an increasing adoption of smartphone-integrated solutions across mid-size passenger vehicles. Therefore, the increasing volume of the mid-size vehicle segment, especially in APAC will fuel the adoption of smartphone-integrated systems. Hence, such factors are expected to fuel the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period. Technavio Research experts have provided more insights on the market share of segments - View FREE Sample Report Related Reports: The marine powerboats batteries market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% between 2023 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,826.66 million. The automotive carbon ceramic brake rotors market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.74% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 255.03 million. Passenger Vehicle Telematics Market Scope Report Coverage Details Historic period 2017-2021 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 18.05% YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 17.63 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK TOC: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation by Product 7 Market Segmentation by Type 8 Customer Landscape 9 Geographic Landscape 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 11 Company Landscape 12 Company Analysis 13 Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact US: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com SOURCE Technavio SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Easybom, a global electronic component search platform, has launched a new feature - the Bom tool. The Bom tool boasts a huge model database, containing tens of millions of model data, which can recommend the best electronic component model selection for users and provide support for other users' selection. Easybom has always been committed to providing customers with quality services, and the launch of this new feature undoubtedly provides more convenience for engineers and procurement. Easybom-Bom Tool Easybom is an excellent communication platform that connects global electronic engineers, procurement, and sales. For engineers, over 300 million original datasheets are available to view and download for free online. In addition, there are over 50 million original cross-reference models for them to quickly find replacement components to solve the problem of hard-to-find or discontinued parts. For procurement, Easybom provides a rich authorized supply channel with product information from over 220 global component manufacturers and authorized merchants. With complete manufacturer's data, including delivery time and component production status, R&D costs can be effectively reduced. In terms of sales, Easybom updates the procurement information of global electronic components daily, which can quickly quote; it can also update the procurement trends of electronic components in real time to optimize users' sales strategies. Here, I will introduce the distributor pricing on the Easybom platform. Easybom offers three subscription package modes, each with its own features. The first is the Basic Package, which is suitable for merchants with less than 200,000 part numbers. This package is affordable, costing $99 per month, $267 per quarter, and $950 per year. The second is the Intermediate Package, which allows for more product uploads compared to the Basic Package, allowing for 1 million part numbers to be uploaded. It costs $199 per month, $537 per quarter, and $1910 per year. The third is the Advanced Package, where merchants can add 2 million products. This package can meet larger operational needs, costing $299 per month, $807 per quarter, and $2870 per year. Easybom's subscription packages are flexible and diverse, able to cater to businesses at different stages with various needs. As demonstrated by our newly launched Bom tool, Easybom is constantly innovating to meet a variety of user needs. We welcome globally renowned electronic component distributors and manufacturers to join the Easybom platform and share the boundless opportunities of the global market. SOURCE Easybom NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Voice Assistant Application 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 voice assistant application market between 2022 and 2027 is USD 10.33 billion. Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and much more. Buy the full report here Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Voice Assistant Application Market 2023-2027 Digital transformation is one of the key factors driving the global voice assistant application market growth. This is due to the adoption of new technologies such as high-speed broadband and the introduction of voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) services on cell phones. Furthermore, online learning is transforming traditional educational processes through the implementation of advanced technologies such as cloud computing, IoT, Big Data analytics, and augmented reality. Hence, these advanced developments help voice assistant application vendors to integrate the horizontal and vertical structures of the organization with new technologies, which will drive market growth during the forecast period. Market Challenge - One of the key challenges to the global voice assistant application market growth is data privacy and security concerns. In the past, cybersecurity was concentrated on a limited number of connected devices. Many countries have assumed that network security in high-security zones is a threat to national security, as these network areas may be exposed to terrorist attacks. As a result, some nations have restricted a few areas of voice assistant applications, including vehicle and infrastructure communication, due to security breaches. Hence, such challenges may hinder the market growth during the forecast period. Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read a FREE Sample PDF Report Now The voice assistant application market is segmented by Application (Individual users, SMEs, and Large enterprises), Deployment (Cloud and On-premise), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). By application, the individual user segment will be significant during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of smart appliances and connected home environments using devices such as smart speakers is another factor for the growth of the segment. This segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of smartphones and smart-connected devices by individual users. Furthermore, the various factors in emerging markets such as increased adoption of online gaming by individuals, increased use of digital content platforms such as over-the-top (OTT), and use of voice assistant applications are expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period. will be significant during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of smart appliances and connected home environments using devices such as smart speakers is another factor for the growth of the segment. This segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of smartphones and smart-connected devices by individual users. Furthermore, the various factors in emerging markets such as increased adoption of online gaming by individuals, increased use of digital content platforms such as over-the-top (OTT), and use of voice assistant applications are expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period. By geography, North America is estimated to contribute 33% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. View a FREE Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report. Key Companies in the voice assistant application market: Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Artificial Solutions International AB, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., Nuance Communications Inc., Oracle Corp., Orbita Inc., Robin Labs, RoboBot Studio, Salesforce.com Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., SAP SE, SoundHound Inc., Verbio Technologies SL, Voiceflow Inc., Xiaomi Communications Co. Ltd., Baidu Inc. Related Reports: The voice commerce market size is expected to increase by USD 55.68 billion from 2021 to 2026, at an accelerating CAGR of 24.34%. The market is segmented by application and geography. The enhanced purchasing convenience is notably driving the voice commerce market growth. The US - voice recognition market for smartphones is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.47% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 124.36 million. This US voice recognition market for smartphones report extensively covers market segmentation by technology (automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech), and deployment (cloud-based and embedded). Increasing adoption of technologically advanced mobile devices is the key factor driving the growth of the market. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Application Market Segmentation by Deployment 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 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 Beirut, Oct 14 : Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has pledged to make every effort to prevent Lebanon from slipping into a war, amid the escalating border tension with Israel after the outbreak of Hamas-Israel conflict. In an interview with Lebanese TV channel Al Jadeed, Mikati said on Friday that no one had promised him that there would not be a war as the situation was constantly changing. He added that the decision of whether to go to war or maintain peace is not made by the government, hinting that Hezbollah, an armed Lebanese military group that had exchanged fire with Israel over the past week, may make its own decision. While stressing that maintaining stability and security in Lebanon is his primary concern, the Lebanese Prime Minister stressed that Israel must stop provoking Hezbollah, Xinhua news agency reported. Mikati added that the Lebanese Army is on the front lines in southern Lebanon in an effort to maintain stability in the area. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on October 8 fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of October 7. Israel stepped up its assault on southern Lebanon on Friday by bombarding the area around the towns of Al-Dhahira, Alma al-Shaab, and Yarin, killing one Lebanese photographer working for Reuters, and injured six other reporters. Smoke rises in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon. Image Source: IANS News Beirut, Oct 14 : A Lebanese photographer was killed, and six other reporters were injured from Israeli attacks on Lebanon's southern village of Alma al-Shaab, media reported. Israeli forces attacked a vehicle carrying journalists, killing Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese photographer working for Reuters, and injuring six other reporters working for international agencies that include Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, it said on Friday. It reported that the injured people had been transferred to hospitals as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. In a statement released by Lebanon's Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel for "directly targeting journalists" in its attacks on Lebanon, and wished "a speedy recovery" of the wounded reporters. Israel stepped up its assault on southern Lebanon on Friday by bombarding the area around the towns of Al-Dhahira, Alma al-Shaab, and Yarin, according to Lebanon's National News Agency(NNA). According to NNA, the bombing on the outskirts of Alma al-Shaab led to a massive fire. In response, Hezbollah announced that its fighters had attacked four Israeli border sites in response to Friday's attacks on several southern Lebanese towns, prompting the Israeli Army to use a drone to attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on October 8 fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of October 7. The situation escalated again on October 9 after members of Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ), infiltrated northern Israel from Lebanon and clashed with Israeli forces, prompting the Israelis to hit several areas in southern Lebanon, killing three Hezbollah members. In return, Hezbollah attacked the Israeli Pranit and Avivim barracks in northern Israel on the evening of October 9 with guided missiles and mortar shells. On October 11, Hezbollah attacked the Israeli military site of Al-Jardah near the Lebanese border with guided missiles, claiming the shelling caused "many" casualties among the Israeli forces. Kasauli, Oct 14 : Stressing that Kashmir will continue to be a part of India despite the disturbances in the Valley, ex-RAW Chief and former advisor on erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, A.S. Dulat, recalled his consistent meetings with separatists and Hurriyat leaders, and said that the only way forward to bring normalcy to Kashmir is through talks, patience and empathy. Someone who has always opposed the abolition of Article 370 in the Valley, Dulat opines that everybody 'talks'. "And what is the harm in talking with every stakeholder? Nobody is a permanent enemy -- be it Pakistan or China. In fact, during Vajaypee's tenure, several rounds of meetings were held with Kashmiri separatists. So many would come to my home, and not safehouses in Delhi to discuss matters. Frankly, despite all their claims, even the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad talks with those they call their enemies. I was quite close to one of their chiefs, and he admitted that permanent peace can only be achieved on the table, and not the battlefield." Talk to him about the several terrorists being killed in Canada and Pakistan, and the strong rumour in security agencies and media that RAW has been conducting these operations by following Mossad's playbook, and Dulat adds, "Well if you kill, do not suffer from the illusion that you cannot be a target. By the way, post the recent Hamas attacks, I would not really like to compare the two intelligence agencies. I think we are better." Disclosing that the recent major terrorist attack carried out in Kokernag in Kashmir, the spymaster says that his former colleagues in the security service believe that they were supposed to coincide with the G20 programme there. "Every major incident is an intelligence failure." Speaking on the first day of the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, Dulat said that if Prime Minister Modi announced statehood for Kashmiris during his visit there, he would be garlanded by the locals. "He can be in an open jeep at the Lal Chowk, and there would be no security threat if he did that. Every local would welcome his move." Dulat, who in his latest book 'A Life In The Shadows: A Memoir' (HarperCollins Publishers) has written extensively about the current National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, says that the latter stopped talking to him long before he wrote on him. "Just before Article 370 was revoked, he asked me on the phone about how to deal with Kashmir. Of course, I told him that we need to talk. His reply was: 'There have been enough talks, now is the time for the stick.' He has a very 'muscular' approach. But let me say this, he likes to be close to power. If Rahul Gandhi becomes the PM tomorrow, he would not mind working with him." (Sukant Deepak can be reached at sukant.d@ians.in) Ramallah, Oct 14 : Clashes with Israelis across the West Bank have left at least 14 Palestinians dead, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said. Palestinian security sources told Xinhua news agency on Friday that clashes erupted in Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron, and other West Bank cities on the seventh day of the new round of violence between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel. At least five of the Palestinian victims were killed in the city of Tulkarm, the Ministry added. Israeli media said police officers shot and killed at least four Palestinians who set off explosive devices in an apparent attempt to breach the West Bank security barrier near Tulkarm, Xinhua news agency reported. Meanwhile, a large number of people in West Bank cities took to the streets to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and condemn the ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza. Forty-four Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank since October 7, when militants of Gaza-ruling Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israeli targets, the Ministry said. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip and West Bank has totalled 1,843, while 6,638 others were wounded, according to the Ministry. The Israeli fatalities since October 7 have reached 1,300, while nearly 3,400 were injured, Israeli media reported on Friday, citing official sources. New Delhi, Oct 14 : Amid the raging war in Israel, the second batch of 235 Indian nationals, including two infants, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning under 'Operation Ajay'. The group was received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. "#Operation Ajay continues to bring citizens home. 2nd flight carrying 235 citizens arrives in New Delhi. MoS @RanjanRajkuma11 received the citizens at the airport," the Ministry of External Affairs wrote on X. "Received the second batch of Indians from Israel. Heartening to note that they are very appreciative of GoIas swift response #OperationAjay and @MEAIndia for smooth coordination," Singh said in a post on X. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had shared pictures of the flight carrying 235 Indian nationals, which took off from Tel Aviv at 11.02 p.m. on Friday night. India launched aOperation Ajaya on Thursday to facilitate the return of its citizens in special chartered flights amidst ongoing violence in Israel after Hamas launched brazen attacks on the Jewish nation. The first flight carrying 212 Indians took off from the Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel on Thursday and reached New Delhi on Friday morning. The cost of the return of Indian nationals is being borne by the Centre. The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a 24-hour control room in the national capital to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine. According to Israel embassy data, around 18,000 Indian nationals are living and working in the country, including caregivers, students, several IT professionals, and diamond traders. The attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel and over 1,530 people in Gaza. --IANS mi/ksk Canberra, Oct 14 : Polling booths across Australia opened on Saturday for the country's first ever referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which would advise the federal Parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, reports Xinhua news agency. In order for the constitution to be changed, the "yes" vote must secure a double majority, meaning that more than 50 per cent voters nationally, as well as a majority in at least four out of Australia's six states, must vote in favor. In a final pitch to voters on Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the referendum was an opportunity for Australia to "do better". "We have an opportunity for Australians to do better. To do better to show respect for the first Australians, but to do something for ourselves, as well, because we will feel better. We will feel better about ourselves on Sunday with a Yes vote," he said at a press conference in South Australia. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) personnel will start counting the votes as they close at 6 p.m. on Saturday. According to the AEC, voting is mandatory for Australians aged 18 and over who are registered on the electoral roll (about 17.7 million people), while by the close of business on Wednesday, approximately four million people have voted at an early voting centre. The Voice to Parliament was recommended by a historic document in 2017 called the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Drafted by more than 250 Indigenous leaders, the statement is considered the best -- though not unanimous -- call to action for reforms on issues affecting First Nations Australians. It also lays out a longer process of treaty-making and truth-telling. The issue, however has been a fierce topic of debate for years as country has not had a successful referendum in almost 50 years. If approved, the vote would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the country's constitution, and establish a permanent body for them to give advice on laws. The composition, functions and powers of the body, whose advice would not be binding, would then be designed and debated by Parliament. Jerusalem, Oct 14 : As the raging Hamas-Israel conflict marked a week on Saturday, the Jewish nation's military on Saturday said that it struck a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon after one of its drones was fired on. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the move was in response "the infiltration of unidentified aerial objects into Israel and fire on an IDF UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)", CNN reported. According to the IDF, the two "unidentified aerial objects" were intercepted above the northern city of Haifa, which is close to the Lebanese border. The Forces added that it intercepted both the aerial objects and the fire. In an earlier statement, the Israeli military said the"infiltration of an unidentified object"took place near the city ofShfar'amin northern Israel. In recent days, Israeli forces have exchanged rocket fire with Hezbollah, the BBC reported. The Lebanese group, which is backed by Iran with a strong military and political presence in Lebanon, has been designated a terrorist organisation by the UK, US and other countries. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 : More than the Lok Sabha polls next year, Kerala's ruling CPI-M will face a tough challenge when three Rajya Sabha vacancies will arise in the state on July 1. Kerala has 20 Lok Sabha and nine Rajya Sabha seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress-led UDF won 19 seats and the CPI-M-led LDF just one. But with the Kerala Congress-M, led by its Rajya Sabha member Jose K.Mani, crossing over to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls, the LDF technically has two seats now as it has one member in the Lok Sabha too. All the three seats that are falling vacant in the Rajya Sabha are those held by the Left and include one seat each for the CPI-M, the CPI and Kerala Cong-M. When the polls to these three seats takes place, one seat will be won by the Congress-led UDF and that means one of the three LDF members will have to forfeit its seat, or rather either the CPI or the KC-M will be the one to be left out. A political observer said its here that the going will get tough for the CPI-M. "With the KC-M having only one Lok Sabha seat, their leader Mani who is presently in the Upper House of Parliament, will either stake a claim for a second Lok Sabha seat or one more term in the Rajya Sabha. Also, the CPI which has no representation from Kerala in the Lok Sabha, will bargain hard for their Rajya Sabha seat besides sticking to their four seats to contest in the Lok Sabha polls. Hence the CPI-M will have to burn the midnight oil to find an amicable settlement among its allies," the observer said. For a smooth campaign for the LDF in the Lok Sabha polls, they will have to iron out all issues quickly for which talks have already commenced. What will cause fresh hiccups is the staking of claim by the new president of RJD's Kerala unit- M.V. Shreyams Kumar, who recently merged his LJD with Lalu Prasad Yadav's party, he added. The erstwhile LJD is an ally of the LDF and has one legislator and Kumar, who had a brief term in the Upper house, has already indicated that their party will seek a Lok Sabha seat and also eye a Rajya Sabha nomination. These contending claims will cause quite a bit of tension for the CPI-M, which will have to use all its skills to reach a solution that placates all its allies. Washington/Gaza, Oct 14 : The US State Department has informed Palestinian-Americans that their families stranded in Gaza maybe be able to evacuate into Egypt , as the Rafah Crossing Point -- the enclave's border crossing with the African nation -- "may be open" on Saturday afternoon. Saying that the crossing point "may be open", Department's Consular Affairs Crisis Management System (CACMS) told the family members that "we understand the security situation is difficult, but if you wish to depart Gaza you may want to take advantage of this opportunity", CNN reported. A State Department spokesperson told CNN they "are actively discussing this with our Israeli and Egyptian counterparts". "We support safe passage for civilians. We are working with our Israeli and Egyptian partners to establish a safe humanitarian corridor both for Gazans trying to flee this war and to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need within the territory." This latest development comes after the US has continued to press the Egyptian and Israeli governments on "the importance of the Rafah crossing being open for American citizens and foreign nationals of other countries who want to leave and have the right to leave to be able to do so", a senior State Department official said on Friday. US officials have been engaged in discussions for days to try to secure a humanitarian corridor that would allow Americans and other civilians to safely leave Gaza ahead of an expected Israeli military incursion. The UN on Thursday said it was informed by the Israeli military that "the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours", but IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner told CNN on Friday that any deadline "may slip". There are an estimated 500-600 Palestinian-Americans in Gaza. Washington, Oct 14 : US President Joe Biden has assured that "we're working like hell" to secure the release of the 14 American nationals who remain unaccounted in Israel following the Hamas militant group's unprecedented assault on October 7. In an interview with CBS News which will be aired on Sunday, the President said: "I say we're going to do everything in our power to find them. Everything in our power. And I'm not going to go into the detail of that, but there's -- we're working like hell on it." His remarks came after he spoke to the families of the missing Americans on Friday on a conference call. In a post on X, the President wrote: "I spoke with family members of Americans who are still unaccounted for following the terrorist attack in Israel. I assured them of my personal commitment to do everything possible to return them to their families. "We won't stop until they're home." In the CBS News interview, the President went on to say "they (missing Americans) have to know that the President of the United States of America cares deeply about what's happened to them deeply". "We have to communicate to the world this is critical. This is not even human behaviour. It's pure barbarism. And we're going to do everything in our power to get them home if we can find them." Although the exact number remains unclear, but according to Israeli authorities, the Hamas have taken up to 150 people as hostages following the October 7 attack. The White House has confirmed that at least 27 Americans have been killed so far in the ensuing violence. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces said on Friday that it had notified 120 families of those taken hostage. Noida, October 13 : A class 11 student of a private school was allegedly assaulted by another fellow student in Uttar Pradesh's Noida, the police said. According to the information received by the police, a fight between two girl students took place inside The Pathways school campus located in Noida's Sector-100. It is alleged that when the victim had informed the school administration about the alleged student, who committed the assault, abused her three days ago which the school administration had ignored, following which this incident took place. The family members of the victim have complained to both the school principal and the police about this incident. However, The Pathways school has also been accused of suppressing the matter. It is alleged that the student, who committed the assault, belonged to an influential family. As soon as the police received information about this incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police and other police officials reached the spot. Raipur : Congress leader Sonia Gandhi addressing during the 2nd day of Congress' 85th Plenary Session in Raipur on Saturday, Feb 25, 2023.(Photo:IANS). Image Source: IANS News Chennai, Oct 14 : Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi will be the centre of attraction at the DMK's women's conference slated to take place here on Saturday. The conference, aMagalir Urimai Maanadua, is part of the DMK's centenary celebrations of late party patriarch and former Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi. In a statement, DMK womenas wing head and MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said the conference will demand the Centre to immediately implement the 33 per cent reservation for women. Sonia Gandhi attending the meeting is being considered as a major indication of bonhomie between the Congress and DMK and her presence will give a major impetus to the conference and thereby the DMK. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president and senior Congress leader K.S. Alaigiri told reporters that Sonia Gandhi might also meet party including MPs and MLAs on the sidelines of the event. --IANS aal/ksk San Francisco, Oct 14 : European Commissioner Thierry Breton has sent a letter to Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, reminding him about the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) to keep illegal content and disinformation from being shared on YouTube related to the Israel-Hamas war. In the letter, also addressed to YoutTube CEO Neal Mohan, Breton said that following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, "we are seeing a surge of illegal content and disinformation being disseminated in the EU via certain platforms". "I would like to remind you that you have a particular obligation to protect the millions of children and teenagers using your platforms in the EU from violent content depicting hostage taking and other graphic videos," the commissioner said late on Friday. It means having appropriate and proportionate measures in place to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors, he added. Breton has already warned X, Meta and TikTok on removing terrorist propaganda and manipulated content, such as repurposed videos or clickbaits, from their respective platforms. He told Pichai that "when you receive notices of illegal content in the EU, you must be timely, diligent and objective in taking action and removing the relevant content when warranted". "Given the urgency, I also expect you to be in contact with the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol and ensure that you respond promptly to their requests," said Breton. In the context of elections, he told Pichai that the DSA requires that the risk of amplification of fake and manipulated images and facts generated with the intention to influence elections is taken extremely seriously in the context of mitigation measures. "I invite you to inform my team on the details of the measures you have taken to mitigate any deepfakes, also in the light of upcoming elections in Poland, The Netherlands, Lithuania, Belgium, Croatia, Romania and Austria, and the European Parliament elections," said Breton. "As you know, following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed," he added. Earlier, Meta said that since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel and Israel's response in Gaza, "expert teams from across our company have been working around the clock to monitor our platforms, while protecting people's ability to use our apps to shed light on important developments happening on the ground". "In the three days following October 7, we removed or marked as disturbing more than 795,000 pieces of content for violating these policies in Hebrew and Arabic," the social network said in a blog post. As compared to the two months prior, in the three days following October 7, "we have removed seven times as many pieces of content on a daily basis for violating our Dangerous Organisations and Individuals policy in Hebrew and Arabic alone," Meta added. --IANS na/ksk Noida, Oct 14 : A Class 11 girl of a private school was allegedly brutally assaulted by a boy student in Uttar Pradesh's Noida, police said. According to the police, the incident took place on Friday over a harassment complaint lodged by the victim against the accused three days ago. The girl had approached the school authorities with a complaint of harassment and misbehaviour by the boy and his friends which was ignored. Enraged over the complaint, the boy waylaid the girl on Friday and attacked her brutally as his friends watched. On learning about the incident, the victim's family filed a complaint with both -- the school principal and the police. However, authorities of Pathways school located in Noida's Sector-100, where the incident was reported, attempted to suppress the matter, the police said. According to sources, the accused student belongs to an influential family. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police and other police officials of the police station concerned rushed to the spot . New Delhi, Oct 14 : Top Microsoft leaders Satya Nadella and Brad Smith welcomed the closing of $68.7 billion transaction to acquire gaming giant Activision Blizzard, saying they affirm the commitment to labour principles and innovative approach to union partnerships. They reacted after the UK's anti-trust watchdog cleared the restructured deal for Microsoft to buy Blizzard, after it concluded that the new deal would preserve competitive prices and better services. Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said late on Friday that they look forward to meeting, listening to and learning from "our new Activision Blizzard employees and continuing our collaborative engagement with Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the workers it represents". Microsoft Chairman and CEO Nadella said it is a great day for gamers everywhere. "Together with Activision Blizzard, we will deliver on our vision to help people connect and play great games wherever, whenever, and however they want," he posted on X. Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming, officially welcomed Activision Blizzard and their teams to Xbox. "They are the publishers of some of the most played and most beloved franchises in gaming history across console, PC and mobile. From Pitfall to Call of Duty, World of Warcraft to Overwatch, Candy Crush Saga to Farm Heroes Saga, their studios have pushed the boundaries of gaming for players around the world," said Spencer. "It is incredible to welcome such legendary teams to Xbox. As one team, we'll learn, innovate, and continue to deliver on our promise to bring the joy and community of gaming to more people," he added. He said that the company will not start to bring Activision, Blizzard, and King franchises to Game Pass and other platforms. "Whether you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC or mobile, you are welcome here and will remain welcome, even if Xbox isn't where you play your favourite franchise," said Spencer. In August, Microsoft submitted a restructured proposal to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for approval of its acquisition of Activision. As part of the restructuring, Microsoft will transfer cloud gaming rights for current and new Activision Blizzard games to French video game publisher Ubisoft. New Delhi, Oct 14 : Eluding law enforcement agencies after commissioning a crime is no child's play. A recent incident of a man attempting to evade legal consequences by assuming a new identity has come to light. However, his nefarious intentions were foiled when he was apprehended by vigilant Immigration personnel at the Delhi Airport. On the intervening night of October 11-12, thirty-seven-year-old Rajeev Kumar arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport from Amsterdam, Netherlands. At the immigration clearance counter, he claimed to be a resident of West Bengal. But when asked about the specific location in the state, he failed to give satisfactory answers raising a doubt among the officers. What strengthened their suspicion was his inability to converse in Bengali. Subsequently, when the officials checked his mobile phone, their suspicion deepened. To their surprise, every conversation within the device was carried out in Punjabi. "When asked, he revealed that he is from West Bengal but cannot speak Bengali. He was also clueless about the territory of his native place. On scrutiny of his mobile, all chats were in Punjabi which created suspicion of his identity," read the FIR, accessed by IANS. "The passport was issued from RPO Kolkata which seems to be procured by using false information/documents," read the FIR. The accused was then handed over to the Delhi Police and thoroughly questioned about his whereabouts. On sustained interrogation, the man revealed his real identity as Sompal Soma, a resident of Ambala in Haryana. Sompal was found convicted for life imprisonment in a case that was registered in Chandigarh. "He managed to issue a fake passport from RPO-Kolkata in the name of Rajeev Kumar and fled from India. During further enquiry, it was found that the pax is convicted for life imprisonment in a case registered at sector 17 police station, Chandigarh" the FIR stated. The Delhi Police has now registered an FIR under sections 419, 420, 468, 471 of the Indian Penal Code and 12 passport act at IGI airport police station. (Shekhar Singh can be reached at shekhar.s@ians.in) Jerusalem, Oct 14 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday alleged that the Hamas militant group was using civilians in Gaza as "human shields" in order to stop their evacuation from the northern parts of the besieged enclave. On Friday, the Israeli military has ordered approximately 1 million civilians in and around Gaza City to move to the southern areas of Gaza, reports CNN. On Saturday morning, IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said it was "worrying" that Hamas "has stopped" and "tried to stop Palestinian civilians from evacuating" using messages, checkpoints and stops on the ground. Conricus told CNN that the IDF would "assess the situation on theground" when queried about a possible ground offensive on Gaza. "(We need to) see how many civilians are left in the area. And understand how many of them have been blocked by Hamas from actually evacuating," he said. "And we've seen active efforts by Hamas to block these people from leaving, which I think is appalling at a whole new level. And once we see that the situation will be permissible for significant combat operations, then they will commence." He added that civilians should leave the area for their own security "and return only when we tell them that it is safe to do so". The IDF had seen "significant movement of Palestinian civilians toward the south", he said, adding that Gaza residents were "doing the clever thing, moving out of a dangerous area". In a separate statement, the spokesman clarified that "Palestinian civilians in Gaza are not our enemies and we do not target them as such", the BBC reported. "We are trying to do the right thing, we are trying to evacuate civilians in order to minimise the risk for them. It is extremely sad and regrettable that so many media outlets are focusing on our actions instead of putting the responsibility on the entity that governs the Gaza strip, and that is Hamas. "All of this is Hamas' doing - we are responding to the situation. We are trying not to strike civilians or their infrastructure," Conricus added. The spokesman also announced that Israeli reserve soldiers were in formation all around the Gaza Strip getting ready for the next stage of operations. "Our aim is very clear, the end stage of this war is that we will dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities, and fundamentally change the situation so that Hamas never again has the ability to inflict any damage on Israeli civilians or soldiers," the BBC quoted the spokesman as saying. "Hezbollah fighters fired an anti-tank missile towards Israeli troops (near the Lebanon border), there was short battle and the situation eventually calmed down. Afterwards Hezbollah sent drones into Israel and also fired surface-to-air missiles against Israeli aircraft." He says those two attempts were successfully intercepted but the situation on the northern border "remains very tense". Ktaka man calls for prayers for victory of Hamas, video goes viral. Image Source: IANS News Dakshina Kannada, : Oct 14 (IANS) A video showing a man in this district urging for special prayers for the victory of the terrorist outfit Hamas against Israel has gone viral on social media triggering a debate. In the 30-second video, the man identifying himself as Zakir, a member of Khabarstan Premi Sangha from Mangaluru, has appealed that the members of his group to conduct aduwaa (special prayers) for Palestine, Gaza residents and patriot Hamas soldiers. Dressed like a Talibani, Zakir can be seen holding a religious scripture. The video had gone viral on social media raising concerns in the communally sensitive Dakshina Kannada district. Zakir claims to be a resident of the Bandar area in Mangaluru city in the video. The police are yet to react to the development. Washington, Oct 14 : Former US President Donald Trump has gone into damage control mode after being heavily trolled widely in the US and the Israeli media for privately calling for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's impeachment for failing to anticipate the brutal Hamas onslaught. After his remarks on Netanyahu garnered unwanted attention in Israel and the US, he went on to say that the "Hezbollah was smart", and now, Trump's team has sone some damage control by issuing a statement, which said: "There was no better friend or ally of Israel than President Donald J. Trump." As he continues to come under fire,Trump is also continuing the damage control. In a post on his Truth Social social media platform, the former President wrote: "I have always been impressed by the skill and determination of the Israeli Defense Forces. As they defend their Nation against ruthless terrorists, I want to wish every soldier the best of luck. May you return home safely to your families, and may God bless you all!" Rolling Stone magazine was the first to report that Trump has privately been calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu to be "impeached" for failing to anticipate the brutal Hamas attack on October 7. As the Rolling Stone report rolled on, Trump was already under heavy fire from Israel, President Joe Biden and even Republican rivals over comments he made at a campaign rally on Wednesday, criticising Jerusalem over the intelligence failure that led to the Hamas assault, calling Defence Minister Yoav Gallant a "jerk" and the Hezbollah terror group "very smart", ABC News reported. Trump laid it on thick by saying Netanyahu did not do enough to assist the US in the latter's 2020 killing of Quds force Chief Qassem Soleimani. His campaign later issued an additional statement listing all of the steps Trump took as President to support Israel. On Friday, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said the Rolling Stone report was "100 per cent untrue" and "never happened". "These unnamed 'sources' are simply making this up out of thin air. This is the most egregious example of Fake News," Cheungwrote on X. Meanwhile, the Guardian newspaper said that the White House in a rare moveon Thursday publicly pushed back against Trump after his remarks on the Israeli Defence Minister and the Hezbollah. Trump in a campaign speech in Florida referred to Hezbollah, based out of Lebanon to the north of Israel andthe Pentagon's deep concern about the militants attacking Israel from the nort , opening up two fronts. "Two nights ago I read all of Biden's security people ... they said, 'Gee, I hope Hezbollah doesn't attack from the north, because that's the most vulnerable spot'. I said, 'Wait a minute. You know, Hezbollah is very smart'. They're all very smart," Trump said, going on to add that "the press doesn't like when" he says things like that, as he has when praising the effectiveness of China's President Xi Jinping. Trump swiped at two top Israeli officials, Defence Minister Gallant and Prime Minister Netanyahu, with whom Trump once appeared to be close. "They (Israel) have a national defence minister ... if you listen to this jerk, you would attack from the north because he said that's our weak spot," Trump said. Gallant's officereportedly said in responsethat Trump was making "far-fetched speculation" and attested to the military's strength. Of Netanyahu, Trump said he "let us down" while talking about the US killing of Soleimani. Biden spokesman Andrew Bates said in a Thursday statement that what Trump said about Hezbollah was "dangerous and unhinged". "It's completely lost on us why any American would ever praise an Iran-backed terrorist organization as 'smart'... This is a time for all of us to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel against 'unadulterated evil'," Bates said. Trump's comments also drew criticism from his former Vice President Mike Pence, who is challenging him for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. "Hezbollah aren't smart. They're evil," Pence said during a New Hampshire radio appearance on Thursday. Trump, the frontrunner for the nomination so far, is "simply not expressing -- and his imitators in this primary are not expressing -- the same muscular American foreign policy that we lived out every day", Pence said. Bengaluru, Oct 14 : A bike-borne engineering student was killed after coming under the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus here on Saturday. . According to police, the incident took place in the limits of Yeshwanthpur Traffic police station and the deceased student has been identified as Gangadhar(21). The bus hit him from the rear near the flower market area pushing him under its wheels and killing him instantly. Police stated that the youth was on his way to collect his internship certificate when the accident occurred. In the last ten days, this happens to be the third incident of a student getting killed in a road accident here. An investigation in the matter is on. New Delhi, Sep 14 : Actress Richa Chadha said that she is proud of everything that she has achieved till now, adding that she is in the Rs 100 crore club and that no one can take that away from her. Her latest release 'Fukrey 3' collected over Rs 107.7 crore worldwide. Talking to IANS about the benchmark, Richa, whose iconic character of Bholi Punjaban is etched in everyone's mind, said: "I feel great, grateful. I am very thankful to the makers when they chose me 10 years ago. I am grateful to Mrighdeep Singh Lamba (director)and for the character written I am grateful to writer Vipul Vig as well." Richa further spoke about how she takes her struggles and success: "I am just happy that I am in the Rs 100 crore club and no one takes this from me. I am a self-made woman. I am very proud of everything that I have achieved and also of the fact that I enjoyed my struggle and journey as much as I enjoy my success today." In over her decade-long journey in Hindi cinema, she has given many memorable performances and characters such as Nagma from 'Gangs Of Wasseypur', Bholi Punjaban from 'Fukrey' franchise, Rasila Devi in 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela', Tara from 'Madam Chief Minister' and Hiral Gandhi from 'Section 375:Marzi Ya Jabardasti' among many others. However, Richa is not close to any of them and she tells why. "I think none of these characters are close to me because I move on quite fast. I give it my all and if you notice all of these characters have very different values." Talking about the characters she has played, she added: "Nagma is a fighter, Bholi is a gangster and she wants to be respected and she wants to have the pie but she wants to be street smart. Rasila is a soft woman and is against war Devi is a victim of her circumstances but she decides to escape her circumstances by fighting and not by judging herself. Heeral, Madhuri or Tara all of them are very distinct characters. However, she is happy playing such a myriad of characters. "I love the fact that there is so much versatility in filmography. Having said that, I am not close to any one character," she concluded. New Delhi, Oct 14 : Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested three men and seized 45 kgs of fine quality marijuana hidden in specially designed cavity under the rear seat of a car, an official said on Saturday. The accused were identified as Akhilesh Bhagat (29), a resident of Swaroop Nagar, Delhi, Naresh Kumar (19) and Prakash Sharma (32) both residents of district Madhubani in Bihar. Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ravindra Singh Yadav, stated that they had received information about a consignment of narcotics substances (Ganja) being supplied in the Delhi/NCR area. Further information was gathered through field sources and technical analysis, which revealed that narcotics substances were being transported in a Maruti SX4 from Andhra Pradesh to Delhi. "Suspected phone numbers were placed under surveillance," said Yadav, adding that consequently, a trap was set on the service road near Bhalswa Jheel in Delhi, resulting in the interception of the car and the apprehension of three men. Upon conducting a detailed search of the car, it was discovered that the car's trunk was smaller than the standard size. During the interrogation, it was disclosed that the rear seat of the car was foldable, and a concealed cavity had been specially designed under the rear seat for hiding contraband. "After folding the rear seat, a concealed cavity was found beneath it, covered with a wooden plate fixed with screws. The wooden plate was opened, and 45 kilograms of high-quality Ganja were recovered," said Yadav. The investigation further revealed that the accused, Akhilesh Bhagat, was the mastermind behind this illegal trade. "He had purchased a second-hand car and had a hidden cavity prepared beneath the rear seat for smuggling," said the Special CP. The car was subsequently handed over to Naresh, with instructions to travel to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. "Akhilesh also provided Naresh with the phone number of a Ganja supplier in Andhra Pradesh named Hari Dada," said the official. Based on the instructions, Naresh travelled to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and stayed there for more than ten days. "Akhilesh Bhagat finalised the deal with the supplier over the phone and shared Naresh's contact number with him. The supplier contacted Naresh to load Ganja into the hidden cavity of the car," said the official. Simultaneously, following Akhilesh's instructions, Prakash (the driver) reached Visakhapatnam by train. Both Naresh and Prakash were promised a payment of Rs 15,000 each for their involvement in this operation. "Upon returning to Delhi, they all gathered on the service road near Bhalswa Jheel, Delhi, where they were apprehended along with the vehicle. They were in the process of planning the distribution of the recovered contraband," the official added. Gaza, Oct 14 : Hamas leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, is known as 'El Deif' or the Guest, because, for decades, he has stayed in different houses every night to avoid being tracked, and killed, by Israel and he is now in charge of the militant group's military wing, the Al Qassem Brigades, the media reported. Thought to have been born in the 1960s, El Deif is little known to ordinary Palestinians, CNN quoted Mkhaimar Abusada, a professor of political science at Al Azah University in Gaza, as saying. "He's very much like a ghost to the majority of the Palestinians," he said. The Al Qassem Brigades were opposed to the peace process embraced by Yassir Arafat, then-leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the 1993 Oslo Accords that were supposed to pave the way to a two-state solution of a new Palestine living in peace alongside Israel. In 1996, El Deif, an accomplished bomb maker, was behind a wave of four suicide attacks that killed 65 people in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and other outrages intended to derail the peace process, CNN reported. The tighter the Israeli and Egyptian control over Gaza's borders the more Hamas (and other groups) developed military means to fight back. Chief among them is rockets. Primitive at first, the missiles have been improved and refined over years of help from Iran. The Tehran theocracy, also dedicated to the eradication of the Jewish state, trained engineers, organised technology transfers and guided developments to create rockets capable of hitting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, CNN reported. Men like El Deif, the bomb makers and decision takers, were hunted by Israel. In 2014, an air strike killed his wife and daughter. He lost part of an arm, a leg and his hearing. No doubt his hatred for Israel intensified then, CNN reported. But his emotions were leavened with zealous cunning. And the first, and most important deception, was to transform the Israeli perception of Hamas. In the last two years, Hamas, under El Deif's guidance, worked to convince Israel that its focus was on domestic issues, on rebuilding Gaza, on securing work permits for people to seek employment in Israel, on building up its infrastructure, CNN reported. Hamas' attack on Israel last weekend represents the worst Israeli military setback since 1973. Back then Syria and Egypt launched a surprise assault on Israel over the Yom Kippur holiday. Initially successful, the Arabs were soon pushed back as Israel rallied. Now Israel is massing troops on the borders with Gaza and in the north where it faces Iran-backed Hezbollah across the fence with Lebanon. What will Hamas ultimately gain from its bloody gamble? Karim von Hippel, director of the London-based Royal United Services Institute, says "they may have been planning this for years and thinking through what they can do, because everything else they have tried, hasn't worked". "But certainly this is not going to work either. I think this will spell the end of Hamas." That may be a zero-sum option that not even the shadowy El Deif had guessed at, CNN reported. New Delhi, Oct 14 : Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday flayed the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana after a 23-year-old woman student committed suicide in the state allegedly over repeated postponement and irregularities in the State Public Service Commission exams. Thousands of young aspirants in the state are frustrated and enraged due to the rank apathy of the K. Chandrasekhar Rao government in conducting examinations and the youngsters are sure to oust it from power, he added. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Kharge said, "Shocked and deeply anguished by the suicide of a 23-year-old girl student in Telangana, who reportedly took the drastic step to end her life due to repeated postponements and irregularities in the State Public Service Commission Exams." He added that in this hour of grief and anger, "our heart goes out to the family of Marri Pravallika". Former party chief Rahul Gandhi also took on the BRS government and asserted that this is not suicide but murder of the dreams of the youth, their hopes and aspirations. If voted to power, the Congress government will release the job calendar, reorganise TSPSC on the lines of UPSC in 1 month and fill 2 lakh vacant government posts within a year - this is a guarantee, he added. In a post on X, the Lok Sabha MP from Keralaas Wayanad said, "The news of suicide of a student in Hyderabad yesterday is extremely sad. This is not suicide, this is murder a" of the dreams of the youth, their hopes and aspirations. The youth of Telangana today is completely devastated by unemployment. In the last 10 years, the BJP Relative Committee - BRS and BJP together have ruined the state with their incompetence." "The Congress government in Telangana will release the job calendar, reorganise TSPSC on the lines of UPSC in 1 month and fill 2 lakh vacant government posts within a year - this is a guarantee," the Congress leader added. Elections for the 119-member Assembly is due on November 30 and counting of votes will take place on December 3. The Congress is eyeing to form a government in the state for the first time after its formation in 2014. It has been campaigning very aggressively in the state and has been accusing the BRS government of indulging in corruption. High-level meeting likely to take call on winding up MMTC, STC, PEC. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Oct 14 : A high-level meeting chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is likely to take a call on the closure of government-owned Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India (MMTC), State Trading Corporation (STC) and Project & Equipment Corporation of India Limited (PEC) on October 23, according to reliable sources. The closure of the three companies has been hanging fire after theUnion Commerce Ministry decided to denotify them as canalising agencies for imports and exports last year. In a major embarrassment, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had cancelled the licence of MMTC Ltd in August as a stock broker for its involvement in illegal 'paired contracts' in a case related to National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL). MMTC traded in "paired contracts", which did not have regulatory approval. The Ministry has stated that the utility of the three central public sector trading companies was examined and it was of the view that there is no need for any canalising agency in the department of commerce. The issue pertaining to the closure of the three central public sector undertakings has also been examined by the Niti Aayog. The Ministry had also stated, "that keeping in view the guidelines of Department of Public Enterprises on New Enterprise Policy for CPSEs in the non-strategic sector, the proposal for closure of MMTC, STC, and PEC is under consideration". MMTC was a canalising agency for the import and export of high-grade iron ore, manganese ore, chrome ore, copra, and precious metals. STC was a canalizing agency for imports of essential items of mass consumption such as wheat, pulses, sugar, and edible oils, while PEC was the agency for the export and import of machinery and railway equipment. MMTC and STC were set up 1963 and 1956, respectively whereas PEC Ltd was constituted in 1971-72. Seoul, Oct 14 : A South Korean military aircraft was bringing 163 nationals home from Israel, along with some 60 foreigners on Saturday amid the raging conflict between the Jewish nation and the Hamas militant group, the Foreign Ministry here said. A KC-330 military transport plane carrying the South Koreans departed from Tel Aviv early Saturday and is expected to land at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, later at night, Yonhap News Agency quoted the Ministry as saying. The plane is also bringing 51 Japanese and six Singaporean nationals, as part of Seoul's efforts to provide humanitarian cooperation, it added. The plane left for Israel the previous day. It marks the first such transportation of South Koreans by a military plane and the second flight to bring citizens home from Israel following the return of 192 people aboard a Korean Air plane on Wednesday. The government decided to dispatch the military plane as air carriers increasingly suspended flight operations to and from Ben Gurion International Airport on the outskirts of Tel Aviv amid the intensifying conflict, officials said. Of the 163 people on board, 82 were short-term travellers, while the rest were residents. About 470 South Koreans remain in Israel. Most of them are residents living there long-term and have chosen to stay behind of their own accord, a Foreign Ministry official said, adding the diplomatic mission there continues to advise them to leave the area for safety. Roughly 630 South Koreans had been staying in Israel before the military plane took the people aboard. No South Korean casualties have been reported since the conflict began. New Delhi, Oct 14 : A 40-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping his 14-year-old daughter multiple times in east Delhi, an official said on Saturday. The accused was identified as Maqsood, a native of Bihar. Maqsood,a drug addict, resides with his family in a rented accommodation in east Delhi. According to the police, on Friday at 10:01 p.m., a PCR call regarding the rape of a minor was received at Mayur Vihar police station. During counseling, the girl alleged that she was raped repeatedly by her father in the absence of her mother. "She stated that on Friday, around 3 p.m., the accused again raped his daughter while her mother was away. When the woman returned, the survivor narrated the ordeal to her mother," said a senior police official. Subsequently, the girl's statement was recorded in the presence of her mother, and a case under sections 376(2)(n) and 506 of the IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act was registered. "The medical examination of the victim was conducted at LBS Hospital, East Delhi, and Maqsood was arrested," the official added. New Delhi, Oct 14 : As Bengali cinema aims to go pan-Indian with its new high-budget productions, actor Jeet dons a menacing new avatar in the teaser for his upcoming action film 'Manush'. The teaser shows a very high quality and astounding production, featuring some incredible set-designs and looks rather similar to something that is going on in South Indian cinemas these days. Brutally violent, the 'Asur' actor in the short teaser reveals just enough about his character and what exactly he really is. Though unclear if he is a hero or more of an anti-hero, while stepping out of the car in full style and crushing glass under his boots, he says in English: "I don't count money, I count only life." Cutting to several other scenes of other actors and scenarios, one of which includes a kind of thick smoke stemming from a fire or possibly an explosion, it cuts to the scene of the villain eating a chicken leg in a fully raw fashion. This indicates a somewhat rustic style despite the high level of masala. Talking about his own philosophy, Jeet's character then talks in Bangla and says: "You can never place your trust in a human. Everyone has some story to tell, and some secrets brewing." Then looking at a big stack of money, he says: "But losing your faith in money, that is a horrible sin." All of this is accompanied by a hard rock BGM (background music) with the roar of electric guitars as well as some synthesisers. A full on action-flick, Jeet's own character is revealed to be heavily violent and murderous, most likely looking for revenge. The final shot cuts to him using a cleaver and jumping in the air to cut off someone's head, with the teaser cutting to the credits and only the sound of blood splattering can be heard. Acting as both the lead actor and producer, Jeet is trying to elevate Bengali cinema to a pan-Indian style as 'Manush' looks stylistically similar to Thalaivar Rajinikanth's 'Jailer', though has a more filmy style. An action-thriller film, 'Manush' stars Jeet, Susmita Chatterjee, Jeetu Kumar, and Bidya Sinha Saha Mim in lead roles. Directed and written by Sanjoy Somadder, the film is gearing up for a 2024 release date. New Delhi, October 14 : The Centre has issued a notification regarding the appointment of two additional judges in the Madras High Court, acting on the recommendation made by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud-led Supreme Court collegium. The President appointed advocates N. Senthilkumar and G. Arul Murugan as judges of the Madras High Court from the date they assume charge of their respective offices. "In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint S/Shri (i) N. Senthilkumar and (ii) G. Arul Murugan, to be Additional Judges of the Madras High Court for a period of two years, in that order of seniority, with effect from the date they assume charge of their respective offices," said a notification issued on Friday. The Supreme Court Collegium recommended their appointment after the Collegium of the Madras High Court had forwarded its recommendation for these names on August 3, 2022. Advocate N. Senthilkumar has a standing of over 28 years at the Bar. He has an experience of appearing before the Sessions Court and the Madras High Court. He has been practicing in constitutional, criminal, service and civil cases and specialises in criminal and constitutional law. He has been on the panel of government in various positions on different occasions. "The candidate belongs to a Scheduled Caste. His appointment as a judge of the High Court will enhance the representation on the Bench to marginalised communities. Having regard to the above factors, the Collegium is of the considered opinion that Shri N. Senthilkumar is suitable for elevation to the Madras High Court," the Collegium had said. Advocate G. Arul Murugan has an experience of over 24 years at the Bar. He has appeared before the Madras High Court and various Tribunals. He specialises in civil, criminal and writ cases. "The candidate belongs to the OBC category. His appointment as a judge will facilitate greater representation to the OBCs in appointment to the higher judiciary. Having regard to the above aspects, the Collegium is of the considered opinion that Shri G. Arul Murugan is suitable for the elevation to the Madras High Court," the Collegium noted while making its recommendation. --IANS pds/ksk New Delhi, Oct 14 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 12 individuals in connection with the 2019 CPI (Maoist) attack on security forces, in which six Maoists and one civilian were killed near Tiriya village in Chhattisgarh, an official said on Saturday. The accused have been slapped with charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA (P) Act) in the charge sheet which was filed on Friday. In a statement issued by NIA on Saturday, it said that the investigation unveiled a sinister plot by a group of Maoist cadres, led by senior figures including Sanju, Lxman Nag, Dashri Kawasi, Dubasi Shankar, Jalimuri Srinu Babu, Vijayalaxmi, Ramesh Kunjami, and others, who conspired to execute this violent act. The assailants, armed with sophisticated weaponry, targeted combined teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), State Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that were engaged in a search operation near Tiriya Village in Jagdalpur. "In addition to the primary suspects, further individuals linked to the case have been identified, including B. Ch. Padma, Dubasi Devender, Dongari Devendra, Duddu Prabhakar, and Kandula Sirisha. These accused were clandestinely associated with various organisations while actively supporting the CPI (Maoist)," it said. "These accused maintained close ties with the top leadership of the CPI (Maoist) and played pivotal roles in furthering the unlawful and violent agenda of the banned organisation. They received funding from the CPI (Maoist) to facilitate their operations and used various front organisations to disseminate Maoist ideology," read the NIA statement. The case was originally registered on June 28, 2019, encompassing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the UAPA Act. Subsequently, on March 18, 2021, the NIA assumed control of the case. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 : In a scathing attack on the likely induction of five-time legislator K.B. Ganesh Kumar into the cabinet of Pinarayi Vijayan, social leader and general secretary of the SNDP Yogam, Vellapally Natesan warned that it should not happen. Kumar is a former State Minister too, but was in the Congress-led UDF, when his party Kerala Congress (B) was an ally, but in 2016assembly polls his party became an ally of the CPI-M led Left Democratic Front (LDF). "If the Pinarayi Vijayan government thinks they can improve the image of the government by bringing in Kumar, then it will bring more harm than good," said Natesan. "What credibility will be there if you bring in a person like Kumar who changes his wife like one changes a shirt. Moreover he is one who got a beating from his wife and along with his father who was also a Minister in the past have both ruined their portfolio. I am saying all this, because someone has to say it and hence," added Natesan, known for his razor-sharp tongue. Incidentally, the SNDP Yogam is a social organisation of the Hindu Ezhava community, while Kumar has recently been elevated to the director board of the Hindu Nair social organisation NSS. For long, the SNDP and NSS have been at loggerheads with both taking potshots at each other. The present impending cabinet re-shuffle is part of the agreement in the ruling LDF's decisionto share cabinet posts among parties having single MLAs. Under that formula, Antony Raju was given the Transport portfolio and Ahamed Devarkovil took over the Ports department. As per the agreement, after the completion of 30 months in office, the twoministers are to make way for K.B. Ganesh Kumar (Raju) and veteran Kadanapally Ramachandran ( Devarkovil). The time for that is fast approaching and hence Natesan decided to slam Kumar to spoil his chance, but it remains to be seen if Vijayan will take this objection seriously. Hyderabad, Oct 14 : Many women suffer from issues such as uncontrolled bladder movement and lower abdominal pain but do not seek medical attention due to shyness and embarrassment. Doctors at a summit on advances in urogynecology here have warned that these problems can worsen over time if left untreated. The three-day summit, which began on Saturday, focused on modern treatment protocols in urogynecology and included participation from foreign urogynecology experts who introduced the latest technology in treatment. KIMS Hospitals and Urogynecology Pelvic floor dysfunction and Incontinence Association (UPIA) are organising the summit. Doctors explain that many women avoid seeking medical attention for these problems because the majority of urologists are men. Fortunately, there is a sub-specialty called urogynecology which can treat these problems from the beginning stage itself. They added that most of these issues can be treated medically and if required, surgeries are also available. While nearly 40 per cent of Indian women have these problems, many are still not seeking medical attention. However, the situation is improving as the number of women seeking treatment has increased from only 2-3 cases per day to nearly 20 per day. Doctors advise that women experiencing symptoms such as urination during coughing or sneezing should immediately consult a urogynecologist. The Cadaver Session took place at Osmania Medical College, where doctors were trained in surgical procedures. The summit was attended by several gynecologists from India and other countries, and PG students were also given the opportunity to participate. Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundara Rajan, who inaugurated the summit, said that nobody can teach a gynecologist how to face challenges. "Doctors are amongst the most dedicated members of society, yet their efforts are often not fully appreciated by administrators. Whenever I attend conferences at KIMS, I am impressed by the level of service they provide to the nation and state and I have great appreciation for Dr Bhaskar Rao," she said. The summit held at KIMS Hospital was attended by CMD Dr B. Bhaskar Rao, summit chairpersons Dr Balamba and Dr Neena Desai, and organising secretary Dr Anuradha Koduri. International urogynecology experts, including Prof Peter L. Rosenblatt, Dr Holly Elizabeth Richter, Dr Marlene Corton, Dr Michael D Moen, and Dr Roger P. Goldberg, were also present at the event and explained the latest techniques in this field. New Delhi, Oct 14 : Dramatic scenes erupted at the Congress party headquarters in the national capital on Saturday after many party supporters raised slogans against the state minister Zahida Khan. Khan had arrived at the party headquarters on Saturday afternoon. The party workers started raising slogans against her when she went to meet senior party leader Jitendra Singh. The angry party workers accused Khan of harassing the party workers by the alleged aides of the state minister in her assembly constituency of Kama in Rajasthan. The party workers also alleged that the minister be replaced with some other candidate in the state assembly polls. The protest comes ahead of the partyas Screening Committee meeting scheduled on Saturday in the national capital at the partyas war room at 15 GRG. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is all set to hold the meeting of the Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on October 17 to finalise the candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. Elections for the 200 member assembly is scheduled on November 25 and counting of votes will take place on December 3. K.P Ramasamy of KPR Mills: The industrialist who encourages his workers to go for higher studies. Image Source: IANS News Chennai, Oct 14 : Seventy four year old K.P Ramasamy, head honcho of KPR Mills Ltd completed the Forbes list of India's 100 richest persons. As per the Forbes list Ramasamy and familyas wealth is $2.3 billion. According to BSE, Ramaswamy, Chairman of KPR Mills holds 21.37 per cent stake in the listed company and the companyas shares are changing hands in the Rs 750 band. The Rs 4,739 crore turnover KPR Mills makes yarn, fabric, garment and also a sugar manufacturer. The company also has a wind energy capacity of 61.92 MW. What is interesting about him and the KPR Mills is the encouragement given to their workers hired from the rural areas to pursue higher education including computers, management degrees, nursing, teacher training and others. According to the company about 27,000 employees have completed higher education while employed at KPR Mills and some have quit the company and joined IT companies and others. Tie Ups for higher education training programmes have been entered into Annamalai University, Alagappa University and Tamilnadu Open University. Ramasamy believes that while the government's initiatives towards primary education in small villages create literacy awareness among the people and his efforts facilitates up-gradation of their literacy levels to graduation. During the Covid-19 lockdown, when many companies resorted to downsizing, salary cuts, KPR Mills paid its workers full salary and retained them. Post lockdown when other factories faced labour shortage, KPR Mills was humming at full steam. Born into an agricultural family in Kalliampudur Village in Erode District, Ramasamy began as a power loom cloth maker in 1971 with Rs 8,000 borrowed capital. Along with his brothers he expanded his business from textiles to sugar, power, automobiles and education. Apart from exporting garments, the company also has its own mens innerwear brand Faso. New Delhi, Oct 14 : India observes Navratri, a colourful and important Hindu festival, over the course of nine nights. It entails numerous rituals, age-old music, dance (Garba), and vibrant decorations. Navratri is a diverse and fascinating experience for everyone saying to take part in the celebrations because each region of India celebrates it in a special way. The following list curated by Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel consists of nine Indian cities that are a must-see for Navratri: Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Gujarat's capital city Ahmedabad is well known for its lavish Navratri celebrations, especially the Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. Dancers in exquisite attire, traditional music, and magnificently adorned venues bring the city to life. Kolkata, West Bengal: Durga Puja, a significant festival commemorating the goddess Durga, is held in Kolkata during Navratri. The city is renowned for its extravagant, creative Durga Puja pandals, which feature brimming artwork and cultural events. Vadodara, Gujarat: Gujarat's Vadodara, formerly known as Baroda, holds one of the state's most enduring and genuine Navratri celebrations. The city is well-known for its energetic Garba participants and customary performances. Surat, Gujarat: The Navratri celebrations in Surat are renowned for their excitement and devotion. Large-scale Garba celebrations are held in the city, frequently with well-known artists and performers. Mumbai, Maharashtra: There are several activities and dances happening all across the city during Mumbai's passionate and ferocious Navratri celebrations. Here, the well-liked dancing style "Garba" commands attention and draws both locals and visitors. Delhi: The nation's capital also celebrates Navratri with a variety of cultural activities, Garba nights, and Dandiya Raas dances. The festive mood combines classic and contemporary elements. Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh's Indore has become known for its enthusiastic Navratri celebrations. The city holds a number of events that use music, dance, and artwork to highlight Madhya Pradesh's rich cultural legacy. Jaipur, Rajasthan: Navratri is enthusiastically observed in Jaipur, with a focus on the local folk dance traditions. The festivities take on a special flavor thanks to the city's royal past. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The city's religious and cultural traditions are heavily woven into Varanasi's Navratri celebrations. Throughout these nine evenings, spiritual music and dance performances fill the Ganges ghats. The Navratri celebrations in each of these cities have a unique taste that combines custom with local cultural influences. These locations offer a remarkable Navratri experience that highlights the cultural richness of India, whether you're looking for the energetic Garba and Dandiya dances or the serene environment of ancient ceremonies. Always confirm the precise dates for the year you intend to travel because Navratri dates might vary from year to year depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Another reminder of how much we love going to the movie theatres. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Oct 14 : The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) is delighted to confirm that a record number of cinemagoers went to the movies, on Friday, to celebrate National Cinema Day. More than 4,000 screens participated in the initiative, including cinema chains like PVRINOX, CINEPOLIS, MIRAJ, CITYPRIDE, MUKTA A2, MOVIE TIME, WAVE, M2K, MOVIEMAX, RAJHANS, NY CINEMAS, DELITE and many others. The second National Cinema Day received a big thumbs up from the cinemagoers across the country with shows starting as early as 6 a.m., it was a major success in bringing together millions of film fans of all ages to enjoy movies on the big screen. A record number of 6+ Million (estimated) moviegoers visited their local cinema to celebrate the National Cinema Day. In every corner, audiences of all ages came together to record an unprecedented demand for movie tickets, and the country's cinema operators reported house-full shows throughout the day, making October 13 the second highest-attended day of the year 2023. National Cinema Day's success in consecutive years is just another reminder of how much we love going to the movie theatres. The overwhelming response to this initiative reaffirms the timeless and enduring appeal of the theatrical experience. We extend our heartfelt "Thank You" to the millions of movie fans who made this year's National Cinema Day a massive success. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) --IANS ianslife/ os/ tb Kolkata, Oct 14 : An association of retired vice-chancellors of different state universities in West Bengal, known to be close to the ruling Trinamool Congress, has decided to approach the Calcutta High Court accusing Governor C.V. Ananda Bose of deliberately delaying the Bill on replacement of the Governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of all state universities. The said association, Education Forum, has claimed that Article 200 of the Indian Constitution does not permit the Governor to hold back or sit on any Bill passed in a legislative assembly by majority for a definite period. "The question is not what we think or the Governor thinks in the matter. The question is what Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, that outlines the process for a Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly of a state to be presented to the Governor for assent, says in this connection," claimed Om Prakash Mishra on behalf of Education Forum. He said that the forum office-bearers have already started the process of approaching the court of law in the matter and they have already started discussing the legal brains in the matter. However, the state unit of BJP has stood by the Governor in the matter. According to BJPas state spokesman, not a single right-thinking individual can support the idea of replacing the Governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of state universities. "If there is a referendum on the matter I am sure that 80 per cent of the votes will be against the contents of the Bill. Even the right-thinking individuals within Trinamool Congress will also oppose the idea. No will support a party- controlled education system in the state. Hence the Governor is adopting the right path," he said. The said Bill was passed in the state Assembly recently by majority, with 167 votes going in favour of it and 55 going against it. India at lifetime high while other emerging markets are 30% away from their peaks. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Oct 14 : Conflict has caused short-term pain to markets but they have rebounded quickly in time and actually travelled farther. This was seen during the Ukraine-Russia war and more recently last week during the Hamas-Israel conflict. Markets were hit just on Monday and then rebounded. This strong market performance can only be attributed to the strength that the underlying markets have and not to any other reason. There are spin-off effects where oil prices have risen because of the conflict, but these should be considered as aberrations as they begin to hurt the larger segment and it takes its toll on the economy and economies. Gold is another volatile product and in times of conflict it is used as a safety hedge. Coming to India and the stock markets, it appears we are currently in a sweet spot and likely to take advantage of the forthcoming festive season. From Sunday we see the festival of Navratri beginning which would culminate with Dussehra and post that in about two weeksa time we would have Diwali. These are times of celebration in the country and witness large spending across product categories like clothes, jewellery, white goods and automobiles, whether they be two-wheelers or four-wheelers. Tourism also kicks in during this period and flow of money is at its peak. There will be added fervour this time with five state elections being held in the month of November and the same culminating with counting on December 3. The markets, after having touched a peak of 67,927.23 points on the BSE SENSEX and 20,222.45 points on NIFTY on September 15, are showing the inclination to reach these levels all over again, if not crossing them. The results season has kicked in with the Information Technology pack declaring results from the top three companies. While there is some concern, it is not alarming. The mainstay of the NIFTY, banking or Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) with close to 42 per cent weightage, is expected to lead from the front when results from the sector are declared next week. The heavyweight in the sector HDFC Bank still has integration issues post its mega merger with HDFC Limited, which the markets have taken into stride post guidance. Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs) were sellers, but of late that seems to have slowed down. Second, in absolute terms, their selling has been accounted for by aggressive purchases from domestic mutual funds that are being powered by massive Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) from retail investors, which are at record highs. With the retail sector flush with money and having made money, selling by FPIs is being more than adequately countered. The markets seem set to take the current momentum and move ahead. Even last week, post the Hamas-Israel conflict, they stood their ground and bounced back quite nicely. They are on track to move ahead and conquer Mount 20K in the coming fortnight. Thereafter, their target would be the all-time high of 20,222 points or higher. A good possibility in terms of timing for such an event, would be post Dussehra and before Diwali. Playing the Devilas Advocate, what could go wrong, is, a slight delay and the time frame getting extended. Besides this, there appear to be no other issues. Oil is a commodity which acts as a drain on the foreign reserves of India and could act as a dampener on the market rally. However, the momentum is strong and they should be able to surmount the negative movement if any. Also, as far as the political front is concerned, there would be a lot at stake when the general elections for the Lok Sabha are held in April-May 2024. The current round of state elections could be termed as a precursor to the Lok Sabha elections, but the final always has a different aura about it. In conclusion, the current market mood indicates that a retest of the present all-time high is on the cards and if all goes well, we could make a new high as well. In terms of timing, we are two to four weeks away from the event, though it could be even earlier. One should brace for the rise which would be accompanied by huge volatility and both sided movements. New Delhi, Oct 14 : India's manufacturing sector staged a mild recovery in the last quarter of 2022-23, after half a year of contraction, and continued to expand at a moderate pace with a 4.7% growth in the first quarter of the current financial year. Official figures released on Thursday show a 9.3% growth in the manufacturing sector during August but this is compared to a low base of the previous year when output contracted. Since the manufacturing sector holds the key to providing quality jobs to the countryas young graduates passing out of engineering institutes and universities, it needs to grow at a much faster and steadier pace. The Governmentas National Manufacturing Policy has set an ambitious target to increase the share of manufacturing in the countryas GDP to 25 percent by 2025 from around 17 percent at present. The productivity linked incentive (PLI) scheme for a big push to manufacturing, launched in 2022 with an allocation of Rs 1.97 lakh crore, has produced some good results but not gone far enough. The PLI scheme has succeeded in industries such as mobile phone manufacturing with companies such as US tech giant Apple and Taiwan-headquartered multinational company Foxconn setting up manufacturing facilities in the country and giving a major fillip to exports as well. Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and food processing industries are other areas that have done well. However, the PLI scheme has not produced the desired results in other segments such as the manufacture of solar PV modules, and electric vehicles. Another positive outcome has been that India has become an increasingly attractive location for multinationals across a wide range of industries, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows touching a record high of USD 85 billion in the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to the RBI. With global players looking to set up supply chains outside China, Indiaas large domestic market provides an ideal alternative. Major investments such as the Airbus-Tata joint venture to manufacture military planes in Vadodra has also taken off this year. Similarly, work is on to set up a factory to produce semiconductors by US chip giant Micron Technologies near Ahmedabad. However, slowing global growth which is dragging down exports, geopolitical risks and volatile global financial conditions weigh heavily on the outlook ahead for the manufacturing sector. India has retained its position as the fastest growing large economy ahead of China in the IMFas latest forecast on economic growth rates. However, according to a report by Barclays, India needs to grow at 8% for some years in order to overtake China in terms of contribution to the global economy.This is because Chinaas GDP is $17.7 trillion which is about five times that of India. Indiaas growth has also been largely driven by the services sector which contributes as much as 55% to the countryas GDP with the manufacturing sectoras share at around 17%. The governmentas jobs data showed that since 2018-19, the last pre-pandemic year, and 2022-23, a part of the labour force has gone back to agriculture. In 2022-23, agricultureas share of the workforce was 45.8%, over three percentage points more than 2018-19. The change in composition was partly on account of a modest decline in the workforce engaged by the manufacturing sector. In 2022-23, only 11.4% of the countryas workforce was in manufacturing. The Barclays report points out that, India needs to invest more investments in traditional sectors such as mining and power utilities to surpass China as the biggest contributor to world GDP. Investments in those sectors have taken a back seat in recent years compared to newer industries, such as telecommunications and the digital sector, Rahul Bajoria, a senior economist at Barclays, wrote in the report. More investment, especially in traditional sectors, should also have a positive impact on employment and household income, and this could help policy makers to formulate better policies for economic growth, he added. Tel Aviv, Oct 14 : One week after the murder of Israelis in a Hamas attack on southern Israel, the New York Times reveals how well-prepared the terrorists were and how extensive the Israel's intelligence failure was. According to the report, heavily armed Hamas commando forces invaded using maps and precise plans to attack specific targets, with the knowledge of the IDF's defensive weak spots, Ynet News reported. The investigative report was based on at least one document found in the possession of a killed terrorist, and on videos filmed by the invaders themselves, as well as on discussions with people in the know of things. It revealed a surprising knowledge of the terror group into the workings of the IDF, including the location of specific units and how long it would take reinforcements to arrive after the Hamas attack. Hamas came in under the protection of its heavy rocket fire on Israel, by a massive invasion over land, and by air and sea. In order to disrupt the military's observation capabilities, Hamas launched UAVs to destroy communication towers and observation posts along the Gaza border, causing blind spots, while bulldozers broke through the border fence allowing hundreds across in the first wave, sources told the paper. A further 1,800 followed the initial invaders, YNet News reported. The terrorists attacked at least eight military bases in addition to their assault on civilian communities. The New York Times said the clips taken by the terrorists' head cameras, showed the invasion of the bases and the massacre of troops in them, in some cases killing soldiers in their sleep. A military official told the paper that in some of the bases, the terrorists knew the exact location of communication servers and destroyed them so that the scope of the assault would not be revealed and a call for help would not be made quickly. In many locations, the soldiers deployed in the defense of communities near the border were outnumbered and unable to repel the assault leading to the terrible massacre of civilians that ensued for hours, Ynet News reported. One video seen by the reporters of the New York Times, and taken by the commander of the 10-man terror force who was later killed, showed an intelligence base, which the terrorists knew the location of and was among the first to be attacked, approached by men on motorcycles, firing at civilian cars on the way, who blew up the unmanned gate and had time to take selfies of themselves inside, Ynet News reported. At first, they struggled to identify the layout of the base and used maps provided to them in advance. They then entered through the unlocked door of what was a fortified building entering a room with computers that the NY Times described as an intelligence hub. Under a bed, they found two soldiers hiding, shot and killed them. Security forces arrived and eliminated the terrorists only hours later. The video images show the moment a terrorist is killed, revealing the heavily bearded face of the dead terrorist, the report said. Hamas planned the attack over a long period of time including conducting military drills in plain sight of the IDF, while officials in Israel were convinced the Gaza-ruling terror group was deterred and had no interest in war. They believed Hamas was more concerned with improving economic conditions in the Strip after the cost of the 2021 round of fighting. The New York Times said the preparations included meticulous instructions to terrorists, as one document found on the body of a dead terrorist, showed. It was dated October 2022, indicating preparations were underway for at least a year, Ynet News reported. The document found by volunteers, assisting the rescue teams in one of the border communities, revealed that the terrorists were organiaed in units, each assigned clear targets. Some were given missions, others were assigned to be drivers and a third group was instructed to fire artillery rounds to provide cover. One team was told to attack a specific community from specific directions. The document noted the estimated number of soldiers deployed in nearby positions, how many vehicles they had at their disposal and how long reinforcements would need to arrive, Ynet News reported. In the document, the terrorists received clear orders to kidnap Israelis. "Take soldiers and civilians prisoner and hostage so that we would use them to negotiate," the document said. This is in contradiction to claims made by Salah al Arouri, a senior Hamas official, to Al Jazeera, that Hamas only targeted the military and that the Israelis were taken by civilians crossing the breached border fence. Once these responsibilities are taken away as children grow up, there is little time to kick back. They often still need to cook for their husband after retirement and care for their grandchildren to ensure that their children can work. And some elderly women also have to care for their even older parents as the lifespan increases. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, depression is most common among men in their 20s (51,919 cases) and women in their 60s (96,249). Women of that generation had a tougher time finding educational and professional opportunities due to a strong preference for sons and the patriarchal system, and often had to devote themselves to raising children and housework. More and more women over 60 are suffering from depression as they find it difficult to free themselves from crushing family responsibilities. A shortage of public childcare facilities makes it difficult for grandmothers to decline the new responsibilities. According to a 2018 study by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 83.6 percent of couples who have help raising their children said their parents offer a hand, and that mostly means grandmothers. The responsibility also leads to conflicts within families. Researchers at Seoul National University found that 92.8 percent of people in their 60s said they have faced serious conflict at home due to pregnancy and childcare. One 65-year-old woman who retired from teaching wanted to learn swimming and painting and refused a request by her daughter to care for her child. As a result, her daughter has not visited for a year. "I believe I did what I had to do as a mother and wife by working and raising my family. My daughter's situation deserves sympathy, but I want to live my life now doing the things I want," she said. Many elderly women resent the gender equality younger women claim for themselves. They cannot expect their daughters or daughters-in-law to do housework or other labor for family like preparing big meals for holidays like Lunar New Year or Chuseok and ancestral rituals, and end up taking the brunt of it even in old age. One 68-year-old woman who used to run a small store with her husband said, "My daughters-in-law work so they don't come to jesa" -- the traditional custom of preparing the ancestral table. "When I see myself preparing the ritual table alone, I wonder what Im doing in life," she said. Another elderly woman who hurt her back caring for her grandchildren said, "I did very well at school, but I was forced to go to a local university in my hometown instead of one in Seoul because my parents couldn't afford it. And I had to quit my teaching job after marriage. So I wanted my daughter to have a professional job and did my best to raise her to become a doctor. But I did not expect to still care for her at this age and raise her kids." Nothing wrong if AAP workers want to see Kejriwal as PM: Gopal Rai. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Oct 14 : With the air quality dipping in the national capital region, the Delhi government on Saturday said that the AAP-led government is serious about the dust pollution and teams have inspected construction sites under anti-dust campaign. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that 1,108 construction sites have been inspected by teams under the Anti Dust Campaign in the city. "At the same time, notices or challans were issued to 21 sites, and fines of Rs 8.35 lakh were imposed for violation of guidelines issued at construction sites," he said, adding that 591 teams from 13 departments i.e. DDA, MCD, DPCC, DCB, Jal Board, DSIIDC, PWD, Revenue, Delhi Metro, CPWD, NDMC, etc. have been formed under the anti-dust campaign. Rai said that the teams are instructed to constantly inspect sites and maintain vigil. "It's necessary to follow all 14 anti-dust norms on construction sites, otherwise, strict action will be taken against violators," the Minister said. "In order to reduce the pollution in Delhi during the winter season, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the Winter Action Plan on September 29 and on the basis of that, the concerned departments have started to implement it on the ground," he said. He also said that the government has launched the Green War Room, from where the government is monitoring the situation in the city. "The Delhi government has succeeded in reducing pollution with the cooperation of the people. The government is running many campaigns to reduce pollution such as anti-dust campaign, spraying of bio decomposer, water sprinkling campaign with mobile anti-smog gun etc," Rai added. He also said that the teams are constantly visiting construction sites and these teams will ensure that the construction guidelines are followed there. "It's mandatory to implement 14 norms on construction sites. The campaign was launched on October 7 and will run till 7 November. If any site refuses to follow the rules of dust control, action will be taken against it as per law," he said, adding that according to the NGT guidelines, a fine will be imposed for violation of the rule on the construction sites. "If there is a severe violation then the construction site will be shut," he said. He also directed the officials of the Environment Department to take daily reports from the teams regarding the Anti Dust Campaign. Rai also appealed the people of Delhi that if they find any irregularities in the construction or demolition work, then they should complain about it on the Green Delhi App. Chennai, Oct 14 : An Associate Professor of Agricultural who was on a two-month training programme in Israel is stranded at Gaza border since Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7. The 40-year-old Associate Professor S. Rathika, who was teaching at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchi is stranded at the Ben-Gurion University at Negev which is close to Gaza border. She had left for Israel on September 23, 2023 for the training programmein drip irrigation at the Ben-Gurion University. Her husband T. Ramesh, who is also a Professor in Agricultural Sciences at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TANU) told media persons that his wife was spending sleepless nights at Nagev since the war broker out. He said that he had appealed to both state and Central governments to bring her back to Tamil Nadu safely. He said that she is currently in and out of an underground bunker at the University and is waiting for her rescue since the fight broke out.Professor Ramesh said that he is in touch with her only through Whatsapp messages and that she is safe but her return is awaited. They have a 13-year-old son who was anxious to see his mother back and Ramesh added that the aged parents of Rathika were also eagerly waiting to see her. Ramesh said that the Indian Embassy officials had already contacted Rathika and had assured her that they would process her request at the earliest. Srinagar, Oct 14 : A court in Srinagar on Saturday granted interim bail to a J&K Police Deputy Superintendent of Police accused in a corruption case. The special judge, anti-corruption, granted interim bail to DSP Adil Mushtaq, who was arrested on charges of corruption, extortion, and fraud. Bail was granted to Mushtaq on a surety bond of Rs 50,000. Following his arrest, the government has placed him under suspension. New Delhi, Oct 14 : A petition filed in the Delhi High Court has said that conjugal visits, away from the scrutiny of prison officials, are a "fundamental right." Citing practices in several other countries, the Delhi government told the court that a proposal regarding prisoners' rights to seek conjugal visits has been forwarded to the state's Home Department. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula was hearing a petition urging the Delhi government and DG (Prisons) to make suitable arrangements in jails for conjugal visits by prisoners' spouses. This public interest litigation (PIL) was originally filed in May 2019, leading to the High Court issuing notices to relevant authorities. The above-mentioned proposal is also set to be conveyed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the issuance of necessary guidelines. The Bench has granted the Delhi government six weeks to provide updates following its recommendation, and has posted the matter for hearing on January 15, 2024. The PIL aims to challenge the state's prison rule, which currently requires the presence of a jail officer during prisoner-spouse meetings, and also sought to declare conjugal visits a "fundamental right" for inmates. The petition highlights that despite most prisoners being within a sexually active age bracket, they are denied conjugal visitation. It points out the progressive approach taken by courts in various countries, considering conjugal visits an important human right and their potential to reduce crimes within prisons. The petition stresses that prisoners should not be denied private meetings with their spouses based on the existing provisions of parole and furlough within the Indian penal system, particularly as these options are not available to undertrial inmates. Furthermore, it asserts that conjugal visits are not only essential for enforcing the fundamental human rights of incarcerated individuals but also vital for the well-being of their spouses who are suffering without any wrongdoing on their part. Chandigarh, Oct 14 : Former Haryana chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda on Saturday demanded an increase in the quota of rice sheller mills as the number of people purchasing crop in the market was low due to less quota. Due to scarcity, he said, neither purchases of paddy were being made smoothly nor farmers getting fair rates. The two-time chief minister estimates farmers are incurring a loss of Rs 200 to 300 per quintal. He said in a statement here the government should solve the problems of the farmers so that buyers can also go to nearby markets and purchase. The Leader of Opposition reiterated the demand for lifting the ban on export of paddy. He said export duty should also be abolished so that farmers can get the benefit of high prices in the international market. Hooda said he has visited many markets to understand firsthand the problems of the farmers. He said his suggestions were based on the inputs of farmers and stakeholders. "It is not justified for the BJP-JJP government to evade its responsibility and leave the farmers to the mercy of portals like 'Meri Fasal, Mera Byora' as they stop working in every procurement season, which multiplies the problems of the farmers," he added. After over two years, mother held for killing 8-yr-old son who saw her in compromising position with uncle. Image Source: IANS News Rajkot, Oct 14 : Two migrant workers hailing from Bengal, identified as Rahul Sheikh (25) and Meenu Sheikh (26), were allegedly murdered by the owner and staff of a silver and imitation jewellery manufacturing unit in Thorala area of Rajkot. The incident took place on October 12 and the investigation is still on, officials said on Saturday. Rahul and Meenu were summoned to an upper floor of the factory on suspicion of theft of silver, where they were allegedly beaten with wooden and plastic sticks. After they lost consciousness they were locked inside the security guard's room. According to the accused men, Rahul had been dismissed from his job at the factory seven months ago under suspicion of theft of silver. However, he was rehired just ten days prior to the incident when discrepancies in the silver stock were detected, prompting their questioning and the assault. Authorities have detained seven individuals for questioning, including the factory owner, Sagar Savaliya, the manager, Vipul Moliya, and factory workers Himalaya and Dhaval. Additionally, two contractors, Tanmay and Pradeep, responsible for bringing in migrant labourers, along with Pushpendra, the factory's security guard, were also taken into custody. The crime came to light when the 108 ambulance service received a distress call on Friday morning, alerting them about the two unconscious labourers. Upon examination, the medical team discovered that Rahul and Meenu were already dead and the paramedics promptly notified the police. A preliminary examination of the victims revealed signs of injuries on their bodies, prompting law enforcement agencies to initiate a full-scale investigation into the matter. Initial inquiries indicated that there had been a shortage of 3 kgs of silver in the inventory at MBS Ornaments. The factory manager and the security guard began closely monitoring the workers. The security guard allegedly discovered 100 grams of stolen silver in Rahul's possession as he was leaving the premises on Thursday night after completing his shift. Rahul confessed to the theft, explaining that he had resorted to stealing due to urgent financial needs. He also confessed to enlisting Meenu's assistance in selling the stolen silver in the market. Notably, Meenu was not an employee of the factory. janvi/rad Beirut, Oct 14 : German airline Lufthansa has cancelled all flights to Lebanon till October 16, media reports said. "Due to the current situation in the Middle East, Lufthansa will suspend its flights to Beirut/Lebanon (BEY) up to and including October 16," a company spokesperson said on Saturday, CNN reported. This follows a move by the carrier earlier this week to suspend flights to and from Tel Aviv, up to and including October 22 due to the "unclear situation" in Israel. Israel and militants in Lebanon have been engaged in a tit-for-tat exchange of fire on the border between the two countries since last weekend, when Hamas' October 7 surprise attack on Israel, and Israel's attack on Gaza that followed, prompted regional tensions to spiral, CNN reported. At least one journalist was killed and six others injured on Friday in southern Lebanon when Israel fired artillery into the area they were gathered. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged firing artillery into Lebanon saying that it was in response to an explosion near the security fence near a kibbutz. Additionally, a Lebanese security source said that an Israeli Apache helicopter was seen over the site of the attack, CNN reported. The journalists were wearing body armour identifying them as "press" at the time of the attack. Hyderabad, Oct 14 : The female student, who committed suicide in a city hostel due to betrayal by her boyfriend and it was not linked to postponement of any exam by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC), police said on Saturday. The suicide had triggered massive protest last night in Ashok Nagar area in Hyderabad. Marri Pravallika, 23, who was staying in Brindavan Girls Hostel in Ashok Nagar, committed suicide 15 days ago in the hostel. The students staged a protest against the government, alleging that the delay in conducting public service exam forced the girl to committed suicide. Soon, the matter took a political turn with BJP and Congress leaders pitching into the protest. The protest also turned violent as students pelted stones on the police. However, in its probe, police came to know that Pravallika was in love with Shivaram Rathod, who promised to marry her, but got engaged to another girl. She had shared her agony with her friends about the development over WhatsApp chats and then committed suicide, police said. "The WhatsApp chats clearly established her cause of suicide. But, the political leaders from BJP and Congress have given different colour to the development with their manipulative speeches. The suicide note, the private chats, photos reveal the cause of her committing suicide," a police official said. New Delhi, Oct 14 : SpiceJet on Saturday joined the Central government's 'Operation Ajay' to facilitate the repatriation of stranded Indians from Israel, an airline official said. The airline has initiated its inaugural special evacuation flight to Tel Aviv, utilizing its Airbus A340 aircraft. "Flight SG 9995, designated as the evacuation flight, took off from Amritsar for Tel Aviv on Saturday evening," an airline spokesperson said. "The return journey from Tel Aviv is scheduled for departure at 11 p.m. (local time), with an arrival in Delhi the following morning," said the spokesperson. "SpiceJet has been a steadfast contributor to the governmentas evacuation and repatriation efforts, previously assisting in aOperation Gangaa by evacuating over 1600 students through special flights to Budapest, Kosice, and Suceava," said the spokesperson. In 'Operation Kaveri', SpiceJet helped bring back Indian citizens stranded in Sudan and flying them from Jeddah to Kochi. "During the Covid pandemic, the airline played a vital role in repatriating both Indian nationals and foreign residents," said the spokesperson. Bengaluru, Oct 14 : Karnataka former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said that both the state government and contractors are jointly looting the state while the Contractors Association has become the state government's "commission collection center." He said that the recovery of illegal money must be probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The IT department had recovered Rs 42 crore cash at a flat owned by a contractor in Bengaluru. The issue had taken a political turn and it was alleged that the money was collected for assembly elections of five states. Bommai told media persons that there had been corruption in everything including transfer since the new Congress government has come to power. "This is the most corrupt government that Karnataka has seen. Corruption is seen from a village to Vidhana Soudha, and it had been going on openly. It was for the first time that huge money has been recovered from the house of a close relative of a contractor soon after the release of the pending bill to the contractors. This has proved beyond doubt that the government is receiving 10 per cent commission. More commission scams will come out if the raids are conducted on more contractors," he said. He said that the Contractors Association made baseless allegations against the previous government and now the same association is working as the "government's commission collection center." He said that the contractors and the government were jointly looting the state. "The recent recovery of money must be probed by the ED under the Money Laundering Act and Prevention of Corruption Act by the CBI," he demanded. He said that if the Chief Minister has no role in this, then he must form a commission led by Justice Nagmohan Das or refer to the Lokayuktha. "The State Congress leaders who were acting like the ATM for the assembly polls in five states have no moral right to talk about corruption," Bommai said. He said that the Contractors Association President Kempanna met the CM Siddaramaiah alleging that selective payment had been made. "This was the evidence of corruption. The bills of contractors who have paid commission have been released," he said. Iran's foreign minister warned Friday that if Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip don't stop immediately, the violence could spread to other parts of the Middle East. Hossein Amirabdollahian is on a tour that took him to Baghdad before Beirut, and later in the day he was scheduled to travel to the Syrian capital, Damascus. Iran heads the so-called "axis of resistance" that includes powerful militant groups in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq. Amirabdollahian spoke to reporters in Beirut after a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart, during which the two officials called for an end to Israel's attacks on Gaza. He also met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as well as caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the speaker of parliament. There have been concerns that the war could spread to Lebanon's border where Hezbollah fighters have been on alert following Hamas' attack on southern Israel on Saturday that left hundreds of people dead. On Thursday, Israel's military struck two of Syria's main international airports, in Damascus and Aleppo, putting them out of service. Flights were diverted to an airport in the coastal province of Latakia. The strikes came after shells were fired from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Sporadic acts of violence along the Lebanon-Israel border over the past days left three Hezbollah fighters dead on Monday. Israel's military said one Israeli soldier was killed in an anti-tank missile attack on Wednesday. New Delhi, Oct 14 : The G20 Parliamentary Speakers in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the P20 summit on Saturday, reaffirmed their commitment to continue to engage in parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue in relevant fora as a catalyst for promoting international peace, prosperity and harmony, including supporting peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes. The P20 Parliamentarians also underscored the urgency for disaster risk reduction in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies, sometimes with magnitudes beyond the response capacity of affected countries. "We affirm that international cooperation among countries at all levels, including Parliaments as well as public and private and philanthropic organisations, is essential to mobilise flexible and sustainable resources, for preparedness and disaster risk reduction, for anticipatory and early action, for rapid response and early recovery activities, as well as for building community-level resilience," the joint statement said. The Parliamentarians also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, recognising the commitment of all religions to peace. They said it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. "We strongly condemn all terrorist acts against critical infrastructure, including critical energy facilities, and against other vulnerable targets. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed," the statement noted. "Effective counterterrorism measures, support for the victims of terrorism and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually reinforcing. A holistic approach on the basis of international law can effectively counter terrorism," it said further. "Efforts to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation should be strengthened to deny terrorist groups safe havens, freedom of operations, movement and recruitment, as well as financial, material or political support. In the light of our legislative, budgetary and oversight functions, we pledge to play our role in combating terrorism and violent extremism," the statement elaborated. The statement noted with concern that globally women remain significantly under-represented in national Parliaments. "As leaders in our Parliaments, we commit to assessing and improving the level of gender-sensitivity of our Parliaments by taking steps to close any gaps identified through this process. In this context, we welcome the adoption of the Womenas Reservation Bill, 2023 by the Parliament of India in September 2023. aWe also thank the United Nations and the IPU for their efforts and affirm that gender equality and youth participation are essential for achieving the 2030 agenda," the statement read. It also welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and strongly believed that inclusion of the African Union into the G20 will significantly contribute to addressing the global challenges of present times. "In this context, in the framework of P20, we will develop close parliamentary ties with the Pan-African Parliament," the statement added. "We acknowledge the role of G20 as the premier global forum for international economic cooperation, and for delivering effective policy solutions to address current and future global challenges in order to promote sustainable and inclusive development across the world. aWe also emphasise the importance of the G20 Parliamentary Speakersa Summit as a multilateral forum for parliamentary diplomacy, and the parliamentary contribution to the G20 process," it noted. It added that it also welcomed the comprehensive and constructive dialogue held during the G20 Leadersa Summit and Indiaas G20 Presidency, focusing on the issues related to accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goals, technological transformation and inclusive digital economy, global economic recovery, food and energy security, addressing climate change, inclusive energy transition, promotion of sustainable production and consumption patterns, reinvigorating multilateralism, peace building, counterterrorism, global skill mapping, disaster risk reduction, and strengthening global health architecture. New Delhi, Oct 14 : Amid the war of words between the Rajasthan Congress leadership and Naresh Arora, the founder of Design Boxed, which was handling the social media campaigning and survey for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the state, the popularity of the state government has taken a massive hit in the poll-bound state in the last 15 days. According to party insiders, the popularity of the government schemes on the social media has been taking a hit in the last 15 days after the rift between the Rajasthan Congress leaders and Arora few days ago following a verbal spat. The party insiders said that the popularity of the party's campaign is taking a massive hit in the state. The assembly election for the 200 member assembly is scheduled on November 25. A party source, following the reach of the social media campaigning said that in the last 15 days the reach of the posts on the Facebook is down by 15 per cent. He said that similar is the case on X (formerly Twitter) where the reach of the Congress posts have gone down by 12 per cent while on the social media platform of Instagram the reach of the posts has decreased by eight per cent in the last 15 days. Gehlot had brought the Design Boxed in Rajasthan for the social media campaigning in February this year. After the company took over the job, it arranged several programmes in the state and promoted their contents on the social media aggressively. The reach and the response of the party's post saw immense popularity in the state in the last six months. It is worth to be noted that Design Boxed had also ran the campaign for Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar in run up to the assembly polls in the southern state earlier this year. The Congress has recently appointed senior party leader Pawan Khera as the party Observer to oversee the media preparations for the assembly elections in the desert state on October 12. Meanwhile, the Screening Committee for Rajasthan is also holding a meeting in the national capital on Saturday to discuss the candidates for the upcoming election in the desert state. - Chandigarh, Oct 14 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Majithia on Saturday condemned the decision of not honouring the first martyr of Agniveer scheme, Amritpal Singh, who sacrificed his life in Jammu and Kashmir at age of 19. He said no guard of honour was accorded and even an army ambulance was not provided to bring the body of the martyr back home in Punjab. The party demanded scrapping of the Agniveer scheme and regularisation of services of all soldiers recruited under the scheme till date. A Defence Ministry statement, terming the incident unfortunate, said Agniveer Amritpal Singh died while on sentry duty in the Rajouri sector due to a self-inflicted gunshot injury. A court of inquiry to ascertain more details is in progress, it said. It said mortal remains of the deceased, accompanied by one Junior Commissioned Officer and four other ranks, were transported in a civil ambulance hired by the unitr. Accompanying army personnel also attended the last rites. The cause of death being a self-inflicted injury, no guard of honour or military funeral was provided in accordance with the existing policy, it added. Meanwhile, Majithia said it was most tragic and unfortunate to see that due to the Modi governmentas new Agniveer policy, the first martyr, who was only 19 years old, was not even provided an army ambulance to carry the body home. "This is the most shameful and heinous policy framed for soldiers of the country who are always on the front to save their motherland from the enemy and we have never witnessed such a scheme after Independence and we completely reject the Agniveer scheme," he said. The Akali leader said only on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah accepted that martyrs from the Sikh community were at forefront to save the country but what is the Centre doing with them? He said it was most disturbing to note that this was policy for Agniveers to totally ignore them after their sacrifice for the country. He said keeping in view the insensitive approach of the Modi government, youth would desist from getting recruited under the scheme. He also urged the Punjab government to honour its words for martyrs and provide the family with assistance of Rs 1 crore and a job for the family. New Delhi, Oct 14 : Google-backed edtech platform Adda247 has laid off around 250-300 employees across verticals, media report said on Saturday. According to Entrackr, citing sources, about 100 to 150 employees were laid off from StudyIQ, a UPSC-focused edtech platform acquired by the company for about $20 million in December 2021. About 150 employees were laid off in major verticals, including sales and content. It is the first layoff in a few years at the company. As per the report, the laid-off workers were asked to resign without any prior notice. In October last year, Adda247 raised $35 million in a round led by WestBridge Capital. The round saw Google as a new investor. The funding round also saw participation from the existing investors, including Info Edge and Asha Impact. Founded by Anil Nagar and Saurabh Bansal in 2016, Adda247 caters to the learning needs of millions of students from tier 2 and 3 cities. Meanwhile, edtech major Byju's has announced to lay off 4,000-5,000 employees in a "business restructuring exercise". The startup has eliminated more than 10,000 positions in the last two years. Kolkata, Oct 14 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday cautioned people from getting trapped in any kind of provocation that might disturb the air of peace and harmony in the state during the forthcoming Durga Puja festival. Participating at the virtual inauguration of the festival edition of 'Jago Bangla (Wake up Bengal)', hher Trinamool Congressas party organ in Bengali on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that since Durga Puja is not just a religious festival and that spirit should be followed during the forthcoming days of festival season. "There should be no divisive attempts during those days. While religion is to individuals, the festival is for all. So there should be no discord over it. Everyone should be united in celebrating the festival. Everyone should keep that in mind and not get trapped into any kind of provocation during that period," she said. Banerjee also stressed that all concerned and involved with the festival should maintain close coordination with the police to maintain an air of peace and harmony during the forthcoming festival days. She also took an indirect dig towards the critics of her party and the state government. "West Bengal has been selected as an ideal tourist destination. The Durga Puja festival has received UNESCO accreditation. Our Kanyashree project has been acclaimed by the United Nations. Still some people are always critical. There will always be some such people. It is better to ignore them totally," she said. The Chief Minister, who is home bound for the last one month because of her renewed limb injuries, will also remain at home during the forthcoming Durga Puja days. However, since Friday she has started online inaugurations of different community Pujas in the state. Patna, Oct 14 : A minor girl was kidnapped and gang raped by 4 youths in Bihar's Madhepura district, police said on Saturday, adding that two of the accused have been arrested while two others are on the run. The accused have been booked under Section 376D (gang rape) of the IPC, and sections of the Pocso Act, and the SC/ST act in women police station of the district. The incident occurred on Friday when the victim went for some work in a nearby market. She was intercepted by the four persons on bikes and kidnapped. They had taken to a deserted place and gang raped her one by one. After committing the crime, they left the victim at the spot and fled. The victim, somehow, reached home and narrated her ordeal to her parents. "The victim approached Murliganj police station and registered a complaint. The case was immediately transferred to the women police station for the FIR and two of the accused arrested," SDPO, Madhepura Sadar, Pravendra Bharti said. "The accused were produced in district court which sent them to judicial custody. We are raiding possible locations of the other accused to arrest them," he added. Hamas tells Gaza residents not to leave their homes after Israel asks to evacuate. Image Source: IANS News London, Oct 14 : Thousands of protesters have joined a pro-Palestine rally in London on Saturday amid the Israel-Hamas war, The Guardian reported. The march, which will progress to Whitehall, set off from Portland Place where pro-Palestine activists daubed the BBC's headquarters with red paint earlier on Saturday. The activist group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for targeting the building on Saturday morning, accusing the broadcaster of having "Palestinian blood on its hands", The Guardian reported. Supporters at the demonstration let off red, green and black flares and chanted "Free, free Palestine" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free". PA reports that tensions briefly boiled over between a protester and a member of the public on Regent Street. The march is organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign alongside a number of other groups: Friends of Al-Aqsa, Stop the War Coalition, Muslim Association of Britain, Palestinian Forum in Britain and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, The Guardian reported. More than 1,000 officers have been deployed by the Metropolitan Police for the march and a Section 12 of the Public Order Act has been in force since midday covering the demonstration's route. Police have warned that anyone showing support for Hamas or deviating from the route could face arrest. Kolkata, Oct 14 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought clarification from the South-Eastern Railway on the delay in the allotment of land to West Bengal government for setting of a sewerage treatment plant (STP) for the well-known Santragachi Bird Sanctuary at Kolkata-adjacent Howrah district of West Bengal. The Railways have been asked to submit an affidavit on this count to NGT. Sources aware of the development said that in July 2022, the NGT directed the completion of setting up the STF within the next six months. However, since then, 15 months have passed, and there has not been any progress on this count, which the tribunal had taken note of. It was learnt that the state government has complained about delay in allotment of land by railways authorities had been delaying the project for an indefinite period. The railways department too has its own logic in the matter. According to it, unless it gets the cooperation of the state government in removing the encroachments on the bans of the bird sanctuary, it is impossible to make land provisions for the proposed STP. However, the Howrah district officials have claimed that the railways department is just using the encroachment issue as an excuse for not providing land. In the year 2016, a case was filed at NGT regarding Santragachi Bird Sanctuary being affected by excessive pollution. In 2017, the tribunal passed the initial order for setting up the STP there. It also ordered the formation of a series of sewers around the sanctuary for passing of the sewerage directly to the STP. New Delhi, Oct 14 : The Kejriwal government has initiated steps to transform the education system within the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools across the national Capital. This initiative includes empowering teachers through opportunities to learn from the best schools nationwide. Recently, Education Minister Atishi engaged with 40 mentor teachers from MCD schools in various divisions, who had recently visited innovative schools in Palampur and Bengaluru. They shared their experiences and insights with her. Addressing the mentor teachers, Atishi stressed the importance of providing teachers with exposure to global educational trends to ensure high-quality education for every child. While teachers in Delhi government schools have made significant professional progress in the last eight years of the Arvind Kejriwal government coming to power, the MCD teachers are now the focus of the government's commitment to enhancing their professional skills through exposure to the latest trends in education and pedagogy. Minister Atishi commended the enthusiasm and willingness of mentor teachers to implement new initiatives in their schools after returning from exposure visits, even in the current challenging situation. She stated that this shift in perspective signifies a substantial change. She encouraged teachers to understand the learning needs of MCD school children, primarily primary-grade students, and to design innovative teaching and learning environments tailored to their requirements. During the exposure visits, mentor teachers were divided into two groups. One group visited the 'Aavishkar Centre' in Palampur to observe and explore innovative pedagogical approaches in Mathematics and Science teaching at the primary level. The other group visited schools in Bengaluru, including Anveshana, Annaswamy Mudaliar, Diya Ghar, Mallya Aditi International School, and BeMe, to learn innovative pedagogical methods, Montessori practices, freedom in the classroom, and skill-based approaches at the primary level. Atishi said, "These visits have ignited the passion and enthusiasm of MCD mentor teachers to drive change in schools. With this energy spreading to all teachers and administrators in all schools, MCD schools have the potential to become world-class." Kolkata, Oct 14 : Trinamool Congress' national general secretary and party's Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee without directly naming Union home minister Amit Shah ridiculed him over his scheduled visit to Kolkata on Monday to inaugurate Durga Puja in central Kolkata on Saturday evening. "Those who once attacked the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal by claiming that there is no freedom to celebrate Durga Puja in the state, are coming to the state to inaugurate a community Puja," Banerjee said while addressing a party function here on Saturday evening. Although Banerjee did not name the Union home minister even once, his clear indication was about the latter's earlier comments in the past where he complained of non-cooperation on part of the state administration in organising Durga Puja. The Union home minister had commented while addressing an election rally before the 2021 state assembly polls. Shah will inaugurate the Puja of Santosh Mitra Square at Lebutala Park in central Kolkata, whose principal organiser is BJP councilor in Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Sajal Ghosh. The theme of this particular community Puja this year is Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. According to Ghosh, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya in January next year, before that Home Minister will be inaugurating another Ram Mandir in Kolkata, Ghosh also confirmed that the only programme that Shah will have in Kolkata on Monday will be to inaugurate the Puja. "As per the schedule fixed so far, he will be in the city for a couple of hours. He will come to the city, inaugurate the Puja and go back to New Delhi," Ghosh said. Since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, Lazzarini noted that more than 423,000 Palestinians have been displaced, with more than 270,000 of them taking refuge in UNRWA shelters, "where basic food, medicine and support is provided to retain dignity and a glimmer of hope." In a statement, Lazzarini described the scale and speed of the unfolding humanitarian crisis as "bone chilling" and warned that "Gaza is fast becoming a hell hole and is on the brink of collapse." "This will only lead to unprecedented levels of misery and further push people in Gaza into abyss," said Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA. United Nations agencies Friday appealed to Israel to rescind its demand that 1.1 million civilians leave northern Gaza and relocate to the south within the next 24 hours, saying this was impossible and would have devastating consequences. The World Health Organization has joined the UN appeal for Israel to reverse its evacuation order, noting that "with ongoing airstrikes, civilians have no safe place left to go." WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said the Palestinian Ministry of Health has informed WHO that it is impossible to evacuate vulnerable hospital patients from the north of Gaza. "Vulnerable hospital patients include those already critically injured, and adults, children, and newborns depending on life support in intensive care. The health system in the Gaza Strip is at a breaking point," he said. "Time is running out to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe if fuel, water, food and lifesaving health and humanitarian supplies cannot be urgently delivered to the Gaza Strip amidst the complete blockade." Israel has vowed not to lift its siege on the Gaza Strip until Hamas has freed all the estimated 150 hostages it seized during its deadly attack on Israeli civilians. The World Health Organization reports hospitals in Gaza have almost depleted the fuel they need to run their generators. The UN agency says there is a shortage of blood, and that medicines and medical supplies to treat the sick and wounded are in short supply. WHO is calling for a humanitarian corridor into Gaza to allow these and other desperately needed trauma and emergency care drugs into the territory. "We have a logistical hub in Dubai, and we are ready to move as soon as we get a signal that supplies can move forward," said Jasarevic. UNICEF is calling for an immediate cease-fire, noting that children comprise nearly half of the 1.1 million people warned to move out of the way ahead of what is expected to be an Israeli ground assault in Gaza. "Hundreds and hundreds of children have been killed and injured," said James Elder, UNICEF spokesperson. "The images and stories are clear, children with horrendous burns, mortar wounds, and lost limbs. And hospitals are utterly overwhelmed to treat them. Yet the numbers keep rising." He said international humanitarian law must prevail. "Israeli children being held hostage in Gaza must be safely and immediately reunited with their families and loved ones," said Elder. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that "civilians must never be used as bargaining chips." "The taking of hostages and summary executions of civilians by Hamas is obviously prohibited under International Humanitarian Law, and these also amount to war crimes," she said. "The imposition of sieges that endanger the lives of a civilian population of goods essential for their survival including food, medical supplies and electricity are prohibited under international humanitarian law," said Shamdasani. "Intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and depriving them of objects essential for their survival is defined as a war crime." UN rights chief Volker Turk has called on the parties to the conflict to immediately implement a humanitarian corridor to ensure safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid. "We should not look back and regret that we did not do everything in our power to avoid a disaster," he said. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, has just launched a flash appeal for $294 million to provide emergency food and other essential aid for 1.2 million people mainly in Gaza, with a small portion allotted for people in the occupied West Bank. OCHA noted that the most urgent priority was to de-escalate the crisis. It stressed the impossibility of carrying out the order it received from the Israeli military to relocate so many people from northern Gaza to the south. "Asking people to relocate in the middle of a war zone when people are at the end of a rope -- how is that going to happen," asked Jens Laerke, OCHA spokesperson. "There is only one solution, and that is to rescind this order and allow access for humanitarian agencies to do what they do, which is to save the lives of civilians," he said. New Delhi, Oct 14 : A wanted woman fraudster, who was absconding in two cheating cases, was arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police in Mayur Vihar area on Saturday, an official said. The accused was identified as Gayatri Deori, also known as Arti and Janet, a resident of Guwahati, Assam. She was also carrying a reward of Rs 20,000 for information leading to her arrest. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), Alok Kumar, said that there was information regarding Gayatri's movements in Delhi. After sustained efforts spanning more than three months, specific information about Gayatri's location in Mayur Vihar was obtained, and she was apprehended on a Saturday. During the interrogation of Gayatri, it was revealed that she was married to Okeleke Frankline Vhbundum Zule, a Nigerian national. "Together with her husband and some other associates, they engaged in fraudulent activities, deceiving numerous people under the guise of selling expensive 'Akalite Seeds'," said the DCP. She also admitted that in one such case, they enticed Sanjiv Menezes and dishonestly swindled him out of Rs. 44.25 lakh. In another incident, Gayatri and her husband employed the same modus operandi to defraud Rs. 10.5 lakh from Lt. General Balbir Singh Sandhu. "A case related to these activities was registered at the Greater Kailash police station. While her husband was apprehended during the investigation, she went into hiding to evade arrest in both cases," said the DCP. Hamas using civilians as human shields to stop evacuation: IDF. Image Source: IANS News Gaza, Oct 14 : Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has just begun a televised address, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip, media reported. "Our enemy is doing this with the US administration and some European countries," he said, Al Jazeera reported. "The people of Gaza are staying in their land. They will never leave Gaza or flee (to Egypt)," he added. "I salute the people of Gaza who are facing the barbaric machine of the Zionist machine. They are committed to their lands." "Hamas has always been keen not to target civilians despite everything done by the Zionist regime." "Hamas is a freedom movement that adhere to these ethics." A six-hour window issued by the Israeli military warning Palestinian civilians to finish evacuating from Gaza City to the southern part of the strip has ended, CNN reported. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told residents to move toward the Gaza Valley, in a message posted on 'X', formerly known as Twitter. It is unclear how widely the messaging has been received on the ground given the current electricity and internet blackout, CNN reported. The advisory from the Israeli military came a day after it told 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to evacuate their homes. The IDF has saturated the border with troops and military equipment amid a relentless onslaught on the territory, in retaliation to a large-scale incursion by the militant group Hamas on October 7. Earlier on Saturday, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said Israel's air, land and sea blockade on Gaza will continue into a seventh day, CNN reported. Beirut, Oct 14 : Iran has asked Israel stop its attack on Gaza, warning that the war can expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah joins the battle, adding that Israel may suffer "a huge earthquake", media reports said. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told reporters in Beirut that Lebanon's Hezbollah group has taken all the scenarios of a war into consideration, and Israel should stop its attacks on Gaza immediately, Al Jazeera reported. Amir-Abdollahian said he met Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. "I know about the scenarios that Hezbollah has put in place. Any step the resistance [Hezbollah] will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity," he said, Al Jazeera reported. "I want to warn the war criminals and those who support this entity before it's too late to stop the crimes against civilians in Gaza, because it might be too late in few hours", the report said. Media reports also said that the Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh in his televised address accused Israel of committing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip. "Our enemy is doing this with the US administration and some European countries," he said, Al Jazeera reported. "The people of Gaza are staying in their land. They will never leave Gaza or flee [to Egypt]," he added. "I salute the people of Gaza who are facing the barbaric machine of the Zionist machine. They are committed to their lands. Hamas has always been keen not to target civilians despite everything done by the Zionist regime." "Hamas is a freedom movement that adhere to these ethics", Al Jazeera reported. Imphal, Oct 14 : Manipur again faces adengue outbreak with 1,338 cases and five suspected dengue related deaths officially registered so far this year, officials said on Saturday quoting the status report released by the state Health Directorate. Against 1,338 cases this year, there were only 203 cases of dengue reported in 2021 while in 2022, it increased to 503 cases. State Malaria Officer of the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, Dr S. Priyokumar said that Imphal West district was classified as the worst-hit district with 898 cases, including three suspected deaths and in Tamenglong along with the two newly-formed districts of Pherzawl and Jiribam yet to report any dengue case so far. According to the status report, Imphal East district reported 241 dengue cases followed by Thoubal with 79, Tengnoupal 15, Channel 4, Senapati 28, Kangpokpi 8, Noney 5, Kakching 13, Ukhrul and Kamjong one each. The dengue outbreak comes at a time when the mountainous state is struggling to get back to normalcy from the unprecedented ethnic strife that flared up on May 3 and has ravaged the lives of hundreds and displaced over 60,000 people who are being sheltered in make-shift relief camps, occupying schools, colleges, community halls and government buildings. "Dengue mosquitoes lay eggs in clean water stored in containers inside homes such as bottles, flower vases, tyres etc," said Priyokumar who encouraged all to wear long sleeves and pants during the day as these mosquitoes are active at daytime. With over 60,000 people, including 22,000 children and 300 senior citizens, currently sheltered in 351 relief camps since early May, the prospect of fighting the dengue outbreak seems daunting. This is so because, other than a few, most camps face challenges of sanitation and water supply via water reservoirs, increasing the potential of becoming ideal breeding grounds. Compounding the problem is the issue of people living together in cramped spaces, which increases vulnerability to mass infection. According to the doctors, on the brighter side most DENV (mosquitoes affected by the dengue virus) cases are asymptomatic, producing only mild illness, with only a very few developing into severe cases. Medical practitioners say early detection and access to timely, proper medical care is key to lowering fatality rates of severe dengue. The state malaria officer said that the government has taken up several preventive measures like fogging, source reduction drive and supply of impregnated bed-nets at different locations across the state to kill mosquito eggs and several awareness and media campaigns. Dr Lokeshwar Singh, the Superintendent of the state-run Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) also said that there has been a surge in dengue cases in Manipur and he revealed that those who are undergoing treatment for the viral infections have complications and low platelet count. Strife-torn and tribal dominated Churachandpur district witnessed a surge of cases with the district hospital reporting 26 probable cumulative positive cases on Friday. Cases of dengue are higher in thickly populated areas. --IANS sc/vd New Delhi, Oct 14 : The Delhi High Court on Saturday upheld a trial court's order that sent a Chinese national to three days Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in connection with a money laundering case related to Chinese smartphone-maker Vivo. A Delhi court on Friday extended ED custody of four accused individuals, including Chinese national Guangwen Kyang aka Andrew Kuang by three days. Kuang, Lava International MD Hari Om Rai, Rajan Malik and chartered accountant Nitin Garg were produced before Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala of Patiala House Courts on expiry of their three-day ED remand. The ED sought 10-day remand, but the judge granted only three more days till October 16. The high court said that the trial court's order had adhered to the provisions of Section 19 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma noted that the grounds of arrest and the remand application clearly stated the involvement of Kuang from the very inception, particularly in the incorporation of the relevant companies across the country. This incorporation had allegedly led to the acquisition of proceeds of crime and their subsequent siphoning. Justice Sharma said that the impugned order had considered the allegations against the accused individuals and the ED's investigation progress. The court further said that the trial court had reviewed the written grounds of arrest and ensured compliance with the Supreme Court's judgement in the Pankaj Bansal case, as the accused individuals were provided with written grounds of arrest. "After perusing the records of the case, the learned Sessions Court has categorically recorded that prima facie there was no violation of Section 19 of PMLA since the investigating officer, from the material and investigation conducted so far, had formed an opinion that the accused persons were guilty of the offense of money laundering and had affected their arrest accordingly," the court said. The probe agency had arrested the four persons on October 10. A source had earlier told IANS that the arrests were made after the financial probe agency carried out searches at the premises of the four accused on Monday and recovered cash to the tune of Rs 10 lakh. The ED action came more than a year after it carried out searches at 48 locations across the country belonging to Vivo Mobiles India Private Ltd and its 23 associated companies such as Grand Prospect International Communication Pvt Ltd (GPICPL), and claimed that it has busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian companies. According to the ED, Vivo Mobiles India Pvt Ltd was incorporated on August 1, 2014 as a subsidiary of Multi Accord Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company, and was registered at ROC Delhi. GPICPL was registered on December 3, 2014 at ROC Shimla, with registered addresses of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gandhinagar, Jammu. The PMLA investigation by ED was initiated by registering a money laundering case on February 3, 2022 on the basis of an FIR registered at the Kalkaji police station in the national capital by Delhi Police against GPICPL, its director, shareholders and certifying professionals etc., on the basis of a complaint filed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Patna, Oct 14 : A 4-year-old girl was raped in Bihar's Begusarai district on Saturday, police said, adding that the accused in the horrific crime has been arrested. The accused was identified as Ram Pravesh Mahto, 30, a native of ward number 7 under Shingauli outpost in the district. The victim, along with her brother, were on the way to a tuition centre and Mahto intercepted them midway, lured her with 'thekua' (a local sweet made of flour and sugar), and took her away on his bicycle to a deserted location and raped her. After committing the crime, he left the victim at the same place and fled. Her brother reached the crime scene and alerted his parents. The victim was profusely bleeding. Following the incident, villagers became angry and attacked the house of the accused. They nabbed Mahto and brutally assaulted him before handing him over to the district police. "We have learnt about the incident and immediately sent the police force in the village. The accused Ram Pravesh Mahto is arrested for the sexual assault of 4-year-old girl. He has been booked under Pocso Act. We have recommended this case for the speedy trial," Begusarai SP Yogendra Kumar said. The girl has been admitted to the Sadar hospital for treatment, he said. Tel Aviv, Oct 14 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that the Hamas terror group is preventing Palestinians from evacuating the northern part of the Gaza Strip, the media reported. The IDF has warned Gaza residents in the northern part of the Strip to evacuate amid preparations for an expected ground incursion or a stepped-up offensive. The area is home to about 1 million people. The military says it has identified hundreds of thousands of Palestinians moving south, but many are getting stuck in traffic caused by Hamas roadblocks, Times of Israel reported. "Hamas is making it difficult for the residents of the Gaza Strip to move on main roads, and prevents the passage of vehicles on these roads," the IDF said. The military releases a video showing heavy traffic in the Gaza Strip, which it says is caused by Hamas roadblocks, Times of Israel reported. The Israel Defense Forces says it is completing preparations for a "significant ground operation" in the Gaza Strip, the media reported. In a statement, the IDF says it is readying to "expand the offensive" by implementing a "wide range of offensive operational plans" which it says include a "joint and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land", Times of Israel reported. The IDF said it was finalising the draft of hundreds of thousands of reservists, as the logistics directorate is working to provide troops with all the equipment they will need for the ground offensive. "In recent days, the tools required for combat have been transferred to the assembly areas, and at this stage the various units of the Technological and Logistics Directorate are working to complete the qualification of the tools and equipping them with advanced combat means, as needed," the IDF said. Aizawl, Oct 14 : The Assam Rifles and the state Excise and Narcotics Department, in a joint operation on Saturday, seized drugs valued at Rs 12.12 crore in poll-bound Mizoram and arrested two drug peddlers, officials said. Assam Rifles sources said that acting on a secret information, its troopers along with officials of Excise and Narcotics Department recovered 40,400 highly addictive Methamphetamine tablets tablets (also locally called Yaba tablet or party tablet) worth Rs 12.12 crore from the two smugglers at Zote in Champhai district. The recovered drugs, smuggled from neighbouring Myanmar, have been handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department. An Assam Rifles official statement said that the ongoing smuggling of contraband items is a major cause of concern for Mizoram and India. "The Assam Rifles have continued their efforts against illegal smuggling and has also doubled its efforts to nab the kingpins of the smuggling of contraband items in Mizoram," the statement said. The Election Commission issued several directives to the Central and state law enforcing agencies to further intensify their efforts to prevent smuggling from the neighbouring countries or to seize the illegally imported drugs and nab the smugglers. Elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly would be held on November 7. Tripura's border with Bangladesh and Mizoram and Manipur's unfenced frontier with Myanmar have become an easy corridor for drugs smuggling in northeast India. Besides various illicit drugs, foreign cigarettes, gold, arms and ammunition, exotic animals, and areca nuts are often smuggled from Myanmar into the northeastern states. --IANS sc/vd New Delhi/Imphal, Oct 14 : Judicial officer Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui has become the first tribal woman to be appointed as a judge in the Manipur High Court. Kabui is a Naga woman from Manipur. Her appointment was made by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. "The President is pleased to appoint Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui as a judge of the Manipur High Court with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office," an official notification said. The Centre has issued a notification regarding appointment of Kabui as a judge in the Manipur High Court, acting on the recommendation made by the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud-led Supreme Court collegium. In January this year, two judicial officers a" Kabui and one other a" were recommended by the Collegium as judges in the Manipur High Court. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place on Monday. Kabui, who joined Manipur Judicial Service as a Grade III officer in 1995, was also the Manipur High Courtas first woman Registrar and then Registrar General before her retirement in March this year. Delhi court overturns JJB's order, two juveniles to be tried as adults in murder case. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Oct 14 : A Delhi court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Vankayalapati Umesh, the Managing Director (MD) of Nellore International Airport Limited (NIAL) due to his failure to appear in a cheque bounce case involving an amount of Rs 3 crore. Metropolitan Magistrate Shikha Chahal of Saket Courts noted a lack of valid reason for Umesh's non-appearance. The court observed that during the previous hearing, the accused had sought an adjournment to furnish bail bonds and engage a lawyer. However, there was no justifiable cause for his absence during the recent hearing. The court noted that the case is currently at the stage of bail bond verification and settlement. As the parties involved have not reached a settlement, the case is proceeding on its merits. The complainant company, ANS Construction Pvt. Ltd., alleged that Hyderabad-based NIAL had offered a Rs 100 crore contract to their Delhi-based company, taking Rs 3 crore as Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). However, neither the contract was awarded nor was the EMD returned. Subsequently, multiple cheques totaling Rs 3 crore were given to return the EMD but one of the cheques bounced. The complainant's counsel Utkarsh Singh pointed out that despite being given time to settle the dispute, the accused did not approach for settlement nor did he appear before the court. The court observed that the accused is well aware of the ongoing legal proceedings and appeared to be intentionally evading the process of law through his continued non-appearance. The court's order stated: "Issue NBWs against the accused through SHO concerned on the filing of PF within 14 days, returnable on the next date of hearing. Steps be taken within 14 days." The matter has been listed for hearing next on November 22. "We will not allow [North Korea] to aid Russia's war machine in secret, and the world should know about the support that Russia may again provide [North Korea] in return," Kirby said. He noted that Washington is in lockstep with allies and partners to counter arms deals between Russia and North Korea by sanctioning individuals and entities working to facilitate such arms deals. "This expanding military partnership between [North Korea] and Russia, including any technology transfers from Russia to [North Korea], undermines regional stability and the global non-proliferation regime," Kirby warned. Kirby has disclosed that in recent weeks, North Korea has provided Russia with "more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions." "We condemn [North Korea] for providing Russia with this military equipment, which will be used to attack Ukrainian cities, kill Ukrainian civilians, and further Russia's illegitimate war," National Security Council Director of Strategic Communications John Kirby said Friday. The White House on Friday accused North Korea of shipping weapons to Russia, near the Ukraine border. Its claims are based on an image released Friday showing a shipment from an ammunition depot in North Korea that was loaded onto a Russian-flagged ship before being moved by rail to a depot along Russia's southwestern border. The delivery took place between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1, the U.S. says. Targeting Odesa Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, during a visit to the Black Sea port of Odesa, pledged to bolster Ukraine's air defenses and to increase the security of a "humanitarian corridor" for grain exports. Zelenskyy said Kyiv was working to strengthen its position in the Black Sea so that it can continue grain exports, which are a vital source of revenue for Ukraine's defense spending following Russia's invasion last year. "We are working with partners to protect properly these corridors, and strengthen our positions in the Black Sea, and it also applies to the protection of Odesa's skies and in the region as a whole," Zelenskyy said. The Odesa region has become a frequent target of Russian missile and drone attacks. Russia has hit six civilian ships, 150 port and grain facilities and destroyed upwards of 300,000 tons of grain since Moscow quit a deal allowing safe Black Sea exports of Ukrainian grain, the Kyiv government said on Friday. In a statement, it said 21 vessels had been already loaded with grain for exports and used a new "humanitarian" grain corridor in the Black Sea announced by Kyiv in August. It said a total of 25 ships had entered Ukrainian ports for loading. The Netherlands will deliver more Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russian air strikes during the winter, Rutte said on Friday. "This winter, Russia will try to hurt Ukraine as much as possible. So, the Netherlands will supply extra Patriot missiles, so that Ukraine can defend itself against Russia's barbaric airstrikes," Rutte said after a meeting with Zelenskyy in Odesa. Rutte also said the Netherlands would help Ukraine acquire patrol boats to keep the shipping route for grain exports safe. Funding the Effort EU leaders meeting later in October will demand "decisive progress" on using Russian assets frozen by sanctions to help Ukraine, according to their draft statement, addressing a matter that has been stuck for months. The U.S. and Britain last month showed support for an EU plan to tax windfall profits generated by frozen Russian sovereign assets to finance Ukraine as Kyiv battles a full-scale Russian invasion begun in February 2022. Finance ministers of the Group of Seven, or G7, industrialized countries meeting in Morocco on Thursday estimated $280 billion worth of such assets had been frozen. They said they expected more work in the coming months to find legally sound ways of using them to aid Ukraine. Belgium, not a member of the G7 group, where most frozen Russian central bank assets are held, said it expects to collect $2.4 billion in taxes on the assets and use them to help Ukraine's reconstruction process, a spokesperson for Belgium's prime minister said Wednesday. Britain is planning to increase its military presence in northern Europe, including deploying 20,000 troops to the region next year, to help protect critical infrastructure at a time of growing concern over Russian sabotage. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier on Friday met fellow leaders as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force, or JEF, defense cooperation summit on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. JEF, a defense cooperation group between the Nordic and Baltic states, the Netherlands and Britain, was meeting days after a pipeline and a data cable in the Gulf of Finland were damaged due to "outside activity," stoking concerns about security in the wider Nordic region. "This week, we have seen yet again that our security cannot be taken for granted. It is vital that we stand united against those with malign intent," Sunak said in a statement. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday while stressing on multilateralism, observed that in today's inter-connected world, no particular issue can be viewed in isolation. Delivering his valedictory address at the conclusion of the P20 summit, he reiterated the contents of Paragraph 27 of the joint statement which reads: "We will continue Parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue in relevant fora as a catalyst for promoting international peace, prosperity and harmony while supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes." Birla thanked the Presiding Officers of Parliaments of G20 nations and of other invited nations for contributing to the success of the P20 summit on "Parliaments for One Earth, One Family and One Future". He expressed confidence that the valuable views and inputs in the four sessions on SDGs, green energy, women-led development and digital public infrastructure will further strengthen the G20 process for human-centred development. Mentioning the parliamentary dimension of G20, Birla noted that the discussions held over the past two days have clearly underlined the importance of the parliamentary dimension of the G20 and have also established how Parliaments can work together to achieve the collective goals of One Earth, One Family and One Future. The Lok Sabha Speaker also reiterated the collective determination of Parliaments of G20 nations to pursue the shared commitments in the times to come at the COP-20, G-20 and beyond. Speaking on the role of parliamentarians, Birla noted that as public representatives, the MPs are in a special position to formulate the necessary policies and laws to fulfill the hopes, aspirations and needs of the public. "Their role is to complement the efforts of the government and we have a special contribution in ensuring good governance for the purpose of public welfare," said Birla. On the conclusion of India's P20 presidency, Birla handed over the presidency to Parliament of Brazil. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of P20 summit, the Lok Sabha Speaker met President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco. Birla outlined that India pursues with the IPU a common agenda of promoting and supporting democratic governance and building strong parliaments to serve the people. India's continued participation in the diverse activities of the IPU and its committees reflects our commitment to furthering the purpose of the IPU, he added. Birla suggested that democratic principles and multilateralism should be given priority and everyone should be given proper representation on global platforms. Shared objective of both India and IPU is to democratise international governance structures that reflect current realities. Birla also held bilateral talks with Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. Speaking on the occasion, he thanked Matvienko for her contribution in making P20 a success. He also commended her political experience and contributions towards Parliament and the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). Observing that India and Russia have long-standing deep relations, Birla said that both countries have stood together in times of crises. He added that India and Russia also have strong relations in diverse fields like military, agriculture, energy, and science and technology. Noting the mutual trust and close relations between leaders of India and Russia, Birla expressed hope that both India and Russia will continue to strengthen their mutual relationship by further expanding parliamentary diplomacy. Man held for killing woman, pouring acid on face to hide identity in Delhi. Image Source: IANS News Ahmedabad, Oct 15 : Ahmedabad Cybercrime Police has arrested a Russian national, Kolesnikov Vasilii, for alleged visa forgery and his suspected involvement in drug trafficking operations spanning several major Indian cities, an official said. The arrest was made on October 13, the officials said. The arrest comes as a result of an ongoing investigation into an international drug racket, shedding light on Kolesnikov's counterfeit documents and activities within the country. Kolesnikov, originally hailing from Russia, had been residing in Goa since his arrival on a tourist visa in 2014. However, the tourist visa had lapsed in 2020, raising questions about his continued stay in the country. Apart from his alleged involvement in the drug trade and visa forgery, Kolesnikov's extended stay in India beyond the expiration of his visa has raised suspicions of his engagement in other illicit activities. In 2021, the Worli police in Mumbai had registered an offence against him for unlawfully entering and photographing restricted areas in the city. The arrest of Kolesnikov took place in Manali, where he was found in possession of three fraudulent Aadhar cards and four counterfeit passports containing e-visas. However, no narcotics substances were recovered in his possession at the time of the arrest. Consequently, he has been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to forgery. The arrest follows a recent crackdown by the police on an international drug syndicate that had been clandestinely dispatching narcotics through courier services, concealing them within books and toys, and sending them to various destinations, including Canada, US and Thailand. This operation led to the seizure of cocaine valued at Rs 2.31 lakh weighing 2.31 gm, and high-quality marijuana with an estimated worth of Rs 46 lakh weighing 5.95 kg. During the course of the investigation into this drug racket, law enforcement officials traced their steps to Surat, a city recently visited by Kolesnikov. The Russian national is alleged to have played a pivotal role in receiving drug shipments from foreign post offices in several Indian cities, including Surat, Jaipur, Cochin and Mumbai. These shipments were reportedly dispatched by a Russian drug cartel and contained cocaine and hybrid marijuana. Simberi Airport, Simberi Island, Papua New Guinea [ NIS / ] If you are planning to travel to Simberi Island or any other city in Papua New Guinea, this airport locator will be a very useful tool. This page gives complete information about the Simberi Airport along with the airport location map, Time Zone, lattitude and longitude, Current time and date, hotels near the airport etc... Simberi Airport Map showing the location of this airport in Papua New Guinea. Simberi Island Airport IATA Code, ICAO Code, exchange rate etc... is also provided. Simberi Island Airport Info: Simberi Island Airport IATA Code: NIS Simberi Island Airport ICAO Code: Latitude : -6.43333 Longitude : 147.333 City : Simberi Island Country : Papua New Guinea World Area Code : 804 Airport Type : Small Timezone : Pacific/Port_Moresby Simberi Airport Timezone : GMT +10:00 hours Current time and date at Simberi Airport is 19:21:07 PM (+10) on Friday, Nov 3, 2023 Looking for information on Simberi Airport, Simberi Island, Papua New Guinea? Know about Simberi Airport in detail. Find out the location of Simberi Airport on Papua New Guinea map and also find out airports near to Simberi Island. This airport locator is a very useful tool for travelers to know where is Simberi Airport located and also provide information like hotels near Simberi Airport, airlines operating to Simberi Airport etc... IATA Code and ICAO Code of all airports in Papua New Guinea. Scroll down to know more about Simberi Airport or Simberi Island Airport, Papua New Guinea. Simberi Airport Map - Location of Simberi Airport Load Map Papua New Guinea - General Information Country Formal Name Independent State of Papua New Guinea Country Code PG Capital Port Moresby Currency Kina (PGK) 1 PGK = 0.265 USD 1 USD = 3.768 PGK 1 PGK = 0.25 EUR 1 EUR = 4.005 PGK More PGK convertion rates Tel Code +675 Top Level Domain .pg This page provides all the information you need to know about Simberi Airport, Papua New Guinea. This page is created with the aim of helping travelers and tourists visiting Papua New Guinea or traveling to Simberi Island Airport. Details about Simberi Island Airport given here include Simberi Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes) Coordinates of Simberi Island Airport - Latitude and Longitude (Lat and Long) of Simberi Airport Location of Simberi Airport - City Name, Country, Country Codes etc... Simberi Airport Time Zone and Current time at Simberi Airport Address and contact details of Simberi Airport along with website address of the airport Clickable Location Map of Simberi Airport on Google Map. General information about Papua New Guinea where Simberi Airport is located in the city of Simberi Island. General information include capital of Papua New Guinea, currency and conversion rate of Papua New Guinea currency, Telephone Country code, exchange rate against US Dollar and Euro in case of major world currencies etc... NIS - Simberi Airport IATA Code They included 121,534 women in their 20s, up 2.1 times over the last five years and the fastest-growing age group. Next came 107,587 women in their 30s, 100,432 women in their 60s and 93,113 women in their 40s. The majority were women with 674,555, more than twice as many as men, and people in their 20s accounted for 18.6 percent, followed by those in their 30s (16 percent), 60s (14.3 percent), 40s (14.2 percent), 50s (12.6 percent), 70s (11.1 percent) and 80s (7.1 percent). According to data from the National Health Insurance Service, over 1 million people in Korea were diagnosed with depression last year, up 32.9 percent from 2018. Women in their 20s account for the biggest share or 12.1 percent of depression sufferers in Korea, who have surpassed 1 million, taking over from women in their 60s. This is a global phenomenon as more young people see a doctor about their mental health. One reason may be that female hormones are more affected than male hormones by emotions, weather and alcohol, and the stress experienced by young women in Korea makes them feel more vulnerable. Na Hae-ran of NHR Brain Clinic said, "More and more 20-somethings come for treatment complaining about anxiety and insomnia they suffer while looking for a job or studying for professional license exams." But other experts blame the coronavirus pandemic, which kept young people imprisoned in the home at the most active and sociable time of their lives. Many women in their early 20s were still in high school when the pandemic started or just beginning university, but all their interactions were online. "Girls in high school experience the biggest need to form relationships, and that was denied them in lockdown," said Lee Hae-kook at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital. "They could only form relationships through social media, and that often made them feel deprived by comparison with their online peers." "Doomscrolling" -- the excessive use of social media, often with upsetting or irritating content -- is itself a cause of depression for reasons that are only beginning to be studied. But some say the trend is a positive sign because it means more people are seeking help. Jon Duk-in at the Hallym University College of Medicine, said, "In the past, many people were reluctant to seek treatment for mental health problems because of the social stigma, but nowadays, many young people, especially women, seek professional help." From 2018 to 2020, women in their 60s accounted for the biggest proportion of patients, which may mean that they kept their problems to themselves until retirement age, while young women are now more ready to go to the doctor straight away. Depression can be effectively treated through counseling and medication. Experts said people experiencing insomnia or lethargy for more than two weeks should seek professional help. Throughout history, indigenous American creative expressions like ceramics, textile and feather art have been disparaged as minor arts and crafts or primitive art. Nowadays, these modes of representation are featured in flagship museums of contemporary art like the Tate and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), which paved the way for Chilean artist Cecilia Vicuna to receive the Golden Lion at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. The Juan March Foundations Before America exhibit and the Arkhe Archives America: A Short Natural and Political History exhibit, both in Madrid, Spain, offer a historical journey through these pre-Hispanic art forms, from their reduction to archeology in the 19th century to their current international prominence. The fact that National Plastic Arts Award went to Spains Teresa Lanceta, who does some of her weavings in designs from the Peruvian Paracas culture, and that Aymara Elvira Espejo won the Goethe Medal attest to the Wests recognition of practices that it had traditionally marginalized. Lets hope its not a fad, says Rodrigo Gutierrez, the curator of the Before America exhibit. Open through March 10, 2024, the exhibition traces Amerindian influences in modern and contemporary art through 630 pieces from 143 lenders. It begins with European travelers stereotypical depictions of native peoples and ends with one wall for ceramics and another wall for textile art. The end doesnt focus on painting and sculpture [because] we are overcoming a sort of hegemony, says Gutierrez, a professor of art history at the University of Granada. Open until November 20, the America: A Short Natural and Political History exhibit also begins in the 19th century with foreign adventurers prints from that period. The exhibit then gives way to photographs, paintings, sculptures, magazines and posters that tell how the indigenous has gradually gained ground in the Americas. There are many contemporary artists who see the Indian questionits poetics, politics and strugglesas a fundamental source of creative inspiration. There are indigenous creators like Abel Rodriguez and Delcy Morelos who make art from their own places, says Halim Badawi, who is the co-director of the Arkhe Archive with Pedro Hinostrosa. The fund was set up in Madrid, Spain, early this year and houses 80,000 documents divided between a queer archive and a Latin American art archive. A 1925 model for the Monument to the Independence in the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Argentina) project, by Hector Greslebin and Luis Perlotti, displayed in the 'Before America exhibit. DOLO I.F. (Dolores Iglesias) Colombian art historian Maria Wills believes that the rise of popular indigenous art is a fad in Europe, but a long-standing need in Latin America. Along with Sigrid Castaneda and Julien Petit, Wills is one of the three curators of Sowing Doubt, an exhibition at Bogotas Miguel Urrutia Art Museum similar to the exhibits in the Spanish capital. The Colombian exhibition showcases 800 works that were selected with native communities and reflect on indigeneity since colonial times. The curators make it clear that, in order to occupy spaces in art, indigenous peoples first had to gain a place in contemporary politics and on the social agenda. The new constitutions of Colombia (1991), Ecuador (2008) and Bolivia (2009) recognized the nations ethnic pluralities, and indigenous identities existed in the eyes of the State for the first time. Thats the feeling in Latin America as a whole. For a long time, scientists [and] religious figures spoke for indigenous people; today, an authentic voice has become possible, as we saw in the 1994 Mayan rebellion in Chiapas (Mexico), in the vindication of the Yanomami lands, Castaneda argues. A view of one of the Sowing Doubt exhibition rooms at the Miguel Urrutia Art Museum in Bogota, Colombia. Area de divulgacion Museo Miguel Urrutia - MAMU (Area de divulgacion Museo Miguel Urrutia - MAMU) According to Petit, Indo-American communities spiritual connections with nature are another reason for the Wests fixation with these cultures. The climate crisis forces us to take a closer look at indigenous peoples respectful coexistence with the environment, which is typical of pre-Columbian philosophies. Areas that the West had labeled as savage ended up providing the answers that the world needs more than ever, Petit says. The 19th century: The Indian as an exotic attraction Third party interpretations of indigenous forms were especially evident in the 19th century. Motivated by attempts to understand the unknown, European travelers depicted cultural expressions that they reduced to ethnological components in the drawings, engravings and photographs they produced. One example of that trend is a series of anonymous watercolors entitled Peruvian Customs, which portrays daily chores; Belgian consul Edouard Lowess 1895 photographs of Guatemalan natives also reflect this phenomenon. These series of depictions, both of which are housed at the Arkhe Archive, represented the predominant visual imaginary of the continent. Similar works were reproduced repeatedly and became cliches and prejudices. These travelers tended to see the Indians as a homogeneous and exotic group. They lumped together their gestures, facial features, simplifying and homogenizing groups that were really very diverse, says Castaneda. In their efforts to appeal to the European academy in the late 19th century, Latin American governments tended to combine Aztec, Inca and Mayan symbols with architecture, blending the pre-Columbian with fine arts. Before America includes several Ibero-American countries pavilion designs from universal expositions that reflect this approach, including Mexicos 1889 contribution. Photographs taken in Guatemala by Belgian Consul Edouard Lowe in the 19th century. Samuel Sanchez In the 20th century, the Latin American centennials of independence and World War I called into question the values of the Western canon, which had been unquestioned until then. Along with the unequal distribution of land and structural racism, that questioning forced a rethinking of the role of indigenous peoples. The indigenista (pro-indigenous) movement emerged in this context in the first decades of the 20th century with standard-bearers like Peruvian Jose Maria Arguedas and led to the establishment of teaching centers for manual trades, such as the Popayan Ceramics School in Colombia and the Warisata School in Bolivia, as well as specialized publications, like Amauta magazine. Ecuadorian artist Camilo Egass oil painting Repose (1925), which is exhibited at the Arkhe Archive, comes from that period. It shows a change in how indigeneity was represented, from the stereotyped version of the 19th century to a more multifaceted one. There is anger but also suffering in the painting. Egas rejects facile categorizations and blurs the indicators of place and origin: the landscape is arid, but the characters are barefoot, there is a hill in the background, but the black marks on their faces indicate that they could be from the jungle, Badaw analyzes. Another example at Arkhe is Manizales-born Alipio Jaramillos Violence in the Countryside (1948-1950), in which the artist depicts a guerrilla fighter in typical Andean garb. Indians figured prominently in the many popular insurrections that occurred throughout Latin America during the 20th century. Pedro Hinostrosa, one of the directors of the Arkhe Archive. The artwork Violence in the Countryside (1948-1950) appears in the center. Samuel Sanchez While America: A Short Political and Natural History highlights the 20th-century social component, Before America emphasizes the influence of pre-Hispanic symbols and ornamentation in popular art. Amerindian symbology was used to design jewelry, necklaces, furniture, carpets, scenery for plays such as Ollantay and even playing cards. The same interest in the primitive that attracted Gauguin and Picasso in Paris also influenced Latin American artists living in the French capital. Thus, art production in the region in the mid-20th century (1940-1960) was characterized by an attempt to combine pre-Columbian heritage with avant-garde discourses. That was how geometric abstraction emerged on the continent. At the March Foundation, one can see pieces that reflect this trend, such as Joaquin Torres Garcias Composition (1934), Augusto Torress Green Abstract (1936) and Carmelo Arden Quins Untitled, or The Indians (1948). Badawi believes that this combination of Amerindian symbology and abstract influences offers beautiful but imported forms that take the reality of the indigenous communities out of context. This was the main criticism of last centurys indigenista movement: white or mestizo authors spoke for indigenous peoples. And this shift in the paradigm is the main feature of contemporary indigenous expressions. The subjects themselves tell the story of their own practices. Grand Central Inks Stephanopoulos Ben Sevier at Grand Central Publishing has acquired world rights to The Situation Room, a new book by political journalist and Good Morning America cohost George Stephanopoulos, written with Lisa Dickey. Grand Central calls the book a fast-paced, gripping account that explores the behind-the-scenes history of the White House Situation Room as told through the crucible moments that have tested the mettle of American presidents. The deal was brokered by Matt Latimer of the Javelin Agency. A May 2024 publication has been set. Rushdie Sells Memoir to RH Booker Prizewinning novelist and free speech advocate Salman Rushdie sold Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder to Random House. The deal, for multiple territories, was brokered by Rushdies longtime agent Andrew Wylie at the Wylie Agency. The publisher said the book is a deeply personal account of the attempt on the authors life by a knife-wielding terrorist in Chautauqua, N.Y., in August 2022, some 30 years after a fatwa was ordered against him by Ayatollah Khomeini for writing The Satanic Verses. Penguin Random House will publish Knife simultaneously in 15 territories in April 2024. St. Martins Buys Barrats AI Primer In a preempt, author and documentary filmmaker James Barrat sold world rights to The Intelligence Explosion to executive editor Pete Wolverton at St. Martins. The deal was brokered by William Clark at William Clark Associates, who described the book as an exploration of the myriad issues raised by generative AI, which holds the potential for immeasurable benefit and ultimate harm. Barrats previous book on AI, Our Final Invention, was singled out by Elon Musk as a must-read. The Intelligence Explosion will be published in 2025. Austens Debut Goes to Grove Atlantic Elisabeth Schmitz at Grove Atlantic has acquired North American rights to screenwriter and producer Alice Austens debut novel, 33 Place Brugmann. The deal was brokered by Dorian Karchmar at WME, with publication planned for spring 2025. Grove Atlantic described the book, which is set in a Beaux-Arts apartment house in Brussels in 1939, as weaving mystery, love story, and a philosophical puzzle into the story of two families, neighbors and dear friends, whose fates are entwined. Austen cowrote and was a producer on the 2019 film Give Me Liberty. Viking Gains Berrys Trust In a two-book deal, Lindsey Schwoeri at Viking acquired world rights to bestselling author Flynn Berrys spy thriller, Trust Her, along with a second, untitled book. The sale was handled by Emily Forland at Brandt & Hochman. Viking said Trust Her follows two Northern Irish sisters living peaceful lives under assumed identities in Dublinuntil their past catches up with them, forcing them back into increasingly high-stakes webs of deceit involving the IRA, British intelligence, and the local police. It will be published in summer 2024. Morrow Treats Taffs Paper Cut William Morrow senior editor Danielle Dieterich won North American rights to Rachel Taffs debut suspense novel Paper Cut after an auction. The two-book deal (which also includes an untitled novel) was negotiated by Madeleine Milburn at her eponymous agency. Morrow said the book is a twisty and evocative story about a true crime memoirist who 20 years earlier escaped a mysterious cult and must now confront the secrets of her past. Publication is set for spring 2025. Sales Snapshot Wildfire, the second new adult romance in BookTok sensation Hannah Graces Maple Hills series, is the #1 book in the country and across several but not all geographic regions. In the Northeast, Going Infinite, Michael Lewiss look at FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, came out on top (as our review predicted, the book was indeed sure to be debated). Design studio MinaLimas interpretation of J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was the West Coasts favorite. And the mountain region, which includes Utah, embraced the self-published 52 Modern Manners for Todays Teens, Vol. 2 by Brooke Romney, a Mormon lifestyle and parenting blogger. In Clubland Fantasy author Alix E. Harrow has written full-length works and novellas and won a 2019 Hugo Award for her short fiction. Starling House, her third novel and the October Reeses Book Club pick, debuts at #9 on our hardcover fiction list. Its a tender and triumphant haunted house story, according to our starred review. Harrows prose cuts straight to the heart as she melds a story of family legacy and historical oppression with a stirring call to speak the truth. NEW & NOTABLE THRONE OF THE FALLEN Kerri Maniscalco #5 Hardcover Fiction Maniscalco makes her adult fiction debut with a seductive standalone romantasy set in the world of her bestselling YA series Kingdom of the Wicked, per our starred review. The author crafts a deliciously dark supernatural world that serves as the perfect backdrop [for] angst and sexual tension. SEAFOOD SIMPLE Eric Ripert #15 Hardcover Nonfiction The owner of Michelin three-star restaurant Le Bernadin stays mindful of beginners in this exceptional guide, our starred review noted. Ripert teaches readers important prepping techniques, such as how to fillet a flatfish and how to shuck clams, as well as basic cooking techniques, including how to properly set up a broiler rack. Denver-based nonprofit The Word, A Storyselling Sanctuary has launched a varied slate of programs since it was founded in 2016 by Viniyanka Prasad to promote equity in publishing and literature. Among those initiatives are editor-writer mentorships; a series of publishing workshops called Writing Paths; the [margins.] literary conference and book festival; the annual Duende-Word award for BIPOC booksellers; a statewide, NEA-sponsored book club; and #MarginsBookselling Month, a monthlong celebration of bookstores owned and managed by members of BIPOC, queer, disabled, and neurodiverse communities. #MarginsBookselling Month, which launched in 2021, began as a response to the pandemics toll on bookselling. We were coming off a wild 2020, Prasad said, and seeing so many community bookstores worried about survival lent a sense of urgency to the mission of promoting and supporting indie booksellers. In its first two years, the program ran throughout the month of October; this years took place in August. To accompany #MarginsBookselling Month, The Word created an interactive map and database of more than 140 indie booksellers throughout the continental U.S. that, according to The Words website, are working to center diverse voices and stories. Together, the stores comprise what The Word calls its #MarginsBookselling network. Prasad hopes the database, which is accessible year-round, can help people learn more about their local indies and discover bookstores in other states that they can support by shopping online. Arvin Ram, owner of Townie Books in Crested Butte, Colo., said he has seen a sharp increase in out-of-state patrons during the monthlong celebration. It has been astonishing to watch people fall in love with our store and become loyal customers from a thousand miles away during #MarginsBookselling Month, he added. Over the past three years, The Word has brought #MarginsBookselling Month to life through a variety of strategic sponsorships from organizations such as Bookshop.org, Libro.fm, and the American Booksellers Association. Last year, sponsor Penguin Random House distributed kits with buttons, bookmarks, and window displays to stores in the #MarginsBookselling network. Another significant partnership is with Chronicle Books, which publishes the Margins Book- store Journal, a branded notebook, to coincide with #MarginsBookselling Month. The notebooks interior features a detailed map, designed by illustrator Kah Yangni, broken up into six regions alongside information about various shops in the #MarginsBookselling network. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the notebook goes to #MarginsBookselling stores. The creation of the journal was spearheaded by Bridget Watson Payne, then Chronicles editorial director. (Payne left the company in August.) Bridget has also long been active in working to create equitable space within publishing, Prasad said. With just a couple of turns, the idea of this project made it to Bridgets desk and we are able to collaborate. For this years #MarginsBookselling Month, The Word decided to offer what Prasad called more bookseller-focused programming, including author prepublication events, publisher book previews, and bookselling workshops where we are opening up challenging questions and radically imagining the future of sustainable bookselling. The response was so positive that The Word is now offering such programming year-round. Prior to launching The Word, Prasad had spent years working as a public defender and was interested to see how her interests in justice, accountability, and social advocacy might apply outside the courtroomnamely in the world of books. Books were always my space of possibility, she said. She wondered, what might be possible if every step of the literary cyclefrom writing to publishing to booksellingwas more inclusive? At the time, there wasnt much in terms of a focus on the publishing ecosysteminterconnecting writer, publisher, bookseller, reader, and all of the folks who interact with a book along its journeyand really nothing in terms of a focus on intersectional support across BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, neurodiverse, and disabled communities across writing genres, she said. So The Word was formed to fill a gap. Today, Prasad is excited to bring booksellers, whom she called part of the foundation of this industry, closer to The Word with the success of #MarginsBookselling Month. Indie bookstores are plugged into the communities they serve in ways that are unmatched by other industry retailers, she said, alluding to bookselling giants like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Passionate booksellers and bookstores change lives for their customers and for the authors that fill their shelves. As we reported in Publishers Weekly this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has set November 29 to hear oral arguments in Texas's appeal of federal judge Alan D. Albright's decision to enjoin HB 900, the state's controversial book rating law. Meanwhile, because of a questionable (and unexplained) decision to leave an administrative stay in place (which was not decided on the merits), the law is now in effect, despite being found unconstitutional, leaving Texas booksellers, as well as schools and libraries in the state, in a precarious position. Meanwhile, a joint report from The Texas Tribune and ProPublica suggests that the law is already having an impact on schools and school libraries. "As a new Texas law further restricting what books students can check out of school libraries takes effect, local bans are gaining steam in districts across the statein some cases going in startling directions," the report notes, pointing out that in the Houston suburb of Katy, school officials recently bought $93,000 worth of new library books and promptly put them in storage so an internal committee could review them. "The district then banned 14 titles (bringing its total since 2021 to 30), including popular books by Dr. Seuss and Judy Blume, as well as No, David! an award-winning childrens book featuring a mischievous cartoon character who at one point jumps out of a bathtub, exposing a cartoon backside." In Montana, the Flathead Beacon has a lengthy report on the Montana State Library (MSL) Commission voting to remove a state requirement that library directors serving larger systems have a masters degree in library science. "In the 5-2 vote to lift the standard, commissioners cited a desire to bolster local control by giving library trustees, and county and city officials, the ability to determine their own requirements," the report states. "Susan Gregory, director of the Bozeman Public Library, said that removing the requirement of a professional degree devalued the profession. The draft rule is subject to a 30-day public comment period. In the Guardian, Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle sounds the alarm on the threats facing libraries. "The U.S. library system, once the model for the world, is under assault from politicians, right wing activists, and corporate publishers. Book bans are at record levels, and libraries across the country are facing catastrophic budget cuts, a fate only narrowly avoided by New York Citys public libraries this summer. In a separate line of attack, library collections are being squeezed by draconian licensing deals, and even sued to stop lending digitized books," Kahle writes. "Why are libraries under attack in the United States? We can talk about the rise of authoritarianism, and theories of empires in decline. But today, practically, it comes down to whether the public will defend an institution that has helped us so much as a society. Will we fight to support and defend universal education and equitable access to informationor stand by as some politicians and powerful corporations take deadly aim against those long-cherished values?" In Illinois, The Chicago Tribune reports that a suspect has been arrested in connection with bomb threats made to a public libraries as well as other "businesses, suburban governments, and at least one police station" over the last seven weeks. Police say they are still investigating other threats. Also in Illinois, the Shaw Local News Network reports that a local school board is wrestling with the state's new anti-book banning law. "Board President Andy Bittman, who called the law 'political popcorn' at a Thursday evening board meeting, said he was concerned about the strings attached to the funding, particularly whether they would limit the districts ability to restrict what students can access on the internet." Via the Arkansas Advocate, Tess Vrbin reports that a Saline County judge has fired Patty Hector, director of the county library, after she refused to move books deemed inappropriate by the local quorum court to a restricted section. "The all-Republican Saline County Quorum Court recommended in April that the library 'relocate materials that are not subject-matter or age appropriate' for children," Vrbin reports. "Hector became the target of conservative ire earlier this year when she refused to follow the quorum courts recommendation. She told the quorum court in May that 'there is nothing wrong with' the books in question." Why are libraries under attack in the United States? We can talk about the rise of authoritarianism, and theories of empires in decline. But today, practically, it comes down to whether the public will defend an institution that has helped us so much as a society. Vrbin also reports this week on the annual meeting of the the Arkansas Library Association (ArLA), a chapter of the American Library Association, which promises to be lively given all that's happening in the state. "The ArLA conference schedule includes discussions about the history of censorship in libraries, including attacks on LGBTQ+ subject matter," she reports. "The conference as a whole will not focus on these issues, but they have had an impact on librarians morale across the state, said Carol Coffey, the ArLA president and the Patron Experience and Library Analytics Coordinator for the Central Arkansas Library System." At Book Riot, Kelly Jensen returns to her weekly censorship news roundup, and starts by diving into the survey conducted with EveryLibrary, which includes this eye-opener: "fully one quarter of respondents believed librarians should be prosecuted for giving children access to materials," she writes, adding that people "who do not know how librarians select material" are much more likely to also believe librarians should be prosecuted for sharing it. "This is chilling, to say the least. Its also an important point to emphasize for library workers. Where and how do you educate your patrons about the process behind the acquisition of books, movies, and other collection items? If this demographic who somewhat or wholly believes librarians should be prosecuted for materials is your average or above average user, there is a lot of opportunitymaybe even necessityfor education." EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries, reports that it has been working to secure endorsements from the major national political parties for the right to read in libraries, and (apologies for burying the lede) that the Democratic National Committee unanimously passed a Resolution Regarding the Support of First Amendment Rights and Public Libraries at its annual meeting last week in St. Louis. In the post, John Chrastka, executive director of EveryLibrary, said that the Libertarian National Party "declined to consider its resolution on procedural grounds," and expressed hope that the RNC and Green Party might consider resolutions as well. And finally this week, via the Dallas Morning News, a lovely library story from Texas, about how the Saginaw public library's adult education program has helped change livesand become so popular through "word-of-mouth alone" that it now has led to a waitlist of more than 40. "Immigrants from over 30 countries have found the library to be a place that teaches not only English but also Texas culture. Between stacks of books and collections of magazines and newspapers, they learn what it means to be an American and how to have confidence learning a new language," the report shares. "Every time a student from a new country joins the library, the staff adds a flag to a collection that decorates the hallway. The yellow, blue and red of Colombia blend into the red, blue, black and white of South Korea." 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. Louise Gluck, the celebrated American poet and winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature, died on October 13 at her home in Cambridge, Mass. Jonathan Galassi, president and publisher of Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Gluck's editor, confirmed her death. She was 80. Gluck, considered one of the foremost voices in American poetry, served as U.S. Poet Laureate from 2003 to 2004 and was the author of 15 collections. Her debut collection, the aptly titled Firstborn, was published by New American Library in 1968. She went on to publish nine books with Ecco from 1975 until 2006, and published her final five books with FSG. Known for her austere, autobiographical lyricism, Gluck explored such themes as loss, loneliness, heartbreak, marriage, trauma, and aging in her work, which often contained classical allusions, philosophical questions, and intimate memories. Many of her poems, such as the well-known "Mock Orange" and "Dead End," express disillusionment with love and romance, while others, such as "New World" and "First Memory," mine the pain of childhood. Born in New York City in 1943 and raised on Long Island, Gluck attended Sarah Lawrence College and Columbia University. At the time of her death, she lived in Cambridge and taught at Yale University. Over the course of her career, Gluck received just about every literary honor there is. In 1985, she won the National Book Critics Circle award for The Triumph of Achilles, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize (and the William Carlos Williams Award) in 1993 for Wild Iris, perhaps her best known work. Her 2014 collection Faithful and Virtuous Night won the 2014 National Book Award. In 2015, she was awarded a National Humanities Medal for her "decades of powerful lyric poetry that defies all attempts to label it definitively." Gluck was also the recipient of the Bollingen Prize for lifetime achievement, the American Academy Arts and Letters Gold Medal, and the Academy of American Poets' Wallace Stevens Award. Her other collections include Vito Nova 1990), Proofs and Theories (1994), Meadowlands (1996), Ararat (2000), Averno (2006) The Seven Ages (2007) Poems 1962-2012 (2012), and Winter Recipes from the Collective (2021). In addition, Gluck published two chapbooks and two essay collections, 1994's Proofs and Theories and 2017's American Originality. "I think that, from her first book, it was clear to me that she was going to be one of the most important poets in America," said poet and former Ecco publisher Daniel Halpern, who published Gluck's work for more than three decades, on the occasion of Gluck's 2020 Nobel win. "It has to do with the way she schemetizes the worldit's definitely her voice and that language, which is unmistakable. I don't think you'd ever not recognize a Louise Gluck line if you'd read it." Saskatchewan, Canadabased indie horror publisher DarkLit Press, helmed by Andrew Robert and distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Ingram, has announced a series of new initiatives in recent months. In July, it established two imprints, Truborn Press and Hedone Books. Truborn will focus on weird, strange horror, according to managing editor Kristina Osborn. Sex-positive imprint Hedone will marry a love of horror with erotica and romance, according to DarkLit author and editor Caitlin Marceau. DarkLit also announced a partnership, known as the Unholy Alliance, with audiobook company Fright Night Audio, a venture from audiobook narrator Joe Hempel. And on October 10, it touted a new strategic partnership with Independent Artists Group. According to a statement, working with IAG will open new avenues for authors and their works across the performing arts, improving DarkLit creators access to artist representation and film and TV possibilities. Increased attention to the horror genre spurred Roberts interest in creating new imprints and fortifying industry connections. Robert sees a growing demand for bizarre and romance-driven content in horror, as well as for racial and gender diversity among horror authors and characters. I spend a lot of time reviewing books and being engaged with readers, and I know for certain my readers love horror-romance and even erotica, he said. Im very open to hearing from anybody, and we are looking for marginalized voices. We want different perspectives, and I think thats what readers want as well. The new imprints will develop nightmare fuel in those areas. Hedone and Truborn will publish edgy works that arent afraid to go outside what the Big Five are publishing in horror, Robert said, including supernatural, LGBTQ, and psychological content. A lot of our authors expand outside of the genre, and our readers are hungry for it. At Hedone, Marceau, who lives in Montreal, intends to carve out a space for people who enjoy dark and horrifying stories that will really upset you, with the addition of sex and romance. DarkLit has published her queer novella This Is Where We Talk Things Out, and a collection of psychological and body horror about womanhood, and will publish her debut novel, It Wasnt Supposed to Go Like This, in November. Marceau seeks manuscripts, art, and audio focused on queer erotic fright, and has signed three authors so far for 2024. Osborn, who lives in western Washington state, came to DarkLit as a cover designer with expertise in digital media and a preference for what she calls flip-your-world-upside-down surrealism. Shes on the lookout for hidden gems, especially from people of color, disabled authors, and queer writers. Social media and marketing is my knack, Osborn said. I tweeted, Hey, Im thinking of putting a weird horror anthology together, and the activity was ridiculousit was so much more than I thought it would be. Truborns first publication will be a novel by Kenya Moss-Dyme, slated for 2024. DarkLit offers novels, novellas, and stories in print, digital, and audio formats, building accessibility into its titles, and they sign authors from all over. Robert has authors from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. I wanted to accommodate everybody I possibly could, he said, noting that he is legally blind and appreciates multimedia options. Im in the process of getting everything into large print, he said, while remaining attentive to affordability. Robert brings audiences to DarkLits website with free-to-read downloads, using e-books platform BookFunnel, and offers perks through a subscription-based newsletter, Deadly Dispatch, that also gives readers access to three anthologies. He just concluded a preorder campaign for a standalone collection of dark speculative fiction with pirate themes, DarkLit Sails, which includes titles by Damien Casey, Alyson Hasson, and Zachary Rosenberg. We utilize marketing tactics of successful authors who dont want to go the traditional publishing route, Robert said, and we connect with readers through other authors that use BookFunnel as well. Its been a massive way for us to drive newsletter subscribers and retain an audience that we might not normally reach. Bookstores are an essential part of DarkLits planning too. Robert estimated that DarkLit has a presence in 2,400 to 3,000 bookstores in the U.S. and around 1,400 in Canada. Readers who buy a print copy receive a coupon for the digital download. In addition, DarkLit titles find readers through subscription book boxes sold by queer-owned horror indie Little Ghosts Books (based in Toronto) and by Latinx- and woman-owned website Dark Remedies. We stand in solidarity with bookstores and small businesses, and we want to do everything that we can to support them, Robert said. If bookstores want to cut deals, were willing to offer books at cost for book boxes. We want to do everything we can to get readers in the door for them. DarkLit audiobooks are on the way through Hempels Fright Night Audio, too. Hempel started up audio company Fireside Horror, which was acquired in 2022 and became Fireside Audio. In July, he began Fright Night Audio and he is working with DarkLit, Wicked House Publishing, and more than 20 independent authors. I wanted a place where indie horror, fans, authors, and narrators can come together, create content, and get more appreciation, Hempel said. Robert believes the time is now for horror across platforms and genres: Our niche is really breaking out at this at this moment. For the past year, since Chat GPT and other large language model-driven AI platforms were introduced to the public, I have heard numerous times that AI will inevitably replace writers, editors, and all sorts of professional roles in publishing. All of our jobs are imperiled; embrace AI or die. Well, maybe. Its early days yet, so lets see. Just keep in mind that more often than not the person telling you this is a self-described AI evangelist, at least according to the recent update to their LinkedIn page. These people, however, might more accurately be described as opportunists. Still, AI is changing our world in meaningful ways and has become such an important subject that the book fair is offering more than 30 sessions focused on this emerging technology. The topics range from AI-generated translations and illustrations to the copyright implications of training AI technology on existing books. Without a doubt, there will be numerous rich and robust conversations. AI is only as good as what feeds itthe garbage in-garbage-out principle. AI companies ingested professionally published books to train their models; without that input, the outputs would sound much less intelligent. Now that the availablity of high-quality human-written content has diminished as a consequence of lawsuits filed against the AI companies, what does AI have to feed on? Well, itself, as the AI is likely to ingest more and more of what is freely proliferating: AI-generated content. Suddenly, AI has become an ouroboros, a serpent eating its own tail. The truth is that large language models need book publishing at least as much as publishing needs AI. And the community of AI evangelists need the book publishers to continue doing what they do bestcreating verifiably truthful nonfiction and emotionally honest fictionfor the AI to keep evolving. If my experience in the past year of using AI is any indication, its going to be some time before well be replaced. We have all heard the proclamation that AI can now write at the same level as a recent college graduate. Again, perhaps. And consider the sourcetypically, this statement comes from someone whose job has been writing computer code, not prose. In the same way I wouldnt dare to judge whether a piece of code was high-quality, I wouldnt trust a (self-interested) programmer to tell me if prose is good or not. When it comes to AI-generated writing, what Ive seen is that it lacks context, perspective, insight, and, tellingly, emotion. In short, it is missing all the things aside from raw information that are most important to humans. For now, Im comfortable with this reply, which was returned to me by an AI platform after I asked it to review a book for me: Unfortunately, I cannot write a review of the book XYZ as I am an artificial intelligence-based virtual assistant and do not have the ability to read or evaluate books. However, I can suggest that you look for reviews by other readers online or ask for recommendations at the library or a specialty bookstore. Alternatively, you can also look up information about the author and plot of the book to get an idea of its quality. I hope I was still helpful to you. That is a surprisingly sane and, at least for the time being, reassuring response. Come this time next year, I hope the AI is still being satisfied that it is helpful. Once it stops trying to help, then were all in trouble. Read more from our Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 Preview and Digital Supplement: Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: The Buchmesse Turns 75 After more than seven decades, the Frankfurt Book Fair is still a vital fixture on the ever-changing global publishing scene. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Rights Center Buzz U.S. agents will talk up works by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Kristin Hannah, Anthony Hopkins, Walter Isaacson, Alice McDermott, Salman Rushdie, Amy Tan, and more at Frankfurt this year. Here are the big titles on the block. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Book Publishing Adjusts to AI A conference hosted by PW in September revealed the opportunities and challenges of the new technology. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: What Makes Writing Human? The CEO of Authory.com describes distinguishing AI-generated text from man-made. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Around the World in 80 Decibels Carlo Carrenho, Frankfurt Book Fairs 2023 audio ambassador, explains audiobooks' growing presence around the world. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: AI and the Arabic Book Market The burgeoning technology is poised to transform the entire Arabic book life cycle, from creation to distribution. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: The Integrity Algorithm The Copyright Clearance Centers senior marketing director argues that AI threatens the trust at the heart of scholarly publishing. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Building a Better Digital Path Forward Digital solutions players and publishers are exploring innovative ideas. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: APA Style Focuses on Accessibility and Combating Counterfeiting Establishing a set of writing style guidelines to make scholarly communication more effective and easier to understand has been the goal of the American Psychological Associations APA Style since 1929. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Supporting the Full Content Life Cycle at KGL A recent spate of acquisitions and consolidations by parent company CJK Group has turned KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd. (KGL) into a content solutions powerhouse. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Customer- and Technology-Centric Strategies from Klopotek Becoming a full-service providerand not just an app-producing companyfor the publishing industry is the goal at Klopotek. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Adopting AI and Assisting Publishers at KNK Software At this Frankfurt Fair, KNK Software is set to introduce several exciting features and enhancements with built-in AI to help clients boost productivity. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Audiobooks Innovate From AI-generated voices to TikTok, the book publishing market continues to evolve. Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: Amigos, Audiobooks Are Caliente Demand for Spanish-language audiobooks is rising in the U.S. market. If youre working in publishing in 2023 as a writer, agent, or journalist, theres no doubt youre thinking about AI and how ChatGPT is changing the industry. We at Authory.com certainly are. Authory is a self-updating automated platform that aggregates all the content you publisharticles, videos, podcasts, social media posts, and moreto create a discrete, complete, and searchable online portfolio. Its a great resource for writers of all kinds, from book authors to bloggers and journalists. For us, the conversation keeps circling back to the role of humanness, particularly how we can know whether a human wrote something and not a machine. That question is one thats stumped even the creators of ChatGPT. OpenAI quite quietly shut down its AI classifier because of low rates of accuracy. To train a large language model on how language is used and manipulated, you take large swaths of information and run them through large algorithms. OpenAI shares that it used publicly accessible information on the internet, licensed information from third parties, and information from human trainers for ChatGPT. All of these groups of information are content thats already been created. Here at Authory, were in a different situation. We dont need to search the internet for hoards of information. Authory generates portfolios and automatically archives content for individual writers when they share their bylines or publications. We then archive that work for our customers. As a byproduct, we have access to thousands of pieces of writing that, because theyve been added by their authors, are effectively verified as human-created. As such, weve rethought the classifier problem stumping OpenAI by changing it slightly. Instead of comparing writing to OpenAI, we compare a specific humans writing to what theyve created recently. We base humanness on how well someone matches their previous styles. We call someones style a fingerprint; each author can have multiple signature styles, just as their hands have multiple fingerprints. We trained a large language model on generating embeddings that are based on the style gleaned from over a million articles. This embed is mapped to a vector where semantically similar vectors (in our case, similar writing style) are placed closer together. The content here is ignored; its how you say something that matters. In essence, were not comparing ChatGPTs output to the information that trained it. Were seeing if what was written has a style that matches what was previously created by a very specific-sounding human, and then we look at how that sounds different from whats created by a machine. The TL;DR version: the machine reads different books than you, and its essays sound different than yours. Now, while this technology can classify what kind of writing is AI-generated and whats been created by a human, it doesnt necessarily get at that larger question: what differentiates human-generated text from machine-generated? Today, wed wager that most people can tell when a human has written something from ChatGPT outputs. ChatGPT can be great for summarizing content, giving instructions, and curating whats out there, but not so great when it comes to telling a story and having a style, a voice, that still feels uniquely human (and thats why Authory is able to detect the difference). To this end, weve created a Human Writer Certificate to provide credible evidence that your articles were, with a high degree of certainty, written by a human, not by artificial intelligence. And this matters. For me, and for many people, humanness is why we read or listen. Were not just looking for summaries of information, were looking for stories. We like our pundits and our influencers. And we like specific authors for their style. We know Jane Austen, James Joyce, Clarice Lispector, and J.K. Rowling, each whose narrative styles weve come to love like a friends mannerisms. But of course, theres not just how you say it, but whats said. And where would we be without their books, which allow us to peek into lives most of us could never know. And thats one way in which generative AI may always fall short of humans. Large language models work by digesting information and summarizing it; they become generative AI when they can predict what needs to be said, or said next. But information thats new to the world? Well, that needs to be seen and experienced by someone before it can ever be shared digitally. In essence, ChatGPT cant write an article or story about something that isnt yet publicly known. Humans are discoverers of what yet hasnt been touched, shared, or made sense of in the natural world. It is through life that we bring new stories into the world. Eric Hauch is the CEO of Authory.com. Return to the main feature. Audiobooks are still the talk of the town in the publishing industry, but something has changed in recent years. At the end of the 2010s, the audiobook phenomenon was mostly limited to the English-language markets (and Germany), thanks to Audibles growth, and to Sweden, thanks to Storytels development. But in 2023, the audiobook boom is global. Developing markets The latest chapter of the audio story takes us to South America, where Audible has just opened shop in Brazil and now will compete with local companies Ubook and Tocalivros. Audible is offering more than 4,000 titles for sale and to listen via subscription. The arrival of Amazons audio company in the largest market in Latin America, after several years of rumors, is now giving new hope to local audiobook publishers. Storytel had previously launched in South America, but quickly curtailed its operations in Brazil. Apple never opted to sell audiobooks in the country. "At the 2019 Thessaloniki Book Fair, when audio publisher Mathias Lundgren, founder of Swedens Word Audio, lectured about audiobooks, they were as far from the Greek publishing market as Homer was from the Grand Canyon." But today, there are four audiobook platforms in the country, including Jukebooks, which launched in 2022 and today offers 700 Greek-language audiobook titles, all published in its first 12 months of operation. E-books never took hold in the Greek market, so it will be interesting to see if audiobooks can thrive. Nordic juggernauts Swedens Storytel, which had launched an aggressive international expansion, is now focusing on 10 primary markets: Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, and the U.S. Storytel continues to sell books in German, Arabic, and Spanish, but markets like Germany, the U.A.E., and Spain are in something of a holding pattern. Meanwhile, Storytels Swedish compatriots Nextory and Bookbeat are taking more market share in the Nordics and growing more aggressively in Europe. Bookbeat, for instance, is taking market share in Poland, where it has the local support of Marginesy, a successful publisher acquired by Bonnier (Bookbeats parent company) in 2013. Several foreign platforms are competing with Audioteka, a pioneer in the Polish market that launched in 2008 and is also selling audiobooks in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Turkey. Nextory, which sells books throughout the Nordic countries, bought its way into Spain and France recently through the purchase of existing players Nubico and Youboox. It also offers audiobooks throughout the Nordics as well as in German-speaking countries. Small nations and the Arab world In Portugal, the LeYa publishing group, perhaps the largest in the country, has partnered with Kobo to offer audiobook subscriptions. Romania went from being a country with virtually no audiobooks available to one that is seeing fierce competition between Voxa and Audiotribe, platforms that both offer unlimited listening subscriptions. Voxa has already expanded to neighboring Moldova. In Slovenia, this years guest of honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair, audiobook platform Mladinska Plus has already launched, and another, Beletrina, is in the final stages prior to launching. David Kaefer, head of Spotifys audiobooks business, at an October 3 event at the companys New York offices announcing the launch of its new English-language subscription-based audiobook offering. The Arabic-speaking book market has demonstrated resilience, especially as Storytel has pulled back resources from the region and slowed growth. Earlier this year, several ex-Storytel employees launched Arabookverse, an Arabic-language audiobook production company based in London, with distribution through Germanys Bookwire. Elsewhere in the region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is flirting with audiobooks: the 2022 Jeddah Book Fair featured Michele Cobb, executive director of the U.S.s Audio Publishers Association, and Robin Lai, a top U.S. audiobook producer, as speakers. Audiobooks everywhere One can safely say that audiobooks are proliferating. The U.S. market has seen double-digit growth for more than a decade. In Sweden, 54.4% of book unit sales in 2022 were in audio format sold through subscription platforms, marking a tipping pointpossibly the first time anywhere that a digital format has outsold print. While that tipping point is in the distant future for smaller or less mature markets, we can still expect strong growth for audiobook platforms in the near future and beyond. Just ask Spotify and its 190 million users. At the beginning of this month, at a star-studded event at the companys Manhattan headquarters, Spotify officially launched its new subscription audiobook service in the U.K. and Australia, and said a U.S. launch would come by winter. The new service allows subscribers to listen to 15 hours of audiobooks a month, and there has already been buy-in from all the major publishers. David Kaefer, the head of Spotifys audiobooks business, said the company believes there is lots of potential for even more growth. By opening up access to a much larger number of people than have ever listened to audiobooks, we can really start to make that potential a reality, Kaefer said. Were going to use our best-in-class personalization to help grow authors fan bases as the worlds leading music and podcast platform. We excel at recommending things at the exact right time, the right piece of content for each listener, right for each moment of their day. And were going to be just as focused on doing that in the audiobooks space. Carlo Carrenho is Frankfurt Book Fairs 2023 audio ambassador and a publishing consultant. Return to the main feature. At the beginning of The Baron in the Trees one of his most famous works Italo Calvino (1923-1985) narrates how the young Cosimo Piovasco di Rondo, while sitting at the family table for lunch, utters an extraordinary no. This is one of the most fantastic gestures of rejection of the state of things that can be found in world literature. Urged by his parents to eat some snails, the future baron, who is 12 years old, replies: I said I dont want to and I dont want to! At his fathers insistence, Cosimo makes his disagreement even clearer: he decides to climb an oak tree outside the family villa. Youll see when you come down! his father warns him. Then I will never come down! the boy replies. The reader is warned that he keeps his word. Sometimes, when the answer is no whether we pronounce it, or whether it stays in our throats these moments can be the lighthouses that best guide our lives and our souls. This was certainly the case for Cosimo, and theres reason to think that it was for Italo Clavino as well. Like his character, the author who would have turned 100 on October 15 of this year also gave an emphatic no many times, exhibiting an indomitable independence. From this firmness sprung the literary and intellectual stature that makes him required reading. This firmness of opinion also turned him into a central cultural reference in the democratic and republican Italy that took shape during his lifetime. He was a favorite author, disciple, friend, editor or collaborator of Italian cultural icons such as Cesare Pavese, Elio Vittorini, Natalia Ginzburg, Carlo Levi, Leonardo Sciascia, Beppe Fenoglio, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Alberto Moravia and many others. He was most popular during the years he lived in Turin, a key city in the construction of thought in modern Italy. First came the no to fascism, which led Calvino to take up arms in a communist partisan brigade. His first novel, The Path to the Nest of Spiders, emerged from his experience. He once said: Resistance brought me into the world, even as an author. Then came the no to Soviet communism, which led him to leave the Italian Communist Party in 1957. His serious political confrontations are reflected in The Baron in the Trees, which was published the same year. The writer refused to accept the Communist Partys lukewarm stance in the face of the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. In a farewell letter, published in the partys official newspaper LUnita, he regretted the lack of condemnation of unacceptable methods of exercising power. Calvinos literary path was also paved by several big nos. Above all, he demonstrated a refusal to remain in familiar territory: he had an unwavering drive to explore new narrative landscapes. Under that impulse, he undertook a narrative journey of astonishing originality and internal diversity, visiting the shores of neorealism (The Path to the Nest of Spiders), the lyrical-epic-buffoonish narrative (the Our Ancestors trilogy, of which The Baron in the Trees is the second part), the reflective narrative, in which story and essay merge into one (A Plunge into Real Estate), the petits poemes en prose (Invisible Cities), the metanarrative (If on a Winters Night a Traveler) and other inventive genres. Like his character Cosimo, Calvino, in a certain sense, circumvented the law of gravity. He was an unclassifiable writer who paraphrasing two of his best-known metaphors knew how, from a poetic lightness, to slaughter monstrous jellyfish (Six Memos for the Next Millennium) and shrink hell, thanks to continuous attention and learning (Invisible Cities). In the center of the image sits the writer Elio Vittorini. To his right, standing, is Italo Calvino. Image taken in 1956. Emilio Ronchini (Archivio Marco Piraccini / Mondadori / Getty Images) The famous ending of Invisible Cities crystallizes his obstinacy, his refusal to accept the traditional and his willingness to build something new and better. Its an open window that allows us to see the importance and validity of Calvino, both on the purely literary level and on the sociopolitical level. The most cited fragment is the following: The hell of the living is not something that will be. If there is one, it is what is already here, the hell we live in every day, that we make by being together. There are two ways to escape suffering it. The first is easy for many: accept the hell, and become such a part of it that you can no longer see it. The second is risky and demands constant vigilance and apprehension: seek and learn to recognize who and what, in the midst of hell, are not hell, then make them endure, give them space. Calvino searched a lot; he knew how to recognize who was (and wasnt) hell. A key decision, in this respect, was his choice to settle in Turin after World War II, attracted by, as he would later say, a moral and civil and not literary image of the city. The capital of the kingdom that unified Italy, Turin was a strong center of legal, political and philosophical thought. Gramsci, Togliatti, Bobbio and Vattimo studied or taught there at different times it was an incubator of a special experiment, that of interaction between high culture and the masses. As workers orbited around the Fiat factory and academics lectured at the University of Turin, the city gave wings to the intellectual and civil growth of the author. Turin has been a powerful incubator of ideas for modern Italy. A prominent role, in this context, was played by the Einaudi publishing house, founded in the 1930s by Giulio Einaudi the son of Luigi Einaudi, who would become the second president of the Republic and which included writers Cesare Pavese and Leone Ginzburg (Natalias husband) among its great promoters. Precisely, the establishment of a very close relationship between Pavese and Calvino (before Paveses suicide in 1950) allowed Calvino to enter the Einaudi orbit. This facilitated his growth as an author, but also as a cultural driving force. At Einaudi, Calvino also assumed the role of editor, establishing a rich correspondence with great Italian cultural figures. In this position, he also knew how to recognize what was not hell and give it space. Through the works he edited as well as through his essays and articles he contributed greatly to the establishment of the new post-fascist Italy. Italo Calvino, in an undated image. Ferdinando Scianna (Magnum Photos / ContactoPhoto) Calvino was especially active during that fertile period in Turin. He was defined as militant, in every sense, with literary activism alongside Vittorini with whom he would publish the important magazine Il Menabo and with a strong propensity to speak out on political issues. But also in his hermit stage during his prolonged residence in Paris he continued to be a driving force, connected and influential nonetheless. Above all, in the 1970s, I was a hermit. Off to the side but not too far away, he commented slyly. He would continue to influence and interact, like Cosimo, who, perched in his tree, not only cultivated love, but contributed to collective life. Calvino would continue to give space to what was not hell. The quote at the end of Invisible Cities is frequently mentioned, but the author later reminded readers not to separate it from the passage that precedes it. They quote the last lines those referring to hell while shortly before, theres the passage of discontinuous utopia that gives meaning to the entire speech, Calvino noted, in 1973. His fictitious version of Marco Polo tells Emperor Kublai Khan about the flashes of beauty that he sees, while suggesting that the perfect city is made of fragments mixed with the rest, of moments separated from intervals. We find here an invitation to search for truth and beauty everywhere, in space and time, without dogmatism or rigidity, with the mental openness that distinguished Calvino. With lightness, speed, accuracy and multiplicity, Calvino established all the values for the new millennium in a series of lectures that he was supposed to give at Harvard. However, a few weeks before the scheduled date, in 1985, he suddenly died, at the age of 61. A symbol of his open-mindedness was his affirmation that, while he opted for certain values, this didnt diminish the validity of opposing ones. Calvino felt that, in life, there are big red lines that must be defended with extreme vigor if necessary but he still said that it was wise to consider arguments and virtues from different points of view. In that open-mindedness in search of what was not hell, amidst fragments and moments of truth and beauty Calvino pursued a borderless knowledge of matter and geography, very much in line with the Italian humanist tradition. I would like to refer here to at least two things that I have believed in along my path and in which I continue to believe. One is the passion for a global culture the rejection of the incommunicability of narrow specialization, to keep alive an image of culture as a unitary whole, in which every aspect of knowing and doing is a part. Another is the passion for political struggle, culture and literature, [towards] the formation of a new ruling class Ive always worked with that in mind: to see a new ruling class take shape and contribute to leaving an imprint, he wrote, in a series of notes that were posthumously compiled in the book Hermit in Paris: Autobiographical Writings by Italo Calvino (1994). This search for knowledge without borders led him to surprising results, from his concern about environmental pollution as early as 1958, when he published Smog, or his ability at times truly incisive to observe the future. Were on the eve of containing the universal consciousness in an electronic brain, can be read in A Plunge into Real Estate (1957). And, in If on a Winters Night a Traveler (1979), he alludes to calculating machines that can complete any novel from beginning to end. Although its less obvious, theres another great link between Calvinos work and the Italian literary tradition: the poetic vein. He declared that Italian literature is a literature whose backbone is poetry, not so much prose, with Eugenio Montale being his favorite author in that literary branch. While Calvino wasnt a poet, he was the creator of a narrative full of poetry. Invisible cities were born of poetry, he wrote. Several times, he noted that his stories began with inspiring images; that they took shape when he brought those images to their ultimate form. In this poetic sense as well as in the humanist sense Calvino is a profoundly Italian author. Italo Calvino in Venice, in 1981. Marcello Mencarini (BRIDGEMAN IMAGES) The very image of hell in Invisible Cities the book that Calvino was most satisfied with, saying that he felt it was the most polished contains a suggestive poetic and humanist connection with the great Italian poet Dante. There are at least two references of interest that can be considered. The first is when the travelling poet of the underworld sees a light that conquered the hemisphere of darkness. The great poets that Dante loved Homer, Horace, Ovid and Lucan, who, together with Virgil, inhabit that place immediately appear there. And the other Dantesque reference that can be considered also has to do with a burning flame. This time, its the spirit of Ulysses, who tells the poet about his end how he exhorted his sailors to go beyond the pillars of Hercules. Dantes immortal verses are present: You were not made to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge. Perhaps they influenced Calvino. In a world that is petrified in the face of nationalist monstrosity amidst hyper-partisan stupidity, in the daze of social media it continues to be enriching to contemplate that flickering flame, the work of Italo Calvino, which, born of nos, shrinks the darkness of hell that advances. It has been my responsibility, as marketing director at Groundwood Books, to arrange and exhibit at library and educational conferences. Invariably, I will have an experience like this: I am in the Groundwood booth, sharing a few of my favorite books with conference attendees. I watch as they look through a book. I know the book well, it touches on themes important to kids, and Im ready when they hit page X, pause, and look over at me. And there, in that instant, we have made a connection. Through the genius collaboration of author and illustrator, we have been transformed. And even though I may have read this book dozens of times, it is new again, because of that shared experience. When they leave the booth, its possible that I wont remember their name or where they work. But I will be thinking about that moment when we shared a story. That will stay with me. It will stay with them. This is the best part of my job and the number-one reason Ive stayed in childrens publishing for over 30 years. These are the experiences that sustain me, motivate me, and inspire me. I have never stopped marveling at the power of a childrens picture book. This was recently highlighted for me at a book signing at the National Council of Teachers of English conference for The Big Bad Wolf in My House, a picture book dealing with domestic violence. The lineup was instant and steady, and the reaction to the book was monumental. Person after person approached author Valerie Fontaine and illustrator Nathalie Dion, and there was a sense of reverence in the air. This book had opened the doors on one of the last taboo subjects for children and given these educators an opportunity to openly discuss complicated emotions with kids. Thats just one example of the journey we hope to see for our books. We want those experiences repeated in homes and libraries and classroomshumans sharing stories and experiences and relating them to their own lives in a way that can induce a memory, an emotion, a conversation. Books remind us: someone else knows what this feels like, too. The need has never been greater. One thing that has become abundantly clear to me, as both a parent and a book publishing professional, is that todays children are facing at worst a bleak future, at best uncertainty about what lies ahead. The pandemic, the climate catastrophe, and the threat of wars have all contributed. Systemic discrimination has also affected the mental health of so many young peopleIndigenous, racialized, LGBTQ, immigrant, and disabled youth. Far too many children are dealing with a maelstrom of mental health issues at a time when they are still trying to discover who they are and what their place in the world is. We have books that can help. Creating meaningful books by and for marginalized communities has long been a cornerstone of Groundwoods publishing program, and many authors and illustrators from these traditionally underrepresented communities share their stories with us. We are responding to this crisis by creating the Groundwood Books to Help Heal Collection, launching in January 2024. We will be creating a dedicated catalogue, both printed and digital, featuring 60 childrens books that can make a positive contribution to supporting youth mental health. We are grateful to Ontario Creates for their support on this initiative. To help us curate this collection, we have enlisted the services of Tania DaSilva. She is certified in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy from the University of Toronto and she holds an honors advanced child and youth care diploma. Besides her stellar credentials, Tania also has a passion for mental health awareness and strong community relationships and partnerships with large school boards, which makes her a perfect Groundwood collaborator. Early next year, we will be reaching out to teachers, librarians, school counselors, and health care professionals through conferences, direct mailings, advertisements, and methods. Well be asking them to consider building a strong childrens healing book collection and will be curating an exceptional book list to help them do just that. Fred Horler is the marketing director at Groundwood Books. Return to the main feature. The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) Qatar's "Worlds Greatest Motorcars" exhibit, which runs until October 14, features a star attraction - the 1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, once owned by Qatar's former Amir H H Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani. This classic beauty, having previously graced GIMS in the same year, now stands as the centerpiece at the gallery. The Rolls-Royce Phantom, with the chassis number 5LCG25, symbolizes the enduring bond between Qatar and the Geneva Motor Show over the past six decades. It features an 8-cylinder 6.2-liter engine, a 4-speed automatic gearbox, and several luxurious additions like a sunshine roof, reading lights, and a clock with a speedometer. Notably, it was discovered in New York and meticulously restored by Mohammed Luqman Ali Khan, the Curatorial Director of the Classics Gallery at GIMSQ. Read More: Five Car Brands to Make Grand Debut at GIMS Qatar But the spotlight doesn't shine solely on the Phantom V. The "Worlds Greatest Motorcars" section houses twelve other remarkable vehicles, ranging from a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Saloon to a 1979 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI 7-Passenger Enclosed Limousine. Read More: GIMS Brings Urban Playground to Lusail Boulevard Enthusiasts and visitors from around the world have flocked to GIMS Qatar to admire both vintage and contemporary automobiles. Maria Santos from Spain commended the show's remarkable presentation, highlighting the gems in every section. Ali Manuel from Portugal, similarly captivated, expressed his aspiration to own a classic vehicle in the near future. Read More: David Beckham Attends at the GIMS 2023 in Doha The 10-day showcase of automotive excellence at the inaugural GIMS Qatar concludes today October 14, remaining open from 10 am to 10 pm. 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 $5,850 (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 The mystery-comedy, The Afterparty, is not returning to Apple TV+ for a third season. ADVERTISEMENT Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter said Sony Pictures Television, which produced it, is trying to find a new home for the show. Tiffany Haddish played a Los Angeles police detective, while Sam Richardson and Zoe Chao played lovebirds in the wrong place at the wrong time in the first two seasons. The trio teamed up to solve the murder of a pop music star (Dave Franco) at a high school reunion in Season 1 and the slaying of a tech billionaire groom (Zach Woods) at his own wedding in Season 2. Each episode is told from a different character's point of view as he or she pleads their case to Danner. The result is a mix of genres -- musical, horror, western, period romance, noir, for examples -- that shifts depending on who the narrator is. ABC/John Fleenor By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/13/2023 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' FRANCHISE COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER?? (PHOTOS) Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. featured Joan Vassos quitting the show and disappointing Gerry Turner Kathy Swarts slamming Theresa Nist for being "possessive" and possibly "dumb as rocks," and Susan Noles calling Leslie Fhima "a little much" during the episode that aired Thursday night on ABC.Joan, a 60-year-old private school administrator from Rockland, MD, had to leave after a romantic one-on-one date with Gerry for a family emergency involving her daughter back home."My heart maybe got a little fixed from Gerry," Joan said in her final words. "He helped... because as you get older, you become more invisible. People don't see you anymore, like, you're not as significant as when you're young."And at the third Rose Ceremony of season, Gerry eliminated Christina, a 73-year-old retired purchasing manager from Sierra Madre, CA, and Edith, a 60-year-old retired realtor from Downey, CA.broadcast began with 12 women in mansion who all had feelings for and established connections with Gerry.Leslie, a 64-year-old fitness instructor from Minneapolis, MN, was afraid the bachelorettes were going to become catty soon, especially since they were still trying to protect their hearts.Kathy, a 70-year-old retired educational consultant from Austin, TX, could tell Gerry really liked Theresa, a 69-year-old financial services professional from Shrewsbury, NJ, and that made some of the women a little jealous.host Jesse Palmer then arrived and shared how there was going to be a one-on-one date and a super fun group date that was going to start immediately.For the group date, all of the ladies were invited to perform in a talent show.Since Leslie performed her whole life as a professional dancer, she wasn't nervous at all. But Joan wanted "to throw up," saying she didn't have any talents at all.star was hoping to see a different side of the women's personalities, and the talent show was hosted by former ette star Kaitlyn Bristowe Kaitlyn declared how a lot was on the line because the winner of the talent show was going to receive a very special and romantic dinner with Gerry that night.Sandra, a 75-year-old retired executive assistant from Doraville, GA -- who admitted she's not a comedian -- told some funny jokes. Susan, a 66-year-old wedding officiant from Aston, PA, wore a karate outfit and kicked a piece of wood in half.Ellen, a 71-year-old retired teacher from Delray Beach, FL, said her talent is teaching Sex Ed to middle school students, and Faith Martin , a 60-year-old high school teacher from Benton City, WA, sang a song while playing her guitar."I would've paid to watch this show!" Susan said. April Kirkwood , a 65-year-old therapist from Port St. Lucie, FL, got crowd pumped with a motivational speech, Kathy did push-ups, and Nancy, a 60-year-old retired interior designer from Alexandria, VA, bounced a dollop of whipped cream off her wrist and into her mouth.Leslie then performed a sexy hip-hop dance like a pro -- and she involved Gerry by giving him a lapdance."Leslie is a very talented dancer, but she got a little dirty there, a little sexy there at the end. It was maybe a little much," Susan told the cameras.Leslie's performance ended with her feeding star a cookie and boasting, "And I bake too!"Joan was clearly not excited for her turn because she claimed to have no skills.Joan told Gerry that she was scared and being onstage was way out of her comfort zone, and she recited a beautiful, heartwarming and funny poem she had written about Gerry that was titled "I Just Hope I Don't Vomit On Your Shoes."Gerry told Kaitlyn that he felt like Joan was speaking directly to him and his heart. star therefore asked Joan to accompany him to dinner that night.Leslie said she was happy for Joan but also really disappointed for herself. Leslie lamented about how no one ever picks her and there's a lot more to her than just being a sexy dancer.That night, Joan wore a gorgeous red dress to dinner with Gerry, which appeared to take place in a quaint antique store.Joan told cameras that she could see a glimmer of what life would look like with Gerry, and Gerry told Joan that putting herself out there like that was very attractive to him.Gerry spoke to Joan about how he waited a year after Toni's death to start dating again, and both he and Joan agreed that you can't put a time limit on mourning, healing and feeling ready to open your heart again.Joan -- a mother, grandmother and school administrator -- said going on was something she finally did for herself."I need to make a toast to you, and I want to tell you that I'm as excited to spend time with you as I've ever been with anyone," Gerry gushed to the bachelorette. "And so here's to you -- and here's to a future."Gerry felt this was the first step of a very strong connection. She had sacrificed a lot to go on the show, and so that meant the world to star.Gerry chose to give Joan a rose on their date for being vulnerable and making him feel some type of way.Joan said they had connected on "so many levels" and she could truly envision herself being with Gerry for the long haul.Suddenly, Joan received a message from her daughter, who apparently needed her.Joan was able to call her daughter on the phone, and Joan shared with cameras, "My daughter just had a baby, and it wasn't a normal everyday delivery, at all."Joan explained how "things go wrong" and she needed to put her family first. Joan announced to all the women how her family needed her but her heart was "breaking" to leave Gerry. Susan even cried, knowing how much this experience meant to Joan.Gerry woke up that morning feeling like "a million bucks," mainly because his night with Joan was "revealing" and they definitely bonded. But he was about to find out that Joan was going to depart.When Gerry arrived at mansion to pick up his date, Joan asked to speak with him first and she broke the bad news about having to leave the show prematurely.Joan told Gerry that he had healed her heart but the things that were wrong at home weren't getting any better. Joan shared how she had received a text message that morning informing her she must go home and be "mom.""As much as I don't want to leave our journey, I've got to be a parent, and I've got to go home to my kids," Joan explained.Gerry began crying, saying that he totally understood but he was also extremely disappointed to lose her from .Gerry said he had hopped out of bed dancing that morning but they both shared the same moral compass and that sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest."Although I know I'm doing the right thing for my family, I feel like I'm doing the hugely wrong thing for us," Joan explained.Gerry reiterated how he understood Joan needed to go but he was very hurt and sad. star said he'd be with her in spirit at home, and it was an emotional goodbye for them both.Joan said she wanted Gerry -- an "incredible" man and "a really, really good guy" -- to find happiness, but she left him crying in his hands outside mansion.That night, fashion designer Michael Costello showed up at mansion and informed Ellen that she'd be going on a one-on-one date with Gerry.Gerry looked forward to pampering Ellen, which is something he thought she deserved. Ellen got to try on different gowns, and she tried on a beautiful hot pink dress with sparkly heels and accessories.star said the big smile on Ellen's face completed her look."Ellen is the one I can be most myself with, but will there be a more romantic connection?" Gerry questioned. "That's what I will really be looking for today."Meanwhile, Theresa said the process was getting seriously hard because she genuinely liked Gerry a lot.For Gerry and Ellen's date, they enjoyed champagne in a couch in front of a beautiful landscape, and they talked about their wedding days.Gerry then gave Ellen a pair of diamond earrings designed by Neil Lane. She said she had never received a gift like that before, and Gerry noted how every moment of their day together was a gift.They even kissed during a hot air balloon ride, and Ellen acknowledged how there was "a fire" in that balloon."There's just something about her personality that pulls me in," Gerry told the cameras. "She could be the one that I share the rest of my life with."star ultimately decided to give Ellen a rose at the end of their date.Meanwhile, Theresa spoke to Kathy about how her date with Gerry was "off the charts" and "absolutely amazing." Theresa even told her that Gerry was talking about their future together."I think she thinks she's got this," Kathy complained of Theresa in a confessional.Kathy said while she came across like a very strong woman in house, Theresa's eyes were telling her that she didn't "stand a chance."Kathy noted, "I don't like it. I don't like it at all."Kathy then broke down into tears, and Edith acknowledged how tension naturally arises when multiple women date one man. Edith said people were getting jealous and that may create some chaos.At cocktail party preceding the Rose Ceremony, April announced how it's appropriate to keep your mouth shut about intimate moments with Gerry out of respect for him and everyone else. Theresa immediately got upset, wondering if April's little speech was about her.After all, Theresa was one of few women who had intimate time with Gerry thus far.After Faith and Gerry shared a kiss, Theresa approached April, who advised Theresa to take it up with Kathy.Kathy spoke to Gerry about working hard and being a good person, and she cried about her father in Gerry's arms. Kathy confessed she had a rough day, telling star that she had dealt with some meanness and people weren't "necessarily very nice."Kathy told Gerry that she was trying to keep it together and he needed to look out for Theresa."I think what you initially see isn't what is, and I don't want you to make a mistake," Kathy told Gerry. "My biggest goal for you is to be happy."Kathy didn't throw Theresa under the bus, and Gerry said her maturity shined through and it said a lot about Kathy's heart."I've seen a whole new side of Kathy, and I've developed some real feelings for her," Gerry said.star then gave Kathy a rose, and she was absolutely ecstatic.Kathy announced how Gerry is a wonderful guy who deserves the best, and Theresa declared, "And so do you."Theresa then pulled Kathy aside, and Kathy admitted she felt like Theresa was dismissing her."You made me feel like you and Gerry are going to ride off into the sunset and I need to pack my bags because I'm going home," Kathy explained to the confused and shocked bachelorette.Theresa apologized and then Kathy continued, "You've made me feel like it's a foregone conclusion and you say things like, 'We have a huge connection.' I think that's the kind of stuff that sounds possessive, territorial and 'get the hell out of my way, he's mine.' That's not a pretty picture."Theresa said she was just trying to be open and honest, but Kathy said she wasn't buying that and she'd like Theresa to take accountability. Theresa seemed horrified and insisted that she felt horrible.Leslie, on a similar note, didn't want to hear about other women's relationship with star.Theresa then left the room and bawled her eyes out. Theresa vented to Faith about how the others thought she had been boastful, but Faith didn't think Theresa ever had ill intent.Gerry then found Theresa crying in her bedroom, and Gerry thought it was very unfortunate the bombshell was about Theresa, whom he considered kind and tenderhearted. star, feeling like he knew Theresa pretty well, asked her to just let it go.Gerry was upset about "the disturbance" in the house, and he worried this was going to be "a real stumbling block" in his relationship with Theresa.Kathy wasn't sure whom Gerry was going to pick, but she insisted in a confessional of Theresa, "She is not Mrs. Turner yet."The third Rose Ceremony of season then commenced.Gerry handed out roses to Faith, Sandra, Leslie, Nancy, Susan, April, and Theresa.As a result, Gerry eliminated Edith and Christina.Edith wished Gerry all the best on her way out, and Christina thanked him for a nice time.Theresa then admitted she had said things she shouldn't have said and she planned to go forward with all good feelings.With that being said, Theresa bonded with Kathy after the Rose Ceremony about how Gerry was such a nice person and how he had comforted her when she was crying in her bedroom."Theresa, that has got to stop. You've got to keep that to yourself," Kathy told her.Kathy appeared stunned that Theresa had just divulged Gerry was in her bedroom and sought her out for a chat."I really think Theresa had no clue [she was bragging again]. I don't. I run my mouth all the time... but I also am intuitive," Kathy explained to cameras."I think Theresa is a nice person, but can't figure out if she's dumb as a rock or knows exactly what she's doing. I don't want to take the gloves off; I don't want to be mean. But zip your lips!"Theresa, meanwhile, thought everything was fine and hoped she and Kathy could become good friends again on .Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Until the winter of 2022, Moscow looked like a capitalist paradise. The new business district, Moscow City, had been filled with skyscrapers and was home to Europes largest shopping mall. Aviapark, located in the north of the Russian capital, boasted over 500 stores filled with Western brands and a world-record-breaking ornamental aquarium. Then, in February 2022, the start of the full-scale Ukrainian war triggered the exodus of over 1,000 foreign brands and that free-market illusion disappeared. Eleven rounds of sanctions and 595 days of war later, buying an Adidas tracksuit or the new Mercedes-Benz in Russia is not so simple, but it can still be done. Trade flows throughout the war show that key consumer products and technology have continued to enter the country through various mechanisms that take advantage of the so-called gray market and countries that have economic ties to Moscow. The gray market A case in point: Parallel Majorka Import, an importer in the Russian capital, continues to bid on the latest models of European luxury cars, even though major European automakers have slowed their operations in Russia. We bought a Mercedes-Benz W223 S400d from South Korea for use in Russia, said a recent announcement on its Telegram channel, which has over 54,000 subscribers. The German carmaker halted exports to Russia in March 2022 and pulled out completely last October, although cars were still coming in: between January and July of this year, 75,626 imported vehicles were registered in Russia, according to Russian Transport Ministry data. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia, former members of the Soviet Union, have recorded historic increases in exports to Russia. Although these countries broke trade records, experts consulted by this newspaper suggest that China, the United Arab Emirates and other countries with ties to the Kremlin have continued to facilitate supplies. These gray imports, acquired through a mechanism that the European Union and the international community consider to be non-compliance with their sanctions, not only include consumer goods, but also facilitate Russias import of key machinery, such as semiconductors and parts useful for the war industry. Benjamin Hilgenstock, chief economist at the KSE Institute, notes that customs data throughout the war indicate that the Russian economy is recovering, despite the rubles decline. Sanctions did not trigger a financial collapse in Russia, and that was not the goal. In my opinion, there is no reason to assume that there will be a recession in Russia. On the contrary, the economy will grow by 1% or 2% this year. Tactics for dodging the Wests sanctions Agathe Demarais, a member of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), believes that the Kremlin has taken its cues from North Korea, Iran, and China to shield itself from Western sanctions. [Russia] has used North Korea as a model for disguising ships and manipulating automatic ship tracking systems. They are experts in importing coal and oil under the table, a technique Russia uses today. The KSE Institute figures that Russia has circumvented oil sanctions through a dark fleet of an estimated 156 tankers that travel without protection and indemnity insurance, a requirement in most Western seaports. We believe Russia has been able to find alternative sea routes, for example, through Chinese ports that do not require this insurance, Hilgenstock added. Demarais believes that Russia and Iran have diversified their trade routes in the face of international sanctions. Since 2000, Tehran and Moscow have been working on the International North-South Transport Corridor, an alternative trade route. The test launch of the new digital ruble, modeled on the digital yuan, could render Western sanctions completely ineffective if Moscow succeeds in linking it to the international market, the expert says. China leads the way in alternative payment methods, boasting tens of millions of users of the Central Bank of China-controlled currency, which has enormous tracking capabilities. Imports through third-party countries To replace semiconductors which are useful for everything from smartphones to warfare and intelligence technology from the United States, Russia has begun importing them from Turkey and China. According to Global Trade Tracker estimates, exports of such products from Ankara have jumped by about 200% since 2021 and continue to grow. In recent years, Kazakhstan, which shares the longest land border with Russia, has seen the most significant increase in trade flows, according to data cross-referenced with Bloomberg, Bruegel and several countries customs records. Russia imported 390% more goods from this Central Asian country between April 2022 and April of this year. Most of the goods registered in databases were vehicles and other commercial products. In turn, German vehicles crossing Kazakh borders increased by 257% between 2022 and 2023. In the past year, Russian business has also moved closer to Astana, as two leaders in Russian e-commerce, Ozon and Wildberries, moved their warehouses to Kazakhstan. In sum, European product imports bound for Kazakhstan rose by 290% between January 2022 and 2023, according to Bloomberg figures. Armenia also saw an exponential increase in imports from the Eurozone, with a jump of over 91% during the same period. Because products pass through a third country, it is difficult for multinationals to track where their own goods end up, even if they no longer have competitors in the market. Valeria Enrich, a partner at Baker McKenzie Barcelona, advises these companies to find out who is buying their products, and put measures in place before exporting with an unknown entity. EU attempts to rein in ghost trade flows European Union and U.S. agencies have identified ghost trade flows in several of the countries mentioned. In its most recent sanctions package last July, Brussels warned that, in exceptional cases, third-country firms facilitating this gray market may also be sanctioned. A European Commission official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that these measures are exceptional for now and that changes in attitude will come slowly. [The fact] that the war in Ukraine has caused a massive boom in trade flows is not discussed, Timothy Ash, of the Chatham House think tank, told this newspaper. These countries have benefited massively from the war and should now return some of that windfall. Ash suggests that the latest sanctions signal a push for those third countries to self-regulate, but he adds that it is a delicate balancing act. The CIS countries will have to decide which relationship is more important. I dont think any of them want to get on the bad side of the Western sanctions regime, particularly the banks. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 'Ring of fire' eclipse brings cheers and shouts of joy as it moves across the Americas Cheers and shouts of joy erupted as a rare ring of fire eclipse of the sun made its way across the Americas Jose Luis Salmeron applies quantum computing in the healthcare field. Sergio Boixo, from Googles Quantum Artificial Intelligence (AI) research group, says that quantum computing is in its infancy. The relative youth of this technology makes it difficult to predict its future, but its already showing some promising developments. Jose Luis Salmeron wears many hats director of the Data Science Lab at CUNEF University in Spain, associate researcher at the Autonomous University of Chile, and principal AI and quantum scientist at the Capgemini consulting firm. Collaborating with a thyroid surgery team at Sagunto Hospital in Valencia (Spain), Salmeron recently tested the potential of quantum computing to predict postoperative complications. But this wasnt the first application of quantum computing in healthcare. McGill University in Canada has launched the Cardio-Twin project, which creates digital twins to detect health risks in women. Quantum computing is well on its way to providing valuable assistance to healthcare professionals. Doctors know basic statistics and have a lot of data at their disposal, said Salmeron. The Sagunto Hospital team wanted to predict potential hypocalcemia in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. I proposed a highly reliable prediction model with a variational quantum circuit and achieved a 92% accuracy rate, much more than what could be achieved with conventional techniques. Salmeron published the results in Mathematics with Dr. Isabel Fernandez-Palop and the team from Sagunto Hospital. Salmeron, one of the most-cited scientists according to Elsevier and Stanford University, has developed an algorithm that utilizes hormonal levels as inputs. By leveraging advanced computer systems, the algorithm predicts the likelihood of hypocalcemia, the most prevalent complication after a thyroidectomy for cancer. The circuit is not physical, but logical its in the computer code. We sometimes make physical quantum sensors for certain things, but in this case it was a variational programmed circuit, said Salmeron. The scientist acknowledges that theoretical physics currently dominates the realm of quantum research. However, he prefers to focus on practical applications and strives to keep things grounded. The same journal also published a study by McGill University that used fuzzy cognitive maps (graphs of causal relationships to study effects and alternatives) with a quantum-learning algorithm aimed at the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis, while classifying six severity levels of the disease. Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is very crucial in preventing the diseases progression. However, it is a complicated task for General Practitioners (GPs) due to the wide spectrum of symptoms, and progressive changes in the diseases direction over time, wrote Salmeron in another study published in Neurocomputing. A test of these models at Seyyed-al Shohada University Hospital in Iran yielded a 90% accuracy rate. These methods have also been used in radiotherapy treatment planning, where cognitive maps have proven useful in supporting human decision-making. These systems enable us to optimize service provision and improve treatments, said Salmeron. For instance, in the case of hypocalcemia, early detection allows doctors to initiate treatment sooner and minimize its impact. Additionally, these systems aid in medical service planning, benefiting both patients and clinical centers by ensuring resource optimization and early disease detection. No model quantum or not can be universally applied to every pathology. Every application requires a suitable algorithm for consistent data processing. Each problem demands a specific solution. Even if a quantum circuit can be used, its applicability may vary across cases. But the field is wide open. There are many potential applications that are a natural fit for quantum computing because they are fundamentally quantum in nature, said Sam Genway of Capgeminis Quantum Lab. The interaction of molecules with biological entities within the body is fundamentally quantum mechanical, and in some cases is very hard to model using conventional computers. With quantum computers, however, we will be able to simulate the underlying quantum behavior with unprecedented accuracy. The first quantum therapy A recent study published in Nature Nanotechnology demonstrated how electrically charged molecules were used to trigger the self-destruction of cancer cells in brain tumors that are difficult to treat. The research team believes it developed the first quantum therapy. Cancer cells are defeated through the precise modulation of biological quantum electron tunneling by ingenious nanoparticles. This triggers a symphony of electrical signals that activate the natural self-destruct mechanism within cancer cells, explains lead researcher Frankie Rawson. Study co-author Ruman Rahman added, This research highlights the potential of quantum therapy as a novel technology for communicating with biology. The combination of quantum bioelectronics and medicine brings us closer to a new treatment approach. Scientists at the University of Sydney demonstrated the potential of this emerging technology. They used a quantum computer to design and directly observe a critical process in chemical reactions, which was slowed down by a staggering 100 billion times. Vanessa Olaya Agudelo, the main author of the study published in Nature Chemistry, said: Understanding these fundamental processes within and between molecules unlocks endless possibilities in materials science, drug design and solar energy harvesting. Moreover, it can facilitate advancements in studying the human genome by swiftly and dependably reading DNA sequences. These findings could lead to personalized chemotherapy treatments. Recently, researchers utilized quantum computing to differentiate adenosine from other nucleotide molecules in a study published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B. Using a quantum circuit, we demonstrate the ability to detect a nucleotide solely from the measurement data of a single molecule, said Masateru Taniguchi, lead author of the study. For the first time ever, a quantum computer has been successfully connected to measurement data for a single molecule. This breakthrough validates the potential of utilizing quantum computers in genome analysis. Another application of this new technology are devices that record nerve impulses to control artificial limbs. The quantum sensors we develop in medical technology align perfectly with our Invented for Life philosophy, said Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of Bosch Global, a company that is diving deep into this field. According to Bosch, contactless early detection of atrial fibrillation is now possible to prevent fatal strokes, heart failure and dementia. The quality of employment has deteriorated in 12 of the 21 major states and Union Territories, as the proportion of workers in regular or salaried jobs declined between July 2022 and June 2023 compared to the previous year, according to a Business Standard analysis of the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistical Office. Assam experienced the most significant decline in the share of workers in salaried work, dropping by 8.7 percentage points to 10.8 per cent in the July 2002-June 2023 period from 19.5 per cent in the July 2021-June 2022 period. This was followed by Delhi (6.2 percentage points), Uttarakhand (5.2 percentage points), and Chhattisgarh (1.6 percentage points). The usual status measure of employment, which classifies a person according to the type of work they would have engaged in during a one-year reference period, showed an increase in self-employment and casual work in these states during this period. Regular wage or salaried work, where workers receive fixed wages at regular intervals, is generally considered a better form of employment than casual work or self-employment, which consists of working as unpaid household help, primarily in agricultural fields or owning a small informal enterprise. At the national level, the share of workers in regular wage work also declined to 20.9 per cent from 21.5 per cent during the period under consideration. This decline in employment quality comes despite the unemployment rate in the country falling to a six-year low of 3.2 per cent and the labour force participation rate (LFPR) reaching its highest level (57.9 per cent) since the NSO began releasing the annual survey in April 2017. Santosh Mehrotra, a visiting professor at the University of Bath, noted that despite popular belief, labour markets have yet to recover as wage employment remains significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, leading to an increase in self-employed individuals. The share of people working in agriculture also increased slightly during this period, indicating distress in rural labour markets. The share of people engaged in agriculture increased to 45.8 per cent from 45.5 per cent. Punjab saw the sharpest increase of 2.5 percentage points in its regular wage workforce to 33.4 per cent, followed by Haryana (2.2 percentage points), Kerala (2 percentage points), and Telangana (1.9 percentage points). The decline of wage employment over the past year and the corresponding increase in labour force participation shows that more people are joining the labour markets and the economy isn't able to generate enough decent jobs for them," Mehrotra said. This is leading them to engage in self-employment either as unpaid household help or running a small business. Strong demand in the domestic market, coupled with an increase in raw material prices, is pushing up steel prices. Photograph: Babu/Reuters According to SteelMint, a market intelligence and price reporting firm, the list price of flat steel has seen an increase of Rs 750-2,000 per tonne for October deliveries. The long steel price witnessed an increase of Rs 1,500 per tonne towards the end of September. Trade or spot prices have also seen an upward trend. The monthly average price in the trade segment for hot-rolled coil (HRC) a benchmark in flat steel was Rs 57,900 in September (Mumbai) but stood at Rs 58,950 per tonne as on October 6. The average price of rebar in long products (Mumbai) was Rs 56,740 per tonne in September and Rs 58,100 per tonne as on October 9. A major producer attributed the increase in steel prices to the rising cost of raw materials over the past couple of months. Worldwide there is an impact on cost and it is a challenge. Both iron ore and coking coal prices have increased. Ranjan Dhar, chief marketing officer, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, noted that raw material prices have surged, with coking coal reaching approximately $380 per tonne. This poses a major challenge, especially for steel producers who rely on imported coking coal. Domestic demand Flat steel prices began to rise in August after a dip in May-July. However, trade prices are still below April levels. Jayanta Roy, senior vice-president, ICRA, suggested that the increase in domestic steel prices reflects the strength of domestic demand. HRC prices are at a 9-10 per cent premium to Chinese export prices, which is unusual. "Producers have been able to pass on the increase in raw material cost because of the strong demand in the domestic market. Between April and August, demand registered growth of 13.1 per cent. Dhar noted that all the consuming segments were doing very well after the monsoon season. However, there is a growing concern over the increasing volume of imports. Global factor But there is some uncertainty about whether the premium in domestic prices would hold up. Steel is freely traded globally. The 9-10 per cent premium that domestic steel is currently benefiting compared to Chinese export prices is unlikely to continue, ICRAs Roy said. Dhar, on the other hand, expects Chinese prices to pick up. China cannot sustain the current price levels, given their negative profit margins at the current raw material cost. "Consequently, either raw material prices will go down or steel prices will rise. "In the present scenario, raw material prices are unlikely to decrease. During May-September 2023, global steel prices (China HRC FOB) remained stable at $550 per tonne, according to CRISIL Ratings. Manish Gupta, senior director, CRISIL Ratings, said with a likely demand uptick in the next calendar year (2024), global steel prices are expected to witness some improvement and be $600$650 per tonne. Global demand, Gupta said, is expected to remain muted in CY23 at 0-1 per cent and witness a marginal uptick of 1-3 per cent in CY24, with India leading demand growth. Demand improvement in CY24 is expected to be broad-based, with increased demand from Europe and the US. As the second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv reached Delhi airport under 'Operation Ajay' on Saturday, the returning Indian citizens expressed their gratitude and thanked the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ministry of external affairs. IMAGE: Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh welcomes citizens who return from Isreal, at the airport, in New Delhi, October 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo As the flight landed in New Delhi, the returning citizens unanimously raised slogans of 'Vande Mantram' to celebrate their return home. One of the Indian citizens who was stuck in Tel Aviv, Israel shared his delight as the Indian government brought back Indian citizens under Operation Ajay. "This is very nice and wonderful. We are very happy for this initiative. Many thanks to the Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar, the government of India," he said. Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, who welcomed the Indian citizens at the Delhi airport, told ANI that the Operation Ajay will continue, noting that this is the second phase and they are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back to India. "We will continue (the Operation Ajay). There are about 18,000 Indian citizens there. This is the second phase, and we are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back, so we are helping them," he stressed. He further told ANI that in the second phase, 235 passengers were repatriated from Israel, including infants. "We are repatriating about 235 passengers from Israel, mostly they are students, about 135 are students, out of these two citizens are infant...," he added. Another Indian citizen who came back from Israel thanked the Indian government for the evacuation and noted that the students over there were panicking and feared whether they would be able to come back or not. "This is a good initiative. I thank the government, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the external affairs minister and our embassy in Israel.... Many students were panicking and feared if they would come back or not," he added. Various state governments had sent their representatives to the Delhi airport to facilitate the movement of citizens from Delhi to their states. As many as 447 Indian nationals, who were stranded amid the raging Israel-Hamas war have been brought back to India under 'Operation Ajay'. "Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Israel's Tel Aviv," posted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on X, on Friday-Saturday intervening night. The passengers were mainly those who were staying and working in Israel. They applauded the government of India for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. The MEA has set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance. The Israel Air Forces has said that it has killed the head of Hamas's Air Force Murad Abu Murad in the airstrike carried out overnight. The strike targeted a headquarters from which Hamas managed its aerial activity in the Gaza Strip. IMAGE: Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from the city of Ashkelon, Israel. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters The Israeli Air Force said that Murad Abu Murad "was largely responsible for directing terrorists during the massacre on Saturday." In a post on X, the Israeli Air Force stated, "Also, during the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force attacked the operational headquarters of the terrorist organization Hamas, from where the organization's aerial activities were managed. During the attack, Murad Abu Murad, the head of the air formation in Gaza City who took a large part and directed terrorists in the murderous attack on Saturday, was killed." In separate strikes carried out overnight, the Israeli Air Forces said that it had struck dozens of sites belonging to Hamas's commando forces, who led the infiltration into Israel on October 7, The Times of Israel reported. The Israeli Air Forces said that the Israeli Defence Forces and the Israeli Air Forces will continue to operate "as required in order to defend the State of Israel against the Hamas terrorist organization." "Last night, IAF fighter jets conducted wide-scale strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. These included dozens of Hamas terror targets as well as "Nukhba" terrorist operatives that were in a staging ground in the Gaza Strip," the Israeli Air Force said. The Israeli Air Force in another update informed, "A short while ago, IDF soldiers identified a terrorist cell which attempted to infiltrate from Lebanon into Israeli territory. An IAF UAV targeted the terrorist cell and killed a number of the terrorists." In the latest update on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli Defence Forces Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus noted on Saturday that people in the Gaza Strip are listening to Israel's warning and are doing the right thing, noting that there has been a significant movement of Palestinian civilians towards the South. "We have seen a significant movement of the Palestinian civilians towards the south...we have seen people listening to our warning, understanding that they doing the clever thing, moving out of the dangerous area, and the right thing for their family...," he said. On Friday the Israeli military had called for the evacuation of all civilians from Gaza City. The IDF says that it had advertised its intentions as it did not want civilians to be affected by the war. The IDF further said that Israel was fighting against Hamas and its military infrastructure. "We advertised our intentions in advance not because it has any military logic but because we want civilians not to be affected by the war. We didn't put those civilians there and they are not our enemy. We are not trying to kill or injure any civilians, we are fighting against Hamas and its military infrastructure...that's where we targeted around the Gaza strip and in the northern part of the Gaza strip," he said. Conricus highlighted that the end state of this war is the complete destruction of Hamas and its infrastructure. "We dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities and fundamentally change the situation so that Hamas never again has the ability to inflict any damage on Israeli civilians or soldiers," the IDF spokesperson said. The Israeli defence forces have said that more than 120 civilians have been held captive in Gaza by Hamas. Acknowledging Israel's right to self-defence in the face of Hamas' attacks of "unprecedented brutality," Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised the "creation of an independent Palestine state with East Jerusalem as its capital" to resolve the issue, TASS reported. IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photograph: Sputnik/Alexey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via Reuters Russia proceeds "from the postulate, a negotiated solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has no alternatives," said Putin while speaking at the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Bishkek, Kyrgystan on Friday. "The negotiations' goal should be the implementation of the United Nations' two-state formula, which implies the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with Israel, which, of course, as we have seen, has come under an attack of unprecedented brutality. Of course, it has the right to defend itself. It has the right to ensure its peaceful existence," Putin said at the summit, stressing that "it is crucial to work for resolving this issue by peaceful means." "The way I see it, in a situation like this and in this particular place, there is simply no alternative [to two independent states]," he concluded, according to TASS. Putin's visit to Kyrgyzstan marked his first foreign trip following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes. The two-day trip included his participation in a CIS summit, a regional organisation comprised of former Soviet republics. Putin's international presence came amid discussions about Russia's diminishing influence in the region, Al Jazeera reported. Despite rarely leaving Russia since the deployment of troops in Ukraine in early 2022, Putin is expected to travel to China for the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing next week. It's worth noting that Kyrgyzstan and China are not ICC members and are not subject to its jurisdiction. During a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Putin reaffirmed Russia's status as a key trade partner and the largest investor in Kyrgyzstan, emphasising their commitment to furthering cooperation. Putin praised the significant growth in Russian-Kyrgyz trade, although some Western analysts suspect this growth may be connected to Russian businesses bypassing sanctions. "I would like to thank the president for the invitation. We have good reasons [to be here], but even without reason, this visit is long overdue," Putin said. Last week, the central bank of Kyrgyzstan urged local banks to enhance controls to comply with Western sanctions against Moscow. In July, the United States imposed sanctions on four Kyrgyz companies for re-exporting electronic components and technology to Russia, as reported by Al Jazeera. Putin is expected to partake in ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the opening of Russia's airbase near Kant, Kyrgyzstan, which enables Moscow to project influence in the region. In March, the ICC issued a warrant for Putin and Russia's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, over allegations of deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. Russia, not recognizing the ICC's authority, rejected the warrant as "illegal." To ensure diplomatic representation in previous instances, Russia had sent Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in place of Putin to the BRICS summit in August, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Israel's ultimatum that over one million people in northern Gaza should relocate within 24 hours is "extremely dangerous" and "simply not possible", UN chief Antonio Guterres has said, asserting that "even wars have rules. IMAGE: Palestinians flee their houses heading toward the southern part of Gaza Strip after Israel's call for more than 1 million civilians in northern Gaza to move south within 24 hours, amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza City October 13, 2023. Photograph: Ahmed Zakot/Reuters UN officials in Gaza on Thursday were informed by their liaison officers in the Israeli military that the entire population of northern Gaza, approximately 1.1 million, should relocate to the southern part within the next 24 hours. The same order applied to all UN staff and those sheltered in UN facilities -- including schools, health centres and clinics. Moving more than one million people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous and in some cases, simply not possible, Guterres told reporters here on Friday. The UN Secretary-General made those remarks before heading to a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East. He said that after days of airstrikes, the Israeli Defense Forces have ordered the Palestinians in Gaza and its surroundings to move to the south of the territory. Voicing his deep concern, the UN chief said that the hospitals in the south of Gaza are already at capacity and will not be able to accept thousands of new patients from the north. The health system is also on the "brink of collapse and morgues are overflowing, he said. Guterres said 11 healthcare staff have been killed while on duty and there have been 34 attacks on health facilities in the past few days. Describing the situation in Gaza as reaching a dangerous new low, he said the entire territory faces a water crisis as infrastructure has been damaged and there is no electricity to power pumps and desalination plants. Asserting that even wars have rules, Guterres said there is an immediate need for humanitarian access throughout Gaza for the UN to "get fuel, food and water to everyone in need." "International humanitarian law and human rights law must be respected and upheld; civilians must be protected and never used as shields. All hostages in Gaza must be released immediately, he said. Guterres underscored that it is imperative that all parties and those with influence over them do everything possible to achieve these steps. The "horrific terror attacks by Hamas on Israel killed more than 1,200 people and injured thousands more last Saturday. These were followed by intense bombardment of Gaza that has already killed 1,800 people, and injured thousands more, the UN chief said. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths described Israel's ultimatum as a noose tightening around Gaza's civilian population. The noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening. How are 1.1 million people supposed to move across a densely populated warzone in less than 24 hours? I shudder to think what the humanitarian consequences of the evacuation order would be, Griffiths said. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, told reporters on Friday that the UN considers it is "impossible" for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences. "We strongly appeal for any such order to be rescinded. It could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation, he said. Dujarric said the Secretary-General and his team have been working the phones and he is in constant contact with Israeli authorities, urging them to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. We need to ensure full support for opening humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip to prevent a further loss of civilian lives. It is vital that Israeli Authorities protect all civilians in UNRWA shelters including schools and protect all civilians, full stop," Dujarric said. He said the UN facilities must be protected at all times and must never come under attack, in accordance with international humanitarian law. UN agencies and human rights organisations voiced deep concern over Israel's ultimatum, describing it as outrageous. The UN Country Team in Palestine called on the Israeli government to rescind its announcement for UN agencies and Palestinians to relocate to southern Gaza without any guarantee for their safety or their return. Palestinian civilians, including women and children, are terrified, injured, and traumatized. This will cause a humanitarian tragedy that can and must be averted, it said. The agency said one million people cannot flee in a day and many were already displaced or do not have vehicles, and could not move while bombings continued. Mass displacement puts the lives of the sick and wounded in immediate danger and risks a public health disaster, at a time when the health system is on the brink of collapse; hospitals in the south of the Gaza Strip are at capacity and unable to accept new patients, it added. The UN agency said international law means Israel needs to take precautionary measures in future attacks to limit the harm to civilians and civilian objects. The World Health Organization joined the wider United Nations in appealing to Israel to immediately rescind orders for the evacuation of over 1 million people living north of Wadi Gaza. A mass evacuation would be disastrousfor patients, health workers and other civilians left behind or caught in the mass movement, the global health agency said. With ongoing airstrikes and closed borders, civilians have no safe place to go. Almost half of the population of Gaza is under 18 years of age, it said. "With dwindling supplies of safe food, clean water, health services, and without adequate shelter, children and adults, including the elderly, will all be at heightened risk of disease, it said. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has informed WHO that it is impossible to evacuate vulnerable hospital patients without endangering their lives. Vulnerable patients include those who are critically injured or dependent on life support. Moving them amid hostilities puts their lives at immediate risk, WHO said. Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres, the international medical humanitarian organisation, has around 300 people working with it as staff in Gaza and termed the Israeli government's 24-hour notice as outrageous. This represents an attack on medical care and on humanity. We are talking about more than a million human beings. 'Unprecedented' doesn't even cover the medical humanitarian impact of this. "Gaza is being flattened, thousands of people are dying. This must stop now. We condemn Israel's demand in the strongest possible terms, MSF General Director Meinie Nicolai said. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East noted that since October 7, over 423,000 people have already been displaced. Of them, more than 270,000 have taken refuge in UNRWA shelters. UN Women reports that Gaza is home to 50,000 pregnant women who are struggling to access essential health services as healthcare workers, hospitals and clinics come under attack. Some 5,500 of these women are due to give birth in the coming month. After being trumped by rival Congress in Karnataka in the May assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party pinning its hopes on Telangana to form a government in one of the five southern states ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah greets BJP supporters during the 'Jana Garjana Sabha', in Adilabad, Telangana, October 11, 2023. Union Minister and Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy (fourth from left) and party national general secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar (right) and others are also seen. It will have to slug it out with the mighty Bharat Rashtra Samithi and a buoyed Congress in Telangana to form its first government in the state after the November 30 election. The saffron party, which emerged as the principal challenger to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS after winning a few bypolls and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections in the past three years, suffered subsequent internal squabbles. In order to pacify the dissidents, the party's central leadership had to replace Bandi Sanjay Kumar with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy as state president of the BJP. Here is a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of the BJP. Strengths The clean image maintained by the party in the state works to its benefit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and the party's political agility in the state. Support from Sangh Pariwar, such as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh affiliates Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal. Weaknesses Lack of strong organisational set-up in several constituencies. Non-availability of strong candidates to field in all 119 Assembly seats. Dependence on central leadership for every decision by the local unit. A strong feeling among people that the BJP and BRS have a tacit understanding. The removal of Bandi Sanjay as state president is seen as a weakness. There is no leader in the state unit who can match Chief Minister KCR's image. Opportunities The party can claim credit for some of the achievements, such as the passing of the Women's Reservation Bill and the celebration of September 17 as Telangana Liberation Day. It can highlight the corruption allegations against the local leadership in the ruling dispensation. KCR's daughter Kavitha's alleged role in the Delhi Excise Scam case. Threats After the Karnataka polls, its national rival Congress has emerged as an alternative to BRS in Telangana. This might result in anti-establishment votes consolidating towards Congress. Congress's campaign may centre around the BJP and BRS' alleged tacit understanding. The BJP needs to counter it effectively. Congress may use it as one of the major poll issues. Lack of strong leadership in all 119 constituencies. So the availability of effective leaders who can put up a strong fight may impede electioneering. Barring a few, there are hardly any crowd-pullers in the party. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday lodged a strong protest with European Parliament Vice President Nicola Beer over its resolution on India's "internal issues". IMAGE: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla meets Nicola Beer, Vice President of the European Parliament, on the sidelines of the P20 Summit, in New Delhi. Photograph: @ombirlakota/X Birla told the European Parliament Vice President that every nation and Parliament is sovereign and internal issues of other countries should not be discussed by others. In July, the European Parliament had adopted a resolution calling on the Indian government to act "promptly" to halt the violence in Manipur and protect religious minorities. "Birla underlined India's sovereignty and protested against bringing a proposal in the European Parliament on India's internal issues," the Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a statement. India had dubbed the July resolution "unacceptable" and "reflective of a colonial mindset". Birla invited the European Parliament vice president to witness the festival of democracy during Indian general elections scheduled for next year. Beer congratulated Birla for a successful P20 Summit and emphasised on closer relations of the European Parliament with India. She also informed that Europe is going through challenging times and sought India's cooperation. The brutal attacks by Hamas are the most murderous assault on the Jews since the Holocaust in Europe, influential lawmakers told eminent Indian-Americans who have rallied behind Israel. IMAGE: Aftermath of Israeli strikes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 13, 2023. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out a barrage of air strikes in Southern Israel on last Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response launched multiple attacks targeting Hamas' key infrastructure. So far, over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip in the biggest escalation in decades between the two sides. "The terrorist attacks in Israel committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians over the last week are the most sweeping, murderous assault on Jews that have taken place since the Holocaust in Europe," Congressman Jamie Raskin told a group of Indian-Americans at an event organised by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS). Addressing a group of Indian-Americans from across the country, Ruskin said there is a need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people. "Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian people are not responsible for the crimes of Hamas," he said. "We need to ruthlessly pursue and destroy Hamas and everybody who is part of it. At the same time, we respect the laws of war. As President Joe Biden has said, civilian life in the Palestinian community. Israel is our ally because it is a liberal democracy committed to the rule of law, bound by laws of war and committed to the protection of human rights and security for all people," Ruskin said. "We are in very tough times, but we are all absolutely committed to seeing the destruction of Hamas, which has conducted these utterly savage and inhuman acts of terror on the civilian population of Israel. It's completely intolerable and Israel has an absolute right of self-defense and America stands shoulder to shoulder and arm in arm with Israel in pursuing this brutal terrorist act," Ruskin said. Describing it as the worst attack against the Jews since Holocaust, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar said there is bipartisan support for Israel. "We are going to support Israel in every possible way to ensure that Israel is able to fight these terrorists and eliminate Hamas entirely. We cannot live through another such horror and such an attack on civilians, on people, women, men, babies.., 40 babies being headed," he said. "These are clearly terrorists and they need to be stopped. We stand firm, no mincing of words. This is not the time to talk about anything else, not talk about a two-state solution, but just to ensure that Israel has a strong and proper response and help Israel fight this terrorism," Thanedar said. Jason Isaacson from the American Jewish Committee applauded the Indian-American community for staying behind Israel during this crisis. "In this extremely dark time, in this extremely threatening time, perilous time to know that our brothers and sisters in the Indian-American community are standing with us means a great deal to all of us," he said during the FIIDS event. "I should also say that many of us have been just so struck by the immediate and heartfelt comments made by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi just within hours I believe of the attacks last Saturday, October 7th. I've got his tweet in front of me here. "We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families." I think just a few days later, he tweeted again his solidarity with Israel, Israel's right to defend itself," Isaacson said. "This is that kind of expression by the prime minister of the most populous nation on earth with an increasingly important relationship. Strategic partnership with Israel also means a great deal and was very deeply appreciated," the Jewish leader said. Ohio State Senator Niraj Atani said "Hamas is a network of global Islamic jihadist". "I do not see the Palestinian people taking up arms against Hamas. I do not see a resistance in Gaza or the West Bank against Hamas. I don't see a resistance in Lebanon against Hezbollah. All I've seen from the Palestinian people is support and sympathy for these terrorists. That is what they are. They are not militants. They are terrorists and they must be treated as such. "And I also want to caution us, yes, this is a particular terrorist group called Hamas, but this is part of a global network of Islamic terrorists that have struck us here on 9/11 in the United States that struck India and 2008 with the Mumbai terrorist attacks where my cousin had to take shelter in the train station that was under attack as she saw her fellow Indians being killed," Atani said. "This is a network of global Islamic jihadists. Until we can say that we cannot move forward. So Israel absolutely has the right to hunt down and kill all of these terrorists wherever they may be," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented attack. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. Some of us hear voices in our heads when we think, while others only see images. A psychologist Russell T. Hurlburt has been studying this issue for 50 years. Sara was 29 years old when she discovered that some people heard voices in their minds. In a conversation with friends, someone mentioned something they had read on Twitter about [a person] whose brain was constantly talking to them. It surprised me: it seemed like an absolutely disturbing thing that I would never tolerate. For many, inner speech is a presence as constant and familiar as the beating of the heart, or the growls of hunger in the stomach at certain times of the day. But there are those who claim that theyve never experienced it. Instead of words, its more like a succession of images and sensations that are organized in my head, Sara explains, discussing how she perceives her flow of thought. If I plan my day, for example, I see details like a subway line, its specific color, the place Im going, or even the face of the person Im going to meet. Maybe, if Im in a stressful situation, I have to force an internal narration usually out loud. But it happens very rarely. The revelation about the absence of an inner voice in some people went viral in 2020. A user named @KylePlantEmoji wrote on X (formerly Twitter): Fun fact: some people have an internal narrative and some dont. As in, some peoples thoughts are like sentences they hear, and some people just have abstract non-verbal thoughts and have to consciously verbalize them. And most people arent aware of the other type of person. The post generated thousands of responses. Many people began to question the nature of their own inner thinking. A young woman interviewed by The New York Post following this debate confessed that she was unaware of the existence of internal dialogue that is, until she saw the tweet. If I talk to myself, I do it all out loud, she explained. If I strive to put my thoughts into words, then they manifest as such. But otherwise, its abstract, like a cloud of feelings and thoughts without defined, conscious words. Is it possible not to have an inner voice? Yes, its possible, confirms Russell T. Hurlburt, a pioneering psychologist in the study of the inner voice and subjective experience. Hes been researching this issue for 50 years. He tells EL PAIS that, when he began, the world was a very behavioral place, in which there were also no mobile phones. Therefore, he had to invent a device that could be carried throughout the day by those who agreed to participate in an experiment aimed at exploring what was happening inside their minds. Everyone wants to know whats going on inside other peoples heads. Its like when you turn on the television and ask a player what he was thinking just before scoring the goal that led his team to victory. I realized that question wasnt being asked correctly, or answered adequately. The scientific method he invented is called Descriptive Experience Sampling. Participants wear a type of pager that beeps randomly throughout the day. Upon hearing it, they write down whats happening in their mind at that specific moment. Later, in consultation, they share their records with the psychologist and analyze which internal phenomena predominate in their mind. At first, its very difficult for them to detail their internal experience at an exact moment. They describe reflections from minutes ago, or the reasons behind those thoughts. Its an exercise that, like any other discipline, requires practice. Over the years, this scientist who still works as a researcher at the University of Nevada has discovered several things. Firstly, that people maintained an internal dialogue for 26% of the time they were sampled. Some dont have it at any timeand others [maintain an internal dialogue] almost all the time, he points out. Secondly, people dont really know whats going on in their minds. There are individuals who claim to have extensive internal dialogue, when, in reality, they have little or none and vice versa, he explains. Understanding what really happens in our mind without having explored it before is as complex as trying to describe a dream. Studies on how people think and how we experience our own thinking have revealed that mental processes can be very diverse. Some people have a strong, constant internal monologue, while others think more visually or abstractly. In 2017, a study from NeuroImage shed light on how, even when were thinking in words, our minds may also be generating visual images. Another study measured the number of people who heard an internal voice while reading: it was 80%, with 35% of participants always hearing an internal voice and 45% hearing one often. Furthermore, only some participants reported being able to control all aspects of this internal voice, such as pitch or speed. Berta, 28, claims to have conversations with herself every day. A large part of my internal monologue consists of rehearsing or anticipating hypothetical conversations. Like, when Im angry with someone and I think about how upset I would be with them, she explains. Your inner voice helps you make decisions or plan the day. At other moments, it manifests itself in the form of words that are repeated obsessively. For example, there was a period when I couldnt stop thinking about [one particular word], which was quite disturbing. I think I heard it while watching Survivor and it got stuck in my head. Inner speech isnt governed by many of the rules of verbal language. Its generated much faster, as it doesnt depend on the rhythm necessary to use the tongue, lips and larynx. According to one study, internal monologues occur at an average speed of 4,000 words per minute: 10 times faster than spoken language. In addition, internal monologues are usually more concise, as we dont need to formulate complete sentences when communicating with ourselves (since we already understand our own intentions). Our inner voice normally replicates the timbre and tone that one identifies with, although it can also appear with voices different from ours. An article published in The Guardian gave the example of a woman who claimed to have no idea why a belligerent couple had taken over her inner voice: I have no idea where this came from. They engage in passionate discussions. Ethan Kroos, a neuroscientist, maintains that, in reality, we all have an inner voice. To check this, just ask someone to repeat a phone number in their mind. In my experience, everyone can do it, he notes, over a video call with EL PAIS. This ability represents one of the most fundamental neural functions in humans. Its part of the verbal working memory system, essential for our cognitive functioning. By silently repeating names or phrases, were activating that inner voice something we all feel at different levels. Kroos considers it essential to distinguish between the internal voice thats used to hold active information in the mind for a short period of time (like someone repeating a password or phone number, so as not to forget it) and the dialogue that people sometimes have with themselves. There are those who use it to rehearse or plan what theyll say, for example, in an interview or in a presentation. Ive met people who tell me that they dont have an internal voice and my conclusion is that what theyre referring to is just that they dont use the internal voice in this specific way. Due to special circumstances such as that of the woman whose head had been conquered by a noisy couple the internal voice can come to be perceived as torment. The problem arises when this voice becomes obsessed with negative thoughts and ruminations. Like when you try to concentrate on reading a book after having an argument with your partner, Kroos explains. Although its possible to learn to control it, were rarely taught from a young age how to do it many never address it. And, while we live in an era full of distractions and stimuli, its not clear that our internal dialogue is more chaotic than in the past. In prehistory, we fought for food every day and in the Middle Ages, they could leave you for dead in the street: these stressful situations also cause the inner voice to activate. In his book, he emphasizes the need to manage our inner voice, so as to maintain emotional well-being. He argues that this voice if left unchecked can aggravate stress and anxiety. To achieve this, he proposes techniques such as distancing, which involves observing oneself from an external perspective. You can, for instance, establish rituals to gain control, surround yourself with environments and people that broaden your perspective, moderate exposure to negative stimuli, or surround yourself with the natural environment. Additionally, he suggests tools such as writing and meditation as effective means of channeling and mastering inner thoughts. The monologue with oneself has been interpreted in different ways, depending on cultural and social context. In the Platonic dialogues, Socrates refers to a daimon an internal voice that acts as a moral guide. During the Middle Ages, this dialogue could be considered divine inspiration or demonic temptation. Both Christian mystics and Chinese Buddhists have expressed frustration at the insistent interruption of their inner voices during their moments of prayer or meditation. Hulburt the researcher who developed a technique for scrutinizing the human mind points out that these ancient traditions invested more effort than us in understanding and managing internal dialogue. When applying his method to experienced meditators, he observed notable differences: Their thinking is primarily sensory. Furthermore, Hulburt recognizes the influence of traditional meditative gong on his scientific method. Some Buddhists have told me that my technique could be a more efficient way to teach people to control their mental flow and focus on the present. My device acts like a gong, with the advantage of being portable. Bharat Rashtra Samithi supremo and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao sprang a surprise when he had announced that he would be contesting from two seats in the assembly polls to be held on November 30. IMAGE: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao offers prayers before an idol of Lord Ganesha on the eve of the beginning of the 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival, in Hyderabad, September 19, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Despite dominating the political landscape in Telangana since the formation of the state in 2014, Rao who represents Gajwel assembly constituency in Siddipet district chose to contest additionally from Kamareddy constituency in the upcoming assembly election. Rao, who announced BRS candidates for 115 out of the total 119 assembly seats on August 21, said he had decided to contest from two segments as there were requests from leaders of several districts. Rao, also known as KCR, had won from Gajwel in 2018 and also in 2014. He had defeated Vanteru Pratap Reddy of Congress in the 2018 election with a margin of over 50,000 votes. Reddy was KCR's rival in 2014 as well and lost by about 20,000 votes. Post 2018, Pratap Reddy joined the BRS and is now the chairman of the state-run Telangana State Forest Development Corporation. BRS spokesperson Sravan Dasoju, speaking to PTI, expressed confidence KCR would win from both the constituencies with a thumping majority. "There is an unprecedented growth and development that has happened in Gajwel. People are extremely happy," he said. Dismissing the statements of BJP MLA Eatala Rajender that he would contest from Gajwel and other comments made by state Congress president A Revanth Reddy, Dasoju expressed confidence that KCR would win hands down and by a thumping majority. Located about 55 km away from Hyderabad, Gajwel has witnessed impressive growth in infrastructure and has benefited from the welfare measures implemented by the BRS regime. The total number of electors in Gajwel is 2,65,708, including 1,33,855 female voters. Gajwel was a panchayat till 2012 when it was upgraded as nagara panchayat, duly merging three gram panchayats and five other hamlets. "Roads, drinking water, to name a few (development in Gajwel). The infrastructure (growth) is phenomenal. Market yard, community centre, streets, lights, drinking water facility, you don't feel that you are staying in some remote place," Dasoju said. However, people who were relocated for the sake of the Mallannasagar project in the constituency had held protests saying they had not received adequate compensation. Dasoju said BRS had got the major chunk of votes in the villages affected by the project in the 2018 assembly polls and that nobody was left out when providing compensation. The other constituency that KCR would be contesting from, Kamareddy near Nizamabad, would also be under the spotlight in the 2023 assembly polls. Kamareddy is currently represented by Gampa Govardhan (BRS), a five time legislator since 1994. Govardhan had defeated Mohd Ali Shabbir, a senior Congress leader who had served as a minister and leader of opposition in the legislative council, in the 2018 polls. KCR's son and BRS Working President KT Rama Rao, who attended development programmes and addressed a rally at Kamareddy on October 7, expressed the determination of the BRS to develop the constituency into a model for others. Appreciating Govardhan for inviting KCR to contest from Kamareddy, Rama Rao said the reason for CM Rao agreeing to contest is the "noble objective" of providing irrigation facility to every acre of agricultural field in the constituency. KCR is going to set a new record of being the first chief minister in South India to score a hat trick in the assembly polls and Kamareddy is going to be the venue for the feat, he said. Stating that the victory of KCR is not the question in Kamareddy, he said his fsather should get a record majority in the country. Rama Rao asked Govardhan and other Kamareddy leaders to come up with a village-wise manifesto in the constituency, listing the development requirements. Every work mentioned in the manifesto would be fulfilled, he said. A special manifesto for Kamareddy would also be prepared. Rama Rao also asked Govardhan and other BRS leaders in the constituency to appoint booth committees and social media coordinators in every village as part of the poll campaign. Despite his heavyweight rival, Congress's Ali Shabbir expressed confidence that he would win the election in Kamareddy. The attendance at Rama Rao's meetings in Kamareddy on October 7 was thin, which is a precursor to the election result, he claimed. The total number of electors in Kamareddy is 2,45,982. It has 1,18,718 male and 1,27,080 female voters. With a rise in Rama Rao's stature both within BRS and outside, his constituency of Sircilla in Rajanna-Sircilla district is also being keenly watched. Rama Rao was elected as a legislator from Sircilla in the 2009, 2014, and 2018 general elections and also in a byelection in 2010. He had won in Sircilla in 2009 against his nearest independent rival KK Mahender Reddy with a slender margin of 171 votes. However, Rama Rao won against Mahender Reddy who contested on a Congress ticket in 2018 over 89,000 votes. Sircilla is a town where a major chunk of the population is weavers. "The ruling BRS nominee has many negative points and I have voters' sympathy," Mahender Reddy said. Half of the weavers in Sircilla have sold their power looms and are working as labour, he alleged. Common people cannot reach Rama Rao, he claimed. Though there is a perception among some voters that Rama Rao allocated more funds for development and is also implementing several welfare schemes in Sircilla, Mahender Reddy does not agree. It is expected that the BRS working president's frequent visits to his constituency would also keep him in good stead in the elections. The Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party are yet to officially announce their candidates in Sircilla. The total number of voters in Sircilla assembly segment is 2,40,904. There are 1,17,872 male voters and 1,22,920 female voters. President Joe Biden has said Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, which attacked Israel and killed over 1,000 people, is worse than al-Qaeda, the terrorist group behind the 9/11 attacks, as he reaffirmed that the US stands with the Jewish state. IMAGE: A burnt armored vehicle is abandoned, following a mass infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Beeri in southern Israel, October 13, 2023. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters At least 27 American citizens have died and 14 remain unaccounted for as a result of unfolding violence in Israel triggered after Hamas carried out unprecedented attacks in Southern Israel last Saturday. The Israel defense forces in response launched multiple attacks targeting Hamas' key infrastructure. So far, over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip in the biggest escalation in decades between the two sides. "The more we learn about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans," Biden said in Philadelphia. "These guys make -- they make al-Qaeda look pure. They're pure evil. Like I said from the beginning, the United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel. The United States stands with Israel," he said on Friday. Biden said his administration is making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks. He also said it is his priority to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel yesterday, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is there today (Saturday)," he said. Biden said at his direction, his teams are working in the region, including communicating directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations, and the United Nations to surge support and humanitarian consequences for Hamas attacks to help Israel. "We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and their suffering as a result, as well. This morning, I spoke with the family members of all those Americans who are still unaccounted for, on a Zoom call, for about an hour and 10-15 minutes," he said. "They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and children are. You know, it's gut-wrenching. I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible - everything possible to return every missing American to their families," he said. Biden said his administration is working round the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and US partners around the region. "We're not going to stop till we bring them home," the president asserted. During a press gaggle, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said the US continues its significant engagement as it stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel and would make sure that they have every level of support in the days and weeks ahead. The United States continues to aggressively work with Egypt and Israel to navigate the possibility and create the conditions for the possibility of corridors for both safe passage for civilians who want to leave Gaza and flee the danger and also for humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian assistance that is critically needed to replenish stockpiles within Gaza, the senior US official said. "Both of these things are critically important. We continue to talk to our Egyptian and Israeli allies about the importance of those things also with the UN," Dalton said. "Hamas continues to engage in tactics like using tunnels under residential buildings to conduct their operations, holing up in hospitals and mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organisation with no regard for human life, with no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and we've got to continue to call it out," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented assault. Ahead of the recent Hamas attack on southern Israel, the US intelligence community issued two assessments based on intelligence shared by Israel, cautioning the Biden administration about a growing risk of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, CNN reported citing sources. IMAGE: A member of the Flotilla 13 elite unit fires his weapon during an operation at a location given as Sufa Military Post, Israel in this screen grab obtained from a video released on October 13, 2023. Photograph: IDF/Handout via Reuters The intelligence updates, dated September 28 and October 5, indicated that Hamas was preparing to escalate rocket attacks across the border. An October 5 wire from the CIA warned generally of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas. On October 6, one day before the attack, US officials received reports from Israel signalling unusual Hamas activity, suggesting an imminent attack. However, these US assessments did not offer specific details about the scale and brutality of the operation that Hamas executed on October 7, leaving over a thousand Israelis dead. Although these reports were not new to many officials, they have raised concerns about whether both the US and Israel were sufficiently attuned to the looming risks, CNN reported. Moreover, it is uncertain if any of these US assessments were shared with Israel, which provides much of the intelligence that the US bases its reports on, CNN stated. Middle Eastern allies, including Arab countries in the region, had repeatedly warned US and Israeli officials that Palestinian anger had reached a dangerous level. Despite these warnings, the attack took them by surprise. CIA director Bill Burns had also expressed concerns about increased violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the past. While US officials insist that they were tracking the situation strategically, the lack of specific tactical warnings has led some to question the effectiveness of intelligence sharing. US officials emphasise that much of their intelligence on the region is provided by Israel, as reported by CNN. The failure to predict the magnitude of the attack may be attributed to a lack of imagination and Hamas's adept use of counterintelligence measures. Hamas concealed its planning by avoiding digital communications that could be tracked by Israel and holding in-person planning meetings. Israel also failed to recognize key indicators, such as Hamas training exercises conducted at multiple sites near the Israeli border. In retrospect, both US and Israeli officials acknowledge that they underestimated the threat posed by Hamas, and had been lured into complacency by Israeli policies. It is possible that the scale of the Hamas operation exceeded the group's own expectations. Yet those strategic warnings did nothing to help US or Israeli officials predict the events of October 7, when more than 1,000 Hamas fighters poured across the border into Israel in an operation that would leave more than a thousand Israelis dead. For most US and Israeli officials who were tracking the intelligence, the expectation was that there would likely be just another round of small-scale violence by Hamas -- perhaps some rocket fire that Israel's Iron Dome would intercept, one source familiar with the intelligence explained. "If we had known or if we know of a pending attack against an ally, we would clearly inform that ally," Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said on Friday, CNN reported. Very few know of his scintillating mind, the outpouring of fresh ideas, the attention to detail in every endeavour, the extraordinary administrative and organisational skills, and a limitless stamina and energy with which he pursues every interest and commitment, notes Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad. IMAGE: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, left, pays floral tribute to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 79th birth anniversary at Veer Bhumi in New Delhi, August 20, 2023. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo Mani Shankar Aiyar has been a unique phenomenon in Indian diplomacy and politics. He has frequently been in the news for all the wrong reasons -- an ill-advised quip, a harsh repartee, an offhand remark seen as a barb. These have made him 'controversial', a kiss of death in India where conformity is respected and mediocrity encouraged. Very few know of his scintillating mind, the outpouring of fresh ideas, the attention to detail in every endeavour, the extraordinary administrative and organisational skills, and a limitless stamina and energy with which he pursues every interest and commitment. Many however know he does not suffer fools, is impatient with misconduct and injustice and rejects every expression of cant and prejudice. He has intense loyalty towards those he regards as friends, and is deeply wounded when let down. Not surprisingly, he has few friends in his own Congress party and is viscerally disliked by cohorts of the Bharatiya Janata Party. This memoirs penned by Mani (as his friends call him) should go some way in explaining the wellsprings of this contrary person. The narration is anecdotal, with every page suffused with episodes that show our hero at his funny and self-deprecating best. But these stories say little about the protagonist's real anxieties and achievements, the details of the challenges he faced or the significant successes he had. The understated text compels the reader to draw his own conclusions about the persona of the author. Mani had a chequered career in diplomatic service. He got encouragement and support during his two stints in Brussels and as consul general in Karachi, while evoking the intense dislike of his two bosses in Baghdad and Hanoi, being sent back from the latter after just a nine-month stint. He fared better in the ministry -- first as under secretary handling economic assistance to Bangladesh just after the war, and later as spokesman and as the head of the UN Division. We can only conclude that Mani was a difficult colleague who got on well with those who could look beyond his irreverent and irritating facade and see the talent and the gravitas that was central to his persona and not feel threatened by him. Mani gave of his best in two locales -- in Karachi as consul general and in the prime minister's office with Rajiv Gandhi. His Karachi posting (1978-1982) is covered in over 50 pages and shows Mani at his best in his engagements with India's avowed enemy next door. His extrovert personality, his natural empathy with diverse people and his sharp intellect -- all of these qualities were in play as he interacted with Pakistani politicians, businesspeople, culture czars and czarinas, and ordinary citizens. Forty years later, his tenure is remembered as the best example of Indian diplomacy in Pakistan, though his insistence on pursuing people-to-people ties has had hardly any takers among India's diplomats and political leaders. IMAGE: Rajiv Gandhi with his son Rahul Gandhi. Photograph: Rediff Archives Mani has referred to his ties with Rajiv Gandhi as 'the decisive relationship of my career'. Over a hundred pages, Mani has provided a first-hand view of the personality and the interests and commitments of the prime minister, and the factors that informed the decisions and pronouncements of his leadership. Over these pages, we can see the slow evolution of ties between the shy and unsure prime minister and the brilliant but erratic officer who had entered his circle. Rajiv Gandhi emerges as a sincere and hardworking leader, instinctively committed to national harmony and constantly looking to shape schemes to realise his "responsive government". Over time, Mani became his right-hand man in giving concrete shape to the prime minister's vision and views. Though the author only briefly mentions them, the most important of these schemes were those relating to Panchayati Raj, the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, the zonal cultural centres and the Action Plan for a Nuclear Weapons-free and Non-Violent World Order. The author also points out that Rajiv Gandhi lost some of his self-confidence and idealism when he was buffeted by the Shah Bano, Babri Masjid and Bofors issues, which were robustly used to discredit him personally. Mani insists that the prime minister was betrayed by some of those closest to him, while also failing to project his government's achievements more effectively. On Bofors, Rajiv Gandhi was exonerated of all wrongdoing in the Delhi high court in February 2004. A later attempt to revive the case in November 2018 was thrown out by the Supreme Court. But the book also brings out that, following his defeat in 1989, the communal virus had already seeped into the top echelons of the Congress leadership. While the former prime minister was carrying out his Sadhabhavana Yatra for communal harmony, in early 1990, Mani found both P V Narasimha Rao and V N Gadgil 'denigrating the traditional Congress line on secularism'. They also demanded answers on issues that today animate the BJP: Uniform Civil c=Code, Shah Bano, Article 370, Vande Mataram, Christian missionary activity, etc. Looking back, we can see that, through his public life, Mani Shankar shaped for himself a personal furrow: Along the way he enriched some with the gift of his friendship and enraged many with his barbs and vituperation. But he remains always the lonely eternal maverick. Talmiz Ahmad is a former diplomat who worked with Mani Shankar Aiyar in Baghdad and in the petroleum ministry in New Delhi. Memoirs of a Maverick: The First Fifty Years (1941-1991) Author: Mani Shankar Aiyar Publisher: Juggernaut Price: Rs 899 Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High near 55F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low near 35F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. A man of Chechen origin who was under surveillance by French security services over suspected Islamic radicalization stabbed a teacher to death at his former high school and critically wounded three other people Friday in northern France, authorities said. The attack was being investigated by anti-terror prosecutors amid soaring global tensions over the war between Israel and Hamas. It also happened almost three years after another teacher, Samuel Paty, was beheaded by a radicalized Chechen near a Paris area school. President Emmanuel Macron said France had been hit once again by the barbarity of Islamist terrorism. Nearly three years to the day after the assassination of Samuel Paty, terrorism has hit a school again and in a context that were all aware of, Macron said at the site of the attack in Arras, a city 115 miles (185 kilometers) north of Paris. A colleague and a fellow teacher identified the dead educator as Dominique Bernard, a French language teacher at the Gambetta-Carnot school, which enrolls students ages 11-18. The victim stepped in and probably saved many lives but two of the wounded another teacher and a security guard were fighting for theirs, according to Macron. The suspected assailant in Arras was arrested, and several others are also in custody, national counterterrorism prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard said. The National Police force identified him as a Russian national of Chechen origin who was born in 2003. The French intelligence services told The Associated Press the man had been closely watched since the summer with tails and telephone surveillance and was stopped as recently as Thursday for a police check that found no wrongdoing. Sliman Hamzi, a police officer who was one of the first on the scene, said the suspected attacker, a former student at the school, shouted Allahu akbar, or God is great in Arabic. Hamzi said he was alerted by another officer, rushed to the school and saw a male victim lying on the ground outside the school and the attacker being taken away. He said the victim had his throat slit. Im extremely shocked by what I saw, the officer said. It was a horrible thing to see this poor man who was killed on the job by a lunatic. Macron traveled to Arras along with the interior and education ministers. The French president stopped for a moment before the blanket-covered body of the teacher, which was in the parking lot in front of the school. A puddle of blood was visible as forensic experts worked around the body. Macron then went to see students from the school in an adjacent building. He said police thwarted an attempted attack in another region of France after the teachers fatal stabbing. He did not provide details, but police said a man armed with a knife was arrested coming out of a prayer hall in the Yvelines region west of Paris. The mans motives werent immediately clear, police said. School attacks are rare in France, and the government asked authorities to heighten vigilance at all schools across the country. The government also increased its threat alert level Friday, allowing for larger police and military deployments to protect the country. Julie Duhamel, an official with the the Unsa teachers union in the Pas-de-Calais region that includes Arras, told Franceinfo that teachers had flagged the suspects radicalization a few years ago. The suspected assailants telephone conversations in recent days gave no indication of an impending attack, leading intelligence officers to conclude that the assailant decided suddenly on Friday to act, intelligence services told the AP. Police said the suspects younger brother was taken into custody for questioning on Friday. An older brother was arrested in the summer of 2019 by the DGSI Frances counter-terrorism intelligence service on suspicion of being involved in the planning of an attack that was thwarted, and is in jail, French intelligence said. The older brother also was a former pupil at the high school targeted Friday, according to legal records from his trial earlier this year on terror-related charges. Investigation records show that during a school class in 2016 about freedom of expression, the older brother defended a terror attack in 2015 that killed 12 cartoonists at the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The older brother is serving a 5-year prison term for terror offences. He was convicted this year of involvement in a plot for an armed attack around the presidential Elysee Palace in Paris that was thwarted by the intelligence services. Other members of the radical Islamist group were also jailed for up to 15 years. He was the groups only Chechen. Fridays attack had echoes of Patys slaying on Oct 16, 2020 also a Friday by an 18-year-old who had become radicalized. Like the suspect in Fridays stabbings, the earlier attacker had a Chechen background; police shot and killed him. Martin Doussau, a philosophy teacher at Gambetta-Carnot, said the assailant was armed with two knives and appeared to be hunting specifically for a history teacher. Paty taught history and geography. I was chased by the attacker, who ... asked me if I teach history. (He said), Are you a history teacher, are you a history teacher? said Doussau, who recounted how he barricaded himself behind a door until police used a stun gun to subdue the attacker. When he turned around and asked me if I am a history teacher, I immediately thought of Samuel Paty, Doussau told reporters. Prosecutors said they were considering charges of terror-related murder and attempted murder against the suspect. The attack came amid heightened tensions around the world over Hamas attack on southern Israel and Israels blistering military response, which have killed hundreds of civilians on both sides. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Thursday ordered local authorities to ban all pro-Palestinian demonstrations amid a rise in antisemitic acts. France is estimated to have the worlds third-largest Jewish population after Israel and the U.S., as well as the largest Muslim population in Western Europe. Frances National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, held a minute of silence for the victims at the opening of its Friday session. Macron said the school in Arras would reopen as soon as Saturday morning, and he urged the people of France to stay united. The choice has been made not to give in to terror, he said. We must not let anything divide us, and we must remember that schools and the transmission of knowledge are at the heart of this fight against ignorance. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition U.S. rhetoric asserts that its renewed attention to island countries is everything but a response to China. U.S. President Joe Biden introduces Mark Brown, prime minister of the Cook Islands, during a summit with Pacific Island nation leaders at the White House in Washington, Sept. 25, 2023. Pacific island nations have been skeptical about the recent revival in U.S. interest in the region. Despite those misgivings its likely that Washington is back for the long haul. Chinas rise to a major economy second only to the United States is reshaping the world, notwithstanding its current domestic economic problems. So is its military buildup. U.S.-China competition is now embedded in geopolitics. American officials have been at pains to stress historical ties to the Pacific and involvement in the region long before Chinas government appeared on the scene, as a way of refuting the narrative that Washingtons primary motivation is to counter Beijing. Indeed U.S rhetoric asserts that its renewed attention to Pacific island countries is everything but a response to China. Instead, were told its the continuation of long-standing ties, grounded in shared values such as democratic governance and the international rules-based order. Like our forebears during World War II, we know that a great deal of the history of our world will be written across the Pacific over the coming years, President Joe Biden said last month at the second summit in Washington of U.S. and Pacific island leaders in a year. The awkward fact is that the United States did pack up and leave after the Cold War, when the Pacific was no longer deemed strategically important, assigning to Australia the role of deputy sheriff. The void was filled by China, which has become entrenched in the region through its diplomatic, economic and, increasingly, security ties with island countries. The Pacific has gone from strategic neglect just a decade ago to the focus of strategic interest, competition and manipulation today, Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Henry Puna said on the eve of the Washington summit. Puna also cautioned that the strategic attention would not last forever as he urged Pacific island nations to capitalize on it to ensure sustainable gains for decades to come. While nothing is forever, it is likely that this time the United States and its allies are in the Pacific as part of a long game with China. Working as strenuously as they are to regain their vantage point in the region, it is unlikely that these allies will relinquish any upper hand to China. The United States-Pacific islands summits are just one component of a massive effort to counter Chinas influence and shore up strategic interests in the region. A third leaders summit was confirmed for 2025 and biennial political engagements to follow thereafter. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, in New York, Sept. 22, 2023. Credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters China-friendly leaders such as Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Kiribati President Taneti Maamau have insisted that Chinas interest in the Pacific is purely economic, and dismiss claims of militaristic designs. Both countries switched their diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in 2019. The United States, meanwhile, is clearly concerned that Beijing seeks a permanent military presence to project power in the region, including by being within striking distance of its ally Australia. These developments are reflected in a marked increase in military investments in the Pacific, including the signing of defense treaties and more training for the regions security forces. Many analysts believe that because of Chinas growing assertiveness and ambition, the U.S. expects and is preparing for a possible showdown. Possible flashpoints are Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a rebel province that must be reunited with the mainland, and Chinas claim to the entirety of the South China Sea, which puts it at frequent loggerheads with Southeast Asian nations. Bidens recall of the Pacific War in his summit address had a sentimental element but it also perhaps unwittingly reminded his audience of the risks of conflict in the future. Pacific nations are adamantly against any escalation of tensions in the region, as reflected in Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabukas call for the Pacific to be a zone of peace. But the hard reality is that just as in World War II, the Pacifics influence in the big-power contest is limited. When it comes down to it, the superpowers are more likely to do what they see fit to protect and advance their own interests than not. Shailendra Bahadur Singh is an associate professor and head of the journalism program at The University of the South Pacific in Fiji. He has written widely on Pacific media, politics and development. The views in this article are his own and do not reflect the position of The University of the South Pacific or Radio Free Asia. A man climbs a steep ridge with a basket of coal scavenged from a mine near Dhanbad, an eastern Indian city in Jharkhand state, Sep. 24, 2021. In the bustling hot city of Siliguri in northeast India, Jitendar Kumar spends his days breaking up and shifting cinder pieces at a coal depot. The 30-year-old has been working for half his life with coal, a legacy he inherited from his father, who spent 40 years in Ranigunj, Indias first coalfield that traces back to 1774, in West Bengal. I also started there but later chose the city over the mines, Kumar said. Like many here, coal puts food on our table. I dont know what else to do. India, the worlds second-largest coal producer, has around 337,400 miners in its active mines. Labor activists estimate that this number could quadruple when accounting for informal workers in the sector. This week, a new report said state-owned Coal India, the worlds largest government-owned coal producer, is facing the biggest potential layoffs of 73,800 direct workers by 2050. Globally, close to a million coal mine jobs, or more than a third of the coalmining workforce, could vanish by 2050, with the vast majority of these losses expected in Asia, especially in China and India, the U.S.-based think tank Global Energy Monitor (GEM) said. That means, on average, 100 coal miners a day could face job cuts as the coal industry winds down due to a market shift towards cheaper renewables and planned mine closures, it said. This infographic shows where potential coal mining job layoffs are by 2050. Credit: Global Energy Monitor Nearly half a million workers may lose their jobs before 2035, GEM said. The drop in employment, the think-tank added, will likely occur irrespective of particular coal phase-out strategies or climate action since such shifts are probably inevitable due to the markets inclination towards more economical wind and solar energy options. In Asia, more than 2.2 million people work in coal mines, according to GEM, with China leading the way. China is home to over 1.5 million coal miners, responsible for generating more than 85% of the nations coal. This represents half of the global coal production. It is followed by India and Indonesia. GEM said Indonesia, with about 160,000 coal mine workers, is expected to boost production enough to rival Indias output for the first time next year. The non-government research organization said that Chinas Shanxi province alone will likely lose about a quarter million mine jobs by midcentury. The projections are based on data from the Global Coal Mine Tracker, which offers live information about 4,300 active and proposed coal mines globally, accounting for over 90% of the worlds coal production. Coal mine closures are inevitable, but economic hardship and social strife for workers is not, said Dorothy Mei, project manager for the Global Coal Mine Tracker at Global Energy Monitor. Viable transition planning is happening, like in Spain where the country regularly reviews the ongoing impacts of decarbonization, she said, adding that governments should learn from its success to plan their own just energy transition strategies. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreements guidelines, GEM estimates that only 250,000 coal miners would be needed. This is less than 10% of the current workforce. Economic impact Coal mine jobs also greatly influence local economies. Mining towns often depend heavily on coal companies for wages, taxes, and even schools or hospitals. Past job losses from the 1980s and 1990s bankruptcies had led to economic distress, and future job cuts could have similar effects. The workers deserve a just transition to new employment sectors, particularly those offering well-compensated positions in the clean and renewable energy domain, GEM said. Mining is in progress at an open-cast mine near Dhanbad, an eastern Indian city in Jharkhand state, Sept. 24, 2021. Credit: Associated Press In 2016, Chinas Ministry of Finance introduced the Industrial Special Fund, designating US$14 billion for the reemployment of 1.8 million workers in the coal and steel industries. However, with each person estimated to get just over US$6,887, GEM said the funds sufficiency is debatable. China Energy, the nations leading mining and energy firm, is among the countrys top five renewable energy investors. With renewables making up 28.5% of its capacity and coal at 72%, the company aims to boost clean energy to over 50% by 2025, aligning with government goals. Chance for sustainable future Following a year marked by devastating mining accidents, significant labor disputes, and public opposition to mining activities, it is essential that coal miners be provided the chance to seek a safer and more sustainable future, GEM said in the report. Hundreds of workers died from underground blasts, tunnel collapses, and equipment mishaps in mines worldwide. At least six people were killed when a significant section of the pit wall at the Axla League coal mine in China crumbled in February, with 47 others still missing. The China Labor Bulletin, an NGO monitoring work-related accidents in China, recorded 69 coal mine-associated incidents and fatalities in 2022, with 23 reported in the current year. The coal industry, on the whole, has a notoriously bad reputation for its treatment of workers, said Ryan Driskell Tate, GEMs program director for coal. What we need is proactive planning for workers and coal communities ... so industry and governments will remain accountable to those workers who have borne the brunt for so long. Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. The Turkish Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister, Batuhan Mumcu, met with the President of Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency Fuad Nagiyev in Baku, Azernews reports. the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, Mumcu held a number of meetings in Azerbaijan, where he came to participate in the closing ceremony of the Gorkut Ata III Turkish World Film Festival. Mumcu first met with Fuad Nagiyev, president of the Azerbaijan Tourism Agency. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the activities that could be carried out jointly. It was emphasized that the works to be carried out in this framework will contribute to cultural cooperation between the two countries. Besides, Batuhan Mumcu visited the Turkish embassy in Baku. After his contacts, Mumcu went to the Baku Turkish Martyrdom with the accompanying staff and placed carnations on the graves of the martyrs. Deputy Minister Mumcu shared a post on the social network. The post reads: "We visited the Baku Turkish Martyrdom Cemetery. The struggle is with the spirit. We commemorate the martyrs of the Caucasian Islamic Army, who fought with their spirit for the independence of Azerbaijan, with mercy and compassion. Azerbaijan." Its Sunday night and Crystal P. Lira is not answering her messages. Inside the headquarters of Colectiva Bloodys y Projects, an organization that has supported reproductive rights near the U.S.-Mexico border since 2016, her only concern is for the woman she has provided with a safe space to get an abortion. Lira, who lives in Tijuana, in northern Mexico, is one among dozens of Mexican acompanantes volunteers who support women wanting to terminate a pregnancy. Located all over the country, most acompanantes offer virtual guidance through an abortion protocol in which no clinics or prescriptions are needed. Developed by activists after decades of facing abortion bans and restrictions in most of Mexicos 32 states, the protocol encourages women to trust self-managed medication abortions following guidelines established by the World Health Organization. Accompaniment means that we facilitate information, medications and everything a woman needs to get a safe abortion at home, Lira said. But we also provide emotional support and support to fight stigma, religious and cultural barriers. Mexicos Supreme Court recently ruled that national laws prohibiting abortions are unconstitutional and violate womens rights. The ruling, which extended Latin Americans trend of widening abortion access, happened a year after the courts U.S. counterpart went in the opposite direction. The Mexican decision did not have the same immediate impact as Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing womens access to abortion on a nationwide basis. Although the Mexican ruling orders the removal of abortion from the federal penal code and requires federal health institutions to offer the procedure to anyone who requests it, further state-by-state legal work will be needed to remove all penalties. The court did not give a direct instruction to any local congress, but it sends a very clear signal of what congresses have to do, said Sofia Aguiar, a lawyer at the Information Group for Chosen Reproduction, known by its Spanish initials GIRE. For now, 20 Mexican states still criminalize abortion. In Baja California, where Tijuana is located, abortion was decriminalized in 2021. By then, Lira had already gained five years experience as an acompanante. Ahead of starting an abortion network, I questioned myself: How did I get to this point? Why did I live what I lived, and what could have been different? she said. In 2012, Lira faced an unwanted pregnancy. I didnt know what to do, where to look for help, she said. On the recommendation of a friend, and due to her hometowns proximity to the U.S. border, Lira made an appointment at a Planned Parenthood clinic in San Diego. She traveled back home with pills and a debt of $600 that she paid for her abortion. Three years later, deeply conflicted by the inequality in abortion access, she became an activist and received training to become an acompanante. The easiest part was learning the abortion protocol, she said. The toughest was acquiring a political perspective, understanding how abortions are based on rights and freedom. Many reject her views in Mexico, a predominantly Catholic country. Soon after the courts ruling in early September, former actor and right-wing activist Eduardo Verastegui announced he will seek the presidency on an anti-abortion platform. Say yes to life and no to abortion, he has said, echoed by his followers. Without mentioning him by name, the Catholic archbishop of Mexico City, Carlos Aguiar Retes, recently advocated voting for Verastegui in the 2024 election, and some Catholic, evangelical and anti-abortion groups have publicly supported him as well. We think its good to have a character like him, said Rodrigo Ivan Cortes, director of the National Family Front, an anti-abortion group. Hes explicit about defending life and family. Abortion activists were not surprised by the conservative response to the courts ruling. Historically, every progressive movement is followed by a setback from groups that organize against it, said Aguiar from GIRE. We saw it in the United States. Aguiar and her colleagues plan to keep advocating for reproductive rights. We will continue working on issues like obstetric violence, maternal death and forced contraception, Aguiar said. At Colectiva Bloodys y Projects, Lira has plans of her own. With a colleague who recently moved to San Diego, they hope to replicate some of their abortion strategies in California. We want to migrate our perspectives, Lira said. To lead informative brigades and communicate that we can provide pills for those who cant access abortion medication there. Its no coincidence that Liras views are influenced by migration. The surge of migrants approaching the U.S. border, traveling from Colombia through the Darien jungle and moving up through Central America into Mexico, could approach 500,000 this year. Venezuelans, Salvadorans, Haitians and Mexicans internally displaced by violence are among those who migrate by trains, buses and on foot. Along the way, thousands are victims of robbery, human trafficking and sexual abuse. Weve been seeing women who suffer a lot of violence on their way to the United States, Lira said. Some migrants who wish to terminate their pregnancies contact them directly and others are channeled through shelters or midwives. We have realized the need to support these women. They experience violence, especially sexual, and need abortions, said Minerva, another member of Colectiva Bloodys y Projects. For security reasons, she spoke on condition she be identified only by her first name. Access to medication and a private space to get a self-managed abortion are particularly difficult for migrants, who can spend several months in shelters on the border. We want to accompany them, Lira said. But abortion access is just the tip of the iceberg. We expect to share key information for their physical and mental health. Joining forces with a local organization focused on reproductive health, Lira and activist Monica Rosas will offer an informative workshop on fertility and the reproductive cycle by mid-October at a church-affiliated shelter where up to 1,700 migrants are currently waiting to enter the U.S. We will create a space for self-knowledge as a tribe, Rosas said. The program includes body literacy naming parts of the anatomy free of taboos and dances to celebrate the female body. We would love for these women who are passing through, waiting for an opportunity to cross, to carry this information with them, Lira said. Our bodies are powerful and, if we know them, that can help us reach our own identity. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Goal is to harness their free labor in fields and ideological transformation through labor. Keriye Prison in Chinas far-western Xinjiang region is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Siyek township in Hotan Prefecture. Hundreds of Uyghur inmates at Keriye Prison in the far-western Chinese region of Xinjiang are forced to work 12-14 hours a day in vast fields of red dates called jujubes, a prison employee and a guard told Radio Free Asia. Under the watch of armed guards, the prisoners must walk to the fields while overseers wearing red vests and holding police dogs monitor them, the two people said. Armed soldiers surrounded the work area, some on horseback, to prevent any from escaping. I witnessed prisoners being forcibly taken out to work during the day and returned to their cells at night, said the prison employee a Uyghur himself who has worked at the prison for nine years, including one as a team leader of a group of inmates, although he was not allowed to mingle or talk much with them. Many inmates also work in factories located inside and outside the prison walls producing cement, shoes, gloves and tea, a prison guard told RFA Uyghur. Those serving sentences of more than 10 years work in factories inside the prison yard, while those serving less than 10 years work outside the prison, the guard said. The goal seems to be two-fold: To harness the prisoners free labor for the benefit of Han Chinese businessmen who rent the 1,650 acres of farmland that is owned by the prison, and to reform the inmates through labor, the two sources said, insisting they not be identified for fear of retaliation. They want to make the prisoners undergo ideological transformation through labor in these big fields, said the prison employee. The farm itself is called Lao Gai Nong Chang in Chinese, which means Re-education through Labor Farm. The work was arduous and painful, he said. Before the fields were converted to jujubes, they produced cotton, and he recalls seeing some inmates picking cotton worked until their hands bled. Arbitrarily sentenced The offenses committed by the Uyghur inmates in Keriye Prison located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Siyek township in Hotan prefecture and which houses about 10,000 inmates remain unclear. Most Uyghurs detained in Xinjiang in recent years have never been formally charged with any crime or tried by the government. More than 30 Uyghur teachers from Hotan Normal Technical High School jailed on charges of national separatism and religious extremism are serving their sentences in Keriye Prison, RFA previously learned. Keriye Prison has tracts of farmland around it. Credit: Google Earth photo; RFA annotation Though China formally abolished its reform through labor system in 1994, this account shows that it has remained in practice in some areas. Starting in 2017 and 2018, Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region detained an estimated 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in re-education camps, where they were subjected to forced labor in factories producing textiles, wigs, tomatoes and solar panels for export. The forced work and other abuses, including torture and sexual assaults, are part of a wider genocide that China is committing against the Uyghur people, the United States and other governments have declared. Beijing denies the abuses, saying the camps were vocational training centers meant to prevent terrorism and religious extremism while teaching job skills. Chinese rent the land Many Han Chinese from Henan province and Xian, capital of Shaanxi province in northwestern China, rent the prison land under three-to-four-year contracts, the team leader said. For example, a Chinese businessman from Henan province leased about 200 acres on which he grew cotton for five or six years before switching to jujubes, he said. Under an agreement between prison administration and the factory owners, the Chinese owners pay the prison for using the forced labor, he said. Some factories have 200 to 300, or even 500 workers, said the guard. In the factory where I work, we have around 1,670 workers. In 2022, the United States enacted the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which gave American authorities greater powers to block the import of goods linked to forced labor in China. Under the act, goods produced in Xinjiang are legally assumed to have involved Uyghur forced labor unless a business can prove otherwise to customs officials. However, hundreds of major U.S. companies may be unwittingly producing goods using gold that was mined using the forced labor of Uyghurs in Chinas far-west Xinjiang region, according to a report released Wednesday by the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. 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. 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 TEMIRTAU, Kazakhstan -- The billowing smokestacks of Kazakhstans largest steelworks loom large over the town of Temirtau -- just like the questions about the future of a plant where the countrys first president began his working life. Amid a trend of accidents and deaths in the mines that feed the steel mill and longstanding complaints about heavy pollution in the city, authorities have been talking tough on ArcelorMittal Temirtau, an offshoot of the global steel giant ArcelorMittal. At the same time, they dont seem to have a plan to replace the investor that entered the Kazakh market almost three decades ago in a deal to revive the Soviet-built steelworks. Five workers died on August 17 after a fire at the Kazakhstanskaya coal pit -- which is controlled by ArcelorMittal -- in the latest in a string of accidents that have caused some 140 deaths since 1995. Government rhetoric toward the company had been souring for a while, and this looked to be the final straw. Speaking to journalists after the tragedy, Finance Minister Erulan Zhamaubaev referenced a political decision as having been taken in regard to ArcelorMittals exit from Kazakhstan. But Deputy Industry Minister Iran Sharkhan gave little away in terms of the authorities talks with the company in an official response to questions sent by RFE/RLs Kazakh Service in September. He said that the government was working on the stabilization of the situation at the enterprise and had issued firm demands to ArcelorMittal regarding labor safety and the need to avoid drops in production. It is advisable to address questions regarding [change of] ownership to the owners of the enterprise, Sharkhan's response read. Reports that U.S. and EU-sanctioned Russian steel producer Severstal might be waiting in the wings, meanwhile, were shot down by Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar on September 7. Work is under way to attract other investors who can work effectively and invest the necessary funds in production. Work safety [is a priority]. But there are no negotiations with the company that you named, Sklyar told journalists. Black Snow And Pink Gas Clouds ArcelorMittal Temirtau has said nothing about the situation, a fact that is adding to the uncertainty felt by workers who spoke to RFE/RLs Kazakh Service on condition of anonymity. At work, our bosses tell us not to worry. But how can you work calmly when there is no confidence? We must understand what is happening and what to prepare for, said one employee. From the early years of the steel mills operations, Temirtau had a reputation as a town where the air was heavy with metal. Any hopes that Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal would significantly clean-up production after buying into the operations proved ill-founded. In fact, the company brought infamy on the city of 200,000 people in 2018 when international media covered an outbreak of black snow. A company representative cited windless weather as an explanation for that crisis. In 2021, residents watched from their windows in horror as a giant rose-colored cloud flowed out over the city from the steelworks, apparently due to the failure of filtering equipment. Many families in Temirtau are third-generation steelworkers. The emissions barrage has exacted its toll on health, with incidents of cancer, respiratory, and circulatory diseases 2030 percent higher in Temirtau than the average for Qaraghandy Province, according to official data. And yet the importance of the behemoth to the regional economy is massive, boasting an annual production capacity of 4 million tons of crude steel and providing a home for the output of eight coal mines and four iron-ore mines. The plant is also crucially important for ArcelorMittal, becoming the companys most productive in formerly Soviet countries after capacity at the larger ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih steelworks plunged after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But for most of the time it has been in Kazakhstan, the company has been highly secretive. Viktor Gafiulov, who became ArcelorMittal Temirtaus new chief after a fatal accident at another of the companys mines in 2022, told journalists at a press briefing last month that he did not have the authority to answer questions about ownership. The company ignored two RFE/RL requests for information. The Post Nazarbaev-Era? ArcelorMittal Temirtau appeared to have a more comfortable position when Kazakhstans former president, authoritarian Nursultan Nazarbaev, was still calling the shots. Nazarbaev was part of the first generation of Kazakhs sent to work at the newly built steelworks, then called the Karaganda Metallurgical Combine, a migration that provided the platform for his rise through the communist ranks. And it was Nazarbaev, in the early years of independence, who persuaded Indian magnate Lakshmi Mittal to buy the operation for just over $200 million in the mid-1990s. The terms of the agreement were never publicly disclosed and opposition political figures alleged that Nazarbaev had more than a patriotic interest in the project. But his successor, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, has little reason to treat the unpopular company with sentiment as he cemented power last year at the expense of Nazarbaevs clan after Kazakhstan experienced its most violent unrest since it gained independence in 1991. Ahead of his reelection in November, Toqaev took swipes at oligarchic capitalism and called for increased state scrutiny of ArcelorMittal Temirtau, in particular. This year and last year authorities ordered the company to pay fines for tax and environmental violations amounting to more than $10 million. Toqaev held talks with Lakshmi Mittal in September 2022, with the presidents office later stating that Mittal had promised investments of up to $1 billion to modernize the complex, improve worker safety, and cut emissions. After the tragic fire at the Kazakhstanskaya mine, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov suggested that the pledged investments had not been made. He also blamed ArcelorMittal for a situation that he claimed led to every second worker death in the groups global operations occurring in Kazakhstan. I dont see prospects for this investor to stay in Kazakhstan given its attitude to production, Smailov said. And yet who would arrive in its place? First Deputy Prime Minister Sklyar has all but ruled out nationalization, citing an adverse impact on the investment climate. Russian companies might well be interested in the plant given the drastic fall in industrial production after the sanctions imposed on Moscow by the West over the Kremlins war in Ukraine. But those same sanctions make any Russian investment a risky move, especially now that Central Asian trade data is getting international attention. (Exports to Russia from Qaraghandy Province alone accounted for half of the provinces total in the first two months of the year, compared to one-quarter in previous years.) Experts interviewed by RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, moreover, highlighted the fact that any new company would have to invest just as much as the government has asked of ArcelorMittal just to bring the steelworks up to spec. Without upgrading [the companys] current assets, it is not such a profitable investment -- a lot of the companys infrastructure is worn out, said economic analyst Rasul Rysmambetov, arguing that he expects the two parties to haggle before any major decisions are made. pmb/ OTHER ELEMENTS https://gdb.rferl.org/01000000-0aff-0242-7292-08dbc4102f53_cx0_cy5_cw0_w1597_n_r1_st_s.jpg ArcelorMittal general https://gdb.rferl.org/01000000-0aff-0242-db35-08dbc4102f4c_w1597_n_r0_st_s.jpg Mr Mittal https://gdb.rferl.org/3bc53f16-59a3-4370-8ea5-278c7584b96f_w1597_n_r1_st_s.jpg A cloud of smoke rising from the ArcelorMittal Temirtau steelworks. Karaganda region, 19Feb2021. https://gdb.rferl.org/93E0E7FC-C74F-49F8-AB48-51145CEB67FC_w1597_n_r0_st_s.jpg Temirtau https://gdb.rferl.org/01000000-0aff-0242-2509-08db7ee7efda.jpeg A painting that shows Nazarbaev's journey from steelworker to planner-in-chief of Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, in a Temirtau museum dedicated to the former president. (Chris Rickleton) https://gdb.rferl.org/F1B28E8B-1A02-464C-9A7F-A21957415CFC_w1597_n_r1_st_s.jpg Another Temirtau image https://gdb.rferl.org/01000000-0aff-0242-47b0-08db7ee7efe0.jpeg A newspaper article featuring Nazarbaev from his steel worker days and titled "Nursultan is a Worker" is among the exhibits in a Temirtau museum dedicated to the former president. On the day an RFE/RL correspondent visited, the museum had only welcomed four other visitors, although staff said that large parties still come for tours. (Chris Rickleton) https://gdb.rferl.org/01000000-0aff-0242-f50f-08dbcbf8b1d1.jpg Kazakhstans first president Nursultan Nazarbaev began his working life in Temirtau https://gdb.rferl.org/01000000-0aff-0242-2da3-08dbaabf0862.jpg President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev Russian forces again shelled civilian areas in eastern and southern Ukraine, killing at least two people and wounding more than 20, regional officials reported on October 14, as fighting continued with renewed intensity around the Donetsk towns of Bakhmut and Avdiyivka, where Moscow has been pressing an offensive in recent days. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. The city of Beryslav, in the southern region of Kherson, was again shelled by the Russian military early on October 14, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported, adding that a woman was killed. "Around 6 a.m., the Russian Army struck the city. They hit a private house. A 60-year-old woman was found under the rubble," Prokudin wrote on Telegram, adding that the woman later succumbed to her wounds. Another attack on Beryslav later on October 14 killed a 42-year-old woman, who Prokudin said was on the balcony of her apartment when it was hit by an artillery bombardment. A Russian drone strike the previous day had struck a car in Beryslav, wounding a man and killing his wife. Russian shelling of civilian settlements wounded 22 civilians over the past 24 hours in Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk, acting regional governor Ihor Moroz reported in the morning of October 14. "The Russians wounded 22 residents of the Donetsk region: 21 in Pokrovsk and one in Avdiyivka," Moroz said on Telegram. Separately, the Ukrainian military said its forces fought 100 close-quarter battles against Russian troops in the eastern region of Kharkiv, Donetsk, and in the Melitopol area of the southern region of Zaporizhzhya. "The situation on the Kupyansk [in Kharkiv] and Lyman [in Donetsk] fronts has worsened significantly in recent days," General Oleksandr Syrskiy, commander of Ukraine's ground forces, said on Telegram on October 14. "Heavy battles are going on," Syrskiy said. Fighting has been especially intense over the past days in Avdiyivka, just north of the city of Donetsk, where Russian troops have been mounting an offensive in an attempt to break through. Vitaliy Barabash, the chief of Avdiyivka's military administration, said the fighting around the city "is very heated, very heated," adding that the Russians were trying to surround Avdiyivka with the help of newly deployed troops. At the United Nations in New York, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya told a Security Council meeting that the intensified attacks amounted to a new stage in Moscows campaign in Ukraine. Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line, Nebenzya said on October 13. The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished. The Ukrainian side has said its forces have been repelling the Russian troops and holding their ground. The assault on Avdiyivka, seen as the largest Russian attack in the east since the start of Ukraine's counteroffensive several months ago, has reportedly involved some 2,000 troops, numerous armored vehicles, and air support. In a message on Telegram, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy commended the defenders of Avdiyivka. "I am grateful to every soldier, every unit for their resilience," Zelenskiy wrote. The General Staff of the Ukrainian military said there were 43 combat clashes at the front on October 14, adding that there were no significant changes in the situation in the north. In the southern region of Zaporizhzhya, the General Staff said Russian forces tried five times to regain positions in the village of Robotyne but were unsuccessful. It was not possible for RFE/RL to verify the claims. The Ukrainian Navy, meanwhile, said that on October 13 it had struck a Russian patrol ship and a tugboat in the occupied Black Sea port of Sevastopol. "Yesterday (October 13) was "Friday the thirteenth" for the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation... The patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin was hit twice. Only the second time did it realize that it was time for it to get out of our Sevastopol. We also confirm the damage [incurred] to the Bur tugboat. It was towed away and has relevant damage, navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk told Ukrainian television. Russia has not commented on the claim, which has not been independently confirmed. With reporting by Reuters and AP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said fresh pledges of military support from the United States and several European countries during the past week have strengthened Ukraine as it prepares for battles in the coming winter. In an evening video message on October 14, Zelenskiy also said a conference during the week in Croatia on demining had emphasized that Ukraine needs help from the world in clearing mines laid by Russian forces. I am grateful to all of our partners who have provided new military aid packages. Air defense, artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and other items, Zelenskiy said, summing up a week in which he joined a meeting of more than 50 defense leaders from around the world at NATO headquarters in Brussels to request more military aid to last through the winter. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. Zelenskiy's presence at the meeting underscored growing concerns about international backing for Kyiv in its war against Russia's invasion, and worries over slow progress by Ukrainian forces in their counteroffensive. Zelenskiy met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the new chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, saying afterward that he had received assurances from Washington that military aid to Ukraine would remain "constant and uninterrupted." Zelenskiy said there was a clear confirmation of supportfor Ukraine, a clear willingness to intensify our actions together and continue to put pressure on the occupier both in the fall and winter. During the week the Pentagon announced a fresh package of weaponry for Kyiv worth $200 million, including air defense missiles to help Ukraine stave off an expected winter onslaught by Russia. The United States also announced that it will co-chair the F-16 coalition with the Netherlands and Denmark in what Zelenskiy said was an important decision. Other countries that announced support for Ukraine during the week were the Netherlands, Spain, Britain, Norway, Finland, and Germany, Zelenskiy said, thanking each of them. He also noted a joint defense package with the Czech Republic and Denmark. At a time when terror is spreading across the globe, it is important that the world gives the strongest possible signal that protection against terror will not falter anywhere," Zelenskiy said in the video. Zelenskiy also noted that Belgium this week became the first country to send funds generated by Russian assets to Ukraine. We are working with other EU countries and the rest of the world to ensure that [individual countries] use the aggressors funds in a fair way -- to defend against aggression, he said. New decisions to support demining were announced after the conference in Croatia attended by representatives of 40 countries. Zelenskiy said almost a third of the territory of Ukraine is contaminated by mines or unexploded shells. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on September 27 announced during a forum in Kyiv that a plan for surveying and clearing agricultural land is being implemented. From Egypt to Yemen and from Jordan to Iraq, thousands of people took to the streets this Friday or took to social media across the Middle East to show their commitment and solidarity with the Palestinian cause and denounce the total blockade and offensive launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip following the attack on Israeli territory by Hamas a week ago. The demonstration of brotherhood exhibited over the last week in the region in contrast to the lukewarmness shown by the regions governments and at times in defiance in banning demonstrations has once again reflected the broad and sustained social support for Palestine, despite the acceleration over the last three years of the normalization of diplomatic and economic ties between Israel and several Arab countries. Protests also responded in some cases to calls for mobilization by Hamas leaders following prayers held after noon on Friday. In Egypt, despite the fact that demonstrations are effectively banned, hundreds of people protested Friday at the Al Azhar mosque in Cairo, the capital, one of the most respected institutions in the Sunni Islamic world. In the last week, Al Azhar, which has maintained a forceful stance against the Israeli attacks on Gaza and has criticized the West, has called on Arab and Muslim governments to adopt a unified position of denunciation and to send humanitarian aid to Gaza, disassociating itself from the most vacuous officialist discourse. On Wednesday, 10 prestigious Egyptian human rights organizations signed a joint statement calling on the government and the international community to do what they can to deliver urgent aid to Gaza, open humanitarian corridors, and force Israel as the occupying power to lift the siege on the Strip, establish safe zones for civilians inside, and prepare for a truce. Throughout the week there have also been small solidarity protests in front of the Cairo journalists union and on the campus of the elite American University in the Egyptian capital. According to a poll conducted by an Egyptian polling center between Monday and Tuesday, 82% of those surveyed considered the Hamas attack justified. Some 88% did not believe Israel has the right to respond. In Jordan where a large portion of the population is of Palestinian origin at least hundreds of people demonstrated on Friday near the Al-Huseini Grand Mosque in the center of the capital, Amman. There was also a march towards the border with the West Bank, which was met by police with tear gas, according to images spread on social networks and local media. The Interior Ministry had informed on Thursday that no congregations would be allowed near the border. Other pro-Palestinian rallies took place in Amman on Saturday, the day of the Hamas attack, and Tuesday. Both Egypt and Jordan have tried throughout the week to curb through diplomatic channels the spiral of violence in Gaza. Both countries have also reiterated that the only way to ensure peace and stability in the area in the long term is through a solution based on the establishment of a Palestinian state and an end to unilateral Israeli acts. The two countries are forced to maintain a difficult balance between their good relations with Israel and the West, broad social support for the Palestinian cause and limited levels of popular approval, and in recent days both Egypt and Jordan have been concerned about a possible internal contagion of the conflict. Mobilizations over the escalation between Hamas and Israel and the siege and devastation of Gaza have also occurred in countries that have recently re-established or normalized diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Turkey and Bahrain. Several Turkish cities have in the past week been the scene of protests in solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian people, including Friday in Istanbul. A group of demonstrators led a march west of the Bahraini capital, Manama, on Saturday, despite the countrys ban on protests. Iraq and Yemen have hosted two of the largest demonstrations in the region. In Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, thousands of people gathered Friday in Tahrir Square to pray and participate in protests in solidarity with Palestine. Influential Iraqi cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who on Monday called for a large demonstration, thanked those who eventually attended the early Friday afternoon protest. Thousands of Yemenis also marched through the iconic Yemen Gate neighborhood in the historic center of the countrys capital, Sanaa, controlled by the Huthi movement. Local media reported other protests and displays of solidarity in Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Iran on Friday. It is precisely the leaders of the countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel who have also adopted a more clearly pro-Palestinian discourse and, in some cases, open support for Hamas. The Iraqi government spokesman, Bassem Al-Awadi, declared last Saturday that the attack on Israel is the natural result of the systematic oppression to which the Palestinian people are subjected. And Syria considered the Hamas operation an honorable achievement and defended the resistance to the occupation in all its forms. Although there have been no major protests, the deteriorating situation in Gaza has also put the spotlight on the United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under U.S. mediation, and Saudi Arabia, which is in the process of doing so. Both countries have called for a halt to the violence, but Riyadh has been more forceful in pointing to the occupation, the violation of the rights of the Palestinian people and Israels systematic provocations as sources of instability, while Abu Dhabi has adopted a more friendly position towards Tel Aviv. Social networks have also been filled with messages written from the region to express solidarity with Palestine, denounce the devastation that Gaza is suffering, and criticize Western complicity, its double standards with respect to other conflicts such as Ukraine and the dehumanization of the Palestinian people. Operation Ajay Over 200 Indian Citizens Safely Repatriated, Express Gratitude to Government for Swift Action NEW-DELHI: In a commendable effort to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in Israel, the Indian government initiated 'Operation Ajay,' leading to the repatriation of over 200 individuals in its initial phase. The operation garnered momentum as the second flight, carrying 235 people, touched down at the Delhi airport on Saturday. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, extended a warm welcome to the returnees upon their arrival at the airport. This gesture was followed by a similar welcoming reception organized by several state governments on Friday, when the first batch of individuals arrived from Israel. Union Minister Rajiv Chandrasekhar was present to welcome the first batch of returnees. Advertisement Expressing their heartfelt gratitude, the repatriated Indians conveyed their appreciation to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and the Central Government for swiftly executing Operation Ajay, which facilitated their safe journey back to their homeland. The operation signifies the government's commitment to prioritizing the welfare and repatriation of its citizens, especially during challenging times. Seized Ammunition Cache In a successful operation, Punjab Police apprehends two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists AMRITSAR: In a commendable display of vigilance and coordinated efforts, the Punjab Police have effectively thwarted a major conspiracy hatched by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a notorious terrorist organization. The operation, led by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, was supported by critical intelligence inputs from Indian intelligence agencies, resulting in the arrest of two terrorists associated with the group. The breakthrough represents a significant step towards ensuring public safety and national security. The Director-General of Police (DGP) of Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, provided details of the successful operation, underscoring the collective efforts of SSOC-Amritsar and central intelligence agencies. The operation targeted and apprehended two individuals linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, both hailing from the Jammu and Kashmir region. Advertisement During the raid, the police seized a substantial quantity of ammunition from the arrested terrorists. The confiscated arsenal included two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two hand grenades, two magazines, a pistol with 24 cartridges, a timer switch, eight detonators, and four batteries. These recoveries are a testament to the grave intent and potential threat posed by the apprehended individuals. The arrested terrorists were identified as accomplices operating under the umbrella of Lashkar-e-Taiba, an outfit led by Firdaus Ahmed Bhatt. This successful operation reinforces the commitment and determination of security forces to combat terrorism and maintain peace and stability within the region. The White House said on Friday that North Korea has delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. Speculation about a possible North Korean plan to refill Russias munition stores drained in its protracted war with Ukraine flared last month, when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the U.S. believes Kim is seeking sophisticated Russian weapons technologies in return for the munitions to boost North Koreas military and nuclear program. The White House released images that it said show the containers were loaded onto a Russian-flagged ship before being moved via train to southwestern Russia. The containers were shipped between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1 between Najin, North Korea, and Dunay, Russia, according to the White House. We condemn the DPRK for providing Russian with this military equipment, which will be used to attack Ukrainian cities and kill Ukrainian civilians and further Russias illegitimate war, Kirby said, using the initials for Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the countrys official name. In return for support, we assess the Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia including fighter aircraft, surface to air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, or other materials and other advanced technologies. The U.S. has accused North Korea of previously providing ammunition, artillery shells and rockets to Russia. North Korea has previously denied providing weaponry to Moscow. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, last week published satellite photos that showed a sharp increase in rail traffic along the North Korea-Russia border. The report said satellite images as of Oct. 5 captured a dramatic and unprecedented level of freight railcar traffic at the Tumangang Rail Facility. It said images show approximately 73 railcars while a review of previous satellite images over the past five years shows about 20 railcars at this facility at most. Kim last month, after he had met with Putin, called for an exponential increase in production of nuclear weapons and for his country to play a larger role in a coalition of nations confronting the United States in a new Cold War, North Korean state media said. The Korean Central News Agency said Kim made the comments during a two-day session of the countrys rubber-stamp parliament, which amended the constitution to include his policy of expanding the countrys nuclear weapons program. In Russia, Kim deepened comradely fellowship and friendly ties with Putin, North Korean state media reported. During Kims six-day trip to Russia, his longest foreign travel as a leader, the two countries said they discussed boosting their defense ties but didnt disclose any specific steps. Foreign experts speculate the two countries, both locked in confrontations with the West, were pushing to reach arms transfer deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The trip to Russia was also Kims first foreign trip since the pandemic, during which North Korea imposed tight border controls for more than three years. After decades of hot-and-cold relations, Russia and North Korea have drawn closer since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in the Middle East to consult with allies in the aftermath of last weeks Hamas attack on Israel, spoke by phone on Friday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The two leaders discussed he latest battlefield developments, according to the State Department. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hindu Minor 13-year-old Hindu girl is reportedly abducted in Pak, Distressed family seeking justice ISLAMABAD: In yet another distressing incident highlighting the oppression faced by Hindu families in Pakistan, a 13-year-old Hindu girl, Radha Meghwar, has allegedly been kidnapped in Tando Muhammad Khan of Sindh province. The incident, which occurred about six days ago, has raised concerns within the community and has left the victim's family desperate for help. The alleged abduction was reportedly carried out by a group of individuals, including Tharo Kashkheli, the son of a Muslim family residing in the area. The family of the victim suspects that their daughter might have been forcefully converted to Islam and subsequently married without her consent. Despite their continuous efforts to seek assistance from the police over the past six days, no substantial action has been taken, leaving them in a state of distress and frustration. Advertisement The victim's family approached the Sindh Police, urging them to intervene and assist in the case. An FIR (First Information Report) was filed, but to their dismay, there has been no significant effort made to rescue the girl or apprehend the alleged culprits involved in the abduction. Regrettably, this incident sheds light on a broader issue concerning the treatment of Hindu families in the region. It is reported that such cases of abduction and mistreatment are not isolated, with extremists targeting both unmarried and married Hindu women. The affected families are left grappling with the distressing reality that their loved ones are subjected to such heinous acts, reflecting a grave concern for the safety and security of minority communities in Pakistan. Fact Check Report We will update this article on priority if any official confirmation report comes out RSFC (Team Mohali)- The Ongoing war between IsraeliPalestinian conflict is getting worse day by day and the social media is also getting filled with misleading and fake claims. Recently, a news came out from Israel which shocked everyone. Israel claimed that Hamas terrorists beheaded 40 children in a village in Israel. Talking to the journalists of "i24NEWS English" and "The Independent", Israeli military personnel said that 40 children's heads have been beheaded by Hamas terrorists at Kibbutz Kfar Aza in Israel. Advertisement -- "i24NEWS English" Report 'About 40 babies were taken out on gurneys... Cribs overturned, strollers left behind, doors left wide open' Our correspondent @Nicole_Zedek continues to survey the horror scenes left behind in Kibbutz Kfar Aza where Hamas invaded and murdered dozens of Israelis in their homes pic.twitter.com/ZZCwDGkV8z i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) October 10, 2023 Advertisement i24's Nicole Zedek, who was one of the journalists invited by the Israel Defense Forces to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, said she was told by IDF soldiers that they found children in the worst unimaginable conditions. "Some of the soldiers here told the reporter that when they were passing through the area, they saw bodies of children with their heads cut off and families shot in their beds," the reporter said during a live broadcast on X. The Reporter also filmed an IDF deputy commander who confirmed allegations that Hamas had beheaded children, women. Advertisement After the news made headlines, the reporter responded on his Twitter account saying "Soldiers told me they believe 40 babies/children were killed. The exact death toll is still unknown as the military continues to go house to house and find more Israeli casualties." Soldiers told me they believe 40 babies/children were killed. The exact death toll is still unknown as the military continues to go house to house and find more Israeli casualties. https://t.co/PEGSFXgb9x Nicole Zedeck (@Nicole_Zedek) October 10, 2023 Advertisement -- "The Independent" Report When Hamas came here they cut the heads of women, they cut the heads of children, says Major David Ben Zion, while making a chopping motion towards his neck. We saw dead babies, girls. The Independent The 37-year-old is a reservist deployed here on Saturday to try to evacuate the few survivors of the onslaught. The Independent did not see evidence of his claims. -- Who spoke about this incident? CBS News had reported earlier that Yossi Landau, Head of Operations at Israel's volunteer civilian emergency response organisation Zaka, had confirmed to them that he had "personally seen" adults, children, and babies beheaded. i24's Zedek also claimed that around 40 babies and young children had been taken out on gurneys in Kfar Aza. "However, the IDF in a statement refused to confirm the numbers or the exact condition in which the bodies were found." "We cannot confirm any numbers, What happened in Kibbutz Kafr Aza is a massacre in which women, children and the elderly were brutally murdered in the manner of ISIS." - Israeli military to Sky News. -- Contrary Claims to this Narrative Other journalists say that the claims of beheading cannot be verified. "In a situation like this it's important to separate fact from speculation," said Sky News' Stuart Ramsay, who spoke to two IDF officials. Sky News "At no time did he, or any other major I spoke to, ever mention that Hamas beheaded or killed 40 children or infants," Stewart added. Stewart added that the IDF had every opportunity to inform the global media of the alleged beheading in Kafr Aza, but neither the killing nor the beheading of 40 children was mentioned to him or his team. However, he said the events taking place in Kafr Aza were horrific. "The events here are shocking - families being woken up without given warning, mothers and fathers hiding their children in closets, wine cellars and basements, husbands and wives being separated in war etc" "Talked to hundreds of people, saw no evidence: Journalist". Another journalist Oren Ziv - who works for the independent news outlet 972 Mag - spoke to "hundreds of people" at the scene. "During the visit, we found no evidence of this, and neither army spokesmen nor commanders mentioned such incidents," Further Hamas added that the accusations were "propaganda" by Israel and its allies. "The Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas has rejected false claims promoted by some Western media outlets, such as the killing of children and targeting of civilians by Palestinian freedom fighters," Hamas on its Telegram channel on Wednesday. Notably, Many unrelated photos and videos regarding the ongoing conflict, have been widely shared on X, Facebook, and other platforms to create panic. "Can say because of specific purpose of aggravating the conflict against the other -- US President Biden's 'Irresponsible' Statement LIAR! President Joe Biden spreads unfounded claim that Hamas beheaded 40 Israeli babies: "I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children."@JoeBiden @POTUS Can you please publicise them?#Palestine #Gaza #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/FQSv6GVvJd DOAM (@doamuslims) October 11, 2023 Further, United States (US) President Joe Biden said in a televised address, "I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children." However, a White House spokesperson told 'The Washington Post' that neither Biden nor any other US official had seen the images of the alleged claim of Hamas murdered 40 Israeli Babies... White House From a careful examination of this claim, it is clear that the beheading of 40 children is not clear enough and these things have only been said by estimated Israeli soldiers. We spoke to Israel's media agency "FakeReporter.Net" regarding the matter. Speaking via the X platform, FakeReporter.Net said, "The issue is that several israeli government officials have said that there were one or more beheaded children or babies, and there have been reports of soldiers who were beheaded (Blinken said this on 12-Oct-2023). People who were in the scene said that there were beheaded babies, but to clarify again, we have no hard evidence that this happened yet, no official report. We are in the dark as anyone. The claim that there were 40 beheaded babies: that's probably an overstatement." Conclusion - Spokesman has investigated the claim of beheading 40 Israeli children by Hamas. In our investigation, we also spoke to Israeli media agency Fake Reporter about the claim. From our investigation and conversation, it is clear that no official report has came out regarding the viral claim yet and the viral claim has not been confirmed by the Israeli army as well. This claim was only speculated by the few Israeli armymen, but even when the ground journalists present there talked to the local people, no sufficient information has come out regarding the claim. Disclaimer: We will update this article on priority if any official confirmation report comes out regarding 40 Babies murdered by Hamas. For Representative Purpose Only A recent survey indicates that over 50% of Canadians support diplomatic dialogue to alleviate tensions with India TORONTO: In the aftermath of the unfortunate killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a significant portion of the Canadian populace is advocating for a de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution with India. A recent survey has shed light on the prevailing sentiment, with over 50 percent of Canadians expressing the need to address the issue through diplomatic negotiations. According to a Nano Research poll conducted by CTV News, 57 percent of Canadians believe that the growing tension between Canada and India, triggered by the tragic incident on June 18 when Nijjar was murdered in front of a Gurdwara in British Columbia, should be resolved through dialogue. This sentiment highlights a call for diplomatic engagement to mitigate the strained relations between the two nations. Advertisement Tensions between India and Canada escalated further last month when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a session in the Canadian Parliament, insinuated that Indian agencies could potentially be involved in Nijjar's murder. This accusation exacerbated the already delicate diplomatic relations. In another development, Canadian authorities are actively investigating incidents of vandalism targeting three temples. The Durham Police issued a statement disclosing that these unfortunate acts occurred in the early hours of October 8 in the cities of Pickering and Ajax. The authorities are employing CCTV footage to identify and locate the suspects responsible for the vandalism. Oil prices rose sharply on Friday amid rising concerns about the potential impact of the ongoing Israel - Hamas war on global crude supplies. Israel's military today called for all civilians of Gaza City, more than 1 million people, to relocate south within 24 hours. The Israeli military said it would operate "significantly" in Gaza City in the coming days and civilians would only be able to return when another announcement was made. The United States' decision to tighten sanctions against Russian crude exports has also raised supply concerns. The U.S. Treasury Department said that it has imposed its first set of sanctions on two companies that shipped Russian oil in violation of a multinational price cap of $60 a barrel. Russia is the world's second-largest oil producer and it is feared that the new sanctions could tighten global supply. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for November ended higher by $4.78 or about 5.8% at $87.69 a barrel. WTI crude futures gained about 6% in the week. Brent crude futures for December settled at $90.89 a barrel, gaining $4.89 or about 5.7%. Baker Hughes said today that the number of active rigs drilling for oil in the U.S. rose by 4 to 501 this week. "Crude prices are surging as the oil market will remain very tight given escalating geopolitical risks could threaten supplies and after banks continue to describe the US as resilient," says Edward Moya, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis A group of people observe the fence on the border between Poland and Belarus, in the town of Biaowieza, in July of 2023 Approaching Biaowieza means entering a place that has been frequently mentioned by the ultra-conservatives from Law and Justice (PiS), the ruling party in Poland. The little town which has just over 2,600 inhabitants has been a key piece of the PiS electoral campaign, with elections coming up on October 15. The narrow road that leads to this Polish town which is located next to the border with Belarus is filled with trees. Its within the Biaowieza Forest, one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across Europe. In addition to the trees, there are numerous military and border patrol vehicles. Police checkpoints stop passing cars and search the trunks. The officers have been deployed to control the flow of migrants trying to reach the EU, by crossing the Polish-Belarus border. Since this past summer, reinforcements have arrived, after mercenaries from the Russian Wagner Group moved to Belarus following their failed rebellion against the Kremlin at the end of June. Following that, on August 1, two Belarusian helicopters entered Polish airspace. With the war in neighboring Ukraine, nobody is surprised that security and defense have become the focus of the campaign to win this coming Sundays elections. The campaign slogan of the ruling PiS is a secure future for the Poles, while the opposition promises even more firmness and effectiveness. Were a country that borders Russia (with the enclave of Kaliningrad), Belarus and Ukraine, explains Slawomir Debski, director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), a think tank that advises the incumbent government. In his office in Warsaw, the security expert recalls the hybrid attacks made by the regime of Aleksandr Lukashenko a major ally of Vladimir Putin who, since 2021, has facilitated the irregular entry of migrants into the EU. For obvious reasons, security is a concern for Polish society, Debski continues. However, residents and businesspeople in Biaowieza a town at the epicenter of some of these threats show no signs of fear before the elections. On the contrary, some feel that theyre suffering from the governments alarmist narrative. Krzysztof Petruk, the 62-year-old principal of the village school, sees no fear among his students or their parents. I dont think there are more than 1,000 Wagner mercenaries and the thing about the Belarusian helicopters was only one time, we dont know if it was a joke or serious, he chuckles, downplaying some of the reasons that the government gave for justifying the deployment of more soldiers to the area. Still, he views the military presence favorably, remembering that, in 2021 when the government declared a state of emergency due to the arrival of immigrants there were more soldiers than inhabitants. The children have already gotten used to it, he says, although he acknowledges that many parents dont like to see so many armed soldiers [around]. Two elderly ladies who refuse to stop for a longer conversation briefly affirm that they feel very calm about the military reinforcement. As does Emile, a 44-year-old social worker who watched the incursion of the Minsk helicopters in fear. However, for Alicia, a 61-year-old shop assistant who also doesnt wish to provide her last name, the presence of soldiers never has a positive connotation. They make people feel insecure, she notes. In addition to the military threat from Russia on the other side of the border, Polands far-right government has turned immigration into an issue of national security and sovereignty. In the referendum that will be held alongside the general elections, two of the four questions on the ballot refer to this issue. One calls for rejecting the EUs pact regarding protections for refugees and the distribution of migrants between member countries. The other asks if the population is in favor of removing the 120-mile-long fence built on the border with Belarus, as if the opposition had suggested tearing it down. On the contrary, the conservative-liberal Civic Platform which placed second in the 2019 elections calls for strengthening border controls. During the campaign, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has bombarded the public with videos and statements, in which he relates irregular immigration from Muslim-majority countries with violence. He has also stated that Wagners mercenaries could enter Poland disguised among the migrants. Fear of the dead In Biaowieza where many residents have encountered the people entering from Belarus the fear instigated by official messages isnt palpable. Many parents have helped [the migrants] with food, water and clothing, the school director says. Shopkeeper Alicia remembers that, since 2021 the peak of the migration crisis there hasnt been any incident with the population. Im not afraid of migrants, she adds. Whats most scary is finding a dead person 30 or 40 [feet] from your house, she sighs, referring to the dozens of people who have lost their lives in the forest. Aleksandra Chrzanowska, a 44-year-old activist who has been working on the border since 2021, states emphatically: I have never met a single person in the forest who scared me. This cultural mediator who works with SIP a legal aid organization for foreigners and Grupa Granica a collective made up of NGOs, activists and residents in the border area says that some residents call them to help when they see a group of people in the forest, while others collaborate with the border guards. There are different reactions, he explains, but no fear. [Those arriving] are very tired people, cold, hungry, often hurt. The border forest has become a militarized zone. This past Tuesday, at the start of the cobbled road that leads from the town to the fence, a truck with armed soldiers was on duty. Further ahead, there was a 4x4 vehicle from the Border Guard. An officer with pink nails and painted eyebrows warned that its forbidden to approach more than a few dozen feet from the wall. According to a spokeswoman for the security agency, there have been 22,000 attempts to cross the fence so far in 2023. However, activists denounce that the authorities also are counting those who merely approach the fence, while double-counting those who try again after having been initially turned away. Slawomir Dron, 54, is the owner of Fanaberia restaurant. He laments the economic situation, while standing in his nearly-empty establishment. Before, people were attracted by nature, the bison, the forest nowadays, the message is that there are migrants, Wagner [mercenaries] danger, danger, danger! Since this past summer, when the government intensified these messages, business fell and hasnt recovered. The manager of Hotel Zubrowka Andrzej Malinowski, 60 also complains that all the things they say on television discourage families from visiting the area. For Marcin Buzanski, a security expert and analyst at the Warsaw-based Pulaski Foundation, the governments reaction at the border is very exaggerated. On the one hand, the entry of migrants is portrayed as a major threat, while, on the other, Poland rejects the support of Frontex the European agency that coordinates border management. The expert believes that this anti-immigration narrative has been twisted by the ruling party. Although, he notes with a recent scandal involving the sale of Polish work permits to immigrants in exchange for bribes the PiS has revealed its hypocrisy on the subject. Investment in the military Buzanski doesnt hesitate, however, to describe a deterioration of the security situation, although he sees an electoral use of issues related to security by the PiS to attract far-right voters and get their base mobilized. In April of 2022 shortly after Russias invasion of Ukraine the government approved the Homeland Defense Law, which aims to turn the Polish Armed Forces into the strongest in Europe. Since this legislation was enacted, various arms purchases have taken place, with the objective of eventually devoting 4% of GDP to military spending. Piotr Lukasiewicz, a former diplomat and ex-military man, with experience in countries such as Afghanistan, believes that the government, with this intense, rapid and broad plan to modernize the army began the electoral campaign with a solid program. But, he cautions, they overheated the situation, they exaggerated and theyve had somewhat grotesque results. The analyst from the Polityka Insight think tank recalls some incidents that have undermined the image that the PiS wants to project. The first was that after ensuring that the country was protected from aerial missiles last October two people were killed in November, in the Polish village of Przewodow, next to the Ukrainian border. They were victims of a missile from the Ukrainian defense system. Then, in December, a projectile launched by Russia entered Polish airspace. Radars lost track of it. Nobody knew anything until a woman found the remains of the projectile in a forest in Bydgoszcz, more than 250 miles from the border with Belarus, from where it came. Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak proceeded to blame Polands military leadership for not having informed him. Lukasiewicz a former colonel highlights a recent episode that made a former colleague of his cry out with helplessness. It was on September 17: the minister of defense released classified documents of old military plans in case of a Russian attack, while accusing the opposition of wanting to cede the eastern half of the country to Moscow. This past week, the unrest at the top of the army crystallized, with the resignation of the two highest-ranking generals, just five days before the elections. Theyve done it on purpose as revenge: its a protest [against the government], for having used the army the way that they have over the last six months, Lukasiewicz explains. Meanwhile, the pro-government expert Debski addressing the deployment in Biaowieza believes that the danger is real, due to the geographical situation and the role that Poland has played against Russia in the war in Ukraine. Lets imagine what could have happened if [the government] had ignored these threats and something bad had happened, he suggests. But Alicia behind the counter of the store where she works believes that, behind the hundreds of soldiers and police officers that swarm around her town, theres more pre-election propaganda than danger. After decades of false starts and unfulfilled proposals, Chula Vistas bayfront redevelopment finally has the financial backing it needs to build its flagship project. Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego approved a development agreement, revenue-sharing plan and public subsidy for the $1.1 billion hotel and convention center Tuesday. Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas called the unanimous vote to approve the financing a historic moment. Advertisement Good things come to those who wait, she said. Salas, who was first elected to the City Council since 1996 and heard multiple proposals throughout the years, said the hotel and convention center will spur development along Chula Vistas bayfront. The citys master plan envisions the area turning into a tourist hub with hotels, restaurants, stores, and water front parks. Houston-based RIDA Development will put up $785 million to build the hotel and convention center. Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego will pay $343 million $240 million for the hotel and convention center and $103 million for infrastructure and parking improvements. Additionally, the port will forego ground lease revenues for 38 years, resulting in a $245 million subsidy. To fund their portion of the project, Chula Vista and the Port created the Chula Vista Bayfront Financing Authority and will issue taxable and tax-exempt bonds. The city and port will pay for the bonds with a combination of general fund revenues and tax revenues from the hotel and convention center. Once completed, the project is expected to bring in annual tax revenues of $23 million to Chula Vista, which will help pay the bondholders. After the debt is paid, those revenues will go toward the general fund. The project sits on a 36.5-acre site on the bay near H Street. Part of the site is currently occupied by the Chula Vista RV Resort, whose lease expires next year. On Monday, the Port of San Diego approved a new RV park a few yards north of the existing one. Ira Mitzner, CEO of RIDA Development, envisions the hotel and convention center being the best resort in California. Were excited, he said. Quite frankly, we believe this is going to be the best resort in the state and, as a partnership, the best free-standing conference hotel. The project includes a 1,600-room hotel, 275,000 square feet of event space, a 1,500-space parking garage and resort-style amenities such as a wave pool. The project is expected to bring in approximately 2,200 construction jobs and 4,470 permanent jobs. Estimates include, direct, indirect, and induced jobs, generated by the project. In addition to tax revenues from the hotel and convention center, Chula Vista will pay off the bond with annual payments of $1.3 million from its general fund and the Port of San Diego will pay $2.1 million from its general fund. Both payments begin July 1, 2018, according to a staff report. Chula Vistas general fund expects to see net positive from the hotel and convention center 23 years after it opens, according to the staff report. Chula Vista currently faces a $2.2 million deficit in the fiscal year 2019 budget and city officials are asking taxpayers to vote for a sales tax increase to hire more police officers and firefighters. The citys finance director, David Bilby, says the city can make up the $1.3 million that will go toward the bond payments. Its about what the project does as a whole, he said. Theres lots of ways that we can leverage our citys resources to move funding up and back as long as theres a net positive impact in the long term. Because the $1.3 million coming out of the citys general fund is a relatively small percentage of the citys $180 million budget, staff can find one-time funds until the project become cash-flow positive, Bilby added. Chula Vistas contribution is no different than what other cities and states offer to businesses to try to woo them into their communities, said Seth Kaplowitz, a lecturer at San Diego State Universitys Fowler College of Business who has worked in real estate development and construction. Kaplowitz called the move a long-term, patient money play. The long and short of it is, I dont see any red flags to tell me this is a bad deal, he said. I see the city is willing to take a calculated risk in an effort to preserve and improve the character of the city. As San Diego keeps moving south and the border keeps moving north, theyre betting on that entire area to become much more user-friendly. Analysts who wrote the economic development subsidy report have reservations about the developers ability to generate revenues that are consistent with the rest of the industry. Councilmember Pat Aguilar asked Paul Marra, the managing principal at Keyser Marston Associates San Diego office, what they meant when they wrote, RIDA will need to control development costs and or improve operating performance in order to achieve satisfactory long-term return. Marra explained that RIDAs internal long-term rate of return is 13.8 percent but their target should really be up to 16 percent or 17 percent. So our conclusion was that even with the proposed contribution for the project, RIDA is not fully feasible, he said. They will need to tighten their development budget or achieve better revenue projections, lower operating expenses in order to achieve an industry standard return. Contact Gustavo Solis via Email or Twitter Gaza is running out of time. Tens of thousands of civilians were fleeing into southern Gaza on Saturday because of the ultimatum issued the day before by Israel, according to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA). The Israeli army placed the number in the hundreds of thousands and insisted that civilians could safely make their way south on the two major parallel roads until the 4 p.m. deadline issued by the Israeli military, which on Sunday was extended to 1 p.m. local time. That ultimatum followed an earlier deadline that expired in the early morning hours of Saturday. Israel also carried out some limited ground operations ahead of an expected wider land offensive against Hamas, the armed Islamist group that governs the Gaza Strip, following their attack into southern Israel a week ago. They have been very contained, mainly near the fence [the border security barrier] to locate hostages and kill terrorists, the military spokesman said. Israeli media reports indicate that the army has recovered the bodies of Israelis who were taken to Gaza during the massive attack by Hamas-led Palestinian armed groups. Thousands of people were walking along the road heading south, even as loudspeakers in the mosques urged the population to stay put. Gazas Hamas authorities have spoken of the Israeli warning to evacuate as propaganda aimed at confusing citizens and breaking internal Palestinian cohesion. The United Nations estimated that tens of thousands had fled homes in the north by Friday night. We are aware that it will take time, but they have to be moving south [...] We are doing everything we can to make it happen, we understand the complexity, but we are determined to act against Hamas, Israeli army international media spokesman Richard Hecht said in a video conference. The mass evacuation order applies to all of Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Israeli artillery fires near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, October 13, 2023. VIOLETA SANTOS MOURA (REUTERS) Israel is carrying out heavy airstrikes in Gaza that have so far killed 2,300 people, over 700 of them children, according to data provided on Saturday by the Ministry of Health of the Gaza Strip. Some 1,300 buildings have been destroyed, according to the U.N. Neither the U.N. nor the humanitarian organizations working on the ground consider such a population movement feasible in one of the most densely populated areas of the planet, where 2.3 million people are unable to leave. Even before the Israeli ultimatum, many Gazans were already on the move, either because their homes had been destroyed or because they were seeking refuge. The number of people who fled their homes reached 423,000 on Friday, up 25% from the previous day, according to OCHA. Two-thirds are among the 92 schools run by UNRWA. The call for the massive displacement of almost half of the population of the Strip, including the capital, points to the imminence of a land offensive. Late on Friday, Israeli authorities gave Al Awda Hospital two hours to evacuate, according to Doctors Without Borders. We unequivocally condemn this action, the indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks against medical teams. We are trying to protect our staff and their patients, the organization said on X (formerly Twitter). Later, the NGO reported that the Israeli forces had delayed the evacuation demand until 6 a.m. The north of Gaza is also home to the main hospital, Al Shifa, which is treating more than 6,000 wounded people and has had to leave bodies in the outdoor parking lot because the morgue is full. Palestinians wait to buy bread outside a bakery in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday. MOHAMMED SALEM (REUTERS) The unprecedented evacuation order was received with concern by international organizations. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in the Middle East (UNRWA) called it horrendous. The scale and speed of the unfolding humanitarian crisis is bone-chilling. Gaza is fast becoming a hellhole and is on the brink of collapse, said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWAs commissioner general. The Israeli ultimatum is, according to Amnesty International, an impossible demand that even the Israeli army spokesman has admitted cannot be carried out in a single day. The same organization denounces the use of white phosphorus in the air raids that the Israeli army is carrying out in areas inhabited by civilians in the Gaza Strip. The use of white phosphorus in Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, magnifies the risk to civilians and violates the international humanitarian law prohibition on putting civilians at unnecessary risk, added Human Rights Watch in a statement this week, adding that nobody has the right to attack civilians, no matter what the other side has done. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, said that the displacement of a million people through a densely populated war zone to a place without food, water or shelter, when the entire territory is under siege is extremely dangerous and, in some cases, simply impossible. Guterres recalled that the hospitals in the south of the Strip are already at the limit of their capacity and will not be able to accept thousands of new patients from the north. We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, so that we can get fuel, food and water to everyone in need. Even wars have rules, he said. The European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, speaking to news media on a visit to China, welcomed the evacuation order but said, You cannot move such a volume of people in (a) short period of time, noting a lack of shelters and transportation. Families of staff of international organizations are sheltering at a United Nations center after UNRWA said it relocated its central operations centre to the south of Gaza Strip. IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA (REUTERS) Only the beginning Late on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a brief statement that was televised after the Jewish Sabbath had begun: We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might. I emphasize that this is only the beginning. The Israeli Armed Forces justified the demand to evacuate northern Gaza on the safety and protection of residents north of Wadi Gaza, about five kilometers south of the capital. We understand that it will take time, said its spokesman, Daniel Hagari, pointing to Hamas which has governed Gaza since 2007 as solely responsible for current developments. It is a war zone, but we are looking at the [satellite] photographs and we will make sure it is done safely, he said in a video conference with journalists. Gaza civilians, evacuate the city to the south for your own safety and that of your families, and stay away from the Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields. In the coming days, the army will operate significantly in the city. Great efforts will be made to prevent harm to civilians, the Armed Forces warned in an appeal through leaflets, radio, mobile messages and the internet to those living in the capital, Gaza City. Hamas said Israels airstrikes killed 13 hostages, including foreigners. It did not provide their nationalities. The military denied the claim. Hamas hopes to trade the hostages for thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The Gaza Strip is one of the worlds most densely populated places, with 5,500 people per square kilometer. Half of the population is under 18 years old. More than half of the Palestinians in Gaza are descendants of refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation, when hundreds of thousands fled or were expelled from what is now Israel. A massive population displacement would connect, in the collective memory of Gaza, with the Nakba, the flight or expulsion of some 750,000 Palestinians and the destruction of more than 400 localities. It is still very present as an element of identity, even among young people who only know it through stories. Gregorio Mirabal of Venezuela's Kurripako indigenous people. COICA The vivid images of the crisis unfolding in the Amazon have left an indelible mark on many. The ongoing drought has not only isolated communities in Brazil by severing their river connections, but it has also killed fish populations and iconic pink dolphins. While multiple factors have contributed to the alarming situation, Gregorio Mirabal, a Venezuelan from the Kurripako indigenous people, calls it a climate pandemic. He attributes this crisis to a combination of mercury pollution, deforestation, drought and climate change. Mirabal is a member of the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA) and the Confederation of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (COICA). To prevent adverse impacts, Mirabal says its crucial for indigenous people to be recognized so they can claim their ancestral lands. He believes they have proven to be the most capable stewards of the Amazon Basin. Mirabal also notes that the regions climate has become increasingly unpredictable, and that Brazils drought is indicative of a larger problem. Thousands of fish have been killed by the rising water temperature and acidity in the Lago do Piranha Sustainable Development Reserve. Manacapuru, Brazil. September 27, 2023 Raphael Alves (EFE) Question. Weve heard alarming news about the situation in Lake Tefe [Brazil] and the unfortunate loss of dolphins. What is the current state of the Amazon region overall? Answer. The El Nino phenomenon, climate crisis and Covid-19 pandemic have deeply affected the Amazon. Deforestation, fires and mining have led to a severe degradation of this vital ecosystem. In fact, we are now facing a new pandemic the climate crisis which has reached a point of no return. The situation in Brazil, which has most of the Amazon, is particularly dire. However, we must remember that the entire region is interconnected, and the issues of drought and mercury pollution affect all of its rivers. Q. What exactly is the point of no return? What are the risks? A. There are two risks: some parts of the Amazon are flooding while others are drying up completely. The point of no return refers to the Amazon turning into a savannah, leading to a 2.7F (1.5C) worldwide increase in temperature. The impact would be global, affecting us all. Q. You are part of an indigenous community and a member of COICA what motivates you to see and hear whats happening in the Amazon? A. It is widely recognized (and supported by United Nations studies) that indigenous communities contribute to the conservation of water, forests and biodiversity by approximately 70% to 80%. However, despite these efforts, the current global economic system prioritizes the extraction of resources like oil, gold and fossil fuels, leading to extensive pollution and habitat destruction. Our concern is that if the Amazon is not protected by 2025 and deforestation continues, we will reach a point of irreversible damage. The world aims to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, and we strongly support an 80% conservation target specifically for the Amazon. Q. How have you personally experienced these changes? A. Let me give you an example from my area, the borderlands between Venezuela and Colombia. We live between the Guania River and the Orinoco River, just below Brazils Black River. In the past three years, we have experienced unexpected floods and unseasonal rain, while rivers that used to flow abundantly are now drying up. As a result, our ecological calendars have been disrupted. This is happening all over the Amazon we have discussed it with our counterparts in Peru, Colombia and Brazil. The farms are no longer productive due to lack of water or devastating floods. We cant plant crops anymore. There used to be a natural rhythm throughout the year we knew when to prepare the soil, when to sow and when to harvest. We cant do that anymore. Q. What short- and long-term solutions do you propose during a drought like this? A. Solutions that oblige our governments to make commitments and stick to them. The Amazon Summit in Belem de Para (Brazil) a few months ago produced 100 agreements. But we still havent held any planning meetings. This reflects the passive, reactive approach of Latin American governments that procrastinate until a crisis hits home. We also need climate-change funding in small, rural communities rather than primarily focusing on mitigating climate change in large cities. A greater government presence is needed to address illegal mining and deforestation. Sadly, nearly 5,000 square meters of tropical forests are lost every five seconds an irreversible loss. For over 20 years, weve been demanding official recognition of the ancestral lands that we steward. Without this recognition, anyone can come in and destroy the forests. Ultimately, whats needed is political will. Gregorio Mirabal indigenous leader and climate change activist. COICA Q. Considering the Amazons key role in the planets climate, what should non-Amazonian countries do to help address this crisis? A. Let me give you another example the war in Ukraine and the one in Israel and Palestine. Both have received incredible international attention and support. However, these conflicts are sustained by natural resources by oil. And where does that oil come from? Much of it comes from Latin America, posing a significant threat to the Amazon. We wrote a letter to President Joe Biden, urging a moratorium on oil-related activity in the Amazon and a transition to clean energy. Unfortunately, it seems like our concerns are not being heard by the United States or the Chinese government. On a positive note, some European Union countries like Norway, Finland, Germany and France have expressed interest in supporting us. Q. Columbus Day was just a few days ago. Its a holiday with very strong colonialist overtones and many people want to officially rename it Indigenous Peoples Day. What does this day mean to you? A. In my organization its commemorated on October 11 [not October 12]. Its more like a day of reflection and mourning. It reminds us that we had a world and a way of life here for over 100,000 years, yet we were portrayed as a new world. Its important to acknowledge that millions of indigenous people have vanished from the planet. There used to be 15 to 20 million of us in the Amazon, but now were down to three million. We represent only 6% of the global population. However, I want to convey a message of hope and resilience. We must recognize the Amazon as a world heritage site so everyone can live on a healthy planet. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed The world watches in suspense as the aftermath of the conflagration unleashed by Hamas barbaric attack on Israel unfolds. This is the umpteenth outbreak of violence in the vicinity of the European Union. Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, Israel and Gaza, Libya, the Sahel: a crescent of terrible conflicts borders the EU on its eastern and southern flanks. The triggers are of course different in each case. But in all of them an era of instability has played a role, with changes in the attitudes of large and medium powers seeming to encourage violent escalations. The entire arc of crisis, with the exception of Ukraine, shows the very limited ability of the EU to have an influence on this environment. This period of volatility is one in which Russia has sought to forcibly reconfigure the world order, China has gained strength, the United States has reoriented itself to address the rise of Beijing, Iran has reaffirmed its antagonism to the West, and the Global South has mobilized against Western dominance in new ways. This geopolitical panorama influences the arc of instability. Lets start with the violence unleashed by Hamas attack on Israel. This is a criminal decision by its leaders, in which there are no ifs or buts. This does not mean that we should not analyse the context in which it has arisen, and which will have undoubtedly influenced its planning. This shows, on the one hand, Iran a supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah fully aligned with the attitude of open defiance to the West, of an unleashed Russia, and an increasingly assertive China. Tehrans position must also be read in light of the collapse of the perspective opened by the nuclear treaty sealed with the Obama Administration and torn up by the Trump Administration. On the other hand, Israel has not suffered any significant pressure to modify its abusive occupation policy. Without doubt, the prospect of growing normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries has also played a role, which Washington has promoted to improve Israels security but also as a tool to shore up its waning influence in the region. This is the context of vulnerability and a change of attitude in which Hamas decision was taken. At none of these levels has the EU (in favor of pursuing the path of a nuclear pact with Iran) had, nor does it have, an important role. Of course, the war in Ukraine has taken center stage in this era of political uncertainty. It is the episode that embodies the frontal challenge to the global primacy of the West from Russia, which believed itself to be strong again after the dissolution of its empire and the turbulence of the nineties. The Russian offensive in Ukraine is one of the keys to reading what happened in Nagorno-Karabakh a few weeks ago. With Moscow completely occupied on that first front, Azerbaijan (backed by Turkey) has taken the initiative to forcefully resolve the conflict with Armenia, traditionally protected by the Kremlin. The political weakness and shift in the general balance of power undoubtedly incited action, opening a window of opportunity. The EU was almost irrelevant here. Russia and Turkey are also key actors in Syria and Libya, albeit on opposite sides. Moscow has supported Bashar al-Assad in the first conflict and Marshal Khalifa Hafter in the second. Ankara is on the other side. In neither case has a war been unleashed like it was years ago, but there is still violence and bombings in Syria and a lot of unpredictability in Libya. In the first case, the Kremlin took advantage of the geopolitical absence of the US and the EU to intervene and determine the future of the conflict. In the second, there was indeed a Western intervention, but the disinterest of Washington busy with other issues and the limits of the EU have paved the way for the chaos into which Moscow and Ankara have inserted themselves. The crises in the Sahel, like the others, has largely arisen from local problems. In this case, they stem from a lack of prosperity and democratic maturity. But, here too, the era of global instability has undoubtedly been a context that has encouraged turbulence. Russia, once again, has offered the prospect of support to rebellious and authoritarian sectors of those societies that have continued to harbor anti-colonial suspicions. They perceive Moscow, a power that seeks an imperial and colonial projection in its own environment, as the heir of the USSR, which supported various processes of decolonization in the last century. Here too, the EU with France as the protagonist has suffered a harsh reality check regarding its ability to influence and interact in the region. Not even a superpower can control how certain crises develop. Nobody expects the EU to do it. But the outbreak of conflicts in Europe and its surroundings in this time of uncertainty, of changes in forces and attitudes, should make us think. The Union has had a reaction worthy of the circumstances in the case of Ukraine, achieved with good will and ingenuity, but it remains ill-prepared in structural terms to act in this new, white-hot context. The path to achieving this is not easy and does not guarantee being able to avoid or protect itself from certain crises. There are many questions, but the answer is almost always more common foreign and security policy. Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed We once believed that the first victim of war was truth, but now we know it is freedom. You will tell me that truth is freedom and you will be right, but freedom is a broader concept still. Losing it is even scarier. In the battlefield that information has become, in this muddy trench where we are sinking up to our eyes, the hoaxes are so intense that even the president of the worlds leading power has stated that he has seen babies beheaded by Hamas. Joe Biden said it with the same assertiveness with which his own team later denied it: I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children. It was a lie. In fact, an Israeli journalist had reported that the army had found 40 beheaded babies in a kibbutz, an unconfirmed story echoed by the Israeli government. But from there the news traveled to Washington and the entire world. That Hamas has committed atrocities is a reality that exceeds our capacity for endurance, which was already quite strong. But adding lies and exaggerations, creating an illusion with fictional tools, only diminishes the credibility of the Government of Israel. There are more worrying things. Rishi Sunak has joined the voices demanding that the BBC call Hamas militants terrorists, as the European Union considers Hamas to be a terrorist organization. There is no doubt that it is, but Sunaks choice of words, the tone and the versions that hide behind this move belie a harmful interventionism. In an even more authoritarian line, France is prohibiting demonstrations in favor of Palestine. What is this? One of the terrible consequences of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the West was the sacrifice of some of our freedoms and the rule of law on the altar of security. The United States thus justified the savagery of Guantanamoa place of shame that still exists, visa restrictions and population movements that had nothing to do with 9/11, not to mention the attack on two sovereign countries. Today, if what happened in Israel could be considered a 9/11, then we are beginning to make the same mistakes: restricting freedoms, trampling on information and justifying atrocities that we would condemn in others. What Hamas does is indeed terrorism. What Israel does is apartheid, it is punishing and cruel to the civilian population, it is revenge and not defense, it is a violation of international legislation, it is spreading hoaxes that amount to lying. And no one can deny us the right to say it. Not in our world of freedom. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The New York state Department of Civil Service (DCS) has released its October application schedule for New Yorks entry-level civil service exams, and some jobs pay better than others. The open-competitive exams are an opportunity to start a career in New York state. These tests are open to anyone who meets the qualifications listed on the examination announcement. The exams will be held as either in-person written exams or online exams. Qualified candidates can apply online for these exams at https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/oc/. The application period opened for the following exams: child support specialist 1; economic development program specialist 2; economic development program specialist 3; engineering technician trainee; fair hearings specialist 2; fair hearings specialist 2 (Spanish language); food inspector trainee 1; food inspector trainee 1 (Spanish language); principal engineering technician. Interested applicants can apply online by Oct. 18. Visit www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/oc to apply for exams. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION According to the state, an application must be submitted online or postmarked by the last date to apply. An application will not be accepted after the filing deadline has passed. Application fees are free for exams this month. To be considered for appointment, you must pass the written test. The Department of Civil Service may administer tests either online or with paper booklets and answer sheets. All positions offer generous benefits, including paid leave, health benefits and retirement plans. In addition, telecommuting options may be available to employees who meet certain criteria. To learn more about working for the State of New York, visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the department on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Here are the salaries and descriptions for each job, according to DCS. Child support specialist 1 Salary: $63,108 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As a Child Support Specialist 1, you would monitor and provide technical assistance to local districts to improve their child support performance; monitor contractor performance at the State Disbursement Unit to ensure all contract requirements, deliverables, and time frames are met; develop and monitor child support related contracts; monitor and test child support computer system performance for programmatic functioning and compliance with federal timeframes and eligibility criteria; and draft policy and procedures. Economic development program specialist 2 Salary: $81,705 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As an Economic Development Program Specialist 2, you would be responsible for providing detailed technical and problem-solving assistance to economic development organizations and to businesses/prospective businesses in New York State. Incumbents serve as project team lead and may supervise the activities of subordinate staff, and will be responsible for promoting and publicizing the services of the Department of Economic Development. Economic development program specialist 3 Salary: $100,761 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As an Economic Development Program Specialist 3, you would assist in managing a major regional office or a supporting staff unit at the division level providing high level professional advisory services to key clients. You would conduct community relations/awareness programs to promote services of the Department through workshops, seminars, and other training programs; attend meetings and conferences; conduct speaking engagements; and represent the Department at ceremonies. You would supervise subordinate staff, often on a project or team basis, to ensure effective program development, service delivery, and administrative operations. Engineering technician trainee Salary: $36,357 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As an Engineering Technician Trainee, you would perform routine technical tasks including taking measurements; checking computations; collecting and compiling data; reducing notes; drafting maps, construction plans and details; making simple calculations; and performing inspections of small and relatively simple construction or rehabilitation projects or portions of projects. These tasks may be performed at a field location with a bridge inspection team or with an inspection or survey party, or in a drafting room, office, or laboratory. You may work with equipment used in surveying activities, and assist with observations, inspections, laboratory tests, and report preparation. You may assist in monitoring environmental quality. You may also be expected to use various computer applications including Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) in the performance of your duties. Fair hearings specialist 2 Salary: $63,108 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As a Fair Hearing Specialist 2 or Fair Hearing Specialist 2 (Spanish Language), you would supervise a team of Fair Hearings Specialists 1 who review and make proper determinations on requests for fair hearings, adjournments, withdrawals, aid continuances, and complaints of non-compliance with hearing decisions from clients and their representatives, respond to inquiries relating to the appeals process and make appropriate referrals, and provide guidance to local districts in meeting regulatory requirements pertaining to the hearing process. You would independently handle the more difficult and precedent-setting cases. In some cases, you would independently resolve post-hearing issues and need not supervise staff. Fair hearings specialist 2 (Spanish language) Salary: $63,108 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As a Fair Hearing Specialist 2 or Fair Hearing Specialist 2 (Spanish Language), you would supervise a team of Fair Hearings Specialists 1 who review and make proper determinations on requests for fair hearings, adjournments, withdrawals, aid continuances, and complaints of non-compliance with hearing decisions from clients and their representatives, respond to inquiries relating to the appeals process and make appropriate referrals, and provide guidance to local districts in meeting regulatory requirements pertaining to the hearing process. You would independently handle the more difficult and precedent-setting cases. In some cases, you would independently resolve post-hearing issues and need not supervise staff. Food inspector trainee 1 Salary: $47,925 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As a Food Inspector Trainee 1, you would be in a two-year formal training program that will include both on the job training and online training courses. The training provides the experience necessary to conduct general sanitation, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) inspections, low-acid canned food, juice HACCP, seafood HACCP, acidified food inspections, animal food inspections at food manufacturers, processors, distributors, and retailers; and to report violations of standards as they pertain to wholesomeness, labeling, and advertising of food products and/or general sanitary conditions and inventory control. You would also participate in educational sessions for operators of establishments (including donated food recipient agencies) found in repeated violation of sanitation standards. You may testify in court or in administrative hearings on violative conditions at food establishments, donated food recipient agencies, warehouses, or food banks and investigate consumer complaints related to mislabeling or unwholesomeness of food. Upon successful completion of the two-year training program, you would be advanced to Food Inspector 1, SG-18, without further examination. Food inspector trainee 1 (Spanish language) Salary: $47,925 Application deadline: Oct. 18 Job description, according to DCS: As a Food Inspector Trainee 1, you would be in a two-year formal training program that will include both on the job training and online training courses. The training provides the experience necessary to conduct general sanitation, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) inspections, low-acid canned food, juice HACCP, seafood HACCP, acidified food inspections, animal food inspections at food manufacturers, processors, distributors, and retailers; and to report violations of standards as they pertain to wholesomeness, labeling, and advertising of food products and/or general sanitary conditions and inventory control. You would also participate in educational sessions for operators of establishments (including donated food recipient agencies) found in repeated violation of sanitation standards. You may testify in court or in administrative hearings on violative conditions at food establishments, donated food recipient agencies, warehouses, or food banks and investigate consumer complaints related to mislabeling or unwholesomeness of food. Upon successful completion of the two-year training program, you would be advanced to Food Inspector 1, SG-18, without further examination. If you pass the examination and apply to a title which requires language proficiency, you must demonstrate your language proficiency at a level that will ensure your ability to perform the duties of the position properly. The proficiency test will only be given to enough candidates to fill current vacancies. Principal engineering technician Salary: $56,550 Application deadline: Oct. 18 A group of students specializing in biomedical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) including Staten Islander Isabell Devereaux is doing great things to develop a potentially game-changing way to more quickly and safely diagnose skin cancer, pending Food and Drug Administration approval. The students, Axel Batlle, Isabell Devereaux, Sam Harrington, Chloe Lewandowski and Cassidy Sheehan, were tasked with devising a staining mechanism that is completely contained to prevent any toxic exposure to medical professionals. SurgiVance Inc., a New York City-based startup and developer of this potentially game-changing technology, needed a sample preparation method as part of its innovative biospecimen processing platform that was secure and contained. And the RPI students did not disappoint. Right from the start, the team wanted three things: to create a successful device, to exceed our sponsors expectations, and to produce a patent-worthy device, said Isabell, a former New Dorp resident. It was so much work, but worth it! The collaboration with a corporate sponsor was what really made this project so interesting. It was a great experience to pitch ideas, get feedback, and then create a device with real-world applications. The group ingeniously designed a multi-chamber device into which a tissue sample is inserted into a staining confinement chamber. Then, a valve is opened to release the stain onto the sample. A third chamber releases a washing solution, resulting in a properly stained and washed sample ready for analysis under a microscope. Whats remarkable is that this solution is not only cost-effective but also entirely passive, relying solely on gravity to facilitate the exchange of reagents, with no mechanically active components involved. The Rensselaer students played an immensely valuable role in helping SurgiVance develop a diagnostic surgical pathology solution, effectively encapsulating a histopathology lab within a compact device, said Daniel S. Gareau, M.C.R., Ph.D., founder of SurgiVance. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of skin cancer and greatly enhance patient care. The hand-held device shortens the time it takes surgeons to look at tissues collected during surgery. Additionally, the device is designed to be user-friendly and does not require electricity. This passive design means it could be used in a wide range of facilities worldwide. The design captured the RPI highly competitive Best Design Award and, very impressively, was awarded a U.S. provisional patent. George Lee, Ph.D., a lecturer in biomedical engineering at Rensselaer, noted the importance of not exposing doctors to the stain and that the device wouldnt leak posed a challenge for the students. They devised several potential solutions, and ultimately chose the best one, continually refining and building multiple prototypes in the process, said Lee. ABOUT ISABELL DEVEREAUX Staten Island born and raised, Isabell attended Notre Dame Academy (NDA), Grymes Hill, from preschool to fourth grade until her family moved to Seoul, Korea. From 2010-2015 Isabell studied at Seoul Foreign School and traveled extensively throughout Asia with her family. While on a trip to Laos, Isabell visited the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), a USAID-supported project that helps people with physical disabilities access prosthetics, orthotics and physical therapy. The USAID advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. For Isabell, seeing how artificial limbs were being used to help landmine victims had a lasting impression on Isabell and is one of the reasons she chose to pursue Biomedical Engineering. Upon returning to United States, she resumed her studies at NDA, where she was captain of the Forensics Team and worked at the Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Institute at the College of Staten Island (CSI) in Willowbrook. There, she learned that Staten Island has the highest rate of breast cancer and related mortalities in the five boroughs and that early diagnosis is critical. When not working on research at CSI, Isabell visited over 100 local businesses to distribute breast cancer information emphasizing the importance of early detection, especially critical, as early detection saved both the lives of her mother and her grandmother, who were diagnosed with breast cancer. ABOUT RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is Americas first technological research university. Rensselaer encompasses five schools, over 30 research centers, more than 140 academic programs including 25 new programs, and a dynamic community made up of over 6,800 students and 104,000 living alumni. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The Staten Island Center for Independent Living (SICIL) is hosting its inaugural bingo fundraiser on Saturday, October 14, to benefit individuals with disabilities. The event will be held at Holy Family Church, located at 366 Watchogue Rd. in Willowbrook, from 6 to 10 p.m. At the event, Salvatore Minucci, a long-time constituent of SICIL, will be honored for his contributions to the organization. The fundraiser will help defray cost due to budget cuts to the agency and to continue to provide free services in the community, supporting over 1,300 individuals with disabilities per year. Not-for-profit SICIL equips its members with information, life skills training, education and facilitative assistance, resulting in independence and integration in the community. Additionally, SICIL offers the following: education in prevention of domestic violence workshops; health and wellness workshops; cooking and computer classes with adolescents; American Sign Language classes; computer class for adults; employment counseling; an after-school cooking program; a mobile food pantry, and more. To reserve your spot for the bingo fundraiser, contact Jennifer at 718-720-9016 x200, or you can email at jjensen@siciliving.org STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. When city officials first announced that two hotels on Staten Islands West Shore would convert into migrant shelters, they said they expected them to be open for six to nine months, but more than a year later theres no sign of their operation ceasing. In early September, Staten Island elected officials called on the city not to renew service-provider contracts with local non-profit organization, Project Hospitality, for the two hotels off Wild Avenue in Travis, but they say that request fell on deaf ears. In order to gain access to females, male European frogs harass, intimidate and force them to copulate. These efforts can cause reproductive failure in both individuals and cost females their lives. Previously thought to be passive and unable to resist male coercion, recent research published in the Royal Society Open Science journal shows that females have different strategies for avoiding males they do not want to mate with. When male and female reproductive interests or strategies differ, it can lead to sexual conflict. During the short breeding season, which lasts two weeks in spring, the sex ratio often skews heavily male. This causes many individuals to congregate and fight each other over a female. Females end up losing [in this scenario], as they often die; [they are] drowned by the group of up to eight frogs that are on top of them, explains Inigo Martinez-Solano, of the Biodiversity Department at Spains National Museum of Natural Sciences. Such pile-ons are known as mating balls. Scientist Carolin Dittrich of the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology in Vienna, Austria, collected 96 female and 48 male common frogs during the breeding season. She placed a male together with two females of different sizes in a box with five centimeters of water and allowed them to move freely for an hour while videotaping their behavior. The males did not pick up on the rejection cues, but the researcher found that the females used evasive maneuvers to push them away. Among these frogs mate-avoidance strategies, the most common was rotation, whereby the female attempts to turn on her own axis to escape the males grasp. The second is protesting. Dittrich describes this behavior as a deep, low-frequency growl, which she believes is an imitation of the release calls that males produce when fighting each other. They may also emit a higher frequency sound described as a chirp. The final and most surprising behavior was tonic immobility, that is, they played dead. Females rigidly extend their arms and legs away from their body to appear dead for several minutes. In one of the videos analyzed, a male is observed dragging a female that remains motionless. After releasing her, the female holds the position until the male turns around and then she swims away. This is very unusual behavior. Tonic immobility is typically associated with a strategy to avoid predation, but in a mating context it has only been observed in spiders and dragonflies as a defense of last resort, the researcher notes. Often used in combination, the maneuvers worked. Of 54 females grabbed by a male, 25 managed to shake him off and escape. Smaller females have a higher success rate because it is easier for them to escape the males grasp. Although this study was conducted in a laboratory, Dittrich believes that female frogs would exhibit similar behavior in the wild. Rejection by females is a matter of preference. Many times, they simply choose not to mate with the first male that grabs hold of them and instead mate with the one that has the deepest song or the largest one. After being rejected, some males intercept the females by surprise to try their luck again, but this clinging does not guarantee fertilization. If the female doesnt accept his advances, she activates her escape strategies. We have seen cases in which females carry a male on their back for days or even weeks, waiting for a larger male or another one they prefer, Martinez-Solano observes. Unlike the females, males dont seem to be very selective; they capture mates randomly and show no preference in terms of female body size. Their aggressive behavior is the result of the species short mating season. Dittrich believes that these strategies had not been detected because previous research tended to focus on male reproductive behavior. But [research] is slowly changing to include the female perspective as well, she says. Martinez emphasizes that research like Dittrichs is a positive thing, because it contributes to our understanding of the biology of amphibians, of which there is an enormous lack of knowledge. Better understanding them can help us discover their demographic aspects and apply that knowledge to effective conservation measures. Dittrich explains that the behaviors she detected do not threaten the reproduction or survival of the species in any way. But climate change does. Although it is a common species, European frog populations are declining. The ones that will survive are those that are best adapted or can adapt to a changing environment. In sum, Dittrich quotes her PhD advisor, Mark-Oliver Rodel: There is nothing frogs cant do. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The wet weather didnt deter dozens of community members who shopped for free essentials and engaged in dynamic activities at the third annual Day of Dignity on Staten Island, hosted Saturday afternoon by Islamic Relief USA, in partnership with House of Community (Bait-ul Jamaat). The event, which took place within the JCC Beacon Program, located at Dreyfus Intermediate School (I.S. 49) in Stapleton, aims to provide, at least for a day, relief from the regular hardships faced by the impoverished, regardless of race, creed, or nationality. The event also aimed to shed light on the effects of poverty, which remains a persistent problem on the North Shore of Staten Island. Haircuts were just one of the services offered at the Day of Dignity event. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) Poverty and homelessness, unfortunately, remain major problems. Day of Dignity events provide essential services and access, said Sharif Aly, chief executive officer of Islamic Relief USA at least years event. In addition to receiving food, clothing and health care, [people] also learn about the different agencies and other entities which they can connect with and continue receiving the guidance and resources necessary to help them get on a path of self-sufficiency. Many turned out to the third annual Day of Dignity held in Stapleton on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) The Day of Dignity campaign consists of a series of events held around the nation to help get people who are homeless or from low-income households among other sociological conditions access to essential resources, such as meals, winter coats, hygiene kits, health tests, haircuts/braiding services and school supplies. Jamilah LaSalle, executive director of the House of Community (Bait-ul Jamaat), which sponsored the event in partnership with Islamic Relief USA. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) Many turned out to the third annual Day of Dignity held in Stapleton on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) Saturday's event also aimed to shed light on the effects of poverty. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) Many turned out to the third annual Day of Dignity held in Stapleton on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) Many turned out to the third annual Day of Dignity held in Stapleton on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) Many turned out to the third annual Day of Dignity held in Stapleton on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Charlotte Togba) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is seeking the publics assistance in locating a 17-year-old female reported missing from Mariners Harbor. Danae Miller was last seen leaving her residence at 201 Continental Place at approximately 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Police described the girl as having a medium complexion, with black hair, a nose piercing, standing about 5 5 tall, and weighing approximately 115 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants and white sneakers. Anyone with information in regard to her whereabouts is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Plans for St. John Villa Academys Arrochar campus, a new location for Community Resources Staten Island (CRSI) and applications for new weed dispensaries and liquor licenses are on the agendas as two of Staten Islands three Community Boards plan meetings this week. Community Board 1 The West Brighton/St. George Area Committee will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sipp Auditorium of Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton. During the meeting, Mary Rafferty of CRSI will discuss the organizations new home at 243 Sumner Place, New Brighton. An overview of the services provided and the new residents will be given, as will an explanation of plans for renovation of the location. Liquor license and weed dispensary applications will also be discussed. Also on Tuesday, at 7 p.m., a virtual meeting of the Arlington/Mariners Harbor/Elm Park/Port Richmond Area Committee will take place. Members will discuss liquor license applications. To join the Zoom meeting, use the meeting ID: 878 6787 8755. The passcode is 879472 On Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m., the Clifton/Concord/Stapleton Area Committee will meet in the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. Liquor license applications will be discussed. Community Board 2 The New York City School Construction Authority will give an update on plans for the St. John Villa Academy campus during a full board meeting of Community Board 2 on Tuesday, Oct. 17. New York City plans to add nearly 2,000 more public school seats to Staten Island at the former seven-acre St. John Villa Academy property in Arrochar. The current shelter housing migrants at the site is expected to cease operations on Nov. 15 which is when the citys agreement with the SCA expires. Also, during the Community Board 2 meeting, motions concerning four new weed dispensary applications will be voted upon, as will 2025 budget priorities. The meeting will be held in the Hungerford School, 715 Ocean Terrace, on the second floor of Building L in room 216. The public is also invited to join the meeting virtually by filling out a webinar form at: https://www.nyc.gov/site/statenislandcb2/meetings/webinar-registration.page Registration will close by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct.16. Community Board 3 Community Board 3 has no meetings planned this week. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhood and surrounding areas. Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards: COMMUNITY BOARD 1 Arlington Castleton Corners Clifton Concord Elm Park Fort Wadsworth Graniteville Grymes Hill Livingston Mariners Harbor New Brighton Port Richmond Randall Manor Rosebank St. George Shore Acres Silver Lake Stapleton Sunnyside Tompkinsville West Brighton Westerleigh. The board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The district manager is Joan Cusack. The telephone number is 718-981-6900. COMMUNITY BOARD 2 Arrochar Bloomfield Bulls Head Chelsea Dongan Hills Egbertville Emerson Hill Grant City Grasmere High Rock Lighthouse Hill Midland Beach New Dorp New Springville Oakwood Ocean Breeze Old Town Richmond South Beach Todt Hill Travis. The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number is 718-568-3595. The chairman is Fred Guinta. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico. COMMUNITY BOARD 3 Annadale Arden Heights Bay Terrace Charleston Eltingville Great Kills Greenridge Huguenot New Dorp Oakwood Pleasant Plains Princes Bay Richmond Valley Richmond Rossville Tottenville Woodrow. The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The board chairman is Frank Morano; the district manager is Charlene Wagner. EDITORS NOTE This article is part of the Advance/SILive.com Hispanic Heritage Month series, which profiles Staten Islanders who are making an impact in the community. Do you have someone you would like to nominate for a profile? E-mail their name and a brief nomination to tips@siadvance.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rosa Perez tells her students that being bilingual is a super power, emphasizing that it allows them to help and support twice as many people. I put myself as an example to them. I say I come from a country where you speak only Spanish, but my parents decided to put me in English classes, and so I went to a school where they offer both English and Spanish languages, she explained. And I tell them that because I am bilingual, I can help more people. Perez came to the United States in 2007 from Peru, where she was an attorney. And her journey since then has led her to be a bilingual teacher at PS22 -- a school in Graniteville that implements a dual language program from 3-K through fifth grade. Her dual-language fifth-grade classroom comprises of half the students who speak Spanish as their dominant language and the other half who speak English. She switches languages each day, alternating from Spanish to English throughout the week, so students can transfer their skills from their dominant language to their target language. Perez explained that National Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, is very important. It means to celebrate who I really am. I am a Hispanic person who arrived to this country, and I never forget from where I came, she said. (Priya Shahi/ Staten Island Advance)Rosa Perez poses outside of the On the first day of the school year, Prez begins by pinpointing the ancestral roots of each of her students families and celebrates their cultural heritage. We remind them that we have to always be proud from where we come. I have Mexican kids, Colombian kids, Venezuelan kids. I have kids from the Dominican Republic ... Puerto Rico, so I tell them to feel proud of that, she said. To know your heritage is to know you. Perez noted shes seen some of her students act as interpreters for family members who have recently arrived in the United States. She said she takes pride in her students ability to effortlessly switch between languages. Last year, Perez had a student whose entire family spoke English and no Spanish at all. The Spanish was not at home, but mommy and daddy decided that its better for their daughter to learn it. Well my girl, when she did her final project, she delivered her speech in English and Spanish, she said. And her mom was here and said that she recommends parents put their kids in multilingual programs, because they support them to develop their skills. A 2019 study from the University of Washington revealed that people in multilingual communities can identify words in another language more effectively based on brain activity than those in monolingual settings. The most important thing in a bilingual class is to make newcomers or immigrants feel safe and included. When they feel safe and included, they are open to learning, Perez said. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are my English days. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my Spanish days. But I cannot pretend that my newcomers are going to speak English right away, and on those English days when they are quiet, I do trans-languaging during class. Perez currently has 32 students in her classroom -- 10 of which are newcomers to the country who arrived at the end of 2022. From Peru to the States As someone who came to the United States from a different country, Perez said the transition is not easy. We can come with the English, but our intonation and accent come with us, and sometimes people put us aside. And I felt that at the beginning, she recalled. While Perez was an attorney in her country, it took a while for her credentials to be validated in the United States with all her documents, she said. Her first job when she arrived here started at the craft superstore Michaels, where she met someone who works as a school secretary for the city Department of Education (DOE). She said listen, you are so nice with people and you have patience with the kids. Sure you dont want to do something else with your life? I said, yes, I would like to, Perez remembered. She asked if I had a resume, so I gave it to her. She later called me saying I had an interview. And then my journey began. Perez started her career with the DOE as a biligual paraprofessional in 2014 at PS22. She said she met many nice people along the way, including her colleagues and the school principal, who encouraged her to pursue a path toward becoming a dual-language teacher. Being bilingual brings great potential, she said. In September 2019, after completing the New York City Teaching Collaborative program, Perez started her teaching career. "The most important thing in a bilingual class is to make newcomers or immigrants feel safe and included. When they feel safe and included, they are open to learning, Perez said. (Priya Shahi/ Staten Island Advance)Rosa Perez poses outside of the I decided to begin teaching, because I feel that kids that dont speak English and only speak Spanish -- they feel more represented by someone like me who speaks both languages and looks like them, Perez said. Its not only me. Its a several teachers. We help each other build the capacity and ability of these kids, because the more they know, the better opportunities these kids will have. Perez explained that National Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, is very important. It means to celebrate who I really am. I am a Hispanic person who arrived to this country, and I never forget from where I came, she said. ADDITIONAL STORIES IN THE SERIES She fled Guatemala at age 4, and now this Staten Islander helps migrants arriving in NYC Hispanic Heritage 2023: Former military cook brings authentic, Baja-style cuisine to Staten Island Hispanic Heritage 2023: Photographer captures vibrance, beauty of Staten Islands Mexican community Hispanic Heritage 2023: This Staten Islander could lose the only home hes ever known STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Employers across New York can no longer access private social media accounts of their workers or job applicants, thanks to a new law Gov. Kathy Hochul signed last month. The legislation, brought by State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-the Bronx) in their respective chambers, amends the state labor law to prohibit employers from accessing a workers or applicants private social media accounts. As written, the law includes a number of carve-outs related to things like certain types of employees, such as police, accessing information thats publicly available on a given website, or having access to employees login information for the businesses system. The proliferation of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Threads has vastly increased the accessibility of information, Dinowitz said in a statement to the New York Post. Nevertheless, certain employers go to great lengths beyond publicly shared data when making hiring and disciplinary determinations. This includes the unwarranted solicitation of social media usernames and passwords and access to personal email and other highly private accounts from prospective and current employees. Such requests represent a grave breach of privacy on the employers part and can raise concerns regarding unfair and discriminatory hiring and admission practices, he said. Hochul signed the bill Sept. 14, and a spokesperson described her decision to post as a way to protect the privacy of New Yorkers and protect their rights in the workplace. MORE LOCAL NEWS Impending FDNY inspection may force closure of St. John Villa shelter Staten Island migrant shelter at former school to close over asbestos concerns, elected officials say NYC greenway expansion: 10-mile bike path envisioned for Staten Island NYC lays out possible congestion pricing scenarios for tunnel crossing discounts, for-hire charges NYC will offer virtual abortion care with ability to access medical care via mail STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Members of the eight Episcopal churches on Staten Island gathered at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Rosebank Saturday for a festive Eucharist and meal to celebrate the consecration of Matthew Foster Heyd as the bishop coadjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the work of the parishes within their community. Heyd was ordained and consecrated bishop on May 20 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. The Free Palestine rally held at CSI dismisses the butchering of Israeli children, parents and elderly by the cowardly Hamas terrorists. That is pure toxic hate. They claim resistance is justified when people are occupied. Tell that to the beheaded Jewish babies. Moreover, Israel left Palestine in 2005. Hamas ruled to the everlasting regret of Palestinian civilians. It is they who swear death to the Jew, even if their own population suffers retaliation. Are the Muslim students even aware of this, or their hatred takes precedence? For a generation, Israel has bent over backwards to pursue a just peace with Palestine. All for naught. They rebuffed having their own state. If Israel was allowed to exist, Israel is not going anywhere. You cannot negotiate with terrorists who slaughter children. Thats a no-win situation for Palestine. This ongoing onslaught will continue until and when those evil terrorists are eliminated and sensible Palestinians come to realize there will never be a Palestine from the Jordan River to the sea. (Joseph Valente is a South Beach resident.) If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Go to form 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! The entire sequence of an annular solar eclipse from start to finish. This sequence shows the beginning of the eclipse and continues all the way until the ring of fire is formed. goh keng cheong (Getty Images) On the morning of Saturday, 14 October, the Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth, producing an annular solar eclipse which will be visible from several western and southern locations of the U.S. After that it will be visible from parts of Mexico, Central America and Brazil. What is an annular eclipse? According to NASA, an annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth while it is at its farthest point from earth. As the moon is far from Earth, it looks smaller than the Sun and doesnt completely cover it, which creates a ring of fire effect in the sky. Because the Sun is not completely covered, observers must wear eye protection at all times while watching this phenomenon. The eclipse is visible if the weather is good (not cloudy) and if the observer is close to the path of annularity, which are the locations on Earth from which the Moon will appear to pass across the center of the sun. Phases of an Annular Eclipse The annular eclipse has four phases: Partial eclipse When the Moon begins to pass in front of the Sun, it produces a partial eclipse. The Moon will cover more and more of the Suns light, which will make the Sun appear as a smaller crescent before it forms a C shape. The phase is also known as first contact. Annularity About an hour and 20 minutes after the partial eclipse phase starts, the Moon will fully move into the Suns path, leaving a luminous ring of the Sun behind the Moon. This stage is referred to as annularity or second contact. Its duration will vary between 1 and 5 minutes, depending on the observers location. During the event, the sky will look darker but not as much as during a total solar eclipse, and some animals may behave as if its dusk. Temperature may also drop. Return to partial eclipse This phase, called third contact, consists of the Moon passing across the Suns face for about another hour and 20 minutes, producing another partial eclipse phase. Partial eclipse ends In the last phase, known as fourth contact, the Moon keeps moving until it no longer overlaps with the Suns disk. The eclipse ends. When does the annular eclipse start? In the U.S. the annular solar eclipse will begin on 14 October in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and ends in Texas at 12:03 p.m CDT. After that the eclipse will pass Mexico and Central America, passing over Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, then crossing into South America in Colombia. It will pass over Northern Brazil before ending at sunset in the Atlantic Ocean. Where can I see the annular solar eclipse in the U.S.? In proper weather conditions, the astronomical event will be visible in Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as some parts of California, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona. Location Partial Eclipse Begins Annularity Begins Maximum Annularity Ends Partial Eclipse Ends Eugene, Oregon 8:06 a.m. PDT 9:16 a.m. PDT 9:18 a.m. PDT 9:20 a.m. PDT 10:39 a.m. PDT Alturas, California 8:05 a.m. PDT 9:19 a.m. PDT 9.20 a.m. PDT 9:21 a.m. PDT 10:43 a.m. PDT Battle Mountain, Nevada 8:06 a.m. PDT 9: 21 a.m. PDT 9:23 a.m. PDT 9:25 a.m. PDT 10:48 a.m. PDT Richfield, Utah 9:09 a.m. MDT 10: 26 a.m. MDT 10:28 a.m. MDT 10:31 a.m. MDT 11:56 a.m. MDT Albuquerque, New Mexico 9:13 a.m. MDT 10:34 a.m. MDT 10:35 a.m. MDT 10:39 a.m. MDT 12:09 a.m. MDT San Antonio, Texas 10:23 a.m. CDT 11:52 a.m. CDT 11:54 a.m. CDT 11:56 a.m CDT 1:33 p.m. CDT Where can I see the annular solar eclipse online? NASA will have a live video of the event on its official YouTube Channel. Solar eclipse events in National Parks around the U.S. There will be several events surrounding the annular solar eclipse in national parks all around the U.S. There will be full programs in the Great Basin National Park (Nevada), the Petroglyph National Monument (New Mexico), the El Malpais National Monument (New Mexico), in the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (New Mexico), the Big Thicket National Preserve (Texas), the Cedar Breaks National Monument (Utah), the Rock Creek Park (District of Columbia), the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas), the George Washington Carver National Monument (Missouri), and the Shiloh National Military Park (Tennessee). How to watch the solar eclipse safely According to NASA, viewing an annular eclipse directly, through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. To safely watch an annular solar eclipse with your eyes, always use proper solar viewing glasses (known as eclipse glasses) or a safe handheld solar viewer. Eclipse glasses are not the same as regular sunglasses, no matter how dark they may seem. Safe solar viewers are much darker and should meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Please note that NASA does not endorse any specific brand of solar viewers. Before using your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer, make sure to check them for any tears, scratches, or damage. If you find any issues, its best to discard the device. Also, when children are using solar viewers, always supervise them. NASA warns: Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury. If you dont have eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, you can use an indirect viewing method that doesnt involve looking directly at the Sun. One approach is to use a pinhole projector, created by making a small opening, like a hole in an index card, which projects an image of the Sun onto a nearby surface. Never attempt to look directly at the Sun through the pinhole. You can also craft your own eclipse projector using a cardboard box, a white sheet of paper, tape, scissors, and aluminum foil. Place the Sun behind you, and let sunlight pass through a pinhole in the aluminum foil attached to one side of the box. During the partial phases of a solar eclipse, this will cast an image of a crescent Sun onto the white paper inside the box. To view it, look through another hole cut into the box. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition When Sydney doctor Dr Daniel Nour received an email from the estate of late boxing legend Muhammad Ali, he couldnt believe it. So, he didnt. The team got an email, and were like: we think this is spam. Someone is claiming that Muhammad Alis family found out about your work and they want to give you an award, Nour recalled. Former Young Australian of the Year Dr Daniel Nour will be honoured at the Muhammad Ali Centres humanitarian awards. Credit: Edwina Pickles The former Young Australian of the Year agreed the email was probably not real and ignored it, along with a second missive sent to his personal address. It was when the general manager added me on LinkedIn and sent the same message that I thought: this might actually be legit, he said. Australian TV journalist Cheng Lei was finally reunited with her family last week after almost three years detained in China on national security charges. Lei had been in a Chinese prison since late 2020, sentenced after a one-day closed-door trial, for breaching her employment contract and illegally providing state secrets to a foreign country. She had previously denied the charges but is understood to have pleaded guilty to the charge of providing state secrets abroad to secure her release. Her detention came while she was working as a journalist with a Chinese state TV network and at the height of the tensions between Australia and China over human rights, trade disputes and COVID. Australian journalist Cheng Lei with Foreign Minister Penny Wong at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday. Her ordeal ended last Wednesday when she flew into Melbourne and was able to embrace her son and daughter, now 12 and 14, and her partner Nick Coyle. The Greens are trying to pressure parliament to debate their bill for a pill-testing trial following the death of two men at a music festival in Sydney last month. Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann will present her drug checking bill for a second reading. It would allow organisations including festival organisers to apply for one of three mobile licences, and one fixed site licence, to conduct pill testing. NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said pressure is mounting on the NSW government to take action on festival deaths. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The NSW government has no plans to introduce pill testing, with Premier Chris Minns arguing its not a one-stop solution for preventing drug deaths. I dont want to give anyone an impression that pill testing is a silver bullet that will stop every harm happening at a festival, he said last week. The Voice referendum divided Sydney, with a strong Yes vote in most inner-urban and so-called teal electorates but a decisive No vote in the outer suburbs and the regions, in a pattern similar to the 1999 republic decision. NSW joined the other states in opposing an Indigenous Voice to parliament. More than 58 per cent of NSW voters rejected the constitutional change close to the national average. Premier Chris Minns voted at Carlton South Primary School in the electorate of Barton. Credit: Cole Bennetts There was a clear difference between inner and outer-Sydney seats. Urban electorates mostly voted Yes, including Tanya Pliberseks seat of Sydney, Anthony Albaneses seat of Grayndler, and the teal-held seats of Wentworth and Warringah, but Mackellar was on a knife edge at 50.7 per cent Yes. One exception was the inner-south seat of Barton, which includes Rockdale, Earlwood and the southern part of Marrickville, where No was leading on 56 per cent with two-thirds of the vote counted. The seat is held by Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney. Congratulations to the state government for banning mobile phones during school hours, despite no scientific evidence that this benefits students (Phone ban at schools not backed by scientific data, October 8). Some time ago I was a supervisor in a boarding school where it was decided, as many residential schools did, that mobile phones (and computers) would be collected in the evenings and locked away until morning. At first there were complaints, even from parents who thought it quite acceptable to chat to their children at all hours. However, it was obvious the students benefited from this wind-down of technology, particularly younger students. Freeing a childs brain to concentrate on learning during the school day and even improving their social skills of direct face-to-face communication will be a positive move without scientific evidence needed. Christina Foo, Wahroonga Hotel failure Imagine the insult to injury having your bank accounts raided or your wages garnished to pay for outstanding mandated hotel quarantine (Debt collectors come after $40m in fees, October 8). We know they didnt work, we know that vaccinated people who were allowed to come into the country free from the imposition of forced hotel quarantine were no less a risk than anybody else, and locking down healthy negative unvaccinated travellers was discriminatory on health status. Now the government has the temerity to extract their pound of flesh in spite of the abject failure of hotel quarantine. If its not bad enough they treated people like criminals, now theyre treating us like idiots. Christopher Woodley, Vaucluse When you do the hard things, when you aim high, sometimes you fall short. And tonight we acknowledge, understand and respect that we have. He spoke directly to Aboriginal Australians: Maintain your hope and know that you are loved. He took responsibility for the result. Speaking from Brisbane, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also said Albanese needed to take responsibility for the result. This is the referendum that Australia did not need to have, Dutton said. Loading Dutton spoke directly to Yes voters: I respect your decision to have voted yes. He called for a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities. Dutton said you could hear in Albaneses voice the almost-contempt the prime minister had for the Australian people. He said Albanese really needs to listen to the Australian public instead of [using] words of arrogance. As early results emerged on Saturday night it quickly became apparent that the prime minister had a lot to be responsible for. He had profoundly misjudged the mood of the community. His electorate of Grayndler voted Yes. But it was an outlier. Even the neighbouring electorate of Barton, held by Indigenous Affairs Minister and Yes campaigner Linda Burney, voted No. Burney struggled to hold back tears as she spoke after Albanese in Canberra on Saturday night. Anthony Albanese addresses the media in Balmain on Saturday afternoon. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone We will carry on, and we will move forward, and we will thrive. This is not the end of reconciliation, she said. Any chance of Yes was sunk, really, the moment in April when Dutton rejected the proposal and killed any chance of bipartisanship. And then a few weeks ago, Warren Mundine said the Uluru Statement an expression of the utmost grace was a symbolic declaration of war. If democracy is what we care about, opinion polls suggested the Voice was what the majority of Aboriginal people wanted. The process to design the Voice could not have been more grassroots or democratic. Polls repeatedly showed it had majority support among Aboriginal people. But democracy is brutal when it is brutal, and the only thing that matters in politics are the numbers. Three per cent was never going to be a match for 97. The Aboriginal people who lobbied for this change are old now elders like Pearson, Marcia Langton and Pat Anderson will be broken-hearted by the result. Loading On Saturday, before the referendum was even decided, Marcia Langton wrote that reconciliation is dead and the nation has been poisoned. Pearson has said a No vote will mean the reconciliation process is extinguished. Speaking on the ABC on Saturday night, Yes campaigner Tanya Hosch said she was devastated. Thomas Mayo used the same word. He said the parts of the No campaign had been disgusting. He said there was no Plan B. Theres going to be a lot of pain and hurt and dismay, and we are going to need to take a moment to absorb that message, she said. The Yes23 campaign put out a statement calling for a week of silence, to mourn and deeply consider the consequence of this outcome. There will now be recriminations. They have already started against the prime minister. Dutton said Albanese had divided Australia and that the PM would be responsible for a No vote setting back reconciliation. He was right about the last part. During the campaign, Independent senator and Blak Sovereignty advocate Lidia Thorpe was the subject of a video of a masked man threatening her, burning an Aboriginal flag and doing the Nazi salute. She blamed the prime minister for stirring the hornets nest of racism. On Saturday night, sitting on an ABC panel, Thorpe said the referendum had been a waste of money which resulted in no justice. Marcia Langton was lambasted for suggesting the No campaigns tactics were based in racism. Credit: James Brickwood The No campaigners and their conservative sympathisers can be pleased with the effectiveness of their campaign. That it contained mistruths and disinformation is not a source of shame for them. That those mistruths and disinformation worked, is important information. Presumably these conservatives will take all their successful strategies and roll them out for other issues. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has already heralded her next focus pushing back against the transgender movement. Loading Polling by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age showed the most resonant campaign of the No movement was the assertion the Voice would divide the country by race. This is a perfect get-out clause for every accusation of racism it was a political slogan which blamed the victim and wiped the slate of colonial guilt. No voters dont want any difference enshrined in our constitution. Some of them think Aboriginal people already get enough privileges. You can call it egalitarianism, or you can call it a racialised version of the tall poppy syndrome: no special treatment for you. Brisbane: Opposition leader Peter Dutton and his Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price have hailed a crushing victory in the Voice to parliament referendum, as they called for a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities. The No camp achieved victory within the first 90 minutes but Dutton and Price waited until the prime minister had addressed the nation before they stood up in Brisbane to address their successful campaign to persuade Australians to reject a proposal to enshrine an indigenous advisory authority in the constitution. Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price hail the defeat of the referendum. Credit: Dan Peled Dutton said the referendum result was good for the country and that while the majority of Australians would be pleased with the outcome, some would also be disappointed and that it was vital Australia did not remain divided. What matters is that we all accept the result in this great spirit of our democracy, he said. Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has issued request for proposals (RFP) for the planned Jubail-Buraydah independent water transmission pipeline (IWTP) project to the pre-qualified bidders. The project will have a transmission capacity of 650,000 cu m per day and cover a length of 605 km. The commercial operation date for the project is expected in Q4-2027, SWPC said. Request for expressions of interest (EoI) for the project was issued in October 2021. The project is part of the Saudi National Water Strategy (NWS 2030), which recognises the critical importance of ensuring sustainable development of the kingdoms water resources while providing affordable high-quality services. SWPC will select a developer or developer consortium to develop the project on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis. The company developing the project will provide the entire transmission capacity to SWPC under a water transmission agreement (WTA). The term of the WTA is expected to be up to 35 years. SWPCs obligations under the WTA will be supported by a credit support agreement entered into by the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. - TradeArabia News Service Republicans chose Rep. Jim Jordan as their new nominee for House speaker on Friday during internal voting, putting the gavel within reach of the staunch ally of GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump. Jordan, of Ohio, will now try to unite colleagues from the deeply divided House GOP majority around his bid ahead of a floor vote, which could push to next week. Frustrated House Republicans have been fighting bitterly over whom they should elect to replace the speaker they ousted, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, and the future direction of their party. The stalemate, now in its second week, has thrown the House into chaos, grinding all other business to a halt. I think Jordan would do a great job, McCarthy said ahead of the vote. We got to get this back on track. Attention swiftly turned to Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chairman and founder of the hard-line Freedom Caucus, as the next potential candidate after Majority Leader Steve Scalise abruptly ended his bid when it became clear holdouts would refuse to back him. But not all Republicans want to see Jordan as speaker, second in line to the presidency. Overwhelmed and exhausted, anxious GOP lawmakers worry their House majority is being frittered away to countless rounds of infighting and some dont want to reward Jordans wing, which sparked the turmoil. If were going to be the majority party, we have to act like the majority party, said Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., who posed a last-ditch challenge to Jordan. While the firebrand Jordan has a long list of detractors who started making their opposition known, Jordans supporters said voting against the Trump ally during a public vote on the House floor would be tougher since he is so popular and well known among more conservative GOP voters. Heading into a morning meeting, Jordan said, I feel real good. Other potential speaker choices were also being floated. Some Republicans proposed simply giving Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who was appointed interim speaker pro tempore, greater authority to lead the House for some time. The House, without a speaker, is essentially unable to function during a time of turmoil in the U.S. and wars overseas. The political pressure increasingly is on Republicans to reverse course, reassert majority control and govern in Congress. With the House narrowly split 221-212, with two vacancies, any nominee can lose just a few Republicans before they fail to reach the 217 majority needed in the face of opposition from Democrats, who will most certainly back their own leader, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Absences heading into the weekend could lower the majority threshold needed, and Republicans said they were down about a dozen lawmakers as of midday Friday. No floor votes were scheduled as attendance thinned before the weekend. In announcing his decision to withdraw from the nomination, Scalise said late Thursday, the Republican majority still has to come together and open up the House again. But clearly not everybody is there. Asked if he would throw his support behind Jordan, Scalise said, Its got to be people that arent doing it for themselves and their own personal interest. But Jordans allies swung into high gear at a chance for the hard-right leader to seize the gavel. Make him the speaker. Do it tonight, said Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind. Hes the only one who can unite our party. Jordan also received an important nod Friday from the Republican Partys campaign chairman, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., who made an attempt to unify the fighting factions. Removing Speaker Kevin McCarthy was a mistake, Hudson wrote on social media, saying the party found itself at a crossroads also blocking Scalise. We must unite around one leader. Earlier in the week, Jordan had nominally dropped out of the race he initially lost to Scalise, 113-99, during internal balloting. Scalise had been laboring to peel off more than 100 votes, mostly from those who backed Jordan. But many hard-liners taking their cues from Trump have dug in for a prolonged fight to replace McCarthy after his historic ouster from the job. The holdouts argued that as majority leader, Scalise was no better choice, that he should be focusing on his health as he battles cancer and that he was not the leader they would support. Handfuls of Republicans announced they were sticking with Jordan, McCarthy or someone other than Scalise including Trump, the former president. The position of House speaker does not need to go to a member of Congress. Trump, the early front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, repeatedly discussed Scalises health during a radio interview that aired Thursday. Scalise has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma and is being treated, but he has also said he was definitely up for the speakers job. On Friday, another California Republican, Rep. Tom McClintock, had introduced a motion to reinstate McCarthy during the morning meeting, but it was shelved. I just told them, no, lets not do that, McCarthy said afterward. Lets walk through this and have an election. The situation is not fully different from the start of the year, when McCarthy faced a similar backlash from a different group of far-right holdouts who ultimately gave their votes to elect him speaker, then engineered his historic downfall. But the math this time is even more daunting, and the problematic political dynamic is only worsening. Exasperated Democrats, who have been waiting for the Republican majority to recover from McCarthys ouster, urged them to figure it out. The House Democrats have continued to make clear that we are ready, willing and able to find a bipartisan path forward, Jeffries said, including doing away with the rule that allows a single lawmaker to force a vote against the speaker. But we need traditional Republicans to break from the extremists and partner with us. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In travelling much of the country, Ive been shocked to learn how few Australians are aware of what the gap is. They dont know the life-expectancy for Indigenous Australians is around 10 years less than for the non-Indigenous people or that in some remote communities the gap can be as great as 20 years. As the Uluru Statement from the Heart says: Proportionately we are the most incarcerated people on the planet. We are not an innately criminal people. Our children are alienated from their families at unprecedented rates. This cannot be because we have no love for them. And our youth languish in detention in obscene numbers. They should be our hope for the future. These dimensions of our crisis tell plainly the structural nature of our problem. This is the torment of our powerlessness. Thomas Mayo has travelled the country campaigning for the Voice. Credit: AFR When theyre not trying to bring each other down and point score, both major political parties agree with this. Yet, neither the Coalition nor Labor have been able to close the gap. In fact, during the Coalitions most recent decade in power, the gap got worse. The No campaign offers promises that nothing will change, which for Indigenous Australians, means nothing but more continued failure. Not in my wildest dreams did I, an official of the Maritime Union of Australia and Labor Party member, imagine I would ever campaign alongside Fred Chaney. Never did I think I would publicly praise a former minister in Tony Abbotts government, Julie Bishop. I couldnt have planned to be on the Board of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition with Tony Nutt, John Howards former chief of staff. No one would have thought I would be shoulder-to-shoulder, leafleting with federal Coalition MP Julian Leeser. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the current approach has failed and voting No to the Voice means more of the same. Leading Yes campaigner Noel Pearson says the problems wont be tackled without a constant voice in the ear of the government. But Indigenous voices already inform and design all policymaking. Thats the current approach. Entrenching it in the Constitution wont make it succeed. Pearson says theres no Plan B if the referendum fails. But his Plan A the Voice provides no plan at all. This is the referendum we did not have to have. No campaigner Warren Mundine. Credit: Trevor Collens Ive travelled across the country speaking with both supporters and opponents of the Voice and with undecideds. They all want to see better lives for the most marginalised Australians. Regardless of the result, all sides of this referendum debate must come together on Sunday to harness this goodwill, enthusiasm and momentum for change. We need a new plan based on four priorities: accountability, education, economic participation and social change. A dearth of polling booths in the CBD meant that city dwellers had to head to Docklands library where a $4 constitutional sausage awaited those who made it through Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School or South Melbourne Primary in Southbank, or the MacRobertson Girls School in Kings Way. Mohamed Hassan at Docklands on Saturday. Credit: Joe Armao Voting in the city was difficult, the Australian Electoral Commission said on social media, because we cant always get premises for an operation of this size and on short notice. As Victorians turned out to vote across the state, veteran pollster and political analyst Kos Samaras noted the absence of No volunteers at polling places was stark. He said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that this was different to the 1999 referendum on an Australian republic. Presence at a polling places matters more than a general election, he said. Yes volunteers will be converting undecided voters all day on places where No have arrogantly abandoned. While the Voice was defeated nationally, the vote was much closer in Victoria than NSW. A Yes23 spokesperson said that there were more than 70,000 Yes volunteers at polling places across the country on referendum day. Yes volunteers outside a polling station in Melbournes northern suburbs. Credit: Max Walden A Fair Australia spokesperson said the organisation had mobilised 25,000 volunteers nationally, who focused on the battleground states of Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. At Footscray High School, No campaigner Annette Maxwell, who has lived in Footscray for 30 years, said she believed the Voice proposal was divisive and did not represent everybody. Im 3 per cent Indigenous, so for me, its an important thing for our people to hear whats going on, and I dont think were getting told everything, Maxwell said. I dont believe the people on country are getting heard. I dont think they know much about all of this Voice. So thats why Im here. Red, white, pink or blue, were all Australian. I dont think the Yes vote is representing everybody, I think its divisive. George Bath, Victorian campaign co-ordinator for Yes23, said he had received good feedback from volunteers all day indicating strong support for Yes at the booths around Melbourne, while No campaigners had not covered many polling booths at all. A huge number of people who havent engaged until today are saying they intended to Vote Yes. Weve seen a great response from the African, Indian and Sri Lankan communities in Melbournes eastern suburbs, he said. Bath said that Yes23 Victoria worked hard to engage multicultural voters over the duration of the campaign. Loading Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, a prominent anti-Voice campaigner, said the debate had brought about racism from both Yes and No voters. Thorpe left the Greens earlier this year over the partys position on the Voice and now describes herself as the leader of the Blak sovereign movement. Heading into the polling booth at the Northern School for Autism in Melbournes northern suburbs, Thorpe wore a black T-shirt with Vote No written across her chest. We have Yes people, white middle-aged women with Yes T-shirts on, questioning fair-skinned Aboriginal people saying that theyre racist because they dont want to vote Yes, Thorpe said. That is racism from the Yes23 campaign straight to our people. Senator Lidia Thorpe said the Voice would not make a difference to Indigenous lives. Credit: Joe Armao After the referendum, Thorpe said Australia needed to begin a truth-telling process and rid the country of the cancer of racism. After that, she called for a treaty with Indigenous Australians that would give us our own self determining rights to make decisions. Yes campaigner Marcus Stewart, a Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation and elected co-chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were hurting. Its a tough result, its an emotional result, he said. But he stressed that people who voted No were not racist. The Australian people have decided that the 92 words that were put to them wasnt the best pathway that they saw for us to improve the lives of our people, Stewart said. Marcus Stewart speaks after the referendum result was announced on Saturday night. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Australian people are not racist if they voted No. I want to be absolutely, categorically clear. Stewart said there was a strong Yes vote and Australians had sent a very clear message that political leaders need to do better. Israeli soldiers call it the Hamas metro: a labyrinthine network of underground tunnels the Palestinian militant group has commanded beneath war-ravaged Gaza for 16 years. Up to 30 metres below and snaking around entire neighbourhoods in one of the most densely populated areas in the world, the tunnels have become a defining feature of how Hamas has controlled Gaza after Israel imposed a strict blockade in 2007. An armed guard inside one of the tunnels on the Gaza-Israeli border. Credit: Getty The complex subterranean system, which reportedly cost up to $US1 billion to construct, played a critical role during Hamas 2014 war with Israel. Now, as Israel signals an imminent ground invasion of Gaza, the same network is complicating its military retaliation not least because Hamas says it is holding Israeli hostages in subterranean rooms. The covert corridors which stretch for dozens of kilometres have long provided essential channels for the movement of weapons and armed combatants. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong this afternoon called for unimpeded access for innocent civilians - including Australian citizens - to leave Gaza after a proposed window for approved foreign nationals to leave didnt eventuate. There are 1540 Australians who have registered with the government for assistance as a result of the war but it is unclear how many are in Palestinian territories. Gazas 2.3 million civilians are facing a deepening struggle for food, water and safety, and are bracing for a looming invasion a week after Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Israel. Palestinians evacuate wounded people after an Israeli airstrike in the Rafah refugee camp. Credit: AP Hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents followed Israels order to evacuate roughly the northern half of the territory, while others huddled at hospitals in the north on Sunday. Gazas hospitals are expected to run out of fuel for emergency generations within two days, according to the United Nations, which said that that would endanger the lives of thousands of patients. Senator Wong said she was doing everything she could to allow Australians who wish to leave Gaza to be able to do so through Egypt, but the Rafah crossing - the only crossing point between Egypt and Gaza - remained closed after it was shut down Tuesday following nearby Israeli airstrikes. I want to say I know how distressing this is for Australians in Gaza, she said. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is of serious concern and continues to deteriorate. Wong said the government was doing all we can in a very difficult situation to facilitate departure for those Australians in Gaza who wish to leave Loading We support work being done by Egypt and others to make the crossing available for humanitarian purposes including the outward passage of civilians, Senator Wong said. We have engaged, including me personally, with our Egyptian counterparts and the Israelis to this end. Australia is providing an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza to fund urgent needs like medical support, emergency water, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene services. Wong said while the Australian government unequivocally condemn Hamas for these evil attacks and reiterate Israels right to defend itself, it also called for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians affected by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We also echo calls from around the world including from President Biden for Israel to operate by the rules of war in his response to Hamas attacks. We have already witnessed a devastating loss of life and innocent civilians on all sides of suffering. Auckland: Former businessman Christopher Luxon will be New Zealands next prime minister after winning a decisive election victory on Saturday. People voted for change after six years of a liberal government led for most of that time by Jacinda Ardern. Christopher Luxon, of the National Party. Credit: AP The exact makeup of Luxons conservative government is still to be determined as ballots continued to be counted. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who spent just nine months in the top job after taking over from Ardern in January, told supporters late Saturday he had called Luxon to concede. Hipkins said it wasnt the result he wanted. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Vromi is pleased to announce that 15 members of its dedicated staff recently participated in a comprehensive 8-hour CPR training program conducted by the Sint Maarten Red Cross Organization. The Red Cross CPR training program covered a wide range of critical emergency response techniques, including Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, Recovery Position training, and Treating Scars and Bruising training. The training sessions were both educational and engaging, providing our staff with valuable knowledge and practical skills that can make a significant difference in emergency situations. Every member of the team has successfully passed the class, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing their life-saving skills. The highly experienced First Aid Instructors commended the Ministry of Vromi team for their exceptional dedication and enthusiasm throughout the training. This group is agile and ready to learn, their quick grasp of the techniques taught during the session is worth noting, said Ms. Sue-ann Oduber. The honorable Minister of VROMI Egbert J. Doran, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishments, stating, "The safety and well-being of our citizens are of paramount importance to us, and this training equips our staff with the essential skills to respond effectively to emergencies that can occur in the workplace or at any location where the situation calls for first aid responding. We are grateful to the Red Cross for their expert guidance and commend our team for their commitment to continuous learning." This training initiative aligns with the Ministry of VROMI's ongoing efforts to enhance the teams professional development which is essential for ensuring a higher level of safety and care for all citizens of our community. The First Aid training was taught by Mrs. SueAnn Haynes Oduber, Mr Bradly Attyl, accompanied by Ms Jacqueline Blijden, and guided by Mr. Antonio Hughes, Head Instructor at Red Cross St Maarten. For more information about the Ministry of VROMI and its initiatives, please contact +721 542-2908. Unions representing 75,000 health care workers have reached a tentative agreement with industry giant Kaiser Permanente following a strike over wages and staffing levels, the parties announced Friday. Details of the agreement were not immediately released, but both sides said a full announcement was forthcoming. The three-day strike last week involving 75,000 workers in multiple states officially ended last Saturday and workers returned to their jobs in Kaisers hospitals and clinics that serve nearly 13 million Americans. The frontline health care workers of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions are excited to have reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente as of this morning, the coalition posted Friday morning. We are thankful for the instrumental support of Acting US Labor Secretary Julie Su. Kaiser Permanente, based in Oakland, California, confirmed the deal in a social media post. Bargaining sessions had been scheduled for this week, the unions said. President Joe Biden applauded the tentative deal in a statement Friday, echoing his support for the health care unions. The president last month joined picketing United Auto Workers in Michigan on the 12th day of their strike against major carmakers, becoming the first known sitting president in U.S. history to join an active picket line. We owe a tremendous debt to health care workers and the hard-working men and women who make their work possible, Biden said Friday in a statement. Health care workers and support staff kept our hospitals and our nation going during the dark months of the pandemic. They had our backs during one of our nations toughest times. We must continue to have theirs. The Kaiser strike for three days in California where most of Kaisers facilities are located as well as in Colorado, Oregon and Washington was a last resort after the health systems executives ignored the short-staffing crisis worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, union officials said. The coalition had given the company notice that another strike from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8 was possible and the Oct. 31 expiration of a contract covering the Seattle area would enable another 3,000 workers to join picket lines. Their goal was to bring the problems to the publics consciousness for support, according to the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. Some 180 workers from facilities in Virginia and Washington, D.C., also picketed but only on Wednesday. The strikers include licensed vocational nurses, home health aides and ultrasound sonographers, as well as technicians in the radiology, X-ray, surgical, pharmacy and emergency departments. No health care worker wants to go on strike, Caroline Lucas, the coalitions executive director, said Thursday. I hope that the last few days have helped escalate this issue. The company warned the work stoppage could cause delays in people getting appointments and scheduling non-urgent procedures. Unions representing Kaiser workers in August asked for a $25 hourly minimum wage, as well as increases of 7% each year in the first two years and 6.25% each year in the two years afterward. Kaiser, which turned a $2.1 billion profit for the quarter, said in a statement last week that it proposed minimum hourly wages between $21 and $23 depending on the location. The company said it also completed hiring 10,000 more people, adding to the 51,000 workers the hospital system has brought on board since 2022. Union members say understaffing is boosting the hospital systems profits but hurting patients, and executives have been bargaining in bad faith during negotiations. The workers last contract was negotiated in 2019, before the pandemic. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition We really appreciate the United Kingdom and its values, its people... and I would really, really appreciate it if we can intensify (the trading relationship) again German finance minister Christian Lindner By a convenient twist of fate, he rescues old school friend Sam (Keenan Munn-Francis), a sheltered and shy young man, who, to outward appearances, comes from a stable home. They meet in Brixton, as Sam also prepares to head north to Newcastle to visit his mum and events conspire for the two teenagers to travel together. They form an uneasy alliance and in so doing they find out more about each other and, ultimately, themselves. At 70, artist Cooper is anything but a newbie, though the enduring charm of her whimsical, figurative work still quietly dominates Londons art scene. Formerly the first-ever woman Keeper at the RA, whose job it was to ensure equality among entries and members, she changed the culture of the art institution for good and year after year, her fan base grows thanks to her unfaltering and captivating presence in the RA Summer Exhibition. Now no longer part of the RA schools, keep an eye out for her work in the upcoming Tate Britain exhibition, Women in Revolt! The two suspects approached him from behind on Shaftesbury Avenue and barged into him from both sides as they did this, one of them took his watch from his wrist before running away toward Old Compton Street. Police in New York, Los Angeles, and other U.S. cities increased patrols, authorities put up fencing around the U.S. Capitol and some schools closed Friday amid fears of violence inspired by the Israel-Hamas war. But law enforcement officials stressed there were no credible threats in the U.S. A former Hamas leaders call for a day of rage put American Jewish communities on edge, and sparked heightened security around houses of worship, schools and cultural institutions. The jitters were a sign of just how much the war between Israel and Hamas is reverberating around the world, striking fear in communities even in the absence of a credible threat. Law enforcement officials said they were on high alert for violence driven by antisemitic or Islamophobic sentiments in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel. Jewish and Muslim groups have reported an increase of hateful and threatening rhetoric on social media. We cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or and other foreign terrorist organizations could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks here on our own soil, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Jewish community leaders at a security briefing on Thursday. Ashley Reyes, 40, who is Jewish and lives in Montclair, New Jersey, said the escalating conflict has made her feel less safe and has sparked worries for her 10-year-old son. This is the first time in my life that I have actively thought of saying to my son, If someone asks you if youre Jewish or if your moms Jewish, you say no, Reyes said. At the Palestinian American Community Center in Clifton, New Jersey, Executive Director Rania Mustafa said there has been an increase in harassing phone calls, emails and messages on social media. Mustafa said the group has closed its doors and is only letting in people they know or who identify themselves. Its been a very stressful week in all regards, from one end trying to convince the world that were human and that our lives are as sacred as anyone elses lives and on the other end, trying to protect our own from being targeted. And protecting freedom of speech, of expressing opinions and solidarity with the Palestinian people, she said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters Thursday that police would do extra patrols in some city neighborhoods and send additional resources to schools and houses of worship. There has been a large police presence at protests, rallies and vigils in the city over the past week. Some synagogues have also said they would have private security guards. Adams and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stressed that law enforcement wasnt aware of any credible threats against the state or the city. We want to reiterate to New Yorkers: Theres no reason to feel afraid. No one should feel they have to alter their normal lives or their routines; and indeed when we change our behavior without a serious credible threat, then were letting the terrorists win, Hochul said. I want all New Yorkers to feel confident going to a synagogue, going to school, walking in the streets of New York and throughout our state. Meanwhile, a New York City council member was arrested Friday for bringing a handgun to a student demonstration supporting Palestinians. Inna Vernikov, a Republican who is Jewish, has been among the most outspoken opponents of Palestinian activists, describing the protesters as terrorists while accusing them of making Jewish students feel unsafe. She was seen in photos and videos with the butt of a pistol jutting from her waistband. Vernikov did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment and messages left at her offices were not returned. New York Citys public university system has seen a wave of dueling protests in recent days following the Hamas attack on Israel and escalating war in Gaza. Columbia University halted public access to its Manhattan campus Thursday in advance of a planned demonstration by pro-Palestinian activists and a rival pro-Israel group, saying only students, faculty and credentialed journalists would be allowed in. The demonstrations wound up being peaceful. In Washington, crews were seen putting metal barriers outside the Capitol Thursday evening. A Capitol police spokesperson said in an email they were not taking any chances even though there are no specific threats. Las Vegas Innovations International Charter School, which has a campus located in a former Jewish temple, said Friday they were canceling classes out of an abundance of caution. Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Maryland, also closed its campuses, telling parents in an email that there was no specific threat to the school, but it, too, was acting out of an abundance of caution. Los Angeles, police said they were reaching out to Jewish and Muslim communities and providing extra patrols. Police in Westchester County, New York, also said they were increasing patrols around schools and Jewish houses of worship on Friday. In Boston, police since the beginning of the conflict have increased their uniformed presence around religious and cultural institutions, a spokesperson said Friday. The Secure Community Network, which advises U.S. Jewish institutions on security, has encouraged Jewish communities to be vigilant and bolster their security efforts. But the group has advised institutions there is no need to close their doors, absent specific information otherwise from law enforcement. Michael Masters, the groups CEO, warned against letting fear or clickbait threats cause chaos in Jewish communities because he said that is part of the objective of those spreading hateful rhetoric online. We saw some of the worst of humanity on Saturday, but we also saw some of the best, he said of the horrific Hamas attack. People rushing with literally nothing at their disposal to the lives of family, friends and people they dont know. I think we owe it to them that we are not going to give in easily and that we are not going to bow down ... because others wish for us to go away. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition As marchers arrived in the thoroughfare and made their way to a stage outside Downing Street, chants of Rishi Sunak, shame on you and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free rang out among the crowd. His brother does not know what to do or where to go and was worried sick about his young child, said the academic, who did not wish to share his name because of anti-Palestinian sentiment and the risk of being subjected to unpleasant trolling online. Theres not so much, from my experience, individual choice and decision-making or contribution. It almost becomes like a learned helplessness in a way, and it took a long time for me to rebuild my confidence to even speak about things. Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told a press briefing on Friday: Whilst people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to incite violence, they do not have the right to incite hatred and they do not have the right to commit criminal offences and we will robustly police that situation. The powers we have are not enough to meet our potential and they are not nearly enough to meet the challenge of this cost-of-living crisis, he will say. Though shes not been thinking about winning, Ms Bello says she would be over the moon to pick up the prize: I didnt even think Id ever been nominated for something like this, she tells me. So if I won, I feel like that would really be, not just for me, but also my team, like we are really making such a difference. Detective Garda David Kelleher, of Cobh Garda Station, told the court he arrested Satchwell at 7.34pm on Friday and charged him, on receipt of direction, for the alleged offence of murder at 8.07pm. The museum said the move was linked to the governments decision to put France on high alert after the fatal school stabbing in Arras by a suspected extremist. Many of them have been called up to the army, so they will, some of them be on the front line, and were really concerned, and we feel really helpless here of what we can do for our friends and family and the wider community in Israel who have suffered in this terrible massacre. KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 22:30 | All, Japan, World Japan is looking to provide remote medical care services and smart farming technology to Ukraine in order to help revive its economy and restore areas of the country devastated by Russia's invasion, government sources said Saturday. The measures will serve as pillars of cooperation by Japanese companies and will be revealed at a meeting in Japan early next year to promote economic reconstruction in the Eastern European nation. The provision of digital healthcare services will enable Japanese doctors to provide medical care to injured people in Ukraine by having their ultrasound scans sent to Japan. Japan hopes to assist Ukraine with its wheat and sunflower yields through farming methods that utilize sensors and artificial intelligence technologies, which can help provide the optimal amount of water or fertilizer, for example. As Japan has stringent regulations on providing weapons under its war-renouncing Constitution, Tokyo has committed to assisting Ukraine's reconstruction efforts through its public and private sectors. In June, former Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi invited Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to the meeting. Companies from both countries are expected to attend in the hope of creating business opportunities for both sides. Among other measures to support Ukraine, Japan is also considering providing the country with water purification and cyber security technologies. In a bid to encourage Japan's private sector to engage in Ukraine's reconstruction, e-commerce giant Rakuten Group Inc. Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani and other business leaders accompanied Hayashi to Ukraine when they visited in September. Related coverage: Japan-funded electrical transformers handed to Ukraine before winter Meanwhile the deadline given by Isreal to Gaza residents to evacuate parts of the strip has passed. Hundreds of thousand of civilians were fleeing the zone ahead of what is expected to be the deployment of Israeli troops on the territory. When you see what looks to be increased co-operation and probably military transfers as weve said, we have reason to believe they were going to discuss military transfers that is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN security council resolutions. Extra 100 off holidays under 14 nights using a unique TUI discount code 15% off all orders over 100 using this ASOS discount code 5% off all bookings with this Travelodge discount code 15% of all orders with The Perfume Shop birthday discount - VIP Rewards Members 20% off everything with The Body Shop discount code KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 22:45 | All, World New Zealand's opposition National Party won in a general election on Saturday, as the ruling Labour Party saw its support plummet compared to the last ballot in 2020 amid its perceived failure to deliver meaningful reform during an economic downturn. The center-right National leader Christopher Luxon is set to become the country's next prime minister, after incumbent Prime Minister Chris Hipkins officially conceded defeat. With over 98 percent of the vote counted, National is projected to win 50 seats while Labour is set to win 34, according to the New Zealand Electoral Commission. Speaking at a party event in Auckland, first-term lawmaker and former businessman Luxon said National is expected to be able to form a government with the right-wing ACT Party, on a projected slim combined majority of 61 seats, the minimum number needed to form government in the 120-seat parliament. "Tonight, you have given us a mandate to take New Zealand forward," Luxon told the party faithful, vowing to rebuild the economy, bring down the cost of living and restore law and order, among other pledges. However, the support of the populist New Zealand First Party led by former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters may be needed to form a government if National and ACT fall below the 61-seat threshold once all votes are tallied. New Zealand First has been instrumental in forming a government three times before, once siding with National and twice with Labour. But the political veteran Peters has ruled out returning Labour to power, and Hipkins has also ruled out working with the minor party. Labour's number of seats has almost halved since its landslide win under then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the last election in 2020, amid a growing cost of living crisis, rising crime and public perception that the government has failed to deliver on its promises in areas such as housing, infrastructure and health. Economic projections released by New Zealand's Treasury last month showed the country's economy is expected to remain sluggish for another two years, with a rising unemployment rate. Some analysts say widespread anxiety over the country's future has created a climate against the status quo in politics. New Zealand uses a mixed-member proportional voting system for its single chamber, the House of Representatives. Each voter gets two votes -- one for a political party and one for a local candidate. In January, Hipkins took over as prime minister after Ardern announced her resignation and exit from politics. Luxon entered politics in 2020 after heading the country's national carrier Air New Zealand, following a career abroad as an executive at global consumer goods giant Unilever. He became the leader of National Party in 2021. According to the Electoral Commission, 3.8 million people or 90.5 percent of the estimated eligible population were registered to vote. KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 19:20 | All, Japan Companies and organizations that utilize artificial intelligence will be required to take measures to reduce the risk of overreliance on the technology, draft guidelines by a Japanese government panel showed Saturday. The draft guidelines obtained by Kyodo News also call on AI developers to be careful not to use biased data for machine learning, while urging them to maintain records of their interactions with the technology, to be provided in the event of any issues. The panel, which is tasked with discussing the country's AI strategy, is expected to finalize the guidelines by the end of the year. Japan, this year's chair of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, is also working with other members on drawing up international guidelines for AI developers. The draft outlines 10 basic rules for AI-related businesses, such as ensuring fairness and transparency with regard to protecting human rights and preventing personal information from being given to third parties without an individual's permission. The rules also ask that information be provided about how data is acquired from an individual or entity and how it is then used by related parties. Companies that develop AI platforms, providers of services that utilize the technology and users will all be required to share some degree of responsibility. The guidelines provide principles according to business categories. Developers are requested to ensure that data employed for AI purposes is both accurate and up to date, and that they preferably adopt measures to ensure information that has not been approved for use cannot be accessed. Meanwhile, providers that utilize AI will be asked to warn users to avoid inputting personal information that they do not want accessed by third parties, and guarantee that their services are limited to their intended use to prevent bad actors from employing the technology for malign purposes. Related coverage: Japan PM Kishida vows to support AI development in next economic package Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sept 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sept 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (17) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sept 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (203) Jul 2013 (292) Aug 2013 (350) Sept 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (437) Jan 2014 (543) Feb 2014 (473) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (526) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sept 2014 (440) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (578) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sept 2015 (922) Oct 2015 (919) Nov 2015 (798) Dec 2015 (789) Jan 2016 (781) Feb 2016 (834) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (945) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (880) Aug 2016 (1034) Sept 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (884) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sept 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sept 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sept 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sept 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sept 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sept 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (718) Dec 2022 (692) Jan 2023 (662) Feb 2023 (611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (652) May 2023 (696) Jun 2023 (701) Jul 2023 (742) Aug 2023 (737) Sept 2023 (732) Oct 2023 (749) Nov 2023 (59) Another 58 Romanian citizens returned home from Israel on Saturday, on an aircraft operated by a private company. ''Further to the information provided in the context of the deteriorating security situation in the State of Israel and the Gaza Strip, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs that, following the constant efforts of the MAE's Task Force, on October 14, 58 more Romanian citizens returned safely to Romania, by means of an air flight operated by a private company,'" MAE said. The mobile consular team of the Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Romanian Representative Office in Ramallah remains ready to provide consular assistance to Romanian citizens who will request support for their return home from Israel.MAE strongly recommends Romanian citizens who are still on the territory of the State of Israel to strictly follow the instructions of the Israeli authorities.It also strongly reminds Romanian citizens who are temporarily on the territory of this state and wish to return to Romania to contact the Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv and announce their presence in the region, communicating their identification data and their own contact details to the e-mail address telaviv@mae.ro and to the 24/7 telephone number of the Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv: +972 54 5643279, as well as that of the Consulate General in Haifa: +972 543 998 038, in order to be contacted.MAE underlines the importance of using these channels by Romanian citizens for the correct centralisation of information and the streamlining of dialogue in order to provide consular assistance.MAE also reiterates its recommendation to Romanian citizens who intend to travel to Israel to reschedule their trip and to follow the "Travel Alerts" section on the MAE website (https://www.mae.ro/travel-alerts/2938).MAE recommends consulting the websites http://telaviv.mae.ro, https://consular-protection.ec.europa.eu/travel-advice_en and http://www.mae.ro, under the heading "Travel Advice," and brings to mind that Romanian citizens travelling abroad can use the SMS alert service, related to the information campaign "An SMS can save your life!." Foreign Minister Odobescu welcomes UK Ambassador Noble on farewell visit Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania Andrew Noble was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu on Friday. According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Luminita Odobescu voiced her appreciation for the very good level of Romanian-British cooperation. "The bilateral strategic partnership between Romania and the United Kingdom encompasses both the political-diplomatic, economic, sectoral, human relations and security cooperation dimensions. The Romanian official also highlighted the special significance of the visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Romania in June this year," the source said. In turn, Ambassador Andrew Noble mentioned the very dynamic bilateral relations and highlighted their development potential. The two officials reiterated their common interest in supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, as well as in strengthening the defence and deterrence posture on the Eastern flank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also thanked Ambassador Andrew Noble for his mandate in Romania and congratulated him for his entire diplomatic career. Ambassador Andrew Noble has been at the diplomatic mission in Bucharest since August 2018. By Katsuhiro Maruyama, KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 10:00 | All, Japan Improving standards on livestock living conditions is becoming a global trend, but Japan is lagging in efforts to advance the concept of farm animal welfare given little-to-no consideration by producers and consumers alike. In June, Japan's farm ministry belatedly drew up a set of non-binding guidelines from this perspective. But it is unclear if they will be observed widely in the country's livestock industry where production efficiency is generally prioritized. The idea of improving animal living conditions originated in Europe and consists of "five freedoms" that should be guaranteed in best-practice treatment. They are freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or disease; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress. Better efficiency means lower cost, and with price consciousness the dominant driver of the Japanese consumer, there is little motivation for producers to take up practices that benefit animals. While moves to mandate rules for farm animal welfare advance in Europe, awareness of its importance is slowly taking root among pet business operators, zoos and others in Japan. In livestock and poultry farming, Yasuhiro Matsuzaki is one producer who is leading the way. The 51-year-old oversees 3,000 egg-laying hens in a poultry house northeast of Tokyo. Half of the property has space for hens to roam freely, and perches are also provided in the enclosure. The eggs are said to be less prone to disease and richer in taste due to the amount of exercise the hens are allowed, but a half-dozen pack does cost more than battery hen-laid eggs. Matsuzaki, who keeps his farm in Ishioka, Ibaraki Prefecture, referred to difficulty seeking both profitability and animal welfare. "If we increase the number of birds in order to increase profits, it will affect sanitation and pose challenges to (the birds') health, which is contrary to animal welfare," he said. According to Kenichi Takeda, an associate professor of animal behavior at the Faculty of Agriculture of Shinshu University, it is common to raise large numbers of livestock in cramped spaces in Japan. This is part of the reason why meat and dairy products are able to be sold at relatively low prices. While hygiene and quality of nutrition are important to producing quality animal products, giving freedom of movement increases costs due to the need to renovate existing facilities. It also reduces production efficiency. There is, therefore, strong resistance because "it does not match the reality of Japan's small land area" in running livestock businesses, an industry official said. Some people question the value of engaging in a moral discussion about the living conditions of livestock animals that are ultimately bound for the dinner plate, reflecting a general apathy in the wider Japanese population. In 2022, former Japanese farm minister Takamori Yoshikawa was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, suspended for four years, for receiving bribes from an egg production company that asked him to oppose international animal welfare standards. Previously, the Japanese government did not get involved in establishing animal welfare rules, instead leaving it up to industry groups to write their own. But as interest in animal welfare has grown overseas in recent years, evidenced by the incorporation of initiatives for assessing food safety and corporate rating evaluations for investors, Takeda of Shinshu University said major food processing companies and other concerns called on the government to establish animal welfare guidelines. The guidelines prepared by the farm ministry clearly stipulate methods of rearing livestock that take into account the freedom of behavior for each type of animal. In a 2021 study by Takeda, 25 percent of the consumers surveyed said they had heard the term animal welfare, while some 20 percent said they consider the environment in which animals are reared when choosing livestock products. But the jury is still out. "At present, livestock farmers who promote animal welfare lose out because consumers prioritize low prices," Takeda said. "Lowering prices through business subsidies and increasing the number of consumers who value animal welfare will be the key to making the practice widespread in Japan." Related coverage: FEATURE: Struggling Japanese dairy producers betting farm on new markets FOCUS: Japan faces uphill battle to ensure food security G-7 farm ministers condemn Russia for war's impact on food security Minister of Justice Alina Gorghiu said in Oradea on Saturday that there are 65,000 registered sex offenders in Romania. "It is for the first time that the number of people who are in this Register is being said in public. It is very important that we have them registered, identified, because they now have a number of restrictions. Any institution in the education system, health, social protection, any public and private entity, whose activity involves direct contact with children, the elderly, people with disabilities, before entering into a working relationship with someone must ask those who administer the Register for this certificate of behavioural integrity," Alina Gorghiu told AGERPRES. According to her, the law on the National Automated Register of people who have committed sexual offences was adopted in 2019. Since then, the Romanian state has registered 65,000 sex offenders.The Minister of Justice attended on Saturday the North-West regional meeting of the Organisation of Liberal Women (OFL), together with the National Liberal Party (PNL) Secretary General Lucian Bode, OFL Chair Nicoleta Pauliuc (PNL Senator), OFL Bihor Chair Arina Mos (PNL Senator), a meeting attended by 350 participants from Satu Mare, Maramures, Bistrita-Nasaud, Cluj and Bihor counties.Alina Gorghiu talked about several projects, starting with the extension of the protection order to any act of violence committed by any person in Romania, not only by family members, the Register of drug traffickers, on the model of the register of people who commit sexual offences, and, as a first, she announced that, at present, the Register of sex offenders has reached 65,000 registered persons."Those registered as sex offenders are subject to a number of restrictions, such as reporting regularly to the police, no later than once every 3 months, to provide them with information on their profession, trade or activity, means of existence, notify the police if they intend to travel away from their place of residence for more than 15 days, are photographed annually, etc.," said Alina Gorghiu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) confirmed on Saturday the death, in the context of the security situation in the State of Israel and the Gaza Strip, of two more persons with dual Israeli-Romanian citizenship domiciled in Israel. ''The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms with regret the death, in the context of the security situation in the State of Israel and the Gaza Strip, of two more persons with dual Israeli-Romanian citizenship domiciled in the State of Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys its condolences to their families," MAE points out. The Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv is also in dialogue with the Israeli authorities in order to verify information on the disappearance of a person with dual Israeli-Romanian citizenship.So far, the Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consulate General of Romania in Haifa have not received any requests for consular support regarding the disappearance or death of other Romanian citizens in the State of Israel.The Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consulate General of Romania in Haifa are in permanent contact with the Israeli authorities to verify information on Romanian citizens, MAE also announced. Paranormal adventures arent just a Hollywood thing. Some travelers are obsessed with them too, eager to spot the unsettled spirits of the not-quite-departed-enough and hear haunting tales of, well, hauntings. To slake that thirst, Travel and Leisure, the travel magazine and website, is offering up its own take on the 20 most haunted cities in the U.S. Were not talking single-ghost destinations like Lizzie Bordens house in Fall River, Massachusetts. These are entire cities brimming with spooky sightings. San Francisco, for example, makes the list in the No. 15 spot thanks to its abundance of ghosts on Alcatraz Island, the magazine notes, as well as at China Camp State Park (ahem, not SF its in San Rafael) the Mare Island Shipyard (again, not SF Vallejo ) and aboard the USS Hornet, which is in Alameda. There have been so many ghost sightings on the latter ship, Cal Tech has an entire web page devoted to the stories. The legendary city of New Orleans tops the list with its vampires, ghosts and sightings of long-gone luminaries author William Faulkner, midwife and Voodoo queen Marie Laveau and pirate Jean Lafitte among them. Heres just a peek. Find all 20, plus ghostly tales and travel tips, at travelandleisure.com. The 10 Most Haunted Places 1 New Orleans 2 Pawleys Island, South Carolina 3 Chicago 4 Pine Barrens, New Jersey 5 Savannah, Georgia 6 RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California 7 St. Augustine, Florida 8 Shoshone Ice Caves, Idaho 9 Portland, Oregon 10 The Stanley Hotel, Colorado Bill McClellan News columnist Follow Bill McClellan 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 Almost six years ago, a well-known St. Louis company had its holiday party at a downtown hotel. It was an early Friday afternoon affair and did not include dinner. Some celebrants continued the party in the hotel bar. Jane Doe was one of them. So was John Doe. That is how they are known in a lawsuit that is just now beginning its journey through the system. At some point in the evening, several people decided to head for the East Side. Jane and John were among them. They caught a call-a-ride service and went to the Diamond Cabaret in Sauget. According to Jane, she woke up the next morning in Johns bed. She got sick and went home. Nine months later, again according to Jane, she picked a paperclip off Johns open hand and that touch triggered the traumatic memories of the holiday party. She began a long fight for redress. She went to the police and got no satisfaction. She went to the company and got no satisfaction. Then she turned to the courts. If the case ever gets to trial, it should be thought-provoking. But moral considerations aside, this case has already highlighted the importance of one of the most old-school jobs in the legal system the process server. If you sue somebody, you have to let him know youre doing it. How do you let him know? You serve him. This is not computerized. A real person does it. The sheriffs department serves papers, but some attorneys, especially in certain cases, prefer independent process servers. Special process servers, they are called. William Stage is a special. He started serving papers part-time in 1998 and went full-time 10 years later. He is a former Riverfront Times columnist and also writes novels. The protagonist is sometimes a process server who enjoys a drink. In one book, the protagonist had an urge to procreate. Stage enjoys a drink and has 11 children, ranging in age from 38 to 11. His clientele includes about a dozen lawyers who use him on a regular basis. His standard fee is $55 per service. On a good day, he might serve seven or eight people. An average day might be half of that. Depending on where he is going, he might charge mileage. He was hired in 2021 to serve John Doe. Service requires personal contact. The server hands the papers to the person. If the person refuses to take them, no matter. The server can then touch the person with the papers, drop the papers and walk away. The history of all this goes back to 16th century England. John Doe was not easy to serve. His company said he worked from home. He lived in an apartment building that required a key for entry. The parking lot was below the building and also inaccessible to the public. Stage was unable to serve John Doe. A different special process server took over the next year and failed. The sheriffs office failed. The case was stalled. Stage was hired again this year. John Doe works for a company that does not provide access to the public. That is more and more common. Newspapers, for instance. When I started working for newspapers almost 50 years ago, anybody could walk in off the street and walk right into the newsroom. Now there is security. Stage talked to a manager at John Does company. Stage cited a law that companies are required to make employees available for service. The manager said he could not do it. Jane Does lawyer hired a second process server, Rich Wilson, to work with Stage. Wilson is a licensed private investigator as well as a special process server. He has an office in Creve Coeur. Certificates for various classes line the wall. He conducted a stake-out of John Does apartment building. No luck. He posed as a potential client for the company John Doe works for. The company seemed interested. Id like to come in and talk about this, Wilson said. Just get me in the door, he thought. Well send somebody to your home to talk, said the company. Who? asked Wilson, hoping, of course, that it would be John Doe. It wasnt. Wilson and Stage gained entry into John Does apartment building. They went to his apartment and knocked on the door. A woman came out of a neighboring apartment and challenged them. Who were they and what were they doing? They told her they were process servers on official business for the court and showed her their identification. She was not impressed. She said she had called John Doe and told him that somebody was at his door. She said he didnt always stay here. They stuck their cards under the door and left. So that was that. Stage sent the lawyer his report. No luck. John Does attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case due to inactivity. Jane Does attorney responded that the inactivity was entirely due to John Does willful avoidance of service. The judge agreed, and John Does lawyer said he would accept service on behalf of his client. Stage was given the task of serving the papers to the lawyer. During the course of his failed efforts to serve John Doe, Stage had occasionally thought of triumphantly confronting his quarry at a party or on the sidewalk or at his desk at work. Something public. But at the end, his thinking changed. Very few people like being served with court papers, and so process serving can sometimes be a game. Why should he begrudge Doe for playing it so well? Also, before going into journalism and then process serving, Stage worked as a contact-tracer for the health department. His beat was venereal disease. He was accustomed to delivering unwelcome news. Stage called Does lawyer and said he was coming over with the summons. The lawyer offered to come down and save Stage the trouble of parking. He was waiting when Stage pulled up. He seemed friendly. Stage gave him the papers and as the lawyer started to walk away, Stage said, Thats the end of a long and winding road. The lawyer turned back to Stage and smiled. Thats good, he said. Now well start a new road. Thats what happens, right? End of one road, start of another. Fifty-five bucks richer, Stage drove away. WASHINGTON A former contractor for the Internal Revenue Service charged with leaking tax information to news outlets about former President Donald Trump and thousands of the countrys wealthiest people pleaded guilty to a federal charge Thursday in an agreement with prosecutors. The Justice Department charged Charles Chaz Edward Littlejohn, 38, a former St. Louis resident who now lives in Washington, D.C., with stealing tax return information and giving it to two news outlets between 2018 and 2020. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said she was deeply troubled by his actions that affected Trump and thousands of other people. When we have people, for whatever reason, take the law into their own hands society doesnt function, she said. Make no mistake, this was not acceptable. If anyone tells you the ends justify the means, theyre wrong. Littlejohn pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information. The count carries up to five years in prison, but the ultimate sentence will be decided by the judge. Trump attorney Alina Habba pushed back against the plea deal and called for a long sentence. Littlejohn is set to be sentenced Jan. 29. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that Littlejohn broke federal law and betrayed the publics trust. Defense attorney Lisa Manning declined to comment. The outlets were not named in the charges, but the description and time frame align with stories about Trumps tax returns in The New York Times and reporting about wealthy Americans taxes in the nonprofit investigative journalism organization ProPublica. The 2020 New York Times report found Trump paid $750 in federal income tax the year he entered the White House and no income tax at all some years thanks to colossal losses. Six years of his returns were later released by the then-Democratically controlled House Ways and Means Committee. ProPublica, meanwhile, reported in 2021 on a trove of tax-return data about the wealthiest Americans, including tech billionaires Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Elon Musk. It found the 25 richest people legally pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than many ordinary workers do. Both publications have declined to comment on the charges, and ProPublica reporters previously said they didnt know the identity of the source. The stories sparked calls for reform on taxes for the wealthy and calls for investigations into the leaking of tax information, which has specific legal protections. The IRS has said any disclosure of taxpayer information is unacceptable and the agency has since tightened security. Littlejohn graduated from Crossroads College Preparatory School in St. Louis. He majored in economics at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. In 2007, he joined the strategy and technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, which contracted with the IRS and other federal agencies. In 2009, he founded Pokeit, an app that tracks poker statistics. The Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis judge declared a mistrial in a murder case this week after defense attorneys discovered that prosecutors failed to turn over evidence required by law. Rodregus Fuqua, 27, is accused of getting into a gunfight with an off-duty police officer two years ago outside a north St. Louis bar, killing a bystander and leaving Fuqua paralyzed. But a mistrial was declared on Thursday after Fuquas lawyers discovered they had never received several key pieces of evidence, including a police report that was referenced by the lead detective in the case and the criminal histories of witnesses who were called to testify. I dont think it was intentional, but its definitely serious, Fuquas lawyer Michael Hufty said Friday. When you start finding out that you werent given stuff, you start to wonder what else is out there. Such procedural errors have plagued city prosecutors in recent years as former Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner struggled with understaffing and organizational dysfunction. Her successor, Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, has made strides in refilling the ranks but has said that work continues. A spokeswoman for Gores office declined to comment on Friday because the case is ongoing. Court filings say that the offices chief trial lawyer, Marvin Teer, has taken over Fuquas case. Fuqua was charged in July 2022 with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action after police said he got into a gunfight in October 2021 outside of The Other Place II, 1901 St. Louis Avenue. Trial witnesses this week said Fuqua was at the bar with his family to celebrate his mothers birthday when a fight broke out. Fuqua went outside to retrieve a gun, then exchanged gunfire with off-duty Northwoods police officer Michael Hill, of East St. Louis, who was also at the bar. Bystander Richard Young, 52, was wounded in the crossfire and died three months later. But Hufty argues Fuqua was actually defending himself after several people beat him during the fight inside the bar. Hill and other armed bar patrons made Fuqua fear for his life, Hufty said. A St. Louis police detective who testified this week said that officers could not determine who fired their weapon first, and that he did not determine if Hill was working a secondary security shift at the bar or was just there as a customer. Witnesses also gave conflicting information about how Fuqua got the gun and who was involved in the initial fight inside the bar. Theres plenty thats fishy about what happened at that bar, Hufty said. Nobody can tell you whos at the bar or who works there ... there are conflicting accounts about whether (Hill) had his police gear on or off when it happened. Hill, the prosecutions key witness, is also facing kidnapping charges in St. Louis County. Authorities said he was supervising another Northwoods cop when that cop beat a handcuffed man with a baton and broke his jaw. Those charges cannot be referenced in Fuquas trial, though, because he has not yet been convicted. A new trial in Fuquas murder case has been set for February. FLORISSANT A University City man faces a charge of driving while intoxicated in connection with a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Florissant on Thursday. Cody D. Washington, of the 7700 block of Drexel Drive, was charged Friday in the accident. The victim, Riley Manuel, was taken to a hospital and died as a result of the crash, according to court records. Florissant police in court records said Washington made an illegal left turn from a right-turn-only lane while exiting the Walmart at 3390 North Highway 67 around 3 p.m. when he struck the motorcycle. Police said Washington's blood alcohol content was 0.224%, in excess of the legal limit of 0.08%. The victim's address was not listed in court records and Florissant police could not be reached for comment on Saturday. Washington was being held at the St. Louis County Jail with cash-only bond set at $50,000. ABUJA, Nigeria Many poor countries in Africa face the harshest effects of climate change: severe droughts, vicious heat and dry land, but also unpredictable rain and devastating flooding. The shocks worsen conflict and upend livelihoods because many people are farmers work that is increasingly vulnerable in a warming world. Climate challenges are at the root of vulnerabilities faced by conflict-ridden countries in Africa's Sahel region, such as Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and northern Nigeria, experts say. Adapting to these challenges could cost up to $50 billion per year, according to the Global Commission on Adaptation, while the International Energy Agency estimates the clean energy transition could cost as much as $190 billion a year overwhelming costs for Africa. Countries have limited space in their budgets, and borrowing more to fund climate goals will worsen their considerable debt burdens, argue African leaders, who are seeking a rapid boost in financing. Some leaders suggested that this week's meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Marrakech, Morocco, would be a good place to start a conversation about Africas financial challenges and its ability to handle climate shocks. It comes amid criticism that the lending institutions are not taking climate change and the vulnerabilities of poor countries enough into account in their funding decisions. The global financial system is now outdated, dysfunctional and unjust, said a New York Times opinion column by Kenyan President William Ruto, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, African Union Commission chairman Moussa Faki and Patrick Verkooijen, chief executive of the Global Commission on Adaptation. It's outdated because international financial institutions "are too small and limited to fulfill their mandate. Dysfunctional because the system as a whole is too slow to respond to new challenges, such as climate change. And unjust because it discriminates against poor countries, the leaders wrote. In recent years, climate funding to Africa has increased, with recognition that the continent is least responsible for emissions but most at risk from climate change because of a lack of financing and ability to cope. Major development banks have increasingly recognized climate change as an economic threat. During a panel in Marrakech this week, IMF economist Daniel Lee said the organization is mainstreaming climate change in policy advice, capacity development and lending. He did not detail the size or breakdown of funding. Lee pointed to an IMF program that launched last year to help poor countries address problems like climate change. Only one African country Rwanda has gotten financing from the program: $319 million over three years. Like African leaders, experts say climate financing to the continent has been insufficient and particularly difficult to get for countries in the Sahel that lack stable and recognized governments, with many of them led by military juntas. The reality has fallen short of expectations, said Carlos Lopes, a professor at the Mandela School of Public Governance of the University of Cape Town, South Africa. A significant portion of funding goes toward mitigation efforts, while adaptation, a top priority for the continent, receives less attention and support." In Niger, whose leader was ousted in a coup in August, as well as northern Nigeria, thousands of hectares of arable land is being lost to soil erosion and dry conditions. Its led farmers and livestock herders to battle for resources and reduces economic opportunities, helping armed groups recruit, said Idayat Hassan, senior Africa program fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Irrigation projects are among the ways to adapt to climate change, but violence is eroding those gains as it leaves farmers, who are already facing lower yields, struggling to access their farmland. Apart from extreme heat levels and unpredictable rainfall, insecurity also is affecting us because many times we will not have the chance to go to our farms, said Ibrahim Audi, 58, a wheat farmer in Nigeria's far northern Katsina state. Femi Mimiko, a professor of political economy and international relations at Nigeria's Obafemi Awolowo University, called the climate money heading to Africa rather negligible and it is not what we should celebrate at all. He added that the challenges are enormous because of strict conditions to get IMF and World Bank funding. Plus, climate financing for Africa needs to address persistent debt crises in many countries, Lopes said. Africas debt repayments are estimated to reach $62 billion this year, exceeding the continents costs of adapting to climate change, the African leaders said in their column. They reiterated a call made at the Africa Climate Summit in Kenya last month for a pause on foreign debt repayments. Another issue is leaders underestimating how climate change feeds violence and economic problems, experts say. In Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which are all ruled by military juntas, 16 million people need humanitarian assistance, a 172% increase since 2016, and more than 5 million are experiencing high levels of food insecurity, according to the International Rescue Committee. By Shin Hara, KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 08:43 | All, Feature Kyaw San Han had risen quickly through the ranks of the Myanmar police before a military coup rocked his Southeast Asian homeland in 2021. Amid the unrest, Kyaw San Han says he wanted to join the anti-coup Civil Disobedience Movement but could not because of his official role in which he was expected to participate in the crackdown on protests. He fled to Japan late last year and from his self-imposed exile has become a prominent online voice calling for the restoration of democracy and a return to peace in Myanmar. Hailing from a rural area in central Myanmar, a young Kyaw San Han joined the Myanmar police in 2008. After a cyclone hit his hometown earlier in 2008 and the junta failed to respond with support for the local community, Kyaw San Han "thought about becoming a civil servant so I can help people," the 32-year-old said in a recent interview in Tokyo. After the police sent Kyaw San Han to study at a police academy in Thailand from 2010 to 2015 and a graduate school in Australia from 2018 to 2019, he handled duties in Myanmar such as investigations into international human trafficking. The National League for Democracy, a party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, took power after scoring a landslide victory in the general election in November 2015, ending decades of junta rule. Just over five years later, on Feb. 1, 2021, the military toppled the democratically elected government and ousted Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders. Kyaw San Han, who was promoted to a police captain in 2020, set himself a task before the junta intervened and created turmoil in his nation. "I wanted to change the police from inside by getting a position to train junior officers," he said. Taking advantage of an opportunity to undergo training in Thailand that began in May last year, Kyaw San Han fled to Japan last December. He had already moved his family out of Myanmar to a third country. Since arriving in Japan, Kyaw San Han has joined other Myanmarese in a movement to bring democracy back to their homeland. He has been strident in condemning the Myanmar military in videos posted on the internet without taking the precaution of hiding his identity as some do. "If the military caught me, they would put me and my family in jail and kill us," he believes. The initial stages of life since arriving in Tokyo were difficult, Kyaw San Han recalled, with limited finances meaning he was able to eat only once every three days. His life got easier after the Japanese government recognized him as a refugee in July, a development that allowed him to receive public assistance. But concerns persist. Deportation of Myanmar democracy activists and their family members from Thailand, Malaysia and elsewhere makes Kyaw San Han concerned about his and his family's future. Kyaw San Han has started learning Japanese at a Japanese government-sponsored language program for refugees, hoping he will be able to secure a job in Japan. "I will continue to speak for democracy (in Myanmar)," he said. "I would like the world to know that the military illegally holds power and does not appear likely to ever give it up." Related coverage: Myanmar residents of Japan vow to help 2 million displaced in homeland At least 29 killed by Myanmar junta airstrike on refugee camp: report Myanmar envoy to U.N. calls for more pressure on homeland's junta NEW YORK States and cities are taking advantage of expedited work authorizations for a flood of new migrants, seeking to match them with jobs so they can support their families while they wait for asylum hearings. Allowing migrants to work might enable many of them to leave shelters in cities that were already strained by local homeless populations but have been further overwhelmed by the newcomers. New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said this week that the state Labor Department had identified 18,000 potential jobs for migrants around the state. Hochul had already called on National Guard troops to help with work authorization paperwork. Migrants and asylum seekers came here to work so lets put them to work, Hochul said in a statement. Right now, we have a migrant crisis and a workforce crisis we can solve them both. New York and other states got a big win when the Biden administration announced last month that it would give temporary legal status, which includes permission to work, to Venezuelan migrants who arrived before August. The administration also pledged faster action on work permits for other migrants seeking asylum. About 44,000 of the 107,000 migrants who entered New York City between spring 2022 and August 2023 are from Venezuela. Also this week, New Jersey said it would spend $2.5 million to connect migrant workers with employers through a new website. Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker said that he was thrilled by the Biden administrations promises of new work authorization for Venezuelans, who make up the largest share of Chicagos new arrivals. But Pritzker urged the federal government to speed up authorizations and waive fees for those who cannot afford them and just want to be able to work and build a better life. The question of how to handle an influx of migrants is a quandary in states and cities around the country. A labor shortage has employers scrambling to find workers, while city shelters are overflowing with newcomers who cant work legally to support themselves. People are seeking freedom and protection, but we also have a big Help Wanted sign out there. Theres a push and a pull (bringing immigrants here), said Abel Nunez, director of the nonprofit CARECEN, which works with new migrants in Washington, D.C. Among those seeking work is Edgardo Marin, a 34-year-old forklift operator who fled Venezuela with his wife and small children and now lives in a Manhattan shelter in New York City. Marin, who was getting asylum advice at a Methodist church in the city on a recent day, said he had to leave his home country because he had been identified as a dissident by a colectivo, a far-left paramilitary group aligned with the government. We had to flee Venezuela because I am against the government, Marin said, speaking in Spanish. I always hated it. It produces nothing but poverty and steals everything for itself. I was part of a group marching against the colectivo, trying to put pressure on them. They came after me and tried to kill me and my family my mother and my brother-in-law were imprisoned because of all this. California, Colorado and Minnesota have been most active in helping immigrants without regard to legal status, said Eric Figueroa, a senior manager at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. States have shown they can give access to health insurance, drivers licenses and resident college tuition discounts, he said. A Minnesota law allowing drivers licenses went into effect Oct. 1. Illinois has many of the same benefits for migrants, regardless of immigration status, but had to cut back on health care benefits in a recent budget crunch. About 2.2 million migrants crossed the United States southern border from October 2022 through this past August, up about 3% from the same period the previous year and up more than fivefold from 2020. Recent asylum-seekers are concentrated in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago, according to an analysis by TRAC at Syracuse University based on immigration court filings from March 2021 to May 2023. At least a dozen Republican states have sent National Guard troops to the Texas-Mexico border to attempt to deter illegal border crossings. They include Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Ohio sent state highway patrol officers to the border in Texas. Last year, Republican Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida a presidential candidate made headlines by busing newly arrived migrants to Democratic-controlled cities and states such as Washington, D.C., California and New York. This year, Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs also put migrants on buses, saying she wanted to help get them closer to their final destinations. The resulting tide of families has overwhelmed many cities. Nunez, the CARECEN director, said earlier waves of migrants only used Washington as a transfer point to reach family and friends elsewhere. Most of them have been on this arduous journey. It breaks your heart to hear some of their stories. They think once they made it over the border, theyre on easy street. And we have to tell them, No, the journey continues. Americas reeling as flow of migrants reaches historic levels ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT Hamas, which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, launched an attack inside Israel last weekend, killing hundreds and taking others hostage. Its unprecedented breach of the border sent fighters inside border communities and military installations, shocked Israel and its allies, and raised questions about the group's capabilities and strategy. What is Hamas? The group was founded in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian refugee living in Gaza, during the first intifada, or uprising, which was marked by widespread protests against Israel's occupation. Hamas is the Arabic acronym for the Islamic Resistance Movement, and a recognition of the group's roots and early ties to one of the Sunni world's most prominent groups, the Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in the 1920s. The group has vowed to annihilate Israel and has been responsible for many suicide bombings and other deadly attacks on civilians and Israeli soldiers. The U.S. State Department designated Hamas a terrorist group in 1997. The European Union and other Western countries also consider it a terrorist organization. Hamas won 2006 parliamentary elections and in 2007 violently seized control of the Gaza Strip from the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority, dominated by the rival Fatah movement, administers semi-autonomous areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel responded to the Hamas takeover with a blockade on Gaza, restricting movement of people and goods in and out of the territory in a step it says is needed to keep the group from developing weapons. The blockade has ravaged Gaza's economy, and Palestinians accuse Israel of collective punishment. Over the years, Hamas received backing from Arab countries, such as Qatar and Turkey. Recently, it's moved closer to Iran and its allies. Who are the leaders of Hamas? Hamas founder and spiritual leader Yassin spent years in Israeli prisons and oversaw the establishment of Hamas' military wing, which carried out its first suicide attack in 1993. Israeli forces have targeted Hamas leaders throughout the years, killing Yassin in 2004. Khaled Mashaal, an exiled Hamas member who survived an earlier Israeli assassination attempt, became the group's leader soon after. Yehia Sinwar, in Gaza, and Ismail Haniyeh, who lives in exile, are Hamas' current leaders. They realigned the group's leadership with Iran and its allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah. Since then, many of the group's leaders moved to Beirut. What does Hamas want? Hamas has always espoused violence as a means to liberate occupied Palestinian territories and has called for the annihilation of Israel. Hamas has carried out suicide bombings and over the years fired tens of thousands of increasingly powerful rockets from Gaza into Israel. It also established a network of tunnels running from Gaza to Egypt to smuggle in weapons, as well as attack tunnels burrowing into Israel. In recent years, Hamas had appeared to be more focused on running Gaza than attacking Israel. Why now? In recent years, Israel made peace deals with Arab countries without having to make concessions in its conflict with the Palestinians. The U.S. recently has been trying to broker a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a bitter rival of Hamas' Iranian backers. Meanwhile, Israel's new far right government was working to cement Israeli settlements in the West Bank despite Palestinian opposition. Hamas leaders say an Israeli crackdown on militants in the West Bank, continued construction of settlements which the international community considers to be illegal thousands of prisoners in Israeli jails, and its ongoing blockade of Gaza pushed it to attack. Its leaders say hundreds of its 40,000 fighters took part in the assault. Israel says the group has about 30,000 fighters and an arsenal of rockets, including some with a range of about 155 miles, and unmanned drones. Hamas most recent war on Israel employs tactics that turn atrocities into a powerful information warfare weapon. The surge or flood assault tactics make it difficult to identify Hamas fighters as combatants unless they are openly carrying a weapon. Hamas fighters try to hide among civilians almost always Arab civilians. They use civilians as human shields when attacking Israel and when defending against Israeli counterattacks. If they capture Israelis or other civilians, these hostages become another type of human shield. If the Arab human shields are hit by Israeli fire and become casualties, Hamas leaders call the dead Arab civilians involuntary martyrs for the cause. If a hostage dies death to the infidels. While Israelis and Western nations deplore Hamas intentionally ruthless tactics, defeating Hamas in a city fight or even a village often means killing civilians living in the area. The military term is collateral damage. The civilians were not targets, but they were in the battle zone. In death the dead become Hamas information warfare assets. Hamas takes video of the damaged neighborhoods, the civilian dead and wounded then accuses Israel of intentionally committing atrocities. The information warfare mission is to persuade international media that the Hamas cause is just, so killing all Israelis, including women and children, is just. It also provides international sympathizers with propaganda to condemn Israel and at the minimum claim at least moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas. Keeping civilians in the line of fire to provide cover for its fighters and provide horrifying information warfare imagery is why Hamas tries to prevent civilians from leaving areas it controls, especially Gaza city, even as Israeli forces prepare to attack. Hamas leaders believe there is no bad publicity when they wage war on Israel. As it is, in the current crisis Egypt has closed its borders to Palestinians seeking to flee Gaza. Egypt has economic problems and doesnt want the refugee burden. It is also hostile to any pro-Iran activity within Egypt and knows Hamas cadres will enter with the refugees. For decades Iran has tried to undermine Egypts government. Iran despises Egypt for making peace with Israel. Worse yet, Egypt showed peace with Israel has benefits. Today Egypt and Israel allow their citizens to freely visit the other country. Country to country trade is encouraged. Both nations have profited from the natural gas deposits discovered offshore in fields running from Lebanon to Egypt. While Israeli airstrikes have killed several senior Hamas leaders in Gaza, a Hamas leadership structure still exists outside the Gaza and the West Bank. Iran makes sure of that. Iran backs Hamas. Iran pays for training Hamas fighters and pays the organizational support costs. Iran paid for the thousands of rockets Hamas has fired at Israel in the current war. Iran condemns the U.S. for selling Israel modern strike aircraft. However, Iran has yet to pay a physical or information-political price for providing Hamas with the rockets hitting Israeli cities and settlements. @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman \(Body CS\)"; panose-1:2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3 4; mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711039 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";}p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}span.apple-converted-space {mso-style-name:apple-converted-space; mso-style-unhide:no;}p.xmsonormal, li.xmsonormal, div.xmsonormal {mso-style-name:x_msonormal; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:16.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} Former ASRM President Dr. G. David Adamson to discuss reproductive medicine at leading fertility conference CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ARC Fertility, a pioneer in innovative fertility and family-forming treatment options, will proudly be supporting the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2023 Scientific Congress and Expo in New Orleans. The event begins today, October 14, and lasts through October 18. A longtime supporter of ASRM, ARC Fertility founder and CEO Dr. G. David Adamson previously served as president for the society. Hell be joined by ARC leadership for this years program. The ARC team is excited to connect with other leading companies and experts in our field and discuss the latest in reproductive care, said Adamson. ASRM members are advancing medical science and delivering vital new marketplace solutions every day, and the annual ASRM Congress is critical to our fields ongoing progress. We look forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces as well as forging new connections. ARC has been rapidly expanding its footprint providing employee fertility benefits solutions tailored for self-insured employers. In September, the network joined the PlanSource partner marketplace to bring family-forming benefits to as many people as possible for the 2024 open enrollment season and beyond. Dr. Adamson continues to be a trusted source on fertility-related issues for publications such as USA Today. This years ASRM Congress is set to include the ASRM Presidents Gala, a Giving Day to support advocacy efforts for reproductive medicine, and will showcase ARC Fertilitys contributions to sessions on what global IVF data tell us, why professional standards matter and the intersection of reproductive medicine with racism, equity and inclusion. About ARC Fertility ARC Fertility was founded in 1997 from its founders passion to increase access to affordable, high-quality reproductive care for everyone. We are accomplishing our mission through our national network of top-tier fertility clinics and with the help of brokers and employers. ARC physicians deliver high-value fertility and family-forming employer benefits through evidence-based treatment packages and financing directly to patients. ARC Fertility has helped tens of thousands of people create the family of their dreams. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231014794189/en/ Press Contact Richard Berman (647) 294-8372 [email protected] Source: ARC Fertility London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2023) - COLUCK.COM is a pioneering company committed to driving innovation in e-commerce services and global expansion. Recently, it announced the completion of a comprehensive website update and system upgrade, along with a top-level strategic realignment, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Ms. Febrindawati, utilizing the COLUCK system, a blockchain-based collaborative system, established strategic partnerships with Asian factories to ensure the delivery of high-quality products to e-commerce sellers worldwide. To better serve customers and meet the ever-growing market demands, COLUCK's parent company decided to undergo a series of significant changes to further strengthen the company's development. In August 2023, to better meet customer needs and provide exceptional e-commerce services continually, COLUCK.COM completed a comprehensive website upgrade. This upgrade will offer e-commerce sellers the competitive e-commerce service experience. The comprehensive upgrade will provide e-commerce service experiences for customers of COLUCK E-COMMERCE SERVICE LIMITED to meet their evolving needs. The registered capital has been significantly increased, now standing at 50 million. This signifies that COLUCK E-COMMERCE SERVICE LIMITED will have more resources to support its customers and the growth of its e-commerce business. The COLUCK system not only handles sellers' orders but also inherits the existing blockchain-based collaborative system. This technology was developed over many years by a team led by Ms. Febrindawati and Mr. Smith. It combines blockchain technology with modern trade, creating a new e-commerce seller service system. This system overcomes many barriers in international trade, and aligns with current trends. COLUCK's parent company has announced a top-level strategic realignment for the company, along with new personnel changes. Consequently, in August, Febrindawati handed over the company's leadership to her good friend and company founder, Mr. Smith. With Mr. Smith's leadership, it is believed that COLUCK will continue to grow, maintain performance growth, and aim to achieve its listing goal in 2024. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13297957/officers https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/ounxpsAQjMUsRJ_CslBEjL1l-NQ/appointments https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/RGlgTi7UTE-SYPrlGV5UHIyCCKo/appointments Company Website: Coluck.com Customer service email: [email protected] Media contact Contact: DWIGHT KIRK SMITH Company Name: COLUCK E-COMMERCE SERVICE LIMITED Address: 20 Farringdon Street, London, United Kingdom, EC4A 4AB Website: https://coluck.com Email: [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183869 The official celebration of SBM's 50th anniversary had a special touch - Port-Louis, SBM Tower, Friday, October 6, 2023 at 7:30 PM. To mark this milestone in its history, the bank concocted a one-of-a-kind and unprecedented spectacle in Mauritius, featuring a video projection on two facades of the SBM Tower. Friday evening also saw the presence of internationally renowned 'sand artist' Fatmir Mura, whose "living" sand art pieces were also projected onto the SBM Tower on an area of 1,200 square meters, a first in artistic representation in Mauritius. "This video projection on the iconic SBM Tower is our way of expressing gratitude to all those who have contributed to SBM's success over the past five decades. We want Mauritians to enjoy this magnificent show in the coming days to celebrate this major milestone in our history with us. This spectacle also underscores our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer service, principles that have always guided us since the establishment of SBM in 1973. We are now fully focused on our goals of taking the bank and the Mauritian economy to new levels of growth," said Mr. Raoul Gufflet, Group Chief Executive Officer of SBM Holdings Ltd, during a banquet organized to mark the official celebrations of SBM's 50th anniversary on Friday. Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Sanjaiye Rawoteea, Acting Chief Executive Officer of SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, stated, "We are grateful to our customers and employees for their continued trust, and we are committed to remaining the preferred financial partner for the Mauritian people. This 50th anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate our past, our present, and look confidently toward the future. I am sure that the video projection on the SBM Tower will delight Mauritians, whom I invite to come and enjoy this spectacle in large numbers, with friends or family." Starting from Saturday, October 7, until Sunday, October 15, the public will be treated to seven projections each evening, lasting for ten minutes each, at the following times: 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM, and 10:30 PM. A special platform of 240 square meters has been set up on the Port Louis Waterfront in front of the former post office and will be accessible to the public starting from Saturday, October 7. A Unique Show This show is the result of a real technical and human achievement. Indeed, its realization required hundreds of hours of study, visits, design, creation, image, light, and laser programming. https://www.facebook.com/sbmholdings/videos/304305882322615 Contact Info: Name: The Creative Fellas Email: Send Email Organization: SBM Bank Website: https://www.sbmgroup.mu/ Release ID: 89110336 In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected]. Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers. Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Haugen Moeckel & Bossart has published its latest article entitle "Minnesotas New Recreational Marijuana Legislation". Those who seek the best legal defense and other interested individuals can view the full article below. Haugen Moeckel & Bossart has published a new article entitled "Minnesota's New Recreational Marijuana Legislation." The report sheds light on the most critical aspects of a law that will completely change the landscape for the possession and manufacture of marijuana throughout the State of Minnesota. Those who seek the best legal defense and other interested individuals can view the full article at HaugenMoeckel&Bossart/Blog The article includes several interesting pieces of information; one, in particular, is how Minnesota is on the brink of a significant change as it gears up to legalize the recreational possession and use of marijuana. If the proposed legislation is passed, it will grant Minnesotans the freedom to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in public or 1.5 pounds in the privacy of their homes. Additionally, individuals could transport no more than 8 grams of adult-use cannabis concentrate and edible products infused with up to 800 milligrams of THC. The information provided should be of particular interest to Minnesota citizens, as the proposed law also aims to enable them to give away cannabis flower and cannabinoid products as long as the quantity aligns with what's deemed legal for public possession. One of the most important pieces of information the article tries to convey is that the Minnesota marijuana legislation is set to automatically delete low-level (presumably misdemeanor / gross misdemeanor) marijuana convictions. The best example of this is perhaps found in the following extract: "The legislation sets up an expungement board to consider felony offenses. It is still being determined if this board will need an expungement petition filed through a Minnesota District Court to begin the process. Still, presumably, there will be a process for filing for expungement through this board. This legislation does not apply to any other controlled substance. Anyone convicted previously of this type of offense may seek an expungement and should get the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle this." In discussing the article's creation, Stacey Tjon Bossart, who has been a member of the firm since July 1, 2012, at Haugen Moeckel & Bossart, said: "Navigating the legal landscape surrounding marijuana possession has become more complex, and individuals facing charges must be well-informed about the potential consequences. Engaging the expertise of experienced criminal defense attorneys becomes crucial to protect one's rights and secure the best possible legal outcome in this evolving environment." Haugen Moeckel & Bossart now welcome comments and questions concerning the article. The reason is that this will help people get a better understanding of Minnesotas new recreational Marijuana legislation. Anyone who has a specific question about a past, present, or future article can contact Haugen Moeckel & Bossart via their website at https://haugenandmoeckel.com The complete article is available to view in full at HaugenMoeckel&Bossart/Blog Contact Info: Name: Lorell Moeckel Email: Send Email Organization: Haugen Moeckel & Bossart Address: 1123 5th Ave S Lower Level, Fargo, North Dakota 58103, United States Website: https://haugenandmoeckel.com Release ID: 89110075 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission. BOGOTA, Colombia , Oct. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that the Board of Directors, during its meeting held on October 13, 2023 , appointed Luis Felipe Rivera as the Vice President of Science, Technology, and Innovation, effective from October 23, 2023 . Dr. Rivera holds a degree in Systems Engineering from Universidad Industrial de Santander, a specialization in Administration from Universidad ICESI, and is currently pursuing an MBA at Universidad Adolfo Ibanez in Miami . He possesses over 20 years of professional experience across various sectors of the economy, with expertise in the structuring and management of ICT areas, processes, operations, information security, technological innovation, digital transformation, and the implementation of mission-critical and support technology solutions, among other areas. Since 2018, he has been serving as the Director of Information Technology for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and will cease to serve as such before joining Ecopetrol S.A. ----------------------------------------- Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia , it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico ), Brazil , and Mexico , and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil , Chile , Peru , and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile , and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice. This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For more information, please contact: Head of Capital Markets (a) Daniel Hurtado Mendoza Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ecopetrol-reports-that-luis-felipe-rivera-has-been-appointed-as-vice-president-of-science-technology-and-innovation-301956763.html SOURCE ECOPETROL S.A. GITEX Impact CSO Business Club is the first global platform for Chief Sustainability Officers to convene as Impact Leaders and collaborate 20% Impact Leaders come from Africa , 17% from the Americas , 16% from Asia , 26% from Europe , 19% from the Middle East , and 2% from other regions. DUBAI, UAE , Oct. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GITEX Impact has announced a list of 300 Impact Leaders, chosen across sectors and regions for the year 2023. Impact Leaders gain membership to the GITEX Impact CSO Business Club, a by-invite-only community that leads the transition to a more sustainable world through collaborations and advanced tech solutions. GITEX Impact is the region's largest event for sustainability tech innovation, ESG strategies and services. Impact Leaders have been chosen via a rigorous selection process on the basis of their high relevance to corporate sustainability, strong impact track record, credible vision for the future, and evidence of collaboration. The community is established and developed by Sustain Labs Paris, a globally acclaimed organisation that establishes large scale new institutions for a sustainable future, and vetted by the GITEX Impact Council Members. In the UAE's year of sustainability, the GITEX Impact Leaders community includes the world's foremost sustainability decision makers who are accelerating positive and lasting change in their organizations, communities, countries, and the world. The names of the 300 GITEX Impact Leaders for 2023 have been announced by GITEX Impact here https://giteximpact.com/cso-business-club/. Notable members of the Impact Leaders list include Roger Martella , Chief Sustainability Officer at General Electric (GE); Ibrahim Al-Zubi , Senior Vice President of Sustainability & Climate at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC); David Carlin , Head of Climate Risk and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures for the United Nations Environment Programme's Finance Initiative; Laurie Schoeman , Senior Advisor for Climate Resilience in the Executive Office of the President at the White House. Amid pressing challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and social disparities, these influential Impact Leaders wield the capacity to craft policies, spark innovation, and forge cross-border partnerships. Other noteworthy members include Boyd Cohen , the co-founder of IoMob Tech, makers of WheelCoin, the first Move2Earn game that rewards users for environmentally friendly travel choices; Diane Binder , the founding partner and Chief Executive Officer of Regenopolis, an international initiative catalyzing solutions for regenerative cities in Africa , and supporting commercially viable value chains for land restoration and economic development in the Sahel along the Great Green Wall; and Charles Warria, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Grow Fairly, a company dedicated to fostering enduring relationships with conscious consumers while ensuring equitable access to global markets for Kenyan farmers. Commenting on the significance of the GITEX Impact CSO Business Club, Sherif Tawfik , Chief Sustainability Commercial Officer, Central, Southeast Europe , Middle East , and Africa at Microsoft and member of the GITEX Impact CSO Business Club said "The GITEX Impact CSO Business Club represents a significant step towards addressing the current challenges in our field. By bringing together like-minded CSOs, the club will offer a platform for meaningful connections, shared knowledge, and tangible progress. A heartfelt thank you to the Dubai World Trade Centre for making this possible." Member of the GITEX Impact CSO Business Club Juliet Anammah, CEO CG&R Strategy LLC, former Chief Sustainability Officer of Jumia Group and Chairwoman of Jumia Nigeria said "I am truly excited to be a member of the GITEX Impact CSO Business Club. There simply is no greater cause and no other priority that can compete with the goal of ensuring that our planet is able to sustain human life for generations to come. I cannot imagine anything else more inspiring than expanding our focus beyond corporate and national boundaries to forge new products, new services, new policies, and new ways of working and living to reach this goal." Another member of the GITEX Impact CSO Business Club Roberta Boscolo, Climate and Energy Lead at the World Meteorological Organization, said "The world needs to accelerate towards building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. Being an impact leader at the GITEX Impact CSO Business Club transcends traditional roles; it is a call for a global nexus, tapping into unmatched reach and connectivity. I believe this platform has the power of collaboration that channels the collective strengths of its members, amplifies their positive imprint on society and the environment, and forges action. Thanks to the vision of GITEX Impact to bring together the brightest minds in sustainability and to initiate a ripple effect of boundless impacts." The GITEX Impact CSO Business Club creates a global platform, tapping into the insights of the Impact Leaders working on sustainability challenges globally, with the aim of expediting the vital shift towards a revitalized and just global community. The Impact Leaders convene at GITEX Impact, 16 - 20 October 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, which is the largest multi stakeholder global technology event for breakthrough innovations in climate, ESG investments, sustainable finance & public-private partnerships. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2247308/4340893/GITEX_Impact_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-eminent-impact-leaders-convene-in-dubai-301956755.html SOURCE GITEX Impact Palestinians wait to buy bread outside a bakery, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem/File Photo BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Saturday that it was tripling its current humanitarian assistance for Gaza to 75 million euros ($78.8 million) and would work with United Nations agencies to ensure the aid reaches those in need. "The Commission supports Israel's right to defend itself against the Hamas terrorists, in full respect of international humanitarian law," the EU executive said in a statement. "We are working hard to ensure that innocent civilians in Gaza are provided support in this context." The European Union decided earlier this week to maintain aid to Palestinians, backtracking after a commissioner said the European Commission was putting all its development aid for Palestinians, worth 691 million euros, under review. The U.N. humanitarian office (OCHA) appealed on Friday for nearly $294 million to help some 1.3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank, nearly half for food aid as supplies run out. ($1 = 0.9516 euros) (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Christina Fincher) KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 23:30 | All, World, Japan Three Air Self-Defense Force airplanes left Japan for Djibouti in East Africa on Saturday to prepare for the possible airlifting of Japanese nationals from Israel, where tensions are rising following Palestinian militant group Hamas's massive attack a week ago. The ASDF's KC767 refueling and transport airplane departed from Komaki Air Base in central Japan and two C2 transport planes left Miho Air Base in the western prefecture of Tottori to stand by at an SDF base in Djibouti. A number of countries have launched operations to evacuate their citizens from Israel, with the violence already claiming thousands of Israeli and Palestinian lives since Hamas conducted its surprise assault Oct. 7. The government plans to deploy the SDF plane if it becomes difficult to evacuate Japanese citizens by a chartered commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Dubai. Tokyo announced the evacuation operation Friday, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida telling reporters that his government would "take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals." Defense Minister Minoru Kihara has indicated that the government might also try to evacuate Japanese citizens by land. Separately, the South Korean government said Saturday it airlifted 163 South Koreans along with 51 Japanese and six Singaporean citizens from Israel using a military transport aircraft. The transport plane landed at an air base outside Seoul later in the day. In 2011, the SDF set up a base in Djibouti, a tiny country in the Horn of Africa about 2,000 kilometers south of Israel, as part of an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. Japan used the same SDF foothold in Djibouti when it carried out an evacuation operation for nationals in nearby Sudan in April, where fighting between the Sudanese military and a paramilitary force had escalated. Related coverage: Japan to send SDF plane to Djibouti to evacuate citizens in Israel G7 "unequivocally" condemns Hamas attack on Israel as markets wary Japan, Thailand foreign ministers vow to boost economic ties Palestinians flee their houses heading toward the southern part of Gaza Strip after Israel's call for more than 1 million civilians in northern Gaza to move south within 24 hours, amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza City October 13, 2023. REUTER By Nidal al-Mughrabi and John Davison GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel was preparing on Saturday to launch a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, after telling Palestinians living in the densely populated territory to flee south towards a closed border with Egypt. The Israeli national security adviser meanwhile warned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah not to start a war on a second front, threatening the "destruction of Lebanon" if it did. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas in retaliation for a rampage in which its fighters stormed through Israeli towns a week ago, shooting civilians and seizing scores of hostages in the worst attack on civilians in Israel's history. Some 1,300 people were killed in an onslaught that shocked Israel over the killing and graphic mobile phone footage and reports from medical and emergency services of atrocities in the towns and kibbutzes that were overrun. In response, Israeli jets and artillery have subjected Gaza to the most intense bombardment it has ever seen, putting the enclave, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under total siege. Gaza authorities say more than 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 wounded. Rescue workers searched desperately for survivors of nighttime air raids. Thousands of Palestinians fled the north of the Gaza Strip on Saturday from the path of the expected Israeli ground assault, while Israel pounded the area with more air strikes and said it kept two roads open to let people escape. U.S. President Joe Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and, while reiterating "unwavering" support, discussed international coordination to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food and medical care. Biden also spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who stressed the urgent need to allow urgent humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Palestinians would "remain in our land" even as one million Gaza residents were reported to have fled their homes since Israel began its bombardment. The surprise Hamas attack on Oct. 7 launched the region into a new crisis as furious Israeli leaders prepare to respond with crushing force. "IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers and battalions are deployed across the country and are increasing operational readiness for the next stages of the war, with an emphasis on significant ground operations," the military said in a statement. It added this would include air, sea and land assaults and cover an "expanded arena of combat," without elaborating. On Friday, the Israeli military told the population of the northern half of the Gaza Strip, which includes the enclave's biggest settlement Gaza City, to move south immediately. On Saturday, it said it would guarantee the safety of Palestinians fleeing on two main roads until 4:00 p.m. (1300 GMT). As the deadline passed, troops were massing around Gaza. Hamas has told people not to leave and says roads out are unsafe. It says dozens of people were killed in strikes on cars and trucks carrying refugees on Friday, which Reuters could not independently verify. Israel says Hamas is preventing people from leaving in order to use them as human shields, which Hamas denies. In one Gaza City neighborhood that Israel ordered evacuated, bombs fired from warplanes hit several houses during the night, residents said. "We lived a night of horror. Israel punished us for not wanting to leave our home. Is there brutality worse than this?" a father of three said by telephone from a hospital where he had taken shelter, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals. "I prefer to die and not leave, but I can't see my wife and children die before my eyes." The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had received an Israeli order to evacuate the hospital by 4:00 p.m., but would not do so because it had a humanitarian duty to keep providing services to the sick and wounded. 'RELEASE OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN' The attacks on Israel have plunged the nation into deep grief and galvanised it for war, with hundreds of thousands of reservists mobilised within days. Avichai Brodetz, a farmer from Kibbutz Kfar Aza whose wife and three children were taken captive to Gaza, set up a camp outside the Israeli army headquarters to focus attention on the plight of kidnapped Israelis. "The first thing that needs to happen is the release of the women and children," he told reporters. Hamas' armed wing said Israeli air strikes had killed nine captives including four foreigners overnight. Hamas had threatened to kill one hostage for every building Israel strikes without warning. Israel's attacks on Gaza failed to halt Hamas missile strikes deep into Israeli cities. The only route out of Gaza not under Israeli control was a checkpoint with Egypt at Rafah. Egypt officially says its side is open, but traffic has been halted for days because of Israeli strikes. Egyptian security sources said the Egyptian side is being reinforced and Cairo has no intention of accepting a mass influx of refugees. A U.S. State Department official said the United States was working to open the crossing to let some people out, and had been in touch with Palestinian-Americans who want to leave Gaza. Washington later said it had told its citizens to try to reach the crossing. The U.S. said on Saturday that 29 U.S. citizens were in killed in the Hamas attacks, with 15 unaccounted for, up from 27 previously. Countries and aid agencies have sent supplies to Egypt but have been unable to bring them into Gaza. Israel says nothing can enter through Rafah without its coordination. Israel says its evacuation order is a humanitarian gesture to protect residents while it roots out Hamas fighters. The United Nations says so many people cannot be safely moved within Gaza without causing a humanitarian disaster. HEZBOLLAH WARNING The violence in Gaza has been accompanied by the deadliest clashes at Israel's northern border with Lebanon since 2006, raising fears of war spreading to another front. Lebanon's armed Hezbollah movement, like Hamas a close ally of Iran, said it had fired at five Israeli outposts in the disputed Shebaa Farms area with guided missiles and mortar bombs. Reuters saw missiles fired at an Israeli army post and heard shelling from Israel and gunfire. Israel's Kan radio reported five border villages were under lockdown in response to a suspected incursion from Lebanon. Netanyahu security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said Israel was "trying not to be drawn into a two-front war" and warned Hezbollah to stay out of the fighting. "We hope Hezbollah won't, de facto, bring about the destruction of Lebanon, because if there is a war there the result will be no less," he said, alluding to long-standing Israeli threats to launch heavy strikes on the country in a bid to stem launches of Hezbollah's extensive missile arsenal. Washington is also determined to ensure Iran and Iran-backed groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah do not enter the conflict. The White House said Biden reiterated his warning on Saturday against anyone seeking to expand the conflict. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Ari Rabinovitch, Dan Williams, Henriette Chacar, Dedi Hayun, Maayan Lubell, Emily Rose, James Mackenzie and John Davison in Jerusalem; Writing by Peter Graff, John Davison and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Jon Boyle, Janet Lawrence, Giles Elgood and Daniel Wallis) BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's Hezbollah on Saturday targeted five Israeli outposts in the disputed Shebaa Farms area on the Lebanese-Israeli border with guided missiles and mortars shells, the militia group said in a statement. The heavily armed Iranian-backed group said the attack took place at 3:15 p.m. (1215 GMT). A Reuters witness had earlier reported heavy shelling of Israeli outposts in the area as well as the sound of gunfire. (Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Giles Elgood) JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's military said on Saturday its artillery had struck Syrian areas from which two rockets were fired toward Israeli territory, falling in open areas. The military also said it had fired an interceptor toward what it described as a "suspicious target" that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory. It did not provide details. The Syrian projectiles set off sirens in the northern Israeli town of Alma, near the Lebanese border, and in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights town of Avnei Eitan, the military said. Israel has traded fire with Lebanon's Hezbollah and militants in Syria in recent days, a wider conflict over its northern border as it battles Islamist Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip following a deadly attack in Israel. (Writing by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Daniel Wallis) Mexico's Secretary of Energy Rocio Nahle Garcia looks on during a news conference with Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in Mexico City, Mexico March 9, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Romero MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico Energy Secretary Rocio Nahle has presented her resignation and will step down immediately, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday, as she prepares to enter the race for governor of Veracruz state. Nahle, a 59-year-old chemical engineer who has held office since late 2018, said last month she may run for governor of Veracruz, which borders the Gulf of Mexico and is rich in oil and gas. "She will be with us in the position until today," Lopez Obrador said, wishing her the best and thanking her for her work notably on Dos Bocas, a major oil refinery for state producer Pemex in Tabasco that is set to reach full capacity this year. The refinery aims to help Mexico become energy self-sufficient but has not yet begun to market its products. In next year's elections, Nahle could compete on behalf of the ruling MORENA party for governorship against Miguel Angel Yunes of the conservative PAN party, a former Veracruz governor who could seek a comeback to his old office. Late on Friday, MORENA published a list of its pre-candidates for Veracruz, which alongside Nahle include deputies Sergio Gutierrez Luna and Claudia Tello and the state's former party president, Manuel Huerta. The list also includes Eric Cisneros and Zenyazen Escobar, who resigned from their posts as Veracruz government secretary and education secretary, respectively. The current state governor is MORENA's Cuitlahuac Garcia. Nahle sent a message on social messaging platform X thanking Lopez Obrador. "It's an honor," she said. "Mission accomplished!". (Reporting by Diego Ore, Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Sarah Morland; Editing by Lincoln Feast) Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party waves to supporters at his election party after winning the general election to become New Zealands next prime minister in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland By Lucy Craymer and Renju Jose WELLINGTON (Reuters) -Senior members of New Zealand's National Party will meet on Sunday to plan forming a coalition government after the centre-right party and its preferred partner won a razor-thin electoral victory that could be eroded when the final votes are tallied. Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon, 53, a former airline executive who has only been in parliament for three years, said Nationals strategy team would gather behind closed doors in the afternoon to map out how to approach negotiations. "We are going to deliver a strong and stable government that is going to get things done, Luxon told a press conference in Auckland a day after Saturday's election. He said he had spoken with the leader of the conservative ACT New Zealand, David Seymour, twice on Saturday and believed the two parties would work constructively. National won 50 seats and ACT 11, securing a majority of just one seat in the 121-seat parliament, according to provisional results from the Electoral Commission. While the election produced a notable swing from left to right, Bryce Edwards, a research fellow at the school of government at Victoria University of Wellington, said he did not expect a radical right-wing government in any significant sense. "It's just so opaque at the moment," Edwards said. National "will be coalescing with the ACT party and also with New Zealand First and we just don't know yet what dynamic that's going to bring." While National and ACT have the numbers to form a government on the current count, roughly 567,0000 special votes, around 20% of the total, must still be counted. The official result is due on Nov. 3, and right-wing parties have historically lost at least a seat with the final count. National's campaign manager Chris Bishop warned the party might lose at least one seat when the special votes are counted. If National and ACT lose a seat, they would need to reach an agreement with the populist New Zealand First. Luxon has not yet spoken to leader Winston Peters but has said he is prepared to work with them to form a stable government. Under New Zealands mixed-member proportional system, it is very uncommon for a single party to form a government, although Jacinda Arderns Labour government did in 2020. Peters told a press conference he was waiting to speak with Luxon after the result was clear. National can create a government either in coalition with parties that join the government or by agreements with smaller parties to support the government on important matters such as budgets or no-confidence votes. Anthony Albanese, centre-left prime minister of neighbouring Australia congratulated Luxon, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he looked forward to building the two countries' relationship into the future. (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Mark Potter, Chizu Nomiyama and William Mallard) Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, shelter at a United Nations-run school, after Israel's call for more than 1 million civilians in northern Gaza to move south, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 14, 2023. REUTERS/Ahm By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - When Israel told residents of Gaza to leave their homes in the densely populated Palestinian enclave ahead of an expected ground offensive, Fawziya Shaheen, 90, recalled a dark chapter that is seared into the consciousness of Palestinians. The idea of leaving or being driven out of land on which they want to forge a state carries echoes of the "Nakba", or "catastrophe", when many Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes during the 1948 war that accompanied Israel's creation. "Whatever happens we will not be displaced. They are striking us but we are not going to leave our homes and we will not be displaced," said Shaheen, sitting at home with her grandchildren facing relentless Israeli bombardment and shortages of bread, drinking water and power outages. Israel had given the population of the northern half of the Gaza Strip until Saturday morning to move south. It later said it would guarantee the safety of Palestinians fleeing on two main roads until 4:00 pm (1300 GMT). As the deadline passed, troops were massing around the Gaza Strip. "I remembered the time when we were displaced the first time and what is happening to us now. It is all the fault of America and the countries who made normalization with the Jews (Israel)," said Shaheen, who lives in an alley inside the Khan Younis refugee camp. "Even if America, Israel or any other state intervenes we will stay put and we will not leave our homes." Shaheen was originally displaced from Al-Majdal and ended up in impoverished Gaza, now one of the most densely populated places in the world. She witnessed the 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973 wars and the conflicts between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Some 700,000 Palestinians, half the Arab population of what was British-ruled Palestine, were dispossessed and displaced, many spilling into neighbouring Arab states where they or many of their descendants remain. Many still live in refugee camps. Israel contests the assertion that it drove Palestinians out, saying it was attacked by five Arab states after its creation. 'WE WILL DIE HERE' Israel has launched an intense bombardment, vowing to annihilate the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza in retaliation for a rampage by its fighters who stormed through Israeli towns a week ago, gunning down civilians and making off with scores of hostages. Some 1,300 people were killed in the worst attack on civilians in Israel's history. Israel says the evacuation order is a humanitarian gesture to protect residents from harm while it roots out Hamas fighters. The United Nations says so many people cannot be safely moved inside the besieged enclave without causing a humanitarian disaster. Hundreds of thousands of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, while remaining inside Gaza, a small slither of land wedged between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. The fate of Palestinian refugees is one of the thorniest issues in the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Palestinians and Arab states say a deal should include the right of those refugees and their descendants to return, something Israel rejects. Shehada Abu Draz, 80, is suspicious of an American-Israeli conspiracy to eject Palestinians to Egypt, even though that country has not indicated it will open its doors to any fleeing residents of Gaza. "We tell America, Israel and those who stand with it that we will never leave the Gaza Strip. We will die here," he said. "Israel occupied our land in 1948 and until now, and we will engage in a battle against Israel forever." "Every people under occupation must resist the occupation regardless of what is the price," he said. (Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Janet Lawrence) WARSAW (Reuters) -Polish police negotiators persuaded a man to come down from a monument in a central Warsaw square, a spokesperson said, putting an end to an incident that had seen part of the capital cordoned off amid reports of a bomb threat. Private broadcaster Polsat News reported that at around 1130 GMT the man surrendered to police. Its footage showed him climbing down from the monument, taking off his jacket and walking away with his hands in the air. Police spokesperson Sylwester Marczak told reporters officers had seen the man climbing onto the Smolensk monument at around 0800 GMT. "They approached him but then there was a very worrying statement which indicated that there was a very real danger for people on the square," he said, adding that police were now examining his backpack using an x-ray to make sure it was safe. The incident came a day before Poland holds a high-stakes parliamentary election. A police officer at the scene had told a Reuters reporter: "No entrance, there is a bomb," but Marczak. quoted by the state-run PAP news agency, did not confirm the reports that the man was threatening to blow himself up. Footage posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, had showed a man standing on top of the Smolensk monument, which commemorates the victims of a 2010 air disaster that killed 96 people including President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, Maria. PAP said several hundred officers were involved in an operation around the square. A Reuters video journalist saw armed officers arriving nearby. A guest at the Sofitel hotel, which faces the square, said they had been told to only leave the building by the back exit. (Reporting by Thomas Holdstock and Kuba Stezycki, writing by Alan CharlishEditing by Sharon Singleton, Helen Popper and Mark Potter) South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi sign documents during the announcement of the intent between the two nations to pursue a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CE By Rachna Uppal DUBAI (Reuters) -The United Arab Emirates and South Korea have concluded talks towards a bilateral trade deal, known as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the two countries said on Saturday. Trade and investment ties between the Gulf state and South Korea have been steadily advancing; in the first half of 2023, bilateral non-oil trade reached $3 billion, similar to the same period last year, but up 21% over 2021, a statement said. The Korea Electric Power Corporation and a consortium of Korean firms also constructed all four units of the $20 billion nuclear Barakah Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, which became operational in April this year, to help support the UAE's domestic electricity needs. South Korea was one of the first countries with which the Gulf state launched talks for a CEPA in 2021. Three months later however, the Asian state revived dormant Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council bloc, of which the UAE is a member. "We resumed talks with Korea earlier this year as we were both keen to conclude a deal and advance our respective economic agendas," Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE minister of foreign trade, told Reuters, adding the GCC FTA talks remained ongoing. "There were about 178 South Korean firms doing businesses in the UAE as of 2022, and the Korea-UAE CEPA would enhance stability of South Korean firms entering into the UAE, while it would also support South Korean firms' activities in the Middle East and North Africa," South Korea's trade ministry said in a statement. The UAE has so far signed several CEPAs including from previous political foes Israel and Turkey, to Asian giants India and Indonesia, as part of a strategy to diversify its economy from oil. It has said it does not mix politics with trade, when asked whether the Israel-Gaza conflict would have an impact on the Gulf state's trade deal with Israel. (Reporting by Rachna Uppal in Dubai; Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang in Seoul; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Lincoln Feast) FILE PHOTO: A depiction of the Australian Aboriginal Flag is seen on a window sill at the home of indigenous Muruwari elder Rita Wright, a member of the "Stolen Generations", in Sydney, Australia, January 19, 2021.. REUTERS/Loren Elliott By Praveen Menon, Lewis Jackson and Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia on Saturday decisively rejected a proposal to recognise Indigenous people in the constitution, in a major setback to the country's efforts for reconciliation with its First Peoples. Australians had to vote "Yes" or "No" in the referendum, the first in almost a quarter of a century, on the question of whether to alter the constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people through the creation of an Indigenous advisory body, the "Voice to Parliament". Nationwide, with almost 70% of the vote counted, the "No" vote led "Yes" 60% to 40%. Australian broadcaster ABC and other TV networks have projected that a majority of voters in all six of Australia's states would vote against altering the 122-year-old constitution. A successful referendum requires at least four of the six to vote in favour, along with a national majority. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged it was not the outcome he had hoped for but said the country would have to seek a new way forward for reconciliation. "Our nation's road to reconciliation has often been hard going," Albanese said in a televised news conference. "Tonight is not the end of the road and is certainly not the end of our efforts to bring people together." Academics and human rights advocates fear the win by the "No" camp could set back reconciliation efforts by years. The Voice to Parliament was proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a 2017 document crafted by Indigenous leaders that set out a roadmap for reconciliation with wider Australia. Australia's Indigenous citizens, who make up 3.8% of the country's 26 million population, have inhabited the land for about 60,000 years but are not mentioned in the constitution and are, by most socio-economic measures, the most disadvantaged people in the country. Supporters of the proposal believed entrenching an Indigenous Voice into the constitution would unite Australia and usher in a new era with its Indigenous people. Many Indigenous people favoured the change, but some said it was a distraction from achieving practical and positive outcomes. The political opposition has criticised the measure, saying it is divisive, would be ineffective, and would slow government decision-making. "I'm devastated," Indigenous leader and prominent "Yes" campaigner Thomas Mayo said on ABC News. "We need a Voice. We need that structural change." SETBACK FOR ALBANESE Referendums are difficult to pass in Australia, with only eight of 44 succeeding since the country's founding in 1901. This is the first referendum in Australia since voters rejected a proposal to become a republic almost a quarter of a century ago. In 1967, a referendum to count Indigenous people as part of the Australian population was a resounding success with bipartisan political support. This year's referendum, however, has not garnered unified support, with leaders of the major conservative parties campaigning for a "No" vote. No referendum has passed in Australia without bipartisan backing. The Voice has been a key feature of Prime Minister Albanese's term in office, and a referendum loss would stand out, political analysts say, as his biggest setback since coming to power in May last year. Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticised Albanese for holding a referendum "that Australia did not need to have". "The proposal and the process should have been designed to unite Australians, not to divide us," he told a news conference after the result was known on Saturday. A misinformation campaign that spread through social media also sparked fear that the Voice - a purely advisory body - would become a third chamber of parliament, resulting in more federal aid to Aboriginal people, and more disputes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Albanese also criticised some sections of the media that he said had steered the referendum debate away from the core issues. "We have had, including in outlets represented in this room, discussions about a range of things that were nothing to do with what was on the ballot paper tonight," Albanese said. (Additional reporting by Kirsty Needham, Alasdair Pal and John Mair in Sydney; Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by William Mallard, Clarence Fernandez and Edmund Klamann) (Alex Pena/Stars and Stripes) Jordan, 2013: A young Syrian girl stands at the door of her home in the Baqaa refugee camp near Amman. Palestinians helped move her family into the camp that is home to a majority of Palestinians. Read Cid Standifers 2013 article on the Palestinian and Syrian refugee crises here. KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 08:25 | All, World The United States said Friday that North Korea has recently delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for its war in Ukraine. White House national security spokesman John Kirby disclosed the information during an online press briefing and stressed that the United States will continue to expose such arms deals to prevent North Korea from aiding "Russia's war machine in secret." According to the White House, between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1, a set of containers was shipped from North Korea's port of Najin to Dunay in Russia. It said the containers were then moved by rail to an ammunition depot in southwestern Russia, near Tikhoretsk, about 290 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. "In return for their support, we assess that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia, including fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or other materials, and other advanced technologies," Kirby said. "We are monitoring closely whether Moscow will provide Pyongyang with these materials and we have already observed Russian ships offloading containers in (North Korea) which may constitute...the initial deliveries of material from Russia," he said. The White House announcement, with images of the routes used to transfer the containers, came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia in September and pledged support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the trip, Kim's first overseas travel since the outbreak of the coronavirus, he confirmed with senior Russian officials the deepening of military cooperation with Moscow, which is struggling to replenish its arms stockpiles as its war in Ukraine drags on. U.S., Japanese and South Korean officials had been voicing concern over the last several months that Kim could provide ammunition to Russia. This is not the first time the United States has criticized North Korea for assisting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Early this year, it released satellite imagery captured last November showing Russian railcars traveling with containers of North Korean arms, including infantry rockets and missiles. Condemning the latest weapons shipments as further violations of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, Kirby on Friday hinted at the possibility of new sanctions against people involved in such deals between North Korea and Russia. He also said that North Korea's expanding military partnership with Russia undermines "regional stability and the global (nuclear) nonproliferation regime." Sen. Mazie Hirono, R-Hawaii, speaks at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, flanked by the merchant tanker Empire State, which will be used to carry fuel being emptied from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes) JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii Hawaii state and federal officials gathered on a Pearl Harbor pier Friday to speak to reporters about what some described as a milestone: defueling the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility starting Monday. The speaker who best captured the publics sentiment on the facilitys drainage and eventual closure, however, was the deputy director of environmental health for the Hawaii Department of Health. Nearly two years ago, an unprecedented environmental disaster occurred in Hawaii, said Kathleen Ho, referring to a fuel leak in late 2021 that contaminated a Navy water distribution system used by tens of thousands of residents. The people of Hawaii came together to call for the defueling and closure of Red Hill, she said. Now defueling is about to begin. For many people in our community, this milestone is more of a source of relief than a cause for celebration. Draining the 104 million gallons of fuel in the World War II-era underground tanks will take about three months. Fuel will drain via gravity through roughly 3 miles of pipes that end at a fueling pier on the joint base. There, the fuel will be loaded onto tanker ships and relocated to San Diego, Subic Bay in the Philippines, the Port of Singapore and a pair of fuel depots in Hawaii. Vice Adm. John Wade, who heads Joint Task Force-Red Hill, the Defense Department entity tasked with emptying the tanks, told reporters that 99.9% of the fuel will drain via that initial gravity system. When that phase completes, then we must get after whats called residual fuel, he said. Residual fuel cant be drained using gravity because it has accumulated in low points and bends in pipes. The task force estimates the system will hold about 70,000 gallons of residual fuel, Wade said. Once that is complete, which we estimate will be in the early spring, then, at some point, the joint task force will transition to our critical partners, the Navy, and the Navy has the responsibility for closing the facility, he said. The Navy will have to remove roughly 3,000 gallons of liquid-solid sludge in the tanks, which can only be done at the time the piping is actually disassembled, Wade said. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told reporters that he was confident the defueling would be done safely and successfully given the planning carried out by the Defense Department, Hawaii Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Furthermore, our first responders and community leaders are well trained for any emergency that may come so they can continue to work closely with [the task force], Navy Region Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and the federal fire department, he said. Green emphasized that the defueling was just the first course, the first step in setting right all that went wrong with the fuel facility, which Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered closed in March 2022. Three things: Were going to drain Red Hill; we will close the facility permanently; and we will remediate the aquifer, Green said. Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli soldiers in Ramallah. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/The Washington Post) Qusra, West Bank At least 11 Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces and dozens injured across the West Bank on Friday, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, as fears rise over mounting violence and instability ahead of an expected Israeli land invasion of Gaza. In scenes rare for the West Bank, Palestinians raised Hamas flags in a solidarity march with Gaza, defying long-standing political divides between the Islamist militant group and the West Banks dominant Fatah party. Many in the occupied territory spent the day glued to the news as Israel ordered 1.1 million Gazans under bombardment to evacuate - fueling Palestinian fears of another mass displacement. Four of the Palestinians killed Friday were shot dead during clashes with Israeli security forces west of Tulkarem, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency. A 14-year-old was killed during confrontations near a military checkpoint east of Nablus, WAFA said. At least 43 West Bank Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers since Saturday, when Hamas gunmen rampaged through southern Israel, killing at least 1,300 people. Palestinians have been blocked from leaving the West Bank or traveling between cities. On Friday, Israels Route 60, which connects Jewish settlements and divides Palestinian communities, was eerily empty. All eyes are now on Gaza, where more than 1,700 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. Just a week ago, though, the West Bank was thought to be Israels most pressing security challenge. The 1993 Oslo peace accords envisioned the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem as part of a future Palestinian state. Thirty years later, Israel controls most of the West Bank, with pockets governed by the Palestinian Authority. Hamas, the authoritys longtime rival, seized power of Gaza in 2007. Palestinians are physically separated and politically divided. The collapse of the U.S.-led peace process, the intensifying Israeli occupation and the aging leadership of the Palestinian Authority have fueled widespread anger and disillusion across the West Bank, allowing new militant groups to rise to prominence. Even before the latest round of violence, at least 179 Palestinians in the West Bank had been killed since January, according to the latest United Nations report - making 2023 the deadliest year in two decades. As Israel ramps up its war in Gaza, settler violence against Palestinians here is escalating. On Wednesday, armed settlers shot dead three Palestinians from the same family outside their home near Qusra, a small village of some 7,000 people, according to Palestinian officials and family members. The three men were taken to a trauma hospital in nearby Nablus but later succumbed to their wounds. Returning the bodies home meant traveling along a route partly controlled by the Israelis, said family member Abdulazim al-Wadi, which required negotiating with multiple authorities for permission. At one crucial juncture of the journey, as ambulances prepared to take the bodies from one side of a highway to another, settlers arrived and started throwing rocks. In the confrontation that ensued, Abdulazim said, settlers shot dead his brother, Ibrahim Ahmed al-Wadi, 68, and nephew, 31-year-old Ahmed Ibrahim al-Wadi. Qusra is an isolated town that has long been targeted by settlers, but it has also hosted anti-occupation activists from Israel. On Friday, a man near the villages entrance checked cars and said no Israelis were allowed. At a large mourning hall, Abdulazim said he has served on local councils and worked to coordinate with the Israeli authorities in charge of the West Bank. He used to call the military when settlers attacked. These days, he said, the younger generation mocks his calls to avoid violence. Maybe tomorrow my son will disagree and say, no, no, dad I want to kill them as they killed my cousin, he said. We suffer from the problems, he added, as we did before the [Gaza] war. The Palestinian Authority, which is deeply unpopular and widely viewed as a security contractor for Israel, has been largely absent as the war unfolds. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh Friday accused Israel of putting our people in Gaza . . . through a genocide. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was in Amman for a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Abbas called for an end to Israeli aggression and said the forced evacuation of people from Gaza would constitute a second catastrophe for our people - a reference to the displacement of Palestinians in 1948 when the state of Israel was established. At a roundabout near the entrance to Ramallah, the seat of Abbas government, hundreds of young men in black clothes clashed with Israeli security forces. We came to make an intifada, said 26-year-old Anwar Abu Salem, using the Arabic term for an uprising, for our people in Gaza who are being slaughtered. We want an end to the occupation and the Palestinian Authority and to get our land back. Sufian Taha contributed to this report. A soldier makes a salad at a dining facility at Fort Knox, Ky, on April 12, 2023. (U.S. Army) AUSTIN, Texas The Army has delayed a program to solicit restaurant partners to help run base dining facilities and instead plans to get soldiers greater access to food already available on posts, service officials said. The new plan will include allowing soldiers to spend money in commissaries that was earmarked for dining facilities, according to leaders with Army Materiel Command. We took a step back, said Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, deputy commander of the command, which oversees resources and facilities on bases. Earlier this year, the Army attempted to find restaurant partners to contract with the service in a similar way that some do with large college campuses. But service leaders later realized their plan would require Congress to change some laws. When we started peeling this one back, I was shocked at the amount of regulatory and congressional oversight that we get that impacts the way that we do operations, Mohan said. Despite stalling the program for now, the Army still wants to pursue it, he said. Restaurant partnerships have the support of top Army leaders, including Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, who said the move would make dining facilities more attractive and accessible to soldiers. Mohan, who has joined forces with two other generals at the Army headquarters and the Combat Arms Support Command, said they are now working with the Defense Department to make legislative proposals to change laws and give the Army more flexibility in feeding soldiers. Its too early in the process to identify specific recommendations, he said. Meanwhile, the three generals are working other aspects of feeding soldiers that can be done within the service, such as creating a program that allows soldiers to buy healthy foods in commissaries using their dining facility meal entitlement, getting contractors into dining facilities during times when soldiers are away and improving transportation at large installations to help soldiers without vehicles get around. Junior soldiers living in the barracks do not receive the roughly $450 a month of subsistence allowance, but instead get an entitlement of three meals a day in the dining facility. Any of the entitlement not used in the dining facility is lost. The Army is looking for a management system that will allow soldiers to use that entitlement at commissaries to buy nutritionally approved options, Mohan said. He envisions it functioning similar to government-funded nutrition programs, which provide users a card they can swipe at the grocery store register and have approved items automatically deducted from the total. We are actively engaging with both [the Defense Commissary Agency] and [the Army and Air Force Exchange Service] and a number of other partners in order to make immediate enhancements to the way that were doing business across our installations, Mohan said. While that work continues, Army Materiel Command sent a team of observers this month to Fort Cavazos to help implement best practices and find room for improvement. The Texas base will be first in line for some of these changes after a challenging summer. In July, two brigade combat teams and various elements of other units were away from the post, which caused several dining facilities to close, said Col. Chad Foster, chief of staff for III Corps and Fort Cavazos. Because the base is so large, this left those soldiers without vehicles little access to meals. He conceded they did not recognize the issue soon enough and said base leaders asked for the observers to come out and offer ideas for improvement. The base centralized its feeding operations under a working group that meets regularly to spot gaps in food service, Foster said. If a unit is deploying, leaders can reallocate personnel and resources to either keep a facility open or open another one thats within a comparable distance. Theyve already identified an upcoming time window where multiple dining facilities would typically have to close because of training requirements, and Foster said they will use contracted workers to fill the gaps. This group also releases and advertises hours of operation 30 days in advance responding to another complaint from soldiers. Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, commander of Army Installation Management Command, said earlier this week during the annual Association of U.S. Army conference that a new Army app for each post, which is in development, will include dining facility hours. Soldiers can instantly submit feedback within the app whenever the information is wrong, though he did not specify who is tracking that feedback. You should be able to know before you leave your house, your car, your barracks room, whatever, you know what are the hours at the fitness center, what are the hours at the [dining facility], Jones said. It should be there at your fingertips, accurate and reliable. To make certain that soldiers can get to the dining facilities that are open, Fort Cavazos has signed an agreement with the Hill Country Transit District to operate new routes on base for its bus system known as The HOP. Soldiers will start to see a rudimentary route in November with expansion moving quickly, Foster said. There will be a yet-to-be-determined fare associated with the bus system to help offset the cost. Foster said 30% to 40% of soldiers at newcomers briefings each week at Fort Cavazos often dont have a vehicle or a drivers license. There are also many married soldiers who share a vehicle with their spouse. Were really looking forward to having this in place because itll help us with the larger problem of feeding as well as so many other things about quality-of-life on the installation, Foster said. I know its going to make a difference. As the Army looks to innovate its dining facilities, Mohan said its important not to stifle experimentation already happening in some locations. Dining facilities at Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Baumholder in Germany are testing apps that allow soldiers to order to-go meals, and others are testing kiosks with premade, grab-and-go meals. Theres a lot of bright spots out there. We just got to take a step back and get them all under one under one roof, he said. Entrance to Fort Cavazos, Texas, which has been under increased scrutiny since 2020 when Spc. Vanessa Guillen was killed on the base by a fellow soldier. Her family said she was sexually assaulted prior to her death, which led to several investigations reviewing the command climate and culture of the base, as well as officials handling of sexual-assault allegations and the professionalism of criminal investigators. (Rose L. Thayer) AUSTIN, Texas A former Fort Cavazos brigade commander accused of inappropriately touching and kissing the spouse of a fellow officer had the criminal charges against him dismissed with the Army citing newly discovered evidence. Col. Jon Meredith, 47, faced a court-martial on two counts of conduct unbecoming of an officer for his actions on July 23, 2022, while he was commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. A previous charge of abusive sexual contact was dismissed last month. Instead, his punishment will move into administrative action, said Lt. Col. Tania Donovan, spokeswoman for Fort Cavazos and III Corps, which is headquartered at the Texas base. Lt. Gen. Sean Bernabe, commander of III Corps and Fort Cavazos, made the decision based on the new evidence and in consultation with the Office of Special Trial Counsel, Donovan said. It was based on an assessment of multiple factors which guide every commander in deciding the appropriate means of addressing allegations of misconduct. Among these factors are the impact and appropriateness of alternative disposition options, including nonjudicial punishment or administrative action, Donovan said in a statement. Sherry Bunn, Merediths attorney, said the decision to dismiss was based on evidence obtained during the law enforcement investigation into Merediths wife, Col. Ann Meredith, who was fired in March from her command of the 89th Military Police Brigade at Fort Cavazos. Col. Jon Meredith, a former Fort Cavazos brigade commander accused of inappropriately touching and kissing the spouse of a fellow officer, had criminal charges against him dismissed, according to Army officials. (U.S. Army) Ann Meredith was fired because she sent a text message that was considered interfering with the investigation into her husband, according to a post to her personal Facebook page. She was disciplined through administrative action, according to Fort Cavazos. The evidence shows Jon Merediths accuser and her husband, a lieutenant colonel, colluded to create a false sexual-assault allegation against Meredith because the accusers husband was upset about the rater comments on his officer evaluation report, Bunn said. The evidence was discovered in the couples cell phone messages from October 2022, she said. Bunn said she only recently gained access to the evidence from Ann Merediths file, but she said the Army has had it for the past year. Donovan said the evidence was first disclosed to Army prosecutors on Sept. 28. Because the investigations were separate, prosecutors were not aware that evidence from Ann Merediths file contained information relevant to Jon Merediths court-martial, she said. We hope the Army will investigate the matter underlying the false allegations, Bunn said. This case never should have been a court-martial. The original investigation and decisions to take this case to a court-martial were a rush to judgment to address the recent public relation struggles at Fort Cavazos, and not justice. Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood, has been under increased scrutiny since 2020 when Spc. Vanessa Guillen was killed on the base by a fellow soldier. Her family said she was sexually assaulted prior to her death, which led to several investigations reviewing the command climate and culture of the base, as well as officials handling of sexual-assault allegations and the professionalism of criminal investigators. An independent review commission issued 70 recommendations to improve the bases investigations, court system, sexual assault and harassment prevention program and trust in base leaders. The Army has said it would implement many of the recommendations across the service. The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) said it has signed a development loan agreement with Republic of Central Africa, for its key infrastructure projects including runway works at Bangui Airport and construction of a 250-bed hospital. This additional loan follows a previous loan agreement made, through which SFD initially contributed $77 million to help fund the same project. The agreement marks a continuation of SFDs existing relationship with the Republic of Central Africa, and contributes towards the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. It was signed by SFD Chief Executive Officer Sultan Al Marshad and Prime Minister and Minister of State in Charge of Economy, Planning, and International Corporation of the Republic of Central Africa, Felix Moloua on the sidelines of the 2023 World Bank Group - IMF Annual Meetings in the Moroccan city of Marrakech. As per the deal, SFD is contributing $20 million to fund the Completion of a Number of Projects Within the Reconstruction Program. According to SFD, the signing of additional loan agreement consists of two major components, both of which will be carried out in the nations capital, Bangui. The first component involves the completion of the runway works of Bangui Airport, which will make important contributions towards promoting socio-economic development, create job opportunities for the local population, and vastly improve the airports navigational traffic. The second component is the construction and equipping of a 250-bed hospital in Bangui, which will meet the countrys needs for health services, and will have an impact on reducing maternal and newborn infant mortality rates. Since its establishment in 1974, SFD has helped to fund more than 400 development projects and programs in various sectors worth $10.7 billion, across 46 countries in Africa.-TradeArabia News Service KYODO NEWS - Oct 14, 2023 - 10:21 | All, Japan The Japanese government will start giving online shopping points to people who choose to have packages delivered outside their front doors to ease the burden on delivery staff, according to a policy package compiled in early October. The step is part of efforts to cope with the impact of tougher overtime regulations for truck drivers next year. It aims to halve the percentage of items redelivered when people are not at home from the current 12 percent to 6 percent in fiscal 2024 starting next April. "Logistics is an important social infrastructure which supports people's lives and the economy," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Oct. 6 at a meeting of related ministers to compile measures to deal with an expected decline in truck transport capacity. To promote a shift to other means of transportation, the government will also aim to double the amount of items transported by ship and rail in the next 10 years from 50 million tons and 18 million tons in fiscal 2020, respectively. "We will include steps which will have immediate impact in our stimulus measures and swiftly implement them," Kishida said, referring to the government's economic package to be compiled by the end of this month. The government intends to include the plan in a draft supplementary budget to fund the economic package, government officials said. In the project, the government plans to give points to people who choose to receive packages outside the front door, at convenience stores, or with flexible delivery dates when they place orders online. The government is working to decide the amount of points to be offered and when to start the measure. It is making arrangements to include subsidies for online shopping operators to modify systems to grant points and also funds to cover a portion of the points granted in the extra budget, with the hope that operators continue the measure voluntarily after the project ends. The move comes as Japan faces the so-called "2024 problem," meaning the country's transport delivery capacity is expected to drop when the new regulations from April limits truck drivers' overtime to 960 hours a year. Amid the chronic shortage of truck drivers due to aging and poor wages, the government estimates the nation's logistics capacity will decrease by 34 percent in fiscal 2030 from fiscal 2019. Related coverage: "My Number" ID system faces further setback with erroneous deliveries Amazon Japan delivery driver found eligible for workers' compensation Few commercial flying taxis likely to be ready for 2025 World Expo A young man who pushed a turnstile forward to obstruct gardai who were pursuing him for a drugs search had shown no respect for them, a judge has said. Anthony Kinsella (23) was seen in a suspicious transaction but had no drugs on him when caught and searched. Judge John OLeary fined him 200. Kinsella, of Wellmount Drive, Finglas, pleaded guilty to obstructing a garda drug search. Blanchardstown District Court heard gardai were on duty at Wellmount Road on September 21 this year when they saw two men in what they believed to be a suspicious transaction. Both men walked away on noticing the gardai, Sgt Maria Callaghan said. When asked to be searched, Kinsella failed to stop and was pursued by the gardai. He entered an estate by a set of pedestrian turnstiles which he pushed forward to impede the garda. When apprehended, gardai recovered cash from him but no drugs. He had no previous convictions. Defence solicitor Simon Fleming said Kinsella understood now he should not have moved away from the garda when directed to stop. Kinsella was living in the family home, looking to find his way in life and exploring his career options, Mr Fleming said. Tony Dempsey was dragged unconscious but came to, bleeding from his face and ears, and the accused left after the alleged 12-minute incident Leroy Roche (37) of Emmet Road, Dublin 8, also known as Leroy Dumbrell-Roche A MAN has been accused of a "savage attack on a friend who had his head slammed off a pavement and stamped on in front of onlookers in Dublin. Leroy Roche (37) of Emmet Road, Dublin 8, also known as Leroy Dumbrell-Roche, is accused of assaulting Tony Dempsey (28) with intent to cause bodily harm, on the morning of August 22, 2022, at Essex Quay in the city centre. He was charged on Saturday and appeared at Dublin District Court before Judge Michele Finan, who set bail in his bond of 500 and required approval of a 10,000 independent surety before he was released. Garda William McCarthy told the court the accused made no reply when charged. The officer objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case, in which the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court. The offence carries a maximum five-year sentence. He told Judge Finan the accused and Mr Dempsey had been sitting outside a cafe for about 25 minutes in good spirits. They then spoke to two females who left, and their conversation descended into a heated argument. Leroy Roche went, but Mr Dempsey shouted something at him. The accused allegedly chased Mr Dempsey to the Essex Quay and attacked him with kicks, punches, headbutts and knees in front of on-coming traffic. The court heard that Mr Dempsey dropped bagged items, which the accused allegedly began picking up. It was claimed that Mr Roche then mounted him and slammed his head into the pavement before stamping on his head. He allegedly shouted at members of the public who tried to stop the savage beating unleashed on Tony Dempsey. Mr Dempsey was dragged unconscious but came to, bleeding from his face and ears, and the accused left after the alleged 12-minute incident. Mr Dempsey refused to get medical assistance. The court heard that Mr Dempsey died the following month, but the Garda stressed that it was a separate incident and Mr Roche was not a suspect in that investigation. He has not yet indicated a plea to the assault. Defence barrister, Kevin McCrave, pleaded for bail, asking the court to note that these were allegations and that Mr Roche had been free in the community for more than a year since the alleged incident. Mr McCrave argued that there were no grounds to deny his clients application. Judge Finan remanded him in custody with consent to bail to appear at Cloverhill District Court next week. She also ordered the accused, who did not address the court, to stay away from sections of the south quays in the city and sign on daily at a Garda station after he takes up bail. Legal aid was granted after the court heard he was on social welfare. The judge said Michael McGrane may not have known it was illegal but it was none the less. A Co Meath man who set up two companies providing illegal access to television content, including Sky Sports and Motion Pictures, has avoided a jail term. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court previously heard that Michael McGrane (47) sold customers unauthorised access to premium TV content via streaming and altered set-top boxes. McGrane, of Johnswood Drive, Ashbourne, pleaded guilty to two counts of selling a protection-defeating device and one count of possessing a protection-defeating device on dates between September 2017 and September 2018. He also admitted to the unlawful use of a computer on dates between March and September 2018 as the mechanism by which the offences were committed. Judge Orla Crowe yesterday, noted that these offences had deprived legitimate companies of profit. She said McGrane may not have known it was illegal but it was none the less. She said he appeared to be naive or reckless, noting he had been paying tax on his profits and that the businesses were advertised openly on the internet. Judge Crowe said there were numerous testimonials before her in respect of McGrane and that he had been employed all his life. She noted he had no prior or subsequent convictions. She took into account a letter of remorse, that he came from a pro-social background and was a family man. She set a headline sentence of three years' imprisonment, but in light of mitigation and his personal circumstances, she imposed a sentence of two years and three months which she suspended in full. Judge Crowe made a forfeiture order in the amount of 27,665, ordered the destruction of the items seized and that McGrane not engage in anything to do with electronic streaming devices. At a sentence hearing earlier this month, the court heard that the alarm was raised after a brand protection company in the UK became concerned that copyright material was being infringed. They made a number of test purchases to two companies set up by McGrane, called StreamSupreme and JarvisBox. Garda Alan Gordon told Kieran Kelly BL, prosecuting, that JarvisBox supplied the hardware or physical box to customers, while StreamSupreme facilitated the illicit streaming. Gardai set up Operation Fleming to investigate after they were alerted that customers buying boxes and streaming access were paying into Irish PayPal accounts. In March 2018, a test purchase was made from StreamSupreme of a 12-month subscription service costing 140 sterling, affording the end user access to most of Sky's streaming content, BBC and Motion Motion Pictures in the US. This compares to Sky's monthly subscription of 47. Several more test purchases were made, including an illicit Android box ordered from JarvisBox.com and posted from a post office in Ashbourne, County Meath. CCTV footage obtained from the post office identified McGrane's wife posting the box, and paying for postage with a card linked to her PayPal account and the accused's Permanent TSB account. McGrane's home was searched under warrant in June 2018 and gardai seized four laptops, two mobile phones, a number of illicit boxes and financial documents. McGrane was arrested and as it emerged that his wife had not been involved in the operations, charges against her were dropped. Gda Gordon said JarvisBox was set up in 2015 and made a turnover of 145,795 over a three-year period, between box sales and subscriptions. A second man involved in the software side of the enterprises, Ken Costello (50) of Leighlin Rd, Crumlin, Dublin, was previously sentenced to 15 months fully suspended for his role in the offences. Costello had pleaded guilty to infringing a copyright without the consent of the owner at a location in County Dublin on a date between March and September, 2022. He also admitted dishonestly operating a computer with the intention of making a gain at his address during the same period. Dominic McGinn SC, defending, said that between them, McGrane and Costello only recuperated 40 per cent of the turnover made by StreamSupreme and JarvisBox, and that the remainder of the money went to various other people's PayPal accounts. Counsel for the defence also said that any remaining profits were divided 50/50 between McGrane and Costello, so that McGrane would have received just over 29,000. Mr McGinn submitted a large number of testimonials which he said spoke universally of McGrane as a fine, trustworthy, well-regarded and responsible member of society and an upstanding member of the community. Counsel said the offending was out of character for McGrane, who worked for the same company all his life from the age of 18 and had reached the position of assistant manager. The court heard McGrane submitted a short letter himself explaining that his parents had died when he was very young and he had a disproportionate sense of responsibility to do well for his family. Mr McGinn said his client felt at the time of the offences that what he was doing was not illegal, but that he now recognises that it was and that he should not have been involved in this activity. McGrane has no previous convictions and cooperated with gardai throughout their investigations, the court heard. Satchwell, a delivery truck driver, was arrested at 12 noon last Thursday in Youghal Richard Satchwell being brought to court this morning THE husband of Tina Satchwell (45), the woman at the centre of a major Garda missing person investigation for six years, was today charged with her murder. Richard Satchwell (57) appeared before a special sitting of Cashel District Court where it was heard he replied "guilty" when the charge was put to him by gardai. The charge came just 48 hours after Gardai discovered the skeletal remains of the Cork woman while excavating a hidden compartment in a concrete floor and walled-up area underneath the stairwell of her Youghal home. It was confirmed via dental records that the skeletal remains were those of Tina. Richard Satchwell of Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork appeared before Judge Miriam Walsh at the special court sitting in Tipperary this morning charged with the murder of his wife. The State has charged that, on March 20 2017, at a location in Cork, he murdered his wife contrary to Common Law. Tina Satchwell (Family Handout/PA) Satchwell appeared in court wearing a black T-shirt and grey slacks. He remained silent during the brief court sitting. Members of Tina's family travelled from her hometown of Fermoy to attend the court hearing. A Garda liaison officer was appointed to the family last Tuesday. Det Garda David Kelleher of Cobh Garda Station gave the court evidence of the arrest, caution and charge of the defendant. He said that, when the charge was formally put to the defendant at Cobh Garda Station at 8pm on Friday night, Satchwell replied: "Guilty or not guilty - guilty". Satchwell, a delivery truck driver, was arrested at 12 noon last Thursday in Youghal and questioned at Cobh Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He had been previously arrested on Tuesday but was released without charge on Wednesday night. As the charge involved is murder, bail cannot be dealt with by the district court. Any bail application must now be dealt with by the High Court. Inspector Aidan Lonergan applied for a remand in custody. Judge Walsh remanded him in custody to appear again before Clonmel District Court by video-link on October 17 next. Richard Satchwell being brought to court this morning Defence solicitor Eddie Burke asked that his client be remanded in custody to Cork rather than Limerick Prison. He also applied for free legal aid and pointed out that his client was not employed. While the defendant has an address in Youghal he is originally from the East Midlands in the UK. The couple were 26 years married when Tina vanished without trace in March 2017. The charge followed a major four-day Garda operation which saw Tina's missing person investigation dramatically upgraded to a murder probe and a property in Youghal subjected to an intensive examination and excavation. The Garda search of the Youghal property remains ongoing though it is being slowly wound-down. Gardai used jack-hammers, drills, mini-diggers and a shrub clearance machine as part of their painstaking examination of the house since Tuesday which involved targeted excavations both inside and outside the property. It also involved the use of a specially trained Garda cadaver dog and breathing apparatus for officers laboriously inspecting drains and culverts. Richard Satchwell Tina's heartbroken family have paid an emotional tribute to her. Her older sister, Teresa, who is based in the UK, said she prayed that her sibling can now rest in peace and be reunited with their beloved mother. "RIP to my beautiful sister Tina - you can rest now, love. We found you love...I love and miss you." "You are now with mum - fly high my beautiful girl. Give mum a big huge hug - you will always be with me." Teresa said her sister was "adored" by her family and friends. She said she was "kind, considerate, funny, stylish, bubbly and independent." Special public vigils in memory of Tina will be staged in Youghal on Saturday afternoon and in her native Fermoy on Monday evening. An impromptu shrine of flowers, cards and candles has been erected outside the Youghal property where her remains were discovered on Wednesday night. Prayers for Tina and her family have been offered at Masses in Youghal and Fermoy. Tina vanished without trace on March 20 2017 from her home in Youghal. She was originally from Fermoy in north Cork but had travelled to the UK in her teens where she met her husband. The couple lived in Fermoy for many years before relocating to Youghal - a move Tina described as "a dream" given how she adored the seaside. Despite multiple searches, public appeals for information and dozens of hours of CCTV security camera footage being examined, no trace of Tina was found until this week. The last major targeted search in respect of her disappearance occurred in March 2018 when 60 Gardai and support officials conducted a painstaking examination of Mitchel's Wood outside Castlemartyr in east Cork. Nothing of significance was discovered in that major 12 day search. Until this week, the garda investigation included 400 different lines of inquiry, over 100 hours of CCTV footage and 170 statements. Searches conducted included the painstaking examination of Mitchel's Wood as well as offshore operations around Youghal Bay. Tina did not have a passport and there was no indication she had purchased tickets to travel overseas by either plane or ferry. Her keys and mobile phone were also left behind in her house when she vanished. She had also left behind her beloved dog 'Ruby' who she was inseparable from. As part of their six year hunt for Tina, Gardai searched CCTV footage from all Irish ports and airports, including those in Northern Ireland with the assistance of the PSNI, without any sighting of her being found. UK police also checked for Tina at their ports and airports - and at locations in England where she had previously lived or had friends. Gardai repeatedly insisted since 2017 they were convinced Tina never left Ireland. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, hold the 12th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, held the 12th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Friday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and regards the EU as an important and independent pole in a multipolar world. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said the two sides have resumed exchanges at all levels, and high-level meetings in green, digital, and economic and trade fields have been successfully held, resulting in new consensus and outcomes, demonstrating the resilience and vitality of China-EU relations. He stressed that through strategic dialogue, the two sides need to have a correct understanding of each other, stay committed to partnership, consolidate political mutual trust and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation. "We need to make full preparations for the leaders' meeting by the end of this year, advance dialogue and cooperation, adhere to mutual openness, expand trade and investment, oppose decoupling and promote people-to-people exchanges," Wang said, adding that the two sides should properly handle differences and remove obstacles to cooperation to ensure the sound and steady development of bilateral relations. "We should hold high the banner of multilateralism and jointly address international and regional hotspots to provide more stability and certainty to the world," he added. Borrell said the EU attaches great importance to its relations with China and is committed to developing constructive and stable EU-China relations. The economic and trade cooperation between the EU and China serves the interests of both sides, and the EU will not close its door to China, said Borrell, adding that the EU will not fight a trade war and has no intention to contain China's development. The EU is happy to see China's prosperity and stability, and looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China on climate change, Borrell added. A number of shootings and a pipe bomb blast have occurred in the area over recent weeks and months Gardai are investigating a shooting at a house in Limerick City as part of an escalation in a tit for tat feud involving local criminals. A garda spokesman said gardai in Limerick were probing the discharge of a firearm at Hyde Avenue in the early hours of Thursday morning. The shooting took place around 1am and there was some minor damage to the house. No-one was injured and no arrests were made. The spokesman added that the investigation into the incident was ongoing. A number of shootings and a pipe bomb blast have occurred in the area over recent weeks and months. It is understood that two local drugs gangs, comprising of teenagers, are involved in the feud, which is already drawing tentative comparisons to the McCarthy/Dundon feud, which began in the year 2000. The comparison is down to the fact that the young criminals are from many of the same geographical areas in Limerick city as those involved in the infamous Limerick warfare. Investigators are concerned that simmering tensions and attacks between the sides could lead to a fatality. Ten days ago, shots were fired at a house at around 2.15am in the nearby OMalley Park estate, in Southill. Again no injuries were reported. On July 15 last, a man in his 30s was injured when a pipe bomb exploded damaging two houses on Hyde Road. Gardai said on that occasion that they attended the scene of an explosion of a viable device, at approximately 3.10am and that one man aged in his early 30s received injuries to his arm which were non-life threatening. On June 4 last, gardai appealed for information about an afternoon drive-by shooting on Hyde Road. At least one shot was fired from a firearm in the vicinity of a number of people around 1.15pm. No-one was injured. On May 15 last, shots were discharged at a house on Hyde Road at approximately 11.30pm and again no injuries were reported. A new documentary which will air on RTE Radio One this afternoon will follow his search for a half-sibling that he learned about in a letter that arrived in 1974 A man whose father twice abandoned his family almost 50 years ago has attempted to track down his long lost half-sibling, a mystery he has been haunted by for years. An article in the Irish Independent last February sparked a search to find John Richards father and the second family it was always suspected he had. A new documentary which will air on RTE Radio One this afternoon will follow his search for a half-sibling that he learned about in a letter that arrived in 1974. It revealed a seven-year-old girl was living in England, also waiting for John Sr to come home. Mr Richards and his brother Donal were brought up by their mother Sheila in Fermoy, Co Cork while their father John Senior frequently travelled to the UK to support the family financially. When he stopped returning home, the family did not hear from him for almost 20 years until he arrived back home shortly before Mr Richards wedding to his wife Nell. Mr Richards read a letter that arrived for his father that said if John Sr did not return to the UK immediately, his 7-year-old daughter would be put on a ferry to travel alone to his home in Fermoy. In 1974, John Sr abandoned his family in Cork for a second time and they never heard from him again. A documentary that will air on RTE Radio One this Saturday follows Mr Richards search for this long-lost sister. Girl from the Letter attempts to answer questions that he has been mulling over for almost five decades. He said the memory of the little girl mentioned in the letter never left him, especially following the death of his brother Donal in 2020. Earlier this year, Mr Richards told the Irish Independent that a genealogist was consulted as part of the search. The family learned that John Sr appeared to have lived until the age of 85 and lived for 35 years in the UK without ever making contact with John Jr, his brother Donal or their mother Sheila. I can forgive my father for leaving our family for the first time. But not for a second time. I think it was the not knowing that was the hardest, he said. Girl from the Letter airs on Saturday, October 14 at 2pm on RTE Radio 1. The new bill would be the first time in Irish history to recognise a new gender other than male or female Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said the new hate speech bill would not make it illegal to call someone by their non-preferred pronoun, as Ireland prepares for the possible introduction of new genders for the first time in its history. Speaking on Newstalk this week about the controversial subject, the Fine Gael TD said the bar will be raised to a higher level for hate crimes. What exactly that is, remains to be seen. As many people will be aware, I am bringing through legislation to introduce hate crime legislation for the first time and hate crime laws and to update incitement to hatred legislation that we already have but that is quite ineffective, essentially, she said. What I've been clear about is that misgendering somebody will not be a crime. What we're talking about is inciting hatred or violence about another group of people, and that is a very different threshold. At the moment it is not unlawful and I'm clear about that. If we introduce this law, it won't be. The new Hate Crime law is where people are inciting hatred and violence against another group of people and that is a much higher threshold. Michael McDowell. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Opponents of the new laws say they will have a chilling effect on free speech. The bill seeks to expand the range of people protected from hate to include those with gender identities. This including transgender or gender other than those of male or female. Former Justice Minister, Michael McDowell, has warned that the new bill would be the first in Irish history to recognise a gender other than male or female. The term preferred gender is already used in the Gender Recognition Act 2015, he wrote in the Irish Times in July. But now the term is also to include the gender with which a person identifies and is additionally to include the undefined term transgender, and an open-ended undefined category of a gender other than those of male or female. No clarity has been given to these new and extended meanings of gender. It seems that the Oireachtas is being asked as part of a transgender policy for the very first time to completely divorce gender from sex as concepts. That involves profound political, social and educational consequences. We need to know where we are going and where we are being led, the former Justice Minister wrote. The former attorney general of Ireland said he was working on thorough amendments which will outlaw intimidation and disruption of persons exercising their rights of free speech. They will provide for real freedom of speech protections for utterances made in good faith. They will protect journalism, reporting and the media from criminal prosecution. Sean Hannaway, who died at his home in Crumlin, Co Antrim last week, was a long-standing member of Saoradh and the terror group. Dissident republicans were out in force this week at the funeral of a leading member of the New IRA. Sean Hannaway, who died at his home in Crumlin, Co Antrim last week, was a long-standing member of Saoradh and the terror group. In a tribute to the veteran republican, a Saoradh spokesperson said Hannaway had been an active volunteer of the Irish Republican Army right up to his death. The graveside oration at Hannaways burial, at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast on Monday, was given by senior Derry dissident Thomas Ashe Mellon. In 2019, a BBC Spotlight programme alleged Mellon was in the leadership of the New IRA just weeks after the terror group admitted it had shot dead journalist Lyra McKee (right) during a riot in Derry. Among those who carried Hannaways coffin on Monday were prominent dissident republicans Dee Fennell and Christy OKane. OKane was charged in August with two offences relating to the recent PSNI data breach. The details of around 10,000 police officers and PSNI civilian staff were made public for a short time online as a result of a response to a Freedom of Information request. OKane, who had an address at Main Street, Feeny, but who is originally from Derry, was charged with possessing documents or records likely to be useful to terrorists and possession of two mobile phones for use in terrorism. A PSNI officer told the court that OKane was in possession of a spreadsheet containing names from the data leak on a phone found at his Dungiven home. The officer also said OKane had registered with a website that could be used to search for addresses using surnames. The officer said police believe OKane was intending to use the data to attempt to identify the home addresses of those named. Fennell, a prominent member of Saoradh, was acquitted earlier this year of overseeing an illegal Easter procession. Charges were dismissed after the Belfast man told a court he had been unaware the event four years ago was unlawful. Fennell, of Duneden Park in Ardoyne, insisted that he did not hear any police announcements made at the scene in Milltown Cemetery. He faced counts of organising and taking part in an unnotified procession on April 22, 2019. Thomas Ashe Mellon Charges against Mellon under the Counter Terrorism legislation were withdrawn last month at Derry Magistrates Court. Mellon, of Rathmore Road in Derry, had been charged with failing to notify police of details under the Counter Terrorism legislation on December 9 and December 22, 2022. No explanation as to why the charges were being withdrawn were given to the court. In a tribute to Hannaway, a Saoradh spokesperson said he was a tireless activist for the republican struggle. A proud anti-imperialist, Sean did not stand idly by in the face of occupation and oppression; he took the conscious decision to be a committed and dedicated revolutionary soldier. Right up until his death he was an active volunteer of the Irish Republican Army. I try to convince myself that he is still away on holiday or working abroad because thats something he wanted to do. Making stories up in my head that he is still alive is better than the truth that my son is gone, she said. Pacemaker Press 04/03/2 Odhran ONeills Mother Claire speaks to the Sunday World at their home, Lurgan man Odhran died while on holiday in December 2022 Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 04/03/2 Odhran ONeills Mother Claire speaks to the Sunday World at their home, Lurgan man Odhran died while on holiday in December 2022 Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 04/03/2 Odhran ONeills Sister Michaela speaks to the Sunday World at their home, Lurgan man Odhran died while on holiday in December 2022 Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Odhran ONeills Parents Maurice and Claire and his Sister Michaela speak to the Sunday World at their home, Lurgan man Odhran died while on holiday in December 2022 Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Odhran ONeill was living his best life when he drowned in a kayaking tragedy in Thailand. Funny, loving and ambitious, the 22-year-old was the only son of Claire and Maurice ONeill, and best friend to sister Michaela. His shocking death last December has torn the loving and close-knit familys world apart. They still cant believe he will never again walk through the door with his infectious smile and laugh. Almost 10 months on from receiving the phone call every parent and loved one fears, Claire still cant bring herself to walk up the stairs to her sons room. The pain is far too raw. I cant walk up the stairs to where Odhrans room is. I cant even go up the stairs never mind to go into his bedroom and bathroom. If Im looking for Michaela I just shout up, I cant do it. It would make it too real and its too soon for me, Im not ready, an emotional Claire told the Sunday World in her Lurgan home. I try to convince myself that he is still away on holiday or working abroad because thats something he wanted to do. Making stories up in my head that he is still alive is better than the truth that my son is gone, she said. The young man got into trouble during a dream trip to Thailand. He drowned while trying to assist another tourist to shore. He was not wearing a life jacket. Devastated dad Maurice told Sunday World: I keep on hearing similar stories, kids going away having accidents doing water sports and dying. Our son would be here today if he had put on a life jacket. They should be forced to. You know what kids are like, maybe its peer pressure in not wearing one. Pacemaker Press 04/03/2 Odhran ONeills Mother Claire speaks to the Sunday World at their home, Lurgan man Odhran died while on holiday in December 2022 Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker There was no alcohol or drugs in my sons body, not that I thought there would be. He drowned swimming back to shore with no life jacket. Losing our son could have and should have been prevented. The anger that his sons death was so senseless and preventable is plain to see. Tears well in his eyes. I miss him terribly, I gave up my job as a baker because I wanted to be at home. I want to be here to make Michaela a cup of tea in the morning and be here when she comes home to make her lunch. I will never forget sitting waiting for news to see if he had been found alive. I will never forget Claire, who had been sitting at the table, suddenly squealing. She said I know he is gone, I am his mummy. And she was right, he was gone, Maurice recalled. They found Odhrans body the next day at the exact location he disappeared. His family have asked questions but say they have been practically ignored by Thai officials and the water sports company. Claire said: We were just banging our heads off a brick wall no help, no answers. We know they would never come but what we could do is raise awareness here about the dangers of water and how vital it is to wear a life jacket doing water sports, especially if you are not a strong swimmer like Odhran was. Even in death, Odhran keeps on reminding his loved ones how kind a soul he was. It was my 50th birthday just there and he had secretly planned and paid for him and Michaela to come out and surprise us, Claire added. When we found that out it was hard because the trip was bittersweet and it reminded how special he was. He graduated university recently, Michaela picked up his certificate, so that was another heart-breaking moment. There are so many milestones his degree, my 50th, his birthday wasnt that long ago, all of these things are so hard to cope with, not having him is the worst experience in the world. He was very mature for his age, I wondered when he had passed if he knew he wasnt meant to be around for too long so he made the best of it, these are the things that go through your mind. Anyone wishing to donate to Odhrans site can do so by contacting https://www.justgiving.com/page/friendsofodhran-forever22 A fundraiser to raise money for Lough Neagh Rescue will take place on November 11 at The Windmill in Lurgan. DUP MP Sammy Wilson and TUV leader Jim Allister criticised the demonstration Colaiste Feirste, which is the only Irish language speaking secondary school based in Belfast, took to social media to share images of pupils holding Palestinian flags. The social media posts were later deleted. The Department of Education has said it will be contacting a Belfast school for further information after videos and photographs were shared online of pupils holding a rally in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Colaiste Feirste, which is the only Irish language speaking secondary school based in Belfast took to the social media website X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday to share images of pupils holding Palestinian flags with caption Tacaionn muid leis an Phalaistin which roughly translates to We Support Palestine. The photographs were accompanied by a video of an apparent pupil who gave a speech entirely in Irish where the school reiterated its support for those living in Gaza. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said: "This issue has been drawn to the attention of the Department. We will be contacting the school to obtain further information on the matter. Their investigation comes as DUP MP Sammy Wilson said he was planning on writing to the Department of Education after branding the photographs abhorrent. A full investigation must be held into the staff who facilitated this display. Schools cannot be allowed to become breeding grounds for the promotion of blood thirsty terrorism and anti-Jewish rhetoric, he wrote on X, while sharing a post from an account who posted the footage and photos. He told the Belfast Telegraph he noted the deletion of the original post and said: The quick deleting of the post shows the school knows they were in the wrong to do this with the kids involved. The social media posts were later deleted and are no longer available on the schools social media channel but was later replaced with a screenshot from a video of the pupil who gave the speech with a caption translated from Irish stating: Some students organised a demonstration for the rights and justice of Palestine yesterday, showing the great humanitarian heart they have and their commitment to the people around the world. One of the students who organised the rally contacted the Belfast Telegraph, describing it as a peaceful protest in solidarity with the people of Palestine. The student added the rally was not an endorsement of Hamas or any other political organisation. A spokesperson from the PSNI confirmed they were aware of the social media images involving the school but it is understood no complaints have yet been received. TUV leader Jim Allister meanwhile described the demonstration at the school as shocking. Every school has a responsibility to ensure that children are brought up and instilled with values which contribute to a better future for all society, he said. "This episode of exaltation of terrorism after the bloodthirsty exploits of Hamas is not just a shocking endorsement of terror but surely indicative of a teaching approach which engenders and fails to discourage such. Support for Palestinian territories and Gaza has been criticised in recent days following a surprise attack on Israel from Hamas. The terror group slaughtered hundreds at a music festival and throughout Israel, while scores of Israelis have been also been kidnapped. Hundreds of Palestinians have also been killed over recent days amid airstrikes on Gaza. Colaiste Feirste has been asked for comment. Forensic examination of the dashcam footage have now established that the pistol Brian Stalford is accused of using to strike the man was a replica. A taxi driver recorded allegedly threatening a passenger over a drugs-related debt was brandishing an imitation gun, the High Court heard today. Forensic examination of the dashcam footage have now established that the pistol Brian Stalford is accused of using to strike the man was a replica. Prosecutors made the disclosure as 49-year-old Stalford failed in a new bid to be released on bail. The east Belfast man, whose address cannot be reported, claims the incident was a planned joke between friends. Stalford is charged with possessing a firearm or imitation firearm, common assault and making threats to kill during a taxi journey on March 26 this year. He faces a further count of having a small quantity of cocaine when arrested by police. Detectives launched an investigation when the footage, recorded in Holywood, Co Down, appeared online and went viral in June. The clip showed Stalford dressed in a fonaCAB uniform and pointing a suspected gun directly at his front seat passengers face, the court heard. Crown lawyer Natalie Pinkteron said he issued a threat to take the mans head off. The defendant then told him to works his debt off and stated: You are lucky Im not taking your f****** knees out. At one point he struck the man in the face with the muzzle. The passenger and a second man in the back seat were both visibly shaken and apologetic, according to the prosecution. Stalford, who accepts being in the dashcam footage, was sacked by fonaCAB after it was sent to the firm, the court heard. Even though the pistol remains missing, forensic experts have now completed an examination of the video recording. It has been confirmed that it was an imitation firearm, Ms Pinkerton revealed. Opposing bail, however, she claimed the replica gun had been brandished to threaten the victim into paying off a debt. This was a drug enterprise and (it) was used for this purpose, the barrister submitted. The court also heard Stalford allegedly attempted to flee when police went to arrest him. He had a small bag packed which contained a sentimental photograph of his family. In a prepared statement, Stalford claimed the taxi incident had been a consensual planned prank involving a toy gun. Defence barrister Sean Devine argued his clients account has been strengthened by confirmation that it was not a real firearm in the recording. The reaction of many people (who viewed the footage) was that this must be a joke or a set-up, something that was manufactured, he said. Counsel told the court Stalford had been embarrassed by the incident but poses no ongoing threat. It doesnt make an awful lot of sense to suggest that if hes out theres going to be some sort of lone-wolf Equalizer type behaviour, turning up in a mac on a rainy night. Its not real-world stuff, Mr Devine insisted. Refusing bail, however, Mr Justice Simpson cited risks of further offences and interference with potential witnesses. The judge, who viewed the footage before reaching his decision, pointed out that replica guns can still be used in crimes to create fear. He added: To me it appears that the individuals in the car are frightened by the production of the imitation firearm and certainly its used once to pistol-whip or slap across the face (of the man) in the front seat of the car. Speaking at the end of Friday nights show, Kielty said people on the island of Ireland are currently living our own miracle as a result of the peace process In the midst of the conflict in Israel and Gaza, Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty delivered an emotional monologue touching on the Troubles in Northern Ireland and sending his love to the family of the Irish-Israeli woman who was killed by terrorist organisation Hamas last weekend. Speaking at the end of Friday nights show, Kielty said people on the island of Ireland are currently living our own miracle as a result of the peace process and he hopes a miracle for those living in Israel and Palestine and caught up in violence comes soon. Beginning the monologue, the Dundrum presenter referenced Kim Damti who died after an attack on a music festival near the Gaza border. "Tonight so many of us here on the Late Late Show want to send our love to the family of Kim Damti and all the families whose lives this week have been ripped apart in Israel and Palestine, Kielty said. "There are no words that will even touch the sides of the pain and the loss and ongoing horror that has been felt by so many tonight. "But as someone who grew up during a conflict where the rights and wrongs of politics were always writ large. One common truth was the hurt and pain on both sides was sadly the same. We all shared something but we just didnt realise it at the time. There were days when we thought it would never end. Kielty whose father Jack was murdered by loyalists in January 1988 continued: Tonight there are many parents and children in Israel and in Gaza who also think that this will never end and are praying for a miracle to make it stop. "In the midst of despair miracles are hard to believe in, but it is worth remembering we are currently living our own miracle on this island because we are living in peace. "For all those in Israel and Palestine tonight it might not seem like it but there is always hope and we hope your miracle comes soon. Green Party Councillor Maria Dollard wrote: Powerful and genuine statement from Patrick Kielty closing out the Late Late Show praying for the same miracle for Israel and Palestine. Another viewer said: So many laughs on Late Late Show tonight and then right at the end we had that truly amazing speech. Thats why Patrick Kielty is the perfect host and I absolutely love you. Youre doing an amazing job and youve breathed new life into a show that went so stale. Tears after that. On Saturday morning the Israeli military said its troops conducted temporary raids into Gaza to battle militants and hunted for traces of some 150 people including men, women and children abducted in the assault on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7. In urging the evacuation, Israels military said it planned to target underground Hamas hideouts around Gaza City. The UN called on Israel to reverse the unprecedented directive, while Hamas told people to ignore the evacuation order. Israel has called up some 360,000 reserves and massed troops and tanks along the border, but no decision has been announced on whether to launch a ground offensive. An assault into densely populated Gaza would likely bring even higher casualties on both sides in brutal house-to-house fighting. We will destroy Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Friday night. Hamas said Israels air strikes killed 13 hostages, including foreigners, without giving their nationalities. The military denied the claim. Hamas and other Palestinian militants hope to trade the hostages for thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Its big shoes to fill, but Larry and the band have been so supportive, Bram said Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg of U2 perform during opening night of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on September 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 29: (Exclusive Coverage) Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg of U2 perform during opening night of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on September 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation) Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg of U2 perform during opening night of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on September 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation) MEET the drummer who has replaced Larry Mullen in supergroup U2 for their residency at the new Las Vegas state-of-the-art venue, Sphere. Hes Dutch national Bram van den Berg, who is now living every musicians dream stepping into the shoes of his personal idol. Its big shoes to fill, but Larry and the band have been so supportive, Bram said before the opening shows. The 41-year-old drummer plays with Dutch rock outfit Krezip. The group, fronted by Jacqueline Govaert, was initially formed in 1997 in Tilburg, Netherlands, and Bram, who comes from the small Dutch village of Wamel, joined in 2004. Krezip are a popular group in the Netherlands they've played their home country's Pinkpop festival six times as well as in other parts of Europe. They have released five albums, three of which van den Berg has contributed to. In an Instagram post, Krezip acknowledged they are incredibly proud of van den Berg, noting that U2 is one of his favourite bands. Weve known for a long time how good he is, they said. Chatting with Shuffle at last weekends opening shows in Vegas, U2 guitarist The Edge reveals that Bram is a Larry superfan. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg of U2 perform during opening night of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on September 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation) He's a huge Larry fan, Edge says. Hes not out to reinvent the wheel, he wants to stay true to the spirit of the songs and the arrangements and really doing a great job. U2s creative director Willie Williams agrees, telling us: Bram is such a Larry Mullen fan. When we were in rehearsals hed stop some song and go, Well, this is the way Larry did it. He has it down exactly. It was great for them to know that he was that well prepared for it. Bass guitarist Adam Clayton admits that he had personal concerns about playing without his long-time bandmate Mullen. It was pretty scary in so many ways, Adam says of their opening night performance without U2s founder Mullen. But weve done a lot of work with Bramweve been playing together for six weeks now. We did some initial rehearsals way back in March. I kind of knew he had my back, which is what I was concerned about because Larry is always there for me. So he (Bram) was there for me. Hes got a great attitude, hell adapt to whatever I need or whatever the band needsand hes fun to be around. Mullen has taken time out from the band to recover from surgery for repetitive strain injuries that affect many drummers over time. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg of U2 perform during opening night of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on September 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation) However, The Edge didnt rule out a return next year to the Sphere in Vegas with Larry behind the drum kit. I wouldnt rule it out, we cant predict the future, that could happen and wed love that if it did, he says. The Edge tells me that being the first band to play the Sphere and make history there means a lot to the band, saying: It does, we love that, the chance to break new ground and innovate. This is where we thrive, we are natural risk takers, I think. Although they say that Las Vegas is where rock n roll goes to die meaning thats where rockers end up in their twilight years U2 have given the Neon City a new lease of life playing in the spectacular new Sphere venue with its cutting-edge technology. U2s Cork-born audio wizard Joe OHerlihy, who, Bono told the crowd in Vegas last weekend, first did their sound at Corks Arcadia Ballroom in September 1978, admits its still a buzz to be breaking new ground in the music business with the opening of Sphere, which has the best sound system in the world today. Its fantastic to be a part of it and the guys love being a part of it, Joe says. As for the future of U2, The Edge adds: Were not turning our back on touring by any means. This is a very particular opportunity, this is going to be the only place in the world where we can put on a show like this probably for another 10 years. The U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere residency will run until mid-December in Las Vegas. After being brought up on a dairy farm, dairy farming himself and negotiating dairy grazing contracts for many years, Paul Knudsen took on a new challenge in 2011 and turned his hand to the niche business of duck farming near Matamata. The 34 hectare property had an existing duck business growing meat birds and 70 dairy cows, milked once a day through a 12ASHB shed. I stopped milking in 2018 and switched to grazing dairy heifers, says Paul. Duck farming cycle The farm has three growing sheds set up to continually accommodate six age groups. There are 5500 birds in each group on a 42 day cycle. The industry code of practice is not to exceed 18 kilogrammes per square metre, which equals six fully grown ducks. I operate well under those numbers. There are a constant 33,000 Pekin ducks on the farm and Paul and farm manager Dave run things between them. Every week we take a delivery of one-day old ducklings, send the six week old ducks off for processing and are paid weekly on live weight gain. The new one-day old arrivals are unloaded into the smaller brood room heated to 32 degrees Celsius. The temperature is slowly reduced over five days until being turned off, so at 10 days the ducklings can be moved to one of the larger sheds. From one day old the new arrivals are fed high protein starter crumble and transitioned onto grower feed at 10 days old. We have three 15 tonne silos for the grower feed and two three tonne silos for the crumble. We use in-shed auto feeding systems to distribute 32 tonnes of feed a week. Hygiene and care Its a high priority to keep the ducks clean and safe and anyone entering the sheds uses a disinfectant footbath. The sheds are rodent proof and there are bait stations around all the external perimeters. Wild birds pose a health risk as they can carry diseases such as salmonella, and netting mesh on the openings prevents them coming in. The sheds awning sides remain open daily for ventilation as the growing sheds are not temperature or humidity controlled due to their low stocking rate compared to chickens. Paul provides fresh water pumped to the sheds from an underground spring system on the farm. The ducklings drink from autofill bell feeders, but the older ducks have autofill water troughs. Ducks drink a lot of water and use it to clean themselves. We test our water supply for contaminants regularly. The ducks are not medicated or given hormones. Shed hygiene is paramount to duck health and growth. The ducks are raised on wood shavings and all sheds get a top up daily. The brood rooms are cleaned out before the next batch of day old ducklings arrive and sprayed with sanitiser. At nine week intervals, we clean out that shed completely, spray it with sanitiser and sprinkle hydrated lime around the edges which acts as a steriliser, before laying new shavings. The used shavings (duck litter) are picked up by two neighbours for use as fertilizer on their farms. Shaving issues Duck and poultry farms use large amounts of wood shavings from wood processing. With the building industry slowing down and the mills directing their shavings to make wood pellets or burn it themselves to meet their sustainability goals, the farming industry is finding it harder to source shavings. We expect shortages around calving and lambing times, but this season has been particularly difficult as we require 100 cubic metres each week. Paul remembered watching a rural TV program around some years ago that was discussing the merits of miscanthus use on turkey farms in the United States. A member of the grass family, poaceae, miscanthus is grown from a sterile rhizome and will never seed or spread. I started Googling, found Miscanthus New Zealand and approached them. I was able to locate a supplier and brought in some bales. Paul hired a harvester and hand fed the bales through, ending up with a more manageable straw like product. I trialled it by using shavings down one side of the sheds and miscanthus on the other. Its interesting because the ducks actually prefer the miscanthus. His initial feedback is that miscanthus is much drier, absorbs ammonia really well, but is harder to spread in the sheds. The farm is one of five contracted to Quackaduck in Cambridge, who also manage their own egg production farm and hatching facility that supplies the growers. Quackaduck business manager, Matthew Houston, explains that the there is an established local market for duck products, along with an export business into the Pacific, Middle East, Philippines, Japan. The business model is simple, with good cash flow as ducks leave the farms weekly and is relatively easy for someone with livestock experience. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Beijing on Friday. Noting that China and the EU have no fundamental conflicts of interests or geopolitical contradiction, Han said the two sides have far more consensus than differences, and far more cooperation than competition. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, and the two sides have achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation on economics, trade, science and technology, culture as well as on coping with climate change, Han said, adding that there is huge potential for development. "China is ready to strengthen high-level dialogue and exchanges at all levels with the EU, carry out sincere and in-depth communication on issues of common concern, further enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust, and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-EU relations," he said. Noting that China is a great country and will play an important role, Borrell said the achievements of China's modernization drive not only benefit the Chinese people, but also benefit the whole world. Borrell expressed hopes that the visit will further strengthen EU-China relations and ensure the success of the EU-China leaders' meeting at the end of this year. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) When business owner Rob Mapu of Centre Line Construction, considers what helped him to grow his new business with confidence, he said it was the trust that he had in Gr8 Job Haurakis recruitment programme that nailed it. With five new employees sourced through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Community Employment Programme programme, locally known as Gr8 Job Hauraki, Rob says the support for the whole recruitment process, from the on-boarding phase to financial support for wages or tools for apprentices, has been invaluable. Every day I tell my team were better together, and that extends to Gr8 Job Hauraki too. We couldnt have grown so confidently without their programme, says Rob. The programme, a nationwide partnership between Local Government New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has a strong focus on getting young people into sustainable employment. It highlights the power of localism, promoting community-led solutions for youth employment, education and training. Knowing I could count on Gr8 Job Hauraki to find the right people for my team, allowed me to focus on all the other elements of running a business. Coming off the tools and focusing on the thinking rather than the doing aspect of my business was quite daunting at first. With the help of Gr8 Job Hauraki, I was able to build a great team around me, which made it possible, says Rob. Gr8 Job Haurakis Community Employment Liaison Julie Stephensons knack for finding the right fit for Centre Line Construction comes down to the relationship Rob, Allison (Robs Mum and Administrator) and Julie have built over the last three years. Since the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Community Employment Programme was launched in 2020, as a way to help local people disadvantaged by the Covid-19 pandemic back into jobs, our Gr8 Job Hauraki brand has extended its mahi to focus on the 18-24 year old age group and people of any age who are disadvantaged in the labour market, says Julie. Were so proud and humbled to have placed five people into meaningful employment with Centre Line Construction. Seeing the companys explosive growth has been a real cherry on the cake feeling for me. Gr8 Job Hauraki works closely with the local community and the Ministry for Social Development to drive employment opportunities in the district. Its about finding the perfect fit for employers and job seekers. Give us a go, you may be amazed where you end up. Heavy rain and severe gales are expected for parts of central and southern New Zealand. A low is moving east across the South Island today, followed by an active trough on Sunday. "Very strong winds and heavy rain associated with these features will affect several areas of the South Island and southern North Island, and Warnings and Watches are in place," says a MetService spokesperson. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and check for updates and additions to these Watches and Warnings. A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for Tasman west of Motueka, also Buller and Grey Districts. This is valid for eight hours from 9am - 5pm, Sunday, October 15. "Further rain is expected today, possibly heavy at times, but accumulations are not expected to approach Warning criteria. "Another period of heavy rain is expected from Sunday morning, and the validity of this Watch has been extended. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria about the ranges during this time." A Heavy Rain Watch is also in place for Fiordland, which is valid for 25 hours from 9am, Saturday, October 14 to 10am Sunday, October 15. A period of heavy rain is expected from early Sunday morning and the validity of this Watch has been extended. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time. A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers. This watch is valid for 27 hours from 9am, Saturday, October 14 to 12pm, Sunday, October 15. A period of heavy rain and amounts may approach warning criteria within 15 km east of the divide. A Strong Wind Watch is in place for: Area: Tararua District and Wairarapa between Woodville and Carterton Valid: 35 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 8:00pm Sun 15 Oct Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Winds are expected to ease Saturday evening but another period of strong winds is expected from around midday Sunday and the validity of this Watch has been extended to cover this period. It may be upgraded to a Warning Saturday evening. Area: Westland south of Harihari and Fiordland north of Milford Sound Valid: 4 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 1:00pm Sat 14 Oct Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Area: Southland and Fiordland Valid: 7 hours from 1:00am Sun 15 Oct to 8:00am Sun 15 Oct Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Area: Queenstown Lakes, Central and North Otago Valid: 24 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 9:00am Sun 15 Oct Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Winds are expected to ease Saturday afternoon but another period of strong winds is expected Sunday morning and the validity of this Watch has been extended. Area: Dunedin and Clutha Valid: 24 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 9:00am Sun 15 Oct Forecast: Northwesterlies changing west to southwest late Saturday morning. Winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Winds are expected to ease Saturday afternoon but another period of strong north to northwest winds is expected Sunday morning and the validity of this Watch has been extended. A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for: Area: Tasman west of Motueka, also Buller and Grey Districts Valid: 8 hours from 9:00am Sun 15 Oct to 5:00pm Sun 15 Oct Forecast: Further rain is expected today, possibly heavy at times, but accumulations are not expected to approach Warning criteria. Another period of heavy rain is expected from Sunday morning, and the validity of this Watch has been extended. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria about the ranges during this time. Area: Fiordland Valid: 25 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 10:00am Sun 15 Oct Forecast: Heavy rain is expected to ease in Fiordland later this morning. A period of heavy rain is expected from early Sunday morning and the validity of this Watch has been extended. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria during this time. Area: Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers Valid: 27 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 12:00pm Sun 15 Oct Forecast: A period of heavy rain and amounts may approach warning criteria within 15 km east of the divide. Rain is expected to ease late Saturday morning. A period of heavy rain is expected from early Sunday morning and the validity of this Watch has been extended. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria within 15 km east of the main divide. A Strong Wind Watch is in place for: Area: Tararua District and Wairarapa between Woodville and Carterton Valid: 35 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 8:00pm Sun 15 Oct Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Winds are expected to ease Saturday evening but another period of strong winds is expected from around midday Sunday and the validity of this Watch has been extended to cover this period. It may be upgraded to a Warning Saturday evening. Area: Westland south of Harihari and Fiordland north of Milford Sound Valid: 4 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 1:00pm Sat 14 Oct Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Area: Southland and Fiordland Valid: 7 hours from 1:00am Sun 15 Oct to 8:00am Sun 15 Oct Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Area: Queenstown Lakes, Central and North Otago Valid: 24 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 9:00am Sun 15 Oct Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Winds are expected to ease Saturday afternoon but another period of strong winds is expected Sunday morning and the validity of this Watch has been extended. Area: Dunedin and Clutha Valid: 24 hours from 9:00am Sat 14 Oct to 9:00am Sun 15 Oct Forecast: Northwesterlies changing west to southwest late Saturday morning. Winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Winds are expected to ease Saturday afternoon but another period of strong north to northwest winds is expected Sunday morning and the validity of this Watch has been extended. With 54.4 per cent of the vote counted, Sam Uffindell has announced that Labour's Jan Tinetti has phoned him to concede the seat for Tauranga. "I had a phone call from Jan," says Sam, making the announcement to National Party supporters gathered at 1 The Strand on Saturday night. He went on to thank his volunteer team, friends and family for their help and support during his election campaign, in particular mentioning his campaign manager and all those who helped to "paint the town blue". "I'm lucky here, we've got a fantastic bunch of members and volunteers. They make life really easy. They get up there and hand things out, they put up hoardings and fix them up. And I found that there's a fair bit of support out there as well," says Sam. "That was really nice to see." SunLive asked Sam what are his three big things he wants to get done for Tauranga. "Infrastructure is the first one. We have a big shortage of infrastructure. We've got State Highway 29 over the line recently. I'm going to keep working hard internally to make sure we get more focus on infrastructure development here in Tauranga. "The second one would be around plan change 33. I know that there is a lot of community opposition to that. A lot of people don't want the changes that are being proposed and don't feel that they are being listened to. So I'm going to make sure I represent the people on that. "The third one would be to make sure that we can make a transition to local democracy here in Tauranga as soon as possible. We'll be making sure we restore local democracy as soon as possible, some time next year." He says the cost of living is the number one issue he's been hearing about from people across Tauranga. "Law and order's another big issue. But I think in Tauranga the congestion was brought up consistently as a big challenge. We're a growing city, people keep wanting to move here because it's so good but we have to make sure we've got the investment in infrastructure that we need to enable us to develop." With 25,377 votes counted in the Tauranga electorate, Sam has a current margin of 6,919 votes. He is leading with 12,597 votes. Labour Party candidate and List MP Jan Tinetti currently has 5,678 votes. The National Party is leading in the Tauranga electorate with 49.32 per cent of the party vote. The Labour Party has 17.48 per cent. ACT New Zealand candidate Christine Young is currently in third place with 2271 votes. Candidates Party BALDOCK, Larry 598 CROOKS, Justin 1246 Green Party 1843 HARVEY, Erika 1997 New Zealand First Party 2271 LANGRIDGE, Jono 132 New Conservatives 55 SAMUELS, Leon 152 STOKMAN, Chelsea Jordan 114 Animal Justice Party 41 SYDNEY, Mikaere Taingahue 264 Te Pati Maori 197 TINETTI, Jan 5678 Labour Party 4436 UFFINDELL, Sam 12597 National Party 12513 YOUNG, Christine 2271 ACT New Zealand 2835 Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party 38 DemocracyNZ 34 Freedoms NZ 86 Leighton Baker Party 11 New Nation Party 25 New Zealand Loyal 186 NewZeal 254 The Opportunities Party (TOP) 430 Womens Rights Party 18 Candidate Informals: 328 Party Informals: 94 TOTAL: 25,377 TOTAL: 25,367 Earlier, 8.50pm update: National Party candidate and current Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell has a strong lead with the race for Tauranga. With only 47.1 per cent of the votes counted, Sam is leading with 11,790 votes and Labour candidate Jan Tinetti has 5,218 votes, a current margin of 6,572. Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell with his wife Julia, daughter Lily and brother Harry. Sam has a strong lead over second-placed candidate Labour's Jan Tinetti. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford/SunLive. National is also in the lead with party votes, securing 49.79 per cent of the votes, with Labour on 17.52 per cent. NZ First candidate Erika Harvey is in fourth place with 1786 votes, behind ACT New Zealand candidate Christine Young who currently has 2054 votes. NZ First candidate Erika Harvey at Trinity Wharf Hotel on Saturday night. Photo: Merle Cave/SunLive. "This election is so different," says Erika. "The support has been amazing. We've had incredible volunteers, and I'm really excited and looking forward to the results. She things NZ First is tracking well so far with election results. "I think we're doing really really well." Tauranga votes counted: 23,351 or 47.1 per cent: Candidates Party BALDOCK, Larry 522 CROOKS, Justin 1110 Green Party 1643 HARVEY, Erika 1786 New Zealand First Party 2055 LANGRIDGE, Jono 118 New Conservatives 54 SAMUELS, Leon 136 STOKMAN, Chelsea Jordan 92 Animal Justice Party 36 SYDNEY, Mikaere Taingahue 222 Te Pati Maori 174 TINETTI, Jan 5218 Labour Party 4091 UFFINDELL, Sam 11790 National Party 11623 YOUNG, Christine 2054 ACT New Zealand 2619 Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party 34 DemocracyNZ 25 Freedoms NZ 80 Leighton Baker Party 9 New Nation Party 24 New Zealand Loyal 157 NewZeal 227 The Opportunities Party (TOP) 383 Womens Rights Party 16 Candidate Informals: 303 Party Informals: 90 TOTAL: 23,351 TOTAL: 23,340 Tauranga National Party supporters at 1 The Strand on election night. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford/SunLive. 7.30pm update: National Party candidate and current Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell has shot into an early lead with the race for Tauranga. With only 38.2 per cent of the votes counted, Sam is leading with 11,659 votes and Labour candidate Jan Tinetti has 5.146 votes, a current margin of 6.513. National is also in the lead with party votes, securing 49.85 per cent of the votes, with Labour on 17.54 per cent. "We're really early days at the moment and of course this is the early vote coming in which never favours us anyway," says Jan. "So, it is up quite a lot to the right at the moment, but we'll wait and see when the majority of the votes come in, when the booths start to come through later on in the night." Tauranga Labour candidate and current list MP Jan Tinetti waiting on election night results with her supporters at Whareroa Marae. Photo: Merle Cave/SunLive. "But I will say that it's been a really tough campaign. I feel exhausted and I feel like I've not left anything there, I've given it my all and that's as much as I could ask. "I'm really proud of my team that are here tonight and the work that they've done in this campaign, cos it has not been easy. "We've had a bit of abuse along the way, it hasn't always been a nice campaign. But it is what it is at this point in time." Tauranga votes counted: 23,059 or 38.2 per cent: Tauranga Candidates Party BALDOCK, Larry514 CROOKS, Justin1091 Green Party1607 HARVEY, Erika1769 New Zealand First Party2037 LANGRIDGE, Jono113 New Conservatives54 SAMUELS, Leon133 STOKMAN, Chelsea Jordan92 Animal Justice Party 36 SYDNEY, Mikaere Taingahue218 Te Pati Maori172 TINETTI, Jan5146 Labour Party4043 UFFINDELL, Sam11659 National Party11494 YOUNG, Christine2022 ACT New Zealand2583 Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party34 DemocracyNZ25 Freedoms NZ77 Leighton Baker Party9 New Nation Party24 New Zealand Loyal153 NewZeal219 The Opportunities Party (TOP)377 Womens Rights Party14 Candidate Informals: 302 Party Informals: 90 TOTAL: 23,059 TOTAL: 23,048 Earlier 7.20pm: With 25 per cent of the Tauranga votes counted, National MP and candidate Sam Uffindell is in the lead with 7,011 votes. Second candidate with a 3,621 margin is Labours candidate and List MP Jan Tinetti with 3,390 votes. National is in the lead with 48 per cent of the party vote, with Labour sitting on 18.6 per cent. There are another eight candidates running for the Tauranga electorate. Erika Harvey and Kirsten Murfitt at Trinity Wharf Hotel on election night. Photo: Merle Cave/SunLive. Erika Harvey who is 10th on the NZ First Party list currently has 1262 votes. Christine Young, who is 18th on the ACT part list has 1269 votes. Larry Baldock, who entered the race barely six weeks ago, is running as an Independent candidate and has 337 votes so far. He has previously served one term at Parliament with the United Future Party from 2002 - 2005, and says it was an exciting and influential one, as he found himself at the forefront of policy. Mikaere Taingahue Sydney - Te Pati Maori, Jono Langridge New Conservatives, Leon Samuels Vision New Zealand, Chelsea Stokman Animal Justice Party, and Justin Crooks Green Party, round out the rest of the candidates standing for Tauranga this election. Update, 8.40pm: National Party candidate Tom Rutherford is leading the Bay of Plenty election race with a current margin of 9,869 votes. With 25,364 votes or 42.5 per cent of the votes counted, Tom has 14,144 votes, with second candidate Labours Pare Taikato on 4,275 votes. National is also leading in the party votes with 50.29 per cent. Labour is coming in second with 17.27 per cent. ACT New Zealand party candidate Cameron Luxton is currently in third place with 2282 votes. Candidates Party GILLESPIE, Wendy 213 Leighton Baker Party 18 GRATTAN, Caitlin 176 Animal Justice Party 46 LUXTON, Cameron 2282 ACT New Zealand 3044 MACMILLAN, Matthew 1772 Green Party 1642 MURFITT, Kirsten 2132 New Zealand First Party 2136 RUTHERFORD, Tom 14144 National Party 12747 TAIKATO, Pare 4275 Labour Party 4378 WAHED, Taupo 90 Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party 64 DemocracyNZ 28 Freedoms NZ 59 New Conservatives 30 New Nation Party 15 New Zealand Loyal 257 NewZeal 182 Te Pati Maori 220 The Opportunities Party (TOP) 354 Womens Rights Party 8 Candidate Informals: 280 Party Informals: 115 TOTAL: 25,364 TOTAL: 25,343 Earlier, 7.40pm: National Party candidate Tom Rutherford is leading the Bay of Plenty election race with a current margin of 9,809. With 25,114 votes or 36.8 per cent of the votes counted, Tom has 14,045 votes, with second candidate Labours Pare Taikato on 4,236 votes. National is also leading in the party votes with 50.41 per cent. Labour is coming in second with 17.32 per cent. ACT New Zealand party candidate Cameron Luxton is currently in third place with 2248 votes. SunLive caught up with Labour party candidate Pare Taikato, with her supporters at Whareroa Marae. I feel fine. I feel very positive. Ive managed my expectations from Day One," says Pare. "Im a Maori woman, Im contesting a general seat. Its conventionally been held by National for some time now and my predecessor Angie Warren-Clark was elected on the party votes as a list MP. Shes been a List MP for the past two terms. That was under a Jacinda-led Labour party. It was pre-Covid. Im a realist about post-Covid. We have a different leader of the party. Im a wahine Maori. I always feel positive, I never say never, but I am a realist. Labour party candidate for Bay of Plenty, Pare Taikato. Photo: Merle Cave/SunLive. Pare says she has received mostly positive feedback during her campaign. Whether people actually turn out to translate that into a vote is a different story. Tonights the poll that counts. Pare, Jan Tinetti and Toni Boynton decided to combine their local Labour branches for election night, meeting at the Whareroa Marae at Mount Maunganui. Weve having a bit of a get-together together, and not hosting three separate events, but can be together, support each other. Were all winners whatever the outcome tonight. We will keep moving forward representing our constituents. Jan at number six on our party list, whether were in Government or Opposition, Jan will continue to represent the constituency. Jans great, she is still very much involved with the Merivale community, for example. Representing, advocating and being their person, that contact for the community. For myself, Im still sitting on a number of Maori grower kiwifruit avocado businesses, so Ill still be advocating in that space for those constituents. Bay of Plenty votes counted: 25,114 or 36.8 per cent: Cameron Luxton is heading to Parliament as a List MP on the back of ACT New Zealands success in tonights General Election. With 74.4 per cent of votes counted across New Zealand, ACT New Zealand has won 9.2 per cent of votes which equates to 12 seats in Parliament. National has 40.09 per cent which equates to 51 seats and with ACT's 12 seats, would have 63 seats and could govern together. With Cameron listed as number 11 on ACT NZs party list, he gets to head to Wellington. Speaking to Sunlive tonight, Cameron says hes very happy with the result and thanks ACT NZs supporters. Its a heavy responsibility to be ACTs list member for the Bay of Plenty area at large and Im very happy ACT has performed well tonight and increased our polling from last time [last election]. Im extremely proud of Brooke Van Velden getting Tamaki [in Auckland] and Im very happy with how ACTs performed. Does the result give him a good mandate to be a voice for the Bay of Plenty? Yeah, I really hope that I can do everybody who got me into Parliament proud. Im a boy from the Bay and have spent my life living in the Bay, farming and building. And Wellington needs a voice representing the people of the Bay of Plenty to stick up for them and thats what I hope to do. Cameron says hes not a poll-watcher, but that it looks like the country has spoken. It certainly looks like a change is coming and ACT is going to be part of making sure it is real change. National Party leader Christopher Luxon has come out at his partys election night headquarters in Auckland, saying that on current numbers it looks like National and ACT will be in a position to form the next government. Currently with 92.3 per cent of results counted National has won 39.36 per cent of the vote equating to 50 seats while ACT NZ has 9.09 per cent of votes equating to 11 seats. Labour has 26.58 per cent of the votes, the Green Party has 10.70 per cent of the votes, NZ First has 6.44 per cent, and Te Pati Maori has 2.55 per cent. To form a government at least 62 seats in total sometimes 63 are needed. Speaking on TV1, the National Party leader first thanked his supporters and team and then talked to New Zealand. Thank you so much, thank you so much team, and thank you NZ because from all over your country, this great country, you have reached for hope and you have voted for change. And I am immensely proud tonight to say on the numbers National will be in a position to lead the next government.... Our pledge to you is that National will deliver for every New Zealander. Because we will rebuild the economy and deliver tax relief. We will bring down the cost of living. We will restore law and order. We will deliver better healthcare. And we will educate our children so that they can grow up to live the lives that they dream of. And thats what we will deliver. Luxon says earlier this evening he took a call from Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins conceding the election. And I thanked him for the call and thanked him for serving NZ as Prime Minister and I wished him well as its obviously a tough night for Labour and I want to acknowledge that. I also spoke to ACT leader David Seymour. I congratulated him on his own win in Epsom and ACTs result. And there are many votes still to be counted but on current numbers it looks like National and ACT will be in a position to form the next government. Earlier, Labour leader Chris Hipkins talked to his partys supporters, via TV1, conceding the election. We have run the biggest ground campaign, knocking on doors and calling on phones, that we have ever run. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much. Unfortunately the results tonight show that that wasnt enough. Earlier this evening I called Christopher Luxon to congratulate him on Nationals results. While its MMP and the numbers will probably move around a bit before the final count, as it stands Labour is not in a position to form a government. The result tonight is not one that any of us wanted. But I want to you to be proud of what we achieved over the last six years. Because despite governing through the biggest challenges our country has ever faced, we kept NZ moving forward and we protected those who needed help the most. Stay tuned for more election updates on Sunday. HANGZHOU, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Friday urged concrete efforts to learn from and apply experience drawn from the Green Rural Revival Program to further advance rural revitalization. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while attending the conference on promoting the experience in launching the Green Rural Revival Program in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Liu stressed advancing rural revitalization through constant efforts, highlighting the importance of balancing urban and rural development and tailoring region-specific measures to foster the development of rural industries. In June 2003, Zhejiang launched the Green Rural Revival Program, which planned to renovate about 10,000 incorporated villages and transform about 1,000 central villages among them into examples of moderate prosperity in all respects. 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. Cicero, N.Y. -- A man has been arrested after entering a Catholic church in Cicero Friday claiming to be with Hamas and making threats to staff, police said. Christopher Gowett, 29, of Clay, was arrested shortly after leaving the church and charged with making a threat of mass harm, according to a news release from Cicero police. Around 10:11 a.m., Gowett entered Sacred Heart Church, 8229 Brewerton Rd., and began making threats when he was approached by staff, police said. Rev. Christopher R. Seibt, in a post to the church community, said the man appeared to have mental health issues. He told a staff member today was going to be bad, he was Hamas, police said in the release. Hamas -- a Palestinian extremist militant group considered a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department -- were the perpetrators of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. After making several threats, Gowett left the church and staff contacted police. The church and the affiliated preschool went into lockdown until police arrived. Gowett was arrested a short distance from the church on Brewerton Road, police said. He is currently being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center jail, according to county incarceration records. Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com. Syracuse, N.Y. About 250 people gathered in downtown Syracuse Friday afternoon for a pro-Palestinian march and rally calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the end of U.S. funding and military support for Israel. People gathered around the James M. Hanley Federal Building on Clinton Square and then marched to Columbus Circle for the rally. People chanted free Palestine and let Gaza live as they made their way to Columbus Circle. Some cars passing by honked in support. Adults and children, many wearing or waving Palestinian colors of green, red, black and white, chanted and held signs denouncing the Israeli government and the conflict in Gaza. The demonstration comes on the heels of Hamas fighters launching a surprise attack last weekend on southern Israel, killing an estimated 1,300 people and taking roughly 100 hostages of varying nationalities. Israel has fought back by bombing Gaza, where an estimated 1,900 have died. On Friday, the Israeli government ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes, signaling an impending military ground offensive in response to the attacks by Hamas. In Syracuse, rally organizers demanded that Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian territories, the end of U.S. funding and military support to Israel and that local officials support the Not on Our Dime bill in the state assembly, which aims to stop funding from state charities for Israeli settlements. Rally organizers said they recognize that to some, the demonstration will be seen as antisemitic or sympathetic to Hamas fighters. Liam Hines, a member of the Syracuse chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said that view is a misunderstanding. The Israeli occupation does not stand for Jewish people, he said. All peace-loving people of the world should demand an end to the occupation, which is the source of the violence we see today. The rally was organized by Justice for Palestine (a committee of the Syracuse Peace Council), Syracuse Democratic Socialists of America and the Syracuse chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950. KIEV, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian experimental sea drones attacked two Russian vessels in the Black Sea, the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency reported Friday. The drones nicknamed "Sea Baby" hit Russia's Buyan missile ship on Friday near the city of Sevastopol, while the Pavel Derzhavin patrol vessel was struck on Wednesday, said the report. Later in the day, Dmytro Pletenchuk, the Ukraine navy spokesperson, said that the Pavel Derzhavin vessel was hit for the second time on Friday. "Sea Baby" is a maritime kamikaze drone capable of carrying 850 kg of explosives, according to media reports. In the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, an innovative tool developed has been in operation for the past two years. This technology has successfully steered over 560 residents away from the prospect of experiencing homelessness. (Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: A person walks past a homeless encampment near a Target store on September 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Targeting At-Risk Individuals A groundbreaking predictive artificial intelligence tool was developed by researchers at the California Policy Lab (CPL) within the University of California, Los Angeles, that pinpoints those within the county who face the highest risk of homelessness. Interesting Engineering that this innovative tool delves into a vast array of data encompassing over 400 different types of records documenting events such as emergency room visits, encounters with law enforcement, the receipt of public benefits, and other interactions within the local systems. In her role as the associate director of homelessness prevention with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Dana Vanderford's team is always there for clients teetering on the brink of homelessness, and the timing of their outreach is often impeccable. Vanderford notes that the response they receive from these clients typically echoes a sentiment of relief, with many expressing gratitude for the timely intervention. Level of Accuracy Utilizing this wealth of data, the CPL algorithm boasts an impressive level of accuracy in predicting who may face homelessness within the upcoming year. To put their homelessness prevention plans into action, the project's staff receive a batch of medical records every three months. These records are initially stripped of personal information and are only linked to the respective individuals they pertain to later, allowing the staff to make timely and effective cold calls to offer assistance. Amid the veil of privacy that cloaks these records, WGLT reported that Vanderford underscores the indispensability of data deployment to locate individuals teetering on the brink of housing instability. Los Angeles boasts an array of referral support programs, yet many people remain on the periphery, unsure of how to navigate the system or oblivious to the precarity of their living situations. These are the individuals that Vanderford and her team tirelessly endeavor to locate and assist. Also Read: MIT Is Developing an AI Co-Pilot for Aircraft Called Air-Guardian Their strategy involves proactive outreach through cold calls to individuals identified as most at risk by the algorithm. To date, Vanderford and her dedicated team have provided support to 560 residents of the City of Angels. While experts acknowledge the need for safeguards in deploying AI for such purposes, the early outcomes are viewed as a promising step in the right direction. Extending Financial Assistance The homelessness prevention initiative extends financial assistance to individual clients in the amounts of either $4,000 or $6,000 USD ($5,437 or $8,156 CAD), while families are eligible for $6,000 or $8,000 USD ($8,156 or $10,875 CAD). Moreover, CBC reported that the level of support increases based on the household's size. Rather than transferring these funds directly to the recipients' bank accounts, a method that could potentially jeopardize their eligibility for other public benefits, the program takes an alternative approach. Payments are made on behalf of the clients or distributed in the form of gift cards. Typically, these funds are allocated for essential expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs. However, the program rarely declines requests for expenditures that clients deem most critical to their circumstances. Related Article: Powering AI Could Soon Need as Much Electricity as a Small Country, Expert Warns 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Apple Watch Series 1 was recently updated earlier this week to be part of Apple's vintage product list, with the device nearing almost ten years since it was first released. This means that the device would now see limited support from Apple and this includes the software or firmware updates that it will receive, as well as the parts availability for its repairs. Apple Watch Series 1 is Now a Vintage Product (Photo : Ingo Joseph via Pexels) Apple updated its website which details the vintage products that will no longer see wide support from the company, listing the Apple Watch Series 1 after eight years. This means that this device has not seen a sale for more than five years, but less than seven, but remains of wide use to the public. Cupertino also said that parts are subject to availability of each store, as well as if Apple would still decide to repair it. The latest software compatible with the device is the watchOS 6, and this was last seen receiving the updates in mid-2020. Currently, the latest software for the wearable is the watchOS 10. The good thing is that this is not yet an obsolete product, so there is still some insurance for its use, particularly with more possible security updates and repairs up for grabs. Read Also: Best Apple Watch Models to Buy Before the Holidays Limited Support for Series 1-Not the OG? Series 1 already sees limited support from Apple, but did you know that this is not the OG smartwatch from the company? The original Apple Watch is referred to as the "1st generation," the smartwatch that started it all when it was first released in 2015. On the other hand, Apple later released the Apple Watch Series 1 in 2016, alongside the Apple Watch Series 2 back in 2016, already eight years ago. Series 2 was discontinued a year later, with the Series 3 replacing it, and the cheaper and old-gen version being Series 1. Apple Watch Smartwatch Lineup One of the most iconic Apple products of today is its smartwatch wearable, the Apple Watch, which has been part of the regular lineup released from Cupertino since 2015. There have been various discontinuations and vintage Apple Watch already, with the Series 3 first seeing its introduction to the list last year ahead of the original and Series 1 wearable from Cupertino. The company is already at its ninth mainline release for the Apple Watch, centering on the Series 9 that was released earlier this year alongside the iPhone 15 lineup, and the new Apple Watch Ultra 2. It is also speculated that next year or 2025's Apple Watch would see the return of the "X" moniker it first used with the iPhones, signifying its tenth release and celebrating its decade in the industry. Now, the first series Apple Watch is considered a vintage product and was inducted into the list of such Apple devices, no longer seeing production, and has limited support. Current Apple Watch Series 1 owners would have to either stick and experience limited support, including parts availability with their wearable or consider buying the latest Apple has to offer. Related Article: Apple Watch Ultra 2: New, Updated Diving Tools Help Bring More Features for Users 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The federal court of New York and Judge Lewis Kaplan's courtroom saw massive revelations on Sam Bankman-Fried's criminal trial this week, and this was because of the three days of testimony from his ex-girlfriend, Caroline Ellison. The former Alameda Research CEO and previous partner of the controversial executive has given the world shocking revelations of unknown events or happenings within the company. Ellison's testimony was expected to reveal massive details, particularly as she pleaded guilty and agreed to fully cooperate with the justice system. Sam Bankman-Fried's Trial: First Week with Caroline Ellison (Photo : ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images) Caroline Ellison is a star witness, and this was proven in her recent appearance in the New York courtroom where she detailed massive details from SBF's previous operations, including his personality and beliefs. The statements from Ellison revealed that Bankman-Fried is a "utilitarian," wherein the executive uses everything in his power to make results. According to her, the rules including "don't lie" or "don't steal" are not in his practice. Not only did she reveal significant parts of SBF's coercion of her to do illegal things as CEO of Alameda Research, but also their relationship which she claimed ended in 2022. Ellison also revealed how Bankman-Fried instructed her to get funds from FTX customers to pay off Alameda's loans to investors and lenders, effectively keeping the companies afloat. Read Also: Sam Bankman-Fried Trial: FTX Co-Founder Accuses Alameda Research of 'Taking Customers' Money' Shocking Revelations in SBF's Criminal Trial Apart from the technicalities, Ellison also revealed how Sam Bankman-Fried initially thought that he could become the President, particularly for the United States. In a quote by AP, the star witness said that SBF thought he had a 5 percent chance. Moreover, he thought that one of his most valuable traits was his hair, yes, Bankman-Fried's crowning glory, which led to him getting "higher bonuses" and was part of FTX's narrative and image. SBF maintained his hair and seldom cut it. Caroline Ellison and Sam Bankman-Fried Caroline Ellison first testified for Sam Bankman-Fried earlier this week, as the lawsuit began to commence its trial during the first week of October which paved the way for the many details to be revealed to all. This trial centers on the sole executive of FTX who maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and initial proceedings, with SBF now facing criminal charges against his name. In an already-dragged-out timeline for FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried maintains his innocence after he pleaded not guilty in his plea hearing, which led to this criminal trial. Before this hearing, Sam Bankman-Fried's other associates over at FTX and Alameda Research already pleaded guilty to the almost same cases filed against them, with Caroline Ellison also admitting her actions. The second week of SBF's criminal trial saw massive revelations thanks to the testimonies from Caroline Ellison, centering on the many actions that he led the former Alameda CEO to do. From his "utilitarianism" down to his beliefs that he could be President of the United States, Bankman-Fried sees massive insider information revealed in court because of his ex-girlfriend's full cooperation. Related Article: Caroline Ellison Testifies: Alameda Took Money from FTX Under Sam Bankman-Fried's Direction 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. SpaceX has finally launched NASA's uncrewed Psyche spacecraft aboard its eighth Falcon Heavy flight. According to Interesting Engineering, the liftoff of the asteroid-bound spacecraft occurred at 10:19 a.m. EDT (1419 GMT) Friday from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Space.com reported that during the liftoff, the triple-booster rocket ignited all 27 of its first-stage Merlin engines, which produced up to 5 million pounds of thrust as the spacecraft moved skyward to start its 2.2 billion miles journey to investigate the asteroid 16 Psyche. Under 2.5 minutes into launch, the side boosters of the Falcon Heavy deactivated their engines, separated from the central core stage, and returned to Florida's Space Coast to conduct simultaneous landings. Falcon Heavy's core booster followed suit approximately four minutes after liftoff, shutting down its first-stage engines and separating from the rocket's second stage, which was carrying Psyche on the way to orbital escape velocity. Psyche is the first NASA mission to launch on a Falcon Heavy. According to Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA's science mission directorate, 16 Psyche is the biggest among the "nine metal-rich asteroids known to exist in our solar system." It is reportedly bigger than the state of Connecticut. (Photo : SpaceX via Twitter) NASA Psyche Mission According to NASA reports, it will take until 2029 before the Psyche spacecraft reaches the giant metal-rich asteroid orbiting the sun in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. NASA said one of the primary objectives of the space mission was to explore whether 16 Psyche was a "partial core of a shattered planetesimal" - a tiny world the size of a city or small nation that is the planet's first building block. This potential discovery is paramount to understanding the early planetary evolution. The asteroid is believed to be the exposed nickel-iron core of an ancient planet, providing invaluable insights into the formation of celestial bodies in our solar system. The Psyche mission also aims to investigate if it could be a potential future space mining site. Read Also: NASA New Mission: Visit '16 Psyche,' Most Expensive Asteroid in the Solar System Asteroid 16 Psyche as a Potential Mining Site Philip Metzger, a planetary physicist at the University of Central Florida, addressed speculations to turn the asteroid into a potential mining site as scientists estimated it could contain hundreds of thousands of quadrillions worth of heavy metals, which is more than the entire global economy. During his interview with Space.com, the physicist said there were no intentions or plans to mine 16 Psyche and that the current technology cannot do that. "Even if we could mine Psyche and bring the materials back to Earth, the asteroid is so far away that the cost of doing so would negate their value," Metzger told the outlet. According to Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Psyche mission's lead scientist and the director of Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Science, Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the asteroid could contain $100,000 quadrillions worth of heavy metals. But despite the present incapability to do it, some companies, such as AstroForge, have already plans to mine asteroids. According to Space.com, the California-based has raised $13 million to develop and lab-test new technology for processing asteroid material. AstroForge cofounder and CEO Matt Gialich told the outlet that the company's mission was "to take asteroid mining out of the realm of sci-fi into the realm of reality." The company will reportedly pursue an asteroid resource already in high demand, the platinum-group metals (PGMs) like palladium, which is widely used in various industries. Palladium is a key component in catalytic converters that helps lessen toxic emissions from vehicles. Related Article: NASA Planning To Land Craft On Metal Asteroid 16 Psyche 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new discovery on Google has revealed a test regarding adding news stories to its homepage, below the company's massive logo and search bar, which have been relatively blank for a long time. These additional items to its website will also include other things like the weather and stocks - a homepage evident in its search engine rivals, Microsoft Bing and Yahoo. For a long time, Google opted for a clean and minimalist look on the homepage where news stories would only appear when searched, but now, it is alive in India. Google Tests News Stories Appearing on its Homepage According to MSPoweruser, Google has now started testing the Discover feed on the desktop version of its website for a select group of users, displaying news stories whenever visiting it. This new test is reportedly reminiscent of the Google Discover feed on the mobile app, wherein users get a rundown of the top news stories in the world. The Discover feed is shown under the search box in Google's mobile apps and on some Android devices' left-most panel of the Home screens. For several years, Google's homepage was usually blank and only filled with a search bar, accounts in the top right corner, tabs for Gmail and Images, a menu hideaway, and the language options below. The site is either white or grey, depending on one's device or preference for light or dark mode, as well as the Material You themes that users may set. Read Also: Google Taps Passkeys as Default Sign-in Method for All Users-Is This the End for Passwords? Google India's New Homepage: Like Bing and Yahoo? According to ArsTechnica, the latest test was discovered in Google's India operations, showing a column of top news stories featured based on the algorithm matching one's interests. It was also reported that this new feature by Google is similar to Microsoft's Bing and Yahoo offerings of news stories directly available on its desktop homepage apart from the search bar. Google's Search Engine Development One of the top focuses of Google now is its AI developments, with Bard coming to various platforms, as well as other generative AI focuses, particularly for its search engine. The company has recently incorporated its generative AI into the platform's search features, offering a significant improvement to its text-to-image capabilities, giving outputs from user requests. The search engine is the gateway to the internet, and for a long time, Google has been at the forefront of its development, offering its services to make it more accessible for all. The company also recently added a grammar checker on the search bar. However, it is currently available in the English language only. Bing and Yahoo featured news directly available on their search engine's homepage, dividing the public's preference between having this or having a cleaner and blank homepage. Now, Google caved into the idea of featuring news stories on its homepage, under its recent testing of the feature in India, but it is unknown if it would also be available to the rest of the world. Related Article: Google Now Features Direct AI Image Generation on its Search Bar-Here's How 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Robotic engineering has evolved further as the University of Eastern Finland announced the development of innovative algorithms that enable robot dogs' efficient navigation in crowded spaces. According to the official release, researcher Chengmin Zhou used in their dissertation reinforcement learning algorithms (RL) for the navigation of service robots. Interesting Engineering reported that most robotic dogs have difficulty in autonomous navigation in the middle of a crowd. Current approaches take too much computational resources and are unsuitable for real-time applications requiring real-time decision-making. The new algorithms allow robot dogs to make abrupt shifts and frequent changes in direction in real-time. The release noted that these advanced algorithms may be integrated into the robot's inbuilt computational system to address navigation challenges in scenarios with numerous moving obstacles. (Photo : by MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images) Kedy the Security K9 meets robotic dogs called Spot and built by Boston Dynamics during the Amazon Re:MARS conference on robotics and artificial intelligence at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 4, 2019. Real-Time Decision Making Robot Dogs With the "model-free reinforcement learning algorithms," the robot dogs can move quickly as these machines can learn from their experiences and adapt to new settings. The release outlines the implementation of three technical aspects to improve the robot's navigation. First is the discrete actions, which give robots limited action choices for their next move. Next is the integration of real-time and historical data. It involves merging data gathered in real time during robot operations with previously collected historical data. This data integration helps enhance the robot's learning and adapting. Third is exploiting relational data, which utilizes the relationship between the robot and obstacles during the training. The created methods were evaluated using computer simulations and in a laboratory setting at Shenzhen Technology University in China. Zhou's doctoral dissertation entitled "Deep reinforcement Learning for crowd-aware robotic navigation" will be examined at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology in Joensuu Science Park on October 19. Interesting Engineering reported that robotic dogs were seen as valuable assets in various industries, including military operations, package delivery services, and search and rescue missions. The report described the latest development as a possible "game changer" in developing "resilient robots." A group of engineers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) was also reported to have developed a four-legged robot dog that can run almost entirely on its own. Read Also: Sony Rolls Out Aibo Foster Parent Program for Robot Dogs US States Using Robotic Dogs Canine robots have been publicly utilized before. Wired reported last April that robot dogs are back as part of the New York police force. Each robotic dog reportedly cost around $75,000, including the cameras and sensors affixed to their bodies. The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced the acquisition of two of Boston Dynamic's "Spot bots." While the robot canines are autonomous, the NYPD noted that they will not be patrolling the streets on their own. The canine robots will be used in certain situations, like when people's lives are at risk, similar to how the department already deploys bomb-squad robots. Aside from the "Spot bots" tests, the NYPD is also testing the Knightscope K5 security robot. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) also recently received a robotic dog as a donation from the Los Angeles Police Foundation. The new "Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle" reportedly cost around $278,000. Related Article: Boston Dynamics Robot Dogs Undergoes Training to Paint for National Gallery of Victoria 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Rice University's Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK) has unveiled a new assistive-drinking device named RoboCup. This innovation aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with limited mobility, such as those with cerebral palsy. The project was initiated in response to a request from Gary Lynn, a Houston resident with cerebral palsy, who sought a solution for independent hydration. How RoboCup Came to Be Thomas Kutcher and Rafe Neathery, undergraduate engineering students at Rice, took on the task of developing RoboCup. The device is designed to enable wheelchair users who struggle with holding a cup to drink water independently. By mounting RoboCup onto wheelchairs, users can customize it to their specific mobility needs. The device operates on battery power and can be activated through a proximity sensor or a button, providing flexibility for different user preferences. To ensure the accessibility of RoboCup, both Kutcher and Neathery have made the instructions available for free on the team's OEDK website, allowing anyone with a 3D printer to assemble their own device. The duo carefully considered issues of intellectual property and accessibility, ultimately opting to provide open access to their creation. In response to feedback from professionals working with individuals facing similar mobility challenges, the team expanded the options for building the device. That included incorporating different types of sensors, valves, and mechanisms for mounting on various wheelchair models. The goal was to make RoboCup as versatile and accessible as possible. Read Also: Disney Unveils New Robot Capable of Displaying Realistic Emotional Expressions at IROS 2023 Collaborating With Gary Lynn The students collaborated closely with Gary Lynn throughout the development process, resulting in several design iterations. The final version features a mounted cup-and-straw configuration, chosen for its improved aesthetics and reduced interference with mobility. Maria Oden, the team's mentor and a professor of bioengineering, praised the persistence of the students and Gary in refining the design. She noted their dedication to incorporating feedback and ensuring the device's accessibility to a wide user base. Gary and his mother, Andrea Lynn, expressed their hope that RoboCup will shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in performing seemingly simple tasks like drinking water. For Gary, the device represents a significant step toward greater independence and confidence. "It was a challenge walking that thin line between simplifying the device and sacrificing functionality or robustness," Neathery said in a press statement. "We wanted to keep it working well while still making it simpler and cheaper. Balancing all these considerations was really tricky, but we did get to a point where it's now a lot easier to 3D print and assemble the device using simple, readily accessible tools," he added. Related Article: Google Maps Now Shows Which Locations Are Accessible By Wheelchair: Feature Is Still Incomplete, But Very Much Welcome 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A top European Union (EU) official has issued a cautionary statement to Google parent Alphabet regarding potential concerns of "illegal content and disinformation" circulating on its popular video-sharing platform, YouTube. According to AFP, in a recent communication addressed to Alphabet's CEO, Sundar Pichai, EU's digital Commissioner, Thierry Breton, emphasized the critical importance of YouTube adhering to the stipulations set forth in the EU's newly established Digital Services Act (DSA). He pointed out a noticeable surge in the dissemination of illegal content and disinformation within the EU, notably in the context of the Hamas-Israel war. EU Official Warns YouTube Breton underscored YouTube's status as a platform extensively utilized by minors and adolescents. He stressed that Google, as the parent company, bears a special responsibility to safeguard users from misleading information, propaganda, and disturbing imagery. In addition to this cautionary message, Breton indicated his team's intention to launch specific inquiries to ascertain YouTube's compliance with the DSA. He urged Google to proactively and transparently report on the concerns outlined in his letter. Breton also made it clear that penalties may be levied in cases of non-compliance, emphasizing the gravity of the matter. Read Also: X Takes Swift Action on Content Moderation Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict, Responding to EU Commissioner's Concerns EU Opens Probe Against X In a related development, the EU has launched an investigation against X over the alleged spread of illegal content and disinformation on the platform, which includes terrorist and violent content and hate speech, following Hamas' attack on Israel. This inquiry represents a significant milestone, marking the first investigation initiated under the EU's DSA. According to the DSA, X, a "very large online platform," is required to mitigate the risks associated with disinformation and should promptly respond to reports of unlawful content. The EU's Commission services had sent a formal request for information to X, formerly known as Twitter, under the provisions of the DSA. The request focuses on the alleged propagation of illegal content and disinformation, specifically content linked to terrorism, violence, and hate speech. Additionally, the request encompasses an assessment of X's adherence to other stipulations outlined in the DSA. The Commission has the authority to request more information from X to validate the proper application of the law. X is required to furnish the requested information to the Commission services by October 18 concerning the activation and operation of X's crisis response protocol and by October 31 for all other aspects. Based on the evaluation of X's responses, the Commission will determine the subsequent course of action, which may involve a formal initiation of proceedings. Failure to respond by the stipulated deadline could lead to the imposition of penalties. This development highlights the EU's commitment to ensuring the responsible use of online platforms and safeguarding users from potential harm. It also underscores the evolving landscape of digital regulation and the EU's stance in addressing emerging challenges related to online content and user safety. 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. A team of six students from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University has undertaken a senior capstone project in a significant stride toward addressing a critical medical concern. Their focus? Finding a solution to kidney failure in newborns. Unlike some conditions that can be identified before birth, kidney failure often emerges after delivery, necessitating immediate intervention. Infants With Kidney Failure Rely on Peritoneal Dialysis Infants diagnosed with a kidney failure condition rely on peritoneal dialysis, a procedure designed to assist in the filtration of waste and toxins from the bloodstream. However, while lifesaving, this treatment can lead to complications, including fluid leakage, and requires an extended healing process. For their senior capstone project, the six students called Rapid Cuff developed custom dialysis cuffs and a T-shaped applicator sleeve to improve the peritoneal dialysis process. The team was sponsored by Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) and guided by Dr. Daniel Alge, an associate professor in the biomedical engineering department, along with his brother, Dr. Joseph Alge, a pediatric nephrologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Their mission was to enhance the peritoneal dialysis process for newborns. Naomi Brady, a team member, emphasized the critical need for a reliable solution, especially for newborn children who are entirely dependent on peritoneal dialysis. The incision site typically takes one to two weeks to heal, during which another dialysis cannot be administered, underscoring the need for "a really good solution." The team aimed to streamline the healing process and prevent fluid leakage for newborns undergoing peritoneal dialysis. This outpatient procedure involves implanting a catheter through the abdominal wall, with one end remaining outside the body for the passage of dialysis fluid and the other end positioned inside the abdomen. Waste and toxins are removed from the body as the fluid circulates through the catheter. According to the researchers, kidney failure in infants can be attributed to various factors, including genetic predisposition or congenital abnormalities that hinder proper organ development. Premature babies, in particular, are susceptible to these conditions. The consequence is an accumulation of waste and toxins within the abdominal cavity. Infants with kidney failure face unique challenges due to their delicate veins and limited blood supply. Consequently, peritoneal dialysis is preferred over hemodialysis, where a tube is inserted into the arm. According to the team, this approach is less likely to be effective, as babies are naturally inclined to move around. Read Also: Google's DeepMind AI Can Predict Life-Threatening Kidney Illness 48 Hours In Advance Double-Compressed Cuffs To address this, the team developed double-compressed cuffs designed to be "squirmling-proof," providing a secure seal around the catheter, thus preventing slippage. The innovation lies in the choice of materials, with the team opting for a more porous foam filled with a hydrogel instead of the traditional polyester cuffs. Additionally, a third cuff positioned outside the body covers the wound and is complemented by an applicator sleeve for standardized catheter placement. The inspiration for the applicator sleeve drew from tampon applicators, allowing for cuff compression to accommodate smaller incisions. Once the catheter is in place, the sleeve is removed, leaving the catheter securely positioned. In the future, this innovative device could be adapted to aid in the dialysis process not only for newborns but also for adult patients with kidney failure. Related Article: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Diabetes Drug May Also Prevent, Slow Kidney Disease 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Genetic testing company 23andMe, known for shedding light on your family tree's secrets, finds itself in turbulent waters. Recent reports have unveiled a data breach that has left over a million users' information exposed on the dark web, sparking outrage among customers who entrusted their data to the company. Since it failed to protect customers' data, particularly those from Ashkenazi Jews, it is now facing multiple class action lawsuits from the plaintiffs. Extent of the 23andMe Data Leak According to a report by Gizmodo, the large-scale breach that hit 23andMe encompasses a vast dataset, including users' names, genders, birthdates, geographical locations, profile pictures, and genetic ancestry results. Notably, the compromised data appears to be tied to individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with some Chinese users affected, per The Record's report. Even more concerning, the breach reportedly involves accounts of prominent figures, such as tech luminaries Elon Musk, Sergei Brin, and Mark Zuckerberg. While 23andMe has confirmed the authenticity of the breached data, the company denies any technical hacking incident. Instead, they suggest that customer accounts were accessed through previously compromised login credentials. ...we believe threat actors were able to access certain accounts in instances where users recycled login credentials - that is, usernames and passwords that were used on 23andMe.com were the same as those used on other websites that have been previously hacked. Related Article: 23andMe Leak: Hacker Claims to Steal Millions of Users' Data-Here's How to Protect Yourself Multiple Class Action Lawsuits Filed to 23andMe Not content with waiting for a thorough cybersecurity investigation, some affected customers have taken matters into their own hands. A class action lawsuit filed in California, as per Bleeping Computer, alleges 23andMe's inadequate cybersecurity practices. It asserts that the company's digital security measures were insufficient, resulting in heightened risks of fraud and identity theft for its users. To see the class action complaint, click Lamons, Santana, Eden, Andrizzi. The lawsuit aims to secure damages on behalf of those impacted. Genetic Data is Highly Vulnerable The world of genetics is a goldmine for cybercriminals and nation-state hackers. Giving your data even to a trusted company is not guaranteed to be safe. Still, malicious actors can take advantage of your personal information. The 23andMe wasn't the first case for a genetics testing provider. In fact, more genomics firms and laboratories have been hit by cyberattacks in recent years. It should be noted that some companies share their customers' data with other parties without consent. This is the alarming part when you give your data without knowing the consequences that you might encounter. While 23andMe claims to resist such requests from law enforcement, the same cannot be said for all industry players. In 2018, 23andMe stirred controversy by announcing its intent to sell anonymized genetic information to pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. If you truly value your genetic data that are traced back to your ancestors, you should always exercise extreme caution when sharing it. There's no harm in sharing especially if it's done by a reliable brand. However, you should take into account that it will still get exposed if any hacking incident arises, no matter how secure its cybersecurity practice is. The recent breach at 23andMe serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and responsible data handling in the ever-expanding genomics industry. Read Also: eBay Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself from Scammers 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CANBERRA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has conceded defeat in the country's landmark referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and vowed continued efforts to address disadvantages faced by First Australians. Speaking in Canberra on Saturday night hours after polls closed, Albanese said it was clear a majority of Australians had voted against changing the constitution to establish an Indigenous advisory body to the federal parliament. "My fellow Australians, at the outset, I want to say that while tonight's result is not one that I had hoped for, I absolutely respect the decision of the Australian people and the democratic process that has delivered it," he said. "I never imagined or indeed said that it would be easy. History told us that only eight out of 44 had done so," he said, adding that "and of course, when you do the hard things, when you aim high, sometimes you fall short. And tonight we acknowledge, understand and respect that we have." In order to be successful, the "yes" vote needed to achieve a double majority, meaning more than 50 percent of Australia's 17.6 million enrolled voters as well as a majority in at least four of the country's six states needed to vote in favor of changing the constitution. With 60 percent of votes counted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) as of 10 p.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) (1100 GMT) on Saturday, 59 percent of Australians had voted "no", including a majority in all six states. Albanese, an advocate of the Voice since it was first proposed in 2017, said it was time for Australians to come together to address disadvantages faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including lower life expectancy and higher rates of incarceration, disease and suicide than the non-Indigenous population. "A great nation like ours can and must do better for the First Australians," Albanese said. "We intend as a government to continue to do what we can to close the gap, to do what we can to advance reconciliation, to do what we can to listen to the First Australians." Peter Dutton, the leader of the opposition Coalition parties and a leading campaigner for the "no" vote - said the result was "good for our country." "The Coalition, local Australians, wants to see Indigenous disadvantage addressed. We just disagree on the Voice being the solution," he said in a speech to a campaign event, "and while Yes and No voters may hold differences of opinion, these opinions of difference do not diminish a love for our country or our regard for each other." 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Split and suspension of the discussion session of the law criminalizing normalization with Israel What is the curse of the "eighth decade" that Ehud Barak feared and Abu Obeida waved? Matthew Perry's Estate: His Parents and Five Siblings, the Possible Heirs to His Million-Dollar Fortune Habeck stands up to German anti-Semitism from both the right and the left Former UN official Mohaiber: There are elements of genocide in Israel's actions in Gaza Grant to Defeat: How Kasparov Intends to Lobby for Anti-Russian Sanctions in the European Parliament Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. A Lebanese soldier patrols in the Lebanese town of Khiam on the border with Israel, Oct. 13, 2023. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) A Lebanese soldier patrols in the Lebanese town of Khiam on the border with Israel, Oct. 13, 2023. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 from the Lebanese town of Khiam shows Israeli soldiers searching homes in the Israeli town of Metula on the border with Lebanon. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 from the Lebanese town of Khiam shows Israeli soldiers establishing defensive fortifications in the Israeli town of Metula on the border with Lebanon. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 in the Lebanese town of Markaba shows fire burning near an Israeli military site in the Israeli town of Misgav Am during an exchange of missile shelling between Hezbollah and Israel. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) GAZA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army on Saturday ordered the evacuation of two hospitals in Gaza, affecting people who had sought refuge there, the injured, and medical staff, according to Palestinian medical sources. "Al-Awda hospital, located in northern Gaza, and al-Quds hospital in Gaza, had received two phone calls from the army who ordered them to evacuate in a few hours," the sources told Xinhua. It comes a day after Israel issued an initial warning that urged Gazan residents to evacuate to the southern part of the coastal enclave. The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), the group that controls Gaza, condemns the Israeli request to evacuate the hospitals, calling on the United Nations and relevant international institutions to intervene urgently to stop "Israel's plans to target hospitals, medical staff, and other institutions working in the humanitarian field." Hamas militants launched a surprise attack with thousands of rockets on Israel on Oct. 7, prompting extensive Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The ongoing conflict, now in its eighth day, has killed more than 3,000 on both sides and wounded even more. 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 A key concern for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders about the Voice to parliament is whether enshrining the body in the Australian Constitution or recognising Indigenous peoples in any way in the nations founding document extinguishes the sovereignty of First Nations people. Theres a lot of confusion, misunderstanding and misconception around questions of sovereignty. Its a complex and contested legal principle, and knowing what sovereignty is and how it interacts with First Nations sovereignty rights requires digesting a plethora of dense texts about the Constitution, including case law and government-commissioned reports. Its not as simple as some activists would have you believe. So what is sovereignty and how did the British settlers assume it over Australia? What is the First Nations sovereignty movement and what does it want? And how, if at all, will an Indigenous Voice, or a treaty, affect it? Lidia Thorpe is sworn into the Senate in Canberra in 2020. Credit: Artwork: Monique Westermann, Getty Images What did sovereignty look like in 1770? When the British Crowns imperial agents on HMB Endeavour first sighted New Holland on April 19, 1770, they recorded their observations. On board was a nine-man contingent of gentleman scientists led by the influential naturalist and botanist Joseph Banks. Banks and several others from the academy maintained journals, as did the commander of the voyage, Lieutenant James Cook and other seamen. Over nine days, as the ship made its way north searching for anchorage to take on fresh water and provisions, they profiled the coast and shoreline, noting the conspicuous landmarks and recording the presence of the Aboriginal people of this so-called unknown land. Advertisement Cook had, months earlier, proclaimed British sovereignty over Aoteroa-New Zealand in the name of King George III. He was fulfilling secret instructions bestowed upon him by the Lords of the British Admiralty to explore as great an Extent of the Coast of New Holland as the expedition could, to map it, and to assess its resources. He was also to observe and document the Genius, Temper, Disposition and Number of the Natives, if there be any and endeavour by all proper means to cultivate a Friendship and Alliance with them, making them presents of such Trifles as they may Value inviting them to Traffick, and Shewing them every kind of Civility and Regard. You are also with the Consent of the Natives to take Possession of Convenient Situations in the Country in the Name of the King of Great Britain: Or: if you find the Country uninhabited take Possession for his Majesty by setting up Proper Marks and Inscriptions, as first discoverers and possessors. As the ship progressed towards Kamay-Botany Bay, those writing journals recorded the use of fire by the Aboriginal inhabitants. By the fifth day, Banks noted the size of the fires had grown larger than any we have seen before and more numerous, from which he concluded that the land was rather more populous than first thought. A painting of Captain Cook proclaiming British possession of the east coast of NSW in 1770. Credit: Getty Images On April 25, botanical draughtsman Sydney Parkinson wrote of fires along the coast lit up one after another, which might have been designed as signals to us. From the viewpoint of the Indigenous people on the beaches, headlands and in the hinterland of their ancestral Country, the fires were indeed signals: a chain of communication between neighbouring First Nations and a vigorous assertion of what we understand today as sovereignty. Apart from Parkinson, the message was lost on the agents of the British Empire, as were the complexities of local customary laws, cultural protocols, governance systems, land cultivation and diverse economies. These were demonstrated by First Nations peoples in more than a dozen close interactions between the mariners and the natives before Cook proclaimed possession of the whole Eastern Coast in the name of King George III on August 22, 1770. Advertisement What does Indigenous sovereignty mean? Today, Indigenous sovereignty is understood to be inherent rights deriving from spiritual and historical connections to land. Distinguished Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson an academic and Goenpul woman from Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), Quandamooka First Nation (Moreton Bay) writes that since spiritual belief is completely integrated into human daily activity, the powers that guide and direct the earth are believed to exist with all human life. The first owners of the land were ancestral beings whose creativity and incorporation into the land provides the basis for our sovereignty. The Uluru Statement from the Heart, from 2017, describes this form of spiritual sovereignty: [T]he ancestral tie between the land, or mother nature, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were born therefrom, remain attached thereto, and must one day return thither to be united with our ancestors ... How could it be otherwise? That peoples possessed a land for sixty millennia and this sacred link disappears from world history in merely the last two hundred years? Familial and clan kinship systems with boundaries often defined by languages and customary agreements which could be understood today as traditional treaties between different political entities and polities were also integral components of First Nations sovereignties. The job was also not done by the 19th-century legal doctrine of terra nullius or nobodys land which had been retrofitted to the Australian landscape. Moreton-Robinson says this concept of sovereignty was imperceptible to the likes of Cook and Banks. Indigenous sovereignties challenge the philosophical premises of state sovereignty, she says, because they dont share the same ontology, or ways of being, as European perspectives of the concept. Indigenous sovereignty has gained prominence internationally in recent decades, particularly in countries defined as settler states modern nations whose territories were occupied by established indigenous populations before being colonised by imperial European powers. This revitalisation or resurgence of Indigenous sovereignty rights informs the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a mechanism that, as Lenape scholar Joanne Barker puts it, identifies a multiplicity of rights to political, economic and cultural self-determination. Advertisement Australia, alongside Canada, New Zealand and the United States all settler states with a common-law heritage and a diversity of First Nations sovereignties initially voted against the UN General Assembly adopting the declaration, but later reversed their position. The understanding of Indigenous sovereignty was not extinguished by conquest, discovery, domination, force or acquiescence and, as the High Court later found in the Mabo decision, the job was also not done by the 19th-century legal doctrine of terra nullius or nobodys land which had been retrofitted to the Australian landscape. The Mabo legal team; solicitor Greg McIntyre, barrister Ron Castan, Eddie Koiki Mabo and barrister Bryan Keon-Cohen at the High Court of Australia 1991. Where did the Western version of sovereignty come from? Academic historian Bain Attwood, at Monash University, points out that sovereignty is not a word invented by Indigenous people. The notion of state sovereignty is imperial, with Western legal roots, and allows absolute power and authority, usually through conquest of territory and the international law doctrine of possessio of property. The European concept is about 400 years old, though its roots can be traced back to the earliest customary law of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Israelites. State sovereignty stems from the writings of Jean Bodin, a 16th-century French philosopher and law theorist, who recognised kings and princes as instruments of God. Advertisement The imperial notion of state sovereignty caught on across Western Europe, moving Englands King James I to tell parliament in 1610, The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon the earth. Later, the imperialist concept of sovereignty was developed by the English political philosopher Thomas Hobbes who posited that the absolute power of the sovereign was founded in a social compact: by which subjects submitted, willingly and absolutely, in exchange for collective wellbeing and security. These notions informed peace treaties signed in 1648 in the Westphalian cities of Osnabruck and Munster (in modern-day Germany) to end the Thirty Years War in 1648. From those agreements, new regimes of power emerged. By the mid-1700s, jurists and political figures had developed principles that enabled sovereignty over land to be won not just by conquest or treaty, but through occupation. When most people refer to sovereignty, theyre deriving their understanding from the Westphalian concept. But as Moreton-Robinson notes, this imperial regime of sovereignty is uniformly white and male, and to conflate it with understandings of Indigenous sovereignties is to lead to confusion. By the mid-1700s, jurists and political figures had developed principles that enabled sovereignty over land to be won not just by conquest or treaty, but through occupation. Attwood says the account of David Collins, the first legal officer of NSW, suggests the British government claimed sovereignty of the New South Wales territory based on the doctrines of discovery and possession of the land. Some have also argued that the British claimed sovereignty over Australia through the Doctrine of Backward Peoples, a tenet of 18th-century international law that entitled more advanced peoples to dispossess uncivilised people. Terra nullius wasnt widely applied in 1770 when Cook proclaimed possession, or even by February 7, 1788, when Governor Arthur Phillip proclaimed 3 million square kilometres of the colony of NSW in the name of King George III. Terra nullius, as a distinct doctrine, was only invoked in the 19th century to justify British claims of territorial sovereignty. Notions of state sovereignty have continued to change with technological innovations, global economies and trade, and other agreement-making in international law. Now, as Moreton-Robinson writes, sovereignty is no longer a cornerstone of modern politics. Advertisement How Australians voted and reacted to the Voice referendum result read our expert analysis. The debate over an Indigenous Voice, and particularly the past 14 months since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed draft wording of the referendum question, has been a challenging time in my household. As millions of Australians cast their vote on Saturday, my concern was how Id explain the nations decision to my kids if the Voice was rejected. Australian voters have rejected an Indigenous Voice to parliament. Credit: Asanka Ratnayake I am now faced with this reality. What do I say? What comes next? My childrens school and kindergarten this year optimistically and proudly embraced a Yes position. As one of the few Aboriginal parents, I was encouraged by and proud of their early stance. It signalled the community cared about Aboriginal people and their right to not only have a say, but to speak up. Everyone who came of age in Sydney in the 1980s has a story about Badde Manors Cafe. People discovered themselves in and around the cafe working, living, eating or drinking coffee there. Relationships were formed. Sexuality, creativity, politics, friendship and love were discovered. With no experience in hospitality, but a great love of coffee, cake, flavoursome food and a unique eclectic aesthetic, owners Robert Sebes and his then wife, Judy Backhouse, cobbled together a space that ultimately spawned the inner west alternative scene and became a Sydney institution. Glebe cafe Badde Manors in its heyday. Credit: Geoff Ambler Badde Manors changed the city forever. It was one of Sydneys first vegetarian cafes and helped spark its coffee culture. It was a haven for all who frequented the place. A place of acceptance and diversity: a haunt for the up and coming and the down and out. Not so long ago, Edriss Noorzai was an oncologist, treating patients with cancer in a Kabul hospital. But when he arrived in Australia from Afghanistan in 2022, he was told by employment agencies that it would be better if his resume didnt mention that he was a specialist doctor. Refugee doctors Faisal Ahady (left) and Edriss Noorzai were at risk of having their skills wasted. However, they have been put to work at Frankston Hospital. Credit: Eddie Jim Everyone was telling me, Dont put these things in your CV. If you put these things in your CV and apply for basic kinds of work, no one will accept you, said Noorzai, aged in his 30s. Some people were telling me to go to other fields, like construction or factories. A family home in Coburg has attracted strong competition at auction on Saturday, selling for $1.86 million. The three-bedroom house at 51 Darlington Grove had a large living area in the rear of the home, an upstairs rumpus room, and came with plans to convert the upstairs area into another bedroom. Nelson Alexander listing agent Monique Verga said the homes potential had been attractive to buyers. She listed it with a price range of $1.65 million to $1.75 million. Some buyers didnt need [to renovate] immediately, but it opens up options, Verga said. Singapore: An Australian man alleged to have made bomb threats on a flight from Singapore to Perth has been charged by police in the city-state with making false threats of terrorist acts. Kevin Francis Hawkins, 30, is accused of repeatedly telling crew members on board the budget Scoot aircraft that he had a bomb, causing it to be turned around by the pilot and escorted back to Singapore by fighter jets. In a statement on Saturday, Singapore Police Force (SPF) said the threat was found to be false, but Hawkins was later charged under anti-terrorism measures. He was being held at the Singapore Institute of Mental Health, local news outlets reported court documents as saying. The crime of making a false threat, if proven, carries a maximum jail sentence of 10 years, a fine of up to $SGD500,000 ($580,000), or both, police said. BEIRUT, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese photographer was killed, and six other reporters were injured on Friday evening from Israeli attacks on Lebanon's southern village of Alma al-Shaab, Lebanese TV channel MTV reported. Israeli forces attacked a vehicle carrying journalists, killing Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese photographer working for Reuters, and injuring six other reporters working for international agencies that include Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, it said. It reported that the injured people had been transferred to hospitals. In a statement released by Lebanon's Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel for "directly targeting journalists" in its attacks on Lebanon, and wished "a speedy recovery" of the wounded reporters. Israel stepped up its assault on southern Lebanon on Friday by bombarding the area around the towns of Al-Dhahira, Alma al-Shaab, and Yarin, according to Lebanon's National News Agency(NNA). According to NNA, the bombing on the outskirts of Alma al-Shaab led to a massive fire. In response, Hezbollah announced that its fighters had attacked four Israeli border sites in response to Friday's attacks on several southern Lebanese towns, prompting the Israeli army to use a drone to attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. The situation escalated again on Monday after members of Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ), infiltrated northern Israel from Lebanon and clashed with Israeli forces, prompting the Israelis to hit several areas in southern Lebanon, killing three Hezbollah members. In return, Hezbollah attacked the Israeli Pranit and Avivim barracks in northern Israel Monday evening with guided missiles and mortar shells. On Wednesday, Hezbollah attacked the Israeli military site of Al-Jardah near the Lebanese border with guided missiles, claiming the shelling caused "many" casualties among the Israeli forces. Australia has just announced the cancellation of Saturday and Sundays planned evacuation flights out of Israel, citing the highly challenging and rapidly changing situation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade announced the cancellations shortly after 7pm AEDT on Saturday. The Australian Government is working to ensure Australians who want to leave can do so as soon as possible. We will communicate to registered Australians about next available flights, the department said in a statement. The Australian government said earlier in the day that it was arranging bus transport out of Ramallah and into Jordan for Australians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said 850 registered Australians and their families had left Israel. ISLAMABAD, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Six laborers were killed in firing by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province in the wee hours of Saturday morning, police said. The incident happened in Turbat district where the gunmen attacked the compound of a contractor who hired the laborers from the eastern Punjab province for work, the Turbat police said. The laborers were sleeping in the compound when the attack happened, and the attackers fled the scene after opening fire. Two laborers also got injured in the attack and had been shifted to a nearby hospital. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. A heavy contingent of police reached the site following the attack and cordoned off the area for investigations. The governments must stop trying to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a whole and instead focus on regulating use cases, said a senior UAE minister at the Dubai Assembly for Generative AI event. "The countries from across the globe must come to a consensus on AI governance sooner than it came to the Paris Agreement, which took years to take shape and come into force," stated Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications. "I think the current global discussion on AI governance is a non-starter. Instead of attempting to govern the technology, we can govern the use cases," he said. Dubai Future Foundation launched the Dubai Generative AI Alliance during the assembly which was attended by over 2,000 big tech companies and consultancies such as Microsoft, Deloitte, PwC, IBM. The new AI alliance of tech companies is aimed at helping Dubai accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies and build one of the worlds most advanced and effective tech-enabled governments, said Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF. He called upon companies and innovators to join the alliance, which will focus on developing innovative technology pilots by leveraging AI, the metaverse and Web3. The Dubai government also launched Dubai AI, a generative AI-powered digital city concierge. The city-wide digital platform will offer comprehensive information and services, covering health, business, and education, to residents and visitors. It will transform government services, the assembly heard. During the assembly, leading experts from international tech corporations and consultancies discussed how the global banking sector could benefit by as much as $400 billion from the boom in generative AI. PwC experts said automation in the workplace was imminent, with generative AI likely to be able to execute everyday tasks, such as booking flights and generating reports autonomously, on a large scale within the next 18-20 months. Emirates Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha said by November, the airline will empower cabin crew to leverage [generative AI] through delivering training on complex models. Deloitte's leading digital expert said nuclear fusion, climate action and drug discovery will be some of the main beneficiaries of generative AI, while the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors are among those quickest to adapt to the emerging technology. An auto worker holding placards takes part in a strike in Belleville, Michigan, the United States, on Sept. 22, 2023. (Photo by Val Waller/Xinhua) The United Auto Workers strike against Ford, General Motors and Stellantis has entered a "new phase" as it hits its one-month point, UAW President Shawn Fain said Friday. CHICAGO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Auto Workers (UAW) is ready for more walkouts against three major U.S. automakers "with little notice," the chief of the union said Friday. "We are prepared at any time to call on more locals to stand up and walk out," UAW President Shawn Fain said in a webcast on the month-long strike against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. "We will be calling out plants when we need to, with little notice." In a social media live appearance, Fain called this a "new phase" in the union's fight against the Big Three as the strike enters its fifth week. In addition, he said that union members went to Ford's World Headquarters to negotiate, and the automaker tried to present the same deal the union had rejected two weeks ago. Ford Motor and Stellantis said Friday that they will temporarily lay off 1,250 employees due to the impact of the UAW strike. Ford has temporarily laid off another 550 employees after the UAW walkouts at its Chicago and Kentucky plants. Auto workers take part in a strike in Belleville, Michigan, the United States, on Sept. 22, 2023. (Photo by Val Waller/Xinhua) At about 6:35 p.m. local time (2235 GMT) on Wednesday, the union announced an expansion midweek for the first time, and without warning, 8,700 UAW workers suddenly went on strike at Ford's largest factory, the Kentucky Truck Plant, in response to Ford's refusal to move further in contract bargaining, according to local media. "We're not gonna wait around forever," Fain said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "If Ford can't get that after four weeks on strike, these 8,700 workers shutting down their biggest plant will help them understand it," he added. The UAW president's remarks come as the union and the Big Three automakers still appear at loggerheads over a new contract. Ford officials told local reporters Thursday that the company has gone as far as it can on the additional money it can offer members. Executives responded to the Kentucky factory strike by saying the company had reached its financial limit in contract negotiations with the union. "On the economics, I would say, yes, we're pretty much -- we have reached our limit," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue, the automaker's hybrid division. "You know who's reached their limit? The tens of thousands of Ford workers with no retirement security, the Ford workers who didn't get a single raise for a decade," said Fain in a video announcement, noting that Ford CEO Jim Farley made 21 million U.S. dollars in 2022. Auto workers take part in a strike outside a Ford assembly plant in the southern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, the United States, on Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua) Stellantis said on Friday it had made progress in narrowing differences in talks with the UAW. However, the company added that it furloughed an additional 700 workers at two plants in Kokomo and Indiana because of the strike, bringing the total to 1,340. The UAW has demanded substantial wage increases and improvements in other areas of its contract, like retirement plans. The union also wants an end to a system that pays new hires a little over half the top union wage of 32 U.S. dollars an hour. Apart from the car companies, UAW-represented workers went on strike this week at Mack Trucks. Its members voted this week to authorize a strike against General Dynamics, an aerospace and defense contractor. The UAW also represents about 1,000 workers who have been on strike at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for a month. The UAW continues to negotiate with the Big Three, as the union has yet to reach agreements with any of the automakers. According to local media, teams from the UAW and Stellantis met Thursday for a negotiating session, but it was unclear if a new counteroffer was made at that time. On Friday, Fain said negotiations have continued with General Motors and Stellantis, but there is no good news yet from either automaker. Ford has warned it could be forced to furlough as many as 4,600 workers as early as Friday, a union official said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 13, 2023. Guterres warned on Friday that the relocation of Gaza residents from the north to the south as ordered by the Israeli military is extremely dangerous. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday that the relocation of Gaza residents from the north to the south as ordered by the Israeli military is extremely dangerous. After days of airstrikes, the Israeli military has ordered the Palestinians in Gaza City and its surroundings to move to the south of the territory, said Guterres. "Moving more than 1 million people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous - and in some cases, simply not possible." Hospitals in the south of Gaza are already at capacity and will not be able to accept thousands of new patients from the north. The health system is on the brink of collapse. Morgues are overflowing; 11 healthcare staff have been killed while on duty; and there have been 34 attacks on health facilities in the past few days, he said before walking into a Security Council meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The entire territory of Gaza faces a water crisis as infrastructure has been damaged and there is no electricity to power pumps and desalination plants, he added. Guterres said the situation in Gaza has reached a dangerous new low. The horrific terror attacks by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people and injured thousands more on Saturday were followed by intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza that has already killed 1,800 people and injured thousands more, he noted. Guterres called for immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza so that fuel, food and water can be provided to people in need. He called for respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law, and for the protection of civilians. He also called for the immediate release of hostages in Gaza. "It is imperative that all parties - and those with influence over them - do everything possible to achieve these steps," said Guterres. The UN chief also warned against hate speech stoked by the conflict - across the Middle East and around the world. "Dehumanizing language that incites violence is never accepted. I call on all leaders to speak out against Antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and hate speech of all kinds. This is a time for the international community to come together around protecting civilians and finding a lasting solution to this unending cycle of death and destruction," he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 13, 2023. Guterres warned on Friday that the relocation of Gaza residents from the north to the south as ordered by the Israeli military is extremely dangerous. (Xinhua/Xie E) Palestine's ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour (at the podium) speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, Oct. 13, 2023. Mansour appealed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday to do more to alleviate the tragedy in Gaza. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS/AMMAN/RAMALLAH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestine's ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, appealed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday to do more to alleviate the tragedy in Gaza. Mansour, speaking right before the UN Security Council held closed-door consultations on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said ambassadors from the Arab Group will meet with Guterres and asked him to do more. "We are going to ask him to use the moral power of the office of the SG (secretary-general) in order to help us to implement this three-point plan: cease-fire, humanitarian assistance, and (efforts) not to allow ethnic cleansing to take place," he said. Mansour said the Arab Group are united to stop the "Israeli carnage" against the Palestinian people, allow for humanitarian assistance and passage, and to not allow, after 75 years of the first Nakba, another Nakba to befall Palestinians by depopulating the Gaza Strip of its 2.3 million people, throwing them outside to Egypt and making it an Egyptian problem. - - - - Clashes with Israelis across the West Bank have left at least 11 Palestinians dead, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said on Friday. Security sources told Xinhua that clashes erupted in Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron, and other West Bank cities on the seventh day of the new round of violence between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel. At least five deaths are from the city of Tulkarm, the ministry said. Meanwhile, large numbers of people in West Bank cities took to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and condemnation of the ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza. - - - - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Friday that he "fully" rejected Israel's plan of displacing the Palestinian people in Gaza during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jordan's capital Amman, reported Jordan's state-run Petra News Agency. The Palestinian president also emphasized the need to urgently open humanitarian corridors to the Gaza Strip for the supply of medical necessities, and providing water, electricity, and fuel to the residents. Abbas cautioned about a looming humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to the suspension of vital services and urged an end to settler attacks in the West Bank, as well as "extremist actions" at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which are worsening the situation. - - - - The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as a result of Israeli airstrikes, said UN humanitarians on Thursday. More than 338,000 people are now displaced, an increase of 30 percent since Wednesday. More than 218,000 displaced people are sheltering in schools run by the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. More than 2,500 housing units have been destroyed or severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable while nearly 23,000 units have sustained moderate to minor damage, said the office. At least 88 education facilities have been struck, including 18 UNRWA schools, two of which were used as emergency shelters for the displaced. This means that for the sixth consecutive day, more than 600,000 children have had no access to education at a safe place in Gaza, it said. A secret order in disorder BY RASHMI UDDANWADIKER THE greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. Moliere. I have experienced this recently. For some people, things may not come easily. Except for convocations, Ive had nearly everything throughout my life. It was a frustrating coincidence that no convocation was held after I completed my graduation, postgraduation, and doctorate. Regardless of the fact that the three degrees came from three different institutes. Only in those years, sadly, did the annual big event had to be cancelled. As quoted by Carl Jung, In all chaos, there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order. Nearly on twenty occasions as an academician, I had the privilege of watching students receive degrees, medals, and rousing cheers at convocation ceremonies. I experienced happy chills every time and hoped beyond hope that one day my girls would receive such appreciation. Almost on cue, we got word that our daughter would be honoured with an award in addition to her degree at the forthcoming convocation. The date for convocation was slated to be September 15th, Engineers Day. My parents had planned to travel from Durg to Nagpur a day ahead of the ceremony to bless my daughter and attend her convocation, and they had booked their return to Pune after the convocation. They were scheduled to arrive in Nagpur at 6:00 p.m. on September 14th. My daughter, who works in Mumbai, was flying down to Nagpur and was scheduled to arrive at 11:30 p.m on 14th. My husband had to be in the United States for work, and he wasnt due back in Nagpur until 9 a.m. on the 15th. It had been decided that my father would accompany me to the airport at 11:30 p.m. to pick up my daughter in order to ensure safety. As it goes, life continues to hurl problems at you and put your patience to the test. My folks train from Durg to Nagpur was running late by seven hours. They were extremely annoyed due to the delay yet more concerned about how I would have to travel alone to the airport at an unearthly hour. We stayed awake the entire night, worried about my elderly parents who were travelling by train and my young daughter who was flying alone late at night. Finally, they reached home at 1.30 am. Even though my father was exhausted and weary at 2 a.m. due to his long travel, he woke up at 3 a.m. after one hour of short sleep and accompanied me to the airport. My daughters flight was likewise delayed by four hours, and she arrived at 3:30 a.m. At 4 in the morning, when we finally returned home, I fed my daughter her evening meal. The venue for the graduation ceremony required our presence at 8 a.m. the following morning. In all, it was a successful convocation. When I saw my daughter receive a degree and honour, I finally got the goosebumps Id been waiting for. Reporters who were meant to interview my daughter after the convocation did not show up because of Pola. We drove home in the pouring rain. The flight for my folks to leave for Pune that evening got cancelled. They were put on a train for the following evening. At midnight, we dropped them at the train station. When we got home, we found out that their train had been delayed another five hours. Reluctant to return home, they stayed on the station platform till three in the morning, doing nothing. The whole thing hurt like hell. We were all very sleepy and concerned for their well-being. They reached Pune nine hours after their stated time of arrival. The limits of our patience were challenged. Whether we call it an adventure or a challenge depends on our perspective. Chesterton said, An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered. Bhopal residents to boycott polls over road, water, sewage issues By Ankita Garg Upset over the apathy of politicians and officials towards resolving civic issues in their locality, residents in Bhopal have started boycotting the upcoming poll. Various colonies have displayed banner and posters at their entrance gate to boycott the election. After the Election Commission declared schedule of the elections, people have started raising their voice for demands like road, street light, water and other basic facilities. Three colonies in Bhopal have put up posters on their main gate to boycott the election. Many residents are annoyed with the politicians and officials. People of Danish Nagar, Hoshangabad Road are continuing Narmada Jal campaign for past six months. Residents have displayed posters at their homes demanding Narmada Jal. While in New Chauksey Nagar residents have displayed poster Vote Maangkar Sharminda Na Kare (Dont ask for the vote), residents of DK Homes at Kolar have also said to support NOTA. Residents of Danish Nagar said that this is a legal colony and they are paying property tax and other taxes to the municipal corporation but they are facing water issues for years. There are around 500 houses and 2,000 voters in Danish Nagar but people are facing water crisis. During summer, people purchase water tankers for their daily need. People have displayed posters like Narmada Jal Nahi to vote Nahi (No Narmada Jal, No Vote), Bhikh Nahi Maag Rahe, Kardata Apna Adhikar Maag Rahe (we are not begging while voters are seeking our right). S L Verma, resident of Danish Nagar says, We are purchasing water daily need. There is no water supply by our society. We are paying tax to the municipal corporation and maintenance charge to the society but for water we are spending extra bucks. When it comes about vote, politicians make promises and after winning the poll, they all vanish. Anshu Gupta, social worker and resident of Danish Nagar says, Various campaigns and drives have been conducted to draw attention of officials and politician towards the water issue in Danish Nagar but not one initiated. We are campaigning for last one year. Residents of the colony have now decided to boycott the upcoming poll as they all are irritated with the false promises. Residents of New Chauksey Nagar displayed poster about two months back demanding sewage, street light, road and other facilities. The area comes under ward no 79 and around 500 houses, 2,000 voters are there. They all have decided to avoid their vote in upcoming election. CM holds roadshow for Krishna Gaur Staff Reporter Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday addressed two huge election public meetings by holding a roadshow in support of BJP candidate from Govindpura Assembly, Krishna Gaur. In the election meeting, Muslim women applied tilak to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with roli-sandalwood and welcomed him by performing aarti. During this, Chouhan while addressing the gathering said that, I have run my family and not the government. I never made any distinction between caste and religion among my sisters. Sisters are sisters, why differentiate between sisters? We have run the government with this feeling that each of my sisters should move forward, their children should be happy, there should be no tears in their eyes, there should be a smile on their face, all their sorrows and pain should be removed. He said that India has become strong and prosperous under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chouhan started the first roadshow from Shivnagar in Bhanpur and the second road show was held in Bagsevania. After both the road shows, he addressed the public meeting. Dont fall for the false promises of Congressmen: Chouhan said that do not get misled by Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Congress is saying that we will do such study, we will do that study, everyone is lying, they are giving it in writing. First they said that they will give Rs 1,000 per year to the children, then they say that they will give it every month, I dont know what lies they are telling. He said that my sisters and brothers, whether you are poor, of any caste or religion, whether your childrens education is medical or engineering, private or government, their fees will be paid by their uncle, do not worry, the future of the children will not be ruined. I will let it happen. Delivery of justice to anti-Sikh riots victims started only after 2014: Shah NEW DELHI, UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said justice to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots started being delivered only after the Narendra Modi Government assumed office in 2014. Shah said 300 cases related to the 1984 riots were reopened and compensation of Rs 5 lakh was given to the family of each of the victims after 2014. No one can forget the riots of 1984. No one was punished in those riots until the Modi Government assumed office. Many inquiry commissions were formed but did not yield results. But Modi formed SIT, reopened 300 cases and started sending those who were guilty to jail, he said. The Home Minister said that after so many years, the process of giving compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the 3,328 victims was done by the Modi Government. Paying glowing tributes to the Sikh gurus and the Sikh community, he said the Sikhs move forward taking both religion and karma equally and when it is an issue of sacrificing ones life for religion, a true Sikh never looks back. He said that from the days of independence struggle to the security of the country now, the sacrifice of Sikh brothers is unparalleled. Shah paid tributes to the Sikh gurus and said: I bow my head to the Guru tradition of the Sikh religion. Guru tradition of 10 generations of Sikh Panth has set before the world an excellent example of struggle and sacrifice against injustice and barbarity before the invaders. He said the contribution of the 9th Guru Teg Bahadur to the country can never be forgotten. His supreme sacrifice against the atrocities of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on the people in Kashmir shows his greatness, Shah said. Shah said when Prime Minister had decided to celebrate a festival in memory of Guru Teg Bahadur, then it was decided that his admiration will begin from the same spot of the Red Fort. JERUSALEM, ISRAELS military told some 1 million Palestinians on Friday to evacuate northern Gaza and head to the southern part of the besieged territory, an unprecedented order applying to almost half the population ahead of an expected ground invasion against the ruling Hamas militant group. Palestinians began a mass exodus from Gaza on Friday after Israels military told some 1 million people to evacuate. The UN warned that so many people fleeing en masse would be calamitous, and it urged Israel to reverse the order. Hamas, which staged a shocking and brutal attack on Israel nearly a week ago, dismissed it as a ploy and called on people to stay in their homes. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City. Israel hammered neighbourhoods in southern Gaza with airstrikes on Friday, and it said ground troops have conducted temporary raids in the territory to battle militants, search for weapons and evidence of the missing hostages. Many hesitated to leave, fearing nowhere was safe. Gaza is sealed off from food, water and medical supplies and under a virtual total power blackout. The war has already claimed over 2,800 lives on both sides and sent tensions soaring across the region. Israel has traded fire in recent days with Lebanons Hezbollah militant group, sparking fears of an ever wider conflict, though that frontier is currently calm. Weekly Muslim prayers brought protests across the Middle East, and tensions ran high in Jerusalems Old City. The Islamic endowment that manages a flashpoint holy site in the city, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, said Israeli authorities barred all Palestinian men under the age of 50 from entering. Israel has bombarded Gaza round-the-clock since a weekend attack in which Hamas fighters stormed into the countrys south and massacred hundreds, including children in their homes and young people at a music festival. Militants also snatched some 150 people and dragged them into Gaza. Hamas officials say that 70 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on convoys fleeing Gaza City. Hamas media office says the cars were struck in three places as they headed south from Gaza City. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari denied that, telling Al-Jazeera Arabic that we have our own information and do not believe the lies of Hamas. Israel said Thursday it would allow no supplies into Gaza until Hamas frees the hostages. The military urged civilians in Gazas north to move south an order that the UN said affects 1.1 million people. If carried out, that would mean the territorys entire population cramming into roughly the southern half of the strip, which is only 40 kilometres (25 miles) long, even as Israeli strikes continued Friday to hammer neighbourhoods across southern Gaza. Israel said it needed to target Hamas military infrastructure, much of which is buried deep underground. Another spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, said the military would take extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians and that residents would be allowed to return when the war is over. Hamas militants operate in civilian areas, where Israel has long accused them of using Palestinians as human shields. A mass evacuation of civilians, if carried out, would leave their fighters exposed as never before. The camouflage of the terrorists is the civil population, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said at a news conference with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Therefore, we need to separate them. So those who want to save their life, please go south. But UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it would be impossible to stage such an evacuation without devastating humanitarian consequences. He called on Israel to rescind any such orders, saying they could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation. Hamas, meanwhile, called on Palestinians to stay in their homes, saying Israel is trying to create confusion among citizens and harm the cohesion of our internal front. It urged Palestinians to ignore what it said was psychological warfare. Gazas Health Ministry said it was not possible to evacuate the many wounded from hospitals already struggling with high numbers of dead and injured and that hospital staff would not heed the warning. ICAI to release Vision 2049 document in Jan 2024 Business Reporter In an attempt to harness the opportunities and address the challenges of the rapidly changing economic scenario in the next 25 years, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is looking at releasing its Vision 2049 document in January 2024. The vision document will have a detailed roadmap for achieving the goals of the chartered accountancy professionals and its students in the coming years. CA Aniket Talati, President of ICAI, said this on Friday while addressing a press conference held here. He was in the city to attend a seminar of chartered accountants. Talati further said that the ICAI is working hard to give the final shape to the Vision 2049 document. We are inviting suggestions from all the stakeholders and incorporating it in the document. Besides, we are also meeting all our council members spread across the country and deciding our long-term plans on various fronts, he said. Talati said the institute is looking at achieving the position of worlds best accounting body by 2049 when the ICAI will celebrate its centenary. ICAI will also lay further thrust on its regulatory and developmental role that sets the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct of its members as a core value, he said. ICAI is also planning to upgrade the skills of its members to make them serve global markets in the changing economic order, he said, highlighting some of the institutes tie-ups with the similar bodies in countries like UK, Australia and Canada. CA Durgesh Kabra, CCM; CA Mangesh Kinare, CCM; CA Umesh Sharma, CCM; CA Sanjay M Agrawal, Chairperson of Nagpur Branch; CA Akshay Gulhane, Vice Chairman; CA Dinesh Rathi, Secretary; CA Swaroopa Wazalwar, Treasurer; Julfesh former Chairman of WIRC; and others were present on the occasion. NEW YORK, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- While the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates in the Middle East, protests are growing and tensions are mounting across the United States, prompting an enhancement in security. Major U.S. cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Portland and Pittsburgh, are on a heightened alert in bracing for protests and potential violence this weekend. Hundreds of people joined a rally at the Times Square in Manhattan on Friday afternoon, chanting and waving the Palestine's red, black and green flag. Some held signs reading "Free Palestine." They demanded ending the bombardment of Gaza and the funding of Israeli military. On Thursday evening, two groups of students gathered in dueling rallies at the Columbia University in New York, in support of either Israel or Palestine in the wake of the Gaza conflict. Tensions also heated as pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups clashed on campus at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Thursday. The scene turned hostile and chaotic as the two sides shouted and argued back and forth with physical confrontations in some cases, according to a report of the WRAL News. The demonstrations came after former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal called for Friday to be a global day of protests against Israel's retaliation against Hamas, and urged supporters to send a "message of rage to Zionists and to America." Law enforcement agencies across the United States have stepped up their presence around synagogues, places of worship in the American Jewish community, and Israeli diplomatic posts. During a press conference Thursday evening, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul stressed that the safety of New Yorkers is of the utmost concern. "We have directed the NYPD (New York City Police Department) to surge additional resources to schools, houses of worship, to ensure they are safe and that our city remains a place of peace," Adams said. NYPD canceled all training for officers Thursday and ordered the force to be in uniform and on patrol, NBC News reported. In Washington, D.C., police said Thursday that there were no credible threats to the area, but they were expecting increased law enforcement visibility to help ensure the safety of the community. Police also enhanced security in the Capitol complex. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency to enhance security around pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including on campuses. In most major Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas and Houston, police issued advisories about increased vigilance or patrols in response to the call for Friday demonstrations. According to the Center on Extremism at the Anti-Defamation League, at least 140 protests across the country have been tracked since the Hamas attack on Israel last Saturday, in which some protesters glorified violence and attacks on civilians. Online threats against Jewish people have increased 400 percent since last Saturday, the group said. India condemns violence, terror in all forms: Kovind NEW DELHI, ACTS of terrorism and violence are against the basic principles of human rights and India condemns violence and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, former President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday. He was speaking at a function held here to mark the 30th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Similarly, during wars, people especially soldiers, women and children lose their human rights. It gives me immense pride to state that India has consistently upheld human rights and believes in peace, he said. Acts of terrorism and violence are against the basic principles of human rights, the former President said. It (India) condemns violence and terrorism, in all forms and manifestations. This commitment is a testament to our cultural values of empathy and compassion, especially towards those in need, underscoring our dedication to the principles of human rights, he said. In his address, Kovind also said that this year, we witnessed significant achievements in various domains. Recently, India has further extended its presence and impact on the world stage during its G20 presidency. India facilitated discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing climate-related challenges, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing environmental sustainability, all in the interest of human rights, he said. Indias palm oil imports rise 29 pc: SEA Business Reporter INDIAS palm oil imports jumped 29.21 per cent to 90.80 lakh tonnes in the first eleven months of the ongoing 202223 oil year, compared to the year-ago period, with RBD Palmolien shipments rising fast, posing a serious threat to the domestic refiners, industry body SEA said on Friday. India, the worlds leading vegetable oil buyer, imported 70.28 lakh tonnes of palm oil products during the same period in the the previous oil year. Meanwhile, the countrys total vegetable oil imports rose 20 per cent to 156.73 lakh tonnes during the NovemberSeptember period of the 202223 oil year, from 130.13 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period. In September, however, the countrys vegetable oil imports witnessed a 5 per cent decline, dropping to 15.52 lakh tonnes from 16.32 lakh tonnes in the same period the previous year. During November 2022 and September 2023, the import of palm products increased sharply due to price parity. The share of palm oil increased to 59 per cent, the Mumbai-based Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA) said in a statement. However, crude palm oil imports got a little setback against soybeans and other oils, totalling 7.05 lakh tonnes in September this year, down from 8.24 lakh tonnes in the previous month, it added. The palm oil basket includes RBD Palmolein, Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Olein, and Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO). According to the SEA, despite ample domestic availability, a sharp drop in domestic edible oil prices has pushed demand, as reflected in the August and September data. The SEA also noted that per capita consumption has increased with falling domestic edible oil prices in recent months. The import of RBD Palmolein has surged, constituting over 25 per cent of total palm imports. This surge has severely impacted the refining industry, which is grappling with massive overcapacity, it further added. The overall refined oils (RBD Palmolein) imports reached 20.53 lakh tonnes during the NovemberSeptember period of the 202223 oil year, up from 17.12 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period. This is seriously affecting the workings of the domestic palm oil refining industry, according to the SEA. In the case of soft oils, the SEA said inbound shipment of sunflower and soybean oils sharply increased in the last six months. The overall import during the first eleven months of the current oil year stood at 63.87 lakh tonnes, compared to 56.35 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period, the SEA said. As of September 1, there was a stock of 37.35 lakh tonnes of vegetable oils at various ports and in pipelines. India imports palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia and a small quantity of crude soft oil, including soyabean, from Argentina. Sunflower oil is imported from Ukraine and Russia. Modi Govt strong, will bring every Indian home safely from Israel: BJP NEW DELHI, INDIA will ensure the safety and safe return of every Indian stuck in Israel as it has a strong and sensitive Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling BJP said on Friday. At a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, party national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia hailed the Government for bringing back the first batch of more than 200 Indians safely from Israel, calling it an unprecedented rescue mission. When such a horrifying scene is unfolding there, a sensitive and strong Government is taking strong steps. Under Operation Ajay, as many as 212 Indians have been brought back safely in a special flight. It was a moment of pride for the entire Bharat, he said. The first batch of Indians, including students, returned to the country from Israel on board a chartered flight in the early hours of Friday. India has launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back home as a series of attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants over the weekend triggered fresh tension in the volatile region. Bhatia said the successful operation shows how even in times of difficulties, if any Government has the capacity and patience to work for the people 24x7 it is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government. The safe return of the first batch of Indians from Israel has been possible because there is a strong government at the Centre to which public interest is paramount, and behind it is the strength of 140 core Indian brothers and sisters, the BJP spokesperson said. Every citizen should know that the Government is fulfilling its responsibility of bringing back Indians stuck in Israel safely. There is no shortage of resources, Bhatia said. I appeal to Indians there to stay calm and remain safe. And, we will ensure each one of you return to Bharat safely. This is our commitment to you. In tough times we will send out a strong message that times may be tough but Bharat-India is tougher, he said. We will ensure safety of every citizen who is stuck in the war-torn region, he added. Delhi Bureau & Agencies NEW DELHI, TERRORISM anywhere in the world and any form is against humanity and conflicts do not benefit anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, and asserted that this is time for peace and brotherhood as a divided world cannot provide solutions to big global challenges. Addressing the inaugural session of the ninth G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) here, Modi called for ending the crisis in global trust and moving forward with a human-centric approach. Everyone is aware of what is happening in various parts of the world. The world is grappling with conflicts and confrontations, such a world full of conflicts and confrontations is not in anyones interest. A divided world cannot provide solutions to the big challenges before humanity, the Prime Minister said. This is the time for peace, brotherhood, this is the time for moving forward together, this is the time for everyones development and welfare. We have to end the crisis over global trust and move forward with a human-centric approach, he said. Modi also called for taking a tough approach in dealing with terrorism. As you know India has been facing the issue of cross-border terrorism for decades. Terrorists have killed thousands of innocents in India. Near the new Parliament building, you will find the old Parliament building. About 20 years ago, terrorists had targeted our Parliament. You will be startled to know that Parliament was in session at that time, he said. Terrorists wanted to take hostage, kill MPs. India has dealt with numerous such terror incidents, he noted. Now the world is also realising how big a challenge terrorism is for the world, Modi said. Terrorism, wherever it may be, for whatever reason, in whatever form, is against humanity. In such a scenario, we will have to adopt a tough approach in dealing with terrorism, he said. Modi said it was saddening that consensus has not been achieved on the definition of terrorism. Today also, in the UN, the international convention on combating terrorism is waiting for consensus, he said and added that enemies of humanity are taking advantage of this approach of the world. Prime Minister Modis remarks come amid the escalating violence in the Middle East after multi-pronged attacks against Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza and the subsequent Israeli retaliation that has left around 2,600 people dead. Israel has launched a massive counter-offensive in Gaza to avenge the attacks by Hamas. The sudden escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hamas has triggered global concerns. Leading powers like Germany, the US, France and the UK emphasised the importance of preventing the situation from further escalation. In his address, Modi said Parliaments and representatives across the globe will have to think about how they can work together in this fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister also underlined that there can be no better medium than public participation to deal with the worlds challenges. I have always believed that governments are formed by majority, but the country is run by consensus, he said. Modi called for looking at the world with the sentiment of one earth, one family, one future. In making decisions for the world, the more the participation, the bigger the impact it would make, Modi said, and added that it was with this spirit, that India proposed making the African Union a G20 member. I am happy that all member states accepted it. The Prime Minister said the G20 presidency ensured festivities in India throughout the year and India landing on the moon added to the celebrations, a reference to the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He said 100 crore voters will cast their vote next year in general elections in India and invited all P20 delegates to visit again next year to witness the polls. India has conducted 17 general elections and over 300 state assembly polls so far and the general elections in 2019, where his party became victorious for the second time in a row, was the worlds biggest election, he noted. Modi said the use of EVMs has boosted transparency and efficiency in the election process and results are now declared within hours of the start of counting of votes. He also referred to the legacy of thousands of years of debates and deliberations in India and said some of our over 5,000-year-old texts also talked about such systems. The event is being attended by Speakers of Parliaments of G20 members and invitee countries. The Pan-African Parliament will take part in the P20 Summit for the first time after the African Union became a member of G20 at the New Delhi G20 Leaders Summit last month. The thematic sessions during this P20 Summit will focus on four subjects of transformation in peoples lives through public digital platforms, women-led development, accelerating SDGs and sustainable energy transition. THE MESSAGE THE message was clear -- generally to the world and particularly to China (and Pakistan as well) -- about Indias sovereignty and authority and right to do whatever is appropriate. So, even when Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi traveled to Uttarakhand in the Himalayas and performed a puja at the Shiv Parvati Temple at Pithoragarh just a few kilometers from the border with China, the Indian Army conducted field exercises trying out its weapons and ammunition as part of a regular practice. Business as usual, so to say. To China, however, the message was clear -- that no matter what it felt, India would never stop short of doing the right thing in full measure. And the Prime Minister was fully aware that the Chinese were watching his puja and the military exercise in wide-eyed exclamation (coupled with certain anger). But then, that was the message India wished to communicate to whosoever was the target. By no standard was that a coincidence. India planned the Prime Ministers outing taking full care to publicise it beforehand and then carrying forward with its post-event promotion. China is, of course, smart enough to read the message correctly. In the days to come, some rather hostile response may be expected from Beijing, all right. Yet, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is unbothered. On his part, however, this was not just an act of courage; it was an act of purposeful trans-national communication with full awareness of possible ill-effects from the other side of the divide. But then, the Himalayas are the abode of gods where Lord Shiva resides on mount Kailash. For the people of India, it is a place of extreme importance for religion, for spirituality, for strategic security ...! So, Mr. Narendra Modi became the first Prime Minister to travel to the height of 14,000-plus feet to Pithoragarh and perform the holy ritual and mingled with the personnel of Defence Forces standing tall and strong in hostile climate and geography. And then the Army conducted the firing exercises in the Himalayan eco-system when the Prime Minister was in the vicinity. There could not have been any better opportunity to assert sovereignty for India. The Himalayas have been rather an uneasy proposition for India -- with disturbed peace and with the international border under challenge. That situation might not have changed, but the Himayalan borders were never so safe as those are presently. Thanks to the unprecedented pumping of resources, military and economic, into the region. That also has sent a clear message to China in particular -- that India would tolerate no hobnobbing with its territorial integrity by anybody; and that it will not hesitate to make any use whatsoever of its own territory; and that India is getting stronger every passing day was clear from the manner in which India has been handling the Himalayan challenge. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi only underscored Indias sovereignty and authority in its own land. Of course, that is what a national leader is expected to do or achieve. In the last nine years, Indias military presence in the Himalayas has become all the more pronounced -- coupled with massive developmental initiatives that travel to the last mile straight near the international border and the line of actual control. In a few months from now, any Indian person would be able to travel close to the international border and visit shrines and other tourist spots without anything to worry about. And as the common Indian people feel free to move in the Himayalas,the military would ensure that they remain safe. And when all this happens, China would be able to do nothing other than biting its nails. This is the actual message. US Defence Secretary Austin in Israel to meet with its leaders By Lolita C Baldor TEL AVIV, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Israel on Friday for meetings with senior Government leaders and to see firsthand some of the US weapons and security assistance that Washington rapidly delivered to Israel in the first week of its war with the militant Hamas group. Austin is the second high-level US official sent by President Joe Biden to visit Israel in two days. His quick trip from Brussels, where he was attending a NATO Defence Ministers meeting, came a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the region. Blinken is continuing the frantic Mideast diplomacy, seeking to avert an expanded regional conflict. Austin met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and spent nearly two hours with Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant and the Israeli War Cabinet. Speaking in front reporters before his meeting with the Prime Minister, Austin told Netanyahu, As the president said, we have your back. He added, We do stand with you, Mr. Prime Minister. Defence officials travelling with Austin said he wants to underscore Americas unwavering support for the people of Israel and commitment to making sure the country has what it needs to defend itself. A senior defence official said the US has already given Israel small diameter bombs as well as interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome system and more will be delivered. Other munitions are expected to arrive on Friday. Austin has spoken nearly daily with Gallant and has directed the rapid shift of US ships, Intelligence support and other assets to Israel and the region. Within hours after the brutal Hamas attack across the border into Israel, the US moved warships and aircraft to the region. The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier strike group is already in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and a second carrier was departing Friday from Virginia, also heading to the region. Austin declined to say if the US is doing surveillance flights in the region, but the US is providing intelligence and other planning assistance to the Israelis, including advice on the hostage situation. A day after visiting Israel to offer the Biden administrations diplomatic support in person, Blinken was in Jordan on Friday and held talks with Jordanian King Abdullah II. They did not speak to reporters after the meeting. Blinken then went on to a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has a home in Amman, the Jordanian capital, before leaving for Qatar. Blinken discussed Hamas October 7 attack with the king and efforts to release all hostages the militants seized, as well as efforts to prevent the conflict from widening, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. The US top diplomat underscored that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian peoples right to dignity and self-determination and discussed ways to address the humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza while Israel conducts legitimate security operations to defend itself from terrorism, Miller said. The monarch rules over a country with a large Palestinian population and has a vested interest in their status while Abbas runs the Palestinian Authority that controls the West Bank. According to a palace statement, Abdullah stressed the need to open humanitarian corridors for medical aid and relief into Gaza while protecting civilians and working to end the escalation of the conflict. He appealed against hindering the work of international agencies and warned against any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza and elsewhere or to cause their internal displacement. Earlier on Friday, Israels military had told some 1 million Palestinians living in Gaza to evacuate the north, according to the United Nations an unprecedented order for almost half the population of the sealed-off territory ahead an expected ground invasion by Israel against the ruling Hamas. The king also urged for the protection of innocent civilians on all sides, in line with shared human values, international law and international humanitarian law. In Doha, Qatars capital, Blinken is to meet later on Friday with Qatari officials who have close contacts with the Hamas leadership and have been exploring an exchange of Palestinian prisoners in Israel for the release of dozens of Israelis and foreigners taken hostage by Hamas during the militants unprecedented incursion into southern Israel last weekend. Blinken will make a brief stop in Bahrain and end the day in Saudi Arabia, a key player in the Arab world that has been considering normalising ties with Israel, a US-mediated process that is now on hold. JERUSALEM, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced Saturday that they had conducted "wide-scale" airstrikes overnight, killing dozens of Hamas operatives. One of the dead was head of the Hamas Aerial System, the statement added. The main target of the airstrikes were militants from the "Nukhba" arm of Hamas, which the IDF described as being one of the leading forces that led the infiltration into Israel last Saturday, said the statement. Over the past day, the IDF also struck the operational headquarters of Hamas from which its aerial activity was managed, and killed Merad Abu Merad, the head of the Hamas Aerial System in Gaza City, it added. The war between Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Israel began a week ago when Hamas launched a surprise offensive on the communities and cities on Israel's southern border. Israeli media reported Saturday morning that in raids conducted by the army in the West Bank territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority, several senior Hamas leaders in the West Bank were arrested. The IDF has yet to confirm this report. BEIRUT, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli drone on Saturday morning launched several missiles toward an armed group at a border point in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. The unnamed sources added that the drone flew for several minutes along the borderline and then launched several air-to-surface missiles towards the axis of Hunin Hill in the central sector of the border area. Initial information indicated that the drone targeted three armed individuals trying to approach the border fence separating Lebanon and Israel on this axis. Israeli reports noted that "an Israeli drone worked to eliminate a cell of terrorists that attempted to infiltrate from Lebanon into Israel." On the other hand, Lebanese security sources told Xinhua that Israel fired several artillery shells at dawn from one of its positions, called the radar site, toward a forest area in the town of Kfarchouba. The sources added that a Patriot missile was launched from the occupied Syrian Golan for unknown reasons and exploded in the airspace of the Marjayoun area in southern Lebanon. The fragments fell on the roofs of several houses in Ibl al-Saqi, adjacent to a command center of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon, the sources said, noting that no injuries were reported. The situation on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after the firing by Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah on Oct. 8 of tens of missiles toward Israeli military sites in support of Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery at several areas in southeast Lebanon. On Friday, Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon killed one Lebanese journalist and injured six other reporters. The Nigeria Customs Service delegation, led by the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, recently participated in the World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 10th to 12th October 2023. The event welcomed twelve delegates from the Nigeria Customs Service and the management and staff of the trade modernization project representing the private sector. The presentations in the performances showing the dynamic economy of Vietnam set the tone for the event. Welcoming participants at the conference, the secretary general of the WCO, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, highlighted the critical role of technology in supporting Customs Administrations around the globe. Speaking at the conference, the Acting CGC emphasized the significance of the WCO Technology Conference, which has been a pivotal event for over a decade, providing a platform for customs administrations, partner companies, sponsors, technology firms, and more to collaborate and exchange insights on the effective integration of technology in customs operations. He highlighted that this year's edition continued the tradition of exposing participants to advanced technological solutions for addressing complex customs challenges. Adeniyi expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We've learned a lot, seeing the deployment of artificial intelligence, machine learning, non-intrusive technology, and various data analytics to analyze customs issues and provide solutions." Adeniyi believes adopting these technological solutions will be a game-changer for Nigeria, improving trade facilitation and revenue generation. He expressed his readiness to initiate processes for their adoption in Nigeria. Jummai Umar Ajijola, the Managing Director of the Trade Modernization Project, emphasized the strong partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Trade Modernization Project, highlighting their alignment to ensure the end-to-end automation of Nigeria Customs Service processes and procedures. During his vote of thanks to wrap up the end of the conference, the WCO Secretary General, ably represented by Hans Pieters, Head of Administration and Personnel WCO, announced that the 2024 edition of the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition would be hosted by Africa in Cairo, Egypt. MEXICO CITY, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The trade embargo the United States imposes against Cuba serves certain U.S. economic and political interests, Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday. At his regular daily press conference, the president again condemned the decades-long sanctions regime as "inhumane," saying average Cubans are the ones to suffer from its consequences. "Who has promoted it?" Lopez Obrador asked, referring to the embargo. "Those who have taken economic-political advantage of it in the United States, even lawmakers who back the embargo." Lopez Obrador has been a vocal critic of the economic, trade and financial sanctions imposed on Cuba for more than half a century, even describing the measures as "medieval." Reports have emerged that the federal government has approved the sum of N134,749,953,243.69 for the security debarment allowance for military veterans. Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, made this known at the ministerial briefing on the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Friday. He said the approval of the allowance is an indication of the governments commitment to the welfare of former military men. The minister said that a phased implementation of the Security Debarment Allowance for the hitherto excluded veterans commenced in January 2023. He said, To demonstrate our commitment to veterans welfare, the FG has approved the sum of N134,749,953,243.69 for security debarment allowance. By this, all veterans who retired/discharged honourably from the services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will reap this benefit. Our service personnel and veterans deserve the best, and the best they will get. The successes recorded by our armed forces have only served as encouragement to persevere until victory is finally assured and all our displaced citizens return home. We, therefore, look forward to adopting a proactive approach to combating our security challenges by harnessing our intelligence resources and having strong partnerships with our West African neighbours. The Federal Government will also continue to equip the armed forces with combat capabilities, training and equipment to reduce to the barest minimum casualties due to operations. We are indeed hopeful that the pledge and focus of Mr President to bring an end to all security challenges quickly will be realised. The minister added that the country had been battling serious internal security challenges for over a decade, and that has stretched resources and the armed forces. The Armed Forces of Nigeria has risen to these challenges, not counting the costs in terms of ultimate sacrifice being paid by our troops. For this reason, I can say the situation is gradually improving, considering where we were before now, the minister stated. The Nigerian Gas Association seeked the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative to Premium Motor Spirit or petrol, as it is 15 per cent cheaper, it said. This was disclosed by the President of the association, Akachukwu Nwokedi, during a media briefing in Lagos. According to him, The Federal Government has to continue to make gas affordable, and we as an association support CNG, Train 7 because Nigeria has enough gas resources to achieve economic growth. Besides CNG is 15 per cent cheaper than petrol. Nwokedi further noted that reviewing the PIA would give rise to addressing issues such as multiple taxation, payment for gas and fees in dollars instead of naira, fiscal incentives, and others. Dispute between the people of Ifon and Ilobu in Osun State is as old as their ancestors. In the latest clash, many people were killed and houses burnt. Valuable properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed, Daily Trust Saturday reports. Residents were rendered homeless and majority of them relocated to Osogbo, the state capital. To stop further killings and destruction of property, the state government and security agencies swung into action. The crisis started when the people of Ifon heard about the purported plan by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who hails from Ilobu, to build a military hospital in the town. The people of Ifon claimed that the proposed site of the project at Opapa village fell on their land but they were not carried along. Ifon people said the military men who came from army headquarters to inspect the site paid courtesy visit on the palace of the Olobu of Ilobu and disregarded the Olufon of Ifon. They insisted that the military could not go ahead with the project. But the people of Ilobu insisted that the land proposed for the project belonged to them. Jigawa govt seeks NSCDC intervention over Herders/Farmers clashes Uniteds problem with declining Casimero The controversy eventually degenerated into a bloody clash between the people of Ifon and Ilobu. One of the residents, Mr Muideen Azeez, said all his properties were burnt down and he escaped death. He said, the only thing I have now is the cloth I am wearing. I beg the government to help me. Another resident, Mr Akindele Adeyemo, called on the state government to find a lasting solution to the incessant clashes among the towns, saying, As you can see, people are leaving the towns and moving to Osogbo. The security men are trying but the situation is unfortunate. I pray there would be peace. Reacting, Governor Ademola Adeleke said the killings were unwarranted. He said the state government would take over the disputed land. Emphasizing on the curfew he declared in the area, the governor reminded the people that he had given a shoot-at-sight order to soldiers and other security men deployed to the area. Adeleke said, May God have mercy on those disrupting the peace of these towns. Osun State is peaceful, to the extent that other governors were asking me how I did it and I told them it was by Gods grace. Now, some devilish individuals want to disrupt the peace. If any of the parties go to that land again, such persons would be arrested. Security is very important. This kind of communal clash can scare investors away from Osun. You must be very careful. Daily Trust Saturday reports that the commissioner of police in the state, CP Kehinde Longe had led his men to Ifon and Ilobu to ensure that the situation was brought under control. He assured residents of the safety lives and property. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also appealed to the warring parties to end the communal clash in the interest of peace. Why are we killing ourselves and destroying properties? Let us stop the killings. I am appealing to you from the throne of Oduduwa. We are one race. Please dont let it escalate. Be your brothers keepers, he pleaded. The two towns have continued to trade words over the cause of the clash. The secretary, Board of Trustees of the Ifon Orolu Progressive Union, Chief Akinjide Adelaja Akinyooye, said the disputed land belonged to Ifon, but the spokesperson for the Olobu-in-Council, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola said Ilobu was its original owner. Akinyooye accused the people Ilobu of trespassing into the land. He said the people of Ifon were not prepared for fight but Ilobu were the first to attack them on their way from the farm. He said last weeks clash started when suspected gunmen from Ilobu killed an indigene of Erin-Osun and shot an indigene of Ifon at Gbere-Odofin village junction on their way from Oba-Ifon. He said the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola ceded the land in contention to Ilobu through a gazette, which he said did not follow due process; hence would not stand. He noted that with historical evidence, the land belonged to Ifon, insisting that they would not cede it to Ilobu. Going down memory lane There are overwhelming archival evidences that supports historical facts that the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom is the traditional landlord of the entire Irepodun Local Government that consists of Ilobu and Erin. Besides, the Intelligence Report by Assistant District Officer I. F. Schofield dated March 28, 1936 justified the superiority of the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom. The earlier proclamation was made on March 24, 1919 by Oba Shiyanbola Oladigbolu, the Alaafin of Oyo when the issue of demarcation began. It can never be ignored. Besides, all the 16 kings of Olobu, including the incumbent Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, were installed as Baale (district head). Thirteen of them were installed at Ifon by Olufon until when Baale Sanusi Araoye was installed as the Olobu of Ilobu. The incumbent Olobu of Ilobu was initially installed as Baale in 1970, just like all his predecessors, before his recent upgrading and subsequent wearing of beaded crown ceremony in December 13, 1986 by the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; which still did not qualify him as a permanent member of the Oyo State Council of Obas until later when Osun State was created. There are uncountable archival records dated back to the pre-independence era of Nigeria when the Ibadan Native Administration Inner Council members authoritatively confirmed Olufon of Ifon-Osun as the traditional landlord of Olobu of Ilobu during the reign of Oba Alayeluwa Bankeesa Atanda Akinyooye, the 30th Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom. The State Boundary Commission should have properly been guided and strictly conclude the boundary between Ifon and Ilobu communities based on this. But it rather complicated the matter during the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola when he made a legal notice number 9 of 2014, published in the Osun State of Nigeria Gazette number 1 Volume 24, dated October 13, 2014. It is glaring that it was either politically motivated or erroneously passed because it is the main subject of the crisis between Irepodun and Orolu local government areas, he said. He called on Governor Adeleke to quash the Aregbesola Gazette that ceded the land to Irepodun Local Government. The controversial gazette by the administration of Aregbesola was actually without the consent of Olufon and Orolu people, who are the traditional landlord of both Irepodun and Orolu local government areas. It was based on the same gazette that the people of Ilobu are laying claim to Adara village that accommodated Orolu-South Area Council in Diisu Ayekale, which was created by the same administration in 2015. The spokesman of the Olobu-in-Council, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, also gave historical background to the issue of ownership of the disputed land. He, however, noted that the matter was in court and judgement expected this month. He said, Laarosin, the founder of Ilobu and Olobu stool was the first settler on the vast virgin land known today as Ilobu, Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun. That was centuries ago. Later, the people of Ibokun, known today as Ileesi and one Oosalokun, the founder of Ifon and Olufon stool, approached Laarosin at different times for land to settle on. Laarosin then granted them land for farming and settlements. There was no crisis about land granted them until 1917 when Bankesa Atanda Akinyooye Moronfolu I, Olufon of Ifon-Osun trespassed into part of Olobus land that was not granted to Olufon or Eleesi. In 1830, Ifon-Osun was sacked during Fulani raids on Ilobu farms and settlements. As a result of the Fulani invasion, Olufon approached Olobu for land. The then Olobu granted Ifon people their present site known then as Boosa. The site where Ifon people were invaded by Fulani is known today as Ibale and that is the place they bury any deceased Olufon till date. In 1917, Oba Onikepe Siyanbola Ladigbolu, the Alaafin of Oyo intervened, but the Olufon and Olobu did not agree on the boundary. In 1918, Alaafin approached colonial government to intercede .In 1925, the Senior Resident, Oyo Province, Captain William Ross demarcated the boundary, which Olobu accepted. But in 1945, Salawu Oyelade Oluyeyin, the late Olufon employed a licensed surveyor, one Mr Gilbert, and through this, he distorted the Ross boundary. Ilobu disagreed and instituted suit number 4/53 at Ikirun Native Court in 1953. The judgement was given in favour of Ilobu. Olufon appealed case number 4/53 in suit no. 21/55 at Osun Divisional Appeal Court. The appeal was allowed and a different boundary was fixed. Olobu then appealed in Appeal No. 9/1959. The appeal was dismissed. Olobu further appealed in Appeal No. 787 to the Governors Court. The governor, Sir John Rankine, in his judgement on November 18, 1960, said, amongst other things, that it was clearly impossible to fix a complete new boundary that would represent a fair compromise. Thereafter, Olufon and Ifon people instituted a case at the High Court through a Certiorari to quash the decision of the Governors Court. The case got to the Supreme Court in suit number S.C. 31/1967. After the Supreme Court judgement which quashed the proceedings of the Native Courts, the government set up the Enahoro Inquiry under Inter Boundary Settlement Ordinance. One Mr E.O Enahoro was appointed as inquiry officer. But Olufon protested governments action in the suit mentioned above, which got to the Supreme Court in 1967. In 1968, Olufon Salawu Oyelade and people of Ifon referred their dispute over the land to the Boundary Settlement Commission and included Ilobu town as part of their land. The judgement was in favour of Ilobu and Laarosin was adjudged to be the first settler against Olufons claim. Both the people of Ifon and Ilobu have continued to claim ownership of the land with their respective historical evidences. And the history is being passed from generation to generation; hence indigenes of the two towns are determined to defend their land with the last drop of their blood. Finding lasting peace To bring peace to the two warring towns, the state government made them to sign a peace agreement, ordering them to sheathe their swords with immediate effect. Governments delegation to the peace agreement was led by the deputy governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, alongside the secretary to the state government, Teslim Igbalaye and other top government officials. The Otun Olobu, Chief Jimoh Waliyu, the Esa of Ifon, Chief Babatunde Oyetunji and the representative of the third community, Olokanla, Mr Bashiru Azeez , with two other representatives from each of the communities, signed the peace agreement. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said anyone or group of persons found doing or saying anything contrary to the peace agreement would be prosecuted in line with the dictates of the law. Daily Trust Saturday reports that peace seems to be returning to the towns gradually, but residents are worried that the root cause of the crisis is yet to be addressed; hence it might not be over yet. They called on the state government to get to the root of the matter and decide on the ownership of the land. The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; KSC(Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) has postponed the Convention for the 19 Northern States and Abuja Federal Capital Territory which was scheduled to hold at the Nicon Luxury, Abuja on Friday, October 13, 2023. The cause of the postponement arose from some unforeseen circumstances that were beyond control. Chief Iwuanyanwu however regrets the inconveniences the postponement may have caused to several patriotic Igbo sons and daughters who came from far and near to participate in the scheduled convention. The Igbo Leader prayed that God will grant journey mercies to members that responded to the invitation, assuring that a new date for the convention will be announced later. Chief Iwuanyanwu has on assumption of Office as the President General, restructured the Ohanaeze Ndigbo into three zones for Nigeria and four zones for the Diaspora chapters. With the new structure, the 19 states and Abuja will have their headquarters in Abuja; the South West, with the headquarters in Lagos; and the East with the headquarters at Enugu. The Ohanaeze Diaspora structure has the continent of Europe with the headquarters in London; others include the continent of North America and Canada with headquarters in Washington, DC; the continent of South America and the Caribbean with headquarters in Brazil; the continent of Asia with headquarters in China; continent of Africa with Headquarters in South Africa; continent of Australia and New Zealand and all the surrounding Islands with headquarters in Australia. The Igbo Leader explains that each of the zones will have at least one convention each year while the Igbo Day celebration, which involves all the zones and various chapters will hold on the September 29 of every year. It is remarkable that the phenomenal 2023 Igbo Day celebration which was hosted by the good people of Enugu State at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Lay Out, Enugu on September 29, 2023, after several years, is an eloquent testimony that with Ahaejiagamba, a new Ohanaeze Ndigbo is born. E-Sign. Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia; the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Honouring the Gods Months of preparations and weeks of cleaning will come to fruition Saturday evening (Oct 14) as devotees raise Go Teng poles high into the air so that the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods may descend from the heavens and walk the Earth while the Phuket Vegetarian Festival for this year takes place over the following nine days. CultureChinesereligion By The Phuket News Saturday 14 October 2023 09:00 AM Some 40 Chinese shrines across Phuket are taking part in the festival this year, but all eyes will be on the Kathu Shrine, the spiritual home of the festival where the purification rituals were first observed 198 years ago. As is tradition, the festival is held on the first through to the ninth day of the ninth lunar month according to the Chinese calendar. In the weeks leading up to the festival, devotees and volunteers attended to the shrines, preparing for the thousands of people to arrive to take part in the festivities. Open areas were thoroughly cleaned, as were benches, tables, altars, shrines and images of important gods for the festival, including Po Sheng Tai Te, or Hong Jin Yin. In preparation for the large volume of vegetarian dishes to be cooked at the shrine during the nine-day festival, efforts also focussed on cleaning cooking appliances and kitchenware such as pots and pans, as well as plates, knives, forks and spoons. Also cleaned were items and relics used to perform rituals and ceremonies throughout the festival. Saffron flags have also been posted at all the participating shrines and along the streets throughout Phuket Town and other areas on the island where festivities will be observed. Throughout the festival, Mah Song spirit mediums will perform ablutions with bladed weapons while devotees and participants will be invited to take part in a variety of self-purification rituals, including hot oil bathing, fire-walking and bladed-ladder climbing, and the less demanding bridge crossing ceremony. The shrine administrators have long asked all people taking part in the festival to observe 10 simple rules: Maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness Clean, use kitchen utensils separately from others not participating Wear white to identify yourself as observing the tradition Be polite (this rule should be followed year round by everyone, anyway) Abstain from eating meat or other animal-based products, including eggs, milk, yoghurt and dairy products in general Abstain from sexual activities Abstain from consuming alcohol and all other fermented foods and substances People in mourning should not take part Pregnant women must refrain from watching the rituals Women undergoing menstruation should not attend festival rituals Although the COVID-19 restrictions were finally eased for the festival last year, organisers of the festival are still asking people to observe personal hygiene behaviours to help prevent the spread of any disease, namely through coughing or other contagious practices, such as touching with unclean hands any objects to be reused by masses of other people. Likewise, all shrines have been asked to observe disease prevention and cleanliness measures in line with public health guidelines, and that all mass congregations must strictly follow the measures as before. Miraculous performances can still be performed normally but within a range that is not very dangerous, one official advisory said. The official nine days of the festival will draw to a close on Oct 23 with processions from all participating shrines arriving at Saphan Hin after making their way through Phuket Town for a final bonfire during which thousands of prayers for ancestors and the Gods are burnt as offerings for the Gods. The final night of the festival has long been renowned as spectacular, and noisy, with thousands of people lining the streets of Phuket Town to watch as each major shrine taking part in the festival has devotees carrying an image of their key god to be honoured at the mass farewell ritual at Saphan Hin. The mass rituals call the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods to return to the heavens with bonfires of notes of prayers and blessings. The rituals conclude at midnight with a blaze of fireworks. On Oct 24 the final ceremonies are held with the lowering of the Go Teng poles, formally bringing the festival to an end. ON THE STREET Phuket officials have advised motorists to be ready for the street processions to be held as part of this years Vegetarian Festival, with the first of the street processions taking place on Monday (Oct 16). The affected streets will be partially or entirely closed to traffic while the street processions pass by. The processions will affect people living in nearly all parts of the island, and will continue through to Oct 23. While most of the processions take place in the early morning, some local shrines will be holding their street processions in the afternoon. The official programme of events published by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) gives route maps for only four of the main processions, all to be held in the heart of Phuket Town on Oct 20-23. The full list of street processions to be held, according to the official schedule of events, is as follows: MONDAY, OCT 16 7:30am Jchoor Su Gong Naka Shrine (better known as the Naka Shrine, Wichit) TUESDAY, OCT 17 5:45am - Sapam Shrine 6:30am - Bang Koo Shrine (Koh Kaew) 7:00am - Hai Yian Geng Shrine (Baan Mai Khao) 7:30am - Seng Leng Tong Shrine (Muang Mai) WEDNESDAY, OCT 18 6:45am - Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine (Samkong) 7:00am - Thee Gong Tua Shrine (Phuket Town) 7:00am - Sam Sian Tong Shrine (Chalong) 7:00am - Guan Yu Shrine (Ban Nabon) 7:00am - Ngore Choon Gend Baanya Shrine (Baan Ya) 8:15am - Tai Houd Tong Shrine (Surin Beach) 8:30am - Bu Seng Tong Shrine (Baan Kian) THURSDAY, OCT 19 6:09am - Bangjo Shrine (Srisoonthorn) 6:09am - Ban Tha Rue Shrine (south of Heroines Monument) 6:30am - Jeng Ong Shrine (near Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town) 7:00am - Tai Seng Oud Jor (Chalong) 7:15am - Tae Gun Tai Tae Shrine (Baan Pasak) 7:30am - Hok Ong Tong Shrine (Chalong) 3:00pm - Seng Leng Tong Shrine (Muang Mai) 6:45pm - Sapam Shrine FRIDAY, OCT 20 6:30am - Gim Su Ong Shrine (Baan Don) 7:00am - Cherng Talay Shrine 7:00am - Bang Liao Shrine (Bang Neow, Phuket Town) 5:15pm - Tai Houd Tong Shrine (Surin Beach) SATURDAY, OCT 21 6:00pm - Lee Sian Tong Shrine (Srisoonthorn) 6:30am - Gim Su Ong Shrine (Baan Don) 8:00am - Guan Tae Gun (Baan Pon) 8:00am - Jui Tui Shrine (Phuket Town) SUNDAY, OCT 22 6:00am - Yok Kae Geng Shrine (Soi Paniang - Samkong/Ratsada) 6:45am - Kathu Shrine 7:00am - Hai Yian Geng Shrine (Mai Khao) 7:00am - Guan Yu Shrine (Ban Nabon) 7:45am - Baan Kian Shrine (Thepkrasattri) 8:00am - Jong Nghi Tong Shrine (near Tonsai Waterfall, Pa Khlok) 3:09pm - Lee Ong Tong (Tha Chatchai) MONDAY, OCT 23 8:00am - Bang Koo Shrine (Koh Kaew) 8:00am - Sui Boon Tong Shrine (Lorong shrine, Phuket Town) Killers of the Flower Moon a true epic When director Martin Scorsese decides to work with Leonardo DiCaprio on a project, the result is normally nothing short of spectacular. Together in the past the duo have made screen classics such as Gangs Of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street. Now the pair come together for a seventh time to make the dramatic Killers of The Flower Moon. World-Entertainment By David Griffiths Saturday 14 October 2023 02:00 PM Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). Image: IMDb Taken from the novel by David Gann, Killers of the Flower Moon tells the story of Ernest Buckhart (DiCaprio), a simple soldier who goes to live with his uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro Cape Fear), in Oklahoma after returning from World War I. Upon arrival in the Osage Nation he is surprised to see the wealth that has been generated by the oil business and finds himself wanting to be part of it. While working as a chauffeur he meets and falls in love with the beautiful and wealthy Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone Certain Women). As their relationship develops, his Uncle announces a sinister, murderous plan that will end up seeing himself and Ernest end up with the entire fortune that Mollies family have managed to generate. While there are enough twists and turns to cause them to worry at times, the plan seems like it is working until a gifted young FBI Agent named Tom White (Jesse Plemons The Irishman) turns up in town determined to solve the murders that have left the Osage living in fear. One of the first things that people need to know about Killers of the Flower Moon is that it runs for a mammoth three and a half hours and there are rumours that there is an even longer cut out there somewhere. While audiences wont necessarily notice the length of the film while watching it, they will also realise that there really was no need for Scorsese to make this film run so long. At the heart of Killers of the Flower Moon is a simple murder story. Unlike other filmmakers, Scorsese doesnt muck around with trying to make his audience guess who the killer is Hales murderous plan is put out in the open very early on in the film. What draws you into the plot as an audience member is not wanting to see anything bad happen to Mollie, and wondering what will become of Ernest by the time the end credits roll. While the film itself is amazing to watch, some audience members will find themselves walking away from it slightly disappointed. If they go into this expecting something as brilliant as Scorseses masterpieces, The Departed or Shutter Island, then they will be sorely disappointed. While the film is still a worthy watch, there is no big twist or shocking moment that will have you talking about it in a decade to come. To be honest there is probably nothing in Killers of the Flower Moon that makes it any better than an episode of Yellowstone. What does draw you in with the film though is the brilliant screenplay by Scorsese and Eric Roth (Dune). Each scene feels like a masterclass in screenwriting as Scorsese chooses to go the more dialogue-and-character-driven route rather than fast car chases and epic stunts. Even the cat-and-mouse scenes between DiCaprio and Plemons are heavily dialogue driven, but they are so well written that they never make the film feel like it is dragging. That well-written script also allows for some spectacular acting performances. Lily Gladstone is sensational as one of toughest victims you will ever see on screen while the three leading men put in performances that will be hard to ignore come Oscar season. Robert De Niro is brilliant playing a character that in an instant shifts from the most charming man in the room to chillingly terrifying, while playing against DiCaprio will divide audiences as he plays the villain for once. Ernest is perhaps one of the most fascinating characters to appear in cinema this year as audiences will find themselves hating him for what he is doing to Mollie but also feeling sorry for him as he falls under the spell of his Uncle. Then there is the performance of Jesse Plemons. As an actor Plemons often stole the show with his underrated role in the hit television series Friday Night Lights, and from there he has shown his acting range on the big screen as he tackles everything from comedy through to hard-hitting drama. Here he does his best John Wayne as he plays a Texan law man resolute on solving the crime at hand and his portrayal of the role deserves to be award-winning. Killers of the Flower Moon may not have as many memorable moments as some of Scorseses classics, but it is still an amazing film that sees one of the best directors of modern cinema direct an amazing cast who all bring their A-Games. Killers of the Flower Moon opens in Phuket cinemas on Oct 19 and is rated 15. 3.5/5 Stars David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print. He is also an accredited reviewer for Rotten Tomatoes. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/subcultureentertainmentaus BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made an inspection tour of east China's Jiangxi Province in recent days. He required the province to fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy in all respects, centering around the CPC's central tasks on the new journey of the new era. Xi called on Jiangxi to grasp its positioning in building a new development paradigm and act on its characteristics and advantages. To meet the new requirements for high-quality, green and low-carbon development, the province was urged to emancipate the mind and make pioneering efforts, put to best use its strengths and improve its weak points, consolidate what it has achieved and break new ground so that it can strive to take the lead in speeding up the high-quality development of the old revolutionary base areas, and in promoting the rise of the central region and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The province was encouraged to write its chapter in Chinese modernization by doing all these. From Oct. 10 to 13, Xi, accompanied by Yin Hong, secretary of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee, and Ye Jianchun, governor of the province, visited the cities of Jiujiang, Jingdezhen and Shangrao. He inspected the shoreline of the Yangtze River, local enterprises, a historical and cultural block and a village. On the afternoon of Oct. 10, Xi came to Jiujiang. At the Jiujiang urban section of the Yangtze River National Culture Park, he stepped onto a pavilion called Pipa to have a bird's eye view over the Yangtze River. He walked on the river levee in the rain to observe the riverside scenery, carefully inquiring about the situations of the Yangtze River, such as water level, water quality, shipping, flood control and fishing ban. He listened to reports about the restoration of collapsed levees, dredging of waterway, and ecological restoration of water front. He pointed out that the Yangtze River is the link of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. No matter how the Yangtze River Economic Belt will develop in the future and what stage of development it will reach, it is impossible to do without the nurturing of the Yangtze River. The Yangtze River should be protected with a vision of the lasting and sustainable development of the Chinese nation and of the community of life with harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Xi then took a vehicle to Sinopec Jiujiang Company. He walked into the control hall of the company's production and control center and the laboratory of the inspection and measurement center to learn in detail about the transformation and upgrading of the company to build green intelligent factories, and to promote energy conservation, pollution reduction and carbon emission reduction. He affirmed what the company has done in carrying out scientific tests and applying strict emission standards. Xi stressed that cutting the Gordian knot of "chemical industry spreading along the river" is the key to promote the ecological environment conservation of the Yangtze River. He called for continuous efforts on pollution control at the source and the whole-process reduction of pollution and carbon emission, as well as promotion of digital and intelligent transformation and green transition to build the company into a world's leading green intelligent refining and chemical enterprise. Outside the laboratory, employees gathered to greet Xi. He kindly said to everyone, "the petrochemical industry is an important pillar industry of the national economy, and I hope that you will follow the requirements of the Party Central Committee for the new industrialization, with green and intelligent transformation as the direction, work hard and forge ahead to make new contributions to national energy security and high-quality development of the petrochemical industry." On the morning of Oct. 11, Xi came to Jingdezhen City for inspection. At Taoyangli Historical and Cultural Block, Xi visited the Nanlu kiln ruins, the ceramic museum and the kilns cluster of Ming and Qing dynasties. He took quite an interest in learning about the technological process of ceramic-making, the inheritance and innovation of ceramic culture and the international exchanges in this sector. Xi had cordial conversations with the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and commended their techniques and craftsmanship from time to time. He encouraged the inheritors to pursue their craftsmanship with dedication and devote themselves to passing down their craft and making innovations. Xi pointed out that fine traditional Chinese culture has never been interrupted since ancient times. Porcelain is a Chinese treasure and an important symbol of Chinese culture. The principle of protection first and like-for-like renovation has been followed in the protection of Taoyangli Historical and Cultural Block, thus facilitating a mutually reinforcing interaction between ceramic cultural protection and the development of cultural and tourism industry. Xi stressed the importance of pooling talent from various fields to promote creative design and R&D innovation, further growing the ceramic industry and making brighter the name card of Jingdezhen City as the "Millennium Porcelain Capital." Xi then visited AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. He inspected the general assembly workshop of helicopters and the test flight station to inquire in detail about the company's efforts in promoting technological innovation and product upgrading. He pointed out that aviation equipment is an important part of our country's manufacturing industry. He urged them to keep to innovation-driven development, and make more efforts in the independent research and development of key technologies with a view to producing new products to meet the needs of the future. He encouraged the corporation to develop an advanced manufacturing system so that it could manufacture world-class helicopters. On the afternoon of Oct. 11, Xi visited Shimen Village in Qiukou Township, Wuyuan County, Shangrao City. This village is located in the central area of the Raoheyuan (Raohe River Fountainhead) National Wetland Park. It is also part of a natural reserve for Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, a critically endangered bird species. The village boasts diverse vegetation and sound ecological environment. The general secretary inquired in detail about the wetland park and the conservation of the bird. On the village square, locals were "sun-drying" their harvest, with rows of trays filled with red beans, corn, chili peppers, and more, presenting a delightful scene. Students and teachers from an art academy were sketching on-site. Xi stopped to watch, engaging in friendly exchanges with them and encouraging them to develop solid painting skills. He was pleased to learn about the remarkable progress that the local people had made in rural revitalization by developing characteristic tourism and the tea industry. He pointed out that the beautiful natural environment itself is a high-quality resource for rural revitalization. It is necessary to find effective ways to realize the conversion of ecological value into tangible benefits for the people. The key to revitalize the countryside, he said, is to have strong primary-level Party organizations. These organizations should play a leading role in bringing prosperity to the people and ensuring the effective implementation of policies formulated by the Party for the benefit of people. Upon Xi's departure, the villagers warmly bid farewell to the general secretary who left with the following words, "Chinese modernization means not only urban modernization but also agricultural and rural modernization. I am quite concerned with rural revitalization. I hope you can protect the nature, integrate the flavor of traditional villages with modern elements, maintain the aesthetic taste of the Chinese nation, and make the countryside even more beautiful. May you lead an even happier and more fulfilling life!" On the morning of Oct. 13, Xi was briefed on the work of the province by the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and Jiangxi provincial government. He affirmed Jiangxi's achievements on all fronts. Xi noted that to modernize the industrial system, the province must not only be ambitious to seize opportunities for development but also be realistic and good at leveraging its own strengths for development. It is imperative for the province to identify its positioning, chart the courses and integrate resources to make targeted progress. Efforts are needed to speed up transforming and upgrading traditional industries, boosting emerging strategic industries, and actively deploy future industries to build a modernized industrial system that demonstrates Jiangxi's own distinctive features and advantages. Jiangxi should also deploy innovation chains in a targeted manner, actively align with national strategic science and technology resources, make breakthroughs in some core technologies in key fields, and create some high-tech industries to build industry clusters with national influence. The province must actively promote the integration of digital and real economies, and boost the development of its digital economy. The province must remain committed to the path of prioritizing ecological conservation and pursuing green development, and advance the transition to a model of green development in all respects to build a high ground for ecological conservation. Xi stressed that Jiangxi is an artery linking rivers to the ocean, and it not only connects the eastern and western parts of China but also serves both the northern and the southern parts. As a result, many projects related to major national strategies are in the province. It is imperative for the province to open up wider both domestically and internationally, boost development through opening up, and develop the inland province into a high ground for reform and opening up to serve and integrate itself into the new development paradigm. The province must also develop the port economy, develop cities as important junctures along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and create regional logistic hubs and trade centers. Xi stressed the need to build a big and strong metropolitan area, actively dovetailing with and serving the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region as well as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to boost its appeal to such elements as funds, technologies and talent. Jiangxi should build a regional production and supply base for high-quality agricultural and sideline products by allowing full play to its strengths in ecological resources and traditional agriculture. The province was urged to consolidate its traditional trade channels, actively explore new ones and deeply integrate into the Belt and Road Initiative. It is imperative to deepen reform in key areas, improve business environment, and steadily expand the institutional opening up in terms of rules, mechanisms, management and standards. Market access to private investment should be expanded in an orderly manner, the implementation of polices that encourage fair competition should be promoted, and a cordial but clean relationship should be built between government and business so as to promote the healthy development of private economy. Xi pointed out that the development of agriculture and rural areas must be given priority, their modernization must be accelerated, food security must be secured, and agriculture must be industrialized to promote the integrated development of the first, second and tertiary industries in rural areas so as to advance rural revitalization on all fronts. Jiangxi should be aware that agriculture can hardly thrive without industries, and quality and green development, and agriculture should be developed into a big industry so as to accelerate the pace of building Jiangxi into a strong agricultural province. It is important for the province to develop forestry economy and relevant food, and cultivate related new businesses such as ecological, and health and convalescence tourism. Jiangxi was urged to consolidate and expand what it has achieved in poverty alleviation, rely more on industries for development, and constantly strengthen its endogenous dynamics for development. Concrete results must be achieved in a number of things related to the development of rural industries, provision of public services, improvement of environment, and building of rural customs in a gradual manner, so as to let people see new changes with their own eyes. Xi stressed that ensuring that people in the old revolutionary base areas share the fruits of reform and development and live a happy life is the basic task of promoting common prosperity for all. It is necessary to strengthen the policy of giving priority to employment, strive to stabilize and expand the number of jobs, and do a good job in providing employment to key groups. It is important to ensure that public services are inclusive, meet essential needs and secure basic living standards for those in difficulty, and improve social security system, optimize social assistance and charity systems, raise the level of basic public education services, and strengthen the capacity to provide urban and rural health services, and strengthen the assistance to groups in difficulty including those families who have zero-employment or are under monitoring for fear that they may fall back to poverty. Xi pointed out that it is necessary to sum up the experience of the first round of theoretical study program and carry out the second round with high quality. It is important to encourage party members and officials with the spirit of Jinggangshan, the spirit of the Soviet Area and the spirit of the Long March, to educate and guide them to strengthen their convictions and beliefs, keep in mind the original aspirations, actively forge ahead, and have the courage to take on responsibilities. Concrete requirements must be implemented throughout the whole process of theoretical study program to resolutely prevent and overcome pointless formalities and bureaucratism, and do a good job in theoretical study and investigations. It is imperative to examine work and make rectifications, really do things for the people, and promote development with solid work and win the trust of the people with what we have done. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Li Ganjie, He Lifeng and leading officials of relevant central Party and government departments were also on the inspection trip. Leading officials of the Eighth Central Steering Group for theoretical study program attended the briefing. PM Srettha to visit China next week BANGKOK: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will pay an official four-day visit to China next week. During the Oct 16-19 visit he will also attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). deathcrimepoliticseconomics By Bangkok Post Saturday 14 October 2023 08:00 AM Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gives a press interview at Government House on Friday (Oct 11). Photo: Government House / Bangkok Post During the forum, Mr Srettha, who is also the finance minister, will deliver a statement entitled: Green Silk Road for Harmony with Nature focusing on cooperation on the green economy and sustainable development, reports Bangkok Post. During the official visit, at the invitation of Chinese premier Li Qiang, Mr Srettha will pay a courtesy call on President Xi Jinping, and hold talks with Mr Li and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress. Mr Srettha will also have discussions with Chinese business leaders to explore further cooperation in trade and investment between Thailand and China. Members from the Thai private sector will also meet with their Chinese counterparts to discuss ways to enhance business partnerships. Prime Minister Srettha will deliver remarks on key economic policies at an investment promotion forum, which will be attended by business leaders from both countries, the MFA said. The prime ministers visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the Thailand China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and to forge closer cooperation in all areas, particularly in trade, investment, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, which will be beneficial to the economic development and livelihoods of the people of both countries, it added. TAT upbeat as Thailand named Best Destination Asia Pacific BANGKOK: The Kingdom of Thailand was named the Best Destination Asia Pacifica while two renowned hotels in Bangkok have been honored with other prestigious awards at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers Choice Awards 2023. tourism By The Phuket News Saturday 14 October 2023 01:00 PM The Tourism Authority of Thailand and two hotels in Bangkok were recognised among this years 35 award-winning organisations selected from votes cast by industry professionals. Photo: TAT Thailands excellence in contributing to the travel industry did not go unnoticed by industry professionals as the Kingdom was voted the Best Destination Asia Pacific in the Travel Weekly Asia Readers Choice Awards 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said in a press release issued to mark the victory. The award marks the second time Thailand has claimed this title, with its first victory in 2018. This award adds to Thailands growing list of prestigious accolades that it has garnered over the years, the TAT noted in a press release. The TAT and on behalf of Thailands tourism industry is honoured to have yet again earned the confidence among the industry professionals who voted for Thailand. This is testament to the tireless efforts and commitment of the TAT to work together with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners to create and deliver the best possible travel experience for visitors from around the world, said Kulpramote Wannalert, the Director of the TATs office in Singapore. In addition to TATs recognition, two notable hotels in Bangkok also earned well-deserved accolades among the 35 award-winning organisations. The Capella Bangkok was named the Best Luxury Hotel Asia Pacific, while the Holiday Inn Bangkok received the title of Best Midscale Hotel Asia Pacific. The winners of the Travel Weekly Asia Readers Choice Awards 2023 were selected through votes by industry professionals, cast between June 8 and July 28 this year. These awards celebrate travel operators and suppliers who have consistently demonstrated innovation, professionalism, and excellence in their respective areas of expertise, the TAT said. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, foreign arrivals to Thailand from Jan 1 through Oct 8 this year this year reached 20,55 million visitors, generating revenues totalling about B861.8 billion, reports ThaiPBS. Yet the beginning of October was below expectations due to strong negative factors such as the Siam Paragon shooting in Bangkok and the beginning of the new Israeli-Palestinian war. Chinese arrivals for the week from Oct 2 through Oct 8 dropped to 75,093 from 106,472 a week earlier. Arrivals from other markets dropped to 443,513 from 497,966. Tour business leaders are now urging the government to extend visa exemption to Indian tourists, in addition to those from China and Kazakhstan to ensure Thailand meet the target of 25-30 million foreign arrivals in 2023. Meanwhile, the TAT remains upbeat expecting 4-4.4mn Chinese tourists out of the aforementioned 25-30mn overall this year. Tourism revenue is forecast at B2.38 trillion. In 2019, Thailand welcomed around 11mn Chinese tourists out of 39.8mn overal. This years expected 4.4mn will reporesent only 40% of the pre-pandemic level. In Phuket, tourists from China are expected to rank second, inferior only to Russians. The local office of the TAT has not made in statements regarding the expected numbers of Chinese visitors after the Siam Paragon shooting. Om Birla protests EU's resolution | NEW DELHI, Oct 14 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday lodged a strong protest with EU Parliament Vice President Nicola Beer for EU's resolution on India's internal matters. In July, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Manipur vio- lence and denounced "in the strongest terms nationalistic rhetoric deployed by leading members of the BJP party". Om Birla said every Nation and Parliament is sovereign and internal issues of other countries should not be discussed by others. Birla invited Nicola Beer to witness the general elections scheduled next year. "Birla underlined India's sovereignty and protested against bringing a proposal in the European Parliament on India's internal issues," the Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a statement. EU in its resolution called on all sides to "exercise restraint and for political leaders to cease inflammatory statements in order to re-establish trust and play an impartial role to mediate the tensions." "Calls on the National and State Government to start mediation efforts with all stakeholders for a just settlement upholding the rights of all communities," one of its resolutions said. India rejected EU resolutions and said the issue was totally internal. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly reacted to the resolution and said such interference in India's internal affairs is unacceptable and reflects a colonial mindset. "Indian authorities at all levels, including the judiciary, are seized of the situation in Manipur and are taking steps to maintain peace and harmony and law and order. The European Parliament would be well advised to utilise its time more productively on its internal issues," the ministry said. Hindustan Times (with agency inputs) Today Showers early, then clearing with ample sunshine by the afternoon. High 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low 31F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 62F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. CHICAGO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Auto Workers (UAW) is ready for more walkouts against three major U.S. automakers "with little notice," the chief of the union said Friday. "We are prepared at any time to call on more locals to stand up and walk out," UAW President Shawn Fain said in a webcast on the month-long strike against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. "We will be calling out plants when we need to, with little notice." In a social media live appearance, Fain called this a "new phase" in the union's fight against the Big Three as the strike enters its fifth week. In addition, he said that union members went to Ford's World Headquarters to negotiate, and the automaker tried to present the same deal the union had rejected two weeks ago. Ford Motor and Stellantis said Friday that they will temporarily lay off 1,250 employees due to the impact of the UAW strike. Ford has temporarily laid off another 550 employees after the UAW walkouts at its Chicago and Kentucky plants. At about 6:35 p.m. local time (2235 GMT) on Wednesday, the union announced an expansion midweek for the first time, and without warning, 8,700 UAW workers suddenly went on strike at Ford's largest factory, the Kentucky Truck Plant, in response to Ford's refusal to move further in contract bargaining, according to local media. "We're not gonna wait around forever," Fain said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "If Ford can't get that after four weeks on strike, these 8,700 workers shutting down their biggest plant will help them understand it," he added. The UAW president's remarks come as the union and the Big Three automakers still appear at loggerheads over a new contract. Ford officials told local reporters Thursday that the company has gone as far as it can on the additional money it can offer members. Executives responded to the Kentucky factory strike by saying the company had reached its financial limit in contract negotiations with the union. "On the economics, I would say, yes, we're pretty much -- we have reached our limit," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue, the automaker's hybrid division. "You know who's reached their limit? The tens of thousands of Ford workers with no retirement security, the Ford workers who didn't get a single raise for a decade," said Fain in a video announcement, noting that Ford CEO Jim Farley made 21 million U.S. dollars in 2022. Stellantis said on Friday it had made progress in narrowing differences in talks with the UAW. However, the company added that it furloughed an additional 700 workers at two plants in Kokomo and Indiana because of the strike, bringing the total to 1,340. The UAW has demanded substantial wage increases and improvements in other areas of its contract, like retirement plans. The union also wants an end to a system that pays new hires a little over half the top union wage of 32 U.S. dollars an hour. Apart from the car companies, UAW-represented workers went on strike this week at Mack Trucks. Its members voted this week to authorize a strike against General Dynamics, an aerospace and defense contractor. The UAW also represents about 1,000 workers who have been on strike at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for a month. The UAW continues to negotiate with the Big Three, as the union has yet to reach agreements with any of the automakers. According to local media, teams from the UAW and Stellantis met Thursday for a negotiating session, but it was unclear if a new counteroffer was made at that time. On Friday, Fain said negotiations have continued with General Motors and Stellantis, but there is no good news yet from either automaker. Ford has warned it could be forced to furlough as many as 4,600 workers as early as Friday, a union official said. Students are seen on the Qijiang campus of Chongqing College of Mobile Communication in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Sept. 27, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Staff members conduct experiments at a satellite technology company in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) This aerial photo taken on Oct. 12, 2023 shows the construction site of the Chongqing affiliate of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A staff member works at the workshop of a smart technology company in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A staff member demonstrates a product at the exhibition hall of a smart technology company in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A staff member works on the production line of a beverage company in an industrial park of Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 11, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) This aerial photo taken on Oct. 11, 2023 shows the Qijiang campus of Chongqing College of Mobile Communication in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Villagers promote local agricultural products via live streaming in Hongyan Village of Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) People work at the construction site of the Chongqing affiliate of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Sept. 26, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A villager is seen at the homestay she runs in Hongyan Village of Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A staff member works on the production line of a food company in an industrial park of Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 11, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A staff member presents graphics on a screen in a cyber security monitor center in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Staff members work on the production line of a new material company in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A medical worker talks with a patient at the transition ward of the Chongqing affiliate of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital in Qijiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 12, 2023. Qijiang District of Chongqing was once an industrial base and a major gear manufacturing city in western China. In recent years, the local government has focused on building an innovation ecosystem that revolves around key elements such as production, human resources, and urban development. This effort has led to a gradual transformation of the district from a resource-based city to a more diversified economy. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Calcutta High Court today in a ruling allowed Mithilesh Kumar Mishra, assistant director of the Enforcement Directorate to continue as the investigating officer of the recruitment scam-related cases in Bengal, days after the same court ordered him relieved of his responsibilities in the matter. On Friday, the single Bench of Justice Amrita Sinha of the court , who earlier in ruling had shown the ED officer the door for submitting an incomplete report over the assets of the Leaps and Bounds CEO and MP Abhsihek Banerjee, restored the responsibilities. On Thursday, Mr Mishra and the ED had submitted a plea at Justice Sinhas Bench for revision of her earlier order. Advertisement On Friday Justice Amrita Sinha, who herself ordered for Mishras relieving in the matter by the end of last month, A close-door hearing at her bench took place on Friday afternoon that lasted for around a couple of hours where only the counsels of Mishra and ED were allowed to be physically present. A joint director of ED also joined the hearing virtually from the agencys headquarter at New Delhi. During the hearing, sources aware of the development, said the counsels and joint director pleaded for restoration of charges to Mr Mishra and also argued that the latter being an efficient officer will be able to steer the investigation in the right direction. Finally, Justice Sinha restored Mr Mishras responsibilities being satisfied by the arguments made on his behalf. Meanwhile, two new officers had joined the agencys investigations in Bengal. One is Rajesh Kumar, who has been brought in from the Gangtok office, while another new officer Mukesh Kumar, had been appointed in place of Mithilesh Mishra as investigating officer in the recruitment scam to speed up the probe. In another development, the central agency today summoned the personal assistant Sumit Roy of MP Abhishek Banerjee in connection with what the agency sources claimed is the primary recruitment scam. Mr Roy, however, moved Calcutta High Court challenging the ED summons. A source in the know claimed that the agency summoned him based on the leads it got while conducting raids at the Alipore office of Leaps and Bounds. He was issued summons to verify the documents and to elicit information of what kind of role he plays in the company, sources said. As things stand, the ED officers woul now await for the High Court verdict to make a further move with regard to Mr Roy Members and representatives of various communities hit the city streets today demanding an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and resumption of peace in the region. This was the first such demonstration by the clerics and members of various religions under one banner in Kolkata against the war between Hamas and Israel. Representatives of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christians under the banner of Friends of Palestine staged a demonstration demanding earliest return of peace in the region. The demonstrators strongly advocated for bringing an end to the war and prevailing of peace which was the utmost requirement to save innocent lives in the war zone. Advertisement Our only demand is peace and not war, said Bishop Peter Alok Mukherjee, chairman National Christian minority forum in the state. War cannot be a solution to any problem. Only peace can solve issues. We appeal to everyone, particularly to the people of Israel to stop the war and resume peace so that people of Palestine do not suffer any more, added the bishop. Echoing Bishop Mukherjee, Swami Parmananda Maharaj of Ramakrishna Mission, said, Brutalities and injustice cannot be a solution but peace. An end to the war is what we call for. Representing the Sikh community, Jitendar Pal Singh, vice president of Human Aids, said: It is not the time to see who did what. The need of the hour is stopping the war. Talking about Indias stand on the war, West Bengal president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Masihur Rahman, said: It has been decades since Israel has captured Palestine and the place has become an open jail for citizens. We strongly condemn the kind of aggression Israel has shown in the war. Israel is attacking Gaza with brutalities and has killed so many innocent citizens. We want the Indian government to act as an intermediary in bringing an end to the war. Instead of supporting Israel, India should follow similar foreign policies like it had in the previous wars during the times of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, he said. Apart from clerics of the four religions, the protesters included a considerable number of women who took to the streets of Kolkata to raise their voice against the alleged brutalities inflicted upon the victims of the war. From home-makers to professionals and members of the women wing of Jamaat-eIslami Hind, they staged a sitin protest against brutalities against women and children in Gaza. After evading arrest for over nine years, a proclaimed offender, a bad character of the Aman Vihar area in the national capital, arrested, the Delhi Police informed on Saturday. Identified as Sandeep alias Ajay, the accused was declared a proclaimed offender by a Delhi court in an order dating back to January 18, 2014. He has as many as 45 criminal cases registered against him in different police stations across the city. Sandeep, a habitual criminal with a history crime, has been living in Delhi with fake IDs and addresses in the Rohini and Khyala areas. Advertisement On receipt of an input under an operation underway in the city to nab absconding criminals a police team conducted a raid on October 5 and apprehended the culprit near Aman Vihar and detained him after identification. The cases registered against the accused across Delhi are for offences under the heads of snatching, house theft and motor-vehicle theft among others. During interrogation, he revealed 15 years ago, he used to work as a labourer but was unable to make both ends meet and fulfil the needs of his family. This motivated him to turn to crime for easy money. He disclosed that he has been absconding ever since he got bail from a court in a case back in 2012 and evading the law. Union Home Minister Amit Shah remarked that it wasnt until the Narendra Modi-led NDA government assumed power in 2014 that any substantial action was taken to address the grievances of the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Shah characterized these riots as having political motivations, emphasizing that the events of 1984 remain in the collective memory of any civilized society. Amit Shah attended a commendation event organized by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, where he expressed his admiration for the Sikh communitys unwavering dedication. He commended their contribution to India, beginning with their fervent support for the nations freedom struggle and continuing with their valiant efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He underlined that a genuine Sikh exhibits unwavering commitment, especially when it involves making the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. During his address, Shah also delved into the profound teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Teg Bahadur. He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in instituting a 33% reservation for women in state legislatures and Parliament, a significant step toward promoting women-led development. Shah credited the Sikh community with setting the precedent for womens empowerment, dating back to Mata Khivis langar, a practice that reflects the ethos of gender equality. Advertisement What else did Amit Shah say about Sikhs? Amit Shah spoke passionately about the sacrifices made by the brave Sikh community during Indias fight for independence and their ongoing commitment to national security post-Independence. He lauded their pivotal role in shaping the history of the nation and their sacrifices for the greater good of society and humanity. Shah also acknowledged the impact of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on the Sikh community. He shared that through the CAA, many Sikhs who sought refuge from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan got Indian citizenship, thus expanding the inclusivity of the Indian nation. He affirmed the substantial contributions of the Sikh community to the country, society, and humanity as a whole. Among the dignitaries present at the event were Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib Giani Baldev Singh, Bharatiya Janata Party national secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa, National Minorities Commission chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura, and Tarlochan Singh, among others. The gathering celebrated the spirit of unity, acknowledgment, and appreciation for the Sikh communitys remarkable role in shaping the nations history and future, in addition to addressing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take immediate action against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for flagrantly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the provisions of the Representation of People Act, 1951 ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. Former law cell convener of BJP advocate Pankaj Wadhwani, while speaking to ANI said that he has filed a complaint against AICC National General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi for announcing the Student Scholarship scheme in Mandla, citing violation of the Model Code of Conduct. In his complaint to the Election Commission of India on Friday, Advocate Wadhwani said that Gandhis announcement aimed at wooing the public for votes. Advertisement The complaint stated that during a public address in Mandla district on October 12, Gandhi clearly gave an inducement regarding giving Rs500 to Rs1500 per month to every student from class 1 to 12. The complaint further read that it is clear that this tempting announcement has been made without any concrete plan just to influence the voting, the complaint read. After the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, on October 12, Priyanka Gandhi held a meeting in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh in which she announced to give Rs 500 to 1500 for the education of children. This announcement is a direct inducement to the voters and a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Along with this, it is also a violation of the Madhya Pradesh Representation Act. The complaint regarding this matter was sent to the Election Commission at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi. Taking cognizance of the complaint, the investigation has been initiated, Wadhwani said. Madhya Pradesh is scheduled to undergo assembly polls on November 17. Through the polls, the state will elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. The election would be conducted in one phase in the state and the counting would be done on December 3. It is noteworthy that Congress AICC national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi announced a scholarship scheme for school students in the state worth Rs 648.80 crore on Thursday. For the students of classes 1-8, Rs 500 has been announced, Rs 1000 for students of classes 9, and 10 and Rs 1500 for classes 11 and 12 students. The Congress on Saturday launched a scathing attack at the BRS-led Telangana government over the suicide of a student reportedly due to postponement of Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) exam. The grand old party while expressing grief over the suicide of the 23-year-old blamed the BRS governments apathy, which led the student to take such an extreme step. It said the youngsters will oust the ruling government in the forthcoming Assembly poll. Advertisement Shocked and deeply anguished by the suicide of a 23-year-old girl student in Telangana, who reportedly took the drastic step due to repeated postponements and irregularities in the State Public Service Commission Exams. In this hour of grief and anger, our heart goes out to the family of the deceased student, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote in a social media post. Taking a swipe at Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Kharge said, Thousands of young aspirants in Telangana are frustrated and enraged due to the rank apathy of the BRS Govt in conducting examinations. Youngsters of Telangana hold the corrupt, inept and inefficient BRS government accountable and will oust it from power in the state, he said. Echoing a similar sentiment, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said, The news of suicide of a student in Hyderabad yesterday is extremely sad. This is not suicide, it is murder of the dreams of the youth, their hopes and aspirations. Attacking the KCR government, he said, The youth of Telangana today is completely devastated by unemployment. In the last 10 years, BJP Relative Committee BRS and BJP together have ruined the state with their incompetence. The Congress MP from Keralas Wayanad parliamentary constituency also vowed that it would reorganize TSPSC on the lines of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) within a month if it comes to power in the state. The Congress government in Telangana will release a job calendar, reorganize TSPSC on the lines of UPSC in 1 month and fill 2 lakh vacant government posts within a year this is a guarantee, he said. Election to 119-member Telangana Assembly will be held in a single phase on November 30. The counting of votes will take place on December 3 along with four other states Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram. The upcoming Assembly poll in Telangana is likely to be a three-cornered one with the ruling BRS taking on the Congress and the BJP. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has exuded confidence that it will retain the power, while the Congress is eyeing to oust the ruling dispensation. Assyrian Archeological Park Opens in North Iraq After two months of extensive work, the historical archeological park of the ancient Assyrian King Sennacherib in Duhok province's Khinis was officially opened to tourists. The 2,700-year-old monument is regarded as the most extensive historical carving in Iraq. Restoration efforts were undertaken by a team from the University of Udine in Italy, in coordination with the Duhok Archeological Directorate, and the opening ceremony on Thursday was attended by the Italian ambassador and consul general in Baghdad and Erbil, as well as local Duhok province officials. With the restoration, important artifacts of the Assyrian empire were saved from destruction, dedicated to King Sennacherib who ruled the Assyrian empire from 704 to 681 BC. The Sennacherib Archaeological Park comprises a water wall, intricately carved depictions of Sennacherib, his family, and 22 others on a substantial rock surface, as well as statues of winged bulls. "First of all, the opening of this park will make this place an important tourist destination. At the same time, it will be an important source of income for Duhok province," Bekas Brifkani, head of Duhok's archeological directorate, told Rudaw's Naif Ramadhan. The University of Udine and Duhok's archeological directorate have worked together for almost a decade since 2012, spending three months of the year researching archeological sites in the region. The University of Udine has so far recorded nearly 1,140 archeological sites in Duhok province, according to Brifkani. In a similar ceremony in October last year, Kurdish and Italian officials opened another Assyrian archeological park in Duhok province's Faida area, the first of its kind across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, in the presence of UNESCO. The park is located in Faida, south of Dohuk and comprises 13 two-meter-height sculptures engraved on its walls dating back to the reign of the Assyrian king Sargon II (705-721 BC) and his son Sennacherib. The Israeli military on Saturday issued a second warning to Gaza residents, urging them to evacuate to the southern part of the coastal enclave. Stay updated with Xinhua's on-site correspondents for the latest developments. Produced by Xinhua Global Service In a significant development in the probe into the Karuvannur Co-operative Bank scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) provisionally attached assets worth Rs 57.75 crore belonging to various individuals involved in the Cooperative Bank money-laundering case The ED said in a statement on Friday that the attached assets include 117 immovable properties consisting of land and buildings in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and movable properties including 11 vehicles. Fixed deposits and credit balances in 92 bank accounts of individuals found actively involved in the offence of money laundering, have also been attached, the ED said The properties of Anil Kumar K B, Abdul Nazar, Abdul Gafoor, Gopalakrishnan, Pradeep K K, Rajeevan CM, Sunil Kumar KD, Amina Paliparambil, Paulson AJ, Ramesh PV, Davi Varghese, Anil Subash, Jilse CK, Satheeshkumar P and Aravindakshan PR were attached. Among these, Jilse C K, Satheeshkumar P and Aravindakshan P R are accused in the case and others are loan defaulters. Advertisement A provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to attach the assets had been issued by the ED on Friday. The ED had earlier attached properties worth Rs 30 crore including a resort in Thekkady belonging to Bijoy, who had availed of illegal loans from the bank and invested the money in the resort. Total properties worth Rs 87.75 crore have been attached by the ED in this case so far. The ED launched a probe into the Karuvannur bank scam worth Rs 150 crore based on the FIR registered by the Kerala Police. The scam came to light in 2021 and the Crime Branch has registered more than 16 FIRs. The ED probe in the case has revealed that loans were illegally sanctioned and disbursed to the accused and .their benamis from the bank without any sufficient collaterals. Meanwhile, the ED has revealed that a committee of CPI-M had played a key role in sanctioning benami loans in Karuvannur bank without any sufficient collaterals as part of a systematic conspiracy. Such distribution of illegal loans led to the massive loan scam in the bank, the ED said. The second batch of 235 Indians, including two infants, who were stranded in Israel amid the ongoing war, arrived in the national capital on Saturday morning under Operation Ajay. The evacuated Indian nationals were received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. #Operation Ajay continues to bring citizens home. 2nd flight carrying 235 citizens arrives in New Delhi. MoS @RanjanRajkuma11 received the citizens at the airport, the Ministry of External Affairs wrote on X. Advertisement Received the second batch of Indians from Israel. Heartening to note that they are very appreciative of GoIs swift response #OperationAjay and @MEAIndia for smooth coordination, Singh said in a post on X. As the second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv reached Delhi airport under Operation Ajay on Saturday, the returning Indian citizens expressed their gratitude and thanked the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs. As the flight landed in New Delhi, the returning citizens unanimously raised slogans of Vande Mataram to celebrate their return home. One of the Indian citizens who was stuck in Tel Aviv, Israel shared his delight as the Indian government brought back Indian citizens under Operation Ajay. This is very nice and wonderful. We are very happy for this initiative. Many thanks to the Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar, the government of India, he said. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had shared pictures of the flight carrying 235 Indian nationals, which took off from Tel Aviv at 11.02 p.m. on Friday night. India launched Operation Ajay on Thursday to facilitate the return of its citizens in special chartered flights amidst ongoing violence in Israel after Hamas launched brazen attacks on the Jewish nation. The first flight carrying 212 Indians took off from the Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel on Thursday and reached New Delhi on Friday morning. The cost of the return of Indian nationals is being borne by the Centre. The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a 24-hour control room in the national capital to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine. According to Israel embassy data, around 18,000 Indian nationals are living and working in the country, including caregivers, students, several IT professionals, and diamond traders. The attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel and over 1,530 people in Gaza. Indian passengers on Friday night gathered at the airport to board flight back to India from Tel Aviv under Operation Ajay launched amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. After safely evacuating 212 Indian nationals from Israel, Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv facilitated more flights to bring second batch of Indian passengers. The passengers were mainly those who are staying and working in Israel. They applauded the government of India for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Advertisement Speaking to agency, an Indian passenger Ashish Kumar said, I am going to India. Here, I am a post-doctoral student, Agriculture Research Organisation. The situation in central Israel is quite normal, not like the Gaza border, Beersheba and nearby regions. I think this is a very good initiative of the Indian government. I had seen only European countries evacuating their citizens. So, I appreciate the government for this, he added. Wagesh Dwiwedi, another passenger also appreciated the initiative and recalled the tenure of former Minister Sushma Swaraj. I work as a visiting scientist at ARO. The situation is tense here because of the bombardings, and it will get even more serious. So, thats why we are leaving. Everyone is scared at home. Operation Ajay is a very positive step and I really appreciate it. The government has been carrying out such missions since the time of Sushma Swaraj, he said. The Indian passengers appreciated the Indian government and thanked the government for the initiative and recalled similar initiative carried out during Russia-Ukraine war. I am a post-doctoral fellow at ARO. We are being evacuated because of the tense situation here. The family members were also concerned regarding us. We would like to thank PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar for Operation Ajay. This is a good initiative taking place smoothly, passenger named Alkesh Hada said. We received a message from the government of India that those who want to leave can evacuate. Operation Ajay is a very positive initiative by the government. They have done this before as well, during Russia-Ukraine war. The first batch was evacuated yesterday, and now the second batch is leaving, another passenger named Pankaj Tripathi stated. Earlier in the day, the first batch of as many as 212 Indians, including students, who were stranded in Israel amid the ongoing war, arrived in the national capital from the first flight under Operation Ajay. The first flight under Operation Ajay arrived in Delhi at around 6am. They were greeted by Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the Delhi airport. Chandrasekhar also interacted with the students who returned from Tel Aviv to Delhi. The minister reassured the passengers, saying Indias commitment to the safety of every Indian is unwavering. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to protect them, he said. Those who were being repatriated from Israel thanked the Indian government for bringing them back. The first flight bringing Indians took off from Ben Gurion International Airport in the outskirts of Tel Aviv on Thursday night. As the Israel-Hamas war intensified and the death toll mounting to over 3,000, the Indian government started the evacuation process codenamed Operation Ajay. (With Inputs from Agency) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday, launched the fourth phase of Mission Shakti focusing on promoting womens safety, respect and self-reliance before the start of Sharadiya Navratra from his official residence. On the occasion, he flagged off a women empowerment rally, which traversed several locations in the state capital before culminating at the 1090 Intersection. The rally was aimed at enhancing public awareness on various government schemes for the welfare of women and girls. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister highlighted the inception programme held in the state in 2020, which aimed at curbing crimes against women and ensuring their safety, respect and self-reliance. Advertisement Initially centred on three core issues, the programme evolved into what is now recognized as the Mission Shakti. Over time, the mission gained prominence in the state, emerging as a catalyst in reducing crimes against women and getting criminals punished in the country. The result of the success of Mission Shakti is that the government of India has also named the campaign for womens safety as Mission Shakti, underscoring the power of initiatives aimed at widespread societal awareness across the country. The fourth phase of the Mission Shakti embodies this objective, aiming to replicate its success and impact on a broader scale. The CM expressed concern over the fact that despite the governments implementation of various programmes, the target audience often needs to be made aware of them so that they can avail its benefits. Awareness rallies have been initiated across all 75 state districts to address this issue. Additionally, morning rallies will be conducted in schools and colleges across each district. Individuals and entities demonstrating exemplary efforts in enhancing womens safety, respect, and self-reliance within their districts will be recognised and honoured, CM said. Starting October 15, the Central and state governments women-centric schemes will receive focused promotion across cities, villages, and municipal bodies. This campaign aims to educate and inform individuals about government initiatives concerning the protection and well-being of women and daughters. The state governments efforts have changed the general perception about womens capabilities. Previously, people talked about less educated womens potential to contribute meaningfully. However, the government changed the perception, he pointed out. Today, empowered as BC Sakhi (Banking Correspondence Sakhi), these women are bridging the banking gap in villages and providing crucial assistance during times of need. The government provided these dedicated individuals six months of training and financial support. As a result, these women now earn between a minimum of Rs 25 thousand and a maximum of Rs 1.25 to Rs 1.5 lakh. This transformative effort deserves amplification and expansion, CM Yogi informed further. In 2019, the government initiated the Balini Milk Producer project, supporting a small group of five to seven women who had completed third to fifth-grade education. Over the past three years, this venture has become a flourishing business, achieving an annual turnover of Rs 150 crore and a net profit of Rs 15 to 16 crore. The project has positively impacted the lives of 40,000 women. CM Yogi emphasised that with willpower and backing from the government and administration, women have the potential to achieve remarkable feats. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised Uttar Pradeshs status as the most populous state in India and stressed the need for special efforts directed towards the welfare of its vast female population. The rally launch in the fourth phase of Mission Shakti underlines this commitment. Starting October 15, extensive programmes will be run across the state to raise awareness among women and address their concerns. Along with this, stringent measures will be taken against those who endanger the safety and well-being of women and daughters. The government has given time for individuals to rectify their behaviours, and now strict orders have been issued to ensure swift action, including submitting reports at the police station level. The event saw attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, Principal Secretary Home Sanjay Prasad, DGP Vijay Kumar, Special Director General of Police Law and Order Prashant Kumar, Additional Director General of Police Administration Neera Rawat, and Additional Director General of Police Women and Child Protection Organization Padmaja Chauhan. The scale of Hamas attack on Israel on 7 and 8 October is unprecedented and the failure of the Israeli army and secret services, astonishing. Yet for observers such as former Israeli ambassador to France, Elie Barnavi, the events that have unfolded in the region over the past days were surprising but predictable. On the ground, from which I have just returned, there is a clear sense of growing despair and latent violence among the Palestinian population. No one is talking about peace any more, but rather the end of the occupation, as young people evoke resistance, by all means. This is the context in which Hamas carried out its attack. And the militant organisation used this despair to legitimise itself and win the support of a section of Palestinian public opinion. Advertisement In Gaza, where Hamas operates, 2.3 million Palestinians are crammed into 365 square km, making the Gaza Strip one of the worlds most densely populated territories. More than two thirds of the population live below the poverty line and, according to the Israeli NGO BTselem, the unemployment rate is 75 per cent among people under 29. Since 2007, this territory has also been subject to an Israeli blockade by sea, air and land, which almost entirely deprives it of contact with the outside world. Gazans are regularly cut off from water and electricity, and depend mainly on international aid. Entry into and exit from Gaza depend on permits given by Israeli forces and are extremely rare, earning it the nickname of open-air prison. In these conditions, the Gazan population, and in particular the youth, who are isolated from the world, are becoming increasingly radical. Most feel they have nothing left to lose and no longer believe in political solutions or peace. The idea that the occupation of the Jewish state must be resisted through violence, as advocated by Islamist groups, is gradually spreading. This is playing into the hands of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who are gathering more and more fighters. In the West Bank, the Hamas attack was not condemned, some Palestinians even showed their support in demonstrations. The rest of the world is astonished that anyone could support such cruelty, which is unequivocally unacceptable. But we must also look at the roots of this support. The Palestinian territory is completely dismembered. More than 280 settlements and 710,000 Israeli settlers have been counted by the United Nations. Palestinian homes are regularly destroyed. Since 2002, more than 700km of wall have been built between the Palestinian territories and Israel. This security wall was supposed to follow the 315 km green line outlined in the 1947 UN partition plan, but the past years have seen it snake on and on, gradually encroaching on Palestinian territory and isolating certain Palestinian towns. One Palestinian MP told me Its the Arab Wailing Wall, while others referred to it as the Wall of Shame. Even East Jerusalem is increasingly occupied, including the Esplanade of the Mosques, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islams third-holiest site. In fact, the name that the Hamas gave to its attack, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, shows just how the Islamist group has managed to act as a soundboard to the populations grievances. The freedom of movement of the inhabitants of the West Bank is extremely limited they depend entirely on permits obtained from the Israeli authorities. Every day, Palestinians have to laboriously cross through checkpoints. Some children explain to me that they cross the checkpoint between Abu Dis in the West Bank and Jerusalem to go to school; they go alone because their parents dont have the necessary permits and spend at least an hour there every day. Older students tell me that they used to be able to walk to their university, but now theres the wall and a checkpoint. The UN estimates that there are around 593 checkpoints, mostly designed to protect Israeli settlers. The economic situation in the West Bank is also deplorable. Israeli restrictions on the movement of people and goods such as bans on the importation of certain technologies and inputs, bureaucratic controls, checkpoints, gates, earth mounds, roadblocks and trenches are choking development. The poverty rate stands at 36 per cent and the unemployment rate at 26 per cent. The Israeli army, especially since the arrival of the most recent Netanyahu government, has stepped up its interventions and preventive raids. Before the Hamas attack, 200 Palestinians had been killed since the beginning of the year. The UN counts 4,900 Palestinian political prisoners and notes the deplorable conditions in Israeli prisons and the ill-treatment inflicted. Added to all this is the political impasse. There have been no elections in Palestine since 2006. The Palestinian Authority, recognised as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, has become an empty shell with no real power. Power is concentrated in the hands of 87-year-old Mahmoud Abbas, who has lost the support of his people. After the repeated failure of negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, some even consider Mahmoud Abbas to be an accomplice to the Israeli occupation. Corruption is paralysing all Palestinian institutions. The population no longer expects anything from politics and even less from negotiations. Since the beginning of the year, there has been a resurgence of lone wolf attacks driven by despair. Like the Palestinian driver who, at the end of August, ploughed into a group of Israeli soldiers as he was about to cross a checkpoint. It is this same despair that drives a section of the Palestinian population to rally around Hamass cruel attacks today. As Elie Barnavi points out, we could even fear the outbreak of a new intifada. Over the years, Hamas has been able to weaponise these sentiments and so affirm itself as the true defender of the Palestinian cause. In 2006, the militant group won the Palestinian legislative elections. Despite the democratic nature of these elections, the result was not recognised by the international community, which refused to allow a terrorist organisation to take power. Hamas therefore fell back onto the Gaza Strip, of which it took control. From Gaza, it continued to radicalise and delegitimise the Palestinian Authority, and waited for momentum to build before putting its words into action. In the eyes of the organisation, this moment has arrived. The leaders no doubt felt that the context was favourable for a large-scale attack. On the one hand, the internal destabilisation in Israel offered a breach of which Hamas could take advantage. Never has Israel been as divided as it has been since the arrival of Netanyahus coalition of ultraOrthodox and national-religious parties. Large-scale demonstrations against the reform of the justice system shook the country for several months. In an unprecedented move, Israeli reservists, essential to Israeli defence, refused to serve for weeks in protest against the reforms. Hamas likely also had an eye on geopolitics, sensing that the balance of power in the region is shifting. Witness the agreement between Tehran and Riyadh, and the Abraham Accords which normalised Israels relations with the Gulf states. Today, global tectonic plates continue to wobble, the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh has been shattered and Africa is experiencing one coup after another. The time was ripe for the group to strike. Fifty years after the Yom Kippur War and 30 years after the Oslo Accords, the past days tragic events ought to be viewed through the prism of a complex conflict that has pitted two peoples against each other since 1948. Hamas has instrumentalised the anger and despair of Palestinians to commit unprecedented violence, thereby delegitimising a legitimate cause. (The writer is Doctorante associee a lInstitut de Recherche Strategique de lEcole Militaire en science politique et relations internationales (CMH EA 4232-UCA), Sciences Po. The article was published on www.theconversation.com. Translated from French.) Two key negotiators had signed a Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or the Oslo Accord on 13 September 1993. They were Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) representative, Mahmoud Abbas. Rabin conceded that they had attempted, to end once and for all, 100 years of bloodshed. An audacious endeavour to heal the seemingly incurable Israeli-Palestinian wounds was made and Rabin, Shimon Peres, and the PLO Chairman, Yasser Arafat were thereafter bestowed the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize. At the Nobel ceremony, Rabin had famously said, Military cemeteries in every corner of the world are silent testimony to the failure of national leaders to sanctify human life. Life was seemingly cheap in the war-ravaged region. This failure of national leaders in the limited context of their war was on both sides i.e., Israeli and Palestinian. Thirty years down the line, a reality check offers a very disconcerting picture. Prime Minister Rabin had been shot dead by a religious radical Jew, Yigal Amir, whereas Mahmoud Abbas languishes in West Bank as the unpopular and discredited President of Palestine, whose authority is not accepted by the decidedly puritanical Hamas in the Gaza Strip, or even by the larger comity of Palestinians, in general. The recent attack by Hamas has virtually shredded to pieces the already depleted vestiges of the Oslo Accord ~ the situation now harks back to the dark days of irreconcilability with the incumbent Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu scorning, They started it, we will finish it and that, We will exact a price that will be remembered by them and Israels other enemies for decades to come. Such statements have been made multiple times in the past, and the only thing that does get finished is lives, livelihood, and peace on both sides. The latest terror attack by Hamas is simply unjustifiable and condemnable, and no amount of context of Israels own missteps, excesses, and belligerence, can justify the same. If anything, the Hamas attack has unilaterally and unfairly discredited the perceptions of Palestinians and willynilly given Israel the right to inflict even more pain and misery on Palestinians. That Hamas acted presumably at the behest of the Iranians (towards their own regional and sectarian game) makes the fate of hapless Palestinians, who will suffer the inevitable and direct consequences, even more sad. Now, the relentless Israeli counterattack is already in process, and barring the insincere, garbled and platitudinous statements of support from Arab leaders (who have to put up the pretense of Ummah-sentiment, even as they remain fundamentally inimical to the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah or Muslim Brotherhood), there is absolutely nothing tangible or intangible achieved for the Palestinians. To imagine threatening the will of a nuclear-powered nation like Israel, framed as it is with certain history, geography, circumstances and culturality attached to its unique case, is foolhardy and counterproductive, at best. At the same time, beyond the colossal and unforgivable intelligence failure of the Israelis in picking the Hamas plans ~ the Israeli leadership under Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu must question itself on its recently chosen path of unprecedented hostility, which comes with known and guaranteed consequences. For too long, Netanyahu was stoking the environment by dissing the two-nation solution and upping the ante with new sets of illiberalities and curbs, pandering to the ultra-orthodox, and virtually making Israel unrecognisable, internally and externally, with utter impunity. The impact was visible in the streets of Israel with many democratic and right-thinking Israelis protesting Netanyahus gambit, but the even more suffocating, silent and debilitating impact in the worlds largest open-air prison i.e., Gaza strip, never made the headlines. Netanyahus political muscularity had led him to go far beyond the already abysmal levels of political incorrectness that defined his earlier stance of governance. His brazen statements that, Israel is not a state of all its citizens, and that ,According to the basic nationality law we passed, Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people ~ and only it or that there was no need to get hung up on peace talks with the beleaguered Palestinians, could not have helped the sentiment in Gaza Strip, as it is against the spirit and tenets of what was agreed in the Oslo Accords. Netanyahus is the most hardline, revisionist, undemocratic and far-right government in Israeli history ever. So much so, when the result of elections that saw Netanyahus return to the centerstage had come, memes reading Dont forget that tonight, we are moving the clock back 2000 years did the rounds. Like all authoritarian and majoritarian bigots, Netanyahu had proposed imposing a humiliating loyalty test on citizens who would face deportation on failing the same ~ as it always happens initially, many Israelis were mesmerised with such muscular politics. The critical lesson of overplaying muscular postures in handling insurgencies without an element of accompanying (and irreplaceable) politicalsocietal rapprochement, is all too apparent. Israel was decidedly safer in the 1990s when the Oslo Accords were signed by the likes of Yitzak Rabin and Shimon Peres, and far more violent when hardliners like Netanyahu or Ariel Sharon ruled. Diminishing, sidelining, and intimidating opponents does seem attractive and electorally gratifying in the short run, but it nurtures an unbelievable amount of hate and sense of vengeance, which comes back to haunt later. The role of Netanyahu and his politics contributed immensely towards the toxic environment. On both sides of the fence, it was the advent of extremist forces i.e. Hamas instead of the relatively moderate Fatah (who are relegated to the West Bank), and an even more fire spewing Netanyahu 2.0.1 of Likud, instead of the more liberal and accommodative faction of the Labour Party, that saw matters deteriorate. While nothing at all justifies the heinous attack by Hamas, it is important to remember the role and sure contribution of Netanyahu in creating the explosive tinderbox. For now, Israel has no choice but to hit back hard, but a more serious introspection and recalibration of acknowledging each others grievances is overdue. Basically, both sides are to be blamed for investing in muscularity and its presumed efficacy. Both Hamas and Netanyahu think that they can crush the other ~ about which history is instructive. Such a thing never happens. The writer is Lt Gen PVSM, AVSM (Retd), and former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry Advertisement In the lead-up to the recent Hamas attack on southern Israel, the U.S. intelligence community provided the Biden administration with two assessments, which were founded on intelligence from Israel. These assessments raised concerns about an increasing risk of a Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as per sources cited by CNN. The intelligence updates, dated September 28 and October 5, indicated that Hamas was preparing to escalate rocket attacks across the border. An October 5 wire from the CIA warned generally of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas. On October 6, one day before the attack, US officials received reports from Israel signalling unusual Hamas activity, suggesting an imminent attack. However, these US assessments did not offer specific details about the scale and brutality of the operation that Hamas executed on October 7, leaving over a thousand Israelis dead. Although these reports were not new to many officials, they have raised concerns about whether both the US and Israel were sufficiently attuned to the looming risks, CNN reported. Advertisement Moreover, it is uncertain if any of these US assessments were shared with Israel, which provides much of the intelligence that the US bases its reports on, CNN stated. Middle Eastern allies, including Arab countries in the region, had repeatedly warned US and Israeli officials that Palestinian anger had reached a dangerous level. Despite these warnings, the attack took them by surprise. CIA Director Bill Burns had also expressed concerns about increased violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the past. While US officials insist that they were tracking the situation strategically, the lack of specific tactical warnings has led some to question the effectiveness of intelligence sharing. US officials emphasise that much of their intelligence on the region is provided by Israel, as reported by CNN. The failure to predict the magnitude of the attack may be attributed to a lack of imagination and Hamass adept use of counterintelligence measures. Hamas concealed its planning by avoiding digital communications that could be tracked by Israel and holding in-person planning meetings. Israel also failed to recognize key indicators, such as Hamas training exercises conducted at multiple sites near the Israeli border. In retrospect, both US and Israeli officials acknowledge that they underestimated the threat posed by Hamas, and had been lured into complacency by Israeli policies. It is possible that the scale of the Hamas operation exceeded the groups own expectations. Yet those strategic warnings did nothing to help US or Israeli officials predict the events of October 7, when more than 1,000 Hamas fighters poured across the border into Israel in an operation that would leave more than a thousand Israelis dead. For most US and Israeli officials who were tracking the intelligence, the expectation was that there would likely be just another round of small-scale violence by Hamas perhaps some rocket fire that Israels Iron Dome would intercept, one source familiar with the intelligence explained. If we had known or if we know of a pending attack against an ally, we would clearly inform that ally, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said on Friday, CNN reported. (With Inputs from Agency) Kenyan authorities have apprehended a man, Brian Mwenda, who falsely portrayed himself as a lawyer practicing in the high court of Kenya. Surprisingly, Mwenda managed to argue and secure victories in 26 cases before High Court Judges, Magistrates, and Court of Appeal Judges. However, his successful streak was short-lived as he was arrested. Preliminary investigations suggest that this imposter employed a common international fraud scheme known as Business Email Compromise (BEC). Under this deceptive strategy, Brian Mwenda exploited the inactivity of a genuine advocates status. He initiated contact with the secretariat under the pretense of applying for payment of his Practicing Certificate (PC). However, due to incorrect email credentials, his initial application was denied. Advertisement Nevertheless, Mwenda managed to gain unauthorized access to the account and swiftly took control of the portal. In a bid to camouflage his true identity, he altered his profile picture and workplace details. Whats more, he submitted an application for a practicing certificate and even made the corresponding payment. Unfortunately for Mwenda, his application couldnt proceed as he was required to provide specific documents, including a certificate of business incorporation. This added layer of security was vital, and without the required documentation, the application remained in limbo. Brian Mwendas ruse was exposed when the Law Society of Kenyas (LSK) Nairobi Branch received complaints from the public. Promptly, the Nairobi Branch took action, declaring unequivocally that Mwenda was not a legitimate advocate. They stated that he lacked the necessary license to practice as a lawyer in Kenya. Death and destruction describe the first week of Israel-Hamas war, which started last Saturday after militants of Hamas al-Qassam Brigades launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. More tens of hundreds Palestinian militants invaded Israel and rampaged through Jewish communities near the Gaza border, killing more than 1,300 people, including women, children and soldiers. Israeli government also claimed that Hamas militants killed babies and women as well as young girls were also raped. In response, Israel declared a war against Hamas and vowed to destroy the Gaza-based militant group. The Israeli Defence Forces launched hundreds of air strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, killing more than 1,900 Palestinians in what they called mighty vengeance. As the Israel-Hamas war completes a week, here is a recap from the first seven days: Advertisement Israelis woke up to loud rockets sirens on Saturday, October 7 as Hamas fired thousands of missiles on Israel in what was a cover for more deadly ground assault. Hamas drones destroyed Israeli border surveillance post and blasted a hole in the high-tech fences to allow militants infiltrate. More than 1,500 militants of Al-Qassam Brigades the military wing of Hamas invaded Israel and rampaged through Jewish border communities, killing more than 1,300, mostly civilians. Of the deaths, 260 were killed during their invasion of a music festival site near the Gaza Strip border. In response to the surprise assault, Israel declared a war and the countrys Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to take might vengeance and dismantle Hamass military capabilities. The Israeli Defence Forces initiated bombardment of Hamas targets in Gaza, killing nearly 2,000 people and displacing around 4.25 lakh others. Hamas threatened to kill hostages one by one if Israel launched any more strikes without giving a warning. In response, Israel announced a complete siege of the blockaded territory, cutting off water, fuel, food and electricity supply. Israel warned they siege will continue until Hamas releases hostages it took during the October 7 attack. Israel ordered 300,000 reservists to report to duty and sent them closer to its border with the Gaza Strip. Several countries condemned the Hamas attack and expressed solidarity with Israel. The US moved an aircraft carrier and ships near Israel in the Mediterranean. Situation in north turns ugly after Lebanon-based Hezbollah fired rockets on Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Israel retaliated and initiated preparedness for a multi-front war. Rescuers in Israel discovered dead and burned babies. Israel claimed Hamas killed around 40 babies and some of them were reportedly beheaded. Hamas rejected the claim. Israel released horrifying pictures as evidence. The Government of India launched Operation Ajay to bring back Indians stranded in Israel. More than 400 Indians evacuated in two separate chartered flights. About 1.1 million people living in the northern Gaza Strip were told to flee their homes and move to an area south of Wadi Gaza in 24 hours ahead of a military operation an expected ground assault. The United Nation asked Israel to take back the order, warning devastating humanitarian consequences. In a precursor to the ground invasion, Israeli Defence Forces carried out what they called localized raids in Gaza and brought back an unspecified number of bodies of missing Israelis. They also said to have collected evidence that will help in locating hostages. Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Islamic militant group Hamas Saturday claimed nine more hostages, including four foreigners, were killed in Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The militant wing of Hamas said that IDF struck areas where the hostages were being held, killing nine of them. Earlier on Friday, Hamas had said that 13 hostages were killed in the Israel air strikes, taking the total number of captives killed to 22. However, the Hamas claim could not be verified and Israel has rejected previous similar claims as propaganda. The IDF said that it has its own information on hostages but didnt divulge any more details about their safety and whereabouts. Hamas kidnapped more than 120 people, including foreign nationals from several countries, during their surprise assault on Israel last week. They had earlier threatened to kill the hostages one by one if Israel launched air strikes without prior warning. Advertisement The development comes after Israels 24-hour deadline for Gazans to flee north and reach safer areas south of the Wadi Gaza for their own safety and protection. The announcement was seen as a precautionary move by Israel Defence Forces to avoid civilian causalities amid international pressure ahead of their expected ground assault. The Israeli army has mobilized tens of thousands of troops, including 300,000 reservists, near the Gaza Strip border as it prepares to set foot on Gazan soil to root out Hamas. Following the October 7 attack, Israel has declared a war against Hamas and vowed to wipe out the Palestinian militant group off the face of the Earth. More than 2,200 Palestinians, including civilians, have been killed in more than 1,300 air strikes by Israeli army in Gaza. According experts, a full blown ground assault by Israeli forces is now just a matter of a day or two as they await civilian evacuation to complete. The UN has criticized the Israeli order of mass evacuation and asked the country to take it back, warning devastating humanitarian consequences. BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The China Securities Regulatory Commission has approved the registration of six commodity options at the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange. These commodities include polyester staple fiber, soda ash, urea and apple. The China Securities Regulatory Commission will urge the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange to get well prepared across the board, ensuring the smooth launch and sound operation of these options, the regulator said in a statement. Israel has asked 1.1 million Gazans nearly half of the total Gaza Strip population to flee north and take shelter in safer areas south of Wadi Gaza ahead of their expected ground assault. They were given a deadline of 24 hours. Soon after Israels announcement, pictures flooded social media showing Gazans on the streets heading towards Wadi Gaza. However, the United Nations criticized the move and said mass evacuation of 1.1 million in such a short span will have devastating humanitarian consequences. The UN urged Israel to take back the order saying it wont be feasible for children, women, elderly and those already hospitalized to relocate in 24-hours. Experts also echoed the UN and said that evacuation of more than 1 million people in a day will be near impossible as it will be around 40,000 people per hour. Israel, however, said the order was issued to minimize the harm to civilians ahead of its military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement So, how many Gazans have already evacuated north? While the exact number is no revealed but according to a United Nations estimate, more than 400,000 people in Gaza fled their homes even before Israel issued its mass evacuation orders. After the order, the US said, tens of thousands of Gazans have left for the area south of Wadi Gaza amid looming ground assault by Israeli army. At least 1,900 people have been killed in Israeli air strike in Gaza since Saturday. The air strikes came in response to a massive Hamas onslaught in Israel last week. Militants invaded Israel via land, air and sea and rampaged through Jewish border communities, killing more 1,300 people, mostly civilians. The Hamas attack was termed a sheer evil act as its militants brutally murdered and burned babies, their mothers and fathers and many more civilians. They also invaded a music festival and butchered more than 260 young men and women. After a week of bombardment on Hamas targets in Gaza, Israel is now set to launch a more intense ground assault to flush out Hamas terrorists hiding in underground tunnels and bunkers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and said that the week-long air assault is just the beginning. Israel-Hamas war latest update: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has recovered bodies of some of the missing Israelis during their ground raids on Gaza on Friday, according to local media reports. The Israeli Army found unspecified number of bodies and some items belonging to the missing people. The bodies have been brought back to the Israeli territory. The ground raids were conducted by the infantry and armoured units of the Israel Defence Forces. During the raid, the IDF units destroyed a Hamas cell which fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli territory. The raids have been confirmed by the Israeli military but they didnt specified whether the bodies of missing Isralis have been brought back. They, however, said that evidence that will in locating the hostages have been collected. Advertisement The IDF conducted raids in Gazan territory to eliminate the threat of terrorist cells and infrastructure. Soldiers collected evidence that will aid in locating hostages, the IDF said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The ground raids are being seen as a precursor to the full blown ground assault by Israeli military that is expected to be launched soon after the civilian evacuation deadline ends. The IDF Friday sent direct message to the citizens of Gaza and asked them to flee north to the area south of the Wadi Gaza. They have been given a 24-hour deadline that will end today. Israel has amassed more than 300,000 reservists near the Gaza Strip border in view of their expected ground assault. The military has said that the evacuation warning has been given for the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians as they are not the enemy of Israel. A war was declared by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the brutal Hamas assault in Israel last week. Hundreds of Hamas militants invaded Israeli through ground, air and sea and rampaged through Gaza border communities, killing more than 1,300 people, mostly civilians. They also kidnapped more than 120 Israelis, including children, women and elderly. As the raging Hamas-Israel conflict marked a week on Saturday, the Jewish nations military on Saturday said that it struck a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon after one of its drones was fired on. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the move was in response the infiltration of unidentified aerial objects into Israel and fire on an IDF UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), CNN reported. According to the IDF, the two unidentified aerial objects were intercepted above the northern city of Haifa, which is close to the Lebanese border. Advertisement The Forces added that it intercepted both the aerial objects and the fire. In an earlier statement, the Israeli military said the infiltration of an unidentified object took place near the city of Shfaram in northern Israel. In recent days, Israeli forces have exchanged rocket fire with Hezbollah, the BBC reported. The Lebanese group, which is backed by Iran with a strong military and political presence in Lebanon, has been designated a terrorist organisation by the UK, US and other countries. Ghassan Abdallah, an 81-year-old Palestine activist, relocated to Ramallah back in 1994 with hopes of witnessing peace finally settling in the region. But nearly three decades later, he finds those aspirations slipping away as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict continues to cast a shadow over the prospect of a Palestinian state. Abdallah, now 81, expressed his concerns, saying, I was hoping to see an end to the conflict, but unfortunately, these hopes are dying in the heat of the battle. He conveyed his sentiments during a video interview with ThePrint from his home in Ramallah. The situation has escalated to the point where all access points to the West Bank are now sealed off by Israeli authorities. Basic daily activities, such as waste disposal, have become increasingly challenging, impacting the daily lives of Palestinians living in the region. Advertisement Amid this escalating violence, Palestinian leaders and activists are calling for urgent intervention from the United Nations and the international community to halt the ongoing clashes. Mustafa Barghouthi, another Palestinian activist, and the leader of the Palestinian National Initiative based in the West Bank, spoke about the humanitarian crisis that has emerged in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli attacks. In a show of solidarity with Palestine, Wael Shawish, a retired project manager who has been living in Scotland for 38 years, plans to participate in a rally in Glasgow. This demonstration takes place in the face of unwavering support from the British government for Israel, with Home Secretary Suella Braverman attempting to curb certain expressions of pro-Palestine support. On another front, events unfolded on a global scale. In New York, pro-Palestinian demonstrators marked their support for Hamass significant attack on Israel, while supporters of the Jewish state held rallies to mourn and express their outrage over the violence. In Times Square, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered, brandishing Palestinian flags and echoing slogans like Resistance is justified, Globalize the intifada, and Smash the settler Zionist state. Their collective voice cried out, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. As the Israel-Hamas conflict rages on, the people caught in the crossfire find themselves trapped between two entrenched positions, unable to escape the turmoil that has gripped the region for decades. According to activists, the future of a Palestinian state remains uncertain, and the international communitys intervention may be the only hope for ending the ongoing violence and suffering. Sri Lanka is contemplating Indias request to block the Chinese Survey and Research Vessel Shin Yan 6 from participating in joint military scientific research with Sri Lankas National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). This research is set to take place within Sri Lankas Exclusive Economic Zone between late October and November this year. While President Wickremesinghe didnt firmly commit to any decision during his meeting with Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo on October 11, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali Sabry had earlier stated that permission was granted to the Chinese ship for docking at Colombo deep seaport in November. In his remarks to Sri Lankas The Island newspaper on October 9, Minister Sabry emphasized that Sri Lanka intends to steer clear of the big power rivalry involving China, India, and the United States. Advertisement The Chinese research vessel, Shin Yan 6, is presently stationed 1000 kilometers east of the China-controlled Hambantota port within Sri Lanka. It has remained in that location for the past two weeks and is well-supplied with nearly 2000 tonnes of diesel, sufficient to last for another two weeks. Hambantota Port Controversy: The involvement of China in Sri Lanka, particularly in projects like the Hambantota Port, dates back to 2010 when Sri Lanka signed an agreement with China Merchants Port Holdings Company (CMPort), a state-owned Chinese enterprise. The objective was to develop and manage the port, along with building associated infrastructure such as highways and industrial zones. This move was part of Chinas broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity between China and other nations. However, the Hambantota Port project encountered financial difficulties. Sri Lanka struggled to repay the loans it had secured from China to fund the development. In 2017, grappling with a mounting debt crisis, the Sri Lankan government agreed to lease the Hambantota Port and some of its adjacent land to CMPort for a duration of 99 years in exchange for debt relief. This lease agreement triggered concerns about Chinas influence and control over this strategically situated port in the Indian Ocean. Critics argued that this arrangement could potentially have military implications, and some were apprehensive that Sri Lanka might be ceding excessive control to China. Consequently, the lease agreement ignited both domestic and international controversy. Over the past five years, Chinese vessels have been increasingly active in the Indian Ocean Region, coinciding with the expansion of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy into a full-fledged blue water navy. The number of vessels, encompassing warships, ballistic missile trackers, survey, and research vessels, has been on the rise, surging from 29 in 2019 to 39 in 2020, 45 in 2021, and 43 in 2022. As of September 15 this year, authorities have recorded 28 Chinese ships actively operating in the region. by Burak Akinci ANKARA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have sparked speculations that his country could sever ties with the European Union (EU), but still, experts think a break-up is not in the interest of either side. During a speech in the parliament on Oct. 1, Erdogan said his country no longer expects anything from Brussels after waiting for decades to become an EU member. "We have kept all the promises we have made to the EU, but the bloc has kept almost none of its," he said, and criticized the bloc for "keeping Turkiye at its door for (over) 40 years." Erdogan was particularly frustrated at the ordeal of joining the EU that Turkiye needs to get through. He warned that if this is not dealt with, the EU "will completely lose the right to expect anything from us," adding that he could break with the bloc when concrete steps have been few and related talks are stalled. Erdogan's dissatisfaction is also believed to stem from a recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that condemned Turkiye for convicting a teacher following the 2016 coup attempt. This ECHR's decision could set a significant precedent, as numerous similar cases are awaiting review by the Strasbourg-based court. Most analysts believe that despite multiple sources of tension between Ankara and Brussels, there are still possible areas of progress in mutual interest. An end to Ankara's EU membership talks is not in the best interest of either side, Mustafa Nail Alkan, a scholar at Ankara's Haci Bayram Veli University, told Xinhua. Alkan attributed Erdogan's comments to his country's "frustration" at the block's unwillingness to restart accession talks and take concrete measures towards meeting the Turkish demands, including the visa applications. He underscored that "there is a long-existing political background behind this relationship, and there is also a big volume of trade between the two sides that cannot be easily given up." Data from the European Commission showed the total trade in goods between the EU and Turkiye in 2022 amounted to 198.1 billion euros (about 208.25 billion U.S. dollars), representing 3.6 percent of the EU's total trade with the world, while the EU has the lion's share in Turkish exports, according to Turkish Trade Ministry. Turkiye signed an association agreement with the EU's predecessor, the European Economic Community, in 1964, applied to join the bloc in 1987 and was granted official candidate status in 1999. Ankara started membership talks with Brussels in 2005, but no breakthrough has been made since then. Ankara insists that it has fulfilled most of the criteria for the membership, arguing that political and religious considerations among some member states are preventing progress on accession talks. "Currently, returning to membership negotiations seems difficult in the short term, but cooperation channels can be strengthened," Berkay Mandiraci, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, a non-governmental international organization, told Xinhua. He said some progress in areas of shared interest, such as the modernization of a customs union, the granting of more and longer-term visas for Turkish businessmen, and the revival of high-level dialogues, could substantially improve bilateral ties. Turkiye is the only non-member country in a customs union agreement with the EU. The European Commission has been working to revamp the deal but failed to deliver results. "While Ankara expects the EU to bring concrete proposals to the table, the EU also wants to see strong signals from Ankara that it is willing to re-enter the membership route," Mandiraci said. However, it will not be easy to rebuild confidence that has been lost for years, he added. In first call with Palestinian president Abbas, Biden discusses support for humanitarian aid to Gaza President Joe Biden has spoken with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the leaders to allow humanitarian aid to the region and affirmed his support for efforts to protect civilians Oreste D'Arconte: In the land of the not so free RAMALLAH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila announced on Saturday that her ministry, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, will send a shipment of medical aid to the besieged Gaza Strip on Sunday. Al-Kaila told Xinhua that the Red Cross has reached an agreement with Israeli authorities to deliver much-needed medical supplies to hospitals facing a critical shortage. The West Bank-based minister also noted that despite ongoing attempts to send medical missions and aid to the Gaza Strip from the beginning of the crisis, Israel has consistently refused the flow of medical personnel into the area. The minister did not specify the exact quantity of aid to be delivered to Gaza but stressed that her ministry's teams are working diligently to ensure that the healthcare sector is well-prepared to provide medical services to the wounded. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip and West Bank has totaled 1,843, while 6,638 others were wounded, according to the ministry. The Israeli fatalities since Oct. 7 have reached 1,300, while nearly 3,400 were injured, Israeli media reported on Friday, citing official sources. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will extend validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) to five years for certain non-immigrant categories. These include initial and renewal EADs for certain non-citizens who must apply for employment authorisation, according to the US immigration agency. Applicants for asylum or withholding of removal, adjustment of status under INA 245, and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal come under this. The validity extension is applicable to those awaiting Permanent Resident Cards, popularly known as Green Cards. The Green Card is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently. How will it benefit Indians? This move is expected to benefit Indians as around 10.5 lakh people from the country are awaiting the employment-based Green Cards. According to the federal immigration body, the EAD validity extension period will bring down the number of new Forms I-765, which is the application for employment authorization, over the next several years, and there by cut the processing time and reduce the backlogs. According to a study by David J, Bier, associate director of immigration studies at Cato Institute, a Washington. DC-based libertarian think tank, published in August, Indians account for 63 per cent of the total 18 lakh backlog cases among Green Card applicants this year. And four lakh of the 10.5 lakh Indians awaiting Green Card may die before they could get the document, revealed the study. Because no country may receive more than 7 per cent of the green cards (the country caps) unless they would otherwise go unused, the 1.1 million cases from Indians in the backlog bear most of the burden of the broken system, the study pointed out. More than 50 per cent of the backlog is in the EB-2 category for employees of US businesses with advanced degrees and another 19 per cent are in the EB-3 category for employees with at least bachelors degrees, says the study, adding that a major chunk of these applicants are Indians. For new applicants from India, the backlog for the EB-2 and EB-3 categories (which are combined because applicants can move between them) is effectively a life sentence: 134 years. About 424,000 employmentbased applicants will die waiting, and over 90 percent of them will be Indians. Given that Indians are currently half of all new employersponsored applicants, roughly half of all newly sponsored immigrants will die before they receive a green card, it stated. Leo director Lokesh Kanagaraj said that he shares a father-son relationship with actor Sanjay Dutt, who makes his Tamil debut with the Vijay-starrer. The Bollywood actor insisted Kanagaraj call him 'Appa' (father), he said in an interview with IndiaGlitz. Dutt, who locked horns with Yash in KGF chapter 2, will now take on Tamil superstar Vijay in the actioner that releases on October 19. Dutt will essay the role of Antony Das, elder brother of Vijay's Leo Das. Kanagaraj said that initially he had a different opinion of Dutt after watching his movies and interviews in Bollywood. But, he was able to take a great amount of freedom while working with him on Leo. Sharing further about their bond, the filmmaker said: He said that I am like his son and insisted that I call him Appa. In awe of Dutt's dedication, Kanagaraj said that the actor would remain on the movie sets as last as 3am, and also denied the option to lip sync the Tamil dialogues. Leo also features Trisha, Arjun, Gauthav Vasudev, Mysskin and Priya Anand among others. The advance bookings for the films will begin in Tamil Nadu on Monday. In response to the high demand for tickets, producers of Leo had sought special permission from the Tamil Nadu government to organize early morning screenings starting at 4am. The government, however, turned down the team's request and stuck to its earlier decision of starting movie screenings at 9am. Also Read: Is Vijay's 'Leo' part of LCU? Lokesh Kanagaraj breaks silence BEIRUT, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati pledged on Friday to make every effort to prevent Lebanon from slipping into a war, amid the escalating border tension with Israel after the outbreak of Hamas-Israel conflict. In an interview with Lebanese TV channel Al Jadeed, Mikati said that no one had promised him that there would not be a war as the situation was constantly changing. He added that the decision of whether to go to war or maintain peace is not made by the government, hinting that Hezbollah, an armed Lebanese military group that had exchanged fire with Israel over the past week, may make its own decision. While underlining that maintaining stability and security in Lebanon is his primary concern, Mikati stressed that Israel must stop provoking Hezbollah. Mikati added that the Lebanese army is on the front lines in southern Lebanon in an effort to maintain stability in the area. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after Hezbollah on Sunday morning fired dozens of missiles toward military sites in Shebaa Farms in support of the surprise attack on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on the morning of Oct. 7. Israel stepped up its assault on southern Lebanon on Friday by bombarding the area around the towns of Al-Dhahira, Alma al-Shaab, and Yarin, killing one Lebanese photographer working for Reuters, and injured six other reporters. Male infertility is a growing concern worldwide, prompting experts to call for urgent action from governments and healthcare systems. In a consensus report published in the journal Nature Reviews Urology, scientists led by the University of Melbourne have outlined recommendations to address this serious medical condition. The report emphasizes the need for meaningful diagnoses and targeted treatments for male infertility, which are currently unavailable in most cases due to inadequate funding, research gaps, and non-standard clinical practices. To address these issues, the report suggests the establishment of a global "biobank" of tissues and clinical data from men, their partners, and children. This resource would help researchers better understand the genetic and environmental factors contributing to infertility. Additionally, the report recommends the routine use of genomic sequencing and improved diagnostic tests to aid in identifying the causes of male infertility. It also calls for rigorous testing of the impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday consumer products, the workplace, and the environment on men and boys. Regulations and policies to protect men and boys from these compounds, as well as the development of safe alternatives, are also proposed. The report further highlights the importance of training healthcare workers to promote male reproductive health throughout the lifespan. It emphasizes the need for increased support for men and their partners, as infertility often leads to emotional distress. Currently, the cause of infertility is unknown for most men, and targeted treatments are limited. The economic and social burdens of male infertility are often overlooked, including the cost of treatments and the impact on mental health, relationships, and productivity. Robert McLachlan, a co-author of the study, notes that medically assisted reproduction, which is often the default response to male infertility, fails to address the underlying cause and places the burden on women. Infertile men also appear to have a higher rate of chronic health disorders and a potentially shortened lifespan compared to fertile men. Further research is needed to understand these issues and assess whether these characteristics may be inherited by their offspring. According to the World Health Organization, infertility now affects one in six couples of reproductive age globally. This consensus report provides a roadmap to address the increasing prevalence of male infertility and highlights the urgent need for action to support individuals and couples affected by this condition. According to a recent study led by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), a staggering 95 percent of healthcare-associated infections, including bloodstream infections, ventilator pneumonia, and urinary tract infections, are attributed to medical devices. The study, conducted in collaboration with 121 hospitals across India, shed light on the alarming rate of antimicrobial resistance observed in these infections. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs to combat the rising threat of device-related infections and antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings. Dr. Purva Mathur, Professor of Microbiology at AIIMS Trauma Centre, emphasized the need to address this issue. The surveillance network responsible for this study, established and led by the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center at AIIMS, received technical support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and partnered with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) also provided partial funding and technical support for the initiative. The study revealed that the most common bacteria causing these infections were E. coli, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus. Of concern, the susceptibility of E. coli to the antibiotic imipenem declined from 81% in 2017 to 66% in 2022, while Klebsiella pneumoniae's susceptibility dropped from 59 percent in 2017 to 42 percent in 2022. India will observe August 23 as National Space Day to commemorate the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission, a government notification has said. The notification, issued by the Department of Space on October 13, noted that the day marks an important milestone in the country's advancements in space missions. "With the success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission on August 23, 2023 with the landing of the Vikram lander and deployment of the Pragyaan Rover on the lunar surface, India joins an elite group of Space faring nations becoming the fourth country to land on the moon and the first nation to land near to South pole of the moon," it said, adding that the outcome of the mission will benefit mankind in the years to come. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru on August 26, had made the announcement to observe August 23 as National Space Day. "To encourage our younger generation to get involved in the field of science and technology and space, we have decided that August 23, the day when our Chandrayaan-3 lander touched the moon, will be celebrated as National Space Day, Modi had said. Sky is not the limit Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said on Saturday that the sky is not the limit for Indias Space journey after the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and the "unlocking of space sector by Prime Minister Modi". Delivering a keynote address on Chandrayaan-3 at the Central University of Jammu, Singh said Indias quantum leap in space research, with the country's space economy standing at $8 billion, has been only possible due to the "courageous" decision taken by the prime minister to unlock the space sector from the shackles of the past. "India today is at par with countries, such as the United States which commenced their space journey decades before us," he said. The minister added that the space sector has been opened for public private participation with a swift increase in number of Space StartUps. The meticulously planned October 7 blitzkrieg by heavily armed Hamas militants, belonging to the al-Qassam brigade from Gaza, into Israel, has the Indian military establishment worried. The reason is that a new threat element has surfaced which could be used by militants in Kashmir and elsewhere to stage copycat attacks against the security forces. The scale and intensity of the attacks in Israel has surprised everyone. We are looking deeply into this element of attacks by fighters flying on paragliders, a top source in Indias military establishment told THE WEEK when asked about the first impressions of the Hamas attack in Israel and its lessons for India. From now on, we will have to factor in this mode of attack when we plan our security grid, the source added. The implications of the escalating conflict, the lessons to be learnt and the new modes of attacklike paraglidersin this case, will all be part of the deliberations of the Indian Army Commanders' Conference (ACC) when they meet for a week-long conference from Sunday. This is not the first time paragliders have been used to attack the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). On November 25, 1987, Palestinian militants attacked an IDF post near Lebanons southern border flying into Israeli airspace on paragliders. Six IDF soldiers were killed and at least seven others were injured before the paragliding militants were shot dead. The other important issue expected to be among the top agenda points in the ACC is the soon-expected breakthrough in the India-China military talks, especially in the backdrop of the approaching winter, which takes an extreme form in the eastern Ladakh mountains. The ACC would be held in hybrid mode till Wednesday, after which they would be meeting in person. The ACC is held for a week twice a year, usually in March-April and October. It is an important event in the planning and execution process of the Indian Army that takes a 360-degree look at the current emerging perspectives on issues relating to operations, logistics, administration, human resources and welfare. To ensure due diligence, decisions are taken through a collegiate system comprising army commanders and senior officers. The two Asian giantsIndia and Chinaare locked in a more than three-year-old border face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)the de facto border between the two countries. The LAC straddles one of the most inhospitable and difficult stretches on the planet with the average altitude being more than 4,000 metres where oxygen is scarce and winter temperatures plummet up to minus 30-40 degrees centigrade. Besides the difficulties posed by the very harsh winter, what makes a breakthrough likely is the "marked cordiality" between the two sides during the 20th round of talks that took place on October 9 and 10. Till now, the earlier rounds of talks have resulted in effective disengagement in five of the seven friction areas along the LAC. The disengagement took place first in the Galwan Valley in July 2020, followed by Pangong Tso and Kailash ranges in February 2021, in Gogra in August 2021 and finally at PP 15 in September 2022. The current talks are for the disengagement in the balance friction areas in eastern Ladakh i.e., Depsang and Demchok. More than 1,20,000 soldiers of India and China--the worlds two most populous countries--remain in active deployment along the LAC ever since a series of border brawls broke out between both sides, from April 2020 onwards, leading to the brutal Galwan Valley incident of June 15, 2020, which saw the loss of at least 24 lives on both sides. The opposition alliance is going to fight for the implementation of the womens reservation bill, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Saturday as she recalled her partys efforts to bring in the bill. Addressing a Womens Rights Conference in Chennai organised by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, an ally of the Congress in Tamil Nadu, Gandhi said though the bill has been passed in parliament, "as we all know it is still a long way to come. The bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women received the parliamentary nod last month. The law, however, will come into force after the delimitation exercise, which is on freeze till 2026. Before the delimitation, a census has to be carried out. The Congress, however, has been questioning this clause and demanding that the law be implemented at the earliest. Gandhi said the historic 33 per cent reservation introduced by her husband and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in Panchayati Raj had spurred an entirely new phenomenon of women leadership at the grassroots level. It was a vital stepping stone towards the reservation on a similar one thirds of seats in the legislative bodies which the Congress pioneered in Parliament and outside, she said. "Now, the Women's Reservation Bill has finally been passed due to our relentless persistence and efforts; of all of us, not just the Congress. However, as we all know, it is still a long way to come, Gandhi said. "We are going to fight for it till we eventually get that whether you men like it or not, she added. Gandhi heaped praise on former chief ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi for laying the foundation for incredible changes in the status and opportunities for women in Tamil Nadu. "Today Tamil Nadu stands as a beacon of women's equality and women's development, she said. The Congress leader also lauded the state government's initiatives like the mid-day meals for students, the promotion of women empowerment which includes education. Besides Gandhi, the event saw the participation of key other women INDIA leaders including Priyanka Gandhi, Mehbooba Mufti and Supriya Sule. As India continues evacuation efforts in Israel, 235 Indians arrived in New Delhi on the second special under Operation Ajay on Saturday morning. The second batch of Indians reached home a day after 212 Indians were flown out of the war-torn country. According to reports, two infants were also onboard the second flight. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared pictures of the second repatriation of the stranded citizens on X: #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. The government launched Operation Ajay on October 7 to bring back Indian citizens from Israel. The first flight took off from Israel's Ben Gurion airport on Thursday evening and landed in New Delhi on Friday morning. According to reports, the Indian Embassy registered the names of all citizens who wished to return from Israel and passengers for the chartered flight were selected on a 'first-come-first serve basis'. The evacuation efforts were necessitated when Israel declared a 'state of war' after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack across its borders, killing thousands and taking over 150 people hostage. The strife has escalated, with Israel setting a 24-hour deadline before a likely full-scale incursion in Gaza. An estimated 18,000 Indian citizens live and work in Israel in multiple sectors including caregiving and IT support. A 24-hour control room is monitoring the crisis in Israel and Palestine. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Israel's Consul General in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, said there is no information of Indian nationals killed in the ongoing violence. Bollywood actress Nushrat Bharucha, who was stranded in Israel, also reached back home safely earlier this week. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said the ticket distribution process for the upcoming assembly polls is going on "smoothly" and asserted that candidates would be selected on the basis of winnability as well as the feedback received from a survey conducted. He made the remarks ahead of the screening committee meeting here. Later in the evening, the screening committee met in the party's war room at 15, Gurudwara Rakabganj Road to discuss the names of the candidates put forward by the state's election committee headed by Rajasthan unit chief Govind Singh Dotasra. Lok Sabha member Gaurav Gogoi heads the screening panel for Rajasthan polls, with Ganesh Godiyal and Abhishek Dutt being the other members. Gehlot, Dotasara and senior leader Sachin Pilot are among the other members. "After a very long time, the election committee of the RPCC went to the districts and took feedback... Yesterday, the party chief asked everyone to come to Delhi and give their opinions to the committee chairman," Gehlot told reporters earlier in the day. The tickets would be distributed purely on the basis of the feedback received in the survey that has been done, he said. Gehlot asserted that the ticket distribution process is going on smoothly. "There is no wave against the government. People have no complaints from us. And if there is a complaint against an MLA, people are going to go to their constituency, there is a survey report, and we will also take feedback... Everything would depend on the feedback," he said. The tickets would be given only on the basis of winability, he stressed. Congress' Rajasthan state election committee had held discussions on names of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Jaipur on Friday, amid demonstrations by party workers against some sitting MLAs. They demanded that the party not give tickets to certain MLAs for the November 25 elections. Telangana minister and Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader K.T. Rama Rao invited senior leader Ponnala Lakshmaiah to the party on Saturday, a day after the latter resigned from the Congress. Rama Rao, who met Lakshmaiah at his residence earlier in the day, said the former PCC chief would be offered a suitable position in the BRS. "We invite Ponnala Lakshmaiah to BRS. We will give him a suitable position in the party. He will meet the CM tomorrow. He might join BRS in a public meeting to be held at Jangaon on October 16," Rama Rao said while talking to reporters in Hyderabad. Lakshmaiah had earlier denied reports of him joining any other political party. The senior politician had sent his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday, citing unjust environment. In his letter, he alleged that when a group of 50 leaders from the backward classes (BC) in Telangana went to Delhi to request prioritisation for BCs, they were denied even a meeting with AICC leaders, which is an embarrassment for the state that prides itself on self respect. He further alleged that the grand old party has seen a shift in its core ideology and individualism seems to have taken precedence over our collective strength within the party. The resignation of Lakshmaiah has come as a major setback to the Congress ahead of the Telangana assembly elections due on November 30. Ahead of the Israel's ground attack, thousands of people including families continue to flee the north Gaza Strip. With the six-hour window, given for the civilians to place themselves in safe zones, nearing to close, roads were flooded with cars and carts. Belongings were tied to top of cars, trucks and donkey carts as people fled their city. "I came here with my children. We slept on the ground. We dont have a mattress, or clothes, Howeida al-Zaaneen, 63, who is from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, said. I want to go back to my home, even if it is destroyed," Haunoun was quoted by Associated Press. Reportedly, thousands of people crammed into United Nations -run school-turned-shelter in Deir al-Balah, a farming town south of the evacuation zone. With a mass exodus fear looming, Egyptian authorities erected temporary blast walls on the side of Rafah crossing. Rafah crossing, the only border crossing opened for the Palestinians has been closed due to Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, over 2,200 people have been killed from the Palestine side in the ongoing attacks, while more than 1,300 people were killed on the Israeli side. Blinken meets Saudi Arabia counterpart The diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Gaza conflict is progressing on the other end. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on the third day of his Middle East diplomacy. Both stressed on the protection of civilians. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it's in Israel, whether it's in Gaza, whether it's anywhere else," said Blinken. While, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia is committed to the protection of civilians.It's a disturbing...and very difficult situation, he said. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and it's important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone, Faisal added. Amid all tensions, Saudi Arabia called an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries. The OIC said in a statement on Saturday that the meeting will address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region. The meeting will take place on Wednesday in Jeddah. After the Saudi visit, Blinken will be heading towards UAE for similar discussions. President Joe Biden has said Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel and killed over 1,000 people, is worse than al-Qaeda, the terrorist group behind the 9/11 attacks, as he reaffirmed that the US stands with the Jewish state. At least 27 American citizens have died and 14 remain unaccounted for as a result of unfolding violence in Israel triggered after Hamas carried out unprecedented attacks in Southern Israel last Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response launched multiple attacks targeting Hamas' key infrastructure. So far, over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip in the biggest escalation in decades between the two sides. "The more we learn about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans," Biden said in Philadelphia. "These guys make -- they make al-Qaeda look pure. They're pure evil. Like I said from the beginning, the United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel. The United States stands with Israel," he said on Friday. Biden said his administration is making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to these attacks. He also said it is his priority to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel yesterday, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is there today," he said. Biden said at his direction, his teams are working in the region, including communicating directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations, and the United Nations to surge support and humanitarian consequences for Hamas attacks to help Israel. "We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas and Hamas' appalling attacks, and their suffering as a result, as well. This morning, I spoke with the family members of all those Americans who are still unaccounted for, on a Zoom call, for about an hour and 10-15 minutes," he said. "They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and children are. You know, it's gut-wrenching. I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible - everything possible to return every missing American to their families," he said. Biden said his administration is working round the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and US partners around the region. "We're not going to stop till we bring them home," the president asserted. During a press gaggle, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said the US continues its significant engagement as it stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel and would make sure that they have every level of support in the days and weeks ahead. The United States continues to aggressively work with Egypt and Israel to navigate the possibility and create the conditions for the possibility of corridors for both safe passage for civilians who want to leave Gaza and flee the danger and also for humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian assistance that is critically needed to replenish stockpiles within Gaza, the senior US official said. "Both of these things are critically important. We continue to talk to our Egyptian and Israeli allies about the importance of those things also with the UN," Dalton said. "Hamas continues to engage in tactics like using tunnels under residential buildings to conduct their operations, holing up in hospitals and mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organisation with no regard for human life, with no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and we've got to continue to call it out," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented assault. People mourn their relatives killed during clashes with Israeli settlers, at a hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, Oct. 12, 2023. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) U.S. longstanding partiality regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, along with its misguided attempt to create divisions in China-Israel relations by exploiting the conflict, won't make any substantial dent in breaking the vicious circle of the entrenched conflict. BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A bipartisan delegation of the U.S. Senate led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrapped up its visit to China earlier this week. During his stay, Schumer engaged in face-to-face discussions and dialogues with Chinese leaders at various levels. Such direct communication contributes to enhancing mutual understanding between China and the United States, and promoting the positive development of bilateral ties. However, what is regrettable is that during Schumer's visit, the senator nitpicked at China's stance on the intensifying Palestinian-Israeli conflict, pressing China to explicitly side with Israel and condemn Hamas. The snap judgment reveals the longstanding partiality of the United States regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, along with its misguided attempt to create divisions in China-Israel relations by exploiting the conflict, which doesn't make any substantial dent in breaking the vicious circle of the entrenched conflict. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attends a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 2, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) The Palestinian issue has always been the core of the Middle East issue and the root cause of it is that the long-cherished aspiration of Palestine to establish an independent state has not been realized, and the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people has not been corrected. Israel has the right to establish a state, Palestine has the right to establish a state as well. The genuine way out of the conflict lies in restarting peace talks, implementing a two-state solution, and establishing an independent State of Palestine. Only through these means can real peace in the Middle East be achieved, thus ensuring lasting security for Israel. Throughout the years, China has acted as a common friend to both Palestine and Israel. Extensive cooperation between China and the two sides has been conducted across a wide range of areas. Standing on the side of peace, justice, international law, the common aspirations of most countries and human conscience on the Palestinian issue, China hopes to facilitate a proper settlement of the conflict by taking into account the interests and demands of all parties involved. The Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East issue will soon visit relevant countries in the region and make positive efforts to cool down the situation. In contrast, by slamming the doors shut on engagement with Hamas, the United States has clung to its one-sided position on the issue, resulting in significant delays and an impasse in the pursuit of the two-state solution. Recently, disregarding the realities on the ground, the United States has been forcefully advocating for Israel's reconciliation with Arab nations as a mere political maneuver, provoking a strong backlash from Palestine and stoking the flames of regional tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the HaKirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 12, 2023. (Haim Zach/GPO/Handout via Xinhua) Since the onset of this ongoing conflict, the United States has not only failed to take effective measures to help both sides resolve their differences, but has also promptly supplied ammunition and military equipment to the war-torn region, adding fuel to the flames of the deadly violence. Additionally, by pressuring other countries to take sides between the warring parties, the United States is endorsing an approach that runs the risk of a further escalation and spillover of tensions. According to recent reports, the ongoing conflict has already taken a heavy toll, with over 3,200 lives lost, including a considerable number of innocent civilians. If countries like the United States persist in turning a blind eye to the underlying causes of the Palestinian issue and throwing a spanner in the works of China's sincere efforts to address the conflict, more people will be thrust into the perils of war. And the ripple effects of the conflict, which could spread far and wide, will unleash a Pandora's box of threats to peace and development of the entire world. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has opened two safe routes for the civilians, who are moving from the north of the Gaza Strip ahead of the Israels ground attack. According to IDF, the safe routes will be open from 10 am to 4 pm (local time). Taking to X, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that For your safety, take advantage of the short time to move south. The safe routes were one along the coast and one down the centre of the Gaza Strip. A 24 hour deadline was given by Israel for the Palestinians to move to south of Gaza Strip as they are gearing up for ground attack. Meanwhile, IDF claimed that another Hamas commander, Ali Qadhi, who led the cross-border attack on Israeli settlements last Saturday, was killed in the airstrikes. The Israeli military said Qadhi was killed in a drone strike following intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet security agency and Military Intelligence Directorate. "Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate," said IDF on X (formerly Twitter). Qadhi was company commander in Nukhba unit. According to IDF, Qadhi was arrested in 2005 over the kidnapping and murder of Israeli civilians and had been relased to the Gaza Strip as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, reported the Times of Israel. So far, two top Hamas commanders were killed in the Israeli strikes. Murad Abu Murad, the head of Hamass air force, was killed in an overnight airstrike in Gaza, said IDF. While, foreigners stuck in Gaza will be able to move out through the Rafah crossing in Egypt. Egypt, Israel and the United States have agreed to follow foreigners in Gaza to pass through the crossing. They are expected to be flown out of the nation on Saturday. The diplomatic talks to end the conflict is resuming at one end. According to Russian state-owned news agency Ria-Novosti, Russias foreign minister hopes to meet representatives of Hamas in the Gulf State of Qatar next week to discuss the release of Israeli hostages. With the ongoing attacks, humanitarian efforts in Gaza has suffered a big blow. Humanitarian organisations including Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders working on ground is facing a huge challenge meeting the needs. Meanwhile, Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israels ambassador to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, has insisted that Israel is complying with international humanitarian law. "IDF takes every feasible precaution available to mitigate unintended civilian harm, including warning of operations that may cause harm to civilians, in Arabic, through media, social media, dropping leaflets, civic and international organizations. Under IHL, warnings should be effective and in advance. IDF is complying with these requirements, he said. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the death toll following retaliatory strikes by Israel had reached 2,215, with 8,700 people injured. A Reuters video journalist got killed and six other scribes belonging to two other International media houses suffered injuries in an Israeli missile strike on Friday. Reuters confirmed the death of Issam Abdallah and said it working with authorities to seek more details regarding the strike. Quoting a journalist who was at the scene, Reuters reported that the journalists who were reporting from Southern Lebanon got killed in a missile strike fired from the direction of Israel. The journalists were working near Alma al-Shaab, a place close to the Israel border. Issam Abdallah had been killed while providing a live video signal for broadcasters. The camera was pointed at a hillside when a loud explosion shook the camera, filling the air with smoke, and screams were heard, Reuters said in a statement. We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issams family and colleagues, Reuters said in a statement. Two journalists each of Reuters, AFP and Al Jazeera, who were reporting along with Abdallah suffered injuries in the strike. Maher Nazeh, a Reuters journalist who was at the scene said they were filming missile fire coming from the direction of Israel when one struck Abdallah as he was sitting on a low stone wall near the rest of the group. Seconds later, another missile hit the car being used by the group, setting it aflame, Reuters reported quoting Nazeh. Abdallahs mother Fatima Kanso charged her son was wearing Press gear and Israel killed him. In a statement, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said, As tensions continue to mount perilously, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lazaro urgently calls to stop firing. The potential for this escalation to spiral out of control is clear, and it must be halted. The US State Department said it was gathering information regarding the attack on journalists and Abdallahs death. In a statement, Al Jazeera said Israeli forces had once again attempted to silence the media by targeting journalists. Israels targeting of the Al Jazeera team is a blatant disregard of international safety standards that clearly distinguish the press, as they shelled and burned an Al Jazeera broadcast vehicle despite our crews presence alongside other international media in an agreed upon location, it said. When asked about the strikes, Gilad Erdan, Israels representative to the UN said, We regret them. We feel sorry. And we will investigate it. Right now, it's too early to call what happened there. The Israeli ground forces launched 'localised raids' in the Gaza Strip on Friday, ahead of a much likely full-scale invasion. In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said infantry forces and tanks entered to cleanse the area of potential militants and weaponry. According to the Times of Israel, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the forces carried out searches and thwarted anti-tank guided missile squads that intended to infiltrate into Israeli territory. The ground forces also searched for missing Israelis and hostages. The Hamas militants have held over 150 people captive, both Israelis and foreign nationals. In a rare televised address ahead of Shabbat, the Jewish Day of Rest, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the whole nation is united in the fight for the homeland. We are hitting our enemies with unprecedented force, but I stress, it is only the beginning, he said. In the fiery speech, he further said: Our enemies have only just begun to pay the price. I wont detail what will come next. But Im telling you, its only the beginning. A week after Hamas militants took Israelis by surprise and launched the gruesome attack across the border, the PM vowed that Israel will not forget the atrocities and that the deep pain of that cursed Shabbat will be etched into Israel's identity. Netanyanhu, who has been faced blistering criticism for not reaching out to the families of hostages, said he has spoken with a few families. Humanitarian crisis As Israel's evacuation deadline looms, several thousand Gaza residents hit the roads heading out of the northern strip, while many others said they will not leave their homes. On Friday, Israel gave more than a million Gazan residents of the northern part to flee to the south within 24 hoursan order the United Nations termed as impossible. The UN and other organisations warned of a disaster if so many people were forced to flee. Mahmoud Abbas, president of Hamas rival Palestinian Authority, told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jordan that the forced displacement would constitute a repeat of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from what is now Israel. The Hamas has called on Gazans to stay in their homes and reject the threats to relocate. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said hospitals in Gaza are struggling to handle the sheer number of dead and injured from relentless Israeli airstrikes and shelling. The health system in Gaza is "at a breaking point". The UN sexual and reproductive health agency says 50,000 pregnant women are unable to access essential health services and clean water in Gaza. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli infantrymen outside Gaza Strip on Saturday overseeing the preparations before the ground attack. In a short video shared by his office, Israel PM is shown telling the soldiers, "You ready for the next stage? The next stage is coming". , . . (: , ) pic.twitter.com/TiGzHcWhPK Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) October 14, 2023 Meanwhile, the six hour window given for the Gazans to flee to the south has ended. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had opened two safe routes for the civilians, who are moving from the north of the Gaza Strip ahead of the attack. The safe routes were one along the coast and one down the centre of the Gaza Strip. Reportedly, airstrikes were hitting the 'safe routes' making it unsafe for the civilians to reach a safe place. Thousands fear to leave as bombing continues in Gaza. Leader of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas Ismail Haniyeh said that their decision is to remain in "our land". Palestinians will not leave Gaza or West Bank and migrate to Egypt, he said. Palestinian Red Crecent Society said that it had received an order from Israeli forces earlier today with a deadline to evacuate its Al Quds hospital but they could not evacuate safely with many sick and wounded still at the hospital. According to medical officials around 35,000 people have crammed into the grounds of Gaza City's main hospital seeking refugee. Mohammad Abu Selim, general director of Shifa Hospital, largest hospital in Gaza Strip, confirmed that massive people had sought refuge in the building. Will Hezbollah join the war? Meanwhile, Hezbollah fighters have been on full alert along Lebanon's borders with Israel continuing its missile attacks. The possibility of Hezbollah joining the Hamas in fighting Israel also cannot be avoided. Israel considers Hezbollah an immediate threat estimating it has around 1,50,000 rockets and missiles that can hit anywhere in Israel. Warnings has been sounded by the United States considering the possibility of other players in the Middle East joining the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza. He added that Hezbollah has taken all the scenarios of a war into consideration. Amirabdollahian met with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Fridat and held talks with him over the scenario. Suffering humanitarian efforts United Nations under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths in a statement issued on Saturday said that even war has rules and those must be upheld at all times. "In Gaza, families have been bombed while inching their way south along congested, damaged roads, following an evacuation order that left hundreds of thousands of people scrambling for safety but with nowhere to go," he said. "Even wars have rules, and these rules must be upheld, at all times, and by all sides...Civilians must be allowed to leave for safer areas," he added. Meanwhile, the European Commission announced to triple the humanitarian aid for Gaza. However, the diplomatic efforts are progressing on the other end the Israel-Hamas conflict. Saudi Arabia had called for an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on Wednesday to discuss the escalating situation in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas conflict has left over 3,000 dead so far. The Israel Defense Force claimed that it killed a top Hamas commander in an overnight airstrike in Gaza. In a strike that hit the headquarters of Hamas aerial activities, Israeli Air Force (IAF) said Murad Abu Murad, the head of Hamass air force, was killed, according to an official post. Also read: Who was Asem Abu Rakaba? IDF claims head of Hamas aerial array killed in Israel airstrike Last night, IAF fighter jets conducted wide-scale strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. These included dozens of Hamas terror targets as well as 'Nukhba' terrorist operatives that were in a staging ground in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Air Force tweeted. Abu Murad is responsible for directing Hamas attackers who crossed the Israeli border from the air on hang gliders last Saturday, according to The Times of Israel. Also, during the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force attacked the operational headquarters of the terrorist organization Hamas, from where the organization's aerial activities were managed. During the attack, Murad Abu Murad, the head of the air formation in Gaza City who took a large part and directed terrorists in the murderous attack on Saturday, was killed," the report said. In another set of widespread strikes overnight, the IAF hit dozens of sites belonging to Hamass commando forces. Fighter jets of the Air Force simultaneously attacked in a wide wave of attacks dozens of military targets and operatives of the terrorist organization Hamas, who were in the staging areas throughout the Gaza Strip tonight. The Najaba forces were the main forces that infiltrated the surrounding settlements last Saturday, IAF posted. The Air Force added that (Israeli Defence Force) IDF soldiers identified a terrorist cell which attempted to infiltrate from Lebanon into Israeli territory, following which an IAF UAV targeted the terrorist cell and killed a number of the terrorists. The United States intelligence agencies, in multiple reports, had warned of a possible escalation of violence in Israel days before Hamas launched the brutal attack across the border. It is, however, unclear if any of this classified intelligence was shared with Israel, which provides the US with much of the intelligence from the strife-torn region. According to a report by the New York Times, the first of the intelligence reports, published by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on September 28, described the possibility that Hamas would launch rockets into Israel. The second report which analysed the findings was published on October 5 and circulated among policy makers. Quoting sources, the CNN reported that on October 6, a day before the attack, an intelligence report indicated unusual activity by Hamas. The reports were based on inputs the CIA collected or received from partner services. However, while most reports pointed at the possibility of a rocket attack, they did not warn of an incursion of the scale that was witnessed last Saturday when Hamas took Israel by surprise and barged into its border villages, killing thousands and taking over 150 people as hostages. Hamas launched a barrage of rockets into Israel from Gaza on October 7, followed by its deadliest-ever attack in the history of Israel. The Middle East region plunged into crisis as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge and declared a state of war. Intelligence failure? It is still unclear why the US intelligence and the Israeli intelligence, considered one of the strongest in the world, failed to foresee the massive level of preparation by Hamas militants. Experts said it is likely that they misjudged the Hamas's capabilities or that the militant outfit may also have found ways to prevent agencies from monitoring their conversations. US officials believe that Hamas planned the massive operation in an old-fashioned waywith in-person meetings and limiting electronic communication. Interestingly, the NYT report also states that the intelligence agency did not brief either of the reports to US President Joe Biden or the White House. The CIA did not highlight the findings as being of 'particular significance'. Several US officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, described the reports as routine, and similar to other intelligence reports about the possibility of Palestinian violence that were written throughout the year, NYT reported. For many years, US intelligence agencies have not made Hamas or the Gaza Strip a top priority, compared to other threats that they have tracked far more closely, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, it stated. If we had known or if we know of a pending attack against an ally, we would clearly inform that ally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Friday. An unnamed senior Arab official told the CNN that their country repeatedly warned the US and Israel about growing anger in Palestine that was at a dangerous pitch. But they never listened. Republicans have picked Congressman Jim Jordan as their nominee for the House Speaker, days after he lost in an internal vote to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Louisana. Jordan, a Conservative firebrand represents Ohio and has served in Congress since 2007. A staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, Jordan was defeated in a secret vote against House majority leader Steve Scalise, who decided to drop his nomination. Jordan gained 124-81 vote against Georgia representative Austin Scott. Jim Jordan is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government and member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Though he emerged victorious against Austin Scott, in a second voting conducted by Republican representatives to determine whether members would support him in a floor vote saw 55 members vote "no" on Jordan. A strong backer of Trump, Jordan defended the former president during the impeachment hearings in the wake of the Capitol attack and Trump awarded him Medal of Freedom a few days later. It has been 10 days since the US House has gone without Speaker and until a new person assumes charge, the House will not be able to pass any emergency aid for Israel or pass short-term budgets for the US. NEW DELHI, Oct. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On 5th October, a business mission of Russian food and FMCG producers concluded in Delhi. Over the 2 days, the companies held more than 150 targeted business meetings, the total potential of which is estimated at more than $4.3 million. "Every single meeting on the margins of our business mission contributes to the strategic partnership between Russia and India. The mission participants demonstrated the competitive potential of Made in Russia products, received warm contacts and have already outlined plans for cooperation with Indian partners," shared Tatiana Ahn, Senior Managing Director for Integrated Export Promotion at the Russian Export Centre. The business mission was attended by Russian producers who presented meat, oil and fat products, ready-to-eat products, as well as beverages, confectionery, food ingredients and skin care products to potential Indian partners. The Russian Export Centre (VEB.RF) organised a rich b2b programme for the participants of the Made in Russia business mission. Domestic companies discussed cooperation opportunities with more than 50 Indian counterparties, including importing companies, food distributors, traders, as well as representatives of industry associations and business councils - the Indian Chamber of International Business, the Indian Business Council and the Invest India Investment Agency. In addition, at the mission site, the participants held multilateral meetings on the peculiarities of doing business in India, logistics and payments, as well as gave interviews to local media: ET Hospitality and Food & Beverage, Business India Magazine and Retropop Lifestyle Asia. On the second day of the business mission, visits to retail chains and grocery shops Natures Basket, Fairshop, Modern Bazar, 24/7, Optima Mart and Famiu were organised for Russian companies. The purpose of the visits was to familiarise exporters with the range of products available in Indian retail and to give them an opportunity to communicate directly with shop owners and managers. About Russian Export Center JSC: Russian Export Center JSC (REC) is a State-owned development institute established by the Government to support the development of the non-commodity exports industry/sector. REC offers a wide range of financial and non-financial support tools to benefit the Russian exporters explore the foreign markets and build capacity in the global trade. REC also acts as a focal point for interaction with the relevant domestic ministries and agencies and cooperates with key industries and business players in Russia to improve the export conditions in Russia and help bypass trade barriers. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2246542/MadeinRussiabusinessmission.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Air India has extended the suspension of its scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv till October 18, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and militant group Hamas. The full service carrier, which normally operates five weekly scheduled flights to Tel Aviv, had earlier suspended the services till October 14. An airline official on Saturday said the scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv have now been suspended till October 18. The carrier will operate chartered flights to bring back Indians depending on the requirements, the official added. Normally, Air India operates five weekly flights to Tel Aviv from the national capital. The service is on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Under Operation Ajay launched by the government to bring Indians who wish to come back from Israel, the airline so far has operated two flights. Following the unprecedented attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas militants, Israel has launched a massive counter offensive. New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Air India and SpiceJet will operate one flight each to Tel Aviv on Saturday to bring back Indians amid escalating tensions due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to officials. These chartered flights will be operated under Operation Ajay, which the government has launched to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back from Israel. The officials in the know said Air India will be operating a flight from the national capital to Tel Aviv while SpiceJet will operate a flight from Amritsar to Tel Aviv. Both flights are expected to return and land at the Delhi airport on Sunday morning, they added. One of the officials said Air India is scheduled to operate another flight to Tel Aviv on Sunday. On Saturday morning, an Air India flight AI 140 returned to the national capital with 235 Indians from Israel. On Friday morning, more than 200 people had come from Tel Aviv in an Air India flight, which was also the first under Operation Ajay. Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Saturday received the Indians who came from Israel at the airport. "Received the second batch of Indians from Israel. Heartening to note that they are very appreciative of GoI's swift response #OperationAjay and @MEAIndia for smooth coordination," he said in a post on social media platform X. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Oct. 5, 2023. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has promoted development in Argentina and served as a paradigm for the unconditional multilateralism China champions globally, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said here recently. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua) BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has promoted development in Argentina and served as a paradigm for the unconditional multilateralism China champions globally, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said here recently. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua at the government headquarters, Fernandez said that the China-proposed BRI has shown that the country has "an attitude of great respect for others; it is not an attitude of (seeking) submission." "China is a very large country. It is a country that objectively leads international trade, and it is a country that has really treated Argentina very well," said Fernandez, who will soon come to Beijing to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. In February 2022, Argentina signed a memorandum of understanding on joining the BRI, an initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. Calling China "a genuine investor in Argentina," a valuable partner and a friend, Fernandez said "there is no Chinese capital that comes to make occasional investments to speculate financially. They are long-term investments. They are investments that provide work. They are investments that clearly express the will to become part of the country, to share Argentine development with Argentina." The BRI plays an important role in strengthening people-to-people exchanges and connectivity between countries, and gradually building a community with a shared future for mankind, he said. "China is the country that best interprets the idea of multilateralism," he said, adding that a major country like China taking on the role of spearheading multilateralism "fills developing countries with hope and expectations." Recalling his meeting with Xi on several occasions, Fernandez said it has been very helpful to him each time, as Xi has not only proposed the BRI, but also other "valuable" multilateral initiatives, such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. "Hegemonism in the world has come to an end ... The time has come for multilateralism and all these ideas, all these proposals, make for better multilateralism," he said. These initiatives are "on the right path, which is to try to achieve an integration where we all respect each other," he said. Noting that the bond between Argentina and China "is very important," Fernandez said he has "a particular gratitude towards China." China has done many things for Argentina, making investments and helping develop Argentina's mining and agriculture sectors, and providing Argentina with COVID-19 vaccines, he said, adding that China "always did so without imposing conditions." The Argentine president expressed hope that the bond between the two countries can continue to deepen in the future, through working together both under the BRI and within the BRICS mechanism. "I am convinced that it (the BRI) is a great opportunity for Argentina," Fernandez said, adding that thanks to the Chinese government, his country has joined BRICS recently, which means the two sides can also "work together on other issues." Argentina and China have "a lot to partner with and work together on," he said, calling for more people-to-people exchanges through tourism. "For us, it would be wonderful if the Chinese saw Argentina as an interesting tourism destination. We have to work on that," he added. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Oct. 5, 2023. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has promoted development in Argentina and served as a paradigm for the unconditional multilateralism China champions globally, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said here recently. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua) New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday made a case for a strong, quota-based and adequately resourced IMF at the centre of the global financial safety net and climate action. The 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) is expected to provide greater say to developing economies in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As per an IMF resolution, the 16th GRQ should be concluded by December 15, 2023. Any adjustment in quota shares would be expected to result in an increase in voting rights of emerging countries in line with their relative positions in the world economy. Participating in a breakfast meeting of the IMF Board of Governors on the theme of 'Dialogue on Policy Challenges' in Marrakesh, Morocco, Sitharaman expressed concerns with regard to slowdown in global growth. However, she said, India continues to be the fastest growing large economy with a growth of 7.8 per cent during the first quarter of 2023-24. With regard to escalating global debt vulnerabilities, she highlighted the importance of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable to foster cooperation on debt issues and reforms in IMF policy to engage with members in debt distress. "FM Smt. @nsitharaman reiterated commitment to a strong, quota-based and adequately resourced IMF at the centre of the global financial safety net, and climate action on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities," the finance ministry said in a post on X. She emphasised that coordinated response of the global community will foster multilateralism in the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- One Earth, One Family, One Future. Colombo, Oct 14 (PTI) Welcoming the resumption of ferry services between Sri Lanka and India after a gap of 41 years, President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday said it will help improve the connectivity, trade and cultural links between the two countries. India and Sri Lanka on Saturday launched ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, the capital city of the Northern Province. Ferry service is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. For thousands of years, people have traversed the Palk Strait to travel from the Indian subcontinent to this island and from Sri Lanka back to the Indian subcontinent. This is how our cultures have developed. This is how our trade developed, Wickremesinghe said in a recorded video message at the inauguration of the ferry service. Stating that the connectivity between our two countries was disrupted due to the war in the north, the President said, Now peace has returned and we can re-establish the sea connectivity and then thanked Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, the Indian Shipping Corporation for the role they have played in re-establishing this connectivity. Wickremesinghe also thanked Sri Lankas Minister of Ports and Shipping Nimal Siripala de Silva and said, We hope to see more and more persons coming to Sri Lanka, travelling from Sri Lanka into India. The Kankesanthurai is very important. Similarly, with Palaly airport, which gives us air connectivity, and Kankesanthurai, which gives us sea connectivity, we could see an increase in transactions between our two countries, he added. The proposal to implement the ferry service was agreed upon during the Sri Lankan Presidents visit to Delhi in July. The high-speed ferry will be operated by the Shipping Corporation of India and has a capacity of 150 passengers. The distance of about 60 nautical miles (110 km) between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai will be covered in approximately 3.5 hours depending on sea conditions, according to officials. In 1982, the regularly operated ferry service between Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu was abandoned as the clashes escalated in the northern province of the island nation in the campaign by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Although a ferry service between Tuticorin in India and Colombo was inaugurated in 2011, it was later discontinued due to logistical reasons. de Silva, the Lankan Minister of Port Shipping and Aviation, noted the Indian governments help to Sri Lanka in the islands economic crisis. India helped us so much. They gave us food, money and fuel. We appreciate that help so much, he said. Stating that this ferry service will help promote more understanding and add to the national economies of both countries, de Silva said he was looking forward to establishing the next ferry service between Sri Lankas Talaimannar and Rameswaram in south India. At the launch ceremony, in a recorded video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch of a ferry service between the two nations as an important milestone in strengthening ties as India and Sri Lanka embarked on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations. Modi also noted that direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019, and now the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction. Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector, Modi said as he underlined that India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fintech and energy. Describing it as a truly big step for boosting people-to-people contacts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in his remarks virtually, said that New Delhi has a generous and far-sighted approach to its proximate nations, with a focus on connectivity, cooperation and contacts. Dharamshala, Oct 14 (PTI) "Indi(r)a's Emergency", directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Achal Mishra's third film "Ri" and Cannes 2023 winner "The Buriti Flower" are part of the Dharmashala International Film Festival (DIFF) line-up this year. The festival on Saturday announced the first eleven titles, part of its on-ground special programming, to be screened from November 4 to 7 in McLeod Ganj. The Indian Programming highlights include Mishra's third film "Ri", which will have its world premiere at DIFF; "Rapture" ('Rimdogittanga'), directed by Dominic Sangma, which premiered at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival and won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Cultural Diversity; and Shahrukhkhan Chavada's "Which Colour?", which had its premiere at the 52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam. The International Programming highlights at DIFF include the South Asian premiere of "The Buriti Flower" by Joao Salaviza and Renee Nader Messora, which won the Cannes Un Certain Regard Ensemble Prize 2023; CJ "Fiery" Obasis allegorical tale "Mami Wata", the winner of Sundance World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Prize; Iranian-born director Sepideh Farsis animation feature "The Siren"; and acclaimed Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismaki's "Fallen Leaves". This edition will feature internationally acclaimed documentary films, including the Asia Premiere of "I am Sirat", a collaboration between Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja; the India Premiere of award-winning Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidis "Innocence"; renowned Chilean documentary filmmaker Patricio Guzmans "My Imaginary Country", and "Indi(r)a's Emergency" by Motwane. Mehta, Farsi, Sangma, Motwane, Mishra and Chavada will be attending the festival, which will take place at the Tibetan Childrens Village, Upper Dharamshala. DIFF also announced the selection of five South Asian projects for Filmlab South Asia 2023, a collaboration with Festival des 3 Continents' Produire au Sud (PAS) and Institut Francais. These projects from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh join a prestigious training programme, emphasising international co-production, strengthening the Himalayan region's independent film scene, and underscoring DIFF and PAS's dedication to fostering independent cinema in South Asia. The selected projects for FilmLab South Asia 2023 are "Suraiya" (Bangladesh), "Last Time on Earth", "Storm Bird", "Terminal 3" and "Son of a Honey Hunter" (Nepal). Film screenings, masterclasses and discussions will take place in two auditoriums at the school campus, as well as in two of PictureTimes mobile digital cinemas. Karachi, Oct 14 (PTI) Armed separatists stormed a house and shot dead six labourers and injured two others on Saturday in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, a senior police official said. The incident occurred in a house in the satellite town area of Turbat city -- about 606 kilometres south of Quetta. Armed men entered the house where the labourers were staying and opened indiscriminate firing, killing six of them on the spot and leaving two others injured, the police official said. The injured have been transferred to the nearby hospital. He said the initial investigation suggested the labourers were from outside Balochistan and worked at a private construction project in the city. This is not the first time that labourers who come to Balochistan to work on various projects have been targeted by separatist groups. No group has so far taken responsibility for the attack. Separatist groups which are outlawed by the government have in the past frequently targeted migrant labourers, government and security installations and officials. For nearly two decades, Baluchistan has been the scene of a low-level insurgency by the Baluchistan Liberation Army and other separatist groups demanding independence from the central government in the capital, Islamabad. Baluch separatists also often target people from Punjab province. Punjabi and Sindhi workers were previously targeted. Although the government says it has quelled the insurgency, violence in the province has persisted. Islamic militants also operate in the region. Islamabad, Oct 14 (PTI) Pakistans interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has made it clear that all political parties duly registered with the election commission would be eligible to take part in the upcoming election. His statement comes as doubts were being expressed about the fate of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former premier Imran Khan. With clouds hanging over the political future of 71-year-old Khan, who is in jail over alleged violation of secret laws of the country, some political pundits feared a ban on his party for the May 9 violence. However, Kakar told the media in Peshawar on Friday that his government was in no mood to stop from participating in the election any political party which was duly registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Every political party registered with the ECP is entitled to file [nomination papers] for its candidate, he said. The ECP has announced that general elections will be held in the last week of January. Kakar said the interim government was determined to provide a level playing field to every party by holding polls as soon as the ECP comes out with a date for it. Responding to a query on the return of Nawaz Sharif, who has announced that he will come back from London on October 21 after self-exile of about four years, he said the former premier would be treated according to the law of the land. Kakar also ruled out talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has recently increased its militant activities. We have no intention to talk to the TTP. They are killing our children and we will kill them, he said of the terror group. To a query on Afghan refugees, he said that Afghan nationals who are residing in Pakistan illegally would be sent back. However, he expressed a desire to have healthy ties with Kabul by following a cross-border movement based on globally established principles for visas and passports. He also said that not all Afghans but a fraction of Afghan nationals were involved in adverse activities like militancy. Kakar during the visit to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province was briefed on the overall security situation in the province. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Canberra (Australia), Oct 14 (AP) Advocates for constitutional change in Australia said they were devastated on Saturday by the defeat of a referendum that would have created an advocacy committee to offer advice to Parliament on policies that affect Indigenous people the nation's most disadvantaged ethnic minority. Early counting showed that 57 per cent of voters opposed the Indigenous Voice. Australian Broadcasting Corp. projections found New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia had rejected the amendment. The Voice needed majorities in each of at least four of the six states as well as a national majority for the referendum to pass. Voice advocate Tanya Hosch, who spent a decade on developing the model, told ABC: On a personal level, I feel devastated. There's going to be a lot of pain and hurt and dismay and we're going to need to take a moment to absorb that message and what it says, Hosch said. Another advocate, Tom Mayo, said he was also "devastated and blamed unfair attacks on the plan. "We have seen a disgusting no' campaign. A campaign that has been dishonest, that has lied to the Australian people, Mayo said. Opinion polls in recent months indicated a strong majority of Australians opposed the proposal. Earlier in the year, a majority had supported it, before the no" campaign gathered intensity. Voice advocates had hoped that listening to Indigenous views would lead to more effective delivery of government services and better outcomes for Indigenous lives. Accounting for only 3.8% of the population, Indigenous Australians die on average eight years younger than the wider population, have a suicide rate twice that of the national average and suffer from diseases in the remote Outback that have been eradicated from other wealthy countries. The Voice would have been the first referendum passed since 1977 and the first ever to pass without the bipartisan support of the major political parties. PY PY London, Oct 14 (PTI) Britains counter-terrorism police said on Saturday that it has opened reviews into 55 new cases this week as it urged the public to report incidents of online terrorism content to the police. The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) said it had received a significant number of referrals from the public reporting potential terrorist content online. "When it comes to tackling the use of the internet to further terrorism, support from the public is essential, said Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Metropolitan Polices Counter Terrorism Command. Following last week's horrific terrorist attack by Hamas, and the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to significant concern in communities in London and across the country, I want to thank the public for helping us by reporting potential terrorist content online to our Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit. These referrals have already made a significant impact and we are currently reviewing 55 cases, he said. According to Met Police, such reporting enables its Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) branch to work with tech companies to remove content assessed to breach UK terrorism legislation, making the internet less permissive for terrorists and safer for those in our communities who may be vulnerable to radicalisation. They can also lead to investigations being launched into those in the UK who are suspected of breaching UK terrorism legislation through their online conduct. If you see something online that you think is inciting terrorist violence or activity, report it anonymously via our Public Referral Tool. You can also download the iREPORTit app on your smartphone which enables you to report content anonymously and directly from a browser or an app, added Murphy. It came as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled GBP 3 million extra funding targeted at enhanced protection for the countrys Jewish communities against antisemitic attacks in the wake of the conflict in Israel. The Met Police said there were 105 antisemitic incidents and 75 antisemitic offences between September 30 and October 13, compared to 14 incidents and 12 offences in the same period last year. "There's been a quite frankly disgusting rise in antisemitic incidents over the past few days. That's not right," Sunak told reporters earlier this week at an international summit in Gotland, Sweden. "We have provided extra funding to the Community Security Trust to make sure that Jewish institutions whether that's synagogue or schools have all the protection they need and the police have all the support that they need to ensure that our streets are safe for people from all communities, because we will absolutely not tolerate people inciting hatred, or violence or racist activity. Intimidating or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. It will be met with the full force of the law," added Sunak. The British Indian leader also called on Israel to take "every possible precaution to protect civilians" in its response to the Hamas attacks. Jerusalem, Oct 14 (AP) Israel's military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came Friday on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gaza's people out through the southern border with Egypt. Currently: 1. People are scrambling to evacuate northern Gaza even as Hamas told Palestinians to stay home 2. No decision on a ground offensive has been announced, although Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border 3. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing one and wounding six 4. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7 5. United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has assured Israel: We have your back Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war: EGYPTIAN, GERMAN DIPLOMATS MEET TO DISCUSS DETERIORATING SITUATION IN GAZA CAIRO Chief diplomats of Egypt and Germany held talks Saturday on the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, an Egyptian official said. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Cairo for talks that focused on the conflict. Both officials understand the necessity of immediate cessation of escalation, said Ahmed Abu Zaid, spokesman for the Egyptian foreign ministry. UNICEF CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE AND HUMANITARIAN ACCESS INTO GAZA BEIRUT The U.N. children's agency is calling for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, saying hundreds of thousands of children and their families have started fleeing northern Gaza. UNICEF said children and families in Gaza have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals, following days of hostilities and cuts to all supply routes. The situation is catastrophic, with unrelenting bombing and a massive increase in the displacement of children and families. There are no safe places, said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. UNICEF said its staff have continued to respond to the critical needs of children across the Gaza Strip, but access is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous. The agency said UNICEF staff will stay in southern Gaza to continue to provide support for children in need. HOSPITAL PATIENTS SPENT PART OF THE NIGHT ON THE STREET IN GAZA, MEDICAL AID GROUP SAYS CAIRO Patients and medical staff of Al Awda Hospital in Gaza spent part of their night on the street with bombs landing in close proximity, following Israel's orders to evacuate the facility, the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said. Scott Hamilton, a spokesman for the aid group, which is known as MSF, said some of the medical staff and all patients have been moved to another location. But the situation remains extremely complicated and chaotic, he told The Associated Press. We call on Israel once again to cease the indiscriminate bloodshed, withdraw their ultimatum. RAFAH CROSSING TO OPEN TO ALLOW FOREIGNERS TO EXIT, EGYPTIAN OFFICIALS SAY CAIRO Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday to allow foreigners to exit. UNRWA SAYS DRINKING WATER FOR GAZA IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH BEIRUT The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees says hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced over the past 12 hours in the Gaza Strip. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, warned that the Gaza Strip is running out of clean water and fuel is urgently needed in order to have safe drinking water. Lazzarini said in statement that more than 2 million people are at risk as water runs out adding that it has become a matter of life and death. Lazzarini said Gaza's water plant and public water networks have stopped working and people are now forced to use dirty water from wells, increasing risks of waterborne diseases. Nearly 1 million people have been displaced in one week alone, he said adding that at the U.N. base in the southern Gaza Strip where UNRWA has moved its operations drinking water is also running out. He called for lifting the blockade that Israel imposed on Gaza adding that if drinking water is not available, people will start dying of severe dehydration, among them young children, the elderly and women. EGYPTIAN AND TURKISH LEADERS CALL FOR END TO VIOLENCE AND DELIVERY OF AID CAIRO President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt on Saturday discussed the war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza with Turkey's chief diplomat. A statement from the Egyptian presidency said el-Sissi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan agreed that the ongoing escalation threatens the region's stability and security, which requires intensive international efforts to immediately cease violence. The statement said el-Sissi and Fidan expressed concerns about Israel's collective punishment of the Palestinians in Gaza and called for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged strip. US NEGOTIATING FOR THE TEMPORARY REOPENING OF BORDER CROSSING RIYADH, Saudi Arabia A senior State Department official travelling with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the U.S. has been trying to negotiate with the Israelis, Egyptians and Qataris on opening the Rafah border crossing to allow foreigners to leave Gaza. The official said the plan was to open the crossing from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. But the official said it isn't clear if Hamas will allow convoys to get there unimpeded. He said U.S. officials have been reaching out to Americans known to be in Gaza to let them know. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the negotiations. ISRAEL SAYS IT HIT MILITANTS TRYING TO CROSS FROM LEBANON JERUSALEM The Israeli army said Saturday that it had struck militants trying to infiltrate Israel from Lebanon. The Israel Defence Forces released infrared footage on Friday showing what they say are the strikes on militants attempting to cross the Israel border from Lebanon. It was not clear which group the alleged militants belonged to. On Friday, Hezbollah said its fighters fired several rockets at four Israeli positions along the border and the Israeli army said it had attacked Hezbollah targets with drone strikes. The Lebanese government bears responsibility for every attack launched from Lebanon towards our sovereignty. Anyone who tries to cross the border into our lands will be killed, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon on Friday, killing Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and injuring six other journalists. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht told The Associated Press Saturday, We are aware of the incident with the Reuters journalist and we are looking into it. He did not confirm that the journalists had been hit by Israeli shells, but called the incident tragic, adding, We're very sorry for his death. JAPAN SENDS EVACUATION PLANES TO STAND BY IN DJIBOUTI TOKYO Japan on Saturday dispatched three defence planes to a military base in Djibouti in East Africa to have them on standby in case of the need to airlift Japanese nationals from Israel and Gaza. The Self-Defence Force's Joint Staff said a KC-767 transport and refuelling plane left the Komaki Air Base in central Japan on Saturday, while two C-2 transport aircraft left Miho Air Base in western Japan. Japan maintains a base in Djibouti as part of an anti-piracy mission. The three planes are expected to arrive as early as Sunday to be on stand-by in case a plan to evacuate Japanese nationals by a charter flight from Tel Aviv to Dubai becomes difficult due to safety reasons. The government is reportedly considering options to evacuate Japanese nationals by land if necessary. EGYPT ERECTS BLAST WALLS AT THE CLOSED RAFAH CROSSING CAIRO Egyptian authorities have erected temporary blast walls on Egypt's side of the Rafah crossing point with Gaza, two Egyptian officials said. The crossing point has been closed since earlier this week after Israeli airstrikes hit close to its Palestinian side. The officials said the blast walls were erected as part of precautionary measures Egypt has taken in recent days over growing concerns about a mass exodus of Palestinians. One of the officials said the walls will be removed once a deal is reached with Israel to spare the crossing from its airstrikes. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief journalists. Palestinians were fleeing in a mass exodus after Israel's military told people to evacuate to the southern part of the besieged territory ahead of an expected ground invasion. IRANIAN MINISTER MEETS WITH HEZBOLLAH, PROMISES BACKING BEIRUT Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says militant groups in the region are fully ready to respond to any move by Israel. The minister spoke in Beirut at the end of a tour that took him to Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, where Iran enjoys wide influence and where tens of thousands of Iran-backed fighters are deployed. Amirabdollahian told reporters in Beirut Saturday that he met Hezbollah's leadership, adding that the resistance (Hezbollah) is in excellent condition and in full readiness to respond to criminal acts by the Zionist entity. He added that the resistance will decide if the war will expand or new fronts are to be open. During his visit to Beirut, Amirabdollahian met Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and they discussed the war. We will do all we can to stop the Zionist crimes in Gaza," Amirabdollahian said. SUPPLIES FOR GAZA ARRIVED IN EGYPT AWAITING REOPENING OF RAFAH CROSSING, WHO SAYS CAIRO A plane carrying medical supplies for Gaza from the United Nations health agency landed Saturday in el-Arish airport in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, awaiting the reopening of the Rafah crossing point. That's according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO). We're ready to deploy the supplies as soon as humanitarian access through the crossing is established, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Egypt has designed el-Arish airport to receive supplies from aid agencies and foreign governments to deliver them to Gaza. Rafah was forced to close earlier in the week after Israeli airstrikes hit close its gate on the Palestinian side. Adhanom also pleaded for Israel to reconsider its decision to evacuate 1.1 million people to the southern part of Gaza, saying, It will be a human tragedy. US AIR FORCE DEPLOYS FIGHTER AIRCRAFT TO MIDDLE EAST JERUSALEM The United States Air Force said overnight that it had deployed F-15E fighter aircraft in the Middle East to support its operations backing Israel after Hamas' unprecedented attack October 7. Already, there's more attack and support aircraft in the region over tensions with Iran as it enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels. ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION SLAMS ISRAEL'S TREATMENT OF PALESTINIANS JERUSALEM The 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a blistering statement Saturday expressing what it describes as its absolute rejection and condemnation of Israel, the occupying power's calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people. The OIC broadly reflects the thinking of Saudi Arabia's rulers. The Jeddah, a Saudi Arabia-based organization, also called for humanitarian corridors to be opened into Gaza, which is under an Israeli siege blocking food, water and medicine. Analysts say U.S.-led negotiations to have the kingdom diplomatically recognize Israel have likely stalled after Hamas' unprecedented October 7 incursion in Israel and Israel's devastating military campaign that followed, which have left more than 3,200 dead. (AP) NPK NPK Jerusalem, Oct 14 (AP) Israel's military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came Friday on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gaza's people out through the southern border with Egypt. Currently: 1. People are scrambling to evacuate northern Gaza even as Hamas told Palestinians to stay home 2. No decision on a ground offensive has been announced, although Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border 3. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing one and wounding six 4. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives since Hamas launched an incursion on Oct. 7 5. United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has assured Israel: We have your back Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war: FRENCH OFFICIALS IN CONTACT WITH CITIZENS IN GAZA, WORKING TO ENSURE THEIR EVACUATION France is in contact with dozens of French citizens currently in Gaza, and employees of the French Institute of Gaza, in hopes of ensuring their evacuation, a French diplomatic official said on Sunday. The French citizens include people who live there as well as those visiting for humanitarian or family reasons. The official said diplomatic efforts are underway, via the French consulate in Jerusalem and close contacts with Israeli and Egyptian officials. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions, also said it is important for civilian preservations to be spared, in line with international humanitarian law. France has been working to help locate or liberate French-Israeli citizens believed held hostage by Hamas. HEZBOLLAH TV REPORTS EXCHANGE OF FIRE WITH ISRAELI TROOPS Hezbollah's TV station has reported an intense exchange of fire along Lebanon's border with Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border with Syria's Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Al-Manar TV reported that Hezbollah fighters pounded Israeli positions in the Chebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba hills area on Saturday. It was the latest exchange of shelling between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters since last Saturday following Hamas' attack on southern Israel. Israel's military said that it was striking Lebanon after coming under fire from Hezbollah. Chebaa Farms was captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war, but Lebanon considers it and the nearby Kfar Chouba hills as Lebanese territories. The Golan Heights were annexed by Israel in 1981. HAMAS SAYS 9 HOSTAGES HAVE BEEN KILLED IN PAST 24 HOURS The military wing of Hamas says nine hostages including four foreigners were killed over the past 24 hours as a result of the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The Qassam Brigades said on Saturday the hostages were killed when Israel's military bombarded areas where they were being held. The announcement came a day after the group said 13 hostages it is holding were killed in bombardment, raising the total hostages killed to 22. The claim could not be independently verified. Hamas fighters took more than 100 people hostage during last Saturday's attack on southern Israel and military posts surrounding Gaza. UNRWA SAYS ITS SHELTERS IN GAZA ARE NOT SAFE ANYMORE' The UN agency for Palestinian refugees is calling on Israeli authorities to protect all civilians sheltering at the agency's premises across the Gaza strip including those in northern Gaza and Gaza City. UNRWA said that despite the order to evacuate more than 1 million people from the northern parts of the Gaza Strip and Gaza City to the south, many people particularly pregnant women, children, older people and people with disabilities will not be able to flee the area. They have no choice and must be protected at all times, UNRWA said. UNRWA said its shelters in Gaza and northern Gaza are not safe anymore. This is unprecedented. US EMBASSY IN BAHRAIN TEMPORARILY CLOSED AFTER CALLS FOR PROTEST The US Embassy in Bahrain's capital of Manama said it will close its offices between 3 and 5 p.m. local time on Saturday, following calls for a protest in the area. Out of an abundance of caution, the US Embassy will be closed to all personnel, the embassy wrote on X platform, formerly known as Twitter. It advised US citizens to avoid the area around its premises, and areas with large crowd. EYGPTIAN HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA ARRIVES IN SINAI Egyptian charities on Saturday sent over 100 trucks carrying 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid including food and other supplies to the Palestinian people in Gaza, local media reported. The aid will wait in Sinai until a deal is secured with Israel to allow the delivery of aid into the besieged territory. FOREIGN MINISTERS FROM OIC TO MEET IN SAUDIA ARABIA ABOUT ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR Saudi Arabia called an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries. The OIC said in a statement on Saturday that the meeting will address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region. The meeting will take place on Wednesday in Jeddah. EGYPTIAN, GERMAN DIPLOMATS MEET TO DISCUSS DETERIORATING SITUATION IN GAZA Chief diplomats of Egypt and Germany held talks Saturday on the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, an Egyptian official said. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Cairo for talks that focused on the conflict. Both officials understand the necessity of immediate cessation of escalation, said Ahmed Abu Zaid, spokesman for the Egyptian foreign ministry. UNICEF CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE AND HUMANITARIAN ACCESS INTO GAZA The UN children's agency is calling for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, saying hundreds of thousands of children and their families have started fleeing northern Gaza. UNICEF said children and families in Gaza have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals, following days of hostilities and cuts to all supply routes. The situation is catastrophic, with unrelenting bombing and a massive increase in the displacement of children and families. There are no safe places, said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. UNICEF said its staff have continued to respond to the critical needs of children across the Gaza Strip, but access is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous. The agency said UNICEF staff will stay in southern Gaza to continue to provide support for children in need. HOSPITAL PATIENTS SPENT PART OF THE NIGHT ON THE STREET IN GAZA, MEDICAL AID GROUP SAYS Patients and medical staff of Al Awda Hospital in Gaza spent part of their night on the street with bombs landing in close proximity, following Israel's orders to evacuate the facility, the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said. Scott Hamilton, a spokesman for the aid group, which is known as MSF, said some of the medical staff and all patients have been moved to another location. But the situation remains extremely complicated and chaotic, he told The Associated Press. We call on Israel once again to cease the indiscriminate bloodshed, withdraw their ultimatum. RAFAH CROSSING TO OPEN TO ALLOW FOREIGNERS TO EXIT, EGYPTIAN OFFICIALS SAY Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday to allow foreigners to exit. UNRWA SAYS DRINKING WATER FOR GAZA IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees says hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced over the past 12 hours in the Gaza Strip. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, warned that the Gaza Strip is running out of clean water and fuel is urgently needed in order to have safe drinking water. Lazzarini said in statement that more than 2 million people are at risk as water runs out adding that it has become a matter of life and death. Lazzarini said Gaza's water plant and public water networks have stopped working and people are now forced to use dirty water from wells, increasing risks of waterborne diseases. Nearly 1 million people have been displaced in one week alone, he said adding that at the UN base in the southern Gaza Strip where UNRWA has moved its operations drinking water is also running out. He called for lifting the blockade that Israel imposed on Gaza adding that if drinking water is not available, people will start dying of severe dehydration, among them young children, the elderly and women. EGYPTIAN AND TURKISH LEADERS CALL FOR END TO VIOLENCE AND DELIVERY OF AID President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt on Saturday discussed the war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza with Turkiye's chief diplomat. A statement from the Egyptian presidency said el-Sissi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan agreed that the ongoing escalation threatens the region's stability and security, which requires intensive international efforts to immediately cease violence. The statement said el-Sissi and Fidan expressed concerns about Israel's collective punishment of the Palestinians in Gaza and called for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged strip. US NEGOTIATING FOR THE TEMPORARY REOPENING OF BORDER CROSSING A senior State Department official travelling with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the US has been trying to negotiate with the Israelis, Egyptians and Qataris on opening the Rafah border crossing to allow foreigners to leave Gaza. The official said the plan was to open the crossing from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. But the official said it isn't clear if Hamas will allow convoys to get there unimpeded. He said US officials have been reaching out to Americans known to be in Gaza to let them know. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to publicly discuss the negotiations. (AP) PY PY UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is returning 10 peacekeepers to South Africa for their serious misconduct in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), said the press office of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday. Being repatriated are nine soldiers from the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, for assault and violating sexual abuse and exploitation policy, plus one senior officer who reportedly attempted to hinder an investigation and threatened mission personnel, said the office. Two other senior South African military officers reportedly failed to exercise their responsibilities in the command of their personnel. The United Nations has requested the replacement of the two senior military officers. According to a preliminary assessment, nine members of the South African contingent were seen fraternizing after curfew hours at out-of-bounds bars known as locations where transactional sex occurs, which is strictly prohibited under the UN standards of conduct, said the office. The contingent members allegedly assaulted MONUSCO staff members and military police personnel, who were attempting to detain them during the patrol, it said. The nine contingent members were detained and confined to barracks by the military police, said the office. The United Nations has notified the South African authorities, who indicated their full cooperation, including through the deployment of a national investigation officer. Due to the very serious nature of the allegations, and the serious failure observed in the exercise of command and control, the world body has decided to immediately repatriate the nine contingent members and one senior military officer and requested the replacement of the two other senior military officers, it said. "MONUSCO remains firmly committed to ensuring adherence to the UN's standards of conduct and robustly enforcing the secretary-general's policy of zero tolerance toward sexual exploitation and abuse," said the office. Lahore, Oct 14 (PTI) Police have arrested supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan in various cities for carrying his party's flag, which is now a crime in Pakistan, during protests to express solidarity with Palestinians. The police arrested at least 50 workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday who gathered in Lahore, Islamabad, Vehari, Multan and Gujranwala cities to express solidarity with Palestinians, the party said. Although different religious parties held pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country only those carrying PTI flags were rounded up. The PTI has strongly condemned the use of state machinery and unlawful detention of peaceful protesters in various parts of the country, who were expressing solidarity and support for the war-ravaged and besieged Palestinians. A PTI spokesperson termed the use of state machinery against the peaceful protestors as shameful, expressing his surprise that the citizens are being arrested for their sole crime of expressing solidarity and support for the oppressed Palestinians and carrying the PTI flags. He said it is the continuation of the state coercive policy based on political revenge since Khan was ousted from power in April last year. "Denying the right of peaceful protests to the most popular party is shameful, reprehensible," he said, lashing out at the authorities for their doubled standards. Since the attack on military installations in different parts of the country by the PTI workers in early May in reaction to the arrest of Khan in a corruption case, the party has not been allowed by the military establishment to take part in any political activity. Over 10,000 PTI workers are reportedly in jail including Imran Khan. Jerusalem, Oct 14 (AP) Israel's military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came Friday on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gaza's people out through the southern border with Egypt. Currently: 1. People are scrambling to evacuate northern Gaza even as Hamas told Palestinians to stay home 2. No decision on a ground offensive has been announced, although Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border 3. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing one and wounding six 4. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives since Hamas launched an incursion on Oct. 7 5. United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has assured Israel: We have your back Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war: THOUSANDS TURN OUT IN LONDON IN SUPPORT OF PALESTINIANS Thousands of demonstrators marched through central London on Saturday to show their support for Palestinians and demand that Israel stop bombing civilians in the Gaza Strip as the latest Israel-Hamas war heightens tensions around the world. Protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting Free Palestine and Stop the bombing crowded into the streets outside the headquarters of the BBC for a 1 1/2-mile (2.4 kilometre) march that was scheduled to end at about 3 pm near the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street. The Metropolitan Police Service deployed more than 1,000 officers to police the event after an increase in both anti-semitic and Islamophobic incidents since Hamas militants attacked Israel last weekend. Police have restricted marchers to a designated route through central London, warning that anyone who strays from it will be arrested. Similar precautions are in place near the Israeli Embassy. IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER CALLS ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR IS SYMBOL OF POWER OF ISLAM Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday the recent attack on Israel will lead to victory for the Palestinians, the official IRNA news agency reported. Part of the currents is indication of incredible power of Islam in Palestine and God willing, the move that began in Palestine will move forward and will be lead to full victory of Palestinians, he said. Speaking in a meeting with visiting leader of Nigeria's Shia community Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, Khamenei called the ongoing war in Gaza one of symbols of power of Islam. Khamenei urged world of Islam to help the Palestinians. Earlier on Tuesday Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, rejected allegations about his country's role in Hamas' attacks against Israel and vowed to continue supporting the Palestinian territories. THAI DEATH TOLL IN HAMAS ATTACKS RISES TO 24 Officials in Thailand say the death toll of Thai nationals killed in Hamas' attack in southern Israel has increased to 24, after the Israeli authorities reported three additional fatalities. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke said at a press briefing Saturday that the number of known injured Thais has climbed to 16 with the number of those believed held hostage remaining at 16. The number of victims from Thailand is relatively high because there are about 30,000 Thai workers in Israel, mostly employed as agricultural labourers. Some 5,000 have been working in the area affected by the violence. The Thai Foreign Ministry says 7,058 nationals have registered for voluntary repatriation back home while 83 have indicated their intention to remain in Israel. BLINKEN HAS SOUGHT CHINA'S HELP TO PREVENT SPREAD OF ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR, STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek China's help in preventing the Israel-Hamas war from spreading. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken called Wang on Saturday from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to ask China to use whatever influence it has in the Middle East to keep other countries and groups from entering the conflict. Miller would not say which countries and groups the US believes Beijing has influence with but China is known to have close trade and political ties with Iran, which in turn supports Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah group. Miller declined to characterize Wang's response, but said the US believes it and China have a shared interest in Middle East stability. RUSSIAN DEATH TOLL IN ISRAEL RISES TO 16 Russia's embassy in Israel said Saturday that the number of Russian citizens killed since Hamas launched its attacks against Israel a week ago had risen to 16. Eight Russian citizens are missing, according to embassy press secretary Marina Ryazanova. According to the Israeli side, as of 13:00 on October 14, the number of dead citizens of the Russian Federation who also had Israeli citizenship increased to 16 people, Ryazanova said. The updated lists of missing persons provided by the Israeli side include eight Russian citizens. At least one Russian citizen is being held hostage in the Gaza Strip, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported. UN SAYS THE PAST WEEK WAS THE DEADLIEST IN THE WEST BANK SINCE 2005 The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance, or OCHA, confirmed to The Associated Press that this week was the deadliest in the West Bank since the UN started recording in 2005. In the week since Hamas launched its attack on Israel last Saturday, 54 Palestinians have died in the West Bank with 16 killed on Friday. The UN says attacks by Israeli settlers have surged there since the Hamas assault. (AP) FZH Jerusalem, Oct 14 (AP) Israel's military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate Friday ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza within 24 hours. Suffering in Gaza has been rising dramatically, with Palestinians desperate for food, fuel and medicine and the territory's only power plant shut down for lack of fuel. The morgue at Gaza's biggest hospital overflowed as bodies came in faster than relatives could claim them. U S Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Israel on Friday, a day after U S Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7. Here's what's happening on Day 7 of the latest Israel-Hamas war: SOUTH KOREAN AND OTHER ASIAN NATIONALS EVACUATE FROM ISRAEL SEOUL, South Korea A South Korean military plane evacuating 220 South Korean and other Asian nationals from Israel has departed Tel Aviv and was expected to land in South Korea later Saturday, Seoul's Foreign Ministry said. The people transported on the KC-330 military transport plane included 163 South Koreans, 51 Japanese nationals and six Singaporean nationals, the ministry said. South Korea had also sent a civilian plane earlier this week to evacuate 192 South Korean nationals. About 470 South Koreans remain in Israel, most of them long-term residents who have chosen to stay. No South Korean casualties have so far been reported from the violence in Israel and Gaza. 16 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN WEST BANK, HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 16 Palestinians killed Friday in the occupied West Bank, bringing to 51 the total number of West Bank Palestinians killed since Hamas waged its brutal assault on Israel last Saturday. The United Nations says attacks by Israeli settlers have surged there since the Hamas assault. RELATIVES OF ABDUCTED ISRAELIS PLEAD FOR WORLD'S HELP UNITED NATIONS Relatives of Israelis abducted during Hamas militants' attack last weekend pleaded at the UN on Friday for the world's help getting their loved ones home. Speaking by video from Israel, Yoni Asher told diplomats at an Israel-organized event that he hasn't slept or eaten since his wife and two small daughters vanished Saturday while visiting his mother-in-law in the country's south. His wife called to tell him that they were locked in a safe room after people came into the house and she heard gunshots, Asher said. He said he later saw a video of his wife and daughters, who are under 5 and 3, being loaded into a vehicle, and he tracked his wife's phone to Gaza. "I don't know if I got any more tears left," he said."I'm exhausted, and I just want to approach whoever can hear me in the international community. Please bring back my baby girls." Hamas fighters took 150 hostages during Saturday's surprise assault. Alana Zeitchik said a half-dozen of her cousins were snatched from a kibbutz. They were known to be alive as of Friday morning, she said. "We don't want more bombs or rockets or blood or tears," said Zeitchik, who lives in New York. "We want our family back immediately. And we want peace." BIDEN SAYS ADDRESSING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA IS A PRIORITY WASHINGTON President Joe Biden said Friday that it's a priority of his administration to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at an event in Philadelphia to promote a USD 7 billion program to kickstart development and production of hydrogen fuel in the US, Biden paused to note the deteriorating situation for Palestinians as Israel continues to bombard the strip in retaliation for last weekend's attacks on Israel. Biden said he's directed his team to work with the governments in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations and the United Nations to surge humanitarian relief to those impacted by the war. "We can't lose sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do Hamas," Biden said. "And they're suffering as a result as well." Biden again lashed out at Hamas, saying the militant group in control of Gaza makes the terrorist group Al-Qaida "look pure." UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS UNITED NATIONS The UN Security Council still hasn't found a collective voice on the Israel-Hamas war after meeting behind closed doors Friday for the second time in five days. Russia is proposing a "humanitarian cease-fire," which could be a tough sell as Israel is expected to undertake a ground offensive against the Hamas militants who rule Gaza and launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel last weekend. Russia's draft resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, also condemns "all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism. Israel isn't on the 15-member council. There was no immediate public response to the Russian draft from the veto-wielding United States, whose defense chief assured Israel on Friday that "we have your back." Other council members are assessing the draft, and it's not clear when it might get a vote. SYRIA CALLS ON WORLD TO STOP ISRAEL'S CRIMES' AGAINST PALESTINIANS DAMASCUS, Syria Syria's president on Friday called on countries of the world to stand together to stop "the crimes that Israel is committing against the Palestinian people." Bashar Assad made his comments during a meeting in Damascus with Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, who is on a regional tour that has taken him to Baghdad and Beirut. Assad said the reason behind the latest wave of violence is that the Palestinian people have been prevented by Israel and Western countries from setting up their own state. Assad said Syria stands by the "legitimate" rights of the Palestinian people. Amirabdollahian later told reporters that Israel should stop the "war crimes it is committing before it's too late." Israel has been bombarding the Gaza Strip since the militant group Hamas launched a bloody incursion into the country's south on Saturday, killing hundreds. NETANYAHU VOWS TO DESTROY HAMAS, SAYS GAZA OFFENSIVE IN EARLY STAGES JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas as the army prepares for an expected ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu delivered the threat in a nationally televised address late Friday. Israel has been pounding Gaza with airstrikes since Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented cross-border attack last Saturday, killing over 1,300 people in a brutal rampage. Early Friday, Israel ordered half of Gaza's population to evacuate their homes. "This is just the beginning," Netanyahu said. "We will end this war stronger than ever." "We will destroy Hamas," he added, saying Israel has widespread international support for the operation. UN AGENCY SHIFTS OPERATIONS BUT SOME STAYING IN THE NORTH UNITED NATIONS The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has shifted its Gaza centre of operations and some staffers to the territory's south, but many of the world body's 13,000 Gaza workers have chosen to remain in the north to continue helping people there, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Friday. The world body earlier warned of "devastating humanitarian consequences" after the Israeli military told the entire population of northern Gaza to leave. Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other UN officials have been working the phones to try to get humanitarian aid into the sealed-off territory and to ensure that civilians are protected. Asked what it would take for aid to start flowing, the spokesperson said, "what we need is the green light from the Israelis." PRO-PALESTINIAN STUDENTS BRIEFLY CLASH WITH POLICE AT RALLY IN ROME ROME A few hundred pro-Palestinian students clashed briefly with police in Rome on Friday as they tried to detour from a rally route that had been approved by authorities. Helmeted police, using shields and batons, pushed back the surging students near Sapienza University when the protesters, many waving or clutching Palestinian flags, tried to head toward a rally being held by right-wing students, Italian news outlets reported. A rally in Milan with some participants holding a giant, rainbow-colored peace flag, and others carrying Palestinian flags went forward without any issues. 70 PEOPLE KILLED IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE ON CONVOYS FLEEING GAZA CITY, HAMAS PRESS OFFICE SAYS GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Hamas officials say 70 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on convoys fleeing Gaza City. Hamas' media office says the cars were struck in three places as they headed south from Gaza City. It was not immediately clear who the target of the airstrikes was, or whether militants were among the passengers. The army ordered residents to evacuate the city early Friday ahead of an expected ground invasion. ISRAELI MILITARY LAUNCHES DRONE AT HEZBOLLAH TARGETS JERUSALEM The Israeli military has announced that an Israeli drone is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. ISRAELI SHELLING ALONG LEBANON BORDER KILLS 1 JOURNALIST, WOUNDS 6 ALMA Al-SHAAB, Lebanon An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing one and wounding six. An Associated Press photographer at the scene saw the body of the dead journalist and the six who were wounded. Some of them were rushed to hospitals in ambulances. One nearby car was charred. Al-Jazeera identified two of its employees among the wounded. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since Saturday's attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel. ISRAEL MILITARY SAYS IT HAS CARRIED OUT SMALL RAIDS INTO GAZA STRIP JERUSALEM The Israeli military says for the first time that ground troops have been operating inside the Gaza Strip. In a statement Friday, the army said troops had entered Gaza to battle militants, destroy weapons and search for evidence about the missing hostages held by Hamas. The announcement did not appear to be the beginning of an expected ground invasion of Gaza. Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border since last Saturday's deadly incursion by Hamas militants. WHITE HOUSE MEETS VIRTUALLY WITH FAMILIES OF MISSING AMERICANS WASHINGTON The White House hosted a virtual conversation on Friday with family members of 14 Americans who are unaccounted for after the Hamas attacks on Israel. President Joe Biden addressed the families. Other participants included Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser; Roger Carstens, hostage affairs special envoy; John Bass, undersecretary of state; and Brett McGurk, National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East. EGYPT CALLS ON UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO STOP THE EVACUATION IN GAZA CAIRO The Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned the Israeli army's decision to tell about 1 million people in Gaza to evacuate toward the southern part of the besieged territory. The move "constitutes a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law, and will expose the lives of more than a million Palestinian citizens and their families to the dangers of remaining in the open without shelter," the ministry said in a statement. The evacuation order comes ahead of an expected ground invasion, hiking fears of a massive influx of refugees across the heavily fortified border into its territory. Egypt called on the United Nations Security Council, which is scheduled to meet Friday, to stop the evacuation. PALESTINIAN ENVOY SAYS EVACUATION ORDER COULD COMPARE TO DISPLACEMENT OF HUNDREDS IN 1948 UNITED NATIONS The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations says his people's mass exit from northern Gaza under Israeli military orders may compare to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians amid the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation an event that Palestinians call the "nakba," or catastrophe. Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the current flight potentially a second nakba" as he spoke to reporters at U.N. headquarters Friday before a meeting of Arab countries' ambassadors. The Israeli military told people to leave northern Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion against the Hamas militants who launched an assault on southern Israel last weekend. While the evacuation order involves the northern part of the territory, Mansour said "there is no place in Gaza that is safe." He called for a cease-fire to allow food, medicine and water into the territory. (AP) CK CK Kyiv, Oct 14 (AP) Ukrainian officials reported intense combat as Russian forces relentlessly assaulted the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka for a fifth consecutive day Saturday. City leader Vitalii Barabash reported that Moscow was deploying additional forces to encircle the strategically important city in the eastern Donetsk region, situated just north of the Russian-held regional capital, also called Donetsk. The enemy has not stopped either assaulting or shelling positions" around Avdiivka, Barabash said on Ukrainian television. Around 1,600 civilians remain within the city, a stark contrast to its prewar population of about 31,000. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his war against Ukraine in February last year. Barabash's comments came after Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told a U.N. Security Council meeting on Friday that the intensified attacks in the east amounted to a new stage in Moscow's campaign in Ukraine. Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line. The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished, he said. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that Ukrainian forces were keeping Russian troops at bay and holding our ground. Donetsk's acting regional governor, Ihor Moroz, said Saturday that 22 civilians were wounded in Russian shelling in the region over the previous 24 hours. Further north, fighting along the northern stretch of Ukraine's eastern front has significantly worsened in recent days, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's land forces, wrote on Facebook Saturday. Syrskyi, who visited troops in the area, said that Russian forces had regrouped following losses and were mounting attacks around the village of Makiivka and pushing toward the city of Kupiansk, with the goal of encircling Kupiansk and reaching the Oskil River. Also on Saturday, a 60-year-old woman was killed in Russian shelling of the city of Beryslav in Ukraine's partly occupied Kherson region. In Russia, the Defense Ministry said air defense systems shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea near the southern resort city of Sochi on Saturday morning. A drone was also shot down in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine during the afternoon, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Ukrainian officials have never acknowledged responsibility for attacks on Russian territory. (AP) AMS Jerusalem, Oct 14 (AP) Israel's military ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The directive came on Friday on the heels of what the United Nations said was a warning it received from Israel to evacuate 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza. Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear that Israel ultimately hopes to push Gaza's people out through the southern border with Egypt. Currently: 1. People are struggling to flee from northern Gaza while also grappling with a growing water crisis after Israel stopped the flow of resources to the Gaza Strip. 2. No decision on a ground offensive has been announced, although Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border. 3. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing one and wounding six. 4. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives since Hamas launched an incursion on Oct. 7. 5. United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has assured Israel: We have your back. Istanbul: The Turkish government says it has successfully evacuated 30 citizens out of Israel. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking to reporter alongside his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, said the citizens were among roughly 300 people with dual Turkish-Israeli citizenship in Gaza. He reiterated Turkey's condemnation of any attack aimed at innocent civilians. The Israeli Embassy in Turkey announced on social media Thursday that one Turkish citizen had been killed in Hamas' attack and that another citizen could not be reached. Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday that two more Romanian citizens have been killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, bringing the total number of Romanians who have died since Hamas attacked Israel a week ago to four. All four of the deceased held duel Romanian-Israeli citizenship and resided in Israel. The ministry also said Saturday that another duel citizen is missing and that the Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv is communication with the Israeli authorities over the matter. Rome Italy's foreign minister says the country is continuing its efforts to free Italian nationals who are among those believed to be held hostage by Hamas following the militant group's attack on southern Israel last Saturday. We've done and we'll do anything possible to free hostages, three of whom are Italian, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday at an event in Rome. Tajani, who visited Israel on Friday, said he met there with the families of the three people who are believed held hostage a couple and a boy. We hope that Israel's reaction will be proportioned and only hit the sites where Hamas terrorists are hiding or hiding weapons, Tajani said, adding he hoped that hostages could be freed through the creation of humanitarian corridors. Helsinki The foreign ministries of Nordic neighbors Finland and Sweden have repatriated nearly 300 people with evacuation flights from Israel to Helsinki and Stockholm. Swedish news agency TT said a charter flight from Tel Aviv with around 120 people mostly Swedes but also Finns and other Nordic nationalities landed at Stockholm's Arlanda airport early Saturday. I am happy that everyone arrived safely and that our Nordic cooperation works so well, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said in a statement. Some 149 Finnish citizens were repatriated with a separate evacuation flight from Israel that arrived at Helsinki Airport on Saturday morning, according to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. No further flights are planned, but the Swedish government said in a release that it still in close contact with other Nordic countries about exit options. Beirut Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has met with leaders of militant Palestinian groups in Beirut, Hezbollah's TV station reported. Al-Manar TV gave no further details about Saturday's meeting between Amirabdollahian, top Hamas official in exile Saleh Arouri and the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group Ziad Nakhaleh. Hamas officials have repeatedly said that last Saturday's attacks on southern Israel that have killed hundreds of civilians and troops were the work of the Palestinian group and Iran had nothing to do with it. Hamas officials did not respond to calls from The Associated Press to confirm and give details about the meeting. Amirabdollahian left Beirut Saturday afternoon following a tour that took him to Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, where Iran enjoys wide influence. Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are allies of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Berlin German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has talked again with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the current situation in Israel following last week's attack by Hamas. During their phone conversation on Saturday, both leaders agreed on the need to avoid a regional conflagration and, in particular, the intervention of Hezbollah in the conflict, the German government said in a statement, adding that Scholz briefed Netanyahu about his latest diplomatic efforts in this regard. The German statement said that Netanyahu told Scholz about Israeli efforts to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip which the Israeli leader said were being hindered by Hamas. Scholz reiterated Germany's full solidarity with the people of Israel in these difficult hours and underscored that Germany stands unwaveringly by Israel's side. London Thousands of demonstrators marched through central London on Saturday to show their support for Palestinians and demand that Israel stop bombing civilians in the Gaza Strip as the latest Israel-Hamas war heightens tensions around the world. Protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting Free Palestine and Stop the bombing crowded into the streets outside the headquarters of the BBC for a 1 1/2-mile (2.4 kilometer) march that was scheduled to end at about 3 p.m. near the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street. The Metropolitan Police Service deployed more than 1,000 officers to police the event after an increase in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since Hamas militants attacked Israel last weekend. Police have restricted marchers to a designated route through central London, warning that anyone who strays from it will be arrested. Similar precautions are in place near the Israeli Embassy. Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday the recent attack on Israel will lead to victory for the Palestinians, the official IRNA news agency reported. Part of the currents is indication of incredible power of Islam in Palestine and God willing, the move that began in Palestine will move forward and will be lead to full victory of Palestinians, he said. Speaking in a meeting with visiting leader of Nigeria's Shia community Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, Khamenei called the ongoing war in Gaza one of symbols of power of Islam. Khamenei urged world of Islam to help the Palestinians. Earlier on Tuesday Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, rejected allegations about his country's role in Hamas' attacks against Israel and vowed to continue supporting the Palestinian territories. Bangkok- Officials in Thailand say the death toll of Thai nationals killed in Hamas' attack in southern Israel has increased to 24, after the Israeli authorities reported three additional fatalities. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke said at a press briefing Saturday that the number of known injured Thais has climbed to 16 with the number of those believed held hostage remaining at 16. The number of victims from Thailand is relatively high because there are about 30,000 Thai workers in Israel, mostly employed as agricultural laborers. Some 5,000 have been working in the area affected by the violence. The Thai Foreign Ministry says 7,058 nationals have registered for voluntary repatriation back home while 83 have indicated their intention to remain in Israel. Abu Dhabi US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek China's help in preventing the Israel-Hamas war from spreading. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken called Wang on Saturday from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to ask China to use whatever influence it has in the Middle East to keep other countries and groups from entering the conflict. Miller would not say which countries and groups the US believes Beijing has influence with but China is known to have close trade and political ties with Iran, which in turn supports Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah group. Miller declined to characterize Wang's response, but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in Middle East stability. London Russia's embassy in Israel said Saturday that the number of Russian citizens killed since Hamas launched its attacks against Israel a week ago had risen to 16. Eight Russian citizens are missing, according to embassy press secretary Marina Ryazanova. According to the Israeli side, as of 13:00 on October 14, the number of dead citizens of the Russian Federation who also had Israeli citizenship increased to 16 people, Ryazanova said. The updated lists of missing persons provided by the Israeli side include eight Russian citizens. At least one Russian citizen is being held hostage in the Gaza Strip, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported. Jerusalem The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance, or OCHA, confirmed to The Associated Press that this week was the deadliest in the West Bank since the UN started recording in 2005. In the week since Hamas launched its attack on Israel last Saturday, 54 Palestinians have died in the West Bank with 16 killed on Friday. The UN says attacks by Israeli settlers have surged there since the Hamas assault. Paris France is in contact with dozens of French citizens currently in Gaza, and employees of the French Institute of Gaza, in hopes of ensuring their evacuation, a French diplomatic official said Sunday. The French citizens include people who live there as well as those visiting for humanitarian or family reasons. The official said diplomatic efforts are underway, via the French consulate in Jerusalem and close contacts with Israeli and Egyptian officials. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions, also said it is important for civilian preservations to be spared, in line with international humanitarian law. France has been working to help locate or liberate French-Israeli citizens believed held hostage by Hamas. Beirut Hezbollah's TV station has reported an intense exchange of fire along Lebanon's border with Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border with Syria's Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Al-Manar TV reported that Hezbollah fighters pounded Israeli positions in the Chebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba hills area on Saturday. It was the latest exchange of shelling between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters since last Saturday following Hamas' attack on southern Israel. Israel's military said that it was striking Lebanon after coming under fire from Hezbollah. Chebaa Farms was captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war, but Lebanon considers it and the nearby Kfar Chouba hills as Lebanese territories. The Golan Heights were annexed by Israel in 1981.(AP) RUP RUP Washington, Oct 14 (PTI) The brutal attacks by Hamas last weekend is the most murderous assault on the Jews since the Holocaust in Europe, influential lawmakers told eminent Indian-Americans who have rallied behind Israel since the conflict began. "The terrorist attacks in Israel committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians over the last week are the most sweeping, murderous assault on Jews that have taken place since the Holocaust in Europe," Congressman Jamie Raskin told a group of Indian-Americans at an event organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS). Addressing a group of Indian-Americans from across the country, Ruskin said there is a need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people. "Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian people are not responsible for the crimes of Hamas," he said. "We need to ruthlessly pursue and destroy Hamas and everybody who is part of it. At the same time, we respect the laws of war. As President Joe Biden has said, civilian life in the Palestinian community. Israel is our ally because it is a liberal democracy committed to the rule of law, bound by laws of war and committed to the protection of human rights and security for all people," Ruskin said. "We are in very tough times, but we are all absolutely committed to seeing the destruction of Hamas, which has conducted these utterly savage and inhuman acts of terror on the civilian population of Israel. It's completely intolerable and Israel has an absolute right of self-defense and America stands shoulder to shoulder and arm in arm with Israel in pursuing this brutal terrorist act," Ruskin said. Describing it as the worst attack against the Jews since Holocaust, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar said there is bipartisan support for Israel. "We are going to support Israel in every possible way to ensure that Israel is able to fight these terrorists and eliminate Hamas entirely. We cannot live through another such horror and such an attack on civilians, on people, women, men, babies.., 40 babies being headed," he said. "These are clearly terrorists and they need to be stopped. We stand firm, no mincing of words. This is not the time to talk about anything else, not talk about a two-state solution, but just to ensure that Israel has a strong and proper response and help Israel fight this terrorism," Thanedar said. Jason Isaacson from the American Jewish Committee applauded the Indian-American community for staying behind Israel during this crisis. "In this extremely dark time, in this extremely threatening time, perilous time to know that our brothers and sisters in the Indian-American community are standing with us means a great deal to all of us," he said during the FIIDS event. "I should also say that many of us have been just so struck by the immediate and heartfelt comments made by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi just within hours I believe of the attacks last Saturday, October 7th. I've got his tweet in front of me here. "We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families." I think just a few days later, he tweeted again his solidarity with Israel, Israel's right to defend itself," Isaacson said. "This is that kind of expression by the prime minister of the most populous nation on earth with an increasingly important relationship. Strategic partnership with Israel also means a great deal and was very deeply appreciated," the Jewish leader said. Ohio State Senator Niraj Atani said "Hamas is a network of global Islamic jihadist". "I do not see the Palestinian people taking up arms against Hamas. I do not see a resistance in Gaza or the West Bank against Hamas. I don't see a resistance in Lebanon against Hezbollah. All I've seen from the Palestinian people is support and sympathy for these terrorists. That is what they are. They are not militants. They are terrorists and they must be treated as such. "And I also want to caution us, yes, this is a particular terrorist group called Hamas, but this is part of a global network of Islamic terrorists that have struck us here on 9/11 in the United States that struck India and 2008 with the Mumbai terrorist attacks where my cousin had to take shelter in the train station that was under attack as she saw her fellow Indians being killed," Atani said. "This is a network of global Islamic jihadists. Until we can say that we cannot move forward. So Israel absolutely has the right to hunt down and kill all of these terrorists wherever they may be," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented attack. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. Washington, Oct 14 (PTI) The brutal attacks by Hamas are the most murderous assault on the Jews since the Holocaust in Europe, influential lawmakers told eminent Indian-Americans who have rallied behind Israel. Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out a barrage of air strikes in Southern Israel on last Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response launched multiple attacks targeting Hamas' key infrastructure. So far, over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip in the biggest escalation in decades between the two sides. "The terrorist attacks in Israel committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians over the last week are the most sweeping, murderous assault on Jews that have taken place since the Holocaust in Europe," Congressman Jamie Raskin told a group of Indian-Americans at an event organised by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS). Addressing a group of Indian-Americans from across the country, Ruskin said there is a need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people. "Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian people are not responsible for the crimes of Hamas," he said. "We need to ruthlessly pursue and destroy Hamas and everybody who is part of it. At the same time, we respect the laws of war. As President Joe Biden has said, civilian life in the Palestinian community. Israel is our ally because it is a liberal democracy committed to the rule of law, bound by laws of war and committed to the protection of human rights and security for all people," Ruskin said. "We are in very tough times, but we are all absolutely committed to seeing the destruction of Hamas, which has conducted these utterly savage and inhuman acts of terror on the civilian population of Israel. It's completely intolerable and Israel has an absolute right of self-defense and America stands shoulder to shoulder and arm in arm with Israel in pursuing this brutal terrorist act," Ruskin said. Describing it as the worst attack against the Jews since Holocaust, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar said there is bipartisan support for Israel. "We are going to support Israel in every possible way to ensure that Israel is able to fight these terrorists and eliminate Hamas entirely. We cannot live through another such horror and such an attack on civilians, on people, women, men, babies.., 40 babies being headed," he said. "These are clearly terrorists and they need to be stopped. We stand firm, no mincing of words. This is not the time to talk about anything else, not talk about a two-state solution, but just to ensure that Israel has a strong and proper response and help Israel fight this terrorism," Thanedar said. Jason Isaacson from the American Jewish Committee applauded the Indian-American community for staying behind Israel during this crisis. "In this extremely dark time, in this extremely threatening time, perilous time to know that our brothers and sisters in the Indian-American community are standing with us means a great deal to all of us," he said during the FIIDS event. "I should also say that many of us have been just so struck by the immediate and heartfelt comments made by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi just within hours I believe of the attacks last Saturday, October 7th. I've got his tweet in front of me here. "We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families." I think just a few days later, he tweeted again his solidarity with Israel, Israel's right to defend itself," Isaacson said. "This is that kind of expression by the prime minister of the most populous nation on earth with an increasingly important relationship. Strategic partnership with Israel also means a great deal and was very deeply appreciated," the Jewish leader said. Ohio State Senator Niraj Atani said "Hamas is a network of global Islamic jihadist". "I do not see the Palestinian people taking up arms against Hamas. I do not see a resistance in Gaza or the West Bank against Hamas. I don't see a resistance in Lebanon against Hezbollah. All I've seen from the Palestinian people is support and sympathy for these terrorists. That is what they are. They are not militants. They are terrorists and they must be treated as such. "And I also want to caution us, yes, this is a particular terrorist group called Hamas, but this is part of a global network of Islamic terrorists that have struck us here on 9/11 in the United States that struck India and 2008 with the Mumbai terrorist attacks where my cousin had to take shelter in the train station that was under attack as she saw her fellow Indians being killed," Atani said. "This is a network of global Islamic jihadists. Until we can say that we cannot move forward. So Israel absolutely has the right to hunt down and kill all of these terrorists wherever they may be," he said. Armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented attack. Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel. Pune, Oct 14 (PTI) At least 11 Bangladeshi nationals, including three minors, have been held after they were found staying illegally in Pune city of Maharashtra, police said on Saturday. They were found in possession of PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and election cards procured using forged documents, according to police. "We received a tip-off about some Bangladeshis staying illegally in Devachi Uruli area and conducted searches. They were found living without passports and other documents," a senior officer said. These Bangladeshis used to do odd jobs in the city. A case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Passports Act, and the Foreigners Act, he said, adding that further investigation is underway. Mumbai, Oct 14 (PTI) The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday rescued a 49-year-old Chinese national suffering from a stroke combined with hemiplegia from a Panama-flagged ship off the Mumbai coast, the maritime security agency said. Hemiplegia is one-sided muscle paralysis or weakness. It is usually a symptom of a brain-related issue or condition. The patient along with one attendant was handed over to the vessels agent in the city in stable condition for further medical management, it said. Braving the extremely low visibility conditions @IndiaCoastGuard Ship C-439 undertook Medical Evacuation #MEDEVAC of 49 yr old #Chinese crew, suffering from stroke combined with Hemiplegia, from Panama flagged MT Hua Wei 8 off #Mumbai Coast today, the Coast Guard said in a post on X. Harda (MP), Oct 14 (PTI) Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma on Saturday accused the opposition of not condemning terrorist organisation Hamas for the October 7 raid into Israel, which killed hundreds of civilians, sparking a war in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. He was addressing a gathering in Harda in Madhya Pradesh, where polls will be held on November 17 and votes will be counted on December 3. "The opposition is soft on terrorism. It is not criticising terrorist organisation Hamas for attacking innocent people in Israel," he alleged. Speaking on local issues, Sharma said the Congress government under Kamal Nath had opened separate liquor vends for women "in the land of Sita and Savtri" during its tenure between December 2018 and March 2020. Asking the people to vote for the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Sharma, a former deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, said the country's reputation and GDP had risen in the past nine years. India supplied vaccines to the world during the coronavirus pandemic, while during such times earlier the country used to look to others for help, he claimed. Zhang Jun (C), China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), speaks to journalists after the emergency consultations of the UN Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York, Oct. 13, 2023. Zhang Jun on Friday urged immediate necessary measures to secure a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel. Addressing the Security Council during its emergency consultations, Zhang, representing China's position, elaborated on the current grave situation between Palestine and Israel and emphasized the critical need to avert more significant humanitarian catastrophes. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Friday urged immediate necessary measures to secure a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel. Addressing the Security Council during its emergency consultations, Zhang, representing China's position, elaborated on the current grave situation between Palestine and Israel and emphasized the critical need to avert more significant humanitarian catastrophes. Zhang said that the latest round of conflicts has resulted in "massive civilian casualties and humanitarian crises." China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians, and opposes all acts that violate international law. "China reiterates its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and its support for all efforts to realize a ceasefire as soon as possible, so as to prevent a further escalation of tensions and the spillover of the flames of war impacting regional and international security," he said. Zhang said that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is "a red line" under international humanitarian law. "The indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, and neither Palestinian nor Israeli civilians should be targeted," he said. On the safety of UN staff and humanitarian workers, Zhang said that their safety "must be guaranteed." The envoy expressed China's serious concerns about the consequences of Israel's imposition of "a full siege" on Gaza and its order of a 24-hour emergency evacuation of the population in northern Gaza. "China calls on Israel to heed the appeals of the international community and the UN secretary-general to stop the collective punishment of the people in Gaza, so as to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian disasters," he said. Moreover, Zhang said that China supports active discussions on a humanitarian corridor in Gaza and the conclusion of feasible arrangements at an early date, and appreciates the efforts by Egypt and other countries concerned in this regard. The ambassador also underscored that China supports diplomatic efforts to ensure that the safety and humanitarian needs of hostages can be guaranteed, and that they can be released and returned home safely as quickly as possible. Talking about solutions, the ambassador said that the answer lies in "the early resumption of genuine peace talks" to realize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the peaceful coexistence of the two states, Palestine and Israel. "While addressing the ongoing crisis, the international community must adhere to the fundamental direction of the two-state solution, work for broader consensus, and formulate a timetable and road map to that end," he said. Zhang emphasized that the United Nations must play its due role, and the Security Council must demonstrate its commitment by quickly forging consensus and taking practical measures to promote a ceasefire and prevent humanitarian disasters. Bhopal, Oct 14 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh government has filled the posts of two district collectors and as many superintendents of police (SPs) in the state, which fell vacant after the officials were transferred following the Election Commission of India's (ECI) directives, an official said. The ECI on Wednesday ordered the transfer of several top police and administrative officers, including 25 police commissioners and superintendents of police, nine district magistrates and four secretaries and special secretaries, in the five poll-going states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram - after finding laxity in their work. In Madhya Pradesh, four officers were transferred following the poll panel's directives. On Friday night, the General Administration Department of the Madhya Pradesh government issued an order and filled the posts. As per the order, Karmveer Sharma, Additional Commissioner of the Higher Education Department, is now posted as district collector of Khargone. Similarly, Bhaskar Lakshkar, Additional Secretary of the Finance Department, has been made the district collector of Ratlam, the official said. In a separate order issued by the Home Department, Aditya Pratap Singh, Commandant, 23 Battalion, has been appointed as the SP of Jabalpur, while Asit Yadav, Commandant, 5th Battalion, has been transferred as the SP of Bhind, another official said. Following the directives of the ECI, Jabalpur SP Tusharkant Vidhyarthi and Bhind SP Manish Khatri were transferred and posted as Assistant Inspector Generals (AIG) at the Police Headquarters Bhopal. Khargone district collector Shivraj Singh Verma and Ratlam district collector Narendra Singh Suryavanshi were also transferred and posted as deputy secretaries in the state secretariat here, the official said. Assembly elections will be held in the state on November 17. Thane, Oct 14 (PTI) The police in Maharashtra's Thane city have arrested one more person in connection with the financial crime that involved breaching the system of a payment gateway service provider and siphoning off more than Rs 16,180 crore, an official said. With the latest arrest, the police have held four persons so far in connection with the case registered at Naupada police station, the official said. The police apprehended the fourth accused Dinesh Dhondu Shirke (49), a partner in an enterprises firm, from the western suburb of Andheri in neighbouring Mumbai, he said. Shirke's involvement in the crime was prima facie revealed during the probe conducted by the cyber cell, the official said. The police had on Thursday arrested one Amol Andale alias Aman, Anup Dubey (26) of Bhayandar, and Mumbai resident Sanjay Namdeo Gaikwad (42), a partner in a firm. According to the police, the fraud had been taking place for a long time, but it came to light after a complaint was lodged with the Shrinagar police station about the hacking of the payment gateway system of the company in April 2023 and Rs 25 crore being siphoned off. During the probe, the cyber cell team came across suspicious transactions of more than Rs 16,180 crore. The Naupada police in the city on October 6 registered a case against five persons under sections 420 (cheating), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 467, 468 (forgery), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 (common intention) and provisions of the Information Technology Act. The cyber cell team is probing into the crime and more arrests are likely as many others were involved in the mega fraud that was carried out over a period of time, the official said. The police had earlier said that the accused allegedly set up several partnership firms on bogus documents to launder the amount. As many as five partnership firms were set up by the accused, and transactions to the tune of Rs 16,180 crore were revealed after the inspection of 260 bank statements, police had said. Patna, Oct 14 (PTI) The Bihar pollution control board has introduced a system that will forecast air quality 48 hours in advance in all the 534 blocks of the state, an official said on Saturday. The initiative is aimed at combating air pollution during the winter season, he said. The installation of low-cost sensors in the BDO offices in all 534 blocks of the state has been done with the support of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur), Bihar State Pollution Control Board Chairman Devendra Kumar Shukla said. The air quality forecast system will issue alerts so that authorities concerned and the general public can take necessary steps accordingly, he said. The system can provide timely information about forthcoming air pollution episodes that decision-makers can use to reduce public exposure to extreme air pollution events, Shukla said. "The state PCB with technical support from IIT-Kanpur has installed low-cost sensors in the block development offices in all the 534 blocks of the state. "These sensors will provide data on air quality, particularly in terms of particulate matter (PM2.5), which is the predominant pollutant in the ambient air not only in Bihar but in the entire Indo-Gangetic plain," the BSPCB chairman told PTI. He also claimed that authorities concerned in Bihar are better prepared this year to monitor air quality in all the blocks of the state. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in March between BSPCB and IIT, Kanpur for the air quality measurement project. The installation of sensors began in August and was completed a week ago, he said. These sensors are in addition to the 35 monitoring stations of BSPCB in 25 districts of the state. "Air pollution is no longer limited to cities. In recent years, semi-urban and rural areas in the state have experienced high levels of air pollution with particulate matter being the primary contributor. The installation of sensors in all blocks will allow us to assess the pollutants contributing to rural-to-urban pollution," Shukla said. The assessment of peripheral pollution will "help the PCB understand the contribution and extent of pollution in rural areas", he said. Data from the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) supports the claims of rural or peripheral pollution contributing to the overall situation in the region," he said. Begusarai town in north Bihar witnessed severe air quality days (AQI between 401 and 500) between November 1 last year and January 30 this year. This was followed by 30 such days in Siwan, 27 days in Darbhanga, and 24 days in Bettiah. In addition, Samastipur town recorded 65 days with poor air quality (AQI between 301 and 400), with 39 such days in Motihari. New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Former bureaucrat Ashok Chandra, who played a key role in shaping policies across different Central ministries and also served as an advisor to the governor of Uttar Pradesh in the early 1990s, has died. He was 86. A senior official of the Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where he breathed his last on Friday, said the hospital and its staff deeply mourn his passing away. "Ashok Chandra, a respected public servant and dedicated philanthropist and the erstwhile chairman of the Sir Ganga Ram Trust Society (2012-2022) passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. His family was with him at his bedside," according to a statement issued by the hospital authorities. He began his illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1959 after completing postgraduate studies in Mathematics at the Allahabad University, the statement said. Chandra held pivotal positions in Uttar Pradesh, significantly contributing to the industrial development and water resource management as a secretary in the department of industries and as chairman of the state Jal Nigam, it said. At the national level, he played a pivotal role in shaping critical policies and programmes across various central ministries. He also served as an advisor to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh during the challenging times of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, the statement said. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants and philanthropists, it added. Chandigarh, Oct 14 (PTI) The opposition parties in Punjab on Saturday expressed shock over not being given a guard of honour by the Army during the last rites of Agniveer Amritpal Singh who died in Jammu and Kashmir on October 11. However, the Army, in a statement, said since Singh's cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot injury, no guard of honour or military funeral was provided, in accordance with the existing policy. Amritpal Singh, who was serving with a battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in the Poonch sector, was cremated on Friday at his native village in Punjab's Mansa district. Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said she was shocked to learn that Singh was cremated without the army guard of honour. She sought intervention from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the matter, seeking necessary directions to accord military honours to all martyred soldiers. Shocked to learn that Agniveer Amritpal Singh, who was martyred in the line of duty in Poonch in J-K was cremated without an Army guard of honour & even his body was brought to his native village in Mansa in a private ambulance by his family!, Badal posted on X It is learnt that this happened because Amritpal was an #Agniveer. We must accord due respect to all our soldiers. Request Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to issue directions to accord military honours to all martyred soldiers, she said. The Army, in the statement, on Saturday said in an unfortunate incident, Agniveer Amritpal Singh died while on sentry duty in Rajouri Sector, due to a self-inflicted gunshot injury. A court of inquiry to ascertain more details is in progress. Mortal remains of Singh, accompanied by a junior commissioned officer and four other ranks, were transported in a civil ambulance hired by the unit of the Agniveer, said the statement, adding that accompanying army personnel also attended the last rites. The cause of death being a self-inflicted injury, no guard of honour or military funeral was provided, in accordance with the existing policy, it said. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, This is a sad day for our country as this (soldier) who was recruited under the Agniveer scheme was sent back home in a private ambulance and not given any guard of honour by the @adgpi. Does being an Agniveer mean that their lives don't matter as much, he asked. The bereaved family had to request the local Punjab Police to give our young boy a guard of honour. Is this why @BJP4India started this policy? Is this how we will treat our Agniveers, different from the rest of our soldiers? Does the Central Government have any answers for this inhuman treatment of our young martyr? Shameful!, Warring wrote on X. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked the Bhagwant Mann government, saying he was shocked by the refusal of the chief minister to send any state-level dignitary to give a befitting farewell to the young martyr. CM must not hide behind the excuse of central government policies as nothing stops the state government from giving honour to the martyr and from standing by his family the most magnanimous way at this painful juncture. This is what S. Parkash Singh Ji Badal would have immediately done, Badal posted on X. SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia demanded the scrapping of the Agniveer scheme and sought regularisation of all soldiers recruited under it till date. Shimla, Oct 14 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh government will notify trekking routes to ensure the safety of trekkers and make carrying tracking devices mandatory to lower cases of climbers going missing, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday. A new initiative has been taken under which the Forest department has been directed to designate and notify the trekking routes, he said in a statement. These routes will be meticulously planned, taking into consideration local weather conditions and the availability of essential facilities. Comprehensive packages will be offered to the trekkers through the Ecotourism Society, thus streamlining the trekking experience and bolstering safety, he added. Under the proposed regulations, the trekkers will be required to register with the authorities before embarking on their journeys. They will also be provided with tracking devices as a mandatory safety measure to enable swift tracking in the event of an emergency. "The recurring problem of trekkers getting lost or facing unexpected incidents leads to resource-intensive rescue efforts. Notifying the trekking routes will enhance their safety and convenience," the chief minister was quoted as saying. Recently, the body of a 35-year-old trekker was recovered after he went missing in the forests of Manali. Preliminary investigations suggested that he had lost his way and fell from a cliff in the darkness. According to the statement, the forest department will offer the services of trained guides to the trekkers to further increase their safety. These guides will be registered and provided with specialised training. This will not only improve the trekkers' safety but also create employment opportunities for local youngsters. "This initiative aims to mitigate the incidents of missing trekkers and ensure a more secure trekking experience," Sukhu said. Emphasising the economic importance of tourism in Himachal Pradesh, the chief minister reiterated the state government's commitment to promote religious, adventure and ecotourism. The government has set an ambitious target of an annual footfall of five crore tourists, prompting a simultaneous expansion of essential facilities to accommodate the growing sector, he added. Jaipur, Oct 13 (PTI) The Congress' Rajasthan state election committee held discussions on names of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, amid demonstrations by party workers against some sitting MLAs. They demanded that the party not give tickets to certain MLAs for the November 25 elections. The committee headed by state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra will present the names of candidates at a meeting of the party's screening committee in Delhi. Rajasthan Chief Minister ashok Gehlot and other members of the committee attended the meeting at the party's war room here on Friday evening. When the meeting was going on, several groups of Congress workers from different constituencies held protests against some sitting party MLAs and demanded that they not be given tickets to contest the elections. Following the meeting, Dotasra said that everyone has the right to express their views. "Congress workers have been expressing their views for a long time. If anyone expresses his views, we will listen to him, and whatever is appropriate, it will be conveyed to the screening committee," he told reporters. Gehlot said that it was not uncommon to have adverse comments against an MP or an MLA at the time of elections. "Such comments may be true or false. There could also be a conspiracy. So, this goes on. Ultimately, the party high command will take appropriate decisions and the winnable candidate will be given ticket, and that will be accepted by all of us," he said. Gehlot said that things are going smoothly in the party. The party will be launching an election campaign in eastern Rajasthan from Baran where party president Mallikarjun Kharge will address a meeting on October 16, he said. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will hold a rally in Sikrai, Dausa on October 20, he said. Gehlot said that small and big rallies will be held in 13 eastern Rajasthan districts covered under the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) He said that his government kept on demanding from the central government to give national project status to the ERCP but the Centre did not do so. Now, the Congress will be exposing the BJP-led central government on this issue through meetings in eastern Rajasthan districts, the chief minister said. Soon before the meeting began, party workers from Kaman, Sawai Madhopur, Kishanpole and Sardarshahar constituencies reached near the war room and staged protests. They raised slogans against some sitting MLAs and demanded that they should not be given tickets. Zahida Khan is the Congress MLA from Kaman constituency while Danish Abrar is from Sawai Madhopur, Amin Kagzi from Kishanpole (Jaipur) and Anil Sharma from Sardarshahar (Churu). "Danish Abror is going to face defeat if the Congress gives him a ticket. He neglected party workers for five years, we had to wait for hours to meet him. Meeting him was a tough task and therefore, he should not be given ticket, Ali Mohammad, a party worker from his constituency said. Another person from Kaman constituency said that there was huge resentment against Zahida and people want the party to give ticket to a winnable candidate. Gorakhpur, Oct 14 (PTI) A policeman and his associate were arrested for smuggling drugs and 33 kg of charas was seized from their possession, an official said on Saturday. Sub Inspector Ravindra Shukla, a resident of Lucknow, was posted at the summon cell in Gorakhpur, he said. Shukla and his associate Kulveer Singh procured the charas (cannabis) from Nepal, Superintendent of Police (city) K K Vishnoi said. The duo was arrested on Thursday. Gorakhpur and Maharajganj police, under a joint operation, caught two smugglers with 33 kg of charas worth crores of rupees in the international market. One of the smugglers works in the police department," the SP said. Acting on a tipoff, the two men were intercepted near Dharamshala police station while they were on their way to Asuran Chowk on a scooter. They have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, he said. Tiruchirappalli (TN), Oct 14 (PTI) An associate professor at the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU), here, on a two-month training programme in Israel has been stranded in the conflict zone and she has sought help to return to Tamil Nadu, her husband, who is a HoD at the same varsity has said. She has been spending sleepless nights at The Negev, a large desert region in southern Israel, as the region is in close proximity to Gaza, T Ramesh, an associate professor and Head of the Department, TNAU, said. For three days since Saturday she had to seek protection under a shelter, the moment she heard the siren before the bombardment and returned to her room in The Negev after the Israeli government made the announcement, Ramesh told PTI. At present, Radhika (his wife) is safe and she is being provided food and water," Ramesh said and added that the raging war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas is causing her stress. She is very anxious to return home and our 13-year-old son, who is also apprehensive, wants to see his mother back home safe, he said. Radhika, a PhD holder in Agronomy, left for Israel on September 23 to attend a two-month government of India sponsored training programme at the Ben-Gurion University. Both she and her husband have been in constant touch with the governments of Tamil Nadu and the Centre since the war began. Ramesh said he came to know of his wifes plight on WhatsApp messages. He said the Indian embassy had already contacted her and assured to process her request at the earliest. As the Indian government launched Operation Ajay to repatriate the citizens from Israel and Palestine, the Tamil Nadu government said about 21 people from the state arrived at New Delhi in the first flight on October 12. All the 21 people from Coimbatore, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore,Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Karur, Virudhunagar, Namakkal, Pudukottai, Kancheepuram, and Chennai had arrived at the Chennai and Coimbatore airports, respectively, on Friday morning, an official release in Chennai said. Quoting Chief Minister M K Stalin, the release said the state government was taking all steps to ensure the safe return of all Tamils stranded in Israel, through the Centre and Indian embassy officials. Kozhikode (Ker), Oct 14 (PTI) Hundreds of people from various walks of life paid their last respects on Saturday to eminent film producer and whole-time director of Mathrubhumi daily P V Gangadharan who passed away on Friday. State ministers K N Balagopal, K Radhakrishnan, J Chinchu Rani, A K Saseendran and K Krishnankutty, as well as MLAs, MPs and socio-cultural and religious leaders, besides a large number of people from the film fraternity, were among those who paid their last respects to Gangadharan when his mortal remains were kept at his home here for the public to pay homage. Earlier, hundreds of people thronged the town hall here to catch glimpse of Gangadharan who had produced several path-breaking movies including 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' and 'Angaadi'. His body was later cremated with full state honours on the premises of the house . Eighty-year-old Gangadharan breathed his last on Friday morning while undergoing treatment for some ailments at a private hospital here. Popularly known as 'PVG' in cinema circles, Parayarukandi Vettath Gangadharan was the founder of the well-known production house Grihalakshmi Productions, which brought out many notable movies, including those of superstar Mammootty and Mohanlal. Over 20 films were produced under the banner, which won Gangadharan national and state awards multiple times. Among Grihalakshmi Productions' hits were 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha', 'Angaadi', 'Ekalavyan', 'Achuvinte Amma', 'Kanakkinavu', 'Kattathe Kilikkooodu' and "Thooval Kottaram'. Hailing from a prominent business family, Gangadharan had also tried his luck in politics and served as a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). People mourn Lebanese photojournalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed by an Israeli shell, in the Lebanese town of Khiam, Oct. 14, 2023. Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese journalist working for Reuters, was killed, and six other reporters from international agencies, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, were injured on Friday evening in Israeli attacks on Lebanon's southern village of Alma al-Shaab, Lebanese TV channel MTV reported. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that it plans to submit a complaint to the UN Security Council about the Israeli attack on journalists in southern Lebanon on Friday, which resulted in the death of one journalist and the injuries of six others. The ministry said it has instructed Lebanon's permanent mission to the United Nations to file the complaint to the Security Council, adding that the incident constitutes "a blatant attack" against freedom of the press and human rights. The Lebanese side expressed dissatisfaction over the recent Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which it sees as a "violation" of Lebanon's sovereignty. Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese journalist working for Reuters, was killed, and six other reporters from international agencies, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, were injured on Friday evening by Israeli attacks on Lebanon's southern village of Alma al-Shaab, Lebanese TV channel MTV reported. The Israeli army said on Saturday that it was investigating the incident. The situation on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after the firing by the Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah on Oct. 8 of tens of missiles toward Israeli military sites in support of attacks by the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) against Israel on Oct. 7, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery, targeting several areas in southeast Lebanon. People mourn Lebanese photojournalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed by an Israeli shell, in the Lebanese town of Khiam, Oct. 14, 2023. Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese journalist working for Reuters, was killed, and six other reporters from international agencies, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, were injured on Friday evening in Israeli attacks on Lebanon's southern village of Alma al-Shaab, Lebanese TV channel MTV reported. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) People hold roses to mourn Lebanese photojournalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed by an Israeli shell, in the Lebanese town of Khiam, Oct. 14, 2023. Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese journalist working for Reuters, was killed, and six other reporters from international agencies, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, were injured on Friday evening in Israeli attacks on Lebanon's southern village of Alma al-Shaab, Lebanese TV channel MTV reported. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) Chennai, Oct 14 (PTI) About 25 kg of gold worth Rs 15.21 crore that was allegedly smuggled into India from Sri Lanka was seized in three different incidents in Tamil Nadu last week, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said on Saturday. The authorities have also retrieved Indian currency worth Rs 56.3 lakh in the operation and six persons were arrested in this connection. Acting on specific inputs, the DRI officials in the first incident in Chennai, intercepted two persons who were travelling in a car near the Madras High Court and recovered the gold and Indian currency from their possession. The gold was allegedly smuggled into India from Sri Lanka through the coastal Nagapattinam district and two persons were arrested in this connection, the DRI Chennai zone said in a release. In another incident in Tiruchirappalli, about 350 km south of Chennai, the DRI personnel intercepted two individuals travelling to Chennai in a car and seized the precious metal from them. Interrogations revealed that the passengers smuggled the gold from Sri Lanka. The passengers were arrested. In the third incident, the officials retrieved gold concealed in paste form by two air passengers who arrived here from Malaysia. The air passengers were arrested and further investigation was on. In total, around 25 kg of gold worth Rs 15.21 crore was seized in the last week, the release said. Hyderabad, Oct 14 (PTI) Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday took exception to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attack on the BJP while criticising the ruling BRS in Telangana over the alleged suicide of a woman job aspirant in Hyderabad. In Telangana, it is the BJP alone that has been fighting for the cause of the youth and the unemployed, said Kishan Reddy, president of BJP in the state. "As usual, a confused & clueless Rahul Gandhi in his aim to protect his secret alliance with KCR is dragging the BJP in this to deflect attention and dilute the seriousness of this issue," Kishan Reddy said on X (formerly Twitter). The Telangana BJP has promised that it will follow the Union Government model which is on target to fill vacancies for 10 lakh jobs in a year as six lakh appointments have already been made, he said. "How long will the Congress and BRS demonstrate these fake twitter fights!!!," Reddy said. The Congress on Saturday slammed the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS government in Telangana over the alleged suicide of Pravallika, the 23-year old woman, who was preparing for competitive exams, with Rahul Gandhi saying this was not a suicide but murder of the dreams and aspirations of youths. Gandhi alleged that in the last 10 years, "BJP Rishtedar Samithi BRS and BJP together have ruined the state with their incompetence". "The Congress government in Telangana will release a job calendar, reorganise TSPSC on the lines of UPSC in 1 month and fill 2 lakh vacant government posts within a year - this is a guarantee," he said. Pravallika allegedly died by suicide at her hostel in Ashok Nagar in Hyderabad, sparking protests by government job aspirants against the BRS dispensation. As soon as news of the woman's death broke on Friday night, a large number of students staged protests in the area and raised slogans against the state government. Hyderabad, Oct 14 (PTI) Expressing deep sorrow over the alleged suicide of a woman job aspirant here, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Saturday sought a report from the Chief Secretary, DGP and secretary of state Public Service Commission within 48 hours on the incident. The Governor extended her condolences to the bereaved family of Pravallika (23), who was preparing for government recruitment exams. The untimely demise of Pravallika is a poignant reminder of the challenges and pressures faced by young aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, a Raj Bhavan press communique said. "In this particular case, it has come to the Governor's attention that Pravallika had been preparing for the Group II examination, which had been postponed by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC)," it said. In light of the incident, she directed the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and the Secretary, TSPSC to send a detailed report within 48 hours on Pravallika's suicide. Soundararajan, while deeply saddened by the loss of such a promising young life, remains committed to addressing the issues raised by this tragic incident, it said. The Governor also urged all unemployed youth not to lose hope and to exhibit courage in their pursuit of gainful employment. She assured them of her unwavering support in this endeavor, emphasizing her commitment to help them in achieving their employment goals, the communique added. Pravallika allegedly died by suicide at her hostel in Ashok Nagar here on Friday, sparking protests by government job aspirants against the BRS government. Ghaziabad (UP), Oct 14 (PTI) The Crime Branch of the Ghaziabad Police Commissionerate arrested a drug peddler and seized 300 kilogrammes of ganja, officials said on Saturday. The accused has been identified as 24-year-old Mohammad Zafar of Bareilly district. The contraband, with an estimated value of Rs 2.5 crore in the international market, was concealed inside a truck, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sachidananad said. Zafar confessed to the crime and said he used to bring the contraband from Odisha for distribution in the National Capital Region, the officer added. Shimla, Oct 14 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh on Saturday made an appeal to the Zila Parishad employees to return to work in view of the relief and rehabilitation works following the recent rain-triggered disaster in the state. Demanding a merger of their cadre with the Panchayati Raj Department, over 4700 Zila Parishad employees in the state had resorted to 'pen down strike' from September 30. Stating that their services were crucial, he said Himachal has probably faced the worst tragedy in its history during the recent monsoon in which thousands of houses and cowsheds collapsed and massive damage was caused to private and public property, a statement issued here said. Agricultural and horticultural lands and crops have also suffered colossal losses. The state government has announced a special economic package worth Rs 4500 crore to help the affected families, the minister reiterated. Singh said works have to be completed at the Panchayat level in which Zila Parishad employees play a major role. He appealed all the employees on strike to return to work, understanding the pain and suffering of the affected families. The Zila Parishad employees have always had a commendable contribution in implementing development works at the rural level, he said. Since they went on the strike, no work has been undertaken in the panchayats throughout the state and works related to issuing of birth/death, BPL certificate, marriage registration, assessment works including various works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have been affected. The state government from day one was concerned about the genuine demands of the Zila Parishad employees as well. The employees should exercise restraint and take appropriate steps keeping in mind the interest of the affected families and the state, without falling into any kind of trap of the opposition, the minister remarked. Thane, Oct 14 (PTI) Police have registered cases against eight persons in Navi Mumbai for not informing the authorities, as is required under the law, while leasing out their flats or houses to tenants, an official said. A first information report (FIR) was filed under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) against the eight persons, who gave their houses in Ulwe on rent, the official of NRI police station in Belapur said. These cases of house owners not furnishing information about tenants to the police were detected on October 6 during a special operation, he said. The offenders were identified as Pushpa Rathod, Kiran Rathod, Choutubai Koli, Balu Gajge, Ashok Jankar, Ashish Dheer, Aparna Jondali and Sameer Dawood Khan Deshmukh, the official said. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Gallery mode: Jon Sullivan A.T. writes: I am pretty sure that Jonothan Piper, jailed for running Embassy Wine UK Ltd, is the same person as Jon Sullivan, now an adviser at Yield Gallery, an art investment company. Piper cannot be a director of any company as he is disqualified. Tony Hetherington replies: Well done for spotting the remarkable similarity between Mr Piper and Mr Sullivan. In 2016, Jonothan Piper, then aged 30, was jailed for five and a half years after he pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, money laundering and cheating the taxman. All the charges were connected to Embassy Wine UK Ltd, where Piper was owner and sole director. After cheating wine investors out of 300,000, he tried to dissolve the company without warning its many creditors, but was blocked by investigators from the Insolvency Service and Revenue & Customs. The Daily Mail reported at the time that much of Piper's loot was splashed out on luxury cars and hundreds of pairs of limited edition trainers. Piper was banned until 2026 from acting as a company director and being involved in promoting, forming or managing a company. Acting as a director while disqualified is a criminal offence. And so to Mr Sullivan, who figures prominently in a Yield Gallery feature on the Financial Times website. Described as the gallery's creative director, he says: 'More than ever, we have seen a huge attraction to the art market, especially from savvy investors looking to diversify and lower the risk of their portfolios.' Sullivan adds: 'With our expertise, we are able to advise, educate and help inspire new collectors and art enthusiasts seeking financial security.' Now, despite the job title, Sullivan is not a director of Yield Gallery. But he is a director of two other companies or rather, he was a director until The Mail on Sunday began this investigation and questioned him. In November last year, he formed YG Group Holdings Ltd, with himself as owner and director. He described it as a retail art sales business. And in May this year, he and a family member formed Jerry Peggy Ltd, a financial intermediary. Again, Sullivan was named as a director. When he learned of this investigation, Sullivan resigned both directorships. Of course, all this only matters if Piper and Sullivan are one and the same. Pictures of the pair certainly look alike. But placing the identification beyond doubt are separate records showing that both Piper and Sullivan were born on the same day in 1986, and both have used the same home address in Wanstead in East London. I contacted Sullivan at Yield Gallery and told him he had been recognised as Piper of Embassy Wine UK. Sullivan's lawyer told me: 'He accepts he is the person you have referred to as Jonothan Piper, and under that name he was convicted of certain offences, paid the penalty, and was disqualified as a director in 2015. The disqualification ends in 2026.' He added that Sullivan 'was in error in thinking there was a difference in being named as a director on the one hand, and operating a company as one'. His lawyer emphasised Sullivan changed his name legally and had been completely honest with Yield Gallery, which decided he warranted a chance to rebuild his life after prison. And this did not come as a surprise. I had already found the gallery employs Anthony Allen, another disqualified director. Allen, now a salesman at the gallery, was banned by the High Court in 2016 from holding any directorship for the next 15 years. This followed an investigation by the Insolvency Service into his company Global Neutral Ltd, which marketed investments in carbon credits. Through its lawyer, Yield Gallery confirmed Allen like Sullivan does work there, but said: 'Yield Gallery is a legitimate trading company, with physical premises.' Neither Allen nor Sullivan has any controlling role, the lawyer added. Strong words that now look empty... When Department for Business investigators looked into Embassy Wine UK and its owner Jonothan Piper as he was named then the agency did not beat about the bush. Piper had failed to cooperate with investigators and lied to them on key matters such as his company's banking details, and it announced that 'the self-professed fine-wine broker had not traded legitimately at all and had set up the company simply to con investors out of approximately 300,000'. The Insolvency Service which checks on offending company bosses explained: 'He cannot promote, manage, or be a director of a limited company until 2026.' Strong words. But when The Mail on Sunday contacted the Insolvency Service about Piper's new name and company directorships, the response was far weaker. Officials said they had no 'documentary evidence' that Piper breached the ban, though public records at Companies House clearly show it. Told Sullivan had admitted he is the same person as Piper, and had admitted setting up companies with himself as director while supposedly being disqualified, the Insolvency Service backtracked, saying it would review its decision. As things stand though, the strong words used several years ago look empty. And being disqualified as a company director does not seem to mean that an offender really is disqualified at all. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. Star appeal: Actor Jennifer Aniston is a fan of smart rings Remember when the BlackBerry seemed like a minor miracle? Today the fruit of choice is Apple and devices include endless variations of the desktop, laptop, phone and watch. Now there is a new kid on the block the smart ring, which allows users to pay for goods and monitor their health on a minute-by-minute basis. Smart rings are all the rage in certain American circles and they are fast gaining ground over here, particularly among those with conditions such as high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia or simply a fear of missing out on the latest gadget. Today, these rings are often a bit clunky, a little basic and have a tendency to run out of power at inopportune moments. But specialist chip-maker EnSilica is developing components that will make these devices slimmer and more effective, allowing customers to check fertility rates, blood oxygen levels and an ever-greater range of bodily functions. EnSilica joined the London Stock Exchange's junior AIM market in May 2022 at 50p. Midas recommended the shares six months later at 49p and today they are 69p. The increase is encouraging but the shares were almost double that level in January of this year, since when they have fallen steadily on broader market worries, even as chairman Mark Hodgkins and chief executive Ian Lankshear have unveiled new contracts, rising sales and increasingly robust prospects. EnSilica designs customised chips, used in four key sectors automotive, general industry, satellite communication and healthcare. Carmakers use its chips to make vehicles handle the road more smoothly, manufacturers install them in factory robots, health firms deploy them for diabetic patches. Lankshear is also developing a chip to make internet connections more resilient across the country, funded by the UK Space Agency. Figures last week revealed a 34 per cent increase in turnover to 20.5 million and a 50 per cent surge in underlying profits to 1.6 million. Brokers expect continued strong growth in 2024 and beyond, with the business slated to pick up contracts worth in excess of 200 million over the coming years. Midas verdict: Small technology firms can be accident-prone, but EnSilica seems to be more adept than most. Hodgkins, a former accountant, runs a tight ship and Lankshear is a technology expert who co-founded the business more than 20 years ago. Investors who bought at 49p have seen a 40 per cent gain in less than a year but, at 69p, the stock has fallen from earlier highs on general market malaise and should bounce back. Nervous shareholders may opt to sell now. Others should hold on to this stock, while new investors could also find value at current levels. Traded on: AIM Ticker: ENSI Contact: ensilica.com or 0118 321 7310 Financial 'super app' Revolut has been trumpeting a launch of an updated version of its software. The firm's head of retail, Ivan Chalov, said the Revolut 10 update designed to get customers to make it their main account would let its 35 million users 'get a clear view of their money in one place'. It's a shame Revolut 10 wasn't around when the firm was preparing its most recent figures, where it admitted it couldn't tell where exactly some of its revenues had come from. 'Clear view of their money': Financial 'super app' Revolut has been trumpeting the launch of an updated version of its software Perhaps a clearer view is still needed, as the group has requested an extension to the deadline for filing its annual accounts on Companies House. This comes after the last set of results were delayed. The firm is still waiting for a UK banking licence, which on March 1 then-finance boss Mikko Salovaaro said was due 'imminently'. We make it 228 days and counting since those comments. Super indeed. Cannabinoid company Cellular Goods to farm kelp Victoria Beckham is a lover of seafood and has reportedly used seaweed to stay slim. One wonders if this was a factor behind a decision last week by Cellular Goods, an AIM-listed firm backed by her husband David's investment group DB Ventures. The firm is moving into farming kelp, a type of seaweed touted for its health benefits. To some in the City it seemed like a departure for a business set up to focus on cannabinoid products. There's still time for Victoria to become Briny Spice... No time to discuss pension losses at annual gathering There's quite the line-up of speakers at this week's Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association's annual gathering in Manchester. They include right-on economist Noreena Hertz, social historian Dominic Sandbrook and City Minister Andrew Griffith. The last meeting was at the height of the pensions crisis, when the Bank of England bailed out the industry to the tune of 19 billion. No such drama is predicted this time round, with the most gripping sessions titled 'understanding the benefits of uncorrelated assets in portfolios' and 'the future of investment governance'. But it seems odd there is no time set aside to discuss the inconvenient fact that members have lost 626 billion a third of scheme assets in just over a year. Talk about an elephant in the room. Capital Metals gloats over axe for Sri Lankan minister Company bosses usually like to stay out of politics. But executives at AIM-listed Capital Metals couldn't help gloating a little when a troublesome environment minister was given the boot by the Sri Lankan government. Capital said Naseer Ahamad, who has been at the centre of a legal row over cancelling the firm's mining licences, had been expelled from parliament and so had lost his post. The firm hailed the move as 'positive' and accused Ahamad of 'illegal interference' with its licences. A trebling of the share price after the announcement will surely help the board get over it. Contributors: Patrick Tooher, Francesca Washtell Pressure on banks to meet net zero goals could backfire by handing a growing share of global energy projects to Chinese lenders, The Mail on Sunday has been told. Banks in Europe fear they could be punished by regulators if they lend to fossil fuel projects around the world. Despite the UK's departure from the EU, British banks seem unlikely to step in and take advantage as the authorities here are also concerned about climate change. Taking advantage: A banking source said Chinese banks are the most likely to gain if Europeans banks stop energy lending in the developing world Ana Botin, boss of Spanish-based bank Santander, the biggest lender in Latin America, told an international conference in Marrakech, Morocco last week that her bank is under pressure not to invest in an Argentinian shale gas field even though the country will need supplies for decades. 'It's a huge opportunity for Argentina,' Botin told the Institute of International Finance meeting. 'So when we European banks are I'm not going to say forbidden pressured, then a lot of savings in Europe cannot finance this kind of development. 'Same thing in many African countries where European banks are either not there or not willing to go there.' Botin said that while 'green' investment was needed, there was a much bigger requirement for so-called 'brown' funding such as in the Argentinian project. A senior banking source in the UK said the approach of regulators was having a 'chilling' impact on such investments. Last year the European Central Bank warned lenders that failing to tackle financial risks from climate change would result in higher capital requirements and the imposition of fines. The ECB said: 'Deadlines will be closely monitored and, if necessary, enforcement action will be taken.' Since leaving the EU, Britain has gained the ability to diverge from the EU's rules. However, despite Rishi Sunak's much-publicised efforts to slow down the transition, net zero goals formed part of recent financial services legislation. Since 2021 the Bank of England's mandate from government has included 'supporting the transition to a net zero emissions economy'. Without changing these it could be hard for British banks to take advantage of the reluctance of European lenders to invest in oil and gas assets, the source said. US banks have a freer hand under Jerome Powell's chairmanship of the US Federal Reserve. Powell has dismissed the notion of central banks becoming involved in climate change efforts. The banking source said Chinese banks are the most likely to gain if Europeans banks stop energy lending in the developing world. 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. DAMASCUS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The international airport in Syria's northern province of Aleppo was hit by an Israeli missile strike on Saturday night, causing damage to the recently repaired runway, Syrian state TV reported. The attack is the second hit to the Aleppo airport within three days following the Israeli strike on the airports in the capital Damascus and Aleppo on Thursday. According to Bassem Mansour, the head of the Syrian Civil Aviation, the strike has temporarily halted airport operations, as it again caused damage to the runway. The airport had resumed service earlier in the day after repairs were made following the previous attack. The repeated strikes came amid escalating tensions in the region as Israel and Hamas are engaged in fierce conflict. Fanbase: Mark Carney with his wife Diana On Mark Carney's last day at the Bank of England in March 2020, the Governor raided the Old Lady's legendary wine cellar and entertained his sparring partners in the economic press to a sumptuous luncheon. On several occasions Carney was summoned from the room by aides to take vital phone calls. The Covid-19 virus was spreading uncontrollably across the globe. Unbeknown to his guests, Carney, and his successor as Governor Andrew Bailey, were in urgent consultations with the Federal Reserve in the US and other leading central banks about the steps to be taken as Western capitalism locked itself down. In keeping with the rectitude demanded of central bankers, Carney provided no hints of the crisis unfolding on Wall Street, where the market for US Treasuries, the blood supply to the global financial system, was in arrest. His calmness, poker face and deliberate decision-making was in keeping with his experience of being in charge of the Bank of Canada in the great financial crisis of 2008-9. It also reflected his seven years on Threadneedle Street, when he nursed the UK through the shock of the 2016 Brexit referendum. Five years on and, freed from the chains of office, the financier, known as the George Clooney of central banking for his suave appearance, has jettisoned any pretence of political independence and dived deep into controversy. Last week, he was the surprise package at the Labour Party's conference in Liverpool. A video message, beamed in from his native Canada, described Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves 'as a serious economist' noting that she began her career at the Bank of England and understood the 'economics of work, place and family' and knew how to 'put ideas and energy into action'. Carney's choice to align himself with progressive politics is no accident. Last month, he was hobnobbing with Keir Starmer at a centre-left gathering in Montreal. At the meeting Carney delivered a vitriolic attack on the populist right in politics, castigating Liz Truss for her 'basic misunderstanding of economics'. He accused her government of having turned Britain into 'Argentina on the Channel'. It was a deeply wounding insult coming from a former Bank of England boss, given that Argentina has defaulted on its debt nine times since 1816. Britain, for all the wobbles, has never ever defaulted. Enorsement: Carney described Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, pictured with Keir Starmer, as 'a serious economist' His headline catching antics on both sides of the Atlantic have led to intense speculation in Ottawa that the 58-year-old economic guru and climate change warrior is preparing for a shot at Canadian politics under the Liberal banner. The arrows targeted at Truss and Trump were as much aimed at discrediting populist Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as anyone else. A parliamentary seat has been identified and, if Carney fails to displace Justin Trudeau as prime minister, he is ready to serve under him as finance minister. Carney's political interventions represent an extraordinary move by a former Governor of the Bank of England. Even though the Bank only gained its formal independence in 1997, it long ago recognised that it needed to stay above the political fray. One could never imagine the late Eddie George, or his successor, the brilliant economist Mervyn King, allowing themselves to be drawn directly into party politics. Carney appears to have discarded the mystery of office which comes with being in charge of the Bank. As he becomes more deeply embroiled in Leftist politics his role at Brookfield is likely to become a target Since leaving five years ago his career has been a curate's egg. His enthusiasm for net zero and climate change economics landed him the job of United Nations special envoy for climate action. He later found himself elevated by Boris Johnson as finance advisor to COP26 in Glasgow, a slightly surprising choice given ideological differences over Brexit. Carney was never enthusiastic about Brexit yet paradoxically it was probably his finest hour. As Britain descended into shock, chaos and Downing Street turmoil, in the hours after the referendum result, Carney was the only adult in the room. He scheduled a press conference to assure the markets and the world that the British economy was sound and the Bank was there to ensure the continued stability. What isn't clear, as Carney dons a progressive political mantra, is how this fits in with his role as first deputy chairman and now chairman of avaricious Canadian private equity champion Brookfield Asset Management. Claims by Brookfield to be carbon neutral have attracted scepticism from the green lobby. It continues to expand rapidly, raising 9.8 billion of new funding earlier this month. Only last week it snagged the renewables arm of the Banks Group for 820 million. As he becomes more deeply embroiled in Leftist politics his role at Brookfield is likely to become a target. Both Labour in Britain and the Democrats in the US have set their sights on the tax advantaged 'carry' the profits that private equity plunderers make on their investments. The enthusiasm with which Reeves and Labour greeted Carney's endorsement might have looked less alluring were more known of his current pivotal role in private equity, its terrible record on transparency and scant regard for workers' rights and jobs. But one should never underestimate the ability of the prickly former Bank of England Governor to turn pratfalls to advantage. Leading military figures and politicians have issued fresh calls for more City investors to back the defence industry as conflict rages between Israel and Hamas. Ministers have previously warned that Britain's long-term security is being put at risk by environmental, social and governance (ESG) investors who shun defence firms. The case for ESG funds to invest in defence companies gathered steam in the City following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It gained further traction after Hamas attacked Israel, which launched retaliatory air strikes. Impact: UK companies have worked on the F35 - but ESG investors often shun firms involved in the defence industry Traditionally, defence firms have been boycotted by ESG investors who have seen them as merchants of destructive weaponry. However, this view is increasingly being challenged by those who believe the industry is vital for protecting democracy around the world. Admiral Lord West, a former First Sea Lord, said: 'Defence firms are crucially important and work hand in glove with our military so that we can actually fight and win against our enemies. 'That seems to me a very worthwhile endeavour and something that should be encouraged rather than penalised in the City.' City Minister Andrew Griffith said it is 'misguided' to exclude defence firms purely on ESG grounds. He added that the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine as well as the war in Ukraine show that the defence industry is 'more important than ever'. ESG investing rules generally ban putting money into companies that produce weapons such as cluster bombs that can cause indiscriminate harm to civilians. Brad Greve, finance boss at BAE Systems, said: 'Conflict is still a part of our world and hence the need for a strong defence to protect a free society. Investors should encourage rather than punish the defence industry.' He added: 'Funds should be allowed to have their own rules, but a blanket exclusion approach prevents a constructive conversation on the positive role defence plays.' Fund managers based in the UK have cut their holdings in companies such as BAE by an average of 9 per cent since the beginning of 2022, according to London Stock Exchange Group data. This has led to concerns in Westminster that the sector lacks support among British investors. Jos Sclater, chief executive of London-listed Avon Protection, which makes bullet-proof helmets and gas masks to protect soldiers, said the defence industry is an 'honourable' one and should be included in ESG criteria. The value of major defence companies listed on the London Stock Exchange has soared by almost 25 billion since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. BAE Systems, which is worth 32.5 billion, has added 6.5 billion to its value in that time, while Rolls-Royce has soared by 12.9 billion to 18 billion. Other firms including QinetiQ, Chemring and Babcock have also risen in value. Some of these gains are due to changes in strategy, but they show that ESG funds could have made better returns by investing in defence. Expansion plans: Kurt Geiger has been selling shoes and bags in the US for five years Kurt Geiger is to open six stores in the United States as sales in America have overtaken the UK for the first time. In its London home, the British shoe chain is giving a shot in the arm to Oxford Street with the recent opening of a glitzy flagship shop on the famous thoroughfare. Boss Neil Clifford is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of the brand, which owns the Carvela label, by launching a Business by Design academy to help young people aged 18-20 forge careers in the creative industries. Kurt Geiger has been selling shoes and bags in the US for five years online and through department stores Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Dillards. Celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and Emily Blunt are all known to be fans. Clifford plans next year to open two stores in Florida, three in southern California and one in New York to capitalise on booming sales, which have hit 250 million, 70 per cent of which is handbags. The sales are 30 per cent more than the UK figure. 'There is a sweet spot at around 300 for a bag. Not everyone can afford 4,000 for a designer handbag but a lot more people can aspire to save 300,' Clifford said. He added that he wants to be 'part of the rejuvenation' of Oxford Street after other leading retailers fear its allure to shoppers is dwindling and it has plunged downmarket. The company, which was founded by Austrian businessman Kurt Geiger, opened its first store on Bond Street in 1963. It now has more than 70 stores worldwide and over 170 concessions in department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges. The Business by Design academy will begin in January with 20 young people. The part-time programme is free and includes training in design, buying, e-commerce, sales and social media, along with paid work experience. 'We did this for our 60 year anniversary instead of a posh party,' Clifford said. 'The British are very creative, if there were an Olympics, we would win the gold medals.' Leaving: Chief executive Pascal Soriot AstraZeneca's chairman has been tasked with finding a replacement for chief executive Pascal Soriot, who has permanently relocated to Australia. Michel Demare, who took over in April, will be in charge of the hunt for a replacement for Soriot, who has led the FTSE 100 pharmaceuticals giant for more than a decade. Soriot, 64, spent most of the pandemic in Sydney with his family. He has now decamped to the city from the UK entirely, according to a source. No formal succession plan is believed to be under way but the board is thought to be aiming to draw up its strategy before a formal announcement. Astra's share price is sensitive to any uncertainty around Soriot, given his successful track record. The Mail on Sunday revealed in September that Soriot had privately told friends and trusted advisers he was looking to leave the biggest company in the FTSE 100. No decisions have been made and there is no firm timeline on his departure. When quizzed about his future in February, Soriot who has been chief executive for 11 years said: 'I still feel fit so I am not about to leave any time soon.' He took over as head of the pharmaceuticals giant in 2012. He has been widely credited for spearheading a turnaround that has transformed AstraZeneca's image from laggard to pioneer, with a formidable portfolio of blockbuster cancer treatments. Under his leadership, its market value has more than tripled to 172 billion, ahead of HSBC and just behind Shell. The French-Australian was last year the best-paid chief executive in the FTSE 100, netting 15.3 million, including a 10.5 million bonus, which is paid in shares if he reaches a number of performance targets. He is one of the few bosses on the Footsie to have earned more than 100 million over his tenure. So far, he has pocketed 120 million. His departure will leave a vacuum at the top of the UK's corporate hierarchy with many of AstraZeneca's senior leadership team jockeying for position. Internal candidates to succeed him to include David Fredrickson, head of the all-important Oncology business, BioPharma boss Ruud Dobber and chief financial officer Aradhana Sarin. An AstraZeneca spokesman said: 'This is absurd and incorrect.' The spokesman added that as the chief executive of a global company he 'travels extensively through the Americas, Asia, Middle East and Europe' and spends 'less than 10 per cent of his time in Australia on an annual basis'. Under pressure: Nigel Higgins Barclays chairman Nigel Higgins is under pressure to quit after a leading shareholder group said there were 'questions about his position' at the bank. Former Barclays boss Jes Staley was fined and banned from the City for misleading regulators and the lender's board over his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. A devastating report by the Financial Conduct Authority found that Staley had 'recklessly approved' a letter sent by Barclays to the City watchdog in 2019 which included the misleading claim that Staley's last contact with Epstein had been 'well before' he joined Barclays as chief executive four years earlier. Critics have suggested that the board, led by Higgins since May 2019, took Staley's assurances at face value. The Mail on Sunday revealed links between Staley and Epstein three days before his appointment at Barclays in 2015. The FCA report shows Staley also told Epstein he had been approached by an unnamed Barclays board member about the chief executive vacancy four months earlier before the official recruitment process had even begun. A spokesman for investor advisory group PIRC said: 'There clearly are questions about Higgins' position. There are also questions about which board member recommended Staley.' Staley lost his position as chief executive in 2019 and was fined 1.8 million. He plans to appeal the FCA's decision. Barclays declined to comment. The number of employees saving into a pension through their workplace has soared from fewer than half of those eligible to eight in ten over the past decade, thanks to the introduction of auto-enrolment, a scheme that signs most workers up to a pension automatically. However, there are still millions with no retirement savings. Almost a third of people do not expect to have any provision beyond the state pension when they retire, according to the latest official figures from the Office for National Statistics. Those who are self-employed are the most likely to have low pension savings as they don't benefit from auto-enrolment. Building for the future: Almost a third of people do not expect to have any provision beyond the state pension when they retire A recent survey by Interactive Investor of 10,000 people found that as many as three in four self-employed workers are not paying into a pension. However, it can't be stressed too often that it is rarely too late to start saving towards a pension. Even small monthly contributions can make a significant difference to a saver's lifestyle in retirement. Investment platform Interactive Investor will launch a pension in the next few weeks that will be among the best value for savers with small balances. Customers will be able to save up to 50,000 in a self-invested personal pension (Sipp) called Pension Essentials for 5.99 a month. Until now, Interactive Investor customers saving into a Sipp have been charged 12.99 a month, regardless of how much they have invested. The flat fee was competitive for those with large pots, but one of the more expensive for those with less to invest. The move is likely to heat up competition among investment platforms seeking to attract the millions of savers who are not saving for retirement through workplace schemes. And Interactive Investor's new launch is just the latest among pension providers seeking to capture this market with competitive fees and easy-to-manage products. So how do you start a pension if you've never done so before? And is Interactive Investor's Pension Essentials a good option, or are there better plans already on the market? Should you invest in a work or personal pension? The new full state pension pays 10,600 a year, which is more than 2,000 short of what a single person would need for even a minimum standard of living in retirement, according to the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association. So having your own provision to supplement the state pension is imperative. If you are eligible for a workplace pension, this should be your first port of call. That is because you will enjoy the bonus of contributions from your employer. Turn down a workplace pension and you are effectively saying no to free money. Employers are obliged to pay in the equivalent of 3 per cent of a worker's salary into their pension, but some pay much more. An enrolled worker pays in 5 per cent of their salary. However, if you do not have an employer, you can set up your own private pension and still benefit from tax breaks. > Hargreaves set to launch basic, ready-made pension with 0.75% annual fee: How do Sipps work and are they worth a look? Retirement income needs for single people (Source: Pension and Lifetime Saving Association) Pension tax relief boosts your pot Pension tax relief on contributions gets savers back to the position that they were in before income tax. If you're a basic rate taxpayer, for every 80p you put into your pension, the Government will add 20p.If you're a higher rate taxpayer, and if you pay in 60p, the Government will add 40p. Therefore all pensions whether workplace or private are generally a lucrative way of saving for the long term. You can benefit from pension tax relief until the age of 75. Even if you are close to retirement age, you can make a difference to your retirement income by opening a pension now. For example, if you had no pension at the age of 55, then started to save 200 a month, by the time you hit state retirement age at 67 you would have enough for an annual income of about 2,000, according to calculations from insurer Standard Life. Bear in mind, though, that if you have already tapped into a pension, the amount that you can subsequently pay in and benefit from tax relief will fall to 10,000 a year. > How pensions work: Your guide to saving for retirement What is the best way to start a pension? Just do it! That's the most important thing to remember. It is so easy to put off waiting until you have found the ideal pension, or until market conditions are more favourable, or until you have more time. Of course, you should do some careful research to ensure that you find a pension that works for you, but don't keep waiting for the perfect choice. Damien Fahy, founder of personal finance website Money To The Masses, says: 'The most important thing is that there are now a host of low-cost pensions available. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can benefit from tax relief and the powers of compounding.' To find the best pension for you, ask yourself a number of questions: Do you want to manage your investments yourself or have someone do it for you? What type of investments do you want to hold in your pension? Do you have existing pensions you want to consolidate into a new one? Will you contribute regularly or invest a lump sum? Are you nearing retirement and would like to be able to drawdown your pension savings? How much money do you have in your current pension? Do your research - but don't delay! Experts say that it's important to find the right pension for you, but that the sooner you get started, the sooner you start benefiting from growth Fahy explains: 'The answers to the above will help identify the pension type and provider to suit your needs. 'For example, if you just want someone to manage the money for you, a robo-advice proposition, such as Moneyfarm or Nutmeg, may be of most interest as they can recommend and manage a portfolio for you. 'If you have a very large pension pot and wish to invest in a wide range of investment options, a Sipp with a fixed fee provider may be more suitable. 'If, instead, you want to invest regularly and pay only small amounts in, that will dictate which pensions are available, as some have high minimum monthly contribution levels.' How young workers can potentially double their pension pot In this excerpt from the This is Money podcast Simon Lambert gives his tips for young pension savers on how to give their retirement fund a big boost - and in some instances double the pot they end up with. Press play to listen on the player above, or listen at Apple Podcasts, Audioboom, YouTube and Spotify or visit our This is Money Podcast page. Pension options for the self-employed If you have a variable income, make sure you sign up for a pension that will allow you to make flexible contributions. That way, you can save more when you're able to and pare back savings if your income is leaner. Most DIY investment platform pensions will allow you to select regular contributions if you want them but also to simply top up your pension as it suits you. Becky O'Connor, a director at pensions firm PensionBee, says: 'Some pensions for the self-employed allow you to pay into your pension according to your income with no minimum regular contribution amounts.' If you are self-employed and a limited company director, as well as making personal contributions to a personal pension, your company can chip in. This can be especially tax efficient because the contributions will benefit from corporation tax relief. Company contributions are not restricted by the size of your salary. However, O'Connor adds a word of warning: 'Revenue & Customs can deem company pension contributions excessive and stop the tax relief. 'You should be able to demonstrate why the contributions are considered reasonable and appropriate for your type of role or profession.' What will a pension cost in charges? Pension fees vary wildly between providers. Make sure you do not overpay by forking out for services and functionality you don't need or by opting for a service that you could find cheaper elsewhere. The first costs to check are those charged by your platform. However, there are others, such as dealing charges if you plan to buy and sell funds and shares, the cost of the funds you hold, any exit fees if you change providers, and drawdown fees if you plan to start drawing money from your pension. Are there other uses to a personal pension? Personal pensions can also be useful for consolidating all of your existing retirement pots in one place. By contrast, they can also be an option for those who have maximised their employer contributions in a workplace pension and want to save more elsewhere. Some people pay into them if they are not working, but can still afford to save for the future. How to find the cheapest and best Sipp The cost of II's Pension Essentials compares favourably to Sipp offerings from other investment platforms, as the table below shows. There are no additional fees for monthly investing, and trading fees are 3.99 for funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), investment trusts and shares listed on the UK and US stock markets. If customers exceed the 50,000 threshold, they will automatically be moved to the 12.99-a-month Pension Builder plan, where the fixed fee stays the same regardless of pension size. There are low-cost alternatives not included in the table above that offer a much more limited range of funds, but may end up cheaper for some savers. For example, Vanguard charges 0.15 per cent of the value of a Sipp customer's account holdings up to 250,000, meaning that the maximum annual charge is 375. PensionBee and Nutmeg also offer low-cost pensions with limited fund ranges. Jeremy Fawcett, founder of financial consultancy Platforum, says of the Pension Essentials launch: 'Interactive Investor has always been one of the more expensive options for those starting out on their investing journey, but one of the most competitive for those further on. 'This product is the missing first rung on the investment ladder.' Holly Mackay, founder of financial website Boring Money, says: 'Pensions remain a source of great confusion and anxiety for millions, and the industry has a lot to do to earn consumers' trust. 'Less than half of all pension holders understand what charges they are paying, and providers need to work harder to get this message across.' She adds: 'Having a flat monthly fee and a low single cost for trades makes it much easier for people to understand the charges, removing one key barrier to greater pension adoption by an under-saved nation.' Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK Free Report) had its price target decreased by Citigroup from $29.00 to $26.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the industrial products companys stock. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Graphic Packaging from $28.00 to $26.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Graphic Packaging in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $31.00 price objective on shares of Graphic Packaging in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. 888 restated a downgrade rating on shares of Graphic Packaging in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Graphic Packaging from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $30.00 to $26.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $29.22. Get Graphic Packaging alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on GPK Graphic Packaging Stock Performance Graphic Packaging stock opened at $20.94 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $22.23 and its 200-day moving average is $23.92. The company has a market cap of $6.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.30 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.06, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.55. Graphic Packaging has a 12 month low of $20.48 and a 12 month high of $27.56. Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.73 by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $2.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.49 billion. Graphic Packaging had a net margin of 7.30% and a return on equity of 37.35%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.60 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Graphic Packaging will post 2.84 earnings per share for the current year. Graphic Packaging Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.91%. Graphic Packagings payout ratio is 17.54%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new position in shares of Graphic Packaging in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its position in Graphic Packaging by 177.3% during the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,109 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 709 shares during the period. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new position in Graphic Packaging during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Graphic Packaging by 369.6% during the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 924 shares during the period. Finally, AllSquare Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Graphic Packaging during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.67% of the companys stock. About Graphic Packaging (Get Free Report) Graphic Packaging Holding Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based packaging solutions to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies. It operates through three segments: Paperboard Mills, Americas Paperboard Packaging, and Europe Paperboard Packaging. The company offers coated unbleached kraft (CUK), coated recycled paperboard (CRB), and solid bleached sulfate paperboard (SBS) to various paperboard packaging converters and brokers; and paperboard packaging products, such as folding cartons, cups, lids, and food containers primarily to consumer packaged goods, quick-service restaurants, and foodservice companies; and barrier packaging products that protect against moisture, hot and cold temperature, grease, oil, oxygen, sunlight, insects, and other potential product-damaging factors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Graphic Packaging Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Graphic Packaging and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synovus Financial (NYSE:SNV Free Report) had its price target lowered by Royal Bank of Canada from $38.00 to $34.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. SNV has been the subject of a number of other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Synovus Financial from $40.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. DA Davidson decreased their price target on shares of Synovus Financial from $37.00 to $35.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Synovus Financial from $30.00 to $29.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of Synovus Financial from $37.00 to $31.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Synovus Financial in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $33.92. Get Synovus Financial alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Synovus Financial Synovus Financial Trading Down 1.5 % NYSE:SNV opened at $26.58 on Tuesday. Synovus Financial has a 52 week low of $25.19 and a 52 week high of $44.91. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $29.73 and a 200 day moving average of $30.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.18, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 1.39. Synovus Financial (NYSE:SNV Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The bank reported $1.16 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.14 by $0.02. Synovus Financial had a net margin of 25.05% and a return on equity of 19.61%. The company had revenue of $567.81 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $570.82 million. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Synovus Financial will post 4.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Synovus Financial Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, September 21st were given a dividend of $0.38 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 20th. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.72%. Synovus Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 29.63%. Insider Activity at Synovus Financial In other news, major shareholder Eli Samaha purchased 8,884 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $21.25 per share, for a total transaction of $188,785.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 1,643,391 shares in the company, valued at $34,922,058.75. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Over the last quarter, insiders have bought 231,642 shares of company stock worth $4,953,264. 1.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Synovus Financial Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SNV. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Synovus Financial by 10.4% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 14,877 shares of the banks stock valued at $729,000 after purchasing an additional 1,401 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new position in Synovus Financial during the first quarter valued at $419,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Synovus Financial by 10.8% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 11,420 shares of the banks stock valued at $561,000 after purchasing an additional 1,109 shares in the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its holdings in Synovus Financial by 10.3% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 82,348 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,147,000 after purchasing an additional 7,682 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in Synovus Financial during the first quarter valued at $74,000. 79.92% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Synovus Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Synovus Financial Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Synovus Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking products and services. It operates through four segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, Consumer Banking, and Financial Management Services. The company's commercial banking services include treasury and asset management, capital market, and institutional trust services, as well as commercial, financial, and real estate loans. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Synovus Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Synovus Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI Free Report) had its price target lowered by Stifel Nicolaus from $334.00 to $298.00 in a research note published on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the industrial products companys stock. VMI has been the topic of several other research reports. DA Davidson dropped their target price on Valmont Industries from $310.00 to $290.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 31st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Valmont Industries in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Get Valmont Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on VMI Valmont Industries Stock Down 1.6 % Shares of NYSE:VMI opened at $229.90 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 2.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The stock has a market cap of $4.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.09. The businesss 50 day moving average is $243.70 and its 200 day moving average is $271.74. Valmont Industries has a 52-week low of $228.13 and a 52-week high of $353.36. Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The industrial products company reported $4.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.02 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.14 billion. Valmont Industries had a return on equity of 19.56% and a net margin of 6.37%. Sell-side analysts predict that Valmont Industries will post 15.4 EPS for the current year. Valmont Industries Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Investors of record on Friday, September 29th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.04%. Valmont Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 18.63%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Valmont Industries Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Versor Investments LP purchased a new position in Valmont Industries in the 1st quarter worth $543,000. Barclays PLC raised its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 33.4% during the 1st quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 8,564 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,734,000 after buying an additional 2,144 shares during the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 33.3% during the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 408 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $130,000 after buying an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. Prostatis Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 23.1% during the 4th quarter. Prostatis Group LLC now owns 106,806 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $107,000 after buying an additional 20,042 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 10.6% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 95,990 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $30,648,000 after buying an additional 9,194 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.15% of the companys stock. Valmont Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Valmont Industries, Inc produces and sells metal products in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Infrastructure and Agriculture. It manufactures and distributes steel, pre-stressed concrete, composite, and hybrid structures for lighting, transportation, and telecommunications equipment, as well as electrical transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; and provides coatings services to preserve metal products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Valmont Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valmont Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stelco (OTCMKTS:STZHF Free Report) had its price target cut by National Bank Financial from C$45.00 to C$43.00 in a research note published on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on STZHF. Credit Suisse Group lowered Stelco from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, September 15th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Stelco from C$60.00 to C$55.00 in a research note on Friday, August 11th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Stelco from C$47.00 to C$43.00 in a report on Friday, August 11th. Scotiabank dropped their price target on Stelco from C$53.00 to C$42.50 in a research report on Monday, August 14th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on shares of Stelco from C$46.00 to C$37.00 in a research note on Friday, August 11th. Get Stelco alerts: View Our Latest Report on STZHF Stelco Stock Down 2.3 % Stelco Company Profile Shares of STZHF opened at $24.42 on Tuesday. Stelco has a 52-week low of $23.98 and a 52-week high of $44.50. The businesss 50 day moving average is $28.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $32.01. (Get Free Report) Stelco Holdings Inc engages in the production and sale of steel products in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It offers flat-rolled value-added steel, including coated, pre-painted, cold-rolled, and hot-rolled sheet products, as well as pig iron and metallurgical coke. The company sells its products to customers in the construction, automotive, energy, appliance, and pipe and tube industries, as well as to various steel service centers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Stelco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stelco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAGHDAD, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish drone strike in northern Iraq on Saturday killed a senior member and two militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the Counter-Terrorism Service of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region said in a statement. They were killed at 5:30 p.m. local time (1430 GMT) when a Turkish drone attacked their vehicle on a road near the town of Amedi in Duhok province, the statement said. The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments in northern Iraq against the PKK, especially in the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the group. 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. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Boeing (NYSE:BA Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage issued a buy rating and a $275.00 price objective on the aircraft producers stock. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on BA. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Boeing from $220.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Boeing from $255.00 to $260.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 28th. SpectralCast reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. TheStreet raised shares of Boeing from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 15th. Finally, Northcoast Research upgraded shares of Boeing from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Boeing presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $246.00. Get Boeing alerts: Get Our Latest Report on BA Boeing Stock Performance Shares of NYSE BA opened at $185.00 on Tuesday. Boeing has a fifty-two week low of $131.37 and a fifty-two week high of $243.10. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $212.15 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $211.53. The company has a market capitalization of $111.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.70 and a beta of 1.45. Boeing (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.82) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.99) by $0.17. The business had revenue of $19.75 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.59 billion. Boeings revenue for the quarter was up 18.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted ($0.37) EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Boeing will post -3.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Boeing In related news, CEO Theodore Colbert III sold 8,500 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.37, for a total transaction of $2,026,145.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 59,255 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,124,614.35. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO Theodore Colbert III sold 8,500 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.37, for a total transaction of $2,026,145.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 59,255 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,124,614.35. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Steven M. Mollenkopf bought 850 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 31st. The shares were purchased at an average price of $237.00 per share, for a total transaction of $201,450.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 3,767 shares in the company, valued at approximately $892,779. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.15% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Boeing Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Sterling Investment Advisors Ltd. increased its holdings in Boeing by 12.6% in the 1st quarter. Sterling Investment Advisors Ltd. now owns 1,791 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $380,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. LifePro Asset Management increased its holdings in shares of Boeing by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. LifePro Asset Management now owns 3,244 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $685,000 after buying an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Investment Management of Virginia LLC bought a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 1st quarter worth about $216,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 2nd quarter worth about $131,000. Finally, Aureus Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter worth about $2,690,000. 61.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Boeing (Get Free Report) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) had its target price lowered by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $35.00 to $34.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the financial services providers stock. BAM has been the topic of several other reports. HSBC began coverage on Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Friday, October 6th. They set a buy rating and a $39.00 price objective on the stock. TD Securities increased their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an action list buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Bank of America dropped their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $42.00 to $37.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on Brookfield Asset Management from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $45.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $38.40. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on BAM Brookfield Asset Management Price Performance NYSE BAM opened at $32.41 on Wednesday. Brookfield Asset Management has a 12 month low of $26.76 and a 12 month high of $36.50. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $33.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $32.87. Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The financial services provider reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.32. The company had revenue of $985.00 million during the quarter. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Brookfield Asset Management will post 1.32 earnings per share for the current year. Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 31st were paid a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.95%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 30th. Institutional Trading of Brookfield Asset Management Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BAM. Signaturefd LLC raised its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 288.8% during the 1st quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 762 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 566 shares during the period. CWM LLC raised its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 107.9% during the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,021 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 530 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. purchased a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,000. HBC Financial Services PLLC purchased a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Finally, Credit Agricole S A purchased a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Institutional investors own 61.92% of the companys stock. About Brookfield Asset Management (Get Free Report) Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. provides alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the ownership, operation, and development of hydroelectric, wind, solar, and energy transition power generating assets. The company's infrastructure business engages in the ownership, operation, and development of utilities, transport, midstream, data and sustainable resource assets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of PNM Resources (NYSE:PNM Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Wednesday morning. PNM has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Mizuho upgraded PNM Resources from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $50.30 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating and set a $51.00 target price on shares of PNM Resources in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $51.08. Get PNM Resources alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on PNM Resources PNM Resources Stock Performance Shares of NYSE PNM opened at $43.77 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.37. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $44.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $45.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.76 billion, a PE ratio of 15.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.60 and a beta of 0.40. PNM Resources has a 52 week low of $42.75 and a 52 week high of $49.60. PNM Resources (NYSE:PNM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.56 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $477.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $446.75 million. PNM Resources had a net margin of 10.26% and a return on equity of 10.31%. PNM Resourcess quarterly revenue was down 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.57 EPS. Analysts predict that PNM Resources will post 2.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PNM Resources Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 10th. Investors of record on Friday, October 27th will be given a dividend of $0.368 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 26th. This represents a $1.47 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.36%. This is an increase from PNM Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. PNM Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 53.07%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PNM Resources Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of PNM Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its holdings in shares of PNM Resources by 139.4% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 668 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 389 shares in the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of PNM Resources by 1,459.2% during the 1st quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 764 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 715 shares in the last quarter. State of Wyoming acquired a new stake in shares of PNM Resources during the 4th quarter valued at $46,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of PNM Resources during the 1st quarter valued at $56,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.18% of the companys stock. PNM Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) PNM Resources, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PNM Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PNM Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barclays upgraded shares of PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report issued on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have $160.00 price objective on the specialty chemicals companys stock. Several other equities research analysts have also commented on the company. Bank of America upped their price objective on PPG Industries from $163.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on PPG Industries from $145.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Credit Suisse Group upped their price objective on PPG Industries from $133.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on PPG Industries from $143.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on PPG Industries in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $155.94. Get PPG Industries alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on PPG Industries PPG Industries Price Performance Shares of PPG stock opened at $128.46 on Wednesday. PPG Industries has a fifty-two week low of $107.40 and a fifty-two week high of $152.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.06, a PEG ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.49. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $135.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $139.07. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.14 by $0.11. PPG Industries had a return on equity of 23.59% and a net margin of 7.38%. The business had revenue of $4.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.84 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.81 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that PPG Industries will post 7.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PPG Industries Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 12th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 10th were paid a $0.65 dividend. This is an increase from PPG Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 9th. PPG Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 46.68%. Insider Activity at PPG Industries In other PPG Industries news, Chairman Michael H. Mcgarry sold 58,378 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.46, for a total value of $8,491,663.88. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 195,706 shares in the company, valued at approximately $28,467,394.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CFO Vincent J. Morales sold 3,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.33, for a total transaction of $530,321.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 22,665 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,248,574.45. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Michael H. Mcgarry sold 58,378 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the chairman now owns 195,706 shares of the companys stock, valued at $28,467,394.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.55% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On PPG Industries Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in PPG Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in PPG Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in PPG Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new stake in PPG Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. raised its position in PPG Industries by 84.9% in the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 220 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. 79.18% of the stock is currently 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. Further Reading 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. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of RXO (NYSE:RXO Free Report) from a neutral rating to an underweight rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have $16.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $17.00. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on RXO from $20.00 to $18.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Susquehanna cut their target price on RXO from $14.00 to $13.00 and set a negative rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. Wolfe Research downgraded RXO from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $18.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Stephens cut their target price on RXO from $23.00 to $19.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Oppenheimer reissued an outperform rating and set a $24.00 target price on shares of RXO in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $20.81. Get RXO alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on RXO RXO Stock Down 2.9 % RXO stock opened at $18.52 on Wednesday. RXO has a twelve month low of $14.75 and a twelve month high of $25.50. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $18.82 and a two-hundred day moving average of $19.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.17 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 168.36. RXO (NYSE:RXO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.01. RXO had a return on equity of 9.50% and a net margin of 0.28%. The company had revenue of $963.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.01 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.56 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 21.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that RXO will post 0.26 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other RXO news, Director Thomas A. Szlosek acquired 11,186 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 15th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $17.92 per share, for a total transaction of $200,453.12. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 13,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at $233,569.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On RXO Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of RXO during the third quarter worth $1,060,000. California State Teachers Retirement System boosted its holdings in RXO by 6.0% in the second quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 141,524 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,208,000 after acquiring an additional 7,976 shares during the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its holdings in RXO by 5.8% in the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 38,581 shares of the companys stock valued at $875,000 after acquiring an additional 2,110 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in RXO by 59.4% in the second quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 1,028,483 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,316,000 after acquiring an additional 383,441 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Resources Management Corp CT ADV boosted its holdings in RXO by 7,985.7% in the second quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV now owns 2,830 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 2,795 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.73% of the companys stock. RXO Company Profile (Get Free Report) RXO, Inc provides full truckload freight transportation brokering services. The company also offers brokered services for managed transportation, last mile, and freight forwarding. RXO, Inc was founded in 2022 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for RXO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RXO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Friday. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Telefonica Brasil from $10.00 to $11.40 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Telefonica Brasil in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup raised shares of Telefonica Brasil from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 8th. Finally, Itau BBA Securities reissued an outperform rating and issued a $11.00 target price on shares of Telefonica Brasil in a report on Friday, September 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $11.13. Get Telefonica Brasil alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Telefonica Brasil Telefonica Brasil Stock Performance VIV opened at $9.10 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The company has a market cap of $15.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.17, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.56. The companys 50 day moving average is $8.70 and its 200 day moving average is $8.53. Telefonica Brasil has a 12-month low of $6.49 and a 12-month high of $9.31. Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter. Telefonica Brasil had a net margin of 8.98% and a return on equity of 6.54%. The business had revenue of $2.57 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 billion. On average, equities research analysts predict that Telefonica Brasil will post 0.55 EPS for the current year. Telefonica Brasil Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 1st were given a $0.0273 dividend. This represents a yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 1st. Telefonica Brasils dividend payout ratio is presently 47.17%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Telefonica Brasil Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Telefonica Brasil by 3.9% during the first quarter. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. now owns 32,592 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $367,000 after acquiring an additional 1,214 shares during the last quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC increased its position in Telefonica Brasil by 0.7% during the first quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 230,768 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $1,747,000 after acquiring an additional 1,645 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its position in Telefonica Brasil by 17.9% during the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 12,097 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $136,000 after acquiring an additional 1,839 shares during the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. increased its position in Telefonica Brasil by 5.2% during the second quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 38,350 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $350,000 after acquiring an additional 1,900 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Profund Advisors LLC increased its position in Telefonica Brasil by 14.4% during the second quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 15,094 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 1,901 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 5.40% of the companys stock. About Telefonica Brasil (Get Free Report) Telefonica Brasil SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a mobile telecommunications company in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G, as well as mobile value-added and wireless roaming services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Telefonica Brasil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telefonica Brasil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Interfor Co. (TSE:IFP Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$17.80 and last traded at C$17.89, with a volume of 55431 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$18.50. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, CIBC decreased their target price on Interfor from C$32.00 to C$26.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Get Interfor alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on IFP Interfor Stock Down 1.8 % The company has a market cap of C$883.22 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.54 and a beta of 2.55. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$21.03 and its 200-day moving average is C$22.12. The company has a current ratio of 2.51, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.13. Interfor (TSE:IFP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported C($0.15) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C($0.01) by C($0.14). The company had revenue of C$871.80 million for the quarter. Interfor had a negative net margin of 3.50% and a negative return on equity of 6.13%. On average, analysts anticipate that Interfor Co. will post 2.8686567 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Interfor (Get Free Report) Interfor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells wood products in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, and internationally. It offers decking, fascia and board, framing, v-joint paneling, paneling, and siding products, as well as appearance, structural, studs, timbers, and machine stress related products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Interfor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interfor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. STAG Industrial, Inc. (NYSE:STAG Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Friday, October 13th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a dividend of 0.1225 per share by the real estate investment trust on Friday, December 15th. This represents a $1.47 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. STAG Industrial has increased its dividend by an average of 0.7% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 5 years. STAG Industrial has a dividend payout ratio of 196.0% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect STAG Industrial to earn $2.36 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.47 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 62.3%. Get STAG Industrial alerts: STAG Industrial Trading Down 0.1 % NYSE STAG opened at $34.38 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $6.18 billion, a PE ratio of 31.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.89 and a beta of 1.00. STAG Industrial has a 1-year low of $27.62 and a 1-year high of $38.83. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $35.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $35.30. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently issued reports on STAG. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on STAG Industrial from $33.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, August 7th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of STAG Industrial in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on shares of STAG Industrial from $41.00 to $39.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $42.00 price objective on shares of STAG Industrial in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of STAG Industrial from $33.00 to $37.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, August 11th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $38.71. Read Our Latest Report on STAG Insider Transactions at STAG Industrial In other STAG Industrial news, Director Benjamin S. Butcher sold 3,150 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.45, for a total transaction of $114,817.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 38,938 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,419,290.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Benjamin S. Butcher sold 30,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.47, for a total transaction of $1,094,100.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 7,088 shares in the company, valued at approximately $258,499.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Benjamin S. Butcher sold 3,150 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.45, for a total value of $114,817.50. Following the transaction, the director now owns 38,938 shares in the company, valued at $1,419,290.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of STAG Industrial Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky bought a new stake in STAG Industrial in the second quarter valued at about $1,127,000. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC raised its holdings in shares of STAG Industrial by 114.4% in the 2nd quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 102,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,663,000 after buying an additional 54,469 shares in the last quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV lifted its position in shares of STAG Industrial by 132.0% during the 2nd quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV now owns 40,580 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,456,000 after buying an additional 23,086 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its stake in STAG Industrial by 33.1% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 320,713 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $11,507,000 after buying an additional 79,730 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Tennessee Treasury Department acquired a new position in STAG Industrial during the second quarter worth $3,240,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.68% of the companys stock. STAG Industrial Company Profile (Get Free Report) We are a REIT focused on the acquisition, ownership and operation of industrial properties throughout the United States. We seek to (i) identify properties for acquisition that offer relative value across all locations, industrial property types, and tenants through the principled application of our proprietary risk assessment model, (ii) operate our properties in an efficient, cost-effective manner, and (iii) capitalize our business appropriately given the characteristics of our assets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for STAG Industrial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for STAG Industrial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Friday, October 13th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd will be paid a dividend of 0.0038 per share by the bank on Monday, December 11th. This represents a $0.05 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 2nd. Banco Bradesco Trading Up 0.9 % Banco Bradesco stock opened at $2.88 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $30.64 billion, a PE ratio of 11.50, a P/E/G ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.19. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $2.97 and a 200 day moving average price of $3.09. Banco Bradesco has a 52 week low of $2.34 and a 52 week high of $4.04. Get Banco Bradesco alerts: Banco Bradesco (NYSE:BBD Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The bank reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $9.83 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.49 billion. Banco Bradesco had a return on equity of 9.53% and a net margin of 7.80%. Equities research analysts predict that Banco Bradesco will post 0.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Banco Bradesco Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in shares of Banco Bradesco by 59.8% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 22,522 shares of the banks stock valued at $83,000 after purchasing an additional 8,428 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its holdings in Banco Bradesco by 373.1% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 16,891 shares of the banks stock valued at $78,000 after buying an additional 13,321 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Banco Bradesco by 36.4% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 16,506 shares of the banks stock valued at $77,000 after acquiring an additional 4,407 shares during the last quarter. Balentine LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Bradesco by 31.2% during the 2nd quarter. Balentine LLC now owns 21,919 shares of the banks stock worth $76,000 after acquiring an additional 5,209 shares during the period. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Bradesco by 26.6% during the 1st quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 23,944 shares of the banks stock worth $63,000 after acquiring an additional 5,032 shares during the period. 1.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. (Get Free Report) Banco Bradesco SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, corporates, and businesses in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Banking and Insurance. It provides current, savings, click, and salary accounts; real estate credit, vehicle financing, payroll loans, mortgage loans, microcredit, leasing, and personal and installment credit; debit and business cards; financial and security services; consortium products; auto, personal accident, dental, travel, and life insurance; investment products; pension products; real estate and vehicle auctions; cash management, and foreign trade and exchange services; capitalization bonds; and internet banking services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bradesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bradesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dollar General (NYSE:DG Free Report) had its price target lowered by Morgan Stanley from $135.00 to $125.00 in a research note published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. A number of other equities analysts have also commented on DG. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Dollar General from $178.00 to $144.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 1st. Edward Jones raised shares of Dollar General from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on shares of Dollar General from $175.00 to $135.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 1st. Truist Financial decreased their target price on shares of Dollar General from $142.00 to $117.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Dollar General from $185.00 to $146.00 in a report on Friday, September 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eighteen have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $144.84. Get Dollar General alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on DG Dollar General Price Performance Shares of DG opened at $111.16 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.40 billion, a PE ratio of 11.39, a PEG ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 0.37. The companys 50-day moving average is $131.05 and its 200-day moving average is $169.57. Dollar General has a fifty-two week low of $101.09 and a fifty-two week high of $261.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 0.15. Dollar General (NYSE:DG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 31st. The company reported $2.13 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.47 by ($0.34). Dollar General had a return on equity of 36.34% and a net margin of 5.59%. The business had revenue of $9.80 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.98 earnings per share. Dollar Generals revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Dollar General will post 7.75 EPS for the current year. Dollar General Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 24th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 10th will be paid a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 6th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.12%. Dollar Generals dividend payout ratio is currently 24.18%. Insider Activity In related news, EVP Carman R. Wenkoff acquired 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 29th. The stock was bought at an average price of $106.25 per share, for a total transaction of $212,500.00. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now directly owns 30,966 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,290,137.50. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Dollar General Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. First Manhattan Co. increased its stake in Dollar General by 447.4% during the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 104 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Financial Freedom LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dollar General in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in shares of Dollar General in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dollar General in the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dollar General in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Institutional investors own 90.37% of the companys stock. About Dollar General (Get Free Report) Dollar General Corporation, a discount retailer, provides various merchandise products in the southern, southwestern, midwestern, and eastern United States. It offers consumable products, including paper and cleaning products, such as paper towels, bath tissues, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, disinfectants, and laundry products; packaged food comprising cereals, pasta, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, condiments, spices, sugar, and flour; and perishables that include milk, eggs, bread, refrigerated and frozen food, beer, and wine. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dollar General Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dollar General and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Zealand's National Party's leader Christopher Luxon (C) greets his supporters in Auckland, New Zealand, Oct. 14, 2023. New Zealand's National Party wins the general election, with the Labor Party to step down after six years in office, according to preliminary results of the election on Sunday (local time). A coalition of right-wing parties led by the National Party won more than half of parliamentary seats and secured the right to form a government, and National Party's leader Christopher Luxon will be the prime minister of the new government. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) WELLINGTON, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's National Party wins the general election, with the Labor Party to step down after six years in office, according to preliminary results of the election on Sunday (local time). A coalition of right-wing parties led by the National Party won more than half of parliamentary seats and secured the right to form a government, and National Party's leader Christopher Luxon will be the prime minister of the new government. "You have reached for hope and you have voted for change," Luxon said, adding that the National Party will be in a position to lead the next government. Bringing down the cost of living is among issues mentioned by Luxon to address. Labor Party's leader Chris Hipkins said the Labor Party would remain strong in opposition. According to results of the vote count, the largest opposition party, the National Party, won 50 of the 121 parliamentary seats, with the ruling Labor Party winning 34 seats. In addition, the Greens Party, the ACT, NZ first, and the Maori party won 14, 11, eight and four seats, respectively, the vote count showed. A total of 17 political parties contested in the election, but only six parties eventually made it into the parliament. With no party winning a majority of seats, the formation of a new government will depend on the outcome of inter-party negotiations to form a coalition government. The official results of the election will be announced on Nov. 3. About 3.5 million people were enrolled to vote in the 2023 election. More than 2,300 voting places opened across the country on Saturday, the election day, including in rural areas, said Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne. New Zealand's National Party's leader Christopher Luxon addresses his supporters in Auckland, New Zealand, Oct. 14, 2023. New Zealand's National Party wins the general election, with the Labor Party to step down after six years in office, according to preliminary results of the election on Sunday (local time). A coalition of right-wing parties led by the National Party won more than half of parliamentary seats and secured the right to form a government, and National Party's leader Christopher Luxon will be the prime minister of the new government. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) New Zealand's National Party's leader Christopher Luxon addresses his supporters in Auckland, New Zealand, Oct. 14, 2023. New Zealand's National Party wins the general election, with the Labor Party to step down after six years in office, according to preliminary results of the election on Sunday (local time). A coalition of right-wing parties led by the National Party won more than half of parliamentary seats and secured the right to form a government, and National Party's leader Christopher Luxon will be the prime minister of the new government. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) Welch & Forbes LLC grew its position in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 25,231 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 161 shares during the quarter. Welch & Forbes LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $6,312,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 9,666 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,024,000 after buying an additional 348 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 9,070 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,899,000 after buying an additional 368 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 54.7% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,859 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $599,000 after buying an additional 1,011 shares in the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 2,407 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $504,000 after buying an additional 217 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 70.7% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 746 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $156,000 after buying an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.56% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Illinois Tool Works Trading Down 1.0 % NYSE ITW opened at $231.50 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $238.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is $238.74. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 12 month low of $185.49 and a 12 month high of $264.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.90, a PEG ratio of 4.46 and a beta of 1.15. Illinois Tool Works Increases Dividend Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $2.41 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.39 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $4.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.14 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 94.14%. Illinois Tool Workss revenue for the quarter was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.37 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.73 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th were paid a dividend of $1.40 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 28th. This is a positive change from Illinois Tool Workss previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.42%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is 55.39%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently commented on ITW. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $235.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $256.00 to $258.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $236.73. Get Our Latest Analysis on Illinois Tool Works About Illinois Tool Works (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EA Series Trust acquired a new stake in Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares (NYSEARCA:TZA Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 112,013 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $2,946,000. EA Series Trust owned approximately 0.76% of Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. UBS Group AG lifted its position in Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 3,770 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $116,000 after acquiring an additional 301 shares in the last quarter. Atticus Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares by 62.5% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 3,250 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $100,000 after acquiring an additional 1,250 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares during the 1st quarter worth approximately $53,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares by 49.0% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 11,681 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $411,000 after acquiring an additional 3,841 shares in the last quarter. Get Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares alerts: Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares Price Performance Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares stock opened at $34.59 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $28.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $29.13. Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares has a one year low of $21.98 and a one year high of $43.56. Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares Profile Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares (the Fund) seeks daily investment results of 300% of the inverse (or opposite) of the price performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Small Cap Index). The Small Cap Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the United States equity universe and consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in the Russell 3000 Index, representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TZA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares (NYSEARCA:TZA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EA Series Trust bought a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 39,579 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $2,531,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, First Personal Financial Services grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 67.8% in the 1st quarter. First Personal Financial Services now owns 495 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.98% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently commented on BMY. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $80.00 to $66.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 15th. Daiwa Capital Markets started coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. They issued an outperform rating and a $70.00 target price for the company. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $78.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 28th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $87.00 to $79.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 28th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.29. Insider Activity In related news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred 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 directly owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at $1,706,915. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total transaction 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 transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total value of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance NYSE BMY opened at $56.47 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $117.97 billion, a PE ratio of 15.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52 week low of $55.69 and a 52 week high of $81.43. 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 firms 50-day simple moving average is $59.74 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $63.79. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.99 by ($0.24). The business had revenue of $11.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.81 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 17.62% and a return on equity of 50.51%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.42 earnings per share for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.04%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 5th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 60.64%. About Bristol-Myers Squibb (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moody Aldrich Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE:WMS Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 2,983 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $339,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Neo Ivy Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of Advanced Drainage Systems during the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 8,940.0% in the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 452 shares of the construction companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 447 shares in the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 47.8% in the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 495 shares of the construction companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 160 shares in the last quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in Advanced Drainage Systems in the 2nd quarter worth $71,000. Finally, Point72 Middle East FZE acquired a new position in Advanced Drainage Systems in the 4th quarter worth $88,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.69% of the companys stock. Get Advanced Drainage Systems alerts: Insider Activity In other news, insider Tim A. Makowski sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $122.35, for a total value of $305,875.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,147 shares in the company, valued at $752,085.45. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Tim A. Makowski sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $122.35, for a total transaction of $305,875.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 6,147 shares of the companys stock, valued at $752,085.45. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Anil Seetharam sold 150,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $124.88, for a total transaction of $18,732,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 1,317,649 shares of the companys stock, valued at $164,548,007.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 565,774 shares of company stock worth $71,489,961 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 3.79% of the companys stock. Advanced Drainage Systems Price Performance NYSE WMS opened at $116.07 on Friday. Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. has a 52 week low of $75.02 and a 52 week high of $134.94. The company has a current ratio of 2.78, a quick ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34. The stock has a market cap of $9.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $122.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $108.16. Advanced Drainage Systems (NYSE:WMS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The construction company reported $2.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.51. The business had revenue of $778.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $746.08 million. Advanced Drainage Systems had a net margin of 16.82% and a return on equity of 50.53%. The businesss revenue was down 14.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.22 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. will post 5.64 EPS for the current year. Advanced Drainage Systems Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 1st were issued a $0.14 dividend. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.48%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 31st. Advanced Drainage Systemss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 9.29%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems from $125.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems from $138.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. KeyCorp upped their target price on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 21st. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems from $114.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems from $131.00 to $162.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Two 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, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $147.00. Get Our Latest Report on Advanced Drainage Systems About Advanced Drainage Systems (Free Report) Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc designs, manufactures, and markets thermoplastic corrugated pipes and related water management products, and drainage solutions for use in the construction and agriculture marketplaces in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. The company operates through Pipe, International, Infiltrator, and Allied Products & Other segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moody Aldrich Partners LLC lessened its position in Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL Free Report) by 4.7% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 2,314 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 114 shares during the period. Moody Aldrich Partners LLCs holdings in Jones Lang LaSalle were worth $361,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of JLL. Pacer Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,309,000. Epoch Investment Partners Inc. raised its stake in Jones Lang LaSalle by 45.8% in the 1st quarter. Epoch Investment Partners Inc. now owns 4,652 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $677,000 after purchasing an additional 1,461 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Oklahoma raised its stake in Jones Lang LaSalle by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. Trust Co. of Oklahoma now owns 1,617 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $235,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares in the last quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its stake in Jones Lang LaSalle by 44.8% in the 1st quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 530 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 164 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Olstein Capital Management L.P. raised its stake in Jones Lang LaSalle by 6.9% in the 1st quarter. Olstein Capital Management L.P. now owns 62,000 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $9,020,000 after purchasing an additional 4,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 96.79% of the companys stock. Get Jones Lang LaSalle alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have weighed in on JLL shares. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $178.00 price objective on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Raymond James decreased their target price on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle from $222.00 to $173.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle from $167.00 to $160.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $179.50. Jones Lang LaSalle Trading Down 2.2 % JLL opened at $130.90 on Friday. Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $123.00 and a fifty-two week high of $188.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 2.65 and a quick ratio of 2.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.58 and a beta of 1.34. The companys 50 day moving average price is $156.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $151.12. Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The financial services provider reported $0.50 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by ($1.70). The business had revenue of $5.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.06 billion. Jones Lang LaSalle had a return on equity of 7.05% and a net margin of 1.50%. The companys revenue was down 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $4.48 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated will post 9.31 earnings per share for the current year. Jones Lang LaSalle Profile (Free Report) Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, a professional services company, provides real estate and investment management services in Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers a range of real estate services, including agency leasing, tenant representation, property management, advisory, and consulting services; and capital market services, such as equity and debt advisory, loan sales, equity advisory, loan servicing, merger and acquisition, corporate advisory, and investment sales and advisory services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JLL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Welch & Forbes LLC lifted its holdings in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 8.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,363 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,806 shares during the quarter. Welch & Forbes LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $2,559,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in EOG. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 0.4% during the second quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 31,605 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $3,617,000 after buying an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 103.1% during the second quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,023 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $232,000 after buying an additional 1,027 shares during the last quarter. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 6.0% during the second quarter. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA now owns 18,923 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $2,166,000 after buying an additional 1,075 shares during the last quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the second quarter valued at $6,129,000. Finally, Mach 1 Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 12,000.0% in the second quarter. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC now owns 8,712 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $997,000 after purchasing an additional 8,640 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.21% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Insider Transactions at EOG Resources In related news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 4,551 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.76, for a total value of $595,088.76. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 145,259 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,994,066.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently issued reports on EOG. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. downgraded EOG Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 24th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $154.00 to $152.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 1st. TD Securities upped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $164.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $129.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Six 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 company. Based on data from MarketBeat, EOG Resources has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $150.04. Get Our Latest Report on EOG Resources EOG Resources Stock Up 3.8 % Shares of NYSE EOG opened at $133.84 on Friday. EOG Resources, Inc. has a one year low of $98.52 and a one year high of $150.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 2.39 and a quick ratio of 2.02. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $128.60 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $120.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.02, a PEG ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 1.55. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy exploration company reported $2.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.28 by $0.21. EOG Resources had a net margin of 33.58% and a return on equity of 28.52%. The firm had revenue of $5.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.74 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.74 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 24.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.36 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. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be issued a $0.825 dividend. This represents a $3.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 16th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is 22.24%. EOG Resources 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. Read More 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. Welch & Forbes LLC trimmed its stake in Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report) by 0.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 185,930 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 966 shares during the period. Welch & Forbes LLCs holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF were worth $3,912,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Invst LLC bought a new position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $644,000. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH increased its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 43.3% in the 2nd quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH now owns 2,300 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 695 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $605,000. Grove Bank & Trust increased its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 301.3% during the second quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 4,627 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $97,000 after purchasing an additional 3,474 shares during the period. Finally, Latitude Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $219,000. Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts: Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Performance BKLN opened at $21.02 on Friday. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a 1 year low of $20.33 and a 1 year high of $21.27. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $21.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $20.94. Invesco Senior Loan ETF Profile The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. trimmed its position in Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD Free Report) by 49.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,592,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 1,536,789 shares during the quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. owned about 0.51% of Starwood Property Trust worth $30,885,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of STWD. Credit Suisse AG raised its stake in Starwood Property Trust by 4.0% during the 1st quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 479,287 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $8,479,000 after purchasing an additional 18,614 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new position in Starwood Property Trust during the 1st quarter valued at $613,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Starwood Property Trust by 54.7% during the 1st quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 30,717 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $543,000 after purchasing an additional 10,860 shares during the last quarter. Lake Street Financial LLC acquired a new position in Starwood Property Trust during the 1st quarter valued at $2,487,000. Finally, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund acquired a new position in Starwood Property Trust during the 1st quarter valued at $1,598,000. 49.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Starwood Property Trust alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently commented on STWD. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of Starwood Property Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their target price for the company from $21.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. BTIG Research boosted their price target on shares of Starwood Property Trust from $19.00 to $21.00 in a report on Friday, June 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Starwood Property Trust from $18.50 to $21.50 in a report on Monday, July 24th. JMP Securities lowered their price target on shares of Starwood Property Trust from $26.00 to $24.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Starwood Property Trust in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $21.63. Starwood Property Trust Stock Down 1.7 % STWD opened at $18.85 on Friday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $19.93 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98, a quick ratio of 2.40 and a current ratio of 2.40. Starwood Property Trust, Inc. has a twelve month low of $16.06 and a twelve month high of $21.73. The firm has a market cap of $5.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.77 and a beta of 1.58. Starwood Property Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Stockholders of record on Saturday, September 30th will be issued a $0.48 dividend. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.19%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 28th. Starwood Property Trusts payout ratio is 109.71%. Insider Transactions at Starwood Property Trust In other news, President Jeffrey F. Dimodica sold 20,111 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.48, for a total value of $411,873.28. Following the sale, the president now owns 1,035,984 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,216,952.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 5.40% of the stock is owned by insiders. Starwood Property Trust Profile (Free Report) Starwood Property Trust, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Commercial and Residential Lending, Infrastructure Lending, Property, and Investing and Servicing segments. The Commercial and Residential Lending segment originates, acquires, finances, and manages commercial first mortgages, non-agency residential mortgages, subordinated mortgages, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), and residential mortgage-backed securities, as well as other real estate and real estate-related debt investments, include distressed or non-performing loans. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Starwood Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Starwood Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE:AMR Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 4,203 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $691,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. boosted its position in Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 16,462.5% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 1,325 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $174,000 after buying an additional 1,317 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 111.5% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 87,196 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $11,506,000 after buying an additional 45,975 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. purchased a new stake in Alpha Metallurgical Resources in the first quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Ergoteles LLC purchased a new stake in Alpha Metallurgical Resources in the first quarter valued at approximately $3,044,000. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new stake in Alpha Metallurgical Resources in the first quarter valued at approximately $255,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.31% of the companys stock. Get Alpha Metallurgical Resources alerts: Insider Activity In other news, Chairman David J. Stetson sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $198.55, for a total transaction of $3,971,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 57,978 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,511,531.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 15.00% of the companys stock. Alpha Metallurgical Resources Trading Up 0.0 % Alpha Metallurgical Resources stock opened at $223.59 on Friday. Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. has a 12 month low of $130.54 and a 12 month high of $267.60. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $220.10 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $178.19. The firm has a market cap of $3.39 billion, a PE ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 1.18. Alpha Metallurgical Resources (NYSE:AMR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The energy company reported $12.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.32 by $2.84. Alpha Metallurgical Resources had a return on equity of 62.51% and a net margin of 26.73%. The firm had revenue of $858.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $833.69 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $30.03 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 35.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. will post 45.99 EPS for the current year. Alpha Metallurgical Resources Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.89%. Alpha Metallurgical Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 3.52%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on AMR shares. TD Cowen lowered Alpha Metallurgical Resources from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their target price for the company from $200.00 to $194.00 in a research report on Monday, August 21st. B. Riley upped their price objective on Alpha Metallurgical Resources from $199.00 to $254.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Alpha Metallurgical Resources Alpha Metallurgical Resources Profile (Free Report) Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc, a mining company, produces, processes, and sells met and thermal coal in Virginia and West Virginia. As of December 31, 2022, it operated twenty four active mines and eight coal preparation and load-out facilities. The company was formerly known as Contura Energy, Inc and changed its name to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc in February 2021. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Alpha Metallurgical Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alpha Metallurgical Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG Free Report) by 0.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,003,554 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 207 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. owned about 2.81% of The Hanover Insurance Group worth $113,432,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. M&T Bank Corp raised its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 2,590 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $333,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. FourThought Financial Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 6.4% in the 1st quarter. FourThought Financial Partners LLC now owns 1,601 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $206,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $12,850,000,000. Congress Asset Management Co. MA raised its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA now owns 19,853 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,244,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Treasurer of the State of North Carolina raised its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 15,473 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,988,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. 84.89% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Hanover Insurance Group alerts: Insider Activity In other news, Director Jane D. Carlin sold 1,246 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.04, for a total value of $142,093.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 2.40% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently commented on THG. JMP Securities reduced their price objective on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $160.00 to $150.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $149.00 to $138.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $125.00 to $126.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $124.00 to $120.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 15th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, The Hanover Insurance Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $139.71. Read Our Latest Analysis on The Hanover Insurance Group The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Up 2.7 % NYSE:THG opened at $114.76 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $4.10 billion, a PE ratio of -44.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.66. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $103.82 and a twelve month high of $148.78. The company has a current ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The companys 50 day moving average is $109.28 and its two-hundred day moving average is $114.54. The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The insurance provider reported ($1.91) earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of ($1.91). The company had revenue of $1.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.42 billion. The Hanover Insurance Group had a negative net margin of 1.60% and a negative return on equity of 2.83%. The Hanover Insurance Groups revenue was up 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.32 EPS. Analysts anticipate that The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. will post 3.01 EPS for the current year. The Hanover Insurance Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a $0.81 dividend. This represents a $3.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. The Hanover Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -124.62%. The Hanover Insurance Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Core Commercial, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, workers' compensation, and other commercial lines coverage. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding THG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SYDNEY, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Fire authority in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on Saturday confirmed the death of a volunteer firefighter in battling bushfire in the Kyogle region. "The volunteer was working on a fire at Bean Creek when he suffered a medical episode," the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) noted in a statement. The agency's fire information system showed that the Bean Creek blaze has burnt approximately 417 hectares but is not yet under control. Currently, there are more than 60 wildfires burning across the state. With warm, dry, and gusty conditions forecast for Sunday, a total fire ban has been issued for the Greater Hunter region, while seven other areas are likely to face high fire danger, including the state's capital Sydney. Seizert Capital Partners LLC reduced its position in Issuer Direct Co. (NYSE:ISDR Free Report) by 50.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 12,163 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,318 shares during the quarter. Seizert Capital Partners LLC owned approximately 0.32% of Issuer Direct worth $229,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Issuer Direct by 0.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 167,671 shares of the companys stock worth $4,985,000 after buying an additional 1,487 shares in the last quarter. Punch & Associates Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Issuer Direct by 9.6% in the first quarter. Punch & Associates Investment Management Inc. now owns 57,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,198,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Issuer Direct by 4.7% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 51,550 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,046,000 after purchasing an additional 2,293 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in Issuer Direct by 25.0% in the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 39,038 shares of the companys stock valued at $994,000 after purchasing an additional 7,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its holdings in Issuer Direct by 15.1% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,998 shares of the companys stock valued at $238,000 after purchasing an additional 1,050 shares in the last quarter. 28.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Issuer Direct alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Issuer Direct news, insider William H. Everett sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.78, for a total value of $124,680.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 30,877 shares in the company, valued at $641,624.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 26.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on Issuer Direct in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. View Our Latest Analysis on ISDR Issuer Direct Price Performance Issuer Direct stock opened at $17.19 on Friday. Issuer Direct Co. has a 12 month low of $16.99 and a 12 month high of $29.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $19.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $20.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.48 million, a PE ratio of 35.81 and a beta of 0.91. Issuer Direct (NYSE:ISDR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 10th. The company reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.08. Issuer Direct had a return on equity of 12.47% and a net margin of 5.85%. The business had revenue of $9.65 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.36 million. Equities analysts predict that Issuer Direct Co. will post 1.25 earnings per share for the current year. Issuer Direct Profile (Free Report) Issuer Direct Corporation operates as a communications and compliance company, provides solutions for both public relations and investor relations professionals in the United States and internationally. The company provides press release distribution, media databases, media monitoring, and newsrooms through media advantage platform; ACCESSWIRE, a news dissemination and media outreach service; and VisualWebcaster Platform, a cloud-based webcast, webinar, and virtual meeting platform that delivers live and on-demand streaming of events to audiences of various sizes, as well as allows customers to create, produce, and deliver events. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Issuer Direct Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Issuer Direct and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 4.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,729 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 928 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group comprises about 1.2% of Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 22nd biggest position. Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $11,405,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 97,436.9% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,029,274,230 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $494,710,366,000 after buying an additional 1,028,218,963 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 0.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 74,928,539 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $35,410,478,000 after buying an additional 509,633 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 0.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 24,079,140 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $11,379,561,000 after buying an additional 140,312 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 17,101,395 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $8,063,262,000 after purchasing an additional 242,959 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 13.8% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 15,635,038 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $8,289,386,000 after purchasing an additional 1,893,192 shares in the last quarter. 85.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at UnitedHealth Group In related news, CEO Andrew Witty sold 4,000 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $506.19, for a total transaction of $2,024,760.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 78,573 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $39,772,866.87. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of UnitedHealth Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $600.00 to $549.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $587.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Friday, July 14th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $562.00 to $555.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from $595.00 to $603.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $573.52. Read Our Latest Research Report on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $539.27 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $499.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $491.87. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $499.53 billion, a PE ratio of 24.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 0.64. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1-year low of $445.68 and a 1-year high of $558.10. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.06% and a return on equity of 26.72%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.79 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 11th were issued a $1.88 dividend. This represents a $7.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 8th. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is 33.65%. UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. reduced its position in shares of Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI Free Report) by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 39,251 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 3,211 shares during the quarter. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Robert Half were worth $2,952,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RHI. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in Robert Half by 107,547.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 56,186,845 shares of the business services providers stock worth $4,226,375,000 after purchasing an additional 56,134,650 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Robert Half by 116,277.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,941,582 shares of the business services providers stock worth $586,327,000 after buying an additional 7,934,758 shares during the period. Capital World Investors acquired a new position in shares of Robert Half during the 1st quarter worth about $636,060,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Robert Half by 173.4% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,491,723 shares of the business services providers stock worth $200,758,000 after buying an additional 1,580,365 shares during the period. Finally, Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of Robert Half by 2,249.5% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,597,852 shares of the business services providers stock worth $117,969,000 after buying an additional 1,529,845 shares during the period. 91.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Robert Half alerts: Insider Transactions at Robert Half In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 2,050 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.15, for a total transaction of $152,007.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 12,934 shares in the company, valued at approximately $959,056.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 2,050 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.15, for a total transaction of $152,007.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 12,934 shares in the company, valued at approximately $959,056.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Robert W. Glass sold 14,751 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.15, for a total value of $1,108,537.65. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 209,927 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,776,014.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock. Robert Half Stock Down 1.8 % NYSE:RHI opened at $75.70 on Friday. Robert Half Inc. has a twelve month low of $64.65 and a twelve month high of $89.78. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $74.45 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $73.84. The company has a market cap of $8.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.02 and a beta of 1.30. Robert Half (NYSE:RHI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The business services provider reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by ($0.13). Robert Half had a return on equity of 34.51% and a net margin of 7.84%. The firm had revenue of $1.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.69 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.60 EPS. The companys revenue was down 12.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Robert Half Inc. will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Robert Half Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 25th were paid a dividend of $0.48 per share. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.54%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 24th. Robert Halfs dividend payout ratio is currently 38.10%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently issued reports on RHI. StockNews.com lowered Robert Half from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 7th. Bank of America decreased their target price on Robert Half from $63.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Redburn Partners began coverage on Robert Half in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. They issued a neutral rating and a $76.00 price objective for the company. Credit Suisse Group decreased their price objective on Robert Half from $63.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Robert Half from $84.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Robert Half has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $72.11. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Robert Half About Robert Half (Free Report) Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its holdings in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 23.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 519 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. WASHINGTON TRUST Cos holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $59,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC lifted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 19.8% during the 1st quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 545 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $77,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Commerce Bank raised its position in Digital Realty Trust by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 7,943 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $781,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. First Financial Corp IN increased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 93.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Financial Corp IN now owns 221 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC now owns 3,358 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $476,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,269 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $223,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.71% of the companys stock. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Digital Realty Trust news, insider Cindy Fiedelman sold 2,770 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.00, for a total transaction of $346,250.00. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.39% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently commented on DLR shares. BNP Paribas upgraded Digital Realty Trust from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $138.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, July 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Digital Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their price objective for the company from $112.00 to $131.00 in a report on Friday, August 25th. StockNews.com started coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Truist Financial raised their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $130.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $80.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $122.20. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on DLR Digital Realty Trust Stock Down 1.5 % DLR opened at $122.60 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $124.28 and a 200-day simple moving average of $111.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 95.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.56. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 12 month low of $86.33 and a 12 month high of $133.39. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a dividend of $1.22 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.98%. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is 378.30%. Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Infosys (NYSE:INFY Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The technology company reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.18, RTT News reports. The firm had revenue of $4.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.55 billion. Infosys had a return on equity of 32.39% and a net margin of 16.41%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.18 EPS. Infosys updated its FY 2024 guidance to EPS. Infosys Stock Up 2.8 % Shares of INFY stock opened at $16.92 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $17.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.45. Infosys has a fifty-two week low of $14.71 and a fifty-two week high of $20.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.96. Get Infosys alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Infosys Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Glenmede Trust Co. NA boosted its position in shares of Infosys by 9.3% in the 3rd quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA now owns 15,042 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $255,000 after purchasing an additional 1,285 shares during the period. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Infosys by 20.8% in the 1st quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 9,816 shares of the technology companys stock worth $244,000 after acquiring an additional 1,692 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Infosys in the 2nd quarter worth about $220,000. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its stake in Infosys by 88.5% in the 3rd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 12,343 shares of the technology companys stock worth $209,000 after acquiring an additional 5,794 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Infosys in the 4th quarter worth about $202,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.39% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets INFY has been the subject of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com upgraded Infosys from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Nomura raised Infosys from a reduce rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, September 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Infosys in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. They set a buy rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Infosys from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price target for the company from $14.00 to $16.80 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and set a $22.00 price target on shares of Infosys in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $18.56. Get Our Latest Analysis on Infosys About Infosys (Get Free Report) Infosys Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, technology, outsourcing, and next-generation digital services in North America, Europe, India, and internationally. It provides application management and application development services, independent validation solutions, product engineering and management, infrastructure management services, traditional enterprise application implementation, support, and integration services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Infosys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Infosys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Infosys (NYSE:INFY Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The technology company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.18, RTT News reports. The business had revenue of $4.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.55 billion. Infosys had a return on equity of 32.39% and a net margin of 16.41%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.18 earnings per share. Infosys updated its FY 2024 guidance to EPS. Infosys Stock Performance NYSE INFY opened at $16.92 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.96. Infosys has a 1 year low of $14.71 and a 1 year high of $20.57. The businesss fifty day moving average is $17.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.45. Get Infosys alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Infosys from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $14.00 to $16.80 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and set a $22.00 target price on shares of Infosys in a report on Monday, September 18th. StockNews.com raised Infosys from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday. Nomura raised Infosys from a reduce rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, September 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Infosys in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. They set a buy rating on the stock. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $18.56. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. FWL Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Infosys during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Natixis purchased a new position in Infosys during the 4th quarter worth approximately $110,000. Penserra Capital Management LLC grew its position in Infosys by 199.0% during the 4th quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 6,354 shares of the technology companys stock worth $114,000 after purchasing an additional 4,229 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in Infosys by 24.4% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 6,549 shares of the technology companys stock worth $121,000 after purchasing an additional 1,286 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. grew its position in Infosys by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 8,840 shares of the technology companys stock worth $142,000 after purchasing an additional 610 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.39% of the companys stock. About Infosys (Get Free Report) Infosys Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, technology, outsourcing, and next-generation digital services in North America, Europe, India, and internationally. It provides application management and application development services, independent validation solutions, product engineering and management, infrastructure management services, traditional enterprise application implementation, support, and integration services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Infosys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Infosys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report) by 4.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,585 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 749 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Prologis were worth $2,279,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC boosted its holdings in Prologis by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 16,292 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,033,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares during the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 2,531 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares during the period. Carlson Capital Management raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Carlson Capital Management now owns 1,885 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $231,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares during the period. Destination Wealth Management raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Destination Wealth Management now owns 1,949 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $243,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the period. Finally, NorthRock Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC now owns 3,969 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $495,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the period. 90.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Prologis alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PLD has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. BTIG Research lifted their price objective on shares of Prologis from $152.00 to $154.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Prologis from $132.00 to $125.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Prologis in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Prologis from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $141.00 target price for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $128.00 target price on shares of Prologis in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Prologis presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $140.83. Insider Activity In other news, Director George L. Fotiades sold 10,711 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.98, for a total value of $1,327,949.78. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Prologis Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PLD opened at $109.65 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $101.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $118.68 and a 200-day moving average price of $121.74. The company has a current ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. Prologis, Inc. has a 12 month low of $99.40 and a 12 month high of $136.67. Prologis (NYSE:PLD Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.83 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.68 by $0.15. Prologis had a net margin of 42.52% and a return on equity of 6.17%. The firm had revenue of $2.45 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.11 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 95.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year. Prologis Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 18th were paid a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 15th. Prologiss payout ratio is presently 91.58%. Prologis Profile (Free Report) Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At June 30, 2023, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (114 million square meters) in 19 countries. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Free Report) by 0.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,342 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after buying an additional 46 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Sherwin-Williams were worth $2,215,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Virtue Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 7.6% during the 2nd quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLC now owns 1,903 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $492,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Atria Investments Inc increased its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 27,723 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $6,231,000 after purchasing an additional 1,459 shares during the last quarter. RMB Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 18.9% during the 1st quarter. RMB Capital Management LLC now owns 1,861 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $418,000 after purchasing an additional 296 shares during the last quarter. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors Inc. ADV increased its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 39.8% during the 1st quarter. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 20,645 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $4,640,000 after purchasing an additional 5,881 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arete Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sherwin-Williams during the 1st quarter worth $314,842,000,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.87% of the companys stock. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently commented on SHW shares. 58.com restated an upgrade rating on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Loop Capital boosted their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $295.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Berenberg Bank raised their price target on Sherwin-Williams from $224.00 to $249.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, September 29th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $275.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $300.00 to $290.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $281.33. Sherwin-Williams Trading Down 0.9 % Sherwin-Williams stock opened at $246.94 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $264.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $250.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50. The stock has a market cap of $63.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 1.10. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a 12 month low of $199.01 and a 12 month high of $283.80. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.29 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.71 by $0.58. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 83.63% and a net margin of 10.20%. The company had revenue of $6.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.03 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.41 EPS. The companys revenue was up 6.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 9.78 EPS for the current year. Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 18th were paid a $0.605 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $2.42 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.98%. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio is currently 26.86%. Sherwin-Williams Company Profile (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. Featured Articles 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. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC Free Report) by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,189 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 321 shares during the period. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Marsh & McLennan Companies were worth $1,728,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC purchased a new position in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the second quarter worth about $36,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new position in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the first quarter worth about $32,000. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC grew its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 471.4% during the first quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC now owns 200 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 165 shares during the period. FNY Investment Advisers LLC grew its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 94.2% during the first quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC now owns 233 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the period. Finally, Raleigh Capital Management Inc. grew its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 91.1% during the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 258 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 123 shares during the period. 86.64% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Marsh & McLennan Companies alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Dean Michael Klisura sold 12,976 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.20, for a total value of $2,493,987.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 20,935 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,023,707. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO Dean Michael Klisura sold 12,976 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.20, for a total value of $2,493,987.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 20,935 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,023,707. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Oscar Fanjul sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $194.90, for a total value of $584,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 63,012 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,281,038.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Marsh & McLennan Companies Stock Performance Marsh & McLennan Companies stock opened at $191.02 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $94.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.16, a PEG ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.93. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $193.22 and a 200 day moving average price of $184.41. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $150.78 and a 52 week high of $199.20. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The financial services provider reported $2.20 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.12 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $5.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.77 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a return on equity of 33.69% and a net margin of 15.20%. The firms revenue was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.89 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 7.71 earnings per share for the current year. Marsh & McLennan Companies Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.71 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.49%. Marsh & McLennan Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 43.36%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have weighed in on MMC shares. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $200.00 to $208.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $205.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $197.00 to $201.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. They set a buy rating and a $226.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $196.00 to $209.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Marsh & McLennan Companies presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $198.36. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Marsh & McLennan Companies About Marsh & McLennan Companies (Free Report) Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc, a professional services company, provides advice and solutions to clients in the areas of risk, strategy, and people worldwide. It operates in two segments, Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting. The Risk and Insurance Services segment offers risk management services, such as risk advice, risk transfer, and risk control and mitigation solutions, as well as insurance and reinsurance broking, strategic advisory services, and analytics solutions; and insurance program management services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MMC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voters walk towards a voting center in the Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Oct. 14, 2023. Polling booths across Australia have opened for the country's first referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which will advise the federal parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua) CANBERRA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Polling booths across Australia have opened for the country's first referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which will advise the federal parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In order for the constitution to be changed, the "yes" vote must secure a double majority, meaning that more than 50 percent voters nationally, as well as a majority in at least four out of Australia's six states, must vote in favor. In a final pitch to voters on Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, an advocate for the voice since it was first proposed in 2017 and a leading figure in the "yes" campaign, said the referendum was an opportunity for Australia to "do better." "We have an opportunity for Australians to do better. To do better to show respect for the first Australians, but to do something for ourselves, as well, because we will feel better. We will feel better about ourselves on Sunday with a Yes vote," he said at a press conference in South Australia. According to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), 6.1 million voters had participated in early voting as of Friday and 2.1 million had applied for a postal vote, leaving 9.4 million people to cast their ballots on Saturday. The latest edition of the Newspoll survey, published by News Corp Australia newspapers on Saturday, found that 37 percent of Australians intend to vote "yes." It marks the highest level of support for the proposal measured by Newspoll since early September but remains significantly short of the 57 percent who said they intend to vote against it, with six percent of respondents undecided. Despite the polling numbers, Albanese said he was still optimistic that a majority of Australians would embrace the "opportunity to make history" by voting "yes." "I am very hopeful of a Yes vote this evening," he told reporters on Saturday. "This is about respect for Indigenous Australians; it is about how we see ourselves as a nation, but it's also the way that the world sees us." Speaking at a polling station in the Northern Territory, Aboriginal Senator Jacinta Price, a leading "no" campaigner, said that many Indigenous Australians do not "trust" the proposal. Price, the federal opposition's spokesperson for Indigenous Australians, told Sky News Australia that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas were sick of being "exploited for the purpose of somebody else's agenda" but that she would accept the result of the vote. "Whatever the outcome is, I have to respect that as that is what the Australian people want and work with that," she said. The AEC personnel will start counting the votes as they close at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday. According to the AEC, voting is mandatory for Australians aged 18 and over who are registered on the electoral roll (about 17.7 million people). Billboards for Indigenous Voice referendum are placed in front of a voting center in the Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Oct. 14, 2023. Polling booths across Australia have opened for the country's first referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which will advise the federal parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua) (231014) -- SYDNEY, Oct. 14, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A billboard for Indigenous Voice referendum is placed at a polling booth in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 14, 2023. Polling booths across Australia have opened for the country's first referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which will advise the federal parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua) Voters walk towards a voting center in the Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Oct. 14, 2023. Polling booths across Australia have opened for the country's first referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which will advise the federal parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua) Voters walk out of a voting center in the Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Oct. 14, 2023. Polling booths across Australia have opened for the country's first referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which will advise the federal parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua) Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lowered its holdings in shares of PPL Co. (NYSE:PPL Free Report) by 3.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 60,973 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,084 shares during the period. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in PPL were worth $1,613,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of PPL during the second quarter worth $479,000. Compass Wealth Management LLC raised its position in PPL by 40.0% in the second quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,400 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of PPL during the second quarter valued at about $125,000. IFM Investors Pty Ltd grew its holdings in shares of PPL by 34.7% during the second quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 252,452 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $6,680,000 after purchasing an additional 65,025 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empirical Finance LLC increased its stake in shares of PPL by 12.7% in the second quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 23,484 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $621,000 after buying an additional 2,653 shares during the period. 73.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get PPL alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PPL has been the subject of several analyst reports. Citigroup began coverage on PPL in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a neutral rating and a $42.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of PPL in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of PPL in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $26.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of PPL from $31.00 to $29.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. Finally, TheStreet downgraded PPL from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $30.13. PPL Trading Up 1.0 % NYSE:PPL opened at $23.89 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $17.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.09. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $24.81 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.50. PPL Co. has a 52 week low of $22.20 and a 52 week high of $31.74. PPL (NYSE:PPL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.29 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.27 billion. PPL had a net margin of 8.79% and a return on equity of 7.75%. The firms revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.30 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that PPL Co. will post 1.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PPL Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th were paid a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.02%. PPLs payout ratio is 92.31%. PPL Profile (Free Report) PPL Corporation, an energy company, focuses on providing electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.5 million customers in the United States. It operates through three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated. The company delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Rhode Island; delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky and Rhode Island; and generates electricity from power plants in Kentucky. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PPL Co. (NYSE:PPL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for PPL Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPL and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Baillie Gifford & Co. lessened its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL Free Report) by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 85,096 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 394 shares during the period. Baillie Gifford & Co.s holdings in Charles River Laboratories International were worth $17,891,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Charles River Laboratories International by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,793 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $509,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. Tsfg LLC grew its holdings in Charles River Laboratories International by 49.1% during the 2nd quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 158 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC grew its holdings in Charles River Laboratories International by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 1,141 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $225,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. New Hampshire Trust lifted its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 10.4% during the 1st quarter. New Hampshire Trust now owns 572 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $115,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lmcg Investments LLC lifted its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Lmcg Investments LLC now owns 2,708 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $547,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.91% of the companys stock. Get Charles River Laboratories International alerts: Charles River Laboratories International Price Performance CRL opened at $191.03 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $201.72 and its 200 day simple moving average is $201.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.49. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. has a 1 year low of $181.22 and a 1 year high of $262.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.79 billion, a PE ratio of 20.26, a P/E/G ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.33. Insider Transactions at Charles River Laboratories International Charles River Laboratories International ( NYSE:CRL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The medical research company reported $2.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.63 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $1.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.05 billion. Charles River Laboratories International had a net margin of 11.58% and a return on equity of 18.99%. Charles River Laboratories Internationals revenue was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.77 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. will post 10.49 EPS for the current year. In other news, VP William D. Barbo sold 5,763 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $217.24, for a total transaction of $1,251,954.12. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,592 shares of the companys stock, valued at $780,326.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Richard F. Wallman purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $198.79 per share, for a total transaction of $198,790.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 1,000 shares in the company, valued at $198,790. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP William D. Barbo sold 5,763 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $217.24, for a total transaction of $1,251,954.12. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 3,592 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $780,326.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 7,934 shares of company stock valued at $1,722,048. Corporate insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $267.00 to $256.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $280.00 to $275.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Charles River Laboratories International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $225.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Finally, TD Cowen reduced their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $212.00 to $209.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $236.08. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CRL Charles River Laboratories International Profile (Free Report) Charles River Laboratories International, Inc, a non-clinical contract research organization, provides drug discovery, non-clinical development, and safety testing services in the United States, Europe, Canada, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles River Laboratories International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles River Laboratories International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in TriNet Group, Inc. (NYSE:TNET Free Report) by 19.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,391 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,384 shares during the quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLCs holdings in TriNet Group were worth $797,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. raised its stake in TriNet Group by 66.3% in the 1st quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. now owns 4,394,957 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $354,277,000 after purchasing an additional 1,752,532 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in TriNet Group by 11.4% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 4,190,526 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $412,181,000 after buying an additional 430,430 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in TriNet Group by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,403,490 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $113,130,000 after buying an additional 48,461 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in TriNet Group by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 819,550 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $80,611,000 after buying an additional 12,253 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in TriNet Group by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 743,104 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $59,902,000 after buying an additional 9,775 shares in the last quarter. 93.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get TriNet Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Needham & Company LLC upped their target price on TriNet Group from $120.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 11th. TD Cowen upgraded TriNet Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their target price for the company from $95.00 to $125.00 in a report on Monday, August 7th. Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $87.00 target price on shares of TriNet Group in a report on Thursday, July 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on TriNet Group from $90.00 to $107.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on TriNet Group in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $99.67. TriNet Group Stock Performance NYSE TNET opened at $119.17 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $111.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $99.00. TriNet Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $60.60 and a twelve month high of $121.24. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The stock has a market cap of $7.11 billion, a PE ratio of 21.47 and a beta of 1.13. TriNet Group (NYSE:TNET Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The business services provider reported $1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.45. TriNet Group had a return on equity of 45.40% and a net margin of 6.91%. The firm had revenue of $341.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $310.34 million. Equities analysts anticipate that TriNet Group, Inc. will post 6.09 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at TriNet Group In other news, EVP Samantha Wellington sold 10,225 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.19, for a total transaction of $1,136,917.75. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 85,012 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,452,484.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Burton M. Goldfield sold 2,918 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.26, for a total transaction of $339,246.68. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 170,703 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,845,930.78. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Samantha Wellington sold 10,225 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.19, for a total value of $1,136,917.75. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 85,012 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,452,484.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 3,439,011 shares of company stock valued at $368,111,271 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 37.40% of the companys stock. TriNet Group Company Profile (Free Report) TriNet Group, Inc provides human resources (HR) consulting services, employee benefit options, payroll services, and employment risk mitigation services for small and medium size businesses in the United States. The company offers multi-state payroll processing and tax administration; employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans; workers compensation insurance and claims management; employment and benefits law compliance; and other HR related services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TNET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TriNet Group, Inc. (NYSE:TNET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TriNet Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TriNet Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. decreased its position in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 17.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 56,524 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after selling 12,093 shares during the quarter. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $2,440,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in UBER. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 66.5% in the second quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 651 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the last quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. boosted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 133.8% in the second quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 699 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. bought a new position in Uber Technologies in the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. bought a new position in Uber Technologies in the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Finally, Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC raised its position in Uber Technologies by 89.3% in the first quarter. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC now owns 848 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.07% of the companys stock. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes UBER has been the topic of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Uber Technologies from $48.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $63.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $58.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Uber Technologies from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Thirty-one analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $56.00. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CFO Nelson Chai sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.05, for a total transaction of $4,505,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 291,807 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,145,905.35. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Uber Technologies Trading Down 5.4 % NYSE:UBER opened at $43.49 on Friday. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $23.90 and a one year high of $49.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.24. The firm has a market cap of $88.86 billion, a P/E ratio of -197.65 and a beta of 1.22. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $45.61 and a 200-day simple moving average of $41.41. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The ride-sharing company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $9.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.34 billion. Uber Technologies had a negative net margin of 1.07% and a negative return on equity of 4.57%. Uber Technologiess revenue was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($1.33) EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 0.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. Uber Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UBER? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Trust Co. NA grew its stake in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 5,287 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 195 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NAs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $918,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Travelers Companies by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,074 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $562,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC grew its position in Travelers Companies by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 3,822 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $655,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 2,169 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $372,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 3,199 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $548,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the period. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 4.0% during the 1st quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 1,829 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $314,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the period. 81.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Insider Transactions at Travelers Companies In other news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.05, for a total transaction of $1,750,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,080 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,464,704. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 1.29% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Travelers Companies Trading Up 2.2 % Shares of NYSE TRV opened at $164.21 on Friday. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $159.21 and a 1-year high of $194.51. The company has a market cap of $37.59 billion, a PE ratio of 17.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The company has a 50-day moving average of $163.88 and a two-hundred day moving average of $170.94. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by ($1.99). Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.75% and a net margin of 5.77%. The company had revenue of $10.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.97 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.57 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 12.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Travelers Companies Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th were given a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 7th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is 42.60%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently commented on TRV. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from C$183.00 to C$185.00 in a report on Thursday, July 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $194.00 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $183.00 to $185.00 in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $183.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $194.08. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TRV Travelers Companies Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA lowered its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report) by 2.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 11,395 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 335 shares during the quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MAs holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $1,289,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. RB Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 3.2% in the first quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 4,044 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $534,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the period. United Bank lifted its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 15,988 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,112,000 after acquiring an additional 422 shares during the period. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 13.5% during the 1st quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,855 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $245,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 31.5% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 204,883 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,077,000 after acquiring an additional 49,081 shares during the period. Finally, Prudential PLC purchased a new position in Intercontinental Exchange in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,679,000. 87.91% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 88,683 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.82, for a total value of $10,005,216.06. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,169,965 shares in the company, valued at $131,995,451.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Intercontinental Exchange news, Director Martha A. Tirinnanzi sold 496 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.56, for a total transaction of $56,325.76. Following the sale, the director now owns 2,878 shares in the company, valued at $326,825.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 88,683 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.82, for a total value of $10,005,216.06. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,169,965 shares in the company, valued at approximately $131,995,451.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 95,202 shares of company stock worth $10,756,352. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Rosenblatt Securities reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $168.00 price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a report on Monday, October 9th. Bank of America cut their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $141.00 to $140.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $129.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $125.00 to $135.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 5th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $133.58. View Our Latest Report on ICE Intercontinental Exchange Price Performance Shares of NYSE ICE opened at $110.43 on Friday. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has a 1-year low of $89.49 and a 1-year high of $118.79. The business has a 50-day moving average of $113.59 and a 200-day moving average of $111.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The company has a market capitalization of $61.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.69, a PEG ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.94. Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The financial services provider reported $1.43 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.06. Intercontinental Exchange had a return on equity of 13.11% and a net margin of 17.64%. The business had revenue of $1.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.89 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.32 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. Intercontinental Exchange Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.52%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. Intercontinental Exchanges dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 55.81%. About Intercontinental Exchange (Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its position in Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report) by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 240,774 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 18,255 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned about 0.11% of Entergy worth $23,444,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Financial Management Professionals Inc. grew its holdings in Entergy by 1,019.0% in the first quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 235 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new stake in Entergy in the first quarter valued at $26,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in Entergy in the first quarter valued at $29,000. Aspire Private Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Entergy during the first quarter valued at $30,598,160,000. Finally, BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Entergy by 1,167.9% during the first quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 355 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 327 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.52% of the companys stock. Get Entergy alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Entergy In other Entergy news, EVP Marcus V. Brown sold 13,500 shares of Entergy stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.40, for a total transaction of $1,287,900.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,251 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $882,545.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.39% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Entergy Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of NYSE ETR opened at $93.54 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $19.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.65. Entergy Co. has a 12-month low of $87.10 and a 12-month high of $120.78. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $95.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.16. Entergy (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.69 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $2.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.26 billion. Entergy had a return on equity of 10.22% and a net margin of 10.22%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.78 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Entergy Co. will post 6.71 EPS for the current year. Entergy Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th were paid a dividend of $1.07 per share. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 10th. Entergys payout ratio is currently 65.24%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on Entergy from $126.00 to $117.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Guggenheim decreased their price objective on Entergy from $113.00 to $99.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on Entergy from $120.00 to $114.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Barclays assumed coverage on Entergy in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. They set an equal weight rating and a $98.00 target price on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Entergy from $121.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $111.75. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ETR Entergy Company Profile (Free Report) Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities. The Utility segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ETR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. lowered its holdings in Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM Free Report) by 10.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 64,951 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 7,626 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Newmont were worth $2,771,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in NEM. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in shares of Newmont by 101,647.2% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 547,513,832 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $23,356,940,000 after purchasing an additional 546,975,720 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Newmont during the 4th quarter worth approximately $332,897,000. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Newmont by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,023,960 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $4,658,075,000 after acquiring an additional 2,899,139 shares in the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec grew its holdings in Newmont by 103.3% during the 1st quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 4,489,270 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $356,749,000 after acquiring an additional 2,281,418 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP grew its holdings in Newmont by 238.8% during the 1st quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 3,008,877 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $147,495,000 after acquiring an additional 2,120,768 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.53% of the companys stock. Get Newmont alerts: Newmont Stock Up 1.6 % Shares of Newmont stock opened at $39.42 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $31.32 billion, a P/E ratio of -41.06, a PEG ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.87 and a current ratio of 2.28. Newmont Co. has a one year low of $34.81 and a one year high of $60.08. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $38.84 and a two-hundred day moving average of $42.80. Newmont Dividend Announcement Newmont ( NYSE:NEM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The basic materials company reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by ($0.06). Newmont had a positive return on equity of 5.74% and a negative net margin of 6.77%. The company had revenue of $2.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.93 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.46 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Newmont Co. will post 2.02 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 7th were paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 6th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.06%. Newmonts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -166.67%. Insider Transactions at Newmont In other news, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 5,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.47, for a total transaction of $200,585.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 70,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,580,288.97. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 11,000 shares of Newmont stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.91, for a total transaction of $439,010.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 256,039 shares in the company, valued at $10,218,516.49. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 5,500 shares of Newmont stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.47, for a total transaction of $200,585.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 70,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,580,288.97. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 44,366 shares of company stock valued at $1,738,008 in the last ninety days. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Barclays upgraded shares of Newmont from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $62.00 to $61.00 in a report on Friday, July 7th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on shares of Newmont from $62.00 to $61.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Newmont from $44.00 to $38.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Newmont in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $52.00 price objective on shares of Newmont in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Newmont currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $56.82. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Newmont Newmont Profile (Free Report) Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and Ghana. As of December 31, 2022, it had proven and probable gold reserves of 96.1 million ounces and land position of 61,500 square kilometers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC reduced its stake in Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL Free Report) by 17.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 465 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 100 shares during the quarter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Markel Group were worth $643,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in Markel Group by 99,720.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 45,671,655 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $63,172,119,000 after buying an additional 45,625,901 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Markel Group by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 662,183 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $845,879,000 after buying an additional 5,003 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley increased its stake in Markel Group by 521.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 530,597 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $699,057,000 after buying an additional 445,182 shares during the period. Berkshire Hathaway Inc increased its stake in Markel Group by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc now owns 471,661 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $602,504,000 after buying an additional 4,050 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Markel Group by 1.7% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 303,717 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $329,296,000 after purchasing an additional 5,183 shares during the last quarter. 76.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Markel Group alerts: Insider Activity at Markel Group In related news, Director Greta J. Harris sold 103 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,491.88, for a total transaction of $153,663.64. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 656 shares in the company, valued at approximately $978,673.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Greta J. Harris sold 103 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,491.88, for a total transaction of $153,663.64. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 656 shares in the company, valued at approximately $978,673.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Steven A. Markel sold 348 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,468.01, for a total transaction of $510,867.48. Following the sale, the director now owns 69,668 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $102,273,320.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 1,151 shares of company stock valued at $1,698,305 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.75% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Markel Group in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $1,750.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Markel Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Markel Group from $1,400.00 to $1,550.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Markel Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,616.67. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MKL Markel Group Trading Up 0.8 % NYSE MKL opened at $1,496.69 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The firms fifty day moving average price is $1,490.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $1,402.40. The company has a market capitalization of $19.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.70 and a beta of 0.76. Markel Group Inc. has a 12 month low of $1,109.00 and a 12 month high of $1,560.00. Markel Group (NYSE:MKL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The insurance provider reported $22.43 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $19.17 by $3.26. The firm had revenue of $3.66 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.74 billion. Markel Group had a net margin of 12.87% and a return on equity of 8.77%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Markel Group Inc. will post 84.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Markel Group (Free Report) Markel Group Inc, a diverse financial holding company, engages in marketing and underwriting specialty insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Canada, the Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. The company offers general and professional liability, personal lines, marine and energy, specialty programs, and workers' compensation insurance products; and property coverages that include fire, allied lines, and other specialized property coverages, including catastrophe-exposed property risks, such as earthquake and wind. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MKL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Markel Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Markel Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 22.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 8,164 shares of the conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 1,472 shares during the quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in General Electric were worth $897,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of GE. Prostatis Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. lifted its position in shares of General Electric by 808.1% during the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 336 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Syverson Strege & Co lifted its position in shares of General Electric by 53.6% during the 1st quarter. Syverson Strege & Co now owns 338 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Financial Freedom LLC purchased a new position in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of General Electric during the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.83% of the companys stock. Get General Electric alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes GE has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Argus lifted their target price on shares of General Electric from $112.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. StockNews.com began coverage on General Electric in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on General Electric from $121.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on General Electric from $122.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 10th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on General Electric from $108.00 to $120.00 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, General Electric has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $122.71. General Electric Trading Down 1.8 % Shares of GE stock opened at $109.38 on Friday. General Electric has a 1 year low of $52.19 and a 1 year high of $117.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $112.65 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $106.87. The company has a market cap of $119.05 billion, a PE ratio of 12.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 1.27. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $15.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.76 billion. General Electric had a return on equity of 9.30% and a net margin of 13.32%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.78 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that General Electric will post 2.32 earnings per share for the current year. General Electric Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 25th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 26th will be issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 25th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.29%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 3.80%. Insider Transactions at General Electric In related news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 112,614 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was 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 directly owns 57,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,672,729.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. About General Electric (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. Read More 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. NEW DELHI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- He Wei, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, has urged greater support from the Group of 20 (G20) to developing countries. He led a delegation to the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit held here from Friday to Saturday, during which he delivered a keynote speech. The senior Chinese legislator said global development is facing unprecedented challenges, and G20, as the main forum for international economic cooperation, should promote more inclusive, more universal and more resilient global development, and provide greater support to developing countries. G20's legislature should strengthen communication and exchanges, adhere to the concept of cooperation that prioritizes development, solidarity and cooperation, and inclusiveness and openness, so as to inject new momentum into global development, He said. China is willing to work with all parties to actively implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and promote the building of a community of shared future for mankind. He also met separately with Duarte Pacheco, president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and Ashebiri Gayo, acting president of the Pan-African Parliament. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC lessened its stake in Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC Free Report) by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 4,435 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 53 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Norfolk Southern were worth $1,006,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Norfolk Southern by 1.0% in the second quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 4,221 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $957,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the period. Bank of New Hampshire boosted its holdings in shares of Norfolk Southern by 11.6% in the second quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 1,440 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $327,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Norfolk Southern by 14.7% in the second quarter. Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,584 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $359,000 after acquiring an additional 203 shares during the period. Eliot Finkel Investment Counsel LLC boosted its stake in shares of Norfolk Southern by 2.2% during the second quarter. Eliot Finkel Investment Counsel LLC now owns 36,055 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $8,176,000 after buying an additional 775 shares during the period. Finally, Horan Securities Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Norfolk Southern by 330.8% during the second quarter. Horan Securities Inc. now owns 1,525 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $346,000 after buying an additional 1,171 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.37% of the companys stock. Get Norfolk Southern alerts: Norfolk Southern Price Performance Norfolk Southern stock opened at $200.94 on Friday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $204.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $212.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $45.62 billion, a PE ratio of 18.07, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Norfolk Southern Co. has a 52 week low of $186.82 and a 52 week high of $261.71. Norfolk Southern Announces Dividend Norfolk Southern ( NYSE:NSC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The railroad operator reported $2.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.15 by ($0.20). The company had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.08 billion. Norfolk Southern had a net margin of 20.25% and a return on equity of 24.88%. The firms revenue was down 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.45 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Norfolk Southern Co. will post 12.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 21st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 4th were paid a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 3rd. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.69%. Norfolk Southerns dividend payout ratio is currently 48.56%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on shares of Norfolk Southern from $240.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Susquehanna decreased their price target on Norfolk Southern from $245.00 to $215.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. TD Cowen increased their price target on Norfolk Southern from $243.00 to $253.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Norfolk Southern in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Bank of America downgraded shares of Norfolk Southern from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $266.00 to $215.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Norfolk Southern has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $242.00. View Our Latest Report on NSC Norfolk Southern Company Profile (Free Report) Norfolk Southern Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in the United States. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products comprising soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feed, food products, food oils, flour, sweeteners, ethanol, lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, beverages, and canned goods; chemicals consist of sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products comprising crude oil, chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, chemical wastes, sand, and natural gas liquids; metals and construction materials, such as steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, minerals, clay, transportation equipment, and military-related products; and automotive, including finished motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as coal. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Norfolk Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norfolk Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH cut its holdings in TopBuild Corp. (NYSE:BLD Free Report) by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 55,155 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 6,330 shares during the quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH owned about 0.17% of TopBuild worth $14,672,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in TopBuild by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 75,512 shares of the construction companys stock worth $13,697,000 after acquiring an additional 1,891 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its position in TopBuild by 26.1% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 1,598 shares of the construction companys stock worth $290,000 after acquiring an additional 331 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its position in TopBuild by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 4,993 shares of the construction companys stock worth $998,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its position in TopBuild by 10.5% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 12,067 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,189,000 after acquiring an additional 1,151 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its position in TopBuild by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 18,097 shares of the construction companys stock worth $3,375,000 after acquiring an additional 1,503 shares during the last quarter. 95.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get TopBuild alerts: Insider Activity at TopBuild In related news, CEO Robert M. Buck sold 4,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.76, for a total value of $1,357,920.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 73,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,278,940.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, insider Robert Jeffrey Franklin sold 776 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $296.88, for a total transaction of $230,378.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 15,065 shares in the company, valued at $4,472,497.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Robert M. Buck sold 4,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.76, for a total value of $1,357,920.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 73,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,278,940.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 7,576 shares of company stock valued at $2,263,881 over the last ninety days. 0.46% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. TopBuild Stock Performance BLD opened at $237.97 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $7.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.62. TopBuild Corp. has a 52-week low of $140.66 and a 52-week high of $307.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 1.86 and a current ratio of 2.37. The businesss fifty day moving average is $271.29 and its 200-day moving average is $246.07. TopBuild (NYSE:BLD Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The construction company reported $5.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.30 by $0.95. The company had revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.26 billion. TopBuild had a return on equity of 29.75% and a net margin of 11.61%. TopBuilds quarterly revenue was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $4.43 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that TopBuild Corp. will post 18.55 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BLD has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Truist Financial increased their price objective on TopBuild from $256.00 to $340.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Bank of America increased their price objective on TopBuild from $255.00 to $305.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. StockNews.com downgraded TopBuild from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. Loop Capital increased their price target on TopBuild from $225.00 to $285.00 in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on TopBuild from $365.00 to $331.00 in a research note on Thursday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given 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 $282.10. Read Our Latest Analysis on BLD About TopBuild (Free Report) TopBuild Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation and distribution of insulation and other building material products to the construction industry. The company operates in two segments, Installation and Specialty Distribution. It provides insulation products and accessories, glass and windows, rain gutters, afterpaint products, fireproofing products, garage doors, fireplaces, closet shelving, roofing materials, and other products; and insulation installation services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TopBuild Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TopBuild and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Independent Advisor Alliance lowered its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 0.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 39,610 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 284 shares during the period. Independent Advisor Alliances holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $2,533,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC now owns 49,112 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,141,000 after buying an additional 797 shares in the last quarter. Plancorp LLC increased its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 8,973 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $574,000 after buying an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. Security Asset Management boosted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 20.3% in the 1st quarter. Security Asset Management now owns 9,230 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $640,000 after purchasing an additional 1,558 shares during the period. Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc boosted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc now owns 22,040 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,409,000 after purchasing an additional 750 shares during the period. Finally, Mcdaniel Terry & Co. boosted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Mcdaniel Terry & Co. now owns 6,915 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $442,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 74.98% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of BMY stock opened at $56.47 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $117.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.02, a PEG ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.39. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $55.69 and a 52-week high of $81.43. The firms 50-day moving average is $59.74 and its 200-day moving average is $63.79. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.99 by ($0.24). The company had revenue of $11.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.81 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 17.62% and a return on equity of 50.51%. The firms revenue was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.42 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be issued a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.04%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is currently 60.64%. Analysts Set New Price Targets BMY has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, October 9th. SVB Leerink reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Daiwa Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. They issued an outperform rating and a $70.00 target price for the company. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $80.00 to $66.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Finally, SVB Securities assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, July 10th. They set a market perform rating and a $66.00 price objective for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.29. View Our Latest Report on BMY Insider Buying and Selling at Bristol-Myers Squibb In other news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $1,101,642.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,706,915. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total transaction of $44,754.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $1,101,642.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at $1,706,915. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. About Bristol-Myers Squibb (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Calamos Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (NYSE:GAB Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 10,812 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $63,000. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in The Gabelli Equity Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $67,000. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new position in The Gabelli Equity Trust in the 2nd quarter worth about $239,000. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in The Gabelli Equity Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at about $60,000. Fifth Third Bancorp lifted its holdings in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust by 588.9% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 27,556 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $160,000 after buying an additional 23,556 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust by 5.5% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 249,820 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,449,000 after acquiring an additional 13,090 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 6.86% of the companys stock. Get The Gabelli Equity Trust alerts: The Gabelli Equity Trust Stock Down 1.5 % The Gabelli Equity Trust stock opened at $5.00 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $5.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $5.51. The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. has a 1-year low of $4.93 and a 1-year high of $6.19. The Gabelli Equity Trust Dividend Announcement The Gabelli Equity Trust Company Profile The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 22nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 12.01%. (Free Report) The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by GAMCO Investors, Inc The fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC. It invests in public equity markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It invests in preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and warrants and rights. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for The Gabelli Equity Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Gabelli Equity Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Calamos Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Free Report) by 7.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 478,371 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 38,000 shares during the quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.07% of Delta Air Lines worth $22,742,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 1.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 68,234,306 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $2,700,032,000 after purchasing an additional 1,267,578 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 21,652,643 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $756,110,000 after buying an additional 579,727 shares during the period. FMR LLC increased its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 30.4% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 14,779,351 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $516,095,000 after acquiring an additional 3,445,953 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Delta Air Lines by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 13,168,804 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $459,144,000 after acquiring an additional 351,286 shares during the period. Finally, GMT Capital Corp boosted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 15.3% during the first quarter. GMT Capital Corp now owns 6,228,200 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $217,489,000 after acquiring an additional 828,600 shares in the last quarter. 71.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on DAL shares. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $58.00 to $50.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. TheStreet raised Delta Air Lines from a c rating to a b rating in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on Delta Air Lines from $60.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 29th. 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein cut their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $62.00 to $61.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $54.35. Insider Transactions at Delta Air Lines In related news, EVP Peter W. Carter sold 17,944 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction on Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total transaction of $807,480.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 166,192 shares in the company, valued at $7,478,640. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Peter W. Carter sold 17,944 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total value of $807,480.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 166,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,478,640. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Michael P. Huerta sold 3,350 shares of the businesss 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 transaction, the director now owns 27,465 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,330,129.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 40,479 shares of company stock worth $1,839,353 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock. Delta Air Lines Stock Performance DAL stock opened at $34.11 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24, a current ratio of 0.46 and a quick ratio of 0.41. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 1 year low of $30.72 and a 1 year high of $49.81. The company has a market cap of $21.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.19 and a beta of 1.32. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $40.14 and its 200-day moving average price is $39.71. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 12th. The transportation company reported $2.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.95 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $15.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.55 billion. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 59.56% and a net margin of 5.36%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.51 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 6.04 earnings per share for the current year. Delta Air Lines Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.17%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 11th. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio is presently 8.62%. Delta Air Lines Company Profile (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Free Report). 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. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 4.7% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 2,884 shares of the asset managers stock after buying an additional 129 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $1,993,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA increased its stake in BlackRock by 24.2% in the second quarter. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA now owns 770 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $532,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC increased its stake in BlackRock by 15.5% in the second quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC now owns 3,622 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,503,000 after purchasing an additional 486 shares during the last quarter. Core Alternative Capital increased its stake in BlackRock by 2.2% in the second quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 745 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $515,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares during the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock in the second quarter valued at approximately $8,473,000. Finally, Sentry Investment Management LLC increased its stake in BlackRock by 7.5% in the second quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLC now owns 1,065 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $736,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the last quarter. 77.01% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get BlackRock alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have commented on BLK shares. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on shares of BlackRock from $781.00 to $754.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on BlackRock from $888.00 to $836.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 6th. Citigroup increased their price objective on BlackRock from $750.00 to $815.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 14th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $770.00 to $835.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on BlackRock from $780.00 to $770.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 3rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $764.83. BlackRock Price Performance Shares of NYSE BLK opened at $627.66 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 4.21 and a quick ratio of 4.21. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $674.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $680.47. BlackRock, Inc. has a 1-year low of $547.59 and a 1-year high of $785.65. The company has a market cap of $93.71 billion, a PE ratio of 18.33, a P/E/G ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.29. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.34 by $2.57. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.29% and a net margin of 29.90%. The firm had revenue of $4.52 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.52 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $9.55 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that BlackRock, Inc. will post 35.15 EPS for the current year. BlackRock Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 22nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 8th were issued a $5.00 dividend. This represents a $20.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 7th. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 58.41%. Insider Buying and Selling at BlackRock In other BlackRock news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 20,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $742.04, for a total value of $14,989,208.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 464,125 shares of the companys stock, valued at $344,399,315. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other BlackRock news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 20,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $742.04, for a total value of $14,989,208.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 464,125 shares of the companys stock, valued at $344,399,315. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Mark Wiedman sold 2,079 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $733.82, for a total value of $1,525,611.78. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,160 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,520,331.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.96% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. BlackRock Company Profile (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alaska Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF (NYSEARCA:CMDY Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 238,451 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,806,000. iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF comprises about 1.9% of Alaska Wealth Advisors portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Alaska Wealth Advisors owned about 3.59% of iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF by 29.2% in the first quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 28,299 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,458,000 after buying an additional 6,400 shares in the last quarter. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF by 7.7% in the second quarter. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 285,228 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,122,000 after buying an additional 20,294 shares in the last quarter. Lake Street Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF by 1.3% in the second quarter. Lake Street Financial LLC now owns 15,837 shares of the companys stock valued at $784,000 after buying an additional 202 shares in the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF by 146.5% in the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 237,891 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,256,000 after buying an additional 141,381 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Smith Anglin Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF by 17.0% in the first quarter. Smith Anglin Financial LLC now owns 368,648 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,993,000 after buying an additional 53,535 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF alerts: iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF Price Performance Shares of CMDY stock traded up $0.85 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $51.79. The company had a trading volume of 38,804 shares, compared to its average volume of 55,628. iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF has a twelve month low of $48.00 and a twelve month high of $58.92. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $51.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $51.03. About iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF The iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Broad Commodity ETF (CMDY) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity index. The fund tracks an index that holds futures contracts on a roll-cost optimized broad market commodity index. CMDY was launched on Apr 3, 2018 and is managed by Blackrock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Independent Advisor Alliance cut its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report) by 9.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 42,935 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,263 shares during the quarter. Independent Advisor Alliances holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $3,308,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of CL. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in Colgate-Palmolive by 1.9% during the second quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 34,962 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,693,000 after acquiring an additional 660 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 1.2% in the second quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 17,701 shares of the companys stock worth $1,364,000 after buying an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc grew its position in Colgate-Palmolive by 8.0% during the second quarter. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc now owns 726,537 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,951,000 after buying an additional 53,900 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 0.5% during the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,704,155 shares of the companys stock valued at $131,288,000 after buying an additional 8,383 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Congress Asset Management Co. MA raised its position in Colgate-Palmolive by 0.9% in the second quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA now owns 160,819 shares of the companys stock worth $12,390,000 after acquiring an additional 1,370 shares during the period. 78.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently commented on CL shares. HSBC started coverage on Colgate-Palmolive in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $84.00 price objective for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $88.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Colgate-Palmolive from $85.00 to $81.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Barclays lowered their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $81.00 to $73.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Citigroup cut their target price on Colgate-Palmolive from $92.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $83.31. Colgate-Palmolive Stock Up 1.8 % Shares of CL opened at $70.95 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.43, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $58.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.50. Colgate-Palmolive has a 1 year low of $67.62 and a 1 year high of $82.09. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $72.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $75.61. Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.70 billion. Colgate-Palmolive had a net margin of 8.02% and a return on equity of 386.76%. Colgate-Palmolives quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.72 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Colgate-Palmolive Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 23rd will be issued a $0.48 dividend. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 20th. Colgate-Palmolives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 106.67%. Insider Activity In related news, insider John W. Kooyman sold 21,677 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.69, for a total transaction of $1,684,086.13. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $495,972.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider John W. Kooyman sold 21,677 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.69, for a total transaction of $1,684,086.13. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 6,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $495,972.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Gregory Malcolm sold 10,493 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.90, for a total value of $775,432.70. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 7,852 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $580,262.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 105,501 shares of company stock valued at $7,838,332. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Colgate-Palmolive Profile (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. See Also 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. Independent Advisor Alliance boosted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 83.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 35,720 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,271 shares during the period. Independent Advisor Alliances holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $2,699,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Hanseatic Management Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC increased its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 41.9% in the second quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 491 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 88.1% in the first quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 476 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the period. MRP Capital Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 1st quarter worth about $40,000. Finally, Almanack Investment Partners LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 3rd quarter worth about $43,000. Institutional investors own 77.73% of the companys stock. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have weighed in on ADM. Argus increased their price target on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $91.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Roth Mkm started coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $92.00 price target for the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $83.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Archer-Daniels-Midland presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $97.50. Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Up 0.8 % ADM stock opened at $73.32 on Friday. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 52 week low of $69.92 and a 52 week high of $98.28. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $79.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of $78.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The company has a market cap of $39.31 billion, a PE ratio of 9.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.83. Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The company reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.59 by $0.30. The company had revenue of $25.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.82 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 4.14% and a return on equity of 17.52%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.15 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.19 EPS for the current fiscal year. Archer-Daniels-Midland Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th were issued a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 15th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio is presently 24.03%. Insider Activity In related news, insider Fruit Molly L. Strader sold 1,455 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.80, for a total value of $126,294.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,809 shares of the companys stock, valued at $938,221.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock. Archer-Daniels-Midland Profile (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. Further Reading 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. Kendall Capital Management decreased its stake in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) by 10.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,470 shares of the companys stock after selling 300 shares during the period. Kendall Capital Managements holdings in Novartis were worth $249,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Argent Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Novartis by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Argent Advisors Inc. now owns 3,303 shares of the companys stock valued at $304,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Americana Partners LLC boosted its stake in Novartis by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Americana Partners LLC now owns 14,826 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,364,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. E&G Advisors LP boosted its stake in Novartis by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. E&G Advisors LP now owns 6,398 shares of the companys stock valued at $646,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Physicians Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in Novartis by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Physicians Financial Services Inc. now owns 14,083 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,421,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Novartis by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. now owns 2,724 shares of the companys stock worth $275,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.00% of the companys stock. Get Novartis alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have commented on NVS shares. Morgan Stanley upgraded Novartis from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. HSBC began coverage on Novartis in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Novartis in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $80.50. Novartis Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of NVS opened at $97.24 on Friday. Novartis AG has a 1 year low of $75.29 and a 1 year high of $105.61. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $100.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $100.26. The stock has a market cap of $206.11 billion, a PE ratio of 27.09, a PEG ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 0.53. Novartis (NYSE:NVS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by $0.15. Novartis had a return on equity of 25.12% and a net margin of 14.76%. The firm had revenue of $13.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.32 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.56 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Novartis AG will post 6.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Novartis (Free Report) Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Biochemist Katalin Kariko, 2023 Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, talks to students during a panel discussion at the University of Szeged in Szeged, Hungary, Oct. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Hao) SZEGED, Hungary, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Biochemist Katalin Kariko, 2023 Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, underscored the application potential of mRNA technology in a panel discussion at her alma mater, University of Szeged, on Thursday evening. Originally focused on cancer vaccines, mRNA's versatility has broadened to encompass various therapeutic applications, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of therapy drugs, she explained to an audience made up mostly of university students in response to a question from Xinhua. "Definitely, the messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapy will be used for many, many applications, many different treatments, and therapies," she said. "Originally, you know the first ones of these companies such as BioNtech in 2008 were formed to make cancer vaccines, and they gained a lot of knowledge on that, but they also started to make other kinds of therapeutic applications of mRNA coding for antibodies," she said. Conventional therapies involving proteins are expensive due to the need for protein purification, which can be complex and potentially damaging. However, mRNA simplifies this by encoding proteins through a sequence of four nucleotides, offering a quick and cost-effective approach, the renowned scientist said. "To put it in simple terms, I compared the four nucleotides to the four wheels of a car, if you change a bad wheel for a good one, the car will run better!" she said. "You know, you can make RNA simply in a laboratory if you have a template DNA. Considering the speed of translation as five amino acids per second, you need 15 minutes, and every cell can do it: It is just so simple and so quick and so cheap," she said. The key innovation lies in mRNA's ability to code for proteins by arranging nucleotides, facilitating easy translation into proteins. This approach is swift and cost-effective, making it an attractive option for therapeutic development. Additionally, mRNA can be tailored to specific cells and organs, minimizing potential side effects. "The trend right now is to find how you can formulate it for specific types of organs," she noted. In the realm of gene therapy, mRNA shows promise, notably in addressing diseases like sickle cell anemia and amyloidosis by disrupting protein production at a cellular level. "Messenger RNA is better for gene therapy," she said, adding that for sickle cell anemia and amyloidosis very successful clinical trials have been performed, and with the target RNA, they could interrupt toxic protein production. The extensive ongoing clinical trials involving mRNA vaccines for diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria underscore the potential of mRNA vaccines and the numerous possibilities they present in medical science. A clinical trial is being run for the malaria parasite, as well as for toleration of the dust mite and peanut allergy, she said when elaborating on the many opportunities for potential further applications. She concluded by recalling that within BioNtech, she had participated in making bispecific antibodies recognizing the codon six protein, which was present in tumor cells. Biochemist Katalin Kariko (1st R), 2023 Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, talks to students during a panel discussion at the University of Szeged in Szeged, Hungary, Oct. 12, 2023. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Kendall Capital Management lowered its position in Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report) by 23.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,360 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,045 shares during the quarter. Kendall Capital Managements holdings in Vistra were worth $429,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. First National Bank of Hutchinson raised its stake in shares of Vistra by 1.4% in the second quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson now owns 32,478 shares of the companys stock valued at $853,000 after acquiring an additional 463 shares during the period. Virtu Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Vistra by 39.5% in the second quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 19,606 shares of the companys stock valued at $515,000 after acquiring an additional 5,551 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System purchased a new stake in shares of Vistra in the second quarter valued at $924,000. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vistra by 138.7% in the second quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 146,693 shares of the companys stock worth $3,833,000 after purchasing an additional 85,231 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Phillips Wealth Planners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vistra by 6.3% in the second quarter. Phillips Wealth Planners LLC now owns 14,473 shares of the companys stock worth $380,000 after purchasing an additional 859 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.31% of the companys stock. Get Vistra alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently commented on VST shares. TheStreet upgraded shares of Vistra from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Monday, July 3rd. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Vistra from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Vistra from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Vistra from $31.00 to $37.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Vistra Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of Vistra stock opened at $31.64 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $11.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.64 and a beta of 0.94. The firms 50-day moving average is $31.73 and its two-hundred day moving average is $27.45. Vistra Corp. has a 1 year low of $21.12 and a 1 year high of $34.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.08. Vistra (NYSE:VST Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The company reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.82 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $3.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.78 billion. Vistra had a net margin of 9.60% and a return on equity of 22.75%. As a group, research analysts expect that Vistra Corp. will post 3.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Vistra Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 20th were given a dividend of $0.206 per share. This represents a $0.82 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.60%. This is a positive change from Vistras previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 19th. Vistras dividend payout ratio is presently 22.40%. Insider Buying and Selling at Vistra In related news, EVP Stephanie Zapata Moore sold 122,662 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.57, for a total value of $3,749,777.34. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 137,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,211,995.74. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.36% of the companys stock. Vistra Profile (Free Report) Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 20 states in the United States and the District of Columbia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Vistra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northeast Investment Management lowered its holdings in Sysco Co. (NYSE:SYY Free Report) by 32.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 10,619 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,000 shares during the quarter. Northeast Investment Managements holdings in Sysco were worth $788,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in SYY. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in Sysco by 93,506.3% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 132,992,967 shares of the companys stock worth $9,868,078,000 after acquiring an additional 132,850,890 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in Sysco by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 32,536,930 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,512,827,000 after purchasing an additional 1,408,716 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Sysco by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 32,382,737 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,500,919,000 after purchasing an additional 346,458 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Sysco by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 15,735,594 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,215,261,000 after buying an additional 100,884 shares during the period. Finally, Parnassus Investments LLC increased its stake in Sysco by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Parnassus Investments LLC now owns 13,602,707 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,050,537,000 after buying an additional 526,479 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.60% of the companys stock. Get Sysco alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $79.00 price target on shares of Sysco in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of Sysco from $88.00 to $87.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Stephens reissued an overweight rating and issued a $90.00 target price on shares of Sysco in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Sysco in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Sysco from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Sysco presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $86.91. Sysco Stock Up 0.9 % Shares of NYSE:SYY opened at $63.26 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.24, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.15. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $68.89 and a 200 day simple moving average of $72.40. The firm has a market cap of $31.90 billion, a PE ratio of 18.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.11. Sysco Co. has a 12-month low of $62.24 and a 12-month high of $87.41. Sysco (NYSE:SYY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported $1.34 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $19.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.95 billion. Sysco had a net margin of 2.32% and a return on equity of 133.27%. The firms revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.15 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Sysco Co. will post 4.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Sysco Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be issued a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. Syscos dividend payout ratio is presently 57.64%. Sysco Company Profile (Free Report) Sysco Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of various food and related products to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. It operates through U.S. Foodservice Operations, International Foodservice Operations, SYGMA, and Other segments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SYY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sysco Co. (NYSE:SYY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sysco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sysco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carson Advisory Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 23,100 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $185,000. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Chilton Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Quest Diagnostics during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new stake in Quest Diagnostics during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $38,000. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV increased its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 3,310.0% during the 1st quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 341 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 331 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 136.2% during the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 411 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 237 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC purchased a new stake in Quest Diagnostics during the 4th quarter worth approximately $64,000. 87.76% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Quest Diagnostics alerts: Quest Diagnostics Stock Up 1.6 % NYSE:DGX opened at $122.50 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The stocks fifty day moving average is $128.21 and its two-hundred day moving average is $134.80. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated has a 52 week low of $119.59 and a 52 week high of $158.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.83 and a beta of 0.96. Quest Diagnostics Dividend Announcement Quest Diagnostics ( NYSE:DGX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $2.30 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.23 by $0.07. Quest Diagnostics had a return on equity of 16.32% and a net margin of 8.37%. The company had revenue of $2.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.25 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.36 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Quest Diagnostics Incorporated will post 8.7 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.32%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 5th. Quest Diagnosticss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.34%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently weighed in on DGX. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on Quest Diagnostics from $136.00 to $130.00 in a report on Wednesday. Piper Sandler began coverage on Quest Diagnostics in a report on Thursday, June 29th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $145.00 target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Quest Diagnostics in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Quest Diagnostics presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $147.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on Quest Diagnostics About Quest Diagnostics (Free Report) Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Quest Diagnostics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quest Diagnostics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carson Advisory Inc. acquired a new stake in Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 4,932 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $238,000. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of DVN. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Devon Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $364,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Devon Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $188,000. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 52.1% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 99,120 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $5,861,000 after buying an additional 33,936 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. boosted its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 414,354 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $24,500,000 after buying an additional 34,870 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in shares of Devon Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.34% of the companys stock. Get Devon Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently commented on DVN. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Devon Energy from $77.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 25th. UBS Group reduced their target price on Devon Energy from $55.00 to $54.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Mizuho reduced their target price on Devon Energy from $62.00 to $58.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on Devon Energy from $72.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 14th. Finally, Bank of America raised their price objective on Devon Energy from $54.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Devon Energy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.68. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Dennis C. Cameron sold 7,870 shares of Devon Energy stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.13, for a total transaction of $402,393.10. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 210,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,765,319.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.63% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Devon Energy Price Performance Shares of DVN opened at $48.39 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.16 and a beta of 2.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.98. Devon Energy Co. has a one year low of $42.59 and a one year high of $78.82. The stocks fifty day moving average is $49.17 and its 200-day moving average is $49.97. Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The energy company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.18. The company had revenue of $3.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.26 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 37.89% and a net margin of 28.10%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 38.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.59 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.79 EPS for the current year. Devon Energy Cuts Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a dividend of $0.49 per share. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.05%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Devon Energys payout ratio is currently 10.94%. Devon Energy Profile (Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Three Bridge Wealth Advisors LLC lowered its stake in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 2.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,847 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 108 shares during the quarter. Three Bridge Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $1,187,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Ashburton Jersey Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Accenture during the first quarter worth about $143,000. Curated Wealth Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Accenture by 3.6% during the second quarter. Curated Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,029 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $626,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the period. Dash Acquisitions Inc. increased its stake in shares of Accenture by 7.1% during the second quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 33,713 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $10,403,000 after buying an additional 2,222 shares during the period. GW Henssler & Associates Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Accenture during the first quarter worth approximately $207,000. Finally, FCF Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Accenture by 31.6% during the second quarter. FCF Advisors LLC now owns 9,981 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $3,080,000 after buying an additional 2,395 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.42% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Insider Activity at Accenture In related news, CEO Leonardo Framil sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.52, for a total transaction of $934,560.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 16,898 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,264,064.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Accenture news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total value of $1,653,750.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 21,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,916,770. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Leonardo Framil sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.52, for a total value of $934,560.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 16,898 shares in the company, valued at $5,264,064.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 15,250 shares of company stock valued at $4,832,510. Corporate insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $330.00 price target on shares of Accenture in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Accenture from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $340.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Accenture from $340.00 to $356.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their target price on shares of Accenture from $312.00 to $300.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $333.24. Check Out Our Latest Report on Accenture Accenture Price Performance NYSE ACN traded down $2.53 on Friday, reaching $301.83. The company had a trading volume of 1,672,526 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,296,309. The firm has a market capitalization of $200.61 billion, a PE ratio of 28.03, a P/E/G ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 1.22. Accenture plc has a 1 year low of $242.80 and a 1 year high of $330.43. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $314.31 and a 200-day moving average of $302.94. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 28th. The information technology services provider reported $2.71 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.65 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $15.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.07 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 29.74% and a net margin of 10.72%. Accentures quarterly revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.60 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Accenture plc will post 12.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. Accenture declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback plan on Thursday, September 28th that permits the company to buyback $4.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the information technology services provider to reacquire up to 2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Accenture Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th will be paid a dividend of $1.29 per share. This is a boost from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.12. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.71%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 11th. Accentures dividend payout ratio is 41.60%. Accenture Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, interactive, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management, intelligent automation comprises robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents, and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprises turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC increased its position in HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Free Report) by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 22,644 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 142 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLCs holdings in HCA Healthcare were worth $6,872,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. HB Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in HCA Healthcare by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,982 shares of the companys stock worth $905,000 after acquiring an additional 223 shares during the period. Toroso Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 90.4% during the 1st quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 13,019 shares of the companys stock worth $3,433,000 after purchasing an additional 6,180 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 13,800 shares of the companys stock worth $3,639,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. First Hawaiian Bank increased its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 51.5% during the 2nd quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 2,691 shares of the companys stock worth $817,000 after purchasing an additional 915 shares during the period. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of HCA Healthcare by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 3,184 shares of the companys stock valued at $966,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 62.73% of the companys stock. Get HCA Healthcare alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on HCA shares. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of HCA Healthcare from $305.00 to $325.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. StockNews.com lowered shares of HCA Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Credit Suisse Group boosted their price target on shares of HCA Healthcare from $311.00 to $316.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of HCA Healthcare from $275.00 to $300.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their target price on shares of HCA Healthcare from $345.00 to $294.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, HCA Healthcare presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $308.55. Insider Buying and Selling In other HCA Healthcare news, SVP Kathryn A. Torres sold 5,204 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $269.12, for a total value of $1,400,500.48. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 19,760 shares in the company, valued at $5,317,811.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other HCA Healthcare news, SVP Kathryn A. Torres sold 5,204 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $269.12, for a total value of $1,400,500.48. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 19,760 shares in the company, valued at $5,317,811.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Jeffrey E. Cohen sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $270.00, for a total transaction of $405,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 4,414 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,191,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 9,620 shares of company stock worth $2,592,820. 1.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. HCA Healthcare Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of HCA Healthcare stock traded up $2.45 on Friday, hitting $237.42. The company had a trading volume of 1,177,939 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,280,559. The firm has a market capitalization of $64.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.68, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.62. HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a twelve month low of $178.32 and a twelve month high of $304.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 79.26, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $262.11 and a 200-day moving average of $273.32. HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported $4.29 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.28 by $0.01. HCA Healthcare had a net margin of 9.32% and a negative return on equity of 12,765.76%. The company had revenue of $15.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.63 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.21 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that HCA Healthcare, Inc. will post 18.48 earnings per share for the current year. HCA Healthcare Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.01%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. HCA Healthcares payout ratio is 11.81%. HCA Healthcare Profile (Free Report) HCA Healthcare, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides health care services in the United States. It operates general and acute care hospitals that offers medical and surgical services, including inpatient care, intensive care, cardiac care, diagnostic, and emergency services; and outpatient services, such as outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology, and physical therapy. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for HCA Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HCA Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC reduced its stake in Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP Free Report) by 19.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,887 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 458 shares during the period. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Roper Technologies were worth $907,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Roper Technologies by 2.5% in the second quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,940 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $933,000 after acquiring an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Legacy Financial Strategies LLC grew its stake in shares of Roper Technologies by 9.2% in the second quarter. Legacy Financial Strategies LLC now owns 5,298 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,547,000 after acquiring an additional 448 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Group LLC bought a new stake in Roper Technologies during the second quarter worth about $422,000. Rockland Trust Co. lifted its position in Roper Technologies by 4.4% during the second quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 30,991 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $14,900,000 after purchasing an additional 1,313 shares during the period. Finally, EA Series Trust bought a new stake in Roper Technologies during the second quarter worth about $420,000. 91.59% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Roper Technologies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Roper Technologies In other news, Director Christopher Wright sold 1,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $498.56, for a total transaction of $548,416.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 36,727 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,310,613.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Director Robert D. Johnson sold 900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $495.19, for a total transaction of $445,671.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 5,846 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,894,880.74. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Christopher Wright sold 1,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $498.56, for a total transaction of $548,416.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 36,727 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,310,613.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 7,000 shares of company stock valued at $3,495,658. 0.94% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Roper Technologies Stock Performance NYSE:ROP opened at $497.84 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $53.27 billion, a PE ratio of 18.32, a P/E/G ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $493.49 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $471.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.94. Roper Technologies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $362.72 and a fifty-two week high of $508.90. Roper Technologies (NYSE:ROP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The industrial products company reported $4.12 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.99 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.50 billion. Roper Technologies had a net margin of 50.21% and a return on equity of 10.61%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 16.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.95 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Roper Technologies, Inc. will post 16.46 earnings per share for the current year. Roper Technologies Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 23rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 9th will be given a dividend of $0.6825 per share. This represents a $2.73 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. Roper Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 10.05%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently weighed in on ROP. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Roper Technologies from $532.00 to $569.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Roper Technologies from $550.00 to $555.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Roper Technologies from $550.00 to $560.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 8th. TD Cowen increased their target price on shares of Roper Technologies from $525.00 to $535.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. Finally, Oppenheimer increased their target price on shares of Roper Technologies from $535.00 to $560.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 24th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $525.80. Read Our Latest Report on Roper Technologies About Roper Technologies (Free Report) Roper Technologies, Inc designs and develops software, and technology enabled products and solutions. The company offers management, campus solutions, diagnostic and laboratory information management, enterprise management, information solutions, transportation management, financial and compliance management, and cloud-based financial analytics and performance management software; cloud-based software to the property and casualty insurance industry; and software, services, and technologies for foodservice operations. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Roper Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Roper Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX Free Report) by 8.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 5,149 shares of the shipping service providers stock after acquiring an additional 381 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in FedEx were worth $1,276,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of FedEx by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 6,904 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $1,712,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of FedEx by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 5,497 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $1,363,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP lifted its position in shares of FedEx by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 5,236 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $1,196,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the period. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in FedEx by 1.1% during the first quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,098 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $936,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its holdings in FedEx by 4.3% in the first quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,105 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $252,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the period. 73.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get FedEx alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other FedEx news, VP Jennifer L. Johnson sold 13,348 shares of FedEx stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.25, for a total transaction of $3,447,121.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 3,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $885,281. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, VP Jennifer L. Johnson sold 13,348 shares of FedEx stock in a transaction on Friday, October 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.25, for a total value of $3,447,121.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 3,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $885,281. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Michael C. Lenz sold 5,745 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.88, for a total value of $1,504,500.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,478 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,886,538.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 8.73% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently issued reports on FDX. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of FedEx from $270.00 to $279.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. HSBC started coverage on FedEx in a report on Friday, September 29th. They issued a buy rating and a $330.00 target price on the stock. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of FedEx from $295.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Credit Suisse Group lowered their target price on shares of FedEx from $273.00 to $265.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on FedEx from $280.00 to $290.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, FedEx has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $282.54. Get Our Latest Analysis on FedEx FedEx Stock Down 3.7 % Shares of NYSE:FDX opened at $242.78 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.32. FedEx Co. has a one year low of $149.64 and a one year high of $270.95. The company has a market cap of $61.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.80, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.33. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $259.42 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $244.63. FedEx (NYSE:FDX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 20th. The shipping service provider reported $4.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.71 by $0.84. FedEx had a return on equity of 16.14% and a net margin of 4.71%. The firm had revenue of $21.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.74 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.44 EPS. The companys revenue was down 6.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that FedEx Co. will post 18.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. FedEx Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 11th were issued a dividend of $1.26 per share. This represents a $5.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 8th. FedExs dividend payout ratio is currently 30.73%. FedEx Profile (Free Report) FedEx Corp. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of transportation, e-commerce, business services, and business solutions. It operates through the following segments: FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Services, and Corporate, Other and Eliminations. The FedEx Express segment offers transportation and delivery services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for FedEx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FedEx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its holdings in American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 51,795 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,637 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $9,023,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sheets Smith Wealth Management acquired a new stake in American Express during the 1st quarter worth about $448,000. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC purchased a new position in American Express during the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Steward Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in American Express by 104.9% in the first quarter. Steward Financial Group LLC now owns 211 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares during the period. Focused Wealth Management Inc boosted its position in American Express by 1,400.0% in the 1st quarter. Focused Wealth Management Inc now owns 225 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 210 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Addison Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of American Express by 44.8% during the 1st quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 239 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.08% of the companys stock. Get American Express alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on AXP. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of American Express from $148.00 to $143.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 6th. 3M reissued a reiterates rating on shares of American Express in a research note on Friday, June 30th. 22nd Century Group restated a reiterates rating on shares of American Express in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on American Express from $203.00 to $202.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Oppenheimer reduced their target price on American Express from $190.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, American Express has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $173.33. American Express Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of American Express stock traded down $0.18 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $151.10. The stock had a trading volume of 2,951,839 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,156,664. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $156.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of $161.62. The firm has a market cap of $111.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a quick ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75. American Express has a 12-month low of $132.21 and a 12-month high of $182.15. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The payment services company reported $2.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.81 by $0.08. American Express had a return on equity of 29.26% and a net margin of 12.99%. The company had revenue of $15.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.57 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that American Express will post 11.13 earnings per share for the current year. American Express Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 24.42%. American Express Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oakworth Capital Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 20.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 9,073 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,322 shares during the period. Oakworth Capital Inc.s holdings in Duke Energy were worth $814,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of DUK. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its holdings in Duke Energy by 0.6% during the first quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 50,100 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,833,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. Rainsberger Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Duke Energy by 36.9% during the first quarter. Rainsberger Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 10,784 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,040,000 after purchasing an additional 2,905 shares during the period. Avidian Wealth Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 21.2% in the first quarter. Avidian Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 4,565 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $440,000 after buying an additional 798 shares during the period. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new position in shares of Duke Energy in the second quarter valued at approximately $118,000. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 2.6% in the second quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 8,760 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $783,000 after buying an additional 224 shares during the period. 63.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Duke Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently weighed in on DUK shares. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $104.00 to $101.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. KeyCorp reduced their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $109.00 to $96.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $95.00 to $98.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Mizuho reduced their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $92.00 to $91.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 25th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $96.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Duke Energy currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $98.82. Duke Energy Price Performance Shares of DUK opened at $88.68 on Friday. Duke Energy Co. has a fifty-two week low of $83.06 and a fifty-two week high of $106.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $68.35 billion, a PE ratio of 49.54, a PEG ratio of 2.59 and a beta of 0.43. The companys 50-day moving average is $90.44 and its 200-day moving average is $92.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.42, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.52. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The utilities provider reported $0.91 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by ($0.07). Duke Energy had a return on equity of 8.05% and a net margin of 5.06%. The business had revenue of $6.58 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.16 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.14 earnings per share. Duke Energys revenue was down 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.6 EPS for the current year. Duke Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind sources, renewables, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Protesters gather during a rally amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in New York, United States, Oct. 13, 2023. (Photo by Nick Starichenko/Xinhua) At least 140 protests across the country have been tracked since the Hamas attack on Israel last Saturday, in which some protesters glorified violence and attacks on civilians. NEW YORK, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- While the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates in the Middle East, protests are growing and tensions are mounting across the United States, prompting an enhancement in security. Major U.S. cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Portland and Pittsburgh, are on a heightened alert in bracing for protests and potential violence this weekend. Hundreds of people joined a rally at the Times Square in Manhattan on Friday afternoon, chanting and waving the Palestine's red, black and green flag. Some held signs reading "Free Palestine." They demanded ending the bombardment of Gaza and the funding of Israeli military. On Thursday evening, two groups of students gathered in dueling rallies at the Columbia University in New York, in support of either Israel or Palestine in the wake of the Gaza conflict. Tensions also heated as pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups clashed on campus at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Thursday. The scene turned hostile and chaotic as the two sides shouted and argued back and forth with physical confrontations in some cases, according to a report of the WRAL News. The demonstrations came after former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal called for Friday to be a global day of protests against Israel's retaliation against Hamas, and urged supporters to send a "message of rage to Zionists and to America." Law enforcement agencies across the United States have stepped up their presence around synagogues, places of worship in the American Jewish community, and Israeli diplomatic posts. Protesters gather during a rally amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in New York, United States, Oct. 13, 2023. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua) During a press conference Thursday evening, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul stressed that the safety of New Yorkers is of the utmost concern. "We have directed the NYPD (New York City Police Department) to surge additional resources to schools, houses of worship, to ensure they are safe and that our city remains a place of peace," Adams said. NYPD canceled all training for officers Thursday and ordered the force to be in uniform and on patrol, NBC News reported. In Washington, D.C., police said Thursday that there were no credible threats to the area, but they were expecting increased law enforcement visibility to help ensure the safety of the community. Police also enhanced security in the Capitol complex. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency to enhance security around pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including on campuses. In most major Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas and Houston, police issued advisories about increased vigilance or patrols in response to the call for Friday demonstrations. According to the Center on Extremism at the Anti-Defamation League, at least 140 protests across the country have been tracked since the Hamas attack on Israel last Saturday, in which some protesters glorified violence and attacks on civilians. Online threats against Jewish people have increased 400 percent since last Saturday, the group said. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC cut its stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 107,914 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 2,082 shares during the quarter. Pfizer comprises about 1.1% of Hohimer Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 22nd largest position. Hohimer Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $3,958,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position 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 buying an additional 1,946,456,532 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position 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 buying an additional 2,516,132 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position 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 buying an additional 19,602,359 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised 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 buying an additional 160,963,976 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 109,852,779 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $4,472,433,000 after buying an additional 577,201 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. TheStreet cut shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $40.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $50.00 target price on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Pfizer in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. 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 presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $45.88. Pfizer Price Performance Shares of NYSE PFE opened at $32.12 on Friday. Pfizer Inc. has a 1 year low of $31.77 and a 1 year high of $54.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.82. The companys 50-day moving average is $34.55 and its 200 day moving average is $36.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $181.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.61. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.36 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 27.55% and a return on equity of 28.36%. Pfizers quarterly revenue was down 54.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.04 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.33 earnings per share for the current year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Investors of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.11%. Pfizers payout ratio is 43.62%. About Pfizer (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. Read More 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. Oakworth Capital Inc. lowered its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 9.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,394 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 146 shares during the period. Oakworth Capital Inc.s holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $144,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. raised its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 398.1% during the 1st quarter. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. now owns 269 shares of the energy producers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. Northwest Bank & Trust Co acquired a new position in ConocoPhillips in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in ConocoPhillips in the 1st quarter worth about $31,000. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 335.4% in the 1st quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 344 shares of the energy producers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Horan Securities Inc. increased its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 40.2% in the 1st quarter. Horan Securities Inc. now owns 349 shares of the energy producers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: ConocoPhillips Stock Up 3.1 % Shares of NYSE:COP opened at $124.86 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $149.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.03, a PEG ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.28. ConocoPhillips has a 52-week low of $91.53 and a 52-week high of $138.49. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $119.26 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $109.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.41. ConocoPhillips Dividend Announcement ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy producer reported $1.84 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.94 by ($0.10). The company had revenue of $12.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.64 billion. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 27.27% and a net margin of 18.66%. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.91 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that ConocoPhillips will post 9.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 16th were given a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.63%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 27th. ConocoPhillipss payout ratio is 19.65%. Insider Activity at ConocoPhillips In related news, SVP Andrew D. Lundquist sold 30,800 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.83, for a total transaction of $3,813,964.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 5,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at $735,178.71. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Andrew D. Lundquist sold 30,800 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.83, for a total transaction of $3,813,964.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 5,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at $735,178.71. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Sharmila Mulligan sold 1,849 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.19, for a total value of $231,476.31. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 602,049 shares of company stock valued at $73,591,956. 0.37% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have issued reports on COP shares. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on ConocoPhillips from $124.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on ConocoPhillips from $134.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Mizuho upped their target price on ConocoPhillips from $135.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. Raymond James reduced their price target on ConocoPhillips from $142.00 to $138.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $130.00 price target on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research report on Monday, August 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, ConocoPhillips has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $135.63. Get Our Latest Report on ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; various LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New Hampshire increased its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 5.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 17,747 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 886 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF makes up approximately 2.3% of Bank of New Hampshires portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Bank of New Hampshires holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $7,910,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Rezny Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Rezny Wealth Management Inc. now owns 177,443 shares of the companys stock worth $79,088,000 after purchasing an additional 2,581 shares during the last quarter. Invst LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 9.6% during the second quarter. Invst LLC now owns 167,169 shares of the companys stock valued at $74,509,000 after acquiring an additional 14,661 shares during the last quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC increased its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC now owns 53,375 shares of the companys stock worth $23,790,000 after purchasing an additional 1,248 shares in the last quarter. Peoples Bank OH raised its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 8.2% in the 2nd quarter. Peoples Bank OH now owns 33,122 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,763,000 after purchasing an additional 2,499 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Management Network Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Financial Management Network Inc. now owns 58,213 shares of the companys stock worth $25,983,000 after purchasing an additional 1,933 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Price Performance Shares of IVV stock opened at $433.45 on Friday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1-year low of $358.43 and a 1-year high of $461.88. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $442.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $433.44. The firm has a market cap of $335.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was physically absent from the Brackley squads garage in Japan and in Qatar but virtually omnipresent in the team at every session and debrief. Wolff was forced to take a leave of absence in the wake of a long overdue knee operation that required several weeks of recovery and rehabilitation. As a consequence, the Austrians lanky figure was missing from his command post in the Mercedes garage at Suzuka and Lusail where assistant team principal Jerome dAmbrosio took over part of Wolffs responsibilities on the ground. However, thanks to a remote set-up, the Mercedes boss was able to follow his teams every move from the comfort of his home in Monaco and intervene whenever necessary as he indeed did in Qatar where Wolff chimed in over the radio to encourage George Russell to collect his thoughts and press on in the wake of his first corner clash with Lewis Hamilton. Hes in Monaco, explained Mercedes Communications Director Bradley Lord. The doctors after his knee surgery before Japan advised him not to not to jump on the plane but just to rest his knee so that he's fit and well for the last five races. Hes got exactly the setup that we have in the garages at home and so he's able to follow in real-time and participate in real-time as well. Lord said that Wolff, who is expected to return to his command post at next weeks US Grand Prix in Austin, was able during the last two race weekends to tune in and take part in every debrief session with the team from the comfort of his home. Hes been in every meeting, virtually in all of the strategy discussions and then debriefs as well, said Lord. So he's not been physically here but has been a strong presence in the team. So from that point of view, it's run as normally as it can be when he's not been able to travel. But he's played his usual part in all of those discussions as well. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter [October 13, 2023] EAF INVESTIGATION NOTICE: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Announces Investigation into GrafTech International Ltd. and Encourages Investors with Substantial Losses or Witnesses with Relevant Information to Contact the Firm Tweet The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is investigating potential violations of U.S. federal securities laws involving GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: EAF) focused on whether GrafTech and certain of its top executives made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material information to investors (the "GrafTech Investigation"). If you have information that could assist in the GrafTech Investigation or if you are a GrafTech investor who suffered a loss and would like to learn more, you can provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-graftech-international-ltd-investigation-eaf.html You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected]. THE COMPANY: GrafTech is a global manufacturer of graphite electrode products. THE REVELATIONS: On September 16, 2022, GrafTech disclosed that its manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico had been ordered to shut down by regulators following a pair of inspections by the State Attorney's office for the Secretary of Environment and the Ministry of Environment. Then, on February 3, 2023, GrafTech revealed that the temporary closure of the Monterrey facility would have a "significant" adverse impact on GrafTech's business performance in the first half of fiscal year 2023. Thereafter, on April 28, 2023, GrafTech announced that first quarter 2023 sales declined 62% compared to the first quarter of 2022 due to the suspension of operations at GrafTech's Monterrey facilities, causing GrafTech to report a net loss of more than $7 million, down significantly from reported net income of approximately $124 million in the prior year quarter. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller is one of the world's leading complex class action firms representing plaintiffs in securities fraud cases. The Firm is ranked #1 on the most recent ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report for recovering more than $1.75 billion for investors in 2022 - the third year in a row Robbins Geller tops the list. And in those three years alone, Robbins Geller recovered nearly $5.3 billion for investors, more than double the amount recovered by any other plaintiffs' firm. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever - $7.2 billion - in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231011707487/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 14, 2023] ARC Fertility Leadership to Support ASRM Congress, October 14-18 Tweet ARC Fertility, a pioneer in innovative fertility and family-forming treatment options, will proudly be supporting the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2023 Scientific Congress and Expo in New Orleans. The event begins today, October 14, and lasts through October 18. A longtime supporter of ASRM, ARC Fertility founder and CEO Dr. G. David Adamson previously served as president for the society. He'll be joined by ARC leadership for this year's program. "The ARC team is excited to connect with other leading companies and experts in our field and discuss the latest in reproductive care," said Adamson. "ASRM members are advancing medical science and delivering vital new marketplace solutions every day, and the annual ASRM Congress is critical to our field's ongoing progress. We look forward to seeing a lt of familiar faces as well as forging new connections." ARC has been rapidly expanding its footprint providing employee fertility benefits solutions tailored for self-insured employers. In September, the network joined the PlanSource partner marketplace to bring family-forming benefits to as many people as possible for the 2024 open enrollment season and beyond. Dr. Adamson continues to be a trusted source on fertility-related issues for publications such as USA Today. This year's ASRM Congress is set to include the ASRM President's Gala, a Giving Day to support advocacy efforts for reproductive medicine, and will showcase ARC Fertility's contributions to sessions on what global IVF data tell us, why professional standards matter and the intersection of reproductive medicine with racism, equity and inclusion. About ARC Fertility ARC Fertility was founded in 1997 from its founder's passion to increase access to affordable, high-quality reproductive care for everyone. We are accomplishing our mission through our national network of top-tier fertility clinics and with the help of brokers and employers. ARC physicians deliver high-value fertility and family-forming employer benefits through evidence-based treatment packages and financing directly to patients. ARC Fertility has helped tens of thousands of people create the family of their dreams. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231014794189/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Local violence worsens this afternoon . . . Here's the first report . . . "Police officers responded to the shooting just after 4:30 p.m. in the area of E. 10th Street and Indiana Avenue, not far from a local elementary school. Four male victims suffered injuries from gunshot wounds." "Three of the victims are reported to have injuries believed to be non-life threatening. The status of the fourth victim is unknown at this time." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Four people injured in Kansas City shooting near 10th, Indiana Avenue Police officers responded to the shooting just after 4:30 p.m. in the area of E. 10th Street and Indiana Avenue, not far from a local elementary school. 3 injured in shooting near elementary school in east Kansas City, police say Three people were injured in a shooting that unfolded near an elementary school in east Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, police said. For our most dedicated denizens of the discourse, we collect a comprehensive serving of pop culture, community news and top headlines for insomniacs, interlopers and all manner of news junkie. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City Stands With Troops 'It meant a lot, to a whole lot': Stand Down event offers assistance to hundreds of Kansas City veterans The Kansas City VA Medical Center hosted its annual "Stand Down for Veterans" on Friday. Over 40 community organizations came together to offer their goods and services to our local veterans. Downtown To The Letter 'Where's the T?' Kansas City's Western Auto building sign may get fixed The "T" in Kansas City's Western Auto sign is out, catching the attention of Chiefs fans across the kingdom Thursday night. Cowtown To War Front Kansas City man leaving home to fight Hamas for the IDF Matthew Vonende, a Jewish man that grew up in Kansas City, previously served as a lone soldier from 2015 to 2017 in Israel Exploring Old School Living Historic Homes Tour Guide Scarritt Point North National Register Historic District as seen through Historic Postcards Seeing Kansas City Scarritt Renaissance gets its name [...] Swifties Turn Cinematic Taylor Swift's movie generating boost for Kansas City movie theaters Taylor Swift's concert film experience is predicted to generate $100 million domestically, boosting revenue for movie theaters across the country and in Kansas City. Diva's Baller Marketing Stunt Gets Personal Taylor Swift chats with Travis Kelce's DAD for the first time Taylor Swift worked her charm on beau Travis Kelce's parents, Donna and Ed, while attending his game on Thursday. Beauty In Transition At least two transgender women will compete in the Miss Universe pageant Marina Machete, who was crowned Miss Portugal last week, and Rikkie Valerie Kolle, who became Miss Netherlands in July, will be among the 90 contestants. White House Presses For Calm After Terrorist Attacks U.S. officials privately warn Israel to show restraint in retaliating against Hamas In meetings in Israel, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed to Israeli leaders that it's important to observe international rules of warfare. MAGA Moves Attacked Trump's turn against Israel offers stark reminder of what his diplomacy looks like | CNN Politics Donald Trump's inflammatory and artless comments about Hamas' horror in Israel emphasize the defining characteristic of his attitude toward foreign policy and his entire political world view: It's all about him. Hardliner Stays Winning Jim Jordan wins nomination in GOP's chaotic House speaker battle House Republicans voted Friday to nominate conservative firebrand Jim Jordan for speaker of the House -- the latest twist in a chaotic battle for speakership. Struggle For 2nd Place Cont'd DeSantis and Haley camps take whacks at each other before donor confab Top reps for both campaigns made their pitch to some of the biggest check writers in the GOP on Friday. Terrorist Tactics Exposed 'Top Secret' Hamas Documents Show Palestinian Terrorists Intentionally Targeted Children: Report Documents that were labeled "top secret" in Arabic were discovered on the bodies of dead Hamas terrorists this week after they launched an unprecedented terrorist attack against Israel. The documents showed that the detailed plans Palestinian terrorists were given ordered them to "target elementary schools and a youth center" in Kfar Sa'ad, a kibbutz in Israel, and to "kill as many people as possible." Vlad Doubles Down Russia pummels east Ukrainian town of Avdiivka in heavy fighting Russian forces pummelled the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka from the ground and air on Friday, the fourth day of intense fighting in the biggest offensive by Russian forces in months. Red Army Marches Into Grinder Russia is bringing back its bloody 'human wave' tactics, throwing poorly trained troops into a massive new assault in eastern Ukraine, White House says Russia "continues to show no regard for the lives of its own soldiers, willingly sacrificing them" to further Putin's goals, John Kirby said. Far East Danger Emerges Israeli embassy worker stabbed in China by foreign national, authorities say An Israeli man was stabbed by a foreign suspect in China on Friday as he was exiting his country's embassy. Hottie Emerges After Disgrace Mia Khalifa seen for first time since being fired over Israel tweets The Lebanese-born influencer appeared to be holding a box of colored pencils as she picked up a coffee at a drive-thru near her Miami home. South Side Celebrates Boozy Party Times Locally sourced art, food, beer and music combine for a good time at the Chive's ArtFest "We've always supported local art and local music here, so we just decided to put that together and create a fall ArtFest." Super Star Swill Explained Taylor Swift had a tequila cocktail at Chiefs game. There's a Travis Kelce connection Now that Taylor Swift is popping up on national broadcasts of Chiefs games, fans re paying close attention to what she's drinking. Another Scare Tonight Kansas City-area haunted houses, ghost tours that will leave you terrified If you're looking for a scare, Kansas City has some of the best haunted houses and plenty of historical homes with paranormal possibilities. More Cowtown Drinking Games Weekend Possibilities | Oktoberfiesta!, Virtual Reality Haunts and PorchFestKC Make room for fall festivals, fiestas and frights scheduled for this fine October weekend - along with a variety of live music options. Buzz On Weekend Chill A cold front moves into the metro Friday night will see temperatures falling into the 50s And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Right now Brit hottie Rhian inspires our peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . McDanger Confronts Local Hero Firefighter injured while responding to blaze at McDonald's in Kansas City One firefighter was injured while responding to a blaze at a McDonald's in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday morning. Progressives Compare Suffering Kansas Citians with ties to Israel and Palestine share how the war has impacted their lives One week into the war between Hamas and Israel, the deadly conflict is having an impact on Kansas Citians at home and abroad. KCUR's Up To Date was joined by four people who live in our region or have roots here - two with Israeli ties and two with Palestinian ties - to share their experiences and how their family has been affected. Cowtown Protection Today Kansas City-area sees extra security at Jewish places of worship As the Israel-Hamas war continues, tensions have been rising around the world. And after a former Hamas leader called for a "Day of Jihad," local law enforcement increased their presence at some worship areas. Fiesta For The Culture As Hispanic Heritage Month ends, Kansas City's Latino community has much to celebrate | Opinion Through her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Anna Bazan-Munguia connects with others in town who share her heritage. Classy Dance Party Debuts Again Holiday magic returns to the stage as the Kansas City Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" at the Kauffman Center Tickets are on sale now Hottie Exposes Talker Rhian Sugden claims ex Russell Brand joined No More Page 3 campaign after 'getting declined' by models Former Page 3 star 'briefly dated' Brand when she was younger Another Peek At Brit Leader Rhian Sugden struggles to contain her assets in an orange bikini-top The swimwear model is currently enjoying a holiday in Mallorca, from where she updated fans with a new Instagram post. Prez At Work In Holy Land Biden says US working with Israel, UN to ease humanitarian consequences in Gaza In a post online, President Biden said he is working with several countries, including Israel, and the United Nations to ease the humanitarian consequences of the Hamas attacks. "The U.S. is working with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan - and with the UN - to surge support to ease the humanitarian consequences of Hamas's attack,... MAGA Turnabout Trump says he stands with Netanyahu after a barrage of GOP criticism for saying he 'let us down' Former President Donald Trump is stepping back from his pointed criticism of Israel. He said Friday he stands with the nation and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, after drawing unusually pointed denouncements from his GOP rivals for lashing out at Netanyahu days after Hamas' deadly attacks. Rocket Man Supplies Vlad U.S. Intel Uncovers North Korea's Alarming Delivery to Russia The recent delivery included more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said. Campus Debate Amid War U.S. students are clashing over the Israel-Hamas war. What can colleges do? The conflict has heightened tensions on U.S. campuses. What is the role and responsibility of colleges right now? Romance Consequences Ravens' Mark Andrews praises Travis Kelce amid Taylor Swift rumors: 'Raising the bar for a long time' Baltimore Ravens star Mark Andrews had nothing but kind words for the potential budding relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. Cowtown Spooky History How a hippie art collective called the Foolkillers staged the first haunted house in Kansas City The haunted house was an outgrowth of the Foolkillers, a countercultural organization that started in 1970 in Kansas City. Forecast For Now . . . Cloudy and cool Saturday Saturday will have high temperatures around 57 degrees; morning drizzle will fade out, but the day remains cloudy. Lenny Kravitz - TK421 is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Preston Smith has been a valiant tax fighter for years . . . He has tireless dedicated hundreds of hours to helping educate locals and providing media and politicos with important data about the often confusing process. His work is done for free and we think it's important to acknowledge his efforts. Today . . . He is organizing JACKSON COUNTY TAXPAYERS in an effort that might save us all a buck and expose the hot mess at the courthouse. First . . . He shares this note on the situation . . . "UPDATE ON STATE AUDIT: During this week I traded several emails with Todd Schuler, the Audit Manager at the State Auditor. I was imploring/begging him and his office to expedite whatever analysis could be done to show that few, if any, physical inspections occurred in the 2023 Jackson County assessment. My point was that IF few, or if any, physical inspections did occur, then tens of thousands of county taxpayers would be paying too much to the County when the tax bills come out. With the County opening up the online portals to begin paying bills on Oct 25, if the State Auditor could do the analysis/research to look at this ONE issue, then it could make a huge difference. Under the state law, if no evidence existed for a physical inspection, the County could not increase the assessed value more than 15 percent." And then . . . CHECK THIS CALL TO ACTION AND HOW JACKSON COUNTY TAXPAYERS CAN HELP PRESSURE MISSOURI OFFICIALS TO PUSH BACK AN EPIC SPIKE THAT THREATENS TO PUSH PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOMES!!! Here's the word . . . "With the clocking ticking on the County sending out the tax bills, I am asking ALL OF YOU to email the State Auditor's office, asking them to spend the next few days DETERMINING WHETHER PHYSICAL INSPECTIONS OCCURRED IN THE 2023 JACKSON COUNTY ASSESSMENT. Please also explain why you believe this assessment is inaccurate, unfair, corrupt or whatever testimony you want to share." Now . . . Here's context and why this is important . . . "BOTTOM LINE: In 2019, the State Auditor started an audit in June 2019 did not release the audit until January 2021. By then no one cared and it didn't matter. I made this point with Mr. Schuler. It did not matter. I, along with others from our county, met in person in the Auditor's office on Aug 24, provided them many documents, and discussed the importance of moving as fast as possible on this audit to determine early on about the physical inspections. The response that we received was something along the lines, "This is bigger than we thought." We need you all to step up and get involved here. Our emails might not matter at all--they might still stay their course--but we at least have to try. Perhaps State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick will realize that he still has people left over from the previous auditor and/or are not working to help the people of Jackson County. I believe Mr. Fitzpatrick wants to help the people and wants to do the right thing. We have to make our voices heard past the Deep State inside his office who are slow-walking all this. We have to try and now is the time." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . This week the senior Missouri Senator spoke to growing frustration with students spouting antisemitic garbage from inside ivory towers of academia. Here's his take that goes after funding and foreign interests operating on American campuses . . . "The Missouri senator slammed organizations at Ivy league schools like Harvard and Columbia, which have supported the terrorists' actions as justified. "'[Hamas] would kill every Jew in the world if they could. Thats what these terrorists want. And to be silent in the face of that or to celebrate it as these crazy student groups are doing?,' Hawley told Sean Hannity. "'What I want to know, Sean, is whos funding these student groups? I hope that the DOJ is investigating where the money is coming from. Are there terror groups who are part of these networks who are infiltrating our campuses?" Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Josh Hawley Calls for DOJ Investigation Into Student-Led Pro-Palestine Groups on College Campuses Fox News host Sean Hannity's guest was Josh Hawley, who had a proposal concerning student-led pro-Palestine groups: sic the Department of Justice on them. Josh Hawley calls for DOJ probe into pro-Palestine groups on campuses Republican Josh Hawley has called for the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Palestine student groups on college campuses across the nation. Developing . . . Chinese envoy urges parties in Ukraine crisis to prevent weapons proliferation Xinhua) 14:20, October 14, 2023 UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called on parties in the Ukraine crisis to prevent the proliferation of weapons. "We call on all relevant parties to the Ukraine crisis to take a responsible attitude, pay heightened attention to, and make every effort to prevent the risk of proliferation of weapons and ammunition," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, told the Security Council briefing on Ukraine. With the Ukrainian crisis dragging on, the situation on the ground is still tense and the spillover effect continues to spread, he said. "A large number of weapons and ammunition continue to flow into the battlefield with expanding variety and scope of weapons, and these weapons are becoming more lethal as well," he added. The envoy noted that this has exacerbated the cruelty, danger, and unpredictability of ground warfare, leaving the hope for ceasefire and end of war even more remote. Geng said that special efforts must be made to prevent them "from falling into the hands of terrorists and non-state actors, and prevent new unrest in a wider geographical area, which would spur more displacements and deprive more innocent lives." "In its briefings to the Security Council, the Secretariat repeatedly mentioned that the flood of weapon and ammunition into conflict areas may lead to risk of proliferation, and that strict control measures should be adopted," he said. "Like many countries looking forward to peace, China has repeatedly stressed that dialogue and negotiation is the fundamental way to stop the fighting and restore peace," said the envoy. "China will continue to stand on the side of peace and on the side of dialogue, strengthen dialogue and exchanges with all parties, build international synergy to promote peace and dialogue, and play a positive and constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine issue," he said. "The world we live in is witnessing intertwined changes and chaos with a lot of turbulence and unrest," said Geng. "From Asia to Africa, from Ukraine to the Middle East, we are increasingly seeing more conflicts and flames of war." "The deep-seated reasons behind this are worth our serious reflection. We call on the international community to adhere to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, advocate peaceful coexistence dialogue and negotiation, and take effective measures to promote dialogue and reconciliation, so as to fundamentally defuse conflicts and problems and make efforts to establishing a world with lasting peace and common security." (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Jon Bonne didnt really set out to write a definitive guide to French wine. The journalist and author of The New California Wine was enjoying a bottle of wine French, naturally over dinner with his editor when she suggested he look to France for his next book. I thought it would take a year. A year and a half, max, says Bonne, previously the chief wine critic at the San Francisco Chronicle. It took nearly nine years, but this March, Bonne released The New French Wine (Ten Speed Press), a two-volume study on the the worlds greatest wine culture. The 400 pages capture the countrys most enigmatic producers and catalogue shifts in French wine, all while considering the cultural, historical and economic fabrics of the regions. The book comes at a pivotal moment. Over the past few decades, French wine experienced a very dramatic era of change largely not for the better, says Bonne. Wines had become uniform. But now, French wine is entering a new era, as a generation of pioneering young winemakers are refocusing on climate and culture, terroir and techniques. To research his book, Bonne traversed the country, exploring the foothills of the Alps, the Corsican shores, the dramatic hills of Beaujolais, and the sunny vineyards in the south of France. So its safe to say, hes an excellent person to guide you on your next French getaway. If youre looking to explore beyond the lauded regions of Champagne and Bordeaux, here are six destinations that Bonne loves. For famed food and scenic vistas: Beaujolais Bonne admits that visiting Beaujolais can be complicated: Most wineries require appointments, and the region doesnt have a substantial tourism infrastructure: There are just a couple good restaurants and a handful of Airbnbs and hotels. If you do make the effort to come, however, the landscapes will reward you. Its one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, says Bonne. Beaujolais is picturesque in a way that people expect from Tuscany or Napa, but its a bit more dramatic and intense, with these undulating granite hills covered with little vines. (If lodgings are sparse, Lyon, Frances gastronomic capital, is just 40 minutes away.) While researching his book, Bonne rented a house on Cote du Py, the highest point in Morgon cru (region). In the summer, wild storms roll through toward the mountains, he says. Id sit on the patio with big glasses of Gamay and watch the heavens open up over the vineyards. On sunnier days, spend happy hours in one of the Beaujolais regions smaller towns, like Pierres Dorees, and watch the sunset give the limestone buildings a golden filter. For a wine-splashed city vacation: Nantes While the Loire Valley spans almost 1,000 kilometres, Bonne recommends planning a vacation around Nantes, a lively city in the valleys western reaches. Nantes has been one of the biggest recent surprises to me, says Bonne. I expected it to be a quiet, secondary city, but its extraordinary. Nantes is Frances tech hub, so its evolved to be culturally remarkable very modern, says Bonne. The dining scene is creative; many chefs have moved here from Paris because Nantes is affordable, and the raw ingredients are exceptional, Bonne notes. Theres a wealth of Breton seafood, plus a bounty of produce from the Loire. Drive out to the Loire to take in quintessential French landscapes of limestone chateaux and rolling vineyards. Then head back to the city at night for glasses of Muscadet and plates of oysters and langoustines. Nantes has a remarkable, self-sustaining ecosystem of great gastronomy and culture. Its the perfect snapshot of modern France, says Bonne. For bright wines on a beach vacation: Corsica Corsica is a French island basking in the Italian sun, Honore de Balzac once wrote. Bonne seconds this: It has a very specific French overlay and an Italian lean. You get two countries in one. If you can tear yourself from the beach, Bonne likes to drive up through the islands granite cliffs and explore the towns that dot them. Every mountain village has its own wood-fired pizza place, he says. (Theres that Italian influence.) Theres no large-scale wine industry, just local vintners making salty, bright wines influenced by their Mediterranean surroundings. To get there, Bonne recommends taking the overnight ferry from Nice and sipping negronis into the night over the water its a quintessentially French thing to do. And go in the spring or fall, Bonne notes. Everyone rushes to rent villas in the summer so its overcrowded. For a memorable road trip: Toulouse If you prefer to motor around France, start with Toulouse in the southwest. Toulouse is an extraordinary city, says Bonne. Its quite prosperous now theres a huge aerospace industry, so the city is packed with young engineers. With the influx of fresh talent came a strong cocktail and microbrewery scene. If youre headed to France with beer lovers in tow, theyll have a marvellous time in Toulouse, says Bonne. From Toulouse, you can also take the train or drive to Gaillac, a small town known for its deep wine roots. They were making sparkling pet-nat (petillants naturels) before Champagne was making Champagne, says Bonne. Or drive up to Irouleguy, a Basque-influenced town in the cradle of the Pyrenees. Here, vineyards slope high into the mountain, plates are piled high with Bayonne ham, and glasses are full of intense reds. For all-weather exploring: Alsace Practically year-round, Alsace is cast in a storybook light. Come winter, the region is blanketed in snow and spotted with Christmas markets and half-timber cottages. In the warmer weather, vineyard visits are complemented by babbling brooks and the dramatic green landscapes of the Vosges mountains. Expect aromatic, textural white wines and rich mountain food. Alsace has distinctive regional signatures to all their cooking, says Bonne. Try choucroute garnie sauerkraut dressed with local sausage or opt for more fanciful dishes at one of Alsaces swath of Michelin-starred restaurants. (Famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten hails from the region.) Whatever you choose, the raw materials here are exceptional: craft beer, local honeys, and white asparagus I will dream about for the rest of my life, says Bonne. For the cultural crossover: Roussillon Its like visiting Spain without leaving France, says Bonne, referring to Perpignan, a Catalan-accented city thats just about a two-hour drive from Barcelona. Close to the Mediterranean coast, Perpignan lies within the Roussillon wine region, noted for salt-kissed roses. Other wines that Bonne finds remarkable in the region include bottles from Banyuls, a small region surrounding Banyuls-sur-Mer, the farthest south you can get in France before it becomes Spain. Its undergone an incredible renaissance, says Bonne. To see the shifts in action, stop into Les 9 Caves, a collective space where independent winemakers operate individual ateliers in town. About EUR 500 million of contributions from international partners have been raised for mine clearance in Ukraine. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated this at a government meeting on Friday, Ukrinform reports. The Prime Minister recalled that a conference on humanitarian demining was held in Zagreb with the participation of more than 40 states. According to him, the Government's delegation presented Ukraines plans for the disposal of Russian mine debris and had a fruitful dialog with partners. Taking into account previous support packages, about EUR 500 million of contributions for demining have been attracted for Ukraine. In particular, EUR 100 million from Switzerland, about EUR 20 million from Norway, EUR 12.5 million from Sweden, EUR 5 million from Croatia, EUR 2 million from Austria, EUR 1.5 million each from Spain and Slovenia, Shmyhal said. He thanked partners for every contribution. According to Shmyhal, the funds will be used to purchase survey equipment, demining equipment, and sapper equipment. In addition, additional assistance will be provided in the form of equipment and expert support. The Prime Minister also noted that Ukraine had signed an agreement with Croatia on cooperation in mine action. In particular, it refers to land clearance, public education, development of mine action standards, training of Ukrainian specialists, and development of production facilities. "We also thank Switzerland for the initiative to hold the second donor conference on humanitarian demining next year," Shmyhal added. As reported, the draft state budget for 2024 envisages UAH 2 billion for humanitarian demining of agricultural lands. Summing up the week, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked international partners for their latest decisions as regards defense support for Ukraine. This is stated in the presidents video address, seen by Ukrinform. "This week is coming to an end, the week of air defense for Ukraine, the week of reinforcement. This is a key priority before winter. And it's time to thank our partners for their new decisions on support. This week's decisions. The Netherlands talks with Mark Rutte in Odesa, the decision on additional Patriot missiles, support for our ground operations and sea export corridors. There is also a defense package that was announced at Ramstein. Thank you very much!" said Zelensky. He also mentioned aid packages from Spain, the UK, Norway, Finland, Germany, and the joint defense package from the Czech Republic and Denmark. "I thank all the leaders for fulfilling our agreements!" the head of state said. According to Zelensky, besides additional air defense missiles, more launchers will be delivered. "We are working on different types of systems. There will be spare parts for the systems that Ukraine already uses. Of course, there will also be artillery shells, first of all. Drones. Armored vehicles. All the leaders who help us are fully informed about the current situation on the battlefield. The world understands what Russia is preparing for and what terrorist moves it may be planning. We also know how to respond to the occupier. And we will respond in a powerful way," the president emphasized. In addition, he mentioned the meeting in Brussels with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Brown ahead of the Ramstein meeting. "There was a clear confirmation of support for Ukraine, a clear willingness to intensify our actions together and continue to put pressure on the occupier both in the fall and winter. And by the way, the United States announced at Ramstein that it will co-chair the F-16 coalition with the Netherlands and Denmark. This is an important decision, thank you very much!" noted Zelensky. He also mentioned the negotiations with the Belgian government. "We are grateful to Belgium for joining our F-16 coalition and for its leadership in the use of frozen Russian assets. This is a truly necessary step Belgium became the first country to send funds generated by Russian assets to Ukraine. We are working with other EU countries and the rest of the world to ensure that they use the aggressor's funds in the fair way to defend against aggression," the president stressed. As reported, the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format was held in Brussels. It was the first such meeting that President Zelensky attended in person. Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, Ihor Zhovkva, says Romania will provide its airfields for training Ukrainian war pilots. The training center will be launched by year-end. The official reported the news on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports. "Unfortunately, very little attention is paid to the fact that Romania will provide its airfields to train Ukrainian pilots. It was discussed, and literally by the end of the year, a corresponding training center will be opened in Romania. It will not only be for Ukrainian pilots, it will be for NATO allies. But Ukrainian pilots will train at the same level as those representing Romania and other allies. They will train on aircraft provided to them by members of the aviation coalition. That is, Romania is one of our most reliable allies in this regard, too," Zhovkva emphasized, talking about the outcome of President Volodymyr Zelenskys recent visit to Romania. He also emphasized that "Romania today is becoming a really important exporter of Ukrainian grain without issuing declarations or making sharp statements... It is becoming Ukraines real strategic partner." "By the way, in Romania it was agreed that our relations formally became those of strategic partnership," the deputy chief of the Presidents Office stressed. As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky paid an official visit to Romania on October 10. During the visit, Ukraine and Romania sealed a number of agreements on strategic partnership. Ukraine and Moldova will carry out joint control at the "NovosavitcaiaKuchurhan" railway border crossing point in Ukrainian territory. "Ukraine and Moldova will organize joint control at the NovosavitcaiaKuchurhan railway border crossing point in Ukrainian territory. The corresponding protocol was signed today by the heads of the border and customs services of our countries following an online conversation with Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal posted on Telegram. In the spring, the countries for the first time conducted joint control on the railways at the "Serpneve 1 Basarabeasca" border crossing point. This significantly contributes to Ukrainian exports, halves the duration of all procedures, minimizes queues, and saves state funds, the PM of Ukraine emphasized. According to him, in the future, the parties plan to apply the experience of joint control at all border crossing points with Moldova, and later at the borders with all neighboring EU states. "Together we are developing fast logistics in the western direction. In the Ukraine-Moldova-Romania triangle, we have every opportunity to activate logistics corridors to diversify Ukrainian export routes," the Prime Minister stated. Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets has arrived in Egypt to help arrange the evacuation of 243 Ukrainians from the Gaza Strip. The relevant statement was made by Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Arrived in Egypts Cairo to help arrange the mechanism of evacuation for our citizens from the Gaza Strip, Lubinets wrote. Following Hamas terrorist attack on the State of Israel, Ukrainian civilians are remaining blocked in the Gaza Strip. The situation is critical, as people were left without electricity and communications. Some 243 Ukrainians, mainly women and children, are now in need of urgent evacuation. It is worth noting that the Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has been blocked. Hence, at a meeting, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed a decision that I, acting as Ukraines ombudsman, urgently arrive in Egypt to meet with competent agencies in order to resolve the humanitarian issue, Lubinets explained. The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights is working together with Egypts National Council for Human Rights (NCHR). In particular, Lubinets held a meeting with NCHR President Moushira Khattab, dedicated to the mechanism of bringing Ukrainians home. Ukrainian diplomats and other competent agencies are also actively working on this issue. The evacuation of Ukrainian citizens is under the personal control of the President of Ukraine and Head of the Presidents Office Andriy Yermak. We are working to bring Ukrainians home as soon as possible, Lubinets stressed. Later, during a nationwide telethon, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets noted that, for unknown reasons, the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry revoked permission for the evacuation of Ukrainians and other foreign citizens from the Gaza Strip, as they cannot guarantee safety. (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Oct, 2023) ABU DHABI, 14th October, 2023 (WAM) Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced the return of the fourth Rize University Fair, the annual networking event that bridges the gap between students, parents and representatives hailing from leading local and international universities. Scheduled to take place from 16th to 20th October, the Rize University Fair is one of the largest annual university fairs, empowering students in grades nine and above to embark on their higher education journey. The fair provides invaluable insights, guiding students in selecting the right university, programme and career path. This years edition boasts the participation of more than 60 leading universities from 15 countries across four continents: Asia, North America, Europe and Australia. The list of participating universities includes some of the top universities, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Initially launched as a virtual event three years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic, the fair has rapidly witnessed substantial growth in its influence. This year marks a significant milestone as students get the opportunity to attend in-person sessions hosted at universities in Abu Dhabi, providing hands-on experiences. The five-day fair also features an extensive programme of more than 75 virtual sessions hosted by representatives from universities based in India, France, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, China, Turkey, Italy and Indonesia. These sessions encompass diverse disciplines and majors including arts, design, communication, entrepreneurship, and more. The Rize University Fair has proven to be immensely valuable, drawing more than 10,000 students to its previous three editions, each featuring a diverse range of local and international universities. As testament to its growing success in attracting new students, this years edition sees the participation of elite universities including the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, University of Toronto, Hong Kong University, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi) and the University of Melbourne. Local universities as well as international institutions with local campuses such as Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi and Zayed University also take part in the fair this year. Students attending the Rize University Fair will delve into ADEK's scholarship programs, the Abu Dhabi Scholarship, and Khotwa (RizeUp), where they will engage with universities and community colleges that are part of these scholarship programmes, providing students with a platform to start their higher education journey. The Rize University Fair is part of Rize University Preparation and Career Guidance (UPCG) Program, an after-school enrichment programme designed for Abu Dhabi high school students to explore and prepare for their post-secondary and professional futures. With a variety of workshops, webinars, projects, test preparation courses and guidance opportunities, the Rize UPCG Program offers students the opportunity to discover and apply their skills, interests and values toward attending leading higher education institutions. SEOUL, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 14th Oct, 2023) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Dukgeun Ahn, Minister of Trade for the Republic of Korea, have concluded their negotiations towards a CEPA between the two nations, which will pave the way for a new chapter of economic cooperation. Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to South Korea, and Juma Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Trade Affairs in the Ministry of Economy, attended the signing in the Korean capital, Seoul. This represents the latest milestone in the UAEs foreign trade agenda, launched in September 2021 to develop deeper ties with strategic allies worldwide. A UAE-Korea CEPA will reinforce East-West supply chains, facilitate two-way FDI flows, and enhance joint research and knowledge exchange across a range of sectors, including energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, food security and healthcare. On concluding negotiations, Al Zeyoudi said, The Republic of Korea is an important growth partner for the UAE, with its highly sophisticated economy built on manufacturing, logistics, and advanced technology. Our two nations share a deep commitment to driving long-term, sustainable growth through trade, investment and economic diversification. Our latest CEPA will drive cooperation across each of them, empowering both economies with new insights, experiences and knowledge. This deal can potentially be a powerful catalyst for innovation and enterprise. The bilateral deal comes amid advancing trade exchange between the two nations. In the first half of 2023, bilateral non-oil trade reached US$3 billion, which is consistent with H1 2022 and up 21 percent in the same period in 2021. The UAE is Koreas second-largest Arab trade partner, while Korea is the UAEs eleventh-largest trading partner among non-Arab Asian countries. At the Presidential Summit in January 2023, the two nations signed a number of memoranda of understanding, including the ROK-UAE Trade and Investment Promotion Framework to pursue optimal trade collaboration strategies, covering areas such as supply chains, digital trade, logistics, business environment and technical barriers to trade, and a U$30 billion plans to invest in strategic sectors of the Korean economy. In April this year, all four units of the US$20 billion Barakah Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, constructed by the Korea Electric Power Corporation in a consortium that included Hyundai, samsung, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, and Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction, became operational, with the capability of meeting up to 25 percent of the UAE's electricity needs. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Pummelled by debt, poverty and natural disasters, African nations heard many pledges of support but saw little action at the first IMF-World Bank talks to be held on their soil since 1973 Marrakesh, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2023) Pummelled by debt, poverty and natural disasters, African nations heard many pledges of support but saw little action at the first IMF-World Bank talks to be held on their soil since 1973. The myriad troubles facing the continent were front and centre at the week-long talks in Marrakesh, Morocco, which began Monday and end Sunday. The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, said from day one that holding the meetings in Africa was "symbolically and substantively very important." "A prosperous world economy in the 21st century requires a prosperous Africa," she said. In an effort to boost the continent's voice within the IMF, the institution said Saturday its members agreed to give sub-Saharan Africa a third seat on its executive board. Georgieva said Saturday the agreement "warmed my heart the most." The move, which will be effective next year, does not increase Africa's voting power within the international lender, whose main shareholders are the United States, China, Japan and western European powers. For some African officials, a good start would be erasing the mountain of debt that is forcing many countries to spend much of their revenue on paying back interest. The economy minister of Ivory Coast, Adama Coulibaly, who heads the G24 group of developing countries, said most of the debt is owed to multilateral development banks and the IMF. "We are warning against a debt crisis that could stifle durable and inclusive growth," Coulibaly said. More than 20 African countries are either already in or on the edge of debt distress. In some countries, more than 40 percent of the state budget goes to servicing the debt -- an unsustainable level in countries that need to maintain basic public services such as water and electricity. But negotiations to restructure debts have become more complicated over the years as new creditors such as China, Saudi Arabia and Brazil have emerged, in addition to private lenders. Now countries must negotiate terms with China and the Paris Club of creditors, which mostly comprises Western nations with very different policies to Beijing. Pakistani police said Saturday that gunmen killed at least six construction workers and injured two others in an overnight attack in the turbulent southwestern Baluchistan province the countrys largest province bordering Afghanistan and Iran. The shooting occurred in the Turbat district of the natural resources-rich province, targeting a group of migrants from the country's most-populous central Punjab province. Police and witnesses said the victims were asleep when unknown assailants stormed their residence and sprayed them with bullets before fleeing the site. "Deeply saddened to hear about the terrorist attack on innocent laborers in Turbat," Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said on social media platform X, and he expressed condolences to the victims' families. "We condemn this heinous act and stand united against terrorism." The so-called Baluch Liberation Army, or BLA, an ethnic-based separatist militant group, took responsibility for the deadly shootings. BLA and other Baluch insurgents routinely attack Pakistani security forces and settlers from other parts of the country. Baluchistan has recently received significant Chinese investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, a bilateral extension of Beijings global Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure development undertaking. BLA is listed as a global terrorist organization by the United States and has attacked Chinese nationals associated with CPEC projects and repeatedly warned China to end its alleged exploitation of Baluch resources and withdraw from the province. Last month, a suicide bombing of a religious procession in the provinces Mastung district killed nearly 60 Muslim devotees and injured dozens more. To date, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Suspicions fell on Islamic State, however, along with militants linked to the anti-state Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. Both of those groups are also active in Baluchistan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Saturday for protecting civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel as he intensified his diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing humanitarian crisis. He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive. His efforts reflect the international concern about the number of civilians at risk and the potential ramifications of a prolonged war as Israel told Gaza residents to move south and Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. The Biden administration from President Joe Biden to his Pentagon chief and top diplomat during their recent Mideast stops has not publicly urged Israel to restrain its response after the Hamas attack a week ago but has emphasized the country's commitment to following the rules of war. In visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, Blinken cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns. An Israeli ground assault would worsen the plight of civilians in Gaza who are without power, fresh water or access to aid. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. Israel has advised all Palestinian civilians to flee south to avoid Israel's continued offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City. Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his country's help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinken's spokesman declined to characterize Wang's response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the region's stability. In Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack against Israel. "As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and we're working together to do exactly that," Blinken said. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it's in Israel, whether it's in Gaza, whether it's anywhere else," Blinken said. The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians. "It's a disturbing situation," he said. "It's a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and it's important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone." A U.S official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on the evacuation plan. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israel's military moved to enforce the evacuation demand. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement. The U.S. worked out an agreement involving to allow Americans and other foreigners in Gaza to cross the Rafah border into Egypt, but the crossing remained blocked Saturday, with no sign that those gathered would be allowed through. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said. The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv. Prince Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end. "We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence," he said. "Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price." While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words "Light in the Darkness." Beijing is likely to use the Israel-Hamas war to try to diminish Washington's global influence while boosting its own, said analysts. China has been bitterly attacking the U.S. on its state media over the conflict raging in the Middle East, saying Washington's one-sided military support for Israel is fueling tensions and increasing the humanitarian crisis in the region. "If Washington really wants to mediate the crisis, it should sit both sides down for negotiations, instead of sending warships to the Middle East to boost Israel's morale," said a Chinese expert quoted Thursday by the Global Times, one of Beijing's official news outlets. Dennis Wilder, who served as National Security Council director from 2004-05 during the George W. Bush administration, said, "China is regrettably using the crisis to reinforce its domestic propaganda that paints the United States as supporting an Israel that has denied the Palestinian people their right to their own state." David Satterfield, director of Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, said, "China is endlessly opportunistic, by which I mean, it seeks occasions, places, opportunities to advance the perception of its global reach, in particular, its desire to be seen as an ally, a partner, a friend of what we might call the Global South." Satterfield, who served as acting assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs from 2017-19 during the Trump administration, continued, "China does quite a good job of this in a theatrical sense, in an optical sense." But in reality, he said, "in this conflict, and I would say in the Middle East more broadly, it has very, very little influence." Satterfield said China's policy focus on nonintervention "catches Beijing in a box, if you will. The Chinese can't become a meaningful player because they're fearful if they take a real stance as opposed to rhetorical positions on this, [it] could someday come home to affect them." At the daily Chinese Foreign Ministry press briefing on Thursday, spokesperson Wang Wenbin called for both sides in the Gaza crisis to put an "end to the violence, condemn actions against civilians," and "avoid further escalation." He did not condemn Hamas by name and said Beijing stands ready to talk and coordinate with the Arab League to bring a peace process in the Middle East. The Arab League is a loose alliance of nearly two dozen Arab countries that have pledged to cooperate on economic and military affairs and other matters, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. China's President Xi Jinping has largely remained silent on the issue, but Beijing's diplomats have been talking to other countries about the crisis. Zhai Jun, China's special envoy for the Middle East since 2019, spoke with Osama Khedr, Egypt's assistant foreign minister responsible for the Palestine department, on the phone Tuesday offering to promote a cease-fire and end violence. At the Friday press briefing, Wang Wenbin said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the conflict with Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, chief adviser to the Brazilian president, on the phone the previous day. VOA's Korean Service contacted the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday to ask why it has not condemned Hamas for its murderous attacks that started the conflict while criticizing Washington's support for Israel. The ministry did not reply. Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at SOAS University of London, said, "By refusing to condemn Hamas, China signals that it is on the side of the Global South, but how much good it will do to China in cementing support in the Global South is questionable." Tuvia Gering, researcher for the Diane and Guilford Glazer Israel-China Policy Center at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, said, "China will do everything it can to avoid being drawn into this, maintaining its fake neutrality." With fighting in the Middle East and Ukraine, there are concerns among U.S. allies in Asia that Washington's attention may move away from the Indo-Pacific, leaving an opening that China could attempt to exploit. On Thursday, the release of the final report of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the U.S. highlighted the need for Washington to prepare to deter and defeat multiple adversaries such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia simultaneously in the period from 2027 to 2035. "Today's strategic outlook requires an urgent national focus and a series of concerted actions not currently planned," the report says. At a NATO meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said the U.S. is "able to project power and direct resources to tackle crises in multiple theaters" simultaneously and support both Israel and Ukraine. Grant Rumley, the Goldberger Fellow with the Washington Institute's Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East, said, "It's crucial for the U.S. to show Beijing it is able to support Israel as well as Ukraine and Taiwan simultaneously." Some analysts say the Gaza crisis could work to America's advantage in its rivalry with China. "More American diplomatic attention to the Middle East and core conflicts there likely would diminish the space where China could insert itself diplomatically," said Robert Ford, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington who served as ambassador to Algeria from 2006-08 and as ambassador to Syria from 2011-14. Mark Kennedy, director of the Wilson Center's Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition who served as U.S. congressman representing Minnesota from 2001-07, said, "Depending how the tragic Israeli-Hamas conflict plays out, it could actually enhance American standing in its strategic competition with China." The contest comes Sunday, and whoever wins the prize a job that starts on Christmas will face a difficult, if not impossible, task. What awaits is a shorter-than-normal 15-month run as president of Ecuador, which is engulfed in a surge of violence tied to drug trafficking. The runoff election pits an heir to a banana empire, Daniel Noboa, and an attorney, Luisa Gonzalez. In a different year or in another country, their business and lawyering experience might help them deliver on campaign promises. But all that Ecuadorians want is safety, and they are demanding to get it in a tiny fraction of the time that has taken other countries to address the issue. "There's nothing that fails like success," said Lowell Gustafson, a Latin American politics professor at Villanova University. "Whoever wins this election is going to have to deal with this but I don't know what can be expected from the president in that kind of short time with what sure look to be virtually intractable problems." Ecuador, flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, is spiraling downward. Virtually no one feels safe amid unprecedented violence that erupted roughly three years ago with a rise in criminal activity. It has reached an unthinkable level since August, starting with the assassination in broad daylight of a presidential candidate. Fernando Villavicencio, who had a famously tough stance on organized crime and corruption, was fatally shot Aug. 9, only days before the presidential election's first round, despite having a security detail that included police and bodyguards. Since then, other politicians and political leaders have been killed or kidnapped, car bombs have exploded in multiple cities, including the capital, Quito, and inmates have rioted in prisons. The government's lack of control even allowed the killings earlier this month of seven men being held in prisons as suspects in Villavicencio's slaying. The National Police tallied 3,568 violent deaths in the first six months of this year, far more than the 2,042 reported during the same period in 2022. That year ended with 4,600 violent deaths, the country's highest in history and double the total in 2021. "Maybe the new president will do something, I hope so, whatever it takes because we are doing really bad with this issue of insecurity," said Edson Guerra, a painter who was robbed of his cellphone over the weekend. "Before, those who had money were threatened, now it's all of us, even those who don't have much." Voting is mandatory in Ecuador. The election was triggered by President Guillermo Lasso dissolving the National Assembly in May to avoid being impeached over alleged improprieties in a contract by the state-owned oil transport company. Lasso, a conservative former banker, clashed constantly with lawmakers after his election in 2021. He decided not to run in the special election, and the winner of Sunday's vote will finish out his four-year term. Noboa and Gonzalez, both of whom have served short stints as lawmakers, advanced to the runoff by finishing ahead of six other candidates in the election's first round Aug. 22. Noboa, 35, is an heir to a fortune built on Ecuador's main crop, bananas. His political career began in 2021, when he won a seat in the National Assembly and chaired its Economic Development Commission. He opened an event organizing company when he was 18 and then joined his father's Noboa Corp., where he held management positions in the shipping, logistics and commercial areas. Gonzalez, 45, held various government jobs during the decade-long presidency of Rafael Correa, her mentor, and was a lawmaker until May. She was unknown to most voters until Correa's party picked her as its presidential candidate. At the start of the campaign, she said Correa would be her adviser, but she has recently tried to distance herself a bit in an effort to court voters who oppose the former president. The causes for the spike in violence are complex. All, though, revolve around cocaine trafficking. Mexican, Colombian and Balkan cartels have set roots in Ecuador. Authorities attribute the rising violence to a power vacuum following the killing in 2020 of Jorge Zambrano, alias "Rasquina" or "JL," the leader of the local Los Choneros gang. Its members carry out contract killings, run extortion operations, move and sell drugs, and rule prisons. Los Choneros and similar groups linked to cartels are fighting over drug-trafficking routes and control of territory, including within prisons, where at least 400 inmates have died since 2021. Gonzalez has promised to purge police ranks of bad actors; invest in intelligence, technology and other gear for police; and increase law enforcement's presence on the country's borders. Noboa has proposed changes to the country's intelligence efforts; more ammunition and other gear for police officers, who are now outgunned by criminals; and a large presence of the military in prisons, ports and roads. He has also pitched using barges to house inmates. Gustafson said the candidates face one more obstacle. Neither Noboa's nor Gonzalez's parties have enough seats in the National Assembly to be able to govern on their own. "I'm pessimistic," he said. "I think the Ecuadorian president is doomed. How is he going to gain control over these cartels?" As Egypt faces the possibility of receiving an influx of Palestinian refugees from its northern border with Gaza, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has repeated his country's long-standing opposition to permitting Palestinians from Gaza to be resettled in the Sinai. Egypt and Israel reportedly agreed Saturday to open the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egyptian territory to allow U.S. citizens stranded in the Hamas-controlled territory to leave. There was no agreement, however, for other residents of Gaza to enter Egypt as Israel pursues its military operations across the territory. El-Sissi insisted Thursday that Palestinians must resist efforts to force them to leave Gaza. He said that the Palestinian cause is one all Arabs hold dear and that Palestinians should remain firm and stay on their own land. Earlier this week, Israeli military commander Col. Richard Hecht urged Palestinians in Gaza to "get out of Gaza" and head to Egypt. The Israel Defense Forces later issued a statement saying there was "no official call" by Israel for residents of Gaza to enter Egypt. Egyptian Member of Parliament Mustafa Bakri told Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV Saturday that Egypt "has warned both Israel and other international parties that it will fight any efforts to try and resettle Palestinians in the Sinai." He claimed that a several-decade-old plan exists to implant Palestinians in the Sinai and use Egyptian territory as part of a Palestinian homeland. Khattar Abou Diab, who teaches political science at the University of Paris, told VOA that it was former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak who made the claim that Israel has a plan to resettle Palestinians in the Sinai in exchange for wiping out part of the country's debt now estimated to be about $170 billion. Said Sadek, who teaches peace studies at the Egypt-Japan University, said that Egypt "does not want to see large numbers of Palestinians in the Sinai, because it could cause instability in a key tourist hotspot, if they began firing at Israel from Egyptian soil." Sadek also said that a large Palestinian presence in Egypt "could cause turmoil between Egyptians who support peace with Israel and those who would like to fight the Jewish state." Egyptian media reported periodic Israeli military strikes near the border between Egypt and Gaza in recent days as traffic was halted through the border crossing at Rafah. Egypt urged countries wishing to send aid supplies to Gaza to send them to the airport at nearby El Arish, so they may be sent to the border by truck when the crossing reopens. Palestinians bulldozed part of the border fence between Egypt and Gaza during an Israeli military operation on Gaza in 2008, with hundreds of Palestinians entering Egypt's northern Sinai. That border breach caused lasting concern in Egypt that Palestinians in Gaza would seek to hold on to portions of Egyptian territory and remain on Egyptian land. Various Arab leaders have urged Palestinians in Gaza not to try to leave the territory, and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, based in Ramallah, told residents of Gaza controlled by the rival Hamas movement not to leave the territory, in a press conference Friday. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also insisted during a press conference Saturday in Amman that his country would not allow Palestinians to flee into Jordan. He said that King Abdullah II has stated that forcing Palestinians to flee their homeland is a "red line" that he will not accept. Safadi went on to warn that the "security and stability of the entire region is being threatened" by what is taking place in Gaza. In an ongoing legal battle with the Biden administration over a Nevada lithium mine, environmentalists are poised to return to court with a new approach accusing U.S. wildlife officials of dragging their feet on a year-old petition seeking endangered species status for a tiny snail that lives nearby. The Western Watersheds Project said in its formal notice of intent to sue that the government's failure to list the Kings River pyrg as a threatened or endangered species could push it to the brink of extinction. It says the only place the snail is known to exist is in 13 shallow springs near where Lithium Americas is building its Thacker Pass Mine near the Oregon line. President Joe Biden has made ramped-up domestic production of lithium a key part of his blueprint for a greener future. Worldwide demand for the critical element in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries is projected to increase six-fold by 2030 compared with 2020. Past lawsuits filed by conservationists and tribes have taken aim largely unsuccessfully at the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management, which they accused of cutting regulatory corners to expedite approval of the mine itself in 2021. The new approach targets the department's Fish and Wildlife Service, charged with ensuring protection of fish and wildlife habitat surrounding the mine site 321 kilometers northeast of Reno. Western Watersheds Project says groundwater pumping associated with the mine's 113-meter open pit will reduce or eliminate flows to the springs that support the snails. In the formal 90-day notice of intent to sue sent to Interior Secretary Deborah Haaland last month, they say her agency's failure to make a 12-month finding on the listing petition filed in September 2022 is a violation of the Endangered Species Act. "The Fish and Wildlife Service isn't supposed to sit on its hands while species are in imminent danger of extinction, but the fact that it hasn't met the deadlines on the pyrg raises questions about why they might be delaying," Adam Bronstein, the project's Nevada director, said in a statement. "It would be absolutely unacceptable if the Biden Administration is waiting until it's too late to save the species so as not to interrupt the construction of a lithium mine," he said. Interior Department spokesperson Melissa Schwartz said in an email Thursday the department had no comment on the group's intent to sue. Western Watersheds Project said time is of the essence because the snails were imperiled even before any new mining was contemplated due to livestock grazing, round-building and, increasingly, the anticipated impacts of climate change. "The species has no regulatory protection whatsoever ... because it is not an endangered species, or even a Bureau of Land Management-listed Sensitive species, and has no state law protections," the notice said. Conservationists and tribal lawyers claimed a partial victory last year when U.S. District Judge Miranda Du concluded the bureau failed to fully comply with new interpretations of the 1872 Mining Law. But she stopped short of blocking the project, allowing construction to begin as the bureau shored up plans for disposal of waste rock. The opponents appealed, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Du's ruling in July. The tiny snail's shell is less than 2 millimeters tall. By comparison, a U.S. nickel coin is 1.95 millimeters thick. They've managed to survive in isolated springs, which are remnants of extensive waterways that have covered what is now dry land only to recede many times over the last 2 million years, the listing petition said. The project says three of the springs are within a 1.6-kilometer buffer zone, the bureau established in its review of potential impacts of a 3-meter drawdown of the groundwater table, and the rest are less than 4.8 kilometers away. "As drought frequency increases with climate change, the Kings River pyrg will be at high risk of extinction," the letter to Haaland said. It notes that the Nevada Department of Wildlife considers the pyrg "extremely vulnerable to climate change." Lithium Americas had no comment on the notice of intent to sue the Fish and Wildlife Service, spokesperson Tim Crowley said. The company said when the listing petition was filed last year that it's done extensive work to design a project that avoids impacts to the springs. The Bureau of Land Management said earlier its environmental review of the project that it didn't detect any of the snails "within the direct footprint of the project or any area likely to be adversely affected by the project." Multiple countries around the world frequently take steps to repress the activities of their critics and dissidents based in the United States, a recent report from the Government Accountability Office found, calling into question the ability of law enforcement agencies to effectively curtail it. The study defines the practice, known as "transnational repression," or TNR, as "when governments, either directly or through others, reach across borders to silence dissent from diasporas and exiles, including journalists, human rights defenders, civil society activists and political opponents." The GAO report presents data collected by the Department of Homeland Security in 2022 that found that multiple countries China, Iran, Russia, Rwanda, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are "routine perpetrators" of transnational repression on U.S. soil or against U.S.-based persons. Examples run the gamut from physical threats including targeted assassination and abduction, to digital threats and harassment to indirect threats of harm or imprisonment targeting friends and relatives who remain under these governments' direct control. While many of the activities constituting TNR are illegal, others exist in a legal gray area, making it difficult for authorities to document the full range and prevalence of the activity being directed at U.S. persons. Multiple examples The report cites a number of well-publicized incidents, including the assassination of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi by agents of the Saudi Arabian government in Istanbul in 2018, and a violent attack by agents of the Turkish government on protesters in Washington in 2017. The report also notes multiple examples that have received less media attention, including China's jailing of dozens of family members of six U.S.-based Uyghur journalists and the Russian abduction of a U.S. citizen in Moscow and his rendition to Belarus. The report also highlights the case of VOA journalist Masih Alinejad, who was targeted for abduction by agents of Iran in a plot broken up by the Department of Justice in 2021. Experts said that while they were well aware of the existence of TNR activities in the U.S., some were nevertheless surprised by the report's findings. "I study foreign influence for a living, but I was still surprised by the extent of transnational repression in the U.S. that they documented," said Ben Freeman, director of the Democratizing Foreign Policy program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. "It was a lot more broad-based than I thought." Freeman told VOA, "I think a lot of us are operating under what is apparently a flawed assumption that our government has all the tools it needs to push back on transnational repression, but the report very much makes clear that that's not the case at all." Improvement needed The GAO found that U.S. law enforcement agencies need to improve their ability to recognize when foreign governments are acting within the United States to suppress the activities of dissidents and other critics, and to develop a common understanding of what constitutes TNR and what legal remedies exist to combat it. One difficulty is that when state and local law enforcement authorities are made aware of illegal activity related to TNR, they don't always recognize the international dimensions of the case, and fail to report it to federal authorities. In other cases, the report said, many victims are so used to government repression in their home countries that they don't bother to report it when it happens in the U.S. The report recommends that major federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security work together to establish a common definition of TNR. In addition, it recommends that the attorney general assess gaps in the ability of law enforcement to respond to TNR, and recommend legislation that might fill those gaps, if necessary. The report asks the Department of State to spearhead an effort to collect information on incidents of TNR from multiple law enforcement agencies, and to take steps to enforce existing rules that forbid certain shipments of arms to countries known to engage in a pattern of TNR. It notes that some of the nations recognized as frequent perpetrators of TNR, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, are also among the largest beneficiaries of U.S. arms shipments. Providing a 'clear deterrent' Experts told VOA that if Congress were to take steps to make transnational repression itself illegal in the U.S., it might change the calculus of some of the state actors that engage in it. "I think it would be beneficial to make TNR illegal, because that provides a clear deterrent to the countries engaged in it," said Colin P. Clarke, a senior research fellow at The Soufan Center, a New York-based think tank. "The more extreme aspects of TNR are illegal, e.g. targeted killings, but for things like intimidation and harassment, it's often allowed to fly below the radar, especially if there is no physical violence involved," he said. "But I firmly believe that when countries like China, Iran and others believe they can get away with even minor transgressions, it will encourage them to go further. Give an inch, they take a mile." While law enforcement can do part of the job, Clarke said, the State Department also has a role to play. "There is absolutely a diplomatic piece to this and it boils down to how countries want to spend their political capital," he said. "In the past, TNR was something... left to DoJ as a criminal justice issue. But conveying concerns over TNR to other countries, and indeed working with both carrot and stick, should be something that countries strongly consider." The latest: Israel Defense Forces warn residents of Gaza City and northern areas to continue heading south as the military announces a six-hour window to flee along specified routes The IDF has confirmed that Hamas is holding more than 120 civilians hostage in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have killed 70 and wounded 200 people evacuating northern Gaza, according to Gazas Interior Ministry. Israel said that it has hit a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon. Hamas tells civilians to ignore an IDF call for 1.1 million civilians to evacuate to northern Gaza for southern areas within 24 hours "for their own safety." U.N. says 423,000 people displaced in Gaza. Russia circulates U.N. Security Council draft resolution calling for a humanitarian cease-fire. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on Oct. 7. Israels military has announced a roughly six-hour window for Palestinians to continue fleeing south along specified routes inside of Gaza, as thousands vacate their homes following evacuation orders ahead of a possible Israel Defense Forces ground assault. Follow our instructions move south of Wadi Gaza, said IDF spokesperson Richard Hecht during a Saturday press briefing, suggesting residents who remain north of that geographic location may be faced with a possible Israeli offensive. IDF officials also told the residents in northern regions they could continue to travel south on the territorys main highways Saturday without any harm until 4 p.m. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed early Friday that it had notified residents in Gaza City to leave for "their own safety and protection" after it vowed to annihilate Hamas after its fighters stormed through towns and villages in southern Israel last week, killing 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and making off with scores of hostages. "You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made," IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said in a live-streamed briefing on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Hamas has called for everyone to "remain steadfast in your homes and to stand firm in the face of this disgusting psychological war waged by the occupation," according to reports by The Associated Press. Israeli infantry made their first raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday, according to a Reuters report citing an Israeli military spokesperson who said troops backed by tanks mounted raids to attack Palestinian rocket crews inside of Gaza and sought information about the location of hostages. A Saturday report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz said the bodies of several Israelis were retrieved by Israeli military in those raids, during which troops allegedly destroyed some "terrorist infrastructure and squads" and found items that might lead to more missing Israelis. Israels military said early Saturday that it has confirmed that more than 120 civilians are being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas. Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour told reporters Friday that Israels evacuation order amounts to "ethnic cleansing" of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have nowhere to flee. "We dont know whats happening at this moment in the northern part of Gaza where the Israeli occupying forces told people to evacuate people dont know where to go," Mansour told reporters. "There is no safe place in the Gaza Strip." In Tel Aviv, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee told Alhurra, an Arabic language satellite TV sister organization of the Voice of America, "In every sense of the word, we are escalating our raids and attacks on Hamas hideouts in the Gaza Strip, and this is what is actually happening, after we targeted geographical areas that Hamas exploited to establish its hideouts there, such as Al-Rimal neighborhood, Beit Hanoun, and so on. "We are now warning the residents of Gaza City and calling on them to leave those areas because they are being used by Hamas to lead and direct military operations against Israel," Adraee said. "Therefore, as we said and announced clearly, Israel will intensify its strikes in this region." Israeli airstrikes have killed 70 and wounded 200 people evacuating northern Gaza, according to Gazas Interior Ministry. No electricity, water, food An airplane with World Health Organization medical supplies bound for Gaza landed in Egypt early Saturday, near the Rafah crossing. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the supplies will be deployed as soon as humanitarian access through the crossing is granted. Tedros urged Israel on X, formerly known as Twitter, to reconsider its decision to evacuate 1.1 million people. It will be a human tragedy, he said. Tedros' comment repeated similar warnings made Friday by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who criticized Israeli forces over the evacuation timeframe. Moving more than 1 million people across a densely populated war zone to a place with no food, water or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous, he told reporters. Israel put Gaza under a "complete siege" Monday in response to Saturdays deadly Hamas attacks, which killed more than 1,300 Israelis. Palestinians are currently without electricity, water and fuel, making a mass evacuation even more risky and complex. Israeli strikes have killed about 1,800 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry. "This is chaos, no one understands what to do," Inas Hamdan, an officer at the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency in Gaza City, told the AP, adding that U.N. staff are evacuating northern Gaza. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said it has relocated its central operations center and its international staff of about 300 to southern Gaza to continue its humanitarian work. The agency has about 13,000 staff in Gaza, the overwhelming majority of whom are Palestinian. "They are U.N. facilities. They must be protected ... and must never come under attack in accordance with international humanitarian law," the U.N. group said in a statement. Military build up Israel has positioned some 300,000 reservists near the border with Gaza but has said no decision has been made on moving forward with an offensive. In the meantime, it continues heavy bombardment of Gaza, vowing there will be no letup until Hamas releases the more than 120 confirmed hostages. Israeli and Lebanese media reported clashes Friday along the countries mutual border, where Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah was killed and two of his colleagues were injured in an Israeli artillery strike. Reporters from Agence France-Presse and Al Jazeera were also injured. Reuters said it is "urgently seeking more information." Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists has documented at least seven journalists killed in Gaza since Saturday. Blinken, Austin in region U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday spoke for more than an hour with family members of Americans who remain unaccounted for following the Hamas attack on Israeli soil, telling them during the call that he was personally committed to doing everything possible for the return of their loved ones. The United States has said that 27 Americans were killed in the terror attack and 14 are missing. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Friday with Jordans King Abdullah in Amman, a day after holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. In Amman, Blinken also met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who has been reluctant to condemn the Hamas attacks despite no love between the two Palestinian factions. But he appeared to take a step in that direction Friday. "We reject the practices of killing civilians or abusing them on both sides, because they contravene morals, religion and international law," the official Palestinian news agency, WAFA, quoted Abbas as saying. From Jordan, Blinken traveled to meet with top leaders in Qatar, where during a press conference he was asked about the fate of Palestinians whom Israel ordered to evacuate from northern Gaza. Blinken described a complex situation where Hamas is using Palestinian civilians as human shields and is reportedly blocking roads so people cannot flee. "Our focus now is on helping to create safe zones," he said. "Were doing that with the leading international organizations; were doing that by engaging with Israel; and were working with other countries." Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel Friday for meetings with senior government leaders and to see firsthand some of the U.S. weapons and security assistance that Washington has rapidly delivered to Israel with more to come. VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell, State Department Correspondent Cindy Saine, U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer and Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report. Some information for this article came Alhurra, as well as from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Online hoaxes circulating widely in Indonesia since the start of the Israel-Hamas war are particularly dangerous because of sensitive underlying issues, experts say. "In reality, fake news during wartime is not a new thing," said social media expert Firman Kurniawan, who teaches in the Department of Communication Sciences at the University of Indonesia in West Java. "It occurred in the Roman Empire, and that led to the saying, 'When war breaks out, truth is the first casualty.'" In Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, millions of people watched a short video on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, titled "Armed Hamas men infiltrate an Israeli music festival using a paraglider and launch a massive attack resulting in numerous casualties." The video was later revealed to depict Egyptian paratroopers flying over the Egyptian Military Academy in Cairo. Another widely circulated report claimed that U.S. President Joe Biden had provided $8 billion in military aid to Israel. While Biden offered "any necessary support" to Israel, it was not of the magnitude suggested by the reports that came illustrated with what turned out to be altered screenshots of a White House release issued when Biden approved $400 million in aid to Ukraine last July. The false post tapped into Indonesia's longtime support of Palestinian statehood based on a constitutional mandate to eradicate colonialism. President Joko Widodo reaffirmed his commitment to the Palestinian territories when Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh visited Jakarta in October 2022. Sovereignty over the land has been in dispute since biblical times. A militant Muslim group, Hamas, carried out the Oct. 7 attack during a major Jewish holiday. Hamas named the offensive the Al-Aqsa Storm, a reference to Muslim anger against the right-wing Israeli government's decision to allow Jewish fundamentalists to enter Islam's third-holiest site, according to a commentary by Mohammad Mazhari published by the Stimson Center, a think tank in Washington. Mazhari is a political scientist and served as the editor-in-chief of the Arabic MehrNews Agency. The attack is the latest move in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict that pits Hamas, whose adherents have a goal of destroying Israel, against the Israeli government and population. Hamas perceives Israel as fundamentally racist against Muslims and anti-Palestinian, according to Mazhari, who added, the "narratives propagate hatred, providing a justification for the tragic events in the minds of both Muslims and Jews." "This is different from the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which doesn't significantly affect Indonesian citizens. But when it comes to Palestine or Bosnia, it immediately stirs the emotions of our people." Firman believes three factors contribute to the extensive production of fake news during the Hamas-Israel conflict. "First, the public finds itself in an information imbalance, where a significant event occurs, and people are eager to know what really happened," he told VOA Indonesian earlier this week. "Second, those involved in the conflict in this case, Hamas and Israel both seek public support." "Third everyone can produce and distribute information." Firman continued, "Today, these three points converge, so when one party seeks support, emotionally charged information is produced to garner that support." Media observer and former journalist at Kompas, Satrio Arismunandar, shares a similar view, saying the rapid spread of fake news is nothing new. "However, the difference today is the presence of various sophisticated media devices and information technologies, making it even easier," Satrio told VOA Indonesian earlier this week. "Israel and Hamas undoubtedly have their own public relations or propaganda machinery, but what is currently buzzing is the initiatives of individuals in Indonesia who cannot be controlled because [the war] touches their emotions. "This is different from the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which doesn't significantly affect Indonesian citizens. But when it comes to Palestine or Bosnia, it immediately stirs the emotions of our people," he said. But when fake news is taken at face value, the consequences include the risk of making ill-advised decisions, particularly in the context of a conflict. Thadeo Arlo, an Indonesian student In Tel Aviv who decided to stay in the city despite the conflict, experienced this firsthand. He's making critical safety decisions based on the information he receives online. "One thing is for sure, I will never go to TikTok," he told VOA Indonesia. "I only want to receive information from reliable sources, such as the university or government. I also don't rely on Instagram or Telegram because they often contain inaccurate information." Many of the misleading claims are circulating in Indonesia via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. In a statement on X, which has more than 528 million users, the platform's management said it had removed newly created accounts affiliated with Hamas and had "taken action against tens of thousands of graphic posts, violent rhetoric, and hate speech." However, X did not specify whether these posts were removed or dissemination curtailed. Firman advises social media users to "realize that during a conflict, all parties seek support for themselves, which is achieved by producing information to discredit the other side. In pursuing this goal, they do not prioritize the accuracy of the information." He urged news consumers to "diversify our sources of information," look for fact-checked reports and "become accustomed to not immediately trusting information." Jewish communities in North America are ramping up security in the face of rising emotions over the massacre of Jews in Israel and the imminent invasion of Gaza, with pro- and anti-Israel rallies being held daily in cities across the United States. Eric Fingerhut, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, told VOA that the communities are prepared and have built "comprehensive security programs." But, he said, last Saturdays Hamas attack against Israel and its aftermath has brought the threat to an "entirely different level." In his meeting with Jewish community leaders last week, U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged their safety concerns. "You worry about kids being targeted at school, going about their daily lives, hurt by the downplaying of Hamas' atrocities, and blaming Israel. This is unconscionable," he said. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. administration is working closely with state and local authorities to identify and thwart potential threats. Federal and state law enforcement agencies have been increasing security around places of worship and community centers in response to a call by former Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal for the Palestinian diaspora and Muslims worldwide to "join in the fight." The Department of Homeland Security late Thursday said there are no imminent threats. On college campuses, intense rallies have become a stage of particular concern for Jewish communities. "We, of course, support free speech, but free speech stops when it comes to incitement of violence," said Fingerhut. He said the Jewish community "will mobilize to ensure that the leaders of universities and other institutions are aware of what is happening inside their institutions and take the steps necessary not just to protect the safety and security of the Jewish community, but to not permit their institutions to become platforms of hate." At Red Square, the main gathering point on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, multiple pro-Palestinian activists, some wearing keffiyeh a traditional Arab scarf and masks, chanted "Intifada! Intifada!" ('uprising' in Arabic). Some posters stated, "From the river to the sea," implying the expulsion of Israelis from all the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean. "I just want to remind you why we gathered here today," began one of the speakers. "To affirm and celebrate Palestinian resistance." The crowd responded with cheers. "They fear that well be able to liberate ourselves with our own two hands!" said another speaker, Bissan Barghouti, whose Samidoun Seattle organization lobbies for the release of Palestinian prisoners. A small group of Jewish students stood behind, holding Israeli flags. Some tried to confront the rally participants, calling Hamas "Murderers! Rapists!" Several of the Jewish students seemed shaken. One burst into tears, pleading to a university representative standing nearby: "They want our people dead. They want us killed. How are you allowing this? Please end it, please." "Its scary, I dont feel safe. I mean, you can listen to what they are saying," another student told VOA as she led a fellow student away from the rally. Ari Hoffman, president of Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath, a local Orthodox Jewish synagogue, walked between the rally participants with an Israeli flag and a mobile phone, asking loudly: "Would you condemn Hamas as a terrorist organization?" In response, he got silence or laughter. Hoffman told VOA he had decided to come to the rally "to see how bad is the situation for the American Jews." "I look around at what's going on here and I think about my relatives that didn't survive Nazi Germany. What time did they not realize it was time to get out?" he wondered. "I'm looking around at an American university where you literally have people who are wearing the colors of terrorists who cut the heads off babies, burned them, who went into houses and burned people alive," said Hoffman, adding that his synagogue has doubled security, as have most other synagogues in the country. "Everybody knows that this is different, because we see that there are people here who are agreeing with the terrorists." Barghouti of Samidoun Seattle told VOA that the fight is not about Hamas, but a Palestinian movement that is fighting against oppression. Asked about Saturday's attack by Hamas that killed more than 1,300 people in Israel, including 27 American citizens, she was unapologetic. "Last week was the first time that Gazans have actually been able to see the rest of their Palestinian lands. They broke out of prison that has been imposed on them by a 16-year-long air, sea and land blockade by the Israeli military forces," she said. "I am not here to reassure any Zionists or Israelis who believe in the erasure and settler colonization of Palestinians on Palestinian lands." The Jewish Federations leadership said they intend to speak to college administrations about any on-campus events where lines have been crossed. University leaders are struggling to find the right balance when such tensions arise. At a town hall meeting on campus, University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce opened her remarks with a minute of silence for the victims of the Hamas attack. "We can have debates about the situation in Palestine for the last 75 years," she said. "But there is no question that these Hamas attacks on civilians were absolutely reprehensible. If you watched on TV, the nature of the attacks absolutely makes your blood curdle and no one should be celebrating these atrocities. And I want to be clear that I condemn any messages and posts that celebrate violence against civilians." Cauce mentioned that one of the victims of the Hamas attack was the universitys former Ph.D. student 32-year-old Hayim Katsman. "Ironically, his scholarship focused on the intersection of religion and politics in that very region in the hopes of creating an understanding that would lead to peace," Cauce said. "I hope that all of us can seek to honor his memory by doing all that we can to build bridges of understanding and compassion, even when especially when we have different backgrounds, opinions, and viewpoints." GAO: Federal agencies not living up to NAGPRA requirements The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) became law more than three decades ago, banning the removal of Native American cultural items from federal and tribal lands and calling on all federal and federally funded institutions to repatriate Native American human remains and funerary items. A new Government Accountability Office report shows that 617 institutions across the United States continue to hold the remains of 104,539 Native Americans and nearly 2,620,000 funerary objects and have failed to meet their obligations under NAGPRA. Read more: California to crack down on NAGPRA noncompliance In a related story, California Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed two bills to ensure the states public universities make NAGPRA a priority. The California state auditor estimates that the California University systems 21 campuses hold more than 698,000 items. Half of those campuses have not yet inventoried their holdings. More than half have not repatriated any items to tribes. Two campuses which have repatriated items failed to follow NAGPRA guidelines. Most cite a lack of funding and oversight. Assembly bill (AB) 226 strongly urges the University of California to fund repatriation efforts in all its campuses and report on their progress. It also strongly urges a ban on using Native American remains and cultural items in teaching or research. AB 389 requires the university to adopt and implement a systemwide NAGPRA policy and to create a NAGPRA oversight committee made up of at least a majority of tribe members. Assemblymember James C. Ramos authored both bills. He is a lifelong resident of the San Manuel Indian Reservation and a member of the Serrano-Cahuilla tribe. In 2018, Ramos became the first California Native American to serve in the state assembly. Feds agree to rebuild destroyed site in Oregon In 2008, while adding a turn lane to an Oregon highway, the federal government bulldozed a site sacred to local Native American tribes, against the tribes objections. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde then sued the government, alleging that the destruction of their sacred site violated federal laws protecting religious freedom. The case wound its way through federal courts to the U.S. Supreme Court. On October 5, federal authorities reached a landmark settlement agreement to replant and maintain trees it destroyed, help tribes rebuild a ceremonial stone altar and guarantee access to the site. In the video (above), produced in 2015 by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty which represented the tribes, tribe members explain the site's spiritual significance. Read more: Maine tribes: Undo edits of original constitution On Indigenous Peoples Day, a coalition of Wabanaki tribes in the state of Maine rallied at the statehouse, calling on Maine voters to say yes to a proposal to restore language that has been missing from printed versions of the states constitution since 1876. Its just about transparency, truth and restoration of our history, Maulian Bryant, Penobscot Nation ambassador and president of the Wabanaki Alliance, told participants. Maine was originally part of the then-Commonwealth of Massachusetts and did not achieve statehood until 1820. Article X section 7 of the original Maine constitution required Maine to assume and perform all the duties and obligations of this Commonwealth towards the Indians. In other words, Maine would honor any treaties and agreements Wabanaki tribes had previously negotiated with Massachusetts. But in 1875, possibly to hide its obligations to tribes, Maine lawmakers amended the constitution, striking that language from all printed copies. It should be noted, however, that the obligations remain in full force. On November 7, voters will be asked whether they support restoring that section to print. Read more: Researchers: Mental health profession must rethink treatment of Native Americans A new report from the American Psychological Association calls on the mental health profession to develop treatment approaches based on Native American and Native Alaskan values and worldviews. It quotes Harvard Universitys Joseph Gone, an expert in global health and social medicine, who says its time for researchers and mental health practitioners to drop mainstream approaches and embrace cultural humility to avoid misdiagnosing Native Americans. Our way of life was considered hopelessly backwards and savage, and we were expected to become farmers and ranchers and learn reading, writing, and arithmetic, Gone said. The deep damage from the loss of identity contributed to postcolonial disorders such as suicide, trauma, and addiction. Read more: Indigenous communities work to revitalize languages This week, the International Conference on Indigenous Language Documentation, Education, and Revitalization (ICILDER) convened in Bloomington, Indiana, to share experiences and best practices for revitalizing Indigenous languages. Today, only about 20% of languages once spoken across the Americans remain. VOAs Steve Herman reported this week on efforts by one group in South Dakota to ensure the Lakota language will survive for future generations. Read more: Even after long periods in Beijing, Manya Koetse still felt like an outsider. At parties and over hotpot, her Chinese friends discussed memes and other social media trends, but Koetse didnt know what they were talking about. I just felt really left out, the Dutch national told VOA, adding that she was missing a key way to relate to her friends and understand China more broadly. That isolated feeling led Koetse in 2013 to start a news site, Whats on Weibo, named after one of Chinas largest social media platforms. Through it, she could track what was trending on Chinese social media and, more importantly, why items went viral. It all started purely out of curiosity, she said. One decade later, her site has contended with Chinese censorship and harassment. But Whats on Weibo has continued to provide a rare window into Chinese social media and relatively unfiltered insights into Chinese society. The sites coverage is wide ranging. Recent articles looked at everything from the Chinese female bodyguard assigned to the Syrian first lady on her trip to China, sand dune tourism, eco-anxiety and womens rights, to online frustrations about youth unemployment and protests. What are people concerned about? What are people getting really angry about? What are people really rolling on the floor laughing about? Thats the kind of story that you want to convey to a non-Chinese audience to create this kind of bridge, Koetse told VOA. Koetse, who grew up in the Netherlands and spent some of her high school studies in Japan, moved to Beijing in 2008 the golden year, she said. She briefly worked at the beer company Heineken during the Summer Olympics and studied at Peking University. She soon realized that the conversations and trends on platforms like Weibo were key to understanding China and its people. Koetse, who is now in Amsterdam, says that for several years, she never prioritized making money from her media site. But, now that the site has become so big, she introduced its first premium subscription option in the hopes of making a full-time income from her work. But the job comes with its challenges, including online harassment over what she publishes and censorship. Im still, even to this day, being accused of being both pro-China and being anti-China, she said. One of the biggest changes Koetse has documented at Whats on Weibo over the past 10 years has been the rise of censorship in China. Theres more control on Chinese social media, she said. Censorship has professionalized. One example is trending lists. Years ago, trending lists on Weibo regularly included sensitive issues, Koetse said. They would only be censored later down the road. You had a lot of time to take screenshots or to get everyones opinion before it finally vanished from the internet. But as censorship became more widespread, the trending lists became a less accurate marker, Koetse said. Her reflections are backed by data. For nine consecutive years, Freedom House has ranked China the worst in the world in terms of internet freedom. The rise of censorship in China has left its mark on Whats on Weibo, which has been blocked in China since 2018. Still, Whats on Weibo averages around 250,000 visitors per month many of whom are viewers in China who use VPNs to access the site, according to Koetse. Being blocked has given Koetse a sense of freedom. I do feel more free in continuing just reporting whatever I feel is right to report, she said, since she no longer has to worry about authorities blocking the site. In a statement to VOA, Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson of Chinas Washington embassy, said, The Chinese government protects press freedom in accordance with law and gives full play to the role of media and citizens in supervising public opinion. Nearly 1.1 billion people or about 76% of the population use the internet in China, the government agency China Internet Network Information Center reported in August. Most of their discourse doesnt cross any red lines, Whats on Weibos assignment editor Miranda Barnes told VOA. We can get a pretty good idea of whats going on in the society, said Barnes, who was born in China and now lives in London. The site also provides a different perspective from other media coverage. We present what the ordinary people think, from the bottom. It is very easy to fall into the ideological narrative, just to bash China. And I find that helps nobody, Barnes said. Western media mainly focuses on political, economic and security issues, according to Yaqiu Wang, Freedom Houses China research director. While those are important, she said, they are not all of China. Whats On Weibo brings to the international audience another important aspect of China, Wang said. The China [that most] people are living and experiencing. Its important for the international audience to see this aspect of China, so to understand the country in a holistic way, not just through the lens of geopolitics and human rights. In recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, covering China has become an increasingly difficult story for foreign media to cover with fewer overseas reporters able to be based inside China. The combination of fewer correspondents in the country and more people who are scared to talk to foreign media ultimately risks dehumanizing the country and its people, reporters have said. Koetse, however, eschews the journalist label. I see myself as a Sinologist whos writing about China, she said. In a country whose population is increasingly afraid to talk to foreign news outlets, social media is one of the last remaining barometers to move past state propaganda and figure out what ordinary Chinese people are thinking, Koetse said. Foreign policy is one part of China. China can be very dangerous, and China can be powerful, Koetse said. But China can also be friendly, and China can also be fragile. Nigeria's president has asked the Supreme Court to reject a petition by his political opponents to introduce new evidence aimed at overturning February's presidential election. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's plea to the Supreme Court was contained in his response to an appeal made by the main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar. Abubakar seeks to present new evidence at the Supreme Court in a bid to annul Tinubu's victory, which was upheld last month by a lower court after weeks of litigation. This follows a U.S. court ordering Chicago State University to release Tinubu's academic records to Abubakar's lawyers. Abubakar alleges that Tinubu submitted a forged diploma to Nigeria's electoral commission. The U.S. university confirms Tinubu received a bachelors degree from the school but could not authenticate the diploma. The PDP said Tinubu's certificates from the university varied from the one he submitted to the electoral body and before the court. The opposition party also said the president's documents indicated it was a female student who attended the school and not Tinubu leading to allegations of possible identity theft. The president said the opposition appeal is devoid of merit and asked the higher court to dismiss it. "The Supreme Court in this instance is not a court of trial, it is a court of final appellate determination, said Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party. The rules of court, the rules of practice and judicial precedence do not support a litigant...you cannot at this stage seek to introduce fresh evidence. Atiku Abubakar is only trying to use every opportunity to malign this president and perpetrate his lies and falsehoods." Abubakar and Peter Obi, the second-place finisher in February's presidential election, are challenging Tinubu's win and the ruling last month upholding his victory. Morka said the opposition parties are desperate. "These guys are just desperate for attention and in their defeat... they need to go get some counseling and get a perspective, he said. February's presidential election was the most controversial since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999. The election was marred by violence and widespread allegations of vote manipulation. Phrank Shuaibu, Atiku Abubakars spokesperson, said the ruling party must answer important questions. "It's the last antic of a dying horse, he said. He's struggling, we expect him to struggle. It is not about Atiku Abubakar wanting to be president at all costs... it's about the people of Nigeria. The only thing that is left for the Nigerian people that is their integrity and their honor is what he wants to erode because he has eroded our finances, our economy by removing [the government] fuel subsidy without a plan." It is not clear if the Supreme Court will admit any new evidence before passing final judgement on the matter. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. With Israel ordering the evacuation of some 1 million Palestinian civilians from Gaza City within 24 hours, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expanded his crisis talks from Israel and Jordan to include all the Gulf Arab countries and Egypt. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. Pfizer slashed its full-year revenue forecast by 13% and said Friday it will cut $3.5 billion worth of jobs and expenses due to lower-than-expected sales of its COVID-19 vaccine and treatment. Pfizer earned record revenue in 2021 and 2022, topping $100 billion last year, after developing its vaccine Comirnaty with German partner BioNTech SE and antiviral treatment Paxlovid on its own. Last year, revenue from those two products exceeded $56 billion. But annual vaccination rates have dropped sharply since 2021 and demand for treatments has dipped as population-wide immunity has increased from vaccines and prior infections. Pfizer and rivals have begun selling an updated COVID vaccine for this fall. "We remain proud that our scientific breakthroughs played a significant role in getting the global health crisis under control," Pfizer CEO Albert Boura said in a statement. "As we gain additional clarity around vaccination and treatment rates for COVID, we will be better able to estimate the appropriate level of supply to meet demand." The drugmaker said it now expects 2023 revenue of between $58 billion and $61 billion, down from its prior forecast of $67 billion to $70 billion. It said the reduction was solely due to lowered expectations for its COVID-19 products. Pfizer said it will take a noncash charge of $5.5 billion in the third quarter to write off $4.6 billion of Paxlovid and $900 million of inventory write-offs and other charges for the vaccine. The cost-cutting program, which will target savings of at least $3.5 billion annually by the end of 2024, will include layoffs, the company said, without providing details on how many jobs will be cut or from what areas. One-time costs to achieve the savings are expected to be around $3 billion. Shares of the New York-based company were down about 7% in extended trading. Pfizer slashed its forecast for sales of its antiviral COVID treatment Paxlovid by about $7 billion, including a noncash $4.2 billion revenue reversal, as it agreed to allow the return of 7.9 million courses purchased by the U.S. government. It had previously expected Paxlovid revenue of about $8 billion for the year. Pfizer said that under a deal with the U.S. government, a credit for the returned Paxlovid doses will underwrite a program to supply the drug free-of-charge to uninsured and underinsured Americans through 2028 and to patients insured under the government's Medicare and Medicaid programs through the end of next year. Pfizer will also provide the U.S. government 1 million courses of Paxlovid for the Strategic National Stockpile. The company expects the drug will become commercially available to people with private insurance on January 1. Pfizer also cut full-year revenue expectations for the COVID vaccine by about $2 billion due to lower-than-expected vaccination rates. Pfizer said its non-COVID products remain on track to achieve 6% to 8% revenue growth year over year in 2023. A Reuters journalist was killed Friday while reporting from southern Lebanon, and several others were injured, including two from the same news agency. We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed, a Reuters spokesperson told VOA on Friday. Abdallah was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon who were providing a live signal at the time of the strike, the spokesperson said. The video has since been removed. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issams family and colleagues. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time, the spokesperson said in the statement. Reuters journalists Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also were injured and are seeking medical care, the spokesperson added. The broadcaster Al Jazeera said that two of its journalists, Karmen Jokhadar and Eli Brakhia, were injured at the same time. Agence France-Presse also reported that two of its team were injured and that the shelling took place after an attempted push into Israel from Lebanon by a Palestinian faction. The AFP named its injured crew as Christina Assi and video journalist Dylan Collins. Details of the incident were not immediately clear. The Israeli military has carried out strikes on its border with Lebanon in response to rocket and militant attacks. The Reuters journalists are believed to have been hit by one such strike, according to Agence France-Presse and Al Jazeera. VOA could not immediately verify if that was the case. The Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Gilad Erdan said Friday he had just learned of the attack and that Israel will "always try to mitigate and avoid civilian casualties." Saying that Israeli forces would never want to "kill or shoot any journalist that is doing the job," Erdan said: "We were in a state of war, things might happen. We regret them, we feel sorry. And we will investigate it. Right now, it's too early to call what happened." The conflict playing out in a densely packed region has already led to media casualties. At least 10 other journalists have been killed while reporting from Gaza since Israel declared war on Hamas following the militant groups bloody incursion into southern Israel last week, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Friday the U.N. is concerned by reports of explosions in the U.N. Peacekeeping Mission area of South Lebanon and the distressing reports of a journalist being killed and others injured. Journalists need to be protected and allowed to do their work, Dujarric said. The United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, has announced $12 million in immediate humanitarian aid to assist victims of a week of repeated deadly earthquakes in western Afghanistan. In a statement released on Thursday, the USAID said the funding would support its partner agencies to reach earthquake-affected Afghans with urgently needed supplies, including emergency shelter kits, cooking and water collection materials, blankets, solar lamps, clothing, and other household items. The Taliban government and the United Nations say more than 1,000 people mostly women and children have died and many more injured since the first 6.3 magnitude quake struck Herat and surrounding areas on Saturday. "We mourn the loss of life from these earthquakes and stand resolutely with the people of Afghanistan as they recover from these crises," Tom West, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, said in a post on social media site X, sharing details of the USAID aid. The United States is Afghanistan's single largest humanitarian donor, providing nearly $2 billion in humanitarian assistance for Afghans since mid-August 2021 when the Taliban seized power and all U.S.-led international troops withdrew, ending after almost 20 years of presence there. Meanwhile, the Afghan Red Crescent reported Friday that it had halted all humanitarian services in the quake-hit areas in Herat due to a severe storm that began overnight. The aid group said on X that the camp it had set up for rescue, sanitation, and shelter purposes had been demolished, prompting it to relocate 256 families to safety. Unfortunately, some Afghan Red Crescent employees were injured while rescuing individuals impacted by the heavy windstorm and have been shifted to the hospital for medical treatment, the agency said. Taliban officials say Afghanistan's immediate neighbors and regional countries, including China, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, have already dispatched urgent relief aid and pledged cash donations to assist the Taliban in carrying out relief work. The disaster zone is located close to the country's border with Iran. However, the Taliban have refused to accept aid from their long-time supporter Pakistan over what they say was an "irresponsible" social media post by the neighboring country's leadership. Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said on X earlier in the week that his country was immediately dispatching a "medical team, field hospital, 50 tents, and 500 blankets" to Herat at the request of the Taliban government. The details were minuscule compared to the massive package the National Disaster Management Authority announced. Moreover, the Taliban have, to date, yet to formally ask foreign nations to send relief goods. A Taliban official confirmed to VOA on Thursday for the first time that Kakar's "irresponsible" and "humiliating" tweet forced them to block the arrival of Pakistani relief package in the country as their detractors were already using it to criticize the Kabul administration. "Although no such request was made and our government was ridiculed for it, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Neither Pakistani nor Afghan officials have officially discussed the reasons for the delay in sending the aid to Herat, nor has Kakar removed his post. China's state media reported Thursday that it is transporting more than $4 million worth of emergency humanitarian aid to assist the victims of the relentless Afghan quakes. The aid supplies reportedly include tents, rollaway beds, thick blankets, down and cotton-padded jackets, quilts, and family first-aid kits. The U.N. Children's Fund, or UNICEF, launched a $20 million appeal Thursday to support children affected by the devastating earthquakes. "Over the next three months, life-saving humanitarian assistance will reach over 200,000 people including 96,000 children living in the most devastated and vulnerable areas of Herat province, the agency said in a statement. UNICEF noted that more than 90% of those reported killed were women and children. It added that at least 11,500 people saw their homes completely flattened in Zinda Jan alone, naming a Herat district close to the epicenter of the first earthquake, The World Health Organization has reported damage to 21 health facilities in 10 districts, with half of the damage caused by the latest tremors on October 11. The calamity has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan blamed on years of war and prolonged drought. Aid workers say hospitals across the country are severely underequipped and underfunded. They say the Taliban's decision to ban Afghan women from working for aid groups has compounded the crisis. "Even before the earthquake, these communities were already suffering the effects of conflict and insecurity, migration, drought, displacement, and poverty," said Rushnan Murtaza, the acting UNICEF representative in Afghanistan. For 400 years, Indigenous North Americans flocked to a group of ceremonial sites in what is present-day Ohio to celebrate their culture and honor their dead. On Saturday, the sheer magnitude of the ancient Hopewell culture's reach was lifted up as enticement to a new set of visitors from around the world. "We stand upon the shoulders of geniuses, uncommon geniuses who have gone before us. That's what we are here about today," Chief Glenna Wallace, of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, told a crowd gathered at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park to dedicate eight sites there and elsewhere in southern Ohio that became UNESCO World Heritage sites last month. She said the honor means that the world now knows of the genius of the Native Americans, whom the 84-year-old grew up seeing histories, textbooks and popular media call "savages." Wallace commended the innumerable tribal figures, government officials and local advocates who made the designation possible, including late author, teacher and local park ranger Bruce Lombardo, who once said, "If Julius Caesar had brought a delegation to North America, they would have gone to Chillicothe." "That means that this place was the center of North America, the center of culture, the center of happenings, the center for Native Americans, the center for religion, the center for spirituality, the center for love, the center for peace," Wallace said. "Here, in Chillicothe. And that is what Chillicothe represents today." The massive Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks described as "part cathedral, part cemetery and part astronomical observatory" comprise ancient sites spread across 150 kilometers south and east of Columbus, including one located on the grounds of a private golf course and country club. The designation puts the network of mounds and earthen structures in the same category as wonders of the world including Greece's Acropolis, Peru's Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China. The presence of materials such as obsidian, mica, seashells and shark teeth made clear to archaeologists that ceremonies held at the sites some 2,000 to 1,600 years ago attracted Indigenous peoples from across the continent. The inscription ceremony took place against the backdrop of Mound City, a sacred gathering place and burial ground that sits just steps from the Scioto River. Four other sites within the historical park Hopewell Mound Group, Seip Earthworks, Highbank Park Earthworks and Hopeton Earthworks join Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve in Oregonia and Great Circle Earthworks in Heath to comprise the network. "My wish on this day is that the people who come here from all over the world, and from Ross County, all over Ohio, all the United States wherever they come from my wish is that they will be inspired, inspired by the genius that created these, and the perseverance and the long, long work that it took to create them," Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. "They're awe-inspiring." Nita Battise, tribal council vice chair of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, said she worked at the Hopewell historical park 36 years ago when they had to beg people to come visit. She said many battles have been won since then. "Now is the time, and to have our traditional, our ancestral sites acknowledged on a world scale is phenomenal," she said. "We always have to remember where we came from, because if you don't remember, it reminds you." Kathy Hoagland, whose family has lived in nearby Frankfort, Ohio, since the 1950s, said the local community "needs this," too. "We need it culturally, we need it economically, we need it socially," she said. "We need it in every way." Hoagland said having the eyes of the world on them will help local residents "make friends with our past," boost their businesses and smooth over political divisions. "It's here. You can't take this away, and so, therefore, it draws us all together in a very unique way," she said. "So, that's the beauty of it. Everyone lays all of that aside, and we come together." National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, the first Native American to hold that job, said holding up the accomplishments of the ancient Hopewells for a world audience will "help us tell the world the whole story of America and the remarkable diversity of our cultural heritage." Malawi launched its first-ever Centre for Artificial Intelligence and STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Friday at the Malawi University of Science and Technology. Established with support from various U.S.-based universities, the center aims to provide solutions to the country's innovation and technology needs. The project's leader, Zipangani Vokhiwa, a science professor at Mercer University in the U.S. and a Fulbright scholar, says the center will help promote the study and use of artificial intelligence, or AI, and STEAM for the socioeconomic development of Malawi and beyond. "Economic development that we know cannot go without the modern scientific knowledge and aspect so the center will complement vision 2063 for Malawi as a country that needs to be moving together with the country developments in science," Vokhiwa said. "Not to be left behind." Vokhiwa said the center, known by its acronym, CAIST, will offer educational, technical, policy, and strategy products and services in emerging technologies such as AI. He said it will also offer machine learning, deep learning, data science, data analytics, internet of things and more that are based on humanistic STEAM education and research. A consortium of various U.S. universities provided the center with pedagogical and technical support. These include Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Morehouse College, Colorado University, Georgia Southern University, Clemson University, New York University and Mercer University. There are fears worldwide, however, that the introduction of AI will result in loss of jobs. CBS news reported that AI eliminated nearly 4,000 jobs in the U.S. in May. But Vokhiwa said the advantages and disadvantages of AI are still debatable. "As has been said by the experts, AI has both positive elements and negative elements," he said. "But knowing fairly well that we cannot run away from digitization of what we do, AI will be needed, and Malawi does not need to lag behind." Vokhiwa said AI has helped create employment because it needs people to run the AI machines. Malawi's Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, officially opened the AI center at the Malawi University of Science and Technology. She said the launch of the AI center has set the tone and laid the foundation for the country to explore the opportunities that come with new technologies. However, she said, while AI has the potential to transform the country, there is also a need to address its downside. "For this to happen, the government will be looking to CAIST for knowledge and expertise so that we can together facilitate the development of the necessary policy and regulatory frameworks governing responsible use of AI," she said. "The earlier we do this the better, because AI is already here, and we are all using it. Some of us with enough knowledge, but many of us surely without full knowledge of it." Kambauwa Wirima said that whatever the case, AI is something that Malawi cannot avoid, mentioning that the intergovernmental Southern African Development Community is already addressing the issue. "We adopted a decision to develop regional guidelines on the ethics of artificial intelligence to be domesticated and implemented by member states," she said. "Therefore, Malawi cannot sit on the fence." Address Malata, the vice chancellor for Malawi University of Science and Technology, said the university is strategizing its operations to align them to various development agendas including Malawi 2063, Africa Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, so that whatever the center does, it should benefit everyone. Uyghur Forced Labor in China's Seafood Industry The Chinese government forcibly sends Uyghurs to work in various industries, including seafood processing for export, as part of its control and assimilation efforts, according to a report in The New Yorker, published in collaboration with the Outlaw Ocean Project. Despite the U.S. passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the seafood industry's use of Uyghur labor remains largely unnoticed, with Uyghurs working in factories in Shandong Province. Uyghur Academic Awarded 2023 PEN Writer of Courage Rahile Dawut, a prominent Uyghur academic and expert on Uyghur folklore, has been named the 2023 PEN Writer of Courage. Dawut, an associate professor at Xinjiang University and founder of a research center on minority folklore, disappeared in 2017 and her whereabouts remain unknown. Recently, Chinese officials revealed that she had been sentenced to life in prison on charges of endangering state security. Her case is seen as a violation of freedom of expression, and there are calls for her immediate release. The award was accepted on her behalf by Rachel Harris, a professor of ethnomusicology at SOAS University of London. US Companies Linked to Uyghur Forced Labor in Chinese Gold Mines A report released Wednesday uncovers that gold mined by Uyghurs in forced labor conditions in Xinjiang is finding its way into Western investments and products. The report by the Washington-based nonprofit organization, Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS), warns that global supply chains using Chinese gold and related investment funds are at high risk of human rights violations linked to Uyghur labor. Well-known Western companies, including Dell, Google and Sony, are indirectly connected to gold from Xinjiang, according to the report. Uyghur Families in Pakistan Face Deportation Amid Government Crackdown Around 20 Uyghur families in Pakistan risk deportation as the government plans to expel all undocumented migrants following recent Afghan-related suicide bombings. Pakistan has said it will deport those without valid permits beginning Nov. 1. This includes Uyghurs who fled Afghanistan but lack required documents. Despite seeking help from the U.N., they face an uncertain future, with fears of deportation to Afghanistan or even China. China's Reelection to UN Human Rights Council Sparks Criticism China's reelection to the U.N. Human Rights Council is strongly condemned by rights groups and activists. More than 80 rights groups said in a statement that China actively undermines human rights protections and is "demonstrably unfit" for council membership. China was one of 15 members Tuesday reelected to the 47-member council. China's 'Eliticide' Campaign: Erasing Uyghur Culture and Intellectuals Experts say that China is imprisoning Uyghur intellectuals in an "eliticide" strategy to eliminate Uyghur culture, with prominent scholars like Rahile Dawut and Ilham Tohti sentenced to life on charges of "separatism." This crackdown has led to the disappearance of hundreds of Uyghur intellectuals since 2016, sparking concerns against the erasure of Uyghur identity. China denies the accusations, justifying internment camps and prisons to combat extremism. Most families have had no contact with their imprisoned loved ones since they were detained. Uyghur Villagers Detained in Xinjiang Ahead of China's National Day Before China's National Day, authorities conducted a security operation in Xinjiang, detaining over 50 Uyghur villagers from two communities. The operation primarily targeted Uyghurs who were under 18 years old at the time of mass arrests in 2017 and those who had previously avoided capture. Over 200 people are currently in detention in the two communities, a mix of those arrested in 2017-2018 and individuals detained this year. Authorities have historically detained people during significant events to maintain stability in Xinjiang. News in brief In late 2016, Sehibe Sayramoglu and her husband sought refuge in Turkey, far from their homeland in Xinjiang. Tragically, Sehibe lost contact with her 23-year-old brother in Xinjiang in July of this year, later discovering he had been detained. She turned to Voice of America, sharing her brother's ordeal. An officer from China's Ministry of State Security proposed a deal for his release in exchange for removing her Twitter posts, including the Voice of America report. Local police also threatened her family. She reluctantly complied, revealing her family's plight. This incident mirrors a pattern exposed in a recent U.S. State Department report, China's Covert Tactics: Silencing Dissent Internally, Spreading Propaganda Globally, detailing China's intimidation tactics and foreign information manipulation efforts, all while denying allegations of human rights abuses. Quote of note "I don't believe he [Chinese Ministry of State Security official] contacted us voluntarily. Before my brother's arrest, he often inquired about our situation in Turkey. However, following the arrest, despite our numerous attempts to contact him, he remained unresponsive. It was only after I raised awareness about my brother's situation on Twitter that he reached out to us. I don't think this was a coincidence; I suspect he was instructed by the Chinese Ministry of State Security to contact us. It appears he was assigned to monitor our family in Turkey, and when I spoke out, he was directed to make contact. He even suggested to my husband that if I deleted my Twitter posts, he could help and inform the authorities that my brother is not a problematic individual. In response, I temporarily removed my tweets about my brother. -- Sehibe Sayramoglu, sister of a Uyghur detainee in Xinjiang. Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com. No Shade, No Water, Record Heat: More Migrants Die in US Desert In the past 12 months through September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection logged 60 migrant deaths due to heat in the El Paso sector, triple the same period a year ago. The sector spans the Chihuahuan Desert through New Mexico and parts of Texas along 431 kilometers (268 miles) of the border. It has been the busiest area for migrant crossings into the U.S. southwest at a time when overall border apprehensions are on track to match or surpass record levels. Reuters reports. New York Governor Backs Suspension of 'Right to Shelter' as Migrant Influx Strains City New York Governor Kathy Hochul is supporting New York City's effort to suspend a unique legal agreement that requires it to provide emergency housing to homeless people, as a large influx of migrants overwhelms the city's shelter system. Hochul endorsed the citys challenge to the requirement in a court filing this week, telling reporters Thursday that the mandate was never meant to apply to an international humanitarian crisis. Reported by The Associated Press. VOA DAY IN PHOTOS: Refugee children play at the kindergarten in the first reception center for refugees in Giessen, Germany Immigration Around the World Decade-Old Syrian Refugee Camp Video Falsely Claimed to Be Recently Shot in Gaza On October 11, verified X account Random Memes posted a video it claimed was filmed that day in Israeli-besieged Gaza. The post received some 269,000 views and nearly 10,000 reposts, quotes and likes. The claim that the video was recently filmed in Gaza is false. Reported by Polygraph.info. Displaced Sudanese Face Protection Crisis as War Drags On The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, warned Wednesday that the humanitarian emergency in Sudan triggered by two rival generals battling for control of the country has created a protection crisis inside Sudan and in neighboring asylum countries that risks destabilizing the region the longer the conflict goes on. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva. Chad's President Says Refugees, Host Towns Need Help Leaders in Chad say the central African nation is struggling to meet the humanitarian needs of 2 million foreign and displaced people seeking refuge there, many of them women and children fleeing violence and increasing hardship in neighboring Sudan. Moki Edwin Kindzeka reports for VOA from Cameroon. World Food Program Urges Humanitarian Corridors for Gaza Strip The World Food Program called Tuesday for the establishment of humanitarian corridors for the Gaza Strip and appealed for the safe passage of its staff and essential assistance. In a statement, the WFP said it has launched an emergency operation to provide food assistance to more than 800,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank who lack access to food, water and essential supplies. Reported by VOAs U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer. Chinese Dissident Receives Asylum in Canada After Fleeing China A Chinese dissident who was stranded in the transit area of a Taiwanese airport has arrived in Canada after Ottawa granted him asylum but some observers say his path to safety, including stops in Laos, Thailand and Taiwan, reflects the growing hardship that Chinese activists face when they try to leave China. William Yang reports from VOA from Taipei. At Least 29 People Killed in Attack on Refugee Camp in Myanmar At least 29 people are dead after an artillery strike on a camp housing internally displaced persons in northern Myanmar near the Chinese border, according to sources in the region. News outlets say the attack occurred late Monday night in the town of Laiza, which is controlled by the Kachin Independence Army, the military arm of an ethnic group that has been fighting the Myanmar army for greater autonomy for decades. Local media outlets reportedly showed images of several bodies laid out along the ground, as well as rescuers digging through rubble to recover more bodies. VOANEWS reports. Aid Fatigue Growing as Refugee, Displacement Crisis Reaches New Heights The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has warned that aid fatigue is growing at a time when a record number of people are fleeing conflict, persecution, human rights violations, climate change and grinding poverty. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva. UK Supreme Court to Decide on Britain Asylum-Seekers' Resettlement The British government's contentious policy to stem the flow of migrants faces one of its toughest challenges this week as the U.K. Supreme Court weighs whether its lawful to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The Associated Press reports. EU Mediterranean Ministers Call for Migrant Repatriations, More Resources Migration and interior ministers from five European Union countries most affected by migration across the Mediterranean Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain hailed a new EU pact on migration but said more resources were needed. The ministers from the Med 5 group, who met in Thessaloniki, Greece, October 6-7, took a hard line on returning migrants who have crossed into the bloc illegally to their countries of origin, arguing that if Europe does not tackle the problem decisively, more extreme voices will take over. The Associated Press reports. UN Urges Halt to Pakistans Forcible Returns of Afghan Migrants The United Nations agencies for migration and refugee protection last Saturday jointly appealed to Pakistan to suspend plans to deport undocumented Afghan immigrants, warning they could be at imminent risk back in Afghanistan. Ayaz Gul reports for VOA from Islamabad, Pakistan. 7 Die in Suspected Migrant Smuggling Crash in Germany German officials said Friday that seven people died and several others were injured after a van, believed to have been driven by a suspected people-smuggler, overturned while trying to avoid being stopped by federal police. VOANEWS reports. Thailand Pledges to Repatriate Its Nationals From Israel The first groups of Thais who were evacuated from Israel following the onslaught by Hamas in southern Israel have landed in Bangkok. Fifteen Thais arrived Thursday at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport following the long flight from Tel Aviv. Throngs of reporters awaited them, along with government officials and anxious family members. Tommy Walker reports for VOA from Bangkok. Activists Slam China After Alleged Forced Repatriation of North Koreans Human rights activists are criticizing China after reports that Beijing forcibly returned more than 500 North Korean defectors. According to several South Korean rights groups that work with North Korean refugees, the defectors were sent across the China-North Korea border earlier this week, shortly after the end of the 2022 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. Reported by William Gallo, VOA Seoul bureau chief and regional correspondent. News Brief USCIS clarifies changes to the EB-5 program in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) made by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), specifically the required investment timeframe and how we treat investors who are associated with a terminated regional center. The Latest Israelis protest near the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, accusing the government of failing to protect citizens near Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli troops at the Gaza border, asking, Are you ready? Turkey stands with Egypt in rejecting the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The deadline passes since Israel Defense Forces warned residents of Gaza city and northern areas to evacuate along specified routes. The IDF has confirmed that Hamas is holding as hostages more than 120 civilians in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have killed 70 and wounded 200 people evacuating northern Gaza, according to Gazas Interior Ministry. Israel said that it has hit a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon. The war has claimed at least 3,200 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7. The humanitarian crisis is mounting in Gaza as Palestinians scramble Saturday to evacuate from the northern part of the tiny Gaza Strip and head south before an expected Israeli military offensive there. More than 2 million people are facing an imminent water crisis and lack of other vital supplies in Gaza after Israel stopped the flow of resources into the region. It has become a matter of life and death. It is a must; fuel needs to be delivered now into Gaza to make water available for 2 million people, said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA commissioner general. At the U.N. base in the southern Gaza Strip where UNRWA has moved its operations drinking water is also running out. Thousands of people have sought refuge there after Israel issued an evacuation directive from northern Gaza, covering 1.1 million residents, or about half of the territorys population. Only in the past 12 hours, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Nearly 1 million people have been displaced in one week alone. The six-hour window has ended that Israel gave the Gazans to evacuate before its ground attack in the area. The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, saturated the border with thousands of reservists, troops and military equipment amid a relentless onslaught on the territory, in retaliation for a bloody attack by the militant group Hamas on October 7. So far, Israeli strikes have killed about 1,800 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Earlier Saturday, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said Israel's air, land and sea blockade on Gaza will continue into a seventh day. We are preparing for the next stages," he stated but shared no information about whether it would be a ground incursion. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas after its fighters stormed through towns and villages in southern Israel last week, killing 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and making off with scores of hostages. U.S. diplomacy U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel. He was in the United Arab Emirates, his fifth stop in an intensive multinational trip, to stop the war in Israel from expanding across the region. Blinken also met Saturday with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh. He emphasized the United States unwavering focus on halting terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, and he discussed Washingtons continued engagement with regional partners to prevent the spread of conflict in the region and their shared commitment to taking steps to help protect civilians. In remarks published by the U.S. State Department, the Saudi foreign minister said that "the priority now needs to be to stop further civilian suffering." "I have to emphasize that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is very, very difficult, and we need to work together to make sure that access for humanitarian relief and humanitarian goods is allowed," Prince Faisal bin Farhan said. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters traveling with him on the plane that Blinken had a productive call with Chinas Wang Yi Saturday morning before his meeting with the Saudi foreign minister. The secretary urged China to use its influence to achieve that same goal. Rafah border Washington has been working with Egypt, Israel and Qatar to open the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Saturday afternoon to allow Palestinian-Americans to leave, a senior State Department official said earlier. "We have been trying to facilitate access for it to be open from 12 to five today [Saturday]. The Egyptians, the Israelis and the Qataris have been working with us on that," Miller told reporters traveling with Blinken. The number of dual Palestinian-American citizens has been estimated at about 500 among the Gaza Strip's population of 2 million. Washington hopes to get many of its nationals out of harm's way. It was unclear, though, whether Hamas would allow access to the crossing, the official said. A Saturday report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz said the bodies of several Israelis were retrieved by the Israeli military in Gaza raids, during which troops allegedly destroyed some terrorist infrastructure and squads, and found items that might lead to more missing Israelis. Israels military said early Saturday it confirmed that more than 120 civilians are being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas. In Tel Aviv, Israeli army spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee told Alhurra, an Arabic language satellite TV sister organization of VOA, In every sense of the word, we are escalating our raids and attacks on Hamas hideouts in the Gaza Strip, and this is what is actually happening, after we targeted geographical areas that Hamas exploited to establish its hideouts there, such as Al-Rimal neighborhood, Beit Hanoun, and so on. "We are now warning the residents of Gaza City and calling on them to leave those areas because they are being used by Hamas to lead and direct military operations against Israel, Adraee said. Therefore, as we said and announced clearly, Israel will intensify its strikes in this region." Fears of a widening war Its been a dreadful week. Humanity must prevail, said U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths in a statement on X. Violence is on the rise in the West Bank with the surge in civilians deaths and injuries while in Lebanon the risk of the conflict spilling into the country is a major concern, he said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed in a phone call Saturday with Israel's prime minister that it was important to avoid a wider Middle East war, as well as Hezbollah's intervention in the Israel-Hamas conflict, a spokesperson for the Chancellery said. "Chancellor Scholz renewed Germany's full solidarity with the people of Israel in these difficult times and emphasized that Germany stands unwaveringly at Israel's side," the spokesperson added in a statement. Israeli and Lebanese media reported clashes Friday along the countries mutual border, where Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah was killed and two of his colleagues were injured in an Israeli artillery strike. Reporters from Agence France-Presse and Al Jazeera also were injured. Reuters said it is urgently seeking more information. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Guineas mangrove forests are a vital sanctuary for a variety of endangered species, from the colobus monkey to the African manatee. But the habitats of these animals are being further threatened by illegal logging. Annika Hammerschlag reports from Dubreka, Guinea. Camera: Dubreka, Guinea (FILE PHOTO) This is typically what the BWCA looks like in the calm summer months, but the October, snowy rescue of a man with severe hypothermia at a campsite on Nina Moose Lake was harrowing at best. Okay, this ones a gimme. Photo: Eike Schroter/Netflix Throughout his various Netflix horror series, Mike Flanagan has maintained an interesting approach to adaptation that eschews faithful one-to-one representations of novels by authors like Shirley Jackson and Henry James, instead using them as thematic inspiration. That sometimes means sacrificing intensely cerebral terror in favor of jump scares and family melodrama but in his best works, Flanagan offers a new take on the source material, a remix that becomes compelling in its own right. In fact, The Fall of the House of Usher might be his strongest mash-up yet, synthesizing countless works by Edgar Allan Poe into a funny, nasty present-day fable. The series uses Poes titular short story as a present-day backdrop for the majority of the series. Over the course of these eight episodes, Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood) explains to Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Auguste Dupin (Carl Lumbly) how each of his six children died in the last two weeks. Each of Rodericks children, named after a Poe character, gets their own episode roughly corresponding to a famous story; thats clear enough in the series episode titles. But within each of those episodes, theres also a wealth of other references, from direct quotations to minor Easter eggs to nods to the writers personal life. The Fall of the House of Usher So far, theres not much here directly pulled from the original story, besides the focus on two twins named Roderick and Madeline Usher and the present-day setting of their rundown childhood home. But Dupin serves the role of the unnamed narrator from the story: Hes here to listen to the stories and musings of his old friend (and current nemesis) Roderick, who may or may not be insane. The flashback to Eliza Ushers (Annabeth Gish) resurrection during the storm (following a burial to stave off medical intervention) also feels very reminiscent of the climax of the original story, though in that case it was Madeline. The Cask of Amontillado The opening use of Pink Floyds Another Brick in the Wall is a cheeky reference to the method Montresor uses to trap and kill Fortunato who, as it happens, inspired the name for the Ushers corrupt pharmaceutical company in this series. For Annie / Spirits of the Dead / The Premature Burial / The Imp of the Perverse The episode begins in earnest with a funeral for the final three of Rodericks six children. The preacher reads out passages from four different Poe works two poems and two short stories. Metzengerstein Rodericks eldest son is named Frederick (Henry Thomas), like the cruel young baron at the center of Poes first-ever short story to see print. We see during a conversation between his sister Tamerlane (Samantha Sloyan) and her husband Bill-T (Matt Biedel) more on them later that Fredericks siblings resent him for the privilege that comes with his eldest son status. Thats true to the spirit of the story, in which Frederick abuses his power after inheriting his fathers vast wealth as an ungrateful teenager. Ligeia It makes sense the shows fictional painkiller Ligodone would derive from this short story about an opium addict. The Raven The episode name comes from the first line of this poem, one of the most famous of all time. The name Verna (Carla Gugino) is an anagram of raven, and that fact combined with the adornment at her bar suggests shes a personification of that iconic bird. We see the raven again after the funeral in 2023 when Roderick collapses and murmurs, Its time. And Lenore, his beloved granddaughter, is named after the narrators lost love in the poem. Poes Personal Life Roderick and Madelines mother is named Eliza after Poes mother, who died young of tuberculosis and influenced much of his work. William Longfellow (Robert Longstreet), the former Fortunato CEO and biological father of Roderick and Madeline, is named after the poet whom Poe once accused of plagiarism. And, last of all, Judge John Neal (Nicholas Lea) is named after the prominent critic who was instrumental in drawing attention to Poe. The Masque of the Red Death This one feels like a pretty fitting, creative modern-day update to the original story. Originally, Prospero was a prince who threw a masquerade ball to entertain the 1,000 other nobles quarantined in an abbey to hide from a deadly plague. In the end, they died anyway, killed by contact with the Red Death which snuck in wearing a skull mask and red robe. Swapping the prince out for a Gucci Caligula playboy type feels right, as does the setting of a condemned Fortunato testing facility. In the show, the irony is underlined: The familys old unaddressed toxic waste comes back to kill one of their own via acid rain. It feels appropriate for Poe, even in a contemporary context and the presence of Verna wearing the Red Deaths mask and robe provides another nice reference. Annabel Lee In a flashback, a young Roderick (Zach Gilford) recites Poes final complete poem, which Roderick wrote for his wife of the same name in-universe. Metzengerstein The chemist who developed Ligodone is named Metzer, a shortening of Metzengerstein. Poes Personal Life Many think Poes actual poem (one of many about beautiful dead women) was inspired by Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe, his wife, who died of tuberculosis just like his mother. (They got married when he was 27 and she was 13, which echoes in Rodericks weird relationship with the much-younger Juno.) We also see Roderick pitch to Rufus Griswold (Michael Trucco), named after the rival who painted Poe as an addict after his death an amusing irony, considering Fortunatos role in the opioid epidemic. The Murders in the Rue Morgue Okay, now were really diverging from the text. The original story is often considered the first detective fiction ever published, introducing Dupin and his marvelous gifts for ratiocination, a method that later inspired fictional detectives like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. But this isnt a huge episode for Dupin, who doesnt do much detective work in this show anyway. Instead, we focus on Camille LEspanaye (Kate Siegel), one of the two victims from the original story, in which she and her mother are famously killed by a runaway orangutan. Here, she dies when digging for dirt at the facility where her sister Victorine (TNia Miller) experiments on chimpanzees: Roderick Usher Experimental, nicknamed (you guessed it) RUE Morgue. A tested chimp brutally mauls her, which certainly replicates the horrifying crime scene left by the ape of the original story. The Masque of the Red Death Camilles positive PR involves painting Prospero as Americas fallen prince. The Black Cat Back to another (relatively) faithful interpretation: Napoleon Leo Ushers (Rahul Kohli) black cat Pluto has the same name as the cat from the story, whose eye the unnamed narrator gouges out while hes drunk. He later kills the cat, then replaces it with a similar-looking cat only for the new cat to get trapped in the walls with the wife he killed, leading the police to discover the truth. Theres no wife murder in the shows take on the material (but many more dead animals), and the events get moved around; the disgusting eyeball-gouging comes later, with the replacement Pluto. As with other stories, this one is tweaked to end in a death rather than an arrest, but its basically the same twisted horror story about the dangers of alcoholism, with an axe swapped out for Thors hammer. The Spectacles The name Napoleon comes from one of Poes comedy stories, but it seems like the parallels stop there. The Journal of Julius Rodman Same deal with Leos boyfriend Julius, whose name likely comes from Poes unfinished serial novel. The Tell-Tale Heart It turns out Victorines lab was a handy setting for adaptation purposes; not only does it allow for a logical in-universe appearance of a murderous ape, but it ties into one of Poes other best-known stories. In The Tell-Tale Heart, an unnamed narrators guilt over killing an innocent old man begins to manifest as an increasingly loud heartbeat. Here, a scientist working on a revolutionary new heart valve kills her girlfriend with a bookend after she threatens to expose Victorines falsified records and other crimes. In the wake of the murder, she starts hearing a distinct chirping sound which reveals itself to be the clamp around poor Alessandras heart, still artificially pumping. Its quite possibly the shows eeriest, most distinct angle on a Poe story. And stabbing herself to replace the heart for her study is a delightfully deranged piece of nightmare logic that ends the episode on a memorable note. The Premature Burial Victorines actual name comes from this short story about the fear of being buried alive. The Raven The narrator in the poem calls the bird a thing of evil, which is echoed in Rodericks mention of Elizas belief that ravens were the minions of Satan because they survived the flood (a story Verna has also, of course, heard). But theres an interesting contrast between Vernas wordy, charming deceptions (kissing Madeline after she requests immortality) and the original ravens refusal to elaborate (denying the narrator a reunion with Lenore in heaven). The Gold-Bug Heres another one that only really shares a name with the original story, one about an eccentric man whose discovery of a scarablike golden bug leads him on a treasure hunt. The story largely revolves around cryptography and helped popularize cryptograms. But theres none of that in the shows take, which just borrows the name Goldbug for Tamerlanes wellness company. Tamerlane Tamerlanes name comes from Poes poem about a Turco-Mongol conqueror who chose power over love, and it seems like Tammy does just that by pushing Bill-T away. William Wilson Speaking of which, Tamerlanes husband also happens to be the protagonist of Poes doppelganger story. Bill-T himself doesnt have a doppelganger in the series, but Tammy does: Verna (a.k.a. Candy), the sex worker she thinks is trying to steal her husband and take over her life. A Dream Within a Dream / Eleonora Roderick quotes from this poem and this story while talking to Lenore about daydreaming of his dead children. The Pit and the Pendulum Morella (Crystal Balint) and Lenore (Kyliegh Curran) watch Roger Cormans 1961 adaptation of this story, only an episode before they live through the shows own adaptation! (Corman directed an adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher only a year before.) The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket We havent yet mentioned Arthur Gordon Pym (Mark Hamill), but hes the protagonist of Poes only complete novel. This episode nods to it with Rodericks story about Pyms time on the Transglobe Expedition, a real-life take on the adventure from the book which does feature cannibalism, a character named Richard Parker, and the Hollow Earth concept. Ultima Thule, the name of the island Pym supposedly found in the series, ties back to the iconic Poe daguerreotype of the same name, borrowed from a phrase in his poem Dream-Land. Even the name of Pyms whaling ship, the Grampus, gets name-checked here: Its Lenores nickname for her grandfather. Poes Personal Life Vernas alter-ego in this episode, Pamela Clemm, derives from Poes wife Virginias maiden name. And her address, listed as 1849 Reynolds Street, combines the year Poe died with the name he repeatedly yelled the night before his death. The Pit and the Pendulum The narrator spends the original story locked in a dark cell during the Spanish Inquisition, waiting for a razor-edged pendulum above him to slowly reach and kill him. He manages to escape, but our Frederick doesnt make it out so easy and while hes not imprisoned in the old building where he dies, the paralytic effects of the nightshade serve the same purpose. The swinging tail of the cat clock in the opening flashback also foreshadows this fate. The City in the Sea Verna recites this poem by Poe about a city ruled by Death. Morella Morella is named after the narrators wife (as well as their daughter) in Poes short story of the same name. Many trace the origin of the name to great morel, the name of a deadly nightshade, which gets incorporated into the show: Frederick uses it to paralyze her, but it dooms him in the end. Berenice Readers were horrified by the violence of this short story when it was first published. In a trance, the narrator rips out the beautiful teeth of the woman hes due to marry while leaving her alive the same disturbing fate Morrie faces in the show. The Raven The poem is explicitly quoted during the extended sequence when Verna kills Lenore ending the Usher bloodline and the raven visits to watch as Roderick grieves her. The finale ends with her, too, perched on the headstone as Verna recites Spirits of the Dead again in voiceover. Oh, and the famously repeating word from The Raven finally shows up in the form of AI-generated texts from Lenore reading variations of nevermore. (Ive been waiting so long for nevermore.) The Cask of Amontillado In the original story, the killer traps his victim in the catacombs after luring him with the promise of amontillado wine and walls up the space so nobody will ever know hes there. Roderick and Madeline do the same with Rufus, though Madeline drugs an actual amontillado wine and seduces him to get him to the soundproof basement. The Fortunato name origin makes even more sense now. The Fall of the House of Usher This finale actually features the most material from The Fall of the House of Usher, with Madeline escaping her tomb to take revenge on Roderick during an intense storm that finally topples the decrepit house. Dupin manages to make it out fine, like the unnamed narrator, and recites the final few lines of the titular story. Is it too hyperbolic to say he advanced childhood literacy more than any president ever? Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images Actor and Reading Rainbow star LeVar Burton is the natural choice to host this years National Book Awards ceremony. Its an honor to return as host of the biggest night for books, especially in a moment when the freedom to read is at risk, Burton said in a statement on October 13, per NPR. He also hosted the ceremony in 2019. The news comes after original host Drew Barrymore was ousted for attempting to return to her daytime talk show amid the writers strike. After facing tremendous backlash from critics who accused the actor of scabbing, Barrymore walked back her decision to begin the shows fourth season in September. The writers strike ended shortly after the Barrymore blowback, but her WGA staffers refused to return to their jobs in response to her attempt to cross the picket line. The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture, National Book Foundation said in the September statement rescinding its offer to Barrymore. Our commitment is to ensure that the focus of the Awards remains on celebrating writers and books, and we are grateful to Ms. Barrymore and her team for their understanding in this situation. Among the National Book Awards nominees is Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, whose big year is only getting bigger. The 32-year-old author published his second book and first novel, Chain-Gang All-Stars, to critical acclaim in May. Now, that book is a finalist for this years National Book Awards. The Hunger Gamesadjacent story is set in a dystopian America where inmates in a for-profit prison system fight to the death for their freedom with matches broadcast on national television. Adjei-Brenyas tale follows two black women, who are both celebrity fighters and lovers, as they inch closer to freedom with each match. Additional standouts for this years Book Awards include Justin Torress Blackouts, a novel about personal and collective queer histories; Aaliyah Bilals debut short-story collection, Temple Folk, exploring the Black Muslin experience in America; and Christina Sharpes Ordinary Notes, a nonfiction work comprising of 248 writings on Black memories, artifacts, and artworks. The winners will be announced at the ceremony on November 15. Across the five categories, five finalists have been previously honored by the National Book Foundation: both Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah and Justin Torres were 5 Under 35 honorees in past years; Pilar Quintana and Lisa Dillman were finalists for Translated Literature in 2020; and Monica Youn was a finalist for Poetry in 2010 and a Longlister for Poetry in 2016. Below, the complete list of finalists for the 2023 National Book Awards. Fiction Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Chain-Gang All-Stars Aaliyah Bilal, Temple Folk Paul Harding, This Other Eden Hanna Pylvainen, The End of Drum-Time Justin Torres, Blackouts Nonfiction Ned Blackhawk, The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History Cristina Rivera Garza, Lilianas Invincible Summer: A Sisters Search for Justice Christina Sharpe, Ordinary Notes Raja Shehadeh, We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir John Vaillant, Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World Poetry John Lee Clark, How to Communicate Craig Santos Perez, from unincorporated territory [amot] Evie Shockley, suddenly we Brandon Som, Tripas Monica Youn, From From Translated Literature Bora Chung, Cursed Bunny, Translated from the Korean by Anton Hur David Diop, Beyond the Door of No Return, Translated from the French by Sam Taylor Stenio Gardel, The Words That Remain, Translated from the Portuguese by Bruna Dantas Lobato Pilar Quintana, Abyss, Translated from the Spanish by Lisa Dillman Astrid Roemer, On a Womans Madness, Translated from the Dutch by Lucy Scott Young Peoples Literature Kenneth M. Cadow, Gather Huda Fahmy, Huda F Cares? Vashti Harrison, Big Katherine Marsh, The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine Dan Santat, A First Time for Everything This post has been updated. Photo: AMC/YouTube Thanks to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, the big-name actors at New York Comic Con 2023 cant plug their shows. David Tennant talked about the Scottish play rather than his reprisal of the Tenth Doctor coming out later this year. Ewan McGregor discussed the perfect cup of tea. The best way to make a cup of tea is in a teapot, he said instead of talking about Obi-Wan Kenobi. [Boil water] less than three minutes, you got a good color but not a good taste. More than three minutes, you get both. But the editors guild isnt on strike, so we still got plenty of trailers! Attendees got the first look at a new The Walking Dead spinoff, a new Dragon Ball anime, and kaiju! Kaiju! Kaiju! Here are all the trailers released during New York Comic Con 2023. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Original Scott Pilgrim scribe Bryan Lee OMalley joins Are You Afraid of the Darks BenDavid Grabinski in this anime adaptation of everyones favorite Canadian high-school dater. The voice cast is made up of the folks from the 2010 film, because they love the material (and each other) that much. The show comes to Netflix November 17. Dragon Ball: Daima Dragon Ball is getting a midquel! Going back to the days of OG Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball: Daima is filling in some of the story gaps before Z. The teaser for Dragon Ball: Daima shows us de-aged Goku, Vegeta, Bulma, and more. Drawn by creator Akira Toriyama, it will be a story never told in Dragon Ball. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live I tried to get away, Rick Grimes says in the teaser for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Please know, I tried. Is that Rick talking, or is that his actor Andrew Lincoln talking about trying to get out of this undead franchise once and for all? Lincoln and Danai Guriras Michonne return to zombie duty February 2024. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Monarch: Legacy of Monsters got a full trailer at NYCC, showing us how Godzilla fits into this story of Russells young and old. Father-son duo Kurt and Wyatt Russell play the same army guy at different ages in this show, about a shadowy organization monitoring the MonsterVerse. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters comes to Apple TV+ November 17. The Strangers: Chapter 1 Madelaine Petsch may have closed the book on Riverdale, but shes still getting entangled in some spooky shit. The teaser clip for The Strangers: Chapter 1 features Petsch getting menaced by the titular strangers of this new trilogy. Director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Deep Blue Sea) is helming a new trilogy based on the 2008 film starring Liv Tyler. Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah last fought a war with Israel in 2006. Since 2013, when it turned its attention to helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad prevail against rebels, Israeli officials have warned that a day would come when Hezbollahs fighters would again turn their focus to Israel this time having gained significant combat experience and better weaponry. As Israels military faces off against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, following their bloody invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7, the Israeli leadership has a wary eye on the threat posed by Hezbollah to the north. 1. What is Hezbollah? Shiite Muslims in Lebanon formed what would become Hezbollah party of God in 1982, in reaction to Israels occupation of the countrys south. The movement was inspired by the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Shiite-majority Iran, and Hezbollah to some extent became a proxy force for Irans elite Revolutionary Guards. (Shiite Muslims and Sunni Muslims each comprise about 30% of Lebanons population.) Iran provides Hezbollah with most of its funding, training, weapons, and explosives, as well as political, diplomatic, monetary, and organizational aid, according to the US State Department, which says the group also gets funding from legal and illegal sources, including smuggling contraband goods, passport falsification, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and credit card, immigration and bank fraud. Because it is separate from Lebanons military, Hezbollah can attack Israeli and US targets without provoking the reaction such a move by a state would precipitate. Advertisement 2. What US targets has Hezbollah attacked? The group is thought to have been behind the 1983 suicide truck bombings of the US Embassy and US Marine barracks in Beirut, the 1984 attack on the US Embassy annex in Beirut and the 1985 hijacking of TWA flight 847. 3. What is Hezbollahs role inside Lebanon? Share this article Share Hezbollah is a powerful force in Lebanon. It operates a large network of social services thats shored up its support base as the country endures its worst economic crisis in decades. It is also politically active, losing a majority in Lebanons parliament just last year. Hezbollahs alliance with the Shiite Amal movement, headed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, ensures that together they represent most of the countrys Shiite community. Hezbollah also has close ties with the Christian party founded by former President Michel Aoun. Before Syrias civil war began in 2011, Hezbollah had promoted itself as a force dedicated to fighting Israel and defending the oppressed, regardless of their background. But since becoming enmeshed in Syrias war, its been viewed by many Sunni Muslims as a Shiite group doing Irans bidding in the region. Advertisement 4. Why did Hezbollah get involved in Syria? Since Lebanon has no border with Iran, Syria has served as a route for Hezbollah to receive military material from its patron. So it was important for Hezbollah to help Assad, an ally, maintain his hold on power. 5. Will Hezbollah join Hamas in fighting Israel? Hezbollah has expressed solidarity with Hamas and has exchanged fire with Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas assault. Analysts say it may opt to attack Israel more forcefully, especially if Israeli troops move into Gaza. Hezbollah is thought to have tens of thousands of missiles. Israeli officials have warned that their countrys military would target all of Lebanon if Hezbollah were to enter the war. (Adds detail on Hezbollahs activities in third section. An earlier version of this QuickTake was corrected to clarify that Aoun is the former president of Lebanon) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save The recent downfalls in Japan of the Unification Church and J-pop agency Johnny & Associates Inc. seem to be, on the face of it, victories for justice: Two odious groups that used their outsized clout for years to cover up noxious acts have at last been hobbled, if not eliminated. Get a curated selection of 10 of our best stories in your inbox every weekend. ArrowRight The country wont miss the church, whose followers are often derisively called Moonies, after founder and supposed-messiah Sun Myung Moon. Its now set to be dissolved in Japan after an investigation into its forced donations. Nor will it mourn Johnnys (as the agency is known), which is changing its name, structure and management after a decades-old sexual abuse scandal perpetrated by its founder, Johnny Kitagawa. Few could have predicted 18 months ago that both institutions, whose tentacles run deep into Japanese society, would be chopped down to size. Though each will live on in other forms, their impact will be severely diminished. While their fates are well-deserved, the methods of their undoing, and the medias role in it, were quite different. And there will be consequences for the convenient, news-fueled rush job that felled the Unification Church only because it was elevated in the public sphere by the most high-profile assassination in modern times. Advertisement There was introspection from the Japanese media for its failure to investigate well-established rumors of Kitagawas sexual abuse of aspiring pop stars. The downfall of Johnnys came only as the result of a BBC investigation, albeit built on the work two decades ago by the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine. It was long overdue; his victims may have numbered in the hundreds, with Kitagawa using his influence to keep them quiet until his death in 2019. The media failed to expose him in life partly because of TV networks closeness and dependence on his stable of stars. Its tempting to draw on stereotypical outlines of Japanese society perhaps invoking hierarchical relationships, a seniority-based culture and sontaku but the story is sadly familiar anywhere, usually featuring a powerful figurehead to whom too many were willing to turn a blind eye. There are numerous similarities to the Jimmy Savile scandal in the UK, which likewise had been whispered about for decades but only came to light after his death. The simple fact in both cases is the media and the public, for the most part, simply didnt want to know. Japanese media outlets have been asking themselves what happened. But there has been no such introspection for its complicity in another scenario that of the eerily similar attack on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April, less than a year after Shinzo Abe was murdered. This is why the dissolution of the Unification Church announced this week is concerning: Like Johnnys abuses, the churchs connections to power and onerous tactics were well known, at least by those in the know. It was only after Abe was killed by an attacker who blamed his impoverished upbringing on his mothers lavish donations to the church that the media, and thus the authorities, became interested. Advertisement The churchs links with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party became a national scandal, threatening to take down Kishidas government even though his involvement with the sect was nonexistent, and Abes was tenuous at best. (He wasnt a member; the shooting suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, decided to target the former premier after seeing a video message Abe delivered to a church affiliate in 2021.) Yamagamis ultimate target was the church nonetheless. And in that respect, he was more successful than he could have dared to dream. While some politicians indeed had a curiously close relationship to the religion, many who were tarred with having ties did nothing more than send congratulatory telegrams or show up at meetings the church participated in in other words, the type of glad-handing of prospective voters that every politician must engage in. Attending a meeting isnt an endorsement; many attend events organized by those they dont agree with, and perhaps even despise. That nuance was lost in the media pile-on, which some have described as the modern equivalent of fumi-e the practice during shogun-era Japan of forcing suspected Christians to tread on images of Jesus Christ or Mary to prove they werent devotees. In a cynical level of maneuvering, targeting the church to save their own skins, the LDP forced its members to cut ties despite the constitutional rights to freedom of religion, association and assembly. Advertisement Thats not how justice should work, even if the UCs fate is deserved, and it benefits voters to know who is influencing their politicians. Its unclear what separates the church from other cultish new religions that havent been targeted, or why its supposed influence on policy is such an issue while its not in the case of, say, the Soka Gakkai Buddhist sect, whose political arm is the Komeito party, the junior partner in government. And its ironic that in a country where, before World War II, assassinations were a common political tool, no one has stopped to consider the ramifications of beatifying Abes killer to the point where the church will now be dissolved. Share this article Share We should be intensely wary of the precedent that this threatens to establish: Going about things the proper way, as with Johnnys with police complaints, media tip-offs and evidence could take years, even decades, for justice to run its course. If you want fast results, Yamagami has shown the way. The security procedures that doomed Abe seem to be little changed, and the suspect required little more than a 3D printer and luck. Kishidas attempted killer may have lacked on the last part, but its impossible to look at the two cases and think that one wasnt inspired by the other. Just as the industry has reconsidered its failure in the case of crimes like Johnny Kitagawas, it should reflect on its involvement in promoting the manifestos of assassins. Advertisement More From Bloomberg Opinion: Dont Allow Attack on Kishida to Become a Trend: Gearoid Reidy Indias News Raid Rings Alarm on Media Freedom: Karishma Vaswani Japan Is Growing Closer to Abes Grand Vision: Gearoid Reidy This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Gearoid Reidy is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Japan and the Koreas. He previously led the breaking news team in North Asia, and was the Tokyo deputy bureau chief. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save Days after the arrival of a US armada off the coast of Israel, another three warships and a contingent of marines set off urgently in the same direction from Kuwait on Thursday and could be there by the middle of next week. Get a curated selection of 10 of our best stories in your inbox every weekend. ArrowRight As theres already a massive concentration of firepower in place, centered around the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, the additional forces raise questions about what capabilities will be available and how they could be used in the Gaza war. The principal reason to consider speeding them to the scene of the crisis is the presence of so many US citizens in a war zone. There are roughly 200,000 Americans, mostly dual citizens, in Israel. In addition to the possibility of being caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas in the south, there is a very real risk of a wider conflict if Hezbollah with the likely green light from Iran -- decides to join the fight from the north. Advertisement The administration will want more than the direct combat power of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group. That may explain why the warships and Marines were ordered to cut short a training exercise that was scheduled to run through Oct. 22 due to what the Pentagon called emerging events. USS Bataan, at 40,000 tons and over 800 feet in length, is a smaller version of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. With conventional propulsion, she has a powerful airwing that typically includes six F-35 strike fighters (with vertical takeoff capability), alongside a dozen of the assault support tiltrotor MV-22 Ospreys to get Marines rapidly ashore in a crisis. The ship also has very capable missile defense systems, surveillance radars and a crew of over 1,200 sailors. There is a complete medical and surgical operating facility, along with space to embark nearly 2,000 Marines. Ive commanded these ships as both a NATO commander and earlier at US Southern Command, where we used them for medical diplomacy throughout Latin America and the Caribbean but their real purpose is to support Marines in combat. Advertisement USS Carter Hall, also part of the amphibious group, is somewhat smaller at 16,000 tons and 600 feet in length, but she carriers a powerful punch of amphibious assault vehicles and landing craft. The third ship in the group, USS Mesa Verde, is a newer and larger version of Carter Hall, sized at roughly 25,000 tons. In addition to the attack aircraft on the ships, the real offensive punch of the force is the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit with more than 2,000 Marines. The MEU is configured for special operations, including a significant element of the vaunted Marine special operators, whose training resembles that of the Navy SEALs or the Army Green Berets. Overall, the MEU has over 2,000 combat-trained Marines organized into an infantry battalion, an airwing to transport them, and embedded logistics support everything from water purification systems to big tactical trucks and fast Humvees. Advertisement With a couple of thousand Marines nearby at sea, the Presidents options will include securing airports for military and chartered commercial evacuation of Americans; guarding concentration points to collect citizens preparing to evacuate; securing coastal bases if air evacuation becomes too dangerous; and providing emergency medical support. Share this article Share Above all, the special operations elements of the 26th MEU could be part of finding, fixing, and rescuing American hostages. This would obviously be done in complete coordination with Israeli special forces, and with a recognition that such operations are inherently dangerous and very often end with tragic outcomes for innocent hostages. It would most likely include US tier-one special forces, the elite SEALs and Green Berets operating globally out of Fort Liberty, North Carolina. This all sounds like the culmination of a Tom Clancy novel, and all of this will be controversial in terms of potentially having actual US boots on the ground and fighter jets and helicopters in the skies above the fight in Gaza. But the highest obligation of a President is to protect American lives, and if events spiral into an even higher level of violence in Israel, the presence of US Marines gives the administration more and better options to respond. Send in the Marines. Advertisement Stavridis is also vice chairman of global affairs at the Carlyle Group. He is on the boards of American Water Works, Fortinet, PreVeil, NFP, Ankura Consulting Group, Titan Holdings, Michael Baker and Neuberger Berman, and has advised Shield Capital, a firm that invests in the cybersecurity sector. More From Bloomberg Opinion: US Aircraft Carrier Can Help Israel Fight Hamas: James Stavridis Israel Should Not Fight Its War Alone: Michael R. Bloomberg Israels Revenge Would Be Better Served Cold: Marc Champion This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. James Stavridis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, a retired US Navy admiral, former supreme allied commander of NATO, and dean emeritus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. At his first town hall less than a week after announcing his campaign, Phillips faced screaming and profanity from attendees disappointed in his response to a question on a cease-fire in the Middle East. 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 He might not be prepping PowerPoint slides yet, but Chance the Rapper is anticipating his keynote address at SXSW Sydney celebrating hip-hops 50th anniversary. Im excited to be talking about it, the musician, real name Chancelor Bennett, says while driving (super anxiously, I must say) through the streets of Chicago. For us to be 50 years into what a lot of people consider the dominant art form in the world, and on the other side of the world talking about it, its a big deal. Landing the artist who won the Grammy for best rap album in 2017 for his seminal mixtape Coloring Book he was the first independent artist to claim the honour is a coup for the festival, not least because Bennett brings an idiosyncratic perspective to hip-hops journey. The genre officially born at a Bronx block party in New York City on August 11, 1973 also owes its growth to Bennetts sweet home Chicago. My experience of the industry is that its predatory: Chance the Rappers DIY journey to hip-hop acclaim might feel familiar to local artists. Stretching back to proto-rappers Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets in the mid-70s, through backpack icons such as Common and Kanye West, to Chief Keef and King Louie, pioneers of the drill rap thats become the citys most enduring (and controversial) global export, Chicago has long been one of hip-hops most fertile playgrounds. Bennett, 30, has always recognised the citys impact on his art. I dont know if I would have been an independent artist if I wasnt from Chicago, he says. Because of the lack of industry support, you had to be your own artist, be your own label, be your own everything. When I was growing up, we used to call Chicago the city of hella hate, he adds. Theres this big streetwear fashion company here called Leaders that everybody wears, and their most popular shirt for a long time said, Chicago hates you. It was always this feeling of, you know, F them, theyre not us. Local rappers might understand Bennetts grassroots hustle. Traditionally ignored by institutions and the wider industry, Australias hip-hop boom has been largely DIY and independently driven, with local artists building massive followings through Soundcloud and YouTube to the point where they cant be ignored. It echoes Bennetts experience. Advertisement Chance performing on Jimmy Fallons late show in March this year. The rapper is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of his breakthrough mixtape, Acid Rap. Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images Totally, he says. Back when I first started, music venues wouldnt book hip-hop, unless you were from out of town. Me and my friends rented out a spot called Reggies Rock Club in 2011 and sold it out. It was only 500 tickets but it was a big deal for the city. Once its drill scene attracted international attention, suddenly it was all Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, Bennett says. We created an industry, basically. With such a spotlight landing in the city, how did he understand he could remain independent? Show and prove, basically, he says. I was just willing to wait it out. I was getting really bad offers which I didnt know were bad offers when I first was getting them, but I knew they werent what I wanted. But in 2012, every label and not just in America, in the world was coming and offering deals to artists in Chicago, so much so that people started rapping just so they could get a deal. Bennett says he was taking those same meetings with record labels, getting flown out to New York and LA, but logistics, as much as his constitution, decided his fate. I just didnt have the money for the legal fees that came with it, he says. Every time they send a contract, your lawyer has to redline it and send something back so I was getting billed for all these contracts that were coming in so I just fired the lawyer and told the labels not to send me any more contracts until I dropped my mixtape. I figured by doing that I would get a better offer, you know? But then, after I dropped Acid Rap [his breakthrough 2013 mixtape], I went on tour with Mac Miller and I got to see my power. And then I got picked to do a few dates with Eminem and I got to see my power. And then I did my own headline tour and once I did that, I just knew, like, I can probably do this on my own. Like Chances own journey to industry acclaim, the 50-year journey of hip-hop has not been without its uncomfortable digressions. Even now youll find older heads complaining about those kids and their mumble rap, or the young stars provocatively boasting how they dont care about 2Pac. Whats Chances view on those unending discussions? Advertisement Look, Ive come to realise its all cyclical and that its just a part of the culture, he says. He recalls the infamous beef between veteran rapper Ice-T and then newcomer Soulja Boy of 2008 with a dry laugh. Do you remember this? he asks. It was probably when I was in eighth grade or something. Ice-T comes out and says hip-hops dead and its because of Soulja Boy. And Soulja Boy made a famous viral video response where he was like, I cant believe you hate me, Im 17 years old! Bennett laughs. That was how people talked about [Soulja Boy] when he first came out, and now were in 2023 and hes viewed as the visionary that he is: he had a Guinness world record for the most ringtones ever sold, he revolutionised streaming and synchronised dance challenges, he was the driving force behind Limewire and file sharing. Theres so many things he pioneered that not only pushed the genre forward but pushed the whole music industry forward. Im pretty sure him and Ice-T are cool now but thats an example of something that happened 15 to 20 years ago, and its gonna happen more and more because thats how big the movement is. Fifty years is a big thing. Chance, with partner Kirsten Corley, at the 2021 Met Gala. Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP In 2023, Bennett is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Acid Rap and working on a new album Star Line Galaxy that extrapolates ideas hes explored in his Black Star Line Festival series, promoting collaboration across the African diaspora and influenced by the concepts of Marcus Garvey. In the US, Bennetts generous energy has also translated to TV: hes a judge and mentor on TV singing contest The Voice, a role he previously inhabited on the Netflix reality competition Rhythm & Flow. Its all a way of paying forward the early career support he gained from late community activist Mike Hawkins, a mentor in Chicago who started a free after-school program teaching writing, performance and production techniques to young artists (the program also helped launch the careers of rappers Noname and Vic Mensa); and Donald Glover, the Hollywood actor and writer, who under his guise as rapper Childish Gambino, took Bennett on his first major tour. Being black and being in the music industry? My experience of the industry is that its predatory, says Bennett. Its predatory in any genre, but especially in rap because hip-hop is the first genre made by fully free black men. Wed been in jazz and rock n roll, but we were still dealing with the effects of Jim Crow and so many other oppressive forces so hip-hop was the first thing that was created by free black men, in the park, just making something from scratch. It being so new and so foundationally black, it was immediately preyed upon as soon as it became a mainstream commodity, he adds. And so all the relationships you end up making in the industry, even if its not intentional, they end up becoming predatory relationships somebody wants to sign you to their label, or have you create a sub-label, or they want to use you for a quick hit or a quick beat; its just all bad practices. 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 Nachshon Amir was an Israeli Defence Forces officer who for years manned checkpoints in the Gaza Strip and West Bank and burst into Palestinian homes during the night to frighten people. On Sunday he will help organise Melbournes Free Palestine rally. I did horrible things, I went into the houses of people in the middle of the night just to humiliate them, he says through tears in Melbourne. Nachshon Amir. Credit: Simon Schluter He is part of a loose and somewhat unlikely coalition socialists, Christians, Muslims, Indigenous activists, Jews and Arabs, all walking together on Sunday in Melbourne to support a free Palestine. The 56-year-old moved to Australia with his family in 2009 and slowly his worldview unravelled. Now he is helping organise Melbournes Free Palestine rally, following the Hamas attacks in Israel and the Israeli governments reprisals in Gaza. At least 1200 Jewish citizens were killed and 3200 injured after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack by air, land and sea last Saturday, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel launched a series of air strikes and ordered a complete siege of Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, by cutting off water, food and fuel. Gaza authorities have said more than 1400 Palestinians, mainly civilians including children, have been killed and more than 6000 wounded as the result of Israeli air strikes. I was raised a Zionist, Amir says. What you learn when you grow up there is that, This is our country, this is our land and there are Arabs here who hate us and we have to defend ourselves. Advertisement He is aware uncomfortably that voices like his may garner more attention than Palestinians, but says he is trying to reach other Jewish Australians. Even if 2 per cent of people hear me and then research and move their positions then Ive done my job. Muayad Ali will be there too. The 50-year-old Dandenong father of three came to Australia in 2008 on a humanitarian visa. His parents had lived in the Palestinian city of Haifa until the United Nations designated it part of the Jewish state in 1947. His parents fled their homeland following the Tantura massacre in May 1948, and Ali was born in Iraq as a refugee. Muayad Ali, a Palestinian-Australian who lives in Dandenong. Credit: Jason South This week has been devastating for Ali and his family, who live in Melbournes outer south-east, and the Palestinian community. One of his secondary school-aged daughters was brought to tears after another student accused her of being a terrorist. At his restaurant in Dandenong, Ali said an Israeli former customer came into the restaurant and asked: Are you happy now [because] of killing Israelis? Advertisement That was very provoking and very bad to see that, Ali says. Were not killing people; we dont want to see violence. Ali will be at Sundays protest rally, which starts at the State Library in the CBD at noon. As will Adel Salman, the Victorian president of the Islamic Council. He has friends in Gaza and knows families whose loved ones have perished in the bombings. Salman wants Australias leaders to recognise how Palestinians are suffering, as well as Israelis. Political leaders are coming out and just recognising the humanity of one people and completely disregarding the humanity of the other people, said Salman, who is a long-time supporter of Palestine. Joining these men is Australian-born lawyer Jasmine Pilbrow, who spent two years working as a human rights field worker in the West Bank. Pilbrow says the pro-Palestinian movement has grown dramatically in Melbourne. Since she returned home in 2018, it has gone from a small, but passionate group to an increasingly diverse mix of people including Palestinians, Middle Eastern families, Jewish people, university students and activists, and many religious communities, including Christians and Muslims. These protests are so important, says Pilbrow, who wants the Australian government to take a stronger stance supporting Palestinians. Too often the voices of Palestinians are drowned out by all the major news outlets. It is unjust. Advertisement Protests and rallies are commonplace during wars to allow a space for an outpouring of solidarity, grief and anger, but by their nature can be unpredictable and volatile. A small group of protesters chanting antisemitic slogans became the defining media focus of a pro-Palestinian rally in front of the Sydney Opera House on Monday night despite attempts by organisers to distance themselves from the ugliness. The controversy sparked a hardline response from the NSW government, which is attempting to restrict another rally on Sunday, while federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for the deportation of pro-Palestinian protesters who chanted antisemitic slogans to be deported if they were in Australia on temporary visas. Palestinian supporters gathered outside the State Library in Melbourne for a Freedom For Palestine rally on Tuesday. Credit: The Age A day later in Melbourne, a protester was spotted at a rally on Tuesday carrying a photo of Lebanese militant group Hezbollahs leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The organisers of the Melbourne rallies spoken to by this masthead all said they did not condone the conduct, or any support of Hamas or Hezbollah. A small number of people did something not acceptable; theyve tried to hijack our rally and make it look really, really ugly, says Ali, who said it was unfair to hold organisers responsible for the views and actions of a minority. Advertisement We cannot control every single [protester]. Hezbollah is not representing the Palestinian struggle. We are committed to peaceful protests, a peaceful solution for politics. We dont believe in violence. But Amir acknowledges there are cohorts of Palestinian supporters who will not condemn Hamas. While he was appalled by Hamas actions last week, and does not support them, he says he does not deny the right of the Palestinians to uprise, even violently. Even international law recognises oppressed people under occupation to resist violence, said the former IDF combatant, who commanded up to 60 soldiers at a time. Loading For many in the pro-Palestinian camp, violence is the inevitable result of decades of military occupation of Palestinian territories and the 16-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, where more than 2 million people live in poverty. An emotional Amir says they cannot get out without permission from Israel. He described how his armed units would routinely arbitrarily stop and harass Palestinians in the street, in their homes or at checkpoints. Israel controls their electricity it is only on at certain times of the day. Ninety per cent of the tap water is undrinkable. Its a huge prison. They dont have a port, they dont have an airport. They are just in there and they are horribly poor. Advertisement Ive journeyed 1497 kilometres across three nations to cast my vote in Australias 2023 referendum, seeing as Im working in Europe, away from my hometown of Perth. Its my civic duty, I declared confidently to my uncle in South London, even after learning that a train strike would add an extra two hours to my journey to the Australian embassy. Ready to vote, and hoping the rain holds off until I get inside the building. I want to be part of a decision that could change Australia. Or rather, a decision I hope will change Australia. Second, it shocked people around the world. The Melbourne University professor of youth mental health and former Australian of the Year Patrick McGorry this week explained that a known syndrome vicarious trauma was transmitting the mental distress and trauma from Israel to many millions in audiences worldwide. The hate inflicted on Israel is felt around the world. Loading Third, Hamas crimes against humanity excited antisemites worldwide. Including in Australia. The Sydney demonstrators who chanted gas the Jews at the tail end of the rally outside the Opera House on Monday, for instance. Or the Sydney man arrested for threatening to kill four young men for displaying an Israeli flag on their car. Fourth, Hamas calibrated its barbarities to achieve a strategic outcome. Terrorism is a tool of the weak deployed against the strong in the hope that it will goad the stronger into over-reacting. By over-reacting, the strength of the target nation is turned against itself. Will Israel now over-react to the Hamas atrocities? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stung by the failure of his government to protect the Israels people, will be tempted, which is why Joe Biden has counselled him to abide by the rules of war in exacting revenge on Hamas. This outbreak of hate is a new affront, another assault on decency and peace, compounding the other atrocities that have been inflicted on humanity in recent times. It seems overwhelming and we, each of us, can feel utterly helpless in the face of such implacable hatred. But while we cant prevent terrorist attacks in Israel, or stop Vladimir Putins war crimes against the people of Ukraine, or liberate the Uyghur people suffering from Beijings repression, or reverse the military takeover of Myanmar, we can contribute to a positive gesture of human decency. A Yes vote today is a vote for healing over hate. It is a rejection of repression and a move to reconciliation. If, as McGorry says, acts of hate can deliver vicarious trauma to people around the world, acts of healing might be able to send a positive impulse of vicarious hope. But what about the arguments against the Voice? Shouldnt they decide the outcome? Polling for this masthead by Resolve Strategic has identified the three most effective arguments in persuading voters to say No. First is that the Voice will divide the country by race, giving one group extra rights. With 22 per cent of respondents citing this, its by far the most widespread argument cited to explain reasons for voting No. Division exists already between First Nations and other Australians because of the unique history of colonial dispossession and repression of Indigenous people. I look to the serious social dislocation, on many of the social indicators that Aboriginal people now sit in, says the man known as the father of reconciliation, Australias first Indigenous priest and now a senator, Pat Dodson, speaking at the National Press Club this week. Illustration: Jim Pavlidis. Credit: Jim Pavlidis If we were in the promised land that some people might want to suggest were in, then why are we having such rates of suicides? Why have so many of our kids been taken away and put in out-of-home care? Why is there so much domestic violence and internal violence within our societies? Why are we living in poverty? Why are we still suffering from mental health problems? And why are our kids either the victims of drug and alcohol, you know, opportunities that society offers. Dodson is right, of course. Not all, but most Aboriginal Australians, especially those in the regions and outback, exist in a parallel universe of Third World living conditions of shorter, unhealthier and unhappier lives. He continues: There are legacy issues and responsibility and accountability issues, for how you have taken someone elses country and subjugated them to the policies that you have: Assimilation, control, management, domination, determination of their futures, taking kids away, stolen generations. Loading The Voice is not designed to widen this division but to close it. The second most commonly cited reason for rejecting the Voice, cited by 15 per cent of No voters, is that the proposal lacks detail. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been making this argument from the outset. When politicians say this, Voice architect Noel Pearson points out that the proposed constitutional amendment says that the parliament shall have power to make laws for the detailed arrangements. Says Pearson: Thats how our system works. So if theres any parliamentarian demanding detail I suggest they go to the bathroom and look themselves in the mirror and find out who is responsible. Parliament, from the beginning of federation, has filled in an infinity of detail in every field. The constitution makes no mention whatsoever of something called prime minister for instance. Surely the parliament can figure out the details for a new advisory committee. Loading The third most effective argument against the Voice so far, mentioned by 8 per cent of the No respondents, is that not all Indigenous people want the Voice, that they cant agree. True. But most do 59 per cent, according to the Resolve Strategic poll published this week. And would you really expect First Nations people to share the same opinion, robotically, or to have a variety of views, like everyone else? So the three leading arguments against the Voice are based on misperceptions or misunderstandings. If Australia rejects the Voice, Patrick McGorry predicts tremendous damage to mental health. He put his name to a letter signed with two dozen former Australians of the Year to urge us to choose the high road to inclusiveness and respect and to caution that the low road leads us into a shameful dead end, with unimaginable consequences for our national identity and self-respect. Israel is tiny: you can drive its length in 5 hours in light traffic. But this part of Israel is even more claustrophobic. People here measure distance not in metres, but by how many seconds they have to find shelter when the rocket sirens alert them to another incoming missile from Gaza. Raemer is one of thousands of Israelis whose family homes are within strolling distance of one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. It has altered no more putting their [Palestinian] innocent ahead of our innocent the army and the government will have to do something very, very drastic to make sure its safe again. And I believe they will. Adele Raemer with two of her grandchildren. They survived and were evacuated after the Hamas terror attack on October 7. Last Saturday, she told this masthead from her temporary accommodation in a hotel, something in Israels DNA changed. But after spending six hours shut trembling in the safe room of her house while armed men from the militant Palestinian Islamist group Hamas roamed outside; after her son-in-law confronted them directly, at the risk of his own life, to save her grandchildren; and after her best friend disappeared to an uncertain fate, Raemer now says: I feel like an extreme right-winger. Adele Raemer considers herself a centre-left Israeli. She is a secular Jew, lives or lived in a communal kibbutz within sight of the border of Gaza, and voted against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at every opportunity. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. We like to call it 95 per cent heaven, Raemer says of her kibbutz. Beautiful, peaceful, crime-free, green grass, open spaces, you dont need to worry about your kids playing on the lawn And then we get to the 5 per cent. And thats where we are now. Young Israelis felt so safe in front of the looming, metres-high wall separating them from their sworn enemies in Gaza that the morning of the raid, they were deep into a dance party held virtually in its shadow. Some say the bass beat would have been heard by the Palestinians on the other side. The region surrounding the town of Sderot, known by some as the bomb-shelter capital of the world, has doubled its population in the past seven years. Until last Saturday morning, the nearby kibbutzim and villages were thriving. Despite the regular scrambles to the shelter built into her house, the 68-year-old was happy to live in this part of the country. She loved it, in fact. And like thousands of her fellow Israelis, she wants to go back. Shes one of many making Holocaust comparisons after saying more Jews were killed in the surprise Hamas massacre on October 7 than on any single occasion since Adolf Hitler walked the earth. And Raemer, the secular left-winger, is urging her leaders on. Hamas and [another radical group] Islamic Jihad should be wiped off the face of this earth; the same as happened with the Nazis, she said. In the tortured world of Israeli-Palestinian relations, this retaliation promised to be harsher and more dangerous than the world has seen since the state of Israel was carved out of British Mandate Palestine by a UN resolution and brute force in 1948 . Netanyahu was forming a government of national unity to conduct the war he declared last weekend. His bombers were flattening Gazas poshest neighbourhood to rubble, and a ground invasion seemed imminent, intended, in his words, to make every Hamas member a dead man. Food, water and fuel imports to Gaza were cut off, shutting down the power station, as part of the prime ministers mighty vengeance in which more than a thousand have already died. As I was interviewing Raemer via WhatsApp, Israels response was gaining force. The army, ranks swelled by hundreds of thousands of reservists called up for service, were massing on the Gaza border. Last Saturday, thousands of militants broke out of their enclave into Israel and slayed 1200 Israelis using guns and grenades and kidnapped perhaps 130 more. They moved through the communities of this region with gruesome intent, piling bodies high and without discrimination or mercy. Gaza resident Haneen Wishah is among them. She and her five children were evacuated from their home on Thursday after they were warned the Israeli missiles were about to rain down. Even if they wanted to, the Palestinians of Gaza could not easily leave or escape the Israeli bombardment that began soon after the Hamas attack, and nor could they flee a bloody ground invasion , despite the half-baked suggestion by US President Joe Biden of a safe haven in Egypt. The Israeli citizens whose homes lie near the border with Gaza have made a choice to be there. A few kilometres away, in Gaza, on the other side of the fence, more than 2 million people do not enjoy that choice. In Israel, despite the dangerous neighbours, living near a border is not just a viable option or a lifestyle choice. Its a mission. Hamas are the Nazis of 2023. Raemer says once they are gone, she will move home. My eldest son who is 14 years [old] has witnessed six Israeli aggressions! Palestinians have been occupied for more than 75 years of oppression, aggressions, tightening the accessibility of people to everything, she told The Age and Herald in a WhatsApp text exchange because the internet connection to Gaza was too weak for a conversation. She has a different view from the Israelis just across the border about Saturdays attacks. Wishah does not see them as a seismic event. Israel is always subjecting us. Its an occupier, she replies. Wishahs grandparents fled to Gaza in 1948 when their village of Beit Affa a few kilometres further up the coast, was overrun by Israelis. Its now called Ashkelon. Two generations later, Wishah is stateless and still considered by the international community to be a refugee. While the nature and size of Hamas attack on Israeli citizens does not concern her, the ferocity of Israels response is greater than she has seen before. She describes it as crazy hysterical air strikes. Her children were scared to death, she said. The damage to Gaza from Israeli air strikes has been unprecedented. Credit: AFP Its different, the aggressiveness in targeting civilians, destroying complete neighbourhoods. I have evacuated my house in the middle of Gaza City, and its horrible when I see pictures of my place ... its turned into a ghost city. The West has tried to differentiate the actions of Hamas from the actions of ordinary Palestinian citizens, and to blame Hamas for the destruction raining down on innocents. Wishah is having none of it. The blame goes for Israel as its the occupier, she says, and the international community for failing to protect people under its occupation. When I see pictures of my place ... its turned into a ghost city. Haneen Wishah, who lives in Gaza Palestinian-Australian playwright Samah Sabawi, whose parents fled Gaza in 1967 when she was a baby, recognised that Israelis considered the events of last weekend to be an order of magnitude worse than the normal, deadly back-and-forth. Samah Sabawi and her son Nahed in Gaza in July. The Hamas attack, she said, had breached the infrastructure of walls, surveillance and permits an asymmetry of power that, in her view, had both lulled them into a sense of false security and enabled Israel to maintain the invisibility and subjugation of the Palestinians. For Palestinians the suffering, killing and displacement is a daily event, thats why they see it as part of a continuum. Dancing with the bible Sderot is 15 seconds by missile count from the border wall with Gaza. Its the biggest town in the region, a commuter hub (45 minutes to Tel Aviv on the train), and billions of Israeli government dollars have been poured into protecting it. The infrastructure of security that Sabawi refers to has allowed it to grow. For 20 years, Hamas and its predecessors have been lobbing missiles undirected, home-made projectiles that can nevertheless kill, maim and traumatise over the border fence toward people living nearby. Every house has a safe room, courtesy of the Israeli state. In many families, thats where the children sleep. Every bus stop is a bomb shelter. In a park in the centre of town, a caterpillar doubles as a safe haven for children. A sign on its side in Hebrew reads: When the red alert alarm sounds, you must get to safety beyond the orange line. In the southern Israeli town of Sderot, even the playground equipment is a bomb shelter. Credit: Michael Bachelard Above that again is the Iron Dome, Israels missile defence system. When a rocket launches, its spotted then, ideally, intercepted midair by an Israeli counterstrike and blown up before it can cause damage. It is not infallible, but it is good. Under the Iron Dome, Israelis felt safe or safe enough. They formulated a kind of dark humour: joked they were so close that most of the rockets flew over them; gave a campaigning US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama a Sderot T-shirt with a rocket rather than an arrow piercing the heart. They were prone to gathering on nearby Parash Hill for what was once dubbed Sderot cinema watching and cheering as Israeli missiles lit up Gaza during various earlier confrontations. In return for the feeling of safety, they populated the border regions. This was no mistake it was government policy. Apart from the train line, the bomb shelters, the beautiful parks and the cheap land, there were generous tax incentives to move to this area. Mechi Fendel describes herself as mother of seven, grandmother of 24, high-tech professional, teacher of Torah. Shes lived in Sderot for 30 years, the last 22 of which have been blighted by regular missile strikes. Shes religious her husband leads a Talmudic institute, a Yeshiva, which also has a womens program. On Saturday morning she was preparing for the holiday of Simchat Torah, which she described as dancing with the bible. Mother of 7 and grandmother of 24, Mechi Fendel. Most of the year we study it. This holiday we dance with it, we hug it, we kiss it and how much it means to our lives, how much its our connection to God, all the morals that the Judaic ethic has brought to the world. We look forward to that. But the attackers had other ideas. They went straight through the allegedly impregnable wall and slipped under the technological miracle of Iron Dome. The safe rooms, Raemer said, could be opened from outside so that people could be let out after a missile strike. This made them vulnerable to personal attack. Residents were gripping the inside door handle in the attempt to stop attackers from entering. This time, the threat came house to house, bed to bed, room to room a low-tech solution to Israels high-tech protections. Sending the missiles, we got used to it, its horrible, but we got used to it, Fendel says. Now were talking about terrorists with machine guns rape, kidnapping. We havent seen such a thing. The world hasnt seen such a thing. A grand bargain Fendel is now living with her extended family in a high school dormitory but is already talking about rebuilding and returning. She describes living on the border as a mission. In Israel, in her view, being a nationalist and religious are the same thing. When you put on your uniform and you go to the army youre like the high priest doing his service in the high temple, she says. When giving to the city its also about building the city were making a big difference in the whole area. The idea of populating inhospitable areas, of making the desert bloom, and above all of inhabiting the country to guard against the aspirations of Palestinians and Arab neighbours, has been stitched deep in the Israeli psyche since it was formed. You cant run away from terror; you cant run away from borders, Raemer says. You cant have empty borders with no one living there. There is a bargain here embodied by Iron Dome and safe rooms and the walls that surround Gaza and the occupied West Bank that the state must play its role too. In a story in The Atlantic, Amir Tibon, who lives in the Nahal Oz kibbutz, about four seconds rocket flight from Gaza, described his disgust that his elderly father, a retired general, had been the one to rescue him when the police and army had not. We had a contract with the state that communities like ours protect the border, Tibon said. This is why people live there We kept our part of the contract. We lived on the border And so the contract was: We protect the border, and the state protects us. He declared himself ashamed of my government. Noam Bedein, a former long-time resident of Sderot, said his faith in the state of Israel had also 100 per cent been shaken by the attack. This is going to shake the entire politics, everything, he said. The blow-back on Netanyahu has been instant. A right-winger whose political persona was built on toughness and the promise of security, he is seen to have taken his eye off the ball, focusing instead on an attempt to nobble the countrys Supreme Court that split the country and weakened its military. An editorial in the left-wing newspaper Haaretz argued that the prime minister had completely failed to identify the dangers he was consciously leading Israel into when establishing a government of annexation and dispossession, and by embracing a foreign policy that openly ignored the existence and rights of Palestinians. For most Israelis, the response is a dramatic reassertion of another defining Israeli trait: defiance. The tool of this defiance is the military to which almost every Israeli gives three years full-time service and many more as a reserve. In their anger, the Israeli population is egging on its government and army to conduct a swingeing retaliation, whatever the cost. Loading We certainly dont want to kill ordinary civilians, but if used as human shields for these terrorists well have no choice, says Mechi Fendel, the Sderot resident. A sense of duty in the face of danger does not only reside in Israel. In Gaza, Wishah feels it too. I ask if she would consider trying to flee with her children ahead of the coming storm. Never, she replies. Her grandmother who lost her home in 1948, in what Palestinians call the Nakba (meaning catastrophe in Arabic), had always wished she had stayed in her village all those years ago and never fled to Gaza. If she had the chance once again she would never leave her house, and would rather die at her place. I had many chances to get out of Gaza, but this is not my choice. Im the landowner. Even now Im registered as a refugee, but still, I have the dream, hope and determination to go back to my land. If I left Gaza, and others do, who will stay to serve people and to protect the right of return? The competing claims to this country are where this whole saga begins and remains stuck. Loading Sabawi, the Palestinian Australian, says her family in Gaza are expressing a deep sense of dread at whats to come. I got a message from my cousin: whats going to happen to us? They know the punishment, the rocket punishment, this is worse, as if, Were done for. From their end it doesnt look like Israel is defending itself. What they see on the ground is revenge killing. On the other side of the wall, Raemer says of her kibbutz, Nirim: My parents are buried there. My husband is buried there. My children are born there. She weeps as she adds: And our children will be able to play out on the lawn again without the fear of terror. But before then, she says, hardening her voice, this small, claustrophobic part of the world needs the Israeli army to bring about a reckoning. More coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Surprise attack: Hamas terrorists fired up to 5000 rockets from Gaza into Israel on October 7, triggering a declaration of war. Read our guide to the militant group and why its at war with Israel. Hamas terrorists fired up to 5000 rockets from Gaza into Israel on October 7, triggering a declaration of war. Read our guide to the militant group and why its at war with Israel. The Iron Dome explained: How did Hamas breach Israels sophisticated anti-ballistic missile system? And why didnt Israels intelligence services see these attacks coming? How did Hamas breach Israels sophisticated anti-ballistic missile system? And why didnt Israels intelligence services see these attacks coming? Tragedy in Israel: A 66-year-old Sydney woman has been killed and is the first known Australian casualty. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says the womans family in Israel and Australia is receiving consular assistance. Whats next: International editor Peter Hartcher joins the Please Explain podcast to analyse the escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip - and explain why a much bigger conflict is afoot. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Mostly sunny skies; a cold start, but a little milder in the afternoon compared to the last few days. . Tonight Partly cloudy and not as cold. WYOMISSING, Pa. Friday's bomb threat against a Wyomissing synagogue could be part of a statewide email incident, a Wyomissing Police Department officer said Saturday. According to the officer, the threatening email were sent "en masse" to temples and synagogues across Pennsylvania. 69 News has reached out to Pennsylvania State Police in Harrisburg and the Anti-Defamation League in Philadelphia to confirm this, but has not yet heard back from either. Wyomissing Police chief John Phillips said Friday that the threat was made against Reform Congregation Oheb Shalom, a synagogue on Warwick Drive. The threat was ultimately found to be false after members of the Reading bomb squad and Berks County Sheriff's Department searched the building and found no indications of a bomb being present. This is a developing story and will be updated. CENTER VALLEY, Pa. Friday the 13th took on new meaning this year as it kicked off what could be considered Taylor Swift's "movie era." The big-screen version of the Berks County native's "Eras Tour" made its official debut at a reported 8,500 movie theaters across the world, including the AMC Theatre in Center Valley. The movie, which clocks in at two hours and 48 minutes long, uses footage from Swift's August performances at SoFi Stadium in California to provide a front-seat view of nearly her entire concert. For Swifties who were not fortunate enough to snag tickets to her actual concert which have fetched hundreds to thousands of dollars apiece the "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" concert film offers a more accessible option to get a glimpse of what all the hype is about. The movie closely depicts what concertgoers saw as they stood in sold-out stadiums since March: the musical and artistic journey through the eras of Swift's 10 albums spanning her career since 2006. However, the theater experience is not quite as long as the actual concert, as some songs and interaction with the live audience were not shown in full. During Swift's May concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, she performed a duet with opening act Phoebe Bridgers. Of course, such unique elements of each tour stop could not be reflected in a single movie. Unlike concert films of the past, no behind-the-scenes footage or commentary were added to the movie, either. What viewers do get is a relatively simple presentation of Swift's performances of the array of songs that have won her 12 Grammy Awards and a fan base like no other. There's no need for binoculars from the nosebleed seats or the zoom of an iPhone camera. Swift is front and center on the movie screen so close that you can see the sparkle of her eyeshadow, the details of the beading on her bodysuits, and how her hair responds to the weather (and probably some perspiration) just like everyone else's. That's part of what makes the movie appealing even to those who attended her concert. The theater presentation provides a more up-close look at Swift herself and the opportunity to reflect on a live performance that, for many who attended in person, is an amazing, almost indescribable blur of a memory after the fact. +10 Taylor Swift in Philly: The 'Eras' experience For the some 70,000 Swifties who packed the Linc Saturday night, the 45-song set only left them wanting more, even though Swift had given them her all. While AMC Theatres encourages dancing and singing throughout the "concert film event" (just not ON their seats), moviegoers at the film's first showing at the Center Valley location Friday night mostly stayed seated. That could have been the case, though, because the audience was captivated by its unobstructed view of Swift. Midway through the movie, many in the audience did start to sing loudly and clap, especially to some of Swift's biggest hits like "You Belong With Me" and "Look What You Made Me Do." Still, it would be unfair to compare the Eras movie to the actual concert, especially for locals who made their way to the Linc back in May, where Swift who was born in West Reading and lived in Wyomissing until she moved to Tennessee was hailed as the queen of Pennsylvania pride. At that concert stop especially, there was such a palpable feeling of camaraderie and excitement among the primarily female audience of around 70,000 who came to Philly fully decked out in sequins and snake suits. Some moviegoers arrived at the theater Friday night dressed up in outfits from Swift's eras as well, but there was a much more casual vibe. In addition, the elaborate production factor of the live event, which was a key component of the entire concert experience, is impossible to replicate on the big screen. From LED animation, to pyrotechnics, to the color-synchronized bracelets, those quite expensive tickets to Swift's shows provided a uniquely immersive experience that was impressive on its own and part of the epic nature of the show as a whole. One aspect that the movie and the concert do have in common is the availability of merchandise, pricey as it may be. At AMC, Swifties have their choice of Eras-themed soft drink cups and popcorn buckets, as well as tote bags and light-up swords. Surprisingly, there were also free mini-posters that were available while supplies last. While there's no substitute for seeing Swift in person, the Eras film does its best to quell FOMO, or fear of missing out, for anyone who did not make it to one of her almost 150 shows. And for those who did, it will make you wish you could do it all over again. HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry is offering advice on how Pennsylvanians can support causes amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict and avoid being victimized by ill-intentioned solicitors and scammers. The Office of Attorney General offers these tips: - Ask Questions: Where will your donation go specifically? Charities should always be able to give you specific information on what your donation will fund. Who is soliciting your donation? Bad actors will try to take advantage of you without providing the name of the organization they represent. Ask for the EIN (Employee Identification Number) for U.S.-based charities. Charitable organizations should have this number and provide it to you. The EIN helps simplify IRS searches for charity information. Ask whether the fundraising campaign is being conducted by volunteers or paid fundraisers. As well, how much of your donation will be received by the charity? - Double Check: Check with the IRS or the Pennsylvania Department of State registries to see if this organization is registered and if donations are tax deductible. In Pennsylvania, the majority of charitable organizations engaged in public fundraising campaigns must register with the Department of State While an organization may be registered, it does not mean it is effective. Some charitable organizations use the majority of donations received on their fundraising costs rather than the purpose donors are asked to support. Registration does not imply endorsement. Check nonprofit sites like Give.org, CharityWatch.org, Charitynavigator.org or similar trusted sites that regularly do research on charities. Be wary of new charities: organizations that did not exist before and now only exist because of a crisis may not be legitimate. - Be Careful How You Pay: Never donate in cash or on your debit card. Credit cards are best. Avoid using cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Never give money without doing your research into the organization first. Scammers try to create urgency and pressure when soliciting money stay calm and do not allow yourself to be pressured by urgent appeals. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, contact your local police to file a report and file a complaint with the Office of Attorney Generals Bureau of Consumer Protection at: 800-441-2555 JERUSALEM Tens of thousands of Muslims demonstrated Friday across the Middle East in support of the Palestinians and against the intensifying Israeli bombardment of Gaza, underscoring the risk of a wider regional conflict as Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion. From the typically sedate streets of downtown Amman in Jordan, to Yemen's war-scarred capital of Sanaa, crowds of Muslim worshippers poured into the streets after weekly Friday prayers, angered by devastating Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that began after the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel last Saturday. At the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, Israeli police were permitting only certain older men, women and children to enter the sprawling hilltop compound for prayers, trying to limit the potential for violence. Only 5,000 worshippers made it into the site, the Islamic endowment that manages the mosque said. On a typical Friday, some 50,000 perform the prayers. An Associated Press reporter watched police allow just a Palestinian teenage girl and her mother into the compound out of 20 worshippers who tried to get in, some of them even over the age of 50. Young Palestinian men who were refused entry gathered at the steps near Lions Gate, eyes downcast, until police shouted at them and shepherded them outside the Old City ramparts altogether. We cant live, we cant breathe, they are killing everything that is good within us, said Ahmad Barbour, a 57-year-old cleaner, red-faced and seething after police blocked him from entering for prayers. Everything that is forbidden to us is allowed to them, he added, referring to the Israelis. The mosque sits in a hilltop compound sacred to both Jews and Muslims, and conflicting claims over it have spilled into violence before. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third-holiest site in Islam and stands in a spot known to Jews as the Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism. Hundreds of young Palestinian worshippers who had been turned away from the Old City threw down small prayer rugs on the street in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Wadi Joz and prayed in the open. When some of the men started shouting, Israeli police charged into the crowd with batons and fired rounds of tear gas at the worshippers, wounding at least six people, said the Palestinian Red Crescent. Thousands demonstrated in Amman in neighboring Jordan, some crying out: We are going to Jerusalem as millions of martyrs! What do they want from Palestine? Do they expect them to leave? asked protester Omar Abu-Sundos. "For what remains of Palestine to leave? They wont leave. In Beirut, thousands of supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group waved Lebanese, Palestinian and Hezbollah flags, chanting slogans in support of Gaza and calling for death to Israel. The Iranian-backed militant group in neighboring Lebanon has launched sporadic attacks since the Hamas assault, but largely stayed on the sidelines of the war. However, Hezbollahs deputy secretary-general warned that it would be on the lookout for the United States and British naval vessels heading to the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have repeatedly warned Iran and the regional militias Tehran backs to stay out of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Your battleships do not interest us, nor do your statements frighten us, Naim Kassim said at a rally in a southern suburb of Beirut. When the time is right to take action, we will do so. In Baghdad, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tahrir Square the protest hub of Iraq's capital for rallies called by the influential Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr. We, as Iraqis, know the pain of having an occupier on our land, said protester Alaa al-Arabyia, referring to the U.S. occupation of Iraq following its 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. Palestinian women have husbands, loved ones and sons fighting the occupation. We stand with them in their struggle. Across Iran, a supporter of Hamas and Israel's regional archenemy, demonstrators also streamed into the streets after prayers. In Tehran, they burned Israeli and American flags, chanting: Death to Israel, Death to America, Israel will be doomed," and "Palestine will be the conqueror. The Palestinian people are fed up, now your idea is to destroy Gaza, the houses of the people," Iran's hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi said in a speech in the country's southern Fars province. The people of the world and Palestine will cause trouble for you. In the Syrian capital of Damascus, protesters including Palestinians from the Yarmouk refugee camp formed after the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation also rallied. I tell the people not to leave their homes otherwise they will be like our grandparents who left Palestine and came to Syria but never returned, Ahmad Saeed, a 23-year-old Palestinian living in Syria, said, referring to the 1948 war. In Yemen's Sanaa, held by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels still at war with a Saudi-led coalition, demonstrators crowded the streets waving Yemeni and Palestinian flags. The rebels' slogan long has been: God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse of the Jews; victory to Islam. We are ready to participate actively and send hundreds of thousands of mujahedeen ... to defend Palestine, the Palestinian people and the holy sites, the Houthi government said in a statement Friday. BOISE, Idaho (AP) An Idaho law restricting which bathrooms transgender students can use in schools will go into effect while a court challenge plays out. Chief U.S. District Judge David Nye on Thursday denied a request by a plaintiff who is challenging the law to keep it from being enforced until the lawsuit is resolved, The Idaho Statesman reported. In August, Nye had placed the law on hold in August pending his decision. The law will go into effect 21 days after his ruling. It prohibits transgender students from using public school restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. It also allows other students to sue their school if they encounter a student using a bathroom that doesnt align with their sex assigned at birth. Nye said the plaintiff failed to show their challenge would succeed. He noted the law is substantially related to the governments important interest in protecting the privacy and safety of students while using a restroom or a changing room. Lambda Legal, which represents LGBTQ+ people in lawsuits, sued the state in July on behalf of an Idaho transgender student, arguing that the law known as Senate Bill 1100 unconstitutionally discriminates against students based on their gender identities. Although it likely comes as little solace to Idahos transgender students who, as a result of the courts decision today, may have to change their routines, or who, regrettably, may face other societal hardships, the court must stay within its lane, Nye wrote. Its duty is to interpret the law; it is not a policy-making body. The judge also denied the states request to dismiss the case, saying state attorneys sought to dismiss all of the lawsuit's claims in a perfunctory manner, with little explanation. School districts in Idaho currently regulate which bathrooms transgender students may use. About a quarter of Idaho schools allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity, Nye said in a previous decision. Thursday's ruling puts transgender students directly in harm's way by stigmatizing them as outsiders in their own communities and depriving them of the basic ability to go about their school day like everyone else, Peter Renn, Lambda Legal senior counsel, said in a statement. "The vast majority of courts ruling on similar discriminatory laws have struck them down, and the courts decision here is an outlier that fails to respect the equal dignity of transgender students, he said. Idaho Superintendent for Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, members of the Idaho State Board of Education and members of the Boise School Districts board of trustees are defendants in the case. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador in a statement called the ruling a significant win for his office. Society has separated these intimate facilities for time immemorial, and it is particularly important that the safety and privacy interests of minor students are protected, Labrador said. Republican Sen. Ben Adams, of Nampa, sponsored the measure, and the Idaho Family Policy Center, a religious lobbying group, helped write it. The group also pushed a new Idaho law criminalizing gender-affirming health care for minors. Many GOP-controlled states have passed similar anti-transgender laws. In August, a federal appeals court upheld a decision blocking Idahos 2020 first-in-the-nation ban on transgender athletes in girls and womens sports. In that case, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the ban discriminates against all women, citing a provision in the law that allows for anyone to dispute the sex of a female student athlete in Idaho. That provision would require the athlete to verify their gender through medical procedures, including gynecological exams. PHILADELPHIA (AP) A Philadelphia police officer was shot and killed and a second officer was wounded when they confronted people breaking into a car at Philadelphia International Airport, police said. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said veteran officers Richard Mendez and Raul Ortiz had just arrived at work around 11 p.m. Thursday when they heard breaking glass and saw several people breaking into a vehicle in the parking garage area. A confrontation ensued, and Mendez was shot multiple times. Ortiz was shot once in his arm, Stanford said, and one of the suspects was also wounded. Both officers were taken to hospitals, but Mendez was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later, Stanford said. Ortiz remained hospitalized Friday in stable condition. Both were assigned to the airport unit. The suspects fled the scene in an SUV that authorities later learned had been reported stolen in the city about a week ago. The vehicle was later seen at a hospital in Philadelphia dropping off 18-year-old Jesus Herman Madera Duran, who authorities say was believed to be involved in the confrontation with the officers. Duran was shot in the chest, abdomen and left arm and was pronounced dead around 11:30 p.m. Thursday. It wasn't clear if any other suspects were wounded in the shooting, authorities said, or how many of them had fired weapons. The shooting took place in the garage for the airport's Terminal D, which was temporarily closed during the initial investigation but later reopened. Stanford noted that the shooting came only a week after three officers were shot and wounded while responding to a call. A numb, numb moment for us, to again encounter something like this, he said. Mendez, 50, was a 22-year veteran of the force and was married with one daughter. His gun has not been located, Stanford said, and it's not yet known if anyone fired the weapon during the confrontation. Ortiz, 60, is a 20-year veteran of the department. He is married with three children. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said law enforcement staff across multiple agencies were working to identify those responsible but said they lacked the ability to match crime scene ballistics to firearms through a database of gun sales, citing a lack of gun regulation. Pennsylvania state law prevents law enforcement and government agencies from having firearm registries. Joseph Regan, president of the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge, mourned the officer's death and said members were praying for the wounded officer. We lost a hero," Regan said. A reward of $148,500 was being offered for information leading to an arrest. Two local police unions Philadelphias Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 and Lodge 27 in Delaware County initially provided a combined $30,000 to fund the reward. They soon received donations from numerous police groups, businesses and residents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The reward would be in addition to a $20,000 reward that the city has offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Speaking Friday at a news conference to announce the police unions' reward, Lodge 5 President John McNesby said the city's police force was undermanned and said more officers were needed in the streets. He also was critical of the district attorney's office, saying that if violent offenders are not prosecuted that sends a message they can do what they want. Calling the two officers standouts and noting their long service to the city, McNesby said the loss was a tough one for their colleagues and the department. I saw more tears last night than Ive ever seen in all my years here, McNesby said. President Joe Biden, who was in Philadelphia on Friday, offered his condolences the families of the officers. They put their lives on the line to protect this community, he said. Bruce Shipkowski reported from Toms River, New Jersey. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A suicide bomber blew himself up among worshippers attending Friday prayers at a Shiite mosque in northern Afghanistan, killing at least seven people and wounding 15 others, a police spokesperson said. The attack happened in the city of Pol-e-Khomri, the capital of Baghlan province, police spokesman Sher Ahmad Borhani said in a statement. Security officials were working to determine how the attacker reached the area to strike at the Imam Zaman mosque. Hours later, the Islamic State extremist group issued a statement claiming responsibility. The group has also targeted Afghanistans minority Shiites in past large-scale attacks. The Taliban footage from the mosque showed debris strewn over a red-carpeted floor, scattered personal items and bodies covered with shrouds. The regional affiliate of IS, known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, increased attacks on mosques and minorities across the country after the Taliban seized power in August 2021. IS, which has operated in Afghanistan since 2014, is seen as the greatest security challenge facing the countrys Taliban rulers. Following their takeover, the Taliban launched a sweeping crackdown against the militant group. PARIS (AP) The Louvre Museum in Paris and Versailles Palace evacuated visitors and staff Saturday after receiving bomb threats. The government has put France on high security alert after a fatal school stabbing by a suspected extremist. The Louvre communication service said no one was hurt and no incident was reported. Paris police said officers searched the museum after it received written bomb threats. The former royal palace at Versailles also received bomb threats, a national police spokesperson said. The palace and its sprawling gardens were being evacuated while police examine the area, the spokesperson said. Alarms rang out through the Louvre, a vast space also in a former royal palace Paris overlooking the Seine River, when the evacuation was announced, and in the underground shopping center beneath its signature pyramid. Police cordoned off the monument from all sides, and the underground access, as tourists and other visitors streamed out. Videos posted online showed people leaving, some hurriedly and some stopping to take photos, others apparently confused about what was happening. The French government raised the threat alert level and is deploying 7,000 troops to increase security after Friday's school attack. French authorities say a former student suspected of Islamic radicalization killed a teacher and wounded three other people before being captured. The government is also concerned about fallout in France from the war between Israel and Hamas. The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, welcomes between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors per day. PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. Under a scorching sky at Marine Base Parris Island, two young recruits grapple awkwardly in hand-to-hand combat inside an Octagon training structure. Circling them, the drill instructor barks orders, Hit her! Punch her! DO something! Outside the ring, a mix of male and female Marine hopefuls are helping each other put on protective headgear, preparing for their turn at combat. They are assigned to one of the mixed-gender recruit companies as the Marine Corps moves gradually and at times reluctantly to more integrated training at boot camp. It's been a bit hit-and-miss. While companies of men and women train together at the ring, on the obstacle course or at the range, the line of recruits outside the swimming pool presents a sharp contrast. There, the companies are broken up into their smaller platoons that remain separated by gender. So as they line up, there is a small group of women standing rod-straight at the front with groups of men in formation behind them. It's a stark visual reminder that Corps leaders still fervently believe there must be a degree of segregation as they mold young people into tomorrow's force of what they promote as the Few, the Proud, the Marines. This summer nearly eight years after the defense secretary at the time, Ash Carter, ordered all combat jobs open to women the Marine Corps formally deactivated the 4th Marine Recruit Training Battalion at Parris Island. Since 1949, all female recruits have gone through boot camp at the South Carolina base; the 4th Battalion was created in 1986 as the women's unit. The Marines have inched grudgingly toward integration. Marine leaders flatly opposed allowing women in combat jobs, but Carter dismissed their arguments. Many Corps officers stridently defended the training separation, insisting that women could grow more confident quickly if they were not directly competing with their often larger or stronger male counterparts. Under pressure from Congress, the Marines over the past four years gradually made the 4th Battalion coed, then disbanded it in June. The remaining recruit battalions include a mix of gender-integrated and all-male companies. Now, Marine leaders say, boot camp is integrated. But from watching the training for several days, it's not that clear-cut. Inside the pool, men and women struggle side by side, jumping off a platform and swimming to the other end. Some wear their fatigues inside out, identifying them as Marines who are just learning to swim and flailing the length of the pool in a mix of dog paddle and haphazard overhand stroke. Instructors are also a mix of men and women, and they line the sides ready to toss a float or jump in if needed. But outside, a group of recruits moving through the woods and then dropping to crawl across a stretch of blistering hot sand are all men trying to get through the final tests to become a Marine. A second group on a different part of the course also includes no women. Brig. Gen. Walker Field, who heads the recruit depot, is insistent that keeping the platoons segregated by gender is key to the way the Corps makes Marines by taking individuals, breaking them down and building them back up as team members. We have established a tried-and-true manner by which we train Marines that proves effective in transforming young Americans, he said in a recent interview at Parris Island. We break down their individuality and grow them as a team. Were adamant about that outcome. Having the platoon model is absolutely part of that. He added that by 2024, training at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego on the West Coast will also be fully integrated. Female recruits will then be split evenly between the two locations. Field said keeping the platoons all one gender allows unit leaders to provide guidance and instruction tailored for each group when they are together in their barracks in the evenings. Being the same gender at the platoon level allows us to optimize the training schedule every single day and every hour of the day, he said. Some measure of all-male companies would be necessary no matter what because there just are not enough female recruits to go around. Of all the military services, the Corps has the smallest percentage of woman, hovering between 8% and 9%. Lt. Col. Aixa Dones and other female officers are also strong advocates of the continued segregation. As someone who came through this battalion as a recruit and has worked here as a young company grade officer, I would advocate that theres goodness to there being all-female platoons, said Dones, who served as the last commander of the 4th Battalion before its shutdown this year. Speaking in the former battalion's offices, now largely empty, she said she remembers being a young recruit, and I cant imagine it having gone any other way. Noting that 17- and 18-year-olds are not too mature, she said they can easily get distracted by liking and feelings and emotions. She and others say keeping the men and women in separate platoons helps them stay focused and that changing to full integration could present problems. Out near the firing range, Sgt. Maria Torres, a drill instructor, is working on firearm basics with her all-female platoon. The company-level integration, she said, is necessary and a good start. But expanding it to the platoon level might have consequences, so wed have to start small. But many disagree. They say the separate platoons only reinforce the stigma that the women are not considered equal and should be treated differently. Erin Kirk, a former Marine sergeant who went through the more segregated training in 2010, remembers the ridicule and the cat calls from male recruits who looked down on the women in the 4th Battalion. The split, she said, divided them into male Marines and female Marines, and that shaped the mens view of the women and made it more difficult for them to work together as they moved along. It made you feel like you werent part of the team. It made it difficult to be seen as a real Marine, said Kirk, who served for five years. Now we have the opportunity to have equity and inclusion and not be seen as an other.'" JERUSALEM (AP) More than a million people in the northern Gaza Strip have been ordered to evacuate to the south as the latest Israel-Hamas war entered its seventh day Friday and Israel appeared to be preparing a ground offensive. Hamas urged residents to stay put. The orders sent panic through civilians and aid workers already struggling under Israeli airstrikes and a blockade of the Hamas-ruled area. International aid groups warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis after Israel prevented the entry of supplies from Egypt to Gazas 2.3 million people. The latest Israel-Hamas war has claimed more than 3,000 lives on both sides in the week since Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Oct. 7. Some key takeaways from the war: WHATS HAPPENED IN THE WEEK SINCE THE LATEST ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR STARTED? An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing a Reuters videographer and leaving six other journalists injured. Israel has cut off supplies of food, fuel, electricity and medicine into Gaza. The only crossing point between Egypt and Gaza was shut down Tuesday following nearby Israeli airstrikes. Internet connectivity in Gaza City has been below 20% since Tuesday. With Israel having sealed Gazas borders, the only direction to flee is south, toward Egypt. But Israel is still carrying out airstrikes across the Gaza, and Egypt has rushed to secure its border against any mass influx of Palestinians. Governments around the world have spent the week trying to evacuate their nationals and dual citizens caught in the conflict after a spate of commercial flight cancellations. Israels government is under intense pressure from the public to topple Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. Israel has called up 360,000 army reservists and threatened an unprecedented response to Hamas wide-ranging incursion. The Gaza Health Ministry said Friday that roughly 1,800 people have been killed in the territory. The Israeli military said more than 1,300 people, including 222 soldiers, have been killed in Israel a staggering toll unseen since the 1973 war with Egypt and Syria that lasted weeks. Roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed during the fighting, the Israeli government said. WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN GAZA? As airstrikes hammered the territory throughout the day Friday, families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City. Hundreds of thousands of other Palestinians across the territory wrangled over the agonizing choice of whether to stay or go following the Israeli order to evacuate. Before the evacuation directives, 423,000 Gaza Strip residents had already fled their homes, according to the United Nations. Gaza is only 40 kilometers (25 miles) long, wedged among Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Many Palestinians fear a repeat of the most traumatic event in their tortured history: their mass exodus from what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding its creation. Hamas media office said warplanes struck cars fleeing south, killing more than 70 people, while Israels military said that its troops had conducted temporary raids in Gaza to battle militants. Israel said its soldiers also hunted for traces of some 150 people abducted in Hamas attack on Oct. 7. WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN AROUND THE WORLD? United States President Joe Biden said Friday that its a priority of his administration to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured Israel that we have your back as he and Americas top diplomat met Friday with Israeli and Arab leaders. The United Nations Security Council hadn't found a collective voice on the latest Israel-Hamas war after meeting behind closed doors Friday for the second time in five days. Russia is proposing a humanitarian cease-fire, which could be a tough sell as Israel is expected to undertake a ground offensive against the Hamas militants who rule Gaza. European Union leader Charles Michel on Friday warned that the Israel-Hamas war could create a surge in refugees heading for Europe, raising the risk of spurring on anti-migrant forces, deepening divisions and inflaming tensions between supporters of Israel and supporters of Palestinians. Irans foreign minister warned on Friday that if Israels attacks on the Gaza Strip dont stop immediately, the violence could spread to other parts of the Middle East. Syrias president on Friday called on countries of the world to stand together to stop the crimes that Israel is committing against the Palestinian people. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned the Israeli armys decision to order the evacuation, which could cause a spike in refugees in Egypt. The deadly attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and the devastating Israeli airstrikes and blockade of Gaza have raised accusations among international legal experts that both sides were violating international law. WHAT PROMPTED HAMAS' ATTACK ON ISRAEL? Hamas, which seeks Israels destruction, says it is defending Palestinians right to freedom and self-determination. But the devastation following Hamas' surprise attack on Oct. 7 has sharpened questions about its strategy and objectives. Desperation has grown among Palestinians, many of whom see nothing to lose under unending Israeli control and increasing settlements in the West Bank, the blockade in Gaza, and what they see as the worlds apathy. In addition to citing long-simmering tensions, Hamas officials cite a long-running dispute over the sensitive Al-Aqsa Mosque that is sacred to both Muslims and Jews. Competing claims over the site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, have spilled into violence before, including a bloody 11-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2021. Associated Press Writers Matthew Lee in Washington, Samy Magdy in Cairo and Jennifer Peltz at the United Nations contributed to this report. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH trimmed its holdings in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report) by 0.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 715,456 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,393 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OHs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $43,085,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in KO. Pacific Wealth Strategies Group Inc. grew its position in Coca-Cola by 12.8% during the 1st quarter. Pacific Wealth Strategies Group Inc. now owns 15,800 shares of the companys stock worth $980,000 after purchasing an additional 1,788 shares in the last quarter. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC grew its position in Coca-Cola by 10.6% during the 2nd quarter. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC now owns 160,172 shares of the companys stock worth $9,646,000 after purchasing an additional 15,389 shares in the last quarter. Avion Wealth grew its position in Coca-Cola by 73.9% during the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 781 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 332 shares in the last quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Coca-Cola by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 72,842 shares of the companys stock worth $4,387,000 after purchasing an additional 523 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Coca-Cola during the 1st quarter worth approximately $49,000. 68.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently commented on KO shares. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $59.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted 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. Wedbush lifted their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $67.92. Insider Buying and Selling In other Coca-Cola news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.09, for a total transaction of $5,345,964.61. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,707,497.14. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Coca-Cola news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.09, for a total transaction of $5,345,964.61. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,707,497.14. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, SVP Beatriz R. Perez sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total value 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. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 319,393 shares of company stock worth $19,467,980. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. Coca-Cola Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of Coca-Cola stock traded up $0.35 on Friday, hitting $53.16. The company had a trading volume of 2,072,247 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,391,690. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $58.25 and a 200-day moving average of $60.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.95. The Coca-Cola Company has a twelve month low of $51.55 and a twelve month high of $64.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $229.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.73, a P/E/G ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.56. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported $0.78 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.74 billion. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 43.06% and a net margin of 23.81%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.70 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.63 earnings per share for the current year. Coca-Cola Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.46%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is presently 75.72%. About Coca-Cola (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. Read More 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. Alaska Wealth Advisors bought a new position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 2,814 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $130,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ambassador Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 224.4% in the 1st quarter. Ambassador Advisors LLC now owns 571 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 395 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 66.6% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,016 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 406 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 7,471.4% in the 1st quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 1,060 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 1,046 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $62,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 247.3% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA now owns 1,799 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $88,000 after acquiring an additional 1,281 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of EWL traded up $0.06 on Friday, reaching $44.05. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,218,520 shares, compared to its average volume of 782,348. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF has a twelve month low of $37.00 and a twelve month high of $48.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.20 billion, a PE ratio of 15.35 and a beta of 0.73. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $45.01 and a 200-day moving average of $46.22. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Profile iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index (the Index). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 2.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 33,428 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 776 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Altria Group were worth $1,514,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Private Trust Co. NA raised its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 42,680 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,933,000 after buying an additional 3,830 shares during the period. Bank of New Hampshire grew its position in Altria Group by 21.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 2,820 shares of the companys stock valued at $128,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in Altria Group by 3.0% during the second quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC now owns 32,441 shares of the companys stock worth $1,470,000 after purchasing an additional 938 shares during the period. Capital Management Corp VA lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 8.2% during the second quarter. Capital Management Corp VA now owns 136,668 shares of the companys stock worth $6,191,000 after purchasing an additional 10,403 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Next Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 45.3% in the second quarter. Next Capital Management LLC now owns 6,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $301,000 after purchasing an additional 2,073 shares during the period. 58.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Altria Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently weighed in on MO. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Bank of America cut their target price on shares of Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Altria Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.74. Altria Group Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of MO opened at $42.66 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $40.91 and a 52-week high of $51.57. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $43.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $44.54. The company has a market capitalization of $75.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.31. Altria Group had a net margin of 27.40% and a negative return on equity of 225.61%. The business had revenue of $5.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.26 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Altria Group Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a $0.98 dividend. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.94. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Altria Groups payout ratio is presently 102.89%. About Altria Group (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barsele Minerals Corp. (OTCMKTS:BRSLF Get Free Report)s share price was down 5.1% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $0.12 and last traded at $0.14. Approximately 37,307 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 209% from the average daily volume of 12,058 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.15. Barsele Minerals Stock Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $0.13 and a 200-day moving average price of $0.17. Barsele Minerals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Barsele Minerals Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral properties in Sweden. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and zinc deposits. It holds a 45% interest in the Barsele gold project that covers an area of approximately 47,000 hectares located in Vasterbottens Lan, Northern Sweden. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Barsele Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barsele Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Braun Stacey Associates Inc. lowered its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) by 32.7% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 1,694 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 822 shares during the period. Braun Stacey Associates Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $466,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec increased its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 33.3% during the 1st quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 300,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $73,299,000 after purchasing an additional 75,000 shares during the period. Newport Capital Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the second quarter worth $10,612,000. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the first quarter worth $3,778,000. Affiance Financial LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 16.2% in the second quarter. Affiance Financial LLC now owns 13,202 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,633,000 after buying an additional 1,837 shares during the period. Finally, Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 272.0% in the second quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 2,113 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $582,000 after buying an additional 1,545 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Down 1.0 % Shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF stock opened at $272.31 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $69.47 billion, a PE ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $273.78 and a 200-day simple moving average of $265.06. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $206.70 and a 12 month high of $286.96. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report) by 1.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 10,297 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 159 shares during the quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF were worth $1,485,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Summit Wealth Group LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 16,086.2% in the 1st quarter. Summit Wealth Group LLC now owns 10,831,939 shares of the companys stock valued at $78,000 after purchasing an additional 10,765,018 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 1,777.3% during the 4th quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,744,129 shares of the companys stock worth $254,521,000 after purchasing an additional 1,651,221 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 98,060.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 903,073 shares of the companys stock worth $130,485,000 after purchasing an additional 902,153 shares during the period. EP Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF during the 1st quarter worth $170,936,000. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 5,770,484 shares of the companys stock worth $802,328,000 after purchasing an additional 416,979 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Stock Down 0.7 % Shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF stock opened at $140.81 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $8.76 billion, a PE ratio of 19.35 and a beta of 0.91. The businesss fifty day moving average is $143.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is $142.22. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $81.37 and a fifty-two week high of $113.60. About iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum 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 Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB Free Report) by 79.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 15,300 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 6,775 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $1,633,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Tri Star Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. First Manhattan Co. acquired a new position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, EPG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Get iShares National Muni Bond ETF alerts: iShares National Muni Bond ETF Trading Up 0.2 % NYSEARCA:MUB opened at $102.65 on Friday. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $101.11 and a 1-year high of $108.66. The companys fifty day moving average price is $104.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $105.94. iShares National Muni Bond ETF Profile iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carson Advisory Inc. bought a new stake in Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report) in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor bought 4,932 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $238,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Wahed Invest LLC grew its holdings in Devon Energy by 2.1% during the first quarter. Wahed Invest LLC now owns 7,933 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $469,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 5.6% in the first quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 3,573 shares of the energy companys stock worth $181,000 after acquiring an additional 189 shares during the period. MCF Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 8.5% in the second quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 2,459 shares of the energy companys stock worth $119,000 after acquiring an additional 192 shares during the period. Duncker Streett & Co. Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 13.2% in the second quarter. Duncker Streett & Co. Inc. now owns 1,715 shares of the energy companys stock worth $83,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the period. Finally, Securian Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 0.4% in the first quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 55,450 shares of the energy companys stock worth $2,806,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock. Get Devon Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Piper Sandler cut their price target on Devon Energy from $72.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 14th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Devon Energy from $50.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on Devon Energy from $63.00 to $60.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Devon Energy from $55.00 to $54.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Mizuho lowered their price objective on Devon Energy from $62.00 to $58.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $62.68. Devon Energy Price Performance Devon Energy stock opened at $48.39 on Friday. Devon Energy Co. has a 1 year low of $42.59 and a 1 year high of $78.82. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $49.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.97. The company has a market capitalization of $31.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.16 and a beta of 2.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.98. Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The energy company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.18. Devon Energy had a net margin of 28.10% and a return on equity of 37.89%. The company had revenue of $3.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.26 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.59 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 38.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.79 earnings per share for the current year. Devon Energy Cuts Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a $0.49 dividend. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.05%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. Devon Energys payout ratio is 10.94%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Dennis C. Cameron sold 7,870 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.13, for a total value of $402,393.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 210,548 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,765,319.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 0.63% of the companys stock. Devon Energy Profile (Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DVN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crewe Advisors LLC lessened its position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 75.4% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 111 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 340 shares during the period. Crewe Advisors LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $34,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ACN. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new position in Accenture in the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new position in Accenture in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Sageworth Trust Co increased its stake in Accenture by 872.7% in the 1st quarter. Sageworth Trust Co now owns 107 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 96 shares during the period. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Accenture in the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, First Command Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in Accenture by 131.6% in the 1st quarter. First Command Financial Services Inc. now owns 132 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 75 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 70.42% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Accenture Stock Performance NYSE:ACN opened at $301.83 on Friday. Accenture plc has a fifty-two week low of $242.80 and a fifty-two week high of $330.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $200.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.03, a P/E/G ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 1.22. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $314.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $302.94. Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, September 28th. The information technology services provider reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.65 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $15.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.07 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 10.72% and a return on equity of 29.74%. Accentures revenue for the quarter was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.60 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 12.11 EPS for the current year. Accenture announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, September 28th that allows the company to buyback $4.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the information technology services provider to purchase up to 2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Accenture Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 12th will be paid a $1.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 11th. This is a boost from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.12. This represents a $5.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.71%. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.60%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Leonardo Framil sold 3,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $311.52, for a total value of $934,560.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 16,898 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,264,064.96. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Accenture news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 7,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $320.60, for a total transaction of $2,244,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 36,034 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,552,500.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Leonardo Framil sold 3,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $311.52, for a total transaction of $934,560.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 16,898 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,264,064.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 15,250 shares of company stock worth $4,832,510 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $340.00 price target on shares of Accenture in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Accenture from $340.00 to $390.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Accenture from $314.00 to $341.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Accenture from $312.00 to $300.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating and set a $358.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $333.24. Read Our Latest Stock Report on ACN Accenture Company Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, interactive, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management, intelligent automation comprises robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents, and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprises turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its stake in FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX Free Report) by 3.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,356 shares of the shipping service providers stock after buying an additional 74 shares during the quarter. Private Trust Co. NAs holdings in FedEx were worth $584,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in FDX. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its position in FedEx by 97,178.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 209,510,584 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $51,937,674,000 after buying an additional 209,295,211 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of FedEx during the 4th quarter valued at $388,787,000. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC bought a new position in shares of FedEx during the 1st quarter valued at $314,712,000. Mizuho Markets Cayman LP raised its holdings in shares of FedEx by 64,686.3% during the 1st quarter. Mizuho Markets Cayman LP now owns 1,377,356 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $314,712,000 after purchasing an additional 1,375,230 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in shares of FedEx by 19.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 3,412,956 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $591,124,000 after purchasing an additional 559,607 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.61% of the companys stock. Get FedEx alerts: Insider Activity at FedEx In related news, EVP Michael C. Lenz sold 5,745 shares of FedEx stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.88, for a total transaction of $1,504,500.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,478 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,886,538.64. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other FedEx news, VP Jennifer L. Johnson sold 13,348 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.25, for a total value of $3,447,121.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $885,281. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Michael C. Lenz sold 5,745 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $261.88, for a total transaction of $1,504,500.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,478 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,886,538.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 8.73% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of FedEx from $270.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Credit Suisse Group cut their price target on shares of FedEx from $273.00 to $265.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of FedEx from $270.00 to $279.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of FedEx from $228.00 to $251.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of FedEx from $255.00 to $295.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $282.54. Read Our Latest Stock Report on FDX FedEx Price Performance Shares of FedEx stock opened at $242.78 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a current ratio of 1.37. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $259.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $244.63. FedEx Co. has a twelve month low of $149.64 and a twelve month high of $270.95. The firm has a market cap of $61.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.33. FedEx (NYSE:FDX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, September 20th. The shipping service provider reported $4.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.71 by $0.84. FedEx had a net margin of 4.71% and a return on equity of 16.14%. The business had revenue of $21.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.74 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.44 EPS. The firms revenue was down 6.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that FedEx Co. will post 18.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. FedEx Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, September 11th were issued a dividend of $1.26 per share. This represents a $5.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.08%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 8th. FedExs dividend payout ratio is currently 30.73%. FedEx Company Profile (Free Report) FedEx Corp. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of transportation, e-commerce, business services, and business solutions. It operates through the following segments: FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Services, and Corporate, Other and Eliminations. The FedEx Express segment offers transportation and delivery services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for FedEx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FedEx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens reaffirmed their overweight rating on shares of First American Financial (NYSE:FAF Free Report) in a research note published on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. Stephens currently has a $72.00 price target on the insurance providers stock. Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on FAF. SpectralCast reissued a maintains rating on shares of First American Financial in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. Truist Financial raised their target price on First American Financial from $67.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. BTIG Research reissued a neutral rating on shares of First American Financial in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on First American Financial in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $68.25. Get First American Financial alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on FAF First American Financial Stock Performance NYSE FAF opened at $52.68 on Wednesday. First American Financial has a one year low of $43.54 and a one year high of $64.66. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $59.41 and a 200 day moving average of $57.82. The company has a market capitalization of $5.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.81 and a beta of 1.26. First American Financial (NYSE:FAF Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The insurance provider reported $1.35 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.39. First American Financial had a return on equity of 10.72% and a net margin of 3.64%. The company had revenue of $1.65 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.50 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that First American Financial will post 4.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. First American Financial Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th were given a dividend of $0.53 per share. This is a boost from First American Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 7th. First American Financials payout ratio is presently 91.78%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in FAF. FMR LLC lifted its position in shares of First American Financial by 22.3% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,610,627 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $479,268,000 after buying an additional 1,567,428 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners lifted its holdings in First American Financial by 107.7% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,695,359 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $153,730,000 after purchasing an additional 1,397,442 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in First American Financial by 135.7% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,184,147 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $141,577,000 after purchasing an additional 1,257,338 shares in the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in First American Financial in the 4th quarter worth approximately $57,776,000. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in First American Financial in the 4th quarter worth approximately $53,163,000. 85.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About First American Financial (Get Free Report) First American Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services. It operates through Title Insurance and Services, and Specialty Insurance segments. The Title Insurance and Services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property, as well as offers related products and services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for First American Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First American Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. trimmed its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report) by 24.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 172,110 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 54,616 shares during the quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. owned 0.41% of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF worth $41,764,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IWO. Stegner Investment Associates Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 2.5% in the first quarter. Stegner Investment Associates Inc. now owns 1,836 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $416,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares during the period. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. raised its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 0.4% in the second quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 12,201 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,961,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the period. Clear Investment Research LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC now owns 1,501 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $340,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 30.3% during the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 215 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Finally, B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC now owns 988 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $240,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Stock Down 0.9 % IWO opened at $215.33 on Friday. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $205.68 and a twelve month high of $255.10. The company has a market cap of $8.97 billion, a PE ratio of 17.55 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $231.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $233.01. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Ford Motor (NYSE:F Free Report) by 4.9% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 81,351 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after buying an additional 3,786 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Ford Motor were worth $1,231,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Ford Motor during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Ford Motor by 178.1% in the 2nd quarter. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,805 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 1,156 shares during the period. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Ford Motor in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new position in Ford Motor in the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Finally, Core Alternative Capital boosted its holdings in Ford Motor by 66.4% in the 1st quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 2,284 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 911 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.73% of the companys stock. Get Ford Motor alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades F has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Ford Motor from $10.00 to $11.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Ford Motor from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. UBS Group started coverage on Ford Motor in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. They set a buy rating and a $15.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $16.00 price objective on shares of Ford Motor in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Ford Motor in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $14.50. Ford Motor Price Performance Shares of F opened at $11.81 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.15, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.20. Ford Motor has a one year low of $10.90 and a one year high of $15.42. The stocks fifty day moving average is $12.21 and its 200-day moving average is $12.76. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The auto manufacturer reported $0.72 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $44.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $43.17 billion. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 20.48% and a net margin of 2.44%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.68 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Ford Motor will post 2.11 EPS for the current year. Ford Motor Company Profile (Free Report) Ford Motor Company develops, delivers, and services a range of Ford trucks, commercial cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro; Ford Next; and Ford Credit segments. The company sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding F? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ford Motor (NYSE:F Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Forestar Group Inc. (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report) fell 8.1% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $24.62 and last traded at $24.63. 69,647 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 53% from the average session volume of 148,539 shares. The stock had previously closed at $26.79. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have weighed in on the company. BTIG Research raised Forestar Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $32.00 target price on the stock in a report on Friday, July 21st. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Forestar Group from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of Forestar Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Forestar Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $25.83. Get Forestar Group alerts: Read Our Latest Report on FOR Forestar Group Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 1.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.26 billion, a PE ratio of 8.65 and a beta of 1.63. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $28.08 and a 200-day moving average price of $23.24. Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.29. Forestar Group had a net margin of 11.45% and a return on equity of 11.70%. The firm had revenue of $368.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $290.40 million. Sell-side analysts forecast that Forestar Group Inc. will post 2.83 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Forestar Group A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of FOR. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Forestar Group by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,708,813 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $30,312,000 after purchasing an additional 35,360 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in Forestar Group by 1.5% during the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,579,641 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $17,676,000 after buying an additional 23,940 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in Forestar Group by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,501,148 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $33,851,000 after buying an additional 134,876 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Forestar Group by 35.9% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 824,865 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $18,601,000 after buying an additional 218,044 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Forestar Group by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 395,846 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $8,926,000 after buying an additional 13,617 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 35.94% of the companys stock. Forestar Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Forestar Group Inc operates as a residential lot development company in the United States. The acquires land and develops infrastructure for single-family residential communities. It sells its residential single-family finished lots to local, regional, and national homebuilders. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Forestar Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Forestar Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH lowered its position in Webster Financial Co. (NYSE:WBS Free Report) by 9.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 585,549 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 63,816 shares during the quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH owned about 0.34% of Webster Financial worth $22,104,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WBS. US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in Webster Financial by 217.7% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 6,646 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $372,000 after purchasing an additional 4,554 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Webster Financial in the 1st quarter worth about $480,000. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC bought a new position in Webster Financial in the 1st quarter worth about $410,000. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its stake in Webster Financial by 78.6% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 11,359 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $637,000 after purchasing an additional 4,999 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in Webster Financial by 78.5% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 18,398 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,032,000 after purchasing an additional 8,091 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.37% of the companys stock. Get Webster Financial alerts: Webster Financial Trading Down 2.3 % NYSE WBS opened at $38.60 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. Webster Financial Co. has a twelve month low of $31.03 and a twelve month high of $56.46. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.69 billion, a PE ratio of 7.35 and a beta of 1.27. The stocks 50 day moving average is $41.54 and its 200 day moving average is $39.68. Webster Financial Announces Dividend Webster Financial ( NYSE:WBS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The financial services provider reported $1.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.03. Webster Financial had a return on equity of 13.68% and a net margin of 26.69%. The company had revenue of $673.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $690.83 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.29 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Webster Financial Co. will post 5.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 2nd were given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 1st. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.15%. Webster Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 30.48%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have commented on WBS. Seaport Res Ptn restated a buy rating on shares of Webster Financial in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Wedbush lifted their price target on Webster Financial from $40.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Webster Financial from $50.00 to $42.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Raymond James lifted their price target on Webster Financial from $50.00 to $51.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Webster Financial from $42.00 to $46.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.18. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on WBS Webster Financial Profile (Free Report) Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides commercial real estate and equipment financing, business banking, asset-based lending, and commercial services; public sector finance; mortgage warehouse financing; treasury management services; credit, deposit, and cash flow management services; and wealth management solutions to business owners and operators, including trust, asset management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, and investment products, as well as derivative, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and trade products and services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 2.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 127,220 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,785 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH owned approximately 0.06% of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF worth $17,158,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in QUAL. Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 16.3% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 15,119 shares of the companys stock worth $2,064,000 after purchasing an additional 2,119 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 143.9% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 10,830 shares of the companys stock worth $1,458,000 after acquiring an additional 6,389 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the first quarter worth about $397,000. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 8.4% during the first quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 49,277 shares of the companys stock worth $6,634,000 after acquiring an additional 3,812 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AJ Wealth Strategies LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 4.2% during the first quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 465,618 shares of the companys stock worth $62,686,000 after acquiring an additional 18,557 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF stock opened at $134.80 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $30.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.30 and a beta of 1.03. The stocks 50-day moving average is $135.65 and its 200-day moving average is $131.74. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a one year low of $71.96 and a one year high of $88.63. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality 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 Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC Free Report) by 8.3% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 11,673 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 896 shares during the period. Hohimer Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Centene were worth $787,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. QV Investors Inc. lifted its holdings in Centene by 28.5% during the second quarter. QV Investors Inc. now owns 274,597 shares of the companys stock worth $18,522,000 after acquiring an additional 60,910 shares during the period. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. increased its stake in Centene by 36.5% in the 1st quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. now owns 5,009 shares of the companys stock worth $317,000 after acquiring an additional 1,340 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC increased its position in shares of Centene by 161.8% in the first quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 25,545 shares of the companys stock worth $1,615,000 after purchasing an additional 15,787 shares during the last quarter. Altfest L J & Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Centene during the 1st quarter valued at $206,000. Finally, Diversified Trust Co lifted its holdings in shares of Centene by 51.6% during the 2nd quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 14,326 shares of the companys stock worth $966,000 after acquiring an additional 4,878 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.92% of the companys stock. Get Centene alerts: Centene Stock Performance Shares of CNC opened at $71.07 on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $66.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $66.69. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The stock has a market cap of $38.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.65, a PEG ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.52. Centene Co. has a 52 week low of $60.83 and a 52 week high of $87.84. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Centene ( NYSE:CNC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $2.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $37.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $36.56 billion. Centene had a net margin of 1.83% and a return on equity of 14.15%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.77 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Centene Co. will post 6.46 EPS for the current year. Several analysts have weighed in on CNC shares. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Centene in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Oppenheimer restated an outperform rating and issued a $110.00 price objective on shares of Centene in a report on Monday, July 31st. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Centene from $86.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $82.00 price target on shares of Centene in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered shares of Centene from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Centene currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $83.22. Read Our Latest Research Report on Centene About Centene (Free Report) Centene Corporation operates as a healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to under-insured and uninsured families, commercial organizations, and military families in the United States. It operates in two segments, Managed Care and Specialty Services. The Managed Care segment offers health plan coverage to individuals through government subsidized programs, including Medicaid, the State children's health insurance program, long-term services and support, foster care, and medicare-medicaid plans, which cover dually eligible individuals, as well as aged, blind, or disabled programs. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Independent Advisor Alliance decreased its holdings in Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM Free Report) by 0.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 47,421 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 277 shares during the period. Independent Advisor Alliances holdings in Iron Mountain were worth $2,694,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in Iron Mountain by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 15,337 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $871,000 after buying an additional 426 shares in the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA raised its stake in shares of Iron Mountain by 44.8% during the second quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 3,873 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $220,000 after acquiring an additional 1,199 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New Hampshire raised its stake in shares of Iron Mountain by 43.8% during the second quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 575 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. grew its stake in Iron Mountain by 6.0% in the second quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 48,299 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,744,000 after purchasing an additional 2,730 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new position in Iron Mountain in the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. 76.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Iron Mountain alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have weighed in on IRM. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Iron Mountain from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their target price for the stock from $58.00 to $68.00 in a report on Monday, August 21st. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Iron Mountain from $64.00 to $69.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Iron Mountain in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $65.75. Iron Mountain Price Performance IRM opened at $60.30 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.60 billion, a PE ratio of 46.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.98 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.77, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.78. The businesss 50-day moving average is $61.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.80. Iron Mountain Incorporated has a 1 year low of $44.11 and a 1 year high of $64.48. Iron Mountain Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.31%. This is an increase from Iron Mountains previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. Iron Mountains payout ratio is presently 200.00%. Insider Activity at Iron Mountain In other Iron Mountain news, CEO William L. Meaney sold 10,507 shares of Iron Mountain stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.68, for a total value of $606,043.76. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 295,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,053,092. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO William L. Meaney sold 10,507 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.68, for a total value of $606,043.76. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 295,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,053,092. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, COO John Tomovcsik sold 41,859 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.97, for a total value of $2,635,861.23. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 20,455 shares in the company, valued at $1,288,051.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 89,380 shares of company stock valued at $5,468,510 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 2.20% of the companys stock. Iron Mountain Company Profile (Free Report) Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM) is a global leader in innovative storage, data center infrastructure, asset lifecycle management and information management services. Founded in 1951 and trusted by more than 225,000 customers worldwide, Iron Mountain helps customers CLIMB HIGHER to transform their businesses. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Iron Mountain Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Iron Mountain and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PHB Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 552,803 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 236% from the previous sessions volume of 164,289 shares.The stock last traded at $17.04 and had previously closed at $17.08. Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Trading Up 0.1 % The company has a 50-day moving average of $17.25 and a 200-day moving average of $17.36. Get Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. WealthPLAN Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Ameliora Wealth Management Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $40,000. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $49,000. Finally, Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $75,000. Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile The Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (PHB) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the RAFI Bonds US High Yield 1-10 index. The fund tracks a fundamental-weighted index of high-yield US corporate bonds that must be rated between B3\u002FB- and Ba1\u002FBB+. PHB was launched on Nov 15, 2007 and is managed by Invesco. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Welch & Forbes LLC lessened its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report) by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 185,930 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 966 shares during the quarter. Welch & Forbes LLC owned approximately 0.10% of Invesco Senior Loan ETF worth $3,912,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Cambridge Trust Co. raised its stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 85.5% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. now owns 1,206 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 556 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 27,695 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $577,000 after purchasing an additional 578 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 11.8% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,478 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $114,000 after purchasing an additional 579 shares in the last quarter. Riversedge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Riversedge Advisors LLC now owns 28,877 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $601,000 after purchasing an additional 588 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Naples Global Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC now owns 27,635 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $575,000 after purchasing an additional 675 shares in the last quarter. Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts: Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:BKLN opened at $21.02 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $21.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $20.94. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a 12-month low of $20.33 and a 12-month high of $21.27. Invesco Senior Loan ETF Profile The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Free Report) had its target price boosted by Jefferies Financial Group from $112.00 to $127.00 in a report published on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other research analysts also recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on The PNC Financial Services Group from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on The PNC Financial Services Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company. Odeon Capital Group downgraded The PNC Financial Services Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $140.00 price target on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their price target on The PNC Financial Services Group from $130.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, The PNC Financial Services Group currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $153.67. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on The PNC Financial Services Group The PNC Financial Services Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE PNC opened at $118.14 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $122.28 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $123.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The PNC Financial Services Group has a one year low of $110.31 and a one year high of $170.27. The company has a market capitalization of $47.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.12. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $3.60 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.10 by $0.50. The PNC Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 13.27% and a net margin of 21.97%. The firm had revenue of $5.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.32 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.78 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that The PNC Financial Services Group will post 13.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The PNC Financial Services Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, November 5th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be issued a $1.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, October 16th. This represents a $6.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.25%. The PNC Financial Services Groups payout ratio is presently 42.49%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On The PNC Financial Services Group Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Tyler Stone Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. 80.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About The PNC Financial Services Group (Get Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Asset Management Group segments. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. grew its holdings in shares of KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF (NYSEARCA:KBA Free Report) by 18.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 130,164 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,631 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co. owned 0.80% of KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF worth $3,013,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cutler Group LLC CA raised its holdings in shares of KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF by 106.7% during the second quarter. Cutler Group LLC CA now owns 1,240 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 640 shares during the period. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF by 100.0% in the 1st quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 2,700 shares of the companys stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 1,350 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new stake in shares of KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $142,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $240,000. Finally, MML Investors Services LLC increased its holdings in shares of KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF by 32.9% in the 1st quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 12,931 shares of the companys stock worth $336,000 after acquiring an additional 3,199 shares during the period. Get KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF alerts: KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF Stock Down 0.7 % KBA stock opened at $22.18 on Friday. KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF has a fifty-two week low of $22.10 and a fifty-two week high of $32.58. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $23.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $23.96. The stock has a market cap of $361.53 million, a PE ratio of 15.18 and a beta of 0.40. About KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF The KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF (KBA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI China A 50 Connect index. The fund tracks a subset of market cap-weighted large- and mid-cap Chinese equities listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen. KBA was launched on Mar 5, 2014 and is managed by KraneShares. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Money Design Co. Ltd. lifted its position in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:HYG Free Report) by 665.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,776 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 1,544 shares during the quarter. Money Design Co. Ltd.s holdings in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF were worth $133,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of HYG. NYL Investors LLC raised its stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 69.0% during the 1st quarter. NYL Investors LLC now owns 4,413,300 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $333,425,000 after purchasing an additional 1,801,300 shares during the last quarter. Allstate Investment Management Co. acquired a new position in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $117,246,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 60.1% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,932,275 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $145,983,000 after purchasing an additional 725,272 shares during the last quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department raised its stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 67.9% during the 4th quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department now owns 1,438,868 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $105,943,000 after purchasing an additional 582,040 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new position in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $36,580,000. Get iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:HYG opened at $72.75 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $14.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.33 and a beta of 0.43. iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a one year low of $71.33 and a one year high of $77.34. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $74.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $74.51. About iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index (the Index), which is a rules-based index consisting of liquid the United States dollar-denominated, high yield corporate bonds for sale in the United States, as determined by the index provider. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System decreased its stake in DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:DD Free Report) by 9.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 434,703 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 43,500 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned 0.09% of DuPont de Nemours worth $31,055,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of DD. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in shares of DuPont de Nemours in the 1st quarter valued at $50,000. United Bank lifted its stake in DuPont de Nemours by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 11,482 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $845,000 after acquiring an additional 810 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund purchased a new stake in DuPont de Nemours in the 1st quarter worth about $195,000. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in DuPont de Nemours by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 94,648 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $6,964,000 after acquiring an additional 866 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential PLC purchased a new stake in DuPont de Nemours in the 1st quarter worth about $821,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.25% of the companys stock. Get DuPont de Nemours alerts: DuPont de Nemours Stock Performance DD opened at $75.39 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.39. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $75.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $71.89. The company has a quick ratio of 2.35, a current ratio of 2.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. DuPont de Nemours, Inc. has a 12-month low of $51.96 and a 12-month high of $78.74. Analysts Set New Price Targets DuPont de Nemours ( NYSE:DD Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The basic materials company reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $3.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.03 billion. DuPont de Nemours had a return on equity of 6.11% and a net margin of 37.09%. The companys revenue was down 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.88 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that DuPont de Nemours, Inc. will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current year. DD has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Barclays increased their price objective on DuPont de Nemours from $70.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Citigroup cut their price target on DuPont de Nemours from $80.00 to $78.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. TheStreet downgraded DuPont de Nemours from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $73.00 price target on shares of DuPont de Nemours in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on DuPont de Nemours in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, DuPont de Nemours currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $80.40. Read Our Latest Research Report on DuPont de Nemours Insider Transactions at DuPont de Nemours In other news, insider Michael G. Goss sold 7,919 shares of DuPont de Nemours stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.36, for a total transaction of $612,613.84. Following the sale, the insider now owns 13,363 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,033,761.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider Michael G. Goss sold 7,919 shares of DuPont de Nemours stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.36, for a total transaction of $612,613.84. Following the sale, the insider now owns 13,363 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,033,761.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Raj Ratnakar sold 15,838 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.56, for a total value of $1,180,881.28. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 31,720 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,365,043.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 74,390 shares of company stock valued at $5,713,502. 0.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. DuPont de Nemours Company Profile (Free Report) DuPont de Nemours, Inc provides technology-based materials and solutions in the United States, Canada, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through Electronics & Industrial, Water & Protection, and Corporate & Other segments. The Electronics & Industrial segment supplies materials and solutions for the fabrication of semiconductors and integrated circuits addressing various steps of the manufacturing process. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:DD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for DuPont de Nemours Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DuPont de Nemours and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES Free Report) by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 396,327 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 13,359 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned 0.11% of Eversource Energy worth $28,108,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ES. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 38,256,110 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,993,923,000 after purchasing an additional 131,432 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 101,201.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 12,617,104 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,057,818,000 after purchasing an additional 12,604,649 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,548,700 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $589,477,000 after purchasing an additional 124,871 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 6,720,117 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $504,241,000 after purchasing an additional 153,147 shares during the period. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc lifted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 5,632,170 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $472,202,000 after purchasing an additional 69,826 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.83% of the companys stock. Get Eversource Energy alerts: Insider Transactions at Eversource Energy In other news, VP Gregory B. Butler sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.25, for a total transaction of $963,750.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 63,554 shares in the company, valued at $4,083,344.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.38% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have weighed in on ES. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Eversource Energy from $75.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on Eversource Energy from $75.00 to $62.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Eversource Energy from $67.00 to $61.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Barclays started coverage on Eversource Energy in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. They set an equal weight rating and a $72.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Guggenheim downgraded Eversource Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $60.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Eversource Energy presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $77.17. Read Our Latest Analysis on Eversource Energy Eversource Energy Stock Up 0.9 % Shares of NYSE ES opened at $55.03 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $19.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.33, a P/E/G ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.50. Eversource Energy has a 12-month low of $53.10 and a 12-month high of $87.71. The company has a current ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $62.09 and a 200 day moving average price of $69.76. Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.94 billion. Eversource Energy had a net margin of 9.28% and a return on equity of 9.78%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.86 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Eversource Energy will post 4.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eversource Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 25th were given a $0.675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 22nd. This represents a $2.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.91%. Eversource Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 80.12%. About Eversource Energy (Free Report) Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments. It is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity; solar power facilities; and distribution of natural gas. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eversource Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eversource Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novare Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 190,600 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 1,686 shares during the quarter. Novare Capital Management LLCs holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $8,486,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Signaturefd LLC lifted its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 32.7% in the 1st quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 13,698 shares of the banks stock valued at $622,000 after acquiring an additional 3,374 shares in the last quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 77.6% during the 1st quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC now owns 9,761 shares of the banks stock valued at $444,000 after buying an additional 4,266 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon during the 1st quarter valued at $235,000. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 18.6% during the 2nd quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 8,225 shares of the banks stock valued at $366,000 after buying an additional 1,291 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Toronto Dominion Bank raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 24.8% during the 1st quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 521,792 shares of the banks stock valued at $23,697,000 after buying an additional 103,846 shares during the last quarter. 81.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Bank of New York Mellon Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:BK traded down $0.07 on Friday, hitting $41.18. 3,921,098 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,079,953. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a 1-year low of $38.11 and a 1-year high of $52.26. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $43.84 and its 200 day moving average price is $43.64. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.09. Bank of New York Mellon Increases Dividend Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The bank reported $1.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $4.45 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.37 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 10.95% and a return on equity of 11.88%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.15 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 4.8 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th were issued a $0.42 dividend. This is a boost from Bank of New York Mellons previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.08%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is presently 48.98%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have weighed in on BK. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $58.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $55.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bank of New York Mellon currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $52.40. View Our Latest Report on BK Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of New York Mellon In other Bank of New York Mellon news, insider Kurtis R. Kurimsky sold 14,045 shares of Bank of New York Mellon stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.64, for a total value of $641,013.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 23,816 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,086,962.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, EVP J Kevin Mccarthy sold 35,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.33, for a total transaction of $1,621,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 98,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,545,065.66. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Kurtis R. Kurimsky sold 14,045 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.64, for a total transaction of $641,013.80. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 23,816 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,086,962.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Bank of New York Mellon (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novare Capital Management LLC lessened its position in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 106,375 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 623 shares during the quarter. Novare Capital Management LLCs holdings in TJX Companies were worth $9,020,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Chatham Capital Group Inc. increased its stake in TJX Companies by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Chatham Capital Group Inc. now owns 7,627 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $647,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC boosted its holdings in TJX Companies by 2.5% during the first quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC now owns 5,337 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $418,000 after buying an additional 129 shares in the last quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in TJX Companies by 3.7% during the first quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,672 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $288,000 after buying an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Schear Investment Advisers LLC boosted its holdings in TJX Companies by 1.5% during the second quarter. Schear Investment Advisers LLC now owns 9,205 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $780,000 after buying an additional 139 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Drive Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in TJX Companies by 4.0% during the first quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,652 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $286,000 after buying an additional 140 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.28% of the companys stock. Get TJX Companies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In TJX has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $105.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 17th. Piper Sandler started coverage on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. They issued an overweight rating and a $110.00 target price for the company. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $90.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Telsey Advisory Group raised their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $95.00 to $100.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, Loop Capital raised their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, TJX Companies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $95.42. Insider Buying and Selling at TJX Companies In other TJX Companies news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 45,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.04, for a total value of $4,006,800.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 642,098 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $57,172,405.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other TJX Companies news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 45,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.04, for a total transaction of $4,006,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 642,098 shares in the company, valued at approximately $57,172,405.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Kenneth Canestrari sold 4,197 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total transaction of $377,730.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 115,223 shares in the company, valued at $10,370,070. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 114,014 shares of company stock valued at $10,291,303. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. TJX Companies Stock Down 0.4 % Shares of NYSE TJX traded down $0.32 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $88.60. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,846,084 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,803,399. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $89.50 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $83.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 0.56. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $63.45 and a 1 year high of $93.78. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.89. TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 16th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.08. TJX Companies had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 62.61%. The company had revenue of $12.76 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.45 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.69 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 3.71 EPS for the current year. TJX Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 9th will be paid a $0.3325 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 8th. This represents a $1.33 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.50%. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 39.00%. TJX Companies Profile (Free Report) The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, kids, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Free Report) had its target price reduced by Barclays from $287.00 to $270.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on ROK. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $317.00 to $291.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $334.00 to $375.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Bank of America decreased their price target on Rockwell Automation from $375.00 to $335.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Rockwell Automation from $340.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Rockwell Automation in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. They issued a hold rating and a $335.00 price target on the stock. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $286.31. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ROK Rockwell Automation Stock Performance Shares of ROK opened at $288.32 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $33.12 billion, a PE ratio of 23.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $295.17 and a 200-day moving average price of $298.27. Rockwell Automation has a 12-month low of $221.83 and a 12-month high of $348.52. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $3.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.19 by ($0.18). The business had revenue of $2.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.33 billion. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 16.51% and a return on equity of 40.33%. The businesss revenue was up 13.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.66 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation will post 11.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, SVP Tessa M. Myers sold 677 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.18, for a total transaction of $203,898.86. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 2,880 shares in the company, valued at $867,398.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, VP Isaac Woods sold 113 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $285.43, for a total transaction of $32,253.59. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 827 shares in the company, valued at $236,050.61. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Tessa M. Myers sold 677 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $301.18, for a total value of $203,898.86. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 2,880 shares in the company, valued at $867,398.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 1,730 shares of company stock valued at $510,477. Company insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rockwell Automation Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Courier Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 92.1% in the third quarter. Courier Capital LLC now owns 12,607 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,604,000 after purchasing an additional 6,043 shares during the last quarter. McKinley Carter Wealth Services Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Rockwell Automation in the third quarter worth $922,000. HB Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 27.2% in the third quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,896 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,400,000 after purchasing an additional 1,047 shares during the last quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 14.7% in the third quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC now owns 19,631 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,613,000 after purchasing an additional 2,510 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Rockwell Automation in the third quarter worth $4,948,000. 80.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Rockwell Automation Company Profile (Get 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. Read More 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. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Free Report) (NYSE:SU) had its target price upped by Royal Bank of Canada from C$49.00 to C$51.00 in a research report released on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has an outperform rating on the stock. SU has been the subject of several other research reports. National Bankshares reduced their target price on shares of Suncor Energy from C$60.00 to C$57.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Desjardins lowered shares of Suncor Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and lifted their target price for the company from C$48.00 to C$49.00 in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Suncor Energy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from C$44.00 to C$54.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. UBS Group set a C$48.00 price objective on shares of Suncor Energy and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered shares of Suncor Energy from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from C$52.00 to C$44.00 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Suncor Energy presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$54.29. Get Suncor Energy alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on SU Suncor Energy Stock Up 0.8 % SU opened at C$46.74 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 41.66, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The companys 50-day moving average is C$45.30 and its 200 day moving average is C$41.86. Suncor Energy has a fifty-two week low of C$37.09 and a fifty-two week high of C$50.37. The firm has a market capitalization of C$60.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.60, a PEG ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 1.60. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Get Free Report) (NYSE:SU) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 14th. The company reported C$0.96 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.78 by C$0.18. The business had revenue of C$11.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$10.49 billion. Suncor Energy had a net margin of 11.55% and a return on equity of 15.05%. Research analysts expect that Suncor Energy will post 6.7256098 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Suncor Energy Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 25th. Investors of record on Monday, September 25th were given a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 31st. Suncor Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.17%. Suncor Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Suncor Energy Inc operates as an integrated energy company in Canada and internationally. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; and Refining and Marketing segments. The Oil Sands segment explores, develops, and produces bitumen, synthetic crude oil, and related products. This segment also engages in syncrude oil sands mining and upgrading operations; and marketing, supply, transportation, and risk management of crude oil, natural gas, power, and byproducts. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Suncor Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suncor Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. lowered its holdings in shares of Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI Free Report) by 7.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 39,251 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 3,211 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Robert Half were worth $2,952,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Mendota Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Robert Half in the second quarter valued at approximately $96,000. EA Series Trust acquired a new position in shares of Robert Half in the second quarter valued at approximately $226,000. IFM Investors Pty Ltd raised its position in shares of Robert Half by 2.5% in the second quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 21,024 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,581,000 after buying an additional 517 shares during the last quarter. Empirical Finance LLC raised its position in shares of Robert Half by 12.5% in the second quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 3,507 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $264,000 after buying an additional 390 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oak Thistle LLC acquired a new position in shares of Robert Half in the second quarter valued at approximately $381,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.63% of the companys stock. Get Robert Half alerts: Insider Activity In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 2,050 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.15, for a total value of $152,007.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,934 shares in the company, valued at $959,056.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Robert Half news, EVP Robert W. Glass sold 14,751 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.15, for a total transaction of $1,108,537.65. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 209,927 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,776,014.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 2,050 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.15, for a total transaction of $152,007.50. Following the transaction, the director now owns 12,934 shares in the company, valued at $959,056.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock. Robert Half Stock Down 1.8 % RHI opened at $75.70 on Friday. Robert Half Inc. has a 52-week low of $64.65 and a 52-week high of $89.78. The company has a 50 day moving average of $74.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $73.84. The company has a market cap of $8.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.02 and a beta of 1.30. Robert Half (NYSE:RHI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The business services provider reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.13 by ($0.13). The firm had revenue of $1.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.69 billion. Robert Half had a net margin of 7.84% and a return on equity of 34.51%. Robert Halfs revenue for the quarter was down 12.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.60 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Robert Half Inc. will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current year. Robert Half Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 25th were paid a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 24th. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.54%. Robert Halfs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.10%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently weighed in on RHI. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of Robert Half from $84.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of Robert Half from $63.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price target on shares of Robert Half from $63.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Redburn Partners began coverage on shares of Robert Half in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. They set a neutral rating and a $76.00 price target for the company. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Robert Half from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $72.11. View Our Latest Stock Report on Robert Half Robert Half Company Profile (Free Report) Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. reduced its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 11.4% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 159,026 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 20,452 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $5,833,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of PFE. LMG Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 6.9% in the second quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 33,973 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,246,000 after buying an additional 2,187 shares during the period. Lodestar Private Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 7.5% in the second quarter. Lodestar Private Asset Management LLC now owns 13,905 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $510,000 after buying an additional 966 shares during the period. Eliot Finkel Investment Counsel LLC lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 1.0% in the second quarter. Eliot Finkel Investment Counsel LLC now owns 148,265 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $5,438,000 after buying an additional 1,465 shares during the period. WASHINGTON TRUST Co lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 2.1% in the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 347,335 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,740,000 after buying an additional 7,198 shares during the period. Finally, ETF Store Inc. purchased a new stake in Pfizer in the second quarter worth about $220,000. 68.05% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Trading Down 2.4 % NYSE:PFE opened at $32.12 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.12, a quick ratio of 1.82 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 company has a market cap of $181.35 billion, a PE ratio of 8.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $34.55 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $36.99. Pfizer Announces Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.10. Pfizer had a net margin of 27.55% and a return on equity of 28.36%. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.36 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.04 EPS. The firms revenue was down 54.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.33 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be given a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.11%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.62%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $40.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on shares of Pfizer from $40.00 to $38.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Pfizer from $38.00 to $35.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on shares of Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $45.88. View Our Latest Analysis on Pfizer Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co increased its stake in Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Free Report) by 100.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 140 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Cos holdings in Snap-on were worth $40,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Empirical Finance LLC increased its holdings in shares of Snap-on by 12.8% in the 2nd quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 1,688 shares of the companys stock valued at $486,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Snap-on in the 2nd quarter valued at about $237,000. Leeward Investments LLC MA increased its holdings in shares of Snap-on by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Leeward Investments LLC MA now owns 62,917 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,132,000 after purchasing an additional 1,503 shares in the last quarter. LGT Group Foundation increased its holdings in shares of Snap-on by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. LGT Group Foundation now owns 22,079 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,363,000 after purchasing an additional 1,237 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CENTRAL TRUST Co increased its holdings in Snap-on by 19.4% during the 2nd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 820 shares of the companys stock valued at $236,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.90% of the companys stock. Get Snap-on alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Snap-on In other Snap-on news, CFO Aldo John Pagliari sold 4,842 shares of Snap-on stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $262.13, for a total transaction of $1,269,233.46. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 86,888 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,775,951.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 22,078 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.16, for a total transaction of $5,699,656.48. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 697,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at $180,068,148.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Aldo John Pagliari sold 4,842 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.13, for a total transaction of $1,269,233.46. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 86,888 shares in the company, valued at $22,775,951.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 4.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Snap-on Price Performance SNA opened at $253.65 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $262.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $263.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 2.58 and a current ratio of 3.67. Snap-on Incorporated has a 1 year low of $201.80 and a 1 year high of $297.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.42 billion, a PE ratio of 14.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.10. Snap-on (NYSE:SNA Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $4.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.58 by $0.31. The business had revenue of $1.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.19 billion. Snap-on had a net margin of 21.06% and a return on equity of 21.38%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $4.27 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Snap-on Incorporated will post 18.45 EPS for the current year. Snap-on Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 18th were given a dividend of $1.62 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.55%. Snap-ons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.90%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In SNA has been the subject of several recent research reports. Tigress Financial raised their target price on shares of Snap-on from $328.00 to $336.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 29th. Barrington Research restated an outperform rating and set a $325.00 target price on shares of Snap-on in a report on Monday, July 24th. CL King initiated coverage on shares of Snap-on in a report on Friday, July 7th. They set a neutral rating for the company. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on shares of Snap-on from $270.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Snap-on in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $298.17. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SNA Snap-on Profile (Free Report) Snap-on Incorporated manufactures and markets tools, equipment, diagnostics, and repair information and systems solutions for professional users worldwide. It operates through Commercial & Industrial Group, Snap-on Tools Group, Repair Systems & Information Group, and Financial Services segments. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SNA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Snap-on Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snap-on and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Citigroup from $69.00 to $65.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. SON has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Sonoco Products from $61.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Bank of America lowered their price target on Sonoco Products from $80.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Sonoco Products in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Argus downgraded Sonoco Products from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $61.67. Get Sonoco Products alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on SON Sonoco Products Stock Performance SON opened at $52.86 on Tuesday. Sonoco Products has a 52-week low of $52.03 and a 52-week high of $64.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.18 billion, a PE ratio of 10.83, a PEG ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.55. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $55.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is $58.14. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The industrial products company reported $1.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.50 by ($0.12). Sonoco Products had a return on equity of 26.15% and a net margin of 6.89%. The company had revenue of $1.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.83 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.76 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Sonoco Products will post 5.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Sonoco Products Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 10th were given a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.86%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 9th. Sonoco Productss payout ratio is 41.80%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sonoco Products Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Sonoco Products by 13.6% in the first quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 240,724 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $14,684,000 after purchasing an additional 28,863 shares during the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board boosted its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 15.7% in the first quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 17,700 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,080,000 after buying an additional 2,400 shares during the period. Foundry Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sonoco Products in the second quarter valued at approximately $3,123,000. Cerity Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 6.5% in the first quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 14,578 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $871,000 after buying an additional 895 shares during the period. Finally, Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sonoco Products in the first quarter valued at approximately $303,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.20% of the companys stock. Sonoco Products Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates through two segments: Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sonoco Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonoco Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. lowered its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 18.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 23,271 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 5,192 shares during the quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $2,358,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Key Financial Inc raised its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 666.7% during the 1st quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 345 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. America First Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. MBM Wealth Consultants LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 71.4% during the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 365 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 152 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance Shares of TSM stock opened at $90.46 on Friday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 12-month low of $59.43 and a 12-month high of $110.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $469.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.59 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $90.66 and a 200 day simple moving average of $93.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 2.42 and a quick ratio of 2.13. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The semiconductor company reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $15.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.52 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 32.08% and a net margin of 43.31%. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.8 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.4724 per share. This represents a $1.89 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is currently 24.59%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In TSM has been the topic of a number of research reports. Needham & Company LLC dropped their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $118.00 to $115.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 21st. StockNews.com cut Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $106.67. Check Out Our Latest Report on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Berkeley Group Holdings plc (OTCMKTS:BKGFY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of September. As of September 30th, there was short interest totalling 1,200 shares, a decrease of 42.9% from the September 15th total of 2,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 15,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. The Berkeley Group Stock Down 4.6 % OTCMKTS:BKGFY opened at $9.78 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 3.43 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $10.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $10.50. The Berkeley Group has a 1 year low of $7.32 and a 1 year high of $11.80. Get The Berkeley Group alerts: The Berkeley Group Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 25th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 21st were given a dividend of $0.1332 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 18th. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently commented on BKGFY. Royal Bank of Canada began coverage on The Berkeley Group in a report on Monday, September 25th. They issued a sector perform rating for the company. HSBC downgraded The Berkeley Group from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a report on Friday, June 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $4,169.00. Get Our Latest Report on The Berkeley Group About The Berkeley Group (Get Free Report) The Berkeley Group Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the residential-led and mixed-use property development and ancillary activities in the United Kingdom. The company is involved in land selling activities. It operates under the Berkeley, St Edward, St George, St James, St Joseph, and St William brand names. See Also Receive News & Ratings for The Berkeley Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Berkeley Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Free Report) had its price target lowered by JMP Securities from $450.00 to $440.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a market outperform rating on the investment management companys stock. Several other equities research analysts have also commented on the company. Oppenheimer cut their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $461.00 to $450.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $407.00 to $411.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $415.00 to $398.00 in a report on Friday, July 7th. UBS Group increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $385.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, Atlantic Securities upgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $330.00 to $351.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $392.76. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on GS The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of GS stock opened at $309.52 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $102.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.20, a PEG ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.38. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $326.81 and a 200-day moving average of $329.73. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.18. The Goldman Sachs Group has a 1-year low of $299.07 and a 1-year high of $389.58. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The investment management company reported $3.08 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.25 by ($0.17). The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 9.74% and a return on equity of 8.27%. The business had revenue of $10.90 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.61 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $7.73 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group will post 24.44 earnings per share for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 31st were issued a $2.75 dividend. This represents a $11.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 30th. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.50. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.93%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO David M. Solomon sold 4,200 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.28, for a total transaction of $1,496,376.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 124,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at $44,457,330.96. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO David M. Solomon sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $345.71, for a total transaction of $3,457,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 128,982 shares of the companys stock, valued at $44,590,367.22. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO David M. Solomon sold 4,200 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $356.28, for a total value of $1,496,376.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 124,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at $44,457,330.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of The Goldman Sachs Group Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Pacific Center for Financial Services purchased a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter worth $33,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter worth $34,000. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 3,433.3% in the first quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 106 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares during the period. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter worth $33,000. 69.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About The Goldman Sachs Group (Get Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 6.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 115,198 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,973 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $4,225,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in PFE. Front Street Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Front Street Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,168 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. Madison Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Madison Wealth Management now owns 42,810 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,747,000 after acquiring an additional 262 shares in the last quarter. Cliftonlarsonallen Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Cliftonlarsonallen Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 19,844 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $810,000 after acquiring an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 17,886 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $730,000 after acquiring an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Opal Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Pfizer by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 9,890 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $404,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have weighed in on PFE shares. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Credit Suisse Group lowered shares of Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $47.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $38.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. HSBC started coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Friday, July 14th. They set a buy rating and a $50.00 price objective for the company. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $45.88. Pfizer Price Performance Shares of NYSE:PFE opened at $32.12 on Friday. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $31.77 and a 1-year high of $54.93. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $34.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $36.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.82. The company has a market capitalization of $181.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.61. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last released 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 business 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 businesss revenue was down 54.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.04 EPS. Research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.33 EPS for the current fiscal 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 given a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.11%. Pfizers payout ratio 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. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX Free Report) by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 14,730 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 757 shares during the period. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Blackstone were worth $1,369,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. grew its stake in Blackstone by 56.1% during the 1st quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 4,255 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $540,000 after purchasing an additional 1,530 shares during the last quarter. United Bank boosted its holdings in Blackstone by 34.2% in the first quarter. United Bank now owns 8,441 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,072,000 after purchasing an additional 2,153 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Blackstone by 10.4% in the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 10,969 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,392,000 after buying an additional 1,034 shares in the last quarter. Insight Advisors LLC PA increased its position in shares of Blackstone by 1.6% during the first quarter. Insight Advisors LLC PA now owns 18,446 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,341,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. grew its holdings in shares of Blackstone by 12.8% during the first quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 38,429 shares of the asset managers stock worth $4,878,000 after buying an additional 4,366 shares during the last quarter. 63.35% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Blackstone alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. HSBC began coverage on Blackstone in a report on Friday, October 6th. They set a hold rating and a $113.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $125.00 price objective on shares of Blackstone in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Blackstone from $110.00 to $116.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday. TheStreet raised Blackstone from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Blackstone from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $102.00 to $111.00 in a research note on Friday, July 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.97. Blackstone Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of BX opened at $103.81 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 62.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.47. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $105.46 and its 200 day simple moving average is $95.61. Blackstone Inc. has a twelve month low of $71.72 and a twelve month high of $116.78. Blackstone (NYSE:BX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The asset manager reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.92 by $0.01. Blackstone had a return on equity of 16.99% and a net margin of 17.92%. The firm had revenue of $2.81 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.43 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.49 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 347.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Blackstone Inc. will post 4.17 earnings per share for the current year. Blackstone Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 7th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st were issued a $0.79 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 28th. This represents a $3.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.04%. Blackstones dividend payout ratio is currently 191.52%. Insider Activity In related news, CAO David Payne sold 10,000 shares of Blackstone stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.22, for a total value of $1,032,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 53,281 shares in the company, valued at $5,499,664.82. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Blackstone news, Director Reginald J. Brown purchased 1,842 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $111.24 per share, with a total value of $204,904.08. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 14,549 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,618,430.76. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO David Payne sold 10,000 shares of Blackstone stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.22, for a total value of $1,032,200.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 53,281 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,499,664.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 17,391,651 shares of company stock worth $199,054,287 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. About Blackstone (Free Report) Blackstone Inc is an alternative asset management firm specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies. The firm typically invests in early-stage companies. It also provide capital markets services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Blackstone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blackstone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lowered its stake in shares of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI Free Report) by 1.8% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 5,654 shares of the health services providers stock after selling 102 shares during the quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in The Cigna Group were worth $1,587,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Kalos Management Inc. acquired a new position in The Cigna Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new position in shares of The Cigna Group during the first quarter worth $29,000. Activest Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of The Cigna Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. MBM Wealth Consultants LLC bought a new stake in shares of The Cigna Group in the 4th quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in The Cigna Group during the 1st quarter worth $40,000. 85.32% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get The Cigna Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have issued reports on CI shares. Truist Financial decreased their target price on The Cigna Group from $375.00 to $365.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price objective on The Cigna Group from $326.00 to $330.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of The Cigna Group from $284.00 to $300.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of The Cigna Group from $310.00 to $330.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, Edward Jones lowered shares of The Cigna Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 17th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $341.05. The Cigna Group Stock Performance CI opened at $305.09 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.72. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $285.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $273.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $90.30 billion, a PE ratio of 13.89, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.64. The Cigna Group has a 52-week low of $240.50 and a 52-week high of $340.11. The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The health services provider reported $6.13 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.98 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $48.59 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $47.24 billion. The Cigna Group had a return on equity of 12.32% and a net margin of 3.57%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $6.22 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Cigna Group will post 24.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The Cigna Group Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 21st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 6th were paid a dividend of $1.23 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 5th. This represents a $4.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.61%. The Cigna Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 22.40%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Everett Neville sold 13,157 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $295.21, for a total value of $3,884,077.97. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,457,451.77. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, EVP Everett Neville sold 13,157 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $295.21, for a total value of $3,884,077.97. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,457,451.77. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Nicole S. Jones sold 7,819 shares of The Cigna Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $276.86, for a total transaction of $2,164,768.34. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 30,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,324,903.34. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 39,301 shares of company stock valued at $11,369,101. 0.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. The Cigna Group Profile (Free Report) The Cigna Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and related products and services in the United States. Its Evernorth Health Services segment provides a range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy benefits, home delivery pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, distribution, and care delivery and management solutions to health plans, employers, government organizations, and health care providers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Cigna Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Cigna Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI.B Free Report) (NYSE:RCI) had its target price cut by UBS Group from C$75.00 to C$70.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. RCI.B has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Desjardins increased their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$68.00 to C$71.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. National Bankshares increased their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$79.00 to C$80.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Rogers Communications from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and set a C$72.00 price target on the stock in a report on Friday, September 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$74.93. Get Rogers Communications alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Rogers Communications Rogers Communications Stock Performance Rogers Communications Announces Dividend Rogers Communications stock opened at C$52.78 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average of C$54.21 and a 200-day moving average of C$59.19. Rogers Communications has a 1 year low of C$50.23 and a 1 year high of C$67.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 399.46, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The company has a market capitalization of C$22.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.77, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.47. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 7th. Rogers Communicationss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 67.34%. Rogers Communications Company Profile (Get Free Report) Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data communication services to individual consumers, businesses, governments, and other telecommunications service providers; postpaid and prepaid wireless services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands; and wireless devices, services, and applications to consumers and businesses. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rogers Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rogers Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Stifel Nicolaus from $334.00 to $298.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. Stifel Nicolaus currently has a buy rating on the industrial products companys stock. Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Valmont Industries in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. DA Davidson dropped their price target on shares of Valmont Industries from $310.00 to $290.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Get Valmont Industries alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Valmont Industries Valmont Industries Stock Performance VMI stock opened at $229.90 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a current ratio of 2.41. The stock has a market cap of $4.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.85, a P/E/G ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.09. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $243.70 and a 200 day simple moving average of $271.74. Valmont Industries has a 52 week low of $228.13 and a 52 week high of $353.36. Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The industrial products company reported $4.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.02 by $0.26. The firm had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.14 billion. Valmont Industries had a net margin of 6.37% and a return on equity of 19.56%. Research analysts anticipate that Valmont Industries will post 15.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Valmont Industries Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Investors of record on Friday, September 29th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. Valmont Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 18.63%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Valmont Industries A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. D.B. Root & Company LLC increased its position in Valmont Industries by 1.4% during the second quarter. D.B. Root & Company LLC now owns 2,950 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $859,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the period. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its position in Valmont Industries by 7.6% during the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 607 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $194,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Valmont Industries by 6.0% during the second quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 790 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $230,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its position in Valmont Industries by 16.3% during the first quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 350 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $112,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. Finally, Xponance Inc. boosted its stake in Valmont Industries by 1.7% during the first quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 3,132 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,000,000 after buying an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.15% of the companys stock. About Valmont Industries (Get Free Report) Valmont Industries, Inc produces and sells metal products in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Infrastructure and Agriculture. It manufactures and distributes steel, pre-stressed concrete, composite, and hybrid structures for lighting, transportation, and telecommunications equipment, as well as electrical transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; and provides coatings services to preserve metal products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Valmont Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valmont Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO Free Report) by 8.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 24,505 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 2,219 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLCs holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $12,785,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 681,679 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $392,899,000 after purchasing an additional 24,376 shares during the last quarter. American Trust boosted its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 13.2% during the 1st quarter. American Trust now owns 6,743 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,886,000 after acquiring an additional 784 shares during the period. Sterling Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,074,000. Alta Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter. Alta Capital Management LLC now owns 88,286 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $46,064,000 after acquiring an additional 4,307 shares during the period. Finally, First Manhattan CO. LLC. boosted its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. now owns 724,844 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $417,779,000 after acquiring an additional 72,792 shares during the period. 87.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Performance TMO traded up $0.29 during trading on Friday, hitting $482.85. 2,004,342 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,485,304. The firm has a market capitalization of $186.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.00, a PEG ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 0.79. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 1-year low of $470.61 and a 1-year high of $609.85. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $522.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $534.26. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $5.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.43 by ($0.28). Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 13.14% and a return on equity of 18.59%. The company had revenue of $10.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.99 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $5.51 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 22.37 earnings per share for the current year. A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $505.00 to $520.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com cut Thermo Fisher Scientific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Credit Suisse Group upgraded 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. Barclays decreased their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $625.00 to $585.00 in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $625.00 price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $627.13. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Thermo Fisher Scientific Insider Buying and Selling at Thermo Fisher Scientific In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $549.00, for a total value of $5,490,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 141,330 shares in the company, valued at approximately $77,590,170. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 1,600 shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.60, for a total value of $880,960.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 135,330 shares in the company, valued at $74,512,698. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $549.00, for a total value of $5,490,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 141,330 shares in the company, valued at $77,590,170. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 28,700 shares of company stock worth $15,799,270. 0.32% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Thermo Fisher Scientific 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. Further Reading 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. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE:HI Free Report) by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,175,531 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 144,765 shares during the quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. owned about 3.13% of Hillenbrand worth $111,561,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its holdings in Hillenbrand by 7.3% in the first quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 50,632 shares of the companys stock worth $2,407,000 after purchasing an additional 3,432 shares during the period. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Hillenbrand by 4.3% during the first quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 73,338 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,486,000 after buying an additional 3,023 shares during the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Hillenbrand by 8.5% during the first quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 198,209 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,421,000 after buying an additional 15,535 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its holdings in shares of Hillenbrand by 8.2% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 13,944 shares of the companys stock valued at $663,000 after buying an additional 1,062 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Counselors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Hillenbrand by 0.8% during the first quarter. Financial Counselors Inc. now owns 206,761 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,827,000 after buying an additional 1,576 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.12% of the companys stock. Get Hillenbrand alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Hillenbrand from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Hillenbrand Trading Down 3.7 % NYSE:HI opened at $39.76 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $44.55 and its 200-day moving average price is $47.41. Hillenbrand, Inc. has a 52 week low of $37.63 and a 52 week high of $53.76. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The stock has a market cap of $2.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.58 and a beta of 1.49. Hillenbrand (NYSE:HI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.95 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $716.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $728.00 million. Hillenbrand had a net margin of 21.62% and a return on equity of 17.04%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.92 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Hillenbrand, Inc. will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hillenbrand Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were given a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.21%. Hillenbrands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.14%. Hillenbrand Profile (Free Report) Hillenbrand, Inc operates as a diversified industrial company in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Advanced Process Solutions, Molding Technology Solutions, and Batesville. The Advanced Process Solutions segment designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and services process and material handling equipment and systems comprising compounding, extrusion, and material handling equipment, as well as offers equipment system design services; and provides screening and separating equipment for various industries, including plastics, food and pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, minerals, energy, wastewater treatment, forest products, and other general industrials. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hillenbrand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hillenbrand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. reduced its holdings in Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report) by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 4,310,374 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,472 shares during the quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. owned 1.16% of Vistra worth $113,147,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. First National Bank of Hutchinson increased its holdings in shares of Vistra by 1.4% in the second quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson now owns 32,478 shares of the companys stock worth $853,000 after acquiring an additional 463 shares in the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vistra by 39.5% during the second quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 19,606 shares of the companys stock worth $515,000 after buying an additional 5,551 shares in the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System bought a new position in shares of Vistra during the second quarter worth about $924,000. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vistra by 138.7% during the second quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 146,693 shares of the companys stock worth $3,833,000 after buying an additional 85,231 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Phillips Wealth Planners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vistra by 6.3% during the second quarter. Phillips Wealth Planners LLC now owns 14,473 shares of the companys stock worth $380,000 after buying an additional 859 shares in the last quarter. 91.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Vistra alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Stephanie Zapata Moore sold 122,662 shares of Vistra stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.57, for a total transaction of $3,749,777.34. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 137,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,211,995.74. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.36% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Vistra Stock Performance VST opened at $31.64 on Friday. Vistra Corp. has a 12-month low of $21.12 and a 12-month high of $34.28. The stock has a market cap of $11.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.64 and a beta of 0.94. The business has a 50 day moving average of $31.67 and a 200-day moving average of $27.39. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42. Vistra (NYSE:VST Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 9th. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.82 by $0.21. Vistra had a return on equity of 22.75% and a net margin of 9.60%. The company had revenue of $3.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.78 billion. On average, equities research analysts expect that Vistra Corp. will post 3.54 earnings per share for the current year. Vistra Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 20th were issued a dividend of $0.206 per share. This is a boost from Vistras previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. This represents a $0.82 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.60%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 19th. Vistras dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.40%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Vistra from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Bank of America raised their price target on Vistra from $31.00 to $37.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. TheStreet upgraded Vistra from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Vistra from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on VST Vistra Company Profile (Free Report) Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 20 states in the United States and the District of Columbia. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vistra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of KB Home (NYSE:KBH Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 14,484 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $749,000. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. New York State Teachers Retirement System boosted its holdings in KB Home by 0.6% in the second quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 138,413 shares of the construction companys stock worth $7,157,000 after purchasing an additional 882 shares during the period. EA Series Trust acquired a new position in KB Home in the second quarter worth $5,853,000. Empirical Finance LLC acquired a new position in KB Home in the second quarter worth $525,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acquired a new position in KB Home in the second quarter worth $777,000. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in KB Home by 23.5% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 9,256 shares of the construction companys stock worth $479,000 after purchasing an additional 1,761 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.27% of the companys stock. Get KB Home alerts: KB Home Stock Up 1.6 % Shares of NYSE KBH opened at $43.86 on Friday. KB Home has a fifty-two week low of $25.95 and a fifty-two week high of $55.37. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $48.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $47.52. The stock has a market cap of $3.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.73, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.68. KB Home Dividend Announcement KB Home ( NYSE:KBH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 20th. The construction company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.37. KB Home had a net margin of 9.83% and a return on equity of 17.56%. The firm had revenue of $1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.47 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.86 earnings per share. KB Homes revenue for the quarter was down 14.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that KB Home will post 6.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 9th will be given a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.82%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 8th. KB Homes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.44%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Brian J. Woram sold 40,000 shares of KB Home stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.80, for a total value of $2,112,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 158,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,376,931.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, EVP Brian J. Woram sold 40,000 shares of KB Home stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.80, for a total value of $2,112,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 158,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,376,931.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO William R. Hollinger sold 4,529 shares of KB Home stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.65, for a total value of $229,393.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 155,769 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,889,699.85. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 54,178 shares of company stock worth $2,854,624. 4.44% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have commented on KBH shares. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on shares of KB Home from $42.00 to $51.00 in a report on Thursday, June 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $52.00 price target on shares of KB Home in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of KB Home from $62.00 to $57.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday. Wedbush reduced their price target on shares of KB Home from $64.00 to $55.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, Raymond James raised shares of KB Home from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $61.00 price target for the company in a report on Friday, July 14th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $52.38. View Our Latest Research Report on KBH KB Home Profile (Free Report) KB Home operates as a homebuilding company in the United States. It operates through four segments: West Coast, Southwest, Central, and Southeast. It builds and sells various homes, including attached and detached single-family residential homes, townhomes, and condominiums primarily for first-time, first move-up, second move-up, and active adult homebuyers. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KBH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for KB Home (NYSE:KBH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for KB Home Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KB Home and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virtu Financial LLC reduced its stake in Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN Free Report) by 10.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,482 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 965 shares during the quarter. Virtu Financial LLCs holdings in Global Payments were worth $836,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Glassman Wealth Services grew its holdings in shares of Global Payments by 94.3% during the 1st quarter. Glassman Wealth Services now owns 239 shares of the business services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the period. Venturi Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Global Payments during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new position in Global Payments during the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. MV Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Global Payments by 166.7% during the 1st quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 296 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 185 shares during the period. Finally, Vigilant Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Global Payments during the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. 85.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Global Payments alerts: Global Payments Trading Down 0.9 % Shares of GPN stock opened at $113.04 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $121.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is $110.83. Global Payments Inc. has a twelve month low of $92.27 and a twelve month high of $129.70. The company has a market capitalization of $29.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. Global Payments Dividend Announcement Global Payments ( NYSE:GPN Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The business services provider reported $2.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.43 by $0.19. Global Payments had a return on equity of 10.98% and a net margin of 8.65%. The company had revenue of $2.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.23 EPS. The companys revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Global Payments Inc. will post 9.68 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.88%. Global Paymentss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.33%. Insider Activity at Global Payments In other Global Payments news, CFO Joshua J. Whipple sold 37,096 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.28, for a total transaction of $4,721,578.88. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 39,772 shares in the company, valued at $5,062,180.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Global Payments news, CAO David M. Sheffield sold 2,016 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.47, for a total transaction of $240,851.52. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 25,045 shares in the company, valued at $2,992,126.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Joshua J. Whipple sold 37,096 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.28, for a total value of $4,721,578.88. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 39,772 shares in the company, valued at $5,062,180.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades GPN has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Raymond James lowered their target price on Global Payments from $156.00 to $155.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. StockNews.com raised Global Payments from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $154.00 price target on shares of Global Payments in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. TD Cowen initiated coverage on Global Payments in a research report on Friday, October 6th. They issued an outperform rating and a $150.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Stephens increased their price target on Global Payments from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and twenty-two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Global Payments presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $148.84. Get Our Latest Research Report on GPN Global Payments Company Profile (Free Report) Global Payments Inc provides payment technology and software solutions for card, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions, and Consumer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization, settlement and funding, customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security, and consolidated billing and reporting services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Global Payments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Payments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE:AMR Free Report) in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund purchased 4,203 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $691,000. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 344.0% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 222 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new position in Alpha Metallurgical Resources during the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Macquarie Group Ltd. purchased a new position in Alpha Metallurgical Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 19.0% during the 4th quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 500 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $73,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its holdings in Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 34.5% during the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 554 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $76,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.31% of the companys stock. Get Alpha Metallurgical Resources alerts: Alpha Metallurgical Resources Price Performance Alpha Metallurgical Resources stock opened at $223.59 on Friday. Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. has a 12-month low of $130.54 and a 12-month high of $267.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 1.18. The firms 50-day moving average is $220.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $178.19. Alpha Metallurgical Resources Dividend Announcement Alpha Metallurgical Resources ( NYSE:AMR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The energy company reported $12.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.32 by $2.84. Alpha Metallurgical Resources had a net margin of 26.73% and a return on equity of 62.51%. The company had revenue of $858.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $833.69 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $30.03 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 35.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. will post 45.99 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.89%. Alpha Metallurgical Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 3.52%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Alpha Metallurgical Resources news, Chairman David J. Stetson sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $198.55, for a total transaction of $3,971,000.00. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 57,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,511,531.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 15.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AMR has been the subject of several recent research reports. TD Cowen downgraded shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their target price for the company from $200.00 to $194.00 in a report on Monday, August 21st. B. Riley raised their target price on shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources from $199.00 to $254.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AMR About Alpha Metallurgical Resources (Free Report) Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc, a mining company, produces, processes, and sells met and thermal coal in Virginia and West Virginia. As of December 31, 2022, it operated twenty four active mines and eight coal preparation and load-out facilities. The company was formerly known as Contura Energy, Inc and changed its name to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc in February 2021. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE:AMR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alpha Metallurgical Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alpha Metallurgical Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 23.9% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 519 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. WASHINGTON TRUST Cos holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $59,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC grew its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 19.8% during the first quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 545 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $77,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Commerce Bank boosted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 1.4% during the first quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 7,943 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $781,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. First Financial Corp IN grew its position in Digital Realty Trust by 93.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Financial Corp IN now owns 221 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC grew its position in Digital Realty Trust by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC now owns 3,358 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $476,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC grew its position in Digital Realty Trust by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,269 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $223,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance NYSE DLR opened at $122.60 on Friday. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1 year low of $86.33 and a 1 year high of $133.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.11 billion, a PE ratio of 95.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.56. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $124.28 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $111.01. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.98%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 378.30%. A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $128.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $130.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Scotiabank began coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday. They set a sector perform rating and a $132.00 target price for the company. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their target price for the company from $112.00 to $131.00 in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $122.20. Read Our Latest Report on Digital Realty Trust Insiders Place Their Bets In other Digital Realty Trust news, insider Cindy Fiedelman sold 2,770 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.00, for a total value of $346,250.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock. Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Waterfront Wealth Inc. lessened its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 17.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,905 shares of the companys stock after selling 390 shares during the quarter. Waterfront Wealth Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $873,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tufton Capital Management lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Tufton Capital Management now owns 5,163 shares of the companys stock worth $2,301,000 after buying an additional 123 shares during the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC raised its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC now owns 152,786 shares of the companys stock worth $68,098,000 after purchasing an additional 1,874 shares in the last quarter. AIA Group Ltd raised its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. AIA Group Ltd now owns 1,349,058 shares of the companys stock worth $601,289,000 after purchasing an additional 37,334 shares in the last quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,308 shares of the companys stock worth $2,366,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH raised its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 47.1% in the 2nd quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 223,834 shares of the companys stock worth $99,765,000 after purchasing an additional 71,641 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock opened at $433.41 on Friday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a twelve month low of $358.43 and a twelve month high of $461.88. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $442.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $433.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $335.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA increased its holdings in Webster Financial Co. (NYSE:WBS Free Report) by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 32,119 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 416 shares during the quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MAs holdings in Webster Financial were worth $1,212,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Neo Ivy Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Webster Financial during the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. AllSquare Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Webster Financial in the first quarter worth approximately $35,000. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its position in shares of Webster Financial by 305.8% during the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 905 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 682 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP raised its stake in Webster Financial by 209.8% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,227 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 831 shares during the period. Finally, V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new stake in Webster Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at $51,000. 86.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Webster Financial alerts: Webster Financial Stock Down 2.3 % WBS stock opened at $38.60 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.89. Webster Financial Co. has a 52-week low of $31.03 and a 52-week high of $56.46. The company has a 50-day moving average of $41.54 and a two-hundred day moving average of $39.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.35 and a beta of 1.27. Webster Financial Announces Dividend Webster Financial ( NYSE:WBS Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The financial services provider reported $1.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.03. Webster Financial had a net margin of 26.69% and a return on equity of 13.68%. The business had revenue of $673.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $690.83 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.29 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Webster Financial Co. will post 5.94 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 2nd were paid a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 1st. Webster Financials payout ratio is presently 30.48%. Analysts Set New Price Targets WBS has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $50.00 to $42.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $53.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $53.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of Webster Financial from $50.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Webster Financial from $43.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $50.18. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Webster Financial Webster Financial Profile (Free Report) Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides commercial real estate and equipment financing, business banking, asset-based lending, and commercial services; public sector finance; mortgage warehouse financing; treasury management services; credit, deposit, and cash flow management services; and wealth management solutions to business owners and operators, including trust, asset management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, and investment products, as well as derivative, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and trade products and services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WBS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Webster Financial Co. (NYSE:WBS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Welch & Forbes LLC grew its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 8.8% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 22,363 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after buying an additional 1,806 shares during the period. Welch & Forbes LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $2,559,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 31,605 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $3,617,000 after buying an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 103.1% during the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,023 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $232,000 after buying an additional 1,027 shares in the last quarter. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 6.0% during the 2nd quarter. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA now owns 18,923 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $2,166,000 after buying an additional 1,075 shares in the last quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. purchased a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at about $6,129,000. Finally, Mach 1 Financial Group LLC lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 12,000.0% during the 2nd quarter. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC now owns 8,712 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $997,000 after buying an additional 8,640 shares in the last quarter. 89.21% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently weighed in on EOG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on EOG Resources from $145.00 to $156.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on EOG Resources from $154.00 to $152.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 1st. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on EOG Resources from $129.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Mizuho boosted their price target on EOG Resources from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on EOG Resources from $143.00 to $147.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, EOG Resources presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $150.04. EOG Resources Stock Performance NYSE EOG opened at $133.84 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $77.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.02, a P/E/G ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 1.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.39. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $128.60 and its 200-day moving average price is $120.74. EOG Resources, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $98.52 and a fifty-two 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 for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.28 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $5.57 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.74 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 28.52% and a net margin of 33.58%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 24.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.74 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.36 earnings per share for the current year. EOG Resources Announces Dividend The business also recently announced 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 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.47%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, October 16th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 22.24%. 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 on Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.76, for a total value of $595,088.76. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 145,259 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,994,066.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. 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. Read More 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. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] NANCHANG, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) President Xi Jinping has called on east China's Jiangxi Province to write its chapter in Chinese modernization by tapping into its strengths and improving its weak points. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of the province from Oct. 10 to 13. Xi stressed the importance of emancipating the mind and making pioneering efforts. Jiangxi should firmly adhere to its positioning in creating a new development pattern, tap into its characteristics and strengths, and focus on a high-quality, green and low-carbon development, Xi said. He also called on the province to consolidate its foundations while developing new strengths, strive to lead both the promotion of high-quality development of old revolutionary base areas and the rise of the central region, and make sound efforts in advancing the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. During the inspection tour, Xi visited the cities of Jiujiang, Jingdezhen and Shangrao. He inspected the shoreline of the Yangtze River, local enterprises, a historical and cultural block and a village. On Tuesday afternoon, Xi visited a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang. He walked in the rain to inspect the landscape along the river embankment and asked about the water level, water quality and the work including flood control. After listening to briefings by local officials on the progress of relevant work, Xi called the Yangtze River "the bond" of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and underscored that all work to protect the river must be undertaken from a perspective of a community of life featuring harmony between humanity and nature and the sustainable development of the Chinese nation. Xi then inspected Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about the enterprise's efforts to build green and intelligent factories as well as promote energy conservation, and reduce pollution and carbon emissions. He stressed continuous efforts to push forward digital and intelligent transformation to build a world-leading refining and chemical enterprise that is eco-friendly and intelligent. The petrochemical industry is an important economic pillar, Xi told the company's staff, calling on them to make new contributions to China's energy security while advancing the high-quality development of the industry. On Wednesday morning, Xi visited the city of Jingdezhen, known as the "porcelain capital." At a historical and cultural block, Xi learned about the craftsmanship and procedures of porcelain making, and the efforts to maintain the inheritance, innovation and foreign exchanges of ceramic culture. Noting that fine traditional Chinese culture has survived uninterrupted since ancient times, Xi stressed that porcelain is both a treasure and calling card of the Chinese nation. He underscored that talent from various sectors should aid design and R&D innovation across the porcelain industry to further amplify the name of the "millennium porcelain capital." Then Xi went to AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd., where he inspected a helicopter general assembly workshop and a pilot station. Noting that aviation equipment forms an important part of China's manufacturing development, Xi asked the corporation to pursue an innovation-driven approach, invest more energy in independent R&D in key and core technologies, strive to establish an advanced manufacturing system and develop itself into a first-class global helicopter company. On Wednesday afternoon, Xi visited a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao City, which is situated in the center area of the national wetland park for the source of the Raohe River. There, he learned about the park and its wildlife conservation efforts. Xi also talked with teachers and students of a fine arts college painting at the village square, encouraging them to study hard to hone their craft. Learning that remarkable progress has been achieved in advancing local signature tourism, the tea industry and rural revitalization, Xi voiced delight, and noted that the beautiful natural environment is in itself high-quality natural endowments for advancing rural revitalization. The key to rural revitalization lies in strong primary-level Party organizations, he said, calling on such organizations to play a leading role in increasing rural incomes and ensure the solid implementation of the policies formulated by the Party for the benefit of people. Chinese modernization encompasses the modernization of both urban areas and the agricultural sector and rural areas, Xi told villagers. He expressed the hope that they would effectively protect nature while integrating the traditional image of the village with modern elements to make the village more beautiful. During his inspection, Xi was also briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Jiangxi, and he lauded the achievements that the province has made in various fields. He called on Jiangxi to actively prepare for the next generation of industries and build a modern industrial system with the region's distinct features and strengths. Jiangxi should nurture a number of high-tech industries, foster nationally influential industrial clusters and develop the digital economy while firmly following the path of ecological protection and green development and pursuing all-round green transition, he said. Xi stressed that Jiangxi should become a pacesetter of reform and opening-up in the inland areas, develop the port economy, promote the construction of key cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and nurture regional logistics hubs and commercial centers. He asked Jiangxi to coordinate with and serve the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and get deeply involved in joint efforts to advance the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi urged Jiangxi to deepen reform in key areas, improve the business environment, and expand institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. Priority should be given to the development of the agricultural sector and rural areas, which should be modernized at a faster pace, he said, calling for firmly maintaining the bottom line of food security and further industrializing the agricultural sector. The fruits of reform and development must be shared by the people in old revolutionary base areas, which is a bottom-line task in realizing common prosperity for all, Xi said, stressing efforts to strengthen the implementation of the employment-first policy, and improve public services and the social security system. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. [Xinhua/Yan Yan] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Liu Bin] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Yan Yan] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, talks with villagers at a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, talks with villagers at a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. [Xinhua/Liu Bin] (Source: Xinhua) A plume of smoke rises in the sky over Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on Monday. At the Ernst-Abbe High School in Berlins Neukolln district, a teacher punched a 15-year-old student in the face on Monday because he had expressed solidarity with a younger student carrying a Palestinian flag. The teacher had previously snatched the flag from the younger students hands, whereupon he was confronted by the older student. The case is a frightening illustration of how the media and official politics, with their omnipresent warmongering against the Palestinian people, have created a climate that fuels and legitimises violence against immigrant youth. False reporting on the assault, the silence of the school administration and police action against protesting parents and students shows how systematically this is being pushed. There can be no doubt about what the teacher did. It is recorded on video which clearly shows how the teacher gave the student a violent blow to the head, against which the student defended himself with a kick. Many eyewitnesses have also confirmed the course of events. The teachers outrageous use of force and the indifferent reaction of the school administration were condemned on social media by tens of thousands of students and supporters. A petition initiated by students at the high school received 3,837 signatures within three days. It reads: This is not only a violation of every childs right to a safe educational environment, but also a clear example of abuse of power. It is unacceptable for school staff to be unable to control their emotions and become violentbut it is even worse that such acts go without further consequences. In fact, the student was suspended for several days, while the teacher was merely put on sick leave for a short time and continues to teach without consequences. In response to a written press request asking for comment on the incident, the Ernst-Abbe school officials referred the World Socialist Web Site to the press office of the Berlin state Department for Education, Youth and Family Affairs. The students petition calls for a thorough investigation of this incident as well as appropriate action against the teacher involved and demands better guidelines to ensure a safe learning environment at this school. Many signatories wrote comments condemning the assault and calling for consequences for the teacher. Teachers should always act pedagogically and in an exemplary manner, Mona K., for example, wrote under her signature. But this is a case of bodily harm to someone for whom the school has a duty of care! Acting like this in a teachers function because of a flag should be prosecuted. His unjust, inappropriate behaviour towards the student cannot be justified in any way. I wish the student well. He is not to blame; he did everything right! Eya S. condemned the appalling level of pedagogical and social incompetence and wrote: So much for democratic plurality and the neutrality of state employees. Shame on the teacher and those in charge of this schools bureaucracy... Suspending someone for expressing an opinion or obvious self-defence shows shameless exploitation of ones own power. But this is nothing new among supporters of Israel. Immediately after the incident, the teacher claimed to have reacted in the heat of the moment to a headbutt by the student. This version of the incident was immediately adopted uncritically by the police and the media, although it was categorically denied to the press by all the students present. On Tuesday, parents representative M. El-Houschi also testified to broadcaster RBB that the violence had clearly come from the teacher. None of the many students present could confirm a previous headbutt by the pupil: The pupil was acting in self-defence. A fortnight ago, the same teacher had made a pupil who was wearing a necklace with the Palestine flag cry and kicked her out of the class, El-Houschi told RBB. He told her to put the necklace away. She didnt understand why. He ran provocatively after her when she wanted to go to the toilet and took her crying to the school administration. The parents association of the Ernst-Abbe-Gymnasium then announced a demonstration in front of the school building on Wednesday morning under the motto No place for racism, no place for violence. The Berlin police immediately banned the demonstration and mobilised 150 officers to enforce the ban. The police arrived with squad cars and temporarily detained several youths. Private security guards were also deployed against students and parents. The demonstrators complied with the polices instructions and even moved the meeting to another location, although there is supposed to be freedom of assembly in front of school buildings. But even the spontaneous rally was broken up by the police at noon. Photos show several students being taken away by police officers. The media and police outdid themselves with their Orwellian distortions and used the incident as an opportunity to escalate police terror and the media smear campaign against the Palestinian population. The police justified their ban on the protest by claiming that there could be inciting, anti-Semitic shouts, glorification of violence and acts of violence. In its report on the police intervention, the Berliner Zeitung claims in an insertion that the chant Free Palestine uttered by the students was not a peace slogan, but a call for violence against Israel and was tantamount to a demand for the extermination of the Jewish state. On the same day, the police used a massive deployment and numerous arrests to crack down on other gatherings in Berlins immigrant-dominated districts of Neukolln, Mitte and Kreuzberg. Two demonstrations announced by Palestinian supporters at Pariser Platz and Richardplatz were banned by the police. At Hermannplatz in Neukolln, police failed to suppress the protest of hundreds of participants despite numerous custodial interventions. Police emergency vehicles at Potsdamer Platz, 12 October 2023. Another demonstration registered for Thursday to show solidarity with the civilian population in the Gaza Strip was also banned by the Berlin authorities responsible. Police turned up at Potsdamer Platz with a dozen emergency vehicles and around 80 officers to enforce the ban on the gathering. The World Socialist Web Site calls on all workers to take action against the genocidal war that the Netanyahu government is unleashing against the Palestinian people with the full support of the imperialist powers. A socialist movement of the international working class has never been more urgent. We also call on teachers to condemn the violent attack at Ernst-Abbe High School, to defend the democratic rights of all students and to condemn the decades of bloody oppression of the Palestinians. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in the US unequivocally condemns the attacks on students who have voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people and opposition to the Israeli government. These attacks are an attempt to intimidate and criminalize the immense popular opposition to a crime by imperialism of historic proportions. The defense of democratic rights of these students must become a central part of the mobilization of the international working class against the genocidal onslaught on the Palestinians perpetrated by the fascistic Israeli government with the full backing of the imperialist powers. At Harvard University, over 30 student groups face a vicious, state-sponsored smear campaign after signing a principled statement written by the Palestine Solidarity Committee which correctly blames Israels brutal, decades-long occupation for the present bloody conflict. Larry Summers, former Harvard president and treasury secretary under Bill Clinton, vehemently denounced the students on X (formerly Twitter), calling the statement morally unconscionable and saying it sickened him. On Thursday, a van rode around campus, plastered with the names and faces of many of the protesting students, slandering them as Harvards leading anti-Semites. This followed calls by billionaire hedge fund manager and Democratic Party donor Bill Ackman and other CEOs for the university to publicly blacklist and dox these students. Ackman has previously gone on record calling the fascist murderer Kyle Rittenhouse a civic minded patriot. At New York University (NYU), law student and president of the universitys Student Bar Association (SBA), Ryna Workman, has come under attack for issuing a statement in solidarity with the Palestinians. The NYU administration, which has close ties to the Democratic Party, Wall Street hedge funds and the military, has aligned itself with right-wing slanders against Workman. The corporate law firm Winston and Strawn rescinded an offer of employment, and the SBA has initiated proceedings to remove Workman from her elected position. The pogrom-like atmosphere being whipped up by the state, corporations and university administrations against left-wing students has already resulted in violent attacks at the University of California, Los Angeles. Palestinian students and members of the Students for Justice in Palestine UCLA have reported being shoved, hit, spit on and threatened with knives by Zionists. A teach-in on the crisis on Thursday was interrupted by Zionists, who grabbed students laptops and issued death threats against them. In Brooklyn, New York City, an 18-year-old Palestinian youth was assaulted by a gang of Zionists on Wednesday night. On Thursday, at a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Brooklyn College, Trump supporter and New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov visibly displayed a gun, seeking to intimidate protesters. The IYSSE rejects the slander that opposition to Israels crimes against the Palestinians is antisemitic. The students at Harvard, NYU and UCLA have voiced entirely principled opposition to Zionism and war crimes, which has always been a staple of genuine left-wing and socialist politics. We also reject the implied claim that the Israeli government, in its crimes against the Palestinians, is speaking for the Jewish population. The far-right regime of Netanyahu speaks no more for the interests of the working class in Israel than the US ruling class did for the interests of American workers when it invaded and bombed Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya and provoked a war against Russia. In significant sections of the Jewish population in Israel and across the world, there is immense opposition to the Netanyahu government and its criminal policies. The censorship campaign against left-wing students in the US is part of an international effort by the ruling class in the imperialist centers to criminalize and intimidate mass popular opposition to the war. In Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Australia, governments swiftly moved to ban pro-Palestinian solidarity protests. In the US, politicians associated with the pseudo-left Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have issued calls to shut down pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The DSA so far has refused to issue even a nominal statement in defense of the democratic rights of students who are voicing opposition to this war. The ferocity of the attacks on these students and anti-war opposition is an inverse reflection of the mass popular revulsion against a crime of historic proportions that is being committed in front of the eyes of the worlds population. The Israeli government, led by a fascistic cabal centered around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has launched missile strikes and imposed a blockade targeting the whole population of Gaza. Thursday night, Netanyahu issued a 24-hour ultimatum to 1.1 million people in Gazahalf of the entire populationto evacuate, effectively calling for them to go on a death march. Almost half of the 2.2 million people in Gaza are children under the age of 18, who have grown up in conditions akin to a concentration camp, deprived of their most basic human rights and the right to a future. The neo-colonial and genocidal character of this war was stated bluntly by the Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who said, I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed. Both Gallant and Netanyahu have used fascist language, referring to the Palestinian people as animals and savages. Even before the start of a planned ground invasion, over the past six days, an estimated 1,000 homes in Gaza have been completely destroyed, with 13,000 more damaged, rendering over 330,000 people homeless overnight. Over 1,400 have been killed, among them at least 500 children. The US and European imperialist powers bear full responsibility for the atrocities now being committed by the Israeli government. They stand exposed as perpetrators and supporters of war crimes and fascistic policies. The unfolding war in Gaza and the hysterical attacks by the ruling class on any opposition to it can only be understood in their broader political and historical context. It is a new front in the unfolding imperialist redivision of the world and is inseparable from the US-NATO war in Ukraine against Russia. Already, the conflict in Gaza threatens to expand to the rest of the Middle East, with reports that Israeli forces have launched drone strikes in Lebanon and missiles in Syria. Like the war in Ukraine, the Israeli assault on Gaza has profound historical roots. Seventy-five years ago, the founding of the state of Israel began the occupation of Palestine and the mass expulsion of the Palestinians from their land and homes. This was followed in 1967 by the occupation of the West Bank by Israel. Since 2006, Israel has maintained a blockade against Gaza, turning it into an open air prison. Throughout this entire period, the Palestinians have faced routine violence, arrests, persecutions and killings at the hands of the Israel Defense Forces and far-right Zionist settlers. Confronted with resistance against these intolerable conditions, the Israeli government and its imperialist allies, rocked by profound internal crises, have decided to deal with the problem of the Palestinians through mass murder. In both Ukraine and Israel, the imperialist powers have aligned themselves with the most reactionary forces. While backing the fascist cabal around Netanyahu in Israel, and slandering criticism of Israel as antisemitic, the NATO powers have funded and armed actual neo-Nazis in Ukraine who glorify Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera. Only weeks ago, the entire Canadian parliament, along with special guest Volodymr Zelensky and representatives from the NATO countries, gave a standing ovation to a Nazi war criminal, Ukrainian Waffen-SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka. There is also another reason for the extraordinary ferocity and brazen criminality of the attack on the Palestinian people and all those who support it: The ruling class in the US and Europe, as in Israel, confronts growing domestic opposition and militancy within the working class and youth. In the US, the ruling class has been rattled by the emergence of the largest strike wave in decades, involving workers across the auto, healthcare, logistics and education industries. Workers and students must be warned: The logic of the current campaign against anti-war views on university campuses means that the ruling class will set into motion its entire state apparatus, with the cooperation of the major corporations, universities and the media, to crack down on any expression of opposition to the war policies and propaganda of the ruling class. This campaign is meant to set a precedent to eliminate remaining democratic rights and intimidate and criminalize opposition by workers and youth to war and all other policies of the ruling class. Workers and youth will not take these assaults lying down. Despite the concerted campaign to criminalize opposition to the war, mass demonstrations continue to break out in the US and worldwide. But these demonstrations need to be given a conscious political program and perspective upon which to fight. The onslaught against Gaza cannot be stopped without the support of the masses in Israel and the imperialist centers, including the United States. The emerging strikes by the working class and demonstrations against the war in Gaza must be fused into a conscious movement by the international working class and youth against all exploitation, inequality and oppression. This requires building a mass revolutionary, socialist movement in the working class and youth against war and the capitalist system itself. The IYSSE, the youth movement of the world Trotskyist movement, the International Committee of the Fourth International, is fighting to build such a movement. Over the coming weeks we will be organizing meetings across the US in opposition to the war in Gaza. We are also calling for the broadest possible turnout at demonstrations against the war and encourage youth, principled intellectuals and workers to raise the following demands: Down with Netanyahus government! Stop the imperialist-backed Zionist onslaught against Gaza! No to censorship, blacklisting and criminalization of opponents of war! Defend democratic rights! For a unified movement against imperialist war and capitalism by American, European, Israeli and Palestinian workers and youth! Build the IYSSE and the International Committee of the Fourth International! Fight for socialism! Join the next online meeting of the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee Network to discuss uniting workers for an all-out strike across the auto industry. Register here to attend. UAW President Shawn Fain during a livestream on October 13, 2023 [Photo: UAW] Still reeling from the resounding contract rejection last weekend by 4,000 Mack Trucks workers, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain announced no further strikes at Ford, General Motors or Stellantis plants during a livestream Friday. The UAWs so-called stand up strikes at the Big Three have left the auto companies most profitable plants running, churning out enormous profits for management, while other workers struggle on $500 weekly strike pay. Instead, Fain announced that he would travel to Pennsylvania this weekend to assess the situation at Mack Trucks. The trip will be aimed at getting the situation under control and seeking to tamp down a growing rank-and-file rebellion. With their rejection of the UAW-backed sellout deal last weekenda contract that Fain had personally endorsedMack workers dealt a powerful blow to the UAW attempt to impose a sellout deal on Big Three workers. Last week, the UAW had appeared on the verge of announcing a settlement, reporting a transformative agreement by GM to include electric vehicle plants under the national auto contract. The defeat of the Mack Trucks contract, however, may have convinced the UAW leadership that further time is needed to wear down the resistance of workers. In a bid to shore up its credibility, the UAW called a strike at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant Wednesday, claiming that Ford had become intransigent. Even with the strike at Ford Kentucky Truck, more than 75 percent of UAW members at the Big Three have been ordered to remain on the job, working without a contract. During Fridays livestream, the UAW president resorted once again to militant-sounding bluster. However, comments in the wake of the event reveal workers patience has worn thin with Fains empty rhetoric. A Stellantis MOPAR worker in Michigan told the World Socialist Web Site: At this point, the companies are still making money while saving on wages and healthcare expenses off the strikers backs, meanwhile helping the companies to transition to EVs. I hope Mack Trucks gives him hell! He shouldnt have even brought that BS contract to them to vote on in the first place! Meanwhile, he hasnt even presented to us whats on the table as of today. Smoke and mirrors! He keeps saying hes not giving them forever. How can he justify saying our contract expiration date wasnt a reference point to now marking the fourth week and still have only struck zero to one of the Big Three per week? Bill, a full-time worker at Stellantis Warren Truck in Michigan, said: His words sound great but his actions arent backing them up. After what he did at Mack Trucks, how can I believe a word he says? When he endorsed the contract, supposedly a record contract, and they resoundingly voted it down. Why did he endorse it and call it a record contract? The weekly livestream was again delayed by 30 minutes, which the UAW has repeatedly attributed to last-minute offers from management. However, the content of UAW officials discussions with company executives has been kept secret from workers. Members of UAW Local 171 picket outside a Mack Trucks facility in Hagerstown, Maryland after going on strike Monday, October 9, 2023. Workers voted down a tentative five-year contract agreement that UAW negotiators had reached with the company. [AP Photo/Steve Ruark] Fain paid lip service to respecting the will of the membership at Mack, who decisively voted down the miserable 19 percent wage rise over five years that he recommended. At the same time, he hypocritically defended the pro-company agreement he had backed, claiming, The contract they were offered had bigger general wage increases than anything at Mack in recent memory. Fain has already shown hes not for us, hes for the companies The UAWs phony stand-up strikes have been designed to minimize the impact on corporate profits while exerting maximum financial pressure on workers. Particularly affected have been temporary part-time workers, who have seen drastic cuts in hours while being denied the right to apply for unemployment assistance. Responding to the livestream, a temporary part-time supplemental worker and member of the Warren Truck Rank-and-File Committee said: Right now, they are laying people off and not giving the TPTs any hours. They think if were desperate well be more willing to take whatever deal they throw at us. Fain is siding with them. But thats not how it is going to work. We have to all strike and hit them where it hurts. Fain has already shown hes not for us, hes for the companies. Who makes these decisions to go little by little, and to pick a plant here or there? Hes calling out some plants, but theyre still producing pickup trucks and making a lot of money. This is not really affecting the Big Threes profits. I read the open letter to Fain from the Mack Trucks workers. I agree with it, and I am proud of them for standing up for themselves. It shows everyone else that we can do it too. They initiated their own strike and that is powerful. Fain was going to stick them with a terrible contract, and they said no. Thats inspiring other people who are tired of being kept in the dark and waiting for the companies to give us a better proposal. Its necessary for us to strike them and put a dent into their bank accounts. On Friday, Fain also sought to adopt a pose of internationalism, wearing a red hoodie provided by the Italian Federation of Metalworkers (FIOM). He reported that officials from FIOM as well as the British Unite union and the IndustriAll union federation were in Detroit to help lend support to the UAW apparatus. IndustriAll, an international union backed by the German government, has been involved in Mexico and other countries, setting up employer-friendly unions aimed at suppressing the genuine strivings of workers. While there is a growing awareness among autoworkers of the need for global workers solidarity, the union leaders Fain invited to Detroit are no less pro-corporate operators than the UAW bureaucrats. A good portion of Fains remarks seemed directed more toward toward his superiors in the Biden administration and management than toward autoworkers. Biden wants the strike ended so as not to interfere with the expanding war in Ukraine and the horrific repression of Palestinians in Gaza. Fain warned of anger in the ranks, essentially pleading for more time and assistance in bringing the brewing rebellion under control. He declared, Unless employers start coming to their senses, unless we start to see real gains in our contracts that match the gains weve seen on Wall Street, then I predict there are going to be a lot more strikes on the horizon. Here in Detroit, workers are preparing to shut down our citys casinos. He added, 1,100 members of General Dynamics in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania just voted to authorize a strike by 97 percent. And their contract expires next Sunday. We want an all-out strike Bill, the Warren Truck worker, remarked: He keeps saying the membership has the last word. The membership voted in a 97 percent vote that we want an all-out strike. Thats what the membership wanted. Then he says, no, we are doing it my way. He shows the membership terrible disrespect every time he is on camera. He is not working toward the benefit of the membership. He is working toward the benefit of the international union and the companies. That is the only explanation for such a toothless strike. While workers have expressed enormous determination to win a major breakthrough, determination alone is not sufficient to bring victory in this fight. What is necessary is a new leadership and the development of shop floor power. This is the program being fought for by the network of autoworkers rank-and-file committees, including the Mack Workers Rank-and-File Committee, which played the leading role in organizing opposition to the sellout contract by Mack Trucks workers. The rebellion among autoworkers is part of a global resurgence of working-class militancy, taking place under conditions of staggering levels of social inequality, the growing danger of world war, a still-raging pandemic and a developing economic crisis. Workers confront an entire economic and social order, capitalism, that no longer serves even the most elementary needs of the vast majority in society. The current irrational social order must be replaced by a society based on the production for human needs, not private profit, that is, a socialist society. Mass demonstrations have erupted across the Middle East and internationally in support of the latest Palestinian uprising against Israels criminal apartheid system and against the fascistic Netanyahu regimes campaign of collective punishment in the Gaza Strip, the worlds largest open-air concentration camp. Gabriel Boric and Joe Biden at Summit of the Americas, June 2022. [Photo: Fernando Ramirez] Continuing demonstrations are also taking place across Europe and North and South America, demanding an end to Israels illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, its herding millions into ghettos without access to water, electricity, food, medications and to the outside world, and its indiscriminate killing of defenseless people in a seven-decade war of attrition. This is despite the governments of the major imperialist powers moving to criminalize these protests, while turning a blind eye to Israels flagrant crimes against humanity. Standing reality on its head, the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK issued a joint communique on October 9 expressing their steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism. This banding together of imperialists behind their militarized bulwark in the Middle East is par for the course. All of them have centuries of accumulated experience in subjugating colonial and semi-colonial nations of Asia, Africa and Latin Americaeach power having individually committed unspeakable atrocities, laying waste to whole societies and ending the lives of millions. But what accounts for the Chilean government shamelessly regurgitating the imperialists slander of the Palestinian struggle as terrorist and their subsequent silence before Israels razing of schools, hospitals and residential apartments, its targeted murder of journalists and paramedics and the dispatching of the IDF into Gaza? Its hostile position is all the more significant since Chile is home to half a million Palestinians, the largest concentration outside of the Middle East. On October 8, the government of Chile expressed its absolute condemnation of the attacks that occurred today against a number of towns and cities in Israel, referring to the actions of the Palestinians as violent terrorist attacks. Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren added that the use of force against civilians is never acceptable in armed conflict, even in the exercise of self-defense. We call on all parties involved in acts of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories to respect that basic principle. On October 10, Chilean President Gabriel Boric went further, equating the actions of Hamas with the repressive apparatus of the Israeli state: Our solidarity is and will always be with the victims of violence, without distinction. We condemn without qualification the brutal attacks, murders and kidnappings by Hamas. Nothing can justify them or relativize their most energetic rejection. We also condemn the indiscriminate attacks against civilians carried out by the Israeli army in Gaza and the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory for decades in violation of international law. From Chile we will urge firmly in all spaces for peace, recognizing the right to exist of both States, Israel and Palestine, and of the peoples who inhabit it to have a dignified and safe life. He was followed by others from his ruling alliance that includes the Stalinist Communist Party, the Socialist Party, and his own Broad Front, the most noteworthy being the comments of Communist legislator Carmen Hertz. According to Hertz, adherence to the Palestinian cause, to its justice and desires, does not prevent us from condemning categorically, without ambiguity, without any relativization whatsoever, the massacre, rape and kidnapping of Israeli civilians by the Hamas group. That the accusations of rape, the beheading of infants, caging of children and other libels against the Palestinians have proven to be IDF propaganda did not compel Hertz to set right her self-righteous rebuke. On October 12, the pseudo-left government also prohibited a March for Peace in Santiago called by the Palestinian Solidarity Committee, forcing the humanitarian organization to demand that its right to free expression and our commitment to non-violence be respected and urging the national and international community to be attentive to this situation and to support our demand for fair and equitable treatment and our legitimate right to free expression in Chile. The reasons for the pseudo-left governments position are twofold. Firstly, whereas some states in Latin America are attempting to straddle between the imperialist powers and the Chinese and Russian-dominated BRICS amid the ever-deepening fissures within the US-dominated world capitalist order, the Boric government has openly tied itself to the strategic foreign policy objectives of the Biden Administration. Since coming to power in March 2022, Boric has been on key with the US State Department talking points, railing against Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba for not meeting up to Washingtons democratic standards while aligning with the imperialist war drive against Russia, to the point of inviting President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the Chilean Congress on the virtues of Ukraines Nazi-infested democracy. Less publicized is the countrys deepening ties with the Pentagon. For a decade US Southern Command has held annual joint exercises in Chile and across the region with all the branches of the Chilean Armed Forces. This past April, the Army carried out the Fused Response war games to deal with regional security challenges, followed by joint Air Force special operations exercises held in August, and most recently joint Naval operations in late September. US Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson, SOUTHCOM commander since 2021, has taken the lead in pushing Washingtons pivot to Latin America and has made it her mission to arrest Chinese strategic influence in American imperialisms own backyard by any means, while at the same time preparing the regions militaries to deal with the ongoing insecurity and instability caused by obscene levels of poverty and social inequality. She elaborated, if somewhat unintelligibly, on this diplomatic, propaganda, economic and military strategy at a meeting held last Wednesday by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank focused on national security and foreign policy. Ive been working, you know, really hard to, you know, not just pressurize our abilities andfrom the military perspective, you know, and military equipment and helping their militaries and their public security forces. Number one, thats, you know, how we build a strong deterrence, is through the strength of all of us together. Earlier in April she explained that in SOUTHCOMs exercises, the goal is to work together to strengthen us and also to increase interoperability. Its very important that we communicate, that we work so closely that we can finish each others sentences. Thats how close we want to understand each other. Seventy-five years ago, at the height of the Cold War, the Pentagon initiated similar joint operations for similar reasons. Imperialist counter-insurgency operations against the Algerian, Vietnamese and other independence struggles became the basis for training Latin Americas rabidly anti-communist officer corp and its future dictators at Fort Benning and in Panama in the doctrines of National Security. By 1973, that is 50 years ago, more than half the Chilean military officers had been through US training when it overthrew the democratically-elected government of Salvador Allende and unleashed counterrevolutionary terror against a working class betrayed by its own leaders in the Popular Unity Alliance brought to power three years earlier. The second reason is intimately linked to the first. Increasingly, the government of Gabriel Boric is responding to legitimate social and democratic demands of the population with the same authoritarian and police-state measures that have made Israel infamous and which governments internationally are turning towards. As the WSWS has noted, Boric is preparing the legal justifications for repression in anticipation of a revolutionary eruption over fundamental and unresolved questions such as the right to housing and land tenure by sponsoring a bill that criminalizes school and workplace occupations as well as all forms of land seizures, including by the homeless. The bill, which not only imposes hefty jail terms, but grants property owners the right to use lethal force in defense of private property, particularly targets the indigenous Mapuche communities, the most marginalized population in Chile since the genocidal dispossession of the Pacification Wars of the late 19th century. Mapuche communities, which for decades have sought to reclaim ancestral lands in southern Chile, daily suffer persecution and intimidation, mass indiscriminate arrests and deaths while in custody at the hands of Chiles murderous Carabineros police and military. The virtually permanent presence of the state apparatus in indigenous communities, deployed by Boric in May 2022, is just the sharpest expression of what the Chilean ruling class has in store for the whole working class. Along with the anti-usurpation law, Boric is also proposing to revamp anti-terror laws routinely applied by the military dictatorship, as well as a plethora of other anti-democratic and police state measures. None of this would be possible without the duplicitous role of the so-called lefts like long-time Stalinist operative Carmen Hertz. Most if not all the reactionary and anti-working class legislation has had their backing. Hertz, 78, made her name as a human rights lawyer during the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet after her partner, Carlos Berger, was killed in 1973 by the Caravan of Death, a death squad created by Pinochet to summarily execute his regimes left-wing opponents in the provinces. Berger was one of hundreds who were disappeared not once, but twice, first buried in a clandestine grave, only to be later exhumed and have his remains thrown into the Pacific. Today, the pseudo-left cynically capitalizes on this horrific past to further integrate themselves into the capitalist state and play an indispensable part in safeguarding bourgeois rule. The governments eagerness to accommodate deeply authoritarian and anti-democratic political forces cannot be overstated. The pseudo-left and the Stalinists are both part of team capitalism but perform different functions according to a political division of labor. The Stalinists posture as the guardians of human rights and regularly attack imperialism and the putschist right. But when capitalism is threatened, they line up behind it. Therein lie the reasons for the Boric administrations defense of Israels latest war crimes. Are you a health care worker? Share your experience by filling out the form at the end of this article. Tristin Kate Smith, a 28-year old emergency department nurse from Dayton, Ohio, died by suicide at her home on August 7, 2023. Following her death, a letter was found on Smiths laptop by her parents, who sent the letter to the local paper, The Oakwood Register. Following its publication, the letter quickly spread among healthcare workers on social media. The letter is a condemnation of the for-profit American healthcare system that exploits nurses, healthcare workers and patients. It is a sincere, tragic and in-depth look into what registered nurses (RNs) are experiencing on a daily basis. Smith titled her suicide note, A Letter to My Abuser. It was written in March of 2023, five months prior to her death. Tristin Kate Smith, daughter, nurse, aunt, friend. [Photo: Family of Tristin Kate Smith] In making the decision to share her letter with the public, Ron Smith, Tristins father wrote: Youre reading this now because Tristins story needs to be told. We need to take action. Our nations healthcare system is broken, and it broke our girl. Her passion for nursing has turned into a nightmare. Tristin was in trouble. Nurses are in trouble. Female nurses commit suicide at more than twice the rate of females in the general population. In her letter, Tristin writes, Ever since I was young, I expressed interest in healthcare and becoming a nurse, so I began my study. I gave my heart. My body, and my mind to you... She continued, I told you I would be there through the good and the bad, but you have taken my heart and slowly crushed the goodness it had. You told me I was going into a career that matters. I could make a difference. You made me feel comfortable, despite the rumors of your abusive pastrumors I didnt want to believe. The compliments, the pizzas and the thank you letters gradually had less meaning to me, though. Smith went on to describe her hostile work environment, which places profits above all else, and blames nurses for mistakes that result from poor staffing, overwork and exhaustion. Smith wrote that the law does not protect nurses and makes a specific reference to the RaDonda Vaught case. You created an environment of fear and blame in a place we already felt unsafe. You blamed us for things out of our control. You criminally charged my colleagues for things that happened as a direct result of your own actions. The law doesnt protect us... Vaught was a former Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) nurse in Tennessee. She was fired and found guilty of the death of 75-year-old patient Charlene Murphey after a fatal medication error. Nurses and healthcare workers around the US rallied to Vaughts defense because they understood the real cause of medical errors are chronic understaffing, inhuman workloads and the subordination of medical care to corporate profit. Pointing to the capitalist system as the source of abuse and her torment, Smith concluded, You use and exploit us to line your pockets, using the common citizens money for overpriced healthcare.... Each day, you ask me to do more with less. You beat me to the point that my body and mind are black, bruised, and bleeding out. Im only sorry to my patients and colleagues. You deserve so much better, but my abusive partner is relentless. If I stay, I will lose my sanityand possibly my lifeforever. Tragically, Smiths suicide is also not an isolated incident. A study published last month by the Journal of the American Medical Association, which observed 1.84 million people in and outside the healthcare profession between 2008 and 2019, found that RNs, health technicians, and healthcare support workers were at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. A 2019 report by Judy Davidson, a University of California-San Diego nursing and psychiatry researcher, found that nurse suicides were 41 percent higher for male nurses and nearly 58 percent higher for female nurses as compared to the general population. On January 18, 2022, Michael Odell, a 27-year-old intensive care travel nurse working at Stanford Health Care, walked out of his shift early amid another COVID-19 wave and never returned. After a frantic 48-hour search by colleagues and police, Odells body was found at a wildlife refuge in the Bay Area. On April 27, 2022, a nurse at Kaisers Santa Clara Medical Center died by suicide while at work in the emergency room. Sources told NBC Bay Area that the nurse brought a loaded gun to work and shot and killed himself halfway through his shift. According to findings from a literature review from the Journal of Clinical Nursing, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become increasingly commonplace among nurses. Nurses who have experienced violence, aggression or trauma in the workplace reported higher rates of PTSD. Other catalysts include workplace frustrations, such as lack of staffing or other resources, as well as a negative perception of patient care, lack of organizational support, patient suffering and the deaths of pediatric and adolescent patients. Unable to tolerate worsening conditions, many nurses are leaving the profession altogether. A 2023 study done by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), found that approximately 100,000 RNs left the workforce in the last two years due to stress, burnout and retirements. The study found that another 610,388 RNs reported an intent to leave the workforce by 2027. An additional 188,962 RNs younger than 40 years old reported similar intentions. Overall, about one-fifth of RNs nationally are projected to leave the healthcare workforce in the next five years. This will have devastating consequences for RNs who are already working in intolerable conditions, and will have a direct and deadly impact on patient care. While many healthcare workers are leaving the profession, thousands are fighting back against dangerous working conditions and poor pay. Nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick, New Jersey have been on strike since August 4 after walking out to demand increased staffing, safe nurse-to-patient ratios, better wages, a cap on healthcare costs and healthcare benefits in retirement. At healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente, 75,000 workers went on a three-day strike earlier this month. Workers demanded an increase in pay, safe staffing levels, an end to mandatory overtime and a broad expansion of infection control measures in healthcare facilities. On Friday, the Coalition for Kaiser Permanente Unions (CKPU) announced it had reached a tentative agreement following the intervention of Bidens Acting US Labor Secretary Julie Su. The intervention of Su underscores that healthcare workers, as is the case with every section of the working class, are not only engaged in struggle against Wall Street, but the US government and their lackeys in the trade union bureaucracies. The terrible conditions healthcare workers confront exist throughout the privatized American healthcare industry, the most overpriced and dysfunctional of all advanced economies. The fundamental question is: who should control the healthcare industry? Will power remain in the hands of the overpaid hospital administrators and corporate executives who pour millions into preventing safe patient ratios, who develop lean staffing models that prioritize profits over lives? Or will it be run by healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, technicians, for the benefit of all of humanity? The only means to ending these criminal and deadly policies is through a broader struggle by healthcare workers and their class brothers and sisters throughout the working class for socialized medicine. This means taking control of their workplaces, and finally removing the profit motive from healthcare, guaranteeing it to all as a social and human right. The following letter was sent to the World Socialist Web Site from a Harvard employee. Dear colleagues, The statement by the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) and the extraordinary backlash to it has become an international news story. The short statement by student activists, which legitimately held the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence, has been denounced by university administrators, national media personalities and billionaire CEOs. It has outrageously been equated to support for Hamas, terrorism and anti-Semitism. The Baker Library at the Harvard Business School on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., Tuesday, March 7, 2017 [AP Photo/Charles Krupa] This has created an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship on campus. The PSC had to postpone a solidarity vigil acknowledging all civilian victims following credible death threats, according to a PSC statement to the Harvard Crimson, the student newspaper. Due to the threats, only Harvard ID holders are allowed on campus during certain time periods, and the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) has increased their presence on campus. A young Muslim student was reportedly advised by HUPD to stay in her dorm rather than attend an in-person meeting because her headscarf could make her a target for violence; loved ones are checking in to encourage distance from Harvard Yard. The far-right Accuracy in Media (AIM) group has swiftly descended onto the scene, driving around Harvard Square with a billboard truck showing the names and photos of students supposedly associated with the PSC statement under the header Harvards Leading Antisemites. Despite its nominal dedication to accuracy, the truck has reportedly included photos of students who are no longer at Harvard, students no longer affiliated with the organizations, and Jewish students, all lumped together as anti-Semites. The pile-on against these student activists has provided grist for the mill for far-right groups like AIM, which has promoted Tucker Carlson and defended torture under the Bush administration. It should be noted that this milieu is full of genuine anti-Semites, that Israelis have protested in record numbers against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus slow-motion coup, that Israeli and Jewish organizations and activists are among those calling Israel an apartheid regime and opposing the slaughter in Gaza, and that equating the Jewish people and the actions of the State of Israel provides fertile ground for anti-Semitism. It is clear at this point that business executives and other right-wingers have decided to make an example of Harvard student activists. Earlier this week, the World Socialist Web Site reported: On Tuesday, billionaire hedge fund manager and longtime Democratic Party donor Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, called on Harvard to release the names of students who are members of the organizations that signed the PSCs joint statement. Ackman menacingly wrote, I have been asked by a number of CEOs if Harvard would release a list of the members of each of the Harvard organizations that have issued the letter assigning sole responsibility for Hamas heinous acts to Israel, so as to insure [sic] that none of us inadvertently hire any of their members. If, in fact, their members support the letter they have released, the names of the signatories should be made public so their views are publicly known. On Friday, CNN reported that Idan Oferwho, with a net worth of approximately $20 billion according to Bloomberg, is the wealthiest person in Israel and the 80th most wealthy person on Earthand his wife Batia have left the Harvard Kennedy School Deans Executive Board. The schools website describes the board as a small group of business and philanthropic leaders who serve as trusted advisors to the Dean and are among the most committed financial supporters of the School. This board is only one of the many mechanisms by which wealthy donors influence university administration and, ultimately, the trajectory of academic life at Harvard and other universities. The administration has clearly come under enormous pressure in the past week. Harvard President Claudine Gay has issued multiple statements denouncing Hamas and terrorism (and implicitly denouncing the PSC), while noting that academic freedom and free speech still, for now, exist. In a video posted Thursday evening, Gay said: That commitment [to free expression] extends even to views that many of us find objectionable, even outrageous. We do not punish or sanction people for expressing such views. To be honest, the fact that the president of what is arguably the most prominent university on the planet had to say that, no, the university does not expel students for objectionable viewsas demanded by a Harvard professor, among othersis degrading. My colleagues are evidently explaining, in conversations with angry donors and alumni, the ABCs of academic freedom. You would think that Harvard graduates would know better! The PSC, by daring to note that the dispossession of Palestinians during the founding of Israel and ongoing repression by the Israeli government in Gaza created the context for this latest violence, cut through the one-sided narrative promoted in the media and by governments from Tel Aviv to Washington. Harvard is an international institution. Its students, faculty and staff come from many backgrounds and from all over the world, including Israel and Palestine. Indeed, the exchange of ideas and perspectives that this enables has historically been held up as an essential aspect, even duty, of higher education. I know that many of my colleaguesand the students we, directly and indirectly, serveare reeling from the events of the last week. Many of us have personal, national or religious connections to innocent people caught up in the conflict. I know that with this comes intense, understandable emotions. I hope that, among everything that is going on, we can also try to understand the origins and significance of the conflict, acknowledge that criticism of the Israeli government is legitimate, and oppose this disgusting, McCarthyite campaign against students for expressing their views. Lastly, to students, staff and faculty at Harvard and beyond: I have found the articles and statements published on the WSWS to be unparalleled in their political analysis and clarity. I urge you to consider the WSWSs socialist perspective of uniting Jewish and Arab workers, and workers everywhere, against the capitalist nation-state system that has ultimately wrought this conflict. The following would be an excellent start: Oppose the outlawing of solidarity protests in defense of Gaza! Who is responsible for the violence in Israel and Gaza? Down with Netanyahus government! Stop the imperialist-backed Zionist onslaught against Gaza! Thousands of young people and workers of all backgrounds, including entire families, joined a demonstration in Times Square, New York City on Friday afternoon to oppose the genocidal war waged by the Israeli government, with the full support of the US and the European imperialist powers, on the Palestinian people. New York City is home to a Muslim population of nearly one million people, and it also has the largest Jewish population in the United States at 2.1 million. The protest was advertised widely at the predominantly working class City University of New York (CUNY) system and supported by students at Columbia University and New York University (NYU). The demonstrators in Manhattan were met with a large presence of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Hundreds of cops assembled near the rally, helicopters circled the demonstrators and the NYPD installed mobile command centers. Thousands gathered in Manhattan on Friday, October 13, 2023, to oppose the genocidal onslaught against the Palestinian people. Media outlets whipped up a frenzy in advance, identifying the protests and others like it planned around the world with a supposed Hamas-inspired Day of Jihad, implying that the rallies would be associated with terrorist acts. Eric Adams, the citys Democratic Mayor, told a news briefing on Thursday that he had supplied cops to patrol schools, religious institutions and some neighborhoods in anticipation of Friday's protest. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) congressperson from New York City Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested last week that it should not be so hard to shut down pro-Palestinian demonstrations in New York City. Her DSA-supported colleague, Jamaal Bowman, also from New York, said he was disgusted with last weeks protest in defense of Palestinians. On Thursday, far-right Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov appeared at a pro-Palestinian rally at Brooklyn College displaying a pistol in her waistband. But the overwhelming sentiment among protesters was one of defiance and determination to fight in defense of the Palestinian people. While there was a small presence of pro-Hamas elements, the vast majority of protesters were workers and young people who expressed opposition to the genocidal war by Israel and a striving for unity of the working class across the Middle East and internationally. A young teacher in New York City attended the demonstration but, like many interviewees, asked to remain anonymous. He told the World Socialist Web Site: As a Jewish person Ive been taught my whole life that oppression cannot be tolerated, and the Israeli government for decades has oppressed the Palestinian people and currently operates the largest open-air prison in Gaza. Ive never been more moved than now to demonstrate against that injustice. I see what is happening now as, if not a full-on declaration of genocide, then short of it. We have Israeli ministers calling Palestinians animals and beasts, As a Jew, hearing an entire group of people being called that way is just simply unacceptable. Right now, they are bombing indiscriminately in Gaza and that is not being publicized in the same way as violence against Israelis is. Obviously, Im 100 percent against civilian deaths, no matter who it is, and thats exactly why Im here now. Palestinians have been dying at an outrageous rate, and even if theyre not dying, their living conditions are beyond horrible and unacceptable. Im sure there are many, many Jews here and around the world who are passionately [opposed to what is happening]. The Israeli government in my view is working for those who support Israel as a military state, such as the United States, countries in the European Union and Britain. Meanwhile, if you read opinion editorials in Israel, there are many who call on the Netanyahu government to end the occupation. In America, I see this attitude if youre pro-Palestine youre anti-Semitic. I dont think thats how all Israelis see it. I think that the mainstream media and the political powers in the United States pick and choose what they amplify. A young woman told the WSWS, The US media is throwing out a lot of misinformation. The accusation of forty babies being killed was proved a lie. The US is a hegemon, and I see this as connected to the war on Russia in Ukraine, as an effect after the Cold War. The US has sent a huge load of armaments to Israel while it is forcing evacuation of a million people. Aziz told the WSWS: Israel has been a racist state, and we are living in an age of modern-day apartheid. The US government has been funding the state of Israel the problem is that this is dehumanization of the [Palestinian] people. The Biden administration is making it so that genocide is OK in 2023. Im very emotional about this. Lets say youre a kid on the playground and youre getting hit every day for the last 75 years. Its been 75 years that youve been hit by the state of Nakba. I urge everyone to research Nakba, inform yourself. People look at one incident, they dont look at the whole story. Please read the history. Lindsey, a 21-year-old art student at City College of New York, came to the protest to demonstrate against the genocide they [the Israeli government] are committing. She said that she was opposed to the media coverage which was calling Palestinians animals and terrorists when the Israeli government has committed atrocities. Discussing the need to unify the Palestinian and Israeli masses with workers in the US and Europe, Lindsey said, I 100 percent agree that there had to be a distinction [made between the Israeli government and the people.] The Israeli government is not the Israeli people. Theres a huge difference. There are definitely people there who are for Palestine, and I think we need to fight [together] against the [Israeli] government. Justin, who works for a non-profit, said: Im here because Im horrified at whats happening. Its a genocide. War crimes are being committed. Nobody in the West seems to be doing anything to stop it. Im Arab-American, my family came here 100 years ago. Everybody I know who is related to it is really going through a lot right now. I work at a progressive non-profit but I dont feel comfortable how this is being talked about. People feel about the children but once youre a Palestinian who is 20, its different. But these are people who have been living for 16 years in an illegal blockade. We have sympathies for these children but these children grow up and what do they know? All they know is an open-air prison. I think the only solution at this point is a one-state solution where Arabs have a full right to return and equal rights, ideally some sort of reparations. There are generations now of Israelis who live there and they have no home to go to either, I acknowledge that. The two-state solution doesnt seem feasible, based on whats been happening over the past 20 years. Its been an ethnic cleansing. Sabrina, who attended the demonstration together with her sister and was planning to go to another demonstration in Chicago this weekend, said that she had come for the Palestinian people and for the people that are dying and suffering right now. She continued: The Israeli military is murdering civilians, its a genocide. Its about Palestinians getting their freedom back which should have never been taken away from them. Sabrina and her sister at the demonstration in Times Square, New York City, October 13, 2023. Lina, who used to work for the United Nations, said: I came to support the human rights of those who are being persecuted in Gaza and Palestine. They are among the most persecuted people of our time. Its a shame that Israel and the US cannot see that theres huge opposition in the international community. This is a genocide. Lina at the demonstration in New York City, October 13, 2023. Marta, who works for a financial company and comes from Poland, said: I came because it is the right thing to do. To be honest, I wouldnt have had the strength to come here but my roommate is Palestinian. Her uncle, his wife and their two children were killed yesterday in Gaza and I can see how this is affecting her. This is a horrible atrocity and we shouldnt mince words about it. It has actually been going on for decades and weve turned our blind eye on this. Im just joining this fight now but I probably should have joined earlier. In addition to Fridays demonstration in Times Square, over a thousand people of Jewish descent joined a protest in Brooklyn against the war and the criminal policies of the Netanyahu government toward the Palestinians. Charles, an educator in Brooklyn, submitted a statement to the WSWS, stating: As an educator and an American Jew, Im distraught at the position the government, the media, the mayor, and even my peers have put me in. Its an impossible position, akin only to Hamlets cry of taking up arms against a sea of troubles. How I wish I could comfortably show my support for Palestinian resistance without fear of imprisonment or social excommunication. How I wish I could educate my students and my peers to the objective facts of the Israeli apartheid and occupation without fear of parent action or administrative investigation. Perhaps most disturbing to me is the invocation of the Holocaust by Western media and individuals on social media. To refer to the Holocaust in any way as analogous to this situation is to forget your own face in the mirror. How any educated population can look at the Israeli government and ignore the utter fascism, or view the conditions in Gaza and not see a death camp in action, its truly bewildering to me. On Thursday, Robert Menendez, Democratic Senator from New Jersey, was charged with acting as an unregistered agent of the Egyptian government while he was a member of Congress, including his time as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The charge is included in a superseding indictment of an indictment issued on September 24 that laid out multiple counts of bribery. The latest charges were filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York against the senator, his wife Nadine Menendez and Wael Hana, an Egyptian businessman. The prior indictment included photographs of cash, gold bars and a luxury car accepted by Menendez from three New Jersey businessmen, including Hana, in exchange for his help and influence in relation to legal cases against the three. Senator Bob Menendez, Democrat from New Jersey, departs the Senate floor in Washington D.C. on September 28, 2023. [AP Photo/ Alex Brandon] The new charge against Menendez states: From at least in or about January 2018 through at least in or about June 2022, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere the defendants, and others known and unknown, willfully and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with each other to have a public official, to wit, ROBERT MENENDEZ, act as an agent of a foreign principal, to wit, the Government of Egypt and Egyptian officials, required to register under FARA FARA stands for the Foreign Agents Registration Act, a law requiring any person acting in the US as an agent of a foreign principal to register with the US Attorney General. Additionally, the law imposes a total ban on any member of Congress agreeing to be or acting as a foreign agent. The federal prosecutors in the case have asked a judge to seize the Menendezs residence in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, as well as a Mercedes-Benz convertible the government says was given to them as a bribe. The new charge against the senator was brought after more than 30 Senate Democratsincluding Cory Booker, the other New Jersey senatorcalled for Menendez to resign. After pleading not guilty to the initial charges along with his co-defendants, Menendez told a closed-door meeting of fellow Democrats that he would not leave the Senate. Following the September indictment, the Washington Post reported that Menendez intended to run for reelection next year. Another Democrat, New Jersey Representative Andy Kim, has announced a primary campaign for the Senate seat. The leader of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Michigan Senator Gary Peters, has said he will withhold support for the incumbent if he does not resign. Representative Kim called on the Senate to expel Menendez on Thursday. Robert Menendez, the son of Cuban immigrants who left the Caribbean island in the early 1950s, has been in the US Senate since 2006, after serving in the House of Representatives for 13 years. He built his career on the politics of anticommunism and, as explained in our previous article on the bribery charges against Menendez, falsified his own history and claimed that his family had property confiscated in Cuba by the Castro regime. Menendez has been the subject of repeated charges of corruption as a senator. In 2015, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and making false statements for using his office to pressure the Dominican Republic to follow through on a contract with a major donor to the senators campaigns. The new indictment says that Menendez, his wife and Wael Hana met with an Egyptian intelligence official in Menendezs Senate office in Washington D.C. in May of 2019. They allegedly discussed an American citizen, who was seriously injured in a 2015 airstrike by the Egyptian military using US-made equipment. At the time, influenced by the incident, members of Congress opposed military assistance to Egypt. Federal prosecutors reported that a search of Wael Hanas cellphone revealed thousands of text messages, many via an encrypted application, with Egyptian military and intelligence officials, pertaining to various topics, including Menendez, and including requests and directives for Hana to act upon. The prosecutors allege that after the Egyptian government granted Hanas company a lucrative monopoly to certify that all meat imported into the country met religious requirements, Menendez urged US agriculture officials to stop investigating the agreement. They also say that Menendez interfered in two criminal cases, pushing for prosecutors to drop an investigation or give leniency to his Egyptian contacts. Both the new and the previous charges against Menendez expose rampant corruption at the highest levels of the US government. They also expose the reactionary foreign policies of the Democrats and the utter hypocrisy of their claims to be defenders of democracy and human rights. According to the latest indictment, the senior Democratic senator functioned for years as an agent of one of the most brutal dictatorships in the worldthat of Abdel Fattah El-Sisiwho seized power in a 2013 military coup that overthrew the elected government of President Mohamed Morsi. Responding to the new indictment, Menendez said it flies in the face of my long record of standing up for human rights and democracy in Egypt and in challenging leaders of that country, including President (Fattah) El-Sisi on these issues. According to the indictment, while Menendez was illegally collaborating with representatives of the El-Sisi regime between 2020 and 2022, he made multiple requests of the US Justice Department to investigate others for failing to register under FARA, including an unnamed ex-member of Congress. As part of the campaign for its meeting The war in Ukraine and how to stop it?, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka has spoken to students who are outraged at Israels genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza. The meeting will be held in Colombo Public Library Auditorium on October 19 as part of IYSSE meetings being held internationally to build a global anti-war movement of the working class. The IYSSE has been distributing Sinhala and Tamil versions of the statement, IYSSE (Sri Lanka) calls on students and youth to build a mass working-class movement against war! IYSSE member speaking with University of Kelaniya students. On October 12, an IYSSE/SEP team campaigned in front of the Kelaniya University. They distributed the Sinhala translation of the statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International titled Down with Netanyahus government! Stop the imperialist-backed Zionist onslaught against Gaza! At Jayawardenapura University on October 12, many students stopped by to talk with our campaigners. A number expressed their opposition towards both the Ukraine war and Israels brutal war crimes in the Gaza Strip against Palestinians. Pamudu, a management student, said: Through some news websites, I came to know about the Ukrainian war. It is understandable why Russia launched a war against Ukraine: the US and NATO have increasingly been making plans to integrate that country into NATO threatening Russias security. In other words, the US and EU powers are well aware that if they succeed getting Ukraine into their side, they can easily use it as war launch pad against Russia. Fearing this prospect, Moscow did not accept it and launched a war against Ukraine. I agree that the Putin government is not concerned about interests of Russian working class but Russias corrupted capitalist oligarchy. It is clear that America wanted to use Ukraine as proxy to carry out war against Russia because it wants the massive mineral, oil and gas resources inside Russian region. I have heard that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian youth, who were used as cannon fodder of war, lost their lives and that is terrible news to hear. The ongoing Israel aggression against Palestine is really terrible and people from all over the world should denounce this apartheid regime. When we look at the history, the Israeli state was illegally created by the maneuvering of the British imperialists at end of the 1940s and since then they have ever eating into Palestine, grabbing lands belonged to Palestinian people. From my childhood I have seen and heard endless tragic news coming from the Gaza Strip which has become a living hell and an open prison for over two million Palestinian people. If one could see this bloody history, endless bloody attacks have been carried out by Israel killing thousands of people in past decades. The problem is that nobody talks about that side and now they all point the finger at Hamas denouncing them as terrorists. I think the main issue here is that most people do not know this history. The media and political parties do not tell the truth. Sri Lankas President Ranil Wickremesinghe also denounced the Palestinians while totally keeping silence on the bloody aggression by Israel. I have seen the FSP [pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Party] posted a poster on Facebook denouncing Hamas while promoting the mythical two-state theory as a solution to this problem. This is ridiculous. How it can be? Would there be a peaceful solution while there exists an open prison encircled by a bloody regime? I dont think this as solution. But I think what you have explained as the solution is fantastic: Only the Israel working class together with their class brothers and sisters in the Middle East and throughout the world can come forward against this bloody Israel invasion. This seems only viable solution to this problem. Kumara, a non-academic worker in the medical faculty, said: It is very clear the US and NATO powers are using Ukraine as a proxy to attack Russia. This is colonialism as we saw during last two world wars. However, as you explained, this war is no longer a proxy war as the US and NATO powers are openly talking about sending ground forces to Ukraine. The US and European powers have already sent sophisticated weapons to Ukraine and this is a deliberate attempt to provoke Russia. Imperialists countries do not care about losing millions of human beings in a global war. The danger of a nuclear World War III is increasingly looming in the eyes of the worlds population. While some people keep saying that the ongoing war is happening thousands of miles away from this country, people in this country have already suffered from its impact with increasing fuel and wheat flour prices and falling tea exports to Russia and Ukraine. However, the biggest threat is the eruption of a nuclear war that will not spare this tiny island. In regard to the ongoing Israel attack on Gaza: I totally denounce the bloody war crimes carried out by Israel on Palestinian people while we cant justify the killing of Israeli people at the hands of Hamas. However, what led Hamas to carry out this attack is very much bound up with Israels decades-long bloody repression in Gaza. Actually, before I talked with you, I did not have any idea that there is a way to stop this war and it is only the working people can lead a powerful anti-war movement. That is right. The working class has such tremendous power. Actually, if the American working class stopped work that would have major impact on the war. Unfortunately, most workers do not know their power. We should teach them of this. IYSSE member discussing Ukraine war with Jayawardanapura University. Kanishka, a graduate at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, spoke to the IYSSE campaigners on October 5. In the Ukraine war hundreds of thousands of soldiers have died. Despite this catastrophe, the US wants to continue and escalate this war, which means drawing more and more countries, possibly, into this conflict. The provocations against China could transform it into a wider war at any moment. We cannot think this war will be de-escalated on its own. We need to consciously build a global working class movement to oppose the war. In that regard, I think this meeting is very important and I am looking forward to it. In the campaign at Jaffna University, in the war-ravaged north of Sri Lanka, Dimuthu, a science student, opposed the military agreements Colombo governments have entered with the US. If the US forces are allowed to use our country as a military base, I think it will have far reaching implications when it comes to democratic and social rights considering their overseas notorious record and governments complicity with the IMF program. Not only the military agreements of which Sri Lanka is a part, we should oppose any sort of military agreement. They only serve the ruling elites interest. See the war in Ukraine. We can support neither the US-NATO side or Putins regime. Students are not coming forward because they are intimidated by the student union which conspires with Tamil nationalistic parties for their political agenda behind closed doors and the administration. No free speech here. However, I think the war preparations must be opposed. A Tamil speaking student said: Imperialist powers are waging this war to exploit world resources and to divide them among themselves. The same is being done here through the IMF policies. Everything is going to be privatised and the resources in our country will be handed over to international investors. We must oppose this war and the IMF program. In this situation, as a student, I dont believe in any parliamentary political parties. All parties are working for their own benefit. Presently, these Tamil political parties particularly are working as the stooges of the imperialist war drive. Jurors convicted a Denver-area police officer of homicide Thursday and acquitted another of all charges in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a Black man who was put in a neck hold, pinned to the ground and given an overdose of the sedative ketamine by paramedics. Aurora police officer Randy Roedema was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault by a 12-person jury. They found officer Jason Rosenblatt not guilty. RELATED: Prosecutors Will Lay Out Case Against Officers in the Death of Elijah McClain in a Denver Suburb Roedema, who kept his head bowed after the verdict was read, faces up to three years in prison on the more serious homicide charge. Rosenblatt hugged his supporters as he walked out of court. McClains mother listened to the verdict from the front row, where Attorney General Phil Weiser had his hand on her shoulder. Sheneen McClain held her right hand high in a raised fist as she left the courtroom. She expressed disappointment in the verdict. This is the divided states of America, and thats what happens, she said as she walked away from the court house. Elijah Mcclain's mother Sheneen Mcclain walks out of the courthouse Sheneen McClain, center, mother of Elijah McClain, is flanked by supporters while leaving the Adams County, Colo., courthouse following the rendering of a verdict in the trial involving the 2019 death of her son on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Brighton, Colo. Photo: AP Photo/David Zalubowski McClain had been stopped by police following a suspicious person report as he walked home from a convenience store. His name became a rallying cry in protests over racial injustice in policing. RELATED: Amended Autopsy Says Elijah McClain Died Of Paramedic-Administered Ketamine Overdose Roedema and Rosenblatt were charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and second-degree assault all felonies. However, the jury as it went into deliberation was asked to consider a lesser form of assault for Roedema, the one he was found guilty of. A third Aurora officer, who applied the neck hold, and two paramedics were indicted on similar charges, but the paramedics have more counts. The officers trial begins Friday with jury selection and the paramedics are scheduled for trial later this year. Roedema and another officer who was not charged held down McClain while paramedics administered the ketamine. Rosenblatts attorney had pointed out during the trial that he was not near McClain at that point in the confrontation. Jason Rosenblatt walks with his lawyer leaving the courtroom Former Aurora, Colo., Police Department officer Jason Rosenblatt, left, leaves the courtroom with his attorney Harvey Steinberg, after Rosenblatt was acquitted by a jury of charges in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain in a trial in the Adams County courthouse, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Brighton, Colo. Photo: AP Photo/David Zalubowski Prosecutors alleged Rosenblatt held McClains legs when he was on the ground but stepped away shortly before the sedative was administered while Roedema held McClains shoulder and back. Roedema, the most senior of the three officers, was often visible in the body camera footage shown over and over again to jurors. At times he seemed to be directing others what to do. RELATED: Elijah McClains Family Settles Federal Civil Lawsuit Over His 2019 Death Attorneys for both defendants pointed to the ketamine as the cause of McClains death. Roedemas attorney said the officers were forced to react when McClain resisted and allegedly reached for the gun of one of the officers, a claim prosecutors disputed. Don Sisson, a defense lawyer for Roedema, has said officers had to act in the moment to protect themselves. They didnt get to watch the video over and over and over for three weeks before they get to act, he said Tuesday during closing statements. As the split verdict was read, Roedemas wife leaned forward in her seat with her head down as Rosenblatts wife patted her back. Sisson declined comment after the verdict was issued. Judge Mark Warner set sentencing for January 5, 2024. The three officers charged were the first on the scene and the ones who took McClain down to the ground. RELATED: 3 Aurora Police Officers, 2 Paramedics Indicted In Elijah McClains 2019 Killing At least three officers not charged were involved in restraining McClain at some point during the confrontation. One of them, officer Alicia Ward, testified as a prosecution witness that she held her knuckles to the back of McClains head and was prepared to apply pressure to it. But she said she didnt feel like she needed to because she didnt consider McClain a threat at that point. People carrying posters with Elijah Mcclain's face during a Protest A demonstrator carries an image of Elijah McClain during a rally and march, June 27, 2020, in Aurora, Colo. Photo: AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File The case initially did not receive widespread attention, but protests over the killing of George Floyd the following year sparked outrage over McClains death. His pleading words captured on body camera footage, Im an introvert and Im different, struck a chord. A local prosecutor in 2019 decided against criminal charges because the coroners office could not determine exactly how the 23-year-old massage therapist died. But Colorado Gov. Jared Polis ordered state Attorney General Phil Weisers office to take another look at the case in 2020, and the officers and paramedics were indicted in 2021 by a grand jury. The killings of McClain, Floyd and others triggered a wave of legislation that put limits on the use of neck holds in more than two dozen states. Colorado now tells paramedics not to give ketamine to people suspected of having a controversial condition known as excited delirium, which has symptoms including increased strength that has been associated with racial bias against Black men. Aurora Police Chief Art Acevedo said the department respected the jurys verdict, adding we must be committed to the rule of law. Roedema and Rosenblatt did not testify in their defense at trial. Their attorneys blamed McClains death on the ketamine, which doctors said is what ultimately killed him. However, prosecutors argued that the officers restraint of McClain contributed. Senior Assistant Attorney General Jason Slothouber told jurors that Roedema and Rosenblatt also encouraged the paramedics to give McClain ketamine by describing him as having symptoms of excited delirium that they had learned about in training. But he said the officers did not tell them anything about McClains complaints that he could not breathe, something prosecutors said happened six times. Sheneen McClain sat with attorneys for the state in the front row of the courtroom during the trial, part of her quest to remind the mostly white jury that her son was a real person. She watched the encounter being played over and over again along with graphic photos from his autopsy. During testimony that stretched over three weeks, witnesses were limited to offering what they perceived someone to be doing or saying in the video. The video clips did not always provide a complete picture of what was happening, but Judge Mark Warner said the jurors were the only ones who could decide what they meant, just like any other piece of evidence. McClain was stopped Aug. 24, 2019, while listening to music and wearing a mask that covered most of his face. He asked to be left alone and had not been accused of committing any crime. The encounter quickly escalated, with Officers Nathan Woodyard, Roedema and Rosenblatt taking McClain to the ground, and Woodyard putting him in a neck hold and pressing against his carotid artery, temporarily rendering him unconscious. The officers told investigators they took McClain down after hearing Roedema say to another officer, He grabbed your gun dude. The initial statement was heard on the body camera footage but exactly what happened is difficult to see. McClain went into cardiac arrest en route to the hospital and was pronounced dead three days later. The doctor who performed McClains autopsy, Stephen Cina, has said he died of complications from the ketamine while also noting that occurred after the forcible restraint. However, Cina was not able to say if the death was a homicide or an accident or if the officers actions contributed to McClains death. Dr. Roger Mitchell, another forensic pathologist who reviewed the autopsy and body camera video, found their actions did play a role. He labeled the death a homicide. "Firefighters continued their efforts to stop the ammonia leak throughout the day, and were eventually able to mitigate it," the Orange County Fire Authority said in a statement OCFireAuthority/X Thirteen people were hospitalized in Southern California after a hazmat leak occurred at a business, authorities said. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) said in a press release on X that Buena Park-Firefighters, as well as hazardous materials units, were dispatched to a commercial building on the 6500 block of Cabellero Boulevard on Friday. The hazard which was later identified by the OCFA as an ammonia leak was reported shortly before 9:15 a.m., the OCFA told ABC News and CBS News in a statement. The department added that crews were able to isolate the area and were treating people exposed to the hazard. Buena Park-Firefighters, including our hazardous materials units, are on scene in the 6500 block of Cabellero Bl for a hazmat leak in a commercial building. Crews have isolated the area and are treating people exposed. pic.twitter.com/fVN09gaCdg OCFA PIO (@OCFireAuthority) October 13, 2023 Related: Family Escapes After Car Crashes Into Home, Causing Fire That Destroyed $1M Baseball Collection The incident affected more than two dozen people. The OCFA reported on Friday that 11 employees of the business were treated by paramedics and transported to nearby hospitals in stable condition. Twelve employees also had to be decontaminated, authorities said. Along with the tweet, the OCFA shared a photo of three members of the hazardous materials units in silver and orange hazmat suits heading into the building with a wheeled cart of supplies. They each wore a large silver face shield, covering their heads and necks. In an update on Friday night, the department said a total of 13 people were sent to the hospital and one person was treated on the scene and then released. OCFireAuthority/X The Orange County Fire Authority hazmat crew enters the building. Related: Va. Woman Slipped and Fell on Cruise. She Was Stranded in Indonesia Hospital for Days, Family Says Firefighters continued their efforts to stop the ammonia leak throughout the day, and were eventually able to mitigate it, the OCFA said in a statement. As crews worked in the area, they advised the public to avoid using Caballero Boulevard. The OCFA did not say how the leak may have started, but noted it is investigating the incident. 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. Exposure to high levels of ammonia in the air can cause people to experience face, eye, skin, throat and lung irritation as well as coughing and burns, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, ammonia exposure can be fatal. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, skin pain and redness, skin blisters and permanent or temporary blindness. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are donating to yet another cause. The couple donated $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday to help children in Israel and Gaza, a source close to the pair told The Hollywood Reporter. They have four children and are adamant about sending financial aid to causes that are important to them. More from The Hollywood Reporter In the past, Lively and Reynolds matched up to $1 million in donations that were sent to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees after Russia invaded Ukraine, as well as $500,000 to Indigenous-focused safe water charity Water First Education & Training Inc. They also donated another $1 million split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada, following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, they donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundations financial assistance program for performers facing economic hardship as the actors strike continues. On Oct. 7, the day of the Hamas terrorist attacks, the ICRC sent a truck of medical supplies to a hospital in Gaza, including body bags and stretchers. The organization is assessing the damage to sewage and water treatments, and trying to locate and gain access to the people who are being held hostage in order to establish contact with their families and medically treat them, per its website. Lively and Reynolds are the first celebrities to publicly provide financial aid to Israel and Gaza as the Israel-Hamas War rages on and the death toll continues to climb. On Saturday morning, Israels military announced it was preparing for the next stages of the war against Hamas, potentially including strikes from the air, sea and land and significant ground operations, according to CNN. Several celebrities have spoken out in support of the innocent victims of the war, including Jennifer Garner, Adam Sandler, Yara Shahidi, Kerry Washington and Martha Stewart. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Click here to read the full article. The four students attended North Broadway Elementary School in Escondido Getty A photograph of gummy bears (left) and marijuana Four students at a California elementary school were hospitalized Wednesday after eating edibles, or food laced with THC. The students, who are all in third grade, attended North Broadway Elementary School in Escondido. Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the school, and the students were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Following the incident, the Escondido Union School District alerted the community about the risks of cannabis edibles. In a statement, per NBC San Diego, the Escondido School District said, "The widespread availability and commercialization of THC-infused 'edibles' is a growing concern for school communities statewide, including ours." School authorities across San Diego County say the cannabis edibles can be readily confused with ordinary snacks and candy. The district emphasized that edibles are prohibited at all school-related events and activities. Related: Kids as Young as Kindergarteners Will Be Allowed to Use Cannabis at School if Michigan Passes New Law Google Maps A photograph of North Broadway Elementary School in Escondido, California Since the 2015 legalization of cannabis, Rady Childrens Hospital has seen a surge in children treated for ingestion, increasing from a few cases to hundreds annually. The hospital reports the average age of these patients is roughly 3.5 years, according to NBC San Diego. Overconsumption of cannabis in children can pose severe, potentially life-threatening effects. 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. You take your average dose of an edible cannabis which might be somewhere between 5 and 10 to 20 milligrams for an adult that dose can make a child critically ill, Dr. Natalie Laub, a pediatrician at Rady Children's Hospital, told NBC San Diego. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed Assembly Bill 1207, also called the Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act, which was co-authored by Dr. Laub based on her research. This legislation aimed to mandate alterations in the packaging of edible cannabis products to make them less appealing to children. Related: 3 Toddlers Hospitalized After Eating THC-Laced Goldfish, Daycare Owner Arrested Getty A photograph of gummy bears and marijuana Dr. Laub's concern stems from products resembling familiar snacks, like "Double Stuffed Stoneyos" and "Rice Krispyz". Dr. Laub commented, These products mimic candy, cookies, and other snacks. The rate at which kids are consuming them is rising, and I fear it's going to become even more prevalent. The California Department of Health advises securely storing cannabis and its edible products out of children's and pets' reach. Last week, six children were hospitalized after ingesting candy now believed to have been cannabis-infused at a Boys & Girls Club in Lauderhill, Florida, according to multiple reports. The Lauderhill Police Department was called to Boys & Girls Club three separate times after eight children consumed the candy, police said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. The remaining six were transported to the hospital in stable condition for further evaluation. They have since been released from the hospital, police said. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Police say they have launched a national manhunt after the mother of The Sandlot actor Marty York after she was found dead in her Crescent City, California home Thursday morning. The Del Norte County Sheriffs Office announced in a post on Facebook that they were searching for Daniel James Walter, also known as Edward Patrick Davies, 54, the boyfriend of Yorks mother, Deanna Esmaeel. Authorities were able to locate Walters vehicle on Friday but he remains at large. York took to social media to urge anyone who had seen Walter to contact police. Read it at People Read more at The Daily Beast. From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little, important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Heres what happened in the Latin music world this week. The Estefans New Musical More from Billboard Gloria Estefan announced that she will be penning the music and lyrics for an upcoming original musical alongside her daughter, Emily Estefan . In a recent Instagram post, the award-winning Cuban-American artist said she will be the music supervisor of the forthcoming Five Notes, a musical inspired by Paraguays Orquesta De Reciclados De Cateura, and which is written by Karen Zacarias and directed by Michael Greif. Based on the Landfill Harmonic documentary, this is a story that celebrates the power of music, resilience and community, reads Estefans post. Dramaturg Ken Cerniglia and Alex Lacamoire will also form part of the project. Britney Meets Los Colombianos To everyones surprise, Britney Spears was spotted hanging out with two of Colombias biggest acts, J Balvin and Maluma, this week. The latter shared a photo on his Instagram account, where Spears and Balvin are hugging tight and hes off to the side with an annoyed smirk. Whos like me when it comes to love? he jokes in the caption. Also joking about their encounter, Spears shared a recap reel on her account, and wrote: Quick trip to NYI had no idea who these boys were at this restaurant. Not much has been said about the meet-up (could a collaboration be in the works?) but check out the photo below: A Charro at The Capitol This week, Alejandro Fernandez visited The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to receive a House Resolution recognition by Representative Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). Yesterday was one of those days that stay in memory. Not only for the pride of walking dressed as a charro through one of the most important buildings in the world, but for receiving this recognition from the hands of my Latin brothers, the Mexican artist expressed on his Instagram. Generations of struggle, growth, and love culminate in one of the greatest honors of my life. Honored for his contributions to Mexican music and Latino culture, as well as humanitarian, Barragan expressed in a statement: Alejandro not only creates music that millions of people enjoy across the globe, but hes using his platform and robust following to empower the Latino community through his artistic talents. Hes also been a strong advocate of our continued work to establish the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall. The CHC applauds Alejandro for his lifetime commitment to uplift Latino culture through music, and I look forward to his continued support of our efforts to serve Latinos across the country. Bad Bunnys Back! In true Bad Bunny fashion, the artist surprised fans with a new album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Manana, this week. Marking his seventh studio set, following the historic Un Verano Sin Ti, the Puerto Rican act unleashed a 22-track LP that, for the most part, goes back to his trap essence. He also reeled in some of his longtime collaborators such as Arcangel, Mora, and Nengo Flow, as well as Feid and Young Miko, to name a few. Unlike Un Verano that showcased lyrics of being in love and summer beach days in Puerto Rico, Nadie Sabe is about his priorities, his growth, his wins, and his downfalls. I hope you can enjoy this album that I did with a lot of work, he expressed on his WhatsApp Channel to his over 16 million followers. All my projects have been done with lots of love for you, but this album, specifically, is 100% for you like no other. See Billboards ranked list of all the songs on Nadie Sabe, here. The Karol G Scholarships As part of its Becas Con Cora initiative, Karol Gs Con Cora Foundation announced the launch of its new program, Becas Con Cora en Educacion Superior (Con Cora Scholarships in Higher Education), to empower the talented female leaders of today and tomorrow. Through the EAFIT Medellin University, the scholarships will cover 100% of the beneficiaries university tuition for the duration of the undergraduate program, in accordance with the requirements established in the scholarship regulations, according to a press release. The application period is already open and runs until Nov. 19. Though theres no nationality restriction, applicants must be residents of Valle de Aburra in Colombia and demonstrate having a social mission. For more information, visit here. Best of Billboard Click here to read the full article. The book 'Hitchcocks Blondes' details how the actress and future princess upset a boyfriend when a piece of jewelry tipped him off she'd been with another man Peguin Random House; Getty Laurence Leamer writes about eight actresses, including Grace Kelly , in Hitchcock's Blondes To much of the world, Grace Kelly was many things: a blonde beauty, an Academy Award-winning film star, and, of course, the Princess of Monaco. But in the new book Hitchcocks Blondes a dishy look at eight actresses who worked with Alfred Hitchcock author Laurence Leamer alleges that the Pennsylvania native had a mischievous side, particularly when it came to men. Despite her upbeat attitude, Grace was a far more complex person than most around her imagined, and far more manipulative than her angelic face might suggest, he writes. People huddled around her, seeking her attention, and she knew how to use them. According to Leamer, who has written books about everyone from members of the Kennedy Dynasty to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Rear Window star used her charms to seduce a number of men. Related: Hollywood Royalty! Every Glamorous Photo of Princess Grace You Have to See One of those was Don Richardson, a 30-year-old teacher at New York Citys American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where Kelly studied as a teenager after leaving her home in Philadelphia. According to Leamer, Richardson and Kelly grew serious enough for the future film star to take her paramour home to meet her Irish immigrant parents. They disapproved of the relationship because Richardson was Jewish and, though separated from his wife, still legally married. Nevertheless, back in New York, Kelly continued to romance Richardson as well as a number of other men, including Claudius Charles Phillippe, the banquet manager of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and, according to Leamer, millionaire playboy Aly Khan (who was also wed to Rita Hayworth for a time). United Archives via Getty Grace Kelly in the 1950s One evening, Grace invited Richardson over to the apartment the Kellys rented for their daughter. As always, they made love. Afterward, she pirouetted before him in one gorgeous gown after another. He had no idea where shed acquired such outfits, according to Leamer. Then she paraded before him nude, except for a gold bracelet laden with emeralds. Leamer writes that Richardson recognized the bracelet: He remembered he had seen it before on a woman who had slept with Aly Khan. The wealthy foreign diplomat was famed for his generosity as much as for his sexual prowess, and the jewelry were tokens of appreciation. With so many lovers, it made sense that, as often as not, he passed out the same gift, writes Leamer. Richardson, who had no reason to feel betrayed because he also had other lovers, according to Leamer, grabbed the bracelet, tossed it into a fish tank and told Kelly they were through. Does the bracelet have anything to do with it? Kelly asked. It has everything to do with it, Richardson said. Leamer writes that Richardson put on his clothes and hurried for the door. Before leaving, he turned around one more time to get one last look at Kelly. Maybe Grace would be crying or wringing her hands in despair, Leamer writes. But it was nothing like that. Still nude, she was reaching down into the water to fish out the bracelet. Related: The Incredible Story of How Olivia de Havilland Introduced Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco A few years later, Kelly broke out in the western High Noon opposite Gary Cooper, whom she also romanced. She received her first Oscar nomination for 1953s Mogambo, and won the Best Actress Oscar for 1954s The Country Girl. Silver Screen Collection/Getty Grace Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock on the set of 'Dial M for Murder' Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Kelly starred in three Hitchcock films Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief before marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956 and leaving her Hollywood career behind. She remained married to Rainier until her death from injuries as a result of a car accident in 1982. Leamers book delves into stories about June Howard-Tripp, Madeleine Carroll, Ingrid Bergman, Janet Leigh, Kim Novak, Eva Marie Saint, and Tippi Hedren. Hitchcocks Blondes: The Unforgettable Women Behind the Legendary Directors Dark Obsession is available now. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Harvard Law School professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz on Wednesday took issue with Newsmax host Eric Bollings characterization of the attitude toward the Israel-Hamas conflict among those on the left. Bolling began by mentioning the Chicago chapter of the Black Lives Matter group postingand then backtracking ona message that seemed to support Hamas militants, and how BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors called for the end of Israel during a 2015 Harvard Law School panel. The conservative Newsmax host also pointed out that more than 30 student groups at Harvard signed a letter declaring that Israel is entirely responsible for the current situation. Whats going on with the new American Democrat? Bolling asked Dershowitz, a Democrat. Well, its not Democrats, he replied. Democrats are very strongly supportive of Israel. Biden made speeches three times in the last five to six days. I dont think Israel could ask for anything more from the Democratic Party. Its these fringe groups on the hard left, the woke progressives, the Socialist Democrats of America who support Hamas, these Black Lives Matter groups in Chicago that support Hamas. Dershowitz added that he supported calls for Harvard to release the names of those who signed the anti-Israel letter. It is the Democratic Party, Bolling insisted, after namechecking Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Dershowitz wasnt having it. Youre being biased, and youre wrong, and youre confusing the Democratic Party with some fringe people, he said. You know, we believe in democracy in America, and so these people got elected, unfortunately. I would never vote for them. I wouldnt vote for any of those people if they ran against Republicans. I would vote for the Republican. Im a Democrat, so youre objecting to me here and thats just not right. Bolling then said he was just referring to the new American Democrata label he wouldnt apply to Dershowitz, whom Donald Trump hired in 2020 as a defense lawyer in his first impeachment trial. I challenge you, sir, to show me an elected official on the Republican side who has the same feelings about Israel and Hamas and takes the side of Hamas, Bolling said. I dont think youll be able to find one. 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. Palm Beach may not be as haunted as St. Augustine reportedly is, but we have some ghost stories of our own in South Florida. Palm Beach is actually rumored to share a ghost with Floridas oldest town: the spirit of Florida oil tycoon Henry Flagler, who died 110 years ago in 1913. And Flagler isnt the only spirit rumored to roam the Palm Beaches. There have long been whispers of a witch that traps the souls of children in a coral cliff underneath a castle beside the ocean and gossip of graves forgotten under buildings. If youre interested in taking a self-guided ghost tour this Halloween, heres a roundup of some spooky spaces in Palm Beach County. Who needs haunted houses? What to know about I-4's 'Dead Zone,' Florida's haunted highway Where is the Witches Wall in Palm Beach? The Witchs Wall, or Witchs Castle, is tucked right behind the Palm Beach Country Club and The Beach Club on Country Club Road. The road cuts through a mini mountain of coral, creating rock walls on both sides of the street. At the top of the coquina mound sits a castle-like house. Below the house, in the wall of rock beside the road, theres a hole with bars on the opening. It looks like a small, rugged jail cell if youre just driving by. That barred hole has been the genesis of generations of local campfire stories: From the story of a mother forever mourning the death of her only son, to an unhinged witch who once lived atop the hill and trapped children in the coral jail cell. But we do know what's behind the bars at the Witchs Wall today. Its a water pump, as the area is the location of a water pumping station for West Palm Beach, according to a 2015 article from the Palm Beach Daily News. Cost and how to visit: It's free to visit the Witch's Wall, but there isn't a sidewalk or safe space to stand near it on the road. Your best bet is to take a scenic drive through the coral cut and slow down to catch a glimpse if you can. You can find more on all the local legends tied to the Witchs Wall in Palm Beach here. Is Henry Flaglers Palm Beach mansion haunted? In February 1902, Henry Flagler and his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, moved into a stunning 75-room mansion that still stands in Palm Beach today. Some say they never left. Flagler died in 1913, partly due to injuries he sustained from a fall he took in his Gilded Age mansion. Mary Lily died four years after him, in 1917. In 1974, a night watchman for Flaglers former mansion said he woke up from a nap at 3:30 a.m. one night to find Flaglers ghost standing in front of him. He claimed to have gotten a good look at Flagler, who was wearing a dark suit and tie, before he vanished. According to the blog Hauntedhovel.com, Flaglers ghost is still fairly active in the mansion and is reported to dim lights and be heard walking through empty rooms and corridors. There are many stories about how he likes to make himself known, with the common reports of his presence coming from the area which used to be his offices, the website says. He was known to spend huge amounts of time in his office and it seems even after his death he's not prepared to let it go. Cost and how to visit: If you buy a ticket to visit the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, which includes Flagler's mansion, you can take a free tour. The museum offers free tours every week, from Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Admission to the museum is $26 for adults and 13 and older and $13 for kids ages six through 12. Admission is free for kids 5 years old or younger. Were bodies found under the Norton Museum of Art? The Richard Hone house, at 211 Plymouth Road, is one of the oldest homes in West Palm Beach. In October 1902, Richard Hone, a pineapple grower whose house still stands in West Palm Beach, was murdered in that home on Plymouth Road. Hone sat at his kitchen table, writing a letter to his sister in England. His wife, Mary, sat close by reading, when one of Hone's employees fired a gun through their window, killing Richard. The cemetery that Hone was buried in, Lakeside Cemetery, was given to the city of West Palm Beach to be turned into a park, which Art Collector Ralph Norton eventually flipped into an art museum. The city moved all the burials across the street, to Woodlawn Cemetery or so they thought. In 1985, Richard Hones headstone and a few other forgotten graves were found in a crawl space underneath the Norton Museum of Arts auditorium. Cost and how to visit: You can buy general admission tickets to visit the Norton Museum of Art here. Admission for students is only $5 with a valid school ID and $15 for seniors. General admission for all other adults is $18. Kids 12 and under get in free. What is the haunting of the Riddle House? The Riddle House was the gatekeepers house at a cemetery in West Palm Beach. An accountant who got caught fudging the books hanged himself in the rafters. Many people have seen his ghost. Grown workmen have be known to run from the attack screaming and totally walking off the job, refusing to return. The accountant hanged himself on the main beam. Continuing with the trend of early 20th century haunts: Last but certainly not least on this list is the Riddle House (no, not the one from Harry Potter). This West Palm Beach historical house was built in 1905 and is one of the most haunted places in Palm Beach County. Its actually haunted enough to have earned a visit from the king of ghost hunting, Travel Channels Zak Bagans. The Riddle House is one of the most active haunts in southern Florida, According to Ghost Adventures page on Travel Channels website. One visitor who had arranged for a private tour was struck in the head by a piece of wood in the staircase. Bagans and his crew spent a night locked inside the house in 2008. The Riddle House episode was the fourth episode of the shows first season and aired in November 2008. Many reports of hauntings are centered around the riddle house. Florida Ghost Chapter has photographs of glowing orbs floating in the attic of the house. Workmen have been spook and literally run out of the attic screaming, refusing to return to work on the grounds of Yesteryear Village. During the early days when the first buildings were being moved many workers and volunteers were lost when they heard children crying. When the workers went to investigate and found no children in sight many of them walked off the job, refusing to return. The house was originally used as a funeral parlor and later used as a private residence for West Palm Beachs first City Manager and Superintendent of Public Works, Karl Riddle. The home used to sit next to Woodlawn Cemetery. It was the house for those who oversaw the cemetery and kept an eye out for grave robbers. In the 1920s, when Riddle became the city manager, a part of the job was to oversee the cemetery, so he moved into the house. Soon after, one of Riddles employees took his own life in the attic, which sparked a series of unfortunate events. Afterward, Riddle couldnt seem to keep his household staffed. Employees reported hearing chains rattling on the stairs and murmuring voices and most quit. That was just the beginning of decades of paranormal activity. Although the house has been moved across town, to Yesteryear Village, rumors of hauntings remain. Some have reported a woman in white who disappears when she is approached. Are you brave enough to tour the Riddle House? Cost and how to visit: Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdaysfrom 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $7 for kids ages six through 11 and free for kids ages 5 and under. It will be closed Saturday, October 14, Thursday, October 19, and Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27. If you want to take a guided spooky ghost hunting tour through the Riddle House and the rest of the village, there will be one this Saturday. The guided ghost tour is $35 per person and there is a maximum amount of 30 people that can go on the tour. You can buy tickets here. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What is the haunting of the Riddle House? And other spooky spaces Jada Pinkett Smith has revealed that her close friend Tupac Shakur suffered from alopecia that began after he was violently arrested for jaywalking in 1991. Pinkett Smith, who also has the autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, said the rapper kept the condition secret from the public until his murder in 1996. I dont think Pac ever talked about his alopecia, but he also looked really good with a bald head, she told People. But that was during a time and during an era that you wouldnthe just wouldn't talk about it. Pinkett Smith and Shakur knew each other from a performing arts program they attended as teens. She says his alopecia set in when he was about 20. After he was in Northern California with the police officers that beat him up, he started losing his hair. And his alopecia patterns were far more extreme than mine, she said. Jada Pinkett Smith Was Shocked Will Smith Called Her His Wife at Oscars Shakur said that he was walking in Oakland, California, when he was stopped by police who accused him of jaywalking. They asked for my ID and sweated me about my name because my name is Tupac, Shakur would later say in an interview. My final words to them was fuck yall. Next thing I know I was in a chokehold passing out with cuffs on, headed for jail for resisting arrest. Shakur sued the police department for $10 million and the case was settled for $42,000. Pinkett Smith went public with her own alopecia in 2018 and has been trying to raise awareness of it. In 2022, a joke that Chris Rock made at the Oscars about her lack of hair prompted Will Smith to run up on stage and clock the comedian. Pinkett Smith has been dropping lots of revelations in recent days as she promotes the upcoming release of her memoir, Worthy. Among the bombshells: Shakur proposed to her while he was locked up on Rikers Island, and she and Will Smith have been separated since 2016. 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 there have been conflicting reports about what Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have been up to since leaving the White House, many have come to the conclusion that Ivanka is keeping away from politics, and Kushner has been all business. However, Kushners recent comments have people thinking he may miss, and may want to return to, the world of politics alongside his father-in-law, former US President Donald Trump . In a recent appearance on Lex Fridmans podcast, per MSN, Kushner talked about how he hopes Donald will return to office in 2024, and attempted to take a jab at President Joe Biden . More from SheKnows I do think that the job [Trump] did as a foreign policy president was tremendous. Now, more and more people are beginning to recognize that, he said. Under President Biden, this is the second war thats broken out in the world, and when you have weak leadership, the world becomes a less safe place. He ended by saying, My hope and prayers are that President Trump is reelected and that hes able to then restore calm and peace and prosperity to the world. NEW YORK MARCH 01: Entrepreneur and socialite Ivanka Trump and businessman Jared Kushner attend the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Collection Launch Benefitting The United Nations Foundation at Trump Park Avenue on March 1, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images) Click here to read the full article. Sources told People back in June 2023 about how the Trump Card author and Kushner have been doing after leaving the Trump administration. She loves him, her kids love him, and they are still a close family. But Ivanka does not want to be involved with the legal issues. She is removed from it and has adapted well to Miami. Her whole family loves it, the source said. [And] Jared has lots of business going on in South Florida. While Ivanka hasnt publicly discussed anything political, it seems Kushner may have a small inkling of going back to the political world. Before you go, click here to see every time Ivanka Trump has tried to distance herself from the Trump family: Ivanka Trump Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The suspect in custody is accused of committing robberies in retailers located in states like Texas and Ohio Ohio Township Police Department Antonio Bryant A man accused of committing more than 100 thefts in Home Depot stores across the country has been arrested. The Ohio Township Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Thursday that Georgia native Antonio Bryant was taken into custody after causing "tens of thousands of dollars in losses" for the home improvement retailer. Related: Fla. Boy, 13, Allegedly Confesses to Stabbing His Mother to Death in Her Sleep Bryant is accused of committing robberies in Home Depot's located in states like Texas and Ohio. Authorities became aware of Bryant's whereabouts after his vehicle was spotted by Ohio Township Police Officer Bissiere. According to the department's post, Bissiere set up surveillance and was able to apprehend him "as he was committing his latest theft." Jon Cherry/Bloomberg via Getty Home Depot store "The information learned from the arrest will be shared with law enforcement across the country so additional charges can be filed," the department added. PEOPLE has reached out to the department for additional information. According to WPXI, Bryant posted bail after being taken to the Allegheny County Jail and is also facing retail theft charges from a separate incident in Cranberry Township. During the alleged thefts, "Bryant would ticket-switch items, including smoke detectors and digital switches," the outlet adds. Related: At 5, She Watched Her Sister Get Abducted. 6 Decades Later, Will Her Memory Help Catch the Killer? Home Depot stated in a report in August that they "operated a total of 2,326 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces, and Mexico" as of the end of its second quarter. Company CEO Ted Decker shared in an interview with CNBC's Squawk Box that thefts have become a "big problem for retail." "It's a big problem for retail," says @HomeDepot CEO Ted Decker on retail theft. "A lot of this product is [re-sold] on online marketplaces...We are increasingly concerned with the safety of our employees and customer base." pic.twitter.com/zUTIxNg3mj Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) June 13, 2023 "This isn't the random shoplifter anymore," he said. "A lot of this product is [re-sold] on online marketplaces. One of the things we're doing is working with local, state, and federal government to really educate them on what's going on." To combat the issue, he added that the company has "had to lock up a lot of high-value items, and they're not all big." 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. "They're not all power tools and generators," he explained. "You could have a circuit breaker that's 50, 60, 80 dollars. Those are high-theft items." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. NEW YORK Buckle up, Oscar watchers. Penelope Cruz is back in the awards race with Michael Manns Ferrari, an exhilarating real-life drama about Italian sports-car titan Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver). In the movie, which closed out this years New York Film Festival, the Spanish actress plays Laura Ferrari, Enzos wife and an equal partner in the storied automotive company. Cruz is the scorching, melancholic heart of the film, receiving spontaneous applause for multiple scenes during Friday nights first sold-out screening. Set over three months in 1957, Ferrari (in theaters Christmas Day) follows Enzo and Laura as they attempt to pull their business out of bankruptcy while grieving the recent death of their son, Dino, from muscular dystrophy. Laura has reluctantly agreed that Enzo is free to sleep around with other women. But the arrangement curdles when she discovers that Enzo not only has a longtime mistress, Lina (Shailene Woodley), but also an illegitimate son named Piero who is primed to inherit the company, should Enzo choose to publicly acknowledge the boy. Ranked: The best movies we saw at New York Film Festival Penelope Cruz walks the red carpet at the "Ferrari" premiere at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in New York on Friday. In lesser hands, Laura could be all fire and brimstone: a scorned wife unleashing her fury. But Cruz, 49, manages to find the anguish and fragility beneath the rage, delivering a tremendous performance that has been frequently singled out by critics. She is heavily predicted by awards pundits to pick up a best supporting actress nomination this year, which would mark her fifth Oscar nod after Nine, Volver, Parallel Mothers and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. (She won supporting actress for the latter in 2009.) Thanks to a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement amid the Hollywood actors strike, Cruz was able to attend Fridays premiere along with castmates Driver, Woodley and newcomer Gabriel Leone, who portrays heartthrob racer Alfonso de Portago. During a post-screening Q&A, Cruz detailed the immense responsibility she felt playing a real person. She was able to spend time with members of the Ferrari family, who shared old love letters between Laura and Enzo. "I got to understand so much better who she was and what this relationship was about," Cruz said. 'A child playing dress-up: Priscilla movie doesnt shy away from Elvis age gap "Ferrari" starring Adam Driver closed out this year's New York Film Festival. Shooting the film in Italy, she also got to meet many acquaintances of Enzo and Laura, who downplayed her role in building the Ferrari brand. "I started really being bothered when I asked about Laura," Cruz recalled. "All the answers were about Laura being difficult, Laura being crazy. 'She didn't do anything for the company, what are you talking about?' So I started taking it personal and needed revenge for that. "She was one of the first investors in the company," Cruz said. "She sold some things that she had and created this together with him. So the more I knew about her and how much she had to fight and suffer, and how ignored she was, the more I had this need of, 'Let's tell her story.'" 'I want to do a great job at that': Penelope Cruz talks 'Parallel Mothers,' putting kids first There are some thrilling racing sequences in "Ferrari," along with one particularly harrowing crash that stunned the entire festival audience. But much of the film is devoted to themes of legacy and grief, and looking at Enzo through the prisms of Laura and Lina. "We talked about how when he's with Lina, it's his most at ease," Driver said. "And when he's with Laura, it's his most business-like and who he feels he needs to represent to the (Ferrari) factories." Many classic race cars were meticulously recreated for the movie, which Driver and Leone both got to drive. "I sat in one, but the car never moved," Cruz deadpanned, earning laughs from the crowd. "The experience was just sitting there." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Ferrari' movie: Penelope Cruz takes the wheel with Oscar-worthy turn 20th Century studios; getty Marty York in ' The Sandlot ' and in 2023 Marty York, the actor known for playing Alan "Yeah-Yeah" McClennan in the coming-of-age comedy The Sandlot, posted troubling news on social media Friday: His mother has been killed, and authorities are searching for a suspect wanted for her homicide. York's mother, Deanna Esmaeel, was a deputy in the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office in Northern California. "This is the hardest post I'll ever have to write but I found out from the sheriff department last night that my mother was murdered," York wrote on Instagram. "The emotions I have are horrible right now between rage, [vengeance], crying. There is a nationwide manhunt underway, please if you've seen this man contact the authorities immediately!" The DNCSO issued an alert Friday on social media saying that a judge had signed a warrant for the arrest of suspect Daniel James Walter, who legally changed his name to Edward Patrick Davies in July. Authorities said that Walter was Esmaeel's boyfriend and is a murder suspect, and that he was last seen on N. Bank Road in Crescent City on Thursday at 7:43 a.m., traveling eastbound on foot toward highway 101. The DNCSO also said that Walter has connections to Curry County in Oregon, and that his car a black four-door 2010 Mazda sedan with California plates 6JYD676 had been located, but he was still at large. "We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel," Sheriff Garrett Scott said in a statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers." Representatives from the DNCSO and the Crescent City Police Department didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment. York, 43, made his big-screen debut in The Sandlot in 1993, and his subsequent credits include Boy Meets World, Hey Arnold, and SMILF. Related content: Geraldo Rivera made for an unexpected ACL headliner. There was the former Fox News hosts voice, infamously chastising hip-hop music for setting back the Black community, echoing throughout Zilker Park. The conservative pundits audio sample comes just before a fast and exciting part here punctuated with blasts of flames during DNA. The song proved a blazing centerpiece of rapper Kendrick Lamar s standard-bearing hip-hop set Friday night. The all-star was, technically, late again. He played an abbreviated set last week at Austin City Limits Music Festival after, reportedly, plane delays left him changing in the car on the way over from the airport. Last week he began 15 minutes before curfew and stretched it to 10:15 p.m. On Friday night, as he emerged at the American Express stage four minutes after his 8:40pm start time, decade-tenured young fans crowded elbow-to-elbow. Hes one of Gen-Zs most formative artists, after all, and suburban youngsters have been made more empathic and inclusive having consumed his writing. Is anybody alive right now? Lamar asked the converted. Fans threw it right back energy-wise. More: 'We Gon' Be Al --': Kendrick Lamar starts ACL Fest set late, breaks curfew, is cut off 2012 songs like Backseat Freestyle are gospel by now; 2015 songs like King Kunta are Crip-walk anthems fully loaded with beloved, rap-along-ready punchlines; 2017 songs like Loyalty display wildly good breath control and double-time raps yet everyone somehow follows along; 2022 songs like N95 are less known but left patrons transfixed with gorgeous arrangements. Big enough to enjoy a headlining tour regardless of its critical and commercial reception, Kendrick Lamars Mr. Morale and the High Steppers is a dense and challenging album. The 2022 release is an introspective missive that finds its narrator spiraling into problem thoughts and reckoning with childhood trauma rooted in toxic masculinity and racism. He connects the threads to his own infidelity, writers block and paranoia as an adult; songs like We Cry Together re-enact domestic disputes between angry couples. It makes for compelling and rich storytelling but it isnt Swimming Pools or Alright or Love like the pop-friendly crowd-pleasers that anchored the ACL setlist. Kendrick Lamar performs Oct. 13, 2023, on the American Express stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park. Visually, this touring show stunned with symbolism. Four peel-away murals, depicting Lamars family and Compton, California, hometowns blue-collar roots, proved vibrant mood boards through the rappers brisk discography tour. Behind him, a six-man dance team swayed in clusters like puppets, dressed like fry cooks: denim aprons, Eazy-E wraparound shades, blue bandanas. One guy pushed a laundry cart onstage during Money Trees to symbolize the musics break-room escapism. Kendrick Lamar performs Friday on the American Express stage during ACL Fest. Lamar played a short set a week ago, after plane problems delayed his arrival. He played his full headlining set this week. Back to DNA. From 2017s Damn, the song features notebooks of twisting lyrics. Lamar performed them all with speed and intensity. He also dusted off a metaphoric and nerdy verse from Pusha Ts Nosetalgia about how dealing crack is similar to selling rap music a common hip-hop trope. He also kept his band behind the murals out of view: Hes not a rock star, hes a rap star and Lamars show above all celebrates the spell-binding power of one emcee reciting 16-bar passages. Until next time ACL. I will be back, Kendrick Lamar promised. Please and thank you. Kendrick Lamar performs Friday at ACL Fest. Kendrick Lamar ACL Fest setlist Oct. 13, 2023 N95 Element ADHD King Kunta Worldwide Steppers Nosetalgia Backseat Freestyle MAAD City Swimming Pools Loyalty Purple Hearts DNA Rich Spirit Humble Sidewalks Count Me Out Money Trees B*tch Dont Kill My Vibe Die Hard Love Family Ties Alright Savior From 2016: Poet, preacher Kendrick Lamar calls for unity in stunning ACL set This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Kendrick Lamar delivers spell-binding set at ACL Fest Weekend Two A lawyer by trade, Michelle Fuente Steffen left her practice to pursue modeling and was a finalist in last years Swim Search. The open casting call experience led her to the Dominican Republic, where the Buenos Aires native posed in front of Yu Tsais lens. During her photoshoot in the Caribbean, Steffen donned a number of stunning swimwear looks, including several bright and colorful bikinis. Ahead of her photoshoot, the lawyer-turned-model told SI Swimsuit that she strived to be as strong as she possibly could, both mentally and physically, for the opportunity ahead. Surprisingly, I was not nervous beforehand at all because I felt I was going there to do my jobwhat I love the most and makes me feel most secure in the worldbut I was a little bit anxious about it, Steffen admitted. I definitely paid much more attention to my skincare routine, worked out double and hydrated myself twice as much as usual. And while the resulting photographs are incredible evidence of her work as a model, Steffen said that the best part of being among The Swimfluence Network community was simply the support she received from her peers. I found a community of people who are not there to compete among themselves but to support each other, and I feel all these girls got it just right and understood perfectly what the SI Swim Search is about, Steffen shared. It makes me proud to be a part of a group of people sharing that kind of vibe and good intentions towards others. Below are a few of our favorite snaps from her photoshoot last year in the Dominican Republic. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuits portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires. Shop Now and Make a Difference "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Middle age hit me hard. Around 50 years old, I lost my partner and I gained almost 100 pounds while grieving. As a fashion designer I had dressed rock and roll stars in denim all through the 60s and 70s, and suddenly I didnt like how I looked wearing jeansI felt like I couldnt be a cool girl anymore, and I was devastated. I decided to use my skills as a designer to make jeans for aging women like me. I created a teleretail brand selling my designs on the Home Shopping Network, and it took offwhich to me says all you need to know about my generation of women who feel invisible. My ethos is that fashion helps connect you to your younger self and allows you to feel like you again, albeit a much more mature you. So, I thought I understood what it meant to agethat it meant finding new ways to feel confident and beautiful, and to reinvent yourself. That was until I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 71, and beat it three years later at 74. By the time I came out of my stage three diagnosis, I saw life differently. Cancer is a great leveler and a great revealer. Cancer doesnt care if youre wealthy, cancer doesnt care if youre beautiful, cancer doesnt care if you live in a penthouse on Fifth Avenue. And by the time I came out of my stage three diagnosis, I saw life differentlyand I became much more grateful for it. A truly pivotal moment happened inside the walls of the Dubin Breast Cancer Center in New York City while I was receiving treatment. About halfway through my protocol (which was, thank goodness, effective) I heard all of this commotion and chatter amongst the nurses. They were so thrilled, and I heard: Shiela, yay, youre here today! Girls, girls, Sheilas here! Hey Sheila, weve got your favorite lunch todaywe saved three of them for you. When finally a nurse came to my room to make sure I was okay, I said, What do I look like, chopped liver to you guys? I mean, nobody asked me if I wanted lunch. She replied, Diane, you never eat lunch. I said, Well, but you could ask memaybe I do this week. And by the way, who is this woman next door to me? Based on my outlook of the world at the time, I assumed she was a soap opera star, or a news anchor, or someone with a huge name in the corporate world or the world of beauty. I was wrong. She was a homeless woman. A homeless woman who had been abused and was living in a shelter with her child. And she had stage three breast cancerjust like me. The food was so horrific in the shelter that those sandwiches were going to be her one meal a day for the next three days once she left the treatment center. That experience taught me everything I needed to know to handle the rest of my life. It taught me empathy, humility, and compassion, and helped me realize just how precious life is. It made my recovery that much more meaningful. Now, my life is so filled with gratitude, and I never pass up a moment to think to myself how lucky I am. Not just lucky to continue to live the wonderful life that I have, but to have learned that lesson in humility that I will carry with me forever. I decided I will forever be too young to be old. When I was younger I thought, Im never gonna get old. But then I went through menopause early, around 40, and my skin and hair and everything else changedand I panicked. I harbored a lot of misconceptions about old age based on what I saw growing up as a baby boomer born to parents who lived through the Great Depression. I thought old age meant slowing down, losing your vibrancy, and having no goals or excitement in life. But I felt like things could be different, so I decided to migrate, rather than retire, from my jeans business in teleretail and began a podcast called Too Young to Be Old where my goal is to inspire and connect with women in the 50+ community. I took everything that frightened me about old age, which for the most part was becoming irrelevant (something society would like to convince us we are after a certain age), and decided to reverse it. I decided that I was going to be meaningful, relevant, active, and that I was going to do it my way. Sometimes, part of old age and feeling old is feeling as though theres no place left for you in societyand that is not a good feeling. So you must carve out space for yourself. For me, leaving my industry in teleretail was a little bit like the empty nest syndrome. I thought: Who am I now? What do I do now? How do I feel good about myself? I took chances and Im learning something new every single day. Surviving breast cancer helped me do that. When I came out of treatment in 2020, I made the deliberate decision to let my hair go white and saw that as a symbol for this new chapter. I took all that I learned along the way with me on the journey. I thought about all the things I loved about myself when I was youngerI was very brave and hard working, I enjoyed setting goals and felt really good when I achieved them. Why wouldnt I want to do that now, in my third act, in the years that are the most precious and most important? So I decided I will forever be too young to be old. You Might Also Like No matter what trimester youre in, there are a host of physical symptomscramping, fatigue, headaches and morethat go along with being pregnant, and its easy to find yourself wondering if these symptoms are normal or if theyre warning signs of something more serious going on (either with you or your developing baby). While theres no always or never when it comes to whether these symptoms are something to be concerned about, it is helpful to know if what youre experiencing is something youre going to want to contact your medical provider about, and what these symptoms could be a warning sign of, exactly. We spoke to experts to learn what pregnancy warning signs to be concerned about, and why. When in doubt, of course, its always a good idea to reach out to your care team, as they know your medical history and any individual concerns. Every pregnancy is unique, and its always better to err on the side of caution, says Meleen Chuang, MD, clinical associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Family Health Centers at NYU Langone. If you have any concerns or questions, its best to reach out to your doctor or midwife for guidance and reassurance. Pregnancy warning signs to know While this isnt an exhaustive list of every possible pregnancy complicationnor is it the case that any of these symptoms are always or even often a sign of something being wrongthese are some of the more common symptoms that can also indicate a cause for concern. Again, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your care provider to get their advice on next steps. Vaginal bleeding Lets start here: this is the rare symptom that should almost always be treated as a pregnancy warning sign. If you are bleeding, call your doctor. True, bleeding in pregnancy can sometimes be totally normal. Early on in the pregnancy, it can be normal to experience spotting thats known as implantation bleeding, explains Lisha Coster, CNM, the director of the midwifery program at Open Door Family Medical Center in Ossining, New York. However, in some cases there could be spotting or bleeding due to a more serious condition. If you see blood, especially if it is accompanied by any other symptoms like cramping or lightheadedness, call your doc. If you experience any vaginal bleeding, heavy or light, it is essential to contact your doctor, says Dr. Chuang. Especially later in pregnancy, it could be a sign of various conditions that require medical attention, such as placenta abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely and can cause the baby to lose blood. Extreme abdominal cramping Some abdominal cramping during pregnancy is very normalit might be round ligament pain, gas pain or Braxton-Hicks contractions. Round ligament pain is usually a dull ache or sharp pain on either side of your belly, most noticeable when you cough or sneeze, says Coster. But persistent or severe abdominal pain or cramping could be indicative of a problem and should be reported to your doctor, says Dr. Chuang. Some of the more serious outcomes that severe abdominal cramping can be a sign of include an ectopic pregnancy, a placental abruption, pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, or a urinary tract infection. If your pain is extreme and/or unrelenting, call your doctor. Intense vomiting Non-stop vomiting early in pregnancy (up until about 16 weeks or so) is most likely hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy condition that occurs in about 1% to 3% of pregnancies. Hyperemesis requires medical attention, says Costerbecause the vomiting is so severe, it can cause other symptoms like weight loss, inability to hydrate or keep food down, or electrolyte imbalances. These are reasons to be concerned, says Dr. Chuangso call your provider ASAP. If you begin vomiting uncontrollably in your third trimester, this is also a concern, as there are conditions that are very serious that can start out as nausea/vomiting, she says, including preeclampsia. If you begin vomiting later in pregnancy (when you werent before, or had stopped and then started again), this can also be a sign of a viral illness, so be sure to get appropriate care for that, too. Sudden swelling or puffiness Another pregnancy warning sign of preeclampsia: if you notice sudden and excessive swelling in your face, hands or legs, says Dr. Chuang. Preeclampsia, a condition marked by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine, requires immediate medical attention, and the swelling may be one of the earliest signs of it. Yes, some swelling, particularly in your ankles, is a normal pregnancy symptom, but pay special attention to any new, rapid-onset swelling in the areas Dr. Chuang mentions, and call your doctor as soon as you notice it. Persistent headaches after 20 weeks Headaches in pregnancy are very typical (and are often a sign of dehydration, says Dr. Chuang). But if you have a gnarly headache after 20 weeks, call your doc, she says. It could be another sign of preeclampsia, especially if the headaches are accompanied by blurry vision, or visual disturbances such as floaters or seeing spots. Frequently feeling dizzy This is another pregnancy warning sign where the frequency is really important: occasional dizzy spells may happen in pregnancy because of changes in your blood volume, or low blood sugar. However, if this feeling of dizziness persists; if you feel faint or actually do faint; or if your dizziness is combined with other symptoms like blurred vision, vaginal bleeding, headaches, or pain in your abdomen; consult your healthcare provider so that a cause can be identified and treated, says Dr. Chuang. Some of those causes can include an ectopic pregnancy, a low-lying placenta, or placenta abruption. A decrease in movement from the baby Once youre in your third trimester (28 weeks), youll want to begin keeping general track of your babys movements. Feeling for fetal movement is recording the time it takes to feel 10 fetal movementspreferably after a meal or at a time when the baby is more active, says Dr. Chuang. If you notice its taking considerably longer than usual to get to 10 kicksin medical terms this is known as decreased fetal movementcall your doctor. Its important to ensure everything is alright, so call your provider or go to the hospital, says Dr. Chuang. Decreased fetal movement could be a fluke, but it could be something else like low amniotic fluid or another issue that requires attention. Painful urination Needing to pee a lot when youre pregnant is normal, but if that pee hurts, you may have a UTI. If you have painful urination, an urge to pee and only a few drops come out, or a burning sensation with urination, that can all be a sign of a urinary tract infection, says Dr. Chuang. Other symptoms of a UTI can include fever, chills, or blood-tinged urine, says Coster. Call your doctor because they will be able to diagnose your symptoms and treat the bacterial infection to avoid complications, Dr. Chuang says. Widespread itchiness, especially on your palms and feet If you feel whole-body itchiness in your third trimester, particularly if its on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, call your doctor as soon as it starts. This is a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, says Dr. Chuang. This is a liver condition in late pregnancy that causes severe itching. When your liver is operating at reduced functionality, she explains, bile acid can build up. When the level of bile acid is too high, it can cause severe itching. Cholestasis is extremely dangerous for the baby, and it can get severe really quickly, so stay on high alert for this. One-time SI Swimsuit model and actress Michelle Vawer is best known for her role in the 2009 film, Into the Blue 2: The Reef. She made her debut with the magazine in 2012, when she was photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. in Sydney/Cairns, Australia. I think I was nervous leading up to it because you find out so long before and then it happens and its quick. And I got to shoot with [photographer] Walter Iooss, whos sort of like legendary, she recalled. And we got to go to Australia so it was kind of like I was nervous but [the SI Swimsuit team is] so cool and chill. The whole shoot was just so much fun. You just sort of feel in your element, I guess. Vawer, who grew up on the beaches of Hawaii, has lived all over the country. She moved to New York City at the age of 19 to pursue modeling and signed with IMG Models. After her SI Swimsuit feature, she decided to go back to school and studied design and architecture in California, where she met Ariel Taymor. The model and chef got married in 2021 and moved to Mexico where the 33-year-old lives today and works as an immersive installation designer. The couple are parents to baby Cypress, whom they welcomed in June. She is super active on Instagram, constantly sharing content of her family, stunning modeling campaign snapshots and tons of fun, summery beachside content all year long. Vawer also made television appearances in Lethal Weapon and Good Bones in 16. Below are four of our favorite photos from her 2012 SI Swimsuit photoshoot with Walter Iooss Jr. in Australia. Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuits portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires. Shop Now and Make a Difference In the realm of dreamy getaways, the allure of a private island retreat often looms large. One tropical island destination in particular offers solitude, and the issue of overtourism is nearly nonexistent. Prepare to be enchanted by Tuvalu. This South Pacific nation plays host to fewer than 2,000 visitors annually, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Seclusion Is Key Imagine embarking on an escape to Tuvalu, where jostling for prime spots on beaches is a concern of the past. Tuvalus secluded haven is artfully spread across its nine islands, each boasting its unique charm. In this idyllic corner of the world, travelers can indulge in an average year-round temperature of 87 degrees. The serene environment is home to a thriving marine ecosystem comprised of atolls, lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. Not The Easiest Place To Get To Accessing Tuvalu is a venture not for the faint of heart. Air Fiji offers flights to Tuvalu merely three times a week, departing from Nadi International Airport in the Republic of Fiji, another enchanting South Pacific island. Within Tuvalu itself, the sole airport is located on the main island, Funafuti. Population Decline The mysteries surrounding Tuvalus isolation dont end there. This island nation grapples with a population decline, while the United Nations has designated it as one of the islands most susceptible to vanishing beneath rising ocean waters in the 21st century. Alarming reports from the Guardian reveal that two of these islands have already begun witnessing the harbingers of coastal erosion and the encroaching tides. In the face of these challenges, Tuvalu remains an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty. For the adventurous traveler willing to embrace the voyage, a journey to this remote South Pacific jewel promises a chance to bask in the sun and savor a slice of heaven. The untouched paradise of Tuvalu might just become your next cherished escape from the worlds hustle and bustle. Texas Roadhouse is one of those places that has a universal appeal. There's a little something for everyone on the menu, and the atmosphere is such that it allows you to relax and let your hair down. With that said, we're certain there are things about the restaurant you don't know -- and who better to fill you in on the details than the employees themselves? In this post, we've scoured the internet for information that Texas Roadhouse insiders want you to know. On the surface, the company is a typical chain-style restaurant, but we were surprised to find out quite a few unique facts about the place that we're sure will strike your interest. In addition to facts about the food, we'll also explore patron-to-server relationships, restaurant decor, and much more. Join us as we dig into the interesting details we believe the chain's employees want you to know about your local Texas Roadhouse. Read more: Waiters Reveal What Restaurants Get The Best Tips No Two Restaurants Look Alike Texas Roadhouse hometown heroes wall - Facebook Ever notice that no two Texas Roadhouse establishments look alike? There's a reason for that. Believe it or not, every Texas Roadhouse is constructed to reflect the community in which the restaurant is built. Thus, you'll find decorations unique to your Texas Roadhouse that you aren't likely to find anywhere else. Oh, and in case you're wondering, while most of the murals are unique and local, there is at least one mural you'll notice that may be the same at every location of the restaurant. A Texas Roadhouse-affiliated artist always composes one of the murals in each outpost of the chain. This mural serves as an ode to Native American culture and often features an older Native American. There is also a corner decorated in honor of a very specific celebrity, but we won't go too deep into the details of this right now. Don't worry there'll be more on that later. Everything Is Made From Scratch buttered rolls on baking sheet - Marivi Rueda/Shutterstock If we told you everything yes, everything at Texas Roadhouse is made from scratch, would you believe us? Actually, it's true. The company makes everything in-house, so you can expect each item you order to taste as fresh as possible. While other steakhouses may at least claim the rolls are made from scratch, Texas Roadhouse takes it one step further. Not only does the chain cook entrees fresh, but it even makes its own croutons, bacon bits, and dressings. By the way, the "bacon bits" at Texas Roadhouse are actually delicious chunks of chopped bacon. So when you're ordering a salad with bacon bits, you shouldn't think you're getting those additive-filled hard pieces that you sprinkle out of a plastic can. Instead, expect your loaded potato, green beans, potato skins, and salads to get peppered with the real stuff. As for those freshly-made dressings, expect Texas Roadhouse to dish up ranch, honey mustard, bleu cheese, Italian, French, Caesar , and more. There's plenty of variety, so you should have no problem topping your salad with something delish. Every Restaurant Has Its One Butcher And Baker smiling texas roadhouse butcher - Facebook Not only does Texas Roadhouse have house-made dressings and entrees, but it also employs its own butchers and bakers. Every Texas Roadhouse store has its own meat cutter and roll maker, and each of these employees is equipped with their own special task. In terms of butchering, the meat cutter will complete their task in a 34-degree cooler where every steak is hand-cut. The butcher will cut around $1 million worth of meat per year, including your tender and savory ribeye, sirloin, and filet steaks. As for the baker, know that the person working this position is responsible for making those hot and delicious yeast rolls you can't wait to get your hands on as soon as your butt hits the seat. You may not believe it, but these freshly-made rolls are cooked up every five minutes, so they're ultra-fresh and ready to be slathered in all that yummy cinnamon butter goodness at all times. Limited Hours Serve A Purpose texas roadhouse hostess greeting - Facebook As popular as Texas Roadhouse has become, you may find yourself a little disappointed if you plan to frequent the joint earlier in the day. Many of us like sampling lighter options for lunch, and since Texas Roadhouse offers several tasty salads and appetizers, it stings a little to know the restaurant doesn't typically open earlier in the day. According to the website, Texas Roadhouse does actually open for lunch, but only on the weekends. Otherwise, this popular restaurant should be viewed as a dinner-only concept, meaning that it only serves guests dinner-style entrees during the majority of the week. The reason for this? Texas Roadhouse believes strongly in the value of its team. By allowing managers the beginning of the day off, the hope is that the schedule will contribute to a better work-life balance. In addition, Texas Roadhouse stands to benefit from this setup, as opening its doors only during busier hours enables the restaurant to plant itself where it wants, rather than depending on high-traffic areas with a big lunch rush to generate its income. That Willie Nelson Tribute Isn't For No Reason texas roadhouse willies corner - Facebook Remember those murals we were telling you about earlier? While Texas Roadhouse is known for splashing its already energetic environment with trinkets and decorations that reflect the culture and community in which it was built, there's one thing that remains the same. Outside of the mural dedicated to Native American culture, you may also see another familiar addition to each Texas Roadhouse location: a corner specifically dedicated to Willie Nelson. While you may think that the owner of the company simply had some sort of infatuation with the well-known guitarist, the truth is that Willie and the late Kent Taylor had an established relationship that went way back. The two actually met at a charity event, and before they knew it, a friendship was born. Since then, there's been a section dedicated to Willie Nelson in every restaurant. There are also rumors that Willie Nelson has since partnered with Texas Roadhouse and may even have a restaurant that he personally owns in Austin, Texas. Full-Time Roadies Earn Tuition Assistance smiling texas roadhouse workers - Facebook If you're looking to become a "Roadie" (the in-house term for employee) any time soon, you should know that Texas Roadhouse tends to offer really great benefits. Employees who work 30 or more hours a week stand to earn tuition assistance, which, apparently, can total up to over $5,000 when certain parameters are met. According to Texas Roadhouse, an employee can be eligible for tuition reimbursement (and other benefits) after working a full year at the restaurant. The tuition money is a great deal for employees, especially given that restaurant staff can often be made up of college students. In addition to tuition reimbursement, employees can expect to take advantage of flexible schedules, paid vacation, identity theft programs, annual holiday bonuses, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and even weekly pay. With this in mind, it's easy to see why many servers consider Texas Roadhouse a pretty darn decent place to work. The restaurant seems to really care about its employees -- we dig it! Customer Service Is Highly Prioritized bartender offering drink - Facebook Superior customer service is, presumably, something most businesses always aspire to achieve. But when it comes to Texas Roadhouse, customer service is especially important. A job posting for a host position at one location lays out what is expected of staff working at Texas Roadhouse, including putting forth every effort to greet and assist guests, quoting times for tables accurately, going above and beyond for guests who may have never been to the establishment, and even working to show every customer why Texas Roadhouse is indeed the "friendliest place in town." That's a lot to keep track of! In addition, hosts and hostesses are specifically encouraged to tell guests about Texas Roadhouse's "legendary" story. Although we're not sure we've had the pleasure of experiencing this part of the Texas Roadhouse greeting, we're also sure that telling the restaurant's story to "every guest" gets tiring after a while. Either way, know that customer service at Texas Roadhouse is a top priority; hopefully, your experience matches the claims of the company whenever you find yourself frequenting your nearest location. Your Server Probably Hates The Birthday Chant As Much As You Do texas roadhouse birthday saddle - Facebook At Texas Roadhouse, birthdays are seen as an occasion to hoot, holler, and scream, much to the embarrassment of the birthday guest. What you might not know, however, is that your server is just as annoyed by the process as you are -- if not more so. Here's the deal. When it's time for that all-too-familiar "YEEHAW!" birthday ritual, your server first has to stroll around the kitchen rounding up people who will do the birthday yell with them. As busy as the establishment can get (and as taxing as the birthday announcement can be), many staff members may go scattering once birthday time comes. Oh, but it doesn't stop there. Once your server has successfully gathered whoever is brave enough to participate, they'll need to put the customer on a birthday saddle, belt out the whole birthday spiel to the entire restaurant, and conclude it with a big old Texas "Yeehaw!" to wrap it all up. Yes, your server is happy it's your birthday, and no, they don't hate you. But it's important to realize that just because your server seems enthusiastic about the task, chances are they are just as embarrassed to have to belt out that birthday chant as you are to hear it. Texas Roadhouse's Seafood Is Better Than You'd Think salmon and side dishes - Instagram Not many people enter a Texas Roadhouse restaurant looking for seafood, but, according to employees, the seafood is well worth sampling and might be the dark-horse candidate for the best thing on the menu. You'll find several seafood options on the Texas Roadhouse menu, from salmon salads to full-blown entrees. However, there are a few that stand out among the crowd, according to people who used to work there. For example, some Texas Roadhouse locations feature deep-fried catfish. One former staff member on Reddit claims to never have really liked catfish much, but when she tried the catfish at Texas Roadhouse, her mind quickly changed. The catfish is delish, and the tartar sauce (made in-house, mind you) is incredible. Not only this, but other workers have attested that the salmon is equally delicious and well-deserving of your hard-earned cash. Thus, if you don't have a particular hankering for steak, it seems that sampling the seafood may prove quite beneficial. You might just walk away surprised. The Ribs Aren't Called Fall-Off-The-Bone For No Reason texas roadhouse ribs - Instagram We know: When it comes to ordering ribs from a roadhouse-style steakhouse, the chances that you're going to get ribs as delicious as your local BBQ joint are slim to none. Still, though we're sure there are some places out there that could easily rival Texas Roadhouse ribs, we must say that this chain restaurant has its rib game down pat. From what we can tell, there's a bit of back and forth concerning the process by which Texas Roadhouse actually cooks the ribs, but most employees on Reddit tend to agree that they're cooked low and slow before they are finished off on the grill. They are then slathered in Texas Roadhouse's own BBQ sauce before being served up alongside all your favorite Texas-inspired sides. And in case you're wondering which Texas Roadhouse sides pair well with the ribs, allow us to recommend the bacon-infused green beans, loaded baked potatoes, or, heck, even the steak fries. Every Employee Will Have Their Favorite Dish texas roadhosue cheeseburger - Instagram Servers usually do have a meal or two from the restaurant they work at that tends to be their go-to, and Texas Roadhouse employees tend to be die-hard enthusiasts of the food. Interestingly, this truth not only applies to the steaks served at Texas Roadhouse but to plenty of foods outside of steak, as well. Case in point: we've noticed several employees getting worked up over an entree known as Herb Crusted Chicken. Apparently, this herb-doused chicken breast is nothing short of amazing, despite it being a seemingly plain old chicken dinner. Other winning meals include the Dallas Filet (best enjoyed medium-rare for the most tender and flavorful experience), the ribeye (which is perfectly marbled and flavorful), and even the burgers. And though this may sound crazy, there are employees out there who recommend you give Texas Roadhouse salads a go. On this point, we totally agree as we, too, have experienced the powerful flavor combination of in-house croutons served with made-from-scratch dressing to create delicious salads filled with crisp lettuce and yummy thick cheese shreds. Peanuts All Over The Floor Is No Longer A Thing spilled bag of whole peanuts - Nadore/Getty Images If you've loved Texas Roadhouse for quite some time, you likely remember when the floor was once littered with peanut shells. For some of you, those times probably feel as recent as yesterday, and now it may seem quite baffling to walk into a Texas Roadhouse and actually be able to see the floor. So, what happened? From what it seems, Texas Roadhouse has stopped the practice, but as for the reasons why, we aren't exactly sure. We've seen headlines about customers slipping on nutshells and have seen some people speculate that this might be one of the reasons the chain stopped featuring the free snack. Other rumored reasons include problems with guests who might have an allergic reaction to them. Either way, you should know that if you really want peanuts from Texas Roadhouse, all you have to do is ask, according to a poster on Yelp. Some locations may still offer them; however, you'll need to get your server to grab them for you if you've got that hankering. The Cactus Blossom Is A Truly Massive Appetizer onion cactus blossom on table - Instagram Are you considering ordering the onion-y delicious Cactus Blossom? If so, be sure to bring your appetite. This monster of an appetizer is nothing to scoff at and probably won't be finished by a single person -- unless you order it as a meal, that is. The Cactus Blossom is what many like to call the "Bloomin' Onion," much to the servers' chagrin. At any rate, this fried onion concoction comes with its own dip, and one Texas Roadhouse server on Reddit said it was enough to generously feed at least two people even two people can rarely down this in one sitting. Your best bet? Instead of ordering the Cactus Blossom for your own enjoyment, try ordering it for yourself and a table full of family and friends. Your pals will be sure to thank you and you won't have to worry about clumsily juggling as many to-go boxes on your way home. Please Be Kind To Your Server making hearts with hand - Instagram Okay, hear us out. This might sound cliche at first blush, but Texas Roadhouse employees want you to know that the servers are human, too. Though they are technically there to serve you and your needs, it's important that you keep in mind that many of them may receive as little as $2.13 per hour because they're expected to make the rest in tips. Not only this, but many Texas Roadhouse servers on Reddit reported tip-sharing, meaning that the tips they make don't only go to them but will go to other staff, such as bartenders, which further burns a hole in their pocket. While it's fine to correct mistakes or question why your steak isn't cooked exactly as ordered, remember also that your server is likely stressed to the max, especially on nights when it is busy. Kindness can go a long way, so definitely remember to tip and take it easy on your hardworking servers; waiting tables isn't easy, and if you think it is, try it one day. We're almost certain you'll change your mind. Read the original article on Mashed. As modern-day pizza was invented in Italy (specifically in the Campania region), it's no surprise that the motherland boasts some of the best pies around. And yet, Italy isn't the only country to make pizza in 2023. According to 50 Top Pizza, an Italian organization that rounds up the best pies in Europe every year, the continent's best pizza outside of Italy is in Spain -- specifically, in Barcelona. Not only did 50 Top Pizza award Sartoria Panatieri the top pizzeria in Spain for 2023, but also the esteemed honor of the top pizza establishment in Europe for the same year. The runner-up is a shop in Copenhagen, and third place goes to a restaurant in London. In particular, 50 Top Pizza granted one dish from Sartoria Panatieri the Latteria Sorrentina Award: The establishment's roasted cherry tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil hollandaise pie, made with local organic flour and heated on a wood fire. An entire pizza will set you back just 12.90 euros. According to 50 Top Pizza, "It is a product full of personality and the pizza toppings are always balanced." Read more: 30 Popular Frozen Pizzas, Ranked Worst To Best Sartoria Panatieri Features Farm To Table Ingredients thin carrots with stems - Facebook Rafa Panatieri and Jorge Sastre, co-owners of Sartoria Panatieri, accepted the award for top pizzeria in Europe (sans Italy) on May 3, 2023 in Barcelona. While the rest of the esteemed list included pizzerias from all over the continent, 17 establishments from Spain made the cut, making it the country with the highest representation. Yet while Sartoria Panatieri lies in Barcelona, its pizza has Spanish, Italian, and South American influence. Sastre was born in Madrid and has worked in Catalonia, while Panatieri grew up in an Italian family in Brazil and gained prior experience throughout South America and Italy. In addition to the award-winning pie featuring basil hollandaise, Sartoria Panatieri's menu includes delicacies like a roasted carrot cream, pickled carrots, ricotta, pork rind, and mozzarella pizza; and a 'za topped with cured pork belly, mozzarella, roasted potatoes, egg yolk, and tuna bottarga. Sartoria Panatieri's slogan is "from farm to pizza," as it focuses on high-quality and sustainable ingredients. It sometimes makes its own sausage and cheese in-house -- but for all the other ingredients, Panatieri and Sastra know exactly where they come from and how they were made (or grown). "Pizza is the maximum expression of our work as chefs, of our philosophy and the respect we have for our ingredients, and the time it has taken us to understand this timeless recipe and improve it," the owners said. Read the original article on Tasting Table. (Spooky Narrator voice) Hello and happy October, little BuzzFeeders. Since it's spooky season, I recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to share their wildest experiences with the paranormal. I got some seriously scary stories in response as well as a few heartwarming ones. Here are a few of the best; read on if you dare. 1."Back in October 2005, when I was 15, my family and I were living in an apartment above an Esso gas station in Bostrak, Norway. One night I had a very lucid dream of a little blonde boy, probably aged eight or nine, crying in our living room. He was wearing a striped t-shirt with a silver star printed in the middle of his chest. When he saw me, he spoke in Swedish." "I'm Norwegian, so I understood what he was saying, especially 'bus accident.' He kept pointing down to the Esso station. I woke up (it was October 31), convinced a bus was going to crash into [the station]. I told my mom and dad EVERYTHING about the dream, and my dad told me to get a grip, nightmares happen. That didn't stop my high anxiety. Every bus that stopped to deliver packages I was sure would crash. Nothing happened. BUT, that evening, my siblings and I went down to the station to buy snacks for a horror movie marathon, and I saw a newspaper headline: 'Bus Accident in Tenerife.' It had a picture of a bus in front of a Shell gas station. Naturally, I bought it, because it was a Swedish tourist bus that went off the road in Tenerife, not too far from the airport there, with 28 people on board. A Norwegian tourist leader died. Front and center [in the article] was a picture of two blonde boys crying in the aftermath of the accident. One of them was young, aged 8 or 9, in a striped t-shirt with a star print in the middle. HE SURVIVED. I don't believe in psychics, mediums, witches, or anything paranormal. But I still have the paper to remind myself I don't know sh*t. How can a little boy appear in a dream of mine (a stranger!) to warn of an accident happening as it was happening on October 30, 2005? I haven't had anything like that ever happen to me again. I still can't explain it." creepitreal Southern Lightscapes / Getty Images 2."My dad passed away when I was 15. On several occasions, it has seemed like his spirit has been looking out for us since." "One such occurrence was when my niece was a toddler. She was upstairs in her bedroom, asleep, while my sister and I were downstairs watching TV. Since the TV was on, we couldn't hear my niece choking on her own vomit she had been fine when she went to bed, and we had no idea that she had become sick so quickly. All of a sudden, a framed picture of my dad as a baby dropped from where it hung on the staircase, the frame shattering all over the stairs. We ran to clean up the glass when, closer to her room, we could hear my niece in distress. It has often felt to us like that was my dad getting our attention that night to save his granddaughter's life." padawanryan Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images 3."Not me, but my cousin. We were very close to our grandmother, and things got a little spooky for my cousin the year after our grandmother's passing. Our grandmother was allergic to kiwis. A couple of weeks after the funeral, my cousin was feeling really sad and having a general mopey day. She went to the fridge where she had a four pack of kiwis, and took two and ate them. The next day, she went back to her fridge for breakfast and saw that the package (still opened) had four kiwis." "Around the one-year anniversary of her passing, my cousin spoke out loud to our grandmother before going to work, saying that she missed her. Upon her return home, she found a birthday card that my grandmother had written her laying on the floor. The card had been safely stored inside of a book, on a bookshelf, and there were no pets or other people living there besides my cousin. It was a very nice moment for her." pizzaandposies George D. Lepp / Getty Images 4."I've worked in historic houses for years. The number one question I'm always asked is if the house is haunted. I was always able to say 'no' until one weird day. Keep in mind, I've always been respectful and remembered that this was once someone's home; people lived, loved, and died here." "Anyway, one day I was closing up and had locked the only entrance. I was alone. I accidentally slammed the basement door shut after turning off the lights. It was so loud, I automatically said out loud, 'Ohhh, sorry!', like an idiot. Then I heard a woman on the floor above me laughing. Again, I was completely alone. At least I amused the spirit! She knew I meant no harm. I was never scared there, I stayed respectful and was left alone." Anonymous Jon Lovette / Getty Images 5."I lived in a spooky dorm my freshman year of college. It was built on the site of the Confederate cannon line from the major Civil War battle that took place in our town, so it was bound to have some bad omens around. We had several things happen to us. For instance, my friends lived in the room next door. Nightly, their door would fly open. It did not matter if it was deadbolted; the door would fly open anyway. [My friends] would run into the hallway, but there was never anyone there." "One evening as I sat alone on my bed watching TV, a box just shot out from under my bed, all on its own. Nobody was around, as it was a Friday night and everyone had gone to dinner. Perhaps the strangest was one weekend when things went from spooky to downright scary. My friends (next door) were both going out of town. I knew this, but as I sat at my desk, there was knocking coming through the wall. I thought they were still there, so I played along and knocked back a few times. Each time, I was met with more knocks. When I texted them about it, they were both confused; they'd already left campus, and no one was in their room." user2250 Masebrothers / Via media.giphy.com 6."When I was 13, my family stayed at a friend's old farmhouse while traveling through the area. When I was going to bed, my mother told me that someone had once passed away in the room I was sleeping in. Then she wished me goodnight. (She has a fucked up sense of humor.) After I finally fell asleep, I was awoken to the feeling of a hand pressing onto my forehead, as if my temperature was being taken." "I felt it touch my hair. When I opened my eyes, there was a shadow of a woman beside the bed leaning over me. In the dark I thought it was my mother, so I just tried to brush her away and went back to sleep. The next morning when I asked why she came into the room so late she told me that she hadnt, shed actually gone to bed right after me." synroche Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo / Getty Images 7."One night shortly after my good friend passed away, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, and suddenly, he was sitting right next to me." "He told me he was okay, and that I would be okay too. I asked him what it was like to die. I dont remember what he said, or anything else after that. I woke up the next morning normally in bed. I wasnt tired [when it happened, and] was totally sober. He came to me. It meant everything." Anonymous 10,000 Hours / Getty Images 8."Little did my parents know when they purchased their 1911 dream home, their second born would be best friends with the little girl in the attic. Ever since I can remember, [I've known] things I shouldn't be able to and [have seen] things that weren't technically there. As a young child, my parents played [these things] off as 'my imaginary friends.' Time went on, I grew up, but my imaginary friends never went away. One 'friend' in particular stayed close to me for a long time. She began peering in my doorway at age 3, and she aged alongside me. Years after the little girl first appeared, my family and I were cleaning out our basement. Above the exposed rafters, my brother uncovered a stack of old photographs." "On top of this pile of dusty images was my 'imaginary' best friend, and beside her face was a name. Jane. Jane would come into my room almost nightly. She would walk down the attic steps, stare at me through my doorway, and enter my room, sometimes playing with my things but always praying at the foot of my bed. Jane would finish her nightly visit by walking down the stairs to the family living area. When our alarm was set, she would set the motion sensors off still, my parents never believed me. They said it was dust. I spent the next few years sleeping with my lights on so Jane wouldn't startle me so much, and soon, as I aged, I began to see her less and less. At 15, I stopped seeing her altogether. She became more of a feeling, or a voice I would hear at times of struggle: a spirit I credit with saving my life more than once. After finding her photograph, it became my most prized possession, and I stored it in a china cabinet in our kitchen. It wasn't the most secure location; one afternoon when I was 15, our kitchen had a fire, and the stack of pictures burned. In adulthood, I started stretching my psychic muscles and seeing things again, which reassured me the whole thing wasn't just my imagination and made me long for Jane, who I'd last seen 20 years ago. I began to want to know if I could prove through documentation that she was really a natural person who died in childhood. Thankfully, with time, genealogical websites became very proficient, and I researched my house and the families who've lived there. Then, in an obituary in a 1918 newspaper, I found her. Jane Hill Patrick was born on July 19, 1903, and died on July 24, 1918 of Rheumatic Fever. She died in my home; the address was listed in her obituary because her wake was held in our house. She died at 15, the same age I was when I stopped seeing her and when the picture burned. Thankfully, through my research, I've located her brother's child. Her now 90-year-old nephew had only ever heard stories of his aunt; however, he did have a photograph. He graciously shared with me the only known remaining image of her. The face I saw was unmistakable. It was my earliest friend and my favorite spirit, Jane." Anonymous Ralf Nau / Getty Images 9."Hauntings were part of my childhood experience. My siblings and I all had our own individual encounters. My very first memory was when I was around six, and my bed started to shake, really bad. It happened regularly. I usually hid, very still and very quiet, under the heavy wool blankets of my bed. This time was too much, and instead of hiding I just started to scream as I laid there." "I recall seeing my sisters open my bedroom door and just stand there with their big eyes and mouths agape. My mom ran in and turned the light in and my bed felt like it dropped. My sisters later said that I had screamed that there was an earthquake under my bed. From then on, sh*t got weird. Lights and stereos would blast on, and we'd take refuge outside until my parents came home from work, or my older siblings came back from wherever they'd been (it was the 80s). We never felt able to go down the hallway without running - it felt like a being was there, watching, waiting." Anonymous Artmarie / Getty Images 10."I swear my mum is still present in my dad's house. She died in 2007, and we played her favorite song, Three Times a Lady by Lionel Richie, at her funeral. Late on the night after her funeral, I was watching the music channels and that song came on. I changed channels quickly as I was obviously still emotional, and as I did all the sympathy cards on the shelves moved, as though someone had run their hand across them. I put the song back on!" "Since then, every now and then shell make herself known: all my old posters came off the wall in the night, my very heavy CD rack has been pushed over, and sometimes my bed shifts as though someone has sat down on it. I find it comforting." rachelarmitage2 Steve Jennings / Getty Images 11."We used to live in an old house in Virginia, and weird but easily explained or dismissed things often happened. Things like cupboards being left open, things placed in the fridge that didnt go there, etc. Nothing convincing. But one day I was home alone and I 100% heard a childs voice very clearly say 'Mom?'" "I looked everywhere and there was no one home, no one outside, no TVs on or anything. From then on, that became a regular occurrence. Especially if I was in the bathroom or the kitchen. It still gives me the chills. I was glad when we moved." Anonymous mikroman6 / Joshua Reynolds / Getty Images 12."Ive had several paranormal experiences, but one really stands out. In 2012, I was finishing my senior year of high school. My bedroom was in the basement of our house. I woke up one night because a voice in my head was telling me I was being watched. Standing at the foot of my bed was a man. He had smoke coming off him, looked kind of like he was charred, and was wearing a long coat and cowboy hat with no clearly defined features except for the most electric blue eyes. He stared at me for what felt like hours, but was more like a few moments. Thats all I remember." "Years later, I was talking to my brother about paranormal experiences and told him that one. My brother was living in Georgia in 2012. When I told him that story, my badass West Point grad, Army Ranger brother got tears in his eyes and told me he saw the exact same apparition in the same year. Except his walls bled. That's of the weirder ones." Anonymous Likozor / Getty Images 13."My house had a lot going on for awhile, and it started with the kids. My youngest son was the main target: he said his bed was being shaken. Once, we were in the kitchen together and he was pouring milk for cereal when his arm went up like it had been bumped and he spilled milk all over the counter." "Another time, I had something grab me by the leg and try to pull me out of bed. My husband was next to me, but I was frozen with fear and nothing would come out of my mouth. I've experienced the bed shaking and and unexplained breezes around my bed in a closed room. Things have calmed down since the kids grew up and moved but I have taken videos in the house and seen orbs floating around." Anonymous Chris Clor / Getty 14."I was working an opening shift at a food place in the mall. My friend worked at another food place, and I saw him walk by my store that morning to go out for a smoke break. We looked at each other and said hey. He was quiet and shy, as am I, and he went on and I continued working on opening the store." "Not even a few hours go by, and I got a call from our mutual friend. He told me that our friend had passed away that night. 'But how, I just saw him?' I said. There was no explanation. It was heartbreaking. I still to this day see that morning in my head. His other coworkers swear they saw him as well, and I never will doubt it." Anonymous Kim Steele / Getty Images 15."This isn't a ghost story, but I'll give it a shot. I was visiting a friend who had been going through a rough patch and he said he really appreciated me coming to visit him. I randomly thought of that Bible verse about showing hospitality to strangers because you may be entertaining angels unaware (it's Hebrews 13:2)." "I momentarily felt an odd sensation: I was sitting down, but I suddenly got the kind of feeling you get if you've been sitting down for a while and stand up too quickly. It passed just as quickly as it came but my friend said, 'That was weird were you just thinking about where it says in the Bible you may invite angels in by being hospitable to strangers?' I've heard stories before about people supposedly experiencing telepathic communication. I think these people are being sincere when they tell these stories, but most of them can be explained by coincidence, or subconsciously reading body language and getting the idea of what the person is thinking about. My experience was NOT like that. This was a very specific thought, and we weren't talking about anything similar at the time." Anonymous Oliver Rossi / Getty Images 16."When I was about 9 years old, I was staying with my maternal grandmother. She lived in the country in a old farm house my grandfather had built in 1920s. My grandmother and I shared a room with 2 twin beds. It was the middle of the night and I woke up to a man standing at the foot of my bed, just nodding his head." "I was terrified and closed my eyes tight shut. When I opened them back up, he was gone. The following morning I told my grandma about what happened, and she went and got a picture I had never seen before. It was a picture of my late grandpa; I had never met him because he passed in 1956. He was the man I saw at the foot of my bed the night before. Thank you grandpa for such a great memory." Anonymous CBS / Paramount / Via media.giphy.com 17."At the end of my hometown, theres a big, dark forest, and unsurprisingly, there are a ton of stories about it. I believe this one from firsthand experience. The story goes that decades ago, to celebrate the first day of June, a school was having a picnic in the woods when a little girl wandered off to pick flowers and was never seen again. If you go into the woods in the first of June, they say you might meet her, and that shes not scared or sad or anything, just picking flowers peacefully." "When I was a dumb 13-year-old, I decided to see if that was true. I walked into the woods on the first day of June. And I heard a little girl laughing. I jumped, like, a foot in the air and turned around to see if anyone was there. There was no one, just a pile of uprooted flowers. I've never fucked around with the supernatural after that." Anonymous Rudolf Vlcek / Getty Images 18."I want to preface this by saying I was very skeptical prior to this experience. In 2011 my mom and I visited the Queen Mary, a reportedly haunted ship. We were in the pool area and I went off by myself because I figured that my best chance to experience something was to be alone. As I stood on the opposite side of the pool as everyone else, I felt this hard tug on my shirt." "I kind of brushed it off until about 1 minute later when the tour guide said that a little girl died in the pool and the main way she likes to let people know shes still around is by tugging on their shirts. After that experience I am a firm believer in the paranormal." Anonymous Topical Press Agency / Getty Images 19."I work in an old courthouse that is, no question about it, haunted. Historically, the building hasn't been just the courthouse, but the building where all county offices (and the jail) were housed. My office used to be upstairs in what used to be the county clerks office, and when I worked up there, odd things would happen." "In my first encounter, I was there alone, and I heard what sounded like papers being shuffled through near my coworkers desk. But he hadnt left any papers there, and anyway, there wasnt a fan or vent. I left quickly after that. The next time, my coworker and I were up there together and something started knocking on the walls while we were talking and then it would stop [as soon as] we stopped. It happened a few times in a row, then we told it to stop, and it did. My boss once said when he was up there once he stepped out to do something and when he came back one of the phones was off the receiver. We have affectionately taken to calling the ghost Judge Haunty." samanthae4ef54d0a6 Catherine Mcqueen / Getty Images 20."Does lucid dreaming count? I took a nap one day, and woke up within my dream to my room exactly as it was when I had fallen asleep. The only reason I knew I was still dreaming was because my deceased pets were trying to get into the bed for snuggles." "Then I looked over my shoulder and saw a pale child, maybe no older than 10, dressed in dirty Edwardian style dress. He walked into my room through the already opened door with a blank expression on his face. He didn't see me, he just walked slowly into my room directly toward the back wall. I woke up not too long after I saw him and I couldn't shake this feeling that I used to know that child, and had been visited by more than just the ghosts of cats and dogs when I slept." mo2758 cjp / Getty Images 21."While watching TV one night, I fell asleep in the recliner in the living room of my 1835 home. I woke up once, but was too tired to go upstairs so I turned off the TV and went back to sleep. I awoke later to see a young woman leaning over me, watching me sleep." "I immediately sat up, startled. She straightened up, smiled, then turned and started to walk away. I was wide awake and I knew I wasn't dreaming. She was as real as could be, with long, reddish brown, frizzy hair. She was wearing a dark, high-collar Victorian dress, with a white apron with large straps. As she started to walk away her left side vanished into the television and its stand, and then she completely disappeared. I looked at my phone and it was 2:18 a.m. It was, of course, very memorable. Not frightening, but exhilarating." Don A. Warner Bros. / Via media.giphy.com 22."Once when I was a teenager and nearly finished with high school, I was alone one night at home. My mother was a single parent as my father had died a couple of years before, and she was working nights as a nurse. We had a set-up where I'd wake her up when I came home from school in the afternoons and make dinner for the both of us, and then she'd head into work as I started on my homework." "That particular night I'd seen my mother off to work and finished my homework and everything when I realized I'd forgotten to take out the trash when I got home for the day. It was already pretty late, and really dark outside, but the trash bin was just on the other side of the car port. We also lived in a reasonably safe neighborhood, so I didn't see a reason why I shouldn't take it out. I flipped on the dim exterior light that really only illuminated the trash bin and single corner of the carport and walked out with the trash. When I walked outside, I realized that it was really dark, much darker than usual for that time of night, and I reasoned it was most likely due to cloud cove. I quickly disposed of the trash and closed the bin, and when I turned around to go back inside I stopped dead in my tracks. In front of me was this human-sized being of pure light. It struck an unnatural level of fear into me. I remember being frozen in shock, staring at it and trying to make sense of it. It stood with its glowing arm extended towards me, completely unmoving. Looking back, I have never been able to really articulate just how horrifying this thing was; it didn't move, it didn't make any sound, it simply was, and it didn't fade away or disappear when I blinked. I don't really remember how I got away from it, I just know that a few minutes later I was standing inside my house, with the door locked behind me, shaking like a leaf and crying like a toddler. I've never been able to figure out what I saw or what it wanted from me." Anonymous Tara Moore / Getty Images 23."We created a Ouija board from scratch, because we read it made them safer. My best friend and I put my rocking chair under my bedroom door knob to keep my mom out and tried for hours to get the board to work, but nothing happened. We went to sleep. I was awoken by my dog, digging at the bed and yowling." "Before I could grab the dog, she launched herself off the bed, crawled under it, and continued to dig and yowl. Simultaneously, the door to the bedroom flew open, sending the rocking chair across the floor. It slid directly to the end of the bed and rocked violently. As if on cue, my bestie sat bolt upright in bed and yelled 'George, stop it!' The chair stopped rocking, the dog stopped digging, and the bedroom door closed itself. My bestie laid back down and was sound asleep. This was 40 years ago. She doesnt remember, but Ill never forget! We might have failed to talk to bad spirits through the board but clearly we had invited them into the house. P.S., we found out YEARS later that my besties house was built by a sea captain whose first name was George." Anonymous Hunter Preston / Via media.giphy.com 24."At my elementary school, there were rumors that a child who went there had once murdered another child, on school grounds. I have gone out of my way to not learn details about it, because Im a pretty sensitive person and I think it would really upset me, but at that school weird things happened." "Several times doors slammed by themselves suddenly, and lights flickered on and off. A lot of times, there would be knocking on the doors to classrooms, but when you opened the door no one would be there. Once the fire alarm was pulled and everyone thought the building was actually on fire, but it wasnt. Someone had pulled the alarm, but the security cameras showed that there was no one in the hall when it happened. I was not sad to move on to middle school, Ill say that much." Anonymous Maskot / Getty Images 25.And finally, "When I was in middle school, a ton of weird stuff happened on the second floor girls bathroom. Doors slammed. Lights flickered a ton. Sometimes the mirror would somehow get fogged up and weird messages like HELP would get written in the glass. Every girl at the school knew it was haunted and we all tried our best to avoid it at all costs. But it makes me think, did someone die in a middle school bathroom? Because I literally cannot think of a worse way to go." ...I wanted to end on a little bit of a funny note. Some of these would literally traumatize me for life! But some of them are very sweet. I loved all of these, so if you have any spooky stories you'd like to share, seriously, leave them down below! Jada Pinkett Smith and Chris Rock have a long history together. The pair co-starred in the "Madagascar" animated movies starting in 2005, and their paths would continue to cross in the years that followed, coming to a bitter halt when Pinkett Smith's husband, Will Smith , slapped Rock during the 2022 Oscars ceremony. The incident occurred after Rock made a joke during the awards show about Pinkett Smith's hair; her head is shaved due to the autoimmune condition alopecia. During the live telecast, Smith struck Rock in one the most shocking moments in television history. In the walk-up to the release of her memoir, "Worthy," on Oct. 17, Pinkett Smith has been opening up. In a new interview with People, she shared more about her relationship with Rock prior to the Oscars slap, including the fact that Rock once asked her out on a date amid rumors that she and Smith were divorcing. I think every summer, all the reports would come out that me and Will were getting a divorce. And this particular summer, Chris, he thought that we were getting a divorce. So he called me and basically he was like, Id love to take you out. And I was like, What do you mean? He was like, Well, arent you and Will getting a divorce? I was like, No. Chris, those are just rumors. He was appalled. And he profusely apologized, and that was that," she told People. Gossip about a rocky marriage between Smith and Pinkett Smith had long circled in tabloids, while both denied the rumors. Pinkett Smith, however, revealed this week in a NBC News exclusive interview with Hoda Kotb that she and Smith had been separated since 2016, though they remain legally married. The complicated history between Smith, Pinkett Smith and Rock goes back to the 2016 Oscars, when Pinkett Smith found herself the target of Rock's comedy. During a monologue, Rock who was hosting the ceremony that year cracked jokes about her boycott of the awards show over a lack of diversity among nominees. During the monologue, Rock remarked, Jadas going to boycott the Oscars? Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihannas panties. I wasnt invited. Rock continued by suggesting Pinkett Smith had really skipped the ceremony because her husband wasnt nominated for his role in the movie Concussion. Its not fair that Will was this good and didnt get nominated. Youre right. Its also not fair that Will was paid $20 million for Wild Wild West, OK? he said, referring to one of Smiths box-office disappointments. Prior to the 2016 Oscars, Pinkett Smith made a video explaining why she wasn't going to attend. In it, she addressed Rock directly saying, I cant think of a better man to do the job at hand this year than you, my friend. Good luck." In hindsight, she told People in this week's cover story that rather than address him publicly, she probably should have reached out directly instead. Jada Pinkett-Smith, Chris Rock and Will Smith at Nickelodeon's 18th Annual Kids Choice Awards (Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic) I probably should have called him and gone, Hey, are you OK? And just know that although Im speaking out about the Oscars, I do wish you the best and I just want you to know that, me taking the time to have called him and said that, just to touch base," she told People. In the wake of the 2016 Oscars, Pinkett Smith told People that Rock "apologized and I apologized to him as well, for the misunderstanding, and that she thought "that the hatchet was buried between us." At least until the night of March 27, 2022, when the course of their relationship changed forever due to a slap and an outraged Smith, who shouted at Rock, "Keep my wifes name out your f---ing mouth." In the 2023 Netflix comedy special, Selective Outrage, Rock references the infamous moment, once more suggesting that Pinkett Smith was disgruntled over Smith not receiving an Oscar nomination for Concussion, and that shes largely to blame for everything thats transpired since. Who gives a f---? Thats how it is. She started it. I finish it. OK? Thats what the f--- happened. She started this s---. Nobody was pickin on her. Nobody was pickin on her, says Rock. As for Pinkett Smith, she addressed the incident on "Red Table Talk" in June of 2022, saying: "My deepest hope is that these two intelligent, capable men have an opportunity to heal, talk this out, and reconcile. The state of the world today, we need them both. And we all actually need one another more than ever. TODAY.com has reached out to Chris Rock for comment, but has not heard back at the time of publication. This article was originally published on TODAY.com King Charles' passion for the environment is part of the reason for this historic change. A new collection of coins bearing the face of King Charles has been unveiled by the Royal Mint. The major news comes with Charles decision to break with tradition, choosing designs inspired by plants and animals found across the four nations instead of the traditional heraldry. King Charles celebrated his first full year as sovereign in September of this year, and now, another milestone has been confirmed. The Royal Mint - the United Kingdom's official maker of British coins and the oldest company in the United Kingdom - unveiled eight new coins to officially cement the Carolean Era, in the first major redesign of the British coins since 2008. King Charles inspires historic change The coins are notable for two reasons. The first is because its one of only four major redesigns of British coins in 70 years and this is largely because of the late Queen Elizabeths history making reign which saw her become the first British monarch to reach a Platinum Jubilee. The Royal Mint unveiled eight new coins Our King: Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed by Robert Jobson | 9.23 at Amazon Released ahead of His Majesty's coronation, royal author Robert Jobson reflects upon King Charles as both a man and as Britain's monarch. He considers his motivations, driving passions and how his values will go on to influence his approach to his reign.View Deal The second interesting fact about the coins is that they will break from centuries of tradition by swapping out the tradition heraldry of the monarch for something more modern and connected to the long-held passions of the King. The eight designs, overseen by the King himself, will depict the flora and fauna found in different parts of the United Kingdom, reflecting his interest in conservation and nature. One of the new Royal Mint coins, inspired by King Charles' passion for nature The new one pence depicts a hazel dormouse, the two pence will feature the red squirrel, the five pence coin will show an oak tree leaf, the ten pence coin features the critically endangered woodland grouse the capercaillie, the twenty pence coin will depict a puffin and the fifty pence bears a salmon. The 1 will feature two bees and the 2 coin features a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Northern Ireland. The eight Royal Mint definitives to be released by the end of 2023 These coin designs will eventually replace the current shield, which features an emblem of the home nations - a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek, and was introduced under Queen Elizabeth II in 2008. The coins will be in circulation by the end of the year. Whats important to note is these will not be the only coins in circulation the previous coins revealed after the death of the late Queen will remain in use too. King Charles' first coin was unveiled shortly after Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022 In October 2022, after the first month of Charles reign, the first new coins of his reign were struck featuring the King's portrait, designed by artist Martin Jennings and based on a picture taken of the King on his 70th birthday. At the time, Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said, For many people this will be the first time in their lives that they have seen a new monarch appear on money. Now, these newly unveiled flora and fauna coins - officially known as definitives - will mark the final chapter of King Charles IIIs transition onto British coinage. Dermatologist Zeina Nehme says her clinic usually sees a number of cases every summer in which patients have been bitten by bedbugs while traveling. Yet surprisingly enough, she says none materialized this year. However, like anyone else not living under a rock, Nehme has seen the flurry of headlines and social media accounts documenting the bedbug paranoia in Paris, which erupted during Fashion Week and has since spread to other cities including London. So, during her recent trip to the City of Light, Nehme decided to embark on an experiment of sorts: to see one of the troublesome critters firsthand and use it as fodder for a social media video. But Nehme, who is based in Beirut, Lebanon, says she found nary a pesky parasite during her long weekend: not on the metro, in restaurants, nor the 17th arrondissement apartment where she stayed with a friend. Since I am a dermatologist and I post a lot on my clinic account, I thought it would be nice to post a reel on bed bugs, she told CNN Travel. I actively searched to find one to take pics and do the reel. Nothing. Cynthia Starkey, a lawyer based in Phoenix, also had a close eye out for the critters while she and her daughter recently visited Paris during their three-month, six-country trip through Europe. But, like Nehme, neither saw any in their Airbnb rental, on public transit, or elsewhere. In fact, Starkey said, most of the panic about the Paris leg of their trip has come from friends and family elsewhere like her sister back in the US, who texted Starkey that shed heard the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Paris, were being canceled because of the bedbug situation. I was like, I find that very hard to believe, Starkey told CNN Travel. Following a previous heads-up Starkey received from a journalist friend who lives part time in Europe about the bedbug situation, Starkeys daughter, Mikayla, had already done some online research. Shes like, Im seeing that its no worse this year than any other year, and Im not concerned, Starkey said. So if she wasnt concerned, Im not either. Such accounts tell a different story than the one painted by itch-inducing tabloid headlines and social media accounts showing images of infested mattresses and furniture tossed into alleyways. According to some entomologists and travelers, the reality is a bit more nuanced: While bedbugs of course exist and very well may be resurging in tourist hubs like Paris following yet another summer of blockbuster travel the actual situation, while unpleasant, feels considerably more overblown in the media than it does out-of-control on the ground. I expect that somebody happened to notice it, and for one reason or another, probably at the time because it was Fashion Week, the right things aligned and it just happened to bring this to the media, Zach DeVries, assistant professor at the University of Kentuckys entomology department, told CNN Travel. Bedbugs, more than any pest, kind of grab peoples attention, and I think its more likely that it just got the attention [of the media] rather than being an actual outbreak. DeVries also said he wouldnt advise travelers to cancel an upcoming trip to Europe or anywhere else based on bedbugs. However, travelers can use the latest headlines as a reminder to be more diligent about their surroundings. Its being cognizant and aware that they could be there but not being I dont like using the term paranoid but not being paranoid, to the point where you dont travel or do things anymore, DeVries said. You can balance your travel with a healthy perspective on the environments you may be going into. Models walk the runway during the Stella McCartney Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 2. - Marc Piasecki/WireImage/Getty Images No reason for general panic Reports of bedbugs in Paris began popping up during Fashion Week, from September 25 to October 3, with a few videos of the vermin crawling on public transit. Freaked-out fashionistas in town then started documenting their concerns on social media, and the mainstream media soon began picking up the story as well. Paris officials soon stepped into the conversation, promising to take action, and, as reported by French newspaper Le Monde, President Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance Party pledged on October 3 that it would put forth a bill to combat the scourge of bedbugs. No one is safe, Deputy Mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire posted on X/Twitter, on September 29. Faced with a bedbug infestation, coordinated measures are needed that bring together health authorities, communities and all relevant stakeholders to prevent the risk and act effectively. Amid a growing panic among both Parisians and travelers, French Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau pleaded with the public to remain calm, saying there was no reason for general panic and that France has not been invaded by bedbugs in an October 3 interview with French outlet France Inter. Yet that still hasnt stopped the fear if not any infestation itself from spreading to other European hotspots, perhaps most notably London. Some travelers began voicing concerns that the bugs were hitching a ride from Paris to the UK capital on the Eurostar. Speaking to website PoliticsJoe, London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the situation a real source of concern and said officials were taking preventative measures to avoid the problems Paris had been facing. Exact figures that accurately document the situation are difficult to come by. One statistic thats been widely circulated in the media comes from a survey by Anses, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, that claims more than 1 in 10 French households had been infested by bedbugs over the previous five years. However, as noted by Joe Rominiecki, senior manager of communications of the Entomological Society of America, it doesnt place that into much context or note any data for this year. Anecdotal evidence also is difficult to quantify. Ive been in conversations with some colleagues who are based in Europe, and some of them tell me, yeah, its nowhere near as bad as what youre hearing, and then others are saying, Yeah, it is, bedbugs have swept across the landscape, said Richard Pollack, senior environmental public health officer for Harvard Campus Services (Pollack noted that he was not speaking on behalf of his employer). But then I question, what is the basis on which they have offered this proclamation? In addition, experts note that the parasitic problem isnt confined to Paris just ask anyone who was living in New York during the mid- to late 2000s, when a surge of Big Apple bedbugs captured headlines for weeks and that the situation can easily be overblown in news reports. Bedbugs had, indeed, become resurgent, but not nearly to the levels that were described in the media, said Pollack, who recently returned, bedbug-free, from a two-week trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and France. I anticipate that the upcoming Olympics in France might, in some way, be contributing to the level of recognition, fear, and fear-mongering. In addition to London, other western European countries that are easily accessible via train connections from Paris, including the Netherlands, have been keeping an eye on the situation. Dutch public health officials told NL Times, an English-language outlet, that there appears to be no current sign of infestation in the Netherlands. Yet in Belgium, doctors in Antwerp are sounding the alarm about the spread of bedbugs from Paris, according to The Brussels Times. Meanwhile, some airlines are taking a proactive stance. In a statement provided to CNN Travel, an Air France spokesperson said there have been no incidents involving bedbugs on flights in recent years, and the airline follows strict protocols and recommendations from the World Health Organization in terms of insect eradication. In addition to its normal cleaning procedures, the carrier also has introduced a specific procedure to deal with reports of suspected bedbugs presence, which includes grounding the aircraft and performing a chemical treatment by an accredited service provider. Keeping suitcases off the floor is one way to help protect against bedbugs. - Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images Precautions travelers can take One possible upside to all the recent bedbug hype: It offers travelers a reminder to start taking extra steps to stay as safe as possible when it comes to the little buggers. Experts recommend a thorough check of hotel rooms, keeping an eye out for telltale signs like reddish-brown marks (which come from yuck crushed, blood-fed bugs) along mattress seams and other soft surfaces. Another wise move is to keep your suitcase on a luggage rack. A funky smell is another potential indication of an infestation, as bedbugs communicate through releasing chemicals that leave a sweet or musty odor behind, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Travelers who suspect an infestation should take photos and report it to hotel staff immediately. If you have to cancel a booking, travel insurance can also come in handy, too, but be sure to read the fine print beforehand to see whats covered. But as Citizens Advice, a UK-based consumer rights organization, notes in its section about bedbugs: If you didnt complain about bedbugs at the time, its very hard to claim compensation afterwards. Dont forget to keep up the effort when you return home, either. If possible, store your suitcase away from living areas (Pollack stores his in the basement following a trip), and wash and dry your clothes on high-heat cycles. For the ones you cant wash, steam and freezing (yes, you can toss them right in the freezer but be sure to put them in a plastic bag first, advises Orkin Canada) also should do the trick. Some travelers are taking their precautions even further, like a social media user who recently shared a video on TikTok of themself sporting a head-to-toe hazmat style suit a la Naomi Campbell on an airplane on a Eurostar train, proclaiming bedbugs are not gonna get me. And for others, theres no measure imaginable that would make them feel comfortable taking a trip to a place with documented cases. Colleen Oakley, a bestselling novelist in Atlanta, told CNN Travel she would absolutely not travel to Paris right now based on her awful experience with the creepy crawlies in 2006. Oakley and the friend she was living with had to vacate their sublet in New Yorks West Village neighborhood and stay in a hotel for three weeks while their apartment was treated. I had PTSD for years, she said. Bedbugs are a pain to get rid of time-consuming, expensive, and for weeks after I was never really sure we got them all, so I would wake up with anxiety in the middle of the night. It sounds silly to have panic attacks over bugs, but they are really invasive critters. Definitely not worth it, at least for me, for a vacation. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The word gelato, meaning "ice cream" in Italian, originally comes from the Latin word for frozen. But the temperature at which it is served is one of the least interesting things about this complex, centuries-old treat. Gelato has less butterfat than ice cream, yet boasts a denser thickness due to the fact that it is slow-churned rather than whipped. As a result, the creamy treat cascades into waves, mountains, and intoxicating ripples behind the glass display cases at the gelato shop. Indeed, gelato's long and (literally) colorful history is characterized by a dedication to craftsmanship. "Artigianale" (or artisanal) gelato was inspired by the European Slow Food Movement, a reaction to the increasing popularity of fast food in the 1980s. A product made with artificial colors or stabilizers, argue purists, is not gelato at all. Powders, freeze-dried mixes, and concentrates don't make the cut. Many gelato makers today maintain this piety to high-quality, in-season ingredients, like locally purchased produce, hand-roasted nuts, and milk and eggs from small farms. Near Bologna, Anzola dell'Emilia is the home of Gelato Museum Carpigiani, a space dedicated to this beloved treat's history. "It took centuries to get to the sublime perfection of this product," Luciana Polliotti, the museum's curator, told Italy Magazine. "The museum is important because it gives a cultural identity to [gelato makers] and to everybody who loves gelato." Seems like a lot of hype? It is and it's well-deserved. This rich treat has a rich history. Read more: 25 Best Ice Cream Brands Ranked Sweet Beginnings Cone of gelato - Igor Link/Shutterstock In their earliest forms, frozen treats date back to 3000 B.C.E., when people in what is now Asia enjoyed crushed ice with sweet flavorings. Ancient Romans ate the volcanic ice of Etna and Vesuvius covered in honey. Egyptian pharaohs chowed down on similar sweet and icy primordial gelato-esque desserts. It's even fabled that Marco Polo brought a gelato recipe from China back to Italy in the late 1200s. And many historians credit the invention of modern day gelato to Florence native Bernardo Buontalenti, who served it to the court of Catherine de' Medici in 1565. (Prominent American gelato brand Talenti is named after the guy.) Buontalenti's dessert was an herbaceous treat flavored with milk, egg yolks, honey, sweet wine, bergamot, lemon, and orange. Gelato as most foodies think of it today hit the market in 1694. Esteemed Sicilian restaurateur Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli opened Le Procope in Paris (where it remains the oldest operational cafe in the city today) and put gelato on the menu. Prior to the cafe's opening, gelato was considered an exclusive luxury for the rich alone, as salt and ice were pricey. Procopio dei Coltelli brought gelato out of the private homes of the upper class and royalty, and made it accessible to consumers of all walks of life. How Gelato Has Evolved Into The Present Three women eating gelato - Solstock/Getty Images Gelato found its first U.S. fanbase around 1770 when Italian native Giovanni Biasiolo began peddling it in New York, but the hand-crank freezer soon allowed ice cream to overshadow the original milk-and-eggs beauty. It wasn't until the 1900s that gelato reemerged and made its lasting debut in the States. Across the ocean in Rome, the 1920s saw the advent of the mobile gelato cart. Suddenly, fashionable metropolitan foodies could be spotted strolling the stone-paved streets with a cone of the sweet stuff in hand. (Talk about killer advertising.) Today, gelato's connection to cute corner bistros remains as modern foodies flock to dedicated gelato joints across NYC, Rome, and the rest of the world. Italy is home to roughly 37,000 gelaterias, the highest concentration of gelato parlors in the world. (Germany has 8,000 and Argentina around 3,000.) Gelateria chain GROM by Federico Grom and Guido Martinetti dominates the scene, spanning 34 Italian cities and perpetuating the Slow Food Movement even in the fast-paced present. Sit-down spots like these aren't the only way people dig it, either. Countless gelato brands line grocery store freezer aisles for take-home enjoyment, putting this Italian specialty in the ranks right beside ice cream for both pleasure and accessibility. Gelato can be enjoyed on top of a pastry for breakfast as brioche con gelato, or use it to make a killer affogato after dinner. Modern fans often add toppings like chocolate chips, waffle cone chunks, or even an entire cannoli. Read the original article on Tasting Table. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Fans of Virgin River, you'll want to pay attention to this exciting piece of news. A new show just came out for your viewing pleasure, and it takes its premise from a series of books written by Robyn Carr, the author who wrote the books that inspired the hit Netflix series, Virgin River. Back in March, Canadian TV-goers were introduced to a new drama titled Sullivan's Crossing. The show centered around Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a neurosurgeon who finds herself in a bit of legal trouble. As a result, she returns home to a small town in Nova Scotia, where she attempts to reconnect with her father Harry "Sully" Sullivan (Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson). Along the way, she meets a number of other characters who may change her life, including a handsome young man named Cal Jones (One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray). After a successful run and a surprise season 2 renewal, the CW Network decided to pick up the series for American viewers. After the show drew in many fans for its October 4 premiere, folks were intrigued to see if it felt similarly to the cozy vibe they love from Virgin River. Not only did the show do just that, but now people may be wondering if there's a way to watch and stream Sullivan's Crossing on TV and online after new episodes air weekly. While it's a slightly complicated process, thankfully, there are some tricks that will help you watch the show whenever you may desire. Keep on reading to learn where to watch and stream Sullivan's Crossing on television and online. Where can I watch and stream Sullivan's Crossing? For those who have access to primetime TV, you're in luck. New episodes of Sullivan's Crossing will air every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. For those who don't have access to a cable but want to watch Sullivan's Crossing live, you can always tune into to sites that offer a live-streaming component. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV and FuboTV are all available options, but you'll need to sign up for profiles before catching the premiere as it happens. If you're the type who wants to wait until the next day to view Sullivan's Crossing, this may be slightly more difficult. While most CW shows eventually land on Netflix, it normally happens after the series' entire season airs. Meaning: it may be a few months before a person can stream the show at once on a popular streamer. Luckily, the CW does offer its own way that allows fans to stream episodes the next day. You'll have to download the CW app on either your smart TV or a mobile device in order to catch a glimpse of Sullivan's Crossing. Just make sure you have some sort of cable information on hand, because you'll need it before you can start watching the series. The CW Where can I see the Sullivan's Crossing season 1 TV schedule? As the 10-episode series airs new installments on the CW, make sure you keep an eye out to see when to catch it as it premieres live on the network. If you want to take a sneak peek at what's to come, read below for the full Sullivan's Crossing season 1 TV schedule: Episode 1: "Coming Home" October 4 Episode 2: "Homewrecker" October 11 Episode 3: "Detours" October 18 Episode 4: "Rock and a Hard Place" October 25 Episode 5: "Pressure Drop" November 1 Episode 6: "Boiling Point" November 8 Episode 7: "Second Chances" November 15 Episode 8: "Aftershock" November 22 Episode 9: "Can't Help Falling" November 29 Episode 10: "Sins of the Father" December 6 You Might Also Like A finalist in the 2018 Swim Search, Tabria Majors traveled to Belize with photographer Yu Tsai along with other contenders in that years open casting call. Her feature in Central America resulted in a series of gorgeous images captured along the shore and in the water. Majors admitted that before submitting herself to Swim Search, she questioned if she could make a career out of modeling. To think just a little over a year ago I was still working part-time as a maid, literally scrubbing floors after I completed photo shoots, constantly questioning if this modeling thing was going to work out, she wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of images from her feature. Were so lucky that Majors stuck to her true passion and continues to do so through her modeling work presently. The Tennessee native has since worked with notable brands like Cay Skin, Savage X Fenty and Cupshe. The 33-year-old is also a new mom, having given birth to a child, whom she shares with partner Tre Hale, in late August. Majors offered some sage wisdom for others who are pursuing their own passions in that same Feb. 2018 Instagram post. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and want to remind everyone to always believe in yourself, trust the process, and never give up, she wrote. Below are a few of our favorite snaps from Majorss SI Swimsuit feature in Belize. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuits portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires. Shop Now and Make a Difference The first cheesecake is believed to have originated thousands of years ago on the Greek island of Samos. Although anthropologists uncovered 4,000-year-old cheese molds in the region, it's highly probable that dairy predates even this ancient discovery. Historically, cheesecake was regarded as an excellent source of energy and was apparently served to athletes during the inaugural Olympic games in 776 B.C. at Olympia in southern Greece. While the first versions of cheesecakes were likely made from wheat, flour, honey, and cheese, modern-day recipes have evolved significantly, resulting in an array of diverse variations of the sweet treat across the globe. Today's cheesecakes reflect the culinary preferences of different regions worldwide, with many recipes incorporating local ingredients to create distinctive flavors and textures unique to the cuisine. Ready to find out more about the diverse flavors and ingredients that make each cheesecake special and worth tasting? Check out our guide to cheesecakes from around the world. Read more: The Most Mouth-Watering Aldi Items From Different Countries New York Cheesecake New York cheesecake slice - Vladislav Noseek/Shutterstock What sets the New York cheesecake apart from the pack is its star ingredient, cream cheese. Combined with heavy cream, sugar, and eggs, it's the cream cheese that gives this dessert its rich and velvety texture. Some variations of the recipe also substitute cream cheese with sour cream to improve the dessert's freeze-thaw stability. While purists prefer their New York cheesecake plain, it's not uncommon for the sweet treat to be adorned with toppings such as strawberries or other fruits. The dessert's base is usually made with graham cracker crumbs combined with butter, sugar, and a touch of salt. While the Philadelphia cream cheese brand was already around in 1875, the ingredient wasn't incorporated into the New York cheesecake recipe until the early 1900s. The invention of the cake is often attributed to Arnold Reuben the very same Reuben who created the Reuben sandwich in the 1920s. According to a popular story, Reuben came up with the idea for the recipe after being served a cheese pie at a dinner party. Basque Burnt Cheesecake Basque burnt cheesecake slice - Asife/Getty Images Despite its scorched appearance, Basque cheesecake features a silky and airy interior. The caramelized top and jiggly interior occur because the cake is normally baked at a high temperature. The great news for those wishing to replicate the crustless cake at home is that it's composed of just five ingredients: cream cheese, eggs, sugar, cream, and flour. Basque cheesecake has been getting a lot of attention lately, and The New York Times even called it "The flavor of the year" in 2021. More recently, the dessert appeared in one of the elimination challenges on Season 2 of "Crime Scene Kitchen." Basque cheesecake has also been embraced in Turkey, becoming a beloved choice in cafes and pastry shops. In addition, the dessert has also made a name for itself in Japan, where it's frequently adapted to local tastes. This type of cheesecake is relatively new on the dessert block, having originated at La Vina cafe in San Sebastian, a coastal city in the Basque region of Spain in the 1980s. The dish was invented by chef Santiago Rivera, the son of one of the cafe's founders, who enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. "On my days off, I would come to work. Everything would be empty, and I could work and do tests in the kitchen," Rivera told National Geographic. "Among these tests, I tested the cheesecake and would make it every now and then, until people started asking for it more and more." Japanese Cheesecake Japanese cheesecake on plate - irina2511/Shutterstock There's a good reason why Japanese cheesecake is also sometimes referred to as cotton cheesecake or souffle cheesecake. The crustless treat is incredibly light and spongy due to the fact that the egg whites are beaten before they are folded into the cream cheese and other ingredients. The dessert contains a modest amount of sugar, which is mostly used to balance the tartness of the cheese rather than to sweeten the cake. Akira Toyama, the baker at Only Cheesecake in Melbourne, Australia, told Broadsheet that Japanese cheesecake is trickier to make than most of its international counterparts, explaining, "When it's baking in the oven, it's baked in hot water with a water bath." While Japan initially acquired a taste for cheesecake when American soldiers introduced it to the country during World War II, Japanese cheesecake didn't make its debut until the 1960s. The dessert was invented by chef Tomotaro Kuzuno, who developed a liking for German cheesecake during a trip to Berlin. Upon returning home to Japan, Kuzuno came up with his own version, and the Japanese cheesecake was born. Today, the fluffy treat is enjoyed across Japan and has even gained some international popularity. Sernik Cheesecake Sernik cheesecake slice - Stockphoto Video/Shutterstock Sernik is unique due to its filling, which is made with a type of Polish white cheese called twarog. Made from cow milk, twarog is a curd cheese with a slightly sweet and tart flavor that's often used in Polish dishes, such as pierogi. While some recipes keep the cheesecake filling simple, others call for chopped candied fruit peel or raisins, enhancing the cake's sweetness and texture. Some recipes also call for a layer of fruit jelly to elevate the treat's flavor and visual allure. Unlike other cheesecakes that are usually made with a base of crushed biscuits, sernik features a shortcut pastry crust. Sernik is said to have originated in the 17th century when King Jan III Sobieski brought a version of the recipe back to Poland after winning against the Turks at the Battle of Vienna. Today, sernik is commonly enjoyed to celebrate Christmas and other festivities. Fiadone Fiadone cheesecake pieces on plate - Vlad KK/Shutterstock Fiadone is the pride of Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea between France and Italy. Made from sheep or goat cheese called brocciu, eggs, sugar, and fruit brandy (locally called eau-de-vie), the cake is both sweet and tangy in flavor. The filling can be made with ricotta cheese instead of brocciu, and it sometimes contains lemon zest and lemon juice. Its velvety texture stands in pleasant contrast to the dessert's lightly browned crisp exterior. Corsican fiadone cheesecake tends to be thinner than its counterparts from other countries and is usually served cold. This dessert transcends mere flavors; it's a cultural treasure that resonates deeply with the hearts of Corsican locals. It stands as a culinary testament to the island's rich history and enduring customs. Passed down for generations, the sweet dessert is commonly enjoyed at family gatherings and other celebrations such as Easter and New Year's Eve. Ostkaka ostkaka cheesecake slice - Ping Pong Cat/Shutterstock Hailing from Sweden, ostkaka cheesecake is rooted in regional traditions, with records referencing it that date back to the 16th century. Considering its variability, the sweet treat can be made following different recipes depending on its exact place of origin. The most famous version is Smaland ostkaka from the south of the country. The crustless dessert has an almond flavor and firm yet creamy consistency, and it is usually served lukewarm and topped with jam and whipped cream. Ostkaka cheesecake is traditionally made with rennet, which is used to curdle fresh milk into curd cheese. The curds are then combined with other ingredients including eggs, cream, sugar, and chopped almonds. To simplify its preparation process without compromising the final result, modern recipes for ostkaka cheesecake usually call for cottage cheese. This modification has both made the treat more accessible to home chefs and preserved the essence of the traditional dish. Kasekuchen Kasekuchen cheesecake slice - Krolikova/Shutterstock Kasekuchen gets its creamy texture from quark, a soft and velvety cheese with a taste profile that falls somewhere between cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Just like its name suggests (quark translates to "fresh curd" in German), the cheese has a mild and delicate flavor. When making kasekuchen, quark can be substituted with pureed ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, depending on the recipe. Aside from quark, recipes for kasekuchen typically include milk, eggs, and sugar. The dessert's filling is sometimes topped with assorted fruits and berries for added sweetness. It can also be dusted with powdered sugar. While kasekuchen was originally made without crust, nowadays the dessert often features a rich buttery crust made from crushed biscuits. Alternatively, the crust can be made with flour, butter, and sugar, or a yeast dough can be used. Kasekuchen cheesecake is typically eaten chilled, making it a refreshing choice on warm summer days. Ricotta Cheesecake ricotta cheesecake with slice - Rontav/Shutterstock Italian desserts are revered around the globe, with tiramisu among the most popular. However, a lesser-known Italian gem is a ricotta cheesecake. Just like its name suggests, the main ingredient is ricotta cheese, a smooth, creamy, and mild-flavored dairy. As such, ricotta cheesecake tends to be lighter and dryer than cheesecakes made with cream cheese. Apart from its primary component ricotta cheese the recipes for ricotta cheesecake vary. Some preparation methods involve mixing ricotta with milk while others require the addition of mascarpone cheese for a fluffier and creamier texture. Whatever you decide on, adding a fruit topping to the cheesecake is a big no-no in Italy, so don't try it if you're entertaining guests from the Mediterranean country. This being said, candied lemon is sometimes added to the dessert's filling for a tangy touch. Italian cheesecake isn't typically made with crust, although some recipes do incorporate it. Tiropita tiropita cheesecake Greek pastry - Facebook While some may argue that tiropita is more akin to a savory cheese pastry than a cheesecake, it's worth including it in our list of cheesecakes from around the globe because it showcases the versatility of cheese-based pies. The classic Greek pastry is typically made by layering sheets of phyllo dough and filling them with a blend of feta cheese, eggs, and occasionally ricotta cheese. The filling sometimes contains dill and parsley too. The pastry comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a circular cheese pie that's cut into individual slices to triangular packages of cheesy goodness. Tiropita's distinctive crispy and delicate texture is largely due to the use of phyllo pastry, also known as filo. While it can be easily purchased at your local grocery store, if you're making it from scratch it consists of a blend of flour, water, and oil or vinegar. Since each sheet of the pastry has to be paper-thin, it can be quite time-consuming to make. Peynirli Kunefe peynirli kunefe cheesecake - Pink Floyd Yilmaz Uslu/Shutterstock While there's little doubt that baklava is one of Turkey's most well-known desserts, the country has a lot up its sleeve in the sweets department. Peynirli kunefe has numerous variations, but at its most basic it's composed of two layers of thin pastry strands and a mild local cheese similar to fresh mozzarella. The dessert is sometimes served with kaymak, which is a soft Turkish clotted cream. The pastry is usually drenched in melted butter and baked until crispy and golden. Once out of the oven, it's covered with a syrup made from granulated sugar, water, and lemon and sprinkled with chopped pistachios. Unlike many other cheesecakes, peynirli kunefe is served hot to ensure that the cheese between the pastry strands is deliciously soft and gooey. There are other versions of the dessert, including those that utilize semolina pastry dough for the crust, which is made with water instead of eggs. Another variation of the dessert is infused with the essence of orange blossom water or rose water and uses grape molasses to impart it with a beautiful golden hue. Pudim De Queijo pudim de queijo - Facebook Translated to cheese pudding in Portuguese, pudim de queijo is probably more similar to flan than it is to a cheesecake. However, while flan is typically made with eggs, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and flavored with orange, vanilla, or coffee aromas, pudim de queijo is a slightly different kind of beast ... or rather cake. Composed of eggs, sugar, and grated or crumbled goat cheese, pudim de queijo is creamier than traditional flan. In addition, the slightly tangy flavor of goat cheese adds a unique twist to this dessert, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. Popular in Brazil, this sweet dessert is relatively easy to make and can be baked as either a single round cake or in individual portion-sized cups. Don't confuse pudim de queijo with other Brazilian baked treats that feature similar names, like pao de queijo, a tapioca-flour-based cheese bread with a crispy exterior and chewy interior. Read the original article on Mashed. The Manhattan district attorneys office returned 19 looted antiquities worth almost $19 million to Italian authorities in a repatriation ceremony at the Italian consulate in New York on October 10. Some of the returned artifacts include a 6th-century CE Corinthian bronze helmet, a 1st-century CE gilded bronze plaque depicting a Dionysan religious ceremony, and an Apulian plate showing the god Eros from around 350 BCE. More from Robb Report The seized objects are at the center of multiple ongoing investigations of looted antiquities dealers, according to a statement from the District Attorneys office. Among them are art dealer Robin Symes who is currently under investigation in the U.K. for the trafficking of goods, as well as late dealer Jerome Eisenberg and by extension the Royal-Athena Galleries he directed. A number of looted antiquities have been seized from Symes, including most recently 266 objects also returned to Italy. Since 2017, the Manhattan district attorney has recovered 125 looted items from the Royal-Athena Galleries. This is the latest in a number of notable returns of antiquities since Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg took his post two years ago. Since then, the office has returned more than 275 items to Italy and more than 1,000 objects to 27 countries. This effort has been accomplished with the help of U.S. Homeland Security investigations. Italy has been an epicenter of organized antiquities looting for decades, but we continue to undo the damage thanks to our incredible team of investigators, analysts, and prosecutors, Bragg said in a statement. 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. A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to stealing the ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in the The Wizard of Oz from a museum in 2005. Terry Jon Martin, 76, admitted to stealing the iconic footwear from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 2005. The shoes were recovered by the FBI in 2018. He pleaded guilty to one count of theft of major artwork. At the time of theft, the slippers were ensured for $1 million but current fair market appraisal value the slippers at $3.5 million, according to the release by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of North Dakota. These ruby slippers, the release stated, are one of the four remaining pairs and are widely viewed as among the most recognizable memorabilia in American film history. Mr Martin previously pleaded not guilty in June, but he has since decided to change his plea and entered into a plea deal. In federal court, he said he used a hammer to smash both the glass of the museum door and the display case to take the iconic shoes. Mr Martin also said that he was under the impression that the slippers contained real rubies, as he had planned to sell the gems. Upon his attempt, a fence told him the rubies were glass, so he said he gave away the slippers but its unclear to whom he gave them. Terry has no idea where they were and how they were recovered, Martins attorney, Dane DeKrey explained. His involvement was that two-day period in 2005. The FBI has never unveiled how it found the slippers, keeping an aura of mystery surrounding the 1939 films magical shoes. Both Mr DeKrey and the federal prosecutor recommended that Mr Martin not face any time behind bars, due to his age and poor health, as he has advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hes basically slowly suffocating to death, his attorney said. Minnesotas chief federal judge ordered a presentence investigation. He said the sentencing date is likely to be scheduled for 2.5 months from Friday. Traveling through airports can be a stressful and exhausting ordeal, especially for long-haul flights or during peak seasons. However, at airports both large and small, great concessions and amenities like lounges, bars, restaurants, and top-notch retailers can vastly improve the experience by providing convenience, comfort, and entertainment to travelers. To find the best airport options across the country, a USA TODAY 10Best expert panel nominated their top picks across eight categories, from Best Airport Bar to Best Small Airport. Then, readers voted for their favorites to determine the winners. Click on each category below to see the full list of 2023 Readers' Choice Awards winners: Best Airport Bar: Three Kings Public House at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) Relax with a drink or two at Three Kings Public House Three Kings in Terminal 2 of St. Louis Lambert International Airport serves local beers and a selection of wine and spirits alongside a menu of gourmet pub fare. The cozy atmosphere is sure to rejuvenate weary travelers. Full list of winners: Best Airport Bar Best Airport for Dining: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in Kenner, Louisiana Enjoy local flavors at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) New Orleans is renowned for its spectacular dining scene, and the local cuisine isn't confined to the city limits. As guests bid farewell to the Big Easy, there's a wealth of top-tier dining destinations scattered all throughout Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, with options ranging from the Southeast Asian-inspired MoPho to Emeril's Table, a dining venue launched by one of New Orleans most recognizable celebrity chefs. Full list of winners: Best Airport for Dining Best Airport for Shopping: Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Nashville, Tennessee Shop until you fly at Nashville International Airport (BNA) After a long trip spent soaking in the electric energy along Broadway, Nashville International Airport offers one last foray into the rich culture of Music City through its on-property venues. While classic souvenir and apparel shops abound across the complex, BNA also hosts unique storefronts that highlight the history of Tennessee, with options ranging from the spirits-filled Whiskey Trailhead to the music-focused Nashville Jam Session. Full list of winners: Best Airport for Shopping Best Airport Grab-And-Go Food: 400 Degrees Hot Chicken at Nashville International Airport (BNA) You don't have have to sacrifice flavor for a quick meal at 400 Degrees Hot Chicken On the path to grab-and-go perfection, 400 Degrees Hot Chicken in Nashville International Airport offers travelers a quick and fiery taste of Nashville's iconic hot chicken dish. This fried chicken packs a major punch thanks to a hefty dose of spice. Enjoy it with pickles and a side of macaroni and cheese to help balance out the heat. Full list of winners: Best Airport Grab-And-Go Food Best Airport Lounge: The Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Chill out and escape the bustle of JFK in The Centurion Lounge The Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport welcomes American Express Platinum, Business Platinum, and Corporate Platinum cardholders, as well as Centurion Members, to this spacious lounge area. Visitors can order drinks from two bars or a speakeasy, relax with a self-led spa service from Equinox, perk up with a specialty coffee, or dine on cuisine from Uruguayan-born chef Ignacio Mattos. Full list of winners: Best Airport Lounge Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant: Woody's at the Airport at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) A truly special meal awaits at Woody's at the Airport There's a gem of a restaurant at Monterey Regional Airport, helmed by chef Tim "Woody" Wood, a local Carmel Valley favorite. Woody's at the Airport is located before security, so expect to meet locals who love it alongside travelers. All gather to sample Woody's daily specials as well as his grilled steaks, sauteed sand dabs, and award-winning honey chili chicken wings. Be sure to ask to see their wine list, which features California gems galore. Full list of winners: Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant Best Large Airport: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indianapolis, Indiana Travelers enjoy comfort and convenience at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) Whether you're a lifelong Hoosier or just stopping by the Indiana capital for a weekend trip, Indianapolis International Airport is perfectly prepared to kick off your next vacation. Direct flights service a wide range of destinations including San Francisco and Toronto, and as an added bonus, the complex is loaded with cozy bars and restaurants that are perfect for a little pre-flight relaxation. Full list of winners: Best Large Airport Best Small Airport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan The small Gerald R. Ford International Airport is big on amenities Named in honor of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford International Airport serves as the gateway to the sprawling eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Amenities around here range from a dedicated military welcome center to plane-themed playrooms for younger guests, while craft beer fans can swing by MI Tap Room for a much-needed local IPA before boarding begins. Full list of winners: Best Small Airport Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in our other Readers' Choice Awards contests. This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: Best airports in the US for 2023, according to experts and readers ASHEVILLE Miri Massachi stood at the central bema of Ashevilles Congregation Beth Israel the evening of Oct. 12, speaking to hundreds gathered in grief and to support of one another. Massachi, who moved to Asheville from Israel in 2009, had two stories from her war-torn homeland to bring her community. One story was completely heartbreaking, the other showed how Israelis have found each other amid strife. Massachi spoke about a friend she has in Israel who couldnt locate their daughter. Her friend soon learned that her daughter was dead. The funeral was Oct. 12, the same day Massachi spoke. She also relayed a story she read about a young woman who was killed at a dance party on the Gaza Strip during a Hamas attack. The young woman's mother put out a notice, hoping that 10 people would show up to her daughters funeral, the minimum attendance for a gathering according to the Jewish faith. Instead of 10 people, 10,000 attended the funeral. A vigil for Israel was held at Beth Israel Synagogue in Asheville, October 12, 2023. War broke out in Israel Oct. 7 after Hamas a Palestinian political group declared a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department launched a surprise assault on towns in the southern part of the country. The Israeli government responded quickly, launching their own offensives in Gaza and calling hundreds of thousands in reserves to fight. At least 2,300 people have died in the conflict, according to an Oct. 12 USA Today Report. A vigil for Israel was held at Beth Israel Synagogue in Asheville, October 12, 2023. Massachis stories expressed what Ashevilles small Jewish population has endured since the conflict began. Many in the community are waiting on dispatches from friends and family escaping mortal danger. Some feel a profound sense of guilt for living in the idyllic Western North Carolina mountains, an ocean and a sea away, navigating life that seems to continue like normal. Sitting in front of Massachi, in a sanctuary so packed that its doors were opened for overflow seating, Ashevilles Jewish community sought comfort and healing in their own shared experience the night of Oct. 12 in the North Asheville temple, under high security. Its very hard to be far away, to hear all of this and feel like theres not much you can do, Massachi told the Citizen Times earlier in the week. But for the Asheville congregants, gathering was an act itself. Our sacred intention was for us to draw close together as one people, a community shocked by grief and horror, Rabbi Batsheva Meiri, who leads Congregation Beth HaTephila, the oldest synagogue in Asheville, told the gathering. To provide each and every member of this single Jewish family the well-needed support and comfort they might need at this time. To make sure no one grieved alone. Processed alone. Cried alone. Tissues remain under a pew at Beth Israel Synagogue following a vigil for Israel, October 12, 2023, in Asheville. Many cried Thursday evening at the North Asheville congregation, but no one cried alone. Some mentioned people they knew who were killed or called into battle. The Citizen Times was invited inside the synagogue but was asked not to take any photos during the event. It was an Asheville crowd. People with tattooed arms, some wearing athleisure. Mayor Esther Manheimer attended and spoke briefly. "We are so fortunate to have a well-organized and caring Jewish community, ready to drop everything to come together as a community and embrace one and other," she said. Asheville Police Department officers stood at the door, a reminder to the congregants of the carnage that has met Jewish gatherings in the United States in the recent past, including the massacre at the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, where a man killed 11 congregants in the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Antisemitism was alive closer to home earlier that day an Asheville man was arrested after sending hateful emails to a local synagogue. The Beth Israel Synagogue in Asheville, October 12, 2023. Trauma is not just an echo from the past. This is what is happening today, Meiri told the Citizen Times. Rabbi Shaya Susskind, who leads Chabad Lubavitch in Asheville, told the congregation that even if they cannot fight with the Israeli army, they can still serve. (There are) many divisions to be a part of, and every division matters, Susskind said. The prayer division, the accurate reporting division, the extra acts of kindness division. Toward the end of the evening, before Ashevilles Jewish community dispersed back to their homes, they sang, forming a gentle echo between the leader of the congregation and those following just behind. The song ended: Heal us now, heal us now, heal us now. Mitchell Black covers Buncombe County and health care for the Citizen Times. Email him at mblack@citizentimes.com or follow him on Twitter @MitchABlack. Please help support local journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville's Jewish community gathers in support of Israel Just call him Goldilocks. A hunting dog was rescued Wednesday after falling into a narrow cave shaft in eastern Tennessee and becoming stuck nearly 40 feet below ground. And as if those conditions werent treacherous enough, the team working to save the canine had found that he was sharing the English Mountain cave with a black bear. As I rounded the corner, I could see two little bear feet and a quite large claw grasping onto the wall beside him, firefighter Tori Downing told local news station WVLT of a Tuesday rescue attempt. The dog, named Charlie, was stuck farther along in the cave system, past the much larger slumbering animal. The bear, estimated to be about 2 years old and 200 pounds, was happily sleeping and apparently not too concerned about his cave mate, Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department said on Facebook. After consulting with the state wildlife agency, rescuers determined that the safest option was to leave the bear alone to come out on his own, the department wrote. They set up a trail camera to keep a lookout in case the large animal exited the dwelling. When the bear eventually left, a team of people from multiple fire and rescue crews descended far enough down to get to Charlie, put a harness on him and take him to safety. Following his three days in the cave, Charlie was dehydrated and hungry, but in otherwise good condition and was quickly reunited with his happy owner, the Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department wrote. It was definitely a sigh of relief for everybody on scene, Sevier County Fire & Rescue firefighter Andrew Wojturski told WVLT. English Mountain is close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which CNN notes is home to about 1,900 bears. As for Charlies bear in particular, the fire department noted on Facebook that hes fine. Hopefully hes enjoying having the cave to himself again. Related... Palestine had a successful importing and exporting industry at the beginning of the 20th century. The expansion of railroads throughout Palestine to neighboring countries helped the region's growth in business. The British occupation of Palestine created tension amongst citizens and soldiers. At the end of World War I, the British occupied the formerly Ottoman-controlled Palestine and declared the establishment in Palestine of a national home for Jewish people. For the next two decades, over 100,000 Jews entered Palestine. Tensions reached their boiling point after the British withdrew from Palestine in 1948 and the Arab-Israeli War began. Despite moments of heavy tension and conflict within Palestine during British occupation, life and commerce continued. Historical photos offer a glimpse into everyday life in Palestine before the withdrawal of British troops. In the 1920s, Jerusalem started to become an important commercial center. The Nablus soap stock room where soap is stacked to dry. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. In the 1920s, Jerusalem grew its reputation as a key commercial center, in tandem with the coastal cities of Jaffa and Gaza, which helped with the importing and exporting of goods. Palestine became a trading hub, trading soap, grain, and cotton to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Gaza and Jaffa imported goods from Egypt, Istanbul, China, India, and France. Palestine utilized the new influx of commerce to build roads and railroads that connected Jerusalem to other ports and cities. People crowd around a steamroller rolling down Jerusalem street. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. When railroads started being constructed in Palestine in the late 19th and early 20th century, connections became easier and faster, and employment opportunities grew. The trains connected Palestine to neighboring African, Asian, and European markets in a different way than their ports could. Produce was bountiful and available to buy on a small or large scale. A boy collects Palestinian oranges at Damascus gate. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. It was sold at outdoor markets or processed in factories to be sold. Investments from neighboring countries solidified a strong trade economy. A typical dry goods stall in Nebi Rubin (The Prophet Reuben), Southern Palestine. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. People would come to work for trade in the city or on the railways. Locals ran food markets and bakeries. A bakery in Nebi Rubin (The Prophet Reuben) in Southern Palestine. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. People went about their daily lives, buying groceries and interacting with their neighbors. A Palestinian baker sells bread to a customer. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress The Friends of Ramallah, a Quaker organization, opened up schools for children. Children at the Ramallah Quaker Mission School. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. A number of small schools were opened in different villages for girls in 1869. Later, the Friends of Ramallah would open a "Girls Training Home of Ramallah," where girls from neighboring cities could stay and learn. The Friends of Ramallah began the boys' school in 1901 which was on a different site than the girls' school. However, for an hour and a half each week, the boys and girls would engage in co-educational classes. Women of different ages would gather to knit and spin wool at the Women's Institute. Arab women of the Women's Institute in Old City. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress There were still constant reminders of the presence of a foreign occupier throughout the first half of the 20th century. Two women walk in front of an American market in Palestine. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. Despite a booming trade economy, British occupation still loomed heavily in the streets of Palestinian cities. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in 1917, the British took control of Palestine and occupied the region for 30 years. The British occupation also began the establishment in Palestine of a "national home for the Jewish people," mandated by the Balfour Declaration, named after British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour. Despite the civil unrest lurking in Palestine, there was also a sense of normal day-to-day life. Old City Street, Nazareth. Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress. By the middle of the century, the British left Palestine and left the Arab and Jewish populations to settle land disputes on their own. The time leading up to their withdrawal was filled with bombings, protests, and demonstrations. Despite the turmoil that filled those years, photos of Palestine during that time offer glimpses of day-to-day life in markets, homes, and businesses. Read the original article on Business Insider Ever since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel last weekend, firing thousands of rockets, murdering civilians and seizing captives, Suriya Budsurins family in Thailand has been asking if he is coming home. The Southeast Asian country, one of Israels biggest sources of migrant labor, has had some of the highest casualties among foreign nationals in the Israel-Hamas war. The Thai Foreign Ministry said Thursday that 21 of its nationals had been killed and 14 wounded, while 16 others are believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas. Other countries from which large numbers of migrant workers go to Israel have also reported deaths. On Friday, as more than 250 citizens of Nepal arrived in Kathmandu on a special flight from Tel Aviv, the government said it was working to bring back the bodies of 10 agriculture students killed by Hamas at the kibbutz where they were staying under an Israeli government earn and learn program. Another is missing. The Philippines confirmed a third death Friday, all of them reportedly caregivers, and said three other nationals remained missing. Israel relies heavily on migrant workers like Suriya, 38, a married father of two from Thailands Udon Thani province who works on a flower farm in Netanya, a city on the Mediterranean coast, about 20 miles north of Tel Aviv. He said the impact of the rockets Hamas fired toward Tel Aviv could be felt all the way in Netanya. I could feel the ground vibrating when I slept at night and that kept me awake and thinking about returning home, said Suriya, who arrived in Israel last year. Especially in the first two days when I watched the news, all I thought was, should I return home? Thai workers in Israel (Courtesy of Suriya Budsurin) Suriya has decided to stay put for now, as Netanya is more than 60 miles from the border with the Gaza Strip where most of the fighting has occurred, though even there he said he saw two rockets in the sky Thursday. Others have made a different call: He said a friend who lived closer to the attacks had asked his employer to help him buy a plane ticket home for about $700. Almost 6,000 of the 30,000 Thais in Israel have asked to be repatriated, according to Thailands Foreign Ministry, which is arranging flights. A group of 19 Thais were scheduled to return home from Israel on Friday night local time, in addition to an initial group of 41 who arrived Thursday. The group that arrived in Bangkok on Thursday was met at the airport by multiple Cabinet ministers, and included two men injured in the violence who were in wheelchairs. Two others had sustained injuries on their arms. One of the men in the wheelchairs, Kratchakorn Putsorn, said that when the Hamas attack began Saturday, his employer hid him and other farmworkers on the property. They emerged for lunch around noon when the situation appeared to be calmer. But as they were returning, he said, they heard gunshots, and Kratchakorn felt something hit his knee. I thought it was a rock, but when I looked down I knew it wasnt a rock as it went through, he told reporters. So I told my friend to crouch because we were hit. As his employer tried to speed the truck away, Kratchakorn said, the terrorists continued chasing it and firing, hitting three other people. I thought on that day that we would not survive because they fired the bullets nonstop, he said. Migrant workers from Thailand, the Philippines and elsewhere go abroad in search of higher wages as farmworkers, caregivers and health care professionals, so that they can send money home to their families, boosting their countries economies in the process. But they also face abuse and harsh working conditions, including in Israel where Thai farmworkers interviewed by Human Rights Watch have described being underpaid, working excessively long hours and other rights violations. Suriya said that if all Thai workers were to leave, it would have a noticeable impact on the Israeli labor force. Every farm I know, there are Thai workers, he said. We are very good at agricultural work and most farms here employ Thai workers mostly. Orna Sagiv, the Israeli ambassador to Thailand, said she met with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday and that they were focused on assisting the Thai workers who had been affected by the war and supporting their families. To Israeli farmers, Thai workers are not just employees; they are an integral part of their family, she said in a post on X. Israel deeply values their hard work and acknowledges the significant role they play in the countrys agriculture sector. Israel is also home to 30,000 people from the Philippines, many of whom work as caregivers. One of the Filipinos killed, a newly married caregiver who had been in Israel for six years, was shot with her employer inside their house on Saturday by Hamas gunmen, Philippine officials said. The woman, identified in the Philippine media as Angelyn Peralta Aguirre, 33, from Pangasinan, was praised by Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, the deputy mayor of Jerusalem, for staying with her older patient. Angeline was a nurse from the Philippines who was caring for her elderly patient, Nira on Kibbutz Kfar Gaza. Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining Niras side during the violence, resulting in both pic.twitter.com/IDWcqntwWn Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (@FleurHassanN) October 11, 2023 Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining Niras side during the violence, resulting in both of them being brutally murdered by Hamas, Hassan-Nahoum said in a post on X on Wednesday. Unimaginable honor in the face of evil. The Philippine Foreign Ministry said Friday that its repatriation efforts were now focused on Gaza, a densely populated enclave where there are fears Israel is about to launch a ground offensive. Among the 131 Filipino citizens there, 92 are asking for repatriation from Gaza, which has long been under a land, air and sea blockade enforced by Israel and Egypt. Far from the Gaza border, Suriya says he is relatively safe for the moment in Netanya, with the closest military target for Hamas being the Tel Aviv airport about 25 miles away. Ill give it a week and if the situation is not getting better, I will then buy the plane ticket to go back on my own, he said. If thats the case, I think I will probably arrive in Thailand at the same time as those who have registered with the Thai government. Nat Sumon reported from Bangkok, and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a closely watched bill that would raise the minimum wage for California health care workers to $25 per hour. The proposal, Senate Bill 525 from Los Angeles lawmaker Maria Elena Durazo, will eventually raise hourly wages for health care workers in most settings to $25. Proponents have argued that higher wages are crucial for easing a workforce shortage that worsened during the pandemic as grueling conditions caused many to quit their jobs. But until Friday, it was unclear to even those close to the deal whether Newsom would sign it. The governors office was not directly involved in the health care wage negotiations between hospitals, clinics and unions unlike with a fast food labor deal that Newsom helped broker and he routinely cites cost pressures in his veto messages. An analysis of an earlier version of the bill estimated it would cost the state $1 billion annually. Labor leaders cheered the decision. Today California is putting a stop to the hemorrhaging of our care workforce by ensuring health care workers can do the work they love and pay their bills a huge win for workers and patients seeking care, Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California said in a statement. In the final days of this years legislative session, hospitals, dialysis centers and community clinics got on board with the raised wage. In exchange, SEIU agreed to stop seeking dialysis industry regulation through the ballot for the next four years, pausing a perennial election fight between the two interests. A provision in the final bill also said a statewide health care worker minimum wage would preempt any local ordinances. The Assemblys new speaker, Robert Rivas, supported the minimum wage push, giving it a critical boost after publicly backing the $25 wage early in his tenure. An analysis from July on an earlier version of the bill estimated it could cost the state over $1 billion per year. The proposal was a top priority for SEIU, a powerful labor union thats been trying for years to secure a minimum wage for health care workers over the objections of hospital interests. Last year, a last-minute deal with hospitals fell through. The union also began pursuing a city-by-city approach in Southern California, attempting to pass such wage ordinances through city councils and local initiatives in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. The signature caps a mixed legislative season for organized labor. Newsom rejected proposals to limit the use of self-driving trucks and extend unemployment insurance benefits to striking workers, a proposal advanced amid walkouts in Hollywood. New Hampshire House Democrats are pushing for a bill to require swifter communication between the Attorney Generals Office and the Legislature, weeks after the office revealed it had been investigating Rep. Troy Merner for living outside his district, prompting his resignation. The House Rules Committee voted Tuesday to allow the legislation to be submitted as a late bill. The filing deadline for House bill requests for the 2024 legislative session officially ended on Sept. 15, but the Rules Committee has the power to override the deadline for special requests. Proposed by Rep. Lucy Weber, a Walpole Democrat, the bill would require the attorney general to notify the House as soon as they got some kind of confirmation that a member may be sitting who is not residing in the district where theyre supposed to be, she said to the committee. She said the bill would be narrowly tailored to include only residency issues; the Attorney Generals Office would not need to disclose any other aspects of a criminal investigation of a House member. The bill comes as House Democrats have expressed frustration that the Attorney Generals Office did not disclose its investigation of Merner to lawmakers until after the legislative session ended in June. Under Part 2, Article 14 of the state constitution, lawmakers may represent only the districts they live in; if they no longer live in the district, they cease to be a representative. This is a very specific situation, said Weber. And I think it would be helpful to have a clear delineation of what the responsibilities are. Merner, a Republican, represents Lancaster, but the Attorney Generals Office found that he had not been living in that town since August 2022. Instead, Merner had maintained an office in Lancaster while living in Carroll, a town in a different House district, the office found. The Attorney Generals Office informed the speakers office of its conclusions on Sept. 18 after a multi-month investigation. Democrats say Merner was constitutionally required to resign from his district when he moved out of it. And they say that some motions that passed by only one vote this spring would have had a different outcome had the Attorney Generals Office disclosed its investigation earlier and had Merner not been allowed to vote. It is explicitly the responsibility of the New Hampshire House to judge the qualifications of its members, said House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm in a statement Tuesday. In the case of former Rep. Troy Merner, credible information relative to those qualifications was withheld for months after being obtained by law enforcement, enabling him to continue illegally voting on over 100 pieces of legislation. In a statement Tuesday, a spokesman for the Attorney Generals Office, Michael Garrity, said the office would not comment on the ongoing investigation. But Garrity said: The Attorney Generals Office would oppose any legislation that seeks to interfere with the administration of justice or that violates the separation of powers. The Attorney Generals Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. The transparency bill has not yet been drafted. With Tuesdays vote, it will move forward as a legislative service request along with hundreds of other bill requests, and will be drafted by the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services and released near the end of the year. Despite joining Democrats to advance the bill, some Republican lawmakers cast doubt on whether they would support the bill when it comes to the House. Rep. Jeanine Notter, a Merrimack Republican, said the bill could allow representatives to be presumed guilty until they are proven innocent and ousted from the House simply because of an investigation by the Attorney Generals Office. House Majority Leader Jason Osborne said he had similar objections. The Rules Committee voted down a Democratic attempt to advance another bill as a late item, 4-5. House Bill 626 would have required the Department of Education to administer the states education freedom account system, rather than the current nonprofit organization, the Childrens Scholarship Fund. That bill, which Democrats say is necessary to add accountability for the EFA program, was killed by the whole House by one vote in April. Ordinarily, bills that are voted inexpedient to legislate may not return in the next legislative year. But on Tuesday, Democrats argued that the Rules Committee should create an exception because the bill could have had a different outcome had Merner not been allowed to vote. Based on the attorney generals investigation, its clear that Rep. Merners vote was illegitimate, and without Merners vote, the motion of (inexpedient to legislate) would have failed, Rep. David Luneau, a Hopkinton Democrat, said to the committee, using the official phrase for killing a bill. This is an important bill to many members of the House, as its multiple strong votes indicate, Luneau continued. Had it been laid on the table, or otherwise stalled but not found (inexpedient to legislate), it would have been refiled for this year. Rep. Steve Shurtleff, a Penacook Democrat and former House speaker, said a lot of us considered Merner a good friend. But he argued that if Merner had participated in a vote while knowing he was not representing his own district, the House should allow the bill to be re-filed. But Deputy House Speaker Steve Smith pointed to other examples where representatives had left their districts and not resigned promptly, and said that allowing bills to return for that reason would set a bad precedent. If I can find one other representative serving illegitimately, do we then come back to this body and undo this vote? he said. I dont like the cycle of getting into that. Smith said there are other options for the bill. Can this not be filed for 2025? Is it that urgent? Is there no bill sitting around that an amendment could go on? With a little artful authoring, its usually possible to get what you want out of a bill tagged onto another one. This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: After NH lawmaker resigns, Democrats push for transparency bill Bonnie H. Cordon is the new president of Southern Virginia University, the school announced Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. President Cordon completed her service as president of the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Aug. 1, 2023. She is a former software company executive. | Southern Virginia University A new era is beginning for Southern Virginia University. SVU announced Friday that Bonnie H. Cordon will begin serving as the schools 10th president starting immediately, replacing President Reed N. Wilcox. President Cordon just completed five years of service as the Young Women general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In that role, she was also a member of the Church Educational Systems board of trustees for BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii and Ensign College. Im immensely thrilled, said Cordon, who also is a former software executive. Related Based in Buena Vista, Virginia, SVU is a private university aligned with the principles, values and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though it is not endorsed or sponsored by the church. SVU has nearly 1,000 students enrolled as of this fall. We are at a pivotal moment in the history of Southern Virginia University, and our board is united in its conviction that President Cordon is the right person to lead us now, SVU chairman L. Hugh Redd said in a news release. Redd said Cordons recent experience provides her with unique insight and understanding of the needs of students. We are fortunate to have President Cordon leading us at this time and we are thrilled about this next chapter in our universitys legacy, he said. Cordon served for seven years as a general officer of the church, first serving two years as a counselor in the Primary general presidency. In an interview with the Deseret News, she said a change in the churchs structure gave her greater insight about the Young Men organization, too. The church introduced integrated training, where general officers of both the Young Women and Young Men trained local leaders. We were praying as mightily for our young men as the young women, she said. It was a new era of youth involvement. Her seven years as a church officer were a time of immense adjustments within the church and its youth programs, and straddled the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, some of the young women and young men she was serving during that time will have her as their new university president. Related She said some of her focus will be on continued fundraising with an emphasis on providing opportunities for more people to invest in the future of SVU and its students. SVU launched a presidential search committee in the spring. Cordon said she was contacted first by an email to gauge her interest. She had not been to campus before. She spoke at an SVU devotional on Sept. 29. She told the students that as she approached completion of her bachelors degree in education at Brigham Young University, she realized it was the wrong career path for her. After prayer, she felt prompted to complete the degree. She later launched a software company. Now, she will return to education. The impression after much prayer was, Your career journey will be joyful, just graduate, she told the Deseret News. I went into management in the software industry and absolutely had a joyful career. I loved what I did, but maybe this actually will be the cherry on top. As she has been introduced to SVU, Cordon said she was impressed by the rigor of its programs and small class sizes that create a low ratio of students to professors. Cordon said she was curious during the search process to see how SVU was helping students move toward a brighter future with faith in Jesus Christ, considering that President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had told the churchs youth they are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world, with the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact for good than any previous generation. When I came on this campus, Cordon said, I thought, these are the young people that he made that promise to, and I would love to see the hand of the Lord as their capacity increases to become that smarter and wiser generation. I mean, who doesnt want to see the miracles of the impact that theyre going to have throughout the world as they go into different occupations with a Southern Virginia diploma and degree that opens bridges to everywhere? It will be remarkable. Cordon said her time on the CES board of education provided training for her new role as SVUs president as she watched the presidents of BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, Ensign College and BYU-Pathway Worldwide present to the board. The CES institutions all have the same purpose, to help young people come to know Christ as they expand their academic knowledge, she said. It was interesting to see how each president had a different style to navigate their school. They all had different strengths. She said that taught her that there are a number of ways to approach the university presidents chair. Its not going to just be me, she said. I have wonderful people all over the world who will be the best mentors for me and a lot of staff I can draw on. I truly believe revelation is sprinkled among us. The SVU board of trustees voted unanimously to appoint Cordon, the news release said. A presidential inauguration will be planned and announced at a future date, SVU said. Cordon is a mother of four and grandmother of seven. Wilcox was granted medical leave in January. Eric Denna has served as acting president. We commend and express our absolute gratitude to President Wilcox and acting President Denna for their tireless efforts and service to our university, Redd said. Building on the foundation and vision of her predecessors, we look forward to following and supporting President Cordon as she leads us into the future. The chair of the search committee was Laura Whiteley, a member of SVUs board of trustees. We appreciate everyone who participated in the search process faculty, staff, students and friends for their feedback and perspectives that helped us arrive at such a wonderful outcome. Whiteley said. We felt help from heaven and support from campus throughout this process. The Lord truly has a plan for this university, and I am excited for President Cordon to help execute that plan. NASHUA, N.H. Vivek Ramaswamy is escalating his attacks on Nikki Haley over Israel. The first-time candidate said the former U.N. ambassador and GOP primary rival should be disqualified from being president, accusing her of having personal conflicts of interest an apparent reference to her business ties and a hawkish neoconservative vision that I worry is going to lead us to prolonged conflict and war. Nikki Haley has foreign policy experience and it shows in her bank account, to the tune of $8 million, Ramaswamy said outside a New Hampshire GOP event on Friday night, gathering reporters while Haley was midway through speaking to activists inside the ballroom. It is sick. Especially when you have a Biden crime family and the White House that has monetized their connections and their foreign policy and sold off our foreign policy. We don't need to substitute them with a Republican version of the same, Ramaswamy said. I do not want a president anywhere near the White House whos willing to march us into World War III, as [Haleys] rhetoric suggests. Ramaswamy slammed Haley in response to comments she made earlier in the day equating the entrepreneurs views on Israel and foreign policy to those of the far-left squad in Congress. Ramaswamy sounds like the squad, Haley told reporters after filing for the primary ballot at the state capitol. And theres no place for the squad or Ramaswamy in discussions of international affairs. Haleys campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Ramaswamys remarks. Its the latest salvo in the opponents long-running feud over foreign policy thats ratcheted up since Hamas attacked Israel last weekend. And it comes days after Ramaswamy was rebuked by his rivals for accusing Republicans in a conversation with Tucker Carlson of showing selective moral outrage over Hamas attacks. In his interview with Carlson, he claimed that some who are advocating for a stronger military response are being driven by money and the corrupting influence of super PACs. Haley has offered full-throated and unwavering support for Israel this week. While the GOP presidential primary field was largely aligned in backing Israel in the hours after Hamas militants launched the deadliest attack on the Middle Eastern country in decades, the war more recently has become a friction point in the primary. Former President Donald Trump has drawn sharp rebukes from several of his rivals for criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and referring to Hezbollah as very smart including from Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Weather officials expect rain to fall the majority of Saturday while some gather to witness a rare solar eclipse called the ring of fire. The partial eclipse will be visible about 10:37 a.m. in Chicago. The eclipse will start at about 9:13 a.m. in Oregon, and was expected to be seen in several states including California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico at various times, according to NASA. Due to inclement weather, Eclipse Encounter 23 Adler Planetariums outdoor event was canceled, but the museum will still be open and celebrating eclipses inside, officials said. The ring of fire, more formally known as an annular solar eclipse, happens when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth during an eclipse. The extra distance makes the moon appear smaller, so it doesnt block out the sun entirely, leaving a margin of blazing sunlight resembling fire all around the moons dark shadow. The annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central and South America, officials said. Millions of people will be able to see a glimpse of the eclipse, but should take precautions to protect their eyesight, officials said. Because the sun is never completely blocked by the moon during an annular solar eclipse, it is never safe to look at the sun without eye protection for solar viewing, NASA officials said. Viewing the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a solar filter over the front of the optics will cause severe damage to the eye, according to NASA. Saturdays weather will determine how much of the eclipse astronomy lovers and friends will be able to see. National Weather Service officials said there is a 100% chance of showers Saturday with a high expected of 55 degrees. Morning conditions at Midway Airport are light rain with mist/fog. At OHare International Airport conditions are the same at 55 degrees. However, all hope is not lost for patient eclipse lovers. Another total solar eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024, expected to pass over Chicago around 2:00 pm, with the moon appearing to cover 94.2% of the sun. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brought a populist, anti-corporate message to his Augusta stop on Saturday as he kicks off an independent run for president. The event at the Augusta Marriott was one in a series after Kennedy , the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy , dropped his bid to win the Democratic primary and instead decided to run as an independent earlier this month. A poll just prior to the announcement put him at 14% support. "We need to unwind this corrupt collusion between state and corporate power that is ... destroying our democracy and beggaring our middle class," he said towards the end of his roughly hour-long speech. Kennedy began his comments with home ownership, pointing to rising home prices, increased homelessness and blaming corporate ownership of residential properties. From the post-World War II economy to now, Kennedy said, America has slid in an economic decline, with the lockdowns around COVID-19 hastening it. Big corporations, from Amazon to BlackRock, have been the beneficiaries he said. When the pandemic began "we all got a two-year training session on how to use Amazon, didn't we?" he said, but it came at the cost of local business. "But at least Amazon is paying local taxes right?," Kennedy said. "No, of course not. But at least they pay federal taxes? No." Kennedy blamed government spending on wars abroad and on the pandemic at home for economic malaise. His uncle, he said, put forward an international policy of peace and considered keeping the nation out of war the key job of the president. "Now we have 800 military bases all around the world and all of them are picking a fight with someone. There's somebody local who doesn't like us there," he said. Kennedy pointed to Vietnam, Iraq, and American support for Ukraine as examples of failed foreign policy that did more harm than good. "When the bankers need it and when the military contractors need it, the door is wide open to the safe," he said. "But when, you know, our fellow Americans are starving, when they're sick, when they need help, the door slams shut." Kennedy talked less about the issues on which he rose to prominence, including his support of a debunked theory that vaccines can be linked to autism. He said the culture war issues of abortion, guns, migration and others were diversions to distract people from corporate takeover. Taking power back for the people was his goal. "If you give me some sword, if you give me some ground to stand on, I'm going to take your country back for you," he said. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta hosts Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in independent presidential race Ukrainian soldiers with the 128th Brigade repairing a broken down Carnation, a self-propelled artillery piece, before taking it back to the front line, in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine on Sept. 16, 2023. (Lynsey Addario/The New York Times) WARSAW, Poland Clearly anxious, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine went in person this week to see NATO defense ministers in Brussels, worried that the war between Israel and Hamas will divert attention and needed weapons from Ukraines long and bloody struggle against the Russian invasion. American and NATO officials moved to reassure Zelenskyy, pledging another $2 billion in immediate military aid. But even before the war in the Mideast began last week, there was a strong sense in Europe, watching Washington, that the world had reached peak Ukraine that support for Ukraines fight against Russias invasion would never again be as high as it was a few months ago. The new run for the White House by former President Donald Trump is shaking confidence that Washington will continue large-scale support for Ukraine. But the concern, Europeans say, is larger than Trump and extends to much of his Republican Party, which has made cutting support for Ukraine a litmus test of conservative credibility. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Even in Europe, Ukraine is an increasingly divisive issue. Voters in Slovakia handed a victory to Robert Fico, a former prime minister sympathetic to Russia. A vicious election campaign in Poland, one of Ukraines staunchest allies, has emphasized strains with Ukraine. A far-right opposed to aiding Ukraines war effort has surged in Germany, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz is struggling to win voters over to his call for a stronger military. Im pessimistic, said Yelyzaveta Yasko, a Ukrainian member of Parliament who is on the foreign affairs committee. There are many questions now weapons production, security infrastructure, economic aid, the future of NATO, she said, but noted that answers to those questions had a timeline of at least five years. We have been fighting for 600 days, she added, and I dont see the leadership and planning that is required to take real action not just statements in support of Ukraine. Even more depressing, Yasko said at a recent security forum in Warsaw, Poland, is the way domestic politics are instrumentalizing Ukraine. Opinion polls show the people still support Ukraine, she said, but politicians start to use Ukraine as a topic to fight each other, and Ukraine becomes a victim. Im worried, she continued. I dont like the way my country is used as a tool. The previous bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States no longer seems to hold. Theres less pushback against the anti-Ukrainian stuff already out there, said Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the former president of Estonia, mentioning the Republican right wing and influential voices like Elon Musk. Its dangerous. Should Washington cut its aid to Ukraine, deciding that it is not worth the cost, top European officials, including the European Unions head of foreign affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell, openly acknowledge that Europe cannot fill the gap. He was in Kyiv, Ukraines capital, when Congress excluded support from Ukraine in its temporary budget deal. That was certainly not expected and certainly not good news, Borrell told a summit meeting of EU leaders this month in Spain. Europe cannot replace the United States, he said, even as it proposes more aid. Certainly, we can do more, but the United States is something indispensable for the support to Ukraine. That same day, President Vladimir Putin of Russia said that without Western aid, Ukraine could not survive more than a week. European leaders have pledged to send more air defense systems to Ukraine to help fend off a possible new Russian air campaign targeting energy infrastructure as winter looms. Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands said Friday that his country would send additional Patriot missiles, which have proved effective in defending the skies over Kyiv, according to Zelenskyys office. At the same time, European vows to supply 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine by March are falling short, with countries supplying only 250,000 shells from stocks a little more than one month of Ukraines current rate of fire and factories still gearing up for more production. Adm. Rob Bauer, who is the chair of the NATO Military Committee, said in Warsaw that Europes military industry had geared up too slowly and still needed to pick up the pace. We started to give away from half-full or lower warehouses in Europe to aid Ukraine, he said, and therefore, the bottom of the barrel is now visible. Even before the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, a senior NATO official said that the mood about Ukraine was gloomy. Still, the official said that the Europeans were spending more on the military and that he expected Congress to continue aid to Ukraine, even if not the $43 billion authorized previously. Malcolm Chalmers, the deputy director of the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based defense research institution, said a key issue now is Ukrainian will and resources in what has become a war of attrition. Its not really about us anymore; its about them, he said. The issue is Ukrainian resilience. Ukrainians will quietly admit to difficulties with morale as the war grinds on, but they see no option other than to continue the fight, whatever happens in the West. But some say that they are fearful that President Joe Biden, facing what could be a difficult reelection campaign against Trump, will try to push Ukraine to get into negotiations for a cease-fire with Russia by next summer to show that he is committed to peace. That worry is likely to be exaggerated, American officials suggest, given Bidens continuing strong support for Ukraine, which is echoed in U.S. opinion polls. But there remains confusion about any end goal that does not foresee Ukraine pushing all Russian troops out of sovereign Ukraine, or any clear path to negotiations with a Russia that shows no interest in talking. As Gabrielius Landsbergis, the foreign minister of Lithuania, said at the Warsaw security forum, the mantra as long as it takes fails to define it, let alone long. For him, it should mean driving the invading Russians out of all of Ukraine, including Crimea, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014. In private, at least, other European officials consider that highly unlikely. Carl Bildt, the former Swedish prime minister and foreign minister, suggested that NATOs 75th anniversary summit meeting next summer in Washington will be tense because of Ukraine, as it will come at the height of the American presidential campaign. Any invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is likely to help Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate, Bildt said. But while many worry about the possibility of declining U.S. support for Ukraine, the potential for backsliding is not limited to the United States, as the costs of the war are more deeply felt in Europe. In its campaign in Poland, for elections this weekend, the governing Law and Justice Party has complained angrily that Ukrainian grain exports are flooding the Polish market, damaging the farmers who are a key element of the partys support and underlining the implications for Polish agriculture should Ukraine join the EU. Zelenskyy responded that it is alarming to see how some in Europe, some of our friends in Europe, play out solidarity in a political theater making a thriller from the grain. The Polish government, fighting for votes with parties further to the right, then said it would cease military aid to Ukraine, even though it has already provided an enormous amount early in the war. Anti-Russian sentiment is a given in Poland, but the animosity toward Germany, an EU and NATO ally, was striking, too, said Slawomir Debski, the director the of Polish Institute of International Affairs. He described the campaign as very dirty, with wild accusations playing on strong anti-German, anti-Russian, anti-EU sentiments, combined with growing tensions with Ukraine. It was all a sharp contrast to Polands embrace of Ukrainian refugees and important early provision of tanks, fighter jets and ammunition just last year. I warned many people, including the Americans, that this government is being accused of doing too much for Ukraine, so be careful, Debski said. Michal Baranowski, a Pole who is the managing director for the German Marshall Fund East, said he was disheartened because Polish political leaders know we need to stay the course in Ukraine, but they are letting emotions and politics get the better of them. Polish division, however political, does not stay in Poland, Baranowski warned. The effect of this on the United States and the Republican Party is terrible, he said. c.2023 The New York Times Company Citizen scientists, hobby astronomers and casual skygazers united Saturday morning in Boise for a chance to view a celestial sight more than a decade in the making: an annular solar eclipse that emerged just in time from beyond the cloudy sky. About 300 people gathered on the leaf-dotted lawn outside the student union on Boise State Universitys campus at the eclipses peak to take in the moment. They each arrived for a glimpse of the so-called ring of fire effect at the height of the eclipse, when the moon blocked out the majority of the sun. Many recall the total solar eclipse viewable in many parts of the U.S. in 2017, but Saturdays annular variation when the moon perfectly lines up with the sun, though is too far away from Earth to fully obstruct it was the first seen in the U.S. since May 2012. In Boise, the eclipse began at 9:07 a.m., reached its peak when the moon blocked 85% of the sun locally at 10:24 a.m. and ended at 11:47 a.m. The path of annularity was closer to 91% elsewhere in the Western U.S., including portions of Oregon, Nevada and Utah. Boise State student Hunter Gregory, 19, stayed here and wasnt going to miss the rare opportunity. The freshman engineering major, who said he has for some years enjoyed astronomy in his downtime, brought out his black Celestron telescope to the schools intramural field, watched the passing eclipse and projected it onto a white sheet of paper. Its so humbling, Gregory told the Idaho Statesman as a crescent took shape nearly in the palm of his hand. Theres a whole universe out there and its bigger than humanity. Boise State freshman Hunter Gregory, 19, of Boise, uses a telescope to reflect an image of the annular solar eclipse onto a sheet of paper at Boise State University, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Boise State Physics Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve STEM Network hosted an eclipse watch event at the Student Union Intramural Field. Others donned blue-and-orange paper glasses equipped with solar filters available on site for a donation to see the eclipse. Some held a lens from the glasses in front of the camera on their cellphones to capture a lasting keepsake. At points along the eclipses path, Dylan Watson, 7, of Boise, said she thought the sun looked like a banana. Dylan, sporting a sky-blue vest for Girl Scout Troop 981, was joined by her mother, Austin Watson, who helped her daughter time out five-minute intervals to record what she saw in a hand-held field journal. Dylan said she hopes to one day become a scientist. Dylan Watson, 7, of Boise, shows off a field journal she made while watching the annular solar eclipse at Boise State University, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Watson tracked the time with drawings of the moons position in front of the sun with the help of her mother, Austin Watson. Earlier in the morning, Brian Jackson, associate professor in Boise States physics department, led a presentation on solar eclipses. He explained that annular eclipses actually occur less frequently than the total solar eclipses that tend to get a little more attention. Boise was fortunate to fall within the eclipses path this time around, he told the Statesman in an interview despite morning weather that didnt completely cooperate. We got lucky with this, Jackson said, just not with the clouds. Even so, almost as if on cue, the sun broke free from the veil of overcast eastern sky for the key point of the eclipses peak, which had inspired Treasure Valley residents to come out for the cosmic event. Attendees at a morning event held at Boise State Universitys campus view the annular solar eclipse through filtered lens glasses, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. At its peak, Boise experienced 85% of the sun blocked by the moon. John Wheeler, of Meridian, talked his 9-year-old son Jacob out of bed this morning to take a chance at observing the sight. A short trip to BSUs campus beat waking at 4 a.m. and driving some 4 1/2 hours to the southwestern tip of Idaho to be closer to the solar eclipses path, where the moon more fully blocked the sun, as his father had offered. Im not a morning person, Jacob Wheeler said, nodding yes that he was glad he joined. John Wheeler said he caught the total solar eclipse of 2017 from Black Canyon Reservoir near Emmett, which he called a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Jacob was there, too, but he was just 3 years old at the time and said he couldnt recall the experience. Unable to find his eclipse glasses from that day, John Wheeler planned ahead and ordered new ones before Saturdays annular version. The two sat on the intramural field in lawn chairs they brought from home and together watched as the sky opened up and delivered another eclipse to remember. We didnt know what wed see, John Wheeler said, acknowledging concerns about the cloudy forecast. But it cleared right at the right time. The United States is providing $12 million in "immediate humanitarian assistance" for Afghanistan following multiple devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 1,200 people and leveled villages in the western Herat province. Over 2,000 people were injured, according to the U.N. and disaster management officials. Twelve villages with over 1,000 homes were completely destroyed. Two 6.3 magnitude earthquakes, followed by several strong aftershocks, struck on Saturday, followed by another 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the same province on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. Agency for International Development said in a statement Thursday it would provide the "$12 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of the affected people." The earthquake hit with Afghanistan's economy in a free fall as the country struggles with the world's worst humanitarian crisis following the Taliban's takeover in 2021, which caused massive cutoffs in Afghan aid. A boy cries as he sits next to debris in the aftermath of an earthquake in Zinda Jan, Afghanistan, Oct. 8, 2023. / Credit: Reuters/Stringer The devastating earthquakes "come at a time of immense humanitarian needs when 15 million people do not know where the next meal will come from," said Anamaria Salhuana, the World Food Programme's deputy country director in Afghanistan. "WFP urgently needs $400 million to help 7 million of the most vulnerable people survive the coming months." The U.S. had frozen $7 billion in central bank assets when the government dissolved following the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the Taliban taking over the country by force. Half of that money was moved to a Swiss account in 2022 to benefit the people of Afghanistan. Analysts argue it's time for the funds to be released to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis. "This might be the right time to unlock a small portion of this fund as an emergency measure to finance rebuilding the victims' homes," Torek Farhadi, a veteran regional analyst, told CBS News. "A safe mechanism should be possible to be worked out to satisfy all audit requirements and a small trust fund can be established for that purpose." Bibi, an older woman who survived the earthquakes, doubts she would survive the harsh winter as she lost her house and livelihood. "I became miserable, I lost everything I had built in my life, I have no place to sleep, I have no bread to eat," she told CBS News. Meanwhile, an explosion inside a Shiite mosque Friday killed several worshippers in northern Baghlan province, according to Mustafa Hashimi, head of the province's Information and Culture Department. A statement from Baghlan police said at least seven people were killed and 15 were wounded. NYT Cooking recipe for a childhood favorite, frosted sugar cookies John Bolton warns of potential Hezbollah threat to Israel How difficult is it to rescue hostages from the Gaza Strip? A human rights expert for the United Nations called for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israeli forces Saturday, warning of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel has reached fever pitch, Francesca Albanese , U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 said, according to a press release. The United Nations and its Member States must intensify efforts to mediate an immediate ceasefire between the parties, before we reach a point of no return, Albanese said. The international community has the responsibility to prevent and protect populations from atrocity crimes. Accountability for international crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces and Hamas must also be immediately pursued. The release stated that more than 1,900 Palestinians have been killed since last Saturday, including at least 600 children. It also said over 423,000 people have been displaced as a result of the Israeli strikes. Top Stories from The Hill The release comes a day after Israel ordered some 1 million Palestinians in the north of Gaza to evacuate to the southern part of the territory. The U.N. warned that the movement of so many people with a 24-hour deadline would be disastrous. The territory is also facing blackouts and Israel has said it will not allow supplies into the territory unless hostages taken by Hamas into Gaza are freed. There is a grave danger that what we are witnessing may be a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, and the 1967 Naksa, yet on a larger scale. The international community must do everything to stop this from happening again, Albanese said. The Nakba, according to the release, is the term for the events of 1947-1949 when over 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes and lands during the hostilities that led to the establishment of the State of Israel. The Naksa, a similar event in 1967, led to Israels occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and displaced 350,000 Palestinians, according to the release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby says the United States "condemns" arms shipments from Russia to North Korea. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The White House has accused North Korea of sending hundreds of containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for use in the Kremlin's illegal war against Ukraine. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Friday the shipments came in the form of more than 1,000 containers headed from the Korean peninsula into Russian territory. At the same time, the White House released images it says shows North Korea placing the containers onto a ship heading to Russia. "We condemn the DPRK [North Korea] for providing Russia with this military equipment, which will be used to kill Ukrainian civilians and further Russia's illegitimate war," Kirby said. The NSC official also said Russia was providing North Korea with military assistance in exchange for the supplies. "We assess that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia including fighter aircraft surface to air missiles armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, or other materials or other advanced technologies," Kirby said. The U.S. assessment comes a week after the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies and its Beyond Parallel analytics division similarly released satellite images showing a build-up of railcars and covered shipping containers at the North Korean border with Russia. The analysts suggested the build-up could be evidence of weapons being transferred from North Korea to Russia to be used to prop up its invasion of Ukraine. South Korea on Saturday said it is reviewing "additional measures" aimed at halting the expanding military ties between North Korea and Russia. An unnamed senior government official told the Yonhap news agency the apparent arms trading "constitutes a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and poses a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." North Korea and Russia share a 10.7-mile land border as well as a maritime border measuring 12 nautical miles. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month traveled by rail on an armored train to Russia for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two toured weapons factories and other facilities during the state visit, where Kim invited Putin to take a reciprocal trip to North Korea. The visit was Kim's longest international trip since taking power from his late father in 2011. Putin later told Russian state media the meeting between the two leaders "opened a new chapter" in the relationship between the countries. Kim is reportedly seeking advanced technology for his country's space and missile programs. It wasn't clear what any agreement between Russia and North entailed as far as payment. Story at a glance Nearly 80 percent of women married to men changed their last name when they got married. Women who decided to change their names told The Hill they did so to validate their relationship and share the same last name as their children, among other reasons. The reasons so many women still take their husbands last name also have to do with entrenched gender roles, according to experts. Even as marriage changes in the United States, most brides are holding to the custom of taking their grooms last name and dropping their own. Almost 80 percent of women married to men have followed this tradition, according to a recently released Pew Research Center survey. The share of women opting to change their name has declined in recent decades, but only gradually: A 2015 Google Consumer Survey conducted by The New York Times found that just 22 percent of women who married men in the 2010s kept their name, compared to 14 percent who got married prior to the 1970s. There are a number of personal, complex reasons why women choose to change their surname after marriage. But some common motivations cited by women The Hill spoke to include wanting to validate their relationship and to eventually share the same last name as their future children. Erica Horak, a 26-year-old tech operations specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, falls in the first camp. Horak told The Hill that she made the decision to take her husbands last name when she got married two years ago in part because of she felt a lack of connection with her birth name. She had inherited the name from her father, who was not involved in her life. And her mother had taken her stepfathers last name when Horak was a child. But the biggest reason why she took her husbands name, she said, was to increase her connection with the person she was choosing to build a family with. I also really like having the same last name as him It still makes me smile when I see things that say, Mr. and Mrs. Horak, she said. I think its a way to feel even closer to my husband. Twenty-six-year-old Makenzie Rambo, meanwhile, said she wanted her children to share the same last name as their parents, so the decision to change hers was easy. And Rambo, a nurse also located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, liked the idea of switching up her name. It was just kind of fun to have a new last name, she said. Tina Hall, a 31-year-old New York City resident, took her husbands last name in part to show her support for the marriage. When the couple first started dating in college, her family pressured her to break up with her now-husband so she could focus on school. They continued to date in secret until Halls senior year. When we did get married, I was excited to take his name because it was validation for our relationship, she said. But she said she also partly made the choice because she grew up believing it was the normal thing to do. She told The Hill that in every couple she knew during her childhood in Texas and her early adulthood who planned on getting married, the prospective wife planned to take her future husbands last name. So, I just assumed I would too. she said. The default expectation was that I would change my name and I was O.K. with that. Carrie Baker, professor of the study of women and gender at Smith College, noted that marriage is the one institution in society that we really have not moved beyond traditional roles and behaviors. And I think the fact that women are still changing their names is a sign of that, she said. The tradition of U.S. women taking their husbands last names reaches back to English common law, according to Baker. The practice is rooted in coverture, a legal doctrine under which a womans legal identity was merged into her husbands when they married. It was a whole system of law where a woman was subordinate in a marriage, Baker said. She couldnt even be charged with a crime. If she were to commit a crime, he would be responsible. The system of coverture, brought to the United States by colonists, has eroded over time. But though women have gained more independence from their husbands, and men in general, the idea of a woman of keeping her name after marrying a man remains stigmatized, Baker said. That stigma is due to Americans concept of masculinity, according to Emerald Christopher, an adjunct lecturer at Georgetown Universitys womens and gender studies department. Culture in many parts of the country and around the world still upholds the belief that the man is the head of a household and with that the name follows, Christopher said. Any deviation from a woman taking her husbands name could be viewed as abnormal or an insinuation that her husband isnt a real man, Christopher said, in the sense that he doesnt have the most control in his home. If a woman does keep her name, others might perceive that she is the one that is in control in the relationship, Christopher said. While that might be O.K. in private spaces, she still needs to somehow maintain his masculinity, she said. In addition, Baker said, U.S. society hasnt done a very good job at providing women with alternatives to taking their husbands last name. But there are other options. In many Latin American countries, men and women both carry two last names, the first from their father and the second from their mother. In fact, in the Pew study Hispanic women were the most likely to keep their last name out of any racial or ethnic group. In the study, 30 percent of Hispanic women said they kept their last name after marriage, while 10 percent of White women and 9 percent of Black women said the same. Traditionally, women in China, Korea and Vietnam keep their surname after marrying, which is also the case in Muslim communities. And France, Belgium and the Netherlands all have laws requiring peoples surnames to stay the same after marriage. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Amid war and violence abroad, the United States wants to support a stronger, safer, freer world by punishing countries like Iran, North Korea and Russia with sanctions. Instead, the more sanctions are used, the less they are effective as countries adapt and band together against U.S. pressure. To improve results, America and the international community need to make two big changes: first, to define upfront the terms for lifting sanctions; and second, to set up dialogues that accelerate those choices. Making these changes now could help the United States avoid war with China. Sanctions often fail to achieve goals because problems are never frozen in time conditions and relationships change based on events. Sanctions are written to anticipate these changes by leaving open ended the specific conditions required to lift them. But a moving target of what countries need to do to restore their status has done more to deepen suspicion of the purpose of the sanctions than to accelerate resolution of the underlying problems. North Korea adapts to survive sanctions on nuclear program Take North Korea. Every U.S. administration from George H.W. Bush to Donald Trump has tried to negotiate the end of Pyongyangs nuclear program. Negotiations have been conducted in different formats, with different partners and with the support of the international community. In a few cases, agreements have been concluded and implementation has begun. But time after time, agreements have collapsed due to mutual mistrust. The result is that North Korea is now able to strike U.S. territory with a nuclear-armed missile, and it has also adapted to survive under the sanctions regime. Replace armistice with peace agreement: 70 years have passed since Korean cease-fire. It's time to end America's longest war. The North Korean government has easily passed the cost of sanctions onto its citizens while decision-makers live large. Moreover, North Korea has adapted to sanctions by finding workarounds. In short, sanctions have lost their leverage. No single administration is at fault for these developments. Each team went into negotiations wanting to make the best deal possible at the time. But from North Koreas perspective, the continual ratcheting up of conditions to meet for even limited sanctions relief has led its officials to draw a stark conclusion that the United States and the international community seek not just the elimination of the North Korean nuclear program, but also the collapse of the country itself. China is watching how the US handles North Korea China has watched these developments with increasing apprehension. North Koreas survival is strategically important for China in serving as a buffer zone between Chinas border and the United States and its major allies in Northeast Asia South Korea and Japan. China also sees itself in the crosshairs of U.S. sanctions. Beijing is learning from Pyongyangs ability to adapt to sanctions that it might also need to withstand significant near-term pain to achieve long-term goals that Washington opposes including forced reunification with Taiwan. Taiwans representative to the US: Stop following China. United Nations is ruled by 'we the peoples,' not authoritarian regimes. When Chinese President Xi Jinping tells his people to prepare for struggle, his frame of reference is the North Korean and the Russian experience. China is equally suspicious that the United States seeks to undermine the Chinese Communist Party with sanctions as the primary tool. Sanctions are not working to create leverage in the U.S.-China relationship. On the contrary, the broad scope of sanctions against Chinese officials and companies, and the lack of dialogue to negotiate their removal, have accelerated strategic mistrust. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Rather than preventing war by punishing China with nonmilitary means, sanctions are building the case within China that America is determined to keep China weak. Simply put, if sanctions cannot be negotiated, then they can either be avoided by working closely with other sanctioned countries, addressed through Chinas own economic coercion or removed by force. Sanctions are accelerating the dynamics that undermine stability in the U.S.-China relationship. Rorry Daniels, managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, is a leading expert on the North Korean nuclear program, U.S.-China relations and cross-Taiwan Strait relations. Beijing does not believe that Washington is willing to ever lift sanctions and trade restrictions, and it maintains strong relationships with other sanctioned countries to preserve its options if the U.S.-China relationship completely breaks down. The way U.S. sanctions are applied deepens mistrust, creates avenues for partnerships outside of the U.S.-led global financial system and builds up barriers to successful management of the U.S.-China relationship. Sanctions remain a key tool in the U.S. arsenal, but they must be more carefully and strategically applied. To start, sanctions should only be imposed alongside clear and unchanging conditionality for their removal. Problems do evolve, but sanctions are not the best means to manage that evolution. Clear conditionality for removal at the onset of sanctions imposition would decrease suspicion that sanctions are aimed at regime change, rather than regime behavior. Specific conditions create specific objectives to take to the negotiating table. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., greets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Oct. 9, 2023. Schumer says he's grateful for a strengthened statement from China condemning the killing and kidnapping of Israeli and foreign civilians by Hamas, issued during a bipartisan congressional visit to Beijing. The United States cannot stop midstream an ongoing dialogue process must be an essential condition of sanctions implementation for two reasons. First, sanctions are only as strong as their enforcement. Other countries need to continuously buy in to the purpose of sanctions, or loopholes are easy to find and exploit. Second, sanctions are an acknowledgement of an underlying problem, not a resolution of the problem. Dialogue is the only way to prevent sanctions from freezing in time while the underlying problem worsens and the sanctioned country adapts. Rorry Daniels, managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, is a leading expert on the North Korean nuclear program, U.S.-China relations and cross-Taiwan Strait relations. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: China, North Korea keep adapting to sanctions. How does US avoid war? You are the owner of this article. Franklin County assault suspect tried to escape on a Greyhound, until it broke down He was once a high school dropout. Today he is one of Washington's award-winning poets WA hydrogen production to get a boost from share of $1B in funding A Spotsylvania County man has been charged with first-degree murder following the slaying of an acquaintance in Stafford County on Wednesday afternoon. James Allen Wright, 42, is accused of killing 42-year-old Derrick Campbell in the 200 block of Streamview Drive in the Rappahannock Landing subdivision. Campbell was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds when deputies responded to the reported shooting about 2:45 p.m.; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriffs spokesman Ryan Wilbur said Wright was quickly identified as the suspect, and detectives traveled to Maryland and Washington to search for him. Wright turned himself in at the Sheriffs Office shortly after 10 a.m. Friday. He is also charged with using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and Wilbur said more charges are possible as the investigation continues. It is not clear what led to the shooting. Wilbur said the two men knew each other and were in the midst of some sort of discussion when shooting began. Wilbur said video footage provided by members of the community has assisted in the investigation. Wright is being held without bond in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. A data center boom in Virginia has led to an influx of proposals for massive sites in the Fredericksburg region, which appears to be ground zero for much of the planned growth in the tech facilities that power the internet. A pair of Virginia Sierra Club officials laid out details and issues with data centers during a Thursday night talk at the University of Mary Washington, pointing out both the necessity of the cloud-computing facilities and warning of unknowns regarding long-term impacts. The informational session was held in an effort to present information amid the data center boom in the region, with proposals and projects in Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. The meeting was attended by around 30 people, including Board of Supervisor members from the various area counties with data center proposals. The Rappahannock Group Sierra Club, in conjunction with the University of Mary Washingtons Earth & Environmental Sciences Department, hosted the informational session. Two speakers led the discussion: Connor Kish, executive director of the Virginia Chapter Sierra Club, and Ann Bennett, a Fairfax County native whos worked for many years on Capitol Hill on a range of environmental issues and serves as the Virginia Sierra Clubs data center issues chair. Bennett said they are focused primarily on policy reviews concerning the biggest industry impact on the Virginia environment, maybe ever. Time will tell. According to the presentation, Virginia is by far the leader in data center growth. That growth has been spurred in part by the states $35 billion program to entice the spread of data centers development in the form of tax incentives. Kish called data centers one of the most complicated and difficult subjects that Virginia and the nation are currently dealing with. He added that the Sierra Club is not against data centers. It has to be done right. Theyre gobbling up all kinds of resources, Bennett said. The speakers laid out some history of data centers and why the facilities are so focused on Virginia. A key draw to Virginia is the dark fiber optics infrastructure originally installed by AOL. Those fiber optics lines allow data centers to connect to a grid that stretches from Northern Virginia to Virginia Beach, where the lines connect to a grid that crosses the globe. Data centers in the Virginia grid not only prove crucial for the personal and business internet use; they also are used by U.S. national security agencies, the Sierra Club speakers said. The pair said the current boom in data center growth is tied to artificial intelligence, which requires more computing power, and is driven in large part by tech industry giants Amazon, Google and Meta. Northern Virginia was the first target for data center expansion, primarily Loudoun and Prince William counties. The speakers said the tech giants have moved their attention south to more rural Virginia areas, and localities are jumping in because of big tax revenues while ignoring strict requirements to deal with impacts to power and water supplies and to quell carbon emissions. Bennett explained that a key problem with data centers is the lack of clear policies regarding and their impact. Bennett said the energy usage numbers are staggering, adding that 70% of the worlds data passes through Northern Virginia. We are the center of play, she said. She added that we are literally facing an energy crisis in Virginia because we dont have enough power to power these behemoths. They showed slides detailing the electricity demand of data centers. A typical data center can equal the electrical consumption of 50,000 homes, according to the slides. Also, data centers account for 3% of the worlds energy usage and consumes 22% of Dominion Virginias energy. The pair criticized Dominion and the data center industry for not pursuing green energy (solar and wind) to replace fossil fuel use. They said Dominions long-term plans to handle the increased power needs include building gas plants and doubling carbon emissions by 2048. Kish said Dominions plans to use more gas, and possibly nuclear, plants, along with the need to build new transmission lines for data centers will lead to rate hikes for customers, who have no choice for another electrical provider. Another Sierra Club concern is the use of diesel generators at data centers, with the speakers adding that data centers account for 2% of global carbon emissions. The presentation included slides showing massive data centers in Loudoun and Prince William counties. Next to the buildings are rows of shipping containers that house diesel engines that serve as backup power for data centers. The diesel generators do not run only as backup; they are often run for testing. The speakers said there are more than 4,000 data center diesel generators in Loudoun, where carbon emissions are up more than 50%. There needs to be oversight of the emissions, the pair told the group. Its a big problem with data centers, Bennett said. Water usage is another major concern, according to the speakers. Data centers require constant water to cool the systems from overheating. They said the water demand for data centers is unclear and the industry uses nondisclosure agreements to keep information from becoming public. Kish said data centers need massive amounts of water. So its coming out of rivers, its coming out of watersheds, generally speaking. And we really dont know how much water is coming out of those individual sources, Kish said. Bennett added that data centers will need even more cooling water as demand increases because of AI. Kish added that the technology is evolving and the industry is improving with its water use, but it isnt keeping up with the pace of growth. The Sierra Club speakers fielded several written questions, which led to talk about what residents can do in their localities. Residents, they said, should keep in contact with elected officials during the process because thats where requirements can be enacted. They emphasized that local elected officials have the power to make data center developers agree to requirements to address the electrical and water impacts, as well as other issues such as noise, building heights and buffers. Kish said local officials can add conditions to approvals and thats why theres value engaging in these processes. 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. Ce sa nu faci niciodata cand pui rufele la uscat. Greseala care dezvolta imediat mucegai Cand se apropie sezonul rece, este tot mai greu sa uscam hainele afara. Multi dintre noi nici nu au un spatiu destinat acestei activitati, motiv pentru care tind sa le puna pe un suport in casa. Afla ca aceasta este [citeste mai departe] YORK Next week the design phase of Yorks new fire station is slated to begin and with it the opportunity for Yorks fire department to address the current stations health, technology and space issues. The captains and the volunteer chief will be involved with the design, Chief Tony Bestwick told the News-Times. We are going to get a design booklet from our architect and we are going to go through it and determine what we want, what we need, for the new fire station, and then theyll start the design process based on what our answers are. The city has budgeted up to $9 million for the new station. A group of people from the department and the city recently toured new fire stations in Columbus and Beatrice. Bestwick attended a fire station design conference in the spring. We have an idea and we have a template of what works, Bestwick said. The department has been in the current station since 1969. Chief among Bestwicks concerns are the health risks posed by the current station. Newer fire stations have a way of either filtering or exhausting diesel exhaust smoke. The majority of our trucks here are diesel-powered and diesel smoke is a carcinogen. Weve noticed the air quality is not the best at this station. At the top of the stairs leading to the kitchen and dormitories is a brick that has been painted white (its original color) to show how discolored the other bricks are from the diesel smoke. It gets into the living areas. Its just the way this was built in 1969. Now we know diesel smoke causes cancer. Thats our biggest thing. The new station will have a ventilation system that can flush out this exhaust in 60 seconds, according to Brett Sorensen, a firefighter and paramedic in the department. In the meantime, York Fire Department tries to make do by keeping the bay windows of the fire station open in order to let the exhaust filter out. There is another source of carcinogens that a new station could help mitigate, but which it wont be able to solve. The iconic firefighting outfit or Bunker gear contains carcinogens. The bunker gear that we wear also has chemicals in its composition that causes cancer and that is not something being fixed right now because how to come up with the type of material that we need in our bunker gear without the cancer causing materials, said Bestwick. The stuff that we even wear on fires could potentially cause cancer if you wear it enough. After a fire like the house fire in York last Sunday morning, the firefighters must go through what Bestwick calls the circle of decontamination. Their bunker gear needs to have all the smoke and chemicals extracted and everyone needs to shower and change into new gear. Currently, there are often lines for showers and the gear has to be sent to a company in Lincoln to be professionally cleaned. That is one of the things that will be included in a new fire station: the decon circle, Bestwick said. We ask a lot of our guys. Were setting records for numbers of calls. If someone gets hired career, volunteer they give us 20, 30 years of our lives. The least we can do is try to prevent some of the stuff that will kill us someday. They say that if you become a firefighter, it takes 10 years off your life. I believe it. We have a current retiree who has lung cancer and we lost two in the generation when I started who passed away from bone cancer. Was that caused by this and firefighting and smoke? Im sure it didnt help. If we can prevent that, we need to. Even with space for the decontamination procedure and a method for flushing out the diesel exhaust, the carcinogens found in the protective gear continue to pose a risk to firefighters. Bestwick is looking into limiting the calls that firefighters go to while wearing the bunker gear, but right now, it is just a hazard of the job, he said. A 2014 study of firefighters in Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco found that firefighters had 14% more cancer deaths than the general population. Still, according to the National Firefighter Registry Protocol, while some studies have shown a link between firefighting and cancer, there remains a need for comprehensive data. About half of the fire departments in the U.S. serve rural populations, for instance, but few studies have focused on the particular cancer risks that firefighters in rural areas like York face. Nor has any study examined the risks volunteers face even though in Nebraska, for instance, 449 out of Nebraska 478 fire departments include volunteers, according to the Omaha World-Herald. York is a combination fire department, meaning that it includes volunteers and career firefighters. Little research has also been done on the risk factors for female and non-white firefighters. About one in five firefighters are nonwhite and 8% are female. Congress passed a bill funding the creation of the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer back in 2018. The registry tracks incidents of cancer among firefighters across the nation. In July of this year Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska introduced bipartisan legislation to double the registrys funding and extend it for another five years. This registry is the largest effort ever undertaken to understand the risk of cancer among U.S. firefighters, which could be elevated due to dangerous toxin exposure, Fischer wrote in her July column published in the News-Times. Firefighters can voluntarily share their occupational and medical history on the registrys online enrollment system, which launched in the spring. Researchers are hoping that around 200,000 U.S. firefighters will participate. In addition to addressing health concerns, the new fire station will also include updated electrical and communication systems, more space for equipment, and a larger and more private living area. We have the most female firefighters now that weve ever had in my 37 years. We have one career female firefighter and about half a dozen volunteers or junior firefighters that are female and this station is not built for that, said Chief Bestwick. The dormitories in the new station will consist of private rooms. We are grateful for the investment the city and its residents are making in its fire and emergency services, Bestwick told the News-Times. When asked about what it is like to continue working in the current fire station, given its health risks and other drawbacks, Sorensen said that these concerns were important. But when he's at the station, the number one thing youre always thinking about is the emergency that comes in. New Delhi: The recent Middle Eastern crisis, fuel prices, and fragmentation of global supply chains remain major concerns for emerging markets, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday. Addressing a press conference in Morocco's Marrakesh, Sitharaman, giving details of deliberations during the second session of the second day of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G20 FMCBG meeting, said that discussions on global economy and crypto assets were held in the meeting. The meeting adopted the G20 roadmap on Crypto assets, its implementation going forward and provided their guidance regarding the swift and coordinated implementation of the roadmap to achieve a comprehensive policy response for Crypto assets. The ministers and governors also exchanged views on the global economic outlook and the possible policy approaches that could be adopted, individually and collectively to address the challenges. Brazil's Economy Minister Fernando Haddad provided an overview of the key priorities of the G20 Brazilian presidency in 2024. Under the G20 FinanceTrack, he said that the Brazilian presidency will have key focus on addressing global risks, deepening reforms of international financial institutions, international taxation, and other issues. Haddad shared that Brazils G20 presidency's theme will be Building a fair world and a sustainable planet. Sitharaman concluded the G20 FMCBG with commitment of Indias support to the Brazilian presidency in achieving a strong today and a stronger tomorrow for the world and all our people. Earlier at the outset, Sitharaman expressed gratitude to the government of Morocco and the Moroccan people for their extraordinary hospitality extended to G20 countries under very difficult circumstances and expressed solidarity with Morocco for quick recovery. She also thanked Indonesian Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor for providing continued guidance and enabling India to steer work of the Finance Track. New Delhi: Dramatic scenes erupted at the Congress party headquarters in the national capital on Saturday after many party supporters raised slogans against the state minister Zahida Khan. Khan had arrived at the party headquarters on Saturday afternoon. The party workers started raising slogans against her when she went to meet senior party leader Jitendra Singh. The angry party workers accused Khan of harassing the party workers by the alleged aides of the state minister in her assembly constituency of Kama in Rajasthan. The party workers also alleged that the minister be replaced with some other candidate in the state assembly polls. #WATCH | Delhi: Congress party workers hold protest at AICC against ticket given to Rajasthan's Zahida Khan over allegations of corruption. pic.twitter.com/IKYQzpR7rZ ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023 The protest comes ahead of the partys Screening Committee meeting scheduled on Saturday in the national capital at the partys war room at 15 GRG. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is all set to hold the meeting of the Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on October 17 to finalise the candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. Elections for the 200 member assembly is scheduled on November 25 and counting of votes will take place on December 3. Fremont resident Terry McClain will be honored on Saturday, Oct. 14, by the Fremont Rotary Club in recognition of his service and philanthropy in the community. McClain will be honored with the Rotary Golden Wheel award during a Rotary District ceremony. Kathryn Schubert, governor of the Rotary district that includes clubs in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, said in a news release that McClain is an outstanding example of the Rotary motto, Service above Self. Our clubs are shining a light of recognition on people in our communities who, while not members of Rotary, nevertheless live by the motto Service above Self, Schubert said in the release. We feel it is one way to help foster the kind of communities that exemplify our desire to be people of action, working together to solve issues and address community needs. McClain is retired after a 41-year career at Valmont. He continues to serve our city in many ways as a board member of many organizations and as someone who believes in the value of education through his efforts with Wayne State College and Creighton University, according to the release. McClain is one of 38 Golden Wheel honorees from 38 different Rotary clubs in the district who will be honored at a special dinner Oct. 14. 14 October 2023, Delhi, India - In response to the recent surge of misinformation against him, Mr. Ravi Uppal, a respected businessman renowned for his contributions to the construction, infrastructure development, and real estate sectors, vehemently denies all allegations linking him to the Mahadev Online betting app. The recent claims about his involvement in the app's operations and the reported earnings of Rs 200 crore per day are entirely false and misleading. The recent reports suggesting Mr. Uppal's involvement in the Mahadev App and its alleged earnings are devoid of truth and are purely sensationalist in nature. He maintains that these allegations are nothing more than attempts to tarnish his reputation and create unwarranted attention. Mr. Uppal categorically states that he has no connection whatsoever with the Mahadev App. His professional endeavours have always been focused on the construction, infrastructure development, and real estate sectors, where he has earned a distinguished reputation for his commitment to excellence and integrity. He strongly refutes any claims suggesting his travel to Sri Lanka, Nepal, or Pakistan for operation of Mahadev App. He categorically states that he has never visited these countries, nor does he have any affiliations or connections with individuals or organizations like Dawood Ibrahim or D-Gang. These allegations are entirely baseless and lack any factual basis. Contrary to the baseless claims, Mr. Uppal is a respected businessman operating a successful construction, infrastructure development, and real estate venture. His contributions to various civil construction projects, including bore-wells, water treatment plants, stop-dams, overhead water tanks, and water supply projects spanning numerous villages, stand testament to his dedication to societal development. He strongly denies the erroneous claim suggesting his ownership of a tyre shop. He states unequivocally that he has never owned or operated any tyre shop. Such claims are entirely false and lack any basis in reality. He strongly refutes the unfounded allegations recently circulated in various reports. It has been falsely claimed that he, along with Mr. Sourabh Chandrakar, visited Dubai and met a sheikh and a Pakistani national. It is crucial to clarify that the UAE is a multicultural hub where individuals from diverse nationalities interact regularly and legally. Meeting people in UAE, regardless of their nationality, is a standard practice and entirely legal. Furthermore, Mr. Uppal categorically denies any involvement with the Mahadev online betting app. He emphasizes that he has no connection with its creation, management, or operation. Any claims suggesting his association with the app are baseless and utterly untrue. Mr. Uppal vehemently denies any financial involvement in Mr. Saurabh Chandrakar's wedding ceremony held in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023. Contrary to speculations, Mr. Uppal categorically asserts that he did not contribute any amount, directly or indirectly, to the wedding expenses. He emphasizes his focus on his legitimate business ventures and disassociates himself completely from any claims suggesting otherwise. Mr. Uppal asserts his willingness to cooperate fully with any investigative authorities and is prepared to present all credible records that clearly demonstrate his legitimate business activities. These records will substantiate the fact that the reported colossal income attributed to him is entirely fictional and lacks any basis in reality. What Is Mahadev App Row? Nearly 17 Bollywood actors are currently being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for either accepting funds from the promoters of the Mahadev betting app or endorsing their product. The Mahadev betting app offered a range of games, lotteries, and betting choices. The ED is actively conducting an inquiry into this matter. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltds Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility, liability or claims for any errors or omissions in the content of the article. The IDPL Editorial team is not responsible for this content.) New Delhi: Janhvi Kapoor is one of the top actresses in our industry today. She often makes headlines for her films and social media posts. The actress often gets snapped by the paps on the streets of Mumbai with friends, sisters or even her rumoured boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya. Last night, she grabbed all the eyeballs for just the right reasons as she left jaws dropped with her breathtaking look at Lakme Fashion Week 2023. The 'Dhadak' star turned showstopper for ace designer Amit Aggarwal in a structured bustier with a body-grazing skirt. She walked down the ramp like a diva pairing her look with party makeup. A swirl of paneled silver was wrapped over the bustier with a metallic finish and her kohl-rimmed eyes, wavy locks and dewy glam definitely elevated her glamorous look. Fans flooded the comment section with heart-eye and fire emojis. One fan wrote, "She is a perfect one for being a model," "Wooow," wrote another. A third one commented, "Truly A Diva!" On the work front, Janhvi will be seen headlining 'Ulajh', which is directed by National Award winner Sudhanshu Saria. The thriller film also stars Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew in the lead roles. Excited to be a part of 'Ulajh', Janhvi earlier said, "When I was approached with the script of 'Ulajh', it instantly attracted me because as an actor, I am constantly looking for scripts that make me break out of my comfort zone and portraying a character based in the celebrated world of the Indian Foreign Services was just that. Just as the name of the film suggests, my character and the story have so many layers, emotions, and parameters, which is challenging and exciting at the same time. I am thrilled for the audience to see me in this new role envisioned by Sudhanshu, who has such a fresh approach towards dealing with this genre. I am also looking forward to working with such talented co-actors and a development studio like Junglee Pictures for the first time." She will also be seen in the film 'Mr and Mrs Mahi' opposite RajKummar Rao. The Israeli Defense Forces today claimed that they eliminated the Hamas commando forces chief responsible for orchestrating recent lethal assaults on communities in southern Israel last Saturday. The IDF reported that Ali Qadhi or Qadi, a company commander within the Nukhba unit, was targeted and killed in a drone strike. The operation followed extensive intelligence gathering by the Shin Bet security agency and the Military Intelligence Directorate. "Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate," said the IDF on Twitter. Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate. October 14, 2023 It's noted by the IDF that Qadhi had previously been apprehended by Israeli authorities in 2005 due to his involvement in the abduction and killing of Israeli civilians. He was subsequently released to the Gaza Strip as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. "Based on precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IAF aircraft killed Ali Qadi, a company commander of the Hamas "Nukhba" commando force, who led the terror attack in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip last weekend," said the Israeli Air Force. Based on precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IAF aircraft killed Ali Qadi, a company commander of the Hamas "Nukhba" commando force, who led the terror attack in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip last weekend. Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 14, 2023 Israel has amassed its troops and tanks on the Gaza border and is preparing for the ground assault. Earlier last night, the Israeli forces launched a raid at several places in Gaza to weed out Hamas militants. The Israeli military reported the successful elimination of two significant Hamas figures: Merad Abu Merad, who held the position of head within the Hamas aerial system, and Ali Qadi, a company commander within a commando force. New Delhi: As Israel prepares for a ground invasion, thousands of Palestinians left the north of the Gaza Strip on Saturday, news agency Reuters reported. Israel continued to bomb the area with more air strikes and promised to keep two roads safe for people to flee. Israel has ordered the entire northern half of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, to evacuate by Saturday morning or face a ground invasion. It has also offered two safe routes for the Palestinians to flee south until 4:00 pm. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said that Israeli reserve soldiers were ready for the next phase of the operation. They are all around the Gaza Strip, in the south, in the centre and in the north, and they are preparing themselves for whatever target they get, whatever task. Israel has vowed to destroy the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza in response to its attack on Israeli towns a week ago, which killed 1,300 people, mostly civilians, and took many hostages. Israel has imposed a total blockade on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and unleashed unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities say more than 1,900 people have been killed, a quarter of them children. The Gaza Strip is already one of the most densely populated areas in the world, and Israels evacuation order for the north has forced those fleeing south to cram with relatives and friends, in schools or in rented flats. Israel says the order to leave is temporary, and a humanitarian gesture to protect civilians while it targets Hamas fighters hiding in Gaza City. The United Nations says moving so many people inside the besieged territory is impossible without causing a humanitarian crisis. Hamas Shows Resistance Hamas has sworn to resist until the end, and says the order to leave is a ploy to make people abandon their homes. Gaza City mosques have broadcast messages telling people to stay. Gaza authorities said 70 people were killed and 200 were wounded when Israel attacked vehicles carrying people escaping from the north to the south on Friday. We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a rare televised statement after the Jewish Sabbath began on Friday. "I emphasise that New Delhi: Israel gave more than a million Palestinians in northern Gaza until Saturday to escape south, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israels retaliation for Hamas onslaught on southern Israel last week was just starting. U.S. President Joe Biden said he was talking to regional governments about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where trapped Palestinians suffered from a power outage and lack of food and water amid intense Israeli bombing. Israel swore to destroy Hamas for the assault a week ago in which its militants killed 1,300 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took many hostages. Israel has since besieged the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas and home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and pounded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza officials say 1,900 people have perished. More than one million inhabitants of northern Gaza got 24 hours warning from Israel on Friday to evacuate south before a likely ground invasion. Hamas pledged to resist until the end and urged residents to remain. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said troops with tanks had launched attacks to target Palestinian rocket launchers and collect data on the whereabouts of hostages, the first official confirmation of ground forces in Gaza since the crisis erupted. We are hitting our foes with unparalleled force, Netanyahu said in an uncommon statement broadcast on Friday after the Jewish Sabbath started. I stress that this is only the outset. The United Nations estimated that tens of thousands of Palestinians had moved south from northern Gaza following the Israeli command, which said more than 400,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced by the conflict before the order. Many others, though, said they would not leave. Death is preferable to departure, said Mohammad, 20, near a building wrecked by an Israeli air strike in the middle of Gaza. Mosques relayed the message: Stick to your houses. Stick to your soil. The United Nations and other groups cautioned of a catastrophe if so many people were compelled to flee, and said the blockade should be lifted to allow aid. We require immediate humanitarian access across Gaza, so that we can deliver fuel, food and water to all those in need. Even wars have norms, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday. Biden, in a speech at a Philadelphia port, said tackling the humanitarian crisis was a main concern. U.S. teams in the area, he said, were collaborating with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, other Arab governments and the United Nations. The vast majority of Palestinians had no involvement with Hamas and Hamas dreadful attacks, he said. And theyre paying the price as well. BISHKEK: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that Israel's decision to siege the whole region of Gaza is "unacceptable" and claimed that the whole population of Gaza does not support Hamas. "Israel is responding on a large scale and using pretty cruel methods. Harsh. Of course, we understand the logic of what is going on, but despite all the ferocity on both sides, despite all the remorseless we need to think about the civilian population," he said. President Putin added, "Some say that there may be military and normal military measures taken against the Gaza sector. Similar to the blockade of Leningrad during World War Two, we understand where that goes and this is unacceptable there. Two plus million people there and not all of them support Hamas." Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the Israel-Gaza escalation during the press conference after the CIS summit meeting in Kyrgyzstan, Russian Tass reported. Putin also went on to mention the Palestinian demand for an independent state and said that they were promised that and have the right to expect to get delivered. He said, "Palestine was promised that there will be an independent Palestinian state for the capital city in East Jerusalem and UN level decisions were made and they have the right to expect this to be delivered upon and there are lots of people there who have nothing to do with the current situation." On being asked if Russia can play the role of a mediator between Israel and Hamas, the Russian President highlighted that his country has good relations with Israel and Palestine and assured support in resolving the issue. He added, "I think Russia can help with this. Over the last 15 years or so we have had good relationships with Israel. We have good relationships with Palestine and nobody can suspect us in trying to play an unfair game. Of course, if anybody needs our effort." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he has ordered a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip. "I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed," Gallant said. Meanwhile, In retaliatory strike against Hamas terror attacks in Israel, Israeli soldiers, their tanks and munitions have been deployed near the Gaza border as they prepare for a full ground offensive against Hamas. In visuals coming in from the Gaza border, tanks can be seen firing shells towards the Gaza Strip. Moreover, soldiers are seen loading artillery shells into howitzers. Adding to this, Israeli infantry troops have been moving closer to the Gaza border in anticipation of a full ground offensive on Hamas. Israel military's top spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says the Israel Defense Forces is preparing for the next stages of the ongoing war with Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip and urges Palestinians in the north of the enclave to evacuate, saying Israel was going to "attack with great force." The IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Israeli Defence Forces on Saturday said 1300 people have lost their lives and over 3000 have been injured in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel. The Israeli Air Force has said that the IDF continues the effort to move the residents of the Gaza Strip in order to protect them in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said a call was sent out to residents of Gaza using a variety of different means in an attempt to minimize the harm to non-combatants. IDF said Hamas terrorists are hiding in terror tunnels located under the houses in Gaza City and in civilian buildings. The Israel Defence Forces said infantry forces and tanks entered the Gaza Strip on Friday in "localized raids" to clear the area of potential terrorists and locate missing citizens of Israel in a likely precursor to a full-scale incursion in response to Hamas's attack, The Times of Israel reported. New Delhi: In a strong condemnation of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that launched a deadly attack on Israel last week, President Joe Biden said they are worse than al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks. He also reiterated his unwavering support for Israel, the USs closest ally in the Middle East. The attack by Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, was unprecedented in its scale and intensity. It killed over 1,000 people, including at least 27 Americans, and injured thousands more. It also sparked a fierce retaliation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which targeted Hamas infrastructure and leadership. The violence has escalated to the highest level in decades, claiming over 2,000 lives in Israel and Gaza. Speaking in Philadelphia on Friday, Biden said he was horrified by the attack and the loss of innocent lives. These guys make al-Qaeda look pure. Theyre pure evil, he said. The United States, make no mistake about it, stands with Israel. Biden said he was working to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and respond to the threat. He also said he was committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions of people are suffering from the lack of food, water, electricity and medical supplies. He said he had sent Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Israel to coordinate with the Israeli government and other regional partners. He also said he had instructed his team to work with the United Nations and other countries to provide humanitarian aid and support to Israel and the Palestinians. Biden said he had spoken with the families of the Americans who are still missing or held by Hamas, and assured them of his personal commitment to bring them home. Theyre going through agony not knowing what the status of their loved ones are. Its gut-wrenching, he said. Were not going to stop till we bring them home. Meanwhile, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said the US was continuing its diplomatic efforts to end the violence and create conditions for a lasting peace. He said the US was working with Egypt and Israel to facilitate safe passage for civilians who want to leave Gaza and humanitarian corridors for aid delivery. He also denounced Hamas for using civilians as human shields and hiding in residential buildings, hospitals, mosques and schools. This is a terrorist organisation with no regard for human life, no regard for civilians. It is barbaric and brutal, and weve got to continue to call it out, he said. The situation remains tense and volatile, as Hamas militants continue to infiltrate Israel by land, air and sea, posing a serious security threat. The IDF has vowed to continue its operations until it restores calm and security to its citizens. New Delhi: The Akshay Kumar starrer 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue' has been opening with fantastic word of mouth since its release. While the film has been collecting good reviews, the audience's love and praise for Akshay Kumar, who played the character of unsung hero Jaswant Singh Gill, continued to pour even after the seven days of release. On National Cinema Day, the film received tremendous good response and witnessed houseful shows across the nation. From the critics to the audiences, everyone hailed his performance in the role of legendary hero Gill, and in a recent development, Nirdosh Singh Gill, the wife of Jaswant Singh Gill, has praised the performance of Akshay in the film. In a recent interview, Nirdosh Gill expressed her views and said, "I got very emotional while watching the film." Ahead of this, Mrs. Gill shared her thoughts about Akshay Kumar's performance in the film and showered immense love by saying, "Akshay Kumar has done a wonderful acting in the film. He acted so perfectly that looked like Gill Sahab himself was present on screen. He played the character so perfectly, Kapda waisa, turban waisi, aenek bhi waisi, uska jo physique, sab kuch mil raha tha." Continuing the same, she said, "When the film was on the casting stage and Akshay Kumar's name came out to play the character of Gill Sahab, I was so happy to hear it. His personality matches completely with Gill Sahab." Talking about the film 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue', the film tells the story of the courage and bravery of Jaswant Singh Gill, who rescued 65 coal mine workers. 'Mission Raniganj' is directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, and Ajay Kapoor. The film is currently screening in cinemas. Targeting Cookies These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Saturday Fremont Fall Festival, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fifth Street and Park Avenue, Fremont. Pancakes will be served in the parking lot from 8-10 a.m. Then from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be an artisan market, live music, food trucks, Poppin Penelope, a photo booth, face painting and games. The festival is being sponsored by the Fremont Downtown Development Group. Everyone is welcome. HomeStore open, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 701 E. Dodge St., Fremont. The HomeStore sells donated items at discounted prices. Proceeds support the mission of Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity. American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fremont Mall, bay south of the office. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, 9 a.m. to noon, Christensen Field, 1730 W. 16th St., Fremont. Residents of Dodge County are welcome to bring their household hazardous waste to this collection site. Acceptable waste materials include oil-based paints, paint-related products, poisons, fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides and other lawn chemicals, herbicides, fluorescent light bulbs and mercury containing items. Anyone with questions may call or email Keep Fremont Beautiful, 402-941-6122, keepfremontbeautiful@gmail.com. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Zombie Fun Run and Walk, 10 a.m., Hormel Park, Fremont. The 2-mile event, sponsored by the Fremont Parks and Recreation Department, is for all ages. Runners and walkers will encounter an estimated 30 different zombies on the course. Registration is $5. Costumes are encouraged. Fire Prevention Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nickerson Volunteer Fire Department, 101 N. Maple St., Nickerson. The event will include games, fire truck rides and hot dogs. Alcoholics Anonymous womens heart-to-heart group, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Kiddie Fire Truck Rides, 1-2 p.m., Hooper Volunteer Fire Department. Rock the Nite Away Benefit, 4-10 p.m., Fremont Eagles Club main floor, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. Everyone is invited to dance to all the 80s hits with DJ Highroller while also celebrating Matt Kuceras 50th birthday. There will be raffles, food, face painting, contests and a prize for best dressed. Admission is $5 per person for $15 per group. All proceeds will benefit FurEver Home Inc. Halloween campsite decorating and trick-or-treating, 5-8 p.m., Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area. Everyone is invited to get into the Halloween spirit with family-friendly activities. Campers may decorate their campsites in a Halloween theme. Then, from 5-7 p.m., children may trick-or-treat in the campground when the decoration judging takes place. A valid park entry permit is required. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Izaak Walton Family Dinner, 6 p.m., Fremont Izaak Walton Chapter, 2560 W. Military Ave., Fremont. The dinner is open to the public. The menu includes cream chicken and vegetables over noodles or mashed potatoes, Jell-O, bread, dessert, coffee or juice. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Twenty free games of bingo after dinner are included with a paid meal. Spiritual 12-Step Recovery Program, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous The Lie is Dead meeting, 8 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Seventh Annual UYSS Halloween Bash, 8-11 p.m., Eagles Club Ballroom, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The entry fee is $10 per person. The event will include a DJ, dancing, cash bar, food, raffles, and a costume contest. All proceeds will go to Uniquely Yours Stability Support. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Sunday Fremont Rural Fire Department Pancake Feed, 8 a.m. to noon, Fremont Rural Fire Station, 110 Boulevard St., Fremont. Cost is a freewill donation. The event also is an opportunity to meet the Fremont Rural Firefighters. Everyone is welcome. Snyder Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departments Annual Breakfast Fundraiser, 8 a.m. to noon, Firemens Ballroom, Snyder. Pancakes, eggs, ham, coffee and juice will be served. Takeout meals will be available. There will be a raffle drawing for a 70-inch LED Smart TV from Engelhardt TV & Communications. Alcoholics Anonymous Happy Sober Sunday Group, 9 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Seekers of Serenity meeting, 10:30 a.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to 6 p.m., 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Annual Fundraiser Spaghetti Feed, 5-8 p.m., North Bend Senior Center, 240 E. 10th St., North Bend. A meal will include spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink. Gluten-free available upon request. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5-12. A silent auction will include over 70 baskets. Proceeds will go to replace the senior centers carpet. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday speaker, 7:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Monday TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 9 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 850 N. Broad St., Fremont. Weigh-ins begin at 8 a.m. Visitors (preteens, teens and adults male and female) are welcome. The first meeting is free. For more information, call 531-281-9288. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Lightkeepers Womens Group, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. There will be a trustees meeting at 4 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 p.m., Fremont Church of the Nazarene, 960 Johnson Road. Fresh Hope Mental Health Support Group, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854 meeting, 7 p.m., Fremont Eagles Club. Alcoholics Anonymous 12x12 meeting, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. New Delhi: The OnePlus is all set to launch its first foldable smartphone in India. The company confirmed the name and launch date on X (formerly Twitter). The Chinese smartphone brand named the smartphone as 'OnePlus Open' and announced to launch on October 19. The India price, sale date, and specifications of the OnePlus foldable phone have been tipped by a known tipster ahead of the OnePlus event. Here is a sneak peek of the event. (Also Read: Do You Know About Google's CEO Sundar Pichai And His Wife Anjali's Love Story? Read About The Sparkling Tale Here) OnePlus Open: Expected Specifications It is anticipated that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC will power the OnePlus Open. It serves as Qualcomm's flagship SoC for smartphones in 2023, and OnePlus also uses it in the OnePlus 11. (Also Read: From Sewing Machines To Success: Tale Of A Remarkable Journey Of India's Wealthiest Female Fashion Designer) It is evident from the teaser image that the OnePlus Open would feature an Alert Slider, which would delight OnePlus enthusiasts. A few days ago, Pete Lau, co-founder of OnePlus and senior vice president at Oppo, acknowledged that teams from both companies collaborated to create this smartphone. The gadget is anticipated to feature 100W rapid charging and include a triple camera arrangement at the rear. OnePlus Open: Expected Price In India The OnePlus Open is anticipated to cost less than Rs 1,20,000 in India. OnePlus Open: How To Watch Launch Event Live? On October 19, 2023, the OnePlus Open is expected to go on sale. At 7:30 PM IST, you may watch the launch event live on YouTube or OnePlus' social media platforms. On the eighth day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israeli Defense Forces initiated a massive ground operation in Gaza. During an overnight airstrike, the Israel Air Force reported the successful elimination of Murad Abu Murad, the leader of Hamas's Air Force. The strike specifically targeted a headquarters overseeing Hamas's aerial operations in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Air Force attributed to Murad Abu Murad a significant role in coordinating terrorists during the tragic events that unfolded on the preceding Saturday. "Also, during the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force attacked the operational headquarters of the terrorist organization Hamas, from where the organization's aerial activities were managed. During the attack, Murad Abu Murad, the head of the air formation in Gaza City who took a large part and directed terrorists in the murderous attack on Saturday, was killed," said IAF. During the strike, IAF fighter jets killed Merad Abu Merad who was the head of the Hamas Aerial System in Gaza City, and was largely responsible for directing terrorists during the massacre on Saturday. Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 14, 2023 The Israeli military reported that within the past 24 hours, ground forces conducted targeted incursions into Gaza, describing them as "localized" raids. The primary objectives of these operations were to eliminate terrorists and seize weapons, alongside the mission of locating individuals who were reported as missing, as stated by the army. The IDF has also confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Over 1,300 Israelis including children have lost their lives in the terror attack by Hamas while more than 3,000 are injured. As of now, around 1,900 Gazan lives have been lost, including over 600 children. The production of titanium dioxide is a promising development path that everyone has forgotten about depositphoto/katerynakon Author Volodymyr Khaustov Scientific Secretary of the State Institution "Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine", Honored Economist of Ukraine, candidate of technical sciences. The development of the titanium industry as one of the most promising directions of economic development can really quickly bring Ukraine to the number of developed countries. However, discussions of this topic usually refer to metal titanium, instead, the production of another product of the industry, titanium dioxide is no less promising, and according to certain indicators, even more profitable. Titanium dioxide as a white pigment is widely used in the pulp, paint, and automotive industry, in the production of synthetic fibers, rubber products, plastics, heat-resistant and optical glass, white enamel, ceramic dielectrics, etc. It is undoubtedly one of the most used materials in the world. If we consider the entire market of titanium products, the share of titanium dioxide in it is 9095%. In 2021, the global titanium dioxide market was estimated at USD 20.9 billion and by 2026 it should increase to 27.9 billion. Ukraine is one of the six countries in the world with deposits of titanium ores, and our deposits are about 20% of the world's reserves. But the country uses its unique position in the world extremely inefficiently, trading mainly in raw materials with little added value. The necessary investments for the production of titanium dioxide are much smaller than for other areas, including metallic titanium, since the costs of obtaining a unit of titanium dioxide are low and do not require the creation of large infrastructure facilities. Therefore, the terms of creating productions are short, besides, with the availability of own raw materials, there is a quick opportunity to implement a closed cycle of production from the extraction of raw materials to the receipt of final products in the form of varnishes, paints, cosmetic preparations and building materials. World market The specificity of the titanium dioxide market is the high concentration of manufacturers. The seven largest producers account for 56% of the world volume. Another 36% is produced by 50 companies in China. At the same time, China accounts for a third of world consumption. The following states are the largest exporters of titanium dioxide in 2021, according to the World Bank: Peoples Republic of China (182,3 million dollars, 75,9 thousand tons); Germany (139,4 million dollars, 35,7 thousand tons); Japan (85,1 million dollars, 19,2 thousand tons); France (70,5 million dollars, 14,6 thousand tons); India (52.9 million dollars, 45.5 thousand tons). The biggest importers are: the EU (126,2 million dollars, 45,7 thousand tons); Germany (117,8 million dollars, 33,5 thousand tons); the USA (82,2 million dollars); Brazil (54,6 million dollars, 19,8 thousand tons); Vietnam (46,3 million dollars, 14,4 thousand tons). More than 59% of global consumption is accounted for by manufacturers of paints and coatings, 20% by manufacturers of plastics, and 14% by pulp and paper industries. But other consumer niches are also actively growing. For example, titanium dioxide nanoparticles are widely used in photovoltaic systems, including solar cells, the production of which is increasing. It is also promising to use titanium dioxide as a modifier for creating ecological building materials: eco-concrete and eco-paints. This completely new prospect of application can significantly increase global demand and will require an increase in the production of titanium dioxide. Ukrainian realities Currently, two main methods of obtaining titanium dioxide are used in the world: the sulfate one and the chlorine one. These technologies were developed and implemented in the post-war years, they are imperfect and environmentally dangerous. It is interesting that the world leader-producer China uses the same technologies developed in the USSR by our specialists in most of its enterprises that produce titanium dioxide. They, like us, will eventually come to the need to improve them, we must do it sooner. But this is not an easy task. Today, two Ukrainian enterprises that previously produced titanium dioxide are not operating. Crimean Titan chemicals company with the chlorine method of production is located in the occupied territory, and the facilities for the production of titanium dioxide by the sulfate method, which exist at Sumykhimprom chemical industry plant, are currently in the stage of rehabilitation and need re-equipment. In addition, the technologies at both enterprises are outdated, economically inefficient with high energy consumption, and also threatening the ecology of the regions. Basically, a product of low purity was produced there, which is cheap in the markets. And the disposal and processing of production waste has never been carried out, so the waste still occupies huge territories contaminated with poisonous products. Moreover, with the sulfate technology, the iron contained in ilmenite concentrates is not used, and significant amounts of iron sulfate waste were buried together with a large amount of diluted hydrolytic sulfuric acid contaminated with iron sulfate and other sulfates. Ukrainian perspectives Therefore, we will not be able to produce competitive products with high added value on the existing technologically and technically outdated production base. Instead, we can look at alternative options, in particular, obtaining titanium dioxide by hydrometallurgy methods, the laboratory application of which has shown good results. Hydrometallurgy ensures the complex processing of ilmenite with obtaining all the useful elements contained in the ore. These factors determine the technical and economic advantages of this technology energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and complexity of ilmenite processing. New metallurgical technologies can be another way of obtaining titanium dioxide. These works were successfully carried out in our country before, but then they were suspended - the bet was placed on the raw material development of the industry. And for nothing, Ukraine has always developed world-class titanium production technologies and still has advantages in this regard. On the one hand, China, the world's most powerful manufacturer, is not ready for significant costs for the conversion of its existing huge factories (and is not too concerned about the environmental friendliness of its production), and on the other hand, it has neither alternative developments nor scientists capable of working on them. On the other hand, if the research work in Ukraine is continued and makes it possible to create a new industrial technology for obtaining titanium dioxide, it will be a world-class breakthrough. Using these technologies, it is possible to obtain a product of a high degree of purity (9799%) with an increase in the completeness of raw material processing (extraction of titanium dioxide at the level of 9295%), with the transfer to further processing of components enriched in oxides and salts of iron, chromium, nickel, cobalt , vanadium, scandium, lithium and others. The availability of such technology will become the basis for the development of the country's titanium industry. However, time is playing against us. The existing scientific potential of practically destroyed industry and factory science, which has obtained impressive results in laboratory conditions, belongs to the age category of 70+. So, it's either now or never. Do scientists have a plan? They do. However, they will not be able to cope with the problem without the help of the state, so the primary condition is government support for the development of the industry. It is about continuing the development of new technologies for obtaining titanium dioxide, and about helping to create a closed production cycle, which is impossible without reducing the quotas for the export of titanium ores from Ukraine, otherwise there will simply be a lack of raw materials. Of course, scientific cooperation with other countries and the search for investors who are ready to develop the industry together with the state will not be superfluous. We definitely have something to offer the world. The incentive for active actions should be the realization that the development of this direction is not only the export prospects of Ukraine, but also the prerequisites for the development of enterprises-consumers of a valuable product in the country itself: manufacturers of the paint, paint, construction, chemical and pulp industries, for which the complete cycle from raw materials to final processing at home is a significant advantage and driver of development. Share Noticed an error? Please select it with the mouse and press Ctrl+Enter or Submit a bug ELKO, Nev. Mother Nature almost didn't raise the curtain on Saturday morning's much anticipated solar spectacle in Elko. But just in time for the 9:20 a.m. annular solar eclipse, clouds thinned and parted to reveal the dramatic celestial coincidence that drew thousands of people to the high-desert town: Earth's moon passing directly in front of its life-giving star, the sun. The eclipse was all the more special because of a lunar phenomenon: The moon was at apogee, or farther from Earth then normal, meaning it didn't appear quite large enough to entirely cover the sun. The result was an annular eclipse, also known as a "Ring of Fire" eclipse for the thin band of the sun that remained visible around the moon. People across the town and surrounding area cheered and peered through specialized solar-viewing glasses, telescopes and camera equipment. The air chilled and the landscape slightly dimmed, having lost nearly all of the sun's rays. And in less than five minutes it was over. The moon began its hour-long slide off the lower-left side of the sun, which gradually became whole for viewers who kept their gaze skyward. On Saturday morning, longtime friends Dorothy Hudig and James C. Powers were parked along a dirt road about a 45-minute drive south of Elko, a town of roughly 20,000. Powers, a serious amateur photographer from Atlanta, and his wife traveled to Seattle and then Elko, where they rendezvoused with Hudig, who came over from Reno. It was Hudig's first eclipse; Powers photographed an eclipse only once previously: the 2017 total solar eclipse that crossed the U.S. from coast to coast. "It was awesome, and I was not prepared for how cold it got," Hugid said. "That was amazing." Equipped with multiple full-frame digital cameras and an array of lenses including a new 800-millimeter super-telephoto lens, Powers was simultaneously photographing and recording video of the eclipse in its entirety. He researched the eclipse path, from Oregon to Texas, in advance and selected Elko as the place to be. "I wanted a place with good weather," he said. "It had to be drivable from Seattle. It looked like good weather on the path." Ultimately the weather was good, but thin, patchy clouds moving across the sky complicated Powers' efforts. "The changing conditions, especially the clouds and the light" were a challenge, he said. "I need to go to four or five eclipses to practice." He confessed that he probably won't ever see four or five eclipses. But he already has a trip booked to Austin, Texas, to view the total solar eclipse that will sweep from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024. Cloudy wait Powers wasn't the only person nearly stymied by clouds. As Elko awoke Saturday to clouds overhead, blue sky beckoned to the south. Vehicles with plates from across the U.S. sped down State Route 228 south toward Jiggs and east toward Harrison Pass while others continued south down the valley on the dirt-surface Huntington Road. They were all hoping to pop out from under a shelf of clouds that only occasionally offered a teasing view of the sun. Others stayed put in Elko, setting up equipment, waiting, watching and hoping for clouds to dissipate. At Johnny Appleseed Park, Tyler Nielsen from Ogden, Utah, set up his Lunt LSHT60 solar telescope, made specifically for viewing the sun. "Its on a tracking mount so that if the clouds do part, we can dial it directly to the sun," he said before the eclipse peaked, "and then its connected to a camera that will take pictures of the sun." In Peace Park, Donald Stump, a wedding photographer from Ogden, Utah, had his camera aimed upward with a large white paper shield attached to the front. "You need to have a large sun shield for the lens itself or you wont be able to get the right exposure," he explained. In City Park, Shauna Robinson from Twin Falls, Idaho, was also waiting for the clouds to part. A homemade filter covered with cardboard and tape covered the lens of her camera. Peter Elliott from Boise had an Astromaster 90 EQ telescope with a solar filter and cardboard shade taped to the end. Hank Thurston, Ph.D., a former physics lecturer at Michigan's Hillsdale College, went to Elko two days before the eclipse and brought his 6-inch Newtonian telescope. "We were really excited it was so close to Twin (Falls)," Robinson said, "and disappointed at the cloud cover, but were hopeful it will break so we can get some shots." The clouds did part, mesmerizing viewers and eliciting cheers from the well-attended watch-party at the California Trail Interpretive Center about 12 miles southwest of Elko on Interstate 80. Eclipse viewers there crowded the entrance road and lined up in the museums yard. More vehicles parked in the lawn behind the building. A computer monitor and a shadow box were among the many eclipse-viewing instruments lined up along the stone wall in the yard. Families with young children sat on the steps, a few children holding up eclipse-viewing glasses made with paper plates. Some viewers crowded around the covered wagons or ventured up on the hillside behind the museum. Booked full In addition to filling camera memory cards and bucket lists, the eclipse also seemed to fill every hotel room and RV spot in Elko. Business owners talked of hotel rooms going for astronomical rates in a town where $100 a night is the norm. And visitors recounted struggles to find any place to stay, no matter the price. City estimates placed the number of visitors at 10,000. "Weve had two gentlemen from the Netherlands," said Amber Dupee, co-owner of 7018 Brewery in downtown Elko. "Everybodys been really nice, really great. Weve had several people from other states. Somebody was saying if you could even get a hotel theyre charging $600 to $800 a room." Dupee said she "heard Battle Mountain was the place to be" for the eclipse. But Sarah Wrenfrow, operations manager at Iron Horse RV Park in Elko, said Wednesday, "I heard that Battle Mountain is also sold out." Michael Alvarez traveled to Elko from Nampa, Idaho, with his three kids. He had seen an eclipse as a child and wanted his children to experience one, too. He used NASA's interactive map of the eclipse path to choose Elko: "I followed that track and I was like, oh, thats the biggest city south of here. Theres nothing else around really." He found a room in town, but only because he booked it more than three months in advance. Nicole Marshall and Mike Ball, owners of XP Gaming Cafe in Elko, said they noticed an uptick in visitation for the eclipse. Ball, an Elko resident since 1995, said the town seemed different with all the extra people. And the cafe was busier than normal, they said. "Its f---ing crowded right now," Marshall said. "All the hotels are booked, its full right now." At the brewery, situated inside the ornate high-ceiling lobby of a former bank in a stately historic building, Dupee said, "We were slammed for a good three hours and most of it was people from out of town" the night before the eclipse. She ordered 50 pairs of eclipse-viewing glasses and sold them all within an hour the Monday before. She rush-ordered 50 more and sold them all in two hours. "Ive had tons of people coming in asking for glasses for it," she said. "I think as business owners we didnt anticipate this much business from it." And then Dupee had to dart back inside: Three more kegs had just run out again. Federal, state and local officials have been working for more than a week to process the horrific scene of the Penrose funeral home where at l Heres the thing you need to know about 17-year-old Natalie Raanan, according to her big brother: Natalie is not a political person, Ben Raanan, artistic director of Denver's disability-affirmative Phamaly Theatre Company, said on Friday. I cant even tell you her politics, because politics have never been important to her. You know what is? Shes obsessed with Kim Kardashian. Her makeup. Her cell phone. And her ridiculous, 6-inch fingernails. I dont even know how she can open a door with those things, said Ben, allowing himself the briefest moment of levity during a confusing, impossible week he is still struggling to comprehend. She's not a politician. She's not part of the military. Shes just a normal kid with the brightest of futures ahead of her and I am praying that she is still alive. The horror playing out far away in Israel could not be hitting any closer to home for Raanan since learning last Saturday that his half-sister and stepmother, Judith Tai Raanan, have been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. Judith and Natalie, who live in Evanston, Ill., were in Nahal Oz, a kibbutz located less than a mile from the Israeli-Gaza border, when Hamas invaded and destroyed multiple towns the start of a death toll that has since reached 1,300, including at least 27 Americans, according to CNN. It is believed that more than 150 Israeli and foreign hostages have been taken. Natalie Raanan, who was born in the Chicagoland area, lived in Israel with her mother for 10 to 12 years before returning to the U.S. to live with her father, Uri Raanan. She graduated from a Chicago high school a few months ago and arrived in southern Israel on Oct. 2 to celebrate Judiths mothers 85th birthday. While the grandmother is safe, the Raanan family has not heard from Judith or Natalie in the six days since the attack. There was confusion late today when an ABC affiliate in Chicago reported that an Israeli government official had called Uri Raanan and told him that his daughter and ex-wife are known to be still alive. But we have been given zero proof of life, Ben Raanan said. President Joe Biden, who spent several hours on the phone with Uri Raanan on Friday, has confirmed that at least 14 Americans are reported missing, but the White House has not yet said exactly how many of them are confirmed as kidnapped. We can confirm that there are unaccounted-for U.S. citizens, and we are working with our Israeli partners to determine their whereabouts, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. 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. Ben Raanan, who is from Skokie, Ill., was named Phamalys artistic leader in June 2021. The company, which creates performance opportunities for those with disabilities, recently staged A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. He is currently in Cincinnati participating in Ensemble Theatre Cincinnatis Inclusive Arts Education Conference as a facilitator. Natalie, he said, loves Bens stage shows, especially the sad ones. Oh, she's a big crier, he said. She cries all the time at them. Just last week, Raanan announced that his companys big 2024 summer musical will be A Chorus Line, and she was thrilled. The last time I talked to Natalie, I told her how wild A Chorus Line is going to be at Phamaly, and she said, Oh, youll have to fly me out for that. I cant wait for her to come back and see it. In the meantime, he struggles to think about how Natalie and Judith might be holding up as political prisoners. I know she has a good head on her shoulders, Ben Raanan said. She hasn't had the easiest of lives up to this point, and that has toughened her a little but obviously not for anything like this. I just hope she's being as smart as she can be, and that she knows we are not taking a moment without thinking of her. The Evanston community held a community prayer vigil for the women on Thursday. Friends from Colorado to Illinois and beyond have rallied in support of the extended family through various social channels. Sarah Ruhl, one of Americas most esteemed playwrights of this generation, is from Wilmette, Ill. She posted on Instagram: Praying for this family from my hometown. Searching for some words, some wisdom. Finding none. Praying for all of the innocents. Wire services contributed to this report. Nine buses from Texas unloaded hundreds of immigrants Sunday, prompting panic and a change of tactics among officials who for months have grappled with an influx and multiple waves of new arrivals that threaten the citys shelter capacity. The new wave prompted the city to cut down the length of stay at shelters for some immigrant populations. Jon Ewing, a Denver Human Services spokesperson, blamed the latest immigrant surge on Texas. Theyre not even asking if they want to come to Denver or not. Theyre just sending them, Ewing said. Ewing did not know how many immigrants from South and Central America had arrived on the nine buses Sunday. Democratic-led governors and their Republican counterparts have taken jabs at each other for busing immigrants out of their state and into another. Earlier this year, the mayors of New York City and Chicago criticized Gov. Jared Polis for sending immigrants in Denver to their cities. At the time the city had provided 1,900 bus tickets for immigrants to travel to more than 100 U.S. cities. And when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent his first busload of immigrants to Denver in May, former Mayor Michael B. Hancock threatened to give the Republican governor a bill for the stunt. Andrew Mahaleris, Abbotts press secretary, could not be immediately reached for comment Monday on the immigrants bused from Texas over the weekend. Last week, as the number of border crossing swelled in El Paso, Texas, Abbott said he would continue busing immigrants out of the Lone Star State. He made international headlines last year when he sent immigrants to Marthas Vineyard and to Vice President Kamala Harris D.C. residence. Since employing his busing strategy, Abbott has sent more than 45,000 immigrants to the states of Democratic governors with self-declared sanctuary cities. Generally, a sanctuary city is one that establishes a policy discouraging local law enforcement from reporting an individuals immigration status to federal authorities. Since May, Texas has bused more than 2,400 immigrants to Denver, according to the Abbott administration. As of Monday, Denver has housed 21,568 immigrants mostly from Venezuela with roughly 2,400 currently in shelters. The city has seen an increase of more than 500 individuals since Friday and a doubling within two weeks. The influx exemplifies the crisis unfolding at the U.S. border for years that has now spilled over into Americas interior to cities like Denver, which is more than 600 miles from El Paso, Texas, the closest U.S. border. We dont anticipate hitting capacity 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. City officials have characterized the number of immigrants arriving this month as unprecedented, saying the surge is affecting shelter capacity and straining staffing availability. Neither the Salvation Army nor the Denver Rescue Mission both city partners is sounding the alarm about capacity, yet. Well certainly never turn anyone away who wants to use our services, said Stephen Hinkel, a Denver Rescue Mission spokesperson. Hinkel added, We dont anticipate hitting capacity anytime real soon. Laura Wilson, a spokesperson for the Salvation Army Intermountain Division based in Denver, agreed. One of the big differences were seeing is that migrants are staying longer in our shelter, Wilson said. In response to the influx of immigrants, the City and County of Denver is modifying its length-of-stay policies for immigrant shelters, cutting down the time by a week for some and increasing by the same length for others. The shelter stay for adults without children will go from 21 days to 14 starting Wednesday. Families will see a seven-day increase in shelters from 30 to 37 days. This latest surge marks the third wave since 90 immigrants were dropped off at Union Station downtown in December. The second wave occurred in May with the end of Title 42, the federal policy first deployed by the Trump administration to swiftly expel immigrants to help slow the spread of COVID-19. While the majority of the new arrivals are stopping in The Mile High City on their way to more traditional gateway cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City the cost to house and transport these immigrants has largely fallen on Denver. Officials have speculated immigrants have chosen Denver because of its relative proximity to the Mexico border. To date, Denver has spent more than $26 million on the humanitarian crisis. Roughly half of those costs have been reimbursed by the state and federal government. Jordan Fuja, a spokesperson for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, declined to comment. The Hancock administration twice declared emergencies because of the influx of immigrants, the first of which was before the cost to taxpayers hit $1 million. Its unclear what threshold spending Denver could hit before becoming untenable, but officials assert the city continue to welcome immigrants. Were going to be OK, Ewing said. Were going to find the money. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is expected to deploy a team to assess the influx of immigrants from South and Central America that has overwhelmed the city of Denver since December, the White House said Thursday. Jon Ewing, a Denver Human Services spokesperson, confirmed that city officials will meet with the Homeland Security team next week. A White House spokesperson said the deployment will be used to assess the current migrant situation and identify ways to improve efficiencies and maximize our support for communities that are addressing the needs of migrants. White House officials have been in contact with Mayor Mike Johnston and Gov. Jared Polis to coordinate and determine the best practices to support Denver over the coming months or until Congress takes action to fix our nations broken immigration system, the spokesperson said. As of Thursday, the city has fed and sheltered nearly 24,000 immigrants many of whom are refugees fleeing Venezuela. The majority an estimated 70% are stopping in Denver on their way to another U.S. city. The Biden-Harris Administration has provided more than $11 million in funding to Colorado and Denver to aid in the response. As of Monday, Denver spent more than $26 million on the response, of which about half has been reimbursed by the state and federal government. Its unclear what threshold spending Denver could hit before becoming untenable, but officials have asserted that the city will continue to welcome immigrants. As the number of border crossing has swelled in El Paso, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has bused immigrants out of the Lone Star State to the states of Democratic governors including Colorado with self-declared sanctuary cities. Generally, a sanctuary city is one that establishes a policy discouraging local law enforcement from reporting an individuals immigration status to federal authorities. 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. Abbott made international headlines last year when he sent immigrants to Marthas Vineyard and to Vice President Kamala Harris D.C. residence. Earlier this month, Texas sent nine busloads of immigrants over a single weekend, prompting panic and a change of tactics among Denver officials who have grappled with multiple waves of new arrivals that has threatened the citys shelter capacity. In response, the City and County of Denver modified its length-of-stay policy for immigrant shelters, cutting down the time by a week for some and increasing by the same length for others. Since May 18, Texas has bused more than 3,200 immigrants to Denver, according to the Abbott administration. Since employing his busing strategy, Abbott has bused out of Texas more than 50,000 immigrants. The influx exemplifies the crisis unfolding at the U.S. border for years that has now spilled over into Americas interior to cities like Denver, which is more than 600 miles from El Paso, Texas, the closest U.S. border. Democratic- and Republican-led governors have exchanged jabs at each other for busing immigrants out of their state and into another. Earlier this year, the mayors of New York City and Chicago criticized Gov. Polis for sending immigrants in Denver to their cities. At the time the city had provided 1,900 bus tickets for immigrants to travel to more than 100 U.S. cities. Denver Gazette reporter Ernest Luning contributed to this report. Kaiser Permanente has reached a tentative agreement with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 105 and the 3,000 workers represented by the union in Colorado. SEIU announced the agreement Friday, saying the negotiations include a wage increase, protections against outsourcing jobs and funding for education. This agreement is nothing short of historic, Stephanie Felix-Sowy, president of SEIU Local 105, said in a press release. Its a massive step in the right direction towards truly addressing the crisis in patient care and reducing wait times. Last week, workers in Colorado joined more than 70,000 Kaiser employees across the country in a three-day strike the largest health care work stoppage in American history. Kaisers contract with the union expired on Sept. 30. The 3,000 union members in Colorado represent roughly half of the 6,800 Kaiser employees in the state. The health system remained open during the strike. Now, theyve won unprecedented raises and the protections and investment needed to begin safely staffing these facilities for quality patient care, Felix-Sowy said. Andrew Sorensen, a Kaiser spokesperson in Colorado, referred The Denver Gazette to the companys statement, which credited Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su for her instrumental involvement in bringing negotiations to a close. Among the provisions in the agreement: A 21% wage increases over four years and a $23 an hour minimum by 2026. Increased medical benefits for retirees. Protections against outsourcing union jobs in Colorado. 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. We fought and sacrificed for our patients, and together we won, Patricia Johnson-Gibson, vice president of healthcare at SEIU Local 105, said in a statement. Johnson-Gibson added: We fought to keep health care workers from leaving Kaiser and to bring new folks in. We fought so patients dont have to wait months for a simple procedure. We fought so we can do the work we love, provide the best care we possibly can, and not just survive, but actually thrive in Colorado. Kaiser employees in Colorado have characterized the need for the strike over whats been called unfair labor practices and a staffing crisis that union members have said has led to months-long waits and delayed care. The staffing crisis is not unique to Kaiser. Colorado is expected to face a shortage of 54,000 lower wage health care workers and more than 10,000 registered nurses over the next three years. To address this, Kaiser has committed to hiring 10,000 union-represented jobs nationally, an unknown number of which will be in Colorado. The sticking point in the negotiations was pay with the union originally asking for an across-the-board 7% increase. Kaiser had offered a 3.5% increase for Colorado workers and a $21 minimum wage for employees next year. Many of the front-line workers who joined the strike earn less than $25 an hour. With 75,000 workers in five states and Washington D.C. having joined the picket line, the work stoppage has the distinction of being the largest in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The previous record was set in 2018 when 53,000 workers in California had a two-day strike, federal data shows. SEIU last authorized but did not employ a strike in 2019. Kaiser has reached agreements with the union for the past 26 years without a labor strike. Kaiser Permanente operates 30 medical offices along the Front Range, including three in Colorado Springs, that serve more than 500,000 patients annually. Unionized workers are expected to ratify the agreement next with an effective date of Oct. 1, according to Kaiser. Federal, state and local officials have been working for more than a week to process the horrific scene of the Penrose funeral home where at least 120 bodies were discovered to be improperly stored on Oct. 4. As the more than 120 affected families in contact with law enforcement wait for answers regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones remains, Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Joel Gunn weighed in on the process potentially unfolding at the Return to Nature Penrose location. Multiple agencies continue to remove and identify the remains found on the property. Although not directly involved in the Penrose case, Gunns experience as a member of the National Disaster Medical Systems (NDMS) Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) proves him to be a credible expert in mass casualty incident response, similar to the situation actively unfolding at Return to Nature. DMORTs primary objective is to support local mortuary services on location, working to quickly and accurately identify victims and reunite victims with their loved ones in a dignified, respectful manner, according to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Responses website. According to Gunn, each set of remains uncovered will have to be analyzed separately, and multiple methods of identifying remains will most likely be used, depending on the stage of decomposition. Gunn said the quickest and most efficient means of identification would be through fingerprint identification. We obtain antemortem fingerprints from those provided by the decedent when they get a driver's license or identification card, Gunn said. Fingerprints can also be available through the FBI and Colorado Bureau of Investigation and state licensing databases. Technicians then can compare the antemortem fingerprint, to the postmortem fingerprint collected to see if its a match. Those of us that use that process have been trained in doing so, Gunn said. According to Gunn, results from fingerprint comparison and analysis can take as little as an hour to complete, making it the preferred mode of identification when possible. Another means of identifying a set of decomposing remains would be through using dental records, Gunn said. In that case, Gunn explained, a forensic odontologist would compare antemortem dental records and dental X-rays and compare those to the dental structures of the decedent. 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. However, this only works if antemortem records and, or X-rays are available. Gunn explains that in some instances, it can be difficult to know if a decedent would have received dental care, when, and where this care could have taken place. Additionally, obtaining dental records can take multiple days. Another means of identification officials on the Penrose scene may be using would be through medical hardware or implants present on a dead person. Serial numbers are often written on medically implanted devices and hardware that can then be compared to medical records, Gunn said. Antemortem and postmortem implant X-rays or other imaging can also be compared. Gunn said that at times comparing medical records to implants and hardware present can be extremely efficient and effective, as these records can be obtained instantly. Additionally, Gunn said DNA comparisons can be made between the deceased and blood relatives, if someone is present and willing to provide a sample in relation to the investigation. Little details from the scene have emerged since a series of tents, tarps and fences went up surrounding the property off Colorado 115 roughly 30 miles south of Colorado Springs. Investigative officials have repeatedly said that respect and privacy for the affected families would be a priority, in explaining the extra equipment and lack of updates. Remains were seen transferred in large, refrigerated trucks from the scene to the El Paso County Coroners Office Tuesday morning, accompanied by vehicles from Fremont County. Both the El Paso and Douglas County coroners offices have confirmed their involvement in clearing the building previously occupied by the Return to Nature Funeral Home. At an Oct. 6 press conference, Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller explained to the public that the process of extricating remains and making accurate identifications will likely be, lengthy, and expected to take several months. Officials with the Colorado Emergency Response Center announced Wednesday that an official update will be provided once the building is eventually cleared. The current whereabouts of owners Jon and Carie Hallford are unclear. Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said at the Oct. 6 conference his office would not be elaborating on potential charges or arrests, as investigative efforts are being focused on the victims and their families. Much is riding on this years local school board elections, Colorado Springs-area candidates say, as district culture and political ascriptions allegedly hang in the balance. Locally, Woodland Park School District RE-2 became a divisive success story to some and cautionary tale to others. A slate of self-proclaimed conservatives took control of the board following the November 2021 election and have since reshaped the district. Last school year the board hired an interim superintendent, adopted a new social studies curriculum standard that departs from state standards, dropped $1.2 million in mental health grants and instituted a policy preventing its staff from publicly commenting on district or school goings on. All this, they say, is an attempt to refocus attention on academics first and make Woodland Park the premier educational destination in the area. A majority of Woodland Park seats are up for election this fall in a pivotal moment that will determine whether the community prefers a course correction or to continue down this new path. Its not the only district grappling with politically charged issues. Here are several key platforms dividing this years hopefuls: Teacher support and district culture. Woodland Park lost nearly 40% of its teachers and staff this school year, 81 current and former employees announced at a press conference last week in defiance of the so-called gag order placed against them. Interim Superintendent Ken Witt issued a statement in response that accused the teachers of political maneuvering at the expense of student education and of fostering a hatred of America. The district is currently in a legal battle with its teachers union. Thats not a path I want to go down, Colorado Springs School District 11 candidate Kate Singh said during a candidate forum Thursday. We already have had very extreme views. Weve had teachers being accused of grooming students because they want to honor student pronouns. I think thats unacceptable. D-11 incumbent candidate Parth Melpakam highlighted his role in securing historic pay raises and better health benefits for D-11 staff. Teacher starting salary increased by $8,000 this spring to $50,000. Incumbent candidates Darleen Daniels and Jason Jorgenson shared in that historic move negotiated alongside the local chapter of the Colorado Education Association. Only Daniels, however, has the teachers unions endorsement, and Jorgensons campaign website describes the union as a threat that is pushing extreme ideologies into our classrooms. Academy School District 20 candidates Derrick Wilburn and Amy Shandy also point to offering teachers the salary they deserve as a necessary means of recruiting and retaining talent. Shandy suggested lobbying the capital for a change in the school funding formula, and Wilburn suggested lobbying to waive vehicle registration fees for teachers. Im not sure of the rhetoric kind of going against the profession, that its really helping a sense of belonging, D-20 incumbent candidate Will Temby said at a Tuesday forum. Compensation is a huge piece of this, but our teachers arent in this profession solely for pay We need to make sure that our teachers feel valued." Singh and fellow D-11 candidates Rachel Paul and Shay Dabney separately shared Tembys perspective at their forum. Teachers need to feel valued and heard, and leaders must do a better job at fostering a sense of appreciation, not villainization, they said. The three join Daniels with endorsements from the teachers union. Teachers feeling undervalued by leadership is the most notable issue facing the district today, according to Paul, an educator of 34 years who is now working with the Colorado Department of Education to train principals on giving better feedback to teachers. Achievement. D-11 saw several student achievement gains under Melpakams, Jorgensons and Daniels terms. Recently, the district established a promise scholarship with Pikes Peak State College, bolstered its dyslexia supports and curriculum, improved its CMAS averages in math and ELA and shed nearly half of its 15 struggling watch list schools off the states accountability list. That is unprecedented growth and achievement, but the work doesnt stop here, Melpakam said at an August press conference about state watchlist performance. The strategy that we have put in place, this outcome shows that it is working. 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. Challenging candidates Paul and Singh said that analysis offers an incomplete picture of district performance. Paul noted the percentage of points D-11 earned under the states annual performance framework, which serves as an accountability system for schools and districts by gauging student outcomes, rose by less than one percentage point this year. When that percentage is compared against those earned by other districts, D-11 dropped from 94th place in 2022 to 131st this year. We do play around a lot with the statistics, especially the current board, but what that tells me as a longtime educator is that other schools are doing a better job than District 11 in bouncing back from the pandemic, Paul said. Although the rhetoric is saying, Wow, were doing fabulous, there is still a lot of work to do in the achievement field. In Widefield School District 3, candidates emphasized that achievement will look different for different students. Kelly Cutcher, Alvin Joe Sexton and Mark Walker described a united vision to expand on the districts existing skilled trades programs to reach even more students for whom college is not the proper next step. Not every kid wants a traditional education, so some of those (career and technical education) classes, and opportunities, and the MILL, and a variety of the other awesome opportunities that we provide here at Widefield, well continue to enhance that and bring those nontraditional students in, Cutcher said. Because we want them to be there, too. Inclusivity. Just one year removed from the Club Q shooting, LGBTQ+ inclusivity is top-of-mind for some candidates. For others, the focus on such a mission is merely a distraction from a school's primary mission: educating children. D-20s Wilburn and Shandy secured endorsements from Advocates for D20 Kids, a conservative advocacy group for academic excellence and parental rights which has several times come under fire for what critics say is homophobic rhetoric. Last year, the groups chairperson and another member expressed concern to school leaders over D-20s focus on belonging and the status of Gay Straight Trans Alliance Clubs and suggested the school set up a separate campus to cater to LGBTQ+ students' needs. The chairperson later clarified that the group does not support segregation. In a written statement to The Gazette, Wilburn said, Every student is deserving of respect, regardless of their characteristics. Some school districts have been adopting leftist ideology which is disrespectful to the beliefs of non-LGBTQ students. D20s focus should be academic achievement. Both D-11 and D-20 have discussed in different ways barring teachers from asking students their preferred pronouns, a move advocates say disproportionately harms LGBTQ+ youth. The effort in D-11 was spearheaded by Jorgenson, who said pronouns serve no educational purpose and that cis-gender students those whose pronouns and personal identity align with their gender at birth might be uncomfortable learning about their classmates pronouns. The suggestion ultimately fizzled in D-11, although D-20 did send out communication instructing teachers to avoid such questions in a blanket setting. Singh, an award-winning journalist, said this rhetoric has only created distractions, introduced politics into the board room and made inclusion feel impossible. (Current board members) made headlines, some of which I have written, and its embarrassing to think that some of them have had the opportunity to represent our community on a national stage. We have the chance right now to change that perspective. A Colorado legislator condemned Hamas for its violent attacks on Israel and apologized for the harm I have caused to many in the Jewish community and the Israeli community this week. Tim Hernandez, D-Denver, who participated in a pro-Palestine gathering on the west steps of the state Capitol a day after the deadly Hamas attacks on Israel, faced calls for reprimand from Republicans. His Democratic colleagues also called for Hernandez to explain his decision to join the rally. Nearly a week later, Hernandez apologized on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. In a video posted on his account on Friday afternoon, Hernandez condemned Hamas for attacking civilians and said he was sorry for his actions. People who are harmed and suffering deserve our respect and I have to apologize for the way that I caused harm in the community by not making that explicitly clear, Hernandez said. The Hamas terrorist group attacked Israel on Saturday, killing around 1,300 people as of Thursday. The initial attack is believed to be the largest number of Jewish people murdered in a single day since the Holocaust. Retaliatory strikes from Israel have killed around 1,900 in Palestine. House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, earlier said they had several conversations with Hernandez and were deeply disappointed that when there was doubt, he chose not to explicitly condemn the attacks. Rep. Steven Woodrow also posted on X: So-called progressives seriously asking what were Palestinians supposed to do? as if taking hostages, beheading children and massacring concertgoers was the only option. Rep. David Ortiz responded, This has been really disgusting and painful. Imagine fighting a whole global conflict based on global terror only to have your fellow Americans equivocate, waffle or outright celebrate it. 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. In addition to attending the rally, Hernandez liked a series of tweets on X, appearing to support the Hamas attack as an act of resistance. He had since unliked those posts. On Tuesday, Hernandez tweeted that he went to Saturdays rally to support the Palestinian people and not Hamas. He refrained from condemning Hamas attacks. In his two-minute video on X, Hernandez said he had been meeting with members of the Jewish community with family who had been killed in Israel, as well as speaking with Palestinians whose loved ones in Gaza await the impending Israeli response. I liked tweets that were harmful, and my lack of condemnation when I was asked a question at a rally during a tense exchange led people with a lot of painful questions, he added. Being in community this week ... I think its very clear that Jews, Palestinians and Arabs in Palestine and Israel are continuing to suffer. And I understand now that my public actions and lack of clarity caused harm to our community and thats not good, he said. There is no rule that prohibits legislative house members from participating in a rally or protest. Still, several of Hernandezs legislative colleagues bemoaned his actions and called for a censure. Hernandez said hes committed to having healing conversations. Leaders have to be clear on our values, he said. Academy School District 20 is clarifying a recent decision that barred its teachers and staff from blanket asking students their preferred names and pronouns. The directive is not official policy and applies only in the classroom, large group settings or written assignments, according to a district spokesperson. Teachers may still have those conversations in a one-on-one setting. Middle and high school principals first received the communication via email on Aug. 17. Employees may not ask students to identify (preferred names or pronouns) as part of a blanket information collection, either verbally or in a written activity, according to the email from Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Engagement Jim Smith. The communication went public following an open records request by D-20 parent Lara Matisek after she says teachers expressed concern to her about a recent email. Teachers allegedly told Matisek that specifics of the communication were unclear and they were not sure what they could and could not do, or what possible consequences might be for violating those orders. District leaders described the directive as a way forward that balances the rights of all students after outreach determined that asking this information in the classroom has not been a positive experience for students and their families. If you say it out loud, its so ridiculous, and I just say to those parents, send your kids to private school or homeschool them if you don't trust these teachers because you're just hurting others in the process, Matisek said. No teacher is out there telling our kids how they should identify or what they should identify as. Its just so frustrating for every one of our teachers and staff to have to deal with. Nows another burden placed upon them. D-20 neither amended an existing policy nor created a new one to govern pronoun usage, according to district spokesperson Allison Cortez. The communication states employees will follow student requests to use preferred names and pronouns, but employees are not allowed to initiate those discussions or solicit that information in "blanket" format. Teachers may still share their own pronouns or demonstrate they are supportive of the LGBTQ+ community in other ways, according to Cortez. Pronoun discussions may still happen in a one-on-one setting so as to not out students or put them in a difficult position in front of their peers. Its purpose was to ensure we are creating classroom conditions where all students feel safe to be themselves; spaces where they can disclose personal information in their own way, and on their own terms not during a group classroom exercise or on a public form, Cortez wrote in an email response. Our goal is to meet each student where they are and then support them on their individual journey." Because the communication is not official district policy, there is no written guidance on disciplinary actions, Cortez said. 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. Teachers feared the ambiguous language and were unsure what they could or could not do based on the initial email, Matisek said. She said D-20 should issue a follow-up statement to make sure staff know they can be a safe person to their students without fear of being hunted down by parents or told theyll get in trouble. What they're saying is not communicated in that memo. If that's what you meant, it's probably time for a revision, Matisek said. Conversations surrounding preferred pronouns have been ongoing in the district for at least two years, according to Cortez. The decision was "a collaborative approach made by district leadership." Matiseks open records request turned up a handful of names who reached out to the district this school year with concerns over teachers asking students their pronouns, including school board candidates Amy Shandy's and Derrick Wilburns campaign registered agent, emails show. When asked at a candidate forum last week how they plan to manage the negative narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ students, Shandy said she would get back to the basics and focus on academics and student outcomes because all students will feel a sense of belonging once there is high achievement. Shandy later clarified to The Gazette that she does not believe teachers should ask students for their preferred pronouns, which is a "complex and sensitive conversation" that should happen with parental involvement. Wilburn said administration is responsible for fostering a sense of belonging from the top down for all students, specifically referencing white Christians. The Caucasian children of upper-middle class Caucasian parents who attend Christian or LDS church service on Sunday or Wednesday regularly, they need to be felt like they are being protected and included just like all the other student populations as well, Wilburn added. Reporting from the Colorado Springs Independent revealed a string of commentary in an online chat for Advocates for D20 Kids, a conservative advocacy group for parental rights and academic excellence, in which some members made inflammatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community over the past year. Wilburn and Shandy were both active contributors in the chat and are endorsed by Advocates for D20 Kids. The reporting revealed Wilburn urged Advocates for D20 Kids members to sign a petition requesting the district remove the curricular status of its Gay Straight Trans Alliance clubs and expressing concern of the club's flyers that discussed gender and sexuality. In a letter accompanying the petition, Wilburn stated, "Many of our children have expressed strong feelings of unease over such materials being displayed, thus their sense of belonging is being threatened. As a result, the schools are creating comfort for some students at the expense of others. In a written statement to The Gazette, Wilburn said, Every student is deserving of respect, regardless of their characteristics. Some school districts have been adopting leftist ideology which is disrespectful to the beliefs (of) non-LGBTQ students. D20s focus should be academic achievement. " On the heels of the conflict unraveling in Israel, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Friday took a public stand against antisemitism. Polis, who is Jewish, issued a proclamation on Friday condemning antisemitism and vowing to preserve Colorado as a state "that welcomes Jewish people and honors their meaningful contributions to our state and country." "In Colorado, we value and are committed to protecting everyones right to safely practice their religion and express who they are," the proclamation reads. "Calls for violence against Jews in Colorado and across the world, exacerbated by recent terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel by Hamas, continue to undermine safety and security of Jewish Coloradans." This comes after the Hamas terrorist group attacked Israel on Saturday, killing around 1,300 people as of Thursday. The initial attack is believed to be the largest number of Jewish people murdered in a single day since the Holocaust. Retaliatory strikes from Israel have killed around 1,900 in Palestine. Polis denounced the attack on Israel in a statement released Thursday with the National Governors Association. But Friday's proclamation speaks more broadly to antisemitism at home and abroad. 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. Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. rose 36% in 2022 marking the third time in five years that incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault targeting Jewish people and communities were the highest ever recorded, according to an audit by the Anti-Defamation League. Jewish people make up only 2.4% of the U.S. population but are the victims of 63% of reported religiously motivated hate crimes, NPR reported. "In a time of increasing antisemitism, we should be vigilant in ensuring people understand and speak out against antisemitism when they hear it or see it, and that the state of Colorado shows support for Jewish Coloradans," the proclamation reads. "While antisemitic incidents most directly and intensely affect the Jewish community, antisemitism, like all forms of hate, threatens all Coloradans." More than 100,000 Jewish people live in Colorado as of 2021, according to the state. Polis said he's met with Jewish leaders and faith communities in recent months to discuss ways to combat antisemitism in Colorado. Such partners worked with the governor's office to draft Friday's proclamation, he said. A discussion about the Colorado and U.S. constitutions at the University of Colorado in downtown Denver on Oct. 12, 2023. From left to right are Alicia Bannon of the Brennan Center for Justice, Tom Romero of the University of Denver's law school, Justice Melissa Hart and moderator Chandra Thomas Whitfield of CPR. While Denver continues to field the largest influx of undocumented immigrants that the state has ever seen, Colorado Springs has not been asked to accept, nor is it expecting, to receive droves of people who have crossed the southwestern border, according to Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Notbohm. There have not been buses arriving in Colorado Springs, and we have no information or intelligence to believe that people are coming here in buses, he said Friday. Immigrants have flooded the United States border with Mexico in recent years an estimated 1.8 million encounters from October 2022 through August of this year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Illegal crossings intensified over the summer, increasing by 36.5% from July to August, according to the agencys data. Border patrols fielded nearly 233,000 enforcement encounters in August, compared with 204,100 in August 2022. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, had declared Colorado to be welcoming and willing to accept new arrivals who enter through Mexico and seek asylum or refugee status. But now, Denvers ability to process 100 people a day is being taxed, as 250 to 300 immigrants are coming to the metro Denver area daily, Notbohm said. Nine buses of immigrants arrived in the Denver area on Oct. 1, according to city officials, with four to five buses daily being common as the month began. At its highest point, Denver has had more than 3,000 people staying in temporary shelters, Notbohm added. Were collaborating with city partners to maintain situational awareness and keep in touch with Denver, he said. Even if groups of immigrants were sent or come on their own to the Pikes Peak region, the Office of Emergency Management is not prepared or equipped to handle them, said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. We are not set up to receive people, he said. But we are being proactive; we are paying attention to it. No one has been able to confirm whether Colorado Springs has received immigrants directly from the border recently, the mayor added. He said he doesn't comment on whether Colorado Springs is a so-called sanctuary city, because that's a politicized term, and he doesn't get into the politics of the issue. 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. "We must balance care for migrants, as these are real people with real needs and problems, with protecting and keeping our community members safe," Mobolade said. "This is my No. 1 priority as mayor." Colorado Springs will continue to abide by all federal immigration laws, he added. The best thing for people migrating to the U.S., Notbohm said, is for them to access the proper services to help them discern whether their needs can be met. Denver has created a processing center and the resources to handle the requests, he said, while Colorado Springs does not have such a setup. Its a significant effort to coordinate that, Notbohm said. Even as Denver reaches capacity, its best to have migrants as close to those resources as possible. The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management receives many calls about the issue, he said. It has been until recently fairly contained to the city and county of Denver because it has the infrastructure to help process the migrants coming in, Notbohm said. More than three-quarters of newly arriving immigrants want to be in a community other than Denver as their final destination, Notbohm said. Theyre not intending to stay in Denver, but when you get more people in a day than you can process your shelters reach capacity, he said. And Denver has seen a significant increase in the numbers in the last three to four weeks. Notbohm is part of a network of Front Range emergency managers who meet regularly to assess all types of issues, including the situation with immigrants. If there were migrants coming here, we would want to move folks to get to Denver and get services because they have the infrastructure set up to do that, he said. Total arrivals in Colorado in fiscal year 2022 jumped to 4,918, up from 807 in 2021, and marking a new high from the previous high of 2,649 people in 2016. Those numbers include refugees, asylees, green-card holders, unaccompanied minor refugees, and certain Haitians and Amerasians, according to data from the Colorado Refugee Services Program. Last year's two largest groups came from Afghanistan, which brought 2,735 arrivals, and Ukraine, with 530 arrivals, the state's numbers show. A 22-year-old jazz musician is playing to hometown gatherings before heading for the big time in New Orleans. For my last time in the Danville area, I just want to perform music that I would enjoy doing, Trevor Percario said. On Sundays from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m., Percario plays at Crema & Vine in Danville, spinning out standards such as Take the A Train, Honeysuckle Rose and Tea for Two on his electric keyboard. Besides the familiar melodies, listeners can hear some cool jazz improvisation. You wont hear anything avant-garde. I am trying not to stray too much from the atmosphere of the venue, he said, entertaining a mix of listeners and people who want to socialize. Why would he leave his Chatham home and Southside at the end of the year for the big city? I have to be surrounded by musicians who are better than me in that genre, he said. Music is all I care about right now. He also can play bass guitar and can sing as well. Percario, whose father is a noted guitarist, has had a one-track mind for music since he was 5 years old. When his father taught his brother to play a song on the piano, Trevor picked up the tune right away by ear and then took piano lessons. He played for the University of Lynchburg jazz ensemble, then the Liberty University jazz combo and the combo Flat Five in Lynchburg before moving on to the University of Augusta in Georgia. It was there that he played in a jazz ensemble led by the fabled trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. Other groups include the Danville Jazz Sextet, Define Jazz and his current group, On the Margins, appearing at Crema & Vine today. At Crema and Vine, on Main Street near the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, he has been arranging music bookings and doing promotional work as well. Pittsylvania County property assessment notices will go in the mail a week later than expected after a delay in compiling the data. The notices originally scheduled to be sent out Monday are now expected to go out Oct. 25, the county reported Thursday. This gives residents about an extra week to prepare for whats certain to be sticker shock with real estate values on average jumping about 48% from 2018, the last time values were recorded officially. Members of the board of supervisors have stressed throughout the reassessment process that skyrocketing values will not necessarily correlate to higher taxes. Thats because the board sets the tax rate. Simply put, supervisors have the power to lower the rate to compensate for the increase in values. The latest reassessments are a do-over after supervisors tossed out results conducted by the firm Brightminds in 2021. Outrage emerged in November 2021 when residents opened the assessments to find their real estate property values had greatly increased. Eventually, supervisors threw out that reassessment for a variety of reasons and have had to rely on the latest figures on the books from 2018 for real estate taxes. By law, localities with more than 50,000 residents must conduct a reassessment every four years. In May 2022, the board of supervisors approved a contract with Pearsons Appraisal Services to complete the 2024 reassessment. With the contract, the county pays Pearsons a per-parcel assessment fee of $26, which equates to about $1.38 million when spread over the 53,000 county parcels. In July, Fred Pearson, of Pearsons Appraisal Service, bluntly warned supervisors that values were about 50% more than the 2018 rates. The county is far from alone in this situation and other localities are experiencing higher increases of values, he explained. Recently that figure has nudged down to about 48%, according to the county. The field assessments were completed last month. The notices heading to mailboxes Oct. 25 will show the new real estate values in addition to the previously assessed values for the last two years but will have details on when the tax rate will be set and information about the appeals process, the county reported in a news release Thursday. Property owners are also advised that the notice will contain a tax levy amount that reflects the new value of their property computed with the current real estate tax rate of $.62 per $100 in assessed value, county officials wrote in the release. Virginia code requires localities show that rate. However, this value is likely not the amount of tax a property owner will owe beginning in June 2024, as the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors may adjust the tax rate due to the 2024 reassessment, the release stated. Pearson said in July that the most important thing to do is listen to property owners, expecting many jaw drops when they see the notice. If we have something wrong, were going to change it, were going to do it right, he explained. Im just trying to reflect market value. Appeals may be made via phone, online, email or in-person. For appointments, residents may call 800-767-0856 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday after receiving a notice. Emails may be sent to pittsylvaniacountyreassessment@gmail.com. In-person appeals are scheduled from Nov. 6 through Dec. 15 at the libraries in Mount Herman and Grenta in addition to the Community Center in Chatham. Online appeals may be made at www.pittsylvaniacountyva.gov/government/projects/reassessment. Nov. 13 is the last day to schedule an appeal. GREENSBORO Hundreds of demonstrators carrying signs and waving Palestinian flags lined a busy stretch of Wendover Avenue on Friday as conflict continues in the Middle East. The chants of No peace on stolen land almost drowned out the sounds of passing cars on one of the citys busiest roads. What weve seen this week is an everyday reality for the Palestinian people, said Maitha Ali, one of the events organizers and of Palestinian descent, as the crowd swelled to about 400. A number of motorists honked and waved in support of the protesters, who were situated within a mile of one of the areas mosques. The Greensboro gathering coincided with others across the world as Israel ramped up its response to a multi-pronged attack a week ago, with bombardments of Gaza City in the occupied Palestinian territory. Thousands of lives have been claimed during the brutal conflict specific numbers are hard to come by as the two sides and thousands more have been injured. The loss of lives will always be tragic, Ali said. Its undeniably tragic. Of those lining the streets was a child just a few years old holding a sign that read: Israel is killing children like me. Along the sidewalk, standing with a Hands off sacred land sign was Mohamad, a UNCG college student from Bali in West Africa. Ive gone back and read a lot about the history of whats happened and when something bad happens to the Palestinians, nobody talks about it, Mohamad said. But when something happens to Israel, everyone wants to talk about it. I hope for peace. The pain is evident on both sides. Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist group by the United States, rules Gaza but the Palestinian people are often caught in the middle. They speak of the more than 700,000 Palestinians expelled from what they considered their home in East Jerusaslem during the late 1940s. At times, the crowd yelled Palestine will be free from the river to the sea! That means everyone living in peace, said a woman with a keffiyeh, a traditional square scarf worn in the Middle East, around her neck. She asked not to use her name, but said her parents had to leave their homes in 1948, when they were removed from land Israel now claims. Every night we were afraid to go to sleep, the woman said of the bombing they could hear in their beds as children. We need to be heard. Another woman named Dua stood with her three boys, who held signs with pictures of babies in diapers standing in front of bombing in the distance. My wife is from Gaza and she already lost two cousins, said Yousef Mustafa, who drove from his home in the Cary area to attend the rally. A bitter memory, he recalled that his family was forced off their land in Jerusalem when he was five. My father-in-law built a mosque (in Gaza) they destroyed it with people inside praying, Mustafa said. Thats what made me come here. In the hours preceding the event, there was some concern that Fridays demonstration might turn violent if pro-Israeli sympathizers were to show. But that didnt happen. Two hours later, as the sun set under a clear, blue sky, the protest ended without incident. Demonstrators left. Wendover remained its normal, bustling self. And a war continued to be waged a world away. Guilford Countys Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) program is helping host an inaugural Triad Black Farmers Market event 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA in Greensboro. The event, at 2630 E. Florida Ave., will feature African American and minority farmers from across the state selling fresh produce and meat raised in North Carolina. The event will also feature live music from North Carolina musicians and local food trucks. We are excited to showcase our states Black and minority-owned farmers in the inaugural Black Farmers Market Event, Shaunne Thomas, director of Guilford County MWBE, said in a news release. This event supports our local economy and brings North Carolina growers, artists, and business owners here to Guilford County for great food, fun, and festivities for everyone to enjoy while also supporting minority-owned businesses and creatives. The Guilford County MWBE, N.C. Cooperative Extension Guilford County Center, East Greensboro Now, and the African American Faith-Based Leaders of Guilford County are coordinating the event. State employees honored for service State employees who have gone beyond in their service to the people of Montana were honored Tuesday by Gov. Greg Gianforte and Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles with the Governors Awards for Excellence. One of the guiding principles of our administration is changing the way Helena does business to better serve its customers, the people of Montana, Gianforte said. When we see state employees providing Montanans with exceptional service, we want to recognize them, and thats what today is all about. Recipients ranged from teams with a singular mission to people who enhanced the workings of state government and implement cost-saving measures. Those honored include: The Income Tax Relief Team, for delivering Montanans up to $1,250 in income tax rebates this summer and processing over 443,000 payments over eight days. Historical Society Team, for packing and inventorying the entire museum collection of over 61,500 historical objects in preparation for the future Heritage Center. Great Northern hotel praised The Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel in Helena was recognized with the Champion Customer Care Award and the brands highest honor, the M.K. Guertin Award, at Best Western Hotels & Resorts 2023 Convention held recently in Honolulu, Hawaii. The award was presented in front of about 2,000 Best Western hoteliers. Hotels that receive the Guertin award best represent the vision of Best Westerns founder and demonstrate exceptional levels of quality, guest satisfaction, and dedication to the brand. The customer care award is given to those who demonstrate and best exemplify outstanding service and care. Combs joins St. Peter's Health St. Peters Health Medical Group welcomes new hospitalist, Dr. Meghan Combs. Combs earned her medical doctorate from the University of Washington School of Medicine after completing her bachelor of science in chemical engineering at Montana State University. She went on to complete her internal medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Combs is board certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine. As a hospitalist, she cares for patients hospitalized at St. Peters Health. Montana Medical Association has new officers The board of trustees of the Montana Medical Association has selected a new slate of officers to lead the Association through September 2024, with Dr. Sarah F. Morgan of Bozeman named as president. Dr. Morgan and these exceptional physician leaders bring a vast wealth of knowledge, skills, and abilities to the MMA, helping to position the Association and its initiatives for success in the upcoming year, MMA Chief Executive Officer Jean Branscum said. The new organization leaders were elected during the 145th MMA Annual Meeting on Sept. 30. Morgan takes the place of Dr. Denny C. Orme. Additional leaders serving 2023-2024 terms include: Vice President: Ernest (Joe) Gray, M.D., Browning Secretary: Shawna M. Yates, D.O., Butte Treasurer: Jason A. Cohen, M.D., Kalispell Member-At-Large Serving on the Executive Committee: Dr. Cara J. Harrop, Polson American Medical Association (AMA) Delegate: Dr. Nicole C. Clark, Helena AMA Alternate Delegate: Dr. Michael P. Temporal, Billings Member-At-Large on the board: Dr. Catherine M. White, Butte Member-At-Large on the board: Dr. Anna S. Loge, Dillon Member-At-Large on the board: Dr. Jonathan L. Bingham, Great Falls Delegate to the Young Physicians Section: Dr. Tyler J. Thorson, Ronan Delegate to the Young Physicians Section: Dr. Julia C. Middleton, Great Falls Immediate Past President: Dr. Denny C. Orme, D.O., Kalispell The Montana Medical Association is a membership organization of Montana physicians dedicated to improving patient care. And to serve as a n advocate for the medical profession, quality patient care, and the health of all Montana citizens. Ranch gets Audubon award The National Audubon Society has partnered with Montana Audubon to award its bird-friendly habitat certification to North Bridger Bison near Wilsall. Founded, owned, and operated by Matt and Sarah Skoglund, North Bridger Bison is the first bison ranch in Montana to earn the Audubon Certified bird-friendly designation. With this, North Bridger Bison can use the Audubon Certified bird-friendly seal, a product label that lets consumers know that these products come from bison that grazed on ranches managed for birds and biodiversity. The certification is earned through Audubon Conservation Ranching, Audubons flagship grassland habitat initiative, which is a joint effort between ranchers and Audubon to address the decline of grassland bird populations. Over 100 ranches, encompassing nearly 3 million acres, have earned Audubon Certified status nationwide. This includes 16 ranches and about 140,000 acres in Montana. The land certification distinguishes wildlife-focused grassland management and recognizes rotational bison or cattle grazing that creates a mosaic of habitat for grassland birds. For more information, contact Christian Meny at cmeny@mtaudubon.org. Nearly 100 people gathered Saturday for Beyond the Big SkyEclipse Edition at the Montana Learning Center to view a rare eclipse of the sun. However, someone forgot to tell the clouds about the plans for the day as there was some coverage. The moon passed directly in front of the sun for more than 6.6 million people from Oregon to Texas. It was to last from 9:11 a.m., with max coverage at 10:27 a.m. and ending at 11:50 a.m. This is the first eclipse of its kind in the Western U.S. since 2012. And it is known as an annular solar eclipse, or Ring of Fire eclipse, because of the thin band of the sun that remains visible around the moon. Those in attendance at the event on the banks of the Canyon Ferry Reservoir braved the brisk morning air to catch a glimpse, either through special glasses that were provided, through their telescopes or view an image projected onto a TV screen hooked up to a large state of the art telescope at the learning center. Its pretty cool, said Christina Meyers, a Bozeman resident sporting a special pair of eclipse glasses for the show. She said they knew of the viewing because her children attended the astronomy camp offered by the learning center. Ryan Hannahoe, executive director, of the Montana Learning Center, operated the 5-inch H Alpha Telescope while members of the Helena Astronomical Society set up a telescope and fielded questions from attendees about how to view the eclipse. They also handed out special glasses and other materials. Hannahoe said the event, which charged $25 for adults and $15 for children, was sold out with 100 tickets. And, the Helena Astronomical Society showed people how to view an eclipse with a saltine cracker. Julie Walker, president of the Helena Astronomical Society, and others said in Montana it was expected that 70-75% of the sun would be blocked by the moon. On April 8, 2024, a true total solar eclipse where the moon fully covers the sun and reveals a corona of plasma around the veiled star will sweep across the U.S. from Texas to Maine. It will be 2039 before another ring of fire is visible in the U.S., and Alaska will be the only state in its direct path, the Associated Press reported. Jon Dilliard of the Helena Astronomical Society was adjusting a telescope and trying to get an early look. Im real excited, but disappointed weve got some high haze here, he said. But you can still see the sun. Still, he said it was fun day and a chance to experience something that doesnt come often in a lifetime. Hannahoe said later in the day the event went well. We were just trying to get folks excited about science and interested in space, he said, adding the weather was good and people were able to see the eclipse. Unfortunately it was cloudy, but that is Montana for you. MOUNT ZION During the evening, the Halloween decorations and images displayed throughout Anita Mares home and along her lawn beckon visitors with their glowing lights that can be seen from afar. And its just gotten bigger and bigger, she said. However, during the day, the gatherings of skeletons, witches and goblins are just as impressive. The lawn, located on West Main Street in Mount Zion, has one of the most elaborate displays in the area. The figures are posed doing fun activities, such as riding a bike or simply waving at the neighbors. They seem just as happy as the visitors watching them. Alicia Berg and her son Braxton, 7, often take the time to enjoy the holiday scenery on display across the street from the Mount Zion Grade School. He loves it. He does not miss it, Berg said about the second-grader. We can look forward to it every year. Braxton said the skeletons are his favorite. The ones that are standing up together, he said. Halloween is a favorite season for Mares. She begins decorating her yard, complete with numerous skeletons, pumpkins, witches and other holiday decor, during the first week in September. The entire process of displaying, as well as removing, can take approximately two weeks. Several outbuildings are used to carefully store each holiday display. Visitors walking by often point out their favorite decoration. It is the witch riding the bike, she said. But Ill kick it up a notch on Halloween night. Speech Therapist Rachael Connelly helps direct the Mount Zion Grade School students as they wait for their parents to pick them up for the day. They notice it for sure, she said. Connelly has spent much of her adult life in California and other areas of the country. Ive never seen the way people go all out here, she said. Im impressed. This is very cheery. According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $12.2 billion, exceeding last years record of $10.6 billion. Candy will take a chunk of shoppers money, followed by decorations and costumes. However, in a return to pre-pandemic norms, more consumers also plan to throw or attend a party or take their children trick-or-treating, the September NRF article stated. Spending on decorations grew in popularity during the pandemic and has continued even after restrictions eased. The decor price tag for this year is expected to reach $3.9 billion, according to NRF. Of those celebrating Halloween, more than three-quarters 77% plan to purchase decorations, which is on par with last year, but up from 72% in 2019, the retail publication stated. Mares' collection of Halloween decor has taken her years to accumulate. She has accepted gifts, purchased some online and shopped a thrift store for the vintage pieces. For more than 10 Halloween seasons, Mares has hosted a party inviting friends and others in the neighborhood to celebrate the holidays. So its usually a little bit more crazy than this year, Mares said. She begins the process by configuring the webs along the fences. Then I tried to add something different each year, so they see something new, Mares said. Mares pays just as much attention to the inside of her house as she does the outside. Although the colorful features aren't for public display, her love for the Halloween carries over into every room where her guests can enjoy the different displays. And after the decorations have all been hung by the fireplace (and by the fence, along the eaves and in the trees) with care, Mares continues the Halloween celebration by baking her homemade cookies. All the holidays I bake these sugar cookies that Ive been making my whole life, she said. The art of creating such an elaborate display began as a child. Mares is the oldest of seven children. Holiday decorating was always something I did, she said. As Ive become an adult, its just gotten bigger, she said. Trick-or-treaters who visit on Halloween night will get an extra treat with mist and lasers enveloping the display, as well as Mares dressed up while handing out the good candy. I give out king size candy bars, she said. I love making the kids happy. Although Halloween is popular among decorators and sight-seers, it still doesnt top the Christmas season for retail spending on decorations. Mares has contributed to that statistic, too. Her Halloween skeletons, pumpkins and witches will soon make way for her Christmas lights, bells and tinsel. Although Halloween is a favorite of Mares, Christmas is just as important to her. Its a toss up, she said. Eerie escapes: 10 lesser-known spooky cities to visit for Halloween Eerie escapes Anoka, Minnesota Baltimore San Antonio St. Helens, Oregon St. Augustine, Florida Albion, Idaho Bonne Terre, Missouri Morro Bay, California Milwaukee Vicksburg, Mississippi DECATUR Former U.S. Rep. Glenn Poshard will be the guest speaker at the Long Creek Township Democrats annual Soup Supper on Friday, Oct. 20. Tickets are $6 per person for all-you-can-eat chili, desserts and drinks. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance from any Long Creek Township precinct committeeperson. The event will run from 5-7 p.m. at the Long Creek Township Community Building, 2610 Salem School Road, Decatur (old Salem School). Poshard will be conducting a book signing from 4 to 5 p.m. for his new book Son of Southern Illinois which details his life in politics and education. Books will be available for purchase. 20 celebrities who became politicians Celebrity-to-politician Donald Trump Arnold Schwarzenegger Jesse Ventura Al Franken Sheila Kuehl George Murphy Ronald Reagan Fred Thompson Sonny Bono Sean Duffy Kevin Johnson Fred Grandy Steven Michael Quezada Ben Jones Clint Eastwood Helen Gahagan Douglas Jim Bunning John Davis Lodge Bill Bradley Jimmie Davis NEWTON Sarstedt Inc. hosted a luncheon and tours at its U.S. headquarters in Newton on Sept. 29 in celebration of 50 years in the United States. Brett Bartles, CEO and president of Sarstedt, thanked area customers as well as local government and business partners for their continued support. Bartles noted Sarstedts continued growth, announcing the recent purchase of over 48 acres of land on Shea Road in Newton to support future business needs. Lindsay Keisler, president and CEO of The Chamber of Catawba County, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Keisler spoke about Sarstedts contributions to medicine and laboratory research around the world and congratulated the employees and team members who have been a part of the companys success. Rainer Schuster, Executive Board Member of Sarstedts parent company Sarstedt AG & Co. KG, presented Carolina Caring with a $50,000 donation, saying, Through the years, Carolina Caring has become a valued resource both locally and regionally for comprehensive serious illness care including palliative medicine services as well as primary care for those who have debilitating medical conditions. Referencing the companys high awareness of social responsibility, Schuster also presented the City of Newton Fire Department with a $25,000 donation, commenting on their excellent service to the community over the years and citing a need for additional rescue equipment. Special recognition went to Peter Rumswinkel, former CEO and president of Sarstedt, who will retire at the end of 2023. Keisler applauded Rumswinkels leadership as a pioneer and advocate of apprenticeship in Catawba County. Rumswinkel began his career at Sarstedt as an apprentice in Germany 45 years ago, and under his leadership Sarstedt is a founding member of the Catawba Apprenticeship Network, a four-year program providing academic and technical training. Sarstedt also hosted an evening event and family day for employees in recognition of their contribution to the companys success. Sarstedt Inc. is a subsidiary of Sarstedt AG & Co. KG, founded by Walter Sarstedt in Numbrecht, Germany, in 1961. A pioneer in plastic labware and innovative blood collection systems, the Sarstedt Group is now one of the worlds leading providers of devices and consumables for medicine and science. The family-owned company is now in its second generation. In 1973 the first U.S. location was founded in Princeton, New Jersey. In response to a rapidly growing customer base, Princeton operations were relocated to Newton, where U.S. production was established in 1987. The Newton campus has undergone significant expansions since that time, including the addition of a state-of-the-art logistics center in 2012 and a $6 million production renovation in 2017. Sarstedt currently employs approximately 250 people in the U.S., primarily at the Newton facility. Customers include reference labs such as LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, biotech companies such as Quidel Corporation, and numerous hospitals and research institutes including Johns Hopkins, Boston Childrens, UNC Health Caldwell, Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center. The man who was shot at a home on White Eagle Ranch Road on Oct. 6 is now facing charges. Coty Fender is charged with assault on a female, interference with 911 communications and false imprisonment, Catawba County Sheriffs Office Maj. Aaron Turk said via email on Friday. Brandi Lee Floyd, 39, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury, Turk said on Oct. 6. Turk said Fender and Floyd were in a relationship. On Oct. 6, deputies responded to a home at 1495 White Eagle Ranch Road following a 911 hang-up call around 11:30 p.m. The call came from Floyds phone, Turk said. 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. Fender was identified by the sheriffs office as the person that was shot. Fender was transported via helicopter to a hospital in Charlotte. Turk said that an argument occurred shortly before the shooting. The sheriffs office is still investigating. " " HMS Thrush, a British 1st-class gunboat, saw action in the brief Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images It's generous to call the Anglo-Zanzibar War a "war." The entire conflict lasted less than an hour and the victory was ludicrously one-sided, yet this 1896 standoff between the British Royal Navy and a stubborn sultan is commonly cited as the shortest war on record. Today, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous island nation off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, but in the 19th century the Sultanate of Zanzibar was a powerful trading empire in East Africa. From the ports of Zanzibar, ships departed with ivory and spices from the African mainland and returned with textiles and guns. But the most lucrative trade in Zanzibar was enslaved Africans. Advertisement An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 enslaved people were sold and shipped out of Zanzibar as late as the 1880s, according to The Historian magazine. And the Sultan of Zanzibar, who ruled from the royal palace, grew rich from the slave trade, even as the British tried to end the practice by raiding suspected slave ships in the Indian Ocean. In 1890, Britain signed a treaty with Germany that carved out separate "zones of influence" for the two imperial nations in Africa and Zanzibar became a British "protectorate" not quite a colony, but still under the thumb of the British government and military. SALISBURY For many, October is the time for pumpkin spice and autumn festivals. Did you know its also the time for Rowan Public Librarys annual Cards for a Cause? Now in its ninth year, this campaign has returned for the 2023 holiday season and runs through Saturday, Dec. 16. Cards for a Cause collects holiday cards that are then delivered to active service members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces. All four RPL branches RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), RPL East (Rockwell), RPL South (China Grove), and RPL West (Cleveland) will offer stations featuring blank greeting cards and other card-decorating supplies so customers can create cards to send. Once customers have finished creating and decorating their cards, the completed cards can be submitted or returned to any RPL branch service desk or via curbside drop-off. They may also be returned via the branches outdoor book drop receptacles; its encouraged that the envelopes of cards submitted via book drop be secured or that multiple cards be bound together by rubber band to help avoid damage from other items. There are different submission deadlines during the campaign to accommodate international and Stateside deliveries. Nov. 15 is the deadline for submitted cards to be delivered to active service members abroad and Dec. 5 for delivery to active service members Stateside. All cards submitted after Dec. 5 will be delivered to the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Community participation in this annual holiday campaign is encouraged and celebrated. In the past, individuals, families, businesses and organizations have participated. Community organizations and schools have even created their own original cards to contribute, said Kim Dinkins, Cards for a Cause coordinator. Participation is a fun, easy way to give back during the holidays. Dinkins encourages anyone with questions about how to participate to contact her at Kim.Dinkins@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-7842. The cards submitted make a real impact in the lives of active and veteran service members, and past cards have been delivered as far away as Afghanistan. Weve been told by the service members who deliver the cards that, especially for those away from home during the holidays, they really make a positive impact, said Dinkins. All types of cards are welcome: store bought, handmade or hand drawn (from crayon sketches to professional artistry), self-printed and all those in-between. The librarys in-house Cards for a Cause stations will feature a variety of cards, stickers, markers and more for customers to use. Its such a good feeling seeing people create a card with the intention of brightening someone elses day, said Dinkins. Sometimes, cards are submitted without envelopes, and I have witnessed some of the cutest, heartfelt messages included by all ages. While participants are encouraged to write brief notes of appreciation or greeting and to sign their cards, they are asked to not give full names or addresses. In 2022, Cards for a Cause collected and distributed over 5,200 cards to active service members and veterans. The program began in 2015, collecting approximately 230 cards that first year. This year, Dinkins and other RPL staff are hoping to collect at least 5,500 cards to send out in the holiday mail. For more information about Cards for a Cause and other RPL programs and services, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. GUEST INTERVIEW: iTWire was at Cloudera's Evolve conference in Sydney. We met up with Keir Garrett, Regional Vice President (ANZ) and Priyank Patel, Global VP of Products. We learned about the risks posed to organisations by AI and how Cloudera's hybrid data platform can mitigate them. We subsequently heard what Victor Dominello and Alan Longmuir (Delivery Manager at Deakin University) had to say and saw what was showcased by strategic partners like AWS, IBM, and Nuvento. At the recently held Evolve '23 data conference in Sydney, Cloudera, a noted data company, prompted Australian businesses to harness the full potential of their data using the latest AI innovations. Emphasising the need to be competitive, the company highlighted the significance of data, whether it's stored on the cloud or on-premises. Victor Dominello, former senior NSW Government minister, shared insights on the rise of Generative AI (GenAI) and its role in spearheading the digital shift of enterprises. "GenAI will play a pivotal role in reshaping the knowledge economy. Its swift growth will redirect workforce focus towards personal value adds such as empathy and wisdom," Dominello commented. He further warned of the trust deficit that could arise if governments and businesses fail to adapt. "By understanding and valuing data and offering individuals autonomy over their own data, trust is enhanced, fostering stronger public engagement," Dominello noted. Cloudera, with a significant amount of data under its management, emphasises the need for organisations to utilise data to its full capacity. The company is committed to simplifying data access for organisations worldwide. Alan Longmuir, Delivery Manager at Deakin University, highlighted their collaboration with Cloudera in providing data on-premises for reliable large-scale analytics. "The emergence of AI and Machine Learning has reshaped education, paving the way for innovative approaches in teaching, learning, and research," Longmuir said. He stressed the importance of adapting in a competitive education sector like Australia's. Deakin University's digital transformation journey with Cloudera is notable. Their combined efforts have enhanced the data analytics capabilities across various university departments, supporting student success and academic standards. Keir Garrett, Regional Vice President at Cloudera, Australia and New Zealand, pointed out the significance of data trustworthiness. "The key to trusting your AI is to first trust your data," he stated. The conference also showcased Cloudera's collaboration with strategic partners such as Amazon Web Services, IBM, and Nuvento. They demonstrated how Cloudera aids enterprises in maximising value from their data and business strategies securely and responsibly. Garrett highlighted the current trend where many organisations are still dependent on traditional storage methods, even with the growth of cloud computing. She emphasized the importance of adopting a hybrid cloud model, which combines the benefits of both on-premises and cloud storage. A recent Foundry survey revealed that a vast majority of APAC businesses view the hybrid cloud data platforms as a strategic necessity. The study found that nearly half of the respondents have an enterprise data strategy in place, emphasizing the importance of a unified data platform for analytics and AI. David Sheard, Co-Founder and Director at Nuvento, spoke about their harmonious partnership with Cloudera. "Our collaboration with Cloudera aims to ensure our clients' success. We equip them with the necessary tools and insights to navigate complex data management applications," Sheard explained. Following their recent accolade as the Cloudera APAC Partner of the Year, Nuvento continues to make waves. Their established connections with various Australian federal government agencies provide them an edge in serving a diverse range of sectors. Re: iTWire - GitLab brings culture change to Lendleases software development teams great news. All the best for LendLease Re: iTWire - Foxtel announces Hubbl to overcome subscription fatigue with one device to rule them all Sounds good but insufficient detail to decide if it is useful or economic and I really don't trust Foxtel to[] Re: iTWire - ACCC backs govt plan to develop emergency mobile roaming Is this the same ACCC that stopped network sharing for Telstra and Vodafone (listed Australian Companies) because Singtel (Singapore Government)[] CHARLESTON Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia are encouraged to attend the LifeSpan Center's upcoming Caregiver Stress-Busting program. This program will teach stress management techniques along with relaxation and coping strategies and is available at no cost, although a donation of $20 is suggested to cover the cost of the books. This multi-component program will meet in groups of up to nine people from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Oct. 24, and continue for nine weeks at the LifeSpan Center, 11021 E. County Road 800N, Charleston. This family caregiver resources program is partially funded through the Federal Older Americans Act and by the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Call the LifeSpan Center at 217-639-5150 to register. LOOK BACK: Check out these Mattoon locations through the years Burgess Memorial Auditorium Central Illinois singles First Methodist Grant Hotel Korean War Memorial Memorial Hospital Post Office Roundhouse Trains and More Women's Spring Bar Hop 100 years ago, Oct. 14, 1923 50 years ago, 1973 25 years ago, 1998 CHARLESTON The Coles County Board Tuesday turned back an attempt to remove the county's supervisor of assessments from office immediately, instead of at the end of his current term as it voted to do last month. Then, following a closed session of more than an hour, the board decided to form a committee to specifically address the county's property tax situation. At its September meeting, the board voted to not reappoint Supervisor of Assessments John Snider to another term in that position. But on Tuesday, member Jon McKenzie said the board then thought that Snider's current four-year term expired at the end of this year, but it actually runs until December 1999. McKenzie then moved to remove Snider from office immediately, but that proposal never came to an actual vote. The board tied 6-6 on a vote to waive its rule preventing a vote on matters not on the agenda before the meeting. The tie vote meant defeat for the motion...MATTOON The state budget surplus and negative advertisements were two points of contention Tuesday between Carolyn Brown Hodge and state Rep. Dale Righter at a candidates forum in Mattoon. Righter, R-Mattoon, took issue with Hodge's campaign ads during his opening remarks by saying that audience members should not make their decision at the ballot box based on $150,000 in "negative" television ads. Hodge, a Paris Democrat, said she found it strange that Righter has a campaign ad that states she helped raise taxes by $900 million even though she is not an elected official...MATTOON The city's street department advisory board is recommending the City Council approve a program estimated to take $21,120 in street department resources to collect bagged leaves in the fall and spring. The department will continue to operate its dropoff site, where residents may bring leaves and other yard waste material. The additional money would come from having two trucks with two employees per truck pick up leaves left on the boulevard in paper bags. The proposal is to divide the city into quarters, and pick up a quarter of the city one day each week for each of four weeks...CHARLESTON Jan Eads was appointed Tuesday to complete the term of Coles County Board member Jackie Bacon. Bacon resigned from the board last month due to health reasons. The Charleston Republican was in the middle of her second term on the board and previously served as county clerk. Eads is a Charleston real estate broker. The board Tuesday voted to assign her to the same committees on which Bacon served, with two exceptions; the board appointed Jon McKenzie to Bacon's spot on the Finance Committee and Eads will now be the board's representative on the county 911 board, at least until December...MATTOON Those property value assessment increases from multipliers aren't expected to reduce any revenue windfall for local schools. Mattoon school district officials are projecting an equalized assessed valuation increase of 2.29 percent for 1998 taxes payable next summer. Increases in exemptions are the primary reason that double digit multipliers will generate modest revenue gains, Superintendent Richard Berg said. Perhaps the biggest exemption is the senior citizen freeze which "freezes" forever the assessed value of property for those age 65 and over who have an income below $35,000 a year. CHICAGO State leaders on Thursday threw more cold water on the prospect of quickly providing new funding to help Chicagos migrant crisis as Mayor Brandon Johnson also grapples with resistance from aldermen who have declined to identify land in their wards for Johnsons plans to set up tent base camps for new asylum-seekers before winter. During an appearance with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch said Chicago will not see a state grant for asylum-seekers in the fall veto session, when Springfield will have the option of designating additional funding for the fiscal year that ends June 30. That means the state might not provide more substantial financial help on migrants until legislators reconvene in the spring. I think I made it clear that we were not expecting to do a supplemental budget in the veto session, Welch said regarding his meeting last week with Johnson at City Hall. But as Johnson unveiled a 2024 budget Wednesday that included only $150 million in migrant funding less than half the projected costs this year its clear his administration is counting on outside help. Pritzker punted to the federal government, which both he and Johnson have said need to do more to help Chicago and other cities across the nation seeing a massive influx of migrants. I dont know how they came up with their number, Pritzker said about Johnsons proposed allocation for new arrivals. Were finding resources wherever we can and supporting the city and surrounding communities and others who are impacted by the influx of asylum-seekers. But as Ive said, weve asked the federal government for additional assistance. Welch echoed the call for federal support, noting that in his conversation with Johnson last week, one thing that we completely agreed on was that this is a national crisis thats going to call for a national response, that we need the White House to step up and do more on this issue. U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation joined that call Thursday, sending a letter to President Joe Biden calling for more federal funding for Chicago and Illinois, along with other assistance. State and local officials have worked tirelessly to serve these new arrivals, and the federal government must swiftly provide assistance and resources that reflect this administrations commitment to safe, orderly, and humane immigration processes, they wrote. Meanwhile, Johnsons deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, acknowledged the lack of buy-in from many aldermen who were asked to find locations to house migrants in the administrations race against time before winter. In September, Johnson rolled out his plan to house new migrants in winterized base camps rather than the Chicago police stations and airports where many are currently huddled. He tasked all 50 aldermen to help scout suitable locations. Pacione-Zayas told reporters Thursday only about 25% of them have fulfilled that request. Weve had some of them that understood the assignment, Pacione-Zayas said. Weve had others that, with their back against the wall, have now offered up things, but its a work in progress. The September briefing to aldermen included example photos of large tent structures in New York City that would house incoming asylum-seekers. Part of the presentation instructed each alderman: Assist with identifying 2-3 suitable sites in ward. Requirements for the building or land include being able to shelter at least 200 people, requiring little to no repair and having either access to showers or the ability to support a shower trailer. Pacione-Zayas did not elaborate on which aldermen have cooperated. Since former Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration, City Council members across the geographic and political spectrum have bristled over the placement of migrant shelters in their wards. The concerns have included outrage from some Black aldermen that the city is housing and feeding new arrivals within their wards when longtime residents have been denied resources for years. Downtown aldermen have bristled over the largest shelter, the Inn of Chicago, driving away tourism due to reports of loitering and other criminal activity. Others have said their issue lies with not being given a heads-up from the administration about incoming shelters in their wards. Pacione-Zayas acknowledged those tensions Thursday but said that frankly, when we dont know how many buses are coming, when theyre coming, nor the composition. It is difficult to have enough of a runway and lead time to be able to afford the community weeks advance notice. With the cold setting in and migrants starting to prop up their own small tents outside police stations, the city is also planning emergency staging shelters with the help from faith leaders, Pacione-Zayas said. Were finalizing some details around that, Pacione-Zayas said when asked about the ongoing base camp proposal. Its imminent. She added that she doesnt see Welchs denial of migrant funding in the veto session as a closed door, and said the city appropriating only $150 million in next years budget for migrants is an acknowledgment that this is a shared responsibility. Just because there isnt necessarily a supplemental (appropriation) on the horizon and I mean, I think those discussions are still happening theres ways that there can be funds redirected to the city, Pacione-Zayas said. Asked to elaborate, Pacione-Zayas said the city is not asking for Springfield to make budget cuts per se but to look at a reapplication of certain state funds, such as money allocated from the Department of Human Services budget for welcoming centers that help guide new arrivals to services regardless of immigration status. But reallocating funds from a state program to the city still would require legislative approval, and it remains unclear whether the appetite to do so exists among the Democrats who control the legislature. Pacione-Zayas said the mayors trip to the U.S. southern border, while not yet publicly scheduled, is still planned. The No. 1 goal is to clinch tighter bus coordination with Texas officials, she said. It wouldnt be right if we did not let folks know the limitations that we have when we do not receive information in advance, she said. Thats our objective, is to say to them: Look, heres what were managing up here. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and House Speaker Chris Welch both threw cold water on the idea of a veto session supplemental appropriations bill to help Chicago handle the increasing influx of asylum-seekers from Venezuela. Speaker Welch told reporters last Thursday he had made it clear to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson that we were not expecting to do a supplemental budget in the veto session, while the governor told reporters the week before that he hadnt heard about any plans for a supplemental. Governors always know about supplementals because their office writes them. There is simply no appetite in the General Assembly to tackle any super-controversial issues during the veto session, which runs from October 24 through November 9. A big part of the reason for wanting a delay until the spring session is that veto session falls smack dab in the middle of petition-gathering season. The migrant issue is super-divisive, legislators are getting an angry earful at the doors as they gather petition signatures, and a public vote on spending more tax dollars could very well cause some irate constituents to run against them. Its the same basic situation with extending the Invest in Kids Act, a $75 million income tax credit for contributing to groups that then pay for private and religious school scholarships. Teachers unions and progressives hotly oppose extending the program beyond its December 31 expiration date, but some Democrats would still like to see it extended. Unless a reasonable compromise can be found, itll likely be kicked to next spring as well. Plus, Mayor Johnsons recent budget proposal cut the citys earlier projected spending on the new arrivals by $50 million, while increasing spending on other items. That didnt go over too well with legislators, either. The message did not seem to get through to city hall, however. Members of the Johnson administration continued trying to negotiate their case through the news media, before ultimately abandoning their quest. Just because there isnt necessarily a supplemental (appropriation) on the horizon and I mean, I think those discussions are still happening theres ways that there can be funds redirected to the city, Mayor Johnsons deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told reporters, according to the Chicago Tribune. She also said the city wanted the state to look at reapplication of certain state funds. According to the article, Pacione-Zayas, a former state senator, pointed to state funding of official Welcoming Centers, which she said could be repurposed to help the migrants. Among many other things last fiscal year, the Illinois General Assembly appropriated $31 million in additional funds for the city and more than $50 million for the state to help deal with the asylum-seekers out of the Welcoming Centers program. Welcoming Centers are not for asylum seekers exclusively, Pritzker spokesperson Jordan Abudayyeh emphasized to me. There are other costs that appropriation has to account for. The legislature did approve appropriations for the citys and the states migrant responses in the current fiscal year, which will bring total state spending since the crisis began to close to half a billion dollars, the governors office says. And since the city has not done a good job of standing up shelters and then moving people into housing, handing it money intended for the states response probably would likely not accomplish all that much. The situation is so bad that migrants are camped in tents outside of police stations now. But its true that not every reallocation of state funding requires a supplemental appropriation bill. Budget items like rental assistance, support for community-based organizations doing case work and HOME IL lines are increasingly funding services for the asylum seeker response, Abudayyeh said. The HOME IL program is designed to alleviate homelessness. This is a very tricky topic. Reallocating money to help asylum-seekers only validates complaints by Black and Latino political leaders, including legislators, that their own constituents are being short-shrifted by state government in favor of the new arrivals. Finally, this past Friday, Mayor Johnson got the message, telling reporters that he would wait until next spring to ask for more state money. When they pass their budget in May, well have some very intentional asks about how we can align our levels of government to meet this demand, he told reporters, according to Crains Chicago Business. That should help lower the temperature a little by ending the lobbying via news media, which usually doesnt work in this business anyway. Hopefully, everybody can now get together on the same page and find some actual solutions. THUMBS UP! To the Illinois Heartland Library System Library Crawl. Libraries throughout the state are participating in the annual event. Visitors to participating libraries get a gift, a book, or just a chance to see how libraries operate elsewhere. A map of the participating libraries is available on library websites. THUMBS DOWN! To a lack of pharmacists. Drug and staffing shortages haven't gone away. Stores are starting their busiest time of year as customers look for help with colds and the flu, and this fall pharmacists are dealing with a new vaccine and the start of insurance coverage for COVID-19 shots. Many pharmacies, particularly the big chains, still don't have enough workers behind the counter. THUMBS DOWN! To more missteps. Marc Smith, the most recent head of Illinois' Department of Children and Family Services, will be stepping down at the end of the year. Last month, he state's auditor general issued a scathing report on the agency that cited significant delays in reporting abuse and neglect to required individuals and agencies. Last year, Smith was held in contempt of court a number of times for violating court orders to find children appropriate placements in a timely manner. The department continues to be an embarrassment, as it has been most of the 21st century. Smith is the agency's 15th leader since 2003. THUMBS DOWN! To the old bugaboo of gas prices. Average U.S. pump prices are still well below the record $5 per gallon seen in summer 2022, but they're up from a year ago. Oil costs are keeping gas prices high even as driving demand drops with the end of summer vacations and plentiful gasoline stocks, according to auto club AAA. THUMBS DOWN! To another heat record. After a summer of record-smashing heat, warming somehow got even worse in September as Earth set a new mark for how far above normal temperatures were. Last month's average temperature was 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1991-2020 average for September. That's the warmest margin above average for a month in 83 years of records kept by the European Space Agency's Copernicus Climate Change Service. We mention this not because anyone reading can do anything to battle the crisis, but to continue to make people aware of what can be coming as global warming continues. THUMBS DOWN! To circumstances leading to stores closing. Nine Target stores around the country will close next week. The company cited theft and safety as the reasons. Closing stores is an extreme measure to combat crime and safety concerns, but the belief that those measures are needed sinks confidence and lends credulity to those states designing laws to crack down on shoplifting. A potential side effect is as corporations ask workers to come back to the office, it might shock those returning to see fewer services and stores. THUMBS UP! To Congress. In a last-minute deal, the entity approved a six-week deal to avoid a complete government shutdown. Now, they need to get to work and complete a full budget, which is their job. However THUMBS DOWN! For the battle over one program. PEPFAR is a program created by President George W. Bush in 2003. The program funds global efforts to fight the spread of AIDS. It's been a bipartisan program since, but has run into opposition because some of the health organizations that fight AIDS also provide abortion services, and Republicans do not want to subsidize those groups. Supporters worry that cutting off groups that also provide abortions would damage anti-AIDS efforts. THUMBS UP! To quick efforts to get displaced people back home. About 24 hours after being evacuated, residents were allowed back to their homes after a crash sent a toxic plume of anhydrous ammonia into the air in Effingham County. THUMBS UP! To a potential world record. Dorothy Hoffman, 104, of Chicago, hopes to be certified as the oldest person to ever skydive. She made a 13,500-foot tandem jump. The present record-holder was 103. Hoffner first skydived when she was 100. Upon landing, someone immediately delivered her walker to her. THUMBS UP! To a well-earned retirement. Paul "Short" Craig, 98, finally plans to retire on his 99th birthday, Nov. 25. Craig has been an Atchison Electric employee in Sullivan for nearly 46 years. His career has included electrical work at other companies for nearly 30 years. THUMBS UP! To a use of artificial intelligence we can agree with. Firefighters are using AI-enabled cameras to scan the horizon for signs of smoke. A German company is building a constellation of satellites to detect fires from space. Microsoft is using AI models to predict where the next blaze could be sparked. Every tool that can be used against fire is a boon to safety, especially at a time when fires are more prevalent and more dangerous. WAYNE, Mich. On the picket lines at a Ford factory west of Detroit, many striking workers dont think the electric vehicle revolution is coming for their jobs at least not in the near future. But just in case, theyre backing United Auto Workers President Shawn Fains quest to unionize EV battery factories at Ford and Jeep maker Stellantis, matching a breakthrough concession made by General Motors last week. So far, neither Ford nor Stellantis has agreed to the change, which would pull employees at all 10 U.S. battery factories proposed by Detroit automakers into national contracts with the UAW, all but assuring theyll be unionized. Fain also wants workers at the plants to make top UAW assembly plant wages, which now are $32 per hour. With the UAW strike now in its fourth week, EVs and their potential impact on job security have become central to union negotiations with the automakers. Contract talks are likely to determine whether those plants mostly joint ventures with South Korean battery companies are union, which may have long-lasting consequences as the auto industry transforms itself. The battery plants are going to be the make-or-break issue, said Sam Abuelsamid, a mobility analyst for Guidehouse Insights. Its going to be a critical factor for them to get good labor agreements at these plants. In short, if electric vehicles replace gas-powered ones, most UAW workers at engine and transmission plants will lose their jobs. And if lower-paying battery plants arent union, workers wont have anywhere to get the same wages and benefits. Ford and Stellantis thus far dont want to pay top union wages, fearing that will push up their costs over Tesla and other competitors with nonunion battery plants mainly in the U.S. South. That could make Detroits EVs more expensive and harder to sell. The issue, festering for months behind pay and cost-of-living increases, restoration of retirement benefits for new hires and even a 32-hour workweek, became huge Friday when GM agreed to unionization. Stellantis didnt comment directly on GMs move, but Ford said workers will have to choose once they are hired at plants that havent been built yet. Although Ford said its willing to work with the union, the company said its investing billions in battery plants that have to operate at sustainably competitive levels. Last month, Ford CEO Jim Farley accused the union of using the battery plant issue to hold a potential contract agreement hostage. Ford has decided to locate three of its four proposed battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, states where workers and politicians could be more hostile to the UAW. The company has put on hold a fourth plant to be built in Michigan by Ford itself. Before GM changed its stance, the automakers said they have South Korean joint venture partners at nine of 10 battery factories, and those partners have to be at the bargaining table. Automakers are telling workers their jobs are secure, but the union doesnt see that in the transition to electric vehicles, Fain said. Instead, the companies want to pay poverty wages at the new plants and drive down pay in the industry, he said. Its really hard to envision a future for us where we have no piece of the battery, said Fain, adding that 20% almost 30,000 of the unions 146,000 members at the Detroit Three now work in factories that make internal combustion engines and transmissions. Farley and other auto executives have said that because EVs have fewer moving parts, they will require 30% to 40% fewer workers to assemble than gasoline vehicles. But GM CEO Mary Barra insists there will be enough work to bring everyone along. A study by Carnegie Mellon University backs her up, in part, finding that it will take more labor to build electric vehicle batteries, motors and drivelines than engines and transmissions for combustion engine vehicles. On the picket line at the Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan, where Bronco SUVs and Ranger pickups are made, workers questioned whether people would buy EVs because of their limited travel range and lack of charging stations. But they also see a future where buyers could switch, and they think wages at the battery plants should match what they make. Theyre part of Ford and should be unionized as well, said Chris Jedrzejek, who has worked for the company 23 years. Im sure that Ford would rather not have their battery plants unionized, but with the actions of GM, they set the precedent. He doesnt believe the company line that higher-wage union battery plants would make Detroits EVs too pricey. The pay at nonunion Toyota assembly plants, for instance, is similar to the top wage of UAW workers, he said, although Jedrzejek concedes that many Ford workers have better benefits such as pensions. I think its just a bunch of rhetoric just to try to scare us into signing a bad deal, he said. Worker Todd Lauerman, who has been with Ford a dozen years, said making the battery plants union is crucial because fewer workers may be needed to build EVs, and the issue has to be settled this year because if the plants start running and arent union, its going to be a lot harder to get it in the next contract. Its likely GM agreed to unionize its four U.S. battery plants because workers probably would have voted for the union anyway, Abuelsamid said. The UAW, he said, will use this to try to organize other Korean-owned battery plants. One GM plant in northeastern Ohio already has voted for the UAW, two more are right next to GM assembly plants in Tennessee and Michigan, and the fourth is near South Bend, Indiana, not far from other GM factories. The Most Unionized Cities in America The Most Unionized Cities in America Union members enjoy higher wages than non union workers Union membership in the US continues to decline Pacific and Northeastern states have the highest unionization rates The most unionized small and midsize metros 15. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 14. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 13. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA 12. Fresno, CA 11. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 10. Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT 9. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA 8. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 7. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 6. Providence-Warwick, RI-MA 5. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 4. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 3. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA 2. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA 1. Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY The Arc of Nebraska recently celebrated two of its esteemed leaders for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the disability community. Teshawna Isenbart Sawyer, executive director of The Arc of Central Nebraska, and Mary Phillips, board president of The Arc of Nebraska, headquartered in Lincoln, have been recognized with awards from People First of Nebraska. Phillips was presented with the Sharon Howe Volunteer of the Year award. This accolade is awarded to individuals who have selflessly volunteered their time to support People First and the broader community of people with disabilities. Recipients of this honor can be individuals with disabilities or those without. Marys passion for this community and her relentless advocacy makes Nebraska a better place, said Edison McDonald, executive director of The Arc of Nebraska. Isenbart Sawyer received the "People First Professional of the Year" award. This commendation is given to a paid professional who is passionate about advocating for People First and people with disabilities. The award recognizes the relentless efforts of professionals who may or may not have a disability. Teshawnas approach to care and advocacy is underpinned by a deep-seated connection to people with disabilities, McDonald said. People First of Nebraska is run by and for individuals with all types of disabilities. It actively engages in a range of activities, from local chapter meetings and community volunteering, to actively communicating with elected officials to emphasize the needs and aspirations of the disability community. Through collaboration with families, service providers and various organizations, People First is committed to crafting lives filled with purpose and possibility. The Arc of Nebraska is the largest nonprofit statewide disability membership nonprofit organization in Nebraska. The Arc leads the charge in advocating for individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want respect, dignity and inclusion in their Nebraska communities. Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - A sign is seen outside the Activision building in Santa Monica, Calif. on June 21, 2023. Microsofts purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard won final approval Friday, Oct. 13, from Britains competition watchdog, reversing its earlier decision to block the $69 billion deal and removing a last obstacle for one of the largest tech transactions in history. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File) After two years co-piloting the biggest acquisition in video game history past an onslaught of challenges, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer now moves on to his next quest: making Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard worth the hassle. Microsoft, which owns the Xbox gaming system, closed its $69 billion deal to buy game-maker Activision Blizzard on Friday after fending off global opposition from antitrust regulators and rivals. It marks a career-defining moment for Spencer, who first joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988 and has helmed Xbox since 2014. After years of lagging behind rival Sonys PlayStation, acquiring Activision's collection of popular game titles gives Microsoft a rare chance to catch up. His job really just starts today, said analyst Gil Luria, technology strategist at D.A. Davidson, after the deal's closure. All hes been doing is preparing for today where he actually gets to integrate the business. And it marks the end of an era for Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who's led the Southern California maker of Call of Duty and other blockbuster franchises since 1991 after helping to buy it from bankruptcy. Kotick said he's assisting with the transition until the end of the year. Activision Blizzard was still reeling from worker protests, lawsuits and government investigations over allegations of workplace harassment against women and unequal pay when Microsoft privately reached out about buying the company in 2021. When the companies announced a planned merger in January 2022, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made clear it would be "critical for Activision Blizzard to drive forward on its commitments to improve its workplace culture. That was just the start of Microsoft's challenges in bringing home the deal. After negotiations with Spencer faltered, top rival Sony brought its concerns about losing access to the Call of Duty franchise to regulators around the world. The strongest opposition came from U.S. antitrust enforcers emboldened by President Joe Biden's administration to take a tougher look at big tech deals, as well as their counterparts in the United Kingdom who finally relented in approving the deal Friday only after Microsoft agreed to make concessions. Microsoft didnt have a choice. If they wanted to be long-term competitive with Sony and the PlayStation platform, they need to have a much more robust content offering, Luria said. But, in retrospect, they should have read the writing on the wall in terms of the difficulty of closing the deal, Luria said. They needed to do the deal to stay competitive, but knowing what they know now, they might have done it differently. A key moment came in June, when a federal judge weighed the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's attempt to block the merger while it awaited further review. In an unusual move for a CEO that telegraphed the deal's importance, Spencer spent the better part of two weeks at the defendant table of a San Francisco courtroom conferring with Microsofts lawyers. The judge eventually dismissed the FTC's request, though the agency is still seeking to unwind the deal. Microsofts success in integrating Activision's business is not guaranteed, especially as its track record with acquisitions has been a mixed bag, said George Jijiashvili, senior principal analyst at research and advisory firm Omdia. Last year, Microsoft spent $7.5 billion to acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of video game publisher Bethesda Softworks, maker of Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Microsoft's two key game launches this year from its Bethesda merger, Redfall and Starfield, have been met with mixed reactions at best, Jijiashvili said. "However, with globally popular game franchises such as Call of Duty now under its wing, the company is strategically much better positioned. Another challenge for Microsoft will be overcoming the workforce challenges that dogged Activision before the takeover. As of late last year, Activision Blizzard had 13,000 employees, about 72% in North America, according to a regulatory filing. Microsoft has already pledged it will stay neutral if the nearly 10,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada seek to organize into a labor union, part of a 2022 agreement with the Communications Workers of America meant to address U.S. political concerns about the mergers effects. It is a new day for workers at Activision Blizzard, said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. in a statement Friday. Over two years ago, workers at Activision Blizzards studios captured the countrys attention through walkouts and other protests over discrimination, sexual harassment, pay inequity, and other issues they were facing on the job, Cummings Jr. said. Their efforts to form unions were met with illegal retaliation and attempts to delay and block union elections. Now these workers are free to join our union through a fair process, without interference from management. In a Friday welcome email to Activision employees, Spencer said he wanted to reiterate that we hold ourselves to a high bar in delivering the most inclusive and welcoming experiences for players, creators, and employees. An interest in mitigating climate change brought Andrew Mwape from Zambia to Lincoln in 2020. An interest in joining a service club with a high degree of diversity caused the environmentally conscious climatologist to join the Lincoln East Rotary Club later that year. The club quickly embraced him, and several months ago, elected the 28-year-old African native as its club president for the current club year. Mwape joined the National Drought Mitigation Center, located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus, in August 2020. He serves as a graduate research assistant on an ongoing drought recommendation to the partnering Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Districts throughout the planning process. Mwape said Lincoln East Rotary Club has a number of activities lined up, both in Lincoln and globally, to minimize future impacts from climate change. Climate change is a compounding factor of old and new global challenges, he said. For us as a club, it is only right that we commit to climate change mitigation and contribute to the global collective efforts to minimize future impacts from this crisis. We invite the Lincoln community and the world to join hands with us in the fight against the damaging impacts of climate change. Background From 2016 to 2018, Mwape was executive director for an environmental nonprofit organization that seeks to raise environmental consciousness and awareness in African communities through education. Between 2018 and 2020, he was director in charge of operations at a forestry company that aims to conserve indigenous African forests by empowering rural forest-dependent communities with alternative means of livelihood apart from cutting down trees for charcoal burning. He holds a bachelors degree in Environmental Engineering from Copperbelt University in Zambia and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Natural Resources at UNL. His wife, Mercy Kipenda Mwape, has a background in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources. She is leading East Rotarys climate-related projects, including an Oct. 21 tree-planting project at Lincolns Brentwood Park, teaming with the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. The role of the club presidents wife is an example of East Rotarys efforts to have professionals lead their respective projects. As another example, all health- and nutrition-related projects are led by Dr. Chuck Ericson, a medical doctor and active club member. Active recruiter Kipenda Mwape is one of six members the enthusiastic club president has brought into the club during his three-year membership. The others are Betty Makena, Segun Samuel Oladipo, Ibukunoluwa Eunice Salami, Eric Christensen and Chikoti Mukuma. Mwape said the diversity he observed within East Rotary attracted him to the club, whose membership roster also includes members hailing from Nigeria, Tanzania and India, and another member from Zambia. East Rotary Club holds luncheon meetings at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesdays at The Garage, south of South 48th Street and Nebraska Parkway. Guest speakers scheduled to address the club later this month are Aubrey Paulsen, with the Tabitha Intergenerational Living Project, on Oct. 18, and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on Oct. 25. Alexia Cardamone went to both nights of Taylor Swifts Eras Tour in Kansas City but she wasnt in the stadium. Instead, she listened from the parking lot. It was still so fun. Swifties are fun people, nice people too, Cardamone said. I went completely alone. I met people there, and I didnt feel alone. We were all just vibing. When Cardamone saw the announcement that there was going to be a movie of the concert, she said she freaked out. I was like, I know I can go to that at least. I know Ill get tickets to that, Cardamone said. I was actually very happy. Cardamone, a Bellevue University student, saw the movie for the first time at the Lincoln Grand Cinema on Friday afternoon. She was already in line to see it again a few hours later. Lisa Fryda, Lincoln Grand Cinema general manager, said the Friday evening showings were almost completely sold out, with only a few solo spots left. In the lobby, fans were lined up to buy special Eras Tour popcorn buckets and cups. A selfie station was set up for photo ops, and a friendship bracelet making station was close by. Sadie Schnittker, Gianna Brack and Bella Diaz wore bracelets they had made before the movie, but they were in line to make some more as their moms watched in amusement. Dawning sparkly outfits, they were each dressed to represent different albums. Above all, they agreed Swifts confidence is what they like best about her. The movie was supposed to be released on Friday, but Swift announced via Instagram that due to the unprecedented demand, showings would begin a day early on Thursday. Addy Ubele, a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said she wasnt surprised by the announcement, and she went straight to the theater to buy the special popcorn bucket and cup, just in case they were going to sell out. You know, I went through the Ticketmaster Great War Part 1, and then through the merch line great wars, Ubele said. I didnt want to go through this great war. Cardamone, wearing the same pink velour tracksuit she wore for the "Barbie" movie, said she was ready for a high-energy evening showing Swifties across the country have been singing along and dancing during the showings. To those who dont quite understand the hype around the movie, Cardamone compared it to sports. Think about all the hype that goes around sporting events. Imagine if it wasnt broadcasted or televised, Cardamone said. This is our sporting event. Photos: The sights from Taylor Swift night at Haymarket Park The Nebraska Air National Guards 155th Air Refueling Wing has announced a new leader. Col. Christopher L. Hesse will assume command of the Lincoln-based unit from outgoing commander Col. John D. Williams during a change of command ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Nebraska National Guard air base in Lincoln. Hesse, a Lincoln Southeast High School graduate, will take over the wing after having served as the Nebraska National Guards Chief of Staff Joint Staff since July 2022. Hesse joined the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1996 after graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in aerospace engineering. He commissioned in November 1997, attended the KC-135R Qualification Course, and served as a traditional pilot until becoming a full-time federal technician in the fall of 2000. He commanded the 173rd Air Refueling Group and the 155th Maintenance Group before transitioning to the Nebraska National Guards Joint Force Headquarters as the Director of Staff-Air and then Chief of Staff Joint Staff. He has deployed in support of operations Northern Watch, Joint Forge, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom, as well as a number of other contingency, humanitarian and domestic operations. Williams, who has commanded the 155th Air Refueling Wing since October 2020, joined the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1994 after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Brig. Gen. Robert E. Hargens, assistant adjutant general-Air, said Williams saw the unit through multiple successful deployments, exercises and inspections during his command. One of those was Operation Allies Refuge, the effort to evacuate more than 85,000 people from Afghanistan in the waning days of the U.S. military's presence in the country during the summer of 2021. At Saturday's ceremony, the 155th Air Refueling Wing will receive its first Meritorious Unit Award for its participation in that operation and Operation Allies Welcome, which involved U.S. forces housing more than 50,000 evacuees. The wing on Saturday also will be honored with an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, which is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. This award covers the 155th Air Refueling Wings accomplishments between Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021. Through the years: Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac as adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard A 27-year-old Lincoln man was taken to the hospital in critical condition after an SUV hit him as he was walking across West O Street early Saturday morning. Lincoln Police Department Lt. Brian Golden said a 22-year-old Lincoln woman was driving eastbound when her Mazda SUV struck the pedestrian in the 1300 block of West O at about 1 a.m. Golden said he was uncertain which direction the man, who is transient but has been living in Lincoln, was headed. The People's City Mission is nearby at 110 Q St. The driver was not suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was not cited, Golden said. Police believe the pedestrian, who was not believed to be in a crosswalk, may have been under the influence of alcohol. The car-pedestrian accident was the second in as many days on West O Street. Police responded around 8:45 p.m. Thursday night when a 56-year-old man driving east hit a 34-year-old man who was crouched and holding a dog in the middle of the road near Sun Valley Boulevard. The man suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries in the accident. Top Journal Star photos for October 2023 JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas as the army prepares for an expected ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu delivered the threat in a nationally televised address late Friday. Israel has been pounding Gaza with airstrikes since Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented cross-border attack last Saturday, killing over 1,300 people in a brutal rampage. Early Friday, Israel ordered half of Gazas population to evacuate their homes. This is just the beginning, Netanyahu said. We will end this war stronger than ever. We will destroy Hamas, he added, saying Israel has widespread international support for the operation. Mass exodus as Palestinians flee Palestinians fled in a mass exodus from northern Gaza Friday after Israels military told some 1 million people to evacuate toward the southern part of the besieged territory, an unprecedented order ahead of an expected ground invasion against the ruling Hamas militant group. The U.N. warned that telling almost half the Gaza population to flee en masse would be calamitous, and it urged Israel to reverse the order. Families in cars, trucks and donkey carts packed with blankets and possessions streamed down a main road out of Gaza City, the biggest city, as airstrikes continued to hammer the territory. Hamas media office said warplanes struck cars fleeing south, killing more than 70 people. Israels military said that its troops had entered Gaza on temporary raids to battle militants and hunt for traces of some 150 people abducted in Hamas' brutal surprise attack nearly a week ago. In urging the evacuation, Israels military said it planned to target underground Hamas hideouts around Gaza City. Separately, Palestinians and some Egyptian officials fear Israel wants to push Gazas people out through the southern border with Egypt. Hamas told people to ignore the evacuation order, but some Palestinians hesitated to leave out of fear that nowhere was safe in the tiny territory. Gaza is sealed off from food, water and medical supplies and under a virtual total power blackout. Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if youll make it, if youre going to live, said Nebal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City, as she broke into heaving sobs. The Gaza Health Ministry said Friday that roughly 1,800 people have been killed in the territory more than half of them under the age of 18, or women. Hamas assault last Saturday killed more than 1,300 Israelis, most of whom were civilians, and roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed during the fighting, the Israeli government said. The week-old war has sent tensions soaring across the region. Israel has traded fire in recent days with Lebanons Hezbollah militant group, sparking fears of an ever wider conflict, though that frontier is currently calm. Weekly Muslim prayers brought protests across the Middle East. Israeli raid goes into Gaza Israel's raid was the first word of troops entering Gaza since Israel launched its round-the-clock bombardment in retaliation for Hamas attack, in which militant fighters massacred hundreds in southern Israel and snatched some 150 people to Gaza as hostages. A military spokesman said that after Israeli ground troops conducted their raids in Gaza on Friday, they then left. The moves did not appear to be the beginning of an expected ground invasion. But the evacuation order was taken as a a further signal of an already expected Israeli ground offensive, though no such decision has been announced. Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border. Hamas said Israels airstrikes killed 13 of the hostages in the past day. It said the dead included foreigners but did not give their nationalities. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari denied the claim, telling Al-Jazeera Arabic, We have our own information. In Israel, the public remained in shock over the Hamas rampage and frightened by continual rocket fire out of Gaza. The public is overwhelmingly in favor of the military offensive, and Israeli TV stations have set up special broadcasts with slogans like together we will win and strong together. Their reports focus heavily on the aftermath of the Hamas attack, stories of heroism and national unity, and they make scant mention of the unfolding crisis in Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 16 Palestinians killed Friday in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total of West Bank Palestinians killed since Hamas' rampage to 51. The U.N. says attacks by Israeli settlers have surged there since the Hamas assault. Gaza pounded relentlessly since Hamas attacks Weekly Muslim prayers brought protests across the Middle East, and tensions ran high in Jerusalem's Old City. The Islamic endowment that manages a flashpoint holy site in the city, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, said Israeli authorities barred all Palestinian men under the age of 50 from entering. Israel has bombarded Gaza round-the-clock since Hamas' attack, in which its fighters massacred hundreds in southern Israel and snatched some 150 people to Gaza as hostages. A military spokesman said that after Israeli ground troops conducted their raids in Gaza on Friday, they then left. The moves did not appear to be the beginning of an expected ground invasion. Israel has been massing troops along the Gaza border since last Saturdays deadly incursion by Hamas militants. Hamas said Israels airstrikes killed 13 of the hostages in the past day. It said the dead included foreigners but did not give their nationalities. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari denied the claim, telling Al-Jazeera Arabic, We have our own information. Israel said Thursday it would allow no supplies into Gaza until Hamas frees the hostages. Israel urges mass evacuation of Gaza civilians The military urged civilians in Gazas north to move south an order that the U.N. said affects 1.1 million people. If carried out, that would mean the territorys entire population cramming into roughly the southern half of the 40 kilometer (25 mile) long strip. Israel said it needed to target Hamas military infrastructure, much of which is buried deep underground. Another spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, said the military would take extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians and that residents would be allowed to return when the war is over. Hamas militants operate in civilian areas, where Israel has long accused them of using Palestinians as human shields. The camouflage of the terrorists is the civil population, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said at a news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Therefore, we need to separate them. So those who want to save their life, please go south. But U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it would be impossible to stage such an evacuation without devastating humanitarian consequences. He called on Israel to rescind any such orders, saying they could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation. Palestinians in Gaza grapple with nowhere to go Many Palestinians in Gaza still struggled with indecision, not knowing whether to leave or stay. Gaza City resident Khaled Abu Sultan at first didnt believe the evacuation order was real, and now isnt sure whether to evacuate his family to the south. We dont know if there are safe areas there, he said. We dont know anything. Another family contacted friends and relatives in southern Gaza seeking shelter, but then changed their minds. Many expressed concern they would not be able to return or be gradually displaced to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. More than half of the Palestinians in Gaza are the descendants of refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation, when hundreds of thousands fled or were expelled from what is now Israel. For many, the mass evacuation order dredged up fears of a second expulsion. Already, at least 423,000 people nearly one in five Gazans have been forced from their homes by Israeli airstrikes, the U.N. said Thursday. Where is the sense of security in Gaza? Is this what Hamas is offering us? said one resident, Tarek Mraish, standing by an avenue as vehicles flowed by. What has Hamas done to us? It brought us catastophe, he said, using the same Arabic word nakba used for the 1948 displacement. The U.N. estimated that tens of thousands had fled homes in the north by Friday night. Hospitals struggle with patients Gazas Health Ministry said it was impossible to evacuate the many wounded from hospitals, which are already struggling with high numbers of dead and injured. We cannot evacuate hospitals and leave the wounded and sick to die, spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra said. Farsakh, of the Palestinian Red Crescent, said some medics were refusing to abandon patients and were instead calling colleagues to say goodbye. We have wounded, we have elderly, we have children who are in hospitals, she said. Al Awda Hospital was struggling to evacuate dozens of patients and staff after the military contacted it and told it do so by Friday night, said the aid group Doctors Without Borders, known as MSF, which supports the facility. The military extended the deadline to Saturday morning, it said. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, also said it would not evacuate its schools, where hundreds of thousands have taken shelter. But it relocated its headquarters to southern Gaza, according to spokesperson Juliette Touma. The scale and speed of the unfolding humanitarian crisis is bone-chilling. Gaza is fast becoming a hellhole and is on the brink of collapse, said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWAs commissioner general. Israel says responsibility in Gaza lies with Hamas Pressed by reporters on whether the army would protect hospitals, U.N. shelters and other civilian locations, Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, warned, Its a war zone. Hagari added: If Hamas prevents residents from evacuating, the responsibility lies with them. The U.N. had said the evacuation order it received gave Palestinians 24 hours to move, but the military told the AP there was no formal deadline. Clive Baldwin a senior legal adviser at the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said ordering a million people in Gaza to evacuate, when theres no safe place to go, is not an effective warning." The roads are rubble, fuel is scarce, and the main hospital is in the evacuation zone, he said. "World leaders should speak up now before it is too late. Egypt has been alarmed by the potential of tens of thousands of Palestinians flooding out of Gaza into its Sinai Peninsula. It has moved thousands of security forces toward the border to prevent a breach, a senior Egyptian security official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters. At the same time, it is trying to negotiate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Egypts Rafah crossing, the only entry not controlled by Israel, has been closed because of airstrikes. The evacuation order was taken as a further signal of an already expected Israeli ground offensive, though no such decision has been announced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. His government is under intense public pressure to topple the group rather than merely bottle it up in Gaza as it has for years. A visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, along with shipments of weapons, offered a powerful green light for Israel to drive ahead with its retaliation. Defense Secretary Austin, who met with Israeli leaders Friday, reiterated the United States ironclad support for Israel, saying military assistance would flow in at the speed of war. Still, a ground offensive in densely populated and impoverished Gaza would likely bring even higher casualties on both sides in brutal house-to-house fighting. Israeli shelling along Lebanon border kills 1 journalist, wounds 6 An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon on Friday, killing a Reuters videographer and injuring six other journalists. An Associated Press photographer at the scene saw the body of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and the six who were wounded, some of whom were rushed to hospitals in ambulances. Images from the scene showed a charred car. We are deeply saddened to tell you that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed, the Reuters news agency said in a statement. The agency added that Abdallah was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon that was providing a live signal. Reuters said that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the shelling in the border area. Qatars Al-Jazeera TV, said two of its employees, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, also were among the wounded. Frances international news agency, Agence France-Presse, said two of its journalists also were among the wounded, but the agency did not release their names. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in a statement condemned Israel's shelling that struck the journalists during its aggression on southern Lebanon. Photos: Scenes from the Israel-Hamas war According to a complaint filed just over a week prior to its closure, the west Omaha restaurant, bar and live music venue Barrel & Vine owed a total of more than $16 million in unpaid rent and construction costs. Barrel & Vine abruptly announced it had permanently closed on Tuesday. A complaint first filed Oct. 2 alleges the business had operational problems, cash-flow issues and a lack of business since it opened in August 2021. The complaint was filed by Andrew Mallory of AMC Industrial, who is a part owner of 204 Holdings Inc, the company that owns the property where Barrel & Vine was located at 1311 S. 203rd St. James Jimmy Prchal of Omaha and Aaron McKeever of Arizona formed 204 Holdings LLC around November 2018 and used it to purchase the property near South 204th and Pacific streets for over $2 million, according to an updated complaint filed Thursday. Prchal and McKeever also formed Barrel & Vine LLC, the company that would own the restaurant, in June 2018. They were shared owners of Barrel & Vine until McKeever sold, transferred or divested all of his shares in the company in May 2022, making Prchal the sole managing member. Construction of Barrel & Vine and the Dalmore Apartments that also were built on the property began in 2020. Mallory, as owner of AMC Construction, performed $800,000 worth of construction work at the property, including concrete flatwork, according to the complaint. According to the complaint, Prchal, McKeever and GMA offered Mallory to become a 10% owner in 204 Holdings in exchange for $600,000 worth of the work. Prchal and McKeever told Mallory that his investments would be a slam dunk, that he would be repaid for his $600,000 worth of work and that he would receive a substantial return on his investment, the complaint said. Though Mallory continues to hold a 10% interest in the company through AMC Industrial, he was never repaid the $600,000, according to the complaint. McKeever at one point transferred his ownership in 204 Holdings to his company GMA Enterprises LLC, the complaint said. After December 2020, Prchal, McKeever and/or GMA began transferring, selling and/or divesting ownership interests in 204 Holdings for hundreds of thousands of dollars without the knowledge or approval of the other owners, the complaint alleges. That resulted in McKeever and GMA no longer being owners of the company and Prchal with just a 12% ownership share of the company. Prchal, with approval from McKeever and/or GMA, signed lease agreements on behalf of both B&V and 204 Holdings, according to the complaint. The terms of the release were created to have improperly favorable lease terms to B&V instead of 204 Holdings and contain below-market lease rates for the B&V Rental Space, the complaint alleges. As a result, 204 Holdings has lost significant rental income and profits. The complaint also alleges that Barrel & Vine has failed to pay rent to 204 Holdings for several months, costing 204 Holdings more than $60,000. Prchal, McKeever and GMA also took hundreds of thousands of dollars from 204 Holdings to pay for tenant improvements at Barrel & Vine, the complaint alleges. Prchal also withdrew and commingled large amounts of 204 Holdings monetary assets for his own personal financial dealings, the complaint states. Two construction deeds of trust have been recorded against the property that total over $15 million that Prchal, McKeever and GMA have failed to pay and have now been in default for several months, accruing thousands of dollars of interest each month and making the property ripe for foreclosure, the complaint alleges. Multiple construction liens that total over $1 million have also been filed against the property, because McKeever and GMA failed to pay one or more contractors, subcontractors or vendors for construction costs for the property, the complaint alleges. The World-Herald was not able to reach Barrel & Vine for comment Thursday afternoon. GRAND ISLAND A woman died in an explosion Friday morning at the Hornady Manufacturing plant west of Grand Island, according to Hall County Attorney Marty Klein. The explosion occurred in the chemical compound building at 8350 W. Old Potash Highway. Klein's release on the incident listed it as a Wood River address. The woman died at the scene, Klein said. Klein said he was told there were no other injuries. The Grand Island Fire Department transported one person from the scene, said Battalion Chief Phil Thomas. "We sent two ambulances out there and we transported one," he said. Klein said the woman who died was not the one transported by ambulance. The Hall County Sheriff's Office and State Fire Marshal's office remained on the scene Friday afternoon investigating the cause of the explosion. In addition to Grand Island, fire departments from Cairo and Wood River responded to the explosion. Top Journal Star photos for October 2023 UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA UNION GROVE The public is invited to learn about dementia at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, or 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at Yorkville United Methodist Church, 17645 Old Yorkville Road. Kimberly Meitner, dementia care specialist with the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Racine County, is the speaker. For more information, call 262-878-2388. HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP SOMERS Adventures in Lifelong Learning, an organization of mostly retired people ages 55 and older, is hosting a lecture about sleep disorders in the elderly and how to get a good nights sleep at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, The Rita, Room L131. Its estimated that 40-70% of Americans over 65 have some sleep problems, including insomnia, chronic obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome; although up to 50% arent diagnosed. Sleep disorders not only affect mental and physical quality of life, but are associated with other diseases. Alfred Habel MD, director of the Sleep Lab at Froedtert South will discuss how to evaluate and treat these problems. Annual membership in ALL is $50 and includes access to lectures, focus groups, classes and day trips at a cost. Learn more at www.uwp.edu/ALL or by calling 262-595-2793. AURORA OFFERS CLASSES BURLINGTON Aurora Health Care is offering these classes: Free Blood Pressure Clinic 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. every Wednesday. To make an appointment, call 262-767-8000. Exercise class 3:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12 19, 26. Wisconsin Parkinson Association Movement and Music Exercise Classes are free and held in Classroom C at Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. The classes incorporate stretches, strength training, posture, balance and walking drills, as well as vocal exercises. Modifications will be provided to ensure a safe and effective setting for all participants. Caregivers also are welcome. To register, email maryw@wiparkinson.org or call 414-430-3561. Stroke Support Group 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in Classroom C, lower level, at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center. This free group provides emotional support through opportunities to interact with other who have experienced stroke. Informational programs also will be provided about topics related to stroke/brain attack. The group welcomes individuals newly diagnosed, as well as those with a history of stroke. To register, visit aurora.org/events, call 800-499-5736 or email communityeducation@aah.org. Memory Cafe 9:30-10:30 a.m., Oct. 20 and Nov. 17 at Aurora Wellness Center, Classroom C. The free Memory Cafe is a comfortable social gathering that allows people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize and build new support networks. For information, or first-time attendees, contact Chad at 262-212-3596 or csutkay@touchinghearts.com. Walk with a Doc 8:30-9:30 a.m., Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. The topic for October is Whats in with Skin? (Sarah Kaldem N.P.), the topic for November is foot health and longevity (Kevin Liberty DPM) and the topic for December is fitness and low back pain connection (Dr. Mark Dull, chiropractor). Walk with a Doc is free and no registration is required. Participants should meet in the front entrance vestibule by the flagpole at Burlington High School. Infant CPR & Safety 6-7:15 p.m. Oct. 25, Nov. 29 and Dec. 27 via Zoom. This non-certification class is recommended for families with infants and small children to learn rescue breathing, CPR, safe sleep guidelines, SIDS reduction strategies and infant/child safety. To register visit aurora.org/events. Stepping On Workshop 1-3 p.m. Mondays, through Oct. 30 at Aurora Wellness Center, Classroom C, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. This free workshop is for those age 60-plus who live independently and can help participants avoid dangerous and costly falls. Attendees will learn to identify and remove or avoid fall hazards both inside and outside their homes; how vision, hearing, medication and footwear affect their risk of falling; strength and balance exercises they can adapt to their individual level; and how to get back on their feet the right way if they do fall. To register, visit aurora.org/events or call 800-499-5736 for more information. Bringing Baby Home Nov. 2 via Zoom. This class helps families prepare for their baby by covering the essentials of caring for baby during the first few months, including feeding, diapering, comforting, sleep schedules, signs of illness and when to call the pediatrician. To register visit aurora.org/events. Breastfeeding Basics 7:30-9 p.m. Nov. 2 and 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 via Zoom. This course will help expectant mothers have a better breastfeeding experience by learning how to establish a healthy supply of milk; how to help baby latch; how to know if baby is getting enough milk; different breastfeeding positions and who to call if help is needed. To register visit aurora.org/events. Preparing for Labor and Birth 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15, and Dec. 13 and 20 via Zoom. This two-session class will teach expectant parents what they need to prepare for the childbirth experience, including anatomy, the process of labor and delivery, and medical and non-medical care options. Relaxation techniques for coping with contractions will be briefly practiced. To register, visit aurora.org/events. Nonprofit organizations can submit class/workshop press releases to to community@journaltimes.com. RACINE A man was charged with multiple drug crimes after members of the Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence. Dector Robinson, 59, faces charges including possession with intent to deliver cocaine (more than 40 grams), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (more than 50 grams), two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of narcotic drugs and possession of THC. The Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force was investigating Robinson for the sale of illegal controlled substances, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint said on Oct. 5, a search warrant was executed the task force executed a search warrant at Robinsons residence in the 1800 block of Roosevelt Avenue. Before the search warrant was executed, Robinson was stopped in his vehicle on Yout Street near Carter Street, according to the criminal complaint. Investigators said Robinson was the only person in the vehicle. A 9 mm Taurus semi-automatic handgun, which allegedly was reported stolen in June, was found in the vehicle on a large amount of cash, the complaint said. In the center console, the responding officer allegedly found 11 pills, identified as hydrocodone and acetaminophen, in the center console. An investigator searched Robinson, who allegedly was holding 11 small plastic bags containing a suspected crack cocaine in a closed fist. The complaint said the substance tested positive for the presence of cocaine and fentanyl and weighed 4.8 grams. Robinson allegedly denied selling crack cocaine and told the investigator he did not know how the gun got in his vehicle, according to the complaint. Robinson had keys on him, which the complaint said were used to access his residence. According to the complaint, two adults and a toddler were at the house when members of the task force conducted the search. During the search, investigators found suspected controlled substances in the kitchen. A total of 173.9 grams of a white powder that later tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl was found above the kitchen sink, according to the complaint. Inside a cup near the sink, investigators founds two plastic bags weighing 40.4 grams that also tested positive for the presence of cocaine and fentanyl. On the table, members of the task force allegedly found eight baggies of an off-white chunky substance weighing 5.6 grams, which tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl. In the cabinet above the sink on a cutting tray, investigators found 2.3 grams of a white substance that tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl, the complaint said. Outside of the kitchen, investigators allegedly found seven boxes of miscellaneous ammunition in the closet of a bedroom identified as Robinsons and a 12-gauge shotgun in the closet of a different bedroom, according to the complaint. Investigators believe Robinson intended to sell the cocaine, based on the quantity, packing, and the cooking and cutting items found during the search. Robinson is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 19 for a preliminary hearing. 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 Xi calls on Jiangxi to write its chapter in Chinese modernization Xinhua) 17:32, October 13, 2023 Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) NANCHANG, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has called on east China's Jiangxi Province to write its chapter in Chinese modernization by tapping into its strengths and improving its weak points. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of the province from Oct. 10 to 13. Xi stressed the importance of emancipating the mind and making pioneering efforts. Jiangxi should firmly adhere to its positioning in creating a new development pattern, tap into its characteristics and strengths, and focus on a high-quality, green and low-carbon development, Xi said. He also called on the province to consolidate its foundations while developing new strengths, strive to lead both the promotion of high-quality development of old revolutionary base areas and the rise of the central region, and make sound efforts in advancing the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. During the inspection tour, Xi visited the cities of Jiujiang, Jingdezhen and Shangrao. He inspected the shoreline of the Yangtze River, local enterprises, a historical and cultural block and a village. On Tuesday afternoon, Xi visited a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang. He walked in the rain to inspect the landscape along the river embankment and asked about the water level, water quality and the work including flood control. After listening to briefings by local officials on the progress of relevant work, Xi called the Yangtze River "the bond" of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and underscored that all work to protect the river must be undertaken from a perspective of a community of life featuring harmony between humanity and nature and the sustainable development of the Chinese nation. Xi then inspected Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about the enterprise's efforts to build green and intelligent factories as well as promote energy conservation, and reduce pollution and carbon emissions. He stressed continuous efforts to push forward digital and intelligent transformation to build a world-leading refining and chemical enterprise that is eco-friendly and intelligent. The petrochemical industry is an important economic pillar, Xi told the company's staff, calling on them to make new contributions to China's energy security while advancing the high-quality development of the industry. On Wednesday morning, Xi visited the city of Jingdezhen, known as the "porcelain capital." At a historical and cultural block, Xi learned about the craftsmanship and procedures of porcelain making, and the efforts to maintain the inheritance, innovation and foreign exchanges of ceramic culture. Noting that fine traditional Chinese culture has survived uninterrupted since ancient times, Xi stressed that porcelain is both a treasure and calling card of the Chinese nation. He underscored that talent from various sectors should aid design and R&D innovation across the porcelain industry to further amplify the name of the "millennium porcelain capital." Then Xi went to AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd., where he inspected a helicopter general assembly workshop and a pilot station. Noting that aviation equipment forms an important part of China's manufacturing development, Xi asked the corporation to pursue an innovation-driven approach, invest more energy in independent R&D in key and core technologies, strive to establish an advanced manufacturing system and develop itself into a first-class global helicopter company. On Wednesday afternoon, Xi visited a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao City, which is situated in the center area of the national wetland park for the source of the Raohe River. There, he learned about the park and its wildlife conservation efforts. Xi also talked with teachers and students of a fine arts college painting at the village square, encouraging them to study hard to hone their craft. Learning that remarkable progress has been achieved in advancing local signature tourism, the tea industry and rural revitalization, Xi voiced delight, and noted that the beautiful natural environment is in itself high-quality natural endowments for advancing rural revitalization. The key to rural revitalization lies in strong primary-level Party organizations, he said, calling on such organizations to play a leading role in increasing rural incomes and ensure the solid implementation of the policies formulated by the Party for the benefit of people. Chinese modernization encompasses the modernization of both urban areas and the agricultural sector and rural areas, Xi told villagers. He expressed the hope that they would effectively protect nature while integrating the traditional image of the village with modern elements to make the village more beautiful. During his inspection, Xi was also briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Jiangxi, and he lauded the achievements that the province has made in various fields. He called on Jiangxi to actively prepare for the next generation of industries and build a modern industrial system with the region's distinct features and strengths. Jiangxi should nurture a number of high-tech industries, foster nationally influential industrial clusters and develop the digital economy while firmly following the path of ecological protection and green development and pursuing all-round green transition, he said. Xi stressed that Jiangxi should become a pacesetter of reform and opening-up in the inland areas, develop the port economy, promote the construction of key cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and nurture regional logistics hubs and commercial centers. He asked Jiangxi to coordinate with and serve the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and get deeply involved in joint efforts to advance the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi urged Jiangxi to deepen reform in key areas, improve the business environment, and expand institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. Priority should be given to the development of the agricultural sector and rural areas, which should be modernized at a faster pace, he said, calling for firmly maintaining the bottom line of food security and further industrializing the agricultural sector. The fruits of reform and development must be shared by the people in old revolutionary base areas, which is a bottom-line task in realizing common prosperity for all, Xi said, stressing efforts to strengthen the implementation of the employment-first policy, and improve public services and the social security system. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Sinopec Jiujiang Company in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 10, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Jiujiang in east China's Jiangxi Province on Tuesday. Xi inspected a section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park located in the urban area of Jiujiang and also Sinopec Jiujiang Company, where he learned about local efforts in the construction of the park, the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline, and the petrochemical company's transformation and upgrading toward green development. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, talks with villagers at a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, talks with villagers at a village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 11, 2023. Xi inspected Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province on Wednesday. Xi visited a historical and cultural block and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd. in Jingdezhen, as well as a village in Wuyuan County in Shangrao. He learned about the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Photo: The Canadian Press People watch the moon passes between earth and the sun during a rare "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun Saturday in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. UPDATE: 11:05 a.m. Cheers erupted among crowds in Oregon and New Mexico on Saturday as a rare ring of fire eclipse of the sun that had millions across the Americas waiting with anticipation began putting on a spectacular show. With the presence of cloudy skies, a NASA livestream of the phenomenon reported it in Eugene, Oregon, shortly after 9:15 a.m. local time. This came over an hour after a partial eclipse set in. For the small towns and cities along its narrow path, there was a mix of excitement, worries about the weather and concerns they'd be overwhelmed by visitors flocking to see the celestial event, also called an annular solar eclipse. Clouds and fog threatened to obscure the view of the eclipse in some western states, including California and Oregon. As totality began in Eugene, Oregon, oohs and ahs combined with groans of disappointment as the eclipse was intermittently visible, the suns light poking through the cloud cover from behind the moon only at times. In New Mexico, the sky was crystal clear, giving tens of thousands of spectators an unfettered view. They got a double treat since the eclipse coincided with an international balloon fiesta that draws close to 100,000 spectators for early morning mass ascensions of hundreds of colorful hot air balloons. Organizers gave out 80,000 pairs of viewing glasses Saturday morning. There were hoots, hollers and yelps as the ring formed and hot air balloon pilots used their propane burners to shoot flames upward. Allan Hahn of Aurora, Colorado, has attended the festival for 34 years, first as a crew member and then as a licensed balloon pilot. His balloon, Heaven Bound Too, was one of 72 selected for a special glow performance as skies darkened during the eclipse. Its very exciting to be here and have the convergence of our love of flying with something very natural like an eclipse, he said. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesnt completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. Saturdays path: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the U.S., with a sliver of California, Arizona and Colorado. Next: Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere gets a partial eclipse. The celestial event brought eclipse watchers from around the U.S. to remote corners of the country to try to get the best view possible. At Bryce Canyon national park in southern Utah tiny lights could be seen along a well known trail that snakes through a valley of red rock hoodoos as eclipse enthusiasts hit the trail before sunrise to stake out their preferred spots in nooks and crannies along the way. I just think it's one of those things that unites us all, said John Edwards, a cancer drug developer who traveled alone across the country to try to watch the eclipse from Bryce Canyon. I just think it's seeing these unique experiences that come rarely is what got me here. This is about as rare as it gets. Viewing all depends on clear skies part of the U.S. path could see clouds. NASA and other groups livestreamed it. Viewers on the East Coast were prepared to see less of the event close to a quarter eclipse around midday in some areas, such as New York City but were nonetheless geared up to watch the skies. In Maine, viewers expected to see only about 12% of the sun covered, but the Clark Telescope on the grounds of the Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine was open to the public. The planetarium sold safety glasses for $2 to encourage safe viewing, said Shawn Laatsch, director of the Versant Power Astronomy and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium As the Moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it casts its shadow on our planet, said Laatsch. In a very real sense, solar eclipses are made in the shade of the moon. Colombias Tatacoa desert was playing host to astronomers helping a group of visually impaired people experience the eclipse through raised maps and temperature changes as the moon blots out the sun. At the Cancun Planetarium, young visitors built box projectors to indirectly and safely view the ring of fire. The ancient Maya who called eclipses broken sun may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes, said archeologist Arturo Montero of Tepeyac University in Mexico City. Towns and national parks in the path braced for a huge throngs. Officials in Oregon's Klamath County urged residents to stock up on groceries and fill their gas tanks in case traffic backs up on its two-lane highways. Utah's Bryce Canyon expected Saturday to be the park's busiest day of the year, and officials at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque said it was likely a record crowd. Brazil's Pedra da Boca state park, known for its rocky outcrops for climbing and rappelling was also expecting crowds. The entire eclipse from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until its back to normal is 2 1/2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion lasts from three to five minutes, depending on location. Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the U.S. in the opposite direction. That one will begin in Mexico and go from Texas to New England before ending in eastern Canada. The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica gets one in 2026. It will be 2039 before another ring of fire is visible in the U.S., and Alaska will be the only state in its direct path. ORIGINAL: 6:25 a.m. A rare ring of fire eclipse of the sun cuts across the Americas on Saturday, stretching from Oregon to Brazil, and huge crowds were on the move before dawn in cities, rural areas and national parks to try to catch a glimpse of it. Residents in southwestern British Columbia may be able to see the eclipse as well, weather permitting. The event is known as a ring-of-fire eclipse, where the moon passes in front of the sun but doesnt completely cover it, leaving a fiery rim around the dark moon. The eclipse starts at 8:08 a.m., peaks at about 9:20 a.m. and will be finished by 10:38 a.m. in Vancouver, though the weather forecast may be a damper for viewers. Environment Canada is predicting clouds and showers in much of southwest B.C., where the moon will block out 70 to 80 per cent of the sun, while the rest of the province will see 50 to 70 per cent coverage. Should the weather interfere, Laura Flinn, a physics instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, says North Americans don't have long to wait for their next shot at seeing the phenomenon. A complete solar eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024, and will be viewable over parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. For the small towns and cities along its narrow path, there was a mix of excitement, worries about the weather and concerns they'd be overwhelmed by visitors flocking to see the celestial event, also called an annular solar eclipse. Clouds and fog threatened to obscure the view of the eclipse in some western states, including California and Oregon. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesnt completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. Saturdays path: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the U.S., with a sliver of California, Arizona and Colorado. Next: Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere gets a partial eclipse. The celestial event brought eclipse watchers from around the U.S. to remote corners of the country to try to get the best view possible. At Bryce Canyon national park in southern Utah tiny lights could be seen along a well known trail that snakes through a valley of red rock hoodoos as eclipse enthusiasts hit the trail before sunrise to stake out their preferred spot I just think it's one of those things that unites us all, said John Edwards, a cancer drug developer who traveled alone across the country to try to watch the eclipse from Bryce Canyon. I just think it's seeing these unique experiences that come rarely is what got me here. This is about as rare as it gets. Viewing all depends on clear skies part of the U.S. path could see clouds. NASA and other groups planned to livestream it. With a chance of rain in its forecast, the small town of Reedsport near Oregon's Pacific Coast moved its eclipse festival inside so that a bounce house and games wouldnt get soaked in the mud. "But were still hoping that we might get a glimpse of it, said city official Rosa Solano. Weather was less of a concern in tiny Baker, Nevada, where the population hovers around 100. Inn and general store owner Liz Woolsey made T-shirts and planned a slate of activities including a drum circle and a dance party. Her seven rooms have been booked for over a year. For a little place, were putting on a good show," said Woolsey, who became an eclipse enthusiast after seeing the 2017 total solar eclipse that swept the U.S. from coast to coast. Viewers on the East Coast were prepared to see less of the event close to a quarter eclipse around midday in some areas, such as New York City but were nonetheless geared up to watch the skies. In Maine, viewers expected to see only about 12% of the sun covered, but the Clark Telescope on the grounds of the Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine was open to the public. The planetarium was selling safety glasses for $2 Saturday to encourage safe viewing, said Shawn Laatsch, director of the Versant Power Astronomy and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium As the Moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it casts its shadow on our planet, said Laatsch. In a very real sense, solar eclipses are made in the shade of the moon. Tens of thousands could get a double treat in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For the city's annual air balloon fiesta, which ends this weekend, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons lift off around dawn, hours before the eclipse briefly dims the skies. Colombias Tatacoa desert was playing host to astronomers helping a group of visually impaired people experience the eclipse through raised maps and temperature changes as the moon blots out the sun. At the Cancun Planetarium, young visitors built box projectors to indirectly and safely view the ring of fire. The ancient Maya who called eclipses broken sun may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes, said archeologist Arturo Montero of Tepeyac University in Mexico City. Towns and national parks in the path braced for a huge throngs. Officials in Oregon's Klamath County urged residents to stock up on groceries and fill their gas tanks in case traffic backs up on its two-lane highways. Utah's Bryce Canyon expected Saturday to be the park's busiest day of the year, spokesperson Peter Densmore said. Brazil's Pedra da Boca state park, known for its rocky outcrops for climbing and rappelling was also expecting crowds. The entire eclipse from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until its back to normal is 2 1/2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion lasts from three to five minutes, depending on location. Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the U.S. in the opposite direction. That one will begin in Mexico and go from Texas to New England before ending in eastern Canada. The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica gets one in 2026. It will be 2039 before another ring of fire is visible in the U.S., and Alaska will be the only state in its direct path. KEARNEY Nawa aw ki taw tho. That Pawnee word of welcome summed up the joyful homecoming of the Pawnee people to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and its adjacent historical park last Saturday. 'Nawa' means hello in Pawnee, Adrian Spottedhorsechief told nearly 200 people at a gala lunch under a tent. I have heard stories about our homelands in Nebraska. Today I am thankful for the recognition. Then came a blessing in both Pawnee and English from Pawnee leader Warren Pratt. Even before the ceremonies began, Deb Echo-Hawk, Pawnee Keeper-of-the-Seeds, broke into a broad smile. Am having a good time? Are you kidding? I hope I can truly express the thank-yous that I have today, she said. Officially, this Share the History, Share the Harvest event celebrated the Pawnee Scouts, whom the U.S. Army paid to keep Nebraska safe for settlers from the Lakota Sioux and the Cheyenne from 1864-71. Gov. Jim Pillen declared Oct. 7 Pawnee Scouts Military Service Day. But it also recognized central Nebraska farmers who have been growing Pawnee corn for 20 years. Centuries ago, the Pawnee were the first corn-growers this nation ever had. Early this year, Gene Hunt, superintendent at Fort Kearny, casually suggested holding an event to mark that 20th anniversary. The idea took off. Broc Anderson, community engagement director at the Buffalo County Historical Society, suggested inviting Pawnee people. Ronnie OBrien, a leader in the Pawnee corn project, talked about it with Echo Hawk. Things began snowballing, Hunt said. The committee also included retired Kearney Hub reporter Lori Potter. This is one of the most historic things to ever take place at this park, Hunt said. Buffalo and beans The day began with a living history exhibit of a Pawnee harvest station and pioneer customs. Next came an invitation-only lunch attended by more than 100 Pawnee, guests, and local farmers who grow Pawnee corn. The menu was something the Pawnee would have eaten, OBrien said, including buffalo from Fort Robinson State Park, and spotted-like-a-horse beans with a bit of squash and corn thrown in. Wild potatoes, grown at CSS Farms north of Kearney, were boiled by OBrien with the skin on and then sliced in half, as is Pawnee custom. The watermelon was grown by Hunt over the summer, using seeds from the Arikara, a sister tribe of the Pawnee. Pawnee history After the meal came speeches. Everything here sits on top of our ancestors, Adrian Spottedhorsechief, a retired teacher of Pawnee history and languages, told the crowd. Although they live in Oklahoma now, the Pawnee consider this region their homeland. They originally came from an area around the Republican, Platte and Loup rivers. They have lived here for 1,000 years. The Pawnee had no written language, Instead, we put our stories into songs. Those songs tell about holy things, history and culture, Spottedhorsechief said. The tribe met its first non-native people, the Spanish, in 1542. They looked like aliens. They had armor. he said. They also brought horses, which the Pawnee had never seen before. The Pawnee attacked the Spanish and got their first horses. Little by little, more people came, and we tried to make alliances, but conflict erupted as American settlers began to occupy Pawnee hunting grounds. Clashes increased with the Sioux to the north. Smallpox and cholera brought by European settlers ravaged the tribe. The U.S. government negotiated land with the Pawnee, and starting in 1833, the tribes lands slowly began to diminish. They lost more land in 1848 and 1857. As the Civil War wound down, the U.S. government recruited and paid the Pawnee to protect the settlers and the railroads on the Plains against Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne. These men became known as the Pawnee Scouts and were based at Fort Kearny and given a uniform, a hat and a rifle. The Pawnee moved faster than U.S. soldiers and knew the land intimately. Because they never fought against the U.S., some tribes considered them traitors. We risked a lot for this country because we wanted to keep our homeland. Other tribes pushed in from the east. The U.S. forced them here, and we had to fight for our resources, Spottedhorsechief said We never lost a battle. We never left a man behind, he said proudly. He is a direct descendant of Pawnee Scout Ruling Hissun. Spottedhorsechief said the Pawnee had been promised they could keep their homeland, but in 1875, they ceded their lands here and moved to what is now Pawnee County, Okla. Today, there are more than 3,000 members of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. Nearly 2,000 people live in the town of Pawnee. Gratitude and gifts The Pawnee were deeply touched by the invitation to come home. Gratitude and gifts were exchanged between the Pawnee and Nebraskans. Welcome home. This is your land. Thank you for letting us be here, Major Kevin Rose, state employment director of the Nebraska Army National Guard, said. He said he still proudly wears the insignia of the Pawnee Scouts. Rose presented a framed plaque to Pat Leading Fox, head of the Pawnee Nations Chiefs Council. You kept peace on the prairie. Your fearless warrior spirit lives on, Rose said. The crowd applauded, and some of the Pawnee whooped, as is their custom. State Sen. John Lowe gazed over the 100 Pawnee present and quipped, Did you leave anybody back in Pawnee? Lowe said his great-grandfather helped establish Fort Kearny: He thought history was important. Today were passing that on to our children not through social media, but by talking." He presented Leading Fox with Pillens proclamation, which praised the obedient, well-behaved troops, unequaled riders who knew the country thoroughly. They never got sick, never deserted and were careful with their horses. The document also said the Union Pacific Railroad called the Pawnee indispensable in guarding the railroads in the summers of 1867 and 1868. That statement brought applause and whoops, too. We must continue a much larger journey of listening, learning, building relationships and advocating for and with the Pawnee Nation, Anderson, who emceed the luncheon, said. Time to dance After lunch, the crowd moved to a grassy area for dances. Flags were solemnly brought in by the Pawnee Color Guard, which included Pawnee veterans, Pawnee Indian Veterans President Pius Spottedhorsechief and the Nebraska Army National Guard. Six Pawnee men formed a circle in the center and beat on drums. Dancers came in, slowly and majestically, the women in skirts and shawls and some of the men in traditional garb. Periodically, Adrian Spottedhorsechief and Warren Pratt interpreted songs and more. The Pawnee wear bear claw necklaces to prove yourself in battle and to face death, Pratt said. Grizzlies once lived on the Great Plains, and our ancestors used them to show great deal of power. Men wore buckskin leggings and eagle feathers, which are sacred because the eagle flies close to the Creator in the heavens, Pratt said. Pawnee sign language was demonstrated, too. Its universally understood by a lot of tribes, but there arent many fluent (Pawnee) speakers anymore, Pratt said. The youngest dancers included Gunny Attocknie, 12, Andy Pratt, 10, and Adrian Anderson, 12. Adrian learned dances from his grandfather, and by watching. "It reminds me of who I am, he said. Gunny said dancing is a way to honor his ancestors. Lorenzo Beard danced in full Pawnee regalia: deerskin leggings, beaded moccasins, and a bracelet of deer toes around his knees. Some dancers wear bells, but I like the sound of these, he said. He wore a breastplate made of real hairpot bones, which came at one time from buffalo, and a bear claw necklace. His headdress was made of porcupine quills and deer tail. Not far away, Adrian Spottedhorsechief was selling necklaces, chokers, earrings and more. He said his sales were crazy. He added, I always have a good time in Nebraska. This is our homeland. Its always beautiful to hear stories about Fort Kearney and to know my ancestors lived here, too. Leah Vannoy, a Pawnee woman, said she felt a great sense of belonging at Fort Kearny. This is coming home, she said. Vannoy is a descendant of William Riding In, a chief she believes was a Pawnee Scout. Even though she wasnt born when the Pawnee lost their land nearly 150 years ago, she said she still has trauma stemming from that loss. Now, at age 50, she is studying journalism at Pawnee Nation College and learning to use my voice to share my journey of healing. I want that for all people, not just mine, she said. The spirit here is amazing. Everyone is so welcoming. There is no negative undercurrent. When I dance, I pray. This is a day I have to remember. When I dance, I pray. Thats what Pawnee member Leah Vannoy told me Saturday morning. Now, as I watched Vannoy and other Pawnee tribe dancers circling slowly around the six drummers Saturday afternoon at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, I thought about those words. I also thought about how our schools teach American history and deftly sidestep around the fact that native people were here long, long, long before the Europeans. I realized that truth for the first time I visited my cousin Joe and his Hopi wife Janice on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona more than 30 years ago. That visit was like shoving back the Wizard of Ozs curtain. I realized that the Indians (a term Joe prefers) were here centuries before the Europeans, and they still are. In the Southwest, that heritage lingers visibly. Head to Chaco Canyon, inhabited around 1000-1200 AD. Visit Mesa Verde to see foundations of dwellings from the year 600. Study petroglyphs on canyon walls. Basketmaker cultures were thriving here thousands of years before Christopher Columbus was even born. Here in Nebraska and other states, weve stepped around that history. Ive been to the boarding school at Genoa, and I know that a bust of Ponca Chief Standing Bear was placed in Statuary Hall in the Capitol Rotunda in 2019, but those cultures, by and large, still sit on a dark closet shelf. Last Saturday at Fort Kearny, we welcomed the Pawnee home. We served them buffalo and spotted-like-a-horse beans. We shared stories and presented proclamations. I came alive. I sent Joe and Janice photos of the Pawnee dances, and as I watched and listened, I tried to find parallels with what Ive learned from my times at the Hopi Reservation. I remembered my first Hopi ceremony in 2006. I rose before dawn with Janice, went to the village of Shungopavi and stood outside a kiva at sunrise as kachinas emerged to greet the sun. Like the Hopi women, I wore a skirt and a shawl Janice had told me to bring. No pants. No jeans. Skirts, she said. At Hopi, kachina ceremonies are religious observances often taking place over two days. The Hopi believe that humans become spiritual beings, or kachinas, in those ceremonies. They wear elaborate apparel and striking masks and headdresses. Participants often fast for several days beforehand to prepare emotionally and spiritually. Id never seen anything like it. The centuries-old dancing, the clothing, the songs and the beliefs arose from a culture utterly foreign to me. I went back again and again, ascending rickety ladders with crowds of Hopi to stand silently on the flat roofs of the adobe pueblos to watch these spiritual ceremonies. Nobody talked. Photography was forbidden. The kachinas would smash the cell phones of anyone violating that rule. Joe cautioned us bahanas (white people) to space ourselves out. Dont clump all together, he said. That would feel intrusive to the Hopi. Just shut up and watch, he said. I stayed quiet. I learned about the year-long cycle that starts in late December when the kachinas return. I saw the Buffalo Dance and the Bean Dance, when kachinas visit homes and scold tots who are disobeying their parents. I saw the Home Dance, when the kachinas danced out of the village, disappeared around a bend and returned to their far-away spiritual home for five months. We Anglos dont understand it. One weekend when I was visiting Joe, a bewildered group of bahanas who had come to see a dance just couldnt grasp the concepts. Finally, a Hopi friend patiently explained that its like believing in Santa Claus, except they dont abandon that belief after childhood. They cling to it through adulthood. When I lived in New Mexico eight years ago, I went to ceremonies in pueblo villages like Ohkay Owingeh and San Ildefonso. I keep watching, learning, respecting, trying to piece it all together as I did last Saturday. It never gets old. This week, as Joe and I emailed back and forth about the Pawnee event, he sent a photo of a recent Hopi wedding payback event. It showed his wife Janice the main soo, or grandmother leading a group of people in Shungopavi. She wore a shawl like the Pawnee women wore when they danced last Saturday. Then, in typical Joe fashion, he slipped in a joke: How do you make antifreeze? Take away her shawl. Here is why I am in favor of a government shut down: We are now on track to have paid more in net interest costs this year than on the entire military, says Richard Stern, director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at the Heritage Foundation. That is yet more debt to pay the credit card fees on the old debt a vicious cycle. This feedback loop of spending pulls more and more money out of the hands of hardworking Americans, stifling the creation of new businesses and pushing families further into the hole of inflation taxes. Our national debt in 2000 was 5.64 trillion dollars. In 2023, our national debt will be north of $33 trillion dollars. Keep in mind, if you spend a million dollars a day it will take you 2,700 years to spend one trillion dollars. Our government spent 27.36 TRILLION more than the taxes they took in over 23 years. Covid was just another reason to spend on top of all the other crazy spending (most of which we now know could have been completely avoided). In addition, the social security trust fund will start paying out more than it takes in somewhere between 2030 and 2033 (if you are AOC dont worry about it the changing climate will end the earth by then anyway-how many times have I heard that over my 66 years?). At some point we must change course, and now is as good a time as any as far as I am concerned. Come November when the next crisis comes rolling in this country needs to make some decisions about our spending. Mark Stalker, Kenosha Faith Lutheran Church of Blackhammer will host a meatball dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. The church is located at 16013 County 4, Spring Grove. The menu includes meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, cole slaw, bun/lefse and desserts. Carry-outs are available. The price is $13 for adults and $5 for those 6-12 years old. Dick and Lucia Wolfs home in Monroe County was a family affair. Dicks father bought the land in the town of Grant, and Dick built the home along with his two brothers. Dick and Lucia then bought the brothers share of the property and made it their permanent home after moving from Janesville in 1992. The couple took pride in the house, which sat on 11 acres. A lot of it is because we built it ourselves, Dick said. Little warning On April 12, with little warning, three decades of memories burned to the ground. The home was destroyed by a fire that started a day earlier at Fort McCoy and damaged 3,000 acres of mostly woodland within the 60,000-acre installation. The fire jumped from the installation and damaged at least three properties east of the fort. The Wolfs sustained the worst damage. Their house was a total loss, and their property sustained significant tree damage. Cleanup left behind a problematic brush pile that the couple doesnt want to burn. Lucia said there wasnt much time to evacuate. A sheriffs car flew into the driveway and he said, You have 10 minutes to get out of here, Lucia recalled. We packed up our dogs, papers and firearms and left. Dispute about cause The fires are a source of contention. They occurred while Fort McCoy was conducting prescribed burns on the installation. Last month, Fort McCoy released the results of an investigation that concluded the installation wasnt responsible for a fire that broke out April 12 and couldnt ascertain responsibility for a fire that broke out April 11. The investigators found the Fort McCoy prescribed burns conducted during the time in question complied with all applicable standards required to be conducted by a federal military installation, according to a Sept. 26 Fort McCoy press release. The investigation found that prudent measures were taken to mitigate the inherent risks associated with prescribed burns. The report ruled out lightning, troop training and operations as causes. A local fire chief cast doubt on the conclusions. Town of Lincoln Fire Department chief Mike Morphey, whose department serves the town of Grant, said last month that it was irresponsible for Fort McCoy to conduct controlled burns during that period. According to April 12 data from the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a high temperature of 90 degrees was recorded that day with a maximum wind speed of 23 mph, and no measurable precipitation had fallen since March 31. The report doesnt satisfy the Wolfs, who are rebuilding on the site. The couple believes Fort McCoy has an obligation to make them whole. It just irritated me that they denied responsibility again, Lucia said. Since the fire, Dick and Lucia stayed at the residence of Sandy Wood, who opened her home to the couple and their two dogs. They needed a place to go, and I had room, said Wood, whose residence is three miles from the Wolfs property. Rebuilding The Wolfs have already settled with their insurance company and started the process of locating a trailer on the existing site. The new home includes appliances and will have more living space, which the couple believes will be a big improvement. However, the couple worries whether insurance will cover all their expenses. By the time the house is paid for and ServPro is paid off, well be lucky to be able to buy a recliner, Lucia said. Dick also expressed concern. We dont know how were going to come out, he said. We may have to go back to the bank. Fort McCoy officials, including garrison commander Col. Stephen Messenger, met with homeowners Oct. 10 to discuss the claims process. The lawyer for Fort McCoy gave me his card and said he was sorry, Lucia said. Fort McCoy public affairs officer Tonya Townsell said Friday that anyone who believes he or she suffered a loss connected with the fire is encouraged to file a claim with the Army Claims Service. She said claims can be filed within two years of the incident date. Townsell said Fort McCoy wont be involved in the claims process. Fort McCoy is not adjudicating the claim, she said. The Army Claims Service is adjudicating the claim. Dick and Lucia cant imagine rebuilding anywhere else. Their land is an amphitheater for wildlife, including deer, birds, bobcats, foxes, coyotes and porcupines. One year, Dick said seven different bears paid a visit, including one that discovered it enjoyed playing on a swing. They hope the trailer is ready to occupy sometime next month. Despite losing their home, the couple is grateful they escaped unharmed with their two dogs. They are also grateful to Wood, who opened her home and heart to the couple when they needed a place to live. You couldnt find a better place to live other than your own home, Dick said. Lucia added, Its been just awesome, everything shes done. Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy Fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire Couple rebuilds after home destroyed by Fort McCoy fire WASHINGTON As soon as the federal pandemic relief started arriving at Americas schools, so did the relentless calls. Tech companies by the dozens wanted a chance to prove their software was what schools needed. Best of all, they often added, it wouldn't take a dime from district budgets: Schools could use their new federal money. They did, and at a tremendous scale. An Associated Press analysis of public records found many of the largest school systems spent tens of millions of dollars in pandemic money on software and services from tech companies, including licenses for apps, games and tutoring websites. Schools, however, have little or no evidence the programs helped students. Some of the new software was rarely used. The full scope of spending is unknown because the aid came with few reporting requirements. Congress gave schools a record $190 billion but didnt require them to publicly report individual purchases. The AP asked the nations 30 largest school districts for contracts funded by federal pandemic aid. About half provided records illuminating an array of software and technology, collectively called edtech. Others didn't respond or demanded fees for producing the records totaling thousands of dollars. Clark County schools in the Las Vegas area, for one, signed contracts worth at least $70 million over two years with 12 education technology consultants and companies. They include Achieve3000 (for a suite of learning apps), Age of Learning (for math and reading acceleration), Paper (for virtual tutoring) and Renaissance Learning (for learning apps Freckle and MyON). The pandemic sparked a boom for tech companies as schools went online. Revenue skyrocketed and investors poured billions into startups. At the same time, new marketing technology made it easier for companies to get school officials' attention, said Chris Ryan, who left a career in edtech to help districts use technology effectively. Equipped with automated sales tools, marketers bombarded teachers and school leaders with calls, emails and targeted ads. Its probably predatory, but at the same time, schools were looking for solutions, so the doors were open," Ryan said. At the school offices in rural Nekoosa, Wisconsin, the calls and emails made their way to business manager Lynn Knight. I understand that they have a job to do, but when money is available, its like a vampire smelling blood," she said. "Its unbelievable how many calls we got. The spending fed an industry in which research and evidence are scarce. That money went to a wide variety of products and services, but it was not distributed on the basis of merit or equity or evidence, said Bart Epstein, founder and former CEO of EdTech Evidence Exchange, a nonprofit that helps schools make the most of their technology. It was distributed almost entirely on the strength of marketing, branding and relationships. Many schools bought software to communicate with parents and teach students remotely. But some of the biggest contracts went to companies that promised to help kids catch up on learning. Clark County schools spent more than $7 million on Achieve3000 apps. Some were widely used, such as literacy app Smarty Ants for young students. Others were not. Less than half of elementary school students used Freckle, a math app that cost the district $2 million. When they did use it, sessions averaged less than five minutes. The district declined an interview request. Some Las Vegas parents say software shouldn't be a priority in a district with problems including aging buildings and more than 1,100 teacher vacancies. Whats the point of having all this software in place when you dont even have a teacher to teach the class? It doesnt make sense, said Lorena Rojas, who has two teens in the district. Education technology accounts for a relatively small piece of pandemic spending. Tech contracts released by Clark County amount to about 6% of its $1.2 billion in federal relief money. But nearly all schools spent some money on technology. As districts spend the last of their pandemic aid, there is no consensus on how well the investments paid off. The company Edmentum says Clark County students who used one of its programs did better on standardized tests. But a study of a ThinkCERCA literacy program found it had no impact on scores. A team of international researchers reported in September that edtech has generally failed to live up to its potential. With little regulation, companies have few incentives to prove their products work, according to the researchers at Harvard and universities in Norway and Germany. The federal government has done little to intervene. The Education Department urges schools to use technology with a proven track record and offers a rating system to assess a product's evidence. The lowest tier is a relatively easy target: Companies must demonstrate a rationale for the product, with plans to study its effectiveness. Yet studies find the vast majority of popular products fail to hit even that mark. There has never been anything close to a proper accounting of what has been spent on or how it was deployed, Epstein said. You can call it mismanagement, you can call it a lack of oversight, you can call it a crisis. There was a lot of it. Even before the pandemic, there was evidence that schools struggled to manage technology. A 2019 study by education technology company Glimpse K 12 found, on average, schools let 67% of their educational software licenses go unused. Ryan, the former edtech marketer, said that at the end of the day, no technology can guarantee results. Its like the Wild West, figuring this out, he said. And if you take a huge step back, what really works is direct instruction with a kid. How the pandemic worsened teaching vacancies across the US How the pandemic worsened teaching vacancies across the US Certain teaching roles significantly more difficult to fill TAMPA, Fla. In the wake of thousands of Florida manatee deaths in recent years, federal wildlife officials said they are launching a new scientific review to determine whether the animal should be reclassified as an endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the coming months will round up manatee data and decide whether the West Indian manatee species should be given bolstered protections under the federal Endangered Species Act. In 2017, federal wildlife officials downlisted manatees to a threatened species, a decision the agency claimed was based on improved population numbers. Many environmental advocacy groups have decried that decision as premature, especially after 1,100 animals died in 2021, many of them from a human-fueled seagrass famine. The announcement comes after a coalition of environmental groups in November petitioned the federal agency to go back to the drawing board and reconsider classifying the species as the manatee die-off unfolded in Floridas Indian River Lagoon, a 156-mile estuary on the Atlantic coast that has been plagued by nutrient pollution in recent decades. Pollution fueled by a cocktail of human influences through wastewater discharges, rainfall runoff laden with fertilizer and leaky septic tanks have contributed to more algal blooms in the Indian River Lagoon. Those blooms block sunlight seagrass needs to survive and thrive. Dying seagrass prompted the manatees to starve after months of emaciation and weakness. This finding by the Fish and Wildlife Service is a crucial step in manatees road to recovery, said Ben Rankin, who helped write the petition while at Harvard Universitys Animal Law & Policy Clinic. Scientists have documented overwhelming threats to manatees in recent years, and its heartening the government is taking action to respond, Rankin said in a prepared statement. The advocacy groups who petitioned the wildlife service pointed to the widespread seagrass loss in the Indian River Lagoon, and across Florida, as a reason why the manatee should once again be considered an endangered species. Between 2009 and 2021, the lagoon lost 75% of its seagrass, according to the St. Johns River Water Management District. Declining seagrass is not unique to Floridas east coast: Tampa Bay has lost 12% of its seagrass in just the past two years, state water managers found in a survey earlier this year. We are pleased that the Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes the need to reevaluate its ill-timed decision to downlist the Florida manatee, said Patrick Rose, an aquatic biologist and executive director of Save the Manatee Club. There can be no doubt that the Service needs to immediately rebuild its manatee recovery program through increased staffing and funding, Rose said in a prepared statement. Roses organization in November launched the petition along with the Center for Biological Diversity, Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper and Puerto Rican engineer Frank S. Gonzalez Garcia. Federal wildlife officials are already revising what is considered a critical habitat for the manatees in Florida, or a habitat thats crucial for the recovery of a species in trouble. According to federal law, the wildlife service has 12 months from when the petition was first filed to make its decision about reclassifying the manatee. Conservation groups expect a decision later this winter, according to Ragan Whitlock, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. At least 476 manatees have died statewide this year through early October, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data. That compares to 800 deaths in all of 2022 and 1,100 in 2021. Deaths so far this year have trended behind the five-year average of 650 deaths through Oct. 6. The wildlife service assures its upcoming review will be robust. We are committed to ensuring we are getting the most updated scientific information during this status review to protect and recover the species, said Mike Oetker, the acting regional director for the wildlife services Southeast region, in a prepared statement. The Service has a long history of working to save the manatee from extinction since it was one of the first species listed under the 1967 precursor to the Endangered Species Act. 25 endangered animals that live only in America 25 endangered animals that only live in America Salt marsh harvest mouse Utah prairie dog Red wolf Kauai cave wolf spider Laysan duck Yosemite toad Gunnison sage-grouse Devils Hole pupfish Fanshell Giant kangaroo rat Delta green ground beetle Jollyville Plateau salamander California condor American burying beetle Squirrel Chimney Cave shrimp Crested honeycreeper (Akohekohe) Red Hills salamander Louisiana pine snake Woundfin Alabama red-bellied turtle Bruneau Hot springsnail Mountain yellow-legged frog Flattened musk turtle Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard Northern Idaho ground squirrel DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Jurors on Friday cleared an Iowa man charged with murder in the shooting deaths of two students at a Des Moines alternative school, a month after another man was convicted for his role in the killings. Bravon Tukes, 20, was acquitted of two counts of first-degree murder and single counts of attempted murder, criminal gang participation and willful injury causing serious injury, according to the Des Moines Register. The decision came about a month after jurors found Preston Walls, 19, guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter and willful injury causing serious injury for his role in the Jan. 23 shooting at the Starts Right Here program. Prosecutors also had sought to convict Walls of first-degree murder. As the judge read the not guilty guilty verdicts, Tukes hugged one of his attorneys. The shooting at the alternative school on the edge of downtown Des Moines killed Gionni Dameron, 18, and Rashad Carr, 16. Will Keeps, a former Chicago gang member and rapper who started the program for at-risk teens, was injured in the shooting when he tried to intervene. Prosecutors argued the shootings were prompted by a dispute between members of different gangs. Walls admitted to the shooting but said he brought a gun to the school and shot the other students because they had threatened him and he feared for his life. Tukes, who had driven Walls away after the shooting, argued in his trial that he had not planned the shooting. Walls testified during Tukes' trial and supported the claim that his friend didn't have a role in the shootings. Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham said in a statement that she disagreed with the verdict. "We believe the evidence was clear that Mr. Tukes conspired with fellow gang member Preston Walls for at least a month before the killings. Mr. Tukes aided Mr. Walls by meeting him a half-mile from the crime scene and driving Mr. Walls away from the area, Graham said. Regardless of the verdicts, this has been and will always be a horrific tragedy. We continue to be heartbroken for our community, and we continue to grieve with the families. Photo: The Canadian Press Smoke and fire rise following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says the federal government is still working to get Canadians out the Gaza Strip, but announced an evacuation plan for those in the West Bank. Joly's announcement comes after an earlier plan to allow foreign nationals to leave the Palestinian territory of Gaza via a border crossing with Egypt was cancelled today. She says the Israeli government has authorized Canadians' departure from the besieged territory on the Mediterranean Sea, but that more work needs to be done to secure their passage. She says about 160 Canadians and their relatives are still in Gaza. Meanwhile, Joly says a new plan would allow between 80 and 100 Canadians in the West Bank to leave by bus from the city of Ramallah to the Jordanian capital of Amman starting as early as Tuesday. She says that plan has received authorization from Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Putin Insists a Negotiated Peace and Two-State Solution Are the Only Way To Resolve Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Oct. 13, 2023, (EIRNS)Speaking today before the Heads of State Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward specific proposals to address the crisis in Gaza and the attacks by Hamas on Israel that took place over the weekend of Oct. 7. In his broad-ranging speech, the Russian President also addressed many more issues related to the CISwhose nine members are former republics of the Soviet Union that became independent states in 1991. There will be a future report on Putins comments about the CIS as an effective platform for cooperation among its nine members. But, on the Israel-Palestine matter, as reported by TASS, Putin asserted that the huge tragedy that Israelis and Palestinians are now experiencing is a direct result of the failed policies of the U.S. in the Middle East. Israel has been subjected to an attack of unprecedented brutality and of course has the right to defend itself, he said. Israel is facing an unprecedented attack that has never been seen in historynot only in terms of magnitude, but also in terms of how it was executed. Nevertheless, he elaborated, the conflict must be resolved by peaceful means. A resolution must be based on the establishment of an independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. Russias view, he added, is that there is no alternative to a negotiated settlement, whose goal should be the UNs two-state solution. Promises were made to Palestine backed by the UN Security Council resolutions, so the Palestinians are within their rights to expect them to materialize, the Russian President stated. Moreover, Putin continued, Russia is in a position to help with settling this crisis, as it has good relations with both sides. Russia could do it. Thats because we have good relations with Israel over the past 15 years ... and traditional relations with Palestine, so no one will suspect us of wanting to do someones bidding. If there is a demand for this, he said, Moscow could help settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The only way to do that, he underscored, is based on an agreement between the sides. Putin pointed out that the U.S. has come up with all kinds of assessments of what is happening, and various options are emerging for how the events will unfold. There are suggestions of military and non-military measures that could be taken against the Gaza Strip, which Putin likened to those that were used during the siege of Leningrad during World War II.... We understand what this is related to. In my opinion, this is unacceptable, he said. More than 2 million people live there. Not everyone supports Hamas, by the way. Not everyone. But everyone will suffer, including women and children. Of course, hardly anyone would agree with that. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 14, 2023 The International Peace Coalition: Humanity Has the Strength To Love Oct. 13, 2023, (EIRNS)The nation of China, in consultation with the nation of Brazil, currently presiding as United Nations Security Council head, has proposed that the UN has the responsibility and obligation to play its due role on the Palestinian question, and that China supports the Security Council in holding an emergency meeting on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, agrees that the meeting should focus on humanitarian concerns, demand a ceasefire, an end to violence and the protection of civilians, form a binding international consensus and take concrete next steps. In an equally important development, the weekly Friday meeting of the International Peace Coalition initiated by Helga Zepp-LaRouche today heard several proposals for what the people of the world must do, now, to raise the banner of humanity high above the level of the present public discourse. The media are now dominated by inhuman cries for rivers of blood in the name of lynch-mob justice against millions of people. They echo the squawking points provided from the corrupt corridors of power in the decaying trans-Atlantic Anglo-American NATO Empire. It was British and French imperialism that first drew up, on maps in 1916 and 1917, the geopolitical rules of the perpetual Mideast War, in the Sykes-Picot agreement, followed by the November 1917 Balfour Declaration. The economist and statesman Lyndon LaRouche warned in his 2009 address, The End of Sykes-Picot: Moving Beyond Colonialism: I shall suggest it is an error to talk a Middle East policy. That is, I think, one of the reasons we have a problem with the Middle East, is, we keep talking about a Middle East policy. Instead of talking about a conflict in the so-called Middle East, we should talk about the Middle East as a conflict, and a conflict that is largely global, especially within the context of nearby European and related civilization. Today, the Middle East conflict should be viewed, like the Ukraine conflict, as a second front in a developing, British-instigated NATO world war with Russia and China, with a monstrously bankrupt United States aping the worst excesses of the very 18th century British East India Company against which it made its anti-colonial revolution 250 years ago. After identifying how the Southwest Asia (Middle East) crisis could, like the Ukraine conflict, lead to thermonuclear war, Helga Zepp-LaRouche, in her opening remarks to the International Peace Coalition, said: I think that what we have been trying to do from the very beginning when we started this discussion process of trying to put together an international peace coalition, of trying to unite all peace groups with the idea that we have to put all differences aside, that we can discuss all issues which divide us later, because the threat to world peace is so enormous.... [T]herefore, the demand to have a new security and development architecture, which takes into account the interest of every single country on the planet, and that that can only be accomplished if there is development, especially economic development for all, is underlined, especially now, with this second crisis erupting. Many proposals were made, both for action and deliberation. One of the participants suggested, Why dont we have our own Peoples Congress, an International Peace Coalition Congress, in every capital, in every nation, and we convene as a people. And maybe our ... elected officials wont officially recognize it, but we can make recordings. And we can put the truth on trial.... And we can discuss the prospects for peace.... Others insisted that there was no reason to lose hope, that it is necessary to really be thinking of the strategic solutions because we will have the potential, if we can survive the horrors and the ugliness that is being thrown against us, to reorganize the entire thing, as Independent New York U.S. Senate candidate Diane Sare said, in her brief comments to the gathering. We will receive no help from the treasonous State Department or government institutions in Europe; this is up to the people. We must act to prevent the continuing and impending crimes against humanity. The 2 million human beings trapped in the prison that is Gaza will be sacrificed, like Iphigenia by her father Agamemnon, on the altar of victory in a no-win war, or will be saved, like Isaac was from certain death at the hands of his father, Abraham, by an unseen powerthe power of Reason. That power is unseen in the blind rage of retribution, revenge, an eye for an eye a rank, drunken feeling-state that disqualifies reasoned judgment, and would place all of humanity Eyeless in Gaza at the mill with slaves. Be warned: The prison that today is Gaza, is actually the prison that is Israel, the prison that is Ukraine, the prison that is NATO. It is imprisonment by the axioms of an imperial colonialism whose dead hand grips the brain of the living, and from which only people with the courage to change axioms, like the assassinated Yitzhak Rabin, can deliver an otherwise doomed humanity. The International Peace Coalition declares that an eye for an eye brings blindness, not justice; that to construct a new temple of hope and peace for the world requires a new security and development architecture; and that Clash of Civilizations Samuel P. Huntington was wrong when he claimed in The Soldier and the State that we know who we are by who we hate. We know who we are by the fact that we loveand humanity has the strength to love. The largest Hindu religious site outside India in modern times opens to the public Monday in the American state of New Jersey. Its creators began planning the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham 12 years ago. Artisans and volunteers spent 4.7 million hours carving by hand the temples two million cubic feet of rock. The rock material includes marble from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria. The material was sent to India for the carving work. Then, the finished pieces arrived in New Jersey. Workers fitted them together in the city of Robbinsville to build the temple. The building stands on a 51-hectare property. The largest Hindu temple in the world is in Cambodia. The Ankgor Wat was built in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire. It is now described as a Hindu-Buddhist temple, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Robbinsville temple is one of many built by BAPS, a worldwide religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. The organization has built two other Akshardhams, or houses of the divine. One is in the capital of New Delhi and the other is in the Gujarat state, where BAPS is based. The sect operates more than 1,200 temples and 3,850 centers around the world. It will celebrate its 50th year in North America next year. BAPS faced criticism in recent years after workers launched a legal action against the group in 2021. The action accused BAPS of carrying out policies including forced labor, low wages and bad working conditions. Twelve of the 19 plaintiffs have now withdrawn their accusations and the legal action is suspended while an investigation continues. The legal action claimed that Dalits, or members of the lowest caste in India, were being abused. Caste is an ancient system of social standing based on ancestry. Yogi Trivedi is an expert on Hinduism at Columbia University, and a member of the religion. He said these accusations weighed heavily on community members because their religion has always taught them to see the divine in all Caste and class do not divide us, Trivedi said. He said the temple would not have been possible without the service of thousands of volunteers. Many of them took time off school and work to serve in different areas. This might be the first Hindu temple where women were involved in building it, Trivedi added. This week, families from across the country, have been going to the site to see it from the outside. Nikita Patel and her husband were among the volunteers who gave their time to create the temple. All religions, all communities are welcome here, she said, And here, they will feel the peace. Trivedi holds a similar opinion. To him, the temple stands for universal values that can be found in writings and ideas of all religions. Its not even just Indian or Indian American, Trivedi said. What weve tried to do is express these universal values in a way that relate to all visitors. Im Dan Novak. Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by The Associated Press. _______________________________________ Words in This Story carve v. to make by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of sect n. a religious group that is a smaller part of a larger group and whose members all share similar beliefs divine adj. relating to or coming from God or a god The Mona Lisa is the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting of a woman with a mysterious smile. This week, the painting gave up a secret. Scientists used X-rays to examine the chemical structure of an extremely small part of the more than 500-year-old painting. The researchers discovered a technique Leonardo used in the work. A team in France and Britain discovered an oil paint used for the Mona Lisa was a special, new chemical mixture. The research was published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. It suggests that the Italian artist may have been in an experimental mood when he set to work on the painting early in the 16th century. He was someone who loved to experiment, and each of his paintings is completely different technically, said Victor Gonzalez. He is the studys lead writer and a chemist at Frances top research organization, the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). Gonzalez has studied the chemical makeup of several works by Leonardo, Rembrandt and other artists. In this case, its interesting to see that indeed there is a specific technique for the ground layer of Mona Lisa, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. Specifically, the researchers found a rare compound, plumbonacrite, in Leonardos first layer of paint. The discovery, Gonzalez said, confirmed that da Vinci most likely used lead oxide to thicken and help dry his paint. Carmen Bambach, a specialist in Italian art at New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art, called the research very exciting. Bambach, who was not involved in the study, said it shows Leonardos spirit of passionate and constant experimentation as a painter, she wrote in an email. The speck of paint in the imaging study is about the thickness of a human hair. It lies in the top right area of the painting. The scientists looked into its atomic structure using X-rays in a synchrotron. The machine moves particles at close to the speed of light, permitting researchers to look deeper into the paint structure. Plumbonacrite is really a fingerprint of his recipe, Gonzalez said. Its the first time we can actually chemically confirm it. Dutch artist Rembrandt may have used a similar mixture when he was painting in the 17th century. Gonzalez and other researchers have found plumbonacrite in his work, too. It tells us also that those recipes were passed on for centuries, Gonzalez said. It was a very good recipe. Leonardo is thought to have melted lead oxide powder, which has an orange color, in linseed or walnut oil to make it thicker and dry faster. What you will obtain is an oil that has a very nice golden color, Gonzalez said. It flows more like honey. But the Mona Lisa said by the Louvre to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine silk merchant and additional works by Leonardo still have other secrets to tell. There are plenty, plenty more things to discover, Gonzalez said. What we are saying is just a little brick more in the knowledge. I'm Caty Weaver. John Leicester reported this story for the Associated Press. Hai Do adapted the story for Learning English. ___________________________________________________ Words in This Story passionate - adj. showing, expressing strong emotion constant - adj. happening all the time or very often recipe - n. a way of doing something that will produce a particular result powder - n. very fine, dry substance obtain - v. to gain or get something usually by effort A business in the Albany Park neighborhood was burglarized overnight Friday, Chicago police said. About 1:30 a.m., two robbers broke into a business in the 3400 block of West Lawrence Avenue, police said. The robbers entered through the back door and took property before fleeing the scene. Advertisement No one is in custody and detectives were investigating. GOTHENBURG Questions about the employment status of an English teacher at Gothenburg High School have sparked a wave of controversy and public support, after he spoke out against issues he believes are negatively impacting the education of students at the school. Jay Garrison, a longtime teacher in Gothenburg, recently shared his concerns with parents about various educational matters that have raised questions about the schools commitment to its students. In an email response to an internal memo from an administrator, Garrison voiced his apprehensions, setting in motion events that have garnered significant attention. In response to his actions, Garrison was served with a gag order, which, if signed within a certain time period, would restrict him from further discussing the issues he has raised. One of the primary concerns Garrison raise pertains to the disruption of Wise Wednesdays, a program initially aimed at improving students ACT scores. Garrison said in his email that in 2021, these crucial lessons were repeatedly canceled, and the situation continued in 2022. Subsequently, Wise Wednesdays were replaced with a subjective assessment, a move that Garrison believed wouldnt effectively enhance ACT scores. Despite these changes, Garrison continued to offer ACT training sessions on his own. Furthermore, Garrison expressed concerns about the use of the book Ready Player One in the curriculum, particularly because of its use of vulgar language. Garrison said he was advised to sign a written reprimand that included a statement contrary to his recollection, suggesting that he did not voice concerns about the inclusion of the novel in the curriculum. In his email, Garrison urged parents to stand up for their childrens education, and he emphasized that parents are the primary stakeholders and should have the primary say in determining what is best for their childrens education. Garrison concluded by stating that he would not sign the written reprimand and encouraged parents to join him in standing up for their students. The public response has been significant. On Monday, Oct. 9, multimedia journalist Gary Robinson Jr. of NTV News reported that several students and alumni gathered outside GHS to protest Garrisons treatment. The crowd started forming at 7 a.m. and students shared personal stories of how Garrison had positively impacted their education. At 7 p.m. that day, the school board met at Gothenburg High School. Due to the events before the meeting, the original location of the meeting was moved to the high school auditorium to make room for a large audience. Many Gothenburg community members not only spoke about their disagreement on Garrisons punishment, but also voiced their concerns to the school board about ongoing issues in Gothenburgs school system. Dawn Urman, a mother and Gothenburg resident, shared her thoughts on the matter of Garrisons school status. Urman emphasized his commitment to the betterment of his students. You have a teacher who has worked hard for years to help students achieve as high as possible to help them succeed in college or the workforce, she said. Urman described Garrison as a teacher who cares for our students and offers a safe place and doesnt have their garbage to read into their minds. Lastly, Urman encouraged students, parents and teachers to stay united amid the controversy, and even encouraged alternate methods to continue students education in Gothenburg. Parents, this is a lesson for you as well, she said. What do we want to teach our kids in the face of wrong? You have the right to file an exemption with the state and start homeschooling at any period of time. Sports official and politician Patrick Moore, a 2022 Gothenburg High School graduate, shared his thoughts on Garrisons actions to address problems within the school. Moore described him as one of the best educators to grace this broken school. Moores concerns extended beyond one individual, as he urged the school to take a closer look at other educators in the English department. He cited an unnamed educator who frequently uses profane language when interacting with students, a matter he said he had brought to the attention of Gothenburg Superintendent Dr. Allison Jonas, but to no avail. Moore expressed remorse for not appreciating the opportunities Garrison had provided during his time at Gothenburg High. He emphasized the significance of English as a subject that students utilize on a daily basis, underscoring the need for it to receive greater attention within the curriculum. Highlighting the longstanding issues within the school district, Moore said, This district has allowed things to be swept under the rug and locked away for far too long. This time theyve overstepped. He called for accountability among school board members, declaring, Any member that votes in the affirmative on the matter of removing an educator in the middle of the school year for simply voicing their concerns with the dire state of our district should be compelled to resign their seat at once. In response to the ongoing controversy, Jonas commented in an interview on several key aspects of the matter. Jonas emphasized the school districts commitment to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of its employees, preventing it from disclosing specific details of personnel matters. While the desire for answers is natural, the districts responsibility to its staffs privacy must take precedence, she said. Jonas acknowledged deep concern about the ACT scores of the junior class this fall. Despite having several seniors who scored impressively the previous year, the results for the junior class were disappointing. Jonas said the schools educators invest not only their time but their dedication and passion into their roles. These educators, including board members, administrators and teachers, are real individuals with substantial responsibilities, all of whom genuinely care about the students and their education at Gothenburg, she said. Jonas said that upon reviewing the scores, school officials were motivated to take immediate, collaborative steps to address the areas where students are struggling. This initiative is at the heart of what teachers work on during their Wednesday early dismissal periods. Jonas said a parent survey has been initiated to gather feedback from the community, particularly regarding the selection of novels for grades 9-12. The district is not solely focusing on specific titles but is interested in understanding community sentiments on various themes related to the curriculum. The survey results will guide discussions on novel selection guidelines. Jonas said the district is committed to a comprehensive evaluation of its educational processes, refraining from quick fixes that revolve around removing or retaining specific novels. The goal is to uphold the highest standards of quality and ensure the educational journey benefits students beyond a single book. Last, Jonas emphasized the importance of adhering to the established chain of command process within the Gothenburg School District. This approach is intended to ensure that issues and conflicts are resolved by those individuals who are closest to the situation and possess the most relevant information. If a parent, staff member or student encounters a direct conflict with the initial point of contact, they are encouraged to proceed to the next step in the chain. Jonas said its essential to understand that following the chain of command doesnt imply that communication should cease if an issue is with the first person in the chain. Rather, it means moving up the chain to the next relevant contact. OGALLALA The Class C-5 District Cross Country meet was moved from Thursday, Oct. 12 to Wednesday, Oct. 11 to miss the wild weather that occurred on Thursday. Gothenburg and Cozad competed in the Class C race held at the Crandall Creek Country Club in Ogallala. The lady Swedes and lady Makers were the first to race. Gothenburg freshman Adeline Pinkston and Kiarra Jonas placed in the top 15 and secured their ticket to State. Pinkston ran a 21:02.83 for sixth place and Jonas placed ninth with a time of 21:21.88. Eliana Shank stopped the timer at 23:32.58 for 25th, Avery Salomon had a time of 25:29.39 for 37th, Claire Vincent placed 47th with a time of 27:47.56 and Lucy Tracci ended with a time of 29:38.90 for 49th. The lady Swedes took sixth as a team. For the Makers it was Crystal Hernandez that led the team with a 26th place finish after crossing the finish line at 23:35.07. Jorja Yocom ended with a time of 26:10.71 for 39th, Gabriela Vazquez placed 41st with a time of 26:19.76 and senior Ellie Albrecht landed in 44th with a time of 27:02.24. Cozad took eighth as a team. It was then the Swede and Haymaker boys turn to compete. The Swedes took first as a team with 16 points giving them back to back District Champion titles. Gothenburg freshman Tyler Hetz was the front runner for the Swedes as he cleared the finish line with a time of 16:22.32 for first place and the individual District champion. Swede Parker Graves pushed himself into second place with a time of 16:56.33, Ethan Olsen placed sixth with a time of 17:08.01, Yahriel Gaeta ended with a time of 17:19.11 for seventh, Nathan Sager took 12th with a time of 17:23.78. Just missing a top 15 placing was freshman Evan Pelzer with a time of 17:45.92 for 17th place. Cozad freshman Shank Sall led the way for the Makers with a 21st place finish after ending with a time of 18:04.95. Lorenzo Levario took 29th with a time of 18:45.13, Joel Alvarado ended his high school running career with a time of 19:14.76 for 37th and Gavin Guerra placed 51st with a time of 19:56.63. The Makers took eighth as team with 138 points. The State Cross Country meet will be held on Friday, Oct. 20 starting at noon in Kearney at the Kearney Country Club. Cozad Elementary School, in collaboration with the Nebraska Council on Economic Education and Waypoint Bank-Cozad, celebrated the grand opening of the banks student branch on Wednesday. The event took place at 7:45 a.m. amid a backdrop of eager students and staff members gathered at Cozad Elementary School, 420 E. 14th St. This partnership, forged between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Cozad Elementary and Waypoint Bank, aims to empower students with the knowledge of saving money and an understanding of how financial institutions operate. The student branch is an integral part of the statewide In School Savings Program, designed to inculcate the habit of saving money from an early age and ensure it remains a constant thread throughout the elementary curriculum. To make this initiative a reality, 16 fifth-grade students were trained by Waypoint Bank. These young ambassadors of financial literacy will take on the role of tellers on a rotating basis, with four students actively managing the branch every week. This hands-on experience will offer these young savers valuable insights into the world of banking and financial responsibility. Tim Sladek, the Nebraska market president for Waypoint Bank, shared the banks vision and the effort invested in this project. Our goal is to be a facilitator, helping kids build good saving habits in their young years, Sladek said. The planning for this event spanned a year, and the partnership between us and Cozad Elementary School has been great. The student branch at Cozad Elementary School is expected to deliver a multitude of benefits, not only for the young savers but for their families as well. By introducing the concept of saving money at an early age and weaving this economic concept into the elementary curriculum, this initiative will lay the foundation for a lifetime of smart financial decision-making. The goal is to instill the notion that saving money should be a part of every students personal financial plan for their future, and it is expected to increase parental involvement in their childrens lives through savings and banking activity. As students take charge of this student-run bank branch, its clear that a financial future is on the horizon for the young minds of Cozad Elementary. The seeds of fiscal responsibility are sown, and they are poised to gain more knowledge over time thanks to the collaborative efforts of Cozad Elementary, Waypoint Bank and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. LEXINGTON The Lexington School Board approved a special services contract with Westside Community Schools in Omaha at its meeting Monday. This contract plays a crucial role in providing education services to Lexington students if they are placed in a residential care facility within the Westside School District for the 2023-2024 academic year. The motion found support in Larry Steinbergers proposal and was seconded by Garth Mins. The motion passed 5-0, with member Travis Maloley absent from that portion of the meeting. In new business, discussion centered on building and grounds matters. The committee had convened Oct. 6 to deliberate on this subject, examining monthly bills and financial aspects. Board members also discussed updates on the recent installation of elementary school cameras. Tracy Naylor, ELA director, also shared news about a recent family night event at Lexington Preschool that saw the participation of 50 families. Furthermore, Sandoz Elementary School has an upcoming family event scheduled for Oct. 26, along with a PBIS Assembly on Oct. 16. Luis Nieto, assistant principal of Lexington High School, discussed the upcoming LHYou Day slated for Nov. 1. Freshman students at LHS will visit Central Community College-Hastings with their foundation classes to gain exposure to different forms of secondary education. Sophomores will collaborate with the UNL Extension Office for the Connect the Dot Program, which focuses on career assessments. Additionally, juniors will undertake a practice ACT exam to prepare for the statewide ACT exam in the spring. Finally, the seniors at LHS will have their senior seminar. Scott West, Lexington Middle School principal, said that with his permission, school counselors have established an Instagram page to recognize good students and share activities from homecoming week. West said the pancake feed for Jose Lara, middle school social studies teacher, helped raise around $8,500 for the Lara family as Jose Lara continues to recover from surgery. West also recognized Alejandra Romero, another Lexington Middle School employee, who has substituted for Lara. A state education conference is scheduled Nov. 15-17 at Omahas CHI Health Center. Several Lexington staff members will represent Lexington Public School. These selected individuals will address various aspects vital for a childs academic success, social well-being, mental health, and other essential needs. Among those attending are Cindy Benjamin, Larry Steinberger, Eric Bell, Nikki Edeal, Annette Fitzgerald, John Hakonson, Angie Kovarik and Drew Welch. DETROIT (AP) A top Ford executive says the company has reached the limit of how much money it will spend to get a contract agreement with the striking United Auto Workers union. Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue, the company's internal combustion engine business, told reporters Thursday that Ford stretched to get to the offer it now has on the table. His comments are starkly different from those made by UAW President Shawn Fain Wednesday when he announced an escalation of the union's strike by walking out at Ford's largest and most profitable factory. The apparently widening labor rift indicates that Ford and the union may be in for a lengthy strike that could cost the company and workers billions of dollars. Fain said on Wednesday that Ford told UAW bargainers for nearly two weeks that it would make another counteroffer on economic issues. But at a meeting called by the union, the company didn't increase its previous offer, Fain said. "Ford hasnt gotten the message to bargain for a fair contract, Fain said in announcing the walkout by 8,700 workers at the company's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Weve been very patient working with the company on this, he said in a video. They have not met expectations, theyre not even coming to the table on it. Galhotra called Ford's offer incredibly positive and said Ford never indicated to the union that it would be increased. We have been very clear we are at the limit, he said on a conference call with reporters. "We risk the ability to invest in the business and profitably grow. And profitable growth is in the best interest of everybody at Ford. The company has a set amount of money, but is willing to move dollars around in a way that might fit the union's needs, he said, adding that he still thinks it's possible to reach a deal. The escalation of the strike came nearly four weeks after the union began its walkouts against Ford and Detroit counterparts General Motors and Jeep maker Stellantis on Sept. 15, with one assembly plant from each company. The union later added 38 parts warehouses at GM and Stellantis, and then three Ford and Stellantis assembly plants, involving a total of 33,700 workers. On Thursday, Fain hinted at further action against Stellantis. Here's to hoping talks at Stellantis today are more productive than Ford yesterday, Fain wrote on X, formerly Twitter, without saying what might happen. A person with direct knowledge of the talks said the union met with Stellantis Thursday morning and was to return for more talks in the afternoon. The person, who didn't want to be identified because he is not authorized to discuss negotiations, said talks were active with GM and Stellantis, but he was not aware of any negotiations with Ford. So far the union has not announced any further job actions, although Fain is set to brief the membership in a video appearance Friday morning. Ford's sprawling truck plant in Kentucky makes heavy-duty F-Series pickup trucks and large Ford and Lincoln SUVs, the company's most lucrative products. The vehicles made at the plant generate $25 billion per year in revenue, more than Southwest Airlines and Marriott, the company said. Ford said the expanded strike puts 13 other Ford plants that supply or receive parts at risk, as well as 600 parts supply companies that would have to lay off workers. In all, the strike at Kentucky Truck affects 100,000 workers, the company said. The company said many Super Duty truck chassis cabs are used to build emergency vehicles such as ambulances. If those cant be manufactured or parts cant be produced were jeopardizing more than just Ford profits, said Ted Cannis, CEO of Fords commercial vehicles unit. Last week the union said Fords general wage offer is up to 23% over four years. GM and Stellantis were at 20%. But Fain said none was high enough. Anthony Spencer, who has worked at the truck plant for eight years, said the surprise walkout would get Ford's attention. We know its going to hit them. We lose a lot of millions of dollars every day that we dont run, said Spencer, who is the local union's recording secretary and helped organize the walkout. This is a historic moment," Spencer said on the picket line Thursday morning, adding that the local hasn't been on strike since 1976. Weve got people thats got 30, 35, 40 years theyve never been on strike. So the morale is good. He said there were a few sticking points with negotiations that prompted the strike, including the unionization of Fords electric vehicle workers and employee raises. We all know if we ever go EV, were going to lose a lot of members that build engines, transmissions, and they got to have a place to go, Spencer said. CFRA analyst Garrett Nelson wrote in a note to investors that the strike escalation at Ford likely means that the walkout will go on for a long time as the UAW leadership attempts to drive the best possible labor deal. The move also makes it likely that the union will soon target other key truck and SUV plants from GM and Stellantis, he wrote. Thus far, the union has decided to target a small number of plants from each company rather than have all 146,000 UAW members at the automakers go on strike at the same time. Last week, the union reported progress in the talks and decided not to add any more plants. This came after GM agreed to bring joint-venture electric vehicle battery factories into the national master contract, almost assuring that the plants will be unionized. Battery plants are a major point of contention in the negotiations. The UAW wants those plants to be unionized to assure jobs and top wages for workers who will be displaced by the industrys ongoing transition to electric vehicles. Since the start of the strike, the three Detroit automakers have laid off roughly 4,800 workers at factories that are not among the plants that have been hit by the UAW strikes. Separate companies that manufacture parts for the automakers are likely to have laid off workers but might not report them publicly, said Patrick Anderson, CEO of the Anderson Economic Group in Lansing, Michigan. A survey of parts supply companies by a trade association called MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers found that 30% of members have laid off workers and that more than 60% expect to start layoffs in mid-October. Associated Press Writer Dylan Lovan in Louisville, Kentucky, contributed to this report. Madison author Michelle Wildgen knows that when many people think of wine and people who write about wine they envision old men talking about Bordeaux. Thats not what Im talking about, Wildgen says about her latest novel, Wine People, published in August. Her book is not too serious or snobby but looks at the dynamics of two women trying to succeed in the wine business. Wildgen will discuss her book during the Wisconsin Book Festival later this month. Q: Congratulations on your latest book and upcoming appearance at the book festival. Can you tell us a little about your writing background? A: This is my fourth book. My first novel, Youre Not You, was made into a movie. I co-founded the Madison Writers Studio and have taught a few times at UW. Im currently at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery as part of the writer in residence program, where I serve as an editor, adviser and work on my own writing. Q: Are you from Madison? A: I came here for college and now its my adopted hometown. Q: How do you describe Wine People? A: Its about two women in New York City who work for a boutique wine importer. Its a male-dominated industry and they are two of the three women in the entire company. One of the women was born into the industry; the other one clawed her way up. The two women are plunged into a succession drama at work and they have to decide whether to stay at arms length, as rivals, or become allies, business partners. Its about wine, yes, but its really about these two women. Its about ambition. Its all told through the lens of the workplace. For them, the question is can they achieve it together or apart? Q: What made you want to write about wine? A: There is usually a lot about food and drink in my books. Its just something that Ive always found interesting. When I first graduated college, I wanted to write about food and wine, so I went to work at LEtoile to learn about it. Q: Have you traveled a lot to research wine for your book? A: Yes! I went to the central coast of California, visited wineries in Oregon outside of Portland, and a few places in Italy. Q: What is it about food and wine that makes for such entertaining reading? A: What I think is wonderful is you can use food to describe almost anything. Its so revealing. The trick is not to say everything. Q: In addition to presenting at the Wisconsin Book Festival, youre also a part of the Wisconsin Science Festival happening the same weekend, correct? A: Yes, first Im going to moderate a panel with novelist Chloe Benjamin and statistician Claudia Solis-Lemus about how similar the creative process is between creative writers and scientists. At WID, Ive heard scientists talk about how much creativity is involved in the scientific process. They need to tell a story about the research they are doing. For the book festival, Im going to do a reading (from Wine People). I think well talk about writing and wine and why this was a project I wanted to do. Q: While not book-related, I have to ask, what is your favorite wine this time of year? A: In general, Im starting to look for a light red. (However,) I always like to start with a glass of bubbles if possible and work my way into a red. Q: What writing projects are you working on next? A: Right now Im just trying to get started on a new novel ... who knows if it will get momentum. (The novel) involves science versus snake oil. MADISON A Connecticut man indicted for running scams against Wisconsin residents netted $200,000 in five days, authorities say. A federal grand jury returned an indictment Thursday charging Matthew Ramos-Soto, 26, of Hartford, Connecticut, with conspiring to commit wire fraud against Wisconsin residents. The indictment alleges that from Oct. 24 to Oct. 28, 2022, unknown conspirators contacted elderly people by phone and falsely told them that a relative had been arrested after an accident and that money for bail was needed. Ramos-Soto and his co-conspirators then traveled throughout Wisconsin to pick up cash in person from the targeted individuals, U.S. Attorney Timothy O'Shea said in a statement. The indictment alleges that co-conspirators impersonated attorneys or judges, provided victims with false file or case numbers, and warned them that there was "a gag order" in their relative's court case. The indictment specified three incidents in Wisconsin: $5,000 from a person in Wrightstown, $17,545 from a person in Fitchburg, and $12,500 from a person in Hobart, O'Shea said. If convicted, Ramos-Soto, who is in custody in Michigan, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Authorities say one man was killed and a dog was injured after a Saturday morning disturbance call led to gunfire between the man and a Fond du Lac County sheriffs deputy. Just before 6 a.m., Fond du Lac police and county deputies were dispatched to a disturbance involving weapons in the 500 block of Drury Place in Fond du Lac, according to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Shortly after officers arrived, they found a man inside a vehicle, and a deputy shot him in an exchange of gunfire, according to the release. The release did not specify how many shots were fired or who fired first in the incident. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No other people were hurt in the incident. A Fond du Lac Sheriffs Office canine was shot and seriously wounded during the incident and is receiving critical care at a veterinary hospital. The deputy involved in the incident had body-worn and squad cameras. Per agency policy, that deputy has been placed on administrative leave, the release said. The DOJs Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the investigation with assistance from the state Crime Laboratory, State Patrol and a DCI crime response specialist, according to the release, and the DCI will turn over its investigative reports to the Fond du Lac County district attorney when the investigation concludes. Enrollment in Wisconsins public school districts continues to decline, but student headcounts in the Madison School District show little change from last year, according to data released Friday. About 799,000 students are enrolled in public school districts around the state, a loss of about 8,800 students, or about 1%, since last school year. At the same time, headcounts in private school choice programs and independent charter schools are increasing. This statewide enrollment dip is slightly more than public school districts have seen in the past two school years, but far less dramatic than the initial decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. These counts submitted by schools to the Department of Public Instruction in mid-September dont show a complete picture of statewide enrollment, either. The count excludes homeschooling and students who pay tuition in private schools, and the numbers released Friday are unaudited. In Madison, student headcounts saw little change from last school year. According to the data, 25,224 students were enrolled in the district on the count date, a loss of only two students. However, district headcounts are still far below pre-pandemic numbers. In 2018-19 school year, there were more than 27,000 students enrolled. For funding purposes, the district is using a slightly different enrollment figure of 25,581 full-time students. This figure is based on a formula, district spokesperson Ian Folger said. The DPI data reflects the number of students who were in school on Sept. 15, giving the district an idea of how many students were actually in their seats that day. Using the districts calculations, full-time student enrollment actually increased this year by 34 students. Its encouraging to acknowledge that were a growing district and a growing community and to see a significant increase in students means theres an increase in folks trusting us with their young people, board member Ali Muldrow said Monday. Either way, enrollment changes are less extreme than district administrators originally predicted. When drafting their preliminary 2023-24 budget in June, they expected a loss of 500 students. Data presented to the School Board in December 2022 projected enrollment would steadily decline for another five years. As Israel relentlessly bombs Gaza and moves troops toward the border, it is hard to predict how the war with Hamas terrorists will end. The scenes of carnage in Israeli towns and villages near the Gaza border 900 dead, including scores of families with small children executed in cold blood; young women dragged off as hostages, some with babies; and 260 young people gunned down at a music concert have horrified Israel and much of the world. This was an ISIS-style slaughter. Yet the challenges confronting Israel in its expressed goal of smashing Hamas are mammoth. The terrorist group and other militants are holding around 150 Israelis hostage in Gaza and have threatened to kill them if the bombing continues. The war could expand to the occupied West Bank and to Lebanon, where Hezbollah militants, backed by Iran, have 150,000 missiles pointed at Israel. And hanging over this crisis is a question about whether the current Israeli government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, can handle this immense challenge, after the incomprehensible intelligence and security failures that enabled Hamas to invade. Below are a few questions Ive had from readers, with answers based on conversations with Israelis, conference calls, and my own experiences in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza over several decades. How could this disaster have happened? Israel suffered an unimaginable security failure. Egyptian intelligence officials say their Israeli counterparts ignored repeated warnings that something big was about to happen with Gaza. Netanyahus office denies this, but Hamas training operations near the Gaza border fence, prior to the attack, were apparently dismissed as unimportant. No one [in the government] was willing to see that they were practicing, said Nimrod Novik, an Israeli Mideast expert who advised former Prime Minister Shimon Peres and is a board member of the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia. Meantime, he said, Eighty percent of the Israeli standing army was deployed policing the West Bank, which government ministers seek to annex. That meant only a handful of depleted units were guarding the Gaza border and were easily overrun. Why did Hamas attack now, and what was its goal? Most experts concur that a main goal was to disrupt a potential U.S.-led deal to normalize diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iran, a key backer of Hamas, sees such an agreement as a threat because, if it ever went through, it would bring the Saudis some U.S. security guarantees, weapons and possibly nuclear technology. And it would offer the Palestinians very little. But Hamas had bigger goals. Taking hostages gives Hamas bargaining chips to exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Moreover, its military success boosts its prestige on the West Bank, which it dreams of taking over when the 86-year-old Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who heads the anti-Hamas Fatah faction exits the scene. And it no doubt hopes that Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon will ultimately join the war. Meantime, the Netanyahu government has undermined and blocked funds to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, whose police force helps Israeli forces put down Hamas terrorists there. Israeli media blame this paradox on the fact that unlike Hamas, which wants to destroy Israel, the PA supports a two-state solution that Netanyahu opposes. Why do Gazans support Hamas? Not all have in the past. Hamas won only a third of the vote in the 2006 Palestinian elections mostly because voters were angry at Fatah corruption but a bizarre election system gave it a majority of parliamentary seats. Hamas then seized total power by military force in Gaza in 2007. Israel has maintained a land, sea and air blockade on Gaza ever since, creating a virtual prison in which unemployed young men are all too easily drawn to a violent Islamist movement that rejects Israels right to exist. Those Gazan civilians who object to Hamas authoritarian rule have no avenue to challenge it. They are now at the mercy of Hamas war and Israels bombs. Can Israel destroy Hamas militarily? Unclear. Israel has tried several times before with bomb strikes and limited military incursions. Each time, Hamas has bounced back. Previous Israeli governments have sought to avoid being dragged into a long-lasting, dangerous ground war in a tiny strip thats 25 miles long and between three and seven miles wide. Its a place thats crowded with 2 million people and where streets and alleyways have been booby-trapped. Israel does not want to be trapped into reoccupying Gaza. What is the best possible outcome? And can the United States help? It would be best if a wider war could be avoided, and if Arab mediators, such as Qatar (which provides Hamas with funds to run its government), could negotiate a prisoner exchange. It would help if the Netanyahu government can pursue a military strategy that includes a viable long-term vision for dealing with Gaza and the West Bank. All of the above look doubtful now. Iran would have to be convinced that a wider war will boomerang on Tehran. Hamas has rejected any prisoner exchange until the war ends. U.S. assistance with weapons or intelligence or diplomacy can only be useful if the Israeli government has both a short- and long-term strategy to succeed. One can only hope that, somehow, wise heads will prevail. An Israeli soldier directs a Merkava battle tank as it deploys with others tanks along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Oct. 13, 2023, as battles between Israel and Hamas continue for the seventh consecutive day. (Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images) More than a week after the deadliest attack inside Israel in 50 years, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for their largest and most difficult military operation since the 1982 war in Lebanon. Approximately 360,000 reservists have been called up, with most of the personnel being stationed near Israels border with the Gaza Strip. A restricted military zone has been declared in the area. On Friday, the Israeli military warned the more than 1 million Palestinian civilians living in the northern third of Gaza to evacuate farther south. Some Israeli raids have occurred in Gaza already. Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes are pummeling hundreds of targets every night. Advertisement Senior Israeli officials are in no mood for talking. We will topple Hamas rule in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said. We will eliminate its military capability. We will make sure this threat doesnt exist on our border. The probability of a large-scale ground campaign against Hamas is becoming more likely as the days go by. One can only sympathize with Israels desire to exact a high price for Hamas devastating attacks on Israeli civilians. The death toll in that day of carnage has risen to 1,300, with many children among them. The whole state of Israel is distraught. There is unbelievable pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to respond with the utmost severity given the depravity of the assaults on the innocent. Advertisement Yet as hard as it is to hear right now, emotion doesnt make good policy. While a ground invasion of Gaza may be inevitable at this point, it could also create a new set of problems Israel will have to deal with. Before the attacks on Oct. 7, Netanyahus strategy on Hamas was containment. Although Hamas was (and is) dedicated to Israels destruction, the organization was also the de facto government in Gaza. Israel couldnt tolerate the group, but it didnt necessarily want to destroy it either because it served a basic function: maintaining some order in an enclave Israel didnt want anything to do with. In a strange way, Hamas and Israel needed each other: Israel viewed Hamas as a better alternative to the more extreme armed Palestinian factions, and Hamas needed Israel to ensure a sufficient amount of electricity, work permits and money was available to make administering Gaza tenable. Israeli and Hamas officials engaged in numerous indirect negotiations over everything from prisoner releases to border openings. According to Aaron David Miller, a Middle East adviser to numerous U.S. secretaries of state, Israel and Hamas were even exploring a more durable arrangement in May 2018 that traded a long-term cease-fire for Israeli economic concessions. Obviously, the paradigm has shifted after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks. Whereas Israel used to be content with penalizing Hamas for rocket fire by degrading its military capabilities, degrading is no longer good enough in the minds of the Israeli defense establishment. Hamas destruction is now the goal. The question is whether this objective can be accomplished and, even if it could, whether Israel is prepared for the day after. First, nobody should be under any illusions about how challenging an Israeli ground incursion into Gaza will be. Theres a reason why previous Israeli prime ministers, including Netanyahu, did everything they could to avoid it. Gaza is an extremely tough operating environment for any military, even one like Israels, which has experience in urban warfare and technological tools others can only dream of. The last time Israel approved a ground incursion into Gaza, in 2014, the operations were limited to within several miles of the Israel-Gaza border fence. Israel still lost 66 troops, and thats not to mention the dozens upon dozens who were injured during the fighting. Because the Israelis have maximalist objectives this time around, any ground operation would likely be far more extensive than what the IDF executed in 2014. The fact that more than 1 million people have been asked to leave Gazas northern section suggests the Israeli military is preparing a huge incursion, one that would result in a significant number of lives lost. Advertisement Previous Israeli military assessments predicted that a full combing of Gaza would result in the deaths of hundreds of soldiers and as many as 10,000 Palestinian civilians. The numbers sound staggering. But given that Gaza is one of the most packed areas on the entire planet, collateral damage is assured. 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 > Indeed, Palestinian fatalities were already at 1,900 as of Friday evening. Add weeks or months of ground maneuvers into the mix, and the figure will look a whole lot worse. And lets assume Israel does succeed in eliminating Hamas. The question must be asked: What then? More than 2 million Palestinians call Gaza home. While Hamas is a terrorist organization, it has also been the ruling authority in the area for the last 16 years, even if the groups record as a government is abysmal. The end of Hamas, therefore, means the end of the Hamas government and whatever social services it provided to the Palestinian population there. Is the Israeli government prepared to step into the breach? If so, it could include a cost-intensive reoccupation, a total turnaround of Israeli policy toward Gaza over the last 18 years. (Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.) Bringing in the internationally backed Palestinian Authority is an option, but the PA hasnt been in Gaza since 2007 and is as irrelevant as it has ever been. An Arab-led peacekeeping force might suffice, but are Arab states willing to be seen by their populations as cleaning up after Israels mess? Israeli policymakers are focused on the now. It would also be wise if they deliberated about the endgame. Advertisement Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Cheers erupted among crowds in Oregon and New Mexico on Saturday as a rare "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun that had millions across the Americas waiting with anticipation began putting on a spectacular show. With the presence of cloudy skies, a NASA livestream of the phenomenon reported it in Eugene, Oregon, shortly after 9:15 a.m. local time. This came over an hour after a partial eclipse set in. For the small towns and cities along its narrow path, there was a mix of excitement, worries about the weather and concerns they'd be overwhelmed by visitors flocking to see the celestial event, also called an annular solar eclipse. Clouds and fog threatened to obscure the view of the eclipse in some western states, including California and Oregon. As totality began in Eugene, Oregon, oohs and ahs combined with groans of disappointment as the eclipse was intermittently visible, the sun's light poking through the cloud cover from behind the moon only at times. In New Mexico, the sky was crystal clear, giving tens of thousands of spectators an unfettered view. They got a double treat since the eclipse coincided with an international balloon fiesta that draws close to 100,000 spectators for early morning mass ascensions of hundreds of colorful hot air balloons. Organizers gave out 80,000 pairs of viewing glasses Saturday morning. There were hoots, hollers and yelps as the ring formed and hot air balloon pilots used their propane burners to shoot flames upward. Allan Hahn of Aurora, Colorado, has attended the festival for 34 years, first as a crew member and then as a licensed balloon pilot. His balloon, Heaven Bound Too, was one of 72 selected for the special "glow" performance as skies darkened during the eclipse. "It's very exciting to be here and have the convergence of our love of flying with something very natural like an eclipse," he said. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesn't completely cover the sun during a ring of fire eclipse. When the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, it leaves a bright, blazing border. Saturday's path: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the U.S., with a sliver of California, Arizona and Colorado. Next: Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere got a partial eclipse. The celestial event brought eclipse watchers from around the U.S. to remote corners of the country to try to get the best view possible. At Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah, tiny lights could be seen along a well-known trail that snakes through a valley of red rock hoodoos as eclipse enthusiasts hit the trail before sunrise to stake out viewing spots. "I just think it's one of those things that unites us all," said John Edwards, a cancer drug developer who traveled alone across the country to try to watch the eclipse from Bryce Canyon. "I just think it's seeing these unique experiences that come rarely is what got me here. This is about as rare as it gets." NASA and other groups livestreamed it. Viewers on the East Coast were prepared to see less of the event close to a quarter eclipse around midday in some areas, such as New York City but were nonetheless geared up to watch the skies. In Maine, viewers expected to see only about 12% of the sun covered, but the Clark Telescope on the grounds of the Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine was open to the public. The planetarium sold safety glasses for $2 to encourage safe viewing, said Shawn Laatsch, director of the Versant Power Astronomy and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium "As the Moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it casts its shadow on our planet," Laatsch said. "In a very real sense, solar eclipses are 'made in the shade' of the moon." Colombia's Tatacoa desert hosted astronomers helping a group of visually impaired people experience the eclipse through raised maps and temperature changes as the moon blot out the sun. At the Cancun Planetarium, young visitors built box projectors to indirectly and safely view the ring of fire. The ancient Maya who called eclipses "broken sun" may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes, said archeologist Arturo Montero of Tepeyac University in Mexico City. Towns and national parks in the path braced for huge throngs. Officials in Oregon's Klamath County urged residents to stock up on groceries and fill their gas tanks in case traffic backs up on its two-lane highways. Utah's Bryce Canyon expected Saturday to be the park's busiest day of the year, and officials at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque said it was likely a record crowd. Brazil's Pedra da Boca state park, known for its rocky outcrops for climbing and rappelling was also expecting crowds. The entire eclipse from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until it's back to normal was 2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion lasts from three to five minutes, depending on location. Next April, a total solar eclipse will crisscross the U.S. in the opposite direction. That one will begin in Mexico and go from Texas to New England before ending in eastern Canada. The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. MIDEAST | SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS JERUSALEM Tens of thousands of Muslims demonstrated Friday across the Middle East in support of the Palestinians and against the intensifying Israeli bombardment of Gaza, underscoring the risk of a wider regional conflict as Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion. From the typically sedate streets of downtown Amman in Jordan, to Yemen's war-scarred capital of Sanaa, crowds of Muslim worshippers poured into the streets after weekly Friday prayers, angered by devastating Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that began after the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel last Saturday. At the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, Israeli police were permitting only certain older men, women and children to enter the sprawling hilltop compound for prayers, trying to limit the potential for violence. Only 5,000 worshippers made it into the site, the Islamic endowment that manages the mosque said. On a typical Friday, some 50,000 perform the prayers. An Associated Press reporter watched police allow just a Palestinian teenage girl and her mother into the compound out of 20 worshippers who tried to get in, some of them even over the age of 50. Young Palestinian men who were refused entry gathered at the steps near Lion's Gate, eyes downcast, until police shouted at them and shepherded them outside the Old City ramparts altogether. "We can't live, we can't breathe, they are killing everything that is good within us," said Ahmad Barbour, a 57-year-old cleaner, red faced and seething after police blocked him from entering for prayers. "Everything that is forbidden to us is allowed to them," he added, referring to the Israelis. Elsewhere In Beirut, thousands of supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group waved Lebanese, Palestinian and Hezbollah flags, chanting slogans in support of Gaza and calling for "death to Israel." The Iranian-backed militant group in neighboring Lebanon has launched sporadic attacks since the Hamas assault, but largely stayed on the sidelines of the war. However, Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general warned that it would be "on the lookout" for the United States and British naval vessels heading to the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned Iran and the regional militias Tehran backs to stay out of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. "Your battleships do not interest us, nor do your statements frighten us," Naim Kassim said at a rally in a southern suburb of Beirut. "When the time is right to take action, we will do so." In Baghdad, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tahrir Square the protest hub of Iraq's capital for rallies called by the influential Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada AlSadr. "We, as Iraqis, know the pain of having an occupier on our land," said protester Alaa al-Arabyia, referring to the U.S. occupation of Iraq following its 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. "Palestinian women have husbands, loved ones and sons fighting the occupation. We stand with them in their struggle." Across Iran, a supporter of Hamas and Israel's regional archenemy, demonstrators also streamed into the streets after prayers. "The Palestinian people are fed up, now your idea is to destroy Gaza, the houses of the people," Iran's hardline president, Ebrahim Raisi, said in a speech. "The people of the world and Palestine will cause trouble for you." In the Syrian capital of Damascus, protesters including Palestinians from the Yarmouk refugee camp formed after the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation also rallied. "I tell the people not to leave their homes; otherwise, they will be like our grandparents who left Palestine and came to Syria but never returned," Ahmad Saeed, a 23-year-old Palestinian living in Syria. In Yemen's Sanaa, held by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels still at war with a Saudi-led coalition, demonstrators crowded the streets waving Yemeni and Palestinian flags. The rebels' slogan long has been: "God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse of the Jews; victory to Islam." WAR IN UKRAINE WASHINGTON The White House said Friday that North Korea delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. Speculation about a possible North Korean plan to refill Russia's munition stores flared last month when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. believes Kim is seeking sophisticated Russian weapons technologies in return for the munitions to boost North Korea's military and nuclear program. The White House released images that it said show the containers were loaded onto a Russian-flagged ship before being moved via train to southwestern Russia. The containers were shipped between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1 between Najin, North Korea, and Dunay, Russia, according to the White House. The U.S. unveiled the intelligence as North Korea lashed out Friday at the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier battle group in South Korea, calling it a provocation and again raising the specter of using nuclear weapons to defend itself. The North's official Korean Central News Agency called the aircraft carrier's arrival "an undisguised military provocation" that proves a U.S. plan to attack North Korea is being realized. It threatened to respond in line with its nuclear doctrine that authorizes the preemptive use of nuclear weapons. The U.S. accused North Korea of previously providing ammunition, artillery shells and rockets to Russia. North Korea previously denied providing weaponry to Moscow. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, published satellite photos last week that showed a sharp increase in rail traffic along the North Korea-Russia border. The report said satellite images as of Oct. 5 captured "a dramatic and unprecedented level of freight railcar traffic" at the Tumangang Rail Facility. It said images show 73 rail cars while a review of previous satellite images over the past five years shows about 20 rail cars at this facility at most. After he met with Putin last month, Kim called for an exponential increase in production of nuclear weapons and for his country to play a larger role in a coalition of nations confronting the United States in a "new Cold War," North Korean state media said. During Kim's six-day trip to Russia, his longest foreign travel as a leader, the two countries said they discussed boosting their defense ties but didn't disclose any specific steps. Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Lessons from the Garden by Jeannine Robinett A garden can be so much more than just a place for growing flowers or food. Wonder and awe grow there too. When we take the time to look closely, life lessons wait for us there among the bugs and weeds, lessons of understanding, uncovering, and hope. Our presenter this Sunday is Jeannine Robinett, senior trainer and Tai Chi instructor, Tai Chi for Health Institute. Our service Sunday will be both in person at our location 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls, as well as on Zoom beginning at 10:30 a.m. To access Zoom, email mvuuf83301@yahoo.com for sign-in information. In the subject line write ZOOM Service. Everyone is welcome; NO EXCEPTIONS. We believe in justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another. We are handicapped accessible. Please park at the rear of the building or on the street. Childcare is available. Join us Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls. For more information, call 208-420-1345 or email mvuuf83301@yahoo.com. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension The Episcopal Church of the Ascension invites you to a service of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. this Sunday, Oct. 22. All are welcome at Ascensions services of worship, including children. Ascension Churchs Sunday service is also available at 9 a.m. online at Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls. The building is handicapped accessible and located at 371 Eastland Drive N., Twin Falls. More information about Ascension can be found at www.episcopaltwinfalls.org or 208-733-1248. Those Two Chicks Events Harvest Vendor and Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ascension Church. Free Admission, door prizes, food trucks and fun, all welcome! First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls 209 Fifth Ave. N. Pastor: Don Hammond Worship Time: 10 a.m. Adult Bible Study: 8:30 a.m. Everyone is Welcome! Community Outreach: Sandwich Saturday Free bag lunch at 10:30 a.m. every other Saturday (Oct. 28) located outside the church. Blessing Box always available. Food for the needy, take some food or be a blessing to someone else and leave some. Located outside the church entrance. For most people, their first civics lesson is the majority rules. Numerous class and club votes throughout our school years reinforce that truth. News articles refer to legislative debates and whether one side or another has reached a majority of adherents. However, it is also true that one of the most critical parts of the grand design, which is our constitutional government, is the protection of the minority. The civil rights movement illustrated that fact in the 1950s. To a great degree, minorities still use government to assert their positions. Minority applies not only to ethnic or gender groups but also to ideas and opinions. We have developed a two-party system in the United States, and each party gathers groups of minority interests together and proposes to govern with them in mind. In the 1970s, Howard Jarvis and Paul Gann gathered young and old homeowners who were becoming concerned with the rising property taxes, which, it was stated, would make it impossible for people to afford to stay in their homes, into a majority which passed the infamous Prop 13 constitutional amendment in California. The idea resonated with voters around the country. Requiring bond issues funded by tax revenue to be passed by a 2/3 majority countered the backlash to the loss of government revenue. In 1979, Jerry Falwell founded the Moral Majority organization to influence legislation and public rhetoric in the direction of his interpretation of Christian values. The organization itself has diminished, but the idea of a majority that is more moral than others has persisted. Quote The ease of communication on the internet has meant that even people who believe the world is flat can find a significant number of like-minded people. Even people who see themselves as individualists or social outliers gather with others to inspire, motivate, and embrace each other. It is generally true that humans gather in groups. It is also true that we prefer to think of ourselves as part of the majority. We can easily make perceptual errors when we are enthusiastic members of large groups and believe we are or should be the majority. These errors have become a significant issue in the 21st century because of the number of people populating our planet. The ease of communication on the internet has meant that even people who believe the world is flat can find a significant number of like-minded people. Underestimating the legitimate needs of the perceived minority can have far-ranging consequences. The uprising in Syria began as a protest by a minority of farmers in an area economically threatened by drought who were being ignored in their plight by Damascus. Even after the triumph of winning the vote and property rights, a smaller group of women began to think that women were still considered less in society, and feminism began to sweep across the globe. Minority opinion does not always become the majority. Nor does it always cause negative disruption. Quakers have gained respect for their non-violence. Dedicated athletes inspire others to become active, if not passionate, in pursuing physical conditioning. Bird watchers inform the rest of us and the scientific community. Minority interests can positively impact the majority if more detractors do not push them away. Staunchly Republican states like Texas and Idaho, where MAGA has taken over the brand, use parliamentary procedures, disinformation, illogical and biased arguments, and media marketing to overtake majority power. They aim to limit the access to government power of anyone who opposes them. They want to tear down the idea of majority rule and replace it with their narrower interests. Because they only have political power at the state and local level, MAGA currently decries the functioning of the federal government. Despite that fact, there is no reason to doubt they will govern with federal government legislation in the future. They plan to dominate through the elected and appointed officials who run it. The MAGA message that the world is irredeemable is dishonest. MAGA intends to replace the operation of our current government so that it is an autocracy. They are using all-or-nothing thinking. They believe their minority interests must rule the day. Democracy furnishes the tools to adapt to change constructively. Democracy looks like a rolling landscape. If you picture the MAGA landscape of the future, you must print, Here there be dragons. RIYADHSaudi Arabia has suspended talks on potentially normalizing ties with Israel, a source told AFP on Saturday, amid the war raging between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7 which killed 1,300 people, sparking a retaliatory bombing campaign that has killed at least 1,900 in the Gaza Strip ahead of a potential Israeli ground invasion of the territory. Saudi Arabia has decided to pause discussion on possible normalization and has informed US officials, a source familiar with the discussions told AFP. The Gulf kingdom, home to the holiest sites in Islam, has never recognized Israel and did not join the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords that saw its Gulf neighbors Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Morocco establish formal ties with Israel. US President Joe Bidens administration had been pushing hard in recent months for Saudi Arabia to take the same step. Under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, son of the ageing King Salman, Riyadh had laid out conditions for normalization including security guarantees from Washington and help developing a civilian nuclear programme. In an interview with Fox News last month, Prince Mohammed said every day we get closer to a deal, though he also insisted the Palestinian issue was very important for Riyadh. We need to solve that part. We need to ease the life of the Palestinians, he said. News that normalization discussions are now on hold comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to meet with his Saudi counterpart on Saturday, the latest stop on a six-nation tour of the region. Diplomatic push In the week since Hamas launched its attack on Israel, Riyadh has voiced increasing disquiet about the fate of Palestinians in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, where Israel has launched thousands of strikes and ordered the evacuation of the territorys north, prompting thousands to flee. It has also publicized its diplomatic outreach to stop the ongoing escalation, contacting regional leaders across and beyond the region. On Thursday, Saudi state media reported that Prince Mohammed had discussed the current military situation in Gaza and its environs with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. It was the first call between the two men since their countries announced a surprise China-brokered rapprochement in March after seven years of severed ties. On Friday, Saudi Arabia denounced the displacement of Palestinians within Gaza and attacks on defenseless civilians, its strongest language criticizing Israel since the war broke out. Riyadh affirms its categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza, and its condemnation of the continued targeting of defenseless civilians there, the foreign ministry said in a statement. To hasten the repatriation of Filipinos in Israel amid its war with the Hamas militant group, Speaker Martin Romualdez on Saturday proposed sending mercy flights to Egypt and Jordan, the Jewish states neighbors, for overseas Pinoys safety and convenience. Sought for comment, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said: It is up to our top leaders to decide how best to execute the evacuation operations. At the same time, Romualdez vowed to contribute another P500,000 from his personal funds to assist the family of the third Filipino casualty in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Earlier, the Speaker and his wife, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, pledged a personal donation of P1 million to support the families of the first two Filipinos who tragically died during the hostilities. According to Romualdez, mercy flights need not land directly in Israel, as alternative locations like Egypt or Jordan could be considered for the safety and convenience of OFWs. The Speaker encouraged Filipinos in conflict areas to promptly contact the Philippine Embassy to facilitate their return and avoid any potential risks in the midst of the escalating conflict. The safety and welfare of Filipino citizens are paramount, and we are committed to working closely with the DFA, DMW, and other relevant authorities to ensure the swift and secure repatriation of our OFWs from the conflict areas, the House of Representatives chief said. Romualdez stressed the need for swift action by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to bring home OFWs from Israel. What weve learned from DFA and credible news sources is that more than a hundred OFWs are eager to return to the Philippines, Romualdez pointed out. He added: I am confident in the preparedness of our Armed Forces, with their C-130 aircraft at the ready to transport and bring our OFWs safely back home. But I believe the DFA and DMW have the necessary funds to facilitate the repatriation of our OFWs, enabling them to charter flights for this purpose. According to the latest information from the DFA, out of the 131 Filipinos in Gaza, 92 individuals have expressed their desire to return to the Philippines. Additionally, at least 22 Filipinos have formally requested repatriation from Israel, highlighting the urgent need for action to ensure their safe return, Romualdez said. In addition to financial aid, Romualdez is determined to help grieving families, actively seeking ways to provide job opportunities and scholarships, to ensure they have support to rebuild their lives after their tragedy. Thousands of Palestinians fled to southern Gaza in search of refuge on Saturday after Israel warned them to evacuate before an expected ground offensive against Hamas in retaliation for the deadliest attack in Israels history. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that nearly a week of fierce bombardment was just the beginning as Israel seeks to retaliate against Hamas after their fighters killed more than 1,300 nearly a week ago. Israeli ground forces made localised raids into Gaza in the last 24 hours to cleanse the area of terrorists and weaponry and try to find missing persons, the army said. Most of those killed when militant fighters burst through the heavily militarised border into Israel last Saturday were civilians, in an attack compared to 9/11 in the United States. At least 1,900 Gazans most of them civilians and including more than 600 children have been killed in waves of missile strikes on the densely populated enclave, the health ministry said. Hamas, classified as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States, took about 150 Israeli, foreign and dual national hostages back to Gaza in the initial attack, Israel has said. The militant group said Friday that 13 of them had been killed in Israeli air strikes. It has previously said four hostages died in bombardments. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, visiting Israel on Friday, said Hamas was using residents as a shield in Gaza, where Israel has cut off water, fuel and food supplies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as having reached a dangerous new low. We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, he added. US President Joe Biden said addressing the humanitarian crisis was a priority. Tensions rose across the Middle East and beyond, with angry protests in support of the Palestinians, while Israel faced the threat of a separate confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon. A Reuters video journalist was killed in south Lebanon, the international news agency said. Two other Reuters reporters were injured, as were two from AFP and two from Al Jazeera. Israeli forces had said its troops were responding with artillery fire towards Lebanese territory after a blast damaged the border barrier. In the occupied West Bank, at least 16 Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces during protests supporting Gaza, the health ministry said. Thousands also demonstrated on Friday in Beirut, Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Bahrain in support of the Palestinians. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. But Netanyahus spokeswoman Tal Heinrich told AFP: Everything that happens in Gaza is Hamass responsibility. Impossible In Gaza, UN officials said the Israeli military, whose troops are massing at the border, had told them the evacuation should be carried out within the next 24 hours. It later admitted it would take more time, however, and did not confirm it had set the deadline. But the world body described the immediate movement of some 1.1 million people nearly half of the 2.4 million in the Gaza Strip as impossible. Forcing population transfers constitutes a crime against humanity, and collective punishment is prohibited under international humanitarian law, said Paula Gaviria Betancur, a UN expert on displacement. She said it was inconceivable that so many Gazans would be able to cross an active war zone without devastating humanitarian consequences. The UN and others have urgently appealed for the mass evacuation order to be rescinded. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the dead and wounded from the relentless bombardment, and the health system was at a breaking point, the World Health Organization said. In Jordan, after a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, King Abdullah II called for humanitarian corridors to be opened urgently. Egypt which runs the Rafah crossing to the south of Gaza faces a dilemma of accepting refugees with the possibility that Israel may never let them return, weakening Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Where to go? asked Umm Hossam, 29, who was among the thousands fleeing. How long will the strikes and death last? We have no homes left, every area of Gaza is under threat, she added, her face streaked with tears. Air strikes AFP correspondents in Gaza said the Israeli military on Friday dropped flyers warning residents to flee immediately south of Wadi Gaza, with a map pointing south across a line in the centre of the 40 kilometre-long (25 mile-long) territory. The army said it will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians. Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City inside tunnels underneath houses and inside buildings populated with innocent civilians. AFP correspondents said there were heavy strikes in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, including on Al-Shati refugee camp and Gaza City, primarily targeting residential buildings. The Hamas media office also reported Israeli air raids on Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south. The Israeli military said its fighter jets struck 750 military targets in the northern Gaza Strip overnight including residences of senior terrorist operatives used as military command centres. Netanyahu, who was in security talks at military headquarters on Friday, has vowed to crush Hamas, and has likened it to the Islamic State group. But in Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the unjustifiable horrific attacks on Israel could equally not justify the limitless destruction of Gaza. Israel also denied claims from rights groups that it has used the incendiary weapon white phosphorus, which can cause serious burns if it hits people. A crime Hamas has said Palestinians rejected the evacuation request, yet thousands of Gazans were on the move in search of safety, carrying plastic bags of belongings, suitcases on their shoulders and children in their arms. Some walked while others drove, with belongings strapped to their trucks, cars and carts pulled by donkeys. More than 423,000 people have already fled their homes, according to the UN, which said the evacuation order could turn what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation. Gaza has been under a land, air and sea blockade since 2006 and Israel has vowed not to turn back on water, food and power supplies until all hostages are freed. Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said Israels evacuation order is a forced transfer that constitutes a crime. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said it will be tantamount to a second Nakba or catastrophe, referring to the 760,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes during the 1948 war that accompanied Israels creation. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Israel risked waging an unacceptable siege in Gaza comparable to the Nazi blockade of Leningrad during World War II. We understand what that entails. In my opinion, this is unacceptable. More than two million people live there, he told journalists on a visit to Kyrgyzstan. Military build-up Israel has called up 300,000 reservists while forces, tanks and heavy weapons have been moved to the southern desert area around Gaza, an AFP correspondent reported. But any ground offensive is complicated by the presence of hostages, whom Hamas has threatened to kill if bombardments are carried out without warning. Israeli soldiers have swept the southern towns and kibbutz farming communities since Saturday. They said they found the bodies of 1,500 militants, as well as large numbers of civilians killed by Hamas fighters. Yossi Landau has 33 years volunteer experience with Zaka, which recovers the bodies of people who suffered unnatural deaths. He said that he found a dead woman with her stomach ripped open, a baby was there, still connected with the cord, and stabbed in Beeri, just outside Gaza. They were among more than 100 people killed in Beeri, while around 270 were gunned down or burned in their cars at the nearby Supernova music festival. Hamas has denied that its fighters killed infants. Hezbollah threat Israel faces a potential second front in the north after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon said it was fully prepared to join Hamas in the war when the time was right. There has been cross-border fire in recent days, sparking concern about regional stability and prompting the United States to send additional munitions and its largest aircraft carrier. President Biden has warned other regional powers not to get involved. Israels arch foe Iran has long financially and militarily backed Hamas and praised its attack, but insists it was not involved. GAC Motor Philippines celebrated the grand opening of its new dealership in Cainta, Rizal. The event was attended by top executives from GAC Motor, Astara Philippines, and the Gateway Group. GAC Motor Cainta is the first 3S (sales, service, and spare parts) facility of the Gateway Group. The showroom can display up to six vehicles, and the service area has six car bays equipped with diagnostic systems. The facility also has a well-stocked warehouse with genuine parts and tools. All vehicles sold by the dealer are covered by a 5-year warranty, 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance, free Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) on the first 5,000 kilometers, and other value-adding programs. We extend our heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the Gateway Group on the opening of GAC MOTOR Cainta, said Franz Decloedt, Brand Head of GAC Motor Philippines. This expansion is a testament to our unwavering commitment to serve our customers conveniently across the Philippines. GAC Motor Philippines has been expanding its dealership network across the country since relaunching the brand this year. The company aims to have a total of 20 locations by the end of the year. Coats for kids The 28th Annual Coat Drive for Kids, sponsored by Horsepasture District Supervisor Debra Buchanan, is collecting coats through Nov. 30 for area children. Gently used coats can be donated by calling Buchanan at 276-358-1463 or by dropping off at Hollywood Cinema or One-Hour Martinizing on Rives Road. Robert Frost lecture Elliot Engel is returning to Martinsville with his lecture The Cold Genius of Robert Frost to be held at Piedmont Arts on Nov. 9. Engel is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, but currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has taught at the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University and Duke University. He earned his master of arts degree and Ph.D. as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at the University of California Los Angeles and while teaching at the same college he won the Outstanding Teacher Award. Engel has written 10 books published in England, Japan, Turkey and the United States. He had a mini-lecture series on Charles Dickens that ran on PBS television stations around the country and his articles have been in numerous newspapers and national magazines. In 2009, Engel was inducted into the Royal Society of Arts in England for his academic work and service in promoting Charles Dickens and he has lectured around the United States and on all the continents, including Antarctica. In this lecture, Engel will discuss details concerning Frosts life, which shaped both his art and his relationships with his family and fellow writers. Engel will analyze many of Frosts poems most of them famous, but some undeservedly obscure including Stopping by Woods, which is considered by many to be Frosts most brilliant work, the release said. The lecture will be preceded by a catered event at 6 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 for both the dinner and the lecture and $20 for just the lecture. They can be purchased at PiedmontArts.org or at the museum. Legendary Conversations Legendary Conversations, an event brought to Martinsville by New College Institute and the Wendell Scott Foundation, will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at NCI. The event will feature a discussion from NASCAR racing legend Richard Petty and son of Wendell Scott, Frank Scott that will be moderated by Warrick Scott, CEO/founder of the Wendell Scott Foundation. The conversation will focus on stories of Wendell Scott, breaking barriers in NASCAR, memorable races and lessons learned. Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell will share the Speedways history, memorable moments and what makes the Martinsville track legendary. There will also be food trucks, live music and nationally recognized race cars in the NCI parking lot starting at 5 p.m. What an awesome opportunity to get the community even more energized about Race Week. NCI is proud and excited to host Mr. Petty and Mr. Scott in Martinsville for a one-of-a-kind evening where attendees will have the opportunity to hear stories and gain insight into the NASCAR world directly from legends in racing, NCI Executive Director Joe Sumner said. We are thrilled to have Mr. Petty and Mr. Scott join us for this incredible event at Martinsville. Their presence will not only inspire racing enthusiasts but also provide a unique opportunity for attendees to learn firsthand from these legendary figures, gaining valuable insights into the NASCAR world. This event is a fantastic way to kick off Race Week and ignite the communitys passion for one of Martinsvilles greatest assets, the Wendell Scott Foundation said in a statement. The event is free and open to the public but seating in the lecture hall is limited. Registration is required to attend at newcollegeinstitute.org. 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) From almost the moment he took office, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has championed the state as a sanctuary for immigrants. But in his quest to keep Illinois a welcoming state, the welcome mat is becoming politically frayed as Chicago tries to cope with an influx of more than 18,000 asylum-seekers. What was once altruistic idealism delivered 1,200 miles away from the nations southern border is now colliding with realism in how to temporarily house, provide for and resettle thousands of asylum-seekers in a crisis largely orchestrated by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to use his states long-standing border issues to paint leaders in Democratic cities and states as hypocrites. Advertisement As each new bus arrives here from Texas and other locales, more political pressure mounts on Pritzker and on Chicagos new progressive Democratic leadership under Mayor Brandon Johnson. With no firm plans in place and the only concrete advice to incoming migrants being Pritzkers warning that its gonna get cold in Chicago and New York very soon, cracks among the Democratic base, particularly among key ethnic and racial blocs, have emerged over spending taxpayer dollars and housing for migrants. Advertisement A group of migrants exits a bus near a Greyhound station in Chicago after being transported from Texas on Sept. 27, 2023. Over 18,000 migrants have been transported to Chicago since last year. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Despite the cold political calculation of using human beings as political pawns in a larger federal game aimed at securing the nations southern border, Abbotts strategy of spreading the pressure on the federal government may be working. We of course are a welcoming state and have been caring for the people whove arrived. But we cant bear the burden only ourselves, Pritzker said on CBS Face the Nation on his calls for assistance from Democratic President Joe Bidens administration. [ Chicago expecting even higher pace of migrant arrivals as mayor, governor press White House for more help ] It seems like now is the moment to talk about border security and immigration reform. We want immigrants in the United States, we also want border security. It seems like theres a compromise there, the Democratic governor said. But there has been no serious effort at the federal level to deal with comprehensive immigration reform since 20 years ago, when George W. Bush, a former Texas governor, was president. That effort fell by the wayside as the GOP saw the issue of illegal immigration as a potent one for building the partys political base. Now, with the leadership of the Republican-led U.S. House unsettled, prospects for a comprehensive immigration plan and significant federal aid to Chicago appear unlikely anytime soon. Pritzkers latest comments are in contrast to the boldness he exhibited only 10 days after he was sworn in as governor in January 2019. Then, he issued an executive order declaring immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers as critical to the fabric of our State, contributing the culture and economy that make Illinois a great place to live and requiring the state to expand welcoming centers. In December of that year, in response to then-President Donald Trump vastly curbing legal immigration and issuing an executive order allowing states and cities to opt out of refugee resettlement programs, Pritzker wrote a defiant letter to then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declaring that Illinois would proudly consent to extending help to refugees. As the governor of Illinois and the great-grandson of refugees, I am committed to ensuring that Illinois is a welcoming state, especially for refugees and those seeking asylum, he wrote. As survivors of persecution, refugees embody the importance of human rights, democracy, and freedom. Refugees resilience in the face of hardship inspires courage, hope, and perseverance. And refugees countless contributions undoubtedly make our states and nation stronger. Advertisement Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a news conference on Aug. 30, 2023, along with other elected officials, and business and community leaders, to urge President Joe Biden to use his legal authority to expand work authorizations for long-term immigrant contributors and new immigrants to address the labor shortage crisis. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Fast-forward to earlier this month and a letter to a different administration. Pritzker, a member of Bidens reelection advisory board and the host governor for the Democratic National Convention that will renominate the president in August, wrote to Biden that after 13 months of migrant deliveries by bus, Illinois is overwhelmed and mostly unsupported. Unfortunately, the welcome and aid Illinois has been providing to these asylum-seekers has not been matched with support by the federal government, Pritzker wrote. Most critically, the federal governments lack of intervention and coordination at the border has created an untenable situation for Illinois. Pritzkers letter did get attention in the White House with Biden taking recent actions on immigration, including speeding up work permits for Venezuelan migrants, resuming deportations of border crossers from Venezuela who do not gain refugee status, resuming the building of a border wall in Texas and sending a team from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Chicago to assess the migrant situation. Reflecting the problems Democrats face over the issue, Democratic U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez who represents a Latino influence district that stretches from several city neighborhoods to the western suburbs, sent out two news releases on Oct. 5 one slamming the Biden administration for resuming the border wall and a second praising the administration for sending the Homeland Security team to Chicago. The White House followed up with an email to reporters that pointed out the Ramirez news release showing appreciation to Biden for sending the Homeland Security team. It made no mention of her other statement that criticized Bidens border wall decision. Advertisement On Thursday, Democratic U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth joined with 13 of the states 14 Democratic House members in writing a letter to Biden urging the administration to devote more resources to Chicago for the migrant crisis. Central and southwestern Illinois Democratic U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, a first-term legislator from Springfield, did not sign the letter. [ Illinois leaders tepid about more quick funding for Chicagos migrant crisis ] State and local officials have worked tirelessly to serve these new arrivals, and the federal government must swiftly provide assistance and resources that reflect this administrations commitment to safe, orderly, and humane immigration processes, the letter said, in seeking flexibility in grant funding, waiving fees for temporary work permits for migrants and appointing a federal point person on the migrant issue for Illinois. With Democrats in Illinois acknowledging a lack of early 2024 enthusiasm for Biden among those in the long-underserved Black and Latino communities, the issue of dollars being spent and the search for places to house the asylum-seekers has become an added political problem. On the West Side, Johnson has put on hold plans to use the Amundsen Park field house as a migrant shelter amid residents protests that it would curtail programs and services. Yorman Jose Moreno, a migrant sheltering at the 9th District station of the Chicago Police Department on South Halsted Street, keeps an eye on a baby in a stroller on Sept. 27, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Lights remain on inside the Amundsen Park field house in Chicago on Oct. 10, 2023. Plans to use the building to shelter migrants have been put on hold. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) On the South Side, Democratic state Sen. Willie Preston hosted a community meeting in the predominantly Black Auburn Gresham neighborhood where he asked residents if they supported Chicago revoking its sanctuary city status. Im telling you all that this is a very serious situation, he said. It is a very controversial situation, and that is why Im one of the first state elected officials to my knowledge to step out (in) front of this issue and say enough is enough, hold the line. We need a cap on migrants because the people dont want it. We cannot afford it, and Im willing to fight. Advertisement As for using local and state tax dollars to help the migrants, Preston said, I believe our community has sovereignty. I believe our community has paid taxes. Noting that a high percentage of people in Illinois experiencing homelessness are Black, he said he thinks charity starts at home. Andrew Chavez, 32, a downtown office worker who was born in Chicago and raised on the Southwest Side, said he is generally supportive of Democratic causes. But he said he has drawn a line on the migrant issue, believing the money being devoted to serving asylum-seekers should go instead to help the existing homeless population and to restore neighborhoods. This tarnishes the hard work my parents went through when they legally migrated here from Mexico. They didnt get any help. The migrants now coming over here have contributed to the negative stereotypes that people have about people like my family, said Chavez, a first-generation Mexican American. The fact that were spending millions of dollars at this point, money suddenly being found to renovate abandoned buildings and find places for these people, is ridiculous, he said. Democrats privately concede Chavez isnt alone in his feelings another example of Abbotts politically debilitating aim for Democrats in sending migrants to blue cities and states. Charles Wheeler, a retired professor of public affairs reporting at the University of Illinois at Springfield, said sending migrants to Chicago was a strategy aimed at allowing Republicans to portray Democrats as politicians who dont put their money where their mouth is. Advertisement Wheeler said Republicans are saying, Oh yeah, youre fine with it when you dont have to deal with quote these people unquote. But when they actually arrive, in your communities, you are in an uproar. Wheeler continued: And it gets fed by folks to whose advantage it is to pit one group of marginalized folks against another group of marginalized folks. Travelers wait for rides as migrant families rest at a temporary shelter inside the bus and shuttle center at O'Hare International Airport on Sept. 27, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) This past Tuesday, Pritzker acknowledged it was easy to see why Republicans think that this is such a great idea to send thousands of migrants to Chicago and other Democratic cities because they want to cause rifts. Were all doing our best to try to work with the communities where they are challenged to welcome those folks into their communities, he said. I know there are people who are concerned about the continued migration to Chicago and thats one of the reasons why for the last 13 months, Ive been saying to the federal government and to our congresspeople that we need not only dollars to help take care of the people who come here, but also have a better system for (a) distribution of folks around the country if they so choose, he said. Pritzker also repeated a realism that he also views as a deterrent the upcoming winter weather. Advertisement I can guarantee you that if people at the border understood how cold it will be and that we are having trouble housing the people that are already here, they will not choose to come to Chicago assuming that theyre the ones choosing, he said. rap30@aol.com jgorner@chicagotribune.com Patrick County Public Schools ranked ninth out of 131 Virginia school divisions in Standards of Learning performance. On Sept. 7, the Virginia Department of Education released the 2022-23 SOL test results. In English PCPS pass rate was 84%, which is 11% above the state average of 73%; in writing the pass rate was 81%, which is 16% above the state average of 65%; in math the pass rate was 81%, which is 12% above the state average of 69%; in science the pass rate was 80%, which is 13% above the state average of 67%; and in history the pass rate was 78%, which is 13% above the state average of 65%. Our overall performance improved in 2022-2023, and once again Patrick County Public Schools scores are a shining example for the rest of the state as Patrick County is ranked 9th in the commonwealth out of 131 school divisions, PCPS Superintendent Jason Wood said in a press release on the results. We know that Patrick County Public School provides one of the highest-quality educational opportunities in the state and our performance shows that and we want to continue to build on our success with the help of parents and students, Wood said. Making sure our students attend school, so we can teach and care for all our students is one of the best ways families can help PCPS remain top in the state and ensure our students are successful. When the state accreditation process factors in student growth from spring 2022 to spring 2023, PCPS expects to see an even greater reason for celebration, the release states. PCPS Assistant Superintendent for Administration Shannon Brown, who is also in charge of state testing for PCPS said, these pass rates do not include adjusted scores for students who demonstrated growth in reading and math. These outstanding scores will only improve when growth is calculated next month for state accreditation. Patrick County Public Schools SOL performance reflects the continuous hard work and dedication of our entire school family. Our hard-working staff always goes above and beyond in providing personalized learning and meeting the needs of our students, PCPS Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Andrea Cassell said. For the current school year, Cassell added, the focus will be on continuing to accelerate learning in all Patrick County schools while analyzing student data to improve and provide the resources that schools and students need. Our teachers and staff are driven and ready to ensure all of our students have the resources and support they need to truly thrive, Cassell said. We are truly blessed to have an amazing school division filled with dedicated employees, a supportive community, caring families, and great students, Wood said. Patrick County Public Schools will always provide high-quality instruction for our students, and we will remain dedicated to meeting all of the needs of our students and families. We have outstanding educators, counselors, nurses, administrators, custodians, food service staff, transportation staff, and maintenance staff to ensure we provide the best care and support for all our students. Under a canopy of trees, state legislators joined Burke and McDowell county officials on Monday to announce what could turn out to be a game-changer for the counties and region. N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, R-111, brought along an oversized check for $35.5 million for Burke Development Inc. for the Great Meadows Megasite that was included in the state budget. Of the 1,343.44 acres that will make up the site, 200 acres of it is in McDowell County and the remainder of the property is in Burke County. He was joined for the announcement by Burke and McDowell state legislators and county commissioners, as well as other officials from the state and the city of Morganton. Moore told The News Herald on Monday that the Burke County megasite is the only new megasite he is aware of that is coming online right now in the state. Moore said a megasite has to have the right terrain that is relatively flat, which is hard to find in this part of the state because of the mountainous terrain, but the Burke County site fits the bill. He said a megasite also needs to have good transportation infrastructure, which the Burke site has with Interstate 40, as well as water and sewer and natural gas. Those are the things that are essential, and this site brings that, Moore said. Moore said there are companies looking in North Carolina consistently for land for a facility. They know weve got a strong workforce, that we have the right environment. CNBC now two or three years in a row has ranked us the No. 1 state in the country for business. Number one, and thats due to a lot of the tax cuts we put in place, reg reform, to try to draw industry here, Moore said. And so having this land is whats key because the folks who go and market this can then go out there when theyre at these national conferences, internationally, and know that theres the availability here. So the chances of Burke and McDowell landing something big are quite strong. While he couldnt name any companies who might be looking because of confidentiality agreements, Moore mentioned two of the industries that could be suitable for the property is auto manufacturers and battery technology plants. Those also are the industries that BDI President and CEO Alan Wood hinted to The News Herald last week that might be a potential for the site. Burke County Commissioner Vice Chairman Jeff Brittain told the crowd the megasite is something the county has been working on for a long time. He said the more than 1,300-acre site could be a location for one large industry or it could be divided to serve multiple industries. He said in the coming year, they will be working on site development and development plan for the whole site and will work with the state economic development to get the site online. He said it would not be possible without help from the state. Actually, this is history in the making, said Burke County Commissioner Chairman Scott Mulwee. This is a one-time opportunity in our lifetime to develop a site like this. This will never present itself again. So we have to be cognizant of the fact that we have to move forward in a cautious but aggressive way so we make sure to make the most of this opportunity. He said neither Burke nor McDowell have the money to develop a megasite on their own and that it had to come from the state. While the total cost of developing the site is unclear at this point, he said they will have a more exact cost in a couple of months time. A small molecule previously shown to enhance strength in injured or old laboratory mice does so by restoring lost connections between nerves and muscle fibers, Stanford Medicine researchers have found. The molecule blocks the activity of an aging-associated enzyme, or gerozyme, called 15-PGDH that naturally increases in muscles as they age. The study showed that levels of the gerozyme increase in muscles after nerve damage and that it is prevalent in muscle fibers of people with neuromuscular diseases. The research is the first to show that damaged motor neurons nerves connecting the spinal cord to muscles can be induced to regenerate in response to a drug treatment and that lost strength and muscle mass can be at least partially regained. It suggests that, if similar results are seen in humans, the drug may one day be used to prevent muscle loss of muscle strength due to aging or disease or to hasten recovery from injury. Its estimated that sarcopenia, or debilitating muscle frailty, affects about 30% of people over 80 and costs the United States around $380 billion each year. There is an urgent, unmet need for drug treatments that can increase muscle strength due to aging, injury or disease, said Helen Blau, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology. This is the first time a drug treatment has been shown to affect both muscle fibers and the motor neurons that stimulate them to contract in order to speed healing and restore strength and muscle mass. Its unique. Blau, the Donald E. and Delia B. Baxter Foundation Professor and director of the Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, is the senior author of the study, which was published online Oct. 11 in Science Translational Medicine. Postdoctoral scholar Mohsen Bakooshli, PhD, and former postdoctoral scholar Yu Xin Wang, PhD, are the lead authors of the study. Wang is now an assistant professor at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego. Addressing loss of strength The finding is the latest from the Blau laboratory focused on understanding how muscles weaken from aging or disease, and whether its possible to combat this decline. In 2021, the group showed that blocking the activity of 15-PGDH in 24-month-old laboratory mice significantly enhances the animals leg strength and endurance when running on a treadmill. (Laboratory mice typically live about 26 to 30 months.) But it wasnt clear exactly how. The new research shows that the effect is due to the restoration of lost connections between the nerves and the muscle. These connections, called neuromuscular junctions, are how the brain signals muscles to contract, allowing us to pick up a water glass, jog to the mailbox or hoist a toddler into a car seat. As we age, some of these connections are lost, causing muscle contractions to become less powerful and muscles to atrophy. People typically lose muscle mass and strength as much as 10% per decade after the age of 50. A Polson police officer accused of sexually abusing a minor girl pleaded not guilty in Lake County District Court on Friday afternoon. Matthew Timm, 41, was arrested by the Lake County Sheriffs Office on a sex abuse of children charge in September. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Friday, according to Lake County prosecutors. If convicted, Timm faces up to 10 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine. A search warrant served on a flash drive (found in a Polson house previously occupied by Timm) showed over 700 photos with a minor either partially naked or fully exposed, prosecutors alleged in court documents. The minor and Timm were reportedly living together for about six years. Timm allegedly hid cameras throughout a bathroom and captured photos of her. Polson Police Chief George Simpson said Timm's employment status is under review, but he's not on active duty. Timm remains in custody at the Flathead County jail on a $500,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for March. Stop by the Friends of the Library Book Sale and get help from an experienced Family History Roadshow genealogist at Missoula Public Library. Friends of the Library Book Sale The Friends of Missoula Public Library is hosting an upcoming bag sale during the Friends of the Library Book Sale, which occurs on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. in Cooper Room B on Level Four of the library. On Sunday, all books from 2 to 4 p.m. will be free! Shoppers will purchase a bag for $5, and then fill it up with books and other items of their choice. What a deal! The sale will feature plenty of nonfiction books, fiction books, some childrens books, some AV, and much more. Most items are old library items and will have library markings. Family History Month Series: Family History Writing Contest Calling all family historians! Enter genealogical writing about your Montana ancestors in Missoula Public Library's first annual Family History Writing Contest. Memorialize your familys history and compete for cash prizes. Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions. Entries will be accepted until March 1, 2024, via Submittable: missoulapubliclibrary.submittable.com/submit. Full contest rules are available on our website: tinyurl.com/FamilyHistoryWritingContest. Family History Month Series: Genealogy Book Group Join Missoula Public Library for the first meeting of the new Genealogy Book Group on Oct. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Blackfoot Room on Level Four of the library. This month the group will discuss "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline. For more information or to join email desireef@missoulapubliclibrary.org. Read with Dogs Registered Pet Partners Therapy Dog teams are just waiting for your child to read them a book at Missoula Public Library. Your child can read a favorite book from home or pick one of the many picture books we have to offer. This program is held on Oct. 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library and is great for hesitant readers or kids who just love dogs. Families First Learning Lab: Kids Cooking Class Join Families First Learning Lab on Oct. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Demonstration Kitchen on Level Three of the library for a kids cooking class that teaches participants how to use kitchen tools, read recipes and create delicious treats. Tips for Using MPLs Map PCs: Hunters Edition Calling all hunters! On Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Blackfoot Room on Level Four of the library learn how to use the basic features of the Terrain Navigator Pro map program on MPLs map PCs. Attendees will learn how to find an area, scale the size, design the layout, print a map, and more. We will also touch briefly on other map programs, such as Google Earth and Natural Atlas. Space is limited and registration is required. Email Sarah to register at svelk@missoulapubliclibrary.org to get on the list. Families First Learning Lab: Schools Out Activities Looking for something to do while school's out? On Oct. 19 and 20 swing by the Families First table, located outside the office on Level Two of the library, to pick up a fun and educational take-home activity. YMCA Yoga at the Library Missoula Public Library is thrilled to partner with Missoula Family YMCA to offer free yoga at the library. On Oct. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. in Cooper Room A on Level Four of the library we will focus on basic yoga postures, alignment principles, and breathing techniques that help balance, strengthen and stretch the body. This class is recommended for those wishing to strengthen the foundation of their practice, or who simply want an ongoing practice in harmony with their level of strength, balance and flexibility. Participants must sign a liability waiver prior to class by downloading and printing it or by signing a provided copy before class begins. Download the waiver (PDF) here tinyurl.com/2994wjww. Participants are welcome to bring their own yoga mat or use one of ours. Youre an Engineer This program is held on Oct. 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library and is perfect for your little engineer. Kids can build and create with oversized Building Blocks and our Rig-a-ma-Jig. The Rig-a-ma-Jig is a set of wooden planks with pulleys, oversized nuts and bolts, and screws. Enjoy your own free building time or join in our building challenges. Talk Time On Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library come in and practice speaking with other English language learners. Learn about U.S. culture and meet people from around the world. Child care enrichment activities are provided onsite in collaboration with Families First Learning Lab. Family History Roadshow Missoula Public Library and the Western Montana Genealogical Society are excited to host this Genealogy Roadshow-style event at the library. Spend 15 to 20 minutes with an experienced genealogist and find your ancestors stories. This event is held on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Cooper Room on Level Four of the library and is free and open to the public. Please come prepared with the name of an ancestor, approximate birth year and place, death information and a specific question you would like us to try to answer. Montana Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci was arrested Friday in Cascade County on two felony charges of witness tampering, after he allegedly refused to return a security deposit to a tenant at his rental property until she recanted her testimony in a separate disorderly conduct case against him. According to an affidavit filed by the Deputy Cascade County Attorney John C. Brothers, the tenant, identified only by her initials, had given witness testimony to investigators following a July 5 altercation in which Pinocci, 59, allegedly challenged the relative of a neighboring tenant to a fight. Two weeks later, she texted Pinocci, who was also her landlord, to ask if he wanted her to mow the neighboring lawn, according to the charges. The affidavit quotes a text response from Pinocci that stated in part, For us to continue a relationship, youre going to have to recant your testimony with the sheriffs department. Pinoccis text message allegedly goes on to dispute the woman's version of events, urging her to get your testimony corrected and will [sic] talk about working together in the future. Prosecutors filed the underlying disorderly conduct charge in July after Pinocci allegedly challenged one of his tenants to a fight over a dispute about that person's security deposit. The two "bumped chests" and Pinocci ultimately summoned law enforcement. Both of them were cited with disorderly conduct; Pinocci was arrested in September for failing to appear at a court hearing on that charge. Prosecutors say that in August, Pinocci told the woman who witnessed the July confrontation he wouldnt return a $5,400 safety deposit, citing property damages. In a separate conversation the following month, Pinocci told the woman and her roommate he would not discuss their deposit until (the woman) recanted her testimony to the sheriffs office. If convicted, Pinocci could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines for each count of witness tampering. Pinocci could not immediately be reached Friday. One phone number found for the commissioner appeared to be disconnected and another indicated the owner of the account was unavailable. According to the inmate roster for the Cascade County Adult Detention Center, Pinocci was being held on a $2,500 bond. In a Friday press conference, Sheriff Jesse Slaughter said as of noon he was unsure whether Pinocci remained in custody or had posted bail. Pinocci has made a statement to investigators, Slaughter said during the press conference, but the sheriff did not elaborate. "This isnt a pleasant situation for anybody in our community when a person of trust is arrested in a matter like this," Slaughter said. "We try to be as consistent as we can be, with treating people the same as much as possible and maintain public trust as best we can. Obviously he'll have his day in court, these are allegations." Currently in his second term on the five-member PSC, Pinocci is a Republican from Sun River who represents District 1, which sprawls from Great Falls and part of Billings to the North and South Dakota borders. He was unopposed in his successful 2022 election to the seat. Previously he also served one term in the Montana House of Representatives. Commission President James Brown said in an interview Friday that he and the rest of the commission had been unaware of the charges until Slaughter's announcement. "Were very disappointed in these developments," Brown said. "Commissioner Pinocci's actions are bringing negative and unwarranted attention to the Public Service Commission and the good work it does on behalf of the citizens of the state of Montana. Of course under the presumption of law, every criminal defendant is presumed innocent, so the commission will wait to see what happens in terms of the criminal charges the outcome of those before determining what if any internal actions the commission may take in relation to Commissioner Pinocci." Brown declined to elaborate on what those actions might include. Montana law gives the governor the authority to suspend a PSC commissioner upon complaint made and good cause shown and can appoint temporarily some competent person to perform the duties of the suspended commissioner during the period of the suspension. The governor's office did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment. Pinocci has been considered a potential candidate for Montanas eastern congressional district since he filed a federal lawsuit against the Montana Department of Transportation earlier this year. In that filing, Pinocci accuses the state agency of First Amendment violations for its efforts to remove his campaign signs from a previous election cycle. Pinoccis supporters, according to the lawsuit, rejected the departments warnings to remove the signs because they "want to encourage him to run for higher office, such as the U.S. House of Representatives." Montana State News Bureau reporter Seaborn Larson contributed to this story. TWIN FALLS Recently, spigots were turned on and, gradually, thousands of gallons of molluscicide were intentionally released into the Snake River from the hydropower plant at the Twin Falls downstream to Centennial Waterfront Park in an effort to kill quagga mussels. It shows that sometimes you have to harm something for it to survive. It was an aggressive move, but state officials said they had no choice after quagga mussel larvae and an adult mussel were found in that section of the river last month. It was either that or let the small invasive pests slowly take over the waterway, clogging pipes and choking out wildlife. It is hard, said Chanel Tewalt, director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and as hard as it is, it would be harder to have this river changed forever. Even though officials say the water will still be considered safe for humans to drink during the treatment, no one knows exactly how the river will be affected in the attempt to kill the larvae and mussels. Fish and plant life will and have died. Within days, 20 hatchery-raised sturgeon ranging from 6 feet to under 2 feet, along with several hundred other fish, including largescale suckers, common carp, northern pike minnow and yellow perch, have been pulled from the river, although officials say mammals and waterfowl living near the river are not expected to be affected. The treatment is expected to be wrapped up on Friday, after which there will be an evaluation conducted to determine its success. Everyone is holding their breath for a positive outcome. It would be a huge step for ISDA to get life back to normal, including for recreation enthusiasts boaters, kayakers, fishermen and hunters whove been banned from the stretch of the river out of fear their activities could spread the mussel. We are very cognizant of the closures and people who want to get back to the river they love, Tewalt said. Natrix, a copper-based molluscicide, which in May 2020 became an approved pesticide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, is the chosen treatment and the first 96-hour phase of the procedure concluded last week. A second treatment is now being applied from Shoshone Falls to Pillar Falls, the area where a plume of larvae was detected and adult mussels are suspected of hiding under the water, latched onto rocks or other surfaces. Depending on the results of the initial 10-day effort, more treatment might be needed. No sitting around Once mussels mature, they quickly start reproducing. Each year, a female mussel can produce up to 1 million microscopic free-swimming larvae, called veligers. After a few weeks, the larvae begin to form shells and attach to firm, underwater surfaces. The urgency is there to kill both adults and larvae and do it quickly. Tewalt told a crowd at a briefing Oct. 1 at Twin Falls City Hall that under normal circumstances, the department would reach out to people to give them a chance to comment on a plan of action, but there was no time for that. The window of opportunity to have the best chance at killing the mussels is small, she said. Idaho Code allows the state to make quick decisions when something is deemed an environmental emergency. There is no sitting around ..., Tewalt said. We get to work as quickly as possible. The stretch of the river near Twin Falls has become a battleground. It is not just a local issue; the future of the Columbia River Basin, the only major river system in the U.S. that had been free of the invasive pests, could be at stake. Gov. Brad Little said if the mussels got firmly established in Idahos waterways, it could cost the state $100 million each year in direct and indirect costs. Mussel larvae were confirmed Sept. 18 after a routine sampling of water at Centennial Waterfront Park. Ten days later, a scuba diver found a single adult mussel at Shoshone Falls. The discovery of the adult mussel was incredibly fortunate, officials said, equating it to locating a needle in a two-mile-long haystack. But its not the only one down there. As soon as you find one, you know they cant exist by themselves; there needs to be more, Tewalt said. When the adult was discovered, it added more urgency to the situation. There was no such luck as what Montana faced five years ago when veligers were found in a river in the central portion of the state, but no adults were ever discovered and the state officially remains mussel-free. While coming up with the final plan, although officials were working quickly, corners werent cut, Tewalt said, and agencies were given a chance to comment. Numerous state and federal agencies, offices and utilities a total of 16 listed in a recent news release were kept in the loop and officials gave advice and helped with the plans formulation. Tewalt said the ISDA took a number of groups on the river to explain the situation and to discuss the scale and magnitude of the plan. The agency faced plenty of questions and plenty of different options were discussed. As an announcement grew near, Tewalt recalled that the ISDA told them, We need you all to tell us now if there is a problem with the treatment plan as we have constructed it collaboratively. No one objected, Tewalt said. Twin Falls Commissioner Don Hall said he has been happy with the accessibility to ISDA officials. I have been impressed with the team and their communication, he said, likening it to having Tewalt on speed dial. In addition, property owners were notified of the release of Natrix. Releasing the chemical Natrix began to be released into the river on the evening of Oct. 3. A few issues, including doing some last-minute calibrations and fixing a broken hose, caused a later start than anticipated. It was normal stuff, Tewalt said, but we obviously wanted to make sure everything was right. As the initial wave of treatment was released, the water at Shoshone Falls began to take on a bluish color, but that was an anticipated, temporary byproduct of the release. It didnt run blue for very long, she said. And in the first place, getting the amount of product to the river was not an easy task. Hats off to the manufacturing company for being able to work with us, Tewalt said. They didnt just have this amount sitting on a shelf somewhere. The manufacturer, SePRO Corporation, ramped up manufacturing and rushed it from the East Coast to Idaho. The trucks were tracked hour by hour, Tewalt said. Workers set up empty 250-gallon totes along strategic parts of the river, and transported the product to the totes by boat. The chemical is also being dispensed on boats by the hired applicator, who has worked with ISDA in the past. In addition, SePRO Corporation has chemists on-site to ensure it is applied appropriately. They know their product better than anyone, Tewalt said. The target rate of one part per mission was reached a day or more after the applications began. From its initial release, every piece of that is very carefully calibrated to get us to 1 ppm in a way that is measured and in a way that is appropriate and fits with the plan that is laid out, Tewalt said. ISDA employees are camped out on the river, monitoring and finetuning the treatment. Releases were reduced once monitoring sites hit 1 ppm. The treatment was to last 96 hours to help ensure quagga mussels receive a lethal dose. Varley explained at a briefing that mussels have a tendency to hold their breath, or close up, if there is something in the water that they dont like, much like what children might do when offered broccoli. Treating all the river at that 1 ppm can be tricky, Tewalt said, as the river is not all the same depth. There are also deep pools, including one near Pillar Falls that is 90 feet deep, which are being treated as a separate body of water, said Varley. The total amount of pesticide used per treatment is about 11,000 gallons in each of the two sections from Centennial Waterfront Park to Pillar Falls, and from Pillar Falls to Shoshone Falls. An additional amount is needed to treat the deep pools. The area near Twin Falls hydroplant took a lesser amount. Safety and wildlife Downstream from Centennial Park, on a dirt road leading to Auger Falls, are signs posted at nearly every potential point of river access, alerting people to stay off the river. They warn of danger and pesticides, along with mentioning the quagga mussel treatment. Regardless of what kind of danger it may or may not pose, people have been told to stay off the river from the Twin Falls to Niagara Springs for weeks, so they shouldnt be in the river, Tewalt said. The amount of Natrix being added to the river will keep it safe to drink, officials say, as the drinking water standard is 1.3 ppm, Tewalt said. The product starts killing fish, however, at a rate of 0.4 ppm. This copper product is toxic to fish and aquatic organisms. Unlike most organic pesticides, copper is an element and will not break down in the environment and will therefore accumulate with repeated applications. Copper is a micronutrient, but its pesticidal application rate exceeds the amount of copper needed as a nutrient, warnings on the Natrix label reads. Fish kills have been documented so far, and Tewalt said organic matter in the river is showing signs of breaking down. We love the sturgeon, Terry Thompson of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game said. Hes never caught one of the huge sturgeon in the river but knows people who have. For people who catch them, it is quite the memory, he said. He said he wasnt sure if larger sturgeon stand a better chance of surviving the treatment, and that very few of the sturgeon on the stretch of river are native. The best chance of fish survival could depend on them finding water sources coming into the river, so they could escape the toxic levels, Thompson said, noting that has been happening. But the river is more than fish and plant life. Native mussels such as the Western pearlshell are in the river and expected to take a hit. Thompson said Fish & Game is running two boats on the river 12 hours a day, documenting fish mortality. He expects the department will be monitoring fish kill two weeks after the treatment. Mary Anne Nelson, with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, said the department doesnt know how long it will take for the river to heal. Fish & Game will look at restocking options after the treatment is over. I dont like the killing of fish in that stretch of the river, Commissioner Hall said. But I like it better than to let the mussels infiltrate the river. What those mussels will do is 1,000-fold worse. If the river wasnt treated, a quagga mussel infestation would end up fouling the ecosystem, leading to fish kill, officials said. The molluscicide doesnt settle into the flesh of the fish, but travels over the gills so they cannot breathe, preventing the fish from being able to take oxygen out of the water and into their bloodstream, officials said. The two 96-hour treatments, with a short period of time in between, are done to keep within the label directions, Varley said. The pesticide wont suddenly disappear from the environment, but officials say it will dissipate as springs pour into the river downstream, as well as bubble up from under the river. In addition, plant life is expected to die as it absorbs the copper and suspended sediment also absorbs copper. The product is expected to dissipate by 70% within a 16-mile stretch downriver of Centennial Waterfront Park, as springs flowing into the river will aid in the dilution process. The rate at Centennial Park is about 380 cubic feet per second and increases to about 2,000 cfs at the Highway 46 Bridge north of Buhl, Varley said. Having to do the treatment is heartbreaking, Tewalt said. But one thing is certain, Tewalt said. The alternative is worse. Permitting reform is crucial to ensure the clean energy transition happens fast enough to get projects up and running and ward off the extreme weather, fire, and smoke events that affect all of us in Montana. We need to build transmission lines, improve early community involvement, and quickly build and deploy new clean energy projects. Big energy projects need written approval from local, state and, or federal agencies to begin construction. But it takes about 5 years on average for these agencies to complete environmental assessments and impact statements. Electrical, safety, construction, and building permits are also required. Streamlining the project permitting process while protecting the lives and health of people living near them as well as the birds, bats, wildlife, federally endangered or threatened species, aquatic species, and ecosystems is required. Unless we quickly build the necessary infrastructure, well only achieve about 20% of the potential carbon pollution reductions from existing climate policy. It takes 10 years on average to build new long distance transmission lines required for these projects. Most new infrastructure proposed in the U.S. is now for clean energy, so making permitting easier will benefit these projects. Building wind and solar farms with battery storage will bring economic and health benefits and jobs. Clean energy will help improve our air quality. Wildfire smoke is a particularly dangerous form of air pollution that damages human health. As the fourth leading risk factor for early death, its responsible for more than 6 million premature deaths each year from heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Children are especially at risk from dirty air including wildfire smoke because they breathe more air relative to their size, are more active than adults, and are still growing and developing. Permitting reform will help keep the supply chain in the U.S. Right now, over 80% of supply chains for materials (such as critical minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt) arent all controlled by the U.S. or are within the U.S. Keeping the supply chain at home means lower costs, more jobs, and lets us follow the highest environmental standards. Recently, at a hearing before the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives, representatives from all seven of the U.S.s grid operators said power grids will need to adapt to rapid electrification. The Fiscal Responsibility Act, passed in May 2023, is an example of legislation that will help streamline clean energy permitting because it made the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) permitting process more efficient. But this is just the start. We need bipartisan action to pass a standalone legislative package. Fortunately, momentum is building across the aisle in Congress. The BIG WIRES Act (Building Integrated Grids with Interregional Energy Supply) was recently introduced in Congress. It will help ensure that the U.S. has a resilient grid that can provide abundant, affordable, and reliable clean electricity. It would require utilities to allow more power to flow between regions of the country, helping protect against major, long term outages due to extreme weather events. Additional transmission would lower energy costs for Americans overall areas producing cheap energy can sell it to regions where its more expensive, and regions can connect new, low-cost resources to the grid. We call on Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representatives Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke to support the BIG WIRES Act. You can make a quick phone call to urge them to support BIG WIRES and enact legislation that will help boost transmission projects, improve early community involvement, and quickly build and deploy new clean energy projects. Go to cclusa.org/action and follow the prompts. Cindy, a client at Elim Christian Services pauses on a bridge at the campus in Palos Heights. The Oak Forest resident has built up a following for the hand-made greeting cards she creates. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown) For most of her 30 years at Elim Christian Services, Cindy has been building her skills, helping staff and fellow clients at the nonprofit organization and participating in volunteer projects. She has a talent for helping, but another of her skills has allowed the 51-year-old to find her calling as an artistic entrepreneur. Advertisement Shes gained experience in art classes in Elims Adult Services program in Orland Park, painting seasonal pictures and recreating scenes such as a sun rising over the ocean. After classes, Cindy, who has some special needs, can be found in her Oak Forest home craft room afternoons and evenings, creating up to 20 greeting cards, taking breaks for a cup of coffee, dinner or a stroll outside. She uses ink stamps to add inspiring messages and attaches trinkets, such as a tiny key. Her trusty Cricut machine helps her cut and design the cards. Advertisement I really enjoy it, said Cindy during a recent visit to the main Elim campus in unincorporated Palos Heights. Its a comfort. I make other people happy when I sell my cards. Cindy, of Oak Forest, displays some of the greeting cards she has created and sells after developing her skills at Elim Christian Services in Palos Heights. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown) The Adult Services program offers vocational and life skill learning for adults with mild mental disabilities, Downs syndrome and autism with the aim of helping clients learn to live as independently as possible. The focus is always on helping people reach their potential. Elim also offers education and therapy for 3-to-21 year-olds with developmental challenges and 5-to-21 year-olds with autism spectrum disorder, as well as other programs. She recently sold a bunch of cards, tumblers and tote bags she decorated at Elims Dutch Fest last month, and was selling her cards at a coffee shop in Lansing until it closed. Earlier this year, her cards became a mainstay at Dixons Florist in Munster, Indiana, where theyre displayed with a short biography about Cindy and sell for about $4 each. The proceeds help her purchase more art supplies as well as her personal needs. The cards also are available through Elim by emailing Bradley.Johnson@elimcs.org. Cindy also works in the warehouse at Elim, and her supervisor, Paul Tucker, helped her get the cards into the florist shop, where theyve become a high demand item. One customer asked when there would be a new batch in, Tucker said. I see the quality and the care she puts into her cards, he said. Shes got a very creative eye. A card made by Cindy, of Oak Forest, is on display at Dixon's Florist in Munster, Indiana, which stocks her cards for sale. (Tara Carson) Tucker said hes also struck by Cindys perseverance and composure when he offers constructive criticism. Advertisement When he says to get things done for him, I get it done, Cindy said, adding Tucker sometimes tells her to go back and work on a card to make it more detailed or make it look your best. She just loves doing this, Tucker said. It gives her a sense of purpose, a sense of worth. Shes just a very loving, caring person. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Bob Wilk, who owns Dixons with his wife, Jasmin, said that theyre happy to offer the cards at their shop. Theyre custom-made, every card is different and its almost as if she makes them from her heart. Wilk said. Its supporting a good cause with her. He was also impressed by the artist when he first met her in May. She was a sweetheart and she really appreciated us carrying the cards, so its been a good relationship, said Wilk, adding the venture has turned out so well he hopes to offer space to other budding artists. Advertisement Cindy raved about Tucker and the Wilks, saying how grateful she is that the owners display her cards there and that Tucker encourages her. He is a blessing Cindy said of Tucker. He has helped me so much with my business. Im very blessed to have Elim staff and to have this opportunity to do what Im doing. Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Bannack switching to winter hours BANNACK Beginning Monday, Bannack State Park will be switching to winter hours. The park will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The visitor center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park will be closed Dec. 24-25. Summer hours resume April 13. About 20 miles west of Dillon, Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montanas first major gold discovery in 1862. More than 50 historic buildings still line Bannacks Main Street. Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack or call 406-834-3413. Sunrise Kiwanis elect new president Bill Daily was installed as president of the Sunrise Kiwanis Club during a recent club installation dinner. The continuing officers are Ray Petersen, treasurer and Kristel Callahan, secretary. In addition, Dave Isakson, Jon Sando, and Dave Stevens will serve on the clubs board of directors. The past president is Corey Dennehy, who will continue to serve on the club board for the next two years. Tech engineers holding gun raffle The American Society of Civil Engineers at Montana Tech are currently holding a fundraising gun raffle. Raffle tickets are being sold from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 1 on the Montana Tech campus. The tickets will be available to purchase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 at Murdochs, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22, Oct. 29, and Nov. 12 at Three Bears. Tickets are $10 or $50 for six tickets. All proceeds go towards funding the chapters travel expenses to the annual ASCE Symposium in Vancouver, Canada. After the finalization of the merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City railroads, the City of Muscatine continues to work on the project to mitigate the potential impact of the promised increase in train traffic through the city. During its Thursday city council meeting, Muscatine officials received an update on the merger. City administrator Carol Webb gave a report to the council, saying that some of the things the city plans to do include closing the Day Street crossing and evaluating the southend quiet zone. As train traffic increases, she said, the city would continue to evaluate needs. CP will be monitored for their measures and will have to report issues, Webb said. "I need to tell the community if they see long train blockages to report them because they are part of monitoring the compliance and the conditions they agreed to. In October, 2021, Canadian Pacific and Kansas City filed an application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to merge. The merger was finalized in December 2021 and final approval was given in March. The merger was implemented in April. The new railway will be the first to link Canada, the United States and Mexico. The merger was subject to an environmental review process. An impact study had to be done on each community the merger would impact to determine any possible environmental impact as well as a any social impact, such as noise. Muscatine submitted a list of concerns. The railway reached out to the city, saying it would work with the city to address the concerns. It was determined other than noise, most of the impacts to Muscatine would be negligible. Since the study, the railway has agreed to voluntary community agreements, emergency response training, not blocking crossings for more than 10 minutes and maintaining quiet zones. The city also received $3 million from the railway, half of which was to be used for grant matches to construct a grade separated crossing at Dick Drake Way. In October 2022 the city applied for a grant to aid in designing the area. The grant was denied. Webb said the money had been set aside in a separate fund and none of it has been used. Several council members were concerned if the city waited to determine impact, the costs of mitigating the impact would go up. The council instructed staff to investigate the cost of creating a quiet zone. As we all heard, a new city called California Forever has been proposed in Northeast Solano County close to Travis Air Force Base. California Forever, a place-holder name, is an investment by billionaire Silicon Valley investors who purchased 153 parcels of land, over 50,000 acres of raw land spending over $900 million, quietly under the radar. Their goal is, A new community that attracts new employers, creates good paying local jobs and homes in walkable neighborhoods." While in Napas adjacent Solano County, it could have unknown impacts on our region. What is important is to look at whether the project is even feasible, let alone possible. California Forever was founded by Jan Sramek, CEO of Flannery Associates in 2017 with many Silicon Valley billionaire investors. The land is currently zoned Agricultural Use only and with multiple slow growth laws in Solano County. Their vision is 75,000 people, twice the size of San Francisco. No offense Solano, but the county has never seen a proposal it wouldnt approve. The close proximity to Travis Air Force Base has alarmed locals and Federal officials. The architecture is a goofy combination of Mediterranean and Disneyland schlock. The renderings are cartoons of unrealistic images showing lakes with 200-year-old trees and others with Tuscan villas tumbling down a hillside to a Ligurian Sea. The designers if any have never visited the site and have no sense of community planning. A fellow architect friend of mine, John King, suggested I look at another similar new city created in Contra Costa County in the 90s called Mountain House. It promised to be a self-contained community with plenty of housing and jobs, all living in holistic harmony. Mountain House was conceived in 1991 and opened its doors in 2003. Located 45 miles east of Oakland, near the Altamont Pass. Mountain House was surrounded by grassy hills with thousands of wind turbines. The promise of Mountain House was a self-contained community with plenty of jobs. Trimark, the developer, promised 44,000 new residences and 21,000 jobs when construction was completed. A first-class corporate office park was big part of the sales pitch. The homebuilders sold homes and condos as fast as they could build them. While home prices were relatively low, as the Great Recession took hold sales and home values dropped. One report showed 90% of the new homes had lost value. Unfortunately, this is common to new communities compared to established neighborhoods. When I designed the Glen Cove community in Vallejo, the property values dropped like a rock in their first recession compared to established Vallejo communities. The Mountain House promises of a suburban utopia did not materialize. While today there are roughly 30,000 residences, only 1,500 jobs are in town, and it wasnt until last year that a supermarket opened. Most of the workers commute at least an hour by automobile. No rapid transit is available although a BART extension has been approved. The reality of new cities assuming they get off the ground at all is they are taken over by home developers building market-rate homes, but no jobs are created in the communities. As with Mountain House, the ratio is 1% jobs to 99% housing. Solano has never seen a project it wouldnt approve One big challenge for California Forever is the lack of a reliable water source, and ground water is precious. Significant improvements to Highway 80 will be required, but the biggest issue will be whether the surrounding arteries can even support the project. Since most of the workers assumed to be two persons per household will have to drive to work, a quick amateur calculation suggests up to 4,500 more cars traveling on Highway 12 through Napa to Sonoma and Marin each morning, a possible 10% increase. It was recently reported that California Forever lost a local governmental battle with Rio Vista that denied them allowing the use of their city attorneys for securing water rights. The city decision of NO was easy to foresee, but definitely not even a slingshot wound in the upcoming battle for approval. We know that we need more housing for our families and workers, but this is not a solution. The housing created here will be virtually all middle to upper class housing, depending on how they handle the expensive infrastructure required. If Solano County thinks that creating this will help solve their housing shortage and solve their State requirements, they should think again. They will need to provide almost 20% to 25% below market housing to meet their requirements. After reading through their proposals, I noted they were embracing a 1950s document, Future Developments of The San Francisco Bay Area, 19602020. Lets hope that plan never materializes. It called for a new bridge from San Francisco to Sausalito via Angel Island, suburbs in West Marin, and up to 300,000 people in Napa. While the chances of California Forever becoming a reality is slim, constant vigilance is required by all of us to ensure that our environment is not haphazardly destroyed or urbanized. Calistoga this week announced state approval of its plans to expand housing over the next eight years, seven months after California officials rejected an earlier proposal by the Upvalley city. The state Department of Housing and Community Development certified Calistogas housing element for the period ending in 2031, city officials said in a news release Wednesday. Calistogas City Council adopted that plan Aug. 1. In the citys statement, City Manager Laura Snideman said the plan will allow Calistoga to maintain its small-town atmosphere while keeping access to regional grant funds for housing, infrastructure and other needs. The communitys vision for maintaining Calistogas rural feel while providing better housing opportunities is the foundation of this Housing Element, said Snideman. The approval follows state housing officials denial in March of Calistogas earlier draft, which council members had passed in November 2022. Feedback from the state housing department at the time suggested that Calistogas previous draft lacked detail and analysis, and in some places had not been updated based on notes the agency provided the city earlier in the process. As Californias shortage of affordable housing has deepened, the state has stepped up pressure on local governments to create more detailed housing elements, which are long-term housing plans cities and counties are required to file every eight years. The Bay Area is being required to approve more than 441,000 new housing units for all income levels, a 15% increase from the regions existing housing supply. Noncompliance may cause cities and counties to lose out on certain state funding as well open themselves to the builder's remedy, a provision of state housing law that may allow developers to override local zoning rules to build housing developments where either 20% of the units are affordable to lower-income tenants, or all units are within reach of those with moderate incomes. Photos: Auro Napa Valley earns Michelin star Auro restaurant Calistoga Auro restaurant Calistoga Auro California White Duck Auro Kitchen Auro restaurant, Calistoga Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia and Chef de Cuisine Elijah Cortez Auro The Napa County branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) held a special 25th annual celebration of Tech Trek campers in Napa on Friday, Sept. 15. This dinner meeting included the eighth-grade girls who had been selected last spring from Napa County middle schools to attend the Tech Trek week-long Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camps at Sonoma State and UC Davis this past summer. Lisa Groom, Napas Tech Trek coordinator, found just the right way to celebrate: by finding the very first Tech Trek camper, Elese Polk, and inviting her to be the evenings guest speaker. Polk excitedly agreed to come to speak to the group. This was no small thing since she now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she owns her own television production company. Polk spoke from the heart and told the nearly 70-member audience about growing up in American Canyon and Vallejo. She told the group that as a young child, she struggled with math, but teachers did not give up on her and now she handles budgets in the tens of millions of dollars. Polk started at Silverado Middle School as a seventh grader. When her math teacher nominated her for the Tech Trek camp opportunity, she was so excited. Her dream school was Stanford, and this camp would give her the opportunity to experience the university. She got letters of recommendation, wrote an essay, and even wrote to her principal, Mr. Wildman, earnestly requesting that he write a letter of recommendation. She is pretty sure that is what led to her being selected, said Polk. Polk said she loved Tech Trek, her dorm mom, and new friends, some of whom she stayed in touch with for years. She remembered walking around campus with the real students, there for summer school, making her feel like she was one of them; the independence from her parents and the need to be responsible for herself. Her best experience was participating in a mock forensic murder case where they had to analyze bloody clothes from a victim and gather DNA information. Polk was selected to be the defense attorney in the resulting murder trial and spent years after wanting to be a lawyer. After attending both Vintage and Napa High Schools, she attended and graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in communications, having discovered a passion for television production. Polk said she has lived this passion working in production for eight years for Paramount and other companies before starting her own television production company four years ago. She produces everything from scripted to unscripted, documentaries to award shows, to Nickelodeon content. Due to her working relationship with Paramount, they still contract with her on several projects. While the adults in the room were amazed at this incredible young woman speaking with a photo of herself as a seventh grader projected behind her, the newest Tech Trekkers were in awe. Polk was one of them, and they could see that she followed her dreams and used skills learned, at least partly, in Tech Trek. This years campers could see themselves in Polk. The unstated theme of Tech Trek is, If you can see her, you can be her. Tech Trek camps capitalize on this sentiment at the camps by having women from various STEM fields teach the classes and staff the workshops, field trips, and evening programs. The most popular program is usually the Professional Womens Night where the girls not only get to learn about a great variety of STEM professions, some they had never heard of, but they get to interact with these women and ask lots of questions. Once the 2023 campers, fondly called Trekkers, came up to the microphone, the audience was well-primed. Each of the four Trekkers in attendance had the audience and Polk spellbound as they recounted their own experiences at camp. Letters from the three Trekkers who were unable to attend were read aloud by Lisa Groom and Carolyn Stewart. Over the past 25 years, the Napa County Branch of AAUW has awarded nearly 140 Tech Trek camp scholarships. The most recent campers were Naomi Young (ACMS), Zesang Sherab (ACMS), Emily Pena (CJSHS), Xceli Corona (RLS), Audrey Schallon (RMS), Sariah Hoffine Naastad (SMS), and Lujan Maire (UMS). Vallejo has awarded the recently reinstated police officer who killed Sean Monterrosa $118,050.40 in back pay, the Times-Herald has learned. The city made the payout to Detective Jarrett Tonn on Sept. 28, bank statements acquired via a public records request reveal. Rashad Hollis, the public information officer for Vallejo Police, said Friday afternoon that Tonn is indeed back on the force but he didn't know which day Tonn had started. According to Hollis, Tonn is working in the city of Vallejo currently as part of the Training Division although Hollis specifically said that Tonn is not teaching any courses or training any officers. "He's a scheduler for the training division," Hollis said. "Basically, if someone is overdue on taking a CPR class or needs to take a class on field sobriety, he is the one that conducts the schedule and makes sure officers are getting that instruction." Asked his feelings on Tonn returning to the force, Hollis replied: "I have no comment on that." In 2021, Tonn's last full year on the Vallejo police force, the detective received $118,969.92 in regular pay and $48,408 in overtime pay, according to records on the public pay database Transparent California. Tonn set off a whirlwind of public outcry when he fatally shot Monterrosa, who was unarmed, in the back of the head in the early hours of June 2, 2020. The 22-year-old was fleeing the scene of a burglary at a Vallejo Walgreens when Tonn and other officers claim he suddenly spun around and dropped into a "shooting position." The detective, who was sitting in the back seat of his SWAT vehicle, gave no verbal warnings before firing a semiautomatic rifle five times through the vehicle's windshield in a span of 1.5 seconds. "What did he point at us?" Tonn can be heard asking in a body camera recording. "I don't know," another officer replies. No video of the shooting itself exists. Investigations found that Monterrosa was carrying a claw hammer, not a gun, in his sweatshirt. This was the third time Tonn had shot at a person while on duty. The city fired the detective in October 2022 after the OIR Group, a criminal justice consulting firm, concluded that the shooting violated police department policy. A third party overturned that decision in August, however. Pointing out that he was legally bound to consider only the facts available to Tonn when the shooting took place, arbitrator Alexander Cohn ordered Tonn returned to the force with back pay in a "final and binding" report. "Although not an easy question, the Arbitrator is constrained to view the situation from the SWAT officers' points of view at the time," Cohn wrote. "Using that lens, (Tonn) acted in self-defense of his fellow officers when he shot and killed Monterrosa, whom he believed was about to shoot them." Vallejo City Manager Mike Malone announced Aug. 29 that the city had begun "making preparations for (Tonn's) reinstatement." A crowd of about 120 people packed Vallejo City Hall in September in protest, blasting the city's decision across two hours of impassioned speeches. Among the protesters was attorney Lee Merritt, who represents Monterrosa's family in a civil lawsuit against the city. Merritt declined to immediately answer a question from Mayor Robert McConnell about how to prevent Tonn from returning to the force. "I certainly offer myself and my resources and an international group of people who work with cities across the country to come up with a reasonable answer to that question," he said at the time. If Tonn returns to patrol, Merritt and civil rights attorney Melissa Nold have pledged to hire private security guards to monitor his movements and inform community members of his presence. It's a bird. It's a plane. It's the police responding to a 911 call It's a bird. It's a plane. It's the police responding to a 911 call Armenia's Mirzoyan: Border delimitation with Azerbaijan should be with latest Soviet-period maps US House of Representatives approves Republican bill for Israel military aid Armenia FM: No other government in world that accepts more than 100,000 refugees in few days but no upheaval in country Germany FM to visit EU monitoring mission in Armenia, center for reception of refugees from Karabakh Ambassador Makunts, US Senator Fetterman discuss security challenges that Armenia, its region currently face Newspaper: Armenia trying to smooth over strained relations with Russia Russia approves agreement to open consulate general in Kapan, capital of Armenias Syunik Province MFA spox: We salute to journalists who stand on side of justice, cover truth related to Armenia, South Caucasus PACE co-rapporteurs to make monitoring visit to Armenia MFA: Armenia not yet responded to proposals received from Azerbaijan in September 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? EU monitoring mission in Armenia opens headquarters in Yeghegnadzor Holding Snoop Dogg concert in Armenia is vital, PMs office says Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issues Red Flag Alert for Azerbaijan in Armenia Armenia, Romania MFAs hold political consultations in Bucharest World Bank: Economic activity growth increases, insignificant inflation recorded, exports drop in Armenia Armenia, Iran sign memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation, workforce exchange Alexander Spendiaryan 152nd birth anniversary events kicking off in Yerevan Blinken mentions Armenia during US Senate hearing Newspaper: Armenia PM announces cancellation of point 9 of November 2020 trilateral statement Karabakh president receives French, Italian members of European Parliament Russian peacekeepers continue to remain in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia MoD says Red Cross helps elderly people left in Karabakh to relocate to Armenia (VIDEO) Central Bank chief: Armenia residents deposits increased by about 25% EBRD regional director to Armenia finance minister: We are ready to assist those displaced from Karabakh Armenia labor, social affairs minister attends Armenian-Iranian forum in Tehran European Union increases humanitarian funding to Armenia by about 1.7M Dollar, euro go up in Armenia Armenia PM, Poland envoy address humanitarian situation of forcibly displaced people from Karabakh Ardshinbank has been recognized as the "Best Corporate" and "Best ESG Bank" in Armenia by Euromoney magazine Turkey border bridge renovation, furnishing underway, Armenia official says Armenia official: Enclaves issue will be clarified when peace treaty with Azerbaijan is signed Armenia official: Positive thing about North-South project is that we entered construction phase in some sections Ethnic cleansing in Karabakh received pin-drop silence by American media, US presidential nominee says Armenia economy minister: Trade relations with Russia are very important to us Armenia official: We have certain idea about construction of railway in Meghri sector, we are waiting 74 films to be screened in Armenia during 19th Rolan International Film Festival for Children and Youth Yeraskh steel plant project being implemented, it is being moved, it will be nearby, Armenia economy minister says Azerbaijan pledges guarantees to Karabakh Armenians after its blockade, genocide Karabakh ombudsman: Who needs forums, lengthy speeches if international community fails to prevent genocides? Maestro Sergey Smbatyan: Process that could have had only one outcome is resolved The World of Faeries Festival, held every year in South Elgin's Vasa Park for 19 years, will not be returning in 2024, organizers said. (World of Faeries) World of Faeries Festival organizers decide to end event This past summers World of Faeries Festival in South Elgin was the last one. Event organizer Gloria Yeager recently posted to social media that she and her husband, David, have made the decision to discontinue the event, which had been held every August in Vasa Park for 19 years. Advertisement In the valedictory post, Yeager thanked sponsors, vendors, main volunteers Carol Posa, Juliet Ramey and Candy Rolsky and artist Sara Butcher Barrier, who provided the artwork for the events website and flyers. The World of Faeries Festival combined elements of fantasy and Renaissance fairs, including music, childrens activities, food, drink and a variety of vendors. Advertisement A huge inflated pumpkin is one of the things visitors will encounter during the Halloween Experience, a drive-thru haunted trail held at the Boy Scout's Three Rivers Council Big Timber Camp in Elgin. (Three Fires Council/Boy Scouts / HANDOUT) Spooktacular drive-thru at Camp Big Timber in Elgin The Halloween Experience Drive-thru Spooktacular is taking place weekends and on other select nights through October at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin. The family-friendly attraction features seasonal scenes and larger-than-life decorations, with some reaching heights of up to 40 feet, according to the event website. Tickets are $13 to $15 per person for scheduled vehicle entry times. Children under 2 are admitted for free. For more information, see www.thehalloweenexperience.com. St. Sophia of Elgin holding fall Greek food fest St. Sophia of Elgin will be holding a fall Greek food festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-22. Food being sold will include gyros, Greek chicken, spanakopita, pastichio, avgolemono, Greek salad, baklava, galaktoboureko and rice pudding, according to the churchs website. Vendors will also be featured and patrons can order carryout online. The church is located at 525 Church Road. For more information, call 847-888-2822 or see www.st-sophia.com. Advertisement Drive-thru Halloween event being held at Randall Oaks The Dundee Township Park District will be hosting a Boo Thru from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Randall Oaks Park, 750 Randall Road, West Dundee. Participants stay in their vehicles and drive through the park to receive treats handed out from vehicle trunks that have been decorated by park district staff and its community partners, according to the park districts website. Registration for 15-minute time windows is required. Cost is $6 per vehicle. To register, go to www.dtpd.org. BatFest, an annual Halloween hosted by Batavia Mainstreet, will be held this year on Oct. 28 in downtown Batavia. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News) Halloween fest to be held in downtown Batavia Batavia Mainstreet will hold BatFest, its annual Halloween-themed family event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in downtown Batavia. The event will include a parade, downtown trick-or-treating, a costume contest, the annual Pumpkin Roll sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 6, magic and reptile shows at Congregational Church of Batavia, booths and performances at the Peg Bond Center, and other activities. Advertisement Batavia MainStreet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing downtown Batavia, group officials said. For more information on the event, go to downtownbatavia.com. Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley seeking volunteers Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley is looking for volunteers to help Fox Valley residents learn English. A tutor training workshop will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 16, 18, 23 and 25, at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. The workshop will cover the techniques used to teach adults English while discussing the issues they face when they are unfamiliar with American culture, according to a news release. Volunteers do not need to know a second language or have teaching experience to be effective, officials said. Advertisement After training, each volunteer will be matched with one adult student. Volunteer tutors and their students meet for one hour each week at a time and public location that is convenient, the release said. To register for the workshop, go to www.lvfv.org or call or text 630-584-4428. Cellist Richard Bell and pianist Chiayi Lee will perform chamber music by J.S. Bach, Max Bruch and L.V. Beethoven Oct. 15 at the St. Charles Public Library. (Gail Borden Public Library/HANDOUT) Classical works on tap at upcoming St. Charles concert The St. Charles Public Librarys Sunday Concert Series resumes at 2 p.m. Oct. 15 with a performance by cellist Richard Bell and pianist Chiayi Lee, who will perform an hour of classical works by Bach, Bruch and Beethoven. Bell grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and began studying the cello at the age of 10, according to library officials. For 30 years, he was the associate principal cellist for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Lee is an active pianist with an extensive performance background in both solo and chamber music, officials said. The free concert is at the 1 S. Sixth Ave. library. Advertisement For more information, go to www.scpld.org or call 630-584-0076. The Armenian community in Israel hopes that the Armenian government will send a plane and evacuate the elderly, women and children, Chairman of the Nairi Union of Petah Tikva, editor-in-chief of the newspaper Armenians of Israel Artyom Chernamoryan informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. A few hours ago, large cities in the center of the country were bombed. In the southern regions of the country, where many Armenians live, the situation continues to remain very tense. Our community hopes that the Armenian government will send a plane and evacuate the elderly, women and children, at least residents of cities in the southern regions. This ongoing work continues, our union is recruiting people, there is contact with the government, we are now waiting for the plane. There are families who have conscripted children or cannot leave the country, some will remain, but I want to note that now it is very important to evacuate women, children and the elderly. At this moment I am very worried because the city is being bombed twice a day and I think that some serious attack is being prepared. If the situation escalates, it will be impossible to physically evacuate the Armenian community, our people will definitely suffer, and we will have to think about evacuation again, he said, noting that they have collected the number of citizens willing to be evacuated and return to Armenia. The President of the Nairi Union stated that they are in contact with the Armenian Embassy in Israel and the Armenian Government, they have informed everyone about the situation and those wishing to evacuate, but there are serious problems with flights in Israel. Destruction from Israeli aerial bombardment is seen in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations, killing hundreds and taking captives. Palestinian health officials reported hundreds of deaths from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) (Fatima Shbair/AP) For religious zealotry, economic inequality, and other key ingredients of radicalization, no other region in the world compares to the Middle East. Life in Gaza, one of the poorest places on earth, has long been described as hell. Advertisement Power and water are now completely out, and 1.1 million civilians have been ordered to evacuate. Military observers predict that Israel will soon initiate a ground assault in Northern Gaza in response to Hamas most recent and horrific terrorist attack on Israeli citizens. As the U.N. warns of an impending humanitarian disaster in Gaza, Israels allies support its right indeed, its obligation to defend itself, while limiting the deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians to the extent possible. Advertisement Allies support Israel while urging proportional response US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a news conference that Israel has both the right and even the obligation to defend its people, but, at the same time, the way Israel does this matters. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Blinkens sentiment, saying, Europe stands with Israel And I know that how Israel responds will show that it is a democracy. World leaders who couple their support for Israel with concern for innocent Palestinian lives are simply reflecting the International Humanitarian Law of proportional response. In 1949, the fourth Geneva convention was adopted in response to Hitlers atrocities against civilians, reflecting signatories agreement to limit harm to non-combatants in time of war. The Charter of the United Nations and its collective security mechanisms similarly allow responsive measures that are proportional and necessary, but also seek to limit damages to civilian populations wherever possible. Hamas has manipulated proportional response expectations for Israel Weighing the proportionality of Israels response will be inordinately complex. What violence could Israel or any nation dream up that would be disproportional to children decapitated by Hamas? Does proportional justice allow an eye for an eye and worse if that is the only way to dismantle Hamas terrorists infrastructure? To defend itself and deter violent terrorism in the future, Israel must minimally identify and track Hamas operatives (who are likely dressed as civilians to blend in), locate and destroy Hamas supply of weapons including all rockets and missile-launching hardware, and permanently destroy Hamas underground tunnels, all while an anxious world watches it for any strategic overreach. Hamas has manipulated the U.N.s proportional response expectations by deliberately housing terrorists with innocent Palestinian families and disbursing terrorist cells throughout civilian locations. Hamas terrorists, whose organizing principle is the very destruction of the State of Israel, have installed combatants among civilian populations throughout Gaza. They know the world is watching, ready to condemn widespread civilian deaths surely to come. As bloody images of desperate Gazans begin to circulate in the media, Hamas leaders are hoping the world will forget or overlook that Hamas deliberately put them at risk by running terrorist cells from hospitals, schools, mosques, and apartment buildings throughout Gazas high-density environment. Simplistic slogans from the left and right ignore complex realities Gaza is a densely packed and stacked concrete jungle cramming 2.3 million Palestinians into an area only 5 miles wide and 25 miles long. Long before Hamas most recent attack, electricity and running water were already sporadic, and public education relied on double-shifts because there were so few schools. Advertisement Israel is a conundrum of complexity; Hamas slaughtered hundreds of innocent Israelis even as they were working to help the Palestinians. Jewish humanitarian organizations seeking to improve Palestinian lives abound in Israel, including the Rabbis for Human Rights, the Coalition of Women for Peace, the Ir Shalem co-existence program, and countless similar organizations. These progressive allies including young people at a concert for peace were indiscriminately slaughtered by Hamas, suggesting that Hamas bloodlust has eclipsed any interest in improving Palestinians lives. When weighing proportionality of Israels response to Hamas atrocities, does it matter that Hamas brutality was carried out by radicals crazed half by religious hatred and half by economic desperation? Does it matter that the 2 million civilians being bombed in Gaza already lived in fear and desperation, their lives cruelly governed by armed Hamas extremists? Does it matter that Hamas leaders werent directly elected, but took control of Gaza by force in 2007? By all appearances, Hamas stands for bloodlust, revenge, and religious hatred more than governance, which means Palestinian lives only became more desperate under their rule. Aside from reducing the risk of future terrorist attacks, eradicating Hamas could even provide an opening for a legitimate Gazan government. These complex considerations, when added to legitimate Palestinian grievances amid decades of failed negotiations between the parties, simply defy simplistic conclusions. Sympathies for innocent Palestinian civilians are legitimate, and must continue, but conflating innocent Palestinians with Hamas brutality is a short-sighted mistake. Rallies and jingoistic remonstrance from young activists on the left, as well as self-serving politicians from the right seeking to benefit politically from the violence, only enforce partisan entrenchment and do nothing to advance peace. Out of respect for the dead and missing and those who will yet perish in Gaza, they need to stop. Sabrina Haake is a Chicago attorney and Gary resident. She writes the Substack newsletter The Haake Take. 20:57 Top commanders of the Army will carry out a comprehensive review of India's national security challenges along the borders with China and Pakistan and ways to enhance the combat capability of the force at a five-day conference beginning Monday. The commanders' conference, to be chaired by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, is also expected to deliberate on a range of issues including the ongoing reform process, officials said on Saturday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address the conference on October 18. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari are among those who will address the Army commanders. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the government, will also deliver a talk on "Leveraging Technology for National Security". "The apex leadership will brainstorm current/ emerging security scenarios besides reviewing the operational preparedness of the Indian Army," the Army said. "They will also delve into pivotal subjects including review of the ongoing transformation process, training matters, HR management aspects and issues impacting serving personnel and veterans," it said in a statement. "The Army Commanders' Conference, with its broad scope, ensures the Indian Army remains progressive, forward-looking, adaptive, and future ready," it added. The officials said the first day's deliberations will be in hybrid mode while rest of the on the conference will be held in a physical format. The regional security situation and geopolitical developments including the Hamas-Israel conflict and the the Russia-Ukraine war may also figure at the conference. The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China as well as a long the frontier with Pakistan will be discussed, the officials said. The Army Commanders' Conference is an apex-level biannual event that is held in April and October every year. The conference is an institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army. -- PTI Singapore charges Australian over plane bomb hoax The flight was operated by the budget airline Scoot. File image: Shutterstock An Australian man was charged in Singapore on Saturday for making a bomb threat on board a Perth-bound plane that forced the aircraft to turn back under fighter jet escort. Hawkins Kevin Francis, 30, faces up to 10 years in jail or a fine not exceeding Sg$500,000 (US$356,000) or both on conviction. Flight TR16 operated by Singapore budget carrier Scoot was forced to turn back to the city-state an hour into the journey on Thursday after the threat was made. Singapore's air force scrambled fighter jets to escort the aircraft back and the plane landed safely. Police said the threat was false. Francis, who was not identified at that time, was arrested by police who boarded the plane. He allegedly told a member of the cabin crew "I have a bomb" during the flight, according to the charge sheet. He also "uttered the word 'bomb' repeatedly" to another cabin crew member. Despite knowing the threat to be false, Francis wanted to make the cabin crew believe "that a terrorist act will be carried out". He committed an offence under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations, the charge sheet said. Wearing an olive green T-shirt, the Australian heard the charges, filed at a district court, via video conference and said he understood them. He was sporting a beard, looked sombre and spoke slowly. The court ordered him to be remanded to the Institute of Mental Health for two weeks for psychiatric observation before his case is heard again on October 27. During Saturday's proceedings, he asked if he could get "an airplane ticket back to my home country in Australia" but was told it was not possible at this time. His request to make a statement to the court was also denied. Scoot is the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines. Singapore's air force previously scrambled fighter jets to escort commercial airliners after bomb threats in 2022, 2019 and 2018. (AFP) On Tuesday, Chief Minister Dhami will hold one-to-one talks with big industrial houses for investment back home and will participate in a road show in the evening. Later on Wednesday, the Chief Minister will hold talks with investors in Abu Dhabi. A high-level team is also accompanying the chief minister. In late September, the Uttarakhand chief minister had visited the UK, held meetings with various industrialists and participated in roadshows organised in London and Birmingham. He expressed gratitude to the Non-resident Indians (NRIs), especially the NRIs from Uttarakhand, for their cooperation in the road show organised in London regarding the Investors Summit. The Chief Minister said that the migrant Indians from Uttarakhand in the United Kingdom are the brand ambassadors of Uttarakhand. (ANI) NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 14: Synergy-2023, the grand three-day techno-fest organized by SGT University, Gurugram, concluded with great gusto today with its valedictory ceremony. The event was graced by the esteemed Rajeev Juneja, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Mankind Pharma Ltd., as the chief guest, and Dr Sudarshan Jain, Secretary-General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), as the guest of honor. In attendance were the Managing Trustee Manmohan Singh Chawla, Chairperson Madhupreet Kaur Chawla, Chancellor Padma Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Vice Chancellor Dr O.P. Kalra, and several other distinguished university officials. Dr O.P. Kalra, Vice Chancellor of SGT University, set the stage for the event by emphasizing, "Research and innovation need to be part of a university's culture, and they are a part of the core values of SGT University. Synergy is one of our many efforts to promote student innovation in a variety of fields, and we are immensely proud of the direction and scale that it has taken." Guest of Honor, Sudarshan Jain, reflected on the remarkable transformation of the pharmaceutical industry, stating, "From a nation heavily dependent on imports for medicines to a benchmark in pharmacy, our transformation has been incredible. It is important that we shift from being a country of job takers to one of job givers, and the projects I see at Synergy give me hope for the next generation." Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest, Rajeev Juneja, said, "Everything starts with small steps. During my visit to the projects at Synergy, I was impressed by the enthusiasm and energy that the students were presenting with. Such positivity and passion are essential for success, no matter where you are." He also praised the esteemed faculty and professors at SGTU, noting their efforts in helping students reach their full potential. Synergy-2023 hosted over 25,000 students from over 200 schools in the Delhi-NCR region. The event showcased cutting-edge technological advancements, including a seam ripper machine, a spinometer, an electric bike, a "Kneehab'' brace for ACL recovery, a multifunctional agricultural machine, and a bionic eye. Students presented a total of 300 in-house projects spanning areas such as robotics, eco-friendly products, medical technology, media technology, and many more. S.D. Memorial School Sec-11, Gurugram (Prism of Sustainable Development), Drona Public School, Gurugram (Envirobot), and Jawahar Navodya Vidyalay Jhajjar (Catfish for Preventing Malaria Transmission) claimed the top three prizes in the "School Projects'' category, receiving cash rewards of Rs. 15,000, 18,000, and 21,000, respectively. In a generous gesture, Mankind Pharma decided to award each of these three schools a sum of Rs. 1 lakh for their outstanding projects. When it came to in-house innovation, the Faculty of Dental Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences stood out with remarkable creations in categories such as "Health & Wellbeing", "Technology & Innovation", and "Sustainable Research Development". Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to interact and network with peers, educators, and industry professionals. The event also featured captivating head-to-head competitions, including Nukkad Natak, which addressed contemporary social issues, and Robotics and Drone Competitions, where students showcased their innovations, much to the delight of the audience. One of India's leading educational institutions, SGT University, Gurugram, offers programmes across 18 faculties, featuring a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses. It has a noble mission of providing opportunities for higher education to all sections of society, and a vision of bridging the existing skill gap and developing world-class industry professionals. SGT University is a research and innovation powerhouse, as well as the home of Asia's only National Reference Simulation Centre for Nursing & Medical Sciences, which was founded in collaboration with Jhpiego, Laerdal Medical India. The university also has a multi-specialty SGT Hospital that is NABL and NABH accredited. The hospital serves the surrounding communities as well as providing practical experience to medical students. The university ensures that its focus is on the community and takes pride in forging connections between its researchers and local businesses in need of research collaboration. Furthermore, SGT University is known for its advancements in medicine, dentistry, environmental science, engineering, and data science. Additionally, it has won a number of honors for its contributions to higher education, including the "Diamond Rating" from QS I-GAUGE. Because of the university's strong industry connections, cutting-edge labs have been established in partnership with well-known international organizations like Apple, IBM, SAP, Oracle, SMC India, UNESCO Bioethics, Laerdal-Jhpiego, and many others. SGT University has established a name for itself in the academic community by consistently producing highly skilled and employable professionals. The university has also partnered with world leaders to establish a number of Centers of Excellence, laboratories, incubation cells, and industry-academia associations. These Centers of Excellence support SGT University's efforts to conduct cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Started in 2017, Synergy was conceptualized as a collaboration of innovative concepts and fresh ideas that strive to give students a stage on which to demonstrate their technical prowess. This one-of-a-kind festival aims to provide a platform where year after year wonders of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship can be seen, learned about, and experienced. It is designed to help students who think outside the box and use their original innovations to address challenges in the real world. (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) Of the expected quantum of losses, material damage is seen at Rs 297 crore and business loss at Rs 491 crore, the company informed stock exchanges. It also updated the exchanges through the filing that the assets and losses of business interruption in the power station are fully insured under the 'Mega Insurance policy'. On steps taken to restore normalcy, it said assessment is being done and works are under progress. Its power station projects, situated in Teesta Basin, were affected due to flash floods in the region. The Lhonak glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas burst on October 3, breaching one side of the lake leading to the rise in the water levels in Teesta and inundating several areas of the state, leaving dozens dead and tourists in thousands stranded. The state of Sikkim suffered significant disruptions due to the flash floods that inflicted damage on footbridges, roads, and other crucial infrastructure. (ANI) GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC) New Delhi [India], October 14: National Information and Cybersecurity Council (NICC), the pioneering institution in the realm of cybersecurity, proudly unveils its collaboration with Ramachandra College of Engineering, Eluru to establish the first National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Andhra Pradesh. This historic partnership aims to revolutionize cybersecurity education and research, bolstering the region's defences against cyber threats. The National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (NCCoE), located at Ramachandra College of Engineering, Eluru - Andhra Pradesh, is poised to be a hub of innovation and knowledge-sharing in the field of cybersecurity. This institution is envisioned to provide cutting-edge resources and facilities to empower students, professionals, and researchers in their quest to develop, advance, and disseminate cybersecurity solutions. Key Highlights of the National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (NCCoE) at Ramachandra College of Engineering, Eluru: 1. State-of-the-Art Facilities: The NCCoE boasts a cutting-edge infrastructure, including advanced laboratories and a sophisticated cybersecurity operations centre designed to simulate real-world threats and challenges, offering students and professionals hands-on learning experiences. 2. Research and Innovation: The NCCoE is committed to fostering innovative research initiatives in cybersecurity. It will serve as a nucleus for groundbreaking projects in threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, and the development of cybersecurity solutions that can protect digital assets. 3. Training and Certifications: Various training programs, workshops, and certification courses will be offered to enhance the cybersecurity competencies of students, professionals, and government personnel. 4. Collaboration: The National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence at Ramachandra College of Engineering is dedicated to forging partnerships with cybersecurity industry leaders, government agencies, and international institutions to collectively address cybersecurity challenges and develop robust solutions. 5. Cybersecurity Awareness: The NCCoE will actively engage in cybersecurity awareness campaigns, promoting best practices and digital hygiene to safeguard individuals and organizations from cyber threats. Dr V Srinivasa Rao, Principal of Ramachandra College of Engineering, remarked, "We are honoured to join hands with National Information and Cybersecurity Council to establish the National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, a significant step towards fostering a secure digital ecosystem. This centre will play a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals to combat cyber threats effectively." Dr Shameena Begum, Head of Department of Cybersecurity - RCE, stated, " We stand at the intersection of education and technology, and in this digital era, cybersecurity is paramount. This collaboration with NICC to establish the National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence is a visionary step towards fortifying our educational foundation. Our students will be exposed to cutting-edge technology and practical experiences, shaping them into cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow. We are excited about the knowledge and opportunities this centre will bring, not only for our institution but for the entire cybersecurity landscape in Andhra Pradesh. Together, we strive to enhance digital resilience and secure a safer cyber future for all..." The establishment of the National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence at Ramachandra College of Engineering is a testament to the increasing significance of cybersecurity in the modern world and the collective dedication of both institutions to building a secure digital environment for individuals and organizations. The grand inauguration ceremony of the National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence is expected to be held later this year, and it will feature prominent figures from the cybersecurity industry, government and academia. (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) PNN New Delhi [India], October 14: In a world where the very definition of 'home' is evolving, Nestaway is rewriting the story of rental living with a blend of cutting-edge innovation and unwavering commitment to tenants and homeowners. As pioneers in the rental housing industry, Nestaway has not only redefined what it means to rent but also set new standards for excellence. With a strong emphasis on enhancing the tenant experience, the Nestaway platform offers a range of unique services that have garnered outstanding reviews and unmatched customer satisfaction. The journey with Nestaway transcends mere accommodation; it exemplifies the art of creating a nurturing and fulfilling living experience where technology meets compassion, placing tenant comfort at its core. A Tenant-Centric Approach The platform's success is built on its unwavering commitment to tenants. It goes beyond simply offering a place to live and strives to provide a nurturing and fulfilling living experience. The tenants are at the center of Nestaway's services, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction. Cutting-Edge Technology The company is known for its innovative use of technology to streamline and improve the rental process. With their user-friendly mobile app and website, tenants can easily connect and navigate through listings, and homeowners can list their properties on the platform in a fraction of seconds. Prospective tenants can effortlessly browse available options, schedule visits, and conveniently make online rent payments. This digital-first approach has not only made renting more convenient but also more reliable. A Strong Ecosystem of Services The Nestaway platform stands out because of its holistic approach to rental living. They go beyond simply offering housing and provide a wide range of additional services that residents find impressive. From seamless move-ins to attentive property management, the platform ensures that every step of the rental process is convenient and hassle-free. Outstanding Reviews The platform has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to excellence. They consistently receive great Nestaway reviews from residents, homeowners, and industry experts alike. The positive testimonials from satisfied customers only further solidify their standing. The company's transparent and tenant-centric approach has garnered trust and loyalty from its users. Strategic Expansion The company has experienced strategic growth and innovation throughout its journey. From its humble beginnings in a single city, the company has successfully expanded to several cities nationwide. Their vision is to continue this expansion and extend their reach to even more urban areas, revolutionizing the rental living experience for countless individuals. Jitendra Jagadev, the CEO of Nestaway, expressed his vision for the future by stating, "We are proud of our journey so far, but we see endless possibilities to enhance the rental living experience for all. Our dedicated team is determined to push boundaries and make a lasting positive impact on the housing industry." Unique Selling Points (USPs) Nestaway's commitment to exceptional service extends to a range of unique benefits for tenants and homeowners, including: * Brokerage Free and Quick Refunds: The company provides a hassle-free platform where tenants can find their ideal home without the extra expense of brokers. Moreover, they guarantee that any security deposit refunds will be credited to tenants within 7 days, making the moving process seamless and efficient. * Convenient Online Transactions: With digital handling of all paperwork, there's no need for physical documentation. Tenants and homeowners can enjoy the ease and convenience of online transactions and verifications. * Property Condition Assurance: The company prioritizes the excellent condition of the properties. To provide peace of mind to our tenants, they go the extra mile by recording a comprehensive move-in video that documents the property's condition before they move in. This ensures transparency and accountability. Additionally, when tenants vacate the property, the company also record a move-out video to further maintain transparency and document any changes in the property's condition. * Comprehensive Property Management: Their dedicated property manager takes care of all maintenance and services, ensuring that tenants can enjoy a stress-free living experience. From prompt repairs to routine maintenance, they handle it all so residents can simply focus on comfortable living. * Minimal Owner Interference: The platform prides itself on providing tenants with maximum privacy and peace of mind by minimizing any interference from property owners. * Referral Program with Rewards: If you're a fan of Nestaway and want to spread the word, their referral program is an excellent opportunity. For each successful referral, tenants receive a reward of Rs.1000, creating a mutually beneficial situation for loyal users. * Dedicated Customer Support: The company offers one-tap customer support, ensuring that assistance is just a click away. This commitment to exceptional service means that issues are resolved promptly, allowing tenants to enjoy their rental experience without interruptions. * Personal Assistance from Property Manager: Get personalized assistance from their dedicated property manager. Whether you have minor issues or more complex concerns, the property manager is there to provide support and make your life in Nestaway good properties as comfortable as possible. * Simplified Rent Payments: With the Nestaway App, paying rent has never been easier. The app seamlessly integrates various payment options like debit cards, credit cards, UPIs, and Razorpay, providing tenants with the convenience of choosing their preferred method to pay rent at any time that suits them. * Internal Transfer Option: Flexibility is a key priority for Nestaway. To ensure that tenants have the freedom to choose the perfect property, they offer an internal transfer option. If a tenant finds that their current property doesn't meet their preferences, they can easily switch to another Nestaway property anywhere in India. The platform is dedicated to revolutionizing the rental living experience by prioritizing the comfort and convenience of its tenants. Its unique features exemplify this commitment. In Conclusion Nestaway is known for its innovative and exceptional approach to the rental housing industry. With a range of features that set it apart, the platform aims to simplify the rental process, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for both tenants and homeowners. As the company expands its reach across India, it strives to make renting a truly exceptional journey. For more information about Nestaway and its services, please visit https://www.nestaway.com/welcome/about. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC) New Delhi [India], October 14: Raksha Pipes, a leading player in the piping solutions industry and a flagship brand of The Shand Group of Industries, is embarking on an ambitious journey to expand its capacity tenfold within the next five years. The company is executing a robust overhaul of its agri-pipe market strategy in pursuit of this goal. The overarching objective is to position the group for an impressive turnover of Rs 3,000 Crores by FY29, with a projected annual growth rate of 20 percent. Furthermore, the company is strategically planning the construction of warehouses in key locations such as Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand, augmenting its strategic preparations for the agri-pipe market. Capacity Expansion Fuels Raksha Pipes' Growth Momentum Raksha Pipes has demonstrated exceptional resilience and forward-thinking, achieving a remarkable 20% year-on-year revenue growth over the past two years, even amidst the challenges posed by pandemic-induced lockdowns. According to Crisil Ratings, plastic pipes find extensive use in various sectors, with agriculture accounting for the largest end-user segment, followed by plumbing for real estate (both residential and commercial) at 38%, sewerage infrastructure at 12%, and other industrial applications comprising the remaining share. As of 2022, the agri-pipe segment held a substantial 45.2% share of India's total plastic pipes market. With the agriculture sector experiencing robust expansion and the Indian government investing in water transportation facilities for agriculture, a significant surge in demand for plastic pipes is anticipated. Market Dynamics and Raksha Pipes' Success Story In FY23, Raksha Pipes reported revenues of Rs 950 crores, marking it as a profitable and debt-free entity. Sanjay Shand, Managing Director - Raksha Pipes, highlights the diversified sales distribution, with 50% attributed to construction/ building solutions, 25% to agriculture, and 25% to industrial infrastructure solutions. He said, "Raksha Pipes, embodying its tagline' Raksha - Jeevan Bhar Ki Suraksha,' stands as a beacon of trust and quality among stakeholders, particularly distributors and dealers. With a rich legacy of 44 years, Raksha Pipes boasts a robust PAN India distribution network of over 6500, ensuring widespread product accessibility. Our global presence extends to over 20 countries, underlining our commitment to international excellence. Raksha Pipes, known for its diverse product range, including Column/Riser Pipe, HDPE pipes, Casing pipes, Pressure pipes, and Suction pipes, is gearing up for an aggressive revamping. The group is aligning its capacities to meet the heightened demand in the agri-pipe market." Anticipating Future Business and Industry Projections With an eye on future business, Shand states that the additional capacity aligns with anticipated increased demand. Industry analysts project a 20% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for Raksha Pipes' volumes over FY24 to FY29E, driven by a resurgence in rural demand and sustained demand from the plumbing segment. "With increased capacity utilization at all plants, we are poised for robust growth, anticipating the company's expansion at a healthy 20-22% CAGR over FY24-FY29. As utilization levels pick up, operating leverage will drive EBITDA gains. The target is to position the group for achieving a turnover of Rs 3,000 Crores by FY29. Key standards and principles prioritized for inclusive growth within the company include quality, price, and service. We take our stakeholders' interests seriously, fostering partnerships with our dealers and distributors, who are integral to our growth," Shand added. Robust Finances and Strategic Market Position Raksha Pipes takes pride in its debt-free status, a testament to its rock-solid financial footing. Robust cash flows bolster this financial strength, minimal capital expenditure demands, and a steadfast dedication to upholding a healthy balance sheet. These strategic financial decisions catalyze the introduction of cutting-edge international products to the Indian market and expand the company's portfolio into new and diversified offerings. Aligning with Government Initiatives Raksha Pipes is expanding its presence in urban and rural areas, aligning with the government's focus on critical infrastructure projects such as irrigation and drinking water supply. The company actively supports national priorities like 'Housing for All' and responds to the recovering demand in the residential real estate sector. Government initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area Development, and programs like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) provide strong support for growth in irrigation. Initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission, BIS IS 16647 (2017), and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)-Scheme drive demand for PVC pipes. Moreover, adherence to international standard ISO 16422 ensures that the global production of PVC-O pipes aligns seamlessly with local needs. Established in 1977 by Shantilal Shand, The Shand Group of Industries emerged as a trailblazer in water transportation solutions in India. Pioneering the introduction of the PVC piping system and becoming the first to manufacture flexible pipes in South India, the company has left an indelible mark on the industry. Under the leadership of Shri Sanjay and Ajay Shand, the flagship brand, Raksha Pipes, has risen to national prominence, providing state-of-the-art piping solutions across agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors. With a rich legacy spanning over 44 years, the Shand Group is committed to delivering uncompromising quality and innovation, exporting globally, including countries like Singapore, The Middle East, Europe, Russia, and Australia, and is poised to take on the rest of the world. The company aspires to inspire competition while fulfilling the evolving needs of its extensive dealer and distributor network. (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) PNN Dubai [UAE], October 14: Gitex Global, World's Largest Tech Event, returns with renewed vigour, and Aekot, a Salesforce Consulting Partner, proudly announces its participation as an exhibitor in this year's event. With a focus on the significance of technology in all sectors, Gitex Global 2023 introduces two new co-located shows, GITEX IMPACT and Future Urbanism. Aekot is gearing up to make a significant impact on the global tech stage by sharing its vision, connecting with industry professionals, and exploring new business opportunities. Gitex Global 2023, hosted at Dubai World Trade Center and Dubai Harbour promises to be an extraordinary event. Additionally, Expand North Star, the world's largest event for startups and investors, has relocated to the prestigious Dubai Harbour venue, attracting over 2,000 leading tech startups. Aekot, a Salesforce Consultancy servicing global clients, is renowned for its efficient and timely delivery of Salesforce Solutions. Aekot specialises in services such as Salesforce Customization, Implementation, Consultation, Application Development, Migration, Integration, and Support and Maintenance across various Salesforce Clouds, including Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Analytics, and more. Aekot's participation as an exhibitor at Gitex Global 2023, at Dubai Harbour Hall 2 - C27 and C28, reflects their goal to connect with tech professionals, expand networks, establish a global presence, and explore valuable business opportunities. On this occasion, Anup Prakash, Co-founder of Aekot, expresses his excitement: "We are elated to be exhibiting at the most thrilling tech event in the world. It is an exciting opportunity for Aekot to present itself among global industry giants and demonstrate its effectiveness. We look forward to partnering with global companies and sharing our expertise worldwide." For more information, visit: https://www.aekot.com/ Aekot, a Salesforce Consultancy servicing global clients, is renowned for its efficient and timely delivery of Salesforce Solutions. Aekot specialises in services such as Salesforce Customization, Implementation, Consultation, Application Development, Migration, Integration, and Support and Maintenance across various Salesforce Clouds, including Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Analytics, and more. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. speaks as the Gary Police Department hosted the National Night Out for residents at RailCats Stadium on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. (John Smierciak / Post Tribune) (John Smierciak/Post-Tribune) The judge in Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.s criminal trial has set the hearing for next month over questions prosecutors plan to ask him, and it appears it will be open to the public. In the September 29 order, Indiana Circuit Court Judge Jeryl Leach also stated that Melissa Martinez, the sheriffs wife, doesnt have to appear in person at the November 20 hearing. The Court Clerk, however, is ordered to post the order on notice of the public hearing, and Martinez is ordered to provide the Court with proof of notice on or before October 15, the order reads. Advertisement The new hearing is set for 1:15 p.m. November 20 in Lake Superior Judge Gina Joness courtroom. A States Memorandum filed by Special Prosecutors Stanley Levco and David Thomas dated September 25 said it does not object to or agree with (the) upcoming hearing being closed, but declared that by law, Criminal proceedings are presumptively open to attendance by the public. Martinez, for whom the court set a February 12, 2024 trial date, filed on July 18 a verified motion to prohibit public access to court records and exclude the general public from a criminal proceeding, according to court records. Advertisement If Martinez can prove that the information he wants hidden from the public meets criteria making it an extraordinary circumstance, it could be excluded, the memorandum said, but the decision to close the hearing must balance the Public Access interests served by this rule and the grounds requested by Martinez. Text messages Martinez may have sent his wife about the incident, however, would be admissible in the hearing because they were obtained through a third party in this case, law enforcement, the memorandum said. After sending the case all the way to the Indiana Supreme Court in an effort to get it overturned, Martinez will face Leach in his Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement and misdemeanor reckless driving for which he was charged January 6, 2022. Court records allege Crown Point police officers tried to pull over a black SUV Sept. 18, 2021 on Taft Street going well over the 45 mph speed limit. The driver turned east on U.S. 30. As they caught up, the SUV driver turned on his police lights and they broke off the pursuit. The indictment states that Martinez did knowingly or intentionally flee from Crown Point police and that he did recklessly operate a motor vehicle by driving at such an unreasonably high rate of speed as to endanger the safety or property of others. Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Actor Janhvi Kapoor on Friday night left jaws dropping with her breathtaking look at Lakme Fashion Week 2023. The 'Dhadak' star turned showstopper for ace designer Amit Aggarwal. Wearing a structured bustier with a body-grazing skirt, Janhvi walked down the ramp like a diva. A swirl of paneled silver was wrapped over the bustier with a metallic finish. Her kohl-rimmed eyes, wavy locks and dewy glam definitely elevated her glamorous look. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyWYMN_SLaa/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== On her outfit, Janhvi said, "I love its simplicity and it is impactful just like Amit's entire collection. Also, it is sustainable." Take a look at pictures and videos of Janhvi's from her hot ramp walk. Meanwhile, on the film front, Janhvi will be seen headlining 'Ulajh', which is directed by National Award winner Sudhanshu Saria. The thriller film also stars Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew in the lead roles. Excited to be a part of 'Ulajh', Janhvi earlier said, "When I was approached with the script of 'Ulajh', it instantly attracted me because as an actor, I am constantly looking for scripts that make me break out of my comfort zone and portraying a character based in the celebrated world of the Indian Foreign Services was just that. Just as the name of the film suggests, my character and the story have so many layers, emotions, and parameters, which is challenging and exciting at the same time. I am thrilled for the audience to see me in this new role envisioned by Sudhanshu, who has such a fresh approach towards dealing with this genre. I am also looking forward to working with such talented co-actors and a development studio like Junglee Pictures for the first time." Janhvi will also be seen in the film 'Mr and Mrs Mahi' opposite RajKummar Rao. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday chaired the Energy Department Progress Review Meeting paving the way for significant reforms and actions to address the escalating electricity demand and enhance distribution efficiency in the state. Crucial directives and decisions were made in the pivotal Progress Review Meeting held today to tackle the surging demand for electricity amid the state's severe drought conditions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued stern instructions to the Managing Directors (MDs) of Eskoms, emphasizing the need to supply electricity to farmers continuously for five hours in three shifts each day. He stressed the importance of avoiding load shedding to support the agricultural sector. Recognizing the high demand for electricity in agriculture, the Chief Minister called for measures to ensure a minimum of five hours of uninterrupted power supply to farmers. The efficient distribution of available electricity was emphasized, with MDs of Eskoms urged to take measures that do not disrupt farmers. Nodal Officers were appointed district-wise among Chief Engineers to oversee the provision of an uninterrupted 5-hour power supply, as per the statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office. Siddaramaiah suggested the formation of a committee, chaired by the District In-charge Minister, to oversee the implementation of decisions made during the meeting. It was highlighted that the state's installed power generation capacity increased by 4,000 MW over the past five years, bringing the total to 32,000 MW. However, challenges exist due to the intermittent nature of 16,000 MW solar power. Additionally, progress has been made in resolving coal-related issues, the statement mentioned. Officials announced plans to secure 300 MW from Uttar Pradesh and 600 MW from Punjab starting in November. Furthermore, with the approval of the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), steps will be taken to purchase 1,500 MW of short-term electricity. The meeting addressed the enactment of Section 11 of the Electricity Act, enabling the procurement of electricity from in-state generators during national calamities as a solution to power shortages. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stressed the importance of creating annual contingency plans to combat the severe power shortage in southern states and urged against treating the issue as a mere exercise. Reports revealed a 13 per cent power distribution loss, with a notable reduction in electricity theft in households. Industrial electricity theft was reported to be minimal. Electricity demand increased in certain districts due to sugarcane crop irrigation. It was explained that this demand is expected to decrease once sugarcane harvesting and milling commence, as co-generation with sugarcane milling will contribute to power availability, the statement added. (ANI) State Information Technology (IT) Minister Gudivada Amarnath, along with former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman YV Subba Reddy attended the meeting held here on Friday. "The city has developed a lot around the Visakhapatnam port, besides this, there are steel plants, HPCL, dockyards, BHEL, and pharma sectors in the city. But due to this, traffic problems have increased in Visakhapatnam, and the problem has also increased due to cargo transportation to Visakhapatnam port and many companies," Minister Amarnath said. "We will take remedial measures to solve traffic problems in the city," he added. The former chairman of TTD, said Visakhapatnam has developed a lot in terms of industry and tourism. In accordance with that, measures have been taken to ease the traffic problem without causing any inconvenience to ordinary citizens and, at the same time, without causing any inconvenience to cargo vehicles. "The proposals for the construction of 12 ply overbridges in Visakha district have been discussed with the central government," Reddy said. Until then, other routes will be established at 12 junctions to prevent the traffic problem, he added. Similarly, steps are being taken for cargo truck parking and private bus parking terminals, he said. Visakhapatnam District Collector Dr A Mallikharjuna, Anakapalli District Collector P Ravi Shubhas, Visakha City Police Commissioner A Ravi Shankar, Municipal Commissioner Syam Saikanth Verma, Anakapalli S P Murali Krishna, Port Vice Chairman Durgesh Kumar Dubey, CII Chairman P Lal Krishna, CII Vice Chairman Grandi Rajesh, CII Convener Samba Siva Rao, and many industrialists participated in the meeting. (ANI) A young Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) aspirant allegedly died by suicide in the Ashok Nagar area here due to the "postponement" of the TSPSC exam notification. The woman, identified as Pravalika and aged around 25 years, allegedly committed suicide in her room in a hostel in Ashok Nagar, which is known as the student hub, police said. Pravalika was preparing for TSPSC exams, and she was upset that she couldn't do anything for her family. She ended her life allegedly after TSPSC notification got postponed, they said. After getting the news of the suicide, students gathered in huge numbers and staged a protest against the government by blocking the main road in the area and not allowing the police to shift the body. A suicide note was recovered by the police in which she stated that she was sorry to her family and that she couldn't do anything for them, an official said. A case will be registered, and after the probe, details will be revealed, police said. Meanwhile, BJP MP K Laxman expressed anguish over the death, saying, "The suicide of a hardworking student, Kum. Pravallika, is extremely painful news. She was diligently preparing for government examinations for many months. But due to repeated cancellations and postponements of exams by the BRS Govt, she has taken such extreme step...," he said in a post on X. (ANI) The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Odisha Police has arrested another fraudster involved in a land-selling scam that was committed through impersonation and forgery. The accused have duped people of hefty sums, according to an official release. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) arrested Bichitra Behera of Malipada, Khordha, on Friday from Bhubaneswar, according to the EOW press release. Earlier, the EOW had arrested two persons, Antaryami Senapati, a clerk by profession, and Ananata Kumar Pradhan, for posing as land owners and duping people of hefty sums. "The case was registered based on the allegation of Lipika Das for the fraudulent sale of her landed property under execution of fake sale deeds by impersonating her and by using forged documents. Subsequently, it was found that two more ladies, namely Satyabhama Das and Dharitri Mohanty, have also been victimised in a similar manner by the same racket," the release said. In pursuance of a well-hatched criminal conspiracy between the arrested accused Bichitra Behera and his associates had fraudulently made the fake sale deed by impersonating the real owner and falsely identifying the impersonator as the real owner. In order to materialise their plan, they manufactured the false documents, it said. The arrested accused entered into a criminal conspiracy with Antaryami Senapati, Arjun Senapati, and Sujata Mohanty, with a view to selling one plot of the real owner, Dharitri Mohanty, fraudulently made the false sale deed by impersonating the real owner, Mohanty, as per the release by J N Pankaj, IG EOW Odisha. The impersonator, Lady Sujata Mohanty, was falsely identified as the real owner by the arrested accused, Bichitra Behera. In order to materialise their plan, they manufactured the false Aadhaar card by affixing the photograph of impersonator Sujata Mohanty. The accused, Sujata Mohanty, has also signed as Dharitri Mohanty on the RSD, it said. The racket involves the illegal sale/purchase of the land through forged documentation and the impersonation of the real owners. After the fraudulent sale of the land in favour of the persons of their interest, the accused persons were going to sell it again to other parties, the release stated. This gang is involved in many other such cases, which are being scrutinised by the EOW, and action would be initiated in all such cases, it said. (ANI) Thousands of devotees on Saturday thronged the Cauvery River banks on the auspicious day of Mahalaya Amavasya and offered prayers for their ancestors. Purattasi is said to be an important day for the Hindus to remember, offer prayers and get blessings from their ancestors. From early in the morning, devotees started gathering at Amma Mandapam, Srirangam on the Cauvery River banks and offered prayers. Mahalaya is celebrated at the end of Shradh or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. Ammavasai falls every month but the Purattasi Mahalaya Ammavasai holds a special significance for the devotees. The occasion is associated with different practices and rituals. Many people perform 'tarpan' on this day to offer prayers to the departed souls of their ancestors and give 'bhog' to the Brahmins, along with food and materials to the needy. The day is considered auspicious because Goddess Durga, accompanied by her children, is believed to have stepped on planet Earth on this day. It is from this day that the Durga Puja fever begins. Durga Puja starts on the seventh day after Mahalaya and ends on the tenth day of Dashami or Dussehra. Hindus believe that fasting and special pujas on the Amavasai day of every month will bring peace to their ancestors. It is the belief that if those who have not cherished their memory for a long time, fast and perform Pithur Karma Puja on this Mahalaya Amavasi day, their ancestors will find peace of mind and they will be happy and wish their family a good life. (ANI) In a joint operation the Special Operations Cell (SSOC) of Punjab Police with a central agency, busted the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module handled by Firdaus Ahmed Bhat, an active member of the LeT. The police seized two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two hand grenades, one pistol with two magazines, 24 cartridges, one timer switch, eight detonators, and four batteries from the module. "In a major breakthrough, SSOC-Amritsar in a joint operation with the Central agency busted a LeT module and arrested 2 persons who are residents of J&K Seizure: 2 IEDs, 2 Hand Grenades, 1 pistol with 2 Magazines, 24 cartridges, 1 Timer Switch, 8 Detonators & 4 Batteries. The terror module was handled by Firdaus Ahmed Bhat, an active member of the Lashkar-e-Toiba. Major blow to terror module attempting to disturb peace in Punjab, " DGP, Punjab Police tweeted on Satruday on the social media app X. Police said that the module was planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Punjab to disturb the peace in the state. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday launched the fourth phase of the Mission Shakti aimed at empowering women in Lucknow. On the occasion, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also flagged off the 'Women Empowerment Rally'. In a post on X (former Twitter), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Today, 'Women Empowerment Rally' was launched from Lucknow under 'Mission Shakti - Fourth Phase'. The double-engine government is committed to ensuring the safety of mother power and taking them on the path of self-reliance. My heartiest congratulations to all the people working for women's empowerment!" He also said that Mission Shakti has become a popular scheme in the state as it has led to reduction in crimes against women. "The Mission Shakti program has not only become popular in the state for putting a check on crimes against women but also UP has become one of the leading states in punishing criminals. It is the result of the success of the Mission Shakti program that the Central Government has also named their women empowerment program, 'Mission Shakti'," he said. The programmes under Mission Shakti Phase 4, which will be rolled out across Uttar Pradesh from October 14 will focus on the empowerment of women through self-defence. In this phase of the campaign, information about managing women's safety and assistance in emergencies will be provided and there will also be opportunities to connect with various welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments. "Women and girls will be given special training in self-defence during the Mission Shakti campaign," an official statement issued by the Uttar Pradesh Government said. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday said that the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Dham has paved the way for the prosperity of the local community in the region. In a post on X (former Twitter), Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami said, "Respected Prime Minister, under your able leadership and guidance, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is setting new dimensions every day in the field of religious, spiritual and adventure tourism. As per your vision, the movement of devotees is being facilitated through the construction of roads, railways and ropeways." "Your historical visit to Adi Kailash, Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Dham has not only given a new identity to these holy places but has also paved the way for the prosperity of the local people," CM added. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his visit to Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples in Uttarakhand was special adding that one must visit these holy sites for their natural beauty and divinity. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "If someone were to ask me- if there is one place you must visit in Uttarakhand which place would it be, I would say you must visit Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples in the Kumaon region of the state. The natural beauty and divinity will leave you spellbound." "Of course, Uttarakhand has many well-known places worth visiting and I have also visited the state very often. This includes the sacred places of Kedarnath and Badrinath, which are the most memorable experiences. But, to return to Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples after many years has been special," he said. Parvati Kund in Pithoragarh is one of India's most revered shrines. At an elevation of about 5,338 feet the Hindu pilgrimage site draws the faithful every year. The site has great spiritual significance and is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati meditated. Thousands of devotees come here to seek blessing from the divine couple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday offered prayers and performed a puja at Parvati Kund in Pithoragarh. Prime Minister Modi sought blessings from the holy Adi-Kailash at his abode. The site is renowned globally for its spiritual importance and unalloyed and breathtaking natural beauty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited Jageshwar Dham in Almora, offering prayers at the popular pilgrimage site.PM Modi performed a puja at one of the country's holiest and popular tourist sites, which is situated at a height of about 6200 feet. The Jageshwar Dham comprises about 224 stone temples. (ANI) Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar has slammed the Congress on Corruption and said that Corruption is the unrelenting goal and objective of the Congress party. On Friday, during an IT raid on a contractor's house in Karnataka, 42 crores of unaccounted money was found. IT officials seized cash amounting to Rs 42 crore from a property allegedly linked to contractor R. Ambikapathy. Ambikapathy is the vice-president of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Contractors' Association and had been a prominent voice among the contractors association that had accused the then BJP government of asking for 40% commission from civil contractors. Addressing the press conference, Rajeev Chandrashekhar said "Corruption is embedded in Congress' DNA. It is their unrelenting goal and objective. Ambika Pati wrote a letter to the PM on behalf of Congress in July 2022 about 40 percent corruption. He and his group of contractors spread a narrative that there is 40 percent corruption in the BJP government and unfortunately, Karnataka voters got misled by this. Yesterday from Ambika Pati's house, 42 crore rupees were found." Further launching scathing attacks on Rahul Gandhi, Rajeev said that the INDIA Alliance should be named INDI Looto Yatra. "Their leader who talks about Bharat Jodo and has changed the name of UPA to INDIA, they should be renamed it as 'INDI looto yatra'. We got its evidence yesterday from Ambika Pati's house. We (BJP) had put out an advertisement that if Congress comes to Karnataka then the state will become an ATM which is being done today to fund the elections of Telangana and MP. This is unfortunate for the people of Karnataka," Rajeev Chandrashekhar said. He also said that cash found at Ambika Pathi's residence is just the tip of the iceberg and in future, there will be more people who will get exposed. "Another example of Congress' Corruption is that Pandit Tara Nath, a famous sarod player of Karnataka, was invited by the Congress government to perform in Dussehra. Government officials went to his house and said that we will increase your fees but the excess money you get will have to be given back to our ministers," he added. The JDs also echoed its new ally the BJP alleging that Congress was synonymous with corruption. "Who owns the money found in the contractor's house during the IT raid? On whose shoulders is this the money of sin collected? These questions need answers. It is the same story from the beginning. If Congress comes to power in the state, it will be a feast for the high command. The same thing is still happening. Karnataka has been earmarked for the five-state elections. The Congress is being blamed for the mistake of voting. This is the karma of the Kannadigas" said former Karnataka Chief Minister and JDs leader HD Kumaraswamy. (ANI) Weather officials expect rain to fall the majority of Saturday while some gather to witness a rare solar eclipse called the ring of fire. The partial eclipse will be visible about 10:37 a.m. in Chicago. The eclipse will start at about 9:13 a.m. in Oregon, and was expected to be seen in several states including California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico at various times, according to NASA. Advertisement Due to inclement weather, Eclipse Encounter 23 Adler Planetariums outdoor event was canceled, but the museum will still be open and celebrating eclipses inside, officials said. The ring of fire, more formally known as an annular solar eclipse, happens when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth during an eclipse. The extra distance makes the moon appear smaller, so it doesnt block out the sun entirely, leaving a margin of blazing sunlight resembling fire all around the moons dark shadow. Advertisement The annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central and South America, officials said. Millions of people will be able to see a glimpse of the eclipse, but should take precautions to protect their eyesight, officials said. Because the sun is never completely blocked by the moon during an annular solar eclipse, it is never safe to look at the sun without eye protection for solar viewing, NASA officials said. Viewing the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a solar filter over the front of the optics will cause severe damage to the eye, according to NASA. Saturdays weather will determine how much of the eclipse astronomy lovers and friends will be able to see. National Weather Service officials said there is a 100% chance of showers Saturday with a high expected of 55 degrees. Morning conditions at Midway Airport are light rain with mist/fog. At OHare International Airport conditions are the same at 55 degrees. However, all hope is not lost for patient eclipse lovers. Another total solar eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024, expected to pass over Chicago around 2:00 pm, with the moon appearing to cover 94.2% of the sun. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a comprehensive chargesheet against 12 accused individuals in connection with the 2019 Tiriya encounter case in Chhattisgarh that resulted in the deaths of six naxals and one civilian. The case relates to an incident in which armed naxal cadres had launched an attack on security personnel near Tiriya village in Chhattisgarh. The accused persons have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Investigations revealed that a group of naxal cadres led by senior Maoist leaders, including Sanju, Lxman Nag, Dashri Kawasi, Dubasi Shankar, Jalimuri Srinu Babu, Vijayalaxmi, Ramesh Kunjami, and others, conspired to commit this act. Combined teams of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), State Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who were engaged in a search operation near Tiriya village in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur district were targeted by the assailants, who used sophisticated weaponry during the attack. "Additional suspects in the case have also been identified, including B. Ch. Padma, Dubasi Devender, Dongari Devendra, Duddu Prabhakar, and Kandula Sirisha. "These suspects were operating under the guise of various organizations, while actively working in allegiance with the CPI (Maoist) or naxals," NIA said. "The accused individuals with close ties to the top leadership of the Naxals were actively engaged in advancing the unlawful and violent agenda of the banned organisation. They were instrumental in receiving funds from the CPI (Maoist) to support their operations, while also functioning through various frontal organizations to propagate Maoist ideology," the agency said. The case was initially registered on June 28, 2019, encompassing various sections of the IPC, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA (P) Act). Subsequently, on March 18, 2021, the NIA took over the case. (ANI) National Organization General Secretary of Aam Aadmi Party Sandeep Pathak welcomed Ambeth Rajan by garlanding with the party flag and giving bouquet. Ambeth Rajan who was in the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) joined BJP in July this year. This development comes amid AAP's announcement of its third list of candidates for the Chhattisgarh Assembly Election on Thursday. The AAP and Congress are part of the opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, but both parties have not cleared their stance about a pre-poll alliance in the poll-bound states including Chhattisgarh. Earlier on Monday, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that his party will fight with 'full strength' in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has announced that the first phase of polling for 20 seats in Chhattisgarh will be held on November 7, and the remaining 70 seats in Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 17. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the fourth phase of Mission Shakti before the Shardiya Navratri on Saturday. In alignment with the Yogi government's commitment to women's safety, dignity, and empowerment, special programs will be held in 18 districts from October 15 to 23. "Notably, these districts will have women's empowerment rallies along with awareness programs. For instance, there will be a Mission Shakti race in the Gorakhpur zone and Ghaziabad commissionerate, and women who have excelled in various fields will be honored in Ayodhya-Moradabad. Public representatives will also be a part of the district campaign," the CMO said in a press release. There will be large-scale programs at the district and commissionerate levels from October 15 to 23. "A Mission Shakti race will be organized on October 15 in Gorakhpur Zone and Ghaziabad Commissionerate. Similarly, awareness programs will be held under Mission Shakti in schools, colleges, and working women's hostels in Varanasi district of Varanasi Commissionerate and Mathura of Agra Zone on October 16," the CMO further said. Moreover, a program is proposed for October 17 to be organized in Meerut and Mirzapur of Varanasi Zone regarding gender equality, the prevention of violence, and providing social dignity to the victim. On October 18, public awareness regarding Mission Shakti will be conducted among women and children in the slums of Prayagraj and Gautam Buddha Nagar. "On October 19, there will be awareness campaigns to educate women about self-defense and cybercrime in Kanpur Nagar and Bareilly. On October 20, public awareness will be conducted in Agra headquarters and Chitrakoot of Prayagraj zone regarding eradication of child labour, prevention of child marriage, etc," the CMO added. As part of Mission Shakti, the Chief Minister honoured several women in Lucknow for their outstanding work on Saturday. Similarly, on October 21, women who have excelled in various fields will be honoured in different areas, including One-Stop Centers, self-help groups, and women engaged in self-employment in Ayodhya of Lucknow zone and Moradabad of Bareilly zone. "On October 22, an awareness program regarding Mission Shakti will be conducted in schools, colleges, and working women's hostels of Jhansi in the Kanpur zone and Saharanpur in the Meerut zone. On the ninth day of Navratri (October 23), the Lucknow Commissioner will organize a program in Lucknow and Devipatan-Balrampur districts of Gorakhpur zone regarding gender equality, prevention of violence, and providing social dignity to the victim," the CMO release added. The Uttar Pradesh government is emphasizing women's safety, respect, and empowerment in Saharanpur, Meerut, and Devipatan districts, known for their Shaktipeeths (places of worship associated with the goddess). Just as the fourth phase of Mission Shakti began before the Sharadiya Navratri, programs will be held during Navratri itself. These events for women in Saharanpur, Meerut, and Devipatan districts are organized under the police commissionerate and zone. Saharanpur is in the Meerut zone, and it's home to the Shaktipeeth of Ma Shakumbhari. Similarly, there is a program in Mirzapur in the Varanasi zone, which is known for the Shaktipeeth of Ma Vindhyavasini. In Devipatan, located in the Gorakhpur zone and home to Ma Pateshwari's Shaktipeeth, the focus of the program on the last day is on providing social support to victims. (ANI) Uttarakhand CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami, instructed the top officials of the government to realize the vision given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Pithoragarh district, said a press release by CMO. In the meeting of officials at the Chief Minister's residence on Saturday, CM Dhami directed the officials to complete the development works being carried out in the border areas on a priority basis, said the official statement. According to the press release, the Uttarakhand CM also expressed the need for integrated efforts for effective implementation of the schemes run by the state and central governments for the development of marginal areas. He said that PM Modi has a special attachment towards the state of Uttarakhand and this clearly visible during his visits to Uttarakhand from time to time, stated the official release. Dhami further said that under the leadership of PM Modi, the double-engine government is committed to bringing Uttarakhand into the category of leading states of the country by the year 2025 and we all will have to commit our lives in this direction. Earlier, on Thursday, PM Modi addressed a gathering in Pithoragarh after unveiling development projects worth about Rs 4,200 crore in sectors including rural development, road, power, irrigation, drinking water, horticulture, education, health, and disaster management. The Prime Minister also that the efforts of the double-engine government for the development of tourism and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand are now bearing fruit. During his address, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the love and affection the people of Uttarakhand showered and said, "It was like a Ganga of affection flowing through". (ANI) After a student allegedly died by suicide due to a delay in Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) exam notification, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Danam Nagender on Saturday accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress of politicising the incident. Calling the incident "unfortunate", MLA Nagendar said that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will ensure justice for the deceased. "The incident that happened yesterday is unfortunate. I saw the statement of the girl that she did it because of depression. I also saw the police's statement that she had been in depression for the last 10 days. Some people are short-tempered and make hasty decisions. We are very worried about it and on behalf of the BRS party, KT Rama Rao and the CM KCR will definitely serve them justice," MLA Nagendar said while speaking to ANI in Hyderabad. But the BJP and the Congress make CM K Chandrasekhar Rao or Minister KT Rama Rao responsible for everything, he added. "If someone makes a wrong and hasty decision and commits suicide, then how is the CM responsible for it? We are providing them with a lot of schemes and facilities. The BJP and the Congress find a topic and politicise it. We will do everything for the family. If someone has died, how is KCR responsible for it," Nagenar said. According to the police, a 25-year-old student allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room in Telangana's Ashok Nagar. The police said a suicide note was recovered from the spot in which the victim stated that she was sorry to her family and that she couldn't do anything for them. Pranay Kumar, the brother of the deceased said that his sister fell into depression due to the delay in examinations as she was preparing for it for a long time. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan earlier today extended condolences to the parents and family members of the deceased and also directed the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and the Secretary of TSPSC to send a detailed report of this incident. Governor Soundararajan also urged the unemployed youth in the state to lose hope and to exhibit courage in their pursuit of gainful employment. (ANI) Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the north-east, sounded its poll bugle from Assam's Golaghat district on Saturday ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. AGP celebrated its 39th foundation day in Golaghat on Saturday. Party president and Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, working president and Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta and other senior leaders participated in the event. Speaking to ANI, AGP president Atul Bora said that his party has made all preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "We are fully prepared for the poll. We are the part of BJP-led NDA. We are gearing up for the Lok Sabha elections. We are very confident that we will be able to send our party representatives to the Lok Sabha this time. We are yet to discuss seat sharing with the BJP," Atul Bora said. Bora further added that thousands of people and party workers have participated in the Foundation Day event. He also said that his party is happy to work and be a part of the BJP-led Assam government under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The AGP president attacked the Congress party for patronising small political parties in Assam. "Some small political parties have formed in Assam in recent times and the Congress has patronized it. But it will not have an impact on the AGP," he said. Bora said that the AGP, though being a regional political party has national aspirations and the people of Assam is their strength. "AGP is a regional political party, but we have a national outlook. We are now focusing on Lok Sabha, Panchayat and Assembly polls. Our strength is the people of Assam. The people of Assam will not support these newly floated small political parties," Atul Bora said. Bora also added that his party is focused on the all-round development of Assam and is working under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "AGP is the lifeline of regional politics in Assam. We are trying to do all-round development for Assam under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In the last two years, we have distributed 1.70 lakh agricultural machinery to the farmers of the state," Bora said. Earlier in the day, a cultural rally was held in Golaghat in the presence of Atul Bora and other senior leaders of the AGP. They also hoisted 39 party flags on the occasion of its 39th Foundation Day. The AGP president also participated in the Jhumur dance along with the tea tribes' dancers.(ANI) Manipur police on Saturday appealed to the public to return looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police immediately while adding that the situation in the state is under control. A press release by Manipur police said that in the last 24 hours, the situation in the State was tense but under control with sporadic incidents of congregation of protestors. Police also urged the citizens to not believe in rumours and to stay away from false videos circulating on social media sites. "Appeal is made to the general public not to believe in rumours and be aware of false videos. Any circulation of unfounded videos etc may be confirmed from the rumour-free number - 9233522822 of the Central Control room. Further, the appeal is made to the public to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately," the release mentioned. As per the release, search operations were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal East, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts. During the operations, two arms (SLR-02) were recovered in the Imphal-East district, three arms (.303 Rifles-03) and two explosives (Local Pipe Bombs-02) were recovered in the Kakching district, the release stated. "Movement 362 vehicles along NH-37 and 235 vehicles along NH-2 with essential items have been ensured," the release added. It further mentioned that strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles. According to the police, a total of 133 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and the police have detained 2047 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the state. (ANI) Uttarakhand CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami, wished for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state on the holy festival of Shardiya Navratri, said a press release by CMO. According to the official release, Dhami in his message, issued on the eve of the Navratri festival, said that this festival of worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga inspires us to worship and respect the mother power. This festival, which shows the importance of women in society, is also a symbol of the great tradition of Indian culture, the Uttarakhand CM said in the official statement. Earlier during the day, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, ahead of Shardiya Navratri, launched the fourth phase of Mission Shakti, which is focused on promoting women's safety, respect and self-reliance. In his address, CM Yogi highlighted the inception program held in the state in 2020, aimed at curbing crimes against women and ensuring their safety, respect and self-reliance. Initially centred around three core issues, this program evolved into what is now recognised as Mission Shakti. Over time, Mission Shakti gained prominence in the state, emerging as a leader in reducing crimes against women and getting criminals punished in the country. The 9-day-long festival of Shardiya Navratri is intended for worshipping Maa Durga and her nine avatars, known as Navdurga. Navratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit. Hindus observe a total of four Navratris throughout the year. From Ashwin Shukla Paksha's Navami until the Pratipada, Shardiya Navratri is observed. While it is celebrated with great fanfare across the nation, distinct traditions are more commonly practiced in different states. In India, Navratri is celebrated in a wide range of ways. Ramlila, a celebration in which scenes from the Ramayana are performed, is organised in various parts of the country. The burning of King Ravana's effigies marks the story's conclusion on Vijayadashami. (ANI) Chinese premier stresses nurturing new drivers for high-quality dev't Xinhua) 09:32, October 14, 2023 Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presides over a symposium on the economic situation attended by economists and entrepreneurs in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed the importance of macro-policy regulation and nurturing new drivers and advantages for high-quality development. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks on Friday while presiding over a symposium on the economic situation attended by economists and entrepreneurs. Since the third quarter of this year, the Chinese economy has sustained its recovery momentum, with positive factors amassing, which has laid a solid foundation for achieving the annual economic development target, Li said. "The fundamentals for China's development have remained unchanged, strengths for development remained unchanged and keep expanding, and new growth drivers are burgeoning," Li said. The external environment is becoming more complex and grave, and China is in a critical period of economic recovery and industrial transformation and upgrading, Li said, acknowledging the challenges ahead. Under these circumstances, more should be done to firm up confidence, take targeted measures and remain calm to cope with difficulties, he said. Noting that there are both opportunities and challenges facing the economy, the premier called for efforts to maintain resolve and pursue progress while ensuring stability. Development strategies, economic policies, and macro-regulation should all focus on high-quality development, Li said. Li demanded efforts to deliver macro-policy regulation more effectively, strengthen policy prediction and research, and step up nurturing new drivers and advantages for high-quality development. He highlighted his hope that entrepreneurs will play a bigger role in promoting high-quality development, calling on economists to provide more suggestion regarding high-quality development. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) As per the release, the value of seized drugs in the international market is Rs 1.18 crore. According to the press release, the police registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act against the accused and they were produced in the court where the court sent the accused to police custody. The press release mentioned that the police had received information that some people were going to come to smuggle drugs near Trumpet Sky Lounge and Club Bombay located in the Santa Cruz area, after which the police laid a trap and seized a total of 2.65 kg of drugs from the accused. Further investigation, to reveal the source from where the drugs came and the target destination of the drugs, is underway, said the official statement. Earlier this month, Mumbai police in an operation, seized drugs worth Rs 31 lakh from Mumbai's Mankhurd area under the Trambe police station and arrested two accused. The accused were identified as Nadeem Mohammad Idris Shah and Akshay Lakshman Vaghmare. A case was registered against the two accused under the NDPS Act at Mumbai's Trambe police station. (ANI) Congress leader Harish Rawat on Saturday hit out at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan after the latter said Congress always belittled the tribal people in the state. Harish Rawat said that (CM) Shivraj Singh should read the history of his own party first and then attempt to "teach others". "Shivraj Singh Chouhan belongs to that ideology, people belonging to which said publicly that Congress is bringing reservation so that insufficient people can reach the Parliament just for support when Congress was bringing reservation for STs and SCs. Shivraj Singh should read the history of his own party first and then teach us anything," Harish Rawat said. CM Chouhan on Saturday said that Congress always belittled the tribal people in the state and never respected the tribal leaders. "Congress has always belittled the tribal people. It is the Congress that has never respected tribal leaders. Be it Tantya Mama, Bhima Nayak, Raghunath Shah, Shankar Shah, Rani Durgawati or Birsa Bhagwan, we are building their memorials but the Congress made memorials of people from only one family," CM Chouhan said. He further claimed that it was Congress that stopped the scheme of depositing a monthly aid of Rs 1000 for backward tribal women belonging to Baiga, Bharia and Sahira tribes. He added that the (Congress) party also probably decided to stop the 'Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna scheme' and tweets were being made that Mama (referring to himself) would deposit money secretly. Yes, he would deposit. It was an ongoing scheme. It couldn't be stopped. It was beneficial to 1.32 crore women. Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez hit back at CM Chouhan's remark saying that the tribal community also knew very well that BJP is anti-tribal. "The Congress Party has always kept the tribals as partners in the government and the organisation. Madhya Pradesh has had two Deputy Chief Ministers from the tribal community in its history and both from the Congress Party (Jamuna Devi and Shivbhanu Solankhi). The tribal community also knows very well that BJP is anti-tribal," Hafeez said. Madhya Pradesh is scheduled to undergo assembly polls on November 17. Through the polls, the state will elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. The election will be conducted in one phase in the state and the counting will take place on December 3. (ANI) A Delhi court recently issued a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against the Managing Director (MD) of Nellore International Airport Limited (NIAL) over non-appearance in a three crore cheque bounce case. Metropolitan magistrate Shikha Chahal issued the NBW against Vankayalapati Umesh on October 9. "There is no cogent reason for the non-appearance of the accused today and he had sought adjournment on the last date of the hearing for furnishing bail bonds and to engage a lawyer," the court observed. The court further noted that in view of the fact that the accused is well aware of the proceedings of the present matter and is deliberately evading the process of law by his non-appearance. "It appears from the conduct of the accused that his non-appearance is intentional," the court said in the order. The court ordered, "Issue NBWs against the accused through SHO concerned on the filing of PFwithin 14 days, returnable on next date of hearing. Steps be taken within 14 days." The court has listed the matter for the appearance of the accused/furnishing of bail bonds/framing of notice on November 22, 2023. The court said that the matter is at the stage of furnishing of bail bonds/verification of settlement. As the parties have not entered into a settlement, the matter is proceeding on merits, the court noted. Advocate Utkarsh Singh, counsel for complainant Company ANS Construction Pvt. Ltd., drew the attention of the court that the accused has not appeared. The complainant had alleged that the NIAL based in Hyderabad offered a Rs 100 Crore contract to the complainant company based in Delhi. In lieu of the contract, Rs 3 crore were taken as Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). However, neither the contract was awarded to the company nor the EMD was returned. Later, multiple cheques to the tune of Rs 3 crore were given to return the amount, the Company alleged. It is further alleged that the cheque, which was given to return the money given in lieu of EMD bounced. The counsel for the complainant Advocate Utkarsh Singh, submitted that despite taking time to settle the dispute neither the accused approached for settlement nor did he appear before the court. In fact, time was sought to furnish bail bonds and engage a lawyer but none appeared, the counsel added. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at seven residential premises of Dinesh Khodania, Ashok Kumar Jain, Spurdha Chaudhary, Suresh Dhaka and other individuals in the Senior Teacher 2nd Grade Competitive Examination, 2022 Paper Leak case, officials said. The searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Friday, officials said adding that various incriminating documents, copies of sale deeds of various properties, electronic devices and cash amounting to Rs 24 lakh were seized in the operation. "ED has carried out search operations under PMLA, 2002 on 13.10.2023 at 07 residential premises of Dinesh Khodania, Ashok Kumar Jain, Spurdha Chaudhary, Suresh Dhaka and others in Senior Teacher 2nd Grade Competitive Examination, 2022 Paper Leak case. During the search operations, various incriminating documents, copies of sale deeds of various properties, electronic devices and INR 24 Lakh were recovered and seized," the ED said in a post on 'X'. The ED in September arrested Babulal Katara, a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission and Anil Kumar Meena in the alleged paper leak case in Rajasthan under the provisions of PMLA. Katara and Meena were produced before a special PMLA court in Jaipur, which granted ED custody for a period of three days. The investigation revealed that Katara leaked the general knowledge question paper of the Senior Teacher Grade II Competitive Examination, 2022 which was to be conducted on December 21, December 22 and December 24, 2022, at various places in Rajasthan. ED alleged that Katara sold the leaked question papers to Anil Kumar Meena. Further, Meena supplied the said leaked papers to Bhupendra Saran, Suresh Dhaka, and other members of a syndicate, which was further provided to candidates for the consideration amount of Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakh per candidate, ED alleged. In early June this year, ED conducted searches at 15 premises of accused persons, resulting in the recovery of incriminating documents and digital records. The enforcement agency has also provisionally attached properties, both movable and immovable properties, worth approximately Rs 3.11 crore of Babulal Katara, Anil Meena and "others". (ANI) In a joyous celebration of the enduring friendship between the two countries, Switzerland Ambassador Ralf Heckner said, "Switzerland is the only country that is celebrating 75 years of friendship with India". The occasion, marked by a unique Swiss Art Night, emphasised the deep-seated values of peace, unity, and artistic collaboration that have characterised this remarkable partnership. Addressing the event, Ambassador Heckner emphasised that seventy-five years ago, India chose Switzerland as its first friend and partner, signing a friendship treaty that envisioned perpetual peace and unalterable friendship between the two nations. "Today we are celebrating 75 years of friendship between Switzerland and India. 75 years ago, India chose Switzerland as the first country to sign a friendship treaty with and in that friendship treaty, it was written that the two countries should be together in perpetual peace and unalterable friendship. Very wise words of foresight. The world is indeed in great need of more perpetual peace and unalterable friendship," said Heckner. "We are actually not only celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, Switzerland is the only country that is celebrating 75 years of friendship with India because India had chosen Switzerland after independence as the first country to sign a friendship treaty with," he told ANI. He also said that in a world marked by turmoil and conflicts, it was poignant that the Swiss embassy celebrated peace and friendship. "So in a time of war...the Swiss embassy, is celebrating peace and friendship. That's what it is all about today. We are also celebrating the collaboration between Swiss and Indian people," he added. The ambition has always been to foster a spirit of cooperation and co-creation between the two nations, he said. "It is always the ambition of this embassy and of the whole Swiss network in India to see the Swiss and the Indian people work together, to co-create together. I wish you all a wonderful evening in friendship and peace," the Swiss envoy said. The Swiss Art Night was a fitting testament to this extraordinary partnership. Titled "Switzerland and India in Bloom," the event symbolised the blossoming of their 75-year-long friendship. The theme of blooming flowers captured the essence of their relationship, with a mesmerizing flower show featuring the works of Swiss and Indian floral artists, he added. The Swiss Ambassador also underscored the message of peace and friendship that the event sought to convey. "The message that we would like to send out today is a message of peace and friendship. Because those were the objectives of the bilateral treaty. And over the last 75 years, Switzerland and India have been enjoying peace and friendship together," he told ANI. India and Switzerland have had cordial and friendly relations since India's Independence, based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI) Acknowledging Israel's right to self-defence in the face of Hamas' attacks of "unprecedented brutality," Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised the "creation of an independent Palestine state with East Jerusalem as its capital" to resolve the issue, TASS reported. Russia proceeds "from the postulate, a negotiated solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has no alternatives," said Putin while speaking at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit here on Friday. "The negotiations' goal should be the implementation of the United Nations' two-state formula, which implies the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with Israel, which, of course, as we have seen, has come under an attack of unprecedented brutality. Of course, it has the right to defend itself. It has the right to ensure its peaceful existence," Putin said at the summit, stressing that "it is crucial to work for resolving this issue by peaceful means." "The way I see it, in a situation like this and in this particular place, there is simply no alternative [to two independent states]," he concluded, according to TASS. Putin's visit to Kyrgyzstan marked his first foreign trip following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes. The two-day trip included his participation in a CIS summit, a regional organisation comprised of former Soviet republics. Putin's international presence came amid discussions about Russia's diminishing influence in the region, Al Jazeera reported. Despite rarely leaving Russia since the deployment of troops in Ukraine in early 2022, Putin is expected to travel to China for the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing next week. It's worth noting that Kyrgyzstan and China are not ICC members and are not subject to its jurisdiction. During a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Putin reaffirmed Russia's status as a key trade partner and the largest investor in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing their commitment to furthering cooperation. Putin praised the significant growth in Russian-Kyrgyz trade, although some Western analysts suspect this growth may be connected to Russian businesses bypassing sanctions. "I would like to thank the president for the invitation. We have good reasons [to be here], but even without reason, this visit is long overdue," Putin said. Last week, the central bank of Kyrgyzstan urged local banks to enhance controls to comply with Western sanctions against Moscow. In July, the United States imposed sanctions on four Kyrgyz companies for re-exporting electronic components and technology to Russia, as reported by Al Jazeera. Putin is expected to partake in ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the opening of Russia's airbase near Kant, Kyrgyzstan, which enables Moscow to project influence in the region. In March, the ICC issued a warrant for Putin and Russia's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, over allegations of deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. Russia, not recognizing the ICC's authority, rejected the warrant as "illegal." To ensure diplomatic representation in previous instances, Russia had sent Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in place of Putin to the BRICS summit in August, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) A second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv in Israel, under Operation Ajay, landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday morning. The evacuated Indian nationals were welcomed by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, at the airport. He welcomed Indian nationals with a handshake and folded hands. People were seen hugging and embracing their families and relatives as they arrived back in New Delhi with a feeling of relief but minds full of ordeal. As many as 447 Indian nationals, who were stranded amid the raging Israel-Hamas war have been brought back to India under 'Operation Ajay'. "Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Israel's Tel Aviv," posted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on X, on Friday-Saturday intervening night. The passengers were mainly those who were staying and working in Israel. They applauded the government of India for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to ANI, before the second flight flew from Tel Aviv, an Indian passenger Ashish Kumar said, "I am going to India. Here, I am a post-doctoral student, at Agriculture Research Organisation. The situation in central Israel is quite normal, not like the Gaza border, Beersheba and nearby regions". "I think this is a very good initiative of the Indian government. I had seen only European countries evacuating their citizens. So, I appreciate the government for this," he added. Wagesh Dwiwedi, another passenger also appreciated the initiative and recalled the tenure of former Minister Sushma Swaraj. "I work as a visiting scientist at ARO. The situation is tense here because of the bombarding, and it will get even more serious. So, that's why we are leaving. Everyone is scared at home. Operation Ajay is a very positive step and I really appreciate it. The government has been carrying out such missions since the time of Sushma Swaraj," he said. On Friday, the first flight under Operation Ajay carrying 212 Indian passengers landed in Delhi. Those who were evacuated after being stranded in Israel thanked the Indian government for bringing them back. Chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' were also seen by the passengers on the first flight, according to a video shared by a passenger. Earlier on Thursday, Indian Ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla said that the Indian Embassy in Israel is working to ensure the well-being of Indian nationals in war-torn Israel and informed that under "Operation Ajay" the embassy will help Indians who want to return to India. "Operation Ajay" was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday. The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. The MEA had set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan also visited the 24/7 control room set up in New Delhi as part of Operation Ajay. He said India continues to monitor the situation in Israel and provide necessary information and assistance. He further said the government is always committed to the safety of Indians abroad. (ANI) As the second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv reached Delhi airport under 'Operation Ajay' on Saturday, the returning Indian citizens expressed their gratitude and thanked the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs. As the flight landed in New Delhi, the returning citizens unanimously raised slogans of 'Vande Mantram' to celebrate their return home. One of the Indian citizens who was stuck in Tel Aviv, Israel shared his delight as the Indian government brought back Indian citizens under Operation Ajay. "This is very nice and wonderful. We are very happy for this initiaive. Many thanks to the Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar, the government of India," he said. [{014a3c8e-af96-4ea0-a8b8-b09fbd0a2783:intradmin/ANI-20231014030224.jpg}] Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, who welcomed the Indian citizens at the Delhi airport, told ANI that the Operation Ajay will continue, noting that this is the second phase and they are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back to India. "We will continue (the Operation Ajay). There are about 18,000 Indian citizens there. This is the second phase, and we are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back, so we are helping them," he stressed. [{5edcab5f-6b74-464a-9f5c-f39b9d78579e:intradmin/ANI-20231014030217.jpg}] He further told ANI that in the second phase, 235 passengers were repatriated from Israel, including infants. "We are repatriating about 235 passengers from Israel, mostly they are students, about 135 are students, out of these two citizens are infant...," he added. Another Indian citizen who came back from Israel thanked the Indian government for the evacuation and noted that the students over there were panicking and feared whether they would be able to come back or not. "This is a good initiative. I thank the government, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the External Affairs Minister and our embassy in Israel.... Many students were panicking and feared if they would come back or not," he added. Various state governments had sent their representatives to the Delhi airport to facilitate the movement of citizens from Delhi to their states. [{ae97879c-dfb2-46b4-af97-ae8208776ccd:intradmin/ANI-20231014030231.jpg}] As many as 447 Indian nationals, who were stranded amid the raging Israel-Hamas war have been brought back to India under 'Operation Ajay'. "Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Israel's Tel Aviv," posted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on X, on Friday-Saturday intervening night. The passengers were mainly those who were staying and working in Israel. They applauded the government of India for the initiative and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. The MEA has set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance. (ANI) In a move to retaliate against Hamas terror attacks in Israel, Israeli soldiers, their tanks and munitions have been deployed near the Gaza border as they prepare for a full ground offensive against Hamas. In the pictures coming in from the Gaza border, tanks can be seen firing shells towards the Gaza Strip. Moreover, soldiers are seen loading artillery shells into howitzers. Adding to this, Israeli infantry troops have been moving closer to the Gaza border in anticipation of a full ground offensive on Hamas. Earlier in the day, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) asked residents of the Northern Gaza Strip to relocate to the southern part of the enclave using evacuation corridors between 10 am to 4 pm (local time), The Times of Israel reported. The Israeli military said, "If you care about yourself and your loved ones, go south as instructed." It further said, "Rest assured that Hamas leaders have taken care of themselves and are taking cover from strikes in the region." Their message indicated that the IDF could be readying to launch a ground invasion in response to Hamas's attack on October 7. However, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to "reconsider" its warning, calling it "dangerous and deeply troubling," according to The New York Times. Guterres in an opinion article in The New York Times emphasized that such demand for a mass evacuation on extremely short notice could have devastating humanitarian consequences. The IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Israeli Defence Forces on Saturday said 1300 people have lost their lives and over 3000 have been injured in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel. The Israeli Air Force has said that the IDF continues the effort to move the residents of the Gaza Strip in order to protect them in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said a call was sent out to residents of Gaza using a variety of different means in an attempt to minimize the harm to non-combatants. IDF said Hamas terrorists are hiding in terror tunnels located under the houses in Gaza City and in civilian buildings. The Israel Defence Forces said infantry forces and tanks entered the Gaza Strip on Friday in "localized raids" to clear the area of potential terrorists and locate missing citizens of Israel in a likely precursor to a full-scale incursion in response to Hamas's attack, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI) As the G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) goes on for the second day, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko stressed that Russia knows its responsibility in the field of global energy security and is ready to provide the world with cheap and clean energy if the path is free from barriers. "Russia is aware of its responsibility in the field of global energy security and is ready to provide the world with cheap and clean energy if artificial barriers are not built on the way to consumers, said the Speaker of the Federation Council," she said according to the statement by Russian Parliament Upper house. The Speaker of the Federation Council delivered her address to the session on green energy at the G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) held in New Delhi on Friday. "Energy cannot be used as a geopolitical weapon, a means of blackmail or hindering development," she said. According to Matvienko, the transition to "green enregy" is majorly hampered by the attempts made by separate states to monopolize and politicize this topic. "Attempts to "reshape" the global energy market have led to a sharp increase in the cost of resources and limited supply, as well as sabotage at energy infrastructure facilities, including the Nord Stream gas pipeline," she said. She further noted that investigations of such crimes are conducted behind closed doors for political reasons. According to the statement, "The so-called sanctions in essence, instruments of economic pressure with political goals, i.e. unfair competition, weaponization of advantages in the areas of technology, transportation, insurance, etc have a disastrous effect on the market. This is a dead-end path, and, ultimately, the initiators of sanctions themselves suffer from them." Furthermore, Valentina Matvienko emphasized that Russia is promoting the environmental agenda through parliamentary diplomacy, in particular, "The Federation Council is the organizer of the Nevsky International Ecological Congress, an important platform for the exchange of experience in environmental legislation." She further invited her colleagues to participate in the Congress, the statement added. Earlier in the day, Matviyenko held talks with the Vice President of India and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankar where they discussed opportunities for strengthening the special strategic partnership in the legislative dimension. The two held the meeting ahead of the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas on Friday. "During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership in the legislative dimension," the Russian Embassy in India said in an official statement. Moreover, they also touched upon the activities of Friendship Groups that were created in both parliaments. Earlier on Friday, Matviyenko met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) in New Delhi. (ANI) MRCC on Friday received a request from a Panama-flagged vessel MT Hua Wei 8 regarding the severe medical condition of the 49-year-old Chinese crew onboard the vessel. The patient was reportedly suffering from a stroke combined with Hemiplegia. The vessel was on its voyage from New Mangalore to Bin Qasim Pakistan and was 122 nautical miles from Mumbai. It was planning to alter course to head towards Mumbai for medical cover. On Saturday, the master of the ship and the local agent of the vessel's company requested the Indian Coast Guard to evacuate the patient. Considering the patient's critical status, Indian Coast Guard Ship C-439 was deployed at 0700 h on Saturday for the patient's medical evaluation. Amidst the extremely low visibility conditions, C-439 successfully evacuated the patient from the vessel from Mumbai Anchorage at 0830 h and Disembarked the patient at Mumbai harbour. The patient was subsequently handed over to the local agent at Mumbai Port berth for further medical management ashore at 1130 h on 14 Oct 23. This operation once again validated ICG's commitment for Maritime safety in Indian waters. (ANI) The pen-down strike in Punjab government departments entered the fourth day on Friday as the employees refused to resume work till their demands were met, Dawn reported. On the call of the joint alliance of government employees, teachers, and revenue officials under the platform of the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA), schools and government offices remained closed to press the caretaker Punjab government to withdraw the decision on changes to the leave encashment and pension rules, Dawn, a Pakistan-based English-language newspaper, reported. As per AGEGA office-bearers, the government had stopped the leave encashment of employees, brought an amendment to the pension rules and announced to hand over public schools to non-governmental organisations. The directorate of the education department on Murree Road remained closed and all employees gathered outside the offices after observing a pend-down strike in their respective offices. The Lahore police on Thursday launched a crackdown and arrested more than 230 protesters of AGEGA Punjab, many of them teachers, who were holding a sit-in outside the Civil Secretariat against the proposed privatisation of public schools, amendments to pension regulations and end of leave encashment, Dawn reported. The alliance launched the protest campaign on Tuesday and blocked the Lower Mall for traffic. The protest turned into a sit-in after the government turned a deaf ear to the protesters' demands. A total of 34 organisations representing the employees from various Punjab government departments, including health, education and higher education, along with members of the All Pakistan Clerks Association (Apca), were participating in the sit-in. Lahore police and district administration launched a crackdown on the protesters, including teachers, on Thursday morning and arrested 91 of them. The protest's organisers dispersed after the police action. As per Dawn, it's worth noting that some women who were also a part of the protest were allegedly subjected to baton charge and were arrested. Pictures and videos circulating on social media showed police launching baton charges at the protestors. The policemen could also be seen torturing the students who reached there to show solidarity with their teachers. (ANI) As the Israel-Palestine conflict enters its eighth day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said it is completing preparations for a "significant ground operation" in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported. The IDF statement says it is readying to "expand the offensive" by implementing a "wide range of offensive operational plans" which it says include a "joint and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land." The IDF said it is finalizing the draft of hundreds of thousands of reservists, as the logistics directorate is working to provide troops with all the equipment they will need for the ground offensive. It said: "In recent days, the tools required for combat have been transferred to the assembly areas, and at this stage, the various units of the Technological and Logistics Directorate are working to complete the qualification of the tools and equipping them with advanced combat means, as needed." "IDF battalions and soldiers are deployed all over the country and are prepared to increase readiness for the next stages of the war, with an emphasis on a significant ground operation," the military added, according to The Times of Israel. The military is expected to launch a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip, but its extent and when it is carried out may be affected by operational considerations, as tensions grow on the northern border. Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi has reaffirmed that the cabinet's war goal is to remove Hamas from military and political control over the Gaza Strip. Hanegbi, however, declined to elaborate on planned next steps for the coastal enclave. When asked about Israeli plans for alternative control, or return to occupation, of the Gaza Strip, Hanegbi told The Times of Israel, "We can't report through you to the enemy on what is coming, we can tell Hamas that it is prohibited for it to be sovereign in Gaza." Hanegbi says that in a recent cabinet meeting, the government approved a plan to "destroy" Hamas, as stated by the prime minister and defense minister. "Hamas will not be the ruler, the sovereign in Gaza after the combat," he says, as per The Times of Israel. Earlier on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready with its fighters in the Gaza Strip at the front line. "With our fighters in the Gaza Strip, on the front line. We are all ready," Netanyahu wrote on 'X' on Saturday. Netanyahu toured Kibbutz Be'eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza, two of the worst-hit Gaza border communities in last week's Hamas onslaught, his office announced, The Times of Israel reported. As per a statement, Netanyahu "walked between the ruins of the houses where these terrible massacres took place." The prime minister was briefed by the IDF officers there, including the head of the paratrooper battalion. The visit comes as Netanyahu's first visit to the scene, more than a week after the attack that saw more than 1,300 Israelis killed, most of them civilians, as waves of Hamas terrorists breached the border. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has said that upon receiving the report of wounded following the infiltration of terrorists in Zikim, the soldiers of Unit 669 were rushed to the field. "The forces worked to rescue the wounded under fire and mortar fire. Since the beginning of the fighting, Unit 669 rescued about 200 wounded in about 45 rescues," the IAF wrote on 'X'. In the wake of Israel Hamas war in the Gaza Strip which claimed the loss of thousands of lives on both sides including civilians, an agreement has been reached under which Israel will allow foreigners to leave the war-torn Gaza, Times of Israel reported on Saturday. Egypt, Israel and the United States have agreed to allow foreigners residing in Gaza to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, under which Israel agreed to refrain from striking areas the foreigners would pass through on their way out of the Palestinian territory. The Israeli publication added that Qatar was involved in the negotiations and the participants received approval from the Palestinian terror groups, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Moreover, the agreement does not involve anything about the release of hostages being held by Hamas. A second official at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing point says they received "instructions" to reopen it on Saturday afternoon for foreigners coming from Gaza. The first official said negotiations were still underway to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the crossing point. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Israel has ordered a mass evacuation of Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip. (ANI) More than 12000 fake Pakistani passports have been recovered from Afghan nations by Saudi Arabian authorities, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. This revelation has raised concerns about the performance of national institutions. As per reports, Riyadh authorities have notified Islamabad about this matter, shedding light on the acquisition of these fraudulent passports by Afghan citizens through various passport centers operating within Pakistan, The Express Tribune, a Pakistan-based newspaper, reported. Pakistan's Ministry of Interior has in response formed a high-level committee comprising representatives from the Interior Ministry, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and sensitive government agencies. This committee's primary responsibilities include identifying the individuals involved in the issuance of counterfeit passports and compiling a list of those implicated. Subsequent legal actions will be taken against these individuals in accordance with the country's laws, as per The Express Tribune. This development follows the government's issuance of an ultimatum, instructing all illegal foreign residents in Pakistan to leave the country by the end of October. This directive has prompted the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) to express concerns regarding the profiling of Afghan nationals with a "narrow view of national security." On Wednesday, the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) assured that legally residing Afghan nationals in Pakistan would not face harassment or arrest. The process of evacuating Afghan citizens living illegally in Pakistan began last week with 16 trucks transporting 20 families to the Torkham border. Once they fulfil the legal requirements, these 20 families, totalling 350 people, will be allowed to enter Afghanistan, as per The Express Tribune. Islamabad has been a host to millions of refugees for decades, with a peak of up to five million Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan at one point. However, official records indicate a considerably lower count of individuals possessing valid refugee cards. (ANI) Baba Budha Ji was an epitome of simplicity, devotion and commitment. He was a towering figure in Sikh history who ceremonially anointed the first six Gurus by applying Tilak on their forehead, as per the Khalsa Vox. He was also the first Granthi of the Harmandir Sahib, fondly called Golden Temple, yet he lived with such an exemplary simplicity that he was pleased to eat bread with raw onion. Khalsa Vox is a media portal that covers Punjab politics, history, culture, heritage and more. Even today 'bread with raw onion' is served as consecrated food in the Gurudwara in his memory. Baba Budha Ji was so devoted and committed that he lived all his life in close contact with and service of the first six Gurus from 1524 to 1631. He was so closely associated with the Gurus that at the time of his death Guru Hargobind was at his bedside and he shouldered his bier. He was born on October 6, 1506, in the Village of Kathunangal on the way from Amritsar to Batala. Originally named Boora by his parents, he was renamed Baba Budha by Guru Nanak when he met him while he was grazing his cattle in the forest where Guru Nanak accompanied by Bala had halted to take rest on their way to Kartapur in 1524, as per Khalsa Vox. Guru Nanak, impressed by Boora's desire to know the way to salvation, called him Budha for talking like an old wise person in his young days. To declare Bhai Lehna ji as his successor, Guru Nanak invited Baba Budha to apply the ceremonial Tilak on his forehead. Bhai Lehna was renamed as Angad Dev. Hence, Bhai Lehna took over as the second Guru Angad Dev. After the death of Guru Nanak, Guru Angad Dev left Kartarpur to settle in Khadur Sahib near the river Beas while Baba Budha continued to live at Kartarpur. The site where the ashes of Guru Nanak was buried was developed in to a village named Dera Baba Nanak. The foundation of the first building of the village was laid by Baba Budha, as per Khalsa Vox. Baba Budha was later appointed the first granthi or the high priest of the Sri Harmandir Sahib. The first recitation of the Adi Granth was carried out by Bhai Gurdas. Baba Budha laid the foundation stone of Akal Bunga and Akal Takht. He spent his last days at the village Ramdaspura founded by his son named Bhana, where the family had settled after leaving their native village Katthu Nangal. He passed away on November 16, 1631. (ANI) This MoU includes an agreement to increase the number of national carrier flights between the two countries to 21 flights per week to meet the rising demand for travel. The signing of this MoU followed discussions held in Seoul on October 12 and 13, 2023, with representatives from both countries' aviation sectors. Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director-General of the GCAA, led the UAE's negotiating delegation and signed the MoU with Young Kwok Kim, Director General of the Korean Civil Aviation Authority. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, noted, "This memorandum, which allows for an increase in air transport rights for national carriers, will positively impact the economies of both countries. The UAE and Korea have strong relations, especially within their strategic partnership, which covers various areas. This memorandum will also boost air transport services' competitiveness and support economic and tourism cooperation with Korea, aligning with the GCAA's efforts to develop bilateral relations in air transportation." Omar bin Ghaleb added, "The two-day discussions, held in a positive atmosphere, focused on the air transport services agreement signed in 2005. The result was an agreement to enhance air traffic by increasing the number of weekly flights between the two countries." (ANI/WAM) Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, meet the press following the 12th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) China stands on the side of peace, justice, international law, the common aspirations of most countries and human conscience on the Palestinian issue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when jointly meeting the press after holding the 12th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Wang said that this round of conflict has led to many civilian casualties and a sharp deterioration of the humanitarian situation. "China condemns all acts that harm civilians and opposes any violation of international law," he said. Regarding the current situation, Wang said that the top priority is to achieve a ceasefire and stop the conflict as soon as possible, abide by international humanitarian law, and fully guarantee the safety of civilians. He added that all countries concerned should maintain calm and restraint, uphold objectivity and fairness, and let the UN play its due role in resolving the Palestinian issue, with the UN Security Council coming up with practical measures. Wang said that China is in communication with the relevant parties. "We will actively participate in the emergency consultations of the UN Security Council and support UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' appeal for the protection of civilians," Wang said, adding that China will also provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian National Authority through UN channels. Wang said that the Palestinian issue has always been the core of the Middle East issue and the root cause of this issue is that the long-cherished aspiration of Palestine to establish an independent state has not been realized, and the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people has not been corrected. Israel has the right to establish a state, Palestine has the right to establish a state as well, Wang said, adding that the two-state solution could bring peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel, and the harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish peoples. Only the fully implemented two-state solution can bring real peace in the Middle East and lasting security for Israel, Wang said, pointing out that the right way to advance the two-state solution is to resume peace talks as soon as possible, and all kinds of mechanisms for promoting peace should play a positive role. The Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East issue will soon visit relevant countries in the region and make positive efforts to cool down the situation, Wang said. China also calls for the convening of a conference under the auspices of the United Nations as soon as possible to build international consensus on promoting peace and push for an early comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, said Wang. Flash A Chinese envoy on Friday called on parties in the Ukraine crisis to prevent the proliferation of weapons. "We call on all relevant parties to the Ukraine crisis to take a responsible attitude, pay heightened attention to, and make every effort to prevent the risk of proliferation of weapons and ammunition," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, told the Security Council briefing on Ukraine. With the Ukrainian crisis dragging on, the situation on the ground is still tense and the spillover effect continues to spread, he said. "A large number of weapons and ammunition continue to flow into the battlefield with expanding variety and scope of weapons, and these weapons are becoming more lethal as well," he added. The envoy noted that this has exacerbated the cruelty, danger, and unpredictability of ground warfare, leaving the hope for ceasefire and end of war even more remote. Geng said that special efforts must be made to prevent them "from falling into the hands of terrorists and non-state actors, and prevent new unrest in a wider geographical area, which would spur more displacements and deprive more innocent lives." "In its briefings to the Security Council, the Secretariat repeatedly mentioned that the flood of weapon and ammunition into conflict areas may lead to risk of proliferation, and that strict control measures should be adopted," he said. "Like many countries looking forward to peace, China has repeatedly stressed that dialogue and negotiation is the fundamental way to stop the fighting and restore peace," said the envoy. "China will continue to stand on the side of peace and on the side of dialogue, strengthen dialogue and exchanges with all parties, build international synergy to promote peace and dialogue, and play a positive and constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine issue," he said. "The world we live in is witnessing intertwined changes and chaos with a lot of turbulence and unrest," said Geng. "From Asia to Africa, from Ukraine to the Middle East, we are increasingly seeing more conflicts and flames of war." "The deep-seated reasons behind this are worth our serious reflection. We call on the international community to adhere to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, advocate peaceful coexistence dialogue and negotiation, and take effective measures to promote dialogue and reconciliation, so as to fundamentally defuse conflicts and problems and make efforts to establishing a world with lasting peace and common security." BELVIDERE, Ill. - The Boone County Clerk in northwest Illinois is accused of stealing money from the county and using the funds on personal expenses. Julie Bliss, 53, of Belvidere, was indicted Thursday on 26 counts, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul . The charges are: One count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property, punishable by up to 15 years in prison Three counts of Class 2 felony theft of governmental property, each punishable by up to seven years in prison One count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property by deception, punishable by up to 15 years in prison Three counts of Class 2 felony theft of governmental property by deception, each punishable by up to seven years in prison Five counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud, each punishable by up to five years in prison. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Bliss is also charged with 13 counts of Class 3 felony official misconduct, which are each punishable by up to five years in prison. The misconduct charges are related to the alleged acts of theft and wire fraud. According to the indictment, Bliss stole money from the county and used a Boone County credit card to pay for personal expenses while serving as county clerk and recorder. Some of the personal expenses were buying groceries and tires for her personal car, and paying off personal debt. "Elected officials have an obligation to use government funds and property responsibly," Raoul said in a statement. "Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf will use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves." Illinois State Police led the investigation. U.S. House Republicans nominate right-wing Jordan for speaker amid continued divisions Xinhua) 09:55, October 14, 2023 This photo of U.S. Republican Representative Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is posted on the website of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Credit: U.S. House of Representatives) Several moderate Republicans already said they would not support Jim Jordan, paving the way for a continuation of a bitter party infighting, which already paralyzed the House for days. WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. House Republicans on Friday nominated right-wing figure Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, for House speaker in a closed-door voting amid continued intraparty divisions. Jordan, co-founder of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, won a vote of 124 to 81 over Austin Scott, an ally of the ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who just announced he would seek the nomination hours earlier. In a closed door voting on Wednesday, Jordan lost the Republican speakership nomination to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise in a vote of a 99-113. However, Scalise failed to garner enough support within the party and announced on Thursday he was withdrawing from the race. Jordan now faces a similar challenge as Scalise did, as he needs at least 217 votes from his fellow Republicans in order to become the next speaker, with a slim 221-212 Republican majority in the chamber. Several moderate Republicans already said they would not support him, paving the way for a continuation of a bitter party infighting, which already paralyzed the House for days. The latest chaos came after the unprecedented ouster of McCarthy, who was booted out of his position on Tuesday last week, in a move initiated by a conservative member of his own party. It marked the first time in U.S. history that a sitting House speaker has been voted out of office. The House can't move forward on its legislative process until a speaker is chosen, and lawmakers need to pass a spending bill before government funding runs out in mid-November. The House is also under pressure to take action following the escalation of Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) U.S. launches first mission to explore metal-rich asteroid Xinhua) 10:13, October 14, 2023 LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched its Psyche mission on Friday, the first-ever U.S. mission to study a metal-rich asteroid. The Psyche spacecraft lifted off at 10:19 a.m. Eastern Time Friday aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in the southeastern U.S. state of Florida. Soon after the launch, the first and second stages of the Falcon Heavy center core separated. The side boosters from the Falcon Heavy landed successfully at SpaceX's landing zones at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, nearby Kennedy Space Center. The spacecraft is on its roughly six-year journey to asteroid Psyche. The spacecraft will travel 3.5 billion kilometers to the metal-rich asteroid in the far reaches of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. If all goes as planned, asteroid Psyche's gravity will capture the spacecraft in late July 2029, and the spacecraft will begin its prime mission in August. The spacecraft will spend about two years orbiting the asteroid to take pictures, map the surface, and collect data to determine asteroid Psyche's composition, according to NASA. A technology demonstration called Deep Space Optical Communications flies on the Psyche spacecraft in order to test high-data-rate laser communications that could be used by future NASA missions. The spacecraft has three science instruments to investigate the asteroid, including a magnetometer to look for evidence of an ancient magnetic field at Psyche; a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer to help determine the chemical elements that make up the asteroid; and a multispectral imager to provide information about the mineral composition and topography of Psyche. Once the spacecraft reaches Psyche, it will spend about 26 months orbiting the asteroid, gathering images and other data that will tell scientists more about its history and what it is made of, according to NASA. Psyche is also NASA's first scientific mission that was launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The mission aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies in our solar system, according to NASA. Asteroid Psyche was discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis on March 17, 1852. It is a giant metal rich asteroid, about three times farther away from the Sun than is Earth. The asteroid has an irregular, potato-like shape, and its surface area is about 165,800 square kilometers. Scientists think Psyche may consist of significant amounts of metal from the core of a planetesimal, one of the building blocks of our solar system. The asteroid is most likely a survivor of multiple violent hit-and-run collisions, common when the solar system was forming. Thus, Psyche may be able to tell how Earth's core and the cores of the other rocky, or terrestrial, planets came to be, according to NASA. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Syrian president calls for collective int'l action to curb Israel's attack on Gaza Xinhua) 10:24, October 14, 2023 DAMASCUS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday voiced his country's solidarity with the the Palestinian people, calling for collective international action to curb the current Israeli military campaign in Gaza, state news agency SANA reported. Assad made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during which Assad condemned the Israeli military's "violent and indiscriminate actions" against civilians in the Gaza Strip. During the meeting, Assad also underscored the gravity of the situation, calling attention to the continuous denial of the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state and live with dignity and freedom. He highlighted the repercussions of the denial, emphasizing that the region's stability remains at stake as long as the international community allows the persistent suppression of Palestinian rights by the Israeli forces and their Western allies. Echoing Assad's remarks, Abdollahian emphasized the critical need to intensify global efforts to put an end to the ongoing injustices perpetrated by the Israeli forces against the Palestinian people. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Professor Shen Fanxiu (L) instructs as a student practices "Fantasy in F Minor, K. 608" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on a pipe organ at Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, on Sept. 14, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Members from the Vienna Boys' Choir perform in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 26, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua) Members of the Vienna Boys' Choir and the Chengdu Friends of Vienna Boys Choir perform in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Oct. 9, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua) Professor Song Yuanming (L) looks on as a student practices the operetta "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss Jr. at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, Sept. 14, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) The audience applaud after a performance by artists from the Vienna Philharmonic at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, capital of China, May 31, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Photo by Cheng Zhengfa/Xinhua) Professor Chen Guang (R) instructs as a student practices "Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major" by Franz Joseph Haydn at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, Sept. 14, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Professor Yu Bing (2nd L) demonstrates as students learn "The Lark Quartet" by Franz Joseph Haydn at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, Sept. 14, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Artists from the Vienna Philharmonic perform at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (National Center for the Performing Arts/Handout via Xinhua) Artists from the Vienna Philharmonic perform at Tianjin Grand Theater in north China's Tianjin, June 8, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Tianjin Grand Theater/Handout via Xinhua) Artists from the Vienna Philharmonic perform at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (National Center for the Performing Arts/Handout via Xinhua) Artists from the Vienna Philharmonic perform at Tianjin Grand Theater in north China's Tianjin, Nov. 27, 2018. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Tianjin Grand Theater/Handout via Xinhua) Professor Wei Danwen (back) explains as a student practices "Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K. 414" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Members from the Vienna Boys' Choir perform at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2014. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang) This photo taken on Sept. 7, 2023 shows a monument of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Vienna, Austria. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/He Canling) This photo taken on Sept. 25, 2023 shows a Chinese orchestral works concert performed by Suzhou Chinese Orchestra at the Golden Hall of the Wiener Musikverein in Vienna, Austria. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Suzhou Chinese Orchestra/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 4, 2023 shows the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg, Austria. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/He Canling) Chinese students Huang Yunyu (L), Huang Yunwen (C) and Wang Jiaxi scan music sheets as academic material at a library of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 13, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Photo by Han Lu/Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2023 shows a monument of Franz Schubert in Vienna, Austria. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Photo by Han Lu/Xinhua) Chinese student Huang Yunwen selects books in a library of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 13, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Photo by Han Lu/Xinhua) Chinese students Huang Yunyu (R), Huang Yunwen (C) and Wang Jiaxi choose books in a library of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 13, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Photo by Han Lu/Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 5, 2023 shows a night view of the Wiener Musikverein building in Vienna, Austria. The annual Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert is held in the Golden Hall located in the building. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Photo by Han Lu/Xinhua) A concert performed by musicians from China's Central Conservatory of Music is staged in Vienna, Austria, Aug. 10, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/He Canling) This photo taken on Sept. 24, 2023 shows a Chinese orchestral works concert performed by Suzhou Chinese Orchestra at the Golden Hall of the Wiener Musikverein in Vienna, Austria. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Suzhou Chinese Orchestra/Handout via Xinhua) Tourists take photos of a statue of Johann Strauss Jr. in Vienna, Austria, Oct. 2, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Photo by Han Lu/Xinhua) Members of Nanjing University Traditional Chinese Orchestra perform in Graz, Austria, Sept. 30, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/He Canling) Chinese students Huang Yunyu (1st L) and Huang Yunwen (2nd L) play violin during the 3rd China-Europe International Art Biennial in Vienna, Austria, Oct. 6, 2023. Austria, the birthplace of music masters such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn, has a music tradition attracting Chinese students who aspire to study music. Many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions. The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond. (Xinhua/He Canling) TOKYO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A man was found dead with head and other injuries on Saturday in the forested mountainous area in central Japan's Nagano prefecture, likely mauled by a bear, local police said. The man was believed to have been attacked the previous day when he went to check on a boar trap he had set. A bear, 1.3-meter-long adult female, was caught in the boar trap that was near the body, police said. Police said they received an emergency call before 6 p.m. on Friday that an acquaintance who went to check up on the boar trap had not returned home. Police and hunting club members mounted a night search but called it off after spotting a lumbering shape, apparently a bear, in the vicinity of the trap. The search party, after resuming the search around 6 a.m. on Saturday, quickly came across the man, who was confirmed dead on the spot, and killed the trapped bear. TEHRAN, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has condemned the recent Israeli attack in southern Lebanon, where a vehicle carrying journalists was hit, resulting in one death. In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry extended condolences to the victims' families and the journalists' community. Issam Abdallah, a Lebanese journalist working for Reuters, was killed, and six other reporters from international agencies, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Al-Jazeera TV channel, were injured on Friday evening in Israeli attacks on Lebanon's southern village of Alma al-Shaab, Lebanese TV channel MTV reported. According to MTV, the injured people had been transferred to hospitals. The tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border escalated after the Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah on Oct. 8 fired dozens of missiles toward Israeli military sites in support of attacks by the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) against Israel launched on the morning of Oct. 7. With the unremitting efforts of Chinese experts, Chinese hybrid rice has been introduced to over 20 African countries. Here's the story of the journey of Chinese hybrid rice to Madagascar. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Kristalina Georgieva, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), attends a press briefing in Marrakech, Morocco, Oct. 14, 2023. Georgieva said on Saturday that the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) could be "another source of uncertainty" for the global economy. She made the remarks during the World Bank Group and IMF annual meetings, which kicked off Monday in Marrakech, Morocco, and runs through Sunday. (Xinhua/Huo Jing) MARRAKECH, Morocco, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Kristalina Georgieva, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said on Saturday that the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) could be "another source of uncertainty" for the global economy. However, the IMF chief said that she, along with other IMF officials, believes that it is "too early" to ascertain the conflict's impact on the global economy. She also noted that the attack on innocent civilians is a "tragedy," expressing her hope for the return of peace. Georgieva made the remarks during the World Bank Group and IMF annual meetings, which kicked off Monday in Marrakech, Morocco, and runs through Sunday. Kristalina Georgieva (1st R), the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), attends a press briefing in Marrakech, Morocco, Oct. 14, 2023. Georgieva said on Saturday that the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) could be "another source of uncertainty" for the global economy. She made the remarks during the World Bank Group and IMF annual meetings, which kicked off Monday in Marrakech, Morocco, and runs through Sunday. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)